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Exhaust gas treatment systems in agricultural tractors
No full textABSTRACT: This study analyzed the distribution and configuration of exhaust gas treatment systems in agricultural tractor engines and their relationship with North American emissions legislation. The analysis was based on 523 official test reports on agricultural tractors, conducted between 2008 and 2022, and available in the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) database. For data analysis and interpretation, the tested agricultural tractors were grouped and categorized based on maximum power classes and exhaust gas treatment systems. The results indicated that the implementation of exhaust gas treatment systems of farm tractors began in 2008, with a more significant presence from 2011 onward, coinciding with the introduction of Tier 3 and Tier 4 emissions regulations in North America. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is the most widely used across power classes, both independently and in combination with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems. The advancement of exhaust gas treatment technologies corresponds with increasing tractor power levels. Additionally, as emissions regulations become more stringent, standalone exhaust gas treatment systems are being replaced by integrated combinations of multiple technologies
Analysis of building energy efficiency optimization design effectiveness based on multi-objective optimization algorithm
No full textWith the increasing attention of society to sustainable development and environmental friendly design, building energy saving design has become a research hotspot. In this paper, a method combining multi-objective optimization algorithm and neural network backpropagation strategy is proposed to solve the problem that traditional design methods are difficult to balance multi-objective. By dividing the architectural design problem into multiple sub-problems, each sub-problem corresponds to a design objective, and applying multi-objective optimization technology, the global optimization is realized. The experimental results show that the error of energy consumption prediction model is almost 0, while the error of daylighting prediction model is between 0 and 5, and the average error is about 3. The correlation coefficients of all models exceeded 0.9845, highlighting the excellent performance of neural networks in forecasting accuracy. The BP neural network showed good convergence in 2800 to 3000 iterations, further demonstrating the high efficiency of the method in energy consumption and daylighting prediction. The research not only provides a scientific and feasible strategy for building energy efficiency optimization design, but also enhances its scientific value and practicability through the display of quantitative results
Self-perceived assessment competencies and practices of instructors at Tanzanian universities: an evaluation of university lecturers' compliance with assessment standards
No full textThis study examined self-perceived assessment competencies and practices among university instructors in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three public universities, using ex post facto and transcendental phenomenological designs. Stratified proportional sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling were used to select and collect data from a sample of 205 instructors. Questionnaires, interviews, observations and documentary analysis were used concurrently to gather data. The qualitative data were analysed thematically, whereas the quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression. The analysis revealed significant differences among instructors on indicators for self-perceived assessment practices and demographic parameters. This study, therefore, proposes that universities make deliberate efforts to hold frequent workshops and seminars for instructors to improve their assessment practices
Implementation of fee-free education policy and its impact on students' learning in secondary education in Tanzania
No full textIn this study, we explored the implementation of the Fee-Free Education (FFE) policy and its impact on students' learning in secondary education in Tanzania. A qualitative research approach was employed, using an exploratory case study design. The sample comprised 106 participants: 35 classroom teachers, 42 students, 21 parents, seven (7) Heads of Schools (HoSs), and one District Education Officer (DEO). Data were collected through interviews, open-ended questionnaires, and documentary reviews, and were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that the FFE policy has been successfully implemented in secondary schools, as evidenced by increased enrolment and decreased dropout rates in the visited schools. The policy has also enhanced parental involvement in children's education and facilitated greater access to education for girls. It was also found that FFE has reduced the financial burden of schooling for children from poor families. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including shortages of teaching and learning materials, classrooms, and teachers, particularly science subject teachers, as well as an increased student-textbook ratio, which negatively affected learning. The findings also revealed that teachers' morale was relatively low due to insufficient and delayed disbursement of financial resources. The key argument of this study is that for the FFE policy to be effectively implemented, the government needs to increase the education budget proportionally, recruit more teachers, and provide adequate textbooks for secondary schools. In addition, constructing more classrooms to reduce congestion and encouraging contributions from parents and community members to school development plans are equally important
Psychological Safety of Law Enforcement Officers in Extreme Situations
No full textThe article is devoted to the study of the psychological safety of individuals exposed to extreme conditions, with a particular focus on the likelihood of maintaining health and performance after exposure to traumatic factors. The problem, particularly in relation to employees of internal affairs bodies operating under special conditions, has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of the study is to explore the components of psychological safety that are interrelated with post-traumatic symptoms in employees of internal affairs agencies. Comparative and correlation analyses were used for this study, with the comparison criterion being the presence of combat experience among employees. The empirical base of the study consists of two groups: 38 employees with combat experience and 69 employees without such experience. The theoretical positions are supported by the empirical part of the study, which confirms the existence of a relationship between the nature of post-traumatic reactions and components of psychological safety. The severity of post-traumatic symptoms in employees of internal affairs bodies serving in special conditions depends on the formation of an individual system of self-regulation, adaptability, and a sense of subjective emotional comfort.</p
Vandalism. Why Doesn’t the “Broken Windows” Theory Work?
No full textVandalism is a widespread phenomenon that causes material damage and contributes to the degradation of the urban environment, which requires the introduction of effective preventive measures based on an understanding of the genesis and phenomenology of vandalism. One of the basic theories used in the prevention of vandalism is the “broken windows” theory. The “broken windows” theory suggests that the spread of vandal transformations is caused by initial damage to the urban environment, which signals the potential for norm violations, weak social control, and insufficient sanctioning for such violations. Minor signs of tolerance for deviance in the urban environment (graffiti, littering, etc.) may contribute to the spread of serious delinquent behavior. As a result, the “broken windows” theory has been central to the “zero tolerance” policy. There are valid criticisms of the theory, related to both its weak evidence base and its failure to account for the complex causal relationships in the operation of social norms. Regarding vandalism, the limitations of the “broken windows” theory are related to the diversity of forms of vandal activity, each regulated by separate social norms, the lack of desire for anonymity or avoidance of sanctions in some vandals, the tactical nature of vandalism, and its close connection with the cultural foundations of the community.</p
Economia circular e reivindicações de nexo social
No full textResumo Este ensaio busca analisar questões sobre a emergência da economia circular (EC), com ênfase nas limitações referentes a valores e inclusão social de trabalhadores da reciclagem. As reflexões foram construídas sob uma óptica acerca de desigualdades e exclusões sociais que podem emergir da EC no Brasil caso ela seja implementada sem os devidos reconhecimento e valorização dos principais atores da reciclagem no país: os catadores. Com este artigo, esperamos contextualizar os debates a respeito da economia circular, integrar as contribuições recentes de estudos críticos sobre o tema e discutir reivindicações quanto à potencialidade da gestão social, a fim de promover a inclusão social e a governança na agenda política de projetos de EC no Brasil
Determinants of Successful Social and Psychological Adaptation of Women Married to Foreigners
No full textThis theoretical study is devoted to the current topic of the determinants of successful adaptation of women married to foreigners. As a result of the theoretical research the following determinants of successful social and psychological adaptation of women married to foreigners were identified: determinants associated with cultural context (traditions, attitudes, values of society, historical memory, communication norms, rules of women’s behaviour, characteristics of gender socialization of women), determinants characterizing the woman’s social status (age, education, place of residence, professional status, marital status, presence of children, characteristics of gender socialization, social capital and intragroup trust, access to resources), determinants reflecting relations of a couple (attachment type, characteristics of communication, satisfaction with the relationship, ideas about gender roles, behavioural norms in the family), determinants revealing the personal characteristics of a woman (self–concept, attitudes, values, motives, level of aspirations, time perspective).</p
Value Predictors of Civic Identity in Adolescents with Deviant Behavior
No full textAgainst the background of growing interest in the problems of forming the civic identity of adolescents, the question of the peculiarities of its formation in adolescents with deviant behavior, which are characterized by a value system that distinguishes them from their peers with conditionally normative development, remains insufficiently studied. The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at identifying value predictors of civic identity in adolescents with deviant behavior. The sample consisted of respondents (N = 130) aged 13-18 years (M = 15.25 ± 1.14), including 52 adolescents with stable deviant behavior, as well as 78 of their peers with conditionally normative behavior. The respondents answered the questions of the methodology “Valence of civic identity” and an abbreviated version of the “Portrait Value Questionnaire” (PVQ). According to the results of the study, the most significant values of adolescents in both groups are kindness, independence and safety, and the least importance is given to the values of authority. In addition, adolescents with deviant behavior note the importance of the value of conformity. It has been established that the value of authority is a negative predictor of civic identity in adolescents, regardless of age and normativity of behavior, while hedonism is also a significant predictor of civic identity for adolescents with deviant behavior. The prospects of studying the content of civic identity in adolescents with resilient deviant behavior are discussed.</p
Mistreatment and Behavior of Pet Dogs: How Will a Zoopsychologist Help a Lawyer?
No full textThe analytical review formulates a scientific justification for the possibility of using indicators of the disturbing behavior of companion dogs as signs of abuse. Based on the analysis of publications presented in international databases (Elibrary, Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Academy and Scopus), approaches to the classification and interpretation of cruelty to companion dogs have been identified, on the basis of which an appropriate legislative framework has been developed. As a methodological basis that can be used in the Russian Federation, the concept of Five Freedoms and the concept of Five Domains are considered, which make it possible to analyze the contribution of various spheres of life (nutrition, health, environment) to the behavioral and psychological aspects of dog welfare. Behavioral signs are formulated that are indicators of a decrease in the level of well-being of dogs, and are available for detection by both veterinarians and specialists in other fields. These include, first of all, indicators of an increased level of anxiety. The presence of these signs can be regarded as a predictor of a decrease in the quality of life, manifestations of aggressive behavior, maladaptation, which will lead to the owner’s rejection of the animal, placement in a shelter or euthanasia.</p
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