With modern society and the ever-increasing consumption of polymeric materials, the way we look at products has changed, and one of the main questions we have is about the negative impacts caused to the environment in the most diverse stages of the life cycle of these materials, whether in the acquisition of raw materials, in manufacturing, distribution, use or even in their final disposal. The main methodology currently used to assess the environmental impacts of products from their origin to their final disposal is known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Thus, the objective of this work is to evaluate how much the biodegradable polymer contributes to the environment in relation to the conventional polymer considering the application of LCA in the production mode. This analysis is configured through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. In this review, 28 studies were selected for evaluation, whose approaches encompass knowledge on LCA, green biopolymer (from a renewable but non-biodegradable source), conventional polymer (from a non-renewable source) and, mainly, the benefits of using biodegradable polymers produced from renewable sources, such as: corn, sugarcane, cellulose, chitin and others. Based on the surveys, a comparative analysis of LCA applications was made, whose studies considered evaluating quantitative results in the application of LCA, in biodegradable and conventional polymers. The results, based on comparisons between extraction and production of biodegradable polymers in relation to conventional polymers, indicate greater environmental benefits related to the use of biodegradable polymers.
A gradually detailed geophysical investigation took place on Ancient Marina territory. In that area was extended Ancient Tritaea, according to responsible Archaeological Services. The first approach had been attempted since 1988 by applied electric mapping based on a twin-probe array. Later, the survey extended to the peripheral zone under the relative request from the 6th Archaeological Antiquity. A new approach was implemented by combining three different geophysical techniques, like electrical mapping, total intensity, and vertical gradient. These were applied on discrete geophysical grids. Electric mapping tried to separate the area into low and high-interest subareas according to soil resistance allocation. That technique detected enough geometrical characteristics, which worked as the main lever for the application of two other geophysical techniques. The other two techniques would be to certify the existence of geometrical characteristics, which divorced them from geological findings. Magnetic methods were characterized as a rapid technique with greater sensitivity in relation to electric mapping. Also, vertical gradient focuses on the horizontal extension of buried remains. Processing of magnetic measurements (total and vertical) certified the results from electric mapping. Also, both of the techniques confirmed the existence of human activity results, which were presented as a cross-section of two perpendicular parts. The new survey results showed that the new findings related to results from the previous approach. Geophysical research in that area is continuing.
Social media has become one of the primary sources of communication, information, entertainment, and learning for users. Children gain several benefits as social media helps them acquire formal and informal learning opportunities. This research also examined the effect of social media on formal and informal learning among school-level children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), moderated by social integrative and personal integrative needs. Data was gathered by using structured questionnaires, which were distributed among a sample of 364 children. Results revealed that social media significantly affects Informal and formal learning among children, indicating its usefulness in child education and development. The results also indicated a significant moderation of social integrative needs on social media’s direct effect on informal learning, indicating the relevant needs as an important motivating factor. However, the moderation of personal integrative needs on social media’s direct effect on formal learning remained insignificant. Overall, this research highlighted the role of social media in providing learning opportunities for children in the UAE. It is concluded that children actively seek gratifications from social media, shaping their learning within structured educational contexts in their daily lives. Through the lens of UGT, certain needs play a critical role in strengthening the gratification process, affecting how children derive learning advantages from their interactions on social media platforms. Finally, implications and limitations are discussed accordingly.
Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It is one of the most dehumanizing and deplorable practices that violate basic human rights and dignity. This practice is linked to India’s caste system where so-called lower castes are expected to perform this job. Despite being outlawed in 1993, manual scavenging continues to exist in India due to socio-economic discrimination and lack of rehabilitation of manual scavengers. This paper attempts to provide an in-depth understanding. The harsh realities by qualitative systemic review of manual scavenging in India and how it negatively impacts human rights. It reviews relevant literature on the prevalence, causes, adverse effects, and laws against manual scavenging. The results indicate that manual scavenging is still practiced across many states in India. Manual scavengers face grave health hazards and socio-economic hardships. The laws against manual scavenging have failed to abolish this practice due to administrative apathy, lack of rehabilitation support for liberated scavengers, and continued prevalence of dry latrines necessitating manual disposal of excreta. The paper emphasizes the need for more concerted efforts by the government and civil society to end manual scavenging to uphold human rights, dignity, and justice for all. There is an urgent need for extensive awareness campaigns, social support, and proper rehabilitation of liberated scavengers into alternative professions.
The emerging growth digital application has driven ecosystems integrating digital banks and e-commerce platforms, enabling seamless, efficient transactions. This study examines the impact of user experience and satisfaction on reuse intention in this integrated environment. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected through surveys of 471 respondents and interviews with 30 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, while qualitative data were processed through content analysis. Results show that perceived ease of use, usefulness, reliability, value, and risk significantly affect user experience, while perceived security does not. These findings aim to help digital banks and e-commerce platforms design effective CRM strategies to enhance satisfaction and reuse intention.
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