Search Results (10,995)

Research on ecosystem carbon sequestration services and ecological compensation is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. As a public good, ecosystem carbon sequestration services inherently lead to externalities. Therefore, it is essential to consider externalities in the flow of sequestration services. However, few studies have examined intra- and inter-regional ecosystem carbon sequestration flows, making regional ecosystem carbon sequestration flows less comprehensive. Against this background, the research objectives of this paper are as follows. The flow of carbon sequestration services between Henan Province and out-of-province regions is studied. In addition, this study clarifies the beneficiary and supply areas of carbon sink services in Henan Province and the neighboring regions at the prefecture-level city scale to obtain a more systematic, comprehensive, and actual flow of carbon sequestration services for scientific and effective eco-compensation and to promote regional synergistic emission reductions. The research methodologies used in this paper are as follows. First, this study adopts a meta-coupling framework, designating Henan Province as the focal system, the Central Urban Agglomeration as the adjacent system, and eight surrounding provinces as remote systems. Regional carbon sequestration was assessed using net primary productivity (NEP), while carbon emissions were evaluated based on per capita carbon emissions and population density. A carbon balance analysis integrated carbon sequestration and emissions. Hotspot analysis identified areas of carbon sequestration service supply and associated benefits. Ecological radiation force formulas were used to quantify service flows, and compensation values were estimated considering the government’s payment capacity and willingness. A three-dimensional evaluation system—incorporating technology, talent, and fiscal capacity—was developed to propose a diversified ecological compensation scheme by comparing supply and beneficiary areas. By modeling the ecosystem carbon sequestration service flow, the main results of this paper are as follows: (1) Within Henan Province, Luoyang and Nanyang provided 521,300 tons and 515,600 tons of carbon sinks to eight cities (e.g., Jiaozuo, Zhengzhou, and Kaifeng), warranting an ecological compensation of CNY 262.817 million and CNY 263.259 million, respectively. (2) Henan exported 3.0739 million tons of carbon sinks to external provinces, corresponding to a compensation value of CNY 1756.079 million. Conversely, regions such as Changzhi, Xiangyang, and Jinzhong contributed 657,200 tons of carbon sinks to Henan, requiring a compensation of CNY 189.921 million. (3) Henan thus achieved a net ecological compensation of CNY 1566.158 million through carbon sink flows. (4) In addition to monetary compensation, beneficiary areas may also contribute through technology transfer, financial investment, and talent support. The findings support the following conclusions: (1) it is necessary to consider the externalities of ecosystem services, and (2) the meta-coupling framework enables a comprehensive assessment of carbon sequestration service flows, providing actionable insights for improving ecosystem governance in Henan Province and comparable regions. Full article

In the context of the dual-carbon goals, this study proposes a cooperative game-theoretic optimization strategy to enhance the energy utilization efficiency, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of integrated energy systems (IESs) while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions, improving operational flexibility, and mitigating renewable energy variability. To achieve these goals, an IES framework integrating power-to-gas (P2G) technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities is established to regulate carbon emissions. The system incorporates P2G conversion units and thermal components—specifically, hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers, reactors, and electric boilers—aiming to maximize energy conversion efficiency and asset utilization. A cooperative game-theoretic optimization model is developed to facilitate collaboration among multiple stakeholders within the coalition, which employs the Shapley value method to ensure equitable distribution of the cooperative surplus, thereby maximizing collective benefits. The model is solved using an improved gray wolf optimizer (IGWO). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively coordinates multi-IES scheduling, significantly reduces carbon emissions, facilitates the efficient allocation of cooperation gains, and maximizes overall system utility. Full article

The aim of this paper is to present our experience with the diagnosis and management of nine patients diagnosed with Leber’s hereditay optic neuropathy. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study that included nine patients treated with idebenone, followed for a period of 18 months. Results: Our findings suggest that the impact of treatment varies significantly depending on the disease phase. In the acute phase, visual acuity deteriorated from 0.67 logMAR at onset to 0.97 logMAR at 3 months, followed by a slight improvement to 0.88 logMAR at 9 months. In the chronic phase, average values decreased progressively from 1.44 logMAR at onset to 1.26 logMAR at 12 and 18 months. We also observed a consistent treatment benefit over time in eyes harbouring the m.11778 G > A mutation. Although the most powerful predictor of visual outcome remains the mtDNA genotype, young age at onset is correlated with a better prognosis. In the acute phase, more cases of a clinically relevant benefit were observed than expected (33.33% versus 22.22% expected), and fewer clinically relevant worsening cases were observed (0% versus 11.11% expected). Regarding OCT measurement, our study highlighted a significant difference in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between the initial evaluation and the 6-month follow-up (100.83 µm ± 30.2 at baseline versus 96.7 µm ± 24.8 at 6 months). Conclusions: Our paper demonstrates the benefit of idebenone treatment in improving visual acuity in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. We highlighted the importance of long-term treatment, emphasizing that extended administration is key to achieving favorable outcomes. Full article

Integrating blockchain into healthcare devices offers the potential for improved data control but faces significant usability and acceptance challenges. This study addresses this gap by evaluating CipherPal, an improved blockchain-enabled Smart Fidget Toy prototype, using a multi-framework approach to understand the interplay between technology, design, and user experience. We synthesized insights from three complementary frameworks: an expert review assessing adherence to Web3 Design Guidelines, a User Acceptance Toolkit assessment with professionals based on UTAUT2, and an extended three-day user testing study. The findings revealed that users valued CipherPal’s satisfying tactile interaction and perceived benefits for well-being, such as stress relief. However, significant usability barriers emerged, primarily related to challenging device–application connectivity and data synchronization. The multi-framework approach proved valuable in revealing these core tensions. While the device was conceptually accepted, the blockchain integration added significant interaction friction that overshadowed its potential benefits during the study. This research underscores the critical need for user-centered design in health-related blockchain applications, emphasizing that seamless usability and abstracting technical complexity are paramount for adoption. Full article

This study explores the challenges hindering the government’s adoption of cloud computing despite its benefits in improving services, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration. Key barriers include information security, privacy, compliance, and perceived risks. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, the study conceptualises a model incorporating privacy, governance framework, performance expectancy, and information security as independent variables, with perceived risk as a moderator and government intention as the dependent variable. The study employs exploratory factor analysis (EFA) based on survey data from 71 participants in Nigerian government organisations to validate the measurement scale for these factors. The analysis evaluates variable validity, factor relationships, and measurement reliability. Cronbach’s alpha values range from 0.807 to 0.950, confirming high reliability. Measurement items with a common variance above 0.40 were retained, explaining 70.079% of the total variance on the measurement items, demonstrating reliability and accuracy in evaluating the challenging factors. These findings establish a validated scale for assessing government cloud adoption challenges and highlight complex relationships among influencing factors. This study provides a reliable measurement scale and model for future research and policymakers on the government’s intention to adopt cloud services. Full article

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Xsens motion capture system in performing ergonomic analysis compared to traditional manual assessments by experts in the specific environment of assembly lines. A comprehensive literature review emphasizes the need to investigate the reliability of new, promising high-tech systems. The main objective was therefore to compare the Ergonomic Assessment Worksheet (EAWS) assessment approach performed with Xsens motion capture technology and Process Simulate V16 software with the manual method using EAWS digital prepared by experts in the controlled workflow. The greatest value of the research conducted lies in the novel integration of the state-of-the-art Xsens motion capture technology with the Process Simulate V16 software environment and the use of the licensed EAWS ergonomic method and Methods-Time Measurement Universal Analyzing System (MTM-UAS). The results are presented in the form of a case study. The results show a large similarity between the whole-body results and a large difference in the upper limb results, confirming the initial benefits of the Xsens equipment but also pointing to the need to verify its reliability on larger samples. The study highlights the potential of integrating Xsens motion capture data into ergonomic assessments and tuning of the assembly line to increase productivity and worker safety. Full article

Cybersecurity represents a critical challenge for data-sharing platforms involving multiple stakeholders, particularly within complex and decentralized systems such as livestock supply chain networks. These systems demand novel approaches, robust security protocols, and advanced data management strategies to address key challenges such as data consistency, transparency, ownership, controlled access or exposure, and privacy-preserving analytics for value-added services. In this paper, we introduced the Framework for Framework for Livestock Empowerment and Decentralized Secure Data eXchange (FLEX), as a comprehensive solution grounded on five core design principles: (i) enhanced security and privacy, (ii) human-centric approach, (iii) decentralized and trusted infrastructure, (iv) system resilience, and (v) seamless collaboration across the supply chain. FLEX integrates interdisciplinary innovations, leveraging decentralized infrastructure-based protocols to ensure trust, traceability, and integrity. It employs secure data-sharing protocols and cryptographic techniques to enable controlled information exchange with authorized entities. Additionally, the use of data anonymization techniques ensures privacy. FLEX is designed and implemented using a microservices architecture and edge computing to support modularity and scalable deployment. These components collectively serve as a foundational pillar of the development of a digital product passport. The FLEX architecture adopts a layered design and incorporates robust security controls to mitigate threats identified using the STRIDE threat modeling framework. The evaluation results demonstrate the framework’s effectiveness in countering well-known cyberattacks while fulfilling its intended objectives. The performance evaluation of the implementation further validates its feasibility and stability, particularly as the volume of evidence associated with animal identities increases. All the infrastructure components, along with detailed deployment instructions, are publicly available as open-source libraries on GitHub, promoting transparency and community-driven development for wider public benefit. Full article

There are many lessons to be learned from the findings of research that would be advantageous in realising the potential of Catholic schools to contribute to the common good of a secular society. In summary, it is possible to highlight the following inferences, which were drawn from research undertaken by the writer: (1) From the perspective of Catholic school leaders, Catholic education faces considerable challenges and, sometimes, antagonism, within a secular society, which can impose significant pressures on the conduct of their work. (2) There is a need to disseminate information to individuals and groups within and outside Catholic schools of the Christian values that are promoted by the Church. (3) Catholic schools make a significant contribution towards the common good of society, which is not always generally appreciated and should be more widely publicised. (4) Catholic communities and their leaders would benefit from ongoing opportunities to engage in continuing professional development and formation that would nourish and nurture the enhancement of spiritual capital in their schools. Full article

To address energy shortages and achieve carbon peaking/neutrality, this study develops a distributed renewable-based integrated energy system (IES) for rural active zero-energy buildings (ZEBs). Energy consumption patterns of typical rural houses are analyzed, guiding the design of a resource-tailored IES that balances economy and sustainability. Key equipment capacities are optimized to achieve net-zero/zero energy consumption targets. For typical daily cooling/heating/power loads, equipment output is scheduled using a dual-objective optimization model minimizing operating costs and CO₂ emissions. Results demonstrate that: (1) Net-zero-energy IES outperforms separated production (SP) and full electrification systems (FES) in economic-environmental benefits; (2) Zero-energy IES significantly reduces rural building carbon emissions. The proposed system offers substantial practical value for China’s rural energy transition. Full article

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-established surgical procedure for end-stage hip arthrosis. Innovations such as minimally invasive approaches and new technologies have improved outcomes and reduced invasiveness. The introduction of short-stem prostheses, which offer potential benefits in bone preservation, has been a significant development in recent years. This prospective case series study aims to compare invasiveness of the short-stem (SS) and conventional-stem (CS) prostheses in THA with a posterolateral approach (PLA) by assessing perioperative serum markers. Methods: A prospective case series was conducted involving consecutive patients who underwent primary THA from January 2022 to December 2023. Demographics and preoperative, postoperative day 1 (POD1), and postoperative day 2 (POD2) serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cells (WBCs) were measured. Results: The study included 21 patients with CS and 19 with SS, with no significant differences between groups in demographic. No statistically significant differences were found in serum markers between SS and CS groups at any time point. Both groups showed significant increases in ESR, CRP, and PCT from preoperative levels to POD2 (p < 0.001), while WBC values increased from preoperative to POD1 but decreased between POD1 and POD2. Conclusion: The short-stem prosthesis does not exhibit significantly different perioperative serum marker profiles compared to the conventional stem, suggesting similar levels of surgical invasiveness between the two implants. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings and explore other aspects of short-stem THA. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) is a valuable tool for evaluating treatment outcomes and identifying patients who may benefit from early supportive interventions. This study aimed to determine whether specific QoL results in patients with advanced rectal cancer could identify groups with an unfavourable prognosis in long-term follow-up. Methods: A total of 570 patients with advanced rectal cancer were prospectively assessed, during and up to five years after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires. We analysed 27 functional and symptom-related scores to identify associations with overall survival, once at baseline, three times during therapy, and annually from years one to five post-therapy. Results: Poor quality of life scores were consistently associated with shorter overall survival. The functional scores of physical functioning, role functioning, and global health, as well as the symptom scores of fatigue, dyspnoea, and chemotherapy side effects, were highly significant for overall survival at nearly all time points except for the immediate preoperative assessment. Patients over the age of 64 with lower QoL scores showed a significantly reduced probability of survival in the follow-up period, and patients who reported poor QoL in at least two of the first three questionnaires during the initial phase of treatment showed significantly reduced overall survival. Conclusions: Early and repeated QoL assessments, particularly within the first weeks of therapy, offer critical prognostic value in advanced rectal cancer. Identifying patients with an unfavourable prognosis might allow faster interventions that could improve survival outcomes. Integrating QoL monitoring into routine clinical practice could enhance individualised care and support risk stratification. Full article

Surfactants are widely utilized in agriculture as emulsifying, dispersing, anti-foaming, and wetting agents. In these adjuvant roles, the inherent biological activity of the surfactant is secondary to the active ingredients. Here, the hydrophilic non-ionic surface-active tri-block copolymer Pluronic^® F68 is investigated for direct biological activity in wheat. F68 binds to and inserts into lipid membranes, which may benefit crops under abiotic stress. F68’s interactions with Triticum aestivum (var Juniper) seedlings and a seed-borne Bacillus spp. endophyte are presented. At concentrations below 10 g/L, F68-primed wheat seeds exhibited unchanged emergence. Root-applied fluorescein-F68 (fF68) was internalized in root epidermal cells and concentrated in highly mobile endosomes. The potential benefit of F68 in droughted wheat was examined and contrasted with wheat treated with the osmolyte, glycine betaine (GB). Photosystem II activity of droughted plants dropped significantly below non-droughted controls, and no clear benefit of F68 (or GB) during drought or rehydration was observed. However, F68-treated wheat exhibited increased transpiration values (for watered plants only) and enhanced shoot dry mass (for watered and droughted plants), not observed for GB-treated or untreated plants. The release of seed-borne bacterial endophytes into the spermosphere of germinating seeds was not affected by F68 (for F68-primed seeds as well as F68 applied to roots), and the planktonic growth of a purified Bacillus spp. seed endophyte was not reduced by F68 applied below the critical micelle concentration. These studies demonstrated that F68 entered wheat root cells, concentrated in endosomes involved in transport, significantly promoted shoot growth, and showed no adverse effects to plant-associated bacteria. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, functional ingredients in the food industry has driven interest in marine-derived biopolymers. Among marine sources, microalgae represent a promising yet underexplored reservoir of bioactive gel-forming compounds, particularly extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), both sulfated and non-sulfated, as well as proteins that exhibit unique gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. This study focuses on microalgal species with demonstrated potential to produce viscoelastic, shear-thinning gels, making them suitable for applications in food stabilization, texture modification, and nutraceutical delivery. Recent advances in biotechnology and cultivation methods have improved access to high-value strains, which exhibit promising physicochemical properties for the development of novel food textures, structured formulations, and sustainable food packaging materials. Furthermore, these microalgae-derived gels offer additional health benefits, such as antioxidant and prebiotic activities, aligning with current trends toward functional foods containing prebiotic materials. Key challenges in large-scale production, including low EPS productivity, high processing costs, and lack of regulatory frameworks, are critically discussed. Despite these barriers, advances in cultivation technologies and biorefinery approaches offer new avenues for commercial application. Overall, microalgal gels hold significant promise as sustainable, multifunctional ingredients for clean-label food formulations. Full article

This study evaluated how the summer circulation pattern in the Southern Gulf of California influences copepod communities. The evaluation was based on hydrographic data and zooplankton samples collected during a multidisciplinary research cruise conducted in June and July of 2019. The results revealed the presence of a cyclonic circulation with a diameter of approximately 100 km, located near the entrance of the Gulf, affecting the upper 200 m layer. A total of 30 copepod species were identified, including 20 from the order Calanoida and 10 from Cyclopoida. The most abundant Calanoida species were Canthocalanus pauper, Clausocalanus furcatus, and Subeucalanus subcrassus, with respective densities of 2316.80, 1593.60, and 1584.64 ind m⁻³. The most abundant Cyclopoida species were Oithona setigera, Dioithona rigida, and Oncaea venusta, which had densities of 963.44, 290.56, and 235.52 ind m⁻³, respectively. The horizontal distribution of these species showed variations influenced by the cyclonic circulation. Specifically, low abundance values were observed at the center of cyclonic circulation, while higher values were found at its periphery. This pattern was consistent among the dominant species, indicating that they do not benefit from the cold subsurface waters induced by circulation. In fact, the distribution of some species was higher in a band of warm water located in the eastern portion of the study area. Overall, our findings shed light on how the summer cyclonic circulation in the Southern Gulf of California affects the copepod community, an aspect that has not been previously explored. This research enhances our understanding of the processes influencing this group of organisms in a highly dynamic environment. Full article

Rainbow table attacks utilize a time-memory trade-off to efficiently crack passwords by employing precomputed tables containing chains of passwords and hash values. Generating these tables is computationally intensive, and several researchers have proposed utilizing parallel computing to speed up the generation process. This paper introduces a modification to the traditional master-slave parallelization model using the MPI framework, where, unlike previous approaches, the generation of starting points is decentralized, allowing each process to generate its own tasks independently. This design is proposed to reduce communication overhead and improve the efficiency of rainbow table generation. We reduced the number of inter-process communications by letting each process generate chains independently. We conducted three experiments to evaluate the performance of the parallel rainbow tables generation algorithm for four cryptographic hash functions: NTLMv2, MD5, SHA-256 and SHA-512. The first experiment assessed parallel performance, showing near-linear speedup and 95–99% efficiency across varying numbers of nodes. The second experiment evaluated scalability by increasing the number of processed chains from 100 to 100,000, revealing that higher workloads significantly impacted execution time, with SHA-512 being the most computationally intensive. The third experiment evaluated the effect of chain length on execution time, confirming that longer chains increase computational cost, with SHA-512 consistently requiring the most resources. The proposed approach offers an efficient and practical solution to the computational challenges of rainbow tables generation. The findings of this research can benefit key stakeholders, including cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, digital forensics experts and researchers in cryptography, by providing an efficient method for generating rainbow tables to analyze password security. Full article