Hasil untuk "Environmental protection"

Sarah-Patricia Breen, Robyn Peel, Lauren Rethoret

Childcare is a ubiquitous issue for economic development across Canada, a challenge exacerbated by rural characteristics like low population density, workforce shortages (e.g., early childcare educators), and limited data. New early learning and childcare regulation has and continues to change the policy environment with the goal of increasing the accessibility and affordability of high-quality childcare. These changes have resulted in successes; however, policy changes have also had unintentional consequences for the viability of rural childcare facilities. This article presents the results of a rural case study in the province of British Columbia that aimed to understand the business needs and challenges of rural childcare providers and to use these findings to contribute to the creation of constructive business solutions. Results also identified that the changing policy environment is presenting unanticipated challenges to childcare viability, resulting in a largely unrecognized risk of increasing sector precarity and potential loss of existing rural childcare providers. We identify interventions, both at the regional and provincial scale, that may help in the short term to improve business operations and alleviate unintentional sector vulnerabilities related to changing policy. Interventions include proactive outreach to childcare providers to build relationships and increase knowledge of available support programs, offering in-person one-on-one support, enhancing short-term stability and predictability by providing timelines for policy change, and the creation of on-call or casual workforce services that can easily serve multiple small childcare providers. Keywords: Childcare, rural economic development, policy change _________________________________________________________________  Précarité rurale face à l'évolution des politiques : Garde d’enfants en Colombie-Britannique rurale Résumé Les services de garde d’enfants constituent un enjeu omniprésent pour le développement économique du Canada. Ce défi est exacerbé par les caractéristiques du milieu rural, telles que la faible densité de population, la pénurie de main-d'oeuvre (par exemple, d'éducateurs à la petite enfance) et le manque de données. La nouvelle réglementation en matière d'apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants a modifié et continue de modifier le contexte politique afin d'accroître l'accessibilité et l'abordabilité de services de garde de qualité. Ces changements ont donné lieu à des succès; toutefois, ils ont également eu des conséquences imprévues sur la viabilité des services de garde en milieu rural. Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude de cas menée dans une région rurale de la province de la Colombie-Britannique. Cette étude visait à comprendre les besoins et les défis des fournisseurs de services de garde d’enfants en milieu rural et à utiliser ces résultats pour contribuer à l'élaboration de solutions commerciales constructives. Les résultats ont également révélé que l'évolution du contexte politique pose des défis imprévus à la viabilité des services de garde d’enfants, ce qui entraîne un risque largement méconnu d'accroissement de la précarité du secteur et de disparition potentielle des prestataires de services de garde d’enfants existants en milieu rural. Nous avons recensé des interventions, tant à l'échelle régionale que provinciale, susceptibles d'améliorer à court terme les activités commerciales et d'atténuer les vulnérabilités involontaires du secteur liées aux changements de politiques. Ces interventions comprennent des démarches proactives auprès des prestataires de services de garde d’enfants afin d'établir des relations et d'accroître leur connaissance des programmes de soutien disponibles, l’offre d’un soutien individualisé en personne, une meilleure stabilité et prévisibilité à court terme grâce à la mise en place d'échéanciers pour les changements de politiques, et la création de services de main-d'oeuvre occasionnelle ou sur appel pouvant facilement desservir plusieurs petits prestataires de services de garde d’enfants. Mots-clés : garde d'enfants, développement économique rural, changement de politiques

Solecka Adriana, Gworek Barbara, Gabryszewska Marta

Fly ash, as waste generated from the combustion of coal and other solid fuels, is an important topic in the context of a circular economy in any industry. There are many variables that affect the amount of waste generated, including the type and quality of fuel and the efficiency of dust collection systems. Statistics on the consumption of coal and lignite in Poland, as well as other sources of waste (such as municipal and sewage sludge) indicate a significant amount of fly ash produced.

Melik Bekhiti, Abdelhalim Bbensaada, Ali Smaida

This work use composite material models to forecast the modulus of elasticity of a composite made from scrap tire rubber fibers and clayey soils. The computed modulus of elasticity is juxtaposed with the reference modulus derived from experimental testing. Forecasting the effective mechanical characteristics of composites is essential in scenarios when testing is unfeasible, difficult, or expensive. The investigation encompasses many methodologies within the elasticity framework, including rheological models like Voigt, Reuss, Hirsch-Dougill, Popovics, Halpin-Tsai, Hashin, and the Bache & Napper–Christensen estimate. These models seek to forecast the effective Young's modulus of the composite system consisting of soil and rubber fibers. The highest disparities recorded are 10.66%, 12.71%, and 12.98% for both types of soil. Voigt, Hashin, and Bache calculations provide precise forecasts of the effective Young's modulus, demonstrating remarkable concordance with experimental data across various fiber volume fractions from 10% to 50%.

Yao Li, Qiu Chen, Tingting Wang et al.

Abstract As the prevalence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity continue to rise, the search for more effective and convenient treatments has become a crucial issue in medical research. Microneedles (MNs), as an innovative drug delivery system, have shown advantages in the treatment of metabolic diseases in recent years. MNs-based drug delivery system, which use MNs to deliver drugs directly to the subcutaneous tissue, improve drug bioavailability and reduce systemic side effects. This review aims to summarize the latest concepts, designs, and types of MNs, and to investigate the materials and manufacturing methods used in their construction. Subsequently, the mechanisms of drug delivery and graded release of MNs and recent research progress are further summarized. This article focuses on the application of MNs in the treatment of common metabolic diseases, with a special emphasis on the progress and optimization of diabetic and anti-obesity MNs. The main challenges and future perspectives in the production and evaluation of MNs, as well as in enhancing treatment efficacy and improving safety, are elucidated.

Anatoly A. Kanunnikov

The article examines the positions of non-governmental organizations before the 2024 parliamentary elections in the European Union. The author shows that the European Union has created quite effective mechanisms that encourage the transformation of public spaces into civic self-expression, such as «Public Consultations», «Open Requests» and «European Citizens’ Initiatives». The article notes that there is clearly expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of the previous composition of the European Parliament in society, in connection with which, during the preelection period, strict demands of civil society to the authorities in the social sphere were outlined. The requirements of leading non-governmental organizations in the field of ecology are considered. It is also noted that public organizations are concerned about the «increasing militarism» in the countries of the European Union. In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, they demanded that the European Union «defend human rights against the militarization» of society. These organizations make a clear choice in favor of «a commitment to peace, cooperation, human rights, and not to rearmament, militarization and war». The author concludes that since the three main proEuropean groups – the European People’s Party, the Socialists and Democrats and the Renewal of Europe – retained their majority in the European Parliament, there is every reason to believe that the European Parliament will take into account the interests of civil society, expressed by its organizations during the election campaign, in its legislative work.

Nadeem Baig, Sani I. Abba, Jamil Usman et al.

Optimizing membrane performance for efficient water treatment is crucial for sustainable development and environmental protection, aligning with UN SDGs. This study involves experimental design, statistical reliability of small data, and explainable machine learning (ML) using SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations). The research uses ML models and statistical tests to ensure data reliability and stationarity and investigate various membranes’ fouling and separation efficiency (MX-CM, PDMX-CM, and SPDMX-CM). Stationarity tests, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Phillips–Perron (PP) tests, revealed that MX-CM is stationary at level (I(0)), while PDMX-CM and SPDMX-CM required first differencing (I(1)) to achieve stationarity. SHAP analysis showed that in the fouling study, higher values of PDMX-CM and MX-CM positively influenced model predictions, with SHAP values of +0.09 for Cycle, −0.06 for PDMX-CM, and −0.06 for MX-CM. In the separation efficiency study, Cycle had a neutral impact (0.00), PDMX-CM had a slight positive effect, and MX-CM had a slight negative impact. These findings highlight the importance of ensuring data stationarity and utilizing SHAP for model explainability in predicting membrane performance. Accurate preprocessing and model interpretation enhance decision-making and optimization in membrane fouling and separation efficiency studies, ensuring robust and reliable ML models.

Mustafa Torun, Cüneyt Kılıç, Ahmet Tayfur Akcan et al.

Ecological footprint calculations evaluate sustainability by examining natural resources. The ecological footprint obtained by calculating the number of natural resources per person provides information about the amount of waste produced as well as the natural resources consumed and examines the sustainability of living conditions in the world in this respect. The ecological footprint is one of the frequently encountered topics in the literature in terms of the analysis of environmental impacts. This study examines the factors influencing the Ecological Footprint in Turkey. Using annual data between 1980 and 2018, the relationship of renewable energy consumption, human capital and urbanization variables to the Ecological Footprint is examined. The Fractional Fourier Augmented Dickey Fuller Unit Root Test and the Fourier Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bound Test is used in the study. There is a statistically significant relationship between the renewable energy, human capital and urbanization variables and the Ecological Footprint. When the outputs obtained in the study are examined, it is seen that the variables affect the ecological footprint. The increased value of these variables can be used to explain why the Ecological Footprint increased. Increasing industrial activities due to globalization and technological developments, increasing vehicle traffic in cities due to population growth, unplanned urbanization and destruction of green areas due to the sheltering needs of the increasing population, inability of recycling facilities to adapt to the increasing population and unplanned waste management, etc. factors can increase the ecological footprint. However, as urbanization increases, if a correct plan is drawn by taking these factors into consideration, the negative correlation between the ecological footprint and urbanization can be explained. Within the determined plan; Wastewater management, protection of green areas, prevention of unplanned urbanization and efficient use of resources are explanatory at this point. The empirical findings have important policy implications. According to these policy implications, to offset the effects on the ecological footprint, educational activities to raise environmental awareness and adopt energy-efficient lifestyles should be given due importance, various incentives and supports should be implemented and a green-based lifestyle.

Helko Borsdorf, Maja Bentele, Michael Müller et al.

Ambient atmospheric concentrations of isoprene and monoterpenes were measured at two forest sites, one deciduous and one coniferous, over the year 2022. Both sites in a regional area were sampled monthly between April and September. The samples were taken using sorbent tubes and analyzed with thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The highest concentrations were determined in August at both sites. While isoprene is the most abundant compound at the deciduous forest with an average concentration of 5.59 µg m⁻³ in August, α-pinene and β-pinene dominate throughout the year at the coniferous forest with the highest concentrations also in August (3.44 µg m⁻³ and 1.51 µg m⁻³). Because other monoterpenes (camphene, sabinene, 3-carene, p-cymene and limonene) are also emitted in significant amounts, the total concentration measured in the coniferous forest is higher (7.96 µg m⁻³ in August) in comparison to the deciduous forest (6.08 µg m⁻³). Regarding the detected monoterpenes in the deciduous forest, sabinene is the dominant monoterpene in addition to α-pinene and is sometimes present in higher (July) or equal (August) concentrations. The seasonal and diurnal concentrations of all monoterpenes correlate very well with each other at both sites. An exception is sabinene with a diurnal concentration profile similar to isoprene.

Yacouba Telly, Xuezhi Liu, Tadagbe Roger Sylvanus Gbenou

Despite its immense natural resources, Angola struggles to significantly improve its economy to reduce poverty. Carbon emissions have been increasing over the years, even though the country plans to reduce them by 35% by 2030. This paper attempts to assess the carbon emissions of several sectors (industries, transport, services, and residences) on economic growth, intending to find a balance between environmental protection that requires carbon emissions reduction and economic development that may add to environmental degradation. The study employed time series data on GDP, CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O covering 1971 to 2021 and ARDL and ECM models. This is the first study at the state level in Angola on the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability considering methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Additionally, the paper assesses the responses of GDP to deviation shock of GDP, CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O by 2032. Phillip Perron and Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests showed that all the data are stationary at the first difference, favoring the application of the ARDL model to explore the short and long-run relationships. The result reveals that methane from agricultural activities and carbon emissions from the building sector and public services contribute to economic growth, whereas carbon emissions from industrial heat systems, non-renewable electricity production, and manufacturing industries harm economic growth. However, no relationship exists between nitrous oxide emissions and economic development. In addition, impulse response function estimates show that appropriate investments can sustain economic development over the years. Therefore, the country should diversify its economy and avoid polluting fuel sources, such as coal. Raising renewable energy’s proportion in the total energy mix can support growth while considering the environmental quality. Investments in skills training, academic projects in renewable energy technologies development, agriculture mechanization, and sustainable job creation are recommended. Additionally, investing in quality seeds adapted to climate realities might help lessen climate change’s adverse effects and promote growth. Manure manufacturing processes must be improved to reduce agriculture and livestock’s methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The country’s leaders are encouraged to promote raw material processing industries while insisting on reducing carbon emissions.

Portia Gough, Jordan Zeldin, Ian A. Myles

The cutaneous microbiome is increasingly recognized as a contributor to skin diseases like atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Although traditionally AD and psoriasis have been viewed as having opposing immunologic findings, recent evidence suggests an overlap in ceramide-family lipid production in the protection against symptoms. We recently identified that specific environmental pollutants may drive dysbiosis through direct suppression of ceramide-family lipids produced by health-associated skin bacteria in atopic dermatitis (AD). We further demonstrated that one such bacteria, Roseomonas mucosa, generated significant clinical improvement in AD lasting beyond active treatment via lipid-mediated modulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. To assess the potential preclinical benefit of R. mucosa in psoriasis we assessed for direct effects on surface TNF signaling in cell cultures and identified direct effects on the TNF axis. We also identified preclinical efficacy of R. mucosa treatment in the imiquimod mouse model of psoriasis. Finally, we expanded our previous environmental assessment for psoriasis to include more traditional markers of air quality and found a strong association between disease rates and ambient carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM). At the current stage this work is speculative but does support consideration of further preclinical models and/or clinical assessments to evaluate any potential for therapeutic benefit through microbial manipulation and/or environmental mitigation.

A. Khouz, A. Khouz, A. Khouz et al.

<p>In recent decades, multiple researchers have produced landslide susceptibility maps using different techniques and models, including the information value method, which is a statistical model that is widely applied to various coastal environments. This study aimed to evaluate susceptibility to landslides in the Essaouira coastal area using bivariate statistical methods. In this study, 588 distinct landslides were identified, inventoried, and mapped. Landslides are performed by means of observation and interpretation of different data sources, namely high-resolution satellite images, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and extensive field surveys. The rocky coastal system of Essaouira is located in the middle of the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The study area was split into 1534 cliff terrain units that were 50 m in width. For training and validation purposes, the landslide inventory was divided into two independent groups: 70 % for training and 30 % for validation. Twenty-two layers of landslide conditioning factors were prepared – namely, elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, plan curvature, profile curvature, cliff height, topographic wetness index, topographic position index, slope over area ratio, solar radiation, presence of faulting, lithological units, toe lithology, presence and type of cliff toe protection, layer tilt, rainfall, streams, land-use patterns, normalised difference vegetation index, lithological material grain size, and presence of springs. The statistical relationship between the conditioning factors and the different landslide types was calculated using the bivariate information value method in a pixel-based model and in the elementary terrain units-based model. Coastal landside susceptibility maps were validated using landslide training group partitions. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve were used to assess the accuracy and prediction capacity of the different coastal landslide susceptibility models. Two methodologies, considering a pixel-based approach and using coastal terrain units, were adopted to evaluate coastal landslide susceptibility. The results allowed for the classification of 38 % of the rocky coast subsystem as having high susceptibility to landslides, which were mostly located in the southern part of the Essaouira coastal area. These susceptibility maps will be useful for future planned development activities as well as for environmental protection.</p>

Mehran Rezaei

Misbahuddin Rafeeq, Hussam Aly Sayed Murad, Hossam Mohammed Abdallah et al.

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis is a gut inflammatory disorder due to altered immune response to gut microbiome, with interplay of environmental and genetic factors. TNF-α activates inflammatory response through a cascade of immune responses, augmenting pro-inflammatory mediators and proteases, activating chemotaxis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, leading to ulceration and haemorrhage through cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. 6-Paradol, a dietary component in several plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Current study evaluates the effect of 6-paradol in amelioration of ulcerative colitis in rats for the first time. Methods 6-Paradol (95% purity) was obtained from seeds of Aframomum melegueta. Rats were divided randomly into six groups (n = 8). Group one was administered normal saline; group two was treated with the vehicle only; group three, sulfasalazine 500 mg/kg; and groups four, five, and six, were given 6-paradol (50, 100, 200, respectively) mg/kg orally through gastric gavage for 7 days. Colitis was induced on 4th day by intrarectal administration of 2 ml acetic acid (3%), approximately 3 cm from anal verge. On 8th day, rats were sacrificed, and distal one-third of the colon extending proximally up to 4 cm from anal orifice was taken for biochemical and gross examination. Two centimetres of injured mucosal portion was taken for histopathological investigations. SPSS (ver.26) was used for statistical analysis. Results Colonic and serum glutathione (GSH) levels decreased, while colonic and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and colon weight to length ratio were increased significantly in the colitis untreated group compared to normal control. Treatment with 6-paradol considerably improved all these parameters, especially at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001), revealing non-significant differences with sulfasalazine 500 mg/kg and normal control (p = 0.998). Sulfasalazine and 6-paradol in a dose dependent manner also markedly reversed mucosal oedema, atrophy and inflammation, cryptic damage, haemorrhage, and ulceration. There were non-significant differences between low and medium doses and between medium and high doses of 6-paradol for IL-6 and serum MDA levels. Conclusion 6-Paradol demonstrated protection against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis, probably by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Lidia Węglińska, Adrian Bekier, Katarzyna Dzitko et al.

Congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis caused by the food- and water-born parasite <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) is one of the most prevalent zoonotic infection of global importance. <i>T. gondii</i> is an obligate intracellular parasite with limited capacity for extracellular survival, thus a successful, efficient and robust host cell invasion process is crucial for its survival, proliferation and transmission. In this study, we screened a series of novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-halophenylamines functionalized at the C5 position with the imidazole ring (<b>1b</b>–<b>12b</b>) for their effects on <i>T. gondii</i> host cell invasion and proliferation. To achieve this goal, these compounds were initially subjected to in vitro assays to assess their cytotoxicity on human fibroblasts and then antiparasitic efficacy. Results showed that all of them compare favorably to control drugs sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in terms of <i>T. gondii</i> growth inhibition (IC₅₀) and selectivity toward the parasite, expressed as selectivity index (SI). Subsequently, the most potent of them with <i>meta</i>-fluoro <b>2b</b>, meta-chloro <b>5b</b>, meta-bromo <b>8b</b>, meta-iodo <b>11b</b> and para-iodo <b>12b</b> substitution were tested for their efficacy in inhibition of tachyzoites invasion and subsequent proliferation by direct action on established intracellular infection. All the compounds significantly inhibited the parasite invasion and intracellular proliferation via direct action on both tachyzoites and parasitophorous vacuoles formation. The most effective was <i>para</i>-iodo derivative <b>12b</b> that caused reduction in the percentage of infected host cells by 44% and number of tachyzoites per vacuole by 93% compared to non-treated host cells. Collectively, these studies indicate that 1,3,4-thiadiazoles <b>1b</b>–<b>12b</b>, especially <b>12b</b> with IC₅₀ of 4.70 µg/mL and SI of 20.89, could be considered as early hit compounds for future design and synthesis of anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> agents that effectively and selectively block the invasion and subsequent proliferation of <i>T. gondii</i> into host cells.

Emu‐Felicitas Ostermann‐Miyashita, Nadja Pernat, Hannes J. König

Abstract Although biodiversity conservation is a prioritized topic globally, agreements and regulations at multiple levels often fail to meet the desired effects due to insufficient knowledge transmission about and tolerance toward environmental protection measures among the public. To find effective measures to solve human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) and promote a sustainable coexistence, it is essential to gain the public's understanding of the importance of preserving biodiversity. To spur progress in solution‐oriented conservation science, we examine how citizen science (CS) can complement research in the HWC field and coexistence/mitigation strategies. We find that CS (1) is an effective tool for gathering wildlife data and (2) empowers citizens to participate in or drive (in a bottom‐up manner) wildlife research and management. Each HWC has a unique social, economic, and geographical context, which makes it challenging to find appropriate mitigation measures. We developed a Global and Local Geographic (GLG) model that provides practical guidelines for implementing CS in HWC research. We argue that the inclusion of youth is fundamental to achieving coexistence between people and wildlife; thus integrating CS into formal education or including an educational component in CS projects can support the sustainable conservation of wildlife species and foster environmentally aware future generations.

C. L. Blanchard, G. M. Hidy

Ozone (O₃) formation in the southeastern US is studied in relation to nitrogen oxide (NO_<i>x</i>) emissions using long-term (1990s–2015) surface measurements of the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) network, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) O₃ measurements, and EPA Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) nitrate deposition data. Annual fourth-highest daily peak 8 h O₃ mixing ratios at EPA monitoring sites in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi exhibit statistically significant (<i>p</i>  &lt;  0.0001) linear correlations with annual NO_<i>x</i> emissions in those states between 1996 and 2015. The annual fourth-highest daily peak 8 h O₃ mixing ratios declined toward values of ∼ 45–50 ppbv and monthly O₃ maxima decreased at rates averaging ∼ 1–1.5 ppbv yr⁻¹. Mean annual total oxidized nitrogen (NO_<i>y</i>) mixing ratios at SEARCH sites declined in proportion to NO_<i>x</i> emission reductions. CASTNET data show declining wet and dry nitrate deposition since the late 1990s, with total (wet plus dry) nitrate deposition fluxes decreasing linearly in proportion to reductions of NO_<i>x</i> emissions by ∼ 60 % in Alabama and Georgia. Annual nitrate deposition rates at Georgia and Alabama CASTNET sites correspond to 30 % of Georgia emission rates and 36 % of Alabama emission rates, respectively. The fraction of NO_<i>x</i> emissions lost to deposition has not changed. SEARCH and CASTNET sites exhibit downward trends in mean annual nitric acid (HNO₃) concentrations. Observed relationships of O₃ to NO_<i>z</i> (NO_<i>y</i>–NO_<i>x</i>) support past model predictions of increases in cycling of NO and increasing responsiveness of O₃ to NO_<i>x</i>. The study data provide a long-term record that can be used to examine the accuracy of process relationships embedded in modeling efforts. Quantifying observed O₃ trends and relating them to reductions in ambient NO_<i>y</i> species concentrations offers key insights into processes of general relevance to air quality management and provides important information supporting strategies for reducing O₃ mixing ratios.