Search Results (5,109)

Soil erosion is largely driven by climate change and land use dynamics. The objective of this study is to assess the dynamic variation in erosion under the combined effects of precipitation and land use change in the Tigrigra watershed, located in the mountainous region of the Middle Atlas. The RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model is used in the methodological approach to estimate soil loss based on various parameters such as precipitation, soil, topography, land cover, and conservation practices. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools are essential for applying this method. In addition, the CA-Markov model (cellular automata), which models and predicts land use changes over time, is used to project future land cover scenarios that influence soil erosion dynamics. The research focuses on four previous periods (1991–2000, 2001–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2023), as well as a future period (2024–2050), considering two climate scenarios, RCP 2.6 and RCP 4.5. Precipitation data from local weather stations and the CMIP5 climate model were used to calculate the R factor (precipitation erosivity). Land cover analysis was performed using Landsat satellite images (30 m resolution) integrated into the CA-Markov model to calculate the C factor (land cover management). The results show that erosion has gradually decreased over both past and future periods, mainly due to variations in precipitation and vegetation cover. It should be noted that the period from 1991–2000 to 2016–2023 shows higher erosion compared to the future periods, with a maximum value of 17.83 t/ha/year recorded between 1991 and 2000. For the future period 2024–2050, a continuous decrease in erosion is observed under both scenarios, with an average value of 15.30 t/ha/year for the RCP2.6 scenario and 15.86 t/ha/year for the RCP4.5 scenario, with erosion remaining slightly higher under RCP4.5. Overall, erosion decreases across both historical (1991–2023) and projected (2024–2050) periods due to reduced rainfall erosivity. The northern part of the basin is particularly prone to erosion due to the low vegetation cover. The results indicate that areas susceptible to erosion require conservation measures to reduce soil loss. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for maintaining long-term soil health and preventing degradation. However, some limitations of the study, such as the lack of data on conservation practices and daily precipitation, might affect the overall robustness of the findings. Full article

Vascular diseases remain a major global health burden despite remarkable technological advances in vascular surgery and endovascular therapies. Conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid stenosis, chronic venous disease, diabetic vasculopathies, and vascular chronic ulcers are not only biological entities but are deeply shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and economic inequalities. This article introduces Vascular Sociology as an interdisciplinary field that integrates vascular surgery with medical sociology to provide a more comprehensive understanding of vascular health and disease. Drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theory, including concepts such as social determinants of health, embodiment, illness narratives, and the disease–illness–sickness triad, the article argues that vascular pathology reflects cumulative social exposures across the life course. Socially patterned behaviors, work conditions, food environments, healthcare access, gender norms, and geographic inequalities profoundly influence disease onset, progression, treatment decisions, and outcomes. The paper highlights how surgical success is contingent not only on technical excellence but also on patients’ social contexts, including health literacy, trust in institutions, caregiving resources, and the capacity to adhere to long-term follow-up and rehabilitation. By outlining conceptual foundations, epidemiological evidence, and mixed-methods research strategies, the article positions Vascular Sociology as a framework capable of bridging biomedical knowledge with lived experience. This approach expands the definition of vascular outcomes to include social reintegration, identity transformation, and equity of care, ultimately aiming to improve patient-centered practice, reduce disparities, and inform more socially responsive vascular health policies. Full article

Tree pollen allergies are influenced by regional atmospheric pollen concentrations and flora distribution. Climate change and urban landscaping have altered airborne pollen profiles in Ukraine, potentially affecting sensitization patterns. We examined 7518 patients (57.63% children) sensitized to at least one of 26 molecular components from 19 tree species using ALEX testing (2020–2022). Atmospheric pollen data from Ukrainian aerobiology stations were integrated with clinical data. Regional sensitization was mapped using the Geographic Information System, and Bayesian network modeling determined hierarchical relationships. Sensitization to Cry j 1 (46.01%), Bet v 1 (41.67%), and Fag s 1 (34.38%) dominated across age groups. High Fagales sensitization correlated with elevated atmospheric Betula, Alnus, and Corylus pollen concentrations, confirming environmental exposure-sensitization relationships. Bayesian modeling identified Bet v 1 as the root allergen (89.43% accuracy) driving cascading sensitization to other Fagales and non-Fagales allergens. Unexpectedly high Cry j 1 sensitization despite minimal atmospheric Cryptomeria presence suggests Thuja and Ambrosia cross-reactivity. Fagales sensitization dominated 10 of 17 regions, correlating with forest geography and urban landscaping. This study validates aerobiological monitoring’s clinical relevance. Diagnostic protocols should prioritize Bet v 1 while interpreting Cry j 1 positivity as potential cross-reactivity. Climate-driven shifts in atmospheric pollen patterns require ongoing coordinated aerobiological and clinical surveillance. Full article

Urban vitality is a crucial indicator of a city’s sustainable development and the quality of life of its residents. Investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing mechanisms of urban vitality is essential for optimizing the built-environment and improving governance. Using the central urban area of Guiyang, China, as a case study, this research integrates multi-source urban sensing data to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of urban vitality and their driving factors. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) and machine learning combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) are applied to capture spatial heterogeneity, nonlinear relationships, and threshold effects among influencing variables. Results show that urban vitality exhibits a Y-shaped, single-core, multi-center, and clustered spatial configuration, with slightly higher intensity on weekdays and similar diurnal rhythms across weekdays and weekends. The effects of influencing factors display strong spatial non-stationarity, characterized by a concentric gradient radiating outward from the historic Laocheng core. Building density (BD), residential point density (RED), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and road density (RD) emerge as the dominant contributors to urban vitality, while topographic conditions play a relatively minor role. The relationships between key landscape and built-environment variables and urban vitality are highly nonlinear, with distinct threshold effects. By integrating spatial econometric modeling and explainable machine learning, this study advances methodological approaches for urban vitality research and provides practical insights for landscape-oriented urban planning and human-centered spatial design. Full article

This study presents a robust framework for optimizing the site selection of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in Qatar by integrating a Geographic Information System (GIS) with a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model. The core innovation lies in the enhancement of the conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with a Removal Sensitivity Analysis (RSA). This unique integration moves beyond traditional, subjective expert-based weighting by introducing a transparent, data-driven methodology to quantify the influence of each criterion and generate objective weights. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to evaluate fourteen criteria related to accessibility, economic and environmental factors that influence EVCS site suitability. To enhance robustness and minimize subjectivity, a Removal Sensitivity Analysis (RSA) was applied to quantify the influence of each criterion and generate objective, data-driven weights. The results reveal that accessibility factors, particularly proximity to road networks and parking areas exert the highest influence, while environmental variables such as slope, CO concentration, and green areas have moderate but spatially significant impacts. The integration of AHP and RSA produced a more balanced and environmentally credible suitability map, reducing overestimation of urban sites and promoting sustainable spatial planning. Environmentally, the proposed framework supports Qatar’s transition toward low-carbon mobility by encouraging the expansion of clean electric transport infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving urban air quality. The findings contribute to achieving the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and align with global efforts to mitigate climate change through sustainable transportation development. Full article

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in the Aegean Region of Türkiye. Using a questionnaire-based approach, this study intends to fill the gaps in existing knowledge regarding the prevalence and determinants of these infections. A retrospective analysis of 781 dogs presented to Aydın Adnan Menderes University Small Animal Clinic from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. Among these, 205 dogs were confirmed to have at least one CVBD using rapid diagnostic tests (SNAP 4DX PLUS and SNAP Leishmania) with confirmatory methods. Data on dog demographics, lifestyle, and environmental exposure were collected using structured questionnaires. Prevalence rates were calculated based on the at-risk population, and logistic regression determined associations between risk factors and disease occurrence. Overall CVBD prevalence was 26.3%, with Ehrlichiosis (9.9%) and Leishmaniasis (7.4%) being the most common infections. Co-infections were present in 8.3% of cases. Geographical factors significantly influenced infection rates, particularly in Aydın compared to İzmir and Muğla, while demographics like age, breed size, gender, and outdoor activity had no significant impact. This highlights the necessity for region-specific control measures and the need for consistent adherence to preventive protocols to mitigate CVBD prevalence in high-risk areas. Full article

Under the pressing imperative of achieving “dual carbon” goals and advancing urban low-carbon transitions, understanding how neighborhood spatial environments influence carbon emissions has become a critical challenge for enabling refined governance and precise planning in urban carbon reduction. Taking the central urban area of Xining as a case study, this research establishes a high-precision estimation framework by integrating Semantic Segmentation of Street View Images and Point of Interest data. This study employs a Geographically Weighted XGBoost model to capture the spatial non-stationarity of emission drivers, achieving a median R² of 0.819. The results indicate the following: (1) Socioeconomic functional attributes, specifically POI Density and POI Mixture, exert a more dominant influence on carbon emissions than purely visual features. (2) Lane Marking General shows a strong positive correlation by reflecting traffic pressure, Sidewalks exhibit a clear negative correlation by promoting active travel, and Building features display a distinct asymmetric impact, where the driving effect of high density is notably less pronounced than the negative association observed in low-density areas. (3) The development of low-carbon neighborhoods should prioritize optimizing functional mixing and enhancing pedestrian systems to construct resilient and low-carbon urban spaces. This study reveals the non-linear relationship between street visual features and neighborhood carbon emissions, providing an empirical basis and strategic references for neighborhood planning and design oriented toward low-carbon goals, with valuable guidance for practices in urban planning, design, and management. Full article

This study investigated the influence of awareness, knowledge, and risk perceptions on environmental attitudes and behaviours in Türkiye, specifically in the context of climate change, using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were collected from all 81 provinces covering the seven geographical regions of the country. The results revealed that awareness and risk perception have the strongest direct impact on pro-environmental behaviour. Environmental attitudes also demonstrated a significant positive effect, though the findings suggest that high awareness and risk perception can directly drive action even independently of attitude. Uniquely, this study fills a critical gap in the developing country literature by demonstrating that in Türkiye, perceiving the risk translates directly into action, contrasting with the ‘value-action gap’ often observed in Western contexts. Practically, the findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize risk-communication strategies and disaster-preparedness drills over passive information campaigns to effectively stimulate pro-environmental behaviours. Full article

This study investigates the state of the art related to the computational methods for solar cells. Numerical modeling is a basic pillar that is used to ensure the robust design of any device. In this paper, the results of a detailed science mapping-based analysis on the publications that focus on the “numerical modelling of solar cells” are presented. The query was conducted on the Web of Science for 2014–2024, and a subsequent filtering was performed. The results of this analysis provided the answers to the five research questions posed. The paper has been divided into two parts. In the first part, the literature search began with a broad examination, and 3259 studies were included in the analysis. To present the results in a visual form, graphs created using VOS viewer software have been used to identify the pattern of co-authorship, the geographical distribution of the authors, and the keywords most frequently used. In the second part, the analysis focused on three main aspects: (i) the influence of absorber layer thickness on optical absorption and device efficiency, (ii) the role of different ETL/HTL materials in charge transport, and (iii) the effect of illumination conditions on carrier dynamics and photovoltaic performance. By integrating the results across these dimensions, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how these parameters collectively determine the efficiency and reliability of perovskite solar cells. Full article

As a vital ecological security barrier and climate regulator in northwestern China, the spatial patterns and evolving formation mechanisms of ecosystem services within the Qinghai Lake basin hold significant strategic value for ecological conservation and national park development in the region. This study selected land use data during 2000–2020, integrating the equivalent factor method, spatial correlation analysis, and the geodetector approach to systematically investigate the spatial heterogeneity characteristics of ESV in the Qinghai Lake basin and its corresponding driving mechanisms. The results indicate the following: (1) During the period 2000–2020, grassland consistently constituted the primary land cover category within the Qinghai Lake Basin, accounting for over 60% of the total area; water bodies (16.67%) and unused land (16.56%) represented the secondary land use categories. Over this twenty-year period, the total ESV exhibited a slight increasing trend, rising from USD 30.30 × 10⁸ to USD 30.75 × 10⁸, representing a growth of 0.31%. Regulating services constituted the primary component of ESV. The highest contribution to ESV originated from water bodies, with grassland ranking second. (2) ESV displayed a spatial arrangement marked by “high values in the lake center and low values in the surrounding areas” and “higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest.” Its spatial correlation exhibits a pronounced positive relationship. The number of units classified as high-high clusters (primarily water bodies at low elevations) and low-low clusters (mainly grasslands and unused land at high elevations) both increased over the study period, indicating a continuous intensification of ESV spatial agglomeration. (3) Results from the geographical detector reveal that both natural and anthropogenic factors collectively drive the spatial variation in ESV, with natural factors exhibiting stronger explanatory capacity. Among these, elevation and temperature are identified as the dominant drivers of ESV spatiotemporal differentiation. The combined effect of two interacting factors surpasses the influence exerted by any single factor in isolation. This research clarifies that the spatial distribution of ESV in the Qinghai Lake Basin, which features “high values in the lake center and low values in the surrounding areas” as well as “higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest,” is jointly shaped by the combined control of vertical zonality governed by topographic and climatic factors and the spatial differentiation of human activities. In low-altitude lakeshore zones, ESV rose as a consequence of water body expansion and the enforcement of ecological conservation measures, leading to the emergence of high-value clusters. In contrast, ESV improvement in high-elevation regions remained limited, constrained by fragile natural conditions and minimal human intervention. The insights derived from this research offer a scientific foundation for refining the “one core, four zones, one ring, multiple points” functional zoning framework of the Qinghai Lake National Park, as well as for developing tailored management approaches suited to distinct elevation-based regions. Full article

In the southwestern region of Asturias (Northern Spain) lies one of the few mountainous viticulture areas in the world, representing only 5% of global viticulture. The complex topography and differences in altitude, slope, and orientation of mountainous viticulture areas create highly variable microclimates even among nearby plots, with distinct mean temperatures, relative humidity, and solar radiation. These factors strongly influence grape and wine quality, as well as polyphenol concentration. Several production parameters and basic chemical characteristics of must were analyzed over multiple years, along with polyphenol content, in grapes from the same clones of Albarín Blanco and Verdejo Negro (autochthonous genotypes of this viticultural area), grown in geographically close vineyards with different topographies and microclimates. The results revealed significant differences in all analyzed parameters. Both varieties showed polyphenol concentrations slightly higher than those reported in the scientific literature, which may be related to the typical conditions of mountain viticulture or intrinsic genetic factors of these varieties. The best grape and must quality, regardless of variety, was obtained in plots located in sunny, well-ventilated areas with steep slopes and low-fertility soils. These plots exhibited higher potential alcohol content and greater concentrations of anthocyanins, hydrocarbons, and total polyphenols. When comparing varieties, Verdejo Negro showed the highest levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, and total polyphenols, whereas Albarín Blanco exhibited the highest concentrations of total phenolics and hydrocarbons. Full article

This study is essential for medium- and long-term land-use management, as land-use patterns directly influence local economic and social development. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are fundamental tools for analyzing a wide range of geomorphological processes, including relief fragmentation density, relief energy, soil texture, slope gradient, and slope orientation. The present research focuses on the Pesceana river basin in the Southern Carpathians, Romania. It addresses three main objectives: (1) to analyze land-use dynamics derived from CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data between 1990 and 2018, along with the long-term distribution of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the period 2000–2025; (2) to evaluate the basin’s natural potential byintegrating topographic data (contour lines and profiles) with relief fragmentation density, relief energy, vegetation cover, soil texture, slope gradient, aspect, the Stream Power Index (SPI), and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI); and (3) to assess the spatial distribution of habitat types, characteristic plant associations, and soil properties obtained through field investigations. For the first two research objectives, ArcGIS v. 10.7.2 served as the main tool for geospatial processing. For the third, field data were essential for geolocating soil samples and defining vegetation types across the entire 247 km² area. The spatiotemporal analysis from 1990 to 2018 reveals a landscape in which deciduous forests clearly dominate; they expanded from an initial area of 80 km² in 1990 to over 90 km² in 2012–2018. This increase, together with agricultural expansion, is reflected in the NDVI values after 2000, which show a sharp increase in vegetation density. Interestingly, other categories—such as water bodies, natural grasslands, and industrial areas—barely changed, each consistently representing less than 1 km² throughout the study period. These findings emphasize the importance of land-use/land-cover (LULC) data within the applied GIS model, which enhances the spatial characterization of geomorphological processes—such as vegetation distribution, soil texture, slope morphology, and relief fragmentation density. This integration allows a realistic assessment of the physical–geographic, landscape, and pedological conditions of the river basin. Full article

This study introduces an integrated Life Cycle Assessment–Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis–Nash Equilibrium (LCA–MCDA–NE) framework to assess the feasibility of hydrogen energy storage (HES) in Philippine island grids. It starts with a cradle-to-gate LCA of hydrogen production across various electricity mix scenarios, from diesel-dominated Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) systems to high-renewable configurations, quantifying greenhouse gas emissions. These impacts are normalized and integrated into an MCDA framework that considers four stakeholder perspectives: Regulatory (PRF), Developer (DF), Scientific (SF), and Local Social (LSF). Attribute utilities for Maintainability, Energy Efficiency, Geographic–Climatic Suitability, and Regulatory Compliance inform a 2 × 2 strategic game where net utility gain (Δ) and switching costs (C₁, C₂) influence adoption behavior. The findings indicate that the baseline Nash Equilibrium favors non-adoption due to limited utility gains and high switching barriers. However, enhancements in Maintainability and reduced costs can shift this equilibrium toward adoption. The LCA results show that meaningful decarbonization occurs only when low-carbon generation exceeds 60% of the electricity mix. This integrated framework highlights that successful HES deployment in remote grids relies on stakeholder coordination, reduced risks, and access to low-carbon electricity, offering a replicable model for emerging economies. Full article

Tea production in Europe represents an emerging segment of the specialty tea market, but a structured comparative analysis remains unexplored. This study employs a standardized approach to systematically characterize hot brews from black and green teas across five European gardens. Antioxidant capacity, total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and metabolomic profiling by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry were evaluated, and for the first time, sensory profiling of these teas was conducted. Green teas consistently exhibited higher TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity compared to black teas, confirming the influence of processing methods. Metabolomic analysis revealed variability in caffeine linked to geographical origin and propagation method (cuttings vs. seeds). Importantly, sensory evaluation suggested a negative correlation between high TPC and overall consumer appreciation. The two most highly appreciated teas often showed lower TPC. These reliable findings advance knowledge in European tea research, providing valuable data for growers to enhance cultivar selection and marketing strategies in alignment with consumer preferences. Full article

Exploring the spatiotemporal evolution of building stock in African countries is of great significance for understanding the urbanization process, regional development disparities, and sustainable development pathways in the Global South. Integrating long-term (1975–2020), 100 m resolution building stock data for Tanzania with multi-source environmental and socioeconomic datasets, this study employed GIS spatial analysis techniques—including optimized hotspot analysis, standard deviational ellipse, and geographical detector—to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of building differentiation. The results indicate that over the 45-year period, Tanzania’s building stock underwent rapid expansion, with a 3.83-fold increase in volume and a 4.93-fold increase in area, while the average height decreased continuously by 1.04 m. This growth was predominantly driven by the expansion of residential buildings. The spatial distribution of buildings exhibited a “north-dense, south-sparse” pattern with agglomeration along traffic axes. During 1975–1990, building growth hotspots were concentrated in western and southern regions, shifting to areas surrounding Lake Victoria and central administrative centers during 2005–2020. In contrast, coldspots expanded progressively from northern, northeastern regions and Zanzibar Island to parts of the southern and eastern coasts. The building distribution consistently maintained a northwest–southeast spatial orientation, with increasingly prominent directional characteristics; the centroid of building distribution moved more than 90 km northwestward, and the agglomeration intensity continued to increase. Socioeconomic factors—including population density, road network density, and GDP density—have a significantly stronger influence on building distribution than natural factors. Among natural factors, only river network density exhibits a significant effect, while constraints such as slope and terrain relief are relatively insignificant. Full article