Search Results (1,937)

Although the accidental or intentional explosions produced in industrial facilities or in urban areas are events with low probability, they have a high destructive potential and potential for human injuries and/or fatalities. One of the types of such events is given by detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—dirty bombs for terrorist purposes—which may produce a high number of metallic fragments. Studying mass and spatial distributions of these fragments is useful for evaluating their lethality and destructive potential and may help to implement adequate protective measures. This work brings a closer insight into the fragment dispersion around the detonation of a steel-enclosed C4 charge with cylindrical symmetry. In this respect a specific approach involving both detonation experiments and numerical simulations performed by home-made and commercial software packages for investigation of the fragmentation process and accompanying angular scattering of the fragments was proposed. Special algorithms, which allow the estimation of the spatial distributions of fragments from the numerical analysis of perforations made by the metallic fragments generated by such IEDs on surrounding material walls, are developed. Further, numerical simulations of a similar IED device provided output parameters related to the statistical distributions of mass, kinetic energy and position of the fragments. Experimental fragmentation generated a recovered mass distribution (94 fragments of 67.5 g) that was compared with that extracted from simulation, revealing a reasonable agreement on the 0.3–1 g range. In the case of simulations, 300 fragments from a total number of 374 showed a mass ranging from 0.004 to 0.3 g. The simulations showed that the middle part of the steel case generated fragments of kinetic energy over 4 kJ and its ends generated fragments of kinetic energy under 1 kJ. Experimental fragment scattering distributions were investigated with specific home-made numerical algorithms, which, based on a set of images, analysed the correlations between spatial coordinates of perforations made by fragments on surrounding special panels and provided histograms that are discussed in relation with the fragment-induced lethality degree. Full article

Land use optimization is essential for balancing the economic development, ecological protection, and sustainable management of regional landscapes. However, most existing frameworks focus primarily on land use area allocation while neglecting spatial pattern metrics, leading to fragmented landscapes and reduced ecological benefits. In this study, we propose a new multi-objective optimization framework that incorporates land use patch number as an explicit objective, providing a more direct way to make a trade-off between economic development, ecological protection, and landscape sustainability. Using Jinan’s Xiaoqing River Basin as a case study, we compare four scenarios, natural development, economic priority, ecological priority, and sustainable development, under both the traditional optimization framework (multi-objective allocation based on area and post-evaluation of spatial pattern based on land use simulation) and the proposed optimization framework. The results show that while the two frameworks yield similar levels of overall economic and ecological benefits, the traditional framework produces highly fragmented ecological land and overly aggregated construction land. In contrast, the new framework effectively reduces cropland and grassland fragmentation and enhances ecological land cohesion, generating more natural and sustainable landscape configurations. These findings highlight the importance of integrating spatial pattern objectives into land use optimization, providing a more comprehensive and spatially explicit approach to land use optimization, offering scientific support for rational land allocation and sustainable development within the urban river basin. Full article

Communicable disease surveillance systems are crucial for global health security, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where infectious disease burdens remain high. Despite disease surveillance systems being in place, the evidence on their implementation, challenges, and integration with environmental health remains fragmented. This systematic review assesses the design, implementation, and challenges of these systems across LMICs, with a focus on South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan African region. Using PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, searches across four databases identified 325 articles published between 2010 and 2025, of which 56 (17%) were included for analysis. Thematic synthesis revealed key trends, disease priorities, and surveillance tools. South Africa contributed the highest number of articles (25%), while Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 54% overall. COVID-19 was the most frequently studied disease (20%), followed by cholera, typhoid, and measles. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework appeared in 25% of articles, while District Health Information Systems 2 (DHIS2) was referenced in 11%, reflecting modest adoption of digital platforms. Reported challenges included underreporting, inconsistent case definitions, limited digital infrastructure, and weak feedback mechanisms. Although integration of environmental health was widely recommended, it was marginally implemented. Overall, LMICs surveillance systems remain constrained by operational and structural limitations, underscoring the need for digital investment, environmental indicators integration, and community-based approaches to strengthen epidemic preparedness. Full article

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental concern globally, especially in marine ecosystems. In this study, the evaluation of the potential ingestion of plastic, mostly in the form of microplastics (MPs), by fledglings of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) from the Canary Islands (Spain) was conducted. The total number of plastics found in the stomach samples was 674, primarily comprising large MPs (1–5 mm: 82%), followed by mesoplastics (>5–25 mm: 18%). The predominant morphology was threadlike (31.6%), followed by hard, irregularly shaped fragments (28.3%), microspheres (22.4%), and sheets (15.7%). Loads were found to overlap with those described for the same species in highly populated areas such as the Mediterranean Sea. Plastic counts above Cory’s threshold value may suggest poor environmental status for the Canary Current region. FTIR-ATR analysis evidenced the predominance of polyethylene (PE) (46.7%), polypropylene (PP) (24.6%) and polyamide (PA) (20.4%). This is likely linked not only to the fact that PE is the most produced plastic worldwide, but also the fact that, along with PP, it makes up the highest amount of single-use plastic products. Overall, findings provide a contamination-controlled, FTIR-verified baseline for fledglings from Tenerife; however, given the limited, single-season sample (n = 33) and opportunistic design, results are descriptive and not intended for population-level inference. Yet, the potential of Cory’s shearwater as a sentinel species to monitor plastic pollution is highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to address plastic pollution in marine environments. Full article

Global biodiversity decreased by 69% from 1970 to 2022, representing a key risk to economic activity. However, the link between nature, biodiversity and finance has received little attention within the field of sustainable finance. This paper attempts to fill this gap. Nature finance aims to avoid biodiversity loss and promote nature-positive activities, such as the conservation and protection of biodiversity through market-based solutions with the proper measurement of impact. Measuring biodiversity impact remains a challenge for most companies and banks, with a fragmented landscape of nature frameworks. We conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on biodiversity finance and analyze a unique market dataset of five global investment funds as well as all corporate bonds issued in Brazil, the country with the largest biodiversity assets. First, we find that the literature on nature finance is recent with a tipping point in 2020, with the three most common concepts being ecosystem services, nature-based solutions and circular economy. Second, we find that sovereigns and two corporate sectors (food production, pulp & paper) represent the vast majority of issuers that currently incorporate biodiversity considerations into funding structures, suggesting an opportunity to expand accountability for biodiversity impacts across a greater number of sectors. Third, we find a disconnect between science and finance. Out of a catalogue of 158 biodiversity metrics proposed by the IFC, just 33 have been used in bond issuances and 32 by fund managers, suggesting an opportunity for technical assistance for companies and to simplify catalogs to create a common language. Lack of consensus around metrics, complexity, and cost explain this gap. Fourth, we identify a distinction between liquid markets and illiquid markets in their application of biodiversity impact management and measurement. Illiquid markets, such as private equity, bilateral lending, voluntary carbon markets or investment funds can develop complex bespoke mechanisms to measure nature, leveraging detailed catalogues of metrics. Liquid markets, including bonds, exhibit a preference for simpler metrics such as preserved areas or forest cover. Full article

Hamatocaulis vernicosus is a pleurocarpous moss of conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive due to its significant and ongoing decline across Europe. H. vernicosus is also listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the Red List of Romanian Bryophytes. Despite its protected status, the species remains under-recorded in Romania, where many potentially suitable habitats have yet to be surveyed. The ecosystems, classified as Transition mire and quaking bog (NATURA 2000 code: 7140), are wet peatlands with oligo- to mesotrophic conditions and a pH of 5.0–7.5 H. vernicosus is recorded in 58 Romanian locations (10 confirmed by us, 5 new), spanning the Continental and Alpine bioregions. Models showed good performance (AUC 0.79–0.83; TSS 0.54–0.59), with distribution mainly shaped by mean annual temperature and temperature range, and secondarily by precipitation. The species favors cold, stable climates with high seasonal rainfall. Even though the number of localities reported for this species has increased in recent years, this does not indicate an improvement in its conservation status, but rather is an effect of recent recording efforts. To support targeted conservation planning, an ensemble species distribution model was developed in order to predict the suitable habitats of H. vernicosus across Romania. Both climate models project major range losses for the varnished hook-moss: ~30% by 2050 and ~40–60% by 2100, depending on the scenario. Losses are gradual under SSP245 but more abrupt under SSP585, with increased fragmentation, especially between the Eastern and Southern Carpathians. By integrating field observations with predictive climate change modeling, our study brings critical insights applicable to the conservation of H. vernicosus and the unique peatland ecosystems it relies on. Full article

Background/objectives: The global incidence of skin cancer is rising, creating a need to strengthen prevention strategies. In this review, we examine the contributions of public health, dermatology, behavioural science, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and bioinformatics, which have collectively shaped prevention in recent decades. Methods: Using a narrative scoping review approach guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, we synthesised research across these disciplines to highlight their roles in enhancing skin cancer prevention. Results: Initial efforts focused on increasing public knowledge through sun protection campaigns and symptom recognition. Dermatologists enhanced early detection through refined techniques and clinical guidelines. Initiatives such as Euromelanoma enabled broader collaboration and population-level screening. As more disciplines joined, advances in risk stratification, digital imaging, artificial intelligence, molecular and genetic diagnostics and bioinformatics became possible. Beyond skin cancer prevention, these tools may have additional applications for systemic health issues. However, a number of challenges remain, particularly regarding data privacy concerns, cost-effectiveness, equitable access, and the validation of artificial intelligence tools in diverse populations. Conclusions: The prevention of skin cancer brings together knowledge spanning the fields of public health and dermatology to behavioural research and digital innovation. Working together, these disciplines have improved early detection and awareness. However, fragmented collaboration across regions throughout the world continue to limit their impact. Improved equity alongside stronger, more coordinated partnerships will be essential for the next phase of progress. Full article

Background: Gamma-range auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) are emerging as promising translational biomarkers of neural network function. While extensively studied in human neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental research, their application in animal models has expanded in recent years, providing mechanistic insights into disease-related neural dynamics. However, methodological approaches vary widely, findings remain fragmented, and outcomes are not easily generalized. Methods: A literature search was conducted in March 2025 across PubMed and Scopus to identify studies investigating gamma-range ASSRs (30–100 Hz) in animal models with relevance to psychiatric and developmental conditions. Results: Most studies employed rodents, with a smaller number involving non-human primates, and used pharmacological, genetic, lesion-based, or developmental manipulations relevant to schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and related conditions. ASSRs were highly sensitive to NMDA receptor antagonism, state- and trait-related factors, and exhibited region- and layer-specific generation patterns centered on the auditory cortex. Less common paradigms, such as chirps and gap-in-noise, also demonstrated translational potential. Conclusions: Animal research confirms that gamma-range ASSRs provide a sensitive, cross-species readout of circuit dysfunctions observed in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. To maximize their translational utility, future work should prioritize methodological harmonization, systematic inclusion of sex and behavioral state factors, and replication across laboratories. Strengthening these aspects will enhance the value of ASSRs as biomarkers for early detection, patient stratification, and treatment monitoring in clinical psychiatry. Full article

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a fatal foodborne parasitic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis. The disease primarily affects the liver. Previous studies have found that Kupffer cells have an immune protective effect, but in the late stages of AE, they are associated with parasite immune escape. The present study analyzed the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces (PSCs) infection on the mitochondrial morphology and function of macrophages, as well as their phagocytic function and apoptosis. Infection with PSCs has been shown to result in the fragmentation of the macrophage mitochondrial network, the impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, the elevation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and the reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number. This cascade of events, consequent to the infection, has been demonstrated to promote the apoptosis of macrophages and impair their phagocytic function. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission during PSCs infection has been shown to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, suppress macrophage apoptosis, and enhance macrophage phagocytic function. This discovery provides insights into improving macrophage function during the progression of AE. Full article

This study develops a discrete element model incorporating the water–ice phase transition volume effect to simulate frost damage in saturated granite. The model investigates the damage evolution and mechanical degradation under freeze–thaw cycles. The results show that during freeze–thaw cycles, the model’s temperature field exhibits non-uniform distribution characteristics and geometric dependency, with lower maximum temperature differences in Brazilian disk models versus uniaxial compression specimens. Frost heave damage progresses through three distinct stages: localized bond fractures (1~5 cycles); accelerated crack interconnection and branching (15~20 cycles); and fully interconnected damage zones (25~30 cycles). As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, the crack network significantly influences the mechanical behavior of the model under load. The failure mode of the loaded model undergoes a transformation from brittle penetration to ductile fragmentation. Freeze–thaw cycles cause more significant degradation in the tensile strength of granite compared to compressive strength. After 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength decrease by 47.5% and 93.8%, respectively. These findings provide theoretical support for assessing frost heave damage in geotechnical engineering in cold regions. Full article

The construction of post-Second World War university buildings represents one of the most distinctive architectural phenomena of the twentieth century. These buildings rapidly gained international recognition for their innovative design and construction techniques, while also embodying the social and political aspirations of their time. Today, however, nearly five decades after their completion, they face new challenges related to energy retrofitting, spatial renovation, and functional adaptation. As a result, the architectural integrity of many European post-war universities is increasingly at risk. Extensive renovations, abandonment, and even demolitions are becoming more frequent, often in the absence of coherent management frameworks or long-term conservation strategies. To address these issues, this study adopts a three-phase methodological framework consisting of (1) historical research, (2) critical–comparative analysis of conservation and management strategies, and (3) in situ investigation. Through the examination of multiple case studies across Europe, the research finds that, although Conservation and Management Plans (CMPs) are internationally recognized as effective tools for safeguarding heritage, they have been implemented in only a limited number of cases. The analysis reveals significant variations in strategic approaches and expected outcomes, resulting in a highly heterogeneous panorama. The challenges and limitations that have led to the current situation are also discussed. By providing a large overview of the current practice, the paper aims at demonstrating the urgent need to develop new, more comprehensive CMPs. These plans should integrate objectives relating to energy efficiency, heritage preservation, and adaptive reuse. Multidisciplinary approaches are thus advocated over the fragmented, mono-objective plans that remain prevalent today. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) triggers early oxidative stress, disrupting Schwann cell homeostasis. In this context, mitochondria serve as a primary source and vulnerable target of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we investigated whether methylcobalamin (MeCbl) mitigates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: RSC96 cells were exposed to H₂O₂ to model oxidative injury, then treated with MeCbl. Mitochondrial network integrity was evaluated using super-resolution imaging coupled with quantitative morphometric analysis. RNA-sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological pathways. Additionally, a network-pharmacology approach was employed to intersect the predicted MeCbl targets with the transcriptomic signature. Results: MeCbl treatment alleviated H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial fragmentation, restoring the interconnected reticulum characterized by increased branch number, total area, and a reduction in punctate mitochondria. Transcriptome analyses revealed the reprogramming of stress-response pathways. The DEGs were significantly enriched in processes including mitochondrial organization and dynamics, redox homeostasis, protein quality control, and pro-survival signaling. Network pharmacology demonstrated convergence between the MeCbl targets and DEGs at core nodes governing mitochondrial quality control and antioxidant defense, thereby providing a mechanistic basis for the imaging phenotypes. Conclusions: MeCbl improved the mitochondrial structure and remodeled the stress-response pathways in Schwann cells under oxidative stress. By linking high-resolution organelle phenotypes to molecular networks, these findings support MeCbl as a rational adjunct to mitigate oxidative stress-driven peripheral neuropathy and identify an intervenable regulatory axis for future targeted therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Age estimation is of fundamental importance in forensic investigations. When traditional methods based on gross bone morphology or morphometric analysis cannot be applied, forensic experts must rely on multidisciplinary approaches. Histomorphometry has consistently proven to be reliable in cases of highly fragmented or incomplete skeletal remains, particularly in older individuals. Building on the foundational study of Amprino and Bairati, this study evaluated the correlations between bone microstructural features in femoral cross-sections and the age and sex of individuals. Methods: The sample comprised 95 femoral mid-diaphyseal thin sections obtained from autopsy specimens housed at the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bari (Italy), representing both male and female individuals aged 18 to 92 years. The numbers and densities of primary, intact secondary, and fragmentary secondary osteons, together with osteon circularity and the mean osteonal area, were measured to investigate age-related variation. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, Spearman’s rank correlation, and General Linear Models (GLMs). Results: No significant differences in histomorphometric variables were observed between males and females. However, the number of intact secondary osteons and osteon population density increased with age, while the mean osteonal area and osteon circularity decreased with age. Although some variables displayed significant correlations with age, residual analysis indicated a lack of heterogeneity in variance, which limited the development of a robust predictive model. Conclusions: The findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of histomorphometry in forensic age estimation. While certain microstructural variables correlate with age, inter-individual variability reduces predictive accuracy. Further research is needed to refine models that account for biological and biomechanical variability, particularly in older adults. Full article

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and often underdiagnosed in cardiology. Worldwide, approximately 936 million adults aged 30–69 are affected by OSA, with the highest numbers in the USA, China, Brazil, and India. In cardiovascular clinics, OSA is found in about 40–80% of patients with hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, or stroke. Meta-analyses link OSA to nearly twice the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy addresses the underlying mechanisms of OSA and enhances intermediate cardiovascular indicators. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative review using major medical search engines (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) to examine recent statements, meta-analyses, large cohorts, and key trials. The review focused on the cardiovascular burden of sleep apnea and its pathophysiology—including arrhythmic, hemodynamic, vascular, and coagulation aspects—as well as the effects of CPAP on intermediate cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to provide a synthesised overview of current cardiovascular evidence related to the burden and mechanisms of OSA, and to summarise the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on intermediate and clinical cardiovascular outcomes. Results: Intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and major negative fluctuations in intrathoracic pressure create a clear pathway leading to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This occurs through mechanisms like sympathetic activation, RAAS activation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, linking OSA to these health issues. Studies show that greater severity of OSA correlates with higher cardiovascular risk, including increased incidence and recurrence of AF, resistant hypertension, and new cases of heart failure. CPAP effectively lowers AHI and enhances nocturnal oxygen levels, as well as intermediate cardiovascular indicators such as blood pressure, sympathetic activity, and certain aspects of ventricular function, with clinical benefits most evident in adherent patients. Conclusions: OSA is a significant, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Routine cardiovascular care should include targeted screening for OSA, especially in cases of resistant hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure, along with timely sleep testing and adherence-focused CPAP therapy, in addition to traditional risk-reduction methods. Full article

REDD+ has emerged as a global strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and shows great promise for the Extractive Reserves of the Brazilian Amazon (RESEX). It is essential to assess whether REDD+ projects have effectively contributed to the conservation of these areas over time. To address this issue, we analyzed land use and cover dynamics in the RESEX Rio Preto-Jacundá (Rondônia) and its surroundings from 2004 to 2020 to evaluate the impacts of a certified REDD+ project. The following two trend scenarios were simulated: (i) pre-implementation (2004–2012), projected to 2020, and (ii) post-implementation (2012–2020), projected to 2028. Historical maps were derived from the TerraClass dataset, and future projections were generated using Markov Chains combined with Cellular Automata. Forest conservation was evaluated through structural metrics such as the number, size, and shape of forest fragments, and the type, frequency, and length of boundaries with other land uses, using ArcGIS tools and Patch Analyst. Carbon sequestration was estimated from the aboveground biomass values of primary and secondary forests. The results showed that the REDD+ mechanism did not achieve the expected environmental benefits, with a decrease in carbon stocks over time and potential negative effects on the richness and composition of local flora. Full article