Search in Publications
Found 6327 publications
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE SHARING ECONOMY MODEL BASED ON A VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CURRENCY
Publication Name: Vezetestudomany
Publication Date: 2023-04-14
Volume: 54
Issue: 4
Page Range: 28-39
Description:
After the economic crisis of 2008, the need for solutions that introduce alternative forms of cooperation between economic actors increased greatly. At the same time, concerns for the environment have intensified, and the integration of environmental considerations in economic activities has become increasingly important. As a response, peer-to-peer economy and peer-to-peer payment systems, among other things, have emerged. Compared with previous economic crises, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges for everyone, which could lead to the intensification of alternative path-finding processes. The ecological problems the we face mean that the aim should be to go beyond the restoration of previous economic mechanisms prioritising ecological sustainability. In this study, the authors’ aim was to present the elements of a novel solution concept that is based on the hypothesis that a digital community currency created through smart contracts can promote genuine practices of sharing as opposed to the currently operating platforms’ profit-orien-ted approach.
Open Access: Yes
Outcome of Microalgae Biomass Application on Seed Germination and Hormonal Activity in Winter Wheat Leaves
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The present work aimed to test selected microalgae strains from the Mosonmagyaróvár Algae Culture Collection (MACC) on germination ability and certain physiological processes in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. Germination tests showed substantial differences between the strains, meaning that certain strains (such as MACC-430, MACC-612, MACC-922) improved the germination processes while others performed worse (MACC-438, MACC-755) than the control in a concentration-dependent manner. The germination index of seeds treated with MACC-430 @ 1 g L−1 concentrations was 87, while that of the control was 45. The mungbean rooting bioassay proves that microalgae biomass may exhibit auxin-like activity, especially in strain MACC-612 (Nostoc sp.), which was characterized by the highest endogenous level of plant growth regulator indole-3-acetic-acid among the selected strains. Foliar spray on the leaves of developed plants did not significantly alter the photosynthetic processes, but it influenced the secondary metabolite composition. After the application of microalgae biomass, there were also changes in plant hormones, including salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and jasmonic acid-leucine/isoleucine conjugate compositions, which play a role in plant stress signaling in plants. A decrease in indole-3-acetic acid was also observed in the Mv Nádor cultivar. These results suggest that the application of certain microalgae strains can be used effectively to improve the germination of wheat seeds, and as a foliar spray, they may also modify the acclimation processes in a genotype-dependent way.
Open Access: Yes
The Effects of a 12-Week-Long Sand Exercise Training Program on Neuromechanical and Functional Parameters in Type II Diabetic Patients with Neuropathy
Publication Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 20
Issue: 7
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Studies have proven the effectiveness of different weight-bearing exercise interventions for diabetic patients with neuropathy; however, several adverse effects were reported using solid surfaces. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of a novel sand exercise training intervention on biomechanical and functional parameters in seven diabetic patients (age = 62.7 ± 9.7 years) with neuropathy. Patients underwent a 12-week sand exercise training program, using strengthening, stretching, balance, and gait exercises. They were tested for ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion peak torque, active range of motion (ROM), timed up and go (TUG), and bilateral static balance. EMG activity of tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and lateralis (GL) muscles were measured during unilateral isometric contraction in plantar- and dorsiflexion. In the intervention period, plantarflexion peak torque improved significantly (p = 0.033), while dorsiflexion torque remained unchanged. Plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM increased (p = 0.032) and (p = 0.021), respectively. EMG activity of GM (p = 0.005) and GL (p = 0.002) measured during dorsiflexion and postural sway in the balance test, as well as time to complete the TUG test, decreased significantly (p = 0.021) and (p = 0.002), respectively. No adverse effect was reported during the intervention period. We concluded that sand exercise training can be a safe and effective method to improve plantarflexion strength, ankle flexibility, and balance, which is reflected in better gait function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Open Access: Yes
Changing Tourism Trends of the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany: Best Practices of a Hungarian Monastic Community
Publication Name: Religions
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The touristic use of sacred sites is a widespread practice in Hungary. Throughout the past centuries, Christianity has dominated the history of the Carpathian Basin. The Hungarian State’s strong affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church dates back to its foundation over a 1000 years ago. Due to its location on the shore of Lake Balaton and outstanding natural environment, the Benedictine Tihany Abbey is a major touristic destination and a popular place of pilgrimage in Hungary. The objective of the present paper is to examine how touristic activities contribute to the livelihood of a Hungarian monastic community and local economic development in the 21st century. To answer the research questions, the study primarily relied on literature and documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, and the construction and processing of a database. The research revealed that in addition to the classic elements (e.g., guided tours in the abbey, museum exhibitions, concerts, etc.), the program offer developed by the monastic community of Tihany is capable of addressing new target audiences: the rapidly rising number of tourists from the Far East (mainly Japan, China, South Korea, and Russia). Despite remaining considerably below visitor numbers recorded by the abbey in the mid-1990s, a significant increase in visitor numbers was observed in 2018–2019. The economic activities of the Benedictines of Tihany comprise a number of different areas beyond tourism, e.g., agricultural production and candle making, both of which are integrated into their tourism offer and feature among touristic programs. As a major employer, the abbey exerts a positive impact on the population retention capacity of the settlement by offering jobs to local residents, and it also contributes to population growth by attracting a large number of highly skilled professionals who choose to settle down in the region. The paper shows the evidence of the pandemic on pilgrimage and religious tourism in Tihany.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/rel14040435
Reliability Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Beams under Elevated Temperatures: A Probabilistic Approach Using Finite Element and Physical Models
Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 7
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
A novel computational model is proposed in this paper considering reliability analysis in the modelling of reinforced concrete beams at elevated temperatures, by assuming that concrete and steel materials have random mechanical properties in which those properties are treated as random variables following a normal distribution. Accordingly, the reliability index is successfully used as a constraint to restrain the modelling process. A concrete damage plasticity constitutive model is utilized in this paper for the numerical models, and it was validated according to those data which were gained from laboratory tests. Detailed comparisons between the models according to different temperatures in the case of deterministic designs are proposed to show the effect of increasing the temperature on the models. Other comparisons are proposed in the case of probabilistic designs to distinguish the difference between deterministic and reliability-based designs. The procedure of introducing the reliability analysis of the nonlinear problems is proposed by a nonlinear code considering different reliability index values for each temperature case. The results of the proposed work have efficiently shown how considering uncertainties and their related parameters plays a critical role in the modelling of reinforced concrete beams at elevated temperatures, especially in the case of high temperatures.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/su15076077
Analysis of Road Users’ Risk Behaviors in Different Travel Modes: The Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Publication Name: Infrastructures
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study explores road users’ behaviors and accident analyses on different travel modes in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). The questionnaire survey was adopted and designed based on contributing factors related to risk behavior perceptions in different travel modes. A total of 3000 participants submitted questionnaires that provided data for a multiple regression model analysis. The results indicated that different travel modes have different risk behavior perceptions. Road users of vulnerable modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, were more aware of risky behaviors than users of others. Risky, violent behavior may occur due to fatigue, driving while taking drugs, or aggressive tactics where the driver may lose control and cause an accident. However, driver negligence, especially violating traffic rules, may sometimes cause risky behavior. The results show that age, gender, education level, income level, marital status, driving experience, accident experience, and attitude toward road safety affect risk behavior perception. In conclusion, the differentiation of vehicles plays a vital role as a critical issue that should be understood for effectively mitigating risks in different travel patterns.
Open Access: Yes
Acceptance of self-driving cars among the university community: Effects of gender, previous experience, technology adoption propensity, and attitudes toward autonomous vehicles
Publication Name: Transportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 94
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 353-361
Description:
This article investigates the acceptance of autonomous cars based on the role of attitudes toward autonomous vehicles, acceptance of technology, previous experiences, and gender. Using an online survey, which includes the Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles (AVAS) and Technology Adoption Propensity scale (TAP), a sample of 1273 members of a university community was collected. Acceptance of using autonomous cars in a test drive and ordinary, real traffic scenarios, as well as the intention to buy one were measured via self-administered items. We used conditional process modeling to get a more detailed insight into the connections among these factors. The findings revealed that all four factors of attitudes towards autonomous vehicles (benefits in usefulness, benefits in situations, commonalities concerns, system concerns) but only the optimism factor of technology adaption propensity affected the acceptance. Dependency seemed to affect benefits in usefulness and the two concern variables. Gender differences are almost entirely explained away by the effects of attitudes. Previous experience had no significant effect in the model.
Open Access: Yes
Investigation of the Track Gauge in Curved Sections, Considering Hungarian Railway Lines
Publication Name: Infrastructures
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In this paper, the authors examined the change in track gauges in curves for several railway lines with low and high traffic in Hungary (i.e., secondary lines and main lines). They covered the processing of raw data as well as statistical calculations. The considered curved sections were transition curves (TCs) and circular curves (CCs), as well as—in some cases—entire curves (ECs), including TCs and CCs, but not dividing them into parts. The change of track gauge parameter as a function of elapsed time was analyzed based on the distribution functions by calculating the Vaszary-type shape number. A statistical test with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was performed, in which the question as to whether the measurement data of the railway lines followed a normal or lognormal distribution was examined; additionally, the skewness and kurtosis parameters were calculated and analyzed. The authors also took into account the impact of the track system and the sleepers. For the selected curves, the authors observed how the average track gauge changes and categorized them according to tolerances. In presenting and summarizing the tests, the authors formulated a conclusion for each study fulfilled. Despite higher traffic loads, the value of track degradation over time is lower for mainline curves than for secondary line curves. It is because the main line has stricter tolerances due to the higher speeds allowed, and more maintenance work is carried out on these lines. The authors concluded that the type of the track system and the sleeper type also influence the change in track gauges in curves. The accurate deterioration ratios for all analyses are contained in the paper.
Open Access: Yes
Mortality on DOACs Versus on Vitamin K Antagonists in Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis of the Hungarian Health Insurance Fund Database
Publication Name: Clinical Therapeutics
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 45
Issue: 4
Page Range: 333-346
Description:
Purpose: Limited real-world data are available on the survival of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) versus with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). In this nationwide registry, we analyzed the mortality risk of patients with nonvalvular AF taking DOACs versus VKAs, with a special attention to the early treatment period. Methods: The Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) database was searched to identify patients treated with VKA or DOAC as a thromboembolic prophylaxis for nonvalvular AF between 2011 and 2016. The overall and the early (0–3, 4–6, and 7–12 months) mortality risks with the 2 types of anticoagulation were compared. A total of 144,394 patients with AF treated with either a VKA (n = 129,925) or a DOAC (n = 14,469) were enrolled. Findings: A 28% improvement in 3-year survival with DOAC treatment compared with VKA treatment was shown. Mortality reduction with DOACs was consistent across different subgroups. However, younger patients (30–59 years old) initiated on DOAC therapy had the greatest RRR (53%) in mortality. Furthermore, DOAC treatment also yielded a benefit of greater magnitude (HR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40–0.77, P = 0.001) in the lower (0-1) CHA2 DS2 -VASc score segment and in those with fewer (0–1) bleeding risk factors (HR = 0.50, CI 0.34–0.73, P = 0.001). The RRR in mortality with DOACs was 33% within the first 3 months, and 6% in the second year. Implications: Thromboembolic prophylaxis with DOACs in this study yielded significantly lower mortality compared with VKA treatment in patients with nonvalvular AF. The largest benefit was shown in the early period after treatment initiation, as well as in younger patients, those with a lower CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, and those with fewer bleeding risk factors.
Open Access: Yes
