Search Results (792)

Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse environmental conditions theoretically limit the survival of Leptospira, high livestock density and synanthropic reservoirs (e.g., rodents) may compensate, facilitating transmission. In this cross-sectional study, blood sera from 445 dairy cows (28 herds: 12 intensive [MI], 16 semi-intensive [MSI] systems) were analyzed via microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) against 10 pathogenic serovars. Urine samples were cultured for active Leptospira detection. Risk factors were assessed through epidemiological surveys and multivariable analysis. This study revealed an overall apparent seroprevalence of 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8–31.1), with significantly higher rates in MSI (54.1%) versus MI (12.2%) herds (p < 0.001) and an estimated true seroprevalence of 56.3% (95% CI: 50.2–62.1) in MSI and 13.1% (95% CI: 8.5–18.7) in MI herds (p < 0.001). The Sejroe serogroup was isolated from urine in both systems, confirming active circulation. In MI herds, rodent presence (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.6–7.9) was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity, while first-trimester abortions (OR:10.1; 95% CI: 4.2–24.2) were significantly associated with infection. In MSI herds, risk factors associated with Leptospira seropositivity included co-occurrence with hens (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.3) and natural breeding (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), whereas mastitis/agalactiae (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.2) represented a clinical outcome associated with seropositivity. Despite semi-arid conditions, Leptospira maintains transmission in La Laguna, particularly in semi-intensive systems. The coexistence of adapted (Sejroe) and incidental serogroups underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as rodent control in MI systems and poultry management in MSI systems, to mitigate both zoonotic and economic impacts. Full article

Background: Residual deficits after early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using osteotomy often led to asymmetrical gait deviations with increased repetitive rates of ground reaction force (GRF) in both hips, resulting in a higher risk of early osteoarthritis. This study investigated lower limb inter-joint coordination and swing foot control during level walking in adolescents with early-treated unilateral DDH. Methods: Eleven female adolescents treated early for DDH using Pemberton osteotomy were compared with 11 age-matched healthy controls. The joint angles and angular velocities of the hip, knee, and ankle were measured, and the corresponding phase angles and continuous relative phase (CRP) for hip–knee and knee–ankle coordination were obtained. The variability of inter-joint coordination was quantified using the deviation phase values obtained as the time-averaged standard deviations of the CRP curves over multiple trials. Results: The DDH group exhibited a flexed posture with increased variability in knee–ankle coordination of the affected limb throughout the gait cycle compared to the control group. In contrast, the unaffected limb compensated for the kinematic alterations of the affected limb with reduced peak angular velocities but increased knee–ankle CRP over double-limb support and trajectory variability over the swing phase. Conclusions: The identified changes in inter-joint coordination in adolescents with early treated DDH provide a plausible explanation for the previously reported increased GRF loading rates in the unaffected limb, a risk factor of premature OA. Full article

Background: Hemiparetic gait is characterized by reduced limb shortening during swing, increasing the risk of tripping and leading to compensatory strategies. Despite 3D gait analysis being the gold standard for gait assessment, there is no consensus on relevant kinematic biomarkers for limb shortening and compensatory movements. Methods: Systematic review querying five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science). We included articles that described at least one kinematic biomarker of the lower limb in the sagittal plane and at least one biomarker of the lower limb or pelvis in the transversal or frontal plane, or pelvis in the sagittal plane. Then, we collected kinematic biomarkers from these studies and identified those that seemed relevant to describe limb shortening and compensatory movements during the swing phase. Results: We included 40 studies and collected 385 biomarkers. Among them, 15 described limb shortening, 22 compensations, and 3 toe clearance. Analysis of 12 interventional studies showed that some biomarkers of shortening and compensation were more sensitive to change than others. Conclusions: This review highlights the lack of standardized description for limb shortening and compensatory movements in hemiparetic gait. A set of 13 relevant biomarkers is proposed to improve the interpretation of gait analysis and support consistent evaluation of therapeutic interventions. Full article

National parks represent a global initiative for biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable societal development, with China having launched its own national park program. The establishment and operation of these parks significantly impact local residents’ livelihoods. Based on DFID’s Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, an assessment tool introduced by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for evaluating the livelihood standards of residents, this study constructs a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework to analyze how national parks affect residents’ livelihoods, discussing livelihood risk management and feasible capacity-building interventions. Focusing on the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park as a case study, the research reveals that indirect wildlife-inflicted damage poses more pronounced negative impacts on local communities than park establishment policies. Both regulatory land-use restrictions and wildlife conflicts disrupt land-based livelihood activities, ultimately affecting residents’ livelihood stability. Mitigation requires comprehensive measures, including retaining essential farmland; providing vocational skill training; offering specialized loans; diversifying employment channels; and improving compensation mechanisms to safeguard residents’ livelihood security. Full article

With the rapid advancement of high-precision optical systems, increasingly stringent demands are imposed on the surface figure accuracy of optical components. The magnitude of residual stress in multilayer films directly influences the post-coating surface figure stability of these components, making the control of multilayer film stress a critical factor in enhancing optical surface figure accuracy. In this study, which addresses the process constraints and substrate damage risks associated with conventional annealing-based stress compensation for large-aperture optical components, we introduce an active stress engineering strategy rooted in in situ deposition process optimization. By systematically tailoring film deposition parameters and adjusting the thickness modulation ratio of TiO₂ and SiO₂, we achieve dynamic compensation of residual stress in multilayer structures. This approach demonstrates broad applicability across diverse optical coatings, where it effectively mitigates stress-induced surface distortions. Unlike annealing methods, this intrinsic stress polarity manipulation strategy obviates the need for high-temperature post-processing, eliminating risks of material decomposition or substrate degradation. By enabling precise nanoscale stress regulation in large-aperture films through controlled process parameters, it provides essential technical support for manufacturing ultra-precision optical devices, such as next-generation laser systems and space-based stress wave detection instruments, where minimal stress-induced deformation is paramount to functional performance. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes significant deterioration of the quality of life, and due to its multifactorial causes, it is often difficult to manage. Apart from genetic and environmental components, an important part of its pathophysiology comprises an oxidative stress induction that the standard antioxidative mechanisms of the human body cannot compensate for. Moreover, in many psoriatic patients, there is a documented imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidative factors. Usually, psoriasis is evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. It has been demonstrated that dietary choices can lead to significant modification of PASI scores. Hypocaloric diets that are rich in antioxidants are highly effective in this regard, especially when focusing on vegetables and restricting consumption of animal-derived protein. Specific dietary regimens, namely the Mediterranean diet and potentially the ketogenic diet, are very beneficial, in the former case owing in large part to the omega-three fatty acids it provides and its ability to alter gut microbiome, a factor which seems to play a notable role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Another option is the topical application of vitamin D and its analogues, combined with corticosteroids, which can ameliorate the manifestations of psoriasis at the level of the skin. Finally, oral vitamin D supplementation has a positive impact on psoriatic arthritis and can mitigate the risk of associated comorbidities. Full article

Cropland is a critical resource for safeguarding food security. Ensuring both the quantity and quality of cropland is essential for achieving zero hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. However, whether urbanization-induced cropland loss poses a substantial threat to regional food security remains a key concern. This study examines the central region of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China, integrating CLCD (China Land Cover Dataset) land use/cover data (2001–2023), MOD17A2H net primary productivity (NPP) data, and statistical records to evaluate the impacts of urban expansion on grain yield. The analysis focuses on three components: (1) grain yield loss due to cropland conversion, (2) compensatory yield from newly added cropland under the requisition–compensation policy, (3) yield increases from stable cropland driven by agricultural enhancement strategies. Using Sen’s slope analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test, and hot/coldspot analysis, we revealed that urban expansion converted approximately 14,598 km² of cropland, leading to a grain production loss of around 3.49 million tons, primarily in the economically developed cities of Yancheng, Nantong, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Meanwhile, 8278 km² of new cropland was added through land reclamation, contributing only 1.43 million tons of grain—offsetting just 41% of the loss. In contrast, stable cropland (102,188 km²) contributed an increase of approximately 9.84 million tons, largely attributed to policy-driven productivity gains in areas such as Chuzhou, Hefei, and Ma’anshan. These findings suggest that while compensatory cropland alone is insufficient to mitigate the food security risks from urbanization, the combined strategy of “Safeguarding Grain in the Land and in Technology” can more than compensate for production losses. This study underscores the importance of optimizing land use policy, strengthening technological interventions, and promoting high-efficiency land management. It provides both theoretical insight and policy guidance for balancing urban development with regional food security and sustainable land use governance. Full article

This paper investigates flexible multibody dynamic modeling and a staged deployment strategy for large-scale spinning tethered satellite systems, targeting deployment instability, inefficiencies, and tension-induced fracture risks. A nonlinear flexible multibody model is constructed using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation within an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework, enabling accurate large-deformation modeling of the tether with geometric nonlinearity. This model surpasses traditional massless/rigid rod models by integrating tether mass distribution, flexible dynamics, and satellite attitude dynamics. A two-stage deployment strategy is proposed based on tether safe tension thresholds. Stage 1 optimizes deployment velocity to eliminate libration angles, ensuring stability while maintaining deployment efficiency. Stage 2 employs dynamic angular velocity tracking and torque compensation to reduce tether tension, prioritizing deployment safety. Numerical simulations validate the model’s accuracy and the strategy’s effectiveness, showing significant tension reduction compared to the single-stage strategy and suppressing libration angle oscillations within ±0.5°. The impact of space environmental forces on deployment stability across different orientations is analyzed, highlighting the necessity of force compensation for parallel-to-ground configurations. This research integrates dynamics and control, providing a practical solution for safe and efficient deployment of the spinning tethered satellite system. Full article

Sewage sludge, a by-product of biological wastewater treatment, poses significant environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Anaerobic digestion (AD), widely used as a stabilization technology for sewage sludge, faces challenges such as rate-limiting hydrolysis steps and difficult dewatering of residual digestate. To address these issues, thermal hydrolysis (TH) has been explored as a pretreatment or post-treatment method. This study systematically analyzes the typical sludge treatment pathways incorporating TH either as a pretreatment step to AD or as a post-treatment step, combined with incineration or land application for the final disposal. The mass balance algorithm was applied to evaluate the chemical consumption, and energy input/output calculations were conducted to assess the potential effects of TH on energy recovery. Carbon emissions were estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology, considering direct, indirect, and compensated carbon emissions. The results indicate that applying TH as a post-treatment significantly reduces the carbon emissions by 65.94% compared to conventional AD, primarily due to the enhanced dewaterability and reduced chemical flocculant usage. In contrast, TH as a pretreatment step only moderates the emission reduction. The combination of post-TH with land application results in the lowest carbon emissions among the evaluated pathways, highlighting the environmental benefits of this approach. All the findings here are expected to provide insights into optimizing the technical combination mode of sludge processing pathways in terms of minimizing carbon emission. Full article

Optimizing the charging rate is crucial for enhancing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery performance. The substantial heat generation during high C-rate charging poses a significant risk of thermal runaway, necessitating advanced thermal management strategies. This study systematically investigates the coupling mechanism between charging rates and ambient temperatures in overcharge-induced thermal runaway, filling the knowledge gaps associated with multi-indicator thermal management approaches. Through experiments on prismatic LFP cells across five operational conditions (1C/35 °C, 1.5C/5 °C, 1.5C/15 °C, 1.5C/25 °C, and 1.5C/35 °C), synchronized infrared thermography and electrochemical monitoring quantitatively characterize the thermal–electric coupling dynamics throughout overcharge-to-runaway transitions. The experimental findings reveal three key observations: (1) Charge rate and temperature have synergistic amplification effects on triggering thermal runaway. (2) Contrary to intuition, while low-current/high-temperature charging enhances safety versus high-current/high-temperature conditions, low-temperature/high-current charging triggers thermal runaway faster than high-temperature/high-current scenarios. (3) Staged multi-indicator lithium battery thermal runaway warning signals would be more accurate (first peaks > 0.5 °C/s temperature rise rate + >10 V/s voltage drop rate). These findings collectively demonstrate the imperative for next-generation battery management systems integrating real-time ambient temperature compensation with adaptive C-rate control, fundamentally advancing beyond conventional single-variable thermal regulation strategies. Intelligent adaptation is critical for mitigating thermal runaway risks in LFP battery operations. Full article

This study evaluates the current Spanish insurance framework for catastrophic flood risk, administered by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (CCS), based on nationwide loss data reported by the CCS for the period 1996–2020. The analysis of historical claims data enables a clear differentiation between frequent, low-cost events and infrequent, high-impact catastrophes. While the CCS has fulfilled a critical role in post-disaster compensation, the findings highlight the parallel need for ex ante risk mitigation strategies. The study proposes a more efficient, two-tier risk coverage model. Events whose impacts can be managed through standard insurance mechanisms should be underwritten by private insurers using actuarially fair premiums. In contrast, events with catastrophic implications—due to their scale or financial impact—should be addressed through general solidarity mechanisms, centrally managed by the CCS. Such a risk segmentation would improve the financial sustainability of the system and create fiscal space for prevention-oriented incentives. The current design of the CCS scheme may generate moral hazard, as flood exposure is not explicitly priced into the premium structure. Empirical findings support a shift towards a more transparent, incentive-aligned model that combines collective risk sharing with individual risk responsibility—an essential balance for effective climate adaptation and long-term resilience. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs in approximately 9–25% of pregnancies and, if left undiagnosed or inadequately controlled, can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus, short and long term. GDM is characterized by glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy and is a multifactorial condition with a pathophysiology that remains incompletely understood. It is strongly associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state that contributes to insulin resistance, a hallmark of GDM pathogenesis. Among the fundamental pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in this process, TNF-α and IL-6 play central roles. TNF-α is a cytokine primarily secreted by activated macrophages, as well as by adipocytes in the context of obesity. Many studies have shown that its levels are elevated in pregnant women with GDM compared to normoglycemic pregnant individuals. IL-6 is another pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by immune cells, adipose tissue, and the placenta. It is found in higher concentrations in the maternal circulation during pregnancies complicated by GDM. Both TNF-α and IL-6 act synergistically to perpetuate a pro-inflammatory intrauterine environment. Their combined effects exacerbate insulin resistance and may impair pancreatic β-cell compensation during pregnancy, facilitating the onset of GDM in genetically or metabolically susceptible individuals. Recent research has identified various maternal serum biomarkers, such as TNF-α and IL-6, that may hold promise for the early detection of GDM. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether TNF-α and IL-6 can be used as diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of GDM, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of associated maternal and fetal complications. Full article

To address the challenge of a conventional line-commutated converter (LCC), unable to operate properly in connection with a very weak AC system, the technology of the capacitor-commutated converter (CCC) was widely utilized in 1990s. The topology of the CCC is constructed as a conventional LCC modified with a series capacitor between the converter transformer and the thyristor valves in each phase. Additional phase voltage can be generated on the capacitor to assist the process of the commutation. However, the CCC technology may experience continuous commutation failure due to the uncontrolled charging of the series capacitor. Based on the submodule-cascaded static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), this paper proposes a novel topology called the submodule-cascaded STATCOM-based CCC (SCCC). The SCCC technology enables the function of reactive power compensation and active filtering. It can also improve the transient characteristics of the AC faults via dynamic reactive power injection during the transient process, which helps to reduce the risk of continuous commutation failure in the CCC. Full article

Failures in gas path components pose significant risks to aeroengine performance and safety. Traditional fault diagnosis methods often require extensive data and struggle with real-time applications. This study addresses these critical limitations in traditional studies through physics-informed modeling and adaptive estimation. A nonlinear component-level model of the JT9D engine is developed through aero-thermodynamic governing equations, enhanced by a dual-loop iterative cycle combining Newton–Raphson steady-state resolution with integration-based dynamic convergence. An augmented state-space model that linearizes nonlinear dynamic models while incorporating gas path health characteristics as control inputs is novelly proposed, supported by similarity-criterion normalization to mitigate matrix ill-conditioning. A hybrid identification algorithm is proposed, synergizing partial derivative analysis with least squares fitting, which uniquely combines non-iterative perturbation advantages with high-precision least squares. This paper proposes a novel enhanced Kalman filter through integral compensation and three-dimensional interpolation, enabling real-time parameter updates across flight envelopes. The experimental results demonstrate a 0.714–2.953% RMSE in fault diagnosis performance, a 3.619% accuracy enhancement over traditional sliding mode observer algorithms, and 2.11 s reduction in settling time, eliminating noise accumulation. The model maintains dynamic trend consistency and steady-state accuracy with errors of 0.482–0.039%. This work shows marked improvements in temporal resolution, diagnostic accuracy, and flight envelope adaptability compared to conventional approaches. Full article

The H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to evolve into genetically diverse and highly pathogenic clades with increased potential for cross-species transmission. Recent scientific advances have included the development of next-generation vaccine platforms, promising antiviral compounds, and more sensitive diagnostic tools, alongside strengthened surveillance systems in both animals and humans. However, persistent structural challenges hinder global readiness. Vaccine production is heavily concentrated in high-income countries, limiting equitable access during potential pandemics. Economic and logistical barriers complicate the implementation of control strategies such as vaccination, culling, and compensation schemes. Gaps in international coordination, public communication, and standardization of protocols further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Although sustained human-to-human transmission has not been documented, the severity of confirmed infections and the rapid global spread among wildlife and domestic animals underscore the urgent need for robust preparedness. International organizations have called for comprehensive pandemic response plans, enhanced multisectoral collaboration, and investment in targeted research. Priorities include expanding surveillance to asymptomatic animal hosts, evaluating viral shedding and transmission routes, and developing strain-specific and universal vaccines. Strengthening global cooperation and public health infrastructure will be critical to mitigate the growing threat of H5N1 and reduce the risk of a future influenza pandemic. Full article