Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water (77764)

Despite the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (STS) more than 30 years ago, water continues to transport radioactive contamination beyond the boundaries of the “Degelen” test site. Therefore, assessing the formation of water resources at this test site is highly relevant, particularly in terms of forecasting the development of radioactive contamination at the STS. In this case, isotope hydrology is the most promising method for understanding these processes. The aquatic environment at the “Degelen” test site consists of radioactively contaminated tunnel water, streams, and groundwater. This paper presents the research results regarding the determination of stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen for the aquatic environment of the “Degelen” test site. ³H concentrations and the chemical composition of water at the site were also determined. Analysis of the water’s isotopic composition (δ₂H and δ¹⁸O) showed that the tunnel and stream water are formed by precipitation (snowmelt and rain). In summer, when precipitation is low, atmospheric condensation contributes significantly to recharge at the “Degelen” test site. The high radionuclide content of tunnel water leads to the contamination of stream water, and, to a lesser extent, groundwater. The ³H content of tunnel water can reach 260 kBq/L, and that of stream water can reach 58 kBq/L, both of which exceed the established standards in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Full article

Monitoring trace metals in commercially important fish species provides an early warning of anthropogenic contamination and potential risk to consumers. This study semi-quantified and quantified essential, non-essential, and toxic elements in the muscle of wild meagre (Argyrosomus regius) captured in the Tagus estuary (Portugal), which is used as a nursery and spawning aggregation area. Dry muscle was microwave-digested and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. Semi-quantified screening detected Al, B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Si, Sr, and Ti, and eight elements were determined using multielement calibration (As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn); Cd, Pb (toxic elements), Co, and Mo were not detected in this study. Arsenic was detected in all individuals, with a minimum value of 0.348 mg/kg wet weight. A mercury level above the European Commission regulatory limit (0.5 mg/kg wet weight) was only detected in one individual, corresponding to 2% of the samples. Although other metals remain well below regulatory limits, continued biomonitoring is recommended to track temporal trends and safeguard seafood safety in transitional coastal systems, which is important for commercially relevant fish species. Full article

The main goal of this study was to develop methods for quality control of naftifine hydrochloride in solution and cream forms, focusing on “Quantitative Determination” and “Related Impurities.” New, precise, accurate, and environmentally friendly high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were developed for the determination of naftifine hydrochloride and its impurities. “Quantitative determination” was performed using a diode array detector at 254 nm with an isocratic mobile phase (1.154 g of ammonium acetate R dissolved in 300 mL of water R, followed by the addition of 0.2 mL of glacial acetic acid R, mixed well) and methanol (30:70). The chromatographic columns Gemini C18 and Luna C18 were used. “Related impurities” were separated at 270 nm using a gradient mobile phase consisting of 10 M sodium octanesulfonate, 0.4 g/L disodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous solution (pH 6.5), acetonitrile, and the Synergi Hydro-RP chromatographic column. The developed method, validated according to ICH guidelines, showed run times of 55 min for impurity analysis and 6 min for active ingredient determination. The methods were successfully applied to the quality control of the solution and cream. Full article

ZnO thin-film ultraviolet photodetectors are widely used in the military, space, environmental protection, medicine, and other fields. Accurate printing of ZnO photoelectric-sensitive films plays a key role in the detection results. Therefore, obtaining printing technology with a simple process and high precision has become a challenge for ZnO photoelectrically sensitive films. By adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the collecting plate, the jet is atomized in a straight line and deposited directly on the collecting plate, which effectively improves the stability and controllability of the jet spraying and deposition processes. ZnO thin films with a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, significantly improved density, and controllable deposition area linewidth were successfully prepared. The effects of different ZnO film structures on the performance of ultraviolet photodetectors were tested. When the ultraviolet light intensity is 500, 1000, and 2500 mW/cm², the $I_{light}$ of the photodetector is 4.62, 9.38, 14.67 mA, The on/off ratio ($I_{light}$/$I_{dark}$) is 20.7, 42.1, 65.8, implying satisfactory photoelectric performance as well as high stability and repeatability, providing an effective technical means for the precise printing application of micro-nano functional devices. Full article

In the context of the shipping industry’s transition towards low-carbon solutions, hydrogen energy exhibits substantial application potential in marine propulsion systems. Fuel reforming for hydrogen production represents one of the key technologies for efficient hydrogen production in maritime applications. Nevertheless, this process involves complex multi-scale reaction mechanisms, challenges in catalyst design, and difficulties in system optimization. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the recent progress in the application of machine learning in fuel reforming hydrogen production technology. In the realm of catalysts, machine learning has expedited the design of efficient catalysts via high-throughput screening, performance prediction, and active site regulation. In reaction modeling, machine learning has facilitated the development of multi-scale kinetic models, enhancing the interpretability and predictive accuracy of reaction pathways. Regarding equipment and system optimization, machine learning has enabled innovations in reactor design, collaborative optimization of process parameters, and intelligent system control. This review aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the technological development of ship propulsion systems. Moreover, it explores the future directions for the deep integration of machine learning and hydrogen energy technologies, thereby promoting the low-carbon and intelligent transformation of the shipping industry. Full article

The utilization of metal roofing as natural air terminals is a standard practice in lightning protection; however, the risk of thermal perforation and subsequent ignition of internal hazardous atmospheres remains a critical safety concern. While current standards (e.g., IEC 62305) primarily focus on material thickness and total charge (Q), this study demonstrates that these parameters alone are insufficient for predicting burn-through failure. We present a comprehensive electrothermal analysis based on the method of images to simulate three-dimensional heat diffusion in finite-thickness plates (0.5–7 mm) made of aluminum, copper, and steel. Unlike simplified 1D models, our approach considers the spatial distribution of the heat source and the varying depth of the thermal penetration. The results confirm that the continuing current component ($Q_{long}\approx 200$ C) is the primary driver of volumetric melting. Crucially, the sensitivity analysis reveals that the lightning channel radius ($r_{mbo}$) acts as a governing factor for perforation risk; a reduction in the lightning channel radius from 5 mm to 2 mm can shift the outcome from minor surface heating to complete perforation for thin sheets ($0.5$ mm), even under identical charge conditions. This paper identifies a “safety gap” in current engineering practices, demonstrating that neglecting this parameter constriction effect results in an underestimation of the thermal threat. The proposed analytical model provides a precise tool for determining the safety margins of natural air terminals, offering direct applicability for designing lightning protection systems in high-risk industrial facilities. Full article

To elucidate the development control factors, diagenetic evolution, and pore evolution of oil and gas reservoirs of the Huagang Formation in the East China Sea Shelf Basin Central Anticlinal Belt, this study involved geological analyses, including thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mineral analysis via TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and petrophysical measurements. We investigated the reservoir characteristics and primary diagenetic processes of the Huagang Formation reservoirs using logging and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, identified provenance differences between the north-central (FN) and south-central (FS) areas, divided diagenetic environments, established distinct diagenetic sequences, and uncovered high-quality reservoir pore evolution patterns. The results showed that the provenance in the FN area of the Central Anticlinal Belt is primarily acidic igneous rocks, which exhibits low resistance to compaction but is susceptible to dissolution modification, and the “high-dissolution zone” developed at burial depths of 3600–3900 m constitutes the primary high-quality reservoir; the provenance in the FS area is a mixture of medium- and high-grade metamorphic rocks and acidic igneous rocks, which exhibits stronger resistance to compaction, but dissolution zones are poorly developed. The Huagang Formation has experienced multiple diagenetic processes, such as compaction, cementation, and dissolution. During destructive diagenesis, the average reduction in pore volume due to compaction accounts for 76% (FN area) and 81% (FS area), while cementation accounts for 18% (FN area) and 12% (FS area). Vertically, 3900 m and 4000 m are the boundaries between the acidic zone and acid-alkaline transition zone of the Huagang Formation in the FN and FS areas, respectively, and the whole Huagang Formation is considered within the meso-diagenetic A2 stage. The pore evolution is closely related to diagenesis. The porosity of the sandstones in the Upper Member of the Huagang Formation in the FN area changes from 37.5% to 10.62%, and the porosity of the sand-stones in the Lower Member of the Huagang Formation in the FS area changes from 36.5% to 8.90%. The results of this study provide a reference for the study of differential diagenetic evolution of sandstones in the Xihu Sag and the exploration of deep high-quality reservoirs. Full article

This study focuses on the Lujiang Alum Mine, analyzing sources of acid mine drainage (AMD) generated during remediation activities. A numerical model of groundwater flow was constructed to simulate and predict the causes of AMD under the influence of remediation measures. Concurrently, hydrogen and oxygen stable-isotope-tracing techniques were employed to elucidate the pathways through which AMD occurred and the mechanisms underlying water acidification. A fully mixed model was established to quantify the rates of contribution from different water sources. The results indicate that the annual amount of acidic wastewater produced under the influence of disturbance via remediation is approximately 3.29 × 10⁵ m³. The fully mixed model based on environmental isotopes further revealed that the discharge of water from the first branch of the +85 m adit serves as the primary cause of AMD during the wet, normal, and dry seasons, with a contribution exceeding 50%. This is followed by recharge from Tianchi Lake, accounting for approximately 20–30%. In contrast, the contributions from seepage water from the roof of the +85 m adit and water from the Xiaofanshan Inclined Shaft are relatively minor. Based on these findings, we propose targeted strategies for source prevention and end-of-pipe treatment of AMD in the mining area. This work provides scientific support for the ongoing ecological restoration project at the Lujiang Alum Mine and offers valuable insights for AMD management in similar mines. Full article

This pilot study investigated the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) Enterobacterales in conventionally kept domestic pigs and their environment across four districts in Rwanda. A total of 114 swabs (nasal, rectal, manure, dust) from 29 farms were collected and processed to isolate resistant bacteria. Thirty-two 3GC-R Enterobacterales were detected. Escherichia coli predominantly harboring bla_CTX-M group 1 β-lactamase genes, alongside Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, all displaying extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypes. Four MRSA isolates, all belonging to clonal complex 398 and SCCmec type IV, the typical livestock MRSA, were recovered from nasal and environmental samples. Multidrug resistance was frequently observed. The co-occurrence of β-lactamase genes, non-β-lactam resistance genes, and virulence factors such as fimH and loci associated with extraintestinal pathogenic and enteropathogenic E. coli. The detection of both MRSA and 3GC-R Enterobacterales in the present study indicates pigs and their farm environments as reservoirs of WHO priority pathogens in Rwanda, highlighting a potential public health risk in the context of extensive human–animal–environment interaction. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance and comprehensive AMR control strategies addressing both animal and environmental reservoirs to support Rwanda’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Full article

The Russo–Ukrainian conflict (RUC) escalated on 24 February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale military operation in Ukraine. Our review aims to present the impact of the RUC on Ukrainian water resources and infrastructure. Its primary objective was to analyze 61 relevant papers, selected and screened according to the PRISMA methodology, concerning changes in inland and marine water quality, employing diverse scientific and analytical methods, and technical tools. Key recurring themes included “Ukraine”, “Russian-Ukrainian War”, and “Ecocide”. Beyond assessing the environmental consequences of destroyed treatment plants, supply systems, and sewerage units, as the secondary objective, the review introduces the concept of “aquacide”—the deliberate or incidental destruction and contamination of water infrastructures and resources during military operations. The most severe cases were documented in southern and eastern Ukraine, with the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam standing out as the most widely reported “aquacide”. Finally, the review highlights the critical role of satellite imagery and remote sensing as the most effective tools in monitoring water quality and infrastructures under wartime conditions, when in situ observations and measurements are often impossible. Full article

Probiotics hold great potential in aquaculture, as they can effectively modulate gut microbiota and improve fish health, thereby enhancing farming efficiency. Translating this potential into practical application critically relies on screening high-efficacy probiotic strains. This study evaluated the growth-promoting and health-enhancing effects of probiotic candidates Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Lactobacillus plantarum FZU310 (LP-FZU310) and Bacillus subtilis FZU103 (BS-FZU103) in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). After feeding different probiotics for 30 days, the growth, antioxidant, and intestinal enzyme indicators of M. salmoides were detected. BS-FZU103 demonstrated superior efficacy among the tested strains, showing significant differences in both specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05) and condition factor (CF) (p < 0.05). It also markedly enhanced hepatic antioxidant status, elevating superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities while reducing malondialdehyde levels by 80%. Improved liver integrity was indicated by significant decreases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Digestively, BS-FZU103 specifically increased intestinal amylase activity by 14.7%, without affecting protease or lipase, suggesting enhanced carbohydrate digestion. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed BS-FZU103 remodeled gut microbiota, increasing Proteobacteria abundance at the phylum level and enriching Bacillus while reducing Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at the genus level. Functional prediction based on PICRUSt2 indicated an enhanced metabolic potential of the gut microbiota, with inferred upregulation of pathways related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism (e.g., ABC transporters) and intestinal enzymatic activities. Collectively, BS-FZU103 is associated with metabolic modulation, promoting M. salmoides growth through gut microbiota remodeling, hepatic antioxidant fortification, and targeted augmentation of carbohydrate utilization efficiency. Full article

Reliable estimates of regional energy consumption are essential to planning sustainable development and achieving decarbonization; however, this information is still not available for several regions worldwide. In this work, we propose a methodological framework that uses satellite-derived Nighttime Light (NTL) imagery and machine learning to predict regional electricity consumption one year ahead. The methodology follows three stages: First, a Random Forest regression model is used to identify the relationship between NTL data and regional energy consumption. Thereafter, NTL values for the year ahead are forecasted using NTL values from previous years. Lastly, the obtained result is applied to estimate regional energy consumption from predicted NTL values for the year ahead. The country of Mexico is considered a case study to apply and validate this methodology, reproducing spatial consumption patterns with high correlation to official data ($R^2>0.85)$, thus confirming the success of this proposal. The proposed methodology demonstrates how energy demand can be estimated, even in areas of scarce information, providing a transparent and replicable approach for energy monitoring in data-limited regions. Full article

The Northwestern Black Sea shelf, strongly influenced by Danube discharge and coastal activities, provides an effective setting for separating lithogenic controls from localized anthropogenic inputs. We applied a multi-proxy geochemical–radiometric approach to Romanian shelf waters and surface sediments. A CTD–Rosette was used to quantify nutrients, chlorophyll-a, TOC, and TN. Dissolved metals and PAHs were measured in seawater, while surface sediments were analyzed for CaCO₃, TOC, trace metals, and γ-emitting radionuclides. Multivariate statistics (PCA/FA) were used to resolve the dominant environmental controls. Summer stratification was characterized by the bottom-layer maxima of PO₄³⁻, SiO₄⁴⁻, and NH₄⁺ and a pronounced subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum at 12–16 m. Surface-water Σ16PAH ranged from 134 to 347 ng L⁻¹ and was dominated by low-molecular-weight compounds, with episodic nearshore enrichment in high-molecular-weight species. In sediments, CaCO₃ ranged from 7.6 to 29.9% and TOC from 0.11 to 0.96%. Trace metals were generally low. Pb and Hg peaked at nearshore station S23, whereas mean Ni (38.88 ppm) slightly exceeded the 35 ppm guideline, consistent with natural Fe/Mn-oxide association. PCA/FA identified a terrigenous axis (Fe-Al-Ti-V-Ni-Cr), a carbonate axis (CaCO₃; Sr where available), and an anthropogenic factor (Pb, Hg, HMW-PAHs). γ-spectrometry provided a compatible radiometric baseline that supports the multi-proxy interpretation. Full article

Brake wear particles (BWPs) represent a major source of non-exhaust particulate matter from road traffic, contributing substantially to human exposure, particularly in urban environments. While traditionally associated with coarse and fine fractions, mounting evidence shows that brake systems emit large quantities of ultrafine particles (UFPs; <100 nm), which dominate number concentrations despite contributing little to mass. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on BWP formation mechanisms, physicochemical characteristics, environmental behavior, and toxicological effects, with a specific emphasis on UFPs. Mechanical friction and high-temperature degradation of pad and disc materials generate nanoscale primary particles that rapidly agglomerate yet retain ultrafine structural features. Reported real-world and laboratory number concentrations commonly range from 10³ to over 10⁶ particles/cm³, with diameters between 10 and 100 nm, rising sharply during intensive braking. Toxicological studies consistently demonstrate that UFP-rich and metal-laden BWPs, particularly those containing Fe, Cu, Mn, Cd, and Sb compounds, induce oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, genotoxicity, and epithelial barrier disruption in human lung and immune cells. Ecotoxicological studies further reveal adverse impacts across aquatic organisms, plants, soil invertebrates, and mammals, with evidence of environmental persistence and food-chain transfer. Despite these findings, current regulatory frameworks address only the mass of particulate matter from brakes and omit UFP number-based limits, leaving a major gap in emission control. Full article

In recent years, global sea surface temperature (SST) has risen steadily, with 2023 and 2024 breaking successive historical observation records, thus rendering marine heatwaves (MHWs) an unignorable new marine disaster. To scientifically mitigate and assess the impacts of MHW disasters on China’s coastal waters, this study developed a monitoring and weekly forecast product for MHWs based on the OSTIA (Operational SST and Ice Analysis) SST observational fusion data and SST numerical forecast data. Evaluation shows the following: the quarterly average of the RMSE for the weekly MHWs intensity forecasts is 0.52 °C; and the quarterly average score for the weekly MHW’s category forecasts is 94.4. Characteristic analysis of 2024 MHWs reveals 93.7% of China’s coastal waters and adjacent areas experienced MHWs throughout the year, and the average monthly impact rate of MHWs is 43.8%. High-value areas of total days and cumulative intensity are concentrated in the central-eastern part of the Yellow Sea, which makes it the most severely affected area by MHW disasters in 2024. The weekly MHW’s forecast product developed in this study provides deterministic weekly forecasts of MHWs intensity and categories for China’s coastal waters. This product can serve as a guidance basis for MHW disaster prevention and mitigation, and help reduce losses caused by MHWs to the marine environment and marine economy. Full article

New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) were severely exploited by historical hunting. However, recently assessed colonies in New Zealand are mostly thought to be growing or stable. The exceptions are three colonies (Wekakura Point, Cape Foulwind and Taumaka Island) on the West Coast of the South Island (‘WCSI’), previously documented as in decline. We used mark-recapture and morphometric data to update understandings of pup abundance and condition at these colonies. Pup abundance has continued to decline. In 2025, 186 (95% CI = 178–194) pups were estimated at Wekakura Point, 131 (95% CI = 122–140) at Cape Foulwind and 566 (95% CI = 555–577) at Taumaka Island, representing declines of 83%, 71% and 61% from the respective maxima in the 1990s. Rates of decline have slowed at Wekakura Point and Cape Foulwind since 2016 but have increased at Taumaka Island. Pup condition demonstrated substantial interannual variation. Cape Foulwind pups had the greatest average mass and body condition index score, followed by Wekakura Point and then Taumaka Island. There have been consistencies between years of particularly low pup abundance and condition across the colonies, suggesting common stressors; however, there are likely also some localised factors. Emerging diseases and marine environmental change are evaluated as potential drivers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Necroptosis is a critical process in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). Tilianin (Til), a natural flavonoid glycoside derived from Dracocephalum moldavica L., exhibits significant therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanisms in mitigating necroptosis-induced MIRI remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Til regulates cardiomyocyte necroptosis to alleviate MIRI. Methods: A rat model of MIRI was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Necroptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes was induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (H/R) combined with Z-VAD-FMK. Myocardial infarct size was assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological injury in cardiac tissue was examined by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Fluorescent probes were used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondria. The molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method was used to predict the binding energy between Til and RIP3. Furthermore, RIP3 overexpression and knockdown, along with inhibition of the downstream protein CaMKII, were used to further investigate the mechanism. Results: Til treatment significantly reduced MIRI in rats, decreased myocardial infarct size, histopathological injury, and regulated myocardial enzyme levels. Til pretreatment effectively inhibited necroptosis in H9c2 cells induced by H/R and Z-VAD-FMK, as evidenced by reduced necroptosis rates, decreased inflammatory cytokine release, improved mitochondrial function, and suppressed phosphorylation of the necroptosis marker MLKL. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation demonstrated stable binding of Til to RIP3, which was verified through Western blot. The protective effects of Til on necroptosis were reversed by RIP3 overexpression. Furthermore, the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 abolished Til’s effect on mitochondria. Conclusions: Til alleviates MIRI by targeting RIP3 to inhibit the necroptosis pathway and mPTP opening. These findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for MIRI and necroptosis-related diseases. Full article

The reinforcement of high-water-content, low-permeability soft soils presents a critical challenge in marine and coastal engineering. While electroosmotic dewatering is a promising technique, its widespread application is often hindered by issues such as high energy consumption and limited strength gain. However, the specific mechanisms by which marine-derived biopolymers modify soil properties and microstructure to enhance electroosmotic efficiency and significantly improve the post-treatment bearing capacity remain insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the use of Sodium Alginate (SA) to enhance the electroosmotic dewatering performance of coastal soft soil. Laboratory experiments were conducted using carbon felt electrodes with varying SA mass fractions (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). The study integrated macroscopic monitoring with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the electroosmotic efficiency and mechanical property evolution. The results demonstrate that the cross-linked structure of SA gel effectively bridges soil particles and fills inter-granular pores, significantly increasing the liquid limit (from 32.34% to 49.15% at 1.0% SA) and mitigating soil cracking. This microstructural alteration enhanced electrical conductivity and accelerated drainage; the average water content reduction increased from 12.78% (0.0% SA) to 20.86% (1.0% SA). Notably, the 0.5% SA treatment improved the average bearing capacity to approximately 86 kPa (about 7 times that of 0.0% SA) with only a 21% increase in the energy consumption coefficient. This study confirms that utilizing SA for electroosmotic reinforcement effectively modifies soil properties to provide a marine solution for coastal soft soil foundation treatment. Full article

The development of robust autonomous maritime systems is fundamentally constrained by the “data silo” problem, where valuable operational data from disparate fleets remain isolated due to privacy concerns, severely limiting the scalability of general-purpose navigation intelligence. To address this barrier, we propose a novel Federated Meta-Transfer Learning (FMTL) framework that enables collaborative evolution of unmanned surface vehicle (USV) swarms while preserving data privacy. Our hierarchical approach orchestrates three synergistic stages: (1) transfer learning pre-trains a universal “Sea-Sense” foundation model on large-scale maritime data to establish fundamental navigation priors; (2) federated learning enables decentralized fleets to collaboratively refine this model through encrypted gradient aggregation, forming a distributed cognitive network; (3) meta-learning allows for rapid personalization to individual vessel dynamics with minimal adaptation trials. Comprehensive simulations across heterogeneous fleet distributions demonstrate that our federated model achieves a 95.4% average success rate across diverse maritime scenarios, significantly outperforming isolated specialist models (63.9–73.1%), while enabling zero-shot performance of 78.5% and few-shot adaptation within 8–12 episodes on unseen tasks. This work establishes a scalable, privacy-preserving paradigm for collective maritime intelligence through swarm-based learning. Full article

High-pressure water jet technology is widely utilized for cleaning marine artificial structures due to its portability, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, yet traditional jets underperform in submerged environments. Gas-assisted water jet technology has predominantly been applied to rock breaking—where vertical forces are prioritized—with insufficient research into flow regime evolution, limiting its utility for cleaning applications. This study introduces a supercavitating high-pressure water jet aimed at improving underwater cleaning efficiency while lowering economic costs. Employing ANSYS Fluent—with the RNG k-ε turbulence model and mixture model—validated via high-speed camera experiments, we explored the flow regime evolution of both unconstrained and semi-constrained impinging jets. The key findings of this paper are as follows: The cavity evolves with a periodic “necking-bubbling” pattern, whose intensity correlates positively with gas outlet velocity and supply rate; moderate gas supply—with 120 L/min identified as optimal through orthogonal analysis—effectively delays water jet breakup. For semi-constrained jets, the wall-adjacent gas flow also exhibits “necking-bubbling”; small-angle impact (30° versus 60°) reduces near-wall shear vortices, enhancing gas cavity stability on the target plate. This study bridges the gap between gas-assisted jet technology and underwater cleaning requirements, offering theoretical insights and optimized parameters for efficient, low-cost marine structure cleaning. It thereby supports the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and the stable operation of key marine facilities. Full article

This study examined the digestive and metabolic responses of Naozhou (NZ) stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae and juveniles under five developmental feeding stages (DAH3, DAH7, DAH12, DAH19, DAH49) to clarify mechanisms of early nutritional adaptation. Digestive enzyme assays, transcriptome sequencing, and metabolomics were integrated to compare physiological changes across diets. Protease activity increased sharply from DAH7–19 with the introduction of rotifers, Artemia, and copepods, while amylase and lipase activities rose at DAH19–49, reflecting enhanced carbohydrate and lipid utilization during transition to formulated feeds. Transcriptomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways involving protein digestion, lipid and energy metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. The metabolomic analysis further highlighted dynamic changes in amino acid, lipid, carbohydrate, and vitamin metabolism, consistent with transcriptomic findings. The integrated analysis suggests that the coordinated modulation of digestive enzyme activities, gene expression, and metabolite profiles enabled a smooth transition from yolk dependency to live prey feeding and a subsequent use of artificial diets. These findings provide new insights into the early nutritional development of NZ large yellow croaker and provide a scientific basis for the improvement of artificial aquaculture seed production. Full article

Significant achievements have been made in the control of point source pollution. However, agricultural non-point source pollution (AGNPSP) has become a serious threat to ecological environment quality and is now the main source of pollution in the Yangtze River Basin. The topographical features of the upper Yangtze River region are primarily characterised by hilly and mountainous terrain, marked by steep slopes and pronounced undulations. This renders the land susceptible to soil erosion, thereby becoming a significant conduit for the entry of AGNPSP into water bodies. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify critical sources, areas and periods of AGNPSP and to promote the effective prevention and control of such pollution. The present study adopted the Yongchuan District of Chongqing, a region characterised by hilly and mountainous terrain in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, as a case study. The research, conducted from 2018 to 2021, sought to identify the “critical sources—areas—periods“ of AGNPSP. In order to surmount the challenge posed by the absence of fundamental data, the study constructed and integrated three models. The export coefficient model was used to calculate the pollution load, the pollutant load intensity model was used for spatial analysis, and the equal-scale pollution load equation was used to assess the contribution degree of different pollutants. Furthermore, the study developed a monthly pollutant flux model to accurately identify the critical pollution periods within the year. In conclusion, the research results have indicated the necessity of a governance strategy that is to be implemented with utmost priority. This strategy is to be based on the following hierarchy: critical sources, areas, and periods. The results of the study indicate the following: (1) The pollutants that exhibit the greatest contribution in Yongchuan District are total nitrogen (TN)and chemical oxygen demand (COD), accounting for 34% and 33%, respectively. The primary source of pollution is attributed to livestock and poultry breeding, accounting for 49.7% of the total pollution load. (2) The critical area of AGNPSP in Yongchuan District is located in the south of the district and primarily comprises Zhutuo Town, Hegeng Town and Xianlong Town. Among the critical areas identified, livestock and poultry farming accounts for 68% of the pollution load. (3) The monthly variation of pollutant fluxes demonstrates a single peak pattern, with the peak occurring in June. The data indicates that the flux of pollutants in June and July accounted for 37% of the total, thus identifying these months as critical periods for the management of AGNPSP in Yongchuan District. The critical source–area–period analysis indicates that the comprehensive management strategy for AGNPSP should focus on critical sources, areas and periods. Furthermore, it should adopt a prioritised, zoned and phased management approach. This approach has the potential to promote cost-effective and efficient prevention and control, thereby facilitating the achievement of sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Purpose: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a condition marked by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to disturbances in calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D metabolism. HPT is classified into primary (pHPT), secondary (sHPT), and tertiary (tHPT) types, which can cause systemic complications. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) remains the cornerstone treatment for pHPT and refractory cases of sHPT and tHPT. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 10 pediatric patients who underwent PTX for HPT at our clinic between 2016 and 2024. Demographic data, preoperative imaging, laboratory findings, surgical details, pathology reports, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Patients were categorized as having either pHPT (n = 6) or renal HPT (r-HPT; n = 4), which included one case of sHPT and three cases of tHPT. Results: The mean age of pHPT and r-HPT patients was 15 and 13 years, respectively. While 50% of pHPT patients were female, all r-HPT patients were female. Preoperative imaging localized parathyroid lesions using ultrasonography in all cases, but Sestamibi scintigraphy had a lower detection rate (66.7%). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was performed in single-gland pHPT cases, while bilateral neck exploration was used for multiglandular pHPT and all r-HPT cases. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, all patients demonstrated normalized calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels with significant symptomatic improvement. Hungry bone syndrome developed in one r-HPT patient and was managed successfully. No recurrences were noted during an average follow-up of 39 months. Conclusions: PTX is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric HPT, providing excellent biochemical and clinical outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial in managing pediatric cases, particularly those with complex renal HPT. Full article

Vibrio mimicus infection poses a severe threat to the sustainable aquaculture of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), a commercially important freshwater species of the order Siluriformes. To reveal the genetic mechanisms underlying the resistance to this pathogen, we established an infection model and integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) and transcriptomics to identify key resistance loci and genes. Firstly, from whole-genome re-sequencing (WGRS) and high-quality genotypic data, six SNP loci significantly associated with resistance to V. mimicus were identified, which were annotated to 17 immune-related candidate genes. Notably, the rac2 gene associated with the locus Chr15:3,227,652 exhibited significantly differential expression in skin tissue. Through transcriptomic analysis, 6684 and 6616 differentially expressed genes were identified from the skin and muscle tissues, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the skin, as the first line of defense against pathogens, prioritizes the activation of immune defense mechanisms, whereas muscle tissue responds to infection-induced stress primarily by regulating metabolic processes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validated that rac2 enhances the antibacterial capacity of yellow catfish in skin tissue by regulating the expression of NADPH oxidase complex subunits ncf1 and ncf4. This study reveals, for the first time, the core functional genes of yellow catfish associated with resistance to V. mimicus infection, providing theoretical support for disease-resistant breeding of this species. Full article

The fanasváhter is a special tool used by boatbuilders to determine how steeply the boatboards should be positioned. Sámi mathematics teacher educators, together with Sea Sámi boatbuilders and a pre-service mathematics teacher, present a descriptive case study of a Sea Sámi boatbuilder’s use of this tool. The aim is to reveal mathematical understanding that might be relevant for vocational school teaching. Firstly, we analyze a semi-structured interview with a skilled boatbuilder with respect to knowledge and values embedded in the use of the fanasváhter. Because the Sea Sámi boatbuilding tradition was almost extinct after the Nazis’ devastation in World War II, there is a need for some creativity in the boatbuilders’ regeneration of Sea Sámi boatbuilding. An analysis of the use of the fanasváhter with respect to creativity reveals how creativity is important in Sea Sámi boatbuilding. The analysis further reveals that Sea Sámi boatbuilders compare angles, but they do not refer to any angles measured in degrees. This contrasts with traditional school mathematics. Thus, the Sea Sámi boatbuilders’ mathematics is less abstract and more intuitive than traditional school mathematics. Full article

Introduction: Several studies have been conducted in the field of education for older adults, with an emphasis on teaching and learning processes related to the use of digital technologies. Among the relevant aspects to be considered in this context is the cognitive vulnerability of this age group in terms of digital security. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive aspects of older adults and their ability to identify digital risks, before and after participating in an educational intervention, as well as the effect of the intervention on cognition in this age group. Methodology: Analyses were conducted according to the educational intervention and control groups, further stratified by digital risk (SJT) and dementia risk, according to the ACE-R test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to identify possible differences in the likelihood of falling for digital scams, considering the dimensions generated by the simulations (SJT). Results: Overall, the educational intervention was effective for the media education dimension (delta −0.5), regardless of dementia risk. More specifically, a particular effect was observed in the post-intervention stage. Conclusions: The educational intervention was able to promote cognitive gains and reduce digital risks among older adults, particularly in the identification of misinformation, underscoring the importance of continuous and adapted programs to promote digital security in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder is associated with executive functioning (EF) challenges, yet the neural correlates of EF challenges in autistic youth remain unclear. This study aimed to examine EF performance and cortical activation in autistic versus non-autistic youth, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a modified Flanker task. Methods: Thirty age-matched (11.6 ± 0.8 years) autistic (N = 15) and non-autistic youth (N = 15) completed congruent and incongruent conditions of a modified Flanker task while cortical activation in prefrontal, parietal, and temporal regions was recorded using fNIRS. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) was used to assess general EF impairments. Behavioral data (i.e., Flanker task mean reaction time/accuracy, and reaction time variability) and cortical activation were analyzed using ANCOVAs. Pearson correlations were used to determine the relationship between cortical activation, EF performance, and clinical measures. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, with FDR corrections for multiple comparisons. Results: While mean reaction time and accuracy were comparable across groups, autistic youth exhibited greater reaction time variability (autistic youth = 34.8 ± 10.36; controls = 26.4 ± 1.94, p = 0.02, Hedges’ g = 0.85) and higher BRIEF index scores compared to controls (p_s < 0.001, Hedges’ gs > 1.3; e.g., Global Executive Composite Score for autistic youth = 71.3 ± 3.7; controls = 47.8 ± 2.4), indicative of delayed EF development. During the incongruent condition, compared to non-autistic controls, autistic youth showed lower left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) activation (Mean HbO₂ in autistic youth = −0.02 ± 0.006 mmol.mm; controls = 0.01 ± 0.006 mmol.mm, p_s < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 0.5) and a lack of left-lateralized activation (e.g., left vs. right STS activation, p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 0.41 in the non-autistic youth). In the ASD group, lower activation in the left STS was associated with lower EF performance (r = −0.28, p = 0.007), whereas greater activation in various right-hemispheric ROIs was associated with better EF performance (r = −0.31 to −0.35, p_s < 0.005), suggesting potential compensatory activation. Conclusions: The findings revealed ASD-specific differences in the neural correlates of EF performance and possible alternative compensatory activation patterns. These potential neural correlates of EF performance highlight the utility of fNIRS-based neural measures to better understand the neural bases of EF differences in autism. Study Registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Delaware (Protocol #: 1947455) on 4 October 2022. Full article

The problem of adequate quantitative analysis of anthropogenic film pollution of water areas according to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery is addressed here. A quantitative analysis of anthropogenic film pollution (AFP) in the studied coastal water areas of the north sector of the Black Sea and Avacha Gulf has been conducted. The analysis utilized a method that involved the statistical processing of data related to AFP identified within the cells of a regular spatial grid. Time series of Sentinel-1 SAR satellite imagery were used as initial data. Spatiotemporal distributions of the proposed quantitative criterion (e_AFP, ppm) have been calculated and analyzed. This criterion characterizes the intensity of AFP impact within the selected regions of marine waters based on measuring the relative frequency of an AFP event. Among them, the area of the emergency fuel oil spill that occurred in 2024–2025 near the Kerch Strait was investigated (e_AFP values near the wreckage of tankers reached ~13,000 ppm), as well as the area of the emergency oil spill near the Novorossiysk terminal that occurred in 2021 (e_AFP ≤ 6000 ppm). Accidents led to an approximately 3–6-fold increase in e_AFP values against the background level of 0–2000 ppm. The spatiotemporal variability of e_AFP across various water areas and under different conditions has been demonstrated and discussed. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has emerged as a leading bio-based polymer due to its renewability, processability, and biodegradability, yet its broader adoption remains constrained by limitations in thermal stability, mechanical performance, and end-of-life control. This review provides a comparative and application-oriented overview of recent advances in PLA from synthesis and catalyst landscapes to structure–property–biodegradation relationships and practical applications. Representative polymerization routes and catalyst systems are critically compared in terms of achievable molecular weight, stereochemical control, scalability, and sustainability. Key structure–property modification strategies—including stereocomplex formation, blending, and copolymerization—are quantitatively evaluated with respect to thermal and mechanical properties, highlighting inherent trade-offs. Importantly, environment-specific biodegradation behaviors are assessed using representative quantitative metrics under industrial composting, soil, marine, and enzymatic conditions, underscoring the strong dependence of degradation on both material design and testing environment. Finally, application-driven requirements for food packaging, fibers, and agricultural materials are discussed alongside regulatory considerations, processing constraints, and qualitative cost positioning relative to conventional polymers. By integrating recent representative studies into comparative tables and synthesis-driven discussions, this review offers design guidelines for tailoring PLA-based materials toward targeted performance and sustainable deployment. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a typical pollutant with strong toxicity even at low concentrations. In the marine environment, Cd is a problem of magnitude and ecological significance due to its high toxicity and accumulation in living organisms. The clam Meretrix meretrix is a useful bioindicator species for evaluating heavy-metal stress. This study investigated the extent of recovery from Cd²⁺-induced oxidative and immune impairments in M. meretrix gills achieved by short-term depuration. Clams were exposed to 3 mg/L Cd²⁺ for six days or three days followed by three days of depuration, and the Cd contents, morphological structure, osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and immune responses in the gills were evaluated. The results showed that gill Cd contents increased with exposure, reaching 9.857 ± 0.074 mg·kg⁻¹ on day 3 but decreased slightly to 8.294 ± 0.056 mg·kg⁻¹ after depuration, while reaching 18.665 ± 0.040 mg·kg⁻¹ on day 6 after continuous exposure. Histological lesions, including lamellar fusion, hemolymphatic sinus dilation, and ciliary degeneration, partially recovered after depuration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly, while DNA-protein crosslinking rate (DPC) and protein carbonyl (PCO) showed minor reductions. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activities of Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase (CMA), cytochrome c oxidase (COX), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased by over 10% during depuration, though these changes were not statistically significant. Lysozyme (LZM) activity and MT transcript levels increased progressively with Cd exposure, indicating their suitability as biomarkers of Cd stress. Acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP, AKP) activities and Hsp70 and Nrf2 mRNA transcripts exhibited inverted U-shaped response consistent with hormetic response. ACP and AKP activity levels rose by more than 20% after depuration, suggesting partial restoration of immune capacity. Overall, Cd exposure induced oxidative damage, metabolic disruption, and immune suppression in M. meretrix gills, yet short-term depuration allowed partial recovery. These findings enhance understanding of Cd toxicity and reversibility in marine bivalves and reinforce the usage of biochemical and molecular markers for monitoring Cd contamination and assessing depuration efficiency in aquaculture environments. Full article

Marine sponges possess complex metabolic systems that support their growth, physiology, and ecological interactions. However, the primary metabolic capacity of the sponge hosts remains incompletely characterized at the molecular level. In this study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing of a pooled sample of three individuals of Xestospongia sp. collected in Vietnam, using a high-throughput Illumina sequencing system, to characterize the host-derived metabolic pathways. A total of 43,278 unigenes were assembled, of which 69.15% were functionally annotated using multiple public databases. Functional annotation revealed a broad repertoire of genes associated with core metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, lipid, and sterol metabolisms, as well as cofactor-related processes. Specifically, complete pathways involved in folate biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q) metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis were identified, reflecting the independent metabolic framework of the sponge host. Several highly expressed genes related to these pathways, including COQ7, ERG6, NUDX1, QDPR, and PCBD, were detected, and their expression patterns were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, protein-based phylogenetic analyses indicated that these genes are closely related to homologous proteins from other sponge species, supporting their host origin. This study provides the first comprehensive transcriptomic resource for Xestospongia sp. from Vietnam, and offers baseline molecular insights into the primary metabolic capacity of the sponge host. These data establish a foundation for future investigations of sponge physiology and host–microbe metabolic partitioning. Full article

Massive phytoplankton blooms threaten lake ecosystems, causing significant ecological and socio-economic damage. While remote sensing is vital for monitoring, the vertical stratification of algae influences light propagation and distorts remote sensing reflectance signals. This effect is particularly understudied in high-latitude lakes, leaving a gap in understanding phytoplankton biomass patterns. To address this, our study investigated three high-latitude water bodies: Lake Hulun, Fengman Reservoir, and Lake Khanka. We collected water samples from three depths based on total and euphotic zone depth and developed layer-specific inversion models for chlorophyll-a (Chal) and phycocyanin (PC) using a random forest algorithm. These models demonstrated strong performance and were applied to Sentinel-3 OLCI imagery from 2016–2024. Our results show that Chla generally decreases exponentially with depth, whereas PC exhibits a Gaussian-like vertical distribution with a pronounced subsurface maximum at approximately 1 m. In addition, a significant positive correlation between Chla and PC was observed in surface waters. In Lake Khanka, the northern basin exhibited a significant interannual increase in phytoplankton biomass. At 3 m, PC correlated negatively with turbidity and responded strongly to cyanobacterial blooms, while organic suspended matter correlated positively with Chla. This work establishes a robust framework for multilayer water quality monitoring in high-latitude lakes, providing critical insights for eutrophication management and cyanobacterial bloom early warning. Full article

Global warming is modifying precipitation patterns, and hence increasing the hazards of severe and extended rainstorms. Addressing the gap in integrating economic and environmental assessments into urban stormwater management—a key challenge in urban water resource analysis—this study utilizes the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and SUSTAIN model to identify and evaluate low-impact development (LID) stormwater management strategies, assessing their impacts on runoff volume, peak flow reduction, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids (SS) across four planning scenarios under five rainfall recurrence intervals, culminating in a cost–benefit analysis to ascertain the optimal scenario. The reduction rates for COD and SS varied from 41.85% to 87.11% across different scenarios, with Scenario Three (RM03) demonstrating the highest efficacy in pollutant management. (The four labels RM01–RM04 are used throughout the text to represent the four scenarios) Implementing the best plan may result in a reduction of yearly carbon emissions of 189.70 metric tons, with emissions from the operational load of the drainage network and COD pollution treatment potentially decreasing by 2.44% and 2.06%, respectively, indicating an overall annual reduction of 85.46%. This approach not only mitigates urban rainwater and flooding issues but also prevents resource wastage, optimizes resource utilization and benefits, offers a scientific foundation for urban construction and planning, and serves as a reference for sponge city development in other regions. Full article

In flooded soils, the concentrations of exchangeable Mn²⁺ and, especially, Fe²⁺ can be high and must be considered when determining the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil under flooded conditions. However, these reduced forms of Mn and Fe are oxidized and precipitated during the extraction process used in traditional CEC methods. This procedure underestimates the exchangeable portion of these cations and, consequently, the CEC value of the flooded soil. We introduce a pH-gradient-based model to predict ECEC and exchangeable Fe²⁺ in flooded soils, circumventing oxidation artifacts inherent in conventional methods. The objective of this study is to propose an alternative to estimate the exchangeable Fe²⁺ and the effective CEC (ECEC) of flooded soils. To achieve this goal, 21 surface samples (0–20 cm) of soil from rice fields were collected and distributed in the cultivation regions of southern Brazil. The soils were flooded for 50 days. The soil solution was collected on the first day and after 50 days of flooding and pH, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were determined. In these samples, exchangeable cations (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al and H + Al) were determined to calculate ECEC and CEC at pH 7 of unflooded soil and after 50 days of flooding. There was a wide range of variation in the exchangeable cation contents among the soil samples. The K contents ranged from 0.12 to 0.54 cmol_c kg⁻¹, the Na contents from 0.00 to 1.18 cmol_c kg⁻¹, the Ca contents from 0.48 to 37.31 cmol_c kg⁻¹, the Mg contents from 0.10 to 15.53 cmol_c kg⁻¹, the Mn contents from 0.01 to 0.36 cmol_c kg⁻¹, the Al contents from 0.10 to 1.74 cmol_c kg⁻¹ and the H + Al contents from 2.01 to 8.42 cmol_c kg⁻¹. The results were used to develop models to predict ECEC and exchangeable Fe content after 50 days of flooding. Estimating the ECEC after flooding using the pH gradient before and after flooding yielded values closer to CEC pH 7.0, correcting for the possible underestimation of the ECEC during flooding. The amount of exchangeable Fe estimated was higher than the exchangeable Fe determined, correcting the possible underestimation of these quantities determined during flooding. It is concluded that the estimations of ECEC after flooding through the equation ${ECEC}_{after}=ECEC+\left({pH}_{sol.after}-{pH}_{sol.before}\right)\times {\displaystyle \frac{({CEC}_{pH7}-ECEC)}{(7-{pH}_{sol.before})}}$, where pH_sol.before is pre-flooding soil pH, pH_sol.after is after flooding pH, ECEC_after is effective CEC after flooding and the exchangeable Fe²⁺ after flooding through the equation ${Fe}_{exc.after.estimated}={ECEC}_{after}-\left(Ca+Mg+K+Na+Mn\right)$ where Fe_{exc.after.estimated} is estimated exchangeable Fe²⁺ after flooding corrected the problem of underestimating the values of these variables by analytical methods, demonstrating its viability for use in flood-prone soils. Full article

Responsible artificial intelligence (RAI) has been increasingly embedded within circular economy (CE) models to facilitate sustainable artificial intelligence (SAI) and to enable data-driven transitions in smart-city contexts. Despite this progression, limited synthesis has been undertaken to connect RAI and SAI principles with their translation into policy, particularly within deep learning contexts. Accordingly, this study was designed to integrate RAI and SAI research within CE-oriented smart-city models. A science-mapping and knowledge-translation design was employed, with data retrieved from the Scopus database in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 flow protocol. From an initial yield of 3842 records, 1176 studies published between 1 January 2020 and 20 November 2025 were included for analysis. The first set of results indicated that publication trends in RAI and SAI for CE models within smart-city frameworks were found to be statistically significant (${\mathrm{R}}^2$ = 0.94, p < 0.001). The second set of results revealed that circular manufacturing, waste management automation, predictive energy optimisation, urban data platforms, and smart mobility systems were increasingly embedded within RAI and SAI applications for CE models in smart-city contexts. The third set of results demonstrated that RAI and SAI within CE models were found to yield a significant effect (M = −0.61, SD = 0.09, t(9) = 7.42, p < 0.001) and to correlate positively with policy alignment (r = 0.34, p = 0.042) in smart-city contexts. It was therefore concluded that policy-responsive AI governance is required to ensure inclusive and sustainable smart-city transformation within frameworks of RAI. Full article

In recent decades, rapid socioeconomic development and population growth have led to the degradation of river and lake health worldwide, posing severe challenges to watershed ecological management. The growing intensity of land-use has significantly contributed to the accelerated deterioration of aquatic ecosystems. River and lake health assessment has evolved from single-parameter metrics (e.g., water quality) to multidimensional frameworks integrating hydrological, biological, and anthropogenic factors. This research conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1302 publications from 1996 to 2023 in the Web of Science database to identify research trends and hotspots. Results showed that publications exhibited a three-phase growth incubation (1996–2000), expansion (2001–2012), and acceleration (2013–2023), with the U.S., China, and Australia as leading contributors characterized by regionally clustered international collaborations. Research themes have shifted from single water quality parameters to integrated assessments. “Land-use”, “water quality”, and “biotic integrity” have emerged as core hotspots, forming a synergistic assessment framework that combines physicochemical, biological, and socioeconomic factors. The research scale underwent a spatial refinement process from the whole watershed to the buffer zone of rivers and lakes, and land-use effects on aquatic ecosystems vary significantly across spatial scales (entire watershed and riparian zones). Fine-scale studies better capture localized pollution pathways, supporting targeted conservation strategies. This review systematically outlines research status, hotspots, and development directions for river and lake health studies, highlighting the need for integrated watershed management, emphasizing conservation through fine-scale land-use monitoring, and providing scientific support for integrated refined governance of watershed ecology. Full article

Studying sedimentary distribution in water reservoirs is essential to understand the depositional processes and develop sustainable environmental management strategies. Characterization of deposited sediments provides information about the sources of particulate matter, transport patterns and predominant deposition mechanisms in different compartments of the reservoir. This study aimed to evaluate active deposition processes and to improve the understanding of sedimentation in water reservoirs. In this case, the Espora hydroelectric power plant, located on the Corrente River, southwestern Goiás, Brazil, was employed as a model environment. Sediment cores were collected at 29 points along the reservoir, covering different aquatic compartments. Particle-size analysis of the sediments was performed based on established methodologies using textural classification to identify sedimentary facies. The results indicated the predominance of stream deposits (sandy material) in areas where water flow velocity was higher, and bed deposits, composed predominantly of clays and silts, in regions of lower water flow velocity and greater depth. Full article

Microplastics represent a pressing global environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread occurrence, and adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Effective removal of these contaminants from water is essential to safeguard biodiversity and ensure water quality. This work focuses on the pivotal role of membrane-based filtration technologies, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactors, and dynamic membranes, in capturing and eliminating microplastics. The performance of these systems depends on key membrane characteristics such as pore size, material composition, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and module design, which govern retention efficiency, fouling resistance, and operational stability. Membrane filtration offers a highly effective, scalable, and sustainable approach to microplastic removal, outperforming conventional treatment methods by selectively targeting a wide range of particle sizes and morphologies. By highlighting the critical contribution of membranes and filtration processes, this study underscores their potential in mitigating microplastic pollution and advancing sustainable water treatment practices. Full article

Introduction: The Mediterranean Diet is known for its protective effects against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by multiple health risk factors, is increasingly concerning in older populations. Understanding dietary impacts on metabolic health is key for promoting healthy ageing. Objectives: This feasibility study aimed to explore the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and metabolic risk factors in older adults participating in a community exercise program and to evaluate the feasibility of applying validated tools in this setting. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was evaluated using the PREDIMED questionnaire, while Metabolic Syndrome was evaluated according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Blood samples were taken following WHO guidelines. Results: Ten participants (mean age 73.1 years; 90% women) were included. 50% showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, while 40% had moderate or low adherence. No participants met the full criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. Significant associations were found between Mediterranean Diet adherence and chronic disease (r = 0.869, p < 0.01), and an inverse correlation with the number of Metabolic Syndrome criteria (r = –0.707, p < 0.05). The Mediterranean Diet score was also inversely related to cholesterol (r = –0.740, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with better metabolic profiles, highlighting its potential protective role. The study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating nutritional screening in community exercise programs for older adults. Future research should include larger and longitudinal samples and integrate inflammatory biomarkers. Full article

Fisheries management in the Mediterranean Sea faces persistent challenges due to the prevalence of data-poor and data-limited stocks, small-scale multi-species fisheries, and limited long-term monitoring programs. Effective assessment methodologies are critical to ensuring sustainable exploitation, yet traditional data-rich stock assessment models remain infeasible for many Mediterranean fisheries. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current methodologies developed and applied to assess data-poor fisheries in the Mediterranean context. We examine catch-only approaches, length-based methods, empirical indicators, and multi-indicator frameworks increasingly adopted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the EU’s Data Collection Framework (DCF). Special attention is given to case studies from the western, central, and eastern Mediterranean that demonstrate the opportunities and limitations of these approaches. We further explore emerging tools, including integrated modeling frameworks, simulation-based harvest control rules, and participatory approaches involving fishers’ local knowledge, to highlight innovations suited to mixed, small-scale Mediterranean fisheries. The review concludes by identifying key gaps in data collection, assessment capacity, and institutional coordination, and proposes a roadmap for improving data-poor fisheries management under Mediterranean-specific ecological, socio-economic, and governance constraints. By consolidating methodological advances and practical lessons, this review aims to provide a reference framework for researchers, managers, and policymakers seeking to design robust, adaptive strategies for sustainable fisheries management in data-limited Mediterranean contexts. Full article

In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between miRNA-21, miRNA-155, miRNA-34a, IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-α expression levels and serum trace element levels in the development and progression of bladder cancer. RT-PCR was used to establish miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-34a expression levels while serum IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-α levels were determined using the ELISA and measured with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the patient group, miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 expression levels were significantly higher compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the patient group, miRNA-34a expression was significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.001). IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, copper levels, and the copper to zinc ratio were significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.001). Serum iron and zinc levels in the patient group were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between miRNA-155 and IL-6 and TNF-α (r = 0.279, p = 0.015*; r = 0.325**, p = 0.004). A significant positive correlation was detected between miRNA-34a and IL-6 and TGF-β (r = 0.294*, p = 0.010; r = 0.447**, p < 0.001). By evaluating these important biomarkers together, it might be possible to implement clinical applications for bladder cancer treatment and develop individual therapeutic strategies. Full article

This study explores how artificial intelligence can promote accessibility and inclusiveness in digital culinary environments. Centred on the Receitas +Power platform, the research adopts an exploratory, multidimensional case study design integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses. The investigation addresses three research questions concerning (i) user empowerment beyond recommendation systems, (ii) accessibility best practices across disability types, and (iii) the effectiveness of AI-enabled inclusive solutions. The system was developed following user-centred design principles and WCAG 2.2 standards, combining generative AI modules for recipe creation with accessibility features such as voice interaction and adaptive navigation. The evaluation, conducted with 87 participants, employed the System Usability Scale complemented by thematic qualitative feedback. Results indicate excellent usability (M = 80.6), high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.798–0.849), and moderate positive correlations between usability and accessibility dimensions (r = 0.45–0.55). Participants highlighted the platform’s personalisation, clarity, and inclusivity, confirming that accessibility enhances rather than restricts user experience. The findings provide empirical evidence that AI-driven adaptability, when grounded in universal design principles, offers an effective and ethically sound pathway toward digital inclusion. Receitas +Power thus advances the field of inclusive digital gastronomy and presents a replicable framework for human–AI co-creation in accessible web technologies. Full article

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized for its high biodiversity but is also a hotspot for pollution. In this study, fish samples of four native marine species were collected from wild catches to determine contaminants such as Anisakis parasites and heavy metals, including nickel, lead, copper, zinc, and chromium, within local marine fish species. The detection of Anisakis parasites was performed by a visual inspection and a digestion method. Metal analysis was carried out on skin, muscle, viscera, and bones of fish, using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. This study demonstrated that Boops boops was the least infested species by Anisakis parasite, while Scomber colias was the most infested, with Sardinella aurita and Trachurus trachurus showing a lower infestation rate. Pearson correlation statistics revealed that infestation correlated with fish size but not with maturity or sex. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the carnivorous species were more prone to Anisakis infestation than the omnivorous species. The maximum levels of copper, nickel, chromium, lead, and zinc content in fish tissues were 13.2 ± 0.11, 19.5 ± 0.02, 19.9 ± 0.01, 28.8 ± 0.09, and 184.87 ± 0.63 µg/g, respectively. PCA revealed that heavy metal contamination does not discriminate between fish species and sex, as opposed to tissue type and location of catch. Some metals, such as zinc and lead, seem to accumulate more in muscle rather than the other tissues. These findings indicate that Anisakis infestation and heavy metal analysis should be monitored and extended beyond the current EU requirements. Full article

Nitrogen, a prevalent water pollutant, is a major cause of eutrophication and the formation of black, odorous water bodies, posing significant threats to both ecological security and human health. Effectively controlling nitrogen pollution in wastewater is therefore essential for preserving aquatic ecosystems. The membrane bioreactor (MBR), which integrates the advantages of biological and membrane technologies, has attracted considerable attention for its application potential in wastewater nitrogen removal. This article elucidates the mechanisms and characteristics of nitrogen removal in MBR systems based on the latest research advancements. It provides an in-depth analysis of the key environmental factors affecting nitrogen removal efficiency and comprehensively summarizes enhanced processes centered on MBR technology. Furthermore, the article addresses corresponding strategies for mitigating MBR membrane fouling and offers suggestions and prospects for future research directions. Full article

Landslides are geological hazards that endanger socioeconomic development and ecological security, with landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) playing a critical role in risk management and spatial planning. Recently, ensemble learning (EL) models have gained attention for effectively addressing the limitations of individual deep learning (DL) models in LSM. However, EL models always built on single-pixel, multi-factor inputs struggle to capture the spatial structure features of terrain units, limiting their ability to depict complex disaster patterns. Moreover, the scarcity of landslide samples and high annotation costs constrain model performance in LSM. To overcome these challenges, we propose a Stacking model based on multidimensional feature collaboration and pseudo-labeling techniques, referred to as MFP_Stacking. A stacking EL model is first employed in MFP_Stacking to integrate global statistical attribute features extracted from one-dimensional vectors with multi-scale spatial topological features derived from three-dimensional vectors. This strategy of multidimensional feature collaborative modeling enhances the model’s ability to learn complex environmental patterns associated with landslides. Subsequently, pseudo-labeling techniques are adopted to incorporate unlabeled data into auxiliary training, thereby addressing the problem of sample scarcity. MFP_Stacking was applied to LSM in the Zigui–Badong section of the Yangtze River Basin and in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model performs well in overcoming limitations in feature representation, alleviating sample scarcity, and enhancing the quality of LSM outcomes. It achieved an average improvement of 2.4% for the Zigui–Badong section and 2% for Ya’an City across various evaluation metrics compared to other models. Full article

The effort to reduce the intensity of car traffic in city centres is among the core objectives of sustainable development. One important means of achieving this aim is the creation of Park-and-Ride facilities. This article examines the challenges encountered during the planning and construction of a Park-and-Ride designed to ease the transport burden of a larger city, yet situated on the edge of a small historic town in Poland. Using a research-through-design method, the study identifies the project’s challenges. The article highlights the overlooked issue of locating Park-and-Ride schemes within sensitive contexts. The accompanying interventions enabled the realisation of an undertaking, originally conceived as a strictly engineering investment fulfilling global policy objectives, but ultimately adapted to manage local priorities. The pursuit of sustainable transport development thus became an opportunity to foreground the dual role of transport spaces: both as organisers of movement and as educators in conveying cultural meaning. The project serves as an example of how local problems may be addressed through investments framed as advancing global political goals. The Park-and-Ride in Stary Sącz also provides material evidence of the significance of decisions made by local authorities to resolve local challenges while contributing to global goals. Full article

The global shift towards sustainable energy and stringent climate policies has underscored the need for decarbonizing energy systems, electrifying transportation, and transforming supply chains. In this context, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, as the largest global producer and consumer of automobiles, is pivotal in advancing energy substitution and achieving carbon reduction goals. This study investigates the energy efficiency and supply chain transformation within China’s NEV sector, leveraging panel data from 12 representative provinces over the period 2017–2023. Employing a robust analytical framework that integrates the DEA-BCC model, Malmquist index, and Tobit regression, the study provides a dynamic and regionally differentiated assessment of NEV industry efficiency. The results reveal significant improvements in total factor energy efficiency, predominantly driven by technological progress. R&D intensity, infrastructure development, and environmental regulation are identified as key enablers of efficiency, while excessive government intervention tends to hinder performance. The findings offer valuable empirical insights and policy recommendations for optimizing China’s NEV industry in the context of energy system transformation and sustainable industrial development. Full article

Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) serve as the primary artificial lift technology in offshore oilfields and play a crucial role in ensuring stable and efficient marine oil and gas production. However, the harsh offshore operating environment—characterized by high temperature, complex multiphase flow, and frequent load fluctuations—makes ESPs highly susceptible to accelerated degradation and unexpected failure. To enhance the operational reliability and efficiency of offshore production systems, this study develops a Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction method for offshore ESP systems using a Dual-Stage Attention-Based Recurrent Neural Network (DA-RNN). The model integrates an input-attention mechanism to identify degradation-relevant offshore operating variables and a temporal-attention mechanism to capture long-term deterioration patterns in real marine production data. Using field data from a representative offshore oilfield in the Bohai Sea, the proposed method achieves an average prediction error of less than 28 days, demonstrating strong robustness under complex offshore conditions. Beyond prediction, an RUL-driven operation optimization strategy is formulated to guide controllable parameters—such as pump frequency and nozzle size—toward extending ESP lifespan and improving offshore production stability. The results show that combining predictive maintenance with operational optimization provides a practical and data-driven pathway for improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of offshore oil and gas development. This work aligns closely with the goals of marine resource development and offers a valuable engineering perspective for advancing offshore oilfield operations. Full article

Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, exacerbating neuronal apoptosis. Emerging evidence highlights hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as a gasotransmitter modulating redox balance, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study investigates the neuroprotective mechanisms of Enriched Environment (EE) against ischemic injury, focusing on mitochondrial dynamics and H₂S-mediated pathways. Using MCAO mice and OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y neurons, interventions targeting H₂S synthesis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and mitophagy were implemented. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated EE significantly improved neurological outcomes, suppressed apoptosis, and attenuated oxidative damage (reduced MDA, elevated MnSOD/glutathione). Mechanistically, EE enhanced mitophagy via dual pathways: canonical PINK1/parkin-mediated mitochondrial clearance, corroborated by transmission electron microscope and LC3B/parkin colocalization, and non-canonical HIF-1α/BNIP3L axis activation. Transcriptomic and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) data revealed EE upregulated endogenous H₂S biosynthesis post-injury by promoting dopamine-induced calcium influx, which activated calmodulin-dependent signaling to stimulate cystathionine β-synthase/γ-lyase expression. Pharmacological blockade of H₂S synthesis or HIF-1α abolished mitochondrial protection, confirming H₂S as a central mediator. Notably, H₂S exerted antiapoptotic effects by restoring mitochondrial integrity through synergistic mitophagy activation and oxidative stress mitigation. These findings propose a novel neuroprotective cascade: EE-induced dopaminergic signaling potentiates H₂S production, which coordinates PINK1/parkin and HIF-1α/BNIP3L pathways to eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby preserving neuronal homeostasis. This study elucidates therapeutic potential of EE via H₂S-driven mitochondrial quality control, offering insights for ischemic brain injury intervention. Full article

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are subjected to multiple environmental loads that induce complex coupled dynamic responses. The development of coupled dynamic methods is therefore essential for FOWT analysis and design and has long attracted significant research attention. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent advances in coupled dynamic modeling methods and associated numerical tools for FOWTs. First, the fundamental dynamic components are introduced, including aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, elastodynamics, mooring dynamics, and servodynamics. Next, coupled modeling approaches, such as fully coupled, semi-coupled, and frequency-domain methods, are reviewed and compared in terms of their applicability. The paper then outlines the software tools developed based on these methodologies, along with major international code comparison and validation campaigns. Finally, emerging trends in FOWT coupled dynamics are briefly discussed, including integrated marine energy systems, advanced wake modeling, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence techniques in prediction. This paper systematically synthesizes current knowledge on coupled dynamic methods for FOWTs, providing a foundation for future research while also serving as a practical reference for advancing this area of study. Full article