Search Results (883)

2,5-bis(hydroxymethy)lfuran (BHMF), a renewable compound with extensive industrial applications, can be obtained by selective hydrogenation of the C=O group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In this work, we perform kinetic modeling of the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of HMF to BHMF over a Cu/SiO₂ catalyst prepared by precipitation–deposition (PD) at a constant pH. Physicochemical characterization, using different techniques, confirms that the Cu/SiO₂–PD catalyst is formed by copper metallic nanoparticles of 3–5 nm in size highly dispersed on the SiO₂ surface. Before the kinetic study, the Cu/SiO₂-PD catalyst was evaluated in three solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-propanol (2-POH), and water. The pattern of catalytic activity and BHMF yield for the different solvents was THF > 2-POH > H₂O. In addition, selectivity to BHF was the highest in THF. Thus, THF was chosen for further kinetic study. Several experiments were carried out by varying the initial HMF concentration (C⁰_HMF) between 0.02 and 0.26 M and the hydrogen pressure (P_H2) between 200 and 1500 kPa. In all experiments, BHMF selectivity was 97–99%. By pseudo-homogeneous modeling, an apparent reaction order with respect to HFM close to 1 was estimated for a C⁰_HMF between 0.02 M and 0.065 M, while when higher than 0.065 M, the apparent reaction order changed to 0. The apparent reaction order with respect to H₂ was nearly 0 when C⁰_HMF = 0.13 M, while for C⁰_HMF = 0.04 M, it was close to 1. The reaction orders estimated suggest that HMF is strongly absorbed on the catalyst surface, and thus total active site coverage is reached when the C⁰_HMF is higher than 0.065 M. Several Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) kinetic models were proposed, tested against experimental data, and statistically compared. The best fitting of the experimental data was obtained with an LHHW model that considered non-competitive H₂ and HMF chemisorption and strong chemisorption of reactant and product molecules on copper metallic active sites. This model predicts both the catalytic performance of Cu/SiO₂-PD and its deactivation during liquid-phase HMF hydrogenation. Full article

Urban wildlife conservation is emerging as a critical component of sustainable city ecosystems. Rather than simply increasing tree abundance or species richness, conservation management should focus on key species. In this research, Xishan Forest Park in Beijing was chosen as a case study. Our aim was to identify keystone taxa critical for avian foraging and nesting during the breeding season. We performed a network analysis linking bird species, their diets, and nest plants. Dietary components were detected using DNA metabarcoding conducted with avian fecal samples. Nest plants were identified via transect surveys. Two indices of the network, degree and weighted mean degree, were calculated to evaluate the importance of the dietary and nest plant species. We identified 13 bird host species from 107 fecal samples and 14 bird species from 107 nest observations. Based on the degree indices, fruit trees Morus and Prunus were detected as key food sources, exhibiting both the highest degree (degree = 9, 9) and weighted mean degree (lnwMD = 5.21, 4.63). Robinia pseudoacacia provided predominant nesting sites, with a predominant degree of 7. A few taxa, such as Styphnolobium japonicum and Rhamnus parvifolia, served dual ecological significance as both essential food sources and nesting substrates. Scrublands, as a unique habitat type, provided nesting sites and food for small-bodied birds. Therefore, targeted management interventions are recommended to sustain or enhance these keystone resource species and to maintain the multi-layered vertical vegetation structure to preserve the diverse habitats of birds. Full article

This article presents a spatial analysis of projects selected by city residents and implemented in five successive editions (2015–2019) of the participatory budgeting in Częstochowa, Poland. The study examines the relationship between the type of hard projects (small investments in public infrastructure and landscaping) and the pre-existing characteristics of the land use of each district. Kernel density estimation and Spearman correlation analysis were used. The highest spatial density occurred in projects related to the modernization of roads and sidewalks, recreation, and greenery, indicating a relatively high number of proposals within or near residential areas. Key correlations included the following: (1) greenery projects were more common in districts lacking green areas; (2) recreational infrastructure was more frequently chosen in areas with significant water features; (3) street furniture projects were mostly selected in districts with sparse development, scattered buildings, and postindustrial sites; (4) educational infrastructure was often chosen in low-density, but developing districts. The selected projects often reflect local deficits in specific land use or public infrastructure, but also stress the predestination of the recreational use of waterside areas. Full article

Secondary lymphoma of the prostate is described as the involvement of the prostate gland by lymphomatous spread from a primary site. This condition is exceedingly rare and often presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The symptoms often mimic those of benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer, including LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) and even complete urinary retention. Here, we present a rare case of a 62-year-old male patient undergoing chemotherapy for stage IV mantle cell stomach lymphoma and subsequently secondary prostatic involvement. The patient presented with complete urinary retention, accompanied by biochemical (PSA = 11.7 ng/mL) and imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging-PIRADS V lesion) suspicion for prostate cancer. Histopathologic analysis of the MRI-targeted prostate fusion biopsy revealed secondary prostatic lymphoma. The chosen treatment was transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) for relief of symptoms, which significantly improved urinary function (postoperative IPSS = 5 and Qmax = 17 mL/s). This case underscores the importance of considering prostatic lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction, especially in patients with a known lymphoma history. This report also provides a focused review of the literature on secondary prostatic lymphoma, highlighting the diagnostic challenges, treatment options, and clinical outcomes. Full article

Floating solar technology has gained significant attention as part of the global expansion of renewable energy due to its potential for installation in underutilized water bodies. Several countries, including the Netherlands, have initiated efforts to extend this technology from inland freshwater applications to open offshore environments, particularly within offshore wind farm areas. This development is motivated by the synergistic benefits of increasing site energy density and leveraging the existing offshore grid infrastructure. The deployment of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems involves assembling multiple modular units in a marine environment, introducing operational risks that may give rise to safety concerns. To mitigate these risks, weather windows must be considered prior to the task execution to ensure continuity between weather-sensitive activities, which can also lead to additional time delays and increased costs. Consequently, optimizing marine logistics becomes crucial to achieving the cost reductions necessary for making OFPV technology economically viable. This study employs a simulation-based approach to estimate the installation duration of a 5 MWp OFPV plant at a Dutch offshore wind farm site, started in different months and under three distinct risk management scenarios. Based on 20 years of hindcast wave data, the results reveal the impacts of campaign start months and risk management policies on installation duration. Across all the scenarios, the installation duration during the autumn and winter period is 160% longer than the one in the spring and summer period. The average installation durations, based on results from 12 campaign start months, are 70, 80, and 130 days for the three risk management policies analyzed. The result variation highlights the additional time required to mitigate operational risks arising from potential discontinuity between highly interdependent tasks (e.g., offshore platform assembly and mooring). Additionally, it is found that the weather-induced delays are mainly associated with the campaigns of pre-laying anchors and platform and mooring line installation compared with the other campaigns. In conclusion, this study presents a logistics modeling methodology for OFPV systems, demonstrated through a representative case study based on a state-of-the-art truss-type design. The primary contribution lies in providing a framework to quantify the performance of OFPV installation strategies at an early design stage. The findings of this case study further highlight that marine installation logistics are highly sensitive to local marine conditions and the chosen installation strategy, and should be integrated early in the OFPV design process to help reduce the levelized cost of electricity. Full article

Seafood contamination by heavy metals is a growing public health concern, particularly in regions like Tunisia where seafood is a major dietary component. This study assessed concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the muscle tissue of the red shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris, collected in 2023 from four coastal regions: Bizerte, Monastir, Kerkennah, and Gabes. Metal analysis was conducted using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. This species was chosen due to its ecological and economic importance. The study sites were chosen based on their differing levels of industrial, urban, and agricultural influence, providing a representative overview of regional contamination patterns. Mean concentrations were 1.04 µg/g for Zn, 0.59 µg/g for Cu, 1.56 µg/g for Pb, and 0.21 µg/g for Cd (dry weight). Pb was the most prevalent metal across sites. Statistically significant variation was observed only for Cu (p = 0.0334). All metal concentrations were below international safety limits set by FAO/WHO and the European Union. Compared to similar studies, the levels reported were similar or slightly lower. Human health risk was evaluated using target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) values. For adults, THQ ranged from 5.44 × 10⁻⁶ to 8.43 × 10⁻⁴, while for children it ranged from 2.40 × 10⁻⁵ to 3.72 × 10⁻³. HI values were also well below 1, indicating negligible non-carcinogenic risk. CR values for Cd and Pb in both adults and children fell within the acceptable risk range (10⁻⁶ to <10⁻⁴), suggesting no significant carcinogenic concern. This study provides the first field-based dataset on metal contamination in P. longirostris from Tunisia, contributing valuable insights for seafood safety monitoring and public health protection. Full article

Infectious diseases poses a growing public health challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the urgent need for rapid, accessible diagnostics. This study presents the development of an integrated, flexible point-of-care (POC) diagnostic system for the rapid detection of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the pathogen responsible for diphtheria. The system comprises a microfluidic polymerase chain reaction (micro-PCR) device and an electrochemical DNA biosensor, both fabricated on flexible substrates. The micro-PCR platform offers rapid DNA amplification overcoming the time limitations of conventional thermocyclers. The biosensor utilizes specific molecular recognition and an electrochemical transducer to detect the amplified DNA fragment, providing a clear and direct indication of the pathogen’s presence. The combined system demonstrates the effective amplification and detection of a gene fragment from a toxic strain of C. diphtheriae, chosen due to its increasing incidence. The design leverages lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and microfluidic technologies to minimize reagent use, reduce cost, and support portability. Key challenges in microsystem design—such as flow control, material selection, and reagent compatibility—were addressed through optimized fabrication techniques and system integration. This work highlights the feasibility of using flexible, integrated microfluidic and biosensor platforms for the rapid, on-site detection of infectious agents. The modular and scalable nature of the system suggests potential for adaptation to a wide range of pathogens, supporting broader applications in global health diagnostics. The approach provides a promising foundation for next-generation POC diagnostic tools. Full article

The innovation of multi-material offers significant benefits to architectural systems. The fusion of multiple materials, transitioning from one to another in a graded manner, enables the creation of fused space without the need for mechanical connections. Given that plastic is a major contributor to ecological imbalance, this research on fused space aims to recycle plastic and use it as a multi-material for building applications, due to its capacity for being 3D printed and fused with other materials. Furthermore, to generate diverse properties for the fused space, several nature-inspired forming algorithms are employed, including Swarm Behavior, Voronoi, Game of Life, and Shortest Path, to shape the building enclosure. Subsequently, digital analyses, such as daylight analysis, structural analysis, porosity analysis, and openness analysis, are conducted on the enclosure, forming the color mapping digital diagram, which determines the distribution of varying thickness, density, transparency, and flexibility gradation parameters, resulting in spatial diversity. During the fabrication process, Dual Force V1 and Dual Force V2 were developed to successfully print multi-material gradations with fused plastic following an upgrade to the cooling system. Finally, three test sites in London were chosen to implement the fused space concept using multi-material. Full article

Urban parks are an important component of public urban spaces, which directly impact the living experiences of residents and the urban image. High-quality urban parks are crucial for enhancing the well-being of residents. This study selected Fukuoka, Japan, as the study site. Five urban parks were chosen to evaluate landscape visual quality by using the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method. The Semantic Differential (SD) method was used to get sample subjective landscape features. Meanwhile, sample objective landscape features were obtained by using semantic segmentation techniques in deep learning and combined with spatial analysis to understand their distribution. A regression model was established, which used the SBE values as the dependent variable and subjective landscape features as the independent variables to analyze the relationship between urban park landscape visual quality and subjective landscape features. The regression analysis revealed that sense of layering, harmony, interestingness, sense of order, and vitality were the core factors influencing visual quality. All five features had a significant positive impact on landscape visual quality. The sense of order was the most influential factor, which would be the key to enhancing the landscape perception experience. Moreover, the XGBoost model and SHAP value from machine learning were used to reveal the nonlinear relationships and significant threshold effects between urban park visual quality and five objective landscape features: openness, greenness, enclosure, vegetation diversity, and Shannon–Wiener diversity index. This study showed that when openness exceeded 0.27, the positive effect was significant. The optimal threshold for the greenness was 0.38. Vegetation diversity and enclosure had to be below 0.82 and 0.58, respectively, to have a positive impact. Meanwhile, the positive influence of the Shannon–Wiener diversity index reached its maximum at a value of 1.37. This study not only establishes a systematic method for diagnosing landscape problems and evaluating landscape visual quality but also provides both theoretical support and practical guidance for urban park landscape optimization. Full article

We assessed the impacts of tree improvement programs on the associated gains in yield of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and hybrid spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelmann x Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) over long temporal and large spatial extents. The definition of gain varied in the tree improvement programs. We assessed the definition of gain using a sensitivity analysis, altering the evaluation age with the definitions of the baseline and top performers. We used meta-data from provenance trials extracted from the literature to model the yields of provenances relative to those of standard stocks. Using a previously developed meta-model and a chosen gain definition, a meta-dataset of the gain of plantation ages was developed. Using this gain meta-dataset, a gain trajectory model was fitted for white and hybrid spruce provenances across Canadian boreal and hemiboreal forests. The planting site, mean annual daily temperature, mean annual precipitation, and number of degree days > 5 °C had large impacts on gain. This model can be used to predict gain up to harvest age at any planting site in the boreal and hemiboreal forests of Canada. Further, these gain trajectories could be averaged over a region to indicate the yield potential of tree improvement programs. Full article

Sediment fingerprinting was utilized to identify potential hotspots of soil erosion and sediment transport pathways in the Nile Nyabarongo Upper Catchment (NNYU) in Rwanda, where rivers and reservoirs are suffering from alarmingly high levels of sedimentation. Sediment fingerprinting is a practical approach used to identify erosional hotspots and sediment transport processes in highly mountainous regions undergoing swift land use transformation. This technique involves a statistical comparison of the elemental composition of suspended sediments in river water with the elemental composition of soils belonging to different geological formations present in the catchment, thereby determining the sources of the suspended sediment. Suspended sediments were sampled five times over dry and wet seasons in all major headwater tributaries, as well as the main river channel, and compared with soils from respective delineated watersheds. Elemental composition was obtained using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and elements were chosen that could reliably distinguish between the various geological types. The final results indicate different levels of sediment contribution from different geological types. A three-level intervention priority system was devised, with Level 1 indicating the areas with the most serious erosion. Potential sources were located on an administrative map, with the highest likely erosion over the study period (Level 1) occurring in Kabuga cell in the Mwogo sub-catchment, Nganzo and Nyamirama cells in the Nyagako sub-catchment and Kanyana cell in the NNYU downstream sub-catchment. This map enables the pinpointing of site visits in an extensive and rugged terrain to verify the areas and causes of erosion and the pathways of sediment transport. Sediment concentrations (mg L⁻¹) were the highest in the Secoko and Satinsyi tributaries. The composition of suspended sediment was seen to be temporally and spatially dynamic at each sampling point, suggesting the need for an adequate number of sampling locations to identify erosion hotspots in a large mountainous watershed. Apart from prioritizing rehabilitation locations, the detailed understanding of critical zone soil–land cover–climate processes is an important input for developing region-specific watershed management and policy guidelines. Full article

The United Kingdom has a low percentage cover of woodland, which exists in small, highly fragmented patches. Plans to increase the cover from 14.5% to 17.5% by 2050 will require guidance to help target the planting of new forests to maximise ecological connectivity. This study develops a novel approach to landscape simulation utilising real-world spatial boundary data. The Colne Valley river watershed is chosen as a study site. Three different future woodland creation goals (+10, 30, and 50%) are tested alongside manipulations of the mean new patch size and the mode in which new woodland is created in relation to existing woodland. Scenarios which expanded existing woodland and used riparian planting created larger, more connected patches with more core area. The model outputs are used to assess the impact of the UK woodland increase plans, and past woodland creation efforts are assessed. Increasing the percentage cover generally boosted connectivity, functional connectivity (species dispersals), and increased patch size and core area index. We suggest that proximal growth offers the greatest benefits in terms of biodiversity, but in terms of habitat connectivity smaller isolated woodland patches may also be needed as stepping stones to aid dispersal. Full article

Background and Objectives: The isthmocele is a pouch-shaped defect in the anterior uterine wall, site of a previous cesarean section, due to a scar defect or dehiscence. The prevalence could be underestimated, but the rate of cesarean section is still high in the world. The preferable technique to correct this anomaly is not clearly indicated in the literature. Our objective is to evaluate the literature on the surgical treatment of isthmocele in pre-Cesarean women treated with minimally invasive technique. Our hypothesis is that robotic treatment is more effective than other procedures in women desirous of having children. Materials and Methods: The words “isthmocele”, “laparoscopy”, “robot” and “cesarean scar pregnancy” were searched on the main online scientific search sources (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, WES, and Embase, etc.). We included articles in English and French, chosen for the relevance to the topic. We have decided to include also surgical corrections of isthmocele linked to pregnancies at the site of the defect, with particular attention to video training explanation. Results: We analyzed the literature about the minimally invasive surgery for the repair of an isthmocele, evaluating 20 articles. Comparing several surgical techniques, robotic-assisted laparoscopy could be an effective method to correct the defect, without high risk of intraoperative complications. Conclusions: As indicated in the literature, robotic tailored excision and repair of isthmocele (and of concomitant cesarean scar pregnancy) could be advantageous and safe, and it is necessary to promote video-training about this technique. Full article

Abandoned pits and quarries in Ontario, Canada, are on the rise due to industrialization, leading to ecosystem disruption and soil contamination with pollutants such as cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and barium, which may leach into nearby water systems. Current rehabilitation processes are slow to initiate, and therefore, the site remains in a contaminated condition for years. Phytoremediation, which involves using plants to remove contaminants from soils, is receiving increased attention for cleaning up decommissioned mines. This type of rehabilitation is normally practiced in situ by hand-planted and managed vegetation chosen for the specific purpose of contaminant removal. This study investigated the phytoremediation potential of indigenous plants as local seed sources to rehabilitate decommissioned quarries in Ontario. This study also investigated the potential of native plants to naturalize in the disturbed areas, thus providing a natural clean-up of the contaminants. Thus, if successful, this process will also initiate the re-establishment of native wildlife in the area. Through a literature review, 74 plant species were identified as capable of remediating 20 contaminants often found on the decommissioned quarry sites. The results may help ecosystem managers to adopt environmentally sustainable strategies to clean up contaminated sites such as decommissioned mines and quarry areas. Full article

In the present study, dam site suitability mapping was carried out for the Purna sub-basin of the upper Tapi basin. Constructing dams in strategically chosen locations is a crucial water management approach to alleviate flood risks and water scarcity. Selecting appropriate dam sites requires considering criteria such as precipitation, elevation, soil properties, slope, geomorphology, geology, lithology, stream order, distance from a road, and fault tectonics. To address this complex problem, integrating Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques with Geographic Information System (GIS) has become increasingly prevalent. Among these techniques, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is particularly effective for addressing water-related challenges. In this study, we developed a Dam Site Suitability Model (DSSM) by evaluating nine thematic layers: precipitation, stream order, geomorphology, geology, soil, elevation, slope, land use and land cover (LULC), and major fault tectonics. The AHP technique was employed to assign weights to these thematic layers, which were then used in an overlay analysis to create a suitability map with five classes ranging from high to low suitability. This study revealed that approximately 14% of the Purna sub-basin falls into the very high suitability category, while 27.2% is classified as highly suitable. This cost-effective approach not only simplifies the traditional method of dam site selection but also enhances decision-making accuracy. This methodology can be universally applied to identify potential dam sites, aiding flood mitigation and addressing water scarcity exacerbated by global and regional climate change. The DSSM, leveraging GIS and the AHP, can significantly improve dam management and promote sustainable, environmentally responsible water resource management practices worldwide. Full article