Search Results (18,308)

This study characterized the spatial distribution and assessed the ecological risks of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in sediments of the Dongzhai Harbor mangrove wetland, Hainan, China. Analysis of key environmental indicators (grain size, pH, TOC, TN, TP) across twenty-seven sediment cores (0–100 cm depth) revealed distinct decreasing land–sea gradients and vertical stratification of nutrient concentrations. Mangrove plant debris was identified as the primary source of sedimentary organic matter. Elemental ratio analysis indicated terrestrial inputs as the dominant phosphorus source. Significant positive correlations between TOC, TN, and TP in surface sediments suggested coupled nutrient dynamics. Vertical distribution of C/N to C/P ratios increased with depth, which may be related to increased nitrogen and phosphorus inputs due to regional human activities. Pollution assessment showed significantly higher ecological risks in surface sediments (0–50 cm), particularly near inland areas and dense mangroves, indicating co-regulation by vegetation processes and human impacts. These findings highlight significant spatial heterogeneity in ecological risks, underscoring the need for enhanced monitoring and targeted management strategies in critical land–sea transition zones. Full article

Underground electrical conductors, both medium-and high-voltage, play a crucial role in energy infrastructure. However, they present a maintenance challenge due to their difficult access. Unlike overhead installations, these cables remain hidden, making it harder to obtain key parameters, such as their temperature or structural condition, in a simple manner. Current temperature measurement methods, including fiber-optic-based systems (DTS and LTS), involve high costs that limit their feasibility in medium-voltage networks, where more economically accessible alternatives are required. This study introduces an alternative system for monitoring the temperature of underground cables using NTC thermistors. Its design allows for reducing the number of connection conductors for sensors to just four regardless of the number of measurement points. The implemented measurement technique is based on the sequential activation of sensors and the integration of the recorded current to achieve an accurate thermal assessment. The tests conducted validate that this proposal represents an efficient, cost-effective, and highly scalable solution for implementation in electrical distribution networks. Full article

Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not. is a major pathogenic fungus causing stem canker in Idesia polycarpa, posing a significant threat to the growth and survival of its plantations. To elucidate the physiological and biochemical responses of the host under pathogenic stress, this study used two-year-old potted seedlings of I. polycarpa (provenance: ‘Emeishan No. 1’) and conducted artificial inoculation. Dynamic changes in physiological and biochemical indices at different disease stages were systematically monitored. The results revealed a distinct stage-specific response pattern: in the early infection stage, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (POD and SOD) increased rapidly, accompanied by significant elevations in osmotic regulators such as proline and soluble protein. In the mid-stage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased, while the levels of photosynthetic pigments—especially chlorophyll b and carotenoids—declined, indicating intensified oxidative damage. In the late stage, antioxidant capacity and osmotic adjustment weakened, and the photosynthetic system was continuously impaired. Correlation analysis further demonstrated significant synergistic relationships among antioxidant defense, membrane stability, osmotic regulation, and photosynthetic function. These findings enhance our understanding of the disease resistance mechanisms in I. polycarpa and provide a theoretical and practical reference for resistance evaluation and precise management of canker disease in woody species. Full article

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may influence extrahepatic systems, including endocrine and lipid regulation. In this cross-sectional study, 186 adults were stratified by HBV DNA status and viral load to examine thyroid function, systemic inflammation, and lipid metabolism, with further analyses by age and sex. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, a pituitary regulator of thyroid function) levels were significantly lower in HBsAg-positive individuals compared with controls; however, this association was attenuated after stratification by viral load, indicating that the relationship is not unequivocally independent of HBV DNA levels, as free thyroxine (FT4, the circulating thyroid hormone reflecting gland activity) levels remained stable. Lipid profiles displayed demographic-specific patterns: males with high viral load exhibited lower HDL cholesterol, whereas younger HBV-positive individuals showed higher LDL cholesterol. CRP levels were unaffected by HBV status or viral load, aligning with the absence of systemic inflammation in early or inactive disease stages. Age was a major determinant across biomarkers, with complex interactions involving sex and viral load. These findings indicate subtle but clinically relevant extrahepatic effects of HBV infection and underscore the need for personalized monitoring and longitudinal studies to clarify metabolic and cardiovascular implications. These subgroup trends should be interpreted with caution given the absence of BMI, liver enzyme, fibrosis, medication, and comorbidity data in this retrospective cohort. Full article

To cope with the increasing global demand of energy and significant energy wastage caused by the use of different home appliances, smart load monitoring is considered a promising solution to promote proper activation and scheduling of devices and reduce electricity bills. Instead of installing a sensing device on each electric appliance, non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) enables the monitoring of each individual device using the total power reading of the home smart meter. However, for a high-accuracy load monitoring, efficient artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) approaches are needed. To that end, this paper thoroughly reviews traditional AI and DL approaches, as well as emerging AI models proposed for NILM. Unlike existing surveys that are usually limited to a specific approach or a subset of approaches, this review paper presents a comprehensive survey of an ensemble of topics and models, including deep learning, generative AI (GAI), emerging attention-enhanced GAI, and hybrid AI approaches. Another distinctive feature of this work compared to existing surveys is that it also reviews actual cases of NILM system design and implementation, covering a wide range of technical enablers including hardware, software, and AI models. Furthermore, a range of new future research and challenges are discussed, such as the heterogeneity of energy sources, data uncertainty, privacy and safety, cost and complexity reduction, and the need for a standardized comparison. Full article

This study proposes a task planning approach for a distributed constellation dedicated to space target monitoring, grounded in an adaptive genetic algorithm. The approach is designed to address challenges such as the growing number of space targets and the complex constraints inherent in space target monitoring activities. After reviewing the research progress of distributed satellite task planning and adaptive genetic algorithms, a distributed task model featuring master-slave satellites was developed. This model integrates multi-constraint modeling and aims to optimize key performance indicators: task yield rate, task completion rate, resource utilization rate, and load balancing. To enhance the approach, the contract net algorithm is fused with the adaptive genetic algorithm: Firstly, in the tendering phase, centralized tendering is adopted to reduce communication overhead; Secondly, in the bidding phase, improved genetic mechanisms (e.g., dynamic reverse adjustment of crossover and mutation probabilities) and a dynamic population strategy are employed to generate task allocation schemes; Thirdly, in the bid evaluation and winning phase, differentiated strategies are applied to non-repetitive and repetitive tasks. Simulation validation shows that this approach can complete 80% of space target monitoring tasks, balance satellite loads effectively, and manage space target catalogs efficiently. Full article

Indoor sports facilities face distinctive indoor air quality (IAQ) challenges due to high occupant density, elevated metabolic emissions, and diverse pollutant sources associated with physical activity. This review presents a narrative synthesis of multidisciplinary evidence concerning IAQ in sports environments. It explores major pollutant categories, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and airborne microbial agents, highlighting their sources, behavior during exercise, and associated health risks. Research shows that physical activity can increase PM concentrations by up to 300%, and CO₂ levels frequently exceed 1000 ppm in inadequately ventilated spaces. The presence of semi-volatile organics and bioaerosols further complicates pollutant dynamics, especially in humid and densely occupied areas. Measurement technologies such as optical sensors, chromatographic methods, and molecular techniques are reviewed and compared for their applicability to dynamic indoor settings. Existing IAQ standards across China, the USA, the EU, the UK, and WHO are examined, revealing a lack of activity-specific thresholds and insufficient responsiveness to real-time conditions. Mitigation strategies (e.g., including demand-controlled ventilation, use of low-emission materials, liquid chalk substitutes, and integrated HEPA-UVGI purification systems) are evaluated, many demonstrating pollutant removal efficiencies over 80%. The integration of intelligent building management systems is emphasized for enabling real-time monitoring and adaptive control. This review concludes by identifying research priorities, including the development of activity-sensitive IAQ control frameworks and long-term health impact assessments for athletes and vulnerable users. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition representing the most common cause of dementia and currently affects millions of people worldwide. The clinical presentation includes memory impairment, cognitive decline, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, reflecting pathological hallmarks such as β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Despite being the gold standard for detecting amyloid and tau pathologies in vivo, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging are not widely used in the clinical setting because of invasiveness, high costs, and restricted accessibility. Recent advances in blood-based biomarkers offer a promising and minimally invasive tool for early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of AD. Ultra-sensitive analytical platforms, including single-molecule arrays (Simoa) and immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, now enable reliable quantification of plasma Aβ isoforms, phosphorylated tau variants (p-Tau181, p-Tau217, p-Tau231), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In addition, blood biomarkers reflecting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic disruption and metabolic dysfunction are under active investigation. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on blood-based biomarkers in AD, emphasizing their biological relevance, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical applications. Finally, we highlight forthcoming challenges, such as standardization, and future directions, including the use of artificial intelligence in precision medicine. Full article

As tropical forests become increasingly vulnerable to land use changes, fragmentation, and climate shifts, efforts to minimise species loss are essential. Prevalent in most environments and having complex vocalisations, birds are key indicators of ecosystem health and a good model for acoustic monitoring. In Brazil, the Caparaó National Park (CNP) is a preserved remnant of the Atlantic Forest with great avian endemism. Despite having >600 species, limited research has utilised bioacoustics for species assessment. This study employed bioacoustics to examine soundscapes and community composition at two CNP locations—one with ombrophilous montane forest (OMF) and another with semi-deciduous seasonal forest (SSF). Four SongMeters were deployed, recording bird choruses from 08:00 to 11:00 a.m. for two months. Soundscape profiles and species composition were characterised using Raven Pro. Acoustic indices assessed correlations with avian species richness, and sites were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Ninety-eight species were detected, and species richness was greater within SSF. While acoustic indices had little impact on richness, they identified differing soundscapes: more ambient noise in OMF, and gunshots detected in SSF. The results indicate that bioacoustics can aid monitoring strategies. Given the presence of rare species and illegal activities, more studies are needed to support the conservation of birds in this critical environment. Full article

Rice is a staple crop for over half the world’s population, and accurate, timely information on its planted area and production is crucial for food security and agricultural policy, particularly in developing nations like Sri Lanka. However, reliable rice monitoring in regions like Sri Lanka faces significant challenges due to frequent cloud cover and the fragmented nature of smallholder farms. This research introduces a novel, cost-effective method for mapping rice-planted area and yield at field scales in Sri Lanka using optical satellite data. The rice-planted fields were identified and mapped using a phenologically tuned image classification algorithm that highlights rice presence by observing water occurrence during transplanting and vegetation activity during subsequent crop growth. To estimate yields, a random forest regression model was trained at the district level by incorporating a satellite-derived chlorophyll index and environmental variables and subsequently applied at the field level. The approach has enabled the creation of two decades (2000–2022) of reliable, field-scale rice area and yield estimates, achieving map accuracies between 70% and over 90% and yield estimates with less than 20% error. These highly granular results, which are not available through traditional surveys, show a strong correlation with government statistics. They also demonstrate the advantages of a rule-based, phenology-driven classification over purely statistical machine learning models for long-term consistency in dynamic agricultural environments. This work highlights the significant potential of remote sensing to provide accurate and detailed insights into rice cultivation, supporting policy decisions and enhancing food security in Sri Lanka and other cloud-prone regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires intensive dietary and lifestyle management, yet patient engagement and access to tailored education remain limited, particularly outside clinical settings. This study describes the development and implementation of NephroGo, and evaluates its usability, user engagement, and perceived acceptability among patients with CKD. Methods: The app was developed based on clinical and dietary guidelines, incorporating personalized nutrient recommendations, dialysis tracking, and educational content. Technically, it features a Django backend, Flutter mobile frontend, and secure cloud-based hosting. User feedback was collected through one-time interviews (n = 10) and a standardized Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) survey (n = 32). Longitudinal usage data over four years were also analyzed. Results: Initially, NephroGo was downloaded by 204 users, of whom 93.6% were considered active users based on defined behavioral engagement thresholds. Over a four-year period, the app accumulated a total of 1670 downloads. This study focuses on evaluating user engagement, usability, and perceived acceptability of the NephroGo app over a four-year period. Most users were female (52.3%) and aged 30–65. Stage 5 CKD patients and those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) had the highest engagement. The most-used feature was the personalized nutrition calculator, with sodium being the most frequently exceeded nutrient. The average MARS score was 4.09 ± 0.66, with functionality rated highest (4.27 ± 0.74). App ratings were significantly higher among users referred by physicians (p = 0.039). Conclusions: NephroGo offers a scalable digital tool to support dietary management and health monitoring, with potential to complement standard nephrology care in a resource-conscious manner. Full article

Background/Objectives: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common pediatric orthopedic disorders and warrants timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term disability. This review identified, summarized, and assessed the quality of current European national guidelines for DDH screening and treatment. Methods: Guidelines were identified by contacting the national orthopedic societies from 46 European countries and retrieving the guidelines from a recent systematic review. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed guideline quality using the AGREE II checklist. Interrater agreement was assessed using Cohen’s $\kappa$. Results: Nine European national DDH guidelines were identified, of which four were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. All guidelines advised clinical examination and imaging as part of the DDH screening program, though screening approach and timing varied considerably. Four guidelines included treatment recommendations. The type of treatment (abduction treatment vs. active monitoring) and duration of long-term follow-up showed great variation. Guideline quality ranged from 16 to 92% (Cohen’s $\kappa$ = 0.62), with two out of nine guidelines rated “good quality” (>70%). Conclusions: European national DDH guidelines appear scarce and of varying quality and content. A coordinated European initiative is warranted to urge countries to develop evidence-based DDH guidelines using validated tools and to publish these guidelines in peer-reviewed journals, thereby advancing equal diagnosis and treatment for children with DDH. Full article

Backgorund. Multiple sclerosis (MS) profoundly affects the lives of patients and their families. The experience of the disease is shaped not only by its progression and specific characteristics but also by the quality of medical and caregiving support received. The diagnosis of MS represents a transformative event that may lead to job loss, the need for continuous care, and a significant reorganization of family roles. In Italy, more than 140,000 people are affected by MS (AISM data, 2024). The impact of the disease is multifaceted and complex, involving various aspects of the patient’s life. Dependence on external assistance often becomes an unavoidable necessity, highlighting the importance of exploring the quality of life of people with MS in the Italian context. The main objective is to assess the quality of life of individuals affected by MS, both before diagnosis and during the course of the disease. A secondary aim is to identify related psycho-physical consequences, including care-related needs. Methods: An online survey was conducted through various associations operating across Italy, involving a sample of 99 individuals diagnosed with MS. Results: The results show a predominance of female participants, with a mean age of 41 years. The disease was reported to be at an early stage in 66.7% of cases and advanced in 33.3%, with none of the respondents being in a terminal phase. The most frequent clinical form was relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), which accounted for 78.8% of the cases. In terms of employment and daily activities, more than half of the participants reported underperforming (59.6%) or limiting specific tasks (51.5%) due to disability caused by the disease. Emotional distress had even more pronounced effects, with 63.6% reporting a decline in performance and 62.6% experiencing concentration difficulties. Quality of life was significantly affected, particularly in the physical and emotional domains. Vitality, physical pain, perceived health, and psychological well-being emerged as compromised dimensions, pointing to the need for a multidimensional care model that integrates therapeutic, rehabilitative, and psychosocial interventions. Individuals in the early stages of MS tended to maintain better work relationships and demonstrated higher levels of professional engagement. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of a continuous and personalized care approach, addressing not only clinical treatment but also psychological and social support. These aspects are crucial for monitoring patients’ needs, promoting quality of life, facilitating disease acceptance, and mitigating psychological distress. Full article

Catalysis plays a pivotal role in green chemistry practices, particularly in reducing waste generated during chemical synthesis. Decatungstate (DT) emerges as a potent photocatalyst for Type I oxidations, exhibiting remarkable resilience to oxygen quenching, a characteristic that sets it apart from other excited triplet state photocatalysts. While homogeneous DT catalysis demonstrates effectiveness, its solubility poses challenges for its separation and recycling. To address these limitations, we focus on the development and comparison of heterogeneous DT photocatalysts, aiming to optimize their yield, recovery, and reusability. We synthesized tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT)-supported catalysts using silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, and glass wool and characterized them using diffuse reflectance measurements. Subsequently, we evaluated their photocatalytic performance by monitoring the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol and cyclohexanol under UVA irradiation. Our findings reveal that TBADT@silica emerges as the most effective catalyst, achieving approximately 20% conversion of cyclohexanol and 50% conversion of 1-phenylethanol with good reusability. Interestingly, we observed that 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) treatment, intended to enhance DT anchoring, unexpectedly quenches the ³DT* triplet state, reducing catalytic activity. This unexpected finding underscores the importance of careful consideration in designing robust and recyclable heterogeneous decatungstate catalysts. Our research contributes significantly to the advancement of heterogeneous photocatalysis, paving the way for future applications in flow photochemistry. Further, we share a Python code (Google 3.12.11) to correct spectra obtained in Cary spectrometers. Full article

Dysfunctions and disorders of the craniomandibular system are accompanied by pathophysiological changes of muscle groups in the throat/neck and facial area, e.g., pain in the jaw and muscles of mastication and disturbance of occlusion, leading to teeth injury (loss of dental hard tissue, fractures/sensibility disorders, etc.). For muscular dysfunctions, even in the context of psychosomatic disorders and chronic stress, hippotherapy is particularly suitable, since it helps actively to relieve muscle tensions. In the current project we combined hippotherapy with progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) to achieve a synergistic effect. The horses used for therapy (two mares and five geldings between seven and twenty-one years old) were especially suitable because of their calm temperament. In two cases, trained therapy horses were used; in five other cases, the patients used their own horses, which were not specially trained. Right from the beginning, the project was accompanied by veterinary support. Conditions of horse keeping (active stable, same-sex groups, no boxes) were assessed as well as the horses themselves prior to, during, and after each therapy unit. In patients, cortisol, as a quantifiable parameter for stress, was measured before and after each therapy unit. From before the start until the end of each therapy unit of 15 min, the heart rate variability (HRV) of both patients and horses was registered continuously and synchronously. In addition, the behavior of the horses was monitored and recorded on video by an experienced coach and a veterinarian. The stress load during the tension phases in the therapy units was low, perceivable in the horses lifting their heads and a slightly shortened stride length. Likewise, the horses reflected the patients’ relaxation phases, so that at the end of the units the horses were physically and psychically relaxed, too, noticeable by lowering their necks, free ear movement, and a decreasing heart frequency (HF). Altogether, the horses benefited from the treatment, too. Obvious stress signs like unrest, head tossing, tail swishing, or tense facial expressions were not noticed at any time. Twenty jumpers served as a control group in different situations (training, tournament, and leisure riding). Full article