Search Results (1,375)

This study investigated the influence of awareness, knowledge, and risk perceptions on environmental attitudes and behaviours in Türkiye, specifically in the context of climate change, using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were collected from all 81 provinces covering the seven geographical regions of the country. The results revealed that awareness and risk perception have the strongest direct impact on pro-environmental behaviour. Environmental attitudes also demonstrated a significant positive effect, though the findings suggest that high awareness and risk perception can directly drive action even independently of attitude. Uniquely, this study fills a critical gap in the developing country literature by demonstrating that in Türkiye, perceiving the risk translates directly into action, contrasting with the ‘value-action gap’ often observed in Western contexts. Practically, the findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize risk-communication strategies and disaster-preparedness drills over passive information campaigns to effectively stimulate pro-environmental behaviours. Full article

Passive micromixers can be used in a wide range of chemical applications for reagent preparation as well as chemical analysis. To investigate a micromixer with high performance under various Re conditions, based on the research of previous scientists, we hereby parameterize three influential factors on the structural design of the micromixer. In this study, we chose five distinct level values from a set of three influential factors of the micromixer, based on the results of a one-way impact analysis to ascertain their degree of influence. For five different Re cases, the Taguchi orthogonal test was performed using the selected five-level values, the fluid mixing efficiency was examined numerically, and we used the orthogonal table L₂₅5⁶. Finally, a set of optimization parameters was selected. An optimized micromixer structural model with high mixing efficiency under different Re conditions has been achieved. The degree of stirring of the optimized micromixer and the comparison curves before and after the optimization were also analyzed. We have also manufactured and tested the micromixer of this design. The simulation results show that the mixing efficiency of “the After Optimized Y-shaped channel Koch fractal Cesàro construction” micromixer (AOYKC) designs in this paper is increased by 15.99%, 21.19%, 19.34%, 11.41%, and 0.04% at Re = 0.1, 1, 10, 20, and 100. Full article

Global agricultural value chains (GVCs) face growing structural risks that threaten long-term sustainability, yet traditional methods often miss these systemic risks. Using complex network analysis and OECD data, this study examines the structural risks in China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan)’s agricultural GVC network from 2001 to 2020. By analyzing both supply and demand sides, we reveal a growing asymmetry in network risks and find that risk sources are shifting from direct trading partners to hidden, indirect ones. On the upstream demand side (imports), we observe that risks have turned into a strong reliance on a few core partners, creating a rigid structure that is difficult to change. In contrast, the downstream supply side (exports) exhibits high volatility, involving frequent shifts across uncertain new markets. These results suggest that agricultural security policies should shift from passive crisis response to active structural optimization. This study aims to provide a practical reference for China and other economies seeking to build a safer and more stable agricultural trade system. Full article

Accurate estimation of soil moisture (SM) and vegetation optical depth (VOD) is essential for understanding land–atmosphere interactions, climate dynamics, and ecosystem processes. While passive microwave missions such as SMAP and SMOS provide reliable global SM and VOD products, they are limited by coarse spatial resolution and infrequent revisit times. Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) observations, particularly from the Cyclone GNSS (CYGNSS) mission, offer an improved spatiotemporal sampling rate. This study presents a deep learning framework based on an artificial neural network (ANN) for the simultaneous retrieval of SM and VOD from CYGNSS observations across the contiguous United States (CONUS). Ancillary input features, including specular point latitude and longitude (for spatial context), CYGNSS reflectivity and incidence angle (for surface signal characterization), total precipitation and soil temperature (for hydrological context), and soil clay content and surface roughness (for soil properties), are used to improve the estimates. Results demonstrate strong agreement between the predicted and reference values (SMAP SM and SMOS VOD), achieving correlation coefficients of R = 0.83 and 0.89 and RMSE values of 0.063 m³/m³ and 0.088 for SM and VOD, respectively. Temporal analyses show that the ANN accurately reproduces both seasonal and daily variations in SMAP SM and SMOS VOD (R ≈ 0.89). Moreover, the predicted SM and VOD maps show strong agreement with the reference SM and VOD maps (R ≈ 0.93). Additionally, ANN-derived VOD demonstrates strong consistency with above-ground biomass (R ≈ 0.77), canopy height (R ≈ 0.95), leaf area index (R = 96), and vegetation water content (R ≈ 0.90). These results demonstrate the generalizability of the approach and its applicability to broader environmental sensing tasks. Full article

Background. Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disorder of the spine, frequently associated with chronic neck pain, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. Patients develop alterations in muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, which further contribute to disability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 14-day standardized rehabilitation program on the biomechanical and contractile properties of cervical and scapular muscles in patients with cervical spondylosis. Methods. This study used a single-group pre–post observational design on 23 patients (16 women, 7 men; mean age 61.1 ± 14.2 years) diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. All participants completed a standardized rehabilitation treatment that included cervical mobilization, stretching, isometric exercises, scapular stabilization, electrotherapy, ultrasound, thermotherapy, and balneotherapy. Muscle properties were evaluated bilaterally using the MyotonPRO^® device, measuring frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep. Assessments were performed in a sitting position for the deltoid, upper trapezius and pectoralis major, both at baseline (T0) and after treatment (T1). Handgrip strength was assessed bilaterally with a handheld dynamometer. Results. The deltoid muscle showed a significant reduction in frequency (14.86 → 13.50 Hz, p = 0.034) and stiffness (306.4 → 256.1 N/m, p = 0.014) on the right side, suggesting normalization of tone and passive resistance. The upper trapezius had a significant bilateral decrease in decrement (p < 0.05), reflecting improved elasticity. The pectoralis major displayed the most consistent adaptations, with increased frequency (right side, p = 0.008), improved relaxation bilaterally (p < 0.05), and significant reductions in decrement and creep (p < 0.01). Handheld dynamometry confirmed increased handgrip strength, with a 5.4% improvement on the left side and 7.6% on the right side. Conclusions. In our study measurable changes in muscle parameters were observed following a rehabilitation program in patients with cervical spondylosis. The integration of myotonometry and dynamometry allowed objective assessment of muscle adaptations supporting the clinical value of individualized rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Among corrosive environments, Cl⁻ is one of the most aggressive anions which can cause electrochemical corrosion and the resultant failures of alloys, and the increase in Cl⁻ concentration will further deteriorate the passive film in many conventional alloys. Here, we report single-phase Nb₂₅Mo₂₅Ta₂₅Ti₂₀W₅C_x (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.8 at.%) refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) with excellent corrosion resistance in high-concentration NaCl solutions. According to potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, corroded morphology and the current–time results, the RHEAs demonstrate even better corrosion resistance with the increase in NaCl concentration to 23.5 wt.%, significantly superior to 304 L stainless steel. Typically, the corrosion current density (i_corr) and over-passivation potential (E_t) reached the lowest and highest value, respectively, in the 23.5 wt.% NaCl solution, and the i_corr (2.36 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm²) of Nb₂₅Mo₂₅Ta₂₅Ti₂₀W₅C_0.1 alloy is nearly two orders lower than that of 304 L stainless steel (1.75 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm²). The excellent corrosion resistance results from the formation of passive films with fewer defects and more stable oxides. Moreover, with the addition of the appropriate C element, the RHEAs also demonstrated improved strength and plasticity simultaneously, for example, the Nb₂₅Mo₂₅Ta₂₅Ti₂₀W₅C_0.3 alloy exhibited an average yield strength of 1368 MPa and a plastic strain of 19.7%. The present findings provide useful guidance to address the conflict between the excellent corrosion resistance and high strength of advanced alloys. Full article

In horizontal condominiums, where standardised designs are often implemented without considering the surroundings, thermal discomfort can be significant. This study compares two thermal discomfort assessment approaches (mean degree-hour and bioclimatic chart) using computer simulations in the EnergyPlus programme, considering different building solar orientations and use patterns. The comparison of approaches allowed the annual percentage of time outside the comfort zone to be quantified. According to the bioclimatic chart, in the most critical room, the proportion of discomfort hours was 16.2%, which could be reduced to 12.3% by changing the solar orientation. According to the mean degree-hour approach, the room with the highest discomfort registered 1.8 mean degree-hours, a value that could decrease to 0.91 by changing the solar orientation. However, it was observed that the use patterns of the rooms may limit the potential for reducing discomfort. Overall, both approaches indicated that north and south orientations tend to lead to less discomfort. However, in some cases, the bioclimatic chart identified east, northeast, and southeast orientations as more suitable alternatives. The differences between the methods were mainly attributed to the parameters adopted by each approach. By analysing different thermal comfort assessment approaches, the study highlights how methodological choices influence the interpretation of thermal discomfort while confirming that solar orientation remains a relevant passive strategy whose effectiveness depends on room use patterns, thereby supporting occupants’ well-being and contributing to environmental and energy sustainability in residential buildings. Full article

The stainless-steel phase of austenite, ferrite, and duplex was affected by the high temperature corrosion. So, the study of corrosion behavior in high temperatures at 700 °C is important because it is connected to life and maintenance. Various stainless steels (AISI no. 409 L, 430 L, 304L, 316L, 2205, 2507) are used to identify the most suitable material for high-temperature SOFC applications. The study was checked to surface, microstructure, and corrosion behavior after corrosion at 700 °C during 120 h. The surface and microstructure are checked using FE-SEM and XRD. The electrochemical behavior and corrosion behavior are checked for open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization test by a potentiostat. The potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that the pitting potential (E_pit) varied significantly depending on the material, with values of 0.21 V for AISI 304L and 1.14 V for AISI 2507. The breakdown behavior of the passive film exhibited material-dependent characteristics, which were found to be consistent with the observed trends in high-temperature corrosion. Full article

In third-generation centralized heating systems, qualitative regulation of the heat transfer medium parameters is mainly performed at heat sources, while quantitative regulation is implemented at central and individual heating points, with buildings remaining passive heat consumers. Unlike fourth-generation systems, such systems generally do not employ renewable energy sources, thermal energy storage, or low-temperature operating regimes. Third-generation centralized heating systems operate based on design high-temperature schedules and centralized control, without considering the actual thermal loads of consumers. Under conditions of physical deterioration of heating networks, hydraulic imbalance, and operational constraints, the actual parameters of the heat transfer medium supplied to buildings often deviate from design values, resulting in deviations of thermal conditions at the level of end consumers and disruptions of thermal comfort. This study proposes the concept of an intelligent active individual heating point (IAIHP), designed to provide adaptive qualitative–quantitative regulation of heat transfer medium parameters at the level of individual buildings. Unlike approaches focused on demand-side management, the use of thermal energy storage, or the integration of renewable energy sources, the proposed solution is based on the application of a local thermal energy source. The IAIHP compensates for deviations in heat transfer medium parameters and acts as a local thermal energy source within the building heat supply system (BHSS). Control of the IAIHP operation is performed by a developed automation system that provides combined qualitative and quantitative regulation of the heat transfer medium supplied to the BHSS. The study assesses the potential scale of IAIHP implementation in third-generation centralized heating systems, develops a methodology for selecting the capacity of a local heat source, and presents the operating algorithm of the automatic control system of the IAIHP. At present, the reconstruction of an individual heating point of a kindergarten connected via a dependent scheme is being carried out based on the developed project documentation. Modeling and calculations show that the application of the IAIHP makes it possible to ensure indoor thermal comfort by reducing the risk of temperature deviations, which are otherwise typically compensated for by electric heaters. The proposed concept provides a methodological basis for a gradual transition from third-generation to fourth-generation centralized heating systems, while equipping the IAIHP with an intelligent control system opens opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of urban heating networks. The proposed integrated solution and the developed automatic control algorithms exhibit scientific novelty and practical relevance for Russia and other countries operating third-generation centralized heating systems, including Northern and Eastern European states, where large-scale infrastructure modernization and the implementation of fourth-generation technologies are technically or economically constrained. Full article

This study presents an experimental 3E (energy–exergy–environmental) assessment of a PLC-controlled solar air heater (SAH) equipped with adjustable internal baffles. Unlike conventional passive systems, the proposed design enables active airflow regulation to maintain stable outlet temperatures of 54 °C and 60 °C, achieving rapid stabilization within 3–10 s under outdoor conditions. Experimental results show that increasing the baffle inclination significantly enhances convective heat transfer and thermal efficiency, while the friction factor remains primarily governed by the Reynolds number and exhibits minimal sensitivity to baffle angle. Exergy efficiency values remain relatively low (1.24–2.69%), and the sustainability index stays close to unity, reflecting the inherent thermodynamic limitations of low-temperature solar air heaters rather than deficiencies in system design. A regression-based airflow velocity model is developed to support fan-speed optimization and to clarify the trade-off between thermal enhancement and auxiliary power demand. Long-term projections based on regional solar data indicate that the proposed SAH can deliver approximately 20–22 MWh of useful heat and mitigate nearly 9 tons of CO₂ emissions over a 20-year operational lifetime. Overall, the results demonstrate that PLC-assisted dynamic baffle control provides a flexible and effective approach for improving the performance and operational stability of solar air heaters for low-temperature drying applications. Full article

Radon (²²²Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas that is a major source of ionising radiation in the environment. Many measurement techniques can be used to monitor ²²²Rn concentrations in the workplace. The main purpose of conducting such measurements is to identify locations of exposure, determine the effective dose for workers and, if necessary, define actions for reducing the exposure. As part of this study, a series of measurements were conducted in the underground tourist route at Książ Castle in Poland. The route has been open to visitors since late 2018. The measurements included long- and short-term tests. Passive and active methods were used to measure the ²²²Rn activity concentration. Additionally, the potential alpha energy concentration and ambient and radioactive aerosol size distributions were measured. Finally, the annual effective dose for workers was estimated. The dose was calculated while factoring in the legal regulations in the Czech Republic and Poland to demonstrate their effect on the final results. The obtained values were low—they did not exceed 0.218 mSv (for the specified exposure time)—indicating the effectiveness of natural ventilation and a low radiation risk to personnel. Full article

In the global context of biodiversity loss, increased demand for natural resources, and major efforts to restore ecosystems altered by human activities, the widespread use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and acoustic recording devices allows for the collection of enormous amounts of data for monitoring the health of ecosystems. BirdNET Analyzer is a freely accessible machine learning tool that has had a great impact on the scientific community due to its apparent ease of use for identifying animals by sound. However, the literature shows some gaps regarding the influence of certain BirdNET configuration parameters on the results of its predictions. This study applies PAM and uses BirdNET in a real acoustic monitoring project and analyzes the potential impact of the configuration parameters Overlap and Sensitivity on the results of the bird inventory of a wetland created on the site of a former limestone quarry in Spain. Our results guide other researchers in the optimal combination of configuration parameters at the community level. Higher Sensitivity configuration values provided the optimal solution for minimizing the loss of species in the bird inventory. On the other hand, we identified that Recall is the best indicator to identify all combinations of BirdNET configuration parameters that cause the lowest species loss, in line with the goal of this monitoring program. Full article

Systemic anticancer therapy causes a number of side effects; therefore, local drug release devices may play an important role in this area. In this study, we developed polyurethane-dendrimer foams containing different amounts of third-generation poly (amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM G3) to evaluate their ability to encapsulate and release the model anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), as well as their biocompatibility and effectiveness against normal and cancer cells in vitro. PU–PAMAM foams containing 10–50 wt% PAMAM G3 were prepared using glycerin-based polyether polyol and castor oil as co-components. Structural and rheological analyses revealed that foams containing up to 20 wt% PAMAM G3 exhibited a well-developed porous structure, while higher dendrimer loadings (≥30 wt%) led to irregular cell shapes, pore coalescence, and thinning of cell walls, and indicated a gradual loss of structural integrity. Rheological creep–recovery measurements confirmed the structural findings: moderate PAMAM G3 incorporation (≤20 wt%) increased both the instantaneous and delayed elastic modulus (E₁ ≈ 130–140 kPa; E₂ ≈ 80 kPa) and enhanced elastic recovery, reflecting improved cross-link density and foam stability. Higher dendrimer contents (30–50 wt%) caused a decline in these parameters and higher viscoelastic compliance, indicating a softer, less stable structure. The DOX loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency increased with PAMAM G3 content, reaching maximum values of 35% and 51% for 30–40 wt% PAMAM G3, respectively. However, the most sustained DOX release profiles were observed for matrices containing 20 wt% PAMAM G3. Analysis of cumulative release and kinetic modeling revealed a transition from diffusion-controlled release at low PAMAM contents to burst-dominated release at higher dendrimer loadings. Importantly, matrices containing 10–20 wt% PAMAM G3 also indicated selective anticancer action against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-15) compared to non-cancerous human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Moreover, the DOX they released effectively destroyed cancer cells. Overall, PU–PAMAM foams containing 10–20 wt% PAMAM G3 provide the most balanced combination of structural stability, controlled drug release, and cytocompatibility. These materials therefore represent a promising platform as passive carriers in drug delivery systems (DDSs), such as local implants, anticancer patches, or bioactive wound dressings. Full article

This article presents the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a centimeter-scale autonomous robot that achieves bidirectional locomotion and trajectory control through 3D-printed resonators actuated by piezoelectricity and integrated with miniature legs. Building on previous works that employed piezoelectric bimorphs, the proposed system replaces them with custom-designed 3D-printed resonant plates that exploit the excitation of standing waves (SW) to generate motion. Each resonator is equipped with strategically positioned passive legs that convert vibratory energy into effective thrust, enabling both linear and rotational movement. A differential drive configuration, implemented through two independently actuated resonators, allows precise guidance and the execution of complex trajectories. The robot integrates onboard control electronics consisting of a microcontroller and inertial sensors, which enable closed-loop trajectory correction via a PD controller and allow autonomous navigation. The experimental results demonstrate high-precision motion control, achieving linear displacement speeds of 8.87 mm/s and a maximum angular velocity of 37.88°/s, while maintaining low power consumption and a compact form factor. Furthermore, the evaluation using the mean absolute error (MAE) yielded a value of 0.83° in trajectory tracking. This work advances the field of robotics and automatic control at the insect scale by integrating efficient piezoelectric actuation, additive manufacturing, and embedded sensing into a single autonomous platform capable of agile and programmable locomotion. Full article

Museums open to the public must reconcile heritage preservation requirements with energy-conscious microclimate management and visitors’ environmental experience. In historic buildings, indoor conditions are typically controlled primarily for preventive conservation, while opportunities for detailed assessment of human comfort are often limited by existing monitoring systems and operational constraints. This study investigates visitors’ perceptions of thermal conditions and indoor air quality (IAQ) in two branches of the National Museum in Krakow (NMK) characterized by different microclimate-control strategies: the mechanically ventilated and air-conditioned Cloth Hall and the predominantly passively controlled Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace. A pilot survey was conducted in spring 2023 to capture subjective assessments of thermal sensation and perceived IAQ. These perceptions were contextualized using long-term air temperature and relative humidity data (2013–2023) routinely monitored for conservation purposes. Environmental data were analyzed to assess the stability of indoor conditions and to provide background for interpreting survey responses, rather than to perform a normative evaluation of thermal comfort. The results indicate that visitors frequently perceived the indoor environment as slightly warm and reported lower air quality in the Palace, where air was often described as stale or stuffy. These perceptions occurred despite relatively small differences in monitored air temperature and relative humidity between the two buildings. The findings suggest that ventilation strategy, air exchange effectiveness, odor accumulation, room configuration, and lighting conditions may influence perceived environmental quality more strongly than temperature or humidity alone. Although limited in scope, this pilot study highlights the value of incorporating visitor perception into discussions of energy-conscious microclimate management in museums and indicates directions for further multidisciplinary research. Full article