Search Results (972)

This study presents the scientific and methodological foundation of Spain’s first national framework for the ethical management of community cat populations: the Action Plan for the Management of Community Cat Colonies (PACF), launched in 2025 under the mandate of Law 7/2023. This pioneering legislation introduces a standardized, nationwide obligation for trap–neuter–return (TNR)-based management of free-roaming cats, defined as animals living freely, territorially attached, and with limited socialization toward humans. The PACF aims to support municipalities in implementing this mandate through evidence-based strategies that integrate animal welfare, biodiversity protection, and public health objectives. Using standardized data submitted by 1128 municipalities (13.9% of Spain’s total), we estimated a baseline population of 1.81 million community cats distributed across 125,000 colonies. These data were stratified by municipal population size and applied to national census figures to generate a model-ready demographic structure. We then implemented a stochastic simulation using Vortex software to project long-term population dynamics over a 25-year horizon. The model integrated eight demographic–environmental scenarios defined by a combination of urban–rural classification and ecological reproductive potential based on photoperiod and winter temperature. Parameters included reproductive output, mortality, sterilization coverage, abandonment and adoption rates, stochastic catastrophic events, and territorial carrying capacity. Under current sterilization rates (~20%), our projections indicate that Spain’s community cat population could surpass 5 million individuals by 2050, saturating ecological and social thresholds within a decade. In contrast, a differentiated sterilization strategy aligned with territorial reproductive intensity (50% in most areas, 60–70% in high-pressure zones) achieves population stabilization by 2030 at approximately 1.5 million cats, followed by a gradual long-term decline. This scenario prioritizes feasibility while substantially reducing reproductive output, particularly in rural and high-intensity contexts. The PACF combines stratified demographic modeling with spatial sensitivity, offering a flexible framework adaptable to local conditions. It incorporates One Health principles and introduces tools for adaptive management, including digital monitoring platforms and standardized welfare protocols. While ecological impacts were not directly assessed, the proposed demographic stabilization is designed to mitigate population-driven risks to biodiversity and public health without relying on lethal control. By integrating legal mandates, stratified modeling, and realistic intervention goals, this study outlines a replicable and scalable framework for coordinated action across administrative levels. It exemplifies how national policy can be operationalized through data-driven, territorially sensitive planning tools. The findings support the strategic deployment of TNR-based programs across diverse municipal contexts, providing a model for other countries seeking to align animal welfare policy with ecological planning under a multi-level governance perspective. Full article

Fetal tachyarrhythmias, particularly supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and atrial flutter (AFL), pose significant clinical challenges, especially when complicated by hydrops fetalis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the tachyarrhythmia types, the diagnostic modalities applied, and the therapeutic strategies followed in fetal tachyarrhythmias. Diagnostic techniques such as M-mode echocardiography and fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) are highlighted for their capacity to provide real-time, high-quality assessments of fetal cardiac rhythms. The review, also, focuses on pharmacologic management via transplacental therapy, discussing the safety and efficacy of the key agents including digoxin, flecainide, and sotalol, under different clinical scenarios, such as hydropic fetus and renal impairment. In addition to transplacental administration, alternative approaches such as direct fetal intramuscular or intravascular injections are examined. These direct methods, while potentially more effective in refractory cases, carry risks that necessitate specialized expertise and careful consideration of maternal and fetal safety. The limitations of current evidence, largely based on small case studies and retrospective analyses, underscore the need for larger, prospective multicenter observational studies and randomized control trials to establish standardized protocols for fetal tachyarrhythmia management. Overall, this review advocates for a personalized, multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing early fetal tachyarrhythmias diagnosis, tailored treatment regimens that balances efficacy with safety, and rigorous monitoring to optimize outcomes for both the fetus and the mother. Full article

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders present significant therapeutic challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of neural tissues, resulting in long-term disability for many patients. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently warranted. Stem cell therapies show considerable potential for mitigating brain damage and restoring neural connectivity, owing to their multifaceted properties, including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, neurogenic, and vasculogenic effects. Recent research has also identified exosomes—small vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer, secreted by stem cells—as a key mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of stem cell therapies, and given their enhanced stability and superior blood–brain barrier permeability compared to the stem cells themselves, exosomes have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for CNS disorders. A key challenge in the application of both stem cell and exosome-based therapies for CNS diseases is the method of delivery. Currently, several routes are being investigated, including intracerebral, intrathecal, intravenous, intranasal, and intra-arterial administration. Intracerebral injection can deliver a substantial quantity of stem cells directly to the brain, but it carries the potential risk of inducing additional brain injury. Conversely, intravenous transplantation is minimally invasive but results in limited delivery of cells and exosomes to the brain, which may compromise the therapeutic efficacy. With advancements in catheter technology, intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes has garnered increasing attention as a promising delivery strategy. This approach offers the advantage of delivering a significant number of stem cells and exosomes to the brain while minimizing the risk of additional brain damage. However, the investigation into the therapeutic potential of intra-arterial transplantation for CNS injury is still in its early stages. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize both basic and clinical research exploring the intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes for the treatment of CNS diseases. Additionally, we will elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms and provide insights into the future potential of this approach. Full article

Against the backdrop of global energy transition and strict environmental regulations, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) fracturing and oil displacement technologies have emerged as pivotal green approaches in shale gas exploitation, offering the dual advantages of zero water consumption and carbon sequestration. However, the inherent low viscosity of scCO₂ severely restricts its sand-carrying capacity, fracture propagation efficiency, and oil recovery rate, necessitating the urgent development of high-performance thickeners. The current research on scCO₂ thickeners faces a critical trade-off: traditional fluorinated polymers exhibit excellent philicity CO₂, but suffer from high costs and environmental hazards, while non-fluorinated systems often struggle to balance solubility and thickening performance. The development of new thickeners primarily involves two directions. On one hand, efforts focus on modifying non-fluorinated polymers, driven by environmental protection needs—traditional fluorinated thickeners may cause environmental pollution, and improving non-fluorinated polymers can maintain good thickening performance while reducing environmental impacts. On the other hand, there is a commitment to developing non-noble metal-catalyzed siloxane modification and synthesis processes, aiming to enhance the technical and economic feasibility of scCO₂ thickeners. Compared with noble metal catalysts like platinum, non-noble metal catalysts can reduce production costs, making the synthesis process more economically viable for large-scale industrial applications. These studies are crucial for promoting the practical application of scCO₂ technology in unconventional oil and gas development, including improving fracturing efficiency and oil displacement efficiency, and providing new technical support for the sustainable development of the energy industry. This study innovatively designed an amphiphilic modified amino silicone oil polymer (MA-co-MPEGA-AS) by combining maleic anhydride (MA), methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate (MPEGA), and amino silicone oil (AS) through a molecular bridge strategy. The synthesis process involved three key steps: radical polymerization of MA and MPEGA, amidation with AS, and in situ network formation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful introduction of ether-based CO₂-philic groups. Rheological tests conducted under scCO₂ conditions demonstrated a 114-fold increase in viscosity for MA-co-MPEGA-AS. Mechanistic studies revealed that the ether oxygen atoms (Lewis base) in MPEGA formed dipole–quadrupole interactions with CO₂ (Lewis acid), enhancing solubility by 47%. Simultaneously, the self-assembly of siloxane chains into a three-dimensional network suppressed interlayer sliding in scCO₂ and maintained over 90% viscosity retention at 80 °C. This fluorine-free design eliminates the need for platinum-based catalysts and reduces production costs compared to fluorinated polymers. The hierarchical interactions (coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds) within the system provide a novel synthetic paradigm for scCO₂ thickeners. This research lays the foundation for green CO₂-based energy extraction technologies. Full article

With the widespread application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), safety performance has become a critical factor limiting the commercialization of large-scale, high-capacity LIBs. The main reason for the safety problem is that the electrolytes of LIBs are extremely flammable. Adding flame retardants to conventional electrolytes is an effective method to improve battery safety. In this paper, trimethyl phosphate (TMP) and trimethyl phosphite (TMPi) were used as research objects, and the flame-retardant test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the electrolytes configured by them were first carried out. The self-extinguishing time of the electrolyte with 5% TMP and TMPi is significantly reduced, achieving a flame-retardant effect. Secondly, the electrochemical performance of LiFePO₄|Li half-cells after adding different volume ratios of TMP and TMPi was studied. Compared with TMPi5, the peak potential difference between the oxidation peak and the reduction peak of the LiFePO₄|Li half-cell with TMP5 added is reduced, the battery polarization is reduced, the discharge specific capacity after 300 cycles is large, the capacity retention rate is as high as 99.6%, the discharge specific capacity is larger at different current rates, and the electrode resistance is smaller. TMPi5 causes the discharge-specific capacity to attenuate, which is more obvious at high current rates. LiFePO₄|Li half-cells with 5% volume ratio of flame retardant have the best electrochemical performance. Finally, the influence mechanism of the phosphorus valence state on battery safety and electrochemical performance was compared and studied. After 300 cycles, the surface of the LiFePO₄ electrode with 5% TMP added had a smoother and more uniform CEI film and higher phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) content, which was beneficial to the improvement of electrochemical performance. The cross-section of the LiFePO₄ electrode showed slight collapse and cracks, which slowed down the attenuation of battery capacity. Full article

A comprehensive paleoecological study of a forested bog located in the middle taiga subzone of northeastern European Russia was carried out. According to the ¹⁴C radiocarbon dating and botanical composition analysis, the bog began forming 8200 calibrated years ago, evolving in three stages from grassy wetlands to its current state as a pine-Sphagnum peatland. Analysis revealed substantial carbon storage (81.4 kg m⁻²) within the peat deposit. Macrocharcoal particles were consistently present throughout the peat deposits, demonstrating continuous fire activity across the bog’s developing. High charcoal particle accumulation rates occurred not only during warm periods like the Holocene thermal maximum but also during colder and wetter periods. These periods include recent centuries, when high charcoal accumulation rates are likely due to increased human activity. Statistical analysis showed significant relationships between macrocharcoal content and several peat characteristics: higher charcoal levels correlated with increased soil carbon (r = 0.6), greater aromatic compounds (r = 0.8), and elevated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (r = 0.7), all with p < 0.05. These findings highlight how fire has consistently shaped this ecosystem’s development and carbon storage capacity over millennia, with apparent intensification during recent centuries potentially linked to anthropogenic influences on fire regimes in the boreal zone. Full article

Tourism management in coastal destinations is vital to guide activity towards sustainable practices that ensure lower social and environmental impacts with greater benefits for the local community and experiences for tourists, especially in mature destinations where the main product is the beach. The aim of this research is to calculate the Tourist Carrying Capacity (TCC) of a stretch of beach in Mazatlán, Mexico, under past, present, and future scenarios, under different intensities of use. The main findings indicate that by 2025 the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) is 19,644, 29,822, and 4911 users with intensive, medium, and low occupancy levels, respectively. A decrease of −30.63% was found between the Effective Carrying Capacity of the 2025 scenario with respect to 2005 and a decrease of −68.90% is predicted for the year 2050 with respect to the current one, indicating an accelerated trend in the decrease of physical space and, therefore, greater pressure on the coastal ecosystem in case the trend of tourists goes upward, without being sustainably managed. These results are useful for agencies involved in beach and tourism management in mature coastal destinations. Full article

In order to break through the difficulties with a very-low-frequency (VLF) miniaturized antenna with small power capacity and low radiation efficiency, this paper proposes a high-radiation-field-strength magnetic loop antenna based on a nanocrystalline alloy magnetic core. A high-permeability nanocrystalline toroidal core (μ_r = 50,000, B_s = 1.2 T) is used to optimize the thickness-to-diameter ratio (t = 0.08) and increase the effective permeability to 11,000. The Leeds wires, characterized by their substantial carrying capacity, are manufactured through a toroidal winding process. This method results in a 68% reduction in leakage compared to traditional radial winding techniques and enhances magnetic induction strength by a factor of 1.5. Additionally, this approach effectively minimizes losses, thereby facilitating support for kilowatt-level power inputs. A cascaded LC resonant network (resonant capacitance 2.3 μF) and ferrite balun transformer (power capacity 3.37 kW) realize a 20-times amplification of the input current. A series connection of a high-voltage isolation capacitor blocks DC bias noise, guaranteeing the stable transmission of 1200 W power, which is 6 times higher than the power capacity of traditional ring antenna. At 7.8 kHz frequency, the magnetic field strength at 120 m reaches 47.32 dBμA/m, and, if 0.16 pT is used as the threshold, the communication distance can reach 1446 m, which is significantly better than the traditional solution. This design marks the first instance of achieving kilowatt-class VLF effective radiation in a compact 51 cm-diameter magnetic loop antenna, offering a highly efficient solution for applications such as mine communication and geological exploration. Full article

The interruption of solid transport causes sediment deposition, compromising the useful storage capacity. Therefore, it is essential to remove these materials, currently labelled as waste and disposed of in landfills, by identifying alternatives for recovery and valorization, after assessing their compatibility for reuse through characterization, in a circular economy view. This study analyses the potential contamination of shore surface sediments collected at the Camastra and the San Giuliano lakes, located in the Basilicata region. It defines their potential ecological risk, assesses the contamination level status of the sediments, and verifies whether they are polluted and, consequently, suitable for reuse. Analyses carried out using several pollution indices show a slight Arsenic pollution (with values above the regulatory threshold between 55% and 175%) for the San Giuliano sediments and slight Cobalt pollution (with exceedances between 30% and 58.5%) for the Camastra sediments. Subsequently, through statistical analysis, it was possible to make hypotheses on the possible pollutant sources, depending on the geological characteristics of the sampling area and the type of land use, and to identify the potential ecological risk linked to the exceedance of As and Co in San Giuliano and Camastra reservoirs, respectively. In conclusion, this study ascertained the low pollution content in the sampled sediments, so they could be reused in various application fields, from construction to agriculture, significantly reducing landfill disposal. Full article

The transport industry in the European Union plays a key role in the economy. However, due to persistent political, social, and technological changes, examining optimization strategies in transportation has become a crucial task to minimize expenditure, promote sustainable solutions, and address environmental degradation concerns. This study analyzes the effectiveness of a new truck trailer design, adapted from existing European models, which improves load capacity through an extended trailer length. The increased length (and, by extension, volume) is expected to reduce the number of vehicles for freight transportation, thereby improving road congestion and reducing environmental impacts, which include GHG emissions and overall carbon footprint. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive analysis of current European regulations on articulated vehicles and road trains was carried out, alongside a review of related case studies implemented or under development across the European Union member states. Additionally, a pilot study was conducted using the proposed 18 m semi-trailer across 14 real-life freight routes involving loads from several suppliers and manufacturers. This study therefore demonstrates the economic benefits and reduction in pollutant emissions related to the extended design and evaluates its impact on road infrastructure conditions, given the total length of 20.55 m. Full article

Inconsistencies in lithium-ion battery packs pose significant challenges for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems, causing diminished energy utilization and accelerated battery aging. This study investigates the characteristics and aging processes of 32 batteries, creating simulation models for cells and packs based on experimental data. Through a controlled single-variable approach, the decoupled analysis of multi-parameter inconsistencies is carried out. Simulation results demonstrate that parallel-connected packs can maintain charge consistency without the need for external balancing systems, thanks to their self-balancing mechanisms. On the other hand, series-connected packs experience accelerated capacity degradation primarily due to charge inconsistencies linked to differences in Coulombic efficiency (CE) and the initial state of charge (SOC). For packs with minor capacity variations and temperature inconsistencies, a passive balancing current of 0.001 C can effectively eliminate up to 3.8% of capacity loss caused by charge inconsistencies within 15 cycles. Active balancing systems outperform passive ones primarily when there is significant capacity inconsistency. However, for packs that have undergone capacity screening before assembly, both active and passive balancing systems prove to be equally effective. Additionally, inconsistencies in internal resistance have a minimal impact on overall pack capacity but limit the power of both series-connected and parallel-connected packs. These findings offer essential insights for the development of balancing systems within battery management systems. Full article

Research was conducted in Gannan Prefecture, China, to better understand the characteristics of carbon emissions and sequestration in areas dominated by animal husbandry. The emission factor method was used to calculate and analyze changes in carbon emissions from 2009 to 2024. The region’s average annual carbon emissions from animal husbandry are 774,286 t C-eq (2,839,049 t CO₂eq), with enteric emissions from cattle being the biggest contributor. However, as the number of locally raised cattle and sheep has decreased, carbon emissions have gradually fallen at an average annual rate of −1.0%. The annual average total carbon sequestration of vegetation in the region is 6,861,535 t C-eq, and the carbon content in underground biomass is higher than that in aboveground biomass, making it the main contributor to grassland carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration from grassland vegetation is greater than the carbon emissions from animal husbandry, which means that the entire production system is currently a carbon sink. Meanwhile, the analysis of land-use carbon sequestration found that the annual average total sequestration by forests and grasslands over the same time period was 752,327 t C-eq, and sequestration is increasing at an annual rate of 1.4%, primarily driven by the progressive expansion of forested areas. Although the regional carbon emissions from animal husbandry are lower than the carbon sequestration, developing a science-based animal husbandry plan aligned with regional ecological thresholds, continuing to implement grass–livestock balance management measures, and preventing livestock numbers from exceeding their ecological carrying capacity remain critical to promoting sustainable coordination between livestock economies and ecological conservation. Full article

The escalation in the population of livestock coupled with inadequate precipitation has caused a reduction in pasture biomass, thereby resulting in diminished grassland carrying capacity (GCC) and pasture degradation. In this research, net primary productivity (NPP) data, sourced from the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) datasets from 1982 to 2020, were initially transformed into aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates. These estimates were subsequently utilized to evaluate and assess the long-term trends of GCC across Mongolia. The MODIS data indicated an upward trend in AGB from 2000 to 2020, whereas the GLASS data reflected a downward trend from 1982 to 2018. Between 1982 and 2020, climatic analysis uncovered robust positive correlations between AGB and precipitation (R > 0.80) and negative correlations with temperature (R < −0.60). These climatic alterations have led to a reduction in AGB, further impairing the regenerative capacity of grasslands. Concurrently, livestock numbers have generally increased since 1982, with a decrease in certain years due to dzud and summer drought, leading to the increase in the GCC. GCC assessment found that 37.5% of grasslands experienced severe overgrazing and 31.9–40.7% was within sustainable limits. Spatially, the eastern region of Mongolia could sustainably support current livestock numbers; the western and southern regions, as well as parts of northern Mongolia, have exhibited moderate to critical levels of grassland utilization. A detailed analysis of GCC dynamics and its climatic impacts would offer scientific support for policymakers in managing grasslands in the Mongolian Plateau. Full article

Currently, there is an ever-increasing demand for organic food from consumers who are convinced that it is healthier and more nutritious. The purpose of our research was to carry out an evaluation of the nutritional and sensory characteristics of organic and conventional hazelnuts of Tonda Gentile Romana cv. To this end, volatile composition, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and sensory profile of organic and conventional hazelnuts were identified. In comparison to conventional hazelnuts, organic hazelnuts had a greater amount of total phenols and antioxidants. Furthermore, organic hazelnuts had a different sensory profile, with more crunchiness (6.722 vs. 4.056 for raw and 8.389 vs. 4.667 for roasted) and sweetness (7.667 vs. 4.867 for raw and 7.089 vs. 3.889 for roasted), accompanied by distinct hazelnut, almond, walnut, popcorn, coffee, and roasty notes, present in much higher amounts than conventional hazelnuts. One of our key findings is that organic hazelnuts have a higher nutritional value due to their higher antioxidant capacity. Promoting organic hazelnuts helps to encourage consumers to use these products, which have a high nutritional value, thus contributing to public health. Full article

Effective sustainable fish farming necessitates enhanced models that incorporate environmental variability and contemporary monitoring methods. This research presents an innovative framework for assessing and modeling the environmental carrying capacity based on phosphorus (ECCp) in tropical and neotropical lakes and reservoirs. The model evaluates phosphorus waste from tilapia farming (Oreochromis niloticus) under diverse climatic conditions and production scenarios in cage systems. Using bioenergetic modeling and Monte Carlo simulations, we estimated phosphorus retention in fish and maximum production limits across different temperatures (21 °C, 25 °C, 29 °C) and dietary phosphorus concentrations (0.8%, 1.2%, 2.1%) in Brazil’s Chavantes reservoir. Results indicated that phosphorus retention diminished with higher dietary phosphorus and increased temperatures, ranging from 51% (0.8% P) to 20% (2.1% P). Phosphorus discharge ranged from 3.3 to 20.5 kg/ton of fish produced. The ECCp model forecasted an allowable production of roughly 40 tons per year at full operational capacity, reflecting a 41% increase compared to current regulations. The model’s accuracy (96%) surpassed that of traditional regulatory frameworks, which rely on static parameters, emphasizing the shortcomings of existing practices. The findings promote enhanced modeling strategies, sophisticated monitoring, adaptive management, and revised public policies to mitigate phosphorus emissions and support sustainable aquaculture in tropical and neotropical regions. Full article