Search Results (670)

This three-year case study integrated the results of annual soil-monitoring campaigns conducted in 2022–2024 at 17 predefined locations within and immediately surrounding the Morava Thermal Power Plant Complex, Serbia. We analyzed surface soil samples (0–30 cm) for physical and chemical properties, metals and metalloids, and selected organic pollutants. Contaminant concentrations were evaluated relative to national regulatory thresholds, while potential ecological risk and outdoor worker human health risk were assessed using the potential ecological risk index (RI), Hazard Index (HI), and total carcinogenic risk (TCR). Soil properties and total contaminant concentrations varied considerably among the monitored locations. Regulatory classification identified Ni and Cd as the most widespread concerns. Ni exceeded the applicable limit value at all 17 locations in each campaign, including three remediation-value exceedances in 2022 and one in 2024. Cd exceeded the limit value at 17, 11, and 16 locations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, without exceeding the remediation value. RI ranged from 210.02 to 963.08, indicating moderate to very high potential ecological risk, and was driven primarily by Cd and Hg. Aggregate HI values ranged from 0.211 to 0.484 and remained below the screening threshold of 1 at all locations. In contrast, TCR ranged from 5.98 × 10⁻⁵ to 2.12 × 10⁻⁴ and exceeded the target benchmark of 1 × 10⁻⁶ at every location in all three campaigns. Arsenic accounted for more than 94% of TCR, while the conservative estimate obtained by applying Cr (VI) toxicity parameters to total Cr represented the principal secondary contribution. The different assessment approaches identified distinct contaminant priorities and therefore provided complementary rather than interchangeable information. The results support continued monitoring, targeted investigation of locations with elevated regulatory or risk indicators, direct chromium-speciation analysis, and integration of soil monitoring with groundwater, drainage-water, bioavailability, and effect-based assessments to support future reclamation and environmental management. Full article

Dental infections continue to pose a major health concern worldwide, driven by persistent microbial biofilms, dysregulated host responses, and suboptimal efficacy of conventional antimicrobial therapies. The emergence of nanotechnology has facilitated the development of therapeutic approaches that offer spatiotemporal, minimally invasive, and resistance-preventing alternatives for treating complex dental infections. This review critically assesses novel nanomaterial-based therapies designed to directly eradicate pathogenic microorganisms involved in periodontal disease, dental caries, oral candidiasis and endodontic infections. We first explore the roles of microbial dysbiosis and biofilm-associated pathogenicity as key factors in disease progression, thereby providing a biological rationale for targeted therapies. Particular emphasis is placed on pathogen-directed modalities such as photodynamic, photothermal, sonodynamic, chemodynamic, and nanozyme-based therapies, which allow localized microbial eradication while reducing antibiotic resistance. The design and effectiveness of multifunctional nanomaterials, ranging from bioactive nanoparticles and polymeric hydrogels to microsphere-based delivery systems and implant surface modifications, are analysed in the context of antimicrobial efficacy, biofilm disruption, and compatibility with regenerative processes. Meanwhile, recent advances in integration with tissue regeneration and the potential of artificial intelligence in diagnosis, treatment strategies and materials design are explored as complementary strategies that could improve therapeutic outcomes. By consolidating mechanistic and translational insights, this review highlights how pathogen-targeted nanotherapeutics are revolutionizing the treatment of dental infections with more effective and clinically viable solutions. Full article

Cognitive decline is closely associated with biological aging and with interconnected processes, including chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence. Nutraceutical strategies capable of modulating several of these pathways may represent a complementary approach to supporting cognitive health. This narrative review examines the biological rationale and available evidence regarding palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), luteolin, and their co-ultramicronized formulation (PEA-Lut) in cognitive impairment and dementia. Evidence from mechanistic studies, animal models, observational studies, and clinical trials was considered. PEA is an endogenous N-acylethanolamine with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, whereas luteolin exerts complementary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Co-ultramicronization may improve their physicochemical properties and biological activity. Preclinical studies suggest that PEA-Lut may attenuate glial activation, pro-inflammatory signaling, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and amyloid-β-induced cellular injury while supporting neurotrophic signaling and neuronal survival. Preliminary clinical findings have suggested possible benefits in stroke rehabilitation, frontotemporal dementia, and other neuroinflammatory conditions. However, human evidence specifically addressing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease remains limited, heterogeneous, and largely derived from preclinical and small or non-randomized studies. PEA-Lut therefore represents a biologically plausible investigational nutraceutical approach, although available clinical safety data are limited to relatively small and heterogeneous populations and short observation periods. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to determine its clinical efficacy, optimal timing and dosage, and long-term safety in individuals at risk of dementia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family caregivers of people with schizophrenia experience substantial psychological and practical demands associated with long-term caregiving. This study examined whether participation in a web-based digital psychoeducation program was associated with longitudinal changes in coping mechanisms among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia. Methods: A non-randomized quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control-group study was conducted at a mental health hospital in Indonesia. The final analytic sample comprised 202 family caregivers of people with schizophrenia, with 101 participants in the intervention group and 101 in the control group. The intervention comprised 10 structured web-based psychoeducation modules delivered over 10 weeks. Coping was assessed using the Brief COPE Inventory and summarized into problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping domains. Linear mixed-effects models were used as the primary adjusted longitudinal analysis, with study group, time, group-by-time interaction, age group, and marital status included as fixed effects. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests were retained as complementary unadjusted analyses, while baseline-adjusted linear regression models were used as sensitivity analyses. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. The adjusted between-group difference in change was 0.450 points (95% CI: 0.357–0.544; partial ηp² = 0.312; p < 0.001) for problem-focused coping and 0.263 points (95% CI: 0.137–0.390; partial ηp² = 0.078; p < 0.001) for emotion-focused coping. In contrast, no statistically significant differential change was observed for avoidance coping (adjusted difference in change = 0.074 points, 95% CI: −0.055 to 0.204; partial ηp² = 0.006; p = 0.259). Baseline-adjusted sensitivity analyses produced a consistent overall pattern. Conclusions: Participation in the 10-week web-based digital psychoeducation program was associated with greater longitudinal improvements in problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, but not avoidance coping. Given the non-randomized design and baseline differences between groups, these findings should be interpreted as adjusted longitudinal associations rather than definitive evidence of causal efficacy. The program may therefore represent an accessible complementary approach to supporting caregiver adaptation in long-term schizophrenia care. Full article

Makkah faces substantial heat-stress challenges associated with extreme temperatures, dense urban form, and the large numbers of pilgrims present during Hajj and Umrah, creating important public health concerns. Recent heat-related fatalities highlight the need for complementary strategies that address outdoor as well as indoor heat exposure, alongside conventional cooling approaches such as air conditioning. This article examines the potential role of nature-based and complementary engineered interventions in mitigating urban heat stress in Makkah, focusing on afforestation, urban greening, and the possible use of artificial water bodies, contingent on sustainable water management. Drawing on case studies and published evidence from arid and heat-prone regions, including China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East, we summarize reported cooling effects, implementation experience, and feasibility considerations and assess their potential relevance to Makkah. The perspective highlights critical challenges related to water scarcity, spatial constraints, ecological impacts, and governance, while proposing phased implementation pathways that could be evaluated incrementally. If carefully designed and integrated with urban planning and climate-adaptation strategies, nature-based and complementary interventions could potentially reduce human heat stress, reduce cooling demand, and strengthen climate resilience in Makkah. However, their effectiveness, water requirements, environmental impacts, and scalability require evaluation under Makkah-specific environmental and operational conditions. Full article

Background: Nutrition counselling during the perinatal period is an important component of midwifery care and health promotion. Existing competency frameworks recognize nutrition-related education and counselling as part of midwifery practice, while several studies have assessed midwives’ nutrition knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and self-reported practices. However, it remains unclear to what extent existing assessment approaches capture the quality of nutrition counselling as experienced by women receiving midwife-led care. Objective: This scoping review aimed to map existing tools, questionnaires, competency frameworks, checklists, and other assessment approaches related to nutrition counselling, nutrition education, and nutrition-related competencies in midwifery and perinatal care; to compare the measurement domains represented across these approaches; and to identify remaining measurement gaps. Methods: The review was conducted according to established scoping review methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and Embase were searched from database inception to 1 July 2026 using two complementary search strategies targeting both nutrition-related assessment approaches and patient-experience/counselling-quality concepts. Eligible sources included studies or documents describing instruments, competency frameworks, questionnaires, screening tools, checklists, or other assessment approaches related to nutrition counselling within midwifery or perinatal care. Data were charted according to assessment type, target population, intended purpose, domains assessed, development methodology, validation evidence, and relevance to midwife-led nutrition counselling, and were synthesized descriptively and conceptually across assessment domains. Results: The database searches identified 186 records, of which 42 duplicates were removed, leaving 144 records for title and abstract screening. Thirty-four reports underwent full-text assessment, of which 25 were excluded, resulting in nine included reports. These reports represented a smaller number of distinct assessment tools, frameworks, and approaches because three reports evaluated or applied the same underlying instrument, the FIGO Nutrition Checklist. The included evidence comprised nutritional-risk screening, provider-focused knowledge-, attitude-, and practice-based assessment, observational approaches to counselling delivery, and a professional competency framework. Cross-cutting synthesis identified four conceptually distinct measurement levels: nutritional risk and dietary status, professional knowledge and competence, counselling delivery and implementation, and women’s experience of nutrition counselling. No eligible nutrition-specific patient-reported experience measure was identified, leaving the intersection between nutrition-specific content and woman-reported counselling experience insufficiently represented. Conclusions: Existing approaches provide fragmented assessment of nutrition-related care and do not comprehensively capture women’s experiences of midwife-led nutrition counselling. Further research should determine whether existing measures can be adapted or combined or whether a new patient-reported experience measure (PREM) is warranted. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-dependent systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by ectopic implantation of endometrial-like tissue, primarily on the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, and bowel. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate updated in 2025, endometriosis affects approximately 10% (about 190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide and is a major contributor to chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Standard medical therapies focus on ovarian suppression, which alleviates symptoms but precludes conception and carries significant metabolic and skeletal adverse effects. Recent multi-omics research has raised interest in the gut microbiome and the estrobolome, defined as the microbial gene repertoire involved in estrogen metabolism, as potential modulators of systemic estrogen exposure and immune homeostasis. Altered microbiota composition and microbial β-glucuronidase activity may influence enterohepatic estrogen recirculation; however, endometriosis-specific evidence is predominantly associative or preclinical and does not establish a causal pathway. Dysbiosis and increased bacterial β-glucuronidase activity promote enterohepatic recirculation of estrogens, contributing to hyperestrogenism and ectopic lesion proliferation. Concurrently, oxidative stress, peritoneal inflammation, aberrant macrophage polarization, and neoangiogenesis sustain lesion survival and contribute to chronic pelvic pain. This comprehensive review synthesizes mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence regarding microbiome-targeted interventions and nutritional compounds, including probiotics, prebiotics, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and vitamin D, in modulating the estrobolome, immune responses, and oxidative microenvironment in endometriosis. We further discuss dietary patterns, bioavailability challenges, and the potential of precision nutrition to optimize reproductive outcomes. These approaches may be considered complementary or investigational adjuncts; current evidence is insufficient to demonstrate disease modification or improvements in spontaneous pregnancy, assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, or live birth. Here, “fertility-sparing” denotes the absence of intentional ovulation suppression rather than proven fertility enhancement. Full article

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy among men in the United States and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Its marked biological, molecular, and histopathological heterogeneity creates a central diagnostic challenge: identifying clinically significant disease while limiting unnecessary biopsy and overdiagnosis of tumors unlikely to affect survival or quality of life. Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains the foundation of early detection, its limited cancer specificity has driven the development of increasingly risk-adapted diagnostic pathways. Contemporary evaluation integrates clinical risk assessment and PSA-derived measures with selectively used blood- and urine-based biomarkers, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), image-guided biopsy, histopathological classification, genomic risk assessment, and molecular imaging. Biomarkers such as the Prostate Health Index, 4Kscore, IsoPSA, MiCheck, SelectMDx, and ExoDx may refine biopsy decisions in appropriately selected patients but should be interpreted according to the clinical setting, decision threshold, and surrounding diagnostic pathway. Prostate MRI and PI-RADS-based assessment have become central to pre-biopsy evaluation, while MRI-targeted biopsy improves detection of Grade Group ≥ 2 disease. Increasing use of the transperineal biopsy route offers comparable cancer detection with a lower infectious risk. Following diagnosis, Grade Group, adverse histological features, clinical risk models, and selected tissue-based genomic classifiers provide complementary prognostic information. PSMA PET/CT has further improved staging of selected patients with higher-risk disease and localization of biochemical recurrence. Precision diagnostics must also account for disease phenotypes that may not be adequately represented by conventional PSA- and imaging-based pathways, including intraductal carcinoma, cribriform architecture, ductal adenocarcinoma, and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Emerging approaches, including artificial intelligence-assisted MRI interpretation, digital pathology, high-frequency micro-ultrasound, liquid biopsy, alternative molecular radiotracers, and multi-omic integration, show increasing potential but remain at different stages of validation and clinical adoption. This review critically examines contemporary prostate cancer diagnostics within United States clinical practice, distinguishing established guideline-supported approaches from selectively used adjuncts and emerging technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on diagnostic performance in context, clinical utility, external validation, healthcare equity, regulatory considerations, and the need to demonstrate that increasing diagnostic complexity translates into meaningful improvements in patient care. Full article

This review provides an integrative synthesis of the R&D performance measurement literature and introduces the Beyond Traditional Metrics (BTM) framework as a multi-criteria reference model for R&D performance evaluation in the petroleum sector. Research and Development (R&D) constitutes a strategic pillar of the petroleum industry, where technological innovation supports competitiveness, operational efficiency, and the transition toward more sustainable energy systems. However, evaluating the performance of R&D projects remains a major challenge because their outcomes are often uncertain, intangible, long-term, and multidimensional. Commonly used Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—such as cost, time, and number of deliverables—therefore provide only a partial representation of R&D effectiveness. R&D performance assessment must therefore consider the intrinsic diversity of innovation activities. Reverse engineering emphasizes replication and adaptation of existing technologies, while innovation-driven R&D seeks to create novel knowledge, technological capabilities, and strategic learning. Accordingly, the selection of performance indicators should be adapted according to project type, technological maturity, and strategic objectives. To avoid biased evaluation, the approach integrates principles derived from the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, enabling prioritization of criteria aligned with each project’s objectives, complexity, and organizational priorities. To move beyond simple cost and time metrics, this study revisits the meaning of “performance” in R&D and explores a multidimensional evaluation perspective capable of capturing both tangible and intangible forms of value creation by integrating five complementary dimensions: Knowledge Creation and Diffusion, Innovation Velocity, Dynamic Strategic Alignment, Team and Organizational Health, and Resilience and Robustness under technological, regulatory, operational, and market uncertainty. The framework is illustrated through an exploratory application to a hypothetical portfolio of petroleum-sector R&D projects, demonstrating its potential usefulness for benchmarking, portfolio prioritization, and multidimensional innovation assessment under conditions of uncertainty. Full article

Learning from errors (LFE) constitutes a complex, multilevel process whose pedagogical value depends on how errors are elicited, interpreted, and corrected. This narrative review critically synthesizes research on LFE and its implications for science instruction in school and higher education. The reporting of the purposive, non-exhaustive search was strengthened with reference to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) criteria. The synthesis traces the historical transition from error avoidance to conditional error-as-resource perspectives and integrates five complementary lenses: error type, negative knowledge, cognitive load and prior knowledge, affective and self-regulatory processes, and the Generating Errors/Detecting and Correcting Errors model. It then evaluates instructional approaches including productive failure, erroneous examples, peer instruction, formative feedback, conceptual-change strategies, Predict–Observe–Explain, refutation texts, and gamification. Evidence is strongest when errors are embedded in structured cycles of manageable challenge, explanation, feedback, and revision; however, effects are heterogeneous and moderated by learner expertise, task demands, feedback design, classroom error climate, and safety constraints. Domain-specific evidence is most developed in physics, chemistry, biology, and health-professions simulation, whereas Earth and climate sciences and teacher professional development remain comparatively underexamined. The review concludes with an integrative framework and actionable design principles for science teacher education, while identifying methodological, cultural, and empirical gaps for future research. Full article

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an excessive proliferation of bacteria within the small intestine, resulting in chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired quality of life, and frequent recurrence. Although rifaximin remains the cornerstone of treatment, increasing interest has focused on microbiota-directed therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring intestinal homeostasis and addressing mechanisms beyond bacterial eradication. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy, safety, and clinical relevance of microbiota-directed interventions compared with conventional antibiotic therapy, placebo, or no intervention in adults with breath test-confirmed SIBO. A systematic search identified nine eligible studies involving 782 participants. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP and PEDro tools, while risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and ROBINS-I. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed whenever clinically comparable studies reporting extractable dichotomous data were available. The primary meta-analysis demonstrated that adjunctive microbiota-directed therapies combined with antibiotics significantly improved breath test-confirmed SIBO eradication compared with antibiotic monotherapy (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13–1.65; I² = 0%). An exploratory meta-analysis including all eligible interventions yielded consistent findings (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57; I² = 1.1%). The qualitative synthesis identified symptomatic improvements in some individual studies; however, these findings were heterogeneous across symptom domains, assessment methods, and underlying clinical populations. Evidence regarding health-related quality of life and selected microbiota-related and inflammatory biomarkers was also limited, whereas adverse events were generally mild and infrequent. Overall, the available evidence suggests that microbiota-directed therapies, particularly when used as adjuncts to antibiotic treatment, may represent a promising complementary approach for improving SIBO eradication without compromising safety. However, the certainty of the available evidence remains limited by the small number of studies, heterogeneous interventions, and variability in outcome reporting. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and define the optimal microbiota-directed therapeutic strategy. Full article

The vaginal ecosystem undergoes profound physiological adaptations during pregnancy and the puerperium through dynamic interactions among the vaginal microbiota, epithelial barrier, local immune system, and hormonal milieu. Disruption of this homeostasis may lead to vaginal dysbiosis and infection, with potential consequences for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the vaginal ecosystem throughout pregnancy and the puerperium, integrating current evidence on physiological changes in the vaginal microbiota, mechanisms of dysbiosis, major vaginal infections, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic management, and maternal–fetal implications. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus through July 2026. Priority was given to recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, international clinical guidelines, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies addressing the vaginal microbiota, dysbiosis, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, aerobic vaginitis, pregnancy, and the puerperium. Pregnancy is generally characterized by a stable, low-diversity, Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota, whereas the postpartum period is associated with reduced Lactobacillus abundance, increased microbial diversity, and gradual restoration of eubiosis. Disruption of this ecosystem promotes biofilm formation, microbial persistence, inflammation, and ascending infection. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and aerobic vaginitis represent the major vaginal infections during pregnancy and the puerperium and have varying associations with adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, postpartum infection, and neonatal morbidity. Molecular diagnostics and microbiome profiling have improved etiological characterization, while emerging microbiome-directed interventions offer potential strategies for restoring vaginal homeostasis. Current evidence supports an increasingly ecosystem-centered approach to vaginal health during pregnancy and the puerperium. Accurate etiological diagnosis and evidence-based treatment remain essential, while preservation and restoration of vaginal homeostasis may represent important complementary objectives for improving maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Full article

The integration of complementary sensing modalities provides a basis for accurate crack identification in advanced aircraft structures. In this context, PZT transducers are sensitive to incipient damage through guided-wave interrogation, whereas strain gauges capture quasi-static deformation. Prevailing fusion paradigms, however, encounter an interpretability–adaptability dilemma. Model-based approaches lack robustness to sensor degradation, while data-driven attention methods sacrifice transparency. To resolve this trade-off, an Evidence-guided Attention Neural Network (EANN) is proposed. Its central methodological contribution lies in repositioning Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory from a terminal fusion operator to an upstream credibility feature extraction module. Evidence-derived credibility features, comprising belief entropy, inter-source similarity, and Kalman-filtered residuals, drive the attention weight optimization and endow the learned channel weights with physically interpretable evidential meaning. Ablation experiments confirm that the observed improvement arises from the interaction between the evidence-guided credibility representation and adaptive attention weighting, with neither component sufficient on its own. The framework fuses quasi-static strain measurements with active piezoelectric guided-wave interrogation, which offers high sensitivity to incipient damage but remains vulnerable to channel degradation. Experiments on aluminum tensile plates and trapezoidal wing skin specimens show that EANN maintains identification accuracy under simulated sensor anomalies and partial failures by attenuating compromised channels without explicit fault detection, providing an uncertainty-aware fusion framework for online structural health monitoring of aerospace structures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a valuable One Health approach for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the population level. Although quantitative PCR (qPCR) and shotgun (SG) metagenomics are widely used for wastewater surveillance, studies integrating these complementary approaches remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, seasonal dynamics, and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in municipal wastewater from Central Italy by combining targeted qPCR and SG metagenomic sequencing. Methods: Influent wastewater samples were collected monthly from eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Central Italy between April 2025 and March 2026. Clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR, while SG metagenomic sequencing was used to characterize resistome composition, resistance gene families, and ARG sequence diversity using bioinformatic pipelines. Results: All investigated ARGs were detected in every sample. Significant seasonal variation was observed for all investigated markers, including qnrS, blaKPC, blaCTX-M and intI1. Metagenomic analysis revealed broadly similar resistome profiles across sampling sites and time points, dominated by resistance genes to macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin, aminoglycosides, β-lactams, and fluoroquinolones. High sequence diversity was observed within the dominant ARG families, highlighting the complementary value of SG metagenomics for comprehensive resistome characterization. Conclusions: The integration of targeted qPCR and SG metagenomics provided a comprehensive characterization of antimicrobial resistance in municipal wastewater. While qPCR enabled sensitive quantification of clinically relevant ARGs and revealed seasonal trends, metagenomics expanded resistome characterization by identifying dominant resistance classes, gene families, and sequence variants. These findings support the implementation of integrated molecular approaches for routine wastewater-based AMR surveillance within a One Health framework. Full article

Recent advances in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMSs) have enabled the development of accelerometers increasingly suitable for seismological and structural engineering applications. Quartz MEMS (QMEMS) sensors combine low self-noise, wide dynamic range, excellent thermal stability, and compact dimensions, providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional force-balance and piezoelectric accelerometers. This study presents the development and validation of a complete QMEMS-based sensing platform for seismic monitoring and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), integrating the recently introduced Epson M-A370 accelerometer, a Smart Sensor Box with precise timing synchronization, and embedded acquisition and edge-processing capabilities. The platform was evaluated through comprehensive laboratory and field experiments. The M-A370 was experimentally compared with the M-A352 and a reference force-balance accelerometer, while complementary M-A352 tests included representative MEMS and piezoelectric accelerometers. The experimental results indicate that accelerometer self-noise is a primary factor governing the reliability of Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and long-term SHM. Self-noise densities below 1 μg/√Hz, preferably below 0.5 μg/√Hz, and, for the most demanding applications, approaching or below 0.1 μg/√Hz, represent practical performance targets for robust modal identification and reliable tracking of structural dynamic properties under weak ambient excitation or in very quiet environments. These values, however, are not exclusion thresholds, as higher-noise accelerometers can reliably record ground motions sufficiently above their instrumental noise floor. The ultra-low-noise M-A370 (0.02 μg/√Hz) delivers data quality comparable to engineering-grade force-balance accelerometers. The proposed platform, combining ultra-low-noise QMEMS technology, precise timing synchronization, and embedded processing, provides a scalable framework for Urban Seismic Observatories, distributed SHM, OMA, and impact-based Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) across buildings, bridges, and heritage structures. Full article