Search Results (58,157)

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into edible, nutrient-rich products using low-cost forestry waste offers substantial ecological and economic benefits. Composting forestry waste as a substrate for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation is an effective recovery strategy. However, the specific microbial-driven mechanisms by which nitrogen sources regulate lignocellulose degradation and compost quality during forestry waste composting for Pleurotus ostreatus substrate preparation remain to be elucidated. We evaluated three organic nitrogen sources (bran, soybean meal, and chicken manure) and one inorganic source (diammonium phosphate, DAP) during composting of forest-waste-based substrates. Composting performance and cultivation outcomes were assessed using physicochemical analyses, lignocellulose degradation measurements, high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS, and biological efficiency. Organic nitrogen sources enhanced compost temperature and lignocellulose degradation by providing sustained nitrogen release, promoting stable colonization of core microbial communities and cooperative bacteria–fungi networks. In contrast, inorganic nitrogen resulted in slower heating, minimal lignocellulose degradation (0.75%), and unstable, competition-dominated microbial networks. Nitrogen sources indirectly shaped microbial communities by regulating the C/N ratio, pH, and electrical conductivity. Lignocellulose degradation and bacterial diversity significantly influenced mushroom biological efficiency, with bacterial diversity strongly regulating degradation rates. The forest waste–bran treatment achieved the highest biological efficiency (78.35%). These findings offer a practical strategy for optimizing forestry waste bioconversion into fungal protein. Full article

Introduction: Over 100 studies demonstrate the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based therapeutic method. However, most research is on in-person delivery of EFT. Only a few studies examine EFT delivered virtually, and to date no research has provided a direct comparison of group virtual EFT to group in-person delivery. Objectives: Delivery of EFT shifted to online platforms in the wake of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This makes a comparison of virtual delivery to in-person delivery timely. The research question of whether online group delivery is as effective as in-person group delivery is of high clinical relevance, given the increased access and convenience offered by virtual treatment options. Methods: Participants in the online group were a convenience sample of 172 participants drawn from four four-day virtual EFT training sessions. Changes in psychological and physiological symptoms were measured pre, post, and at six-month follow-up using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). The two-item Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL), the Happiness Scale, and the QuickDASH pain scale. These results were then compared to those of a previously published study of in-person group EFT (n = 203) that used an identical training curriculum delivered face-to-face. Due to COVID restrictions, the physiological measures used in the face-to-face delivery could not be replicated in the virtual group. Results: Online group EFT demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, depression, pain, and happiness (all p < 0.001) pre to post EFT. These improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up for PTSD (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.048), pain (p = 0.002), and happiness (p < 0.001). Although there was a reduction in anxiety in the online group at six-month follow-up, this did not reach significance (p = 0.102). When compared to the in-person group (pre-COVID), the percent change in symptoms, while still clinically and statistically significant, was for most conditions smaller in the virtual group (post COVID) at both post and follow-up time points. Conclusions: EFT is associated with significant improvements in psychological and physiological conditions including PTSD, anxiety, depression, pain, and happiness, whether delivered virtually in groups or in-person in groups. The psychological and physiological benefits identified in online treatment are similar to those found during in-person delivery, though not as large or clinically significant. This finding is consistent with the literature demonstrating that online treatment is an effective method of delivering psychological therapies. The results reinforce other studies showing COVID produced a significant increase in mental health symptoms. Published treatment guidelines already recommend in-person EFT as an efficient and potentially cost-effective first-line intervention in primary care; virtual group EFT can be similarly recommended. Full article

Azo dyes represent the largest and most extensively used class of synthetic dyes in industries such as textiles, leather, paper, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Due to their complex aromatic structures and the presence of azo (–N=N–) bonds, these dyes exhibit high chemical stability and resistance to degradation, leading to their persistent discharge into the environment through industrial wastewater. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, sources, environmental fate, and toxicological impacts of azo dyes, with a particular focus on microbial remediation strategies. The roles of bacteria, fungi, algae, and microbial consortia, along with their enzymatic mechanisms and influencing factors, are critically discussed. The presence of azo dyes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems causes severe environmental problems, including reduced light penetration, disruption of photosynthetic activity, and deterioration of water quality. Moreover, the reductive cleavage of azo dyes can result in the formation of toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic aromatic amines, posing significant risks to ecological and human health. Conventional physicochemical treatment methods, although effective in decolorization, suffer from limitations such as high cost, energy demand, sludge generation, and incomplete mineralization. This review identifies key strategies for achieving scalable and eco-friendly solutions for industrial wastewater management. Full article

Floodplain disconnection caused by channel incision and/or levee construction has led to widespread loss of riparian habitats and ecosystem functions globally. Restoring full stream–floodplain connectivity is increasingly promoted, yet evidence of ecological outcomes remains limited. This study evaluates the initial performance of two Stage 0 restoration projects on Whychus Creek, Oregon, which reconnected incised channels to their historical floodplains in 2012 and 2016. We combined pre- and post-restoration vegetation surveys along fixed transects with hydrogeomorphic-based riparian and wetland function assessments and applied quantitative analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis tests, Jaccard correlations, Sorensen similarity indices, and factor analysis, to compare changes in plant assemblages and ecosystem functions across restored, transitional, and unrestored reaches. Our research results indicate that two years post-restoration, the active riparian area expanded 2.5-fold, species richness and structural diversity increased significantly, and riparian and wetland functions such as water storage, sediment retention, and habitat support for fish and amphibians improved markedly. Numbers of anadromous salmonids also increased markedly. This is important as salmon recovery is a regional stream restoration goal. Comparisons with a reach restored six years earlier suggest a positive trajectory toward mature, resilient ecosystems. These findings demonstrate that Stage 0 restoration can rapidly reestablish complex habitat mosaics and enhance ecosystem services critical for biodiversity, water quality, and flood resilience. Practically, this evidence supports process-based restoration strategies that prioritize full floodplain reconnection as a cost-effective approach to reversing long-term ecological degradation. Continued monitoring is essential to guide adaptive management and strengthen the evidence base for the wide-scale implementation of valley-floor wide stream restoration. Full article

This study addresses the decarbonisation of the glass industry from an integrated energy system perspective, analysing the role of renewable electricity, furnace electrification, and hydrogen in meeting the high and continuous thermal demands of glass melting. While direct electrification represents the most energy-efficient option, its implementation is challenged by the intermittent nature and limited operating hours of renewable generation, scale constraints, and technological limitations in replacing fossil-based processes, highlighting a potential complementary role for hydrogen. A general methodological framework is first developed and then applied to a representative oxyfuel glass furnace using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimisation that minimises melting costs while accounting for variable solar and wind generation, battery storage, and hydrogen production and storage. The results show that high levels of furnace electrification combined with wind-dominated renewable supply yield the lowest decarbonisation costs, which can become negative at moderate decarbonisation levels. Under the current solar–wind capacity expansion mix, the integration of battery and hydrogen storage extends achievable emission reductions from around 50% to 80%, with hydrogen acting as a complementary solution to electrification. Sensitivity analysis of energy and carbon prices, as well as technology investment costs, identifies the economic conditions in which storage-based solutions become cost-effective, highlighting the strategic role of hydrogen under conditions of low electricity prices and high fuel prices. The findings demonstrate viable pathways for deep decarbonisation of the glass sector and provide a transferable methodological framework for optimal renewable energy integration in other hard-to-abate industrial sectors facing similar constraints. Full article

Background and Objectives: Rapid diagnosis is fundamental to acute ischemic stroke management; however, access to neuroradiological expertise remains limited. This scoping review maps the diagnostic accuracy, workflow impact, and cost-effectiveness of leading AI platforms (Brainomix, Aidoc, RapidAI, and Viz.ai), characterizing industry and peer-reviewed metrics. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and HTA repositories for studies (2019–2025). Using a PICO-based framework, 29 studies were included for thematic mapping of the technological landscape. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. Platforms show high proximal LVO sensitivity (78–97%), while performance for distal/MVO and posterior circulation occlusions was more variable. RapidAI is frequently mapped using historical perfusion trial parameters; however, volumetric discrepancies with platforms like Viz.ai indicate outputs are not interchangeable. Brainomix shows extensive validation for automated NCCT ASPECTS in triage. Aidoc demonstrates operational advantages via worklist prioritization, while. Viz.ai is associated with door-to-puncture time reductions (11–25 min). Economically, cost-effectiveness is driven by improved functional outcomes and expanded access to thrombectomy, rather than labor substitution. Conclusions: AI platforms function as diagnostic safety nets and workflow optimizers. Reported roles, such as perfusion-centric analysis (RapidAI) or workflow coordination (Viz.ai), reflect current research trends rather than definitive technological superiority. Institutional selection should consider these evidence clusters alongside local validation and specific clinical priorities. Full article

In situ tunnel expansion provides a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to new tunnel construction. However, staged widening disturbs the lining–rock system, triggering complex, non-monotonic stability responses. This study integrates physical model tests and FLAC3D simulations to investigate the mechanical evolution of a limestone tunnel widened by the Center Diaphragm (CD) method. Seven cross-sections (S1–S7) were fabricated and tested under uniaxial compression with digital image correlation. Results show that the peak load decreases from 385.73 kN in the lined baseline (S1) to 184.14 kN at the first unilateral cut (S3), a 49% reduction, but recovers to 262.28 kN at the left-half closure (S4) before dropping to 128.16 kN at the upper-right excavation (S5). The final relined stage (S7) regains 200.69 kN, a 40% improvement over the unlined enlarged state (S6). Numerical analyses confirm this non-monotonic trajectory in terms of the peak plastic-zone fraction. It reaches at 86.32% in S3, decreases to 74.03% in S4, and rises to 76.43% in S5. The fractions further reach 88.51% in S6 and 87.70% in S7, reflecting the enlarged span and redistributed yielding. Targeted bolting at weak stages S3 and S5 reduced plastic-zone fraction by 14.73 and 4.75 percentage points, and reduced crown settlement by 68% and 41%, respectively. These findings challenge the conventional monotonic degradation assumption, identify S3 and S5 as critical weak links, and validate selective reinforcement for enhancing stability during tunnel expansion. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) holds great promise for ultrasensitive chemical analysis but is often limited by the trade-off between performance and fabrication simplicity. This work presents a facile strategy to prepare monolayer silver microplates combining the top-down and bottom-up fabrication concepts. Silver microplates with uniform nanoscale thickness (~93.5 nm) and micron-scale lateral size (D₅₀ = 3.33 µm) are prepared via a scalable mechanical ball-milling process. These silver microplates served as building blocks for spontaneous interfacial self-assembly at the air/water interface to form a macroscopically continuous monolayer film. The silver microplate monolayer film is transferred onto a plasma-treated silicon wafer as a SERS substrate. The resulting SERS substrate exhibits a porous, network-like microstructure composed of densely packed microplates, which generates a high density of electromagnetic hot spots at the nanogaps. Using Rhodamine 6G as a probe molecule, the substrate demonstrates a SERS detection limit of as low as 1 nM and good spatial uniformity with a relative standard deviation of ~9.94%. This study provides a cost-effective and scalable self-assembly route of physically reshaped silver microplates to fabricate high-performance SERS substrates. Full article

The global transition towards sustainable and resilient energy systems has emphasized the need for efficient utilization of renewable energy sources (RESs) and rapid electrification of transportation. However, smart grids must address the intermittency of solar and wind power while accommodating the growing demand from electric vehicles (EVs). Hence, in this paper, a data-driven energy management system (EMS) is proposed that combines multivariable forecasting, generation scheduling, and EV charging coordination in a dual-level decentralized framework to increase the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of modern power grids. First, short-term forecasts of solar irradiance, wind speed, and load demand are addressed via five machine learning models ranging from nonlinear to ensemble models. Accordingly, a unified CatBoost-based platform for forecasting these three variables is selected because of its better performance and accuracy. These forecasts are subsequently utilized in a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) framework for optimal generation scheduling in the considered network, fulfilling load demand at reduced electricity and emission costs while maintaining grid stability. Finally, a priority-based scheme is proposed for charging/discharging coordination of the aggregated EVs, minimizing demand variability while fulfilling vehicles’ charging needs and maintaining their batteries’ lifetime. The superiority of the proposed method lies in integrating a multivariable forecasting pipeline, linear MILP generation scheduling, and battery-health-aware V2G coordination in a unified decoupled framework, unlike many recent frontier works that treat these capabilities independently. Simulation results, under different scenarios, confirm that the proposed intelligent EMS can significantly reduce operational fluctuations, satisfy load and EV demands, optimize RES utilization, and support system cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and resilience. Full article

Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply in growing urban areas requires integrated planning that balances increasing demand with technical, economic, and operational constraints. This paper presents the development of a Planning Support System to support decision-making in the expansion of urban water distribution networks. The proposed framework links urban development strategies with future water demand assessment, spatial analysis, hydraulic modeling, and structured evaluation of alternative network expansion scenarios. Geographic Information Systems are used to identify potential growth areas and estimate future demand based on urban planning documents, while hydraulic simulations are performed using the Water Network Tool for Resilience to assess network performance under projected operating conditions. The generated variants are subsequently evaluated using selected Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis methods, considering factors such as investment costs, energy consumption, supply security, and network resilience. A case study demonstrates the applicability of the proposed Planning Support System and confirms its effectiveness in providing a transparent and replicable basis for supporting strategic decisions in water supply network sustainable development. Full article

Salophen-type Schiff base ligands derived from salicylaldehyde and naphthalene aldehydes were synthesized and coordinated to Ni(II) to obtain three nickel complexes (NiL1–NiL3), which were evaluated as heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media. The ligands and complexes were fully characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, EPR, DART-MS, and elemental analysis, confirming tetradentate coordination through imine nitrogen and phenoxide oxygen donors. Electrochemical studies were carried out using carbon paste electrodes modified with 15 wt % of each complex. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the electrocatalytic activity is mediated by the Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox couple, with Ni(III) oxohydroxide species acting as the active sites for methanol oxidation. Among the evaluated systems, NiL1@CPE showed superior performance at low methanol concentrations, while NiL2@CPE and NiL3@CPE exhibited higher current densities at elevated methanol concentrations. Scan-rate studies indicated that the oxidation process is diffusion-controlled, and a linear response to methanol concentration was observed over a wide concentration range. The results demonstrate that ligand structure and coordination geometry play a crucial role in modulating the electrocatalytic behavior of Ni(II) Schiff base complexes, highlighting their potential as cost-effective molecular catalysts for alkaline methanol oxidation. Full article

Optimizing planting density is a critical, cost-effective strategy for sustainable agricultural intensification, yet moving beyond static recommendations to environment-specific precision management remains a key challenge. This study establishes a three-step framework (comprising zoning, response extraction, and machine learning modeling) to determine optimum planting density (OPD) for rice (Oryza sativa L.). Utilizing a data-driven synthesis of 960 field observations from the Northeast Black Soil Region (NBSR) of China, we identified distinct spatial variability in OPD (16.6 to 37.4 × 10⁴ hills ha⁻¹). Northern regions computationally prioritized higher densities, aligning with agronomic strategies to offset thermal constraints, while southern regions favored lower densities to reduce canopy competition. Soil properties, particularly Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and Total Nitrogen (TN), were identified as the dominant predictive indicators, collectively surpassing climatic factors in their predictive importance. This highlights the foundational role of soil buffering capacity in estimating crop tolerance to density management. Based on model-derived estimates, optimized density management indicated potential yield improvements of 3.8% to 9.7% (up to 872.32 kg ha⁻¹) compared to conventional practices. By replacing uniform practices with dynamic, environment-driven strategies, this work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), offering a scalable solution for diverse rice production systems under climate change. Full article

As the largest urban agglomeration and a critical grain production base in northern China, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region faces a sharp conflict between rapid urbanization and cropland conservation. Urban expansion inevitably leads to the loss of high-quality agricultural land, posing dual threats to food security and the terrestrial carbon cycle. To accurately assess the ecological costs of this process, this study integrates the CASA model with a time-weighted cumulative model to quantify the spatiotemporal impacts of urban expansion on cropland NPP in the BTH region from 2001 to 2020. Furthermore, a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model was employed to examine the spatially varying effects of key driving factors on cropland NPP loss. The results indicate that urban land in the BTH region expanded by 45.2% over the past two decades, with 91.04% originating from cropland. Despite an overall upward trend in regional cropland NPP driven by climate change and agricultural intensification, the time-weighted cumulative cropland NPP loss attributable to urban encroachment over 2001–2020 reached 29.24 Tg C, which is equivalent to 0.751× the annual total cropland NPP in 2020 (used as a reference benchmark). Crucially, this expansion exhibits distinct ecological selectivity toward high-quality cropland, meaning that urban development has disproportionately encroached upon highly productive land with productivity levels exceeding the regional average. This selective occupation has led to a structural decline in the region’s potential agricultural production capacity. Additionally, GWR results reveal significant spatial non-stationarity in the relationships between cropland NPP loss and its drivers, revealing differentiated response patterns between plains and mountainous areas in terms of socio-economic drivers and physical constraints. These findings expose the hidden threats of urban expansion to food security, providing a crucial scientific basis for formulating differentiated land management policies and coordinating regional urbanization with cropland protection. Full article

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a kind of antibiotics, which are widely used in animal husbandry and aquaculture. However, the abuse of FQs can result in residues in foodstuffs of animal origin. Therefore, it is essential to establish a sensitive and accurate detection method for determination of FQs in food samples. An effective sample pretreatment method is a crucial procedure for enrichment of trace target compounds from complex matrix before HPLC analysis. As an emerging kind of sample pretreatment methods, magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) has attracted much interest due to its characteristics including low cost, simplicity, and rapidity. In this study, a novel fluorinated magnetic covalent organic framework (Fe₃O₄@PDA@COF) was fabricated, which was used as an adsorbent in MSPE as well as coupled with HPLC to determine FQs in food samples. Under optimal conditions, the developed Fe₃O₄@PDA@COF-MSPE-HPLC-UV method possessed a wide linear range (1–250 µg·kg⁻¹) and low limits of detection (0.5–0.7 µg·kg⁻¹) with good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9938). Additionally, the method has been used to adsorb FQs from chicken samples. The recoveries of target FQs in spiked samples were 84.2–106.7% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 7.8%. These results demonstrated that the established method provides an efficient and sensitive solution for monitoring FQ residues in foodstuffs. Full article

Precise orbital floor reconstruction requires personalised surgical templates that combine high geometric fidelity with manufacturing efficiency. This study presents and validates the TARMM procedure, developed to optimise the production of polylactide (PLA) templates. A key innovation is the integration of advanced machine learning algorithms (Random Forest) and Mitchell–Netravali interpolation to reduce medical reconstruction artefacts, as well as the implementation of Material Extrusion (MEX) technology with Variable Layer Height (VLH). This strategy minimises the stair-step effect on complex anatomical curvatures while maintaining high process throughput. The results demonstrate that the TARMM procedure ensures a geometric error within ±0.1 mm. A strong linear correlation (r = 0.99) was found between layer height and surface roughness (Sa), indicating that a 0.07 mm layer in critical areas significantly improves template morphology and facilitates the contouring of titanium meshes. The clinical validation across 21 cases confirmed a 30 min reduction in surgical preparation time. The developed method serves as a low-cost, high-precision alternative to photopolymerization technologies, contributing to modern 3D printing applications in maxillofacial surgery. Full article