Search Results (11,840)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management faces increasing pressure due to rapid urbanization and the need for low-emission energy systems. This study investigates the thermogravimetric gasification behavior of Chinese MSW under CO₂, mixed air-CO₂, and SrMnO₃ (SMO) oxygen-carrier atmospheres to identify pathways for producing clean and higher-quality syngas. Using TGA-QMS, the gasification stages were monitored qualitatively and quantitatively over the temperature range of 750–1000 °C, while complementary FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, and ICP-OES analyses were employed to characterize the fresh waste and ash samples. Results show that CO₂ gasification is strongly dependent on temperature and concentration, producing CO via Boudouard reaction, resulting in a gas composition of 73% CO and 27% CO₂. An air-CO₂ mixture as a gasification agent shifted conversion toward combustion, producing high CO during oxidation but suppressing gasification, yielding syngas dominated by 90% CO and 10% CO₂. Introducing SMO significantly altered the reaction pathway via lattice-oxygen transfer: 7–56.75 mg SMO produced up to 97% CO and 3% CO₂, without external oxidants, demonstrating superior per-unit oxidizing capacity compared to CO₂. A mild synergistic effect was observed in the mixed CO₂-SMO investigation, where CO formation exceeded that obtained with CO₂ alone but remained lower than that in SMO-only gasification. In general, SMO-enabled oxygen donation provides a promising low-dilution, high-selectivity route for MSW gasification within thermogravimetric regimes. Full article

Background and Aim: The correct identification of patients presenting with chest pain and the stratification of their risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate subjects who came to the ED for chest pain through the chest pain score, the HEART score and the TIMI risk score in order to assess their validity and prognostic accuracy and to compare their performance. Methods: Patients included in the study met the following criteria: age ≥18 years, reported atraumatic chest pain, and consent to participate in the clinical study. Subsequently, the final scores were calculated based on the information collected and a follow-up was performed to assess the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 30 days. The MACEs considered were a composite endpoint of STEMI or NSTEMI myocardial infarction, positive coronary angiography for critical lesions, percutaneous coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting, and death. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in the study sample, divided into 76 patients who did not develop MACEs and 26 patients who experienced MACEs. The AUC values of the ROC curves of the chest pain score, HEART score and TIMI risk score were 0.8312, 0.9757 and 0.9378 respectively. Conclusions: All three scores examined were considered excellent tools to predict the onset of MACEs in patients with chest pain at different points of clinical management, although the HEART score outperformed both the chest pain score and the TIMI risk score in terms of prognostic accuracy. Full article

The concentration of heavy metals in the environment has been steadily increasing, raising concerns about their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Fine-grained particulate matter is of particular concern due to its enhanced mobility, bioavailability, and potential for inhalation exposure. Facilities involved in the mechanical processing of electronic waste (e-waste) represent a significant potential source of metal-containing fine particles. In this study, crushed e-waste components containing precious metals were separated into particle-size fractions ranging from 3.0 to 0.15 mm using a vibratory sieving system. The elemental composition of the individual fractions was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF), while the spatial distribution of selected metals in fine fractions was further investigated using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The results demonstrate that e-waste contains a wide range of heavy non-ferrous metals whose distribution is strongly dependent on particle size. A pronounced enrichment of metals was observed in the finest fractions, particularly below 0.25 mm. Compared to the coarse fraction (>3 mm), the zinc concentration increased by approximately one order of magnitude, while chromium, nickel, and cadmium exhibited increases of up to approximately 20-fold. Lead showed particularly high enrichment, reaching approximately 2 wt.% in the finest fraction (<0.15 mm), corresponding to nearly fiftyfold enrichment relative to the coarse fraction. Tin concentrations also increased markedly, in some cases by up to two orders of magnitude. Trace amounts of arsenic and selenium were detected in the finest fractions, whereas mercury was not detected. The combined ED-XRF and SEM–EDS results confirm that fine-grained e-waste fractions are the dominant carriers of hazardous metals and respirable particles generated during mechanical processing. These findings highlight the dual character of fine fractions as both a critical environmental and occupational risk and a potentially valuable secondary resource. The study emphasizes the importance of controlled handling, effective dust management, and targeted processing strategies to minimize human exposure while enabling efficient recovery of valuable metals from e-waste. Full article

This study evaluated the electrochemical and oxidative performance of titanium-supported RuO₂–SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ mixed metal oxide electrodes (hereafter denoted as RuO₂–SnO₂–Sb₂O₅/Ti) for degrading three aniline-based dyes and their mixture using electro-oxidation (EOx), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectron-Fenton (PEF) processes. Electrochemical characterization showed quasi-reversible redox behavior and fast electron-transfer kinetics, while SEM, AFM, and EDS analyses revealed a rough surface with fissures and agglomerates that increased the real electroactive area to 4.85 cm², supporting the high catalytic activity. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the functional groups typical of azo dyes, and RNO assays verified sustained hydroxyl-radical production during electrolysis. Current density was the main operational factor: at 50 mA cm⁻², decolorization exceeded 90% due to enhanced ^•OH generation, whereas higher initial dye concentrations decreased reaction rates because of surface saturation and diffusion limitations. Among the oxidation processes, EF was most effective for Brown KK and Brown 5VR, EOx performed best for Brown NT, and PEF showed a slight advantage for the dye mixture owing to UV-assisted regeneration of reactive species. COD removal followed similar trends, with Brown KK mineralizing fastest and Brown 5VR showing the highest recalcitrance. Analysis of H₂O₂ and active chlorine indicated that EOx favors the accumulation of chlorine-derived oxidants, whereas PEF maximizes H₂O₂ conversion to ^•OH and reduces chlorinated by-products, positioning PEF as the most efficient and environmentally favorable option for treating chloride-containing wastewater. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects more than 50 million people annually worldwide. Challenges in managing moderate-to-severe TBI include high rates of hospital-acquired infections and substantial variability in discharge disposition, and these combined challenges contribute significantly to the cost and trajectory of health recovery. Although current strategies such as antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains (EVDs) offer some benefit in controlling infections, they remain limited by high cost and inconsistent implementation. A clearer understanding of clinical and demographic factors associated with infection risk and discharge disposition are essential for improving care pathways. This study aims to identify and quantify key determinants of infection and discharge outcomes in patients with TBI. Methods: The National Trauma Database (NTDB) was queried using structured query language (SQL) based on predefined inclusion criteria (adult patients with ICD-coded TBI), input variables (basic demographics, injury location and severity, and vital signs), and specified outcome variables (emergency department discharge disposition, infection, and sepsis) to identify and filter the eligible patient cohort. A set of machine learning models were trained for each outcome (e.g., Emergency Department (ED) discharge, types of infections, and sepsis). Results: Data from 310,494 patients were extracted. The prediction model we developed, the Predictive TBI-Disposition Model (PTDM), was able to predict the outcome of a patient’s discharge with 96% accuracy. The accuracy of the models for infection and sepsis was 93% and 94%, respectively. Conclusions: Demographic and clinical factors significantly influence the discharge disposition and infection risk among TBI patients. Machine learning models demonstrated strong predictive performance, suggesting their utility in early risk stratification and targeted clinical decision-making. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGS) are critical regulators of carbon sequestration in industrial cities; however, the configuration mechanisms underlying their carbon dynamics remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates how landscape configuration influences carbon sequestration capacity in Lanzhou and Baotou using multi-temporal datasets from 2000, 2011, and 2022. Net primary productivity (NPP) derived from the CASA model was employed to represent carbon sequestration capacity. An integrated XGBoost-SHAP framework was applied to identify dominant configuration metrics, nonlinear responses, and structural thresholds. The XGBoost model showed stable predictive performance across the three periods, with test-set R² values ranging from 0.470 to 0.510 in Lanzhou and from 0.325 to 0.379 in Baotou. The results reveal systematic and persistent differences in configuration-driven controls between the two cities. In Lanzhou, aggregation-related metrics, particularly COHESION, consistently exert the strongest influence across all three periods, indicating that spatial cohesion and connectivity function as primary stabilizing mechanisms in a mountainous, valley-constrained urban system. Carbon sequestration performance increases once sufficient structural integration is achieved, with aggregation thresholds remaining relatively stable, for example AI values of approximately 0.31–0.34 across 2000–2022, reflecting the importance of maintaining ecological continuity under semi-arid climatic stress. In contrast, Baotou is more strongly regulated by fragmentation-related metrics, especially edge density (ED) and division index (DIVISION), suggesting that its relatively open terrain and industrial spatial structure render carbon sequestration more sensitive to patch separation and edge proliferation. Here, fragmentation acts as a dominant structural constraint, limiting vegetation productivity once spatial disintegration intensifies; for example, ED thresholds shifted from approximately −0.23 in 2000 to −0.56 in 2022. Landscape–carbon relationships exhibit pronounced nonlinear and threshold-dependent behavior in both cities. Rather than responding gradually to structural modification, NPP shifts across identifiable transition points that remain broadly stable over time; for instance, Lanzhou’s AI threshold remains within 0.31–0.34, whereas Baotou’s ED threshold changes from −0.23 to −0.56 across 2000–2022, indicating that these thresholds represent intrinsic structural characteristics of the respective urban ecological systems. However, the magnitude and configuration logic of these thresholds differ between Lanzhou and Baotou, confirming the existence of city-specific nonlinear regimes. These findings demonstrate that urban carbon sequestration operates through context-dependent configuration pathways shaped by terrain, climatic constraints, and long-term spatial organization. The study advances understanding of how structural heterogeneity governs carbon dynamics in arid and semi-arid industrial cities and provides a quantitative basis for configuration-sensitive land planning. Full article

Cast iron, whose structure simultaneously contains graphite precipitates in various forms, with controlled proportions of individual forms, has been named “Vari-Morph” (VM) cast iron by the authors. The authors have been researching the properties of such cast iron for many years, and the results are being published successively. This new type of cast iron, not included in national (Polish) or European standards, is intended as a material for special-purpose castings. These castings have unique requirements for a set of properties: physical, mechanical, and functional. VM cast iron is characterized by a set of properties that cannot be achieved when the graphite is uniform in shape. The desired properties of VM cast iron are achieved by controlling the morphology of graphite precipitates and the proportion of individual forms in the structure, rather than by changing the matrix. To quantitatively describe graphite precipitates, a proprietary method for determining the graphite shape indicator (f_K) was developed. Graphite precipitate analysis is performed by scanning a microscopic image of the metallographic specimen, and then using Tescan Imaging Software (Tescan ESSENCE™) Unified Control for Imaging and Analysis, each precipitate is described using surface metrology parameters. The final value of the graphite shape indicator (f_K) is calculated as a weighted average of all precipitates present in the analysis field. Empirical relationships between the f_K indicator and a selected group of physical, mechanical, and functional properties of VM cast iron were determined. Studies have demonstrated a very well-correlated relationship between the f_K indicator in VM cast iron and ultrasonic wave velocity (C_L). The relationship C_L = f(f_k) is characterized by a very high correlation coefficient of R > 0.90. In previous publications, the authors presented the relationships between the f_K indicator and physical properties such as thermal conductivity (λ), specific density (ρ), strength (R_m), elongation (A5), index quality (IQ), and functional properties such as low-cycle mechanical fatigue resistance (Z_c), thermal fatigue resistance (N), and cast iron tightness (H) as functions of the f_K index. The study concerned VM cast iron with a ferritic matrix. This work contains new empirical relationships that extend previous studies. The newly developed relationships replace the f_k shape indicator with the velocity of the ultrasonic wave determined in cast iron with a specific f_K indicator value. This resulted in a number of practical dependencies, including: λ = f(C_L); ρ = f(C_L); E_D = f(C_L); R_m = f(C_L); A5 = f(C_L); IQ = f(C_L); N = f(C_L); Z_c = f(C_L); H = f(C_L). These relationships allow us to measure the wave velocity in a Vari Morph iron casting (with various forms of graphite) and determine a number of characteristics and properties of the material/iron from which the casting was made. It is possible to assess the suitability of a casting with a specific structure for operation under selected conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Secondary traumatic stress (STS) affects healthcare professionals indirectly exposed to patients’ trauma, and emergency personnel may be particularly vulnerable. Evidence from Romania is limited. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (July–August 2025) among emergency medical professionals working across the integrated emergency care system in Timisoara, Romania (prehospital ambulance/SMURD services and hospital Emergency Department). Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) symptoms were measured using the 17-item Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS; item coding 1–5). We summarized STSS total/subscale scores and reliability, classified total scores into severity categories (0–68 metric), compared scores by workplace, sex, and professional role, and examined associations with age and years of experience. Results: The analytic sample included 145 participants (49.0% women), with a median age of 44 years [33–50] and median professional experience of 10 years [5–15]. Mean total STSS was 36.4 (SD 11.9; range 17–66) and internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92). Most participants were classified as little/no STS (77.2%), followed by mild (12.4%), moderate (5.5%), high (4.1%), and severe (0.7%). STSS scores did not differ significantly between ambulance service and ED/UPU staff. Women reported higher total STSS than men (39.0 vs. 33.9; p = 0.010), with significant differences for intrusion (p = 0.035) and arousal (p = 0.004). Role differences were significant for total STSS, intrusion, and arousal (p ≤ 0.031), with nurses scoring higher than ambulance drivers/attendants in post hoc comparisons. Years of experience showed small positive correlations with total STSS (r = 0.18, p = 0.032) and intrusion (r = 0.21, p = 0.010); age was associated with intrusion only (r = 0.22, p = 0.008). Conclusions: In this Romanian emergency care cohort, most participants reported low STS severity, but a clinically relevant minority had moderate-to-severe symptoms. Higher symptom burden among women and nurses suggests groups that may benefit from targeted monitoring and support within the integrated emergency system. Full article

Introduction: Eating Disorders (ED) represent a significant health concern in the pediatric population due to high morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and frequent readmissions. Scientific evidence regarding nutritional factors that may influence length of stay or risk of readmission is limited in this population. Objectives: To identify variables associated with longer hospital stays and readmission in pediatric patients with ED admitted to a reference unit in northern Spain. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted following STROBE guidelines, including patients under 18 years admitted for ED at a tertiary referral hospital between 2022 and 2025. Nutritional, anthropometric, clinical, evolution-related, and treatment variables were collected. Descriptive analyses, group comparisons according to length of stay and readmission, and logistic regression models were performed to identify associated factors. Results: The study included 75 patients, predominantly female (94.7%), with a mean age of 14.5 years. Twenty-eight percent of patients experienced at least one readmission during the study period. Multivariable regression identified that the use of a nasogastric tube and nutritional supplements was significantly associated with reduced length of stay. In addition, in patients with moderate to severe malnutrition, a recovery greater than 5% according to the Waterlow index was associated with a lower probability of readmission. Although anthropometric differences were observed between groups according to their need for readmission, most were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Nutritional support via nasogastric tube when indicated, the use of nutritional supplements, and a >5% recovery in the Waterlow index in patients with moderate to severe malnutrition are key factors in reducing hospital stay and readmission risk in pediatric patients with ED in our cohort. Isolated laboratory analyses and anthropometric measures showed limited predictive value in this context. Full article

Emergency Departments (EDs) are the primary hospital interface during disasters and mass-casualty incidents, yet surge capacity assessments predominantly emphasize workforce and logistics while overlooking measurable spatial determinants. Observations from five tertiary hospitals in India indicate that circulation bottlenecks, incompatible functional adjacencies, and contamination risks can compromise safety and operational performance. This study develops and validates the Spatial Surge Capacity Assessment Framework (SSCAF) to operationalize spatial resilience as a quantifiable dimension of healthcare infrastructure preparedness. A sequential mixed-methods design was applied across five tertiary hospitals using structured spatial walkthroughs; architectural and disaster-planning document review; and focus group discussions involving 81 clinicians, administrators, and facility planners. The outcome of this thematic analysis produced 42 spatial indicators, refined through three Delphi rounds with a multidisciplinary expert panel. Consensus retained 30 key performance indicators (median ≥ 4/5; IQR ≤ 1; Kendall’s W = 0.855; χ² = 297.42; p < 0.001). Content validity was strong (I-CVI 0.75–1.00; S-CVI/Ave = 0.93), and reliability was high (ICC 0.82–0.91), structured into eight operational domains. The resulting weighted scoring matrix standardizes the measurement of spatial surge preparedness. The SSCAF provides an evidence-based audit and planning tool supporting resilient hospital infrastructure. It aligns with the Sendai Framework, enabling governance audits, guiding ED retrofitting, and supporting performance-based evaluation for planners and architects. Full article

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial performance, and redox activity of sol–gel–derived TiO₂/TeO₂/CuO powders. The as-prepared gel with the nominal composition 80TiO₂/10TeO₂/10CuO was subjected to thermal treatment at 400 °C and 600 °C for 2 h, resulting in the formation of composite materials at both temperatures. By UV-Vis spectroscopy, it has been found that CuO is responsible for the red shifting of the absorption edge. The SEM-EDS analysis verified the elemental composition of the synthesized powders. The antimicrobial activity of the heat-treated powders was proved against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. At physiological pH, the 600 °C-treated sample exhibited strong prooxidant properties, supporting antimicrobial activity. At alkaline conditions, the nanomaterials were effective against superoxide radicals. The variation in oxidation with changes in pH is indicative of the potential for controlled application. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and spot and luminescent tests, providing both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Full article

This article evaluates how artificial intelligence (AI) and educational technology (EdTech) support inclusive learning in Russia and Kazakhstan, two Eurasian countries that share post-Soviet educational legacies but differ in their levels of digital infrastructure and teacher preparedness. Using an asymmetric mixed-methods design, the study draws on a primary survey of N = 2570 educators and staff in four Russian cities (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk; October–December 2024; response rate 59.8%) and secondary policy/indicator analysis for Kazakhstan. Russia exhibits higher broadband access, AI/EdTech platform adoption, and teacher digital skill levels compared with Kazakhstan. Structural equation modeling (SEM; SmartPLS 4.1) tested four latent constructs—learning environment (LE), general digital competencies (HCg), specialized AI skills (HCs), and inclusion (I)—with satisfactory validity (AVE > 0.5; HTMT ≤ 0.85). A three-stage Measurement Invariance of Composite Models (MICOM) procedure confirmed configural, compositional, and full mean/variance invariance across Russian city subgroups, enabling pooled path analysis. Kazakhstan indicators from secondary sources are discussed as a descriptive benchmark. Semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders (12 Russia, 12 Kazakhstan; March 2025; analyzed with NVivo 14) revealed four themes: policy coherence, teacher readiness, infrastructure access, and ethical AI governance. Key SEM paths were LE → HCg (β = 0.278), HCg → HCs (β = 0.652), and HCs → I (β = 0.188), all p < 0.001. A formal mediation analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect across the full LE → HCg → HCs → I chain. The findings indicate that infrastructure is necessary but insufficient: the key to inclusion lies in sustained development of both basic and specialized digital skills, supported by coherent policies and continuous professional development. China and India are discussed as secondary international benchmarks drawn from published reports, not as sites of primary data collection. Full article

The chemical and mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties, and pozzolanic activity of ancient bricks from Hubei Province, China were investigated in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were adopted to characterize the chemical composition, crystalline minerals and microstructure of the ancient bricks. The results show that quartz is the dominant component in most ancient bricks, with a content exceeding 70% in samples BB-2, BB-5, BB-6 and BB-7. Some bricks contain minor non-clay minerals such as calcite, dolomite and albite. On some points in the SEM image, substances such as gypsum, calcite, and quartz can be clearly seen. The calcining temperature of the ancient bricks from Yupan Village, Xiantao City (sample BB-1), does not exceed 600 °C, while that of other samples ranges from 800 to 1100 °C. The compressive strength of most ancient bricks is around 10 MPa, with the highest value of 14.3 MPa (BB-6) and the lowest of 1.2 MPa (BB-3). The apparent density of all samples is approximately 2.2 g/cm³, and the water absorption rate ranges from 6.5% to 23.1%. The pozzolanic activity index of some samples reaches 76% at 28 days, with the 150-year-old sample BB-7 showing the best activity. This study provides a reliable experimental basis for analyzing the weathering resistance and deterioration mechanism of ancient bricks in Hubei Province, offers technical support for the restoration of local ancient buildings, and lays a foundation for the development of antique-style brick craftsmanship. Full article

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty around the extent of SARS-CoV-2 spread hampered policymakers’ understanding of the epidemic’s extent. Mathematical models, which proved vital for aiding decision-making, relied primarily on reported cases that were unreliable due to significant underdetection and underreporting. While serological data was used to improve understanding of the epidemiology, it can be costly and difficult to implement without bias. To counter these issues, we integrated serological data from 7229 remnant serum samples collected in 15 Maryland emergency departments (EDs) in Maryland between August and December 2020 into a Bayesian modeling approach to derive an estimate of the incidence of infection and the case fatality rate during the pandemic’s initial wave. We estimated that 5.2% (95% CI, 3.7–7.2%) of the population of Maryland had been infected by late fall 2020. The inferred reporting rate that was estimated started low (<10% in March 2020) and increased to 32% (95% HDI = 26–41%) by the fall, while the estimated infection fatality rate was likely initially higher but fell to 0.51% (95% HDI = 0.43–0.68%) after 1 September 2020. These results demonstrate how existing ED infrastructure can be leveraged to generate less biased, more accurate estimates of the true prevalence of a disease, improving the ability to make decisions and allocate resources under uncertainty. Full article

Mn and Fe complexes of ethylene cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles, known to retain their reactive metal ions even under harsh aqueous conditions due to the rigidity and topological constraint of the ligands, with methyl, allyl and benzyl pendant arms were electrostatically fixed to a commercial cation exchange resin, and their effectiveness and recyclability in the bleaching of organic dyes, namely, methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B, were determined. These molecular Mn and Fe tetraazamacrocycle catalysts have been previously reported as homogeneous solution phase catalysts for bleaching organic dyes, but could not be feasibly recovered for multiple cycles of dye bleaching. Herein, we report the potential of these resin-fixed solid-state metal complex catalysts in the degradation of organic dyes. The Mn catalysts were faster in the first cycle of dye bleaching, but their bleaching rate slowed considerably (to about 10% on average) in additional cycles. In contrast, the Fe catalysts were slower in the first cycle of dye bleaching, but were able to bleach dyes for up to five cycles while retaining more of their original reactivity (30–50% on average), suggesting their potential recyclability. Thus, these resin-fixed tetraazamacrocyclic metal complex catalysts, when coupled with the demonstrated rechargeability of the resin with fresh catalyst, may one day be effectively used for water purification applications. SEM and optical microscopy images demonstrated the robustness of the resin bead across multiple cycles, while EDS experiments confirmed the continued presence of Mn and Fe on the bead surface after multiple cycles. Full article