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Found 6374 publications
Emission analysis of liquefied natural gas and diesel heavy-duty trucks using on-board monitoring method
Publication Name: Journal of Ecological Engineering
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 26
Issue: 2
Page Range: 258-271
Description:
Environmental protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are becoming top priorities in the mobility sector especially in heavy-duty truck (HDT) sector. In recent years, numerous regulations, targets, and initiatives have been introduced, all of which strongly promote the reduction of carbon-dioxide (CO2 ) emissions, the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, and the use of renewable energy sources. The study compares CO2 emissions and fuel consumption between conventional diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) from the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The research was conducted on multiple levels, with a primary focus on control based on test track measurements. This was preceded by a simulation phase and followed by public road measurement-based validation process. In this study, we used the onboard monitoring (OBM) emission analysis method, a cost-effective and accurate process where data was recorded from the fleet management system (FMS) using controller area network (CAN) messages. The results are presented in several stages from simulation to data validation. Our research represents a unique study in the field of HDVs, as the measurements were conducted on a test track, supported by simulations and public road tests. The results of the project clearly demonstrate that gas technology can contribute to reducing GHG emissions in HDVs, and LNG provides a reliable alternative for long-distance transportation.
Open Access: Yes
Innovative public-health strategies for neurodegenerative disease: leveraging diversified ultraviolet irradiation as a next-generation therapy
Publication Name: Brazilian Journal of Biology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 85
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are escalating worldwide, straining healthcare systems and leaving patients with therapies that are largely palliative. Emerging evidence positions diversified ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as a groundbreaking, non-invasive strategy to counter these disorders. Beyond its traditional use in sterilization, specific UV spectra, UV-B (280–320 nm), UV-C (200–280 nm), and far-UV (207–222 nm), are now recognized for modulating oxidative stress, restoring mitochondrial function, correcting apoptotic dysregulation, and enhancing DNA repair. Innovative approaches such as riboflavin-mediated phototherapy and photobiomodulation (PBM) show the capacity to disaggregate toxic protein aggregates like β-amyloid and α-synuclein, boost antioxidant defenses, stimulate neurotrophic factors, and quell neuroinflammation. Preclinical models and early clinical trials reveal preserved cognition, enhanced neurogenesis, and reduced disease biomarkers, suggesting real translational promise. From a public-health perspective, UV-based interventions offer a cost-effective, scalable option for aging populations and resource-limited settings, especially when integrated with community-level health technologies and remote delivery platforms. Continued investigation of optimal dosing, long-term safety, and mechanistic pathways will be pivotal to unlock the full therapeutic and population-wide impact of this novel modality.
Open Access: Yes
Marine Ecosystems in Peril: The Impact of the Recent War on Gaza’s Coastal and Marine Life
Publication Name: Sustainable Development Goals Series
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Part F472
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 189-202
Description:
This chapter explores the severe impacts of the recent war (October 2023–January 2025) on Gaza’s coastal and marine ecosystems, with a focus on threats to marine biodiversity, environmental health, and the livelihoods that rely on these ecosystems, while addressing the challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). It examines the environmental effects on coastal communities, including habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, pollution from debris, oil spills, chemical contaminants, and the degradation of water quality. The socioeconomic repercussions are equally significant, encompassing increased poverty, loss of income, soaring unemployment, and worsening food insecurity. The discussion extends to the implications for SDG 14, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive environmental monitoring, targeted restoration initiatives, and strengthened international support to rehabilitate Gaza’s marine ecosystems. The chapter underscores the importance of peacebuilding, sustainable management practices, and global cooperation in safeguarding these critical ecosystems and ensuring their resilience in the face of war. This analysis is grounded in both grey literature and peer-reviewed publications, offering a robust foundation for understanding the multifaceted challenges and proposing actionable solutions to support long-term recovery and sustainability.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric Analyses of the Italian 8-Item, 9-Item, and 12-Item Versions of the Depression, Stress and Anxiety Scale
Publication Name: Evaluation and the Health Professions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The present study aimed to validate the Italian 8-item, 9-item, and 12-item versions of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), addressing the need for shorter yet psychometrically robust measures. Two studies were conducted with different samples. In Study 1 (n = 541), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability testing of the short-form versions of the DASS were performed, and their convergent validity with life satisfaction and mental well-being was examined. Study 2 (n = 321) extended this validation by reassessing factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity using constructs associated with psychological distress, including positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Results demonstrated that all short-form versions retained the three-factor structure of the original DASS-21, with overall sufficient fit indices, especially the 9-item model. Reliability metrics confirmed internal consistency (all Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega ≥0.70). Convergent validity analyses indicated strong correlations between the short-form versions of DASS-21 (min = 0.675, max = 0.956) and associated psychological constructs, aligning with theoretical expectations. The scales captured the relationships between psychological distress, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, mental well-being, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Findings suggest that the Italian versions of the DASS-8, DASS-9, and DASS-12 provide feasible and reliable alternatives to the DASS-21 for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress, supporting their usefulness in clinical and research contexts, particularly in circumstances in which brevity is essential.
Open Access: Yes
Investigation of Digital Light Processing-Based 3D Printing for Optimized Tooling in Automotive and Electronics Sheet Metal Forming
Publication Name: Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study addresses the emerging need for efficient and cost-effective solutions in low-volume production by exploring the mechanical performance and industrial feasibility of cutting tools that are fabricated using stereolithography apparatus (SLA) technology. SLA’s high-resolution capabilities make it suitable for creating precise cutting dies, which were tested on aluminum sheets (Al99.5, 0.3 mm, and AlMg3, 1.0 mm) under a 60-ton hydraulic press. Measurements using digital image correlation (DIC) revealed minimal wear and deformation, with tolerances consistently within IT 0.1 mm. The results demonstrated that SLA-printed tools perform comparably to conventional metal tools in cutting and bending operations, achieving similar surface quality and edge precision while significantly reducing the production time and cost. Despite some limitations in wear resistance, the findings highlight SLA technology’s potential for rapid prototyping and short-run manufacturing in the automotive and electronics sectors. This research fills a critical gap in understanding SLA-based tooling applications, offering insights into process optimization to enhance tool durability and broaden material compatibility. These advancements position SLA technology as a transformative tool-making technology for flexible manufacturing.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/jmmp9010025
An insightful multicriteria model for the selection of drilling technique for heat extraction from geothermal reservoirs using a fuzzy-rough approach
Publication Name: Information Sciences
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 686
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Geothermal energy stands out as an exceptional renewable resource for power generation, offering a consistent power production without the intermittency issues. Despite its potential to deliver a consistent supply of electricity on demand, geothermal adoption is hindered due to substantial costs. Utilising the most effective drilling method can alleviate this challenge by boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs. The primary goal of this study is to identify the best drilling method for extracting heat from geothermal reservoirs. This optimised approach facilitates better access to geothermal reservoirs, leading to increased heat recovery rates and improved project viability. Traditional methods often fall short in evaluating optimal drilling alternatives due to uncertainties. To address this, our research introduces an innovative paradigm that integrates novel T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Rough (T−SHFR) set, method for the removal effects of criteria with a geometric mean and ranking alternatives with weights of criterion hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. By leveraging the novel T−SHFR concept, our approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of various factors. This holistic evaluation ensures an exhaustive comprehension of the decision-making environment. The study reveals that reservoir characteristics play a significant role in selecting a sustainable drilling alternative. Furthermore, directional drilling appears as the most promising method with higher energy yields followed by slim hole drilling. The robustness and credibility of these findings are established through sensitivity and comparative analyses, indicating the potential applicability of this MCDM method to analogous challenges in different contexts. The findings of the ranking techniques were validated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, which revealed a positive and notable correlation. This research will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy projects.
Open Access: Yes
Leveraging Industry 4.0 Technologies in the Food Sector to Reduce Poverty (SDG 1)
Publication Name: Sustainable Development Goals Series
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Part F1068
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 51-67
Description:
This chapter examines how fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies can serve as powerful enablers for poverty reduction by transforming the food sector, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1). Recognizing poverty as a multidimensional challenge, the chapter focuses on the role of recent technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and big data, among other Industry 4.0 technologies, in revolutionizing agriculture and the food industry. These innovative advances offer significant potential to enhance productivity, optimize resource use, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase market access for smallholder farmers and food producers. Through a literature review, the chapter outlines mechanisms by which Industry 4.0 can generate inclusive employment and elevate incomes in rural and underserved communities. The findings emphasize that effective digital transformation in the food sector requires targeted investments in infrastructure, skills development, supportive policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. By strategically leveraging Industry 4.0 innovations, the food system can become a critical vehicle for sustainable, inclusive economic development and long-term poverty alleviation.
Open Access: Yes
The impact of socio-economic factors on the dynamics of social pressure in Kazakhstan
Publication Name: Problems and Perspectives in Management
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 23
Issue: 4
Page Range: 61-74
Description:
The purpose of the study was is to assess the impact of key factors (including employment, income, poverty level, prices and social support) on the dynamics of social pressure in Kazakhstan. The analysis covered the period from 2014 to 2024 and utilized official data. The methodology combines entropy-based ranking of indicators, calculation of the Socio-Economic Pressure Index (SEPI), Social Stability Index (SSI), and Social Inertia Index (SII), as well as phase-portrait visualization. The entropy ranking revealed that the share of population below the food basket cost (di = 0.71; Wi = 0.2381) and housing assistance (di = 0.516; Wi = 0.1728) had the highest variability and the strongest influence on SEPI. Moreover, SEPI rose from 0.0967 in 2014 to its peak in 2023 – over 20 times higher – before falling to 0.53 in 2024. SSI dropped from 4.94 in 2017 to 0.44 in 2023, with minimal adaptive capacity, and partial recovery to 1.87 in 2024. There was recorded instability of positive changes and a high likelihood of renewed pressure due to the lowest value of SII (–3.24) in 2024. Thus, long-term stability and a reduction in the social sphere’s susceptibility to external and internal shocks require integrated policy measures that combine targeted support, income regulation, and adaptive governance.
Open Access: Yes
Vehicle Dynamics Measurements with a Unique Measuring System for Trams
Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 1258 LNNS
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 24-33
Description:
One of the paramount challenges in contemporary urban transport is the efficient maintenance and operation of tramway tracks, aiming to maximize their lifespan while ensuring safe and comfortable passenger travel. Traditional methods of examining superstructure systems through observation and geometric measurements are insufficient; understanding the dynamics of vehicles adhering to their schedules is equally critical. To address this, we developed an innovative portable vehicle dynamics measurement system equipped with accelerometers and a GPS module (with GNSS system), facilitating real-time tram dynamics testing. This versatile device can be deployed at any time and on any tram, enabling continuous monitoring of track conditions. The dynamic data gathered can be systematically compared with geometric measurements, providing comprehensive insights into the railway track's condition and informing maintenance strategies. The paper consists of several examples for comparison (geometric and dynamic data series) and discusses how to develop the instrument further.
Open Access: Yes
