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Given that most cities in Sichuan Province, China, are located in mountainous areas and are frequently affected by earthquakes, this study selected 16 mountainous cities in Sichuan Province. Based on the “exposure–sensitivity–coping capacity” framework, we constructed a social vulnerability assessment index system for earthquake disasters that aligns with the characteristics of mountainous regions. Weights were determined using the entropy weight–CRITIC method, and the improved TOPSIS method was used to calculate the social vulnerability index (SoVI) of each city for comparative analysis. Additionally, the social vulnerability maps were created using ArcGIS software to explore the spatial distribution characteristics. The study found that among the 16 mountainous cities, there is a noticeable spatial clustering of social vulnerability. Yajiang, Daofu, and Luhuo are identified as high–high clustering areas, while Jiulong, Luding, Shimian, and Hanyuan also exhibit high–high clustering. Kangding, Baoxing, and Wenchuan fall into low–low clustering areas. Additionally, coping capacity is the most significant factor influencing the social vulnerability of mountainous cities. After experiencing high-magnitude earthquakes, most mountainous cities have not improved their coping abilities and continue to exhibit high vulnerability, primarily due to high illiteracy rates, significant altitude variations, and poor economic conditions. This study provides a scientific basis for local governments to formulate disaster prevention and mitigation strategies, which help enhance the disaster resilience of mountainous cities and promote their sustainable development. Full article

Antibiotic usage and resistance are major health concerns. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making it impossible to treat infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the main contributing factors, while environmental stress (such as heavy metals accumulation), unhygienic conditions, illiteracy, and unawareness also contribute to antibiotic resistance. The slow and costly development of new antibiotics has lagged behind the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the overuse of antibiotics leads to negative consequences. The current study used different literature resources to generate an opinion and find a possible solution to antibiotic barriers. Different scientific approaches have been reported to overcome antibiotic resistance. The most useful approach among these is nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be engineered to disrupt bacterial cell walls or membranes, effectively eliminating resistant strains. Additionally, nanoscale devices enable the real-time monitoring of bacterial populations, allowing for the early detection of resistance emergence. Nanotechnology, along with evolutionary theory offers promising avenues in combating antibiotic resistance. Evolutionary theory helps us understand the mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance, allowing us to anticipate and counteract their adaptive strategies. By studying the selective pressures that drive resistance, we can therefore design more effective interventions or traps. The synergy between the evolutionary theory and nanotechnology presents a powerful approach to combat antibiotic resistance, offering new avenues for the development of effective treatments and the preservation of our antibiotic arsenal. Full article

Background: This paper highlights the effects of internal factors on restructuring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and investigates how these factors have positive or negative effects on applying a new structure in SOEs companies. Yemen Telecom (YT) is an example of an SOE company that belongs to the government and has a social responsibility. By following scientific theories related to research’s factors, we tried to tie our hypotheses to the theories applied to make our factors near reality and be applicable in the future. Methods: In this study, we used empirical research by making an investigation by distributing a questionnaire amongst people who have a relationship with Yemen Telecom. Moreover, the structural equation model (SEM) was used in the current study as the statistical technique for the collected data. Results: The results of this study indicate that illiteracy in using the computer (IIUC) and applying the IT Software (AIS) has adverse effects on reconstructing telecom companies (RTC); also, AIS has a causality effect between illiteracy in using computers (IIUC) and RTC. Moreover, support from top management (SFTM), infrastructure (INF), and efficiency and effectiveness of managerial operations (EaE) have positive effects on RTC. Conclusions: This study concluded that IIUC, TMS, INF, and EaE have an apparent effect on RTC, and AIS has a causality effect between IIUC and RTC. Moreover, the study declares that there is less significance between AIS and RTC. Full article

Scientific orthodoxy based on the acquired authority of some scientists has seriously hampered the progress of the natural sciences in the past and continues to do so today because of new societal influences, such as directive funding and political interference in the setting of research objectives. Enhancing the progress of science must continue to be an important priority in order to meet the future needs of mankind. Yet priority setting between different branches of research is currently controversial because of the limited availability of funds and the political interference. For sound priority setting, an adequate level of scientific literacy is required among policy makers, a subject that will attract attention throughout this paper. The “introduction” gives an overview of the issues at stake. Prevailing pessimistic views of the future of our complex society are viewed as being similar to a medieval doomsday syndrome. Pathways to a new renaissance and age of reason are suggested. Three major recommendations are made: (i) Freedom of inquiry must be protected; (ii) The political misuse of potential environmental scares needs to be investigated before doomsday predictions alarm public perceptions and hence shape policies; (iii) The search for excellence in the leadership of science should be emphasized because it should not be based largely on acquired authority. The current controversy over possible impacts of rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere on climate is analyzed as a case study. Full article