Search Results (1,698)

Karst groundwater systems are critical to water supply and ecological sustainability in northern China, yet their heterogeneity poses challenges for flow characterization. The Yuquan Mountain (YM) Spring, historically a major karst spring in western Beijing, has experienced persistent drying, raising concerns about its recharge and flow mechanisms. This study integrates published isotope data, spatial distributions of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ as hydrochemical tracers, groundwater age estimates, and geophysical survey results to assess the recharge sources and flow pathways within the YM Spring catchment area. The analysis identifies two major recharge zones: the Tanzhesi area, primarily recharged by direct infiltration of precipitation through exposed carbonate rocks, and the Junzhuang area, which receives mixed recharge from rainfall and Yongding River seepage. Three potential flow pathways are proposed, including shallow flow along faults and strata, and a deeper, speculative route through the Jiulongshan-Xiangyu syncline. The synthesis of multiple lines of evidence leads to a refined conceptual model that illustrates how geological structures govern recharge, flow, and discharge processes in this karst system. These findings not only enhance the understanding of subsurface hydrodynamics in complex geological settings but also provide a scientific basis for future spring restoration planning and groundwater management strategies in the regions. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

Artificial intelligence has taken a seat at the executive table and is threatening the fact that human beings are the only ones who should be in a position of power. This article gives conjectures on the future of leadership in which managers will collaborate with learning algorithms in the Neural Adaptive Artificial Intelligence Leadership Model, which is informed by the transformational literature on leadership and socio-technical systems, as well as the literature on algorithmic governance. We assessed the model with thirty in-depth interviews, system-level traces of behavior, and a verified survey, and we explored six hypotheses that relate to algorithmic delegation and ethical oversight, as well as human judgment versus machine insight in terms of agility and performance. We discovered that decisions are made quicker, change is more effective, and interaction is more vivid where agile practices and good digital understanding exist, and statistical tests propose that human flexibility and definite governance augment those benefits as well. It is single-industry research that contains self-reported measures, which causes research to be limited to other industries that contain more objective measures. Practitioners are provided with a practical playbook on how to make algorithmic jobs meaningful, introduce moral fail-safes, and build learning feedback to ensure people and machines are kept in line. Socially, the practice is capable of minimizing bias and establishing inclusion by visualizing accountability in the code and practice. Filling the gap between the theory of leadership and the reality of algorithms, the study provides a model of intelligent systems leading in organizations that can be reproduced. Full article

Identifying habitat characteristics is essential for conserving critically endangered species. When quantifying species habitat characteristics, ignoring data types may lead to misunderstandings about species’ specific habitat requirements. This study focused on the critically endangered Chinese pangolin in Guangdong Province, China, and divided the study area into 600 m × 600 m grids based on its average home range. The burrow number within each grid was obtained through line transect surveys, with burrow numbers/line transect lengths used as direct indicators of habitat utilization intensity. The relationships with sixteen environmental variables, which could be divided into three categories, including topographic, human disturbance and land cover composition, were quantified using the GAM method. We also converted continuous data into binary data (0, 1), constructed GAMs and compared them with habitat utilization intensity models. Our results indicate that the habitat utilization intensity model identified profile curvature and slope as primary factors, showing a nonlinear response to profile curvature (Edf = 5.610, p = 0.014) and a positive relationship with slope (Edf = 1.000, p = 0.006). The presence–absence model emphasized distance to water (Edf = 1.000, p = 0.014), slope (Edf = 1.709, p = 0.043) and aspect (Edf = 2.000, p = 0.026). The intensity model explained significantly more deviance, captured complex nonlinear relationships and supported higher model complexity without overfitting. This study demonstrates that habitat utilization intensity data provides a more ecologically informative basis for in situ conservation (e.g., identifying core habitats), and the process from habitat selection to habitat utilization should be integrated to reveal species’ habitat characteristics. Full article

With the development of information and communication technologies, analysing new risks of moral harassment at work is becoming increasingly pertinent, especially with the expansion of teleworking and hybrid working (a mix of remote and face-to-face work per week) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to respond to the new issues of labour regulation, this study places special emphasis on new risks of moral harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts, considering both the international and European framework and the legal regime in Portugal, identifying its specificities. With the rise in teleworking in the post-pandemic period, the online monitoring of workers has accentuated the difficulty in drawing the line between managerial power and harassment. Moral harassment at work is a persistent challenge and organisations must recognise, prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour in the organisation. The results of this study—based on the results of an online survey completed by employees (with employment contracts)—show that teleworking employees recognise that they have been pressured, above all, both to respond to messages quickly and pressure to work beyond hours and suggest possible gender differences in the way harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts is reported. Full article

As a pivotal clean energy source with considerable reserves, geothermal water plays an indispensable role in diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and accomplishing carbon neutrality. This study employed conventional electrical prospecting and radon gas surveys in the Lantian area of Ningdu, aimed at curtailing geothermal development costs by precise targeting of resource locations. The investigations successfully delineated fracture structures within the Lantian region. Distinct anomalies were identified in the electrical profiling along Survey Lines 1, 2, and 4, with the most pronounced features observed on Line 4. Accordingly, characteristic peak anomalies were exhibited by the radon gas measurement profiles S1, S2, and S4 corresponding to Lines 1, 2, and 4, respectively. The synergistic interpretation of resistivity and radon survey data recognized two primary fracture zones: the NE-trending zone F1 and the NEE-trending zone F2. This integrated approach not only ascertained the efficacy of the radon gas measurement, but also lays a robust basis for future geothermal water exploration targeting. Full article

Background and Objectives: Rumors, disinformation, and fake news are problems of contemporary society. We live in a world where the truth no longer holds much importance, and the line that divides the truth from lies, between real news and disinformation, becomes increasingly blurred and difficult to identify. The purpose of this study is to describe this concept, to draw attention to one of the “pandemics” of the 21st-century world, and to find methods by which we can defend ourselves against them. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a sample of 442 respondents. Results. For 77.8% of the people surveyed, the concept of “fake news” is important in Romania. Regarding trust in the mass media, a clear dominance (72.4%) was observed among participants who have little trust in the mass media. Although 98.2% of participants detect false information found on the internet, 78.5% are occasionally deceived by the information provided. Of the participants, 47.3% acknowledged their vulnerability to disinformation. The main source of disinformation is the internet, as 59% of the interviewed subjects believed. As the best measure against disinformation, the study group was divided almost equally according to the three possible answers, all of which were considered to be equally important: imposing legal restrictions and blocking the posting of certain news (35.4%), imposing stricter measures for authors (33.9%), and increasing vigilance among people (30.5%). Conclusions. According to the statistics based on the participants’ responses, the main purposes of disinformation are propaganda, manipulation, distracting attention from the truth, making money, and misleading the population. It can be observed that the main intention of disinformation, in the perception of the study participants, is manipulation. Full article

Q Fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects domestic and wild ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders. In humans, the disease can manifest with acute and chronic clinical manifestations. Veterinarians, as healthcare professionals in close contact with animals, serve both as the first line of defence in preventing infection at the animal–human interface and as an important sentinel group for the rapid detection of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of veterinarians in Southern Spain regarding Q Fever. To this end, an online survey was designed, validated, and conducted among veterinarians in the province of Malaga, with a final participation of 97 individuals, predominantly from the private sector (clinic, livestock, agri-food, etc.). The data obtained reflected a general lack of knowledge about the disease, particularly concerning its epidemiology and infection prevention. Regarding perception and attitude, a significant percentage of respondents stated they did not use protective equipment when handling susceptible animals and only sought information about the disease in response to outbreak declarations. The study emphasised the significance of promoting training in zoonotic diseases during and after graduation, the relevance of official channels in occupational risk prevention, and the utility of epidemiological surveys as a tool to identify and address potential gaps in knowledge related to this disease. Full article

To address the issues of low permeability, clogging susceptibility, and insufficient circumferential bearing capacity of traditional drainage blind pipes behind tunnel linings in water-rich areas, this study proposes a novel curved-mesh circumferential drainage blind pipe specifically designed for such environments. First, through engineering surveys and comparative analysis, the limitations and application demands of conventional circumferential annular drainage blind pipes in highway tunnels were identified. Based on this, the key parameters of the new blind pipe—including material, wall thickness, and aperture size—were determined. Laboratory tests were then conducted to evaluate the performance of the newly developed pipe. Subsequently, the pipe was applied in a real-world tunnel project, where a construction process and an in-service blockage inspection method for circumferential drainage pipes were proposed. Field application results indicate that, compared to commonly used FH50 soft permeable pipes and F100 semi-split spring pipes, the novel curved-mesh drainage blind pipe exhibits superior circumferential load-bearing capacity, anti-clogging performance, and deformation resistance. The proposed structure provides a total permeable area exceeding 17,500 mm², three to four times larger than that of conventional drainage pipes, effectively meeting the drainage requirements behind tunnel linings in high-water-content zones. The use of four-way connectors enhanced integration with other drainage systems, and inspection of the internal conditions confirmed that the pipe remained free of clogging and deformation. Furthermore, the curved-mesh design offers better conformity with the primary support and demonstrates stronger adaptability to complex installation conditions. Full article

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems (traditional types such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows; emerging types such as tidal flats and mariculture) play pivotal roles in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Reliable assessment of the spatial and temporal variation and the carbon storage potential holds immense promise for mitigating climate change. Although previous field surveys and regional assessments have improved the understanding of individual habitats, most studies remain site-specific and short-term; comprehensive, multi-decadal assessments that integrate all major coastal blue carbon systems at the national scale are still scarce for China. In this study, we integrated 30 m Landsat imagery (1992–2022), processed on Google Earth Engine with a random forest classifier; province-specific, literature-derived carbon density data with quantified uncertainty (mean ± standard deviation); and the InVEST model to track coastal China’s mangroves, salt marshes, tidal flats, and mariculture to quantify their associated carbon stocks. Then the GeoDetector was applied to distinguish the natural and anthropogenic drivers of carbon stock change. Results showed rapid and divergent land use change over the past three decades, with mariculture expanded by 44%, becoming the dominant blue carbon land use; whereas tidal flats declined by 39%, mangroves and salt marshes exhibited fluctuating upward trends. National blue carbon stock rose markedly from 74 Mt C in 1992 to 194 Mt C in 2022, with Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian holding the largest provincial stock; Jiangsu and Guangdong showed higher increasing trends. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was the primary driver of spatial variability in carbon stock change (q = 0.63), followed by precipitation and temperature. Synergistic interactions were also detected, e.g., NDVI and precipitation, enhancing the effects beyond those of single factors, which indicates that a wetter climate may boost NDVI’s carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the urgency of strengthening ecological red lines, scaling climate-smart restoration of mangroves and salt marshes, and promoting low-impact mariculture. Our workflow and driver diagnostics provide a transferable template for blue carbon monitoring and evidence-based coastal management frameworks. Full article

The common two-banded seabream, Diplodus vulgaris, is a commercially important fish in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, yet its myxosporean parasite diversity remains unknown. To address this gap, we conducted a myxosporean survey in D. vulgaris specimens from eastern Atlantic fishing stocks. Myxospores resembling Kentmoseria were observed in the urinary bladder of three specimens. 18S rDNA analyses, however, identified two isolates as Bipteria lusitanica, with the third also showing the highest similarity to this species. Morphological comparison revealed significant overlap between B. lusitanica and Kentmoseria, particularly in the suture line orientation. Accordingly, we describe a novel species, Kentmoseria sirinensis n. sp., and propose Kentmoseria lusitanica n. comb. The unclear boundaries between Bipteria and Kentmoseria are highlighted, though redefining or suppressing either genus remains premature without sequencing their type species. Moreover, our phylogenetic analyses show these species clustering among Sinuolineidae, rather than Ortholineidae, supporting the dismantling of Ortholineidae and the placement of Kentmoseria within Sinuolineidae. The ancestral placement of Bipteria vetusta suggests that it is taxonomically distinct and not a member of the Sinuolineidae. Finally, the occurrence of two Kentmoseria spp. in D. vulgaris suggests diversification in Diplodus, underscoring the need to study myxosporean diversity in wild stocks to assess aquaculture risks. Full article

The air quality within urban public transport is a critical determinant of passenger health. In the crowded and poorly ventilated cabins of Almaty’s metro, buses, and trolleybuses, concentrations of CO₂ and PM_2.5 often accumulate, elevating the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates the air quality along three of the city’s busiest transport corridors, analyzing how the concentrations of CO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, as well as the temperature and relative humidity, fluctuate with the passenger density and time of day. Continuous measurements were collected using the Tynys mobile IoT device, which was bench-calibrated against a commercial reference sensor. Several machine learning models (logistic regression, decision tree, XGBoost, and random forest) were trained on synchronized environmental and occupancy data, with the XGBoost model achieving the highest predictive accuracy at 91.25%. Our analysis confirms that passenger occupancy is the primary driver of in-cabin pollution and that these machine learning models effectively capture the nonlinear relationships among environmental variables. Since the surveyed routes serve Almaty’s most densely populated districts, improving the ventilation on these lines is of immediate importance to public health. Furthermore, the high-temporal-resolution data revealed short-term pollution spikes that correspond with peak ridership, advancing the current understanding of exposure risks in transit. These findings highlight the urgent need to combine real-time monitoring with ventilation upgrades. They also demonstrate the practical value of using low-cost IoT technologies and data-driven analytics to safeguard public health in urban mobility systems. Full article

Background: In September 2021, pemigatinib received Health Canada approval for previously treated locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with FGFR2 rearrangements/fusions. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the real-world management and outcomes of patients with CCA receiving pemigatinib through a Canadian patient support program (PSP). Methods: We evaluated a multi-centre case series of Canadian patients who were prescribed pemigatinib between September 2021 and January 2023 for eligible CCA diagnoses and enrolled in the PSP. The retrospective study data included demographic and disease-, treatment-, and outcome-related information, and these were collected using a survey of prescribing physicians. Results: Of the 26 patients who initiated pemigatinib in the PSP, we received survey responses for 18 (69%). Their median age was 57 years, 67% were female, 61% had stage IV disease, and 83% had intrahepatic CCA. Prior to pemigatinib, a partial hepatectomy was performed in 44% of the patients, and 66% of the patients received 2–4 prior lines of systemic therapy. All patients were treated with platinum-based regimens as the first-line treatment for unresectable/metastatic disease. The median follow-up time on pemigatinib was 12.6 (range: 2.3–28.4) months, and their median real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) was 12.1 months (95% CI 7.2-NR). The physician-assessed objective response and disease control rates were 56% and 89%, respectively. For the nine patients who discontinued pemigatinib, the median treatment duration was 10.6 months (range: 0.8–21.7). Disease progression was the most common reason for discontinuation (89%). None discontinued due to adverse events. Conclusions: Objective response rates, disease control rates, and a PFS comparable to that in the phase 2 FIGHT-202 trial was reported with pemigatinib use in this Canadian PSP cohort. Full article

Background/Objectives: Proper management of food services aimed at preventing malnutrition and weight loss among residents of long-term care facilities is a critical priority. Accordingly, accurate prediction of energy intake requirements is necessary. This study aimed to estimate the energy intake required to prevent weight loss in residents of Japanese long-term care facilities. Methods: Body weight and 12-day dietary intake were measured from residents aged ≥75 years with a body mass index (BMI) < 25.0 kg/m² who were consuming a regular or chopped diet. In the survey, individuals with oral intake were included, while those with swallowing problems, serious illnesses, dietary restrictions, or medications causing appetite loss were excluded. The rate of body-weight loss and the energy intake per kilogram of body weight (kcal/kg BW) during each 6-month period were calculated. The energy intake per kilogram of body weight corresponding to the rate of body-weight loss of 0% was estimated from the regression line between the rate of body-weight loss and energy intake per kilogram of body weight. Results: The data was analyzed for 99 residents (15 men and 84 women, age 89.3 ± 5.0 years, BMI 20.3 ± 2.6 kg/m²). From the regression results in all participants, the energy intake per kilogram of body weight corresponding to the rate of body-weight loss of 0% was 31.4 kcal/kg BW overall and 33.4 kcal/kg BW for those with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m². Conclusions: The calculation of energy intake using a regression line may be able to predict the energy intake required for weight maintenance without using instrumental measurements or estimation equations, especially in the case of underweight individuals. Full article

In recent years, significant changes in food consumption habits have emerged due to various factors, including climate change, population growth, urbanization, and the depletion of natural resources. These changes pose a threat to the stability of global food systems and raise serious concerns about food security. Although this process encourages innovative and sustainable food consumption, it also makes individuals more skeptical and concerned about new foods. In this context, understanding consumer intentions regarding behaviors such as purchasing genetically modified (GM) foods is critical for predicting consumer responses and promoting responsible consumption patterns within the scope of sustainability. This study examined the effects of food technology neophobia and perceived information on attitudes and purchase intentions toward genetically modified (GM) foods. Survey data were collected from 324 participants across Turkey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that food technology neophobia reduces perceived benefits and increases perceived risks, whereas perceived information enhances perceived benefits and lowers perceived risks. Additionally, attitudes were found to influence the intention to purchase GM foods significantly. Global issues, such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources, highlight the importance of innovations in food technology for sustainable food production. Understanding consumer concerns and perceived knowledge levels regarding genetically modified (GM) foods is critical to ensuring that these products are accepted at the societal level in an informed and conscious way. This study contributes to the promotion of sustainable food technologies and responsible consumer behavior, in line with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Full article