Search Results (357)

The applicability of the in-situ pyrolysis of oil-rich coal is highly dependent on regional geological conditions. In this study, six major geological factors and 19 key parameters influencing the in-situ pyrolysis of oil-rich coal were systematically identified. An analytic hierarchy process incorporating index classification and quantification was employed in combination with the geological features of the Tiaohu mining area to establish a feasibility evaluation index system suitable for in-situ development in the study region. Among these factors, coal quality parameters (e.g., coal type, moisture content, volatile matter, ash yield), coal seam occurrence characteristics (e.g., seam thickness, burial depth, interburden frequency), and hydrogeological conditions (e.g., relative water inflow) primarily govern pyrolysis process stability. Surrounding rock properties (e.g., roof/floor lithology) and structural features (e.g., fault proximity) directly impact pyrolysis furnace sealing integrity, while environmental geological factors (e.g., hazardous element content in coal) determine environmental risk control effectiveness. Based on actual geological data from the Tiaohu mining area, the comprehensive weight of each index was determined. After calculation, the southwestern, central, and southeastern subregions of the mining area were identified as favorable zones for pyrolysis development. A constraint condition analysis was then conducted, accompanied by a one-vote veto index system, in which the thresholds were defined for coal seam thickness (≥1.5 m), burial depth (≥500 m), thickness variation coefficient (≤15%), fault proximity (≥200 m), tar yield (≥7%), high-pressure permeability (≥10 mD), and high-pressure porosity (≥15%). Following the exclusion of unqualified boreholes, three target zones for pyrolysis furnace deployment were ultimately selected. Full article

The expansion of global maritime activities threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Collisions between ships and marine megafauna profoundly impact vulnerable species such as whales, who serve as keystone predators. However, the specific regions most heavily affected by shipping traffic and the multi-species facing collision risk remain poorly understood. Here, we analyzed global shipping data to assess the distribution of areas with high shipping pressure and identify global hotspots for whale–ship collisions. The results reveal that high-pressure habitats are primarily distributed within exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which are generally consistent with the distribution of collision hotspots. High-pressure habitats exhibit significant spatial mismatch: 32.9% of Marine Protected Areas endure high shipping stress and yet occupy merely 1.25% of protected ocean area. Additionally, 25.1% of collision hotspots (top 1% risk) affect four or more whale species, forming critical aggregation in regions like the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northeast Asian marginal seas. Most of these high-risk areas lack protective measures. These findings offer actionable spatial priorities for implementing targeted conservation strategies, such as the introduction of mandatory speed restrictions and dynamic vessel routing in high-risk, multi-species hotspots. By focusing on critical aggregation areas, these strategies will help mitigate whale mortality and enhance marine biodiversity protection, supporting the sustainable coexistence of maritime activities with vulnerable marine megafauna. Full article

Background/Objectives: Subcutaneous tumor models are widely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) research due to their experimental accessibility; however, the spatial organization and regulatory mechanisms of their tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. Methods: Here, we applied spatial transcriptomics to systematically characterize spatial heterogeneity within MC38 subcutaneous tumors in a syngeneic mouse model. Results: We identified two spatially distinct tumor zones, partitioned by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), that differ markedly in cellular composition, oncogenic signaling, immune infiltration, and metabolic states. One zone exhibited features of TGF-β-driven extracellular matrix remodeling, immune exclusion, and hyperproliferative metabolism, while the other was enriched for immunosuppressive macrophages, metabolic reprogramming via PPAR and AMPK pathways, and high-risk cell populations. Spatially resolved cell–cell communication networks further revealed zone-specific ligand–receptor interactions—such as ANGPTL4–SDC2 and PROS1–AXL—that underpin stromal remodeling and immune evasion and are associated with patient prognosis. Conclusions: Collectively, our study uncovers how region-specific cellular ecosystems and intercellular crosstalk establish prognostically divergent niches within subcutaneous CRC tumors, offering insights into spatially guided therapeutic strategies. Full article

Wildfires critically affect ecosystems, carbon cycles, and public health. COVID-19 restrictions provided a unique opportunity to study human activity’s role in wildfire regimes. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of pandemic-induced wildfire regime changes across global fire-prone regions. Using MODIS data (2010–2022), we analyzed fire patterns during the pandemic (2020–2022) against pre-pandemic baselines. Key findings include: (a) A 22% global decline in wildfire hotspots during 2020–2022 compared to 2015–2019, with the most pronounced reduction occurring in 2022; (b) Contrasting regional trends: reduced fire activity in tropical zones versus intensified burning in boreal regions; (c) Stark national disparities, exemplified by Russia’s net increase of 59,990 hotspots versus Australia’s decrease of 60,380 in 2020; (d) Seasonal shifts characterized by December declines linked to mobility restrictions, while northern summer fires persisted due to climate-driven factors. Notably, although climatic factors predominantly govern fire regimes in northern latitudes, anthropogenic ignition sources such as agricultural burning and accidental fires substantially contribute to both fire incidence and associated emissions. The pandemic period demonstrated that while human activity restrictions reduced ignition sources in tropical regions, fire activity in boreal ecosystems during these years exhibited persistent correlations with climatic variables, reinforcing climate’s pivotal—though not exclusive—role in shaping fire regimes. This underscores the need for integrated wildfire management strategies that address both human and climatic factors through regionally tailored approaches. Future research should explore long-term shifts and adaptive management frameworks. Full article

This paper presents a distributed adaptive formation control strategy for a multiple near-space vehicles (NSVs) system operating under unknown input constraints and external disturbances. In challenging near-space environments, the control system must address not only model uncertainties and parameter variations but also accommodate the input limitations of actuators. To address these challenges, we design an adaptive distributed formation control strategy for vehicle formation that relies exclusively on relative attitude information. This approach is grounded in the principles of angle rigidity formation theory, which has not previously been applied in the near-space vehicle domain. The aim of the adaptive formation control strategy is to maintain the desired formation shape for the near-space vehicles (NSVs) system with external disturbances, actuator dead zones, and saturation. In addition, neural networks are employed to approximate the inherent nonlinear uncertainties within the NSV models. An adaptive estimation technique is concurrently included to address parameter variations and to alleviate the impact of external disturbances, actuator dead zones, and saturation effects. Finally, a Lyapunov-based analysis is used to rigorously demonstrate the stability of the NSV formation system. The simulation results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy in uncertain environments. Full article

Green hydrogen is a promising solution for decarbonizing emission-intensive sectors, with its production through offshore wind energy offering viable opportunities. This study presents a preliminary assessment of the main environmental factors potentially affected by offshore wind and green hydrogen projects in Uruguay’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where such developments pose environmental challenges that require evaluation, particularly given the limited prior research in Uruguay and Latin America. Through a comprehensive review of international literature and national technical data, the study identifies key interactions between project activities and the physical, biotic, and anthropic environmental components during the development, construction, and operational phases. Using cross-reference matrices and impact categorization, the analysis highlights that activities such as foundation installation, submarine cable deployment, and offshore electrolysis could significantly affect the seabed, underwater noise levels, water quality, and marine biodiversity. The biotic and physical environment were found to be the most frequently impacted. To contextualize these findings, technical information specific to Uruguay’s EEZ was reviewed to identify the most vulnerable regional environmental factors. The results offer a science-based foundation to support early-stage environmental assessments and guide sustainable offshore energy development in the region. Full article

Introduction: Recent technological progress in optical imaging—such as adaptive optics, interferometry and tomography—has greatly improved the resolution of retinal imaging. The ability to capture sequential images over time is particularly valuable for continuous monitoring and assessment of retinal diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and age-matched controls from the Diabetes and Ophthalmology Department of the Emergency Military Clinical Hospital “Dr. Constantin Papilian” Cluj-Napoca between October 2023 and October 2024. These patients were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria and then categorized into two groups: the diabetes group and control group. Each participant underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and retinal evaluation using SS-OCT (Spectralis Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The parameters measured included the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZ) in only one eye for each patient, selected based on image quality. Additionally, each patient underwent quantitative analysis of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results: A total of 33 patients (33 eyes) featured, 13 men and 20 women. The DM group showed statistically significant higher results for CRP value compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Also, both superficial and deep FAZ areas were statistically significantly higher for diabetes patients compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that there was no significant correlation between CRP and either superficial FAZ (p = 0.809) or deep FAZ (p = 0.659). However, a significant positive moderate correlation was found between superficial FAZ and deep FAZ (r = 0.577, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Our findings showed a significantly enlarged FAZ in diabetic patients compared to healthy individuals, highlighting its potential as an early indicator of microvascular alterations in diabetes. While CRP levels were notably elevated in the diabetic group, no significant association was found between CRP and FAZ measurements, suggesting that FAZ changes may occur independently of systemic inflammatory status. Full article

Background/Objectives: It remains unclear whether certain areas of the prostate are more difficult to accurately sample using MRI/US-fusion-guided freehand single-access transperineal prostate biopsy (FSA-TP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection rates of clinically significant (cs) and clinically insignificant (ci) prostate cancer (PCa) in each prostate zone during FSA-TP MRI-target biopsies (MRI-TBs) and systematic biopsies (SB). Methods: This monocentric observational study included a cohort of 277 patients with no prior history of PCa who underwent 3 MRI-TB cores and 14 SB cores with an FSA-TP from January to December 2023. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was assessed to evaluate the correlation between the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) of the index lesion and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade stratified according to prostate zone and region of index lesion at MRI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with PCa and csPCa in patients with discordant results between MRI-TB and SB. Results: FSA-TP-MRI-TB demonstrated higher detection rates of both ciPCa and csPCa in the anterior, apical, and intermediate zones when each of the three MRI-TB cores was analysed separately (p < 0.01). However, when all MRI-TB cores were combined, no significant differences were observed in detection rates across prostate zones (apex, mid, base; p = 0.57) or regions (anterior vs. posterior; p = 0.34). Concordance between radiologic and histopathologic findings, as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was similar across all zones (apex ICC: 0.33; mid ICC: 0.34; base ICC: 0.38) and regions (anterior ICC: 0.42; posterior ICC: 0.26). Univariate analysis showed that in patients with PCa detected on SB but with negative MRI-TB, older age was the only significant predictor (p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with PCa detected on MRI-TB but with negative SB, only PSA remained a significant predictor (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4; p = 0.01). In cases with csPCa detected on MRI-TB but with negative SB, age (OR: 1.0, 95% CI 1.0–1.1; p = 0.02), positive digital rectal examination (OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8; p = 0.03), PI-RADS score >3 (OR: 4.5, 95% CI 1.7–12.1; p < 0.01), and larger lesion size (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.2; p < 0.01) were significant predictors. Conclusions: FSA-TP using 14 SB cores and 3 MRI-TB cores ensures comprehensive sampling of all prostate regions, including anterior and apical zones, without significant differences in detection rates between nodules across different zones. Only in a small percentage of patients was csPCa detected exclusively by SB, highlighting the small but important complementary value of combining SB and MRI-TB. Full article

Understanding the complex and multidimensional nature of poverty is essential for designing effective and targeted policy interventions in rural Ethiopia. This study examined the determinants of multidimensional poverty in Bilate River Basin in South Ethiopia, employing cross-sectional household survey data collected in 2024. A total of 359 households were selected using a multistage sampling technique, ensuring representation across agro-ecological and socio-economic zones. The analysis applied the Generalized Ordered Logit (GOLOGIT) model to categorize households into four mutually exclusive poverty statuses: non-poor, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. The results reveal that age, dependency ratio, education level, livestock and ox ownership, access to information and credit, health status, and grazing land access significantly influence poverty status. Higher dependency ratios and poor health substantially increase the likelihood of extreme poverty, while livestock ownership and access to grazing land reduce it. Notably, credit use and access to information typically considered poverty reducing were associated with increased extreme poverty risks, likely due to poor financial literacy and exposure to misinformation. These findings underscored the multidimensional and dynamic nature of poverty, driven by both structural and behavioral factors. Policy implications point to the importance of integrated interventions that promote education, health, financial literacy, and access to productive assets to ensure sustainable poverty reduction and improved rural livelihoods in Ethiopia. Full article

Over the past 20 years, the use of the global positioning system (GPS) in football has become widespread. This technology has facilitated the tracking of external load both during training sessions and matches. Creating an external load profile for each playing position within specific formations can assist the coaching staff in shaping the training load of the microcycle according to the demands of each position. The purpose of this study was to create the running performance profile for high-level young football players based on their playing position in the 1-4-2-3-1 formation and to investigate potential differences between positions. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the players’ running performance across the two halves of the match. The study involved 22 Under-19 players from the academy of a professional football team. Only matches where the team used the 1-4-2-3-1 formation were analyzed (10 matches). The playing positions were categorized as: Central Defensive Fielders (CDFs), Central Midfielders (CMFs), Forwards (FWDs), Wide Defensive Fielders (WDFs), and Wide Midfielders (WMFs). Player movement was tracked using GPS devices and categorized into four velocity zones: (Zone 1: 3.6–10.8 km/h, Zone 2: 10.9–18.0 km/h, Zone 3: 18.1–25.2 km/h, Zone 4: >25.2 km/h). Depending on whether normality was present in our data, either a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted. A subsequent analysis was performed to compare the performance between the first and second halves of the match, using either the independent samples t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed that CMF players covered the greatest total distance and had the highest movement velocity (distance/min) compared to all other positions (p = 0.001). In high-speed running (>18 km/h), CMF again covered the greatest distance, followed by WDF. In sprinting, CDF covered the shortest distance and reached the lowest maximum speed (p = 0.001). CMF performed the most accelerations and decelerations across all positions (p = 0.001). As for the entire team, total distance, movement rate, and the number of accelerations and decelerations decreased in the second half. All players except the WDF also showed a decrease in total distance, while midfielders experienced a notable drop in sprint distance. In conclusion, this study underscores the positional specificity of physical demands in elite football and the systematic decline in physical output as matches progress. While all positions demonstrated some level of second-half performance deterioration, midfielders experienced the most significant decreases in both volume and intensity-related metrics. These insights offer valuable implications for position-specific physical condition, recovery planning, and substitution strategies, helping to optimize performance and manage player load in elite football environments. It should be reiterated that the results of the present study apply exclusively to the 1-4-2-3-1 formation. Full article

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) are gradually integrated into existing traffic systems, understanding their impact on freeway operations becomes essential for effective infrastructure planning and policy design. This study explores how AV penetration rates, behavior profiles, and freeway geometry interact to influence traffic performance and safety. Using microscopic simulations in VISSIM (a high-fidelity traffic simulation tool), four typical freeway segment types—basic sections, weaving zones, on-ramp merging areas, and AV-exclusive lanes—were modeled under diverse traffic demands and AV behavior settings. The findings indicate that, while AVs can improve flow stability in simple environments, their performance may deteriorate in complex merging scenarios without supportive design or behavior coordination. AV-exclusive lanes offer some mitigation when AV share is high. These results underscore that AV integration requires context-specific strategies and cannot be universally applied. Adaptive, behavior-aware traffic management is recommended to support a smooth transition toward mixed autonomy. Full article

Background: Children, including the estimated 7% with food allergy, spend most of their waking hours in school. Variations in school-based food allergy (FA) practices exist. We aimed to examine differences in FA management practices across schools in Canada and the United States (US). Methods: Parents of children with Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated FA were recruited through social media to complete a survey evaluating the schools’ stock epinephrine, epinephrine storage locations, school type, and location. Data were described, analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, and then reported as odds ratios (ORs) and standardized coefficients (b), respectively, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) and p < 0.05. This study was approved by the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board. Results: Overall, 177 participants (14% [26/177] Canada, 86% [151/177] US) were included. Children were, on average, 4.92 ± 3.12 years and were commonly but not mutually exclusively allergic to tree nuts (50% Canada; 40% US) and peanuts (33% Canada; 29% US). Compared to US parents, Canadian parents were more likely to report epinephrine self-carriage by their children (OR = 4.58; 95%CI = 1.67–12.59). Parents with children age > 5 years were more likely to report epinephrine self-carriage by their children (OR = 3.70; 95%CI = 1.38–9.93) but less likely to report that their children’s school had an allergen-friendly zone (OR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.06–0.99). Compared to US parents, Canadian parents were more likely to report their child’s school had anaphylaxis management policies (OR = 8.98; 95%CI = 1.11–72.42). Conclusions: Significant in-school FA management differences exist between countries. These findings stress the need for consistent policies and practices to ensure effective care. Full article

Bovine trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma vivax, affects livestock productivity and is increasingly being reported in South America. This study aimed to detect and characterize Trypanosoma spp. infections, with a focus on T. vivax, in cattle from two distinct agroecological regions of central Argentina: a dairy-producing plain, located in the Espinal ecoregion, and a riparian zone, dedicated to beef production, located in the Delta and Islands of Paraná ecoregion. A total of 220 blood samples were collected from nine cattle farms and analyzed using real-time PCR, melting curve analysis, and the sequencing of 18S rRNA gene fragments. Trypanosoma vivax was detected at low prevalence (2.73%), exclusively in dairy cattle. In contrast, the prevalence of Trypanosoma theileri was much higher (10.91%), and it was found mainly in beef cattle from the riparian region. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the species identity in all sequenced samples. No trypanosomes were observed by microscopy, and none of the animals showed clinical signs. The results indicate a differential distribution of T. vivax and T. theileri between regions and production systems. Although the study initially focused on T. vivax, the detection of T. theileri highlights the need to consider multiple Trypanosoma species in epidemiological surveys. This study contributes new data on the occurrence of bovine trypanosomes in central Argentina under extensive and semi-intensive management systems. Full article

Climate change and its adverse effects are now the greatest threats faced by society. As a consequence, it is essential to adopt strategic tools and adaptation measures, especially in the most vulnerable and susceptible areas, such as coastal zones. This study provides an assessment of strategic adaptation instruments in European Union (EU) coastal countries, identifying key gaps and areas for improvement to support more effective and coordinated climate adaptation. To address this, a selection of 19 EU coastal countries was carried out based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. National adaptation strategies and plans were reviewed using scientific, technical, and institutional sources. The analysis focused on the development and evolution of these instruments, particularly in response to major coastal impacts. Identified adaptation measures were classified by typology (structural–physical, social, and institutional) and comparatively assessed to detect implementation trends, regional approaches, and existing gaps across countries. The results of this study indicate that there has been a notable and progressive increase in the adoption of adaptation plans and strategies that address problems faced by coastal areas. Physical–structural adaptation measures are the most widely used, especially ecosystem-based and engineering measures, even in specific projects implemented at different territorial scales of governance. One of the main conclusions is that all coastal EU member states have adopted strategic planning frameworks for adaptation, with increasing emphasis on coastal areas. However, enhanced European solidarity and knowledge exchange are essential to ensure equitable and effective adaptation across all regions. Full article

This study presents a predictive model for the surface deterioration of construction materials exposed to climatic conditions. The model is applied to Santa Pudia calcarenite, the primary construction material used in the heritage buildings of Granada, Spain. Input data on material recession was obtained by using photogrammetric observations. Deterioration was measured in three heritage buildings located in different climatic zones. The methodology proposed enables the deterioration rate of building materials under specific climate conditions to be estimated by exclusively using photogrammetric data. The method was also validated in laboratory tests. The results can be applied to structural analysis and the long-term assessment of cultural heritage vulnerability in the context of future climate change. Notably, the findings indicate that in the case of Santa Pudia calcarenite, global warming slows down the deterioration process. Full article