Search Results (22,433)

The study analyzes agricultural labour productivity in the context of the economic dimension of sustainability and the idea of European Union (EU) cohesion. This idea constitutes a central principle of European integration. The basis for implementing the concept of cohesion in European agriculture is the convergence of labour productivity levels. Convergence in this area forms the foundation of economic sustainability and serves as a prerequisite for the social dimension of sustainability, while often also being an underlying factor in environmental sustainability. The analysis concerns the productivity of labour in farms by the economic size, both at the national and regional levels, based on Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data for the years 2007–2022. The β and σ-convergence methods were used. The results indicate that processes of labour productivity convergence occur in EU agriculture. This phenomenon was manifested by a decline in the heterogeneity of labour productivity levels among agricultural holdings. The fastest reduction in regional diversity was observed among the group of the largest economically farms (GE6). However, the dispersion of labour productivity levels remains considerable, and the rate of convergence continues to be slow. The convergence of labour productivity in agriculture will not accelerate without widespread and comprehensive structural changes in the sector, extending beyond mere changes in land use patterns. Full article

Background: Diabetes in youth, specifically type 1 diabetes (T1D), is an increasing global health concern. As prevalence rises, a growing number of adolescents are required to transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. This phase is recognized as a particularly critical and high-risk period, during which emerging adults with T1D must exhibit advanced self-management skills to maintain optimal outcomes. When transition support is inadequate, the process is frequently associated with deterioration in glycemic control, higher rates of hospitalization, and significant psychological distress. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify and evaluate instruments that assess transition readiness in adolescents with diabetes, focusing on their psychometric properties. Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were searched. Methodological quality and measurement properties were appraised using the updated 2024 COSMIN Guidelines. Results: Eleven studies were included, examining 10 distinct instruments. Overall, psychometric evidence was promising but limited. Only the “On TRAck” instrument demonstrated moderate-quality evidence with acceptable feasibility and reliability. Other tools showed partial support for validity, reliability, and responsiveness, but presented methodological limitations. Conclusions: Interest in diabetes-specific tools to assess transition readiness is growing, yet their psychometric robustness remains limited. Further research is needed to develop and validate instruments with stronger methodological rigor. Future efforts should focus on longitudinal performance and predictive validity to enhance their applicability in clinical practice and ultimately improve outcomes during transition. Full article

Background: Endoscopic kidney-sparing surgery (eKSS) is increasingly adopted for the management of selected patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Laser energy is central to tumor ablation during eKSS; however, multiple laser platforms with distinct physical and thermal properties are currently available, and their comparative oncological and safety profiles remain poorly defined. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence on oncological outcomes and perioperative complications associated with laser-based endoscopic treatment of UTUC and to explore potential differences according to laser technology. Methods: A systematic literature search identified 25 eligible studies published between 1997 and 2024, including 1344 patients treated with laser-assisted eKSS. All included studies were non-randomized, predominantly retrospective, and characterized by moderate-to-serious risk of bias. Holmium:YAG, Thulium:YAG (thu:YAG, continuous-wave and pulsed), thulium fiber laser (TFL), Neodimio:YAG (Nd:YAG), diode lasers, and combination platforms were reported. Results: Ipsilateral upper tract recurrence was common across all laser categories, with weighted proportions ranging approximately from 27% to 52% and substantial inter-study heterogeneity. Progression and conversion to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) were relatively infrequent overall, with numerically weighted proportions observed in thu:YAG-based cohorts. Major complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ III) were rare across all laser technologies, although a trend toward a higher weighted proportions was observed in Ho:YAG- and Nd:YAG-based series. Minor complications were more frequently reported and highly heterogeneous. Conclusions: Available evidence supporting laser selection in endoscopic kidney-sparing management of UTUC is limited and largely descriptive. Thulium:YAG and TFL platforms seem to demonstrate encouraging trends toward lower progression and conversion to-radical-nephroureterectomy rates; however, these findings are derived from heterogeneous, non-comparative studies with limited follow-up. No standard laser platform can currently be recommended over others based on existing data. Prospective, comparative, and methodologically robust studies are required to determine whether laser technologies confer clinically meaningful advantages in oncological control or safety for UTUC treated with eKSS. Full article

This study investigates the rare-earth element (REE) geochemistry of twenty-nine clastic rock samples from the Paleogene Liushagang Formation in the Weixi’nan Sag. The primary objectives were to quantitatively evaluate the depositional paleoenvironment, determine the provenance lithology, and constrain the tectonic setting of the source area. Results reveal distinct chondrite-normalized REE distribution patterns characterized by light REE (LREE) enrichment, relatively flat heavy REE (HREE) segments, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies. The cerium anomaly index (Ce_anom, normalized to the North American Shale Composite) ranges from −0.06 to 0.00, implying broadly suboxic to anoxic-reducing conditions in the water column during deposition. The chondrite-normalized (La/Yb)_N ratio, utilized as a proxy for relative depositional residence time, decreases stratigraphically from member 3 to member 1, reflecting a transition to shorter residence times and higher relative sedimentation rates. Laterally, (La/Yb)_N increases toward the basin center, accurately recording progressively lower sedimentation rates basinward. Provenance analysis indicates that the sediments were predominantly derived from felsic igneous rocks of the upper continental crust. Spatially, the northern steep-slope belt reflects a uniform source, whereas the southern gentle-slope belt and the Weixi’nan low-uplift periphery record multisource mixed inputs. Finally, tectonic discrimination reveals an “active continental margin” affinity. This geochemical signature represents the inherited tectonic environment of the Mesozoic parent rocks in the surrounding source uplifts, rather than the Cenozoic extensional rift setting of the Weixi’nan Sag itself. Full article

The transition towards circular economy is now a key strategy to address the environmental issues we are facing. Within this framework, biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from residual agricultural pyrolysis, can represent a sustainable and circular solution. This paper aims at evaluating the possibility of implementing a local biochar-production system as part of an economic and social strategy of the redevelopment of an abandoned rural site, Borgo di Perolla, in Tuscany, Italy. A cost–benefits analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of three different scenarios of production and strategies: Scenario 1 considers revenues solely from the production and sale of biochar and wood vinegar; Scenario 2 additionally includes potential income from the sale of voluntary carbon credits; and Scenario 3 incorporates biochar credits within the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS). For each scenario, three indicators were calculated: Net-Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Breakeven point (BEP). The most evident result that emerged is that the sale of biochar and its by-products alone is not sufficient to ensure the project’s economic sustainability, mainly due to high production costs. Only through carbon-credit-trading markets biochar becomes not only an environmentally strategic tool but also an economically rewarding one. In this sense, market infrastructures, such as the ETS, are essential for the dissemination of circular models, like biochar, that generate both environmental and economic benefits. Previous studies on biochar have largely focused on its application and associated benefits, while cost–benefit analyses have primarily examined its economic feasibility through the commercialization of biochar as a soil amendment, particularly within the United States context. The present work contributes to this literature in three main ways. First, it provides a site-specific and replicable CBA framework applied to a real territorial regeneration project (Borgo di Perolla), grounded in primary data collected through field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and expert validation. Second, the study explicitly compares multiple market-access scenarios within the same analytical framework, ranging from biochar-only sales to voluntary carbon markets, allowing for a clear identification of the economic thresholds at which biochar becomes financially sustainable. Third, and most importantly, the main contribution of this work lies in the explicit modeling of biochar integration into the EU Emissions Trading System. This paper extends the analysis to a regulated carbon market scenario, assuming the recognition of biochar-based carbon removals within the EU ETS framework. From a methodological perspective, the study quantitatively assesses how ETS price dynamics affect the profitability, internal rate of return, and break-even point of a biochar project over a long-term horizon. From a policy perspective, the analysis anticipates recent regulatory developments, such as the EU Regulation 2024/3012, on establishing a Union certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products, by showing how biochar could function as a fully market-integrated climate technology. Full article

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) into biofuels is hindered by its inherent resistance and the drawbacks of conventional pretreatment, which include high cost, intensive energy use, and inhibitor formation. Here, we present a novel, one-pot bioconversion process that bypasses pretreatment by integrating cerium-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (CeFeO₄NPs) with a specialized enzyme system. The system utilizes enzyme supernatant from Penicillium janthinellum mutant EU-30, a strain developed via chemical–physical mutagenesis, which exhibits stable hemicellulase activity and a 25–30% increase in cellulase activity. The integrated approach effectively saccharified raw sugarcane bagasse (SB) within 24 h, generating the highest yields of 12.8 ± 0.5 g/L glucose and 11.54 ± 0.5 g/L xylose compared to other substrates tested. Subsequent fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yielded 13.47 g/L ethanol (1.21 g/L/h productivity) and demonstrated concurrent consumption of both hexose and pentose sugars. We propose that residual CeFe₃O₄NPs in the hydrolysate mitigate carbon catabolite inhibition, thereby increasing xylose utilization. This was attributed to the residual CeFe₃O₄NPs in the hydrolysate, which are thought to upregulate xylose-metabolism-related genes in S. cerevisiae, thereby alleviating carbon catabolite inhibition. This method offers a streamlined, economical, and sustainable platform for producing carbon-neutral bioethanol from agricultural waste, eliminating costly pretreatment and simplifying downstream processing. Full article

This paper examines the relationship between innovation performance and international export competitiveness in four EU countries—Germany, Italy, Czechia, and Slovakia—during the period 2015–2024. The primary objective is to identify the relationship between the number of patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO) and two key R&D input indicators: R&D expenditure per capita and the number of researchers and engineers per million inhabitants. Simultaneously, the study utilizes the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index to evaluate export specialization in medium-to-high innovation-intensive commodity groups. Although there are numerous studies on innovation, patents, or the significance of research and development, only rarely are these indicators linked to the competitiveness of countries according to comparative advantages in individual sectors. The results of the correlation analysis reveal significant national disparities: while a strong dependency was confirmed in Italy and Slovakia, the findings for Germany show a negative correlation, suggesting that German patenting activity is driven by factors beyond the examined R&D inputs. Panel regression also points out that simple correlation may not be able to clearly capture this relationship, as it may manifest itself with a time lag. From an absolute perspective, Germany maintains a leading position in all indicators, yet Italy demonstrates higher patent efficiency compared to Czechia despite having fewer researchers. The RCA analysis further highlights that while Germany and Italy maintain comparative advantages in high-innovation sectors, Czechia and Slovakia predominantly specialize in medium-innovation-intensive industries. Full article

Background: The PROSPET-BX trial compared [⁶⁸Ga]PSMA-11 PET/CT (PSMA-PET) with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in parallel in men with suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) after at least one previously negative biopsy (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05297162; GR-2018-12366240). In this study, we performed the cost analysis of the two imaging modalities with respect to the detection of clinically significant PCa (csPCa). Methods: We analyzed the data from patients enrolled in the trial who met the inclusion criteria. For the cost analysis, we identified six competing triage strategies, each defined as a binary decision rule for referral to prostate biopsy: (1) biopsy-all; (2) elevated PSA-density (PSAD; biopsy if PSAD > 0.15 ng/mL/cc; (3) mpMRI positive (PIRADS 3–5); (4) PSMA-PET positive (PRIMARY 3–5); (5) mpMRI or PSMA-PET positive; (6) PSAD and mpMRI. For each strategy, we yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for csPCa. Direct hospital costs were modeled from a provider perspective, incorporating testing and procedural costs. Unit costs (in EUR) were sourced from our institutional accounting records. Pairwise cost-effectiveness comparisons were performed using incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net benefit (INB). Results: Among the six triage strategies evaluated, the “biopsy-all” approach achieved perfect sensitivity, whereas the PSAD + mpMRI pathway was the most parsimonious strategy but missed 14 csPCa cases (53.8%). The combined “mpMRI or PSMA-PET” strategy maximized detection (22 cPCa, missing only 4) at an intermediate cost (EUR 81.991 total; EUR 3.727 per csPCa). The pairwise comparison of each strategy with mpMRI alone showed for the mpMRI or PSMA-PET pathway a low ICER (~EUR 2.900/extra csPCa), with consistently positive and increasing INB across higher WTP (willingness-to-pay). Therefore, this combination provided the most favorable cost-effectiveness profile, balancing detection, efficiency, and cost. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cost analysis study to compare different strategies incorporating PSMA-PET in the re-biopsy setting, demonstrating that the combined “mpMRI or PSMA-PET” pathway is the most cost-effective diagnostic pathway for csPCa detection. Full article

The Innovative Lightweight Cold-Formed Steel–Concrete Composite Floor System (LWT-FLOOR) addresses key challenges faced by the construction industry related to the efficiency, adaptability, and life-cycle usability of structural elements. Within this context, the present study investigated the behaviour of demountable bolted shear connections in a composite system combining built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) girders and concrete slabs. An experimental programme comprising 18 push-out tests was conducted on two composite configurations: built-up back-to-back CFS sections and built-up sections incorporating a corrugated web. The influence of key parameters, including the bolt diameter, CFS thickness, steel grade, and connector spacing, was evaluated. The results show that increasing the bolt diameter enhanced the shear resistance and initial stiffness while reducing ductility, whereas reducing the CFS thickness led to a moderate decrease in resistance accompanied by a pronounced increase in ductility. The incorporation of a corrugated web increased the ultimate shear resistance by approximately 30–40%. The existing analytical models from current standards were found to be inadequate; however, the introduction of a spacing-dependent correction factor into the prEN 1994-1-1 model significantly improved the prediction accuracy, reducing the coefficient of variation from 16% to 4.36%. The findings provide a quantitative basis for improving the design of demountable shear connections in lightweight composite CFS-concrete systems. Full article

Superhydrophilic micro/nano-porous media have extensive applications in electronic thermal management and energy storage systems. Predicting two-phase pressure drop in complex porous structures is of great importance for system design and optimization while remaining highly challenging. This study systematically investigates the two-phase flow resistance characteristics of bi-porous microstructures with multiple particle sizes and porosities under varying boiling regimes. Experimentally, porous samples were fabricated via vacuum sintering using nickel powders and pore-forming agents (CaCl₂), which exhibit superhydrophilicity and enhanced wicking characteristics. A visualized experimental platform was constructed to investigate the impact of pore size combinations, flow velocities, and boiling states on pressure drop. The dataset obtained through multi-factor saturated boiling experiments was further used to derive a semi-empirical model for the two-phase flow pressure drop based on the classic Kozeny-Carman (K-C) and Akagi-Chisholm (A-C) correlations. Results show that the pore size combinations and boiling states have a significant impact on the resistance performance. The proposed model achieves an average prediction deviation below 15.7%, confirming its reliability and its effectiveness as a design framework for optimizing high-capillary-force porous wicks in advanced thermal management systems. Full article

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has previously been associated with coronary artery calcium scores, an increased burden of coronary artery disease (CAD), and features of plaque instability. These associations are likely mediated by endocrine and paracrine signaling from bioactive molecules secreted by EAT, which may contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. EAT can be non-invasively quantified on images obtained during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). This study aimed to evaluate the potential association between EAT and non-calcified coronary plaques with severe stenosis using radiomic methodology. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA—both with and without contrast—for known or suspected CAD were retrospectively analyzed. EAT features were extracted from contrast scans. Coronary artery plaque features were evaluated using Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS). Results: EAT features showed a statistically significant positive correlation with non-calcified coronary plaques with severe grades of stenosis (CAD-RADS > 4). The Ensemble Machine Learning (EML) model combined with coronary plaque data showed a sensitivity of 1.00 and a specificity of 0.93, with a negative predictive value of 1.00 and a positive predictive value of 0.85, and an accuracy of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.9221–1) in internal validation. Conclusions: EAT may represent a novel imaging biomarker associated with the presence of actionable coronary plaques. Radiomic texture analysis of EAT could enhance the non-invasive prediction of coronary stenoses. These preliminary findings support the clinical utility of EAT evaluation via CCTA in patients with low to intermediate cardiovascular risk. Full article

The maritime shipping industry faces the challenge of decarbonising its operations while maintaining economic viability. We present a comprehensive techno-economic review of four alternative energy carriers, liquid hydrogen (LH₂), ammonia (NH₃), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and methanol, evaluating their suitability for maritime applications within the context of global decarbonisation policy. Through the comparative assessment of physicochemical properties, hazard profiles, storage requirements, and regulatory compliance mechanisms, this review demonstrates that fuel selection is highly route-dependent, with methanol emerging as the most practical near-term solution for short-sea corridors, ammonia emerging as the primary pathway for long-term deep-sea decarbonisation, leveraging existing production infrastructure to achieve up to 90% lifecycle GHG reduction when produced from renewable hydrogen, and hydrogen serving as an alternative option pending cryogenic infrastructure maturation. The integration of digital twin technologies and port call optimisation provides a realistic pathway to achieving International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decarbonisation targets by 2030 and beyond. The findings are contextualised within current and emerging regulatory frameworks, including MARPOL Annex VI and FuelEU Maritime, to support evidence-based fuel selection and infrastructure investment decisions. Full article

The mechanization of wheat harvesting in Egypt is a critical step towards enhancing food security. This study evaluated the operational performance, grain loss, and economic viability of four wheat harvesting systems for the ‘Sakha 95’ variety in the Nile Delta. To evaluate and rank the different systems based on multiple criteria, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was used to test three self-propelled combine harvesters (Claas [4.2 m], Field-King [2.0 m], Daedong [1.4 m]) alongside one semi-mechanized system (reaper–binder + stationary thresher). The TOPSIS analysis identified the Field King combine as the most recommended system (Rank 1), providing the optimal balance between operational efficiency and cost. It achieved the lowest direct harvesting cost (3386.66 EGP ha⁻¹) with a minimal grain loss of only 0.05%. The Claas combine secured Rank 2. While it reached the highest effective field capacity (1.18 ha h⁻¹) and near-total grain recovery (0.005% loss), its ranking was influenced by its high initial purchase price and fuel consumption. The reaper–binder system (Rank 3) and Daedong combine (Rank 4) followed. Despite having the highest operational cost (7371.42 EGP ha⁻¹) and higher grain losses (0.72%), the reaper–binder remains a scientifically justified choice for integrated crop-livestock systems, as its ability to produce ready-to-use “soft straw” provides a net economic advantage for smallholders. The study concludes that while large combines are ideal for the “New Lands,” mid-sized units like the Field King are best suited for scaling through cooperatives in fragmented landscapes. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have become a widespread environmental contaminant, raising concern due to their persistence, capacity to transport pollutants, and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Their increasing global production, prolonged degradation, and ubiquity in aquatic environments underscore the need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies. Current findings indicate widespread MP contamination, including within the human body, emphasizing significant ecological and health concerns. This review examines the definition, sources, environmental transport mechanisms, associated risks, and current detection methods for MPs in natural and engineered water systems. The methods discussed encompass a broad range of analytical and sensing technologies used to identify, characterize, and quantify MPs across diverse environmental matrices. The review highlights that no single technique is sufficient for comprehensive MP analysis; instead, the combination of multiple methods enhances sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. Progress in automated sample preparation, advanced sensing platforms and standardized methodologies is key to improving detection efficiency and comparability across different studies. In particular, the extensive body of scientific literature underscores the imperative for standardized and harmonized protocols regarding data collection and analysis, as well as homogeneous limits of detection and units of measurement. Reducing MP pollution will require interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory action, and increased public awareness to protect environmental integrity and human health. Full article