Search Results (130)

The growing popularity of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), such as e-scooters, has revolutionized urban mobility by offering compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, safety concerns, including inadequate infrastructure, poor protective measures, and high accident rates, remain critical challenges. This paper presents the design and development of an innovative self-balancing microvehicle under the H2020 LEONARDO project, which aims to address these challenges through advanced engineering and user-centric design. The vehicle combines features of monowheels and e-scooters, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, stability, and usability. The design adheres to European regulations, including Germany’s eKFV standards, and incorporates user preferences identified through representative online surveys of 1500 PLEV users. These preferences include improved handling on uneven surfaces, enhanced signaling capabilities, and reduced instability during maneuvers. The prototype features a lightweight composite structure reinforced with carbon fibers, a high-torque motorized front wheel, and multiple speed modes tailored to different conditions, such as travel in pedestrian areas, use by novice riders, and advanced users. Braking tests demonstrate deceleration values of up to 3.5 m/s², comparable to PLEV market standards and exceeding regulatory minimums, while smooth acceleration ramps ensure rider stability and safety. Additional features, such as identification plates and weight-dependent motor control, enhance compliance with local traffic rules and prevent misuse. The vehicle’s design also addresses common safety concerns, such as curb navigation and signaling, by incorporating large-diameter wheels, increased ground clearance, and electrically operated direction indicators. Future upgrades include the addition of a second rear wheel for enhanced stability, skateboard-like rear axle modifications for improved maneuverability, and hybrid supercapacitors to minimize fire risks and extend battery life. With its focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and rider-friendly innovations, this microvehicle represents a significant advancement in promoting safe and sustainable urban mobility. Full article

Urban regulations in Amman, Jordan, enforce uniform building setbacks irrespective of topography, exacerbating shading effects and compromising daylight access in residential areas—a critical factor for occupant health and psychological well-being. This study evaluates the interplay between standardized setbacks, slope variations (0–30%), and shadow patterns in Amman’s dense, mountainous urban fabric. Focusing on the Al Jubayhah district, a mixed-methods approach was used, combining field surveys, 3D modeling (Revit), and seasonal shadow simulations (March, September, December) to quantify daylight deprivation. The results reveal severe shading in winter (78.3% site coverage in December) and identify slope-dependent setbacks as a key determinant: for instance, a 15 m building on a 30% slope requires a 26.4 m rear setback to mitigate shadows, compared to 13.8 m on flat terrain. Over 39% of basements in the study area remain permanently shaded due to retaining walls, correlating with poor living conditions. The findings challenge Amman’s one-size-fits-all regulatory framework (Building Code No. 67, 1979), and we propose adaptive guidelines, including slope-adjusted setbacks, restricted basement usage, and optimized street orientation. This research underscores the urgency of context-sensitive urban policies in mountainous cities to balance developmental density with daylight equity, offering a replicable methodology for similar Mediterranean climates. Full article

Intensive parenting is a parenting style in which parents, especially mothers, devote significant portions of their time, money, and energy to their children. An intensive parenting attitude questionnaire has been developed that assesses five dimensions of intensive parenting attitude: (1) Essentialism, (2) Fulfillment, (3) Challenging, (4) Stimulation, and (5) Child-centered. Psychologists suggest this attitude can negatively impact maternal mental health or well-being, with the impact varying according to cultural and societal values or socioeconomic and occupational status. There is a need to investigate the effect of intensive parenting attitude on mothers with a focus on a specific culture and maternal background, especially in societies with strongly gendered division of labor. The questionnaire survey examined whether housewives with at least one infant or preschool-aged child (n = 467) and part-time working mothers (n = 148) were affected by intensive parenting attitude in Japan, where there is strongly gendered division of labor and mothers usually take on the burden of housework and childcare responsibilities. In this study, the effects of maternal socioeconomic status and perceived social support were controlled for in order to elucidate the link between intensive parenting attitudes and maternal well-being and self-efficacy. Results showed that, when controlling for socioeconomic status and perceived social support, each dimension of intensive parenting attitude was significantly associated with perceived maternal stress, general life satisfaction, and self-efficacy. Most surprisingly, Essentialism was negatively associated with perceived stress and positively associated with self-efficacy. These findings suggest that the effects of intensive parenting attitude on mothers depend on current child-rearing circumstances and societal or country values. Future research on intensive parenting attitude should consider social variables of mothers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health is an important element of overall health and quality of life. However, few studies have evaluated the association between quality of life (QOL) and oral function, including tongue and lip movements. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oral-related QOL and oral function, including tongue and lip movements, in independent elderly people. Methods: The participants were 143 community-dwelling elderly people in Taiwan (40 men, 103 women; 76.4 ± 6.4 years). We used the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to evaluate oral-related QOL. The items used to evaluate oral function were as follows: the speed of tongue movement from side to side, maximum tongue pressure, maximum lip pressure, the repeated saliva swallowing test, oral diadochokinesis (speed and dexterity when pronouncing /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/), and masticatory performance. In addition, we surveyed the number of remaining teeth, denture use, and awareness of problems at mealtimes. For the analysis, we compared the GOHAI score for each group, divided by cutoff values. Results: The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the GOHAI score according to denture use, the number of remaining teeth, the state of occlusal support areas, the speed of tongue movement from side to side, oral diadochokinesis /ta/ and /ka/, and masticatory performance. The logistic regression analysis revealed that oral diadochokinesis /ka/ was a significant explanatory variable for low GOHAI scores (odds ratio = 13.145). Conclusions: Our results imply that lower oral-related QOL was associated with slow motor function at the rear area of the tongue. Full article

This study examines the stability of the Huangyukou landslide in Yanqing District, Beijing, under varying rainfall conditions, focusing on the effects of rainfall infiltration and surface runoff on slope stability. Using a combination of field surveys, geophysical methods, drone photogrammetry, and laboratory testing, a high-precision 2D and 3D numerical model was developed. A hydrological-soil-structure coupling model was employed to simulate rainfall-induced infiltration and runoff processes, revealing that increased saturation and pore water pressure significantly reduce shear strength, enhancing the risk of slope failure. Stability analysis, using a reduction factor method, yielded stability coefficients of 1.06 and 1.04 for 20-year and 100-year return period rainfall scenarios, respectively. The results highlight the critical role of rainfall in destabilizing the upper layers of dolomite and shale, with significant deformation observed in the middle and rear slope sections. This research provides a comprehensive framework for assessing landslide risk under extreme rainfall events, offering practical implications for risk mitigation in similar geological contexts. Full article

Insect-based dog food is increasingly becoming available in pet food markets, potentially offering environmental and nutritional benefits, depending on insect species and how they are reared, processed, and utilized. However, there is limited understanding of dog owners’ attitudes towards the use of insects as protein alternatives for dogs. An online survey was conducted to explore Australian dog owners’ (n = 201) attitudes towards insect-based pet food, segmenting participants according to their food neophobia, previous insect consumption, and dog-human relationship. Participants’ dog food purchases were highly influenced by perceived health/nutrition, palatability, and product quality, with these factors being of most importance to ‘dog people’ (i.e., participants with closer relationships with their dogs). Participants were reasonably accepting of insect-based pet food made from mealworms and crickets and slightly accepting of products made from black soldier fly larvae. In contrast, participants’ responses to plant-based pet foods were neutral. Food neophiles, and to a lesser extent, insect-eating consumers (i.e., those who had previously eaten insects), were found to be more willing to feed their dogs insects in comparison to non-neophiles and non-insect-eating consumers. Overall, Australian dog owners appear to be supportive of feeding their dogs diets supplemented with insect protein. Insights from this study will help inform the development and marketing of insect-based pet foods. Full article

This paper analyses the impact of a front brake light (FBL) on road safety from a pedestrian perspective. In addition to the traditional brake lights mounted at the rear of vehicles, an FBL can provide extra information about the driver’s intention to stop, especially to road users looking at the front of the approaching vehicle. This innovative feature aims to improve road safety by providing additional visual cues, where rear brake lights are not visible. Because pedestrians usually have a better line of sight to the front of a vehicle, the front brake light is more effective in alerting them to an impending stop. Therefore, an FBL could help them feel more confident when crossing the road by helping determine if it is safe to do so. A total of 621 questionnaires were collected from pedestrians who participated in the first real field test of FBL. The test period was conducted from November 2022 to September 2023 in two neighbouring regions of Slovakia. Their feedback allowed us to assess how the presence of an FBL influenced their perception of road safety, particularly when crossing roads. As a statistical result, more than 81% of the participants felt safer when crossing the road due to the presence of an FBL. Notably, the older generation evaluated FBLs very positively, while the youngest generation demonstrated more dangerous behaviour. Furthermore, the survey revealed that a significant proportion of respondents maintained a more reserved attitude towards the benefits of FBLs, largely due to a lack of information. Full article

Human–wildlife conflict poses significant ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural communities where agriculture and livestock rearing form the backbone of livelihoods. Despite the growing importance of this issue, District Lakki Marwat remains an unexplored area of northwest Pakistan. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically assessing the status, economic impacts, and community perceptions of five wildlife species: wild boar (Sus scrofa), grey wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Using semi-structured surveys with 117 respondents, we analyzed species prevalence, perceived danger levels, crop damage patterns, and predation impacts on livestock and poultry. The findings revealed that wild boars were identified as the primary contributors to agricultural damage, with total annual crop losses surpassing the economic impacts attributed to the studied carnivores. On average, each surveyed household experienced an annual loss of PKR 4510.38. For the 39% of households reporting crop damage, the annual loss per reported household was PKR 11,727, which was higher than the average annual loss across all households, underscoring the severity of the impact on those specifically affected by the wild boar-related crop damage. Notably, community attitudes were most negative toward wild boars, a pattern driven by the economic burden of crop losses, challenging the conventional focus on carnivores as the primary conflict species. A Pearson’s $X^2$ test confirmed strong associations between species and perceived danger levels, while regression analysis demonstrated an association between crop damage and negative attitudes. Traditional deterrents like thorn fences were found ineffective against wild boars. More advanced methods, including game-proof fencing, trenches, bio-fencing, crop rotation, audio and visual deterrents, taste and order repellents, and watchtowers combined with group vigilance, are recommended to reduce crop damage. Integrating these approaches with community-based education, habitat management, and government-supported compensation schemes can mitigate wild boar impacts. This study contributes new insights into multi-species HWC dynamics, demonstrating that community perceptions are primarily shaped by the economic impact of a species, regardless of whether it is a carnivore or an omnivore. The attitudes of local communities are driven by the financial losses incurred, rather than the species' behavior or ecological role. This study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to reduce human–wildlife conflict, foster coexistence, and ensure ecological balance in vulnerable rural areas. Full article

In the control of agricultural and forestry pests, excessive reliance on chemical pesticides has led to increasingly severe issues, such as toxic residues and heightened pest resistance. The effective use of biological control has become a major focus in pest management. Parasitoid wasps, as a critical natural enemy of pests, are widely distributed, diverse in species, and play an essential role in natural pest control. Copidosomopsis nacoleiae, a recently discovered polyembryonic endoparasitoid wasp, parasitizes Diaphania angustalis; yet, its biological characteristics remain insufficiently studied. The artificial rearing and population propagation of this wasp have not yet been achieved, and its reproductive behavior and rhythm are not fully understood. To better utilize natural enemy resources and maximize their pest control benefits, we conducted laboratory rearing, behavioral observation, and population surveys to investigate the morphological characteristics, life history, and behavioral patterns of C. nacoleiae. Under laboratory conditions, C. nacoleiae has a generational cycle of 48.71 ± 0.48 days, with an egg–larval period of 32.17 ± 0.20 days and a pupal period of 14.36 ± 0.27 days. Adult wasps require nutritional supplementation and have a maximum lifespan of 2.18 ± 0.09 days when fed 10% honey water. The pre-mating period for adults is 4.72 ± 0.24 h, with an average mating frequency of 5.17 ± 1.65 times per lifetime. Females have a pre-oviposition period of 2.80 ± 0.31 h and an oviposition period of 4.52 ± 0.12 h, laying between 2 and 95 eggs, with an average of 12.75 ± 9.99 eggs, totaling 107.55 ± 28.38 eggs over their lifespan. Offspring production increases with the body length of the host’s mature larvae. Through the successful establishment of a laboratory population of D. angustalis, the biological characteristics, reproductive behavior, and rhythms of C. nacoleiae were systematically examined in this study, and its occurrence dynamics in the field were investigated. These results provide a theoretical foundation for the large-scale propagation and application of C. nacoleiae to control D. angustalis populations effectively. Full article

The Haor region in northeastern Bangladesh, characterized by seasonal wetlands and a heavy reliance on fisheries, faces significant challenges due to climate change. Erratic rainfall, prolonged flooding, and ecosystem degradation threaten traditional fishing practices and community livelihoods. This study investigates the potential of climate-resilient cage aquaculture as a sustainable, alternative income-generating solution for vulnerable Haor communities. An 80-day experiment was conducted in five villages of Sunamganj district, Sylhet division, Bangladesh, where tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry were reared in climate-resilient floating cages at five stocking densities: T1 (800 fry/m³), T2 (900 fry/m³), T3 (1000 fry/m³), T4 (1100 fry/m³), and T5 (1200 fry/m³). Key environmental parameters, including temperature (28.12–29.55 °C), dissolved oxygen (4.61–6.55 mg/L), pH (7.53–7.72), and ammonia (0.05–0.76 mg/L), remained within optimal ranges across treatments. Growth performance, survival rate, and economic feasibility were evaluated with T5 yielding the highest gross production (51.77 ± 4.80 kg/m³) and net benefits (7500 ± 500 BDT/m³), achieving a benefit–cost ratio of 1:2.86. The survey findings revealed that a majority of fishers (82%) identified tilapia cage culture as a promising alternative livelihood, yet financial constraints and limited access to credit hinder adoption. Despite these socioeconomic challenges, our findings suggest that tilapia cage culture offers a viable income-generating solution, particularly during flood periods. The study highlights floating cage aquaculture as a climate-resilient strategy to mitigate climate impacts, enhance food security, and improve economic resilience in flood-prone and ecologically sensitive regions. Full article

In many areas where larval Pacific lampreys currently rear, maximum stream temperatures may approach 27–31 °C during the next 75 years. Whether larval Pacific lampreys in natural conditions can tolerate these temperatures is unknown. To evaluate this ability, we conducted Direct Acute Exposure (DAE) experiments using simulated natural daily temperature (SNT) cycles in the laboratory and occupancy surveys in the Umatilla River (river). When evaluated relative to daily maximum temperatures, after seven days in DAE experiments, 78–100% of larvae survived in 29.1 °C, only larvae acclimated to 26.8 °C survived in 31.0 °C, and no larvae survived in 33.6 °C. Based on daily maximum temperatures, the ultimate upper incipient lethal temperature was estimated to be >30.8 °C using a time to death analysis and >32.0 °C using a percent mortality analysis. Some larvae acclimated to 31.0 °C were also able to survive four consecutive days with a daily maximum temperature of 33.6 °C. In 2018–2020, warm areas of the river experienced maximum temperatures in July and August that ranged from 27.7 to 33.9 °C, while cool areas experienced maximum temperatures <27.7 °C. Before, during and after the period of maximum temperatures each year, larvae occupied both areas. Detection probabilities ranged from 0.83 to 1.00 and were similar for each area and for all survey periods. This work suggests that ectothermic, larval Pacific lampreys in natural environments may be resilient to the water temperatures that are likely to result from climate warming. It is unclear whether relatively high but sublethal temperatures may impact the behavior, and ultimately survival, of larval Pacific lampreys. Full article

Exogenous plant hormones regulate the agronomic and physiological performance of plants and thus can influence the abundance of insect groups. We surveyed the arthropods on flowering plants Cnidium monnieri and found that the abundance of natural enemies Propylaea japonica and Orius minutus in the plots treated with salicylic acid (SA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) was significantly increased compared with those in the clean water (control) plots. Then, we investigated the effects of spraying SA, IAA, and clean water on the population parameters of Semiaphis heraclei reared on C. monnieri. Our results from the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis revealed a significantly shorter pre-adult duration for aphids reared on SA-treated C. monnieri compared to those reared on the other two treatments. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate of aphids reared on SA- and IAA-treated C. monnieri were significantly higher than those of aphids reared on clean water-treated C. monnieri. The fecundity rate was higher under the SA and IAA treatments than in the control, but the difference was not significant. This improved the ability of flowering plants to attract natural enemies by providing a larger food source. Full article

Agricultural pesticides may play a crucial role in the selection of resistance in field populations of mosquito vectors. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility level of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids in vegetable farms in northern Benin, in West Africa, and the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms. A survey on agricultural practices was carried out on 85 market gardeners chosen randomly in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae were collected, reared to adult stages, and identified to species level. Susceptibility was tested with impregnated papers (WHO bioassays) or CDC bottles according to the insecticides. Synergists (PBO, DEM, and DEF) were used to screen resistance mechanisms. Allelic frequencies of the kdr (L1014F), kdr (L1014S), N1575Y, and ace-1R G119S mutations were determined in mosquitoes using Taqman PCR. Fertilizers and pesticides were the agrochemicals most used with a rate of 97.78% and 100%, respectively, in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant species in Malanville, while An. gambiae was the only species found in Parakou. Bioassays revealed a high resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and DDT, while a susceptibility to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin was recorded. Resistance to acetamiprid was suspected in mosquitoes from both localities. A lower resistance level was observed when mosquitoes were pre-treated with synergists, then exposed to insecticides. The kdr L1014F mutation was observed in both locations at moderate frequencies (0.50 in Malanville and 0.55 in Parakou). The allelic frequencies of N1575Y and G119S were low in both study sites. This study confirmed the resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to insecticides used in agriculture and public health. It reveals a susceptibility of vectors to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin, thus indicating that these insecticides can be used as an alternative in Benin to control malaria vectors. Full article

Climate change remains a pressing global issue, affecting sectors including agriculture and forest resources, in countries such as Uganda. This research focused on exploring the viewpoints of youth in Uganda concerning adapting to climate change, and their interest in becoming involved in agroforestry transition, by conducting a survey involving 1138 participants from the youth demographic group aiming to gather information about their level of hopefulness towards climate adaptation efforts and how they perceive the impact of farming practices and deforestation. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate youth willingness to participate in agroforestry (WTPA) initiatives. The study used descriptive statistics as well as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to analyze the collected data. We found that most participants are hopeful about adapting to climate change (89%). This positive and highly significant outlook is closely related to their willingness to participate in agroforestry adaptation efforts (0.000). Moreover, a high percentage of participants (92%) acknowledged how farming practices, such as cultivation and livestock rearing, could degrade land significantly. Whereas Gender, Age and Employment were found to be highly and positively significant regarding youth’s WTPA (0.000), income was not. Other determinants, such as saving nature, soil conservation, water regulation and protection, financial/income, forest-related foods and fruits, and firewood, influenced youth willingness to participate in agroforestry activities. Incorporating indigenous practices and encouraging meaningful involvement from policymakers can empower youth and strengthen community-led initiatives to address environmental decline effectively. This research highlights the capacity of youth engagement in steering successful climate resilience measures via agroforestry practices in Uganda. Full article

The objective of the EU project Resilience for Dairy (R4D) is to develop and strengthen a self-sustainable Thematic Network on resilient dairy farms in 15 European countries. This article focusses on those solutions (practices and techniques) that are assessed contributing to a resilient dairy farming sector. The opinions of experts, farmers, and stakeholders were collected and scored through surveys and in a series of local workshops. Six key contributing knowledge fields are included: economic and social resilience, technical efficiency, environment, animal welfare and health, and societal perception. Assessing these knowledge fields proved to be a good predictor for measuring resilience. Only the impact fields of animal welfare and health and societal perception overlapped each other in response. This study shows differences in the choice of solutions across Europe. Experts from South and East Europe are more positive about the contribution of solutions to resilience than their colleagues from North and West Europe, except for social life items. Expert and farmer/stakeholder opinions differ regarding several of the solutions. Technical efficiency is a leading strategy. Priority topics of interest are communication with society, renewable energy production, strategic hoof trimming, early detection of diseases, monitoring fertility and health, and calf rearing. Besides resilience, attractiveness and readiness of the solutions were also assessed. Full article