Search Results (3,426)

The efficient and rational development of hydropower in the Lancang–Mekong River Basin can promote green energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, prevent and mitigate flood and drought disasters, and ensure the sustainable development of the entire basin. In this study, based on publicly available hydrometeorological observation data and satellite remote sensing monitoring data from 2001 to 2020, a machine learning model of the Lancang–Mekong Basin was developed to reconstruct the basin’s hydrological processes, and identify the occurrence patterns and influencing mechanisms of water-related hazards. The results show that, against the background of climate change, the Lancang–Mekong Basin is affected by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events. In particular, Rx1day, Rx5day, R10mm, and R95p (extreme precipitation indicators determined by the World Meteorological Organization’s Expert Group on Climate Change Monitoring and Extreme Climate Events) in the northwestern part of the Mekong River Basin show upward trends, with the average maximum daily rainfall increasing by 1.8 mm/year and the total extreme precipitation increasing by 18 mm/year on average. The risks of flood and drought disasters will continue to rise. The flood peak period is mainly concentrated in August and September, with the annual maximum flood peak ranging from 5600 to 8500 m³/s. The Stung Treng Station exhibits longer drought duration, greater severity, and higher peak intensity than the Chiang Saen and Pakse Stations. At the Pakse Station, climate change and hydropower development have altered the non-drought proportion by −12.50% and +15.90%, respectively. For the Chiang Saen Station, the fragmentation degree of the drought index time series under the baseline, naturalized, and hydropower development scenarios is 0.901, 1.16, and 0.775, respectively. These results indicate that hydropower development has effectively reduced the frequency of rapid drought–flood transitions within the basin, thereby alleviating pressure on drought management efforts. The regulatory role of the cascade reservoirs in the Lancang River can mitigate risks posed by climate change, weaken adverse effects, reduce flood peak flows, alleviate hydrological droughts in the dry season, and decrease flash drought–flood transitions in the basin. The research findings can enable basin managers to proactively address climate change, develop science-based technical pathways for hydropower dispatch, and formulate adaptive disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Full article

Phosphorus (P) release from reservoir sediments critically influences water quality and ecosystem stability. This study analyzed surface sediments from four representative zones to investigate phosphorus fraction distribution, key influencing factors, and implications for water quality. Results showed that total phosphorus (TP) content in sediments from main and tributary inflow zones was significantly higher than in open-water and transition zones. Inorganic phosphorus (IP) was the dominant form, with iron-bound phosphorus (Fe-P) accounting for 33.2–42.0% of IP. A strong correlation existed between P release and the Fe/P molar ratio; notably, when the ratio approached 10, phosphorus desorption increased significantly, indicating a shift from sink to source. Sediments with grain sizes <0.01 mm had the highest P release rates, suggesting particle size, Fe content, and hydrodynamics jointly regulate P mobilization. Using the Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) technique, phosphorus release in inflow zones exceeded 1 g/m² in all hydrological periods, contributing substantially to internal loading. Sediment-derived P primarily influenced bottom water, while surface water was more affected by external inputs. These findings highlight the spatial heterogeneity of P release and underscore the need for zone-specific management strategies in reservoir systems. Full article

Magnetic 2D materials offer a compelling platform for next-generation electrocatalysis by enabling spin-dependent reaction pathways. Among them, layered ferromagnets such as Fe₃GeTe₂ (FGT) have garnered attention for combining intrinsic ferromagnetism with high predicted oxygen evolution activity. However, the stability of non-oxide ferromagnets in electrochemical environments remains an unresolved challenge, limiting their envisioned applications. In this study, we introduce a structural homolog approach to investigate the origin of FGT’s catalytic behavior and the mechanisms underlying its degradation. By comparing FGT with its isostructural analog Fe₃GaTe₂ (FGaT), we demonstrate that the electrochemical activity of FGT arises primarily from Fe orbitals and is largely insensitive to changes in sublayer composition. Although both materials exhibit similar basal-plane hydrogen evolution performance, FGaT demonstrates significantly lower long-term stability. Density functional theory calculations reveal that this instability arises from weaker Te bonding introduced by Ga substitution. These findings establish structural homologs as a powerful strategy for decoupling catalytic activity from electrochemical deterioration and for guiding the rational design of stable magnetic electrocatalysts. Full article

Background: Exercise-induced fatigue arises primarily from energy substrate depletion and the accumulation of metabolites such as lactate and ammonia, which impair performance and delay recovery. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota modulation—particularly via probiotics—as a means to optimize host energy metabolism and accelerate clearance of fatigue-associated by-products. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether live or heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NB23 can enhance exercise endurance and attenuate fatigue biomarkers in a murine model. Methods: Forty male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomized into four groups (n = 10 each) receiving daily gavage for six weeks with vehicle, heat-killed NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ cells/mouse/day), low-dose live NB23 (1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mouse/day), or high-dose live NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mouse/day). Forelimb grip strength and weight-loaded swim-to-exhaustion tests assessed performance. Blood was collected post-exercise to measure serum lactate, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK). Liver and muscle glycogen content was also quantified, and safety was confirmed by clinical-chemistry panels and histological examination. Results: NB23 treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in grip strength (p < 0.01) and swim endurance (p < 0.001). All NB23 groups exhibited significant reductions in post-exercise lactate (p < 0.0001), ammonia (p < 0.001), BUN (p < 0.001), and CK (p < 0.0001). Hepatic and muscle glycogen stores rose by 41–59% and 65–142%, respectively (p < 0.001). No changes in food or water intake, serum clinical-chemistry parameters, or tissue histology were observed. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that both live and heat-treated L. paracasei NB23 may contribute to improved endurance performance, increased energy reserves, and faster clearance of fatigue-related metabolites in our experimental model. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory nature and limitations of our study. Full article

Background: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is associated with certain features that carry an increased risk of local recurrence, underscoring the importance of preoperative risk assessment. This study investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with high-risk lymph node metastasis (HRLNM) and patient outcomes. HRLNM is defined as ≥5 metastatic lymph nodes and/or lateral neck metastasis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 985 patients with PTMC who underwent thyroidectomy at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2013 to 2022. Results: Among the 985 patients, 100 (10.2%) had lymph node metastasis (LNM), and 27% of these were classified as having HRLNM. Male sex (OR 3.61, p = 0.04) and extranodal extension (OR 3.76, p = 0.043) were independent predictors of HRLNM. Patients with LNM exhibited lower rates of excellent treatment response (75% vs. 87%, p = 0.001), higher recurrence rates (9.0% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.001), and an increased risk of distant metastasis (2.0% vs. 0%). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly shorter in patients with LNM (120.9 vs. 198.6 months, p < 0.001). Although HRLNM showed a trend toward reduced RFS (113.5 vs. 124.6 months, p = 0.177), its impact on long-term survival remains uncertain. Conclusions: Male sex and extranodal extension were significant risk factors for HRLNM in patients with PTMC. These findings highlight the need for individualized risk stratification to guide treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Full article

To enhance the bearing capacity of cable–pylon anchorage zones in cable-stayed bridges, this paper proposes the integral steel wall plate (IWP) structure and investigates the structural performance of its application in anchorage zones with a steel anchor beam and with a steel anchor box. The proposed structure contains an end plate, a surface plate, and several perforated side plates, forming steel cabins that encase the concrete pylon wall, where the steel and concrete are connected by perfobond connectors on side plates. A half-scaled experiment and a finite element analysis were first conducted on the IWP with the steel anchor beam to study the deformation at the steel–concrete interface, as well as the stress distribution in steel plates and rebars. The results were compared with experimental data of a conventional type of anchorage zone. Then, finite element models of anchorages with steel anchor boxes were established based on the geometries of an as-built bridge, and the performance of the IWP structure was compared with conventional details. Finally, the effects of plate thickness and connector arrangement were investigated. Results show that the proposed IWP structure offers excellent performance when applied with an anchor beam or anchor box, and it can effectively reduce principal tensile stress on the concrete pylon wall compared with conventional anchorage details. Full article

As dengue is an increasing global health threat, a better understanding of the global circulation dynamics and its determinants would be helpful for precise prevention and control of dengue. The dynamics of global circulation of the four dengue virus serotypes were explored utilizing genetic sequences through a network-based method. Four new circulation indicators, including local intensity, betweenness centrality, tip frequency, and persistence time, were defined. Three circulation roles, including source, hub, and destination, were proposed on the basis of new indicators. Spatial and temporal changes of the three circulation roles, along with the persistence time, were explored. Important determinants were also evaluated by machine learning models. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam in Asia and Venezuela and Colombia in Americas were the sources for all four serotypes in different decades. Destinations were observed mostly in island regions. Over the decades, the number of regions with different circulation roles and persistence of DENV-1 increased significantly. Climate and airline factors were involved in the important determinants to circulation roles and persistence of dengue. The roles identified in the global circulation of dengue and important determinants, including climate and airline factors, provide new insights into global dynamics and are beneficial for controlling dengue. Full article

Hibiscus syriacus L. (HS), native to Eastern and Southern Asia, has been traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine for its anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these recognized bioactivities, its potential cardioprotective effects, particularly in the setting of heart failure (HF), remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HS extracts and its bioactive constituents on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac injury using an in vitro model with H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes. Cells exposed to Ang II were pretreated with HS extracts, and assays were performed to assess cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, protein synthesis, and secretion of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as chemokine (CCL20) and HF-related biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and endothelin-1. The results demonstrated that HS extracts significantly and dose-dependently attenuated Ang II-induced ROS accumulation and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, BNP, and endothelin-1. Additionally, HS and its purified components inhibited Ang II-induced protein synthesis, indicating anti-hypertrophic effects. Collectively, these findings highlight the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertrophic properties of HS in the context of Ang II-induced cardiac injury, suggesting that HS may represent a promising adjunctive therapeutic candidate for HF management. Further in vivo studies and mechanistic investigations are warranted to validate its clinical potential. Full article

The parameter identification of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) serves as a fundamental basis for achieving high-precision motion control, state monitoring, and system development. Currently, AUV parameter identification typically relies on the complete motion information obtained from onboard sensors. However, in practical applications, it is often challenging to accurately measure key state variables such as velocity and angular velocity, resulting in incomplete measurement data that compromises identification accuracy and model reliability. This issue is particularly pronounced in vertical motion tasks involving low-speed, large pitch angles, and highly maneuverable conditions, where the strong coupling and nonlinear characteristics of underwater vehicles become more significant. Traditional hydrodynamic models based on full-state measurements often suffer from limited descriptive capability and difficulties in parameter estimation under such conditions. To address these challenges, this study investigates a parameter identification method for AUVs operating under vertical, large-amplitude maneuvers with constrained measurement information. A control autoregressive (CAR) model-based identification approach is derived, which requires only pitch angle, vertical velocity, and vertical position data, thereby reducing the dependence on complete state observations. To overcome the limitations of the conventional Recursive Least Squares (RLS) algorithm—namely, its slow convergence and low accuracy under rapidly changing conditions—a Multi-Innovation Least Squares (MILS) algorithm is proposed to enable the efficient estimation of nonlinear hydrodynamic characteristics in complex dynamic environments. The simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating high identification accuracy and robustness in scenarios involving large pitch angles and rapid maneuvering. The results confirm that the combined use of the CAR model and MILS algorithm significantly enhances model adaptability and accuracy, providing a solid data foundation and theoretical support for the design of AUV control systems in complex operational environments. Full article

How do regulatory policies, funding structures, and cross-sector coordination shape knowledge flows and institutional transformation? Focusing on the smart medical device sector in Taiwan, this study explores how governance dynamics accelerate system transformation and foster demand for adaptive and integrative innovation systems. Building on the National Biotechnology Innovation System framework and qualitative system dynamics modeling, the study analyzes institutional interactions through 28 semi-structured interviews and 18 policy documents. Findings identify systemic bottlenecks, including translational gaps, coordination challenges, and barriers for traditional manufacturers. These gaps have enabled tech firms to emerge as system leaders by bridging these institutional gaps. This study extends innovation systems theory by conceptualizing an emergent governance function that addresses institutional gaps. At the policy level, the study highlights the importance of enabling institutional change in governance to address structural fragmentation and support system-wide transformation. Full article

As a key engine driving China’s green financial transformation, the Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones have demonstrated significant achievements in enhancing the capacity of financial services to support green real economies, preventing and mitigating green financial risks, and bolstering national and urban economic resilience. On this basis, a spatial Markov chain model is applied to further analyze the economic toughness of prefecture-level cities. This study treats the establishment of these pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment, using panel data from 269 prefecture-level cities in China from 2013 to 2023 and employing a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to empirically examine the impact of green financial reform on urban economic resilience and its underlying mechanisms. The results reveal that the establishment of these pilot zones significantly enhances urban economic resilience. Specifically, green financial reforms primarily improve urban economic resilience by increasing credit accessibility and capital allocation efficiency in the pilot cities. Furthermore, the policy effects are more pronounced in large cities and resource-dependent cities compared to small and medium-sized cities and non-resource-dependent cities, with stronger impacts observed in southern and coastal regions than in northern inland areas. Additionally, the policy effects are significantly greater in environmentally prioritized cities than in non-prioritized cities. By integrating green financial reforms and urban economic resilience into a unified analytical framework, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers to refine green financial strategies and design resilience-enhancing policies. Full article

Underground blasting vibrations are a critical factor influencing the stability of mine slopes. However, existing studies have yet to establish a quantitative relationship or clarify the underlying mechanisms linking blasting-induced vibrations and slope deformation. Taking the Shilu Iron Mine as a case study, this research develops a dynamic mechanical response model of slope stability that accounts for blasting loads. By integrating slope radar remote sensing data and applying the Pearson correlation coefficient, this study quantitatively evaluates—for the first time—the correlation between underground blasting activity and slope surface deformation. The results reveal that blasting vibrations are characterized by typical short-duration, high-amplitude pulse patterns, with horizontal shear stress identified as the primary trigger for slope shear failure. Both elevation and lithological conditions significantly influence the intensity of vibration responses: high-elevation areas and structurally loose rock masses exhibit greater dynamic sensitivity. A pronounced lag effect in slope deformation was observed following blasting, with cumulative displacements increasing by 10.13% and 34.06% at one and six hours post-blasting, respectively, showing a progressive intensification over time. Mechanistically, the impact of blasting on slope stability operates through three interrelated processes: abrupt perturbations in the stress environment, stress redistribution due to rock mass deformation, and the long-term accumulation of fatigue-induced damage. This integrated approach provides new insights into slope behavior under blasting disturbances and offers valuable guidance for slope stability assessment and hazard mitigation. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on chitosan film as a novel platform for cardiac patch applications. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that provides an ideal substrate for SPEs, providing mechanical stability and promoting cell adhesion. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, and the electrodes exhibited strong adhesion and structural integrity under wet conditions. Mechanical testing and swelling ratio analysis were conducted to assess the patch’s physical robustness and aqueous stability. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, which was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. In vitro, electrical stimulation through the chitosan–SPE patch significantly increased the expression of cardiac-specific genes (GATA-4, β-MHC, troponin I) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), indicating early cardiogenic differentiation potential. In vivo, the implantation of the chitosan–SPE patch in a rat MI model demonstrated good tissue integration, preserved myocardial structure, and enhanced ventricular wall thickness, indicating that the patch has the potential to serve as a functional cardiac scaffold. These findings support the feasibility of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on chitosan film substrates as a cost-effective and scalable platform for cardiac repair, offering a foundation for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Full article

Understanding the molecular basis of endometrial receptivity is crucial for improving implantation outcomes in assisted reproduction, especially for patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). This study investigates the timing relationship between microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles in the endometrium using simultaneously the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) and the microRNA receptivity assay (MIRA) in 100 RIF patients undergoing euploid blastocyst transfer. The concordance rate between ERA and MIRA was 72% (Kappa = 0.50), suggesting partial overlap in profiling. Patients were stratified by the timing sequence of miRNA relative to mRNA into Fast, Equal, and Slow groups. Those with delayed miRNA expression (Slow group) had significantly lower pregnancy rates (54.5%) than those with synchronous or leading miRNA expression (81.9% and 94.1%, respectively; p = 0.031). Moreover, the Slow group exhibited higher prior implantation failure counts and altered expression in 15 miRNAs, many involved in aging-related pathways. These findings highlight that asynchronous miRNA–mRNA profiles may reflect impaired receptivity and suggest that miRNA-based staging adds valuable diagnostic insight beyond mRNA profiling alone. Dual assessment of mRNA and miRNA profiles may offer additional diagnostic insight into endometrial receptivity but requires further validation before clinical application. Full article

During high-current vacuum arcing, asymmetric arcing with off-center plasma columns may occur due to stochastic discharge initiation and mechanical motion, receiving less research attention than symmetric arcing. The objective of this paper is to numerically analyze the influence law of asymmetric arc ignition on arc parameters. For 60 mm diameter contacts, three arc conditions of symmetric arcing, 33% arc offset, and 67% arc offset were modeled. The results show that the arc offset causes asymmetry in the arc’s distribution. For 33% offset, the pressure and number density on the side away from the root of the arc is about 50% of root values, while these parameters fall below 20% for the 67% offset. Simultaneously, arc offset elevates peak parameter values: under 33% offset, maxima for ion pressure, ion density, ion temperature, electron temperature, and current density rise 12%, 11%, 6%, 6%, and 14% versus symmetric arcing; during 67% offset, these escalate significantly to 67%, 61%, 12%, 18%, and 47%. This study contributes to providing reference for the analysis of vacuum interruption processes under asymmetric arcing conditions. Full article