Search Results (1,853)

The cessation of traditional mountain grazing has emerged as a principal driver of habitat degradation and the local extinction of Parnassius apollo (Linnaeus, 1758) in Serbia. While previous studies have cited multiple contributing factors, our research provides evidence that the abandonment of extensive livestock grazing has triggered vegetation succession, the disappearance of the larval host plant (Sedum album), and a reduction in microhabitat heterogeneity—conditions essential for the persistence of this stenophagous butterfly species. Through satellite-based analysis of vegetation dynamics (2015–2024), we identified clear structural differences between habitats that currently support populations and those where the species is no longer present. Occupied sites were characterized by low levels of exposed soil, moderate grass coverage, and consistently high shrub and tree density, whereas unoccupied sites exhibited dense encroachment of grasses and woody vegetation, leading to structural instability. Furthermore, MODIS-derived indices (2010–2024) revealed a consistent decline in vegetation productivity (GPP, FPAR, LAI) in succession-affected areas, alongside significant correlations between elevated land surface temperatures (LST), thermal stress (TCI), and reduced photosynthetic capacity. A wildfire event on Mount Stol in 2024 further exacerbated habitat degradation, as confirmed by remote sensing indices (BAI, NBR, NBR2), which documented extensive burn scars and post-fire vegetation loss. Collectively, these findings indicate that the decline of P. apollo is driven not only by ecological succession and climatic stressors, but also by the abandonment of land-use practices that historically maintained suitable habitat conditions. Our results underscore the necessity of restoring traditional grazing regimes and integrating ecological, climatic, and landscape management approaches to prevent further biodiversity loss in montane environments. Full article

This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of co-firing bituminous coal with agricultural biomass waste, such as coconut and rice husks, emphasising circular economy principles. Seven experimental scenarios with different coal-to-biomass ratios were designed, ranging from pure coal to pure biomass. The results show that Scenario B (100% rice husk) achieved the best overall environmental performance, with the lowest global warming potential (300 kg CO₂ equivalent), eutrophication potential (4.742 kg PO₄ equivalent), and smog formation potential (0.012 kg C₂H₄ equivalent). Additionally, Scenario F (15% biomass mix) recorded the lowest acidification potential (57.39 kg SO₂ eq), indicating that even partial substitution can yield significant environmental benefits. In contrast, Scenario C (100% coal) exhibited the highest acidification (164.08 kg SO₂ eq) and eutrophication (8.82 kg PO₄ eq) potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that co-firing biomass waste significantly reduces pollutant emissions compared to burning coal alone. This study highlights the effectiveness of biomass waste co-firing in mitigating environmental impacts, promoting resource recovery, and supporting a sustainable energy transition within a circular economy framework. Full article

Northern Thailand frequently suffers from severe PM2.5 air pollution, especially during the dry season, due to agricultural burning, local emissions, and transboundary haze. Understanding how pollution moves across regions and identifying source–receptor relationships are critical for effective air quality management. This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of PM2.5 in northern Thailand. Specifically, it explored how pollution at one monitoring station influenced concentrations at others and revealed the seasonal structure of PM2.5 transmission using network-based analysis. We developed a Python-based framework to analyze daily PM2.5 data from 2022 to 2023, selecting nine representative stations across eight provinces based on spatial clustering and shape-based criteria. Delaunay triangulation was used to define spatial connections among stations, capturing the region’s irregular geography. Cross-correlation and Granger causality were applied to identify time-lagged relationships between stations for each season. Trophic coherence analysis was used to evaluate the hierarchical structure and seasonal stability of the resulting networks. The analysis revealed seasonal patterns of PM2.5 transmission, with certain stations, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang, consistently acting as source nodes. Provinces such as Phayao and Phrae were frequently identified as receptors, especially during the winter and rainy seasons. Trophic coherence varied by season, with the winter network showing the highest coherence, indicating a more hierarchical but less stable structure. The rainy season exhibited the lowest coherence, reflecting greater structural stability. PM2.5 spreads through structured, seasonal pathways in northern Thailand. Network patterns vary significantly across seasons, highlighting the need for adaptive air quality strategies. This framework can help identify influential monitoring stations for early warning and support more targeted, season-specific air quality management strategies in northern Thailand. Full article

Understanding the differential impacts of emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on formaldehyde (HCHO) levels is pivotal to effectively mitigating key photochemical radical precursors, thereby enhancing the regulation of atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) and ozone formation. This investigation systematically selected and analyzed year-long VOC measurements across three urban zones in Shenzhen, China. Photochemical age correction methods were implemented to develop the initial concentrations of VOCs before source apportionment; then Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling resolved six primary sources: solvent usage (28.6–47.9%), vehicle exhaust (24.2–31.2%), biogenic emission (13.8–18.1%), natural gas (8.5–16.3%), gasoline evaporation (3.2–8.9%), and biomass burning (0.3–2.4%). A machine learning (ML) framework incorporating Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) was subsequently applied to evaluate the influence of six emission sources on HCHO concentrations while accounting for reaction time adjustments. This machine learning-driven nonlinear analysis demonstrated that vehicle exhaust nearly always emerged as the primary anthropogenic contributor in diverse functional zones and different seasons, with gasoline evaporation as another key contributor, while the traditional reactivity metric method, ozone formation potential (OFP), tended to underestimate the role of the two sources. This study highlights the primacy of strengthening emission reduction of transportation sectors to mitigate HCHO pollution in megacities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, is increasingly used topically in ophthalmology, particularly for conditions like vernal keratoconjunctivitis and post-keratoplasty rejection prophylaxis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus in these ocular conditions. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up to 16 March 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were randomized controlled trials investigating topical tacrolimus in human ocular disease, were published in English, and reported clearly defined outcomes. Exclusion criteria included non-randomized studies, animal studies, systemic treatments, non-English publications, and studies lacking clearly reported outcomes. Data regarding study design, patient demographics, intervention details, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, were retrieved, and were categorized as not highly biased after the risk-of-bias assessment. These studies were included in the systematic review, where a qualitative analysis took place. Our analysis revealed that the topical use of tacrolimus showed promising results, as it improved clinical signs and symptoms in most patients. In half of the studies, tacrolimus demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the control group, while in the remaining studies, it showed equivalent efficacy. Adverse effects, such as a burning sensation, were noted in 7/10 studies but were generally mild. The methodologies were somewhat heterogeneous, and some studies had small sample sizes. Conclusions: Topical tacrolimus shows promising effects in managing various ocular surface diseases. While randomized controlled trials provide evidence, further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to solidify its efficacy and safety profile compared to other immunosuppressants. Full article

Anthyllis vulneraria is a traditional medicinal plant with confirmed anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high polyphenolic content. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of A. vulneraria leaf extract in a rat burn model. Four groups of eight Wistar rats each received the following daily topical applications for 14 days: vehicle cream (negative control); silver sulfadiazine (positive control); or plant-based creams containing either 1 mg/cm² or 2 mg/cm² of polyphenols (experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively). On days 7 and 14, four animals per group were euthanized for histological and oxidative stress evaluations. LC-MS/MS analysis of the leaf extract identified hyperoside, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid as major constituents. Experimental group 1 showed significantly enhanced wound closure on days 5 and 7, while group 2 exhibited a significant effect on day 5. All oxidative stress markers, except catalase activity, differed significantly among the groups, with the most favorable results observed in group 2. IL-8 levels decreased after the extract treatment, while no significant microscopic changes were observed. These results indicate that A. vulneraria leaf extract may serve as a valuable adjuvant in burn wound healing. Full article

This study presents a detailed analysis of the combustion dynamics of stoichiometric H₂–air and CH₄–air mixtures in a 20 L closed vessel over an initial temperature range of 298–423 K. We integrate experimental pressure–time P(t) measurements with numerical analysis to extract laminar burning velocity (LBV) and deflagration index (K_G) values, and we assess three independent kinetic mechanisms (KiBo_MU, University of San Diego, Lund University) via simulations. For H₂–air, LBV increases from 0.50 m/s at 298 K to 0.94 m/s at 423 K (temperature exponent α ≈ 1.79), while for CH₄–air, LBV rises from 0.36 m/s to 0.96 m/s (α ≈ 2.82). In contrast, the deflagration index K_G decreases by ca. 20% for H₂–air and ca. 30% for CH₄–air over the same temperature span. The maximum explosion pressure (P_max) and peak pressure rise rate ((dP/dt)_max) also exhibit systematic increases with temperature. A comparison with model predictions shows agreement within experiments, providing data for safety modeling and kinetic mechanism validation in H₂- and CH₄-based energy systems. Full article

Fluid resuscitation after thermal injury is paramount to avoid burn shock and restore organ perfusion. Both over- and under-resuscitation can lead to unintended consequences affecting patient outcomes. While many studies have examined systemic effects, limited data exist on how fluid resuscitation impacts burn wound progression in the acute period. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying burn wound progression remain not fully understood. This study used a swine model to investigate how varying resuscitation levels affect peri-burn wound dynamics. Twenty-seven female Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, subjected to 40% total body surface area burn and 15% hemorrhage, then randomized (n = 9) to receive decision-support-driven (adequate, 2–4 mL/kg/%TBSA), fluid-withholding (under, <1 mL/kg/%TBSA), or high-constant-rate (over, >>4 mL/kg/%TBSA) resuscitation. Pigs were monitored for 24 h in an intensive care setting prior to necropsy. Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) was conducted pre-burn and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post burn to assess perfusion. Biopsies were taken from burn, peri-burn (within 2 cm), and normal skin. RNA was isolated at 24 h for the qRT-PCR analysis of IL-6, CXCL8, and IFN-γ. At hour 2, LDI revealed increased peri-burn perfusion in over-resuscitated animals vs. under-resuscitated animals (p = 0.0499). At hour 24, IL-6 (p = 0.0220) and IFN-γ (p = 0.0253) were elevated in over-resuscitated peri-burn skin. CXCL8 showed no significant change. TUNEL staining revealed increased apoptosis in over- and under-resuscitated peri-burn skin. Differences in perfusion and cytokine expression based on resuscitation strategy suggest that fluid levels may influence burn wound progression. Full article

Military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were exposed to emissions from open-air burn pits, where plastics, metals, and medical waste were incinerated. These exposures have been linked to deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRD) and may also impact neurological health via the lung–brain axis. To investigate molecular mechanisms, adult male rats were exposed to filtered air, naphthalene (a representative volatile organic compound), or a combination of naphthalene and carbon black (surrogate for particulate matter; CBN) via whole-body inhalation (six hours/day, three consecutive days). Lung, brain, and plasma samples were collected 24 h after the final exposure. Pro-inflammatory biomarkers were assessed using multiplex electrochemiluminescence and western blot. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA sequencing, and elastic net modeling was used to define exposure-predictive gene signatures. CBN exposure altered inflammatory biomarkers across tissues, with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. In the lung, gene set enrichment revealed activated pathways related to proliferation and inflammation, while epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oxidative phosphorylation were suppressed. In the brain, EMT, inflammation, and senescence pathways were activated, while ribosomal function and oxidative metabolism were downregulated. Elastic net modeling identified a lung gene signature predictive of CBN exposure, including Kcnq3, Tgfbr1, and Tm4sf19. These findings demonstrate that inhalation of a surrogate burn pit mixture induces inflammatory and metabolic gene expression changes in both lung and brain tissues, supporting the utility of this animal model for understanding systemic effects of airborne military toxicants and for identifying potential biomarkers relevant to DRRD and Veteran health. Full article

This study analyzes air pollution time-series big data to assess stationarity, seasonal patterns, and the performance of machine learning models in forecasting PM2.5 concentrations. Fifty-two low-cost sensors (LCS) were deployed across Krakow city and its surroundings (Poland), collecting hourly air quality data and generating nearly 20,000 observations per month. The network captured both spatial and temporal variability. The Kwiatkowski–Phillips–Schmidt–Shin (KPSS) test confirmed trend-based non-stationarity, which was addressed through differencing, revealing distinct daily and 12 h cycles linked to traffic and temperature variations. Additive seasonal decomposition exhibited time-inconsistent residuals, leading to the adoption of multiplicative decomposition, which better captured pollution outliers associated with agricultural burning. Machine learning models—Ridge Regression, XGBoost, and LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) neural networks—were evaluated under high spatial and temporal variability (winter) and low variability (summer) conditions. Ridge Regression showed the best performance, achieving the highest $R^2$ (0.97 in winter, 0.93 in summer) and the lowest mean squared errors. XGBoost showed strong predictive capabilities but tended to overestimate moderate pollution events, while LSTM systematically underestimated PM2.5 levels in December. The residual analysis confirmed that Ridge Regression provided the most stable predictions, capturing extreme pollution episodes effectively, whereas XGBoost exhibited larger outliers. The study proved the potential of low-cost sensor networks and machine learning in urban air quality forecasting focused on rare smog episodes (RSEs). Full article

In recent years, the region of Valparaíso has faced devastating fires, notably the Viña del Mar fire on 2 February 2024, which affected 9252 hectares. This study analyzes fire behavior in informal settlements and assesses the effectiveness of different construction materials through scaled prototypes of dwellings made from MDF, OSB, TetraPak, and flame-retardant resin composites. Controlled fire experiments were conducted, recording fire spread times and atmospheric conditions. Results confirm significant differences in fire spread rates and structural survival times between materials, highlighting the practical benefit of fire-resistant alternatives. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicates critical time thresholds for rapid flame escalation and structural collapse under semi-open conditions, supporting the need for improved safety measures. Burn pattern observations further revealed the role of wind, thermal radiation, and material properties in fire dynamics. Overall, this study provides experimental evidence aligned with real fire scenarios, offering quantified insights to enhance fire prevention and response strategies in vulnerable settlements. These findings provide an exploratory basis for understanding fire dynamics in informal settlements but do not constitute definitive design prescriptions. Full article

This study describes a quite special and interesting atmospheric event characterized by the simultaneous presence of fresh and aged smoke layers. These peculiar conditions occurred on 16 July 2024 at the CNR-IMAA atmospheric observatory (CIAO) in Potenza (Italy), and represent an ideal case for the evaluation of the impact of aging and transport mechanisms on both the optical and microphysical properties of biomass burning aerosol. The fresh smoke was originated by a local wildfire about 2 km from the measurement site and observed about one hour after its ignition. The other smoke layer was due to a wide wildfire occurring in Canada that, according to backward trajectory analysis, traveled for about 5–6 days before reaching the observatory. Synergetic use of lidar, ceilometer, radar, and microwave radiometer measurements revealed that particles from the local wildfire, located at about 3 km a.s.l., acted as condensation nuclei for cloud formation as a result of high humidity concentrations at this altitude range. Optical characterization of the fresh smoke layer based on Raman lidar measurements provided lidar ratio (LR) values of 46 ± 4 sr and 34 ± 3 sr, at 355 and 532 nm, respectively. The particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) at 532 nm was 0.067 ± 0.002, while backscatter-related Ångström exponent (AEβ) values were 1.21 ± 0.03, 1.23 ± 0.03, and 1.22 ± 0.04 in the spectral ranges of 355–532 nm, 355–1064 nm and 532–1064 nm, respectively. Microphysical inversion caused by these intensive optical parameters indicates a low contribution of black carbon (BC) and, despite their small size, particles remained outside the ultrafine range. Moreover, a combined use of CIAO remote sensing and in situ instrumentation shows that the particle properties are affected by humidity variations, thus suggesting a marked particle hygroscopic behavior. In contrast, the smoke plume from the Canadian wildfire traveled at altitudes between 6 and 8 km a.s.l., remaining unaffected by local humidity. Absorption in this case was higher, and, as observed in other aged wildfires, the LR at 532 nm was larger than that at 355 nm. Specifically, the LR at 355 nm was 55 ± 2 sr, while at 532 nm it was 82 ± 3 sr. The AEβ values were 1.77 ± 0.13 and 1.41 ± 0.07 at 355–532 nm and 532–1064 nm, respectively and the PLDR at 532 nm was 0.040 ± 0.003. Microphysical analysis suggests the presence of larger, yet much more absorbent particles. This analysis indicates that both optical and microphysical properties of smoke can vary significantly depending on its origin, persistence, and transport in the atmosphere. These factors that must be carefully incorporated into future climate models, especially considering the frequent occurrences of fire events worldwide. Full article

Background: Informal welders in Pretoria West face growing occupational safety risks due to hazardous working environments and limited regulatory oversight. Despite the high-risk nature of their work, many remain unaware of relevant safety legislation and inconsistently use personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed to investigate the occupational safety risks, challenges, and levels of compliance with safety practices among informal welders in Pretoria West, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative designs. Data were collected from 40 male welders (aged 20–55 years) using structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel, while thematic content analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results: Eighty-five percent (85%) of welders reported using gas welding, and more than half had received training in welding and PPE use; however, 47.5% had no formal training. A high prevalence of work-related injuries was reported, including burns, cuts, and eye damage. Common safety concerns identified were burns (42.5%), electric shocks (35%), and malfunctioning equipment. Observational data revealed inconsistent PPE use, particularly with flame-resistant overalls and eye protection. Qualitative insights highlighted challenges such as demanding client expectations, hazardous physical environments, and inadequate equipment maintenance. Many sites lacked compliance with occupational safety standards. Conclusion: The study reveals critical gaps in safety knowledge, training, and PPE compliance among informal welders. These deficiencies significantly elevate the risk of occupational injuries. Strengthening occupational health and safety regulations, improving access to PPE, and delivering targeted training interventions are essential to safeguard the well-being of welders and those in their surrounding communities. Full article

This study investigates a lithium-ion battery failure in heating insoles that ignited during normal walking while powered off. Through comprehensive material characterization, electrical testing, thermal analysis, and mechanical gait simulation, we systematically excluded electrical or thermal abuse as failure causes. X-ray/CT imaging localized the ignition source to the lateral heel edge of the pouch cell, correlating precisely with peak mechanical stress identified through gait analysis. Remarkably, the cyclic load was less than 10% of the single crush load threshold specified in safety standards. Key findings reveal multiple contributing factors as follows: the uncoated polyethylene separator’s inability to prevent stress-induced internal short circuits, the circuit design’s lack of battery health monitoring functionality that permitted undetected degradation, and the hazardous placement inside clothing that exacerbated burn injuries. These findings necessitate a multi-level safety framework for lithium-ion battery products, encompassing enhanced cell design to prevent internal short circuit, improved circuit protection with health monitoring capabilities, optimized product integration to mitigate mechanical and environmental impact, and effective post-failure containment measures. This case study exposes a critical need for product-specific safety standards that address the unique demands of wearable lithium-ion batteries, where existing certification requirements fail to prevent real-use failure scenarios. Full article

The time fluctuations of forest fires occurring in Basilicata, a region situated in Southern Italy, between 2004 and 2023 were investigated using various analytical approaches. Analysis revealed a clustering of fire occurrences over time, as indicated by a significantly high coefficient of variation. This suggests that the fire sequence does not follow a Poisson distribution and instead exhibits a clustered structure, largely driven by the heightened frequency of events during the summer seasons. The analysis of monthly forest fire occurrences and total burned area indicates a significant correlation between the two. This correlation is reinforced by shared patterns, notably an annual cycle that appears to be influenced by meteorological factors, aligning with the yearly fluctuations in the region’s weather conditions typical of a Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, the relationship between the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and forest fires revealed that the accumulation period of the SPEI corresponds to the cycle length of the fires: longer cycles in fire occurrences align with higher accumulation periods in SPEI data. Full article