Search Results (128,038)

As a pillar industry of the national economy for many countries, the construction sector has long faced challenges in workplace safety. Unsafe behaviors among construction workers are the core cause of safety incidents, and controlling these behaviors is key to enhancing safety management. Numerous studies confirm that unsafe behaviors are closely linked to cognitive biases and decision-making errors. However, existing research still has theoretical gaps in analyzing the multi-factor interaction mechanisms from a cognitive perspective. This study constructs a three-stage theoretical model to reveal the formation mechanism of unsafe behaviors, which is validated by structural equation modeling based on the data collected by a questionnaire from ongoing construction projects in Jiangxi Province, China. It is found that (1) Organizational environment (safety atmosphere, safety culture, and safety management) exerts a negative influence on unsafe behavior; (2) While safety atmosphere has no direct impact on safety motivation, the overall organizational environment positively affects individual cognition; (3) Individual cognitive factors exert a negative influence on unsafe behavior, with the following hierarchical order: safety motivation > safety competence > safety values. (4) While safety motivation does not mediate the relationship between safety atmosphere and unsafe behavior, individual cognitive factors overall mediate the relationship between organizational environment and unsafe behavior. This study theoretically enriches the knowledge system of safety behavior and provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing enterprise unsafe behavior management and formulating differentiated management policies. Full article

Both organic matter and iron oxide (FeO) dynamics pose key roles in soil cadmium (Cd) bioavailability. However, the microbially driven transformation of soil organic matter and FeO and their linkages to Cd fractions remain unclear under reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) with different organic sources, which limits our mechanistic understanding of Cd immobilization by RSD. To address this gap, we conducted a 45 day microcosm experiment using a paddy soil contaminated with 22.8 mg/kg Cd. Six treatments were established: untreated control (CK), waterlogged (WF), and RSD-amended soils with 0.7% or 2.1% wheat straw (LWD, HWD) or soybean meal (LSD, HSD). We systematically assessed soil Cd fractionation, organic carbon and FeO concentrations, and bacterial community structure, aiming to clarify differences in Cd immobilization efficiency and the underlying mechanisms between wheat straw and soybean meal. For strongly extractable Cd, wheat straw RSD reduced the soil Cd concentrations from 6.02 mg/kg to 4.32 mg/kg (28.2%), whereas soybean meal RSD achieved a maximum reduction to 2.26 mg/kg (62.5%). Additionally, the soil mobility factor of Cd decreased from 44.6% (CK) to 39.2% (HWD) and 32.5% (HSD), while the distribution index increased from 58.5% (CK) to 62.2% (HWD) and 66.8% (HSD). Notably, the HWD treatment increased soil total organic carbon, humus, and humic acid concentrations by 34.8%, 24.6%, and 28.3%, respectively. Regarding amorphous FeO, their concentrations increased by 19.1% and 33.3% relative to CK. RSD treatments significantly altered soil C/N ratios (5.91–12.5). The higher C/N ratios associated with wheat straw stimulated r-strategist bacteria (e.g., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes), which promoted carbohydrate degradation and fermentation, thereby enhancing the accumulation of humic substances. In contrast, the lower C/N ratios of soybean meal increased dissolved organic carbon and activated iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB; e.g., Anaeromyxobacter, Clostridium), driving iron reduction and amorphous iron oxide formation. PLS-PM analysis confirmed that wheat straw RSD immobilized Cd primarily through humification, whereas soybean meal RSD relied on FeRB-mediated FeO amorphization. These findings suggest that Cd immobilization in soil under RSD may be regulated by microbially mediated organic matter transformation and iron oxide dynamics, which was affected by organic materials of different C/N ratios. Full article

The development of efficient bioelectrodes requires suitable fabrication strategies, starting with the electrode material, which affects the electron transfer between the biocatalyst and the electrode surface. Then, selection and adjustment of the enzyme immobilization conditions are essential to enhance the performance of the bioelectrodes for their desirable utility. In this study, we report the fabrication of a high-performance bioelectrode using a one-step crosslinking of FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) and thionine acetate as a redox mediator, with genipin serving as a natural, biocompatible crosslinker. Electrodes were manufactured on flexible polyester substrates using a direct printing technique, enabling reproducible and low-cost production. Among the tested crosslinkers, genipin significantly enhanced the catalytic performance of bioelectrodes. Comparative studies on graphite, silver, and gold electrode materials identified graphite as the most suitable due to its extended electroactive surface area. The developed bioelectrodes applied to glucose biosensing demonstrated a linear amperometric response to glucose in the range of 0.02–2 mM and 0.048–30 mM, covering clinically relevant concentrations. The application of artificial sweat confirmed high detection accuracy. These findings highlight the potential integration of genipin-based enzyme–mediator networks for future non-invasive sweat glucose monitoring platforms. Full article

Soil salinity is a major constraint to wheat production worldwide. Efficient screening of salt-tolerant cultivars is essential for breeding programs, yet a rapid and reliable evaluation system based on full-life-cycle salt stress treatment is lacking. To address this, we conducted a hydroponic experiment encompassing the entire growth cycle of 37 wheat cultivars under control and salt stress (85.5 mM NaCl). Using principal component and stepwise regression analyses on 15 agronomic and yield-related traits, we identified five key indicators—total dry weight, root dry weight, plant height, thousand-grain weight, and number of grains per spike—that effectively represent overall salt tolerance. Based on a comprehensive evaluation value (D-value), the cultivars were classified into five distinct categories: highly salt-tolerant, salt-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, weakly salt-tolerant, and salt-sensitive. Notably, the highly salt-tolerant cultivar ‘Yangfumai 8′ and the salt-sensitive cultivar ‘Yangmai 22’ were selected as representative extremes. A subsequent pot experiment confirmed significant physiological differences between them in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT) and proline accumulation under salt stress. This study establishes a practical and efficient screening framework, providing breeders with a simplified index set for high-throughput evaluation and offering ideal contrasting materials for in-depth physiological research on salt tolerance mechanisms in wheat. Full article

This paper presents a new, quick method for testing the content of magnetic forms of iron in organic soils. These forms are an important marker of changes occurring in the environment. This method is based on impedance spectroscopy of a measuring coil inside which the tested material is placed—the material serves as the core of the coil. Unlike EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), the new method does not use electrodes, is sensitive to magnetic forms of iron, and is non-contact (the measuring current does not flow through the tested material). The results of research on three materials, including brown peat and silt with plant detritus, are presented in this paper. The results showed that changes in the standardized components of the measuring coil impedance in the frequency range of 100–135 kHz enable the determination of the content of ferromagnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄). The proposed method is very sensitive to soil oxide content in the range of 0% to 8%. Additionally, elemental composition analysis was performed using ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy), which allowed for comparison of iron and other metal content with impedance measurement results. The final results confirm the usefulness of impedance spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for studying sedimentary environments and assessing their mineral properties. Full article

Wildfires represent one of the most destructive natural disturbances, yet they play a fundamental ecological role in the regeneration and evolution of forest ecosystems. In Mediterranean regions, fire acts as a selective factor shaping plant adaptive strategies and the structure of vegetation mosaics. This study analyzes post-fire regeneration dynamics in Pinus radiata and P. pinaster plantations located in Roccaforte del Greco (Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, southern Italy), severely affected by the 2021 wildfires. Phytosociological surveys were conducted along permanent transects using the Braun-Blanquet method and analyzed through diversity indices (Shannon, Evenness), Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), Indicator Species Analysis (IndVal), and hierarchical clustering. The results reveal a clear floristic differentiation among management conditions, with higher species diversity and variability, and a predominance of pioneer therophytes and hemicryptophytes in burned areas. The in situ retention of burned logs enhances structural and microenvironmental heterogeneity, facilitating the establishment of native species and supporting post-fire functional recovery. Overall, this preliminary study, focusing on early successional dynamics, suggests that the in situ retention of burned logs may positively contribute to ecosystem resilience and biodiversity in post-fire Mediterranean pine forests, while also highlighting the need for long-term monitoring to confirm the persistence of these effects. Full article

This study investigates a 26th Dynasty Ptah–Sokar–Osiris wooden statuette excavated from the Tari cemetery, Giza Pyramids area, to decode ancient Egyptian manufacturing techniques and establish evidence-based conservation strategies of such wooden objects. Using minimal sampling (1.0–2.0 mm²), integrated XRF, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and confocal microscopy distinguished original technological choices from burial-induced alterations. The 85 cm Vachellia nilotica sculpture exhibits moderate structural preservation (cellulose crystallinity index 62.9%) with partial chemical deterioration (carbonyl index 2.22). Complete pigment characterization identified carbon black, Egyptian Blue (cuprorivaite, 55 ± 5 wt %), atacamite-dominated green (65 ± 5 wt %) with residual malachite (10 ± 2 wt %), orpiment (60 ± 5 wt %), red ochre (hematite, 60% ± 5 wt %), white pigments (93 ± 5 wt % calcite), and metallic gold (40 ± 5 wt %). Confocal microscopy revealed sophisticated multi-pigment mixing strategies, with black carbon systematically blended with chromophores for nuanced color effects. Atacamite predominance over malachite provides evidence for chloride-mediated diagenetic transformation over 2600 years of burial. Consistent calcite detection (~ 20–45%) across colored layers confirms systematic ground layer application, establishing technological baseline data for 26th Dynasty Lower Egyptian workshops. Near-complete organic binder loss, severe lignin oxidation, and ongoing salt-mediated mineral transformations indicate urgent conservation needs requiring specialized consolidants, paint layer stabilization, and controlled environmental storage. This investigation demonstrates synchrotron methods’ advantages while establishing a minimally invasive framework for studying polychrome wooden artifacts. Full article

Microbiologically influenced corrosion induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) poses a significant threat to shale gas pipeline integrity. This study investigates an integrated control strategy combining the biocide glutaraldehyde with denitrifying bacteria (DNB) to synergistically inhibit SRB activity and corrosion. The efficacy and mechanisms were systematically evaluated using electrochemical measurements (EIS, LPR), weight-loss analysis, surface characterization (SEM, maximum pit depth), and microbial community profiling (16S rDNA sequencing). Compared to the SRB-inoculated system, the combined treatment reduced the average corrosion rate of L245 steel by 44.2% (to 0.01608 mm/a) and the maximum pit depth by 84.3% (to 1.53 μm). EIS results further confirmed the superior inhibition effect, showing the largest capacitive arc diameter and the highest polarization resistance in the combined system. Microbial community analysis indicated a substantial decline in SRB abundance from 62.7% (day 1) to 11.9% (day 14). This synergistic strategy presents an effective and more sustainable approach by reducing chemical dosage and leveraging the bio-competitive exclusion by DNB. Full article

Equinin B (GQCQRKCLGHCSKKCPKHPQCRKRCIRRCFGYCL), a marine peptide from Actinia equina exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To identify a smaller active region and explore tunable properties, three peptide fragments were synthesized: GQCQRKCLGHCS (EB1), KKCPKHPQCRK (EB2), and RCIRRCFGYCL (EB3), yielding peptides with key AMP-like properties, including the most positively charged and most hydrophobic regions. Only the 11-residue C-terminal fragment showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus hirae, while remaining inactive against Escherichia coli. Peptide modifications, achieved by replacing cysteine residues with arginine, generally did not enhance activity, but in the C-terminal fragment EB3 they reduced hemolytic activity and increased bacterial specificity. Membrane depolarization assays confirmed that the unmodified fragment EB3 strongly disrupts bacterial membranes, whereas the modified variant showed minimal depolarization, highlighting its markedly reduced membrane-disruptive potential. In silico modelling revealed that the EB3 can adopt multiple membrane-disruption modes, from transient shallow pores to carpet-like mechanisms, while the cysteine-to-arginine variant interacts mainly via partial insertion anchored by arginine residues. Phenylalanine appears to interact with the membrane, and reducing hydrophobicity by its removal abolished antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the 11-residue C-terminal fragment as a tunable, membrane-targeting motif with mechanistic novelty, offering a blueprint for developing safer, selective antimicrobial peptides with reduced cytotoxicity. Full article

The expansion of unconventional hydrocarbon extraction in the Vaca Muerta Formation (Argentina) has increased the generation of oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs), a hazardous waste containing up to 20 wt% total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and trace metals. These characteristics pose risks to soil and groundwater, highlighting the need for sustainable treatment technologies that minimize environmental impacts and enable resource recovery. This study evaluates slow pyrolysis as a thermochemical route for OBDC stabilization and valorization. Representative samples were characterized through proximate, ultimate, and metal analyses, confirming a complex hydrocarbon–mineral matrix with 78.1 wt% ash, 15.9 wt% volatile matter, and 12.5 wt% TPH. Thermogravimetric analysis (10–20 °C min⁻¹), combined with isoconversional methods, identified three pseudo-components with activation energies ranging from 41.9 to 104.5 kJ mol⁻¹. Slow pyrolysis experiments in a fixed bed (400–650 °C) reduced residual TPH to below 1 wt% at temperatures ≥ 400 °C, meeting Argentine criteria for non-hazardous solids. The process also produced a condensed liquid organic fraction, supporting its potential within circular-economy strategies. Overall, the results show that slow pyrolysis is a viable and sustainable technology for reducing environmental risks from OBDC while enabling resource and energy recovery, contributing to a broader understanding of their thermochemical treatment. Full article

Ataúro Island, located in the inner Banda Arc, provides a natural laboratory to investigate the interplay between magmatic evolution, hydrothermal circulation, and near-surface weathering in an active arc–continent collision setting. This study presents the first systematic island-wide geochemical baseline for Ataúro Island, based on multi-element analyses of stream sediments integrated with updated geological, structural, and hydromorphological information. Compositional Data Analysis (CoDA–CLR–PCA), combined with anomaly mapping and spatial overlays, defines a coherent three-tier geochemical framework comprising: (i) a lithogenic component dominated by Fe–Ti–Mg–Ni–Co–Cr, reflecting the geochemical signature of basaltic to andesitic volcanic rocks; (ii) a hydrothermal component characterized by Ag–As–Sb–S–Au associations spatially linked to structurally controlled zones; and (iii) an oxidative–supergene component marked by Fe–V–Zn redistribution along drainage convergence areas. These domains are defined strictly on geochemical criteria and represent geochemical process domains rather than proven metallogenic provinces. Rare earth element (REE) systematics further constrain the geotectonic setting and indicate that the primary geochemical patterns are largely controlled by lithological and magmatic differentiation processes. Spatial integration of geochemical patterns with fault architecture highlights the importance of NW–SE and NE–SW structural corridors in focusing hydrothermal fluid circulation and associated metal dispersion. The identified Ag–As–Sb–Au associations are interpreted as epithermal-style hydrothermal geochemical enrichment and exploration-relevant geochemical footprints, rather than as evidence of confirmed or economic mineralization. Overall, Ataúro Island emerges as a compact natural analogue of post-arc geochemical system evolution in the eastern Banda Arc, where lithogenic background, hydrothermal fluid–rock interaction, and early supergene processes are superimposed. The integrated geochemical framework presented here provides a robust baseline for future targeted investigations aimed at distinguishing lithogenic from hydrothermal contributions and evaluating the potential significance of the identified geochemical enrichments. Full article

To address the limitations of traditional lithium battery defect detection—low efficiency, high missed detection rates for minute/composite defects, and inadequate multimodal fusion—this study develops an improved YOLOv8 model based on multimodal fusion and attention enhancement for unified full-lifecycle multi-type defect detection. Integrating visible-light and X-ray modalities, the model incorporates a Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) module to dynamically weight channel features, suppressing redundancy and highlighting cross-modal complementarity. A Multi-Scale Fusion Module (MFM) is constructed to amplify subtle defect expression by fusing multi-scale features, building on established feature fusion principles. Experimental results show that the model achieves an mAP@0.5 of 87.5%, a minute defect recall rate (MRR) of 84.1%, and overall industrial recognition accuracy of 97.49%. It operates at 35.9 FPS (server) and 25.7 FPS (edge) with end-to-end latency of 30.9–38.9 ms, meeting high-speed production line requirements. Exhibiting strong robustness, the lightweight model outperforms YOLOv5/7/8/9-S in core metrics. Large-scale verification confirms stable performance across the battery lifecycle, providing a reliable solution for industrial defect detection and reducing production costs. Full article

Following the implementation of the Shanghai Clean Air Act, this study investigates the evolution of air pollution in central Shanghai (Putuo District) by analyzing continuous monitoring data (2016–2020) and chemical speciation of particulate matter (2017–2018). The results confirm a transition toward a “low exceedance rate and low background concentration” regime. However, short-term exceedance episodes persist, generally occurring in winter and spring, with significantly amplified diurnal variations on exceedance days. Distinct patterns emerged between PM fractions: PM₁₀ exceedances were characterized by a single morning peak linked to traffic-induced coarse particles, while PM₂.₅ exceedances showed synchronized diurnal peaks with NO₂, suggesting a stronger contribution from vehicle exhaust. Source apportionment revealed that mineral components (21.61%) and organic matter (OM, 21.02%) dominated in PM₁₀, implicating construction and road dust. In contrast, PM_2.5 was primarily composed of OM (26.73%) and secondary inorganic ions (dominated by nitrate), highlighting the greater importance of secondary formation. The findings underscore that sustained PM_2.5 mitigation requires targeted control of gasoline vehicle emissions and gaseous precursors. Full article

Background/Objective: The rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), coupled with sedentary behavior and an increase in obesity rates in South Asian countries, calls for effective management strategies. We aimed to assess the efficacy of lifestyle interventions on glycemic control among adults with T2DM in South Asian countries. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on glycemic control in adults diagnosed with T2DM in South Asia. We conducted a comprehensive search in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus to identify related studies published from 2000 to 13 June 2024. We assessed the risk of bias using the ROB 2.0 tool and calculated the pooled mean differences in HbA1c and FBG levels under a random-effects model. We conducted subgroup and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses to assess and explore sources of heterogeneity. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024552286. Results: We included 16 RCTs with a total of 1499 participants. Lifestyle interventions reduced HbA1c levels by 0.86% (95% CI: −1.30 to −0.42, p < 0.01) and FBG levels by 22.49 mg/dL (95% CI: −32.88 to −12.10, p < 0.01). We observed substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98% for HbA1c and I² = 87% for FBG). Subgroup analyses indicated larger HbA1c reductions in long-term (−1.44%) than short-term trials (−0.62%), and greater FBG decreases in long-term (−23.7 mg/dL) versus short-term studies (−22.5 mg/dL). Physical activity interventions had the largest improvements (HbA1c −0.99%; FBG −26.1 mg/dL), followed by dietary (HbA1c −0.59%; FBG −15.8 mg/dL) and combined programs (HbA1c −0.55%). Participants aged >50 years achieved greater glycemic improvements (HbA1c −0.92%; FBG −24.0 mg/dL) compared to younger adults (HbA1c −0.60%; FBG −21.3 mg/dL). Despite high heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the overall findings. Conclusions: Lifestyle modifications yielded a clinically significant reduction in HbA1c and FBG in adults with T2DM in South Asia. Although heterogeneity of the included studies was substantial, the direction of the effects was uniformly consistent across subgroups. To further validate these findings and assess their long-term effects, large-scale and standardized RCTs conducted for longer durations are necessary. Full article

In the current study, we used Chebyshev’s Pseudospectral Method (CPM), a novel numerical technique, to solve nonlinear third-order Emden–Fowler delay differential (EF-DD) equations numerically. Fractional derivatives are defined by the Caputo operator. These kinds of equations are transformed to the linear or nonlinear algebraic equations by the proposed approach. The numerical outcomes demonstrate the precision and efficiency of the suggested approach. The error analysis shows that the current method is more accurate than any other numerical method currently available. The computational analysis fully confirms the compatibility of the suggested strategy, as demonstrated by a few numerical examples. We present the outcome of the offered method in tables form, which confirms the appropriateness at each point. Additionally, the outcomes of the offered method at various non-integer orders are investigated, demonstrating that the result approaches closer to the accurate solution as a value approaches from non-integer order to an integer order. Additionally, the current study proves some helpful theorems about the convergence and error analysis related to the aforementioned technique. A suggested algorithm can effectively be used to solve other physical issues. Full article