Search Results (2,540)

Our contemporary society is powered by fossil fuels, which results in environmental catastrophes. The combustion of these materials results in the release of CO₂, which accelerates the progression of climate change and its catastrophic consequences. The environmental repercussions of fossil fuel extraction have been highlighted through research into alternative energy sources. This inquiry uses the Tapio-Z decoupling approach to assess energy inputs and emissions. Furthermore, the fuzzy logic model is used to inspect the economic growth of the USA and China, as well as the impact of environmental factors, energy sources, and utilization, through decoupling effects from 1994 to 2023. The findings are substantiated by the individual perspectives of the environmental factors regarding decoupling, which ultimately lead to the acquisition of valuable results. We anticipate a substantial reduction in the total volume of CO₂ emissions in both the USA and China. Compared to China, the USA shows a significant increase in CO₂ emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. It is evident that a comprehensive transition to renewable resources and a broad range of technology is required to mitigate CO₂ emissions in high-energy zones. In their pursuit of sustainability, these two nations are making remarkable strides. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates that effective changes in economic growth, energy input, and energy utilization, particularly sustainable energy, transmute energy output, as does the sustained implementation of robust environmental protection policies. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates a remarkable transformation in energy input, energy consumption, and economic growth. This transition has been most visible in the areas of energy transformation, sustainability, and the maintenance of strong environmental protection measures. Full article

This article focuses on the fire safety risks associated with conventional glass–aluminum façades—with a particular focus on stick and unitized curtain walling systems—providing an overview of possible fire spread mechanisms, considering the role of the curtain wall in maintaining compartmentation at the spandrel zone. First, it analyzes some of the relevant requirements of different European building regulations. Then, it provides a test evidence-based critical analysis of the gaps and loopholes in the relevant fire resistance standard for partial curtain wall configurations (EN 1364-4), where the evaluation of the propagation within the façade system is not necessarily considered in the fire-resistant spandrel zone. Finally, it presents a proposal for addressing these gaps in the form of a theoretical concept for a new test configuration and additional assessment criteria. This is followed by an initial experimental analysis of the concept. The standard testing campaign showed that temperature rise in mullions can exceed 180 °C after 30 min if limiting measures are not considered in the façade design. However, this can be only detected if framing is in the non-exposed area of the sample, being part of the evaluation surface. Meanwhile, differences are detected between the results from standard and new assessment criteria in the new configuration proposed, including a more rapid temperature rise for framing elements (207 K in a second level mullion at minute 90) than for the common non-exposed assessment surface of the sample (172 K at the same time) in cases where cavities are not protected. Accordingly, the proposed configuration successfully detected vertical temperature transfer within mullions, which can remain undetected in standard EN 1364-4 tests, highlighting the potential for fire spread even in EI120-rated assemblies. Full article

The Mapleton Falls National Park transmission line corridor in Queensland, Australia, has received a number of vegetation management treatments over the last decade to maintain and protect the infrastructure and to ensure continuous electricity supply. Recent treatments have included ‘mega-mulching’ (mechanical mastication of vegetation to a mulch layer) in 2020 and targeted herbicide treatment of woody vegetation, with the aim of reducing vegetation height by encouraging a native herbaceous groundcover beneath the transmission lines. We measured vegetation structure (cover and height) and composition (species presence in 15 × 2 m plots), at 12 transects, 90 m in length on the transmission line corridor, to determine if management goals were being achieved and to determine how the vegetation and fire hazard (based on the overall fuel hazard assessment method) varied among the treated corridor, the forest edge environment, and the natural forest. The results showed that vegetation structure and composition in the treated zones had been modified to a state where herbaceous plant species were dominant; there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher native grass cover and cover of herbs, sedges, and ferns in the treated zones, and a lower cover of trees and tall woody plants (>1 m in height) in these areas. For example, mean native grass cover and the cover of herbs and sedges in the treated areas was 10.2 and 2.8 times higher, respectively, than in the natural forest. The changes in the vegetation structure (particularly removal of tall woody vegetation) resulted in a lower overall fuel hazard in the treated zones, relative to the edge zones and natural forest. The overall fuel hazard was classified as ‘high’ in 83% of the transects in the treated areas, but it was classified as ‘extreme’ in 75% of the transects in the adjacent forest zone. Importantly, there were few introduced species recorded. The results suggest that fuel management has been successful in reducing wildfire risk in the transmission corridor. Temporal monitoring is recommended to determine the frequency of ongoing fuel management. Full article

Although marine caves are among the most species-diverse habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, most available studies have focused on their sessile fauna. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of motile fauna in 27 marine caves across four geographical subareas of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, using a rapid assessment visual census protocol, applied through 3 min time transects in each ecological cave zone. Multivariate analysis revealed that the motile community structure of the cave entrance was differentiated from that of the semidark and dark zones. Deeper caves were distinct from shallower ones while caves of the east Aegean differed from those around Crete Island. A total of 163 taxa were recorded, 27 of which are reported herein for the first time in marine caves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, while three species (two native and one introduced) are recorded in Greek waters for the first time, enriching our knowledge on the permanent and occasional cave residents. Seventeen species were introduced, comprising more than half of the total fish abundance in the southeasternmost cave. Our limited knowledge of the motile fauna of Mediterranean marine caves coupled with the continued spread of introduced species highlights the urgent need for monitoring and conservation actions, especially within marine protected areas. Full article

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

Chainsaws are widely used in various occupational settings, including forestry, landscaping, farming, and by homeowners for tasks like tree felling, brush clearing, and firewood cutting. However, the use of chainsaws poses significant risks to operators and bystanders. This research quantified and compared occupational and nonoccupational injuries caused by contact with chainsaws and related objects during the period from 2018 to 2022. The emergency department and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) data were used to characterize the cause and nature of the injuries. Results suggest that for this five-year period an estimated 127,944 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for chainsaw-related injuries. More than 200 non-fatal and 57 fatal occupational chainsaw-involved injuries were found during the same period. Landscaping and forestry were the two industries where most of the occupational victims were employed. Upper and lower extremities were the most likely injured body parts, with open wounds from cuts being the most common injury type. The majority of fatal injuries were caused by falling objects such as trees and tree limbs while using a chainsaw. Our suggestions to reduce injuries include proper training and wearing personal protective equipment, as well as making sure any bystanders are kept in a safety zone away from trees being cut. Full article

This paper investigates how governance frameworks shape sustainable tourism outcomes in protected areas by comparing Tara National Park (Serbia) and Triglav National Park (Slovenia). Both parks, established in 1981 and classified under IUCN Category II, exhibit rich biodiversity and mountainous terrain but differ markedly in governance structures, institutional integration, and local community engagement. Using a qualitative, indicator-based methodology, this research evaluates ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. The findings reveal that Triglav NP demonstrates higher levels of participatory governance, tourism integration, and educational outreach, while Tara NP maintains stricter ecological protection with less inclusive management. Triglav’s zoning model, community council, and economic alignment with regional development policies contribute to stronger sustainability outcomes. Conversely, Tara NP’s centralized governance and infrastructural gaps constrain its potential despite its significant conservation value. This study highlights the importance of adaptive, inclusive governance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within protected areas. It concludes that hybrid approaches, combining legal rigor with participatory flexibility, can foster resilience and sustainability in ecologically sensitive regions. Full article

This study investigated the nuanced influence of urban morphology on the thermal performance of nine mass housing blocks (21–26, 28–30) in New Belgrade’s Central Zone. These blocks, showcasing diverse structures, provided a robust basis for evaluating the design parameters. ENVI-met simulations were used to assess two scenarios: an “asphalt-only” environment, isolating the urban structure’s impact, and a “real-world” scenario, including green infrastructure (GI). Overall, the findings emphasize that while GI offers mitigation, the inherent urban built structure fundamentally determines thermal outcomes. An urban block’s thermal performance, it turns out, is a complex interplay between morphological factors and local climate. Crucially, simple metrics like Green Area Percentage (GAP) and Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) proved unreliable predictors of thermal performance. This highlights the critical need for urban planning regulations to evolve beyond basic surface indicators and embrace sophisticated, context-sensitive design principles for effective heat mitigation. Optimal performance arises from morphologies that actively manage heat accumulation and facilitate its dissipation, a characteristic exemplified by Block 22’s integrated design. However, even the best-performing Block 22 remains warmer compared to denser central areas, suggesting that urban densification can be a strategy for heat mitigation. Given New Belgrade’s blocks are protected heritage, targeted GI reinforcements remain the only viable approach for improving the outdoor thermal comfort. Full article

The stability of the intermediate rock wall in the blasting construction of bifurcated small-spacing tunnels directly affects the construction safety of the tunnel structure. Clarifying the damage characteristics of the intermediate rock wall has significant engineering value for ensuring the safe and efficient construction of bifurcated tunnels. Based on the Tashan North Road Expressway Tunnel Project, this paper investigated the damage characteristics of the intermediate rock wall in bifurcated tunnels under different blasting construction schemes, using numerical simulation methods to account for the combined effects of in situ stress and blasting loads. The results were validated using comparisons with the measured damage depth of the surrounding rock in the ramp tunnels. The results indicate that the closer the location is to the starting point of the bifurcated tunnel, the thinner the intermediate rock wall and the more severe the damage to the surrounding rock. When the thickness of the intermediate rock wall exceeds 4.2 m, the damage zone does not penetrate through the wall. The damage to the intermediate rock wall exhibits an asymmetric “U”-shaped distribution, with greater damage on the side of the trailing tunnel at the section of the haunch and sidewall, while the opposite is true at the section of the springing. During each excavation step of the ramp and main-line tunnels, the damage to the intermediate rock wall is primarily induced by blasting loads. As construction progresses, the damage to the rock wall increases progressively under the combined effects of blasting loads and the excavation space effect. In the construction of bifurcated tunnels, the greater the distance between the headings of the leading and trailing tunnels is, the less damage will be inflicted on the intermediate rock wall. Constructing the tunnel with a larger cross-sectional area first will cause more damage to the intermediate rock wall. When the bench method is employed, an increase in the bench length leads to a reduction in the damage to the intermediate rock wall. The findings provide valuable insights for the selection of construction schemes and the protection of the intermediate rock wall when applying the bench method in the construction of bifurcated small-spacing tunnels. Full article

Situated in the southern hilly-mountain belt of China’s “Three Zones and Four Belts Strategy”, Gannan region is a critical ecological shelter belt for the Ganjiang River. Decades of intensive mineral extraction and irrational agricultural development have rendered it into an ecologically fragile area. Consequently, multiple restoration initiatives have been implemented in the region over recent decades. However, it remains unclear how relationships among ecosystem services have evolved under these interventions and how future ecosystem management should be optimized based on these changes. Thus, in this study, we simulated and assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of five key ESs in Gannan region from 1990 to 2020. Through integrated correlation, clustering, and redundancy analyses, we quantified ES interactions, tracked the evolution of ecosystem service bundles (ESBs), and identified their socio-ecological drivers. Despite a 31% decline in water yield, ecological restoration initiatives drove substantial improvements in key regulating services: carbon storage increased by 6.9 × 10¹² gC while soil conservation rose by 4.8 × 10⁸ t. Concurrently, regional habitat quality surged by 45% in mean scores, and food production increased by 2.1 × 10⁵ t. Critically, synergistic relationships between habitat quality, soil retention, and carbon storage were progressively strengthened, whereas trade-offs between food production and habitat quality intensified. Further analysis revealed that four distinct ESBs—the Agricultural Production Bundle (APB), Urban Development Bundle (UDB), Eco-Agriculture Transition Bundle (ETB), and Ecological Protection Bundle (EPB)—were shaped by slope, forest cover ratio, population density, and GDP. Notably, 38% of the ETB transformed into the EPB, with frequent spatial interactions observed between the APB and UDB. These findings underscore that future ecological restoration and conservation efforts should implement coordinated, multi-service management mechanisms. Full article

The Santurbán paramo is a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem exposed to pressures from extractive and agricultural activities, as well as increasing tourism. In response, this study presents a context-aware recommendation system designed to support sustainable tourism through the integration of deep neural networks and ontology-based semantic modeling. The proposed system delivers personalized recommendations—such as activities, accommodations, and ecological routes—by processing user preferences, geolocation data, and contextual features, including cost and popularity. The architecture combines a trained TensorFlow Lite model with a domain ontology enriched with GeoSPARQL for geospatial reasoning. All inference operations are conducted locally on Android devices, supported by SQLite for offline data storage, which ensures functionality in connectivity-restricted environments and preserves user privacy. Additionally, the system employs geofencing to trigger real-time environmental notifications when users approach ecologically sensitive zones, promoting responsible behavior and biodiversity awareness. By incorporating structured semantic knowledge with adaptive machine learning, the system enables low-latency, personalized, and conservation-oriented recommendations. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of natural reserves by aligning individual tourism experiences with ecological protection objectives, particularly in remote areas like the Santurbán paramo. Full article

With the electrification of generator sets, electric locomotives, new energy vehicles, and other industries, AC motors subject bearings to an electric field environment, leading to galvanic corrosion due to the use of variable frequency power supply drives. The phenomenon of bearing discharge breakdown in subway traction motors is a critical issue in understanding the relationship between shaft current strength and the extent of bearing damage. This paper analyzes the mechanism of impulse discharge that leads to galvanic corrosion damage in bearings at a microscopic level and conducts electric thermal coupling simulations of the traction motor bearing discharge breakdown process. It examines the temperature rise associated with lubricant film discharge breakdown during the dynamic operation of the bearing and investigates how breakdown channel parameters and operational conditions affect the temperature rise in the micro-region of bearing lubrication. Ultimately, the results of the electric thermal coupling simulation are validated through experimental tests. This study revealed that in an electric field environment, the load-bearing area of the outer ring experiences significantly more severe corrosion damage than the inner ring, whereas non-bearing areas remain unaffected by electrolytic corrosion. When the inner ring reaches a speed of 4500_rpm, the maximum widths of electrolytic corrosion pits for the outer and inner rings are measured at 89 um and 51 um, respectively. Additionally, the highest recorded temperatures for the breakdown channels in the outer and inner rings are 932 °C and 802 °C, respectively. Furthermore, as the inner ring speed increases, both the width of the electrolytic corrosion pits and the temperature of the breakdown channels rise. Specifically, at inner ring speeds of 2500_rpm, 3500_rpm, and 4500_rpm, the widths of the electrolytic pits in the outer ring raceway load zone were measured at 34 um, 56 um, and 89 um, respectively. The highest temperatures of the lubrication film breakdown channels were recorded as 612 °C, 788 °C, and 932 °C, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for the protective and maintenance practices of traction motor bearings. Full article

The landscapes of the Arctic seem endless. But they are also subject to anthropogenic impact, especially in urbanized and industrial ecosystems. The population of the Arctic zone of Russia is extremely urbanized, and up to 84% of the population lives in cities and industrial settlements. In this regard, we studied the background soils of forests and tundras and the soils of settlements. The main signs of the urbanogenic morphogenesis of soils associated with the transportation of material for urban construction are revealed. The peculiarities of soils of recreational, residential, and industrial zones of urbanized ecosystems are described. The questions of diversity and the classification of soils are discussed. The specificity of bulk soils used in the construction of industrial structures in the context of the initial stage of soil formation is considered. For the first time, soils and soil cover of settlements in the central and southern parts of the Yamal region are described in the context of traditional pedology. It is shown that the construction of new soils and grounds can lead to both decreases and increases in biodiversity, including the appearance of protected species. Surprisingly, the forms of urban soil formation in the Arctic are very diversified in terms of morphology, as well as in the ecological functions performed by soils. The urbanization of past decades has drastically changed the local soil cover. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

Landslides are among the most hazardous natural phenomena affecting Greater Abidjan, causing significant economic and social damage. Strategic planning supported by geographic information systems (GIS) can help mitigate potential losses and enhance disaster resilience. This study evaluates landslide susceptibility using logistic regression and frequency ratio models. The analysis is based on a dataset comprising 54 mapped landslide scarps collected from June 2015 to July 2023, along with 16 thematic predictor variables, including altitude, slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, drainage area, distance to the drainage network, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and an urban-related layer. A high-resolution (5-m) digital elevation model (DEM), derived from multiple data sources, supports the spatial analysis. The landslide inventory was randomly divided into two subsets: 80% for model calibration and 20% for validation. After optimization and statistical testing, the selected thematic layers were integrated to produce a susceptibility map. The results indicate that 6.3% (0.7 km²) of the study area is classified as very highly susceptible. The proportion of the sample (61.2%) in this class had a frequency ratio estimated to be 20.2. Among the predictive indicators, altitude, slope, SE, S, NW, and NDVI were found to have a positive impact on landslide occurrence. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), demonstrating strong predictive capability. These findings can support informed land-use planning and risk reduction strategies in urban areas. Furthermore, the prediction model should be communicated to and understood by local authorities to facilitate disaster management. The cost function was adopted as a novel approach to delineate hazardous zones. Considering the landslide inventory period, the increasing hazard due to climate change, and the intensification of human activities, a reasoned choice of sample size was made. This informed decision enabled the production of an updated prediction map. Optimal thresholds were then derived to classify areas into high- and low-susceptibility categories. The prediction map will be useful to planners in helping them make decisions and implement protective measures. Full article