Search Results (30,852)

This article examines the effects of climate change on the 32 million inhabitants of the Megalopolis of Central Mexico (MCM), which is threatened by chaotic urbanization, land-use changes, the deforestation of the Forest of Water by organized crime, unsustainable agriculture, and biodiversity loss. Expensive hydraulic management extracting water from deep aquifers, long pipes exploiting water from neighboring states, and sewage discharged outside the endorheic basin result in expensive pumping costs and air pollution. This mismanagement has increased water scarcity. The overexploitation of aquifers and the pollution by toxic industrial and domestic sewage mixed with rainfall has increased the ground subsidence, damaging urban infrastructure and flooding marginal neighborhoods with toxic sewage. A system approach, satellite data, and participative research methodology were used to explore potential water scarcity and weakened water security for 32 million inhabitants. An alternative nature-based approach involves recovering the Forest of Water (FW) with IWRM, including the management of Natural Protected Areas, the rainfall recharge of aquifers, and cleaning domestic sewage inside the valley where the MCM is found. This involves recovering groundwater, reducing the overexploitation of aquifers, and limiting floods. Citizen participation in treating domestic wastewater with eco-techniques, rainfall collection, and purification filters improves water availability, while the greening of urban areas limits the risk of climate disasters. The government is repairing the broken drinking water supply and drainage systems affected by multiple earthquakes. Adaptation to water scarcity and climate risks requires the recognition of unpaid female domestic activities and the role of indigenous people in protecting the Forest of Water with the involvement of three state authorities. A digital platform for water security, urban planning, citizen audits against water authority corruption, and aquifer recharge through nature-based solutions provided by the System of Natural Protected Areas, Biological and Hydrological Corridors [SAMBA] are improving livelihoods for the MCM’s inhabitants and marginal neighborhoods, with greater equity and safety. Full article

The extensive development of urban underground space increases the risk of deformation to adjacent structures during deep excavations. This study investigates the response of three low-strength strip-foundation buildings (#4, #8, and #11 of the Ninggong Apartment) in Nanjing, China, affected by the excavation of an adjacent super-long, narrow subway station. The site is located in a typical soft alluvial area of the Yangtze River, characterized by highly compressible and sensitive soil, which poses substantial challenges. Pre-construction ground improvement was implemented to mitigate the impacts of diaphragm wall trenching; however, monitoring data indicated that buildings’ settlements of this stage still reached 28.2%, 24.8%, and 27.2% of their final values, with extensive influence zones. Subsequent excavation of the eastern and middle sections induced further cumulative and differential settlements, raising safety concerns and necessitating structural strengthening before adjacent western excavation. An integrated underpinning system, combining anchor static pressure steel pipe piles with a raft foundation, was adopted. Although short-term settlement increased during pile and raft installation, post-strengthening settlement rates decreased significantly. The adjacent western excavation caused only 13.3% of the settlement to be observed during the middle section’s excavation. All buildings were ultimately protected from excessive deformation. The protective strategies and lessons learned provide practical guidance for similar projects. Full article

The heading face is one of the zones most severely affected by dust pollution in underground coal mines, and dust control becomes even more challenging during roadway excavation with continuous miners. To improve dust mitigation in environments characterized by intense dust generation, high ventilation demand, and large cross-sectional areas, this study integrates numerical simulations, laboratory experiments, and field tests to investigate the physicochemical properties of dust, airflow distribution, dust migration behavior, and a comprehensive dust control strategy combining airflow regulation, foam suppression, and dust extraction fan systems. The results show that dust dispersion patterns differ markedly between the left-side advancement and right-side advancement of the roadway; however, the wind return side of the continuous miner consistently exhibits the highest dust concentrations. The most effective purification of dust-laden airflow is achieved when the dust extraction fan delivers an airflow rate of 500 m³/min and is positioned behind the continuous miner on the return side. After optimization of foam flow rate and coverage based on the cutting head structure of the continuous miner, the dust suppression efficiency reached 78%. With coordinated optimization and on-site implementation of wall-mounted ducted airflow control, foam suppression, and dust extraction fan systems, the total dust reduction rate at the heading face reached 95.2%. These measures substantially enhance dust control effectiveness, improving mine safety and protecting worker health. The resulting reduction in dust concentration also improves visibility for underground intelligent equipment and provides practical guidance for industrial application. Full article

Electron beam melting (EBM) is an additive manufacturing method that enables the manufacturing of metallic parts. EBM-printed parts require post-processing to meet the surface quality and dimensional accuracy requirements. Machining is one approach that is beneficial for achieving these requirements. However, during machining, particles are emitted and can affect the environment and the operator’s health. This study aims to investigate the concentration of particles emitted during the milling of 3D-printed Ti6Al4V alloy produced by EBM. First, the influence of machining speed and cutting fluids, namely flood and minimum quantity lubricant (MQL), on particle emissions was statistically investigated. Then, the standby time required for the operator to safely open the machine door and interact with the machine within the machining area was studied. In this regard, two scenarios were proposed. In the first scenario, the machine door is open immediately after machining, and the operator waits until the particle concentration is acceptable. In the second, the machine door will be opened only when the particle concentration is acceptable. Statistical findings revealed that cutting fluids have a significant impact on particle emissions, exhibiting distinct patterns for both fine and coarse particles. Irrespective of the scenario, MQL results in higher particle concentration peaks and larger particle sizes, and the operator needs a longer standby time before interacting with the machine. For instance, the standby time in MQL is 328% more than that of the flood system. This study provides insight into sustainable manufacturing by taking into account social factors such as worker health and safety. Full article

Currently, an active debate is underway among the academic community, urban planners, and policymakers regarding optimal models of urban development, given that the majority of the population now resides in cities. One concept under discussion is the 15 min city, which posits that all urban residents should be able to reach key, frequently used services within a 15 min walk or cycle. Although the literature suggests numerous potential benefits, debate persists about whether such cities would be optimal from the standpoint of sustainable development objectives and residents’ quality of life. The ongoing discussion also concerns the extent to which existing cities are capable of aligning with this concept. This is directly linked to the actual spatial distribution of individual services within the city. The literature indicates a research gap arising from a shortage of robust case studies that would enable a credible assessment of the practical implementation of this idea across diverse cities, countries, and regions. This issue pertains to Poland as well as to other countries. A desirable future scenario would involve comprehensive mapping of all cities, with respect to both the spatial distribution of specific services and related domains such as the quality and coherence of linear infrastructure. This article presents an analysis of the spatial accessibility of basic urban services in the context of implementing the 15 min city concept, using the city of Koszalin (Poland) as a case study. This city was selected due to its representative character as a medium-sized urban centre, both in terms of population and area, as well as its subregional functions within Poland’s settlement structure. Koszalin also exhibits a typical spatial and functional layout characteristic of many Polish cities. In light of growing challenges related to urbanisation, climate change, and the need to promote sustainable mobility, this study focuses on evaluating access to services such as education, healthcare, retail, public transport, and green spaces. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools enabled the identification of spatial variations in service accessibility across the city. The results indicate that only 11% of Koszalin’s area fully meets the assumptions of the 15 min city concept, providing pedestrians with convenient access to all key services. At the same time, 92% of the city’s area offers access to at least one essential service within a 15 min walk. Excluding forested areas not intended for development increases these values to 14% and 100%, respectively. This highlights the extent to which methodological choices in assessing pedestrian accessibility can shape analytical outcomes and the interpretations drawn from them. Moreover, given this article’s objective and the adopted analytical procedure, the assumed pedestrian walking speed is the key parameter. Accordingly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, comparing the reference scenario (4 km/h) with alternative variants (3 and 5 km/h). This approach demonstrates the extent to which a change in a single parameter affects estimates of urban-area coverage by access to individual services reachable on foot within 15 min. The analysis reveals limited integration of urban functions at the local scale, highlighting areas in need of planning intervention. This article proposes directions for action to improve pedestrian accessibility within the city. Full article

Nitrate pollution from agricultural activities is a major cause of surface and groundwater degradation across Europe. In Andalusia, southern Spain, approximately 26% of the regional territory is affected by this type of contamination. To mitigate and prevent nitrate pollution, a regulatory framework has been implemented, establishing specific restrictions and recommendations for agricultural practices and nitrogen fertilization management in designated areas. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often constrained by limited awareness of the issue, insufficient understanding of existing regulations, and a general lack of training in nitrogen fertilization management among farmers. To address these challenges, a specialized training program on crop fertilization was developed for agricultural professionals. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of nitrate pollution, disseminate information about relevant legislation, and strengthen technical knowledge related to nitrogen fertilization planning and management, thereby enhancing on-farm decision-making. This study analysed the impact of this training activity on the level of awareness and knowledge regarding nitrate-related issues in Andalusia. Full article

Take-over time is a critical factor affecting safety. Accurately predicting the take-over time provides a more reliable basis on issuing take-over requests, assessment of take-over risks, and optimization of human–machine interaction modes. Although there has been substantial research on predicting take-over time, there are still shortcomings in personalized prediction (particularly in accounting for individual differences in driving experience, cognitive abilities, and physiological responses). To gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and applicability of take-over time prediction methods, this review covers four aspects: literature search information, factors influencing take-over time, data acquisition and processing methods, and take-over time prediction methods. Through literature search, research hotspots in recent years have been summarized, revealing the main research directions and trends. Key factors influencing take-over time, including driver factors, autonomous driving systems, and driving environments, are discussed. Data preprocessing stages, including data acquisition and processing, are systematically analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of classical statistical, machine learning, and cognitive architecture models are summarized, and the shortcomings in current research are highlighted (for instance, the limited generalizability of models trained predominantly on simulator data to real-world driving scenarios). By thoroughly summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of existing research, this review explores under-researched areas and future trends, aiming to provide a solid theoretical foundation and innovative research perspectives for optimizing take-over time prediction, thereby promoting the widespread application and efficient development of autonomous driving technology. Full article

This study investigates how the expansion of Warsaw’s metro system—specifically the opening of the second underground line (M2)—affects urban vibrancy, defined as the diversity and intensity of social, economic, and cultural activities. Using a spatial panel Difference-in-Differences (DiD) model with two-way fixed effects, the analysis examines changes in local vibrancy, proxied by the density of small catering businesses (SCB), across four years (2019–2023). Our results show that while built environment features such as building footprint, parking area, and street furniture positively correlate with vibrancy, the short-term effect of new metro stations is negative: areas within a 15 min walking distance of new stations experienced a relative decline in local activity compared to control areas. This pattern likely reflects a behavioral shift, as residents and consumers increasingly use the metro to access amenities in central, already vibrant districts. However, the effect attenuates over time, suggesting that neighborhoods gradually adapt to new mobility conditions. The findings highlight that large-scale transport investments may generate temporary disruptions before fostering long-term equilibrium and renewed urban vitality, underscoring the need for adaptive urban policies that mitigate transitional impacts and support local socio-economic resilience. Full article

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide recognised for a pivotal role within the reproductive system, but potentially important endocrine metabolic effects are less well understood. We examined effects of twice-daily intraperitoneal administration of saline vehicle or kisspeptin-10 (25 nmol/kg), for 21 days, on glucose homeostasis, energy balance, circulating hormones as well as the morphology-function of enteroendocrine and islet cells in high-fat diet (HFD) fed female mice, with normal diet (ND) mice as an additional control group. Kisspeptin-10 decreased body weight, blood glucose and energy intake to ND levels. HFD increased circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which were further enhanced by kisspeptin-10 along with luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. Neither HFD nor kisspeptin-10 affected progesterone or corticosterone. In the ileum, kisspeptin-10 decreased crypt depth and restored villi length to ND control levels, as well as increasing the proportion of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) positive cells when compared to HFD mice and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) positive cells compared to ND mice. Peptide YY (PYY) immunoreactivity was unaltered by HFD or kisspeptin-10. Plasma GIP was unchanged but circulating GLP-1 and PYY were reduced to ND levels. Within the pancreas, total islet, beta- and alpha-cell areas were similar in all mice, but kisspeptin-10 intervention restored relative insulin area to ND levels. Glucagon radius, an indicator of peripherally located alpha-cells, was reduced in HFD mice but normalised by kisspeptin-10 alongside elevated glucagon-islet area. Notably, beta-cell proliferation was increased by kisspeptin-10 with no alteration in beta-cell apoptosis. Overall, we reveal a previously uncharacterised diverse metabolic role for kisspeptin in directly modulating the gut–pancreatic axis. Full article

Introduction: Numerous overuse injuries affecting the lower limbs of elite athletes have been associated with biomechanical alterations in plantar loading of the foot. This study aimed to analyze the plantar pressure distribution in elite male soccer players and its relationship with various morphological and functional factors, including foot type, metatarsal and digital alignment, and on-field position. Material and Method: Dynamic foot pressure measurements were obtained from 21 soccer players who participated in the UEFA Champion League. The participants had an average age of 27 years, with an average height of 180.9 cm, weight of 76.9 kg, and BMI of 23.4. An insole system (BioFoot/IBV) with telemetry transmission was employed to record plantar loading patterns during normal gait and running. Results: During the support or contact phase, the central and medial metatarsal areas exhibited the highest peak pressure under both walking and running conditions. When walking, the right foot exerted 13–60% more pressure on the outer metatarsal and toe areas. The left foot experienced up to 13% more peak pressure in the middle metatarsal area. During running, the total pressure difference between the feet ranged from −8% to +19%. The right foot usually had more peak pressure on the heel and first toe. In players with valgus feet, the pressure in the central metatarsal area increased from 1086 kPa (walking) to 1490 kPa (running), representing a 37% increase. Conversely, in players with cavus-varus feet, the pressure in this central area increased from 877 kPa to 1804 kPa, a 105% increase. Conclusions: Foot morphology and playing position significantly influenced the plantar pressure patterns in elite soccer players. The central metatarsal region bears the highest load, particularly during running, with distinct variations across foot types and field positions. These findings highlight the need for individualized biomechanical assessments to prevent overuse injuries and optimize performance. Full article

This study presents an economic risk evaluation of buildings in Samoa exposed to extreme sea level (ESL)-driven episodic flooding and permanent inundation from relative sea level (RSL) rise. A spatiotemporal risk analysis framework was applied at the building object level to calculate monetary loss, expressed as the exceedance probability loss (EPL) and average annual loss (AAL). Economic risk was enumerated at national and district levels between the period 2020 and 2140 based on RSL projections for medium confidence Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Over this century, national AAL for buildings from ESL flooding in 2020 is expected to double by 2100 (USD 47–51 million). Under high emissions scenarios SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5, AAL rates decelerate after 2100 as permanent inundation loss increases. District level risk variability is evident. For example, Tuamasaga on Upolu Island accounted for 44% of national 100-year annual recurrence interval losses, while AAL for Aiga-i-le-Tai and Va’a-o-Fonoti over this century reaches 8% of total district building replacement values. Our model approach has potential future applications to evaluate spatiotemporal risk distribution for a broader range of socioeconomic impacts that may occur beyond directly affected flood inundation areas. Full article

Accelerating urbanization and the intensifying pace of climate change have heightened the occurrence of urban pluvial flooding, threatening urban sustainability. As the preferred approach to urban stormwater management, coupled gray and green infrastructure (GI–GREI) integrates GREI’s rapid runoff conveyance with GI’s infiltration and storage capacities, and their siting and scale can affect life-cycle cost (LCC) and urban drainage system (UDS) resilience. Focusing on Fengxi New City, China, this study develops a multi-objective optimization framework for the GI–GREI system that integrates GI suitability and pipe-network importance assessments and evaluates the Pareto set through entropy-weighted TOPSIS. Across multiple rainfall return periods, the study explores optimal trade-offs between UDS resilience and LCC. Compared with the scenario where all suitable areas are implemented with GI (maximum), the TOPSIS-optimal schemes reduce total life-cycle cost (LCC) by CNY 3.762–4.298 billion (53.36% on average), rebalance cost shares between GI (42.8–47.2%) and GREI (52.8–57.2%), and enhance UDS resilience during periods of higher rainfall return (P = 20 and 50). This study provides an integrated optimization framework and practical guidance for designing cost-effective and resilient GI–GREI systems, supporting infrastructure investment decisions and climate-adaptive urban development. Full article

To mitigate the impacts of urbanisation and the attendant surface sealing, appropriate measures are required when adapting urban spaces and drainage infrastructure. In this context, the deployment of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDSs) has emerged as a viable alternative, delivering highly positive outcomes by enhancing hydrological, hydraulic and landscape performance while restoring ecosystem services to the community. This study evaluates the relative performance of five SuDS typologies, green roofs, bioretention cells, infiltration trenches, permeable pavements, and rain barrels, implemented in a 64 ha subbasin of the metropolitan area of Barcelona, Spain. Using Giswater integrated with the SWMM, the stormwater drainage network was modelled under multiple rainfall scenarios. Performance was assessed using two qualitative indicators, the junction index (I_j) and the conduit index (I_c), which measure surcharge levels in manholes and pipes, respectively. The results show that SuDS implementation affecting 42.8% of the drained area can enhance network performance by 35.6% and reduce flooded junctions by 67%. Among the typologies, rain barrels and bioretention cells were the most effective. The study concludes that SuDS construction, supported by open-source tools and performance-based indicators, constitutes a replicable and technically robust strategy for mitigating the effects of surface sealing and increasing urban resilience. Full article

This study evaluated the production potential of M. sacchariflorus and M. giganteus depending on plantation age and soil type. The analyses showed that the leaf area index was dependent on the Miscanthus genotype, soil type, and plantation age. The mean leaf angle, on the other hand, was mainly affected by plantation age. Significant differences in plant height were found, resulting from genotype, soil type, and plantation age. The biomass yield obtained from Miscanthus plantations was also dependent on soil type, plantation age, and genotype. The biomass moisture content was to a lesser extent affected by the interactions between genotype and soil type, and between soil type and plantation age, but it was dependent on the interaction between genotype and plantation age. The calorific value of the tested biomass was mainly influenced by the Miscanthus genotype and, to a lesser extent, by plantation age and soil type. The highest calorific value was found in the biomass of M. sacchariflorus, regardless of soil type and plantation age, while the lowest was recorded for M. giganteus biomass, irrespective of soil type. Full article

Third molar extraction is a common oral surgical procedure that can be accompanied by challenges in wound healing and bone regeneration. Materials such as bone substitute materials (BSMs) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are often used to support socket regeneration. This prospective randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial compared PRF application combined with BSM versus PRF alone in patients requiring bilateral third molar extraction. A total of 15 patients underwent standardized osteotomy procedures, with sockets filled either with PRF alone (control group) or with BSM + PRF on opposite sides (test group) under general anesthesia and with patients blinded to the treatment allocation. Postoperative pain and swelling were measured over 7 days using a visual analog scale and anatomical distance measurements, respectively. Bone regeneration was evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans after an average healing period of six months, with results showing no significant differences between groups in terms of postoperative pain or swelling (n = 12; 3 patients were lost to randomization). However, CBCT imaging revealed covered socket residuum (CSR)—non-mineralized areas within the socket—in the PRF only group, whereas the BSM + PRF group demonstrated more homogeneous and mineralized bone formation throughout the extraction sites (n = 8; 5 patients were lost to follow-up). These non-mineralized areas represent covered socket residuum within the extraction sockets, which poses a clinical risk of infection and may negatively affect the dental health of the adjacent second molar. Based on the presented findings, we recommend combining BSM with PRF to support bone regeneration and regulate the postoperative pain and swelling following third molar extraction. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine the most suitable BSM type in this regard. Full article