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Found 6334 publications
Sustainable city tourism—A systematic analysis of Budapest and Mumbai
Publication Name: Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 9
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
International Tourist arrivals, guest nights and their contribution to GDP are key indicators reflecting a country’s actual perception. A growing percentage of tourists prioritize environmental awareness across tourism products and services each year. Dest inations aiming to meet the expectations of eco conscious travellers must center sustainability in their branding strategies. This approach aligns with UNWTO (World Tourism Organization of United Nations) Agenda 2030 of sustainable tourism development. This paper examines various dimensions of sustainability in tourism, focusing on Mumbai and Budapest. Using specific sustainability indicators, it employs sustainability city index to compare international tourism in these cities, which face distinct environmental and infrastructural challenges. By using specific sustainability indicators such as: (1) Carbon Emissions: Measurement of the total greenhouse gases produced by the city. (2) Proportion of Green Public Spaces: Evaluation of the percentage of urban areas dedicated to parks and natural spaces. (3) State of Infrastructure: Assessment of the quality and sustainability of urban infrastructure, including transportation systems. (4) Water Usage: Analysis of the amount of water consumed by the city and its conservation practices. (5) Waste Management: Review of the city’s effectiveness in managing and recycling waste. (6) Air Pollution: Monitoring of the levels of pollutants in the air to assess environmental health. This research provides a comprehensive view of how cities can attract environmentally conscious tourists. The findings offer guidance for policy makers and tourism professionals to align strategies with sustainable development goals. This detailed assessment highlights each city’s commitment to sustainability and delivers actionable insights for improving tourism strategies in accordance with global standards. While valuable for tourism professionals, it is important to note that this research covers only six SCI factors, with incomplete data for studied countries. The practical and social implications indicate areas needing improvement to enhance tourist appeal, beneficial for industry professionals and educational purposes. This comparative analysis aids in promoting sustainable tourism and can guide governments in achieving sustainability goals with raising awareness of environmental quality and conscious living.
Open Access: Yes
Description of Ixodes lanigeri sp. nov., a new hard tick species (Acari, Ixodidae) collected from mouse-eared bats (Vespertilionidae, Myotis) in Vietnam
Publication Name: Zookeys
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 2024
Issue: 1215
Page Range: 107-125
Description:
Historically, for more than one and a half centuries, only one so-called “long-legged bat tick” species, i.e., Ixodes vespertilionis Koch was known to science. However, during the past decade, it was recognized on a molecular basis that long-legged ixodid ticks associated with bats may represent at least six species. Of these, until recently, five have been morphologically described. In this study, Ixodes ticks were collected from two Myotis species in southeastern Asia, Vietnam. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics of the female, nymph and larva, Ixodes lanigeri Hornok, sp. nov. is described here. The male is unknown. Like other members of the Ixodes ariadnae complex, I. lanigeri Hornok apparently shows a preference for vesper bats as its typical hosts. In this context, host-association and geographical separation may explain the evolutionary divergence of I. lanigeri Hornok from its closest relative occurring on Murina hilgendorfi Peters in East Asia, Japan, because no Myotis or Murina spp. have overlapping distribution between Vietnam and the main islands of Japan. On the other hand, supposing that (similarly to I. ariadnae) I. lanigeri Hornok probably occurs on other myotine bats and knowing that several Myotis species indigenous in Vietnam have a broad geographical range in southern and southeastern Asia, the new tick species most likely has a widespread distribution in this area.
Open Access: Yes
The Environmental Sustainability Potential of Autonomous Vehicles: An Overview
Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Transportation Engineering
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 52
Issue: 3
Page Range: 246-256
Description:
The optimization of transportation systems and the integration of autonomous vehicles (AV) are significantly transforming urban mobility and exerting outstanding effects from an environmental perspective. This article examines the possibilities of autonomous vehicles in reducing traffic congestion, emissions, and energy consumption. The optimized driving style of AVs, dynamic route planning, and enhanced intersection systems have a profound impact on emission reduction. The article also delves into current development trends and challenges, encompassing advancements in AV sensing technologies, traffic safety, and cybersecurity. These findings collectively suggest that the deployment of autonomous vehicles brings substantial benefits to sustainable urban mobility; however, further development is necessary to support the widespread adoption of AVs and strengthen societal trust.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3311/pptr.23933
Design of Gain-Scheduled Lateral Controllers for Autonomous Vehicles †
Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 79
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This paper focuses on the design and comparative analysis of speed-dependent lateral control systems for autonomous vehicles, focusing on optimizing vehicular dynamics and passenger comfort to ensure stability and safety. Adapting control systems to varying speeds becomes crucial for maintaining stability and maneuverability as autonomous technologies progress. This study evaluates their effectiveness in real-time navigation scenarios within a simulated environment by applying gain-scheduled linear quadratic regulators and model predictive control. The results show that while traditional controllers, such as Pure Pursuit, perform adequately under constant speed conditions, adaptive model-based algorithms significantly enhance the performance, especially in dynamic driving situations involving speed variations.
Open Access: Yes
Detecting New Hijacked Journals by Using a List of Known Hijacked Journals and the Diagnosis of Web Domain Data
Publication Name: Serials Review
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 50
Issue: 3-4
Page Range: 91-96
Description:
Academia has faced the challenge of emerging hijacked journals, which create a fake website for a legitimate journal by copying its name, ISSN, and other metadata. Authors submitting a manuscript to a hijacked journal would not recognize that the journal website was for a hijacked journal instead of the legitimate one. There are various methods for detecting hijacked journals that are usable by information technology savvy researchers. Detected hijacked journals through use of these methods are usually then added to hijacked journals blacklists. This paper presents a new method for hijacked journals detection that uses the web domain data and list of known hijacked journals to identify new ones. By implementing this method, nine new hijacked journals were identified. This method can be used for detecting new hijacked journals and preventing additional victims–authors who submit papers to the hijacked instead of the legitimate journal.
Open Access: Yes
A new method proposed for realizing human gait pattern recognition: Inspirations for the application of sports and clinical gait analysis
Publication Name: Gait and Posture
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 107
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 293-305
Description:
Background: Finding the best subset of gait features among biomechanical variables is considered very important because of its ability to identify relevant sports and clinical gait pattern differences to be explored under specific study conditions. This study proposes a new method of metaheuristic optimization-based selection of optimal gait features, and then investigates how much contribution the selected gait features can achieve in gait pattern recognition. Methods: Firstly, 800 group gait datasets performed feature extraction to initially eliminate redundant variables. Then, the metaheuristic optimization algorithm model was performed to select the optimal gait feature, and four classification algorithm models were used to recognize the selected gait feature. Meanwhile, the accuracy results were compared with two widely used feature selection methods and previous studies to verify the validity of the new method. Finally, the final selected features were used to reconstruct the data waveform to interpret the biomechanical meaning of the gait feature. Results: The new method finalized 10 optimal gait features (6 ankle-related and 4-related knee features) based on the extracted 36 gait features (85 % variable explanation) by feature extraction. The accuracy in gait pattern recognition among the optimal gait features selected by the new method (99.81 % ± 0.53 %) was significantly higher than that of the feature-based sorting of effect size (94.69 % ± 2.68 %), the sequential forward selection (95.59 % ± 2.38 %), and the results of previous study. The interval between reconstructed waveform-high and reconstructed waveform-low curves based on the selected feature was larger during the whole stance phase. Significance: The selected gait feature based on the proposed new method (metaheuristic optimization-based selection) has a great contribution to gait pattern recognition. Sports and clinical gait pattern recognition can benefit from population-based metaheuristic optimization techniques. The metaheuristic optimization algorithms are expected to provide a practical and elegant solution for sports and clinical biomechanical feature selection with better economy and accuracy.
Open Access: Yes
Rethinking running biomechanics: a critical review of ground reaction forces, tibial bone loading, and the role of wearable sensors
Publication Name: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 12
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study presents a comprehensive review of the correlation between tibial acceleration (TA), ground reaction forces (GRF), and tibial bone loading, emphasizing the critical role of wearable sensor technology in accurately measuring these biomechanical forces in the context of running. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched various electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect) to identify relevant studies. It critically evaluates existing research on GRF and tibial acceleration (TA) as indicators of running-related injuries, revealing mixed findings. Intriguingly, recent empirical data indicate only a marginal link between GRF, TA, and tibial bone stress, thus challenging the conventional understanding in this field. The study also highlights the limitations of current biomechanical models and methodologies, proposing a paradigm shift towards more holistic and integrated approaches. The study underscores wearable sensors’ potential, enhanced by machine learning, in transforming the monitoring, prevention, and rehabilitation of running-related injuries.
Open Access: Yes
Psychometric Properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale Relationship to Weight Stigma and Body Esteem
Publication Name: Stigma and Health
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Physical inactivity is a growing problem that contributes to a range of negative health consequences, such as psychological and physical issues and weight gain. Recent evidence suggests that the tendency to avoid physical activity is associated with weight stigma and low (body-related) self-esteem. New cross-culturally validated psychometric scales for assessing nonparticipation in physical activity could help researchers and practitioners better understand the psychosocial factors contributing to avoidance of physical activity and for the more efficient promotion of an active lifestyle. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis and calculating the scale’s internal consistency and convergent/ discriminant validity. An Italian sample (N = 235; 57.4% females, Mage = 35.17 years; SD = ±10.83) participated in an online survey. The measures included the TAPAS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, and Exercise Addiction Inventory–Revised. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a first-order one-factor scale, and the TAPAS showed good internal consistency. Additionally, the TAPAS was positively associated with body mass index, weight stigma, anxiety, stress, and depression; it was negatively associated with self-esteem and body self-esteem. The results suggest that the TAPAS is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure for assessing the tendency to avoid physical activity and sport among Italian-speaking individuals. The study also expands the knowledge of psychosocial factors involved in avoiding sports and participation in physical activity.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1037/sah0000579
First record of Ixodes (Scaphixodes) caledonicus in the Carpathian Basin and first time molecular-phylogenetic analysis of this tick species with updated host records and geographical range
Publication Name: Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Four Ixodes species represent the subgenus Scaphixodes Schulze, 1941 in Europe, but none of them were reported to be compared in a molecular-phylogenetic context. This study compensates for this lack of data. A tick larva, morphologically identified as Ixodes (Scaphixodes) caledonicus Nuttall, 1910, was collected from an Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba) during its nesting period in Transylvania, Romania. Following DNA extraction, PCR analyses and sequencing in part with newly designed primers, three genetic markers of this specimen were amplified and compared to GenBank data, and two were analyzed phylogenetically. Based on sequence comparisons of its mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and nuclear 28S rRNA genes I. caledonicus appeared to be closely related to members of the subgenus Pholeoixodes. However, the topology of the concatenated cox1 and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic tree clearly showed its clustering with Ixodes (Scaphixodes) philipi. In conclusion, I. caledonicus is part of the tick fauna of Romania and is expected to occur also in other countries of the Carpathian Basin where rocky cliffs are available for nesting of swifts and other birds. This is the first species of the subgenus Scaphixodes in Europe, for which the traditional (morphology-based) taxonomic assignment is confirmed by molecular-phylogenetic analyses.
Open Access: Yes
