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Purpose: This commentary intends to highlight the nomenclatorial and associated concept-related challenges that companies face in trying to comply with the different voluntary and legal frameworks for assessing their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity. Methods: The driving forces (or "drivers")-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework is used to illustrate the differences in the concepts used in environmental management (ISO) and biodiversity/nature-related governmental (e.g., Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)) and non-governmental frameworks (e.g., by the Natural Capitals Coalition, the science-based targets for nature (SBTN), and taskforce on nature-related financial disclosures (TNFD)). Results and discussion: While the use of the terms (and their definitions or descriptions) at state, impact and response level are rather homogeneous, those at driving force and pressure level are not. In addition, the generally distinguished pressures on biodiversity do not correspond to the pressure level in environmental management. Conclusions: Overall, the most striking is the difference between the well-established environmental management system according to ISO 14001 (and the related Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, standards) on the one hand side and the other (newer) frameworks on the other. A harmonization would be most desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Literary - Qur'anic Researches is the property of Arak University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Citizen science is considered one of the most appropriate tools to raise public awareness of environmental issues. With the aim of improving knowledge on river environments, this article presents a web application for mobile phones and other portable devices that allows, through the active participation of society, the collection of detailed and systematic information on the main problems facing rivers. The initiative uses a web viewer (Tagus Web Viewer—TagusWV) developed as a pilot project in the Tagus River basin (Spain). This web viewer allows information on river pressures to be collected and the aggregated data to be visualised and extracted for interpretation and analysis. Pressure is defined as any use or activity, legal/illegal, authorised/unauthorised, that has an impact on water quality, morphology, river dynamics or the ecosystem. The data are mainly collected by different groups of citizens. In addition to contributing to the environmental education of citizens involved in a river environment, the data provided in the TagusWV are of particular interest to river managers. The tool is designed to be relevant for any river basin in the world, by simply loading the map, the names of the rivers and the corresponding locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main objective of our study is to determine the levels of pressure to breach accounting ethics principles that professional accountants in business are exposed to. This research aims to explore accountants' intention to quit the profession due to ethics-related pressures. In addition, we analysed the effect of pressure due to conflicts of interest on job satisfaction. Methodology/approach: This study is based on a survey. The research instrument was an online questionnaire addressed to professional accountants in business. The collected primary data was statistically analysed. We performed the Jonckheere-Terpstra test to verify the hypotheses. Findings: Our evidence suggests that accountants in Croatia most frequently face the pressure to perform without expertise or due care. The intention to quit the accounting profession is related to the frequency of exposure to pressures regarding the preparation and presentation of accounting information, inducements, and non-compliance with the laws and regulations. The pressure due to the conflicts of interest has a negative impact on job satisfaction with the nature of the work, top management, co-workers, and supervision. Research limitations/implications: This evidence is provided for a relatively small sample of Croatian accountants (N = 85), which could be considered a limitation of our study. Never-theless, our study has important implications for future research that should explore in depth various factors that induce the pressures to breach accounting ethics principles. Originality/value: Our findings fill an important gap in research into job satisfaction and accounting ethics. Since the ethics-related pressures that accountants face have been poorly examined, this paper has made a significant contribution to accounting ethics literature.

Integration of the environment into business is now a reality that requires structural changes. This includes adopting eco-innovations in products, production processes, and business management to achieve competitive survival. Previous studies suggest that eco-innovation is driven by external pressures from legislators, stakeholders, technology, markets, and rivals. However, the literature lacks information on the internal mechanisms that drive and transform external pressures into eco-innovations. This research aims to discuss the mediating role of environmental strategy in the relationship between external pressures and eco-innovation. Based on data from 102 Spanish footwear companies, the study proposes a model of structural equations. The results indicate that proactive environmental strategy is the internal mechanism required to integrate profitable eco-innovation into the firm in response to environmental pressures. This finding highlights the importance of taking a holistic perspective and integrating environmental considerations into business management, and these findings have implications for managers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Pressure–State–Response model and the experience materials of waste gas emission prevention and control in industrialized nations, we construct the PSR framework for stationary waste gas emissions (WGEs) in this study, identifying five pressure factors and six policy instruments. Using a moderated chain mediating established by structural equation modeling measurement, we examined the effects of pressures and responses to stationary WGEs. The key conclusions are that (1) pressures were brought on by the heavy industry proportion, the energy consumption intensity, the coal consumption proportion, and the industrial labor productivity, while the pressure was significantly reduced by green technology. (2) The heavy industry proportion was the most effective negative mediator, while energy consumption parameters including energy consumption intensity and coal consumption proportion failed to produce the desired results from policy instruments on stationary WGEs. (3) Command-and-control policy instruments led to the greatest direct impacts on the fall of stationary WGEs, whereas information-based policy instruments led to the greatest indirect impacts on the decline of stationary WGEs. These findings may provide important policy recommendations for nations that are rapidly industrializing. (1) We suggest that technology and industrial internal structure should be significant regulatory issues. (2) In addition to maintaining command-and-control policy instruments, we advise the government to give information-based instruments more consideration. (3) We also suggest that before the adoption of market-based instruments, thorough plans and experimental subsidies be prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study combines the institution-based perspective and the innovation systems literature to examine the role of public policies in the entrepreneurship-innovation-performance relationships. It does so by presupposing a key mediating role for entrepreneurial orientation and by introducing environmental turbulence as a moderator. Data from a sample of 166 Guangdong Province manufacturing firms are used to test hypotheses, which distinguish between institutional pressures and incentives. Findings reveal the lesser relevance of institutional pressures whereas a more virtuous relationship between institutional incentives, entrepreneurial orientation and both innovation and overall performance emerges, especially when environmental turbulence increases. This is particularly clear with reference to firms' overall performance. These findings are of theoretical and practical relevance for the study of the effects of public policies as regards their nature and the policy design mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly graduated nurses suffer from occupational stress during the transition from school to employment, leading to the negative emotion, job burnout and increased turnover rate. This article aims to give a general picture of the pressures and coping styles faced by newly graduated nurses, identifies gaps in existing stress-reducing interventions for newly graduated nurses with a view to facilitating the transition of newly graduate nurses and preventing the loss of nursing human resources. (新毕业护士会面临各种压力, 导致出现负面情绪、职业倦怠, 增加离职率。本文综述新毕业护士的压力源及其应对方式, 指出现存减轻新毕业护士压力干预的不足, 以期促进新毕业护士的转型, 防止护理人力资源流失。)

This study was conducted in the city of Absha in the year 2023 with the aim of identifying the factors causing work pressures on the performance of teachers at the secondary stage in the period between 2022 and 2023 AD. The researchers in this study took the descriptive analytical approach to the social and economic conditions that cause work pressures. The study sample consisted of 100 male and female teachers, who work in the three public and private schools in the city of Absha. The researchers used the percentage scale and the arithmetic mean to measure the extent of the impact of work stress on teachers' performance. The most important results: 1- The social and economic conditions cause pressures on the professional work of teachers. 2- The difficult economic procedures and conditions are among the factors that do not help reduce the level of professional pressures at work among teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a general decline in biodiversity and the environment of coastal wetlands worldwide. Reasons for the decline obviously include overexploitation of wetland resources, climate change and industrialization, to mention but a few. This study used a purely qualitative approach using mainly focus group discussions (FDGs) in the framework of Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) to examine the changes occurring in the largest coastal wetland in Ghana—the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS). The results indicate that the state of the environment is bedevilled with species loss, increases in salinity, decreases in the physical size of fish species and many others. Pressures and related drivers were noted by the respondents. The results point to the fact that communities are not oblivious to the adaptation measures to implement in order to overcome the degradation of KLCRS. Overall, this study points to the fact that local communities have a good knowledge and understanding of their environment and are always in a position to offer ideas related to managing the environment if given the chance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sports Creativity is the property of Journal of Sports Creativity and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeszyty Teoretyczne Rachunkowości is the property of Stowarzyszenie Ksiegowych w Polsce Rada Naukowa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review study investigated the response of low-inflow estuaries (LIEs) to dam releases as this type of estuary is particularly sensitive to freshwater inflow modification. LIEs occur in arid and semi-arid regions and are subject to periods of little to no freshwater inflow. Case studies were used to identify ecological health and societal benefits associated with flow releases. Successful releases have been made to keep the estuary mouth open, ensure mixing, facilitate a salinity gradient and provide recruitment pulses to the marine environment for fish and invertebrates. Baseflow inputs ensured ecosystem connectivity and maintained estuary water quality gradients. Flow pulse releases in certain seasons stimulated spawning migrations of fish between freshwater and estuarine habitats. Holistic and adaptive restoration approaches were successful in terms of providing ecosystem services and societal benefits such as improved fisheries and livelihoods. Ongoing engagement, inclusion of communities, support from river users, and cooperation between multiple agencies were also important. However, this management solution for LIEs is threatened by increasing abstraction of water, competing water uses, over allocation, and frequent droughts. Moving forward, freshwater releases from dams should be considered an important restoration action that can improve ecological health, estuary function, ecosystem services, and societal benefits. This should take place within a socio-ecological system framework using an adaptive management and monitoring approach. Other key considerations for planning and implementation of future dam releases to LIEs were recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seepage is the phenomenon of water infiltrating through a gravity dam's foundation, causing erosion and weakening the dam's construction over time. If not properly managed, this can eventually lead to the dam's catastrophic failure, posing a significant danger to public safety and the environment. As a result, precise seepage prediction in gravity dams is essential for ensuring their safety and stability. This review paper looks at the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for predicting seepage in gravity dams, as well as the challenges and possible solutions. The paper identifies and suggests potential solutions to the challenges connected with using AI for seepage prediction, such as data quality and model interpretability. The paper also covers future research paths, such as the creation of advanced machine learning algorithms and the improvement of data collection and processing. Overall, this review gives insight on the current state of the art in using AI to predict gravity dam seepage and recommends methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of such models. HIGHLIGHTS AI methods for predicting gravity dam seepage reviewed, with challenges and solutions.; The review provides an overview of using AI for seepage prediction in gravity dams.; AI challenges addressed with suggested solutions for improved seepage prediction.; Standardizing data collection and improving quality reduces errors in prediction models.; Insights for dam safety practitioners, improving seepage.;

A global survey of 179 restoration practitioners spanning 65 countries identified the extent of stakeholder engagement as a key factor determining the success or failure of restoration projects. Lack of support across sectors and for funding, policy, monitoring, governance and knowledge assessment of pressures and their effects were most frequently cited as factors contributing to restoration failure.The responses indicate that, although nutrient enrichment is perceived to be the primary issue for lakes globally, the impacts of climate change, hydrological modifications and invasive species are widely recognized as pervasive anthropogenic pressures of global importance. Practitioners recognized that the ecosystem services most impacted by these pressures were recreation and tourism, although in low income countries the provisioning service, aquaculture, was considered most impacted. Ecology-based and/or pressure-related restoration targets had been set for most restoration programs in our survey. However, the strength of the evidence underpinning these targets was often weak and the effects of climate change were rarely considered when setting targets.The most effective and widely used restoration measures target nutrient loading (both catchment and in-lake) while hydrological modifications and the implementation of nature-based solutions are used to a lesser extent. Measures for the control of non-native invasive species are rarely applied and are viewed as being largely ineffective.The results of the survey provide direction for future work. New and emerging pressures, singly and in combination, may require new approaches to lake restoration: for both setting restoration targets and devising restoration strategies. The future of lake restoration depends on joined-up thinking that better integrates science into policy and practice and, most importantly, ensures strong and inclusive stakeholder engagement and collaboration across multiple sectors.

The electronic structure and optical properties of orthorhombic Ce0.7Nd0.3AlO3 under different pressures are studied with the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof screened hybrid functional. With the increase of pressure, both the lattice constants and the band gap show a decreasing trend. The pressure not only reduces the bandwidth of the middle and high valence bands but also increases the strength of the density of states. The main peak of the imaginary part of the dielectric constant and the static dielectric constant increase continuously with the increasing pressure. The blue-shift of prominent peaks of absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and energy-loss energy are obvious with the increasing pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressure on marine ecosystems by various economic, social, and ecological activities has led to conflicts and a decline in the ecosystem's ability to provide marine goods. Marine spatial planning has become necessary for the coastal states to establish a more rational organization of marine space that integrates economic exploitation, social benefits, and marine environment protection. The beginnings of marine spatial planning date back to the 1970s, with successful initiatives in countries such as Australia, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. In southern Europe, initiatives like SHAPE in the Adriatic Sea discuss maritime boundaries and national jurisdictions, whereas in northern and central Europe, licensing requirements for wind energy and other marine activities play a significant role. Conflicts with maritime traffic, fisheries, and protected areas have prompted the initiation of marine spatial planning in Belgium and Germany. The multidisciplinary nature of marine spatial planning allows for the sustainable use of marine resources and the reduction of negative impacts on the environment. Conflicts can be minimized by considering the specific interests and spatial needs of various stakeholders, and the marine space can be utilized more efficiently. This paper examines the implementation of marine spatial plans across various levels, ranging from small national jurisdictions to large areas like Australia. The authors emphasize the significance of utilizing marine spatial plans as a basis for the development of marine spaces. By analysing the factors that define marine spaces and their activities, both present and future, conflicts can be prevented, and incompatible activities can be avoided in the same area. The findings highlight the importance of proactive planning to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese continental margins are experiencing remarkable environmental changes driven by anthropogenic activities and climate change. As an important habitat and sea-based fish farming resource in China, the Bohai was selected as a case study to understand how ecosystems and social interactions are influenced by multi-stressors. The Bohai ecosystem has been considerably modified. The Bohai coastline has been significantly changed (e.g., total sea area decreased and morphology changed) by sea reclamation and riverine sediment transport related to agriculture and erosion. Therefore, the strict reclamation policy and “Grain-for-Green” program have been issued to protect the coastline. Nutrient concentrations and composition have been changed by fertilizer application, wastewater discharge, and variations in seasonal patterns of riverine nutrient fluxes. Hence, pollution control and prevention are necessary. More seriously, fishing resources have been altered, as a result of environmental changes and overfishing. Therefore, a summer fishing ban and stock enhancement should be vital besides environmental improvement. This study can help to predict and mitigate impacts on global continental margins that are experiencing similar environmental stress.

COVID-19 posed an obstacle to many teachers as they tried to master online teaching. This study sought to investigate teachers stress experiences in primary schools in South Africa during COVID-19. The study adopted the interpretivism paradigm in which thematically analysed data was collected through interviews. Fifteen (15) participants were selected purposely from primary schools of Chris Hani East District in South Africa for the interview. In the study, teachers attributed their stress to the lack of protective resources, lack of proper plans for remote teaching, and lack of skills. Students were not co-operating with the teachers during online lessons. The study recommends that the necessary protective resources be provided by the Department of Education to protect teachers from being infected with Covid-19 and provide teaching assistants so that teachers can find it easier to teach with less burden. Schools must be equipped with digital technology and train teachers on how to use digital technology to ease the burden on them. It is important for teachers and motivational speakers to meet with students to raise students’ interest and curiosity about learning and in the same vein boost the students self-confidence.

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is a motility diagnostic system that measures intraluminal pressure of the gastrointestinal tract using a series of closely spaced pressure sensors. The topographic plot generated by HRM software makes it possible to visualize phonation pressures at the pharynx, UES, and body of the esophagus in real time, indicating pressure intensity by color, which permits easy data interpretation. It has been largely used for swallowing study and dysphagia diagnosis. Due to the proximity of the pharyngoesophageal and laryngeal structures, this technology instigated voice researchers. Despite the few studies published so far, high-resolution manometry has yet proven to be an extremely useful tool in obtaining entire pharyngoesophageal segment pressure measurements during phonation. It also allows natural voice production not interfering with the mouth area. HRM data already brought light to subglottic pressure, vertical laryngeal excursion, cricopharyngeal muscle activation, air flow, muscle tension associated with vocalization and pressure variations associated with different phonatory stimuli.

The field of management and quality have been progressing in the past decade at a pace and level of quality deserving recognition. The collective mobilization of researchers, educators, and practitioners has successfully addressed a sustained demand for professional managers. External factors, in the form of long-term trends, seem to foster the continued advancement of this discipline. However, there are also periodic and significant challenges related to socio-cultural, technological, and geopolitical transformations that demand careful attention. Additionally, unintended and ambiguous consequences of the management and quality field call for consideration. This study outlines contextual factors, coupled with key propositions important for the field: reconnecting academia with their audience; diversifying behavioral patterns relative to publications, funding and careers; developing meaningful research methods; engaging with grand societal challenges; and fostering collaboration among sub-disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Influence strategies such as persuasion and interpersonal leverage are used in mental health care to influence patient behaviour and improve treatment adherence. One ethical concern about using such strategies is that they may constitute coercive behaviour ("informal coercion") and negatively impact patient satisfaction and the quality of care. However, some influence strategies may affect patients' perceptions, so an umbrella definition of “informal coercion” may be unsatisfactory. Furthermore, previous research indicates that professionals also perceive dissonance between theoretical explanations of informal coercion and their behaviours in clinical practice. This study analysed mental health professionals’ (MHPs) views and the perceived ethical implications of influence strategies in community care. Methods Qualitative secondary data analysis of a focus group study was used to explore the conflict between theoretical definitions and MHPs’ experiences concerning the coerciveness of influence strategies. Thirty-six focus groups were conducted in the main study, with 227 MHPs from nine countries participating. Results The findings indicate that not all the influence strategies discussed with participants can be defined as “informal coercion”, but they become coercive when they imply the use of a lever, have the format of a conditional offer and when the therapeutic proposal is not a patient’s free choice but is driven by professionals. MHPs are rarely aware of these tensions within their everyday practice; consequently, it is possible that coercive practices are inadvertently being used, with no standard regarding their application. Our findings suggest that levers and the type of leverage used in communications with the patient are also relevant to differentiating leveraged and non-leveraged influence. Conclusion Our findings may help mental health professionals working in community care to identify and discuss influence strategies that may lead to unintended coercive practices.

The study aimed to identify the pressures faced by health workers in the light of the spread of the Coronavirus (covid-19) in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The study used the social survey methodology through description and analysis, where the questionnaire tool was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study community is made up of the doctors, nurses and pharmacists working in the Karak Governmental Hospital, which is administed by Ministry of Health, the total number of which is about 637. The sample of the study was chosen in the intentional manner and reached 103. The study found the following results: The most pressures facing health workers in light of the spread of the Coronavirus are work pressures, coming in the first place, while the pressures associated with the spread of the Coronavirus came in the second place, and in the third place was psychological stress. Economic pressures come in the fourth place, and in the fifth place were personal pressures, with an arithmetic average. In the sixth place came time pressures, and in the seventh place came social pressures. In the eighth place came patients' pressures, and in the ninth and last place came family pressures. Last came auditors' pressures. The study also found that there were no statistically significant differences in the responses of the study sample individuals due to their demographic variables, gender, experience, the educational level, working time, the nature of work and occupation. Based on the study's findings, the study recommended a set of recommendations, the most important of which is to increase financial incentives for health sector workers in order to ease their economic pressures, to deal with patient reviewers through a special role regulation that distributes them to departments according to the role, to motivate workers in the health sector to work in a team spirit, to provide functional housing for workers in this sector near their workplace, especially for those who live far away in order to reduce their work pressure, and to totally separate Coronavirus patients from the rest of the hospital departments in order to preserve the families of employees in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new model has been developed for calculating the effect of a quantizing magnetic field on the temperature dependence of the two-dimensional combined density of states in direct-gap heterostructures with quantum wells. The temperature dependence of the oscillations of the two-dimensional combined density of states of the quantum well is explained by the thermal smearing of the Gaussian distribution function in a strong magnetic field. Based on the proposed new models, the Landau levels of charge carriers in a direct-gap quantum well are determined in a wide temperature range. The experimental results were interpreted using the oscillations of the combined density of states of the quantum well in a quantizing magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How the relative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the natural environment vary between different taxonomic groups, habitats, and geographic regions is increasingly well established. By contrast, the times of day at which those pressures are most forcefully exerted or have greatest influence are not well understood. The impact on the nighttime environment bears particular scrutiny, given that for practical reasons (e.g. researchers themselves belong to a diurnal species), most studies on the impacts of anthropogenic pressures are conducted during the daytime on organisms that are predominantly day active or in ways that do not differentiate between daytime and nighttime. In the present article, we synthesize the current state of knowledge of impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the nighttime environment, highlighting key findings and examples. The evidence available suggests that the nighttime environment is under intense stress across increasing areas of the world, especially from nighttime pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly growing interest in sustainability coupled with individuals, firms, and other organizations becoming more inclined to agitate for changes internally, and with outside organizations, has resulted in firms being pressured by various sources to change their sustainable supply chain management practices. In this literature review, we synthesize 93 published research articles spanning from 1997 to 2022. We identify and evaluate how pressure types (e.g., coercive, normative, and relational) are used by pressure sources (e.g., governments, suppliers, customers, and employees) to impact firm and sustainable supply chain practices (e.g., internal, upstream, and downstream). Our goal is twofold. First, we aim to guide potential sources as to which types of pressures are most effective in eliciting changes in firm and sustainable supply chain practices. Additionally, we provide insights into not only which relationships have and have not been adequately examined in extant research, but also what could be the next evolution of inquiry in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Global Sport Management is the property of the Global Alliance of Marketing & Management Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Corporate alliances have become an important way for firms to share the resources and costs of innovation. However, whether corporate technology alliances can effectively enhance the ambidextrous green innovation (AGI) capabilities of firms is a question that still needs to be answered. Building networks of corporate technology alliances based on joint patent application data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) for the period of 2015–2019, this study investigated the impact of network centrality and structural hole characteristics on exploitative green innovation (IGI) and exploratory green innovation (RGI) from the perspective of internal and external pressures. The empirical results showed that (1) network centrality and structural holes could promote AGI and that the impact on IGI was greater than that on RGI. However, an examination based on lagged effects found a greater impact on RGI. (2) The impact of alliance networks on AGI was positively moderated by internal and external pressures. (3) There were complementary effects between the internal and external pressures. Our study emphasized that it was important to balance AGI to win short-term and long-term competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of solar energy has become a major concern, especially since our country holds a significant solar potential during the year. We can use concentrated solar energy to produce electricity or heat. This contribution consists, from simulations, in the parametric analysis of the operation of a solar concentration thermal installation, highlighting the direction of the variation of the thermal efficiency as a function of the low pressure for a machine working according to the ideal cycle of RANKINE. We were interested too:  In the sense of the variation of the thermal efficiency as a function of the temperature of the superheat for an improved installation working according to the ideal cycle of HIRN  At the influence of the overheating temperature for the HIRN cycle and low pressures for both cycles (RANKINE and HIRN), on the yield in order to propose a possible improvement. Simulations for different modifications on the RANKINE and HIRN cycles show that for an increase in the superheat temperature, the reduction of the low-pressure lead to a better yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IC: Revista Científica de Información y Comunicación is the property of Universidad de Sevilla, Departamento de Periodismo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The domestic and international crises of recent times seem to have stimulated some leading political actors to use personal attack and launch "warning arrows" at their counterparts in the nations with which they are in conflict and beyond. The undiplomatic or even bellicose attitudes of some leaders and diplomats were and are usually caused by an exacerbated ego, by the desire for notoriety and also by their moral and professional strongness. Tensions and even international conflicts were and will continue to be provoked by decisions taken under the influence of emotions, by leaders insufficiently trained in the art of leadership and diplomacy. An inadequate language and the undiplomatic behaviour of community leaders generated and can continue to generate states of tension that can evolve into political, diplomatic, economic, financial and other sanctions, or even to armed confrontations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore how students at an Islamic boarding school in Tangerang, Indonesia perceived various pressures and the strategies they employed to deal with them. It included the sample of 150 students from the first, second, and third grades enrolled in the school. The data were analyzed using Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) theory to identify recurring themes related to students' stress-coping strategies. The findings indicated that the majority of stressors stemmed from non-academic sources, encompassing issues such as interpersonal relationships, environmental factors, and healthrelated concerns. Interestingly, despite a substantial female representation in the sample, exceeding 60% of the total participants, a significant proportion of students employed problem-based coping strategies to address these stressors. The study suggests further exploration of coping strategies within the framework of human development theories and their potential contributions to future educational interventions, policies, and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the impacts of internal and external stakeholder pressures on the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles. The study explores the primary barriers to and causes (external or internal stakeholder pressures) of CE's transition across Mexico and explores the effects of stakeholder pressures (internal and external) on the adoption of CE principles on economic and environmental performance. For this, data were collected from 433 respondents using a structured questionnaire. For analysis, the study used the PLS-SEM technique to examine internal and external stakeholders as barriers and motivators of economic and environmental performance through CE principles. Both the structural model and the measurement model were assessed. As well as mediation analysis, the direct and indirect effects were determined. The study found that economic (β = 0.178, p = 0.000) and environmental performance (β = 0.233, p = 0.000) is affected by most external stakeholders through the adoption of circular economy principles. Although the internal stakeholders don't affect the environmental performance (β = 0.040, p = 0.492), with the adoption of circular economy principles mediating the relationship, internal stakeholders encourage environmental performance (β = 0.201, p = 0.000). The study motivates the public, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the government to adopt CE principles for the achievement of economic and environmental performance and participation in the sustainable development agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A globally relevant and standardized taxonomy and framework for consistently describing land cover change based on evidence is presented, which makes use of structured land cover taxonomies and is underpinned by the Driver‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Response (DPSIR) framework. The Global Change Taxonomy currently lists 246 classes based on the notation 'impact (pressure)', with this encompassing the consequence of observed change and associated reason(s), and uses scale‐independent terms that factor in time. Evidence for different impacts is gathered through temporal comparison (e.g., days, decades apart) of land cover classes constructed and described from Environmental Descriptors (EDs; state indicators) with pre‐defined measurement units (e.g., m, %) or categories (e.g., species type). Evidence for pressures, whether abiotic, biotic or human‐influenced, is similarly accumulated, but EDs often differ from those used to determine impacts. Each impact and pressure term is defined separately, allowing flexible combination into 'impact (pressure)' categories, and all are listed in an openly accessible glossary to ensure consistent use and common understanding. The taxonomy and framework are globally relevant and can reference EDs quantified on the ground, retrieved/classified remotely (from ground‐based, airborne or spaceborne sensors) or predicted through modelling. By providing capacity to more consistently describe change processes—including land degradation, desertification and ecosystem restoration—the overall framework addresses a wide and diverse range of local to international needs including those relevant to policy, socioeconomics and land management. Actions in response to impacts and pressures and monitoring towards targets are also supported to assist future planning, including impact mitigation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript aims to present the framework for the development of a four-stage tool for sustainable groundwater management as one of the highly interactive three-day workshop products. The four stages in the tool are (1) representing the target system, (2) description of the target system using components of DPSIR framework (drivers, pressures, state, impact, responses), (3) development of causal chains/loops, and (4) identifying knowledge gaps and articulating next steps. The tool is an output from the two-day Indo-US bilateral workshop on "Integrated Hydrochemical Modeling for Sustainable Development and Management of Water Supply Aquifers". Four case studies from the invited talks, panel discussions, and breakout sessions were selected to demonstrate the developed four-stage framework to a coastal aquifer (India) and in high plains in Floridian, Piedmont, and Blueridge aquifers (United States of America). The developed tool can be practically used in the development of strategies for the sustainable use of groundwater in various regions around the world (e.g., planning/building/maintaining groundwater recharging structures). Continued work can result in establishing a center for excellence as well as developing a network project. The recommendations from the workshop were: (1) developing vulnerability analysis models for groundwater managers; (2) treatment and new ways of using low-quality groundwater; (3) adopting groundwater recharge; (4) mitigating pollutants getting into the aquifer; and (5) reducing groundwater use. This study provides a framework for future researchers to study the groundwater table related to the effectiveness of water recharging structures, developing a quantitative model from the framework. Finally, recommendations for a future study are more data collection on groundwater quality/recharge as well as enhancing outreach activities for sustainable groundwater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Influence strategies such as persuasion and interpersonal leverage are used in mental health care to influence patient behaviour and improve treatment adherence. One ethical concern about using such strategies is that they may constitute coercive behaviour ("informal coercion") and negatively impact patient satisfaction and the quality of care. However, some influence strategies may affect patients' perceptions, so an umbrella definition of "informal coercion" may be unsatisfactory. Furthermore, previous research indicates that professionals also perceive dissonance between theoretical explanations of informal coercion and their behaviours in clinical practice. This study analysed mental health professionals' (MHPs) views and the perceived ethical implications of influence strategies in community care.Methods: Qualitative secondary data analysis of a focus group study was used to explore the conflict between theoretical definitions and MHPs' experiences concerning the coerciveness of influence strategies. Thirty-six focus groups were conducted in the main study, with 227 MHPs from nine countries participating.Results: The findings indicate that not all the influence strategies discussed with participants can be defined as "informal coercion", but they become coercive when they imply the use of a lever, have the format of a conditional offer and when the therapeutic proposal is not a patient's free choice but is driven by professionals. MHPs are rarely aware of these tensions within their everyday practice; consequently, it is possible that coercive practices are inadvertently being used, with no standard regarding their application. Our findings suggest that levers and the type of leverage used in communications with the patient are also relevant to differentiating leveraged and non-leveraged influence.Conclusion: Our findings may help mental health professionals working in community care to identify and discuss influence strategies that may lead to unintended coercive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: High-resolution manometry (HRM) represents a potential tool for measuring pharyngoesophageal phonation pressures. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate pharyngeal, esophageal upper sphincteric and esophageal pressures during different phonation tasks. METHODS: 12 (six males, mean age 27 years) professional singers underwent HRM and produced four different vocal tasks at low, medium and high vocal loudness: vowel /ae/, ascending five note scale, word /hey/ and word /go/. Pressures were measured at pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and esophagus. Visual analysis of the HRM topographic plots were performed. RESULTS: Esophageal pressures are higher during vocalization than at rest. Pharyngeal and UES phonation pressures does not differ significantly from rest pressures. Visual analysis of the topographic plots showed an important UES pressure increasement during phonation. CONCLUSION: HRM is a valuable tool for measuring pharyngoesophageal pressures during phonation. Esophageal pressures are higher during phonation than at rest and tend to increase with vocal loudness increment. The topographic plot provides additional data about phonatory mechanism physiology, especially at the UES region.