Search Results (29)

The UK net zero strategy aims to fully decarbonize the power system by 2035, anticipating a 40–60% increase in demand due to the growing electrification of the transport and heating sectors over the next thirteen years. This paper provides a detailed technical and economic analysis of the role of energy storage technologies and transmission lines in balancing the power system amidst large shares of intermittent renewable energy generation. The analysis is conducted using the cost-optimizing energy system modelling framework REMix, developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The obtained results of multiple optimization scenarios indicate that achieving the lowest system cost, with a 73% share of electricity generated by renewable energy sources, is feasible only if planning rules in England and Wales are flexible enough to allow the construction of 53 GW of onshore wind capacity. This flexibility would enable the UK to become a net electricity exporter, assuming an electricity trading market with neighbouring countries. Depending on the scenario, 2.4–11.8 TWh of energy storage supplies an average of 11% of the electricity feed-in, with underground hydrogen storage representing more than 80% of that total capacity. In terms of storage converter capacity, the optimal mix ranges from 32 to 34 GW of lithium-ion batteries, 13 to 22 GW of adiabatic compressed air energy storage, 4 to 24 GW of underground hydrogen storage, and 6 GW of pumped hydro. Decarbonizing the UK power system by 2035 is estimated to cost $37–56 billion USD, with energy storage accounting for 38% of the total system cost. Transmission lines supply 10–17% of the total electricity feed-in, demonstrating that, when coupled with energy storage, it is possible to reduce the installed capacity of conventional power plants by increasing the utilization of remote renewable generation assets and avoiding curtailment during peak generation times. Full article

Sustainable development is significantly influenced by various factors, including natural resource rents (NARR), economic complexity (ECCP), globalization (GLBL), economic growth (ENG), renewable energy consumption (RNEC), and institutional quality (INTQ). This study examines the relationships between these factors and sustainable development in the “Next 11” (N-11) countries, from 1996 to 2021. The results of the cross-sectional dependence and co-integration tests reveal significant long-term relationships between these factors. The outcomes of pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) analyses show that ECCP, ENG, RNEC, GLBL, INTQ and NARR significantly improve the sustainable development of the N-11 countries in the long run. Furthermore, the results show that ENG, INTQ, and NARR deteriorate, while ECCP, RNEC, and GLBL improve the sustainable development of the N-11 countries in the short run. To further analyze the complex relationships in the dataset, an artificial neural network (ANN) was applied. The results show a linear prediction with an overall R value of 0.987, indicating a robust correlation between the variables. This study provides valuable policy implications for the N-11, highlighting opportunities to enhance long-term ecological sustainability. The findings suggest that policymakers can promote sustainable development by leveraging economic complexity, renewable energy consumption, and institutional quality, while minimizing the negative impacts of globalization and ecological footprints. Full article

This study addresses the need for sustainable urban design, focusing on enhancing street-level interactions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11). The research specifically examines the evolving role of urban furniture and infrastructure in creating inclusive, resilient cities that respond to current challenges, such as climate adaptation and citizen accessibility. Using a qualitative mixed-methods approach, this study combines keyword analysis and semi-structured interviews with urban design experts, and comparative case studies in the Basque Country. Key themes emerged, including sustainable water management, Nature-based Solutions, technological integration, and pedestrian prioritization. These findings underscore a shift from static, object-oriented urban components to adaptable, modular designs that balance functionality with environmental and social sustainability. This study concludes with a checklist for urban furniture design, offering practical guidelines that will inform the next research phase: prototyping innovative urban furniture solutions to support more sustainable and inclusive city environments. Full article

The context for this study is the volatile, turbulent, and disruptive environment that affects higher education everywhere. A plethora of key problems facing higher education are identified. Among these are escalating costs and declining public support for higher education. This means that international education must compete with other possible priorities, such as strengthening disciplines or making campuses more attractive to prospective students. The basic aim of this paper is to develop a set of best practices to promote excellence and rigor in international higher education. In that sense, this could be called action research. This could also be considered the story of how to develop excellence and rigor in international higher education. The major methodology for this study is multiple case studies research and mixed methods research. Another method is reflective participant experience based on the author’s seven decades of engagement with the internationalization of higher education. Both value premises and positionality, which might influence the research are openly shared. In terms of theoretical foundations, key genres of internationalization are identified and described, such as critical, comparative, and comprehensive internationalization. Then, in terms of results, in the next quantitative section of the paper, eight statistical tables are shared that show the current status of international higher education, primarily in the U.S., while also including a table showing the most international universities in the world. Then, in the next qualitative part of the study, 11 exemplary cases are presented, such as CAMPUS Asia, Volunteers in Asia (VIA), and the International Cooperative Learning Project. These projects involve a total of about 20 countries. The criteria for selection were factors such as depth, sustainability, and impactful, transformative learning. The paper concludes with an articulation of the best practices to achieve excellence in international education and the principle that true liberal education is inherently international and intercultural. Full article

Countries worldwide have implemented several strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which sustainable construction projects can contribute significantly. However, an integrated assessment and management method for sustainable construction projects is needed to improve the contributions of such projects to achieving the SDGs. Hence, this research aims to develop an innovative framework that integrates contributions to achieving the SDGs within the assessment and management of sustainable construction projects. We reviewed previous research and used the Delphi method to identify assessment indicators and construct a framework. Next, two new indices were constructed: the Sustainable Construction Project Indicator Contributions Index (SCPICI) and the Integrated Sustainable Construction Project Contributions Index (ISCPCI). Lastly, a focus group discussion was conducted. According to the SCPICI, the top five indicators are energy-efficient management (27.58), the use of renewable energy (27.51), measurements of energy savings during the construction and operation phases (26.64), water savings during construction and operation phases (26.18), and water recycling (25.46). The research findings indicate that sustainable construction projects substantially contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Policymakers and other stakeholders in the construction sector could use the proposed framework to assess and manage sustainable construction projects. Moreover, researchers worldwide could use the proposed methods to develop new frameworks in other countries. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a major greenhouse gas, has the potential to be emitted from waste landfills. Previous studies have demonstrated the propensity of landfilling facilities to emit significant quantities of N₂O, a fact underscored by the IPCC Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of researching this phenomenon. However, due to the absence of established international guidelines for quantifying N₂O emissions from landfills, many countries, including the United States, have excluded N₂O from greenhouse gas inventories. Therefore, this study aims to estimate N₂O emissions from landfills in the United States, a country with a significant landfill waste volume. In this study, N₂O emissions from U.S. landfills over an 11-year period (2010–2020) are estimated by using the emission estimation formula provided in CDM AM0083 and emission factors from the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. Additionally, emissions were calculated spatially for each state and individual landfill facility. As a result, the impact of integrating N₂O emissions from landfills into the national greenhouse gas inventory was assessed. The average annual landfill N₂O emission in the United States over the 11-year period was estimated to be 3,214,693 ton-CO₂-equivalent/year, with an overall decreasing trend. In 2020, Indiana, Michigan, and Oregon exhibited high landfill N₂O emissions per capita, while the Virgin Islands, Connecticut, and Massachusetts demonstrated lower emissions. When incorporated into the U.S. greenhouse gas inventory, landfill N₂O emissions represent 10.41% of the total sector N₂O emissions. Although N₂O emissions are declining alongside reduced waste landfilling in the United States, the quantity remains significant and should be factored into greenhouse gas inventory calculations and emission scenarios for the next CMIP6. Further research investigating N₂O emission coefficients across different regions and waste types is necessary. Ultimately, this study aims to support the United Nations (UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), by enhancing the tools for accurate greenhouse gas inventory and promoting sustainable waste management. Full article

Background: It is unclear whether patients with basal ganglia calcifications (BGC) should undergo infectious disease testing as part of their diagnostic work-up. We investigated the occurrence of possibly associated infections in patients with BGC diagnosed with Fahr’s disease or syndrome and consecutively performed a systematic review of published infectious diseases associated with BGC. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated infections in non-immunocompromised patients aged ≥ 18 years with BGC in the Netherlands, who were diagnosed with Fahr’s disease or syndrome after an extensive multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up. Pathogens that were assessed included the following: Brucella sp., cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus type 6/8, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rubella virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Next, a systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and Embase (2002–2023). Results: The cross-sectional study included 54 patients (median age 65 years). We did not observe any possible related infections to the BGC in this population. Prior infection with Toxoplasma gondii occurred in 28%, and in 94%, IgG rubella antibodies were present. The positive tests were considered to be incidental findings by the multidisciplinary team since these infections are only associated with BGC when congenitally contracted and all patients presented with adult-onset symptoms. The systematic search yielded 47 articles, including 24 narrative reviews/textbooks and 23 original studies (11 case series, 6 cross-sectional and 4 cohort studies, and 2 systematic reviews). Most studies reported congenital infections associated with BGC (cytomegalovirus, HIV, rubella virus, Zika virus). Only two studies reported acquired pathogens (chronic active Epstein–Barr virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis). The quality of evidence was low. Conclusions: In our cross-sectional study and systematic review, we found no convincing evidence that acquired infections are causing BGC in adults. Therefore, we argue against routine testing for infections in non-immunocompromised adults with BGC in Western countries. Full article

This investigation evaluates the performance of Portuguese exports by focusing on the 11 main partners for 1990–2021, considering panel data. Country risk analysis has been frequently used to assess the determinants of international trade in recent years. Empirical studies demonstrate that country risk can affect bilateral relationships between economies, especially in economies with greater geopolitical risk. Next, we refer to the methodology used in this research. In this context, we assessed the stationarity of the variables used in this study. Subsequently, models were used to eliminate bias and endogeneity between the variables. The panel quantile regression model allows us to understand the behaviour of variables across different quartiles. The empirical study shows that countries with low country risk promote the performance of Portuguese exports. On the other hand, the size of the economies, both the exporting country (Portugal) and the importing countries (commercial partners), is decisive for increasing Portuguese exports. This finding can be explained as a monopolistic competition with the economy’s scale and industrial concentration serving as theoretical support. As noted with previous studies on the gravity model, the common language of Portuguese-speaking countries reduces communication costs and increases Portuguese exports. Furthermore, the econometric model also validates the issue of geographical distance, where this variable has a negative impact on exports, demonstrating that geographical proximity reduces transport costs. Full article

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations drive resistance in 50% of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress on first/second generation (1G/2G) EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and are sensitive to Osimertinib. Tissue sampling is the gold-standard modality of T790M testing, but it is invasive. We evaluated the efficacy of Osimertinib in patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC and T790M in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). PLASMA is a prospective, open-label, multicentre single-arm Phase II study. Patients with advanced NSCLC harbouring sensitizing EGFR and T790M mutations in plasma at progression from ≥one 1G/2G TKI were treated with 80 mg of Osimertinib daily until progression. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR); the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR) and toxicities. Plasma next-generation sequencing was performed to determine Osimertinib resistance mechanisms and assess serial ctDNA. A total of 110 patients from eight centres in five countries were enrolled from 2017 to 2019. The median follow-up duration was 2.64 (IQR 2.44–3.12) years. The ORR was 50.9% (95% CI 41.2–60.6) and the DCR was 84.5% (95% CI 76.4–90.7). Median PFS was 7.4 (95% CI 6.0–9.3) months; median OS was 1.63 (95% CI 1.35–2.16) years. Of all of the patients, 76% had treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), most commonly paronychia (22.7%); 11% experienced ≥ Grade 3 TRAEs. The ctDNA baseline load and dynamics were prognostic. Osimertinib is active in NSCLC harbouring sensitizing EGFR and T790M mutations in ctDNA testing post 1G/2G TKIs. Full article

The incidence of respiratory infections in the population is related to many factors, among which environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, and humidity have attracted much attention. In particular, air pollution has caused widespread discomfort and concern in developing countries. Although the correlation between respiratory infections and air pollution is well known, establishing causality between them remains elusive. In this study, by conducting theoretical analysis, we updated the procedure of performing the extended convergent cross-mapping (CCM, a method of causal inference) to infer the causality between periodic variables. Consistently, we validated this new procedure on the synthetic data generated by a mathematical model. For real data in Shaanxi province of China in the period of 1 January 2010 to 15 November 2016, we first confirmed that the refined method is applicable by investigating the periodicity of influenza-like illness cases, an air quality index, temperature, and humidity through wavelet analysis. We next illustrated that air quality (quantified by AQI), temperature, and humidity affect the daily influenza-like illness cases, and, in particular, the respiratory infection cases increased progressively with increased AQI with a time delay of 11 days. Full article

Most developed countries in the world are maritime powers. This article constructs an ecological efficiency evaluation system based on the characteristics of the ocean itself while taking into account the relationship between land and sea. Based on social network analysis, the relationship between China’s marine ecological efficiency is regarded as a social network system, and the roles and positions played by 11 coastal cities in the network are analyzed from a relational perspective. Next, based on the unexpected super efficiency model to measure the ocean efficiency value in China’s coastal areas, we explore its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, and measure the ocean ecological efficiency while incorporating ecological environmental pollution as an unexpected output into the evaluation system. Then, the spatial incidence matrix of marine ecological efficiency is calculated through the modified gravity model, and the characteristics of network structure are described with the help of the social network method. In addition, ArcGIS software is used to visualize the spatial evolution process. Finally, QAP regression is used to explore the key factors affecting the spatial correlation network of marine ecological efficiency in China. The results show the following: (1) In terms of time, the marine eco-efficiency of most provinces is not high, and the difference between provinces is obvious, but on the whole, it shows a fluctuating upward trend. (2) From the perspective of space, the overall displacement of the center of marine eco-efficiency in China is large in the north–south direction and small in the east–west direction, and the center of marine eco-efficiency is always concentrated near the Yangtze River Delta. (3) On the whole, the spatial correlation network of China’s marine eco-efficiency is becoming more and more complex. The number of correlation relationships and network density is increasing, and the network framework is gradually maturing. The spatial adjacency matrix, the difference in economic development level, and the difference in population distribution level can significantly promote the formation and development of the spatial correlation network of marine eco-efficiency. However, the differences in the level of opening to the outside world and in the structure of marine industries restrain their spatial networks. The difference between marine science and technology levels is not significant. Full article

Despite recent advances in multiple myeloma (MM), the incorporation of novel agents and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in low-income countries remains a challenge. Although lenalidomide maintenance (M-Len) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been associated with improved outcomes and MRD has refined the prognosis of complete response (CR) cases, until now, there have been no data on the benefits of these approaches in Latin America. Here, we evaluate the benefits of M-Len and MRD using next-generation flow cytometry (NGF-MRD) at Day + 100 post-ASCT (n = 53). After ASCT, responses were evaluated based on the International Myeloma Working Group criteria and NGF-MRD. MRD was positive in 60% of patients with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 31 months vs. not reached (NR) for MRD-negative cases (p = 0.05). The patients who received M-Len continuously had a significantly better PFS and overall survival (OS) than those without M-Len (median PFS: NR vs. 29 months, p = 0.007), with progression in 11% vs. 54% of cases after a median follow-up of 34 months, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, MRD status and M-Len therapy emerged as independent predictors of PFS (median PFS of M-Len/MRD⁻ vs. no M-Len/MRD⁺ of NR vs. 35 months, respectively; p = 0.01). In summary, M-Len was associated with improved survival outcomes in our real-world MM cohort in Brazil, with MRD emerging as a useful reproducible tool to identify patients at an earlier risk of relapse. The inequity in drug access remains a hurdle in countries with financial constraints, with a negative impact on MM survival. Full article

Although many criteria and indicator sets have been developed for sustainable ecotourism management in many countries around the world, such a set of criteria and indicators has not been developed in Türkiye yet. The aim of this study was to develop sustainable ecotourism management criteria and indicators specific to Türkiye’s social, economic, and ecological differences and to investigate the possibilities of using this developed set in the sustainable management of the Camili Biosphere Reserve Area. The set that consisted of 12 criteria and 68 indicators prepared based on WTO and UNWTO criteria and indicator sets was used as a starting point. Within the scope of the Delphi method, as a result of three stages of repeated questionnaires, a set of criteria and indicators consisting of 11 criteria and 101 indicators was reached, based on the suggestions and consensus of four expert groups. In the next step, the adaptation and prioritization of the national sustainable ecotourism management criteria and indicator set for the Camili Biosphere Reserve Area were realized using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method, depending on the opinions of four local expert groups. As a result, it was concluded that the ecotourism activities carried out in the Camili Biosphere Reserve received a total score of 95.4 and that the ecotourism activities in the area were positively sustainable, with an average of 69.1%. It was determined that ecotourism activities in the Camili Biosphere Reserve are positively sustainable in terms of “level of awareness and perception of the field”, “socio-economic benefits to the local people”, “local participation”, “financial structure”, “environmental education and practices“, and “visitor satisfaction” criteria. However, in order to ensure the sustainability of ecotourism activities both at the country level and at the local level, studies should be carried out with a participatory approach by establishing a balance between the expectations of the local people and the income obtained from ecotourism, by providing a central authority, and by making improvements in the financing structure. Full article

The spread of COVID-19 started in late December 2019 and is still ongoing. Many countries around the world have faced an outbreak of COVID-19, including Thailand, which must keep an eye on the spread and find a way to deal with this extreme outbreak. Of course, we are unable to determine the number of people who will contract this disease in the future. Therefore, if there is a tool that helps to predict the outbreak and the number of people infected, it will be able to find preventive measures in time. This paper aims to develop a mathematical model suitable for the lifestyle of the Thai population facing the COVID-19 situation. It has been established that after close contact with an infected person, a group of individuals will be quarantined and non-quarantined. If they contract COVID-19, they will enter the incubation period of the infection. The incubation period is divided into the quarantine class and the exposed class. Afterwards, both classes will move to the hospitalized infected class and the infected class, wherein the infected class is able to spread the disease to the surrounding environment. This study describes both classes in the SQEIRP model based on the population segmentation that was previously discussed. After that, the positive and bounded solutions of the model are examined, and we consider the equilibrium point, as well as the global stability of the disease-free point according to the Castillo-Chavez method. The SQEIRP model is then numerically analyzed using MATLAB software version R2022a. The cumulative percentage of hospitalized and non-hospitalized infections after 7 days after the commencement of the infection was determined to be 11 and 34 percent of the entire population, respectively. The Next-Generation Matrix approach was used to calculate the Basic Reproduction Numbers ($R_0$). The SQEIRP model’s $R_0$ was 3.78, indicating that one infected individual can result in approximately three additional infections. The results of this SQEIRP model provide a preliminary guide to identifying trends in population dynamics in each class. Full article

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen, causing both community- and healthcare-associated infections. The resistance is due to the continuous accumulation of multiple antibiotic-resistance-genes (ARGs) through spontaneous genomic mutations and the acquisition of conjugative plasmids. This study presents antibiotics resistance genes, plasmids replicons, and virulence genes of K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 34 K. pneumoniae was performed, using an Illumina NextSeq 500, followed by in silco analysis. Results: A total of 34 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae, isolated from blood samples from neonatal units were whole-genome sequenced. Of these, 28 (82.4%) had an identified sequence type (ST), with ST14 (39.3%, n = 11) being frequently identified. Moreover, 18 (52.9%) of the bacteria harbored at least one plasmid, from which a total of 25 plasmid replicons were identified with a predominance of IncFIB(K) 48.0% (n = 12). Out of 34 sequenced K. pneumoniae, 32 (94.1%) were harboring acquired antibiotic/biocides-resistance-genes (ARGs) with a predominance of bla_CTX-M-15 (90.6%), followed by oqxB (87.5%), oqxA (84.4%), bla_TEM-1B (84.4%) and sul2 (84.4%). Interestingly, we observed the ColRNAI plasmid-replicon (n = 1) and qacE gene (n = 4) for the first time in this setting. Conclusion: Global high-risk clones of K. pneumoniae isolates carry multiple ARGs in multiple plasmid-replicons. Findings from this study warrant genomic-based surveillance to monitor high-risk global clones, epidemic plasmids and ARGs in low- and middle-income countries. Full article