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Indoor landmarks play a crucial role in the process of indoor positioning and route planning for pedestrians or unmanned devices. Indoor structural landmarks, a type of indoor landmarks, can provide rich steering and semantic descriptions for indoor navigation services. However, most traditional indoor landmark extraction methods rely on indoor points of interest and indoor vector map data. These methods face the problem of difficult acquisition of indoor data and overlook the exploration of indoor structural landmarks. Therefore, this paper innovatively proposes a method for extracting indoor structural landmarks based on the commonly available indoor fire protection plan images. First, the HSV model is employed to eliminate noise from the original image, and vector data of indoor components is obtained using the constructed Canny operator. Subsequently, the visibility is calculated based on the grids of indoor space segmentation. Finally, the identification and extraction of indoor structural landmarks are achieved through grid visibility classification, directional clustering analysis, and spatial proximity verification. This approach opens up new ideas for indoor landmark extraction methods. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can effectively extract indoor structural landmarks, the extraction accuracy of indoor structural landmarks reaches over 90%, verifying the feasibility of using indoor fire protection plan data for landmark extraction and expanding the data sources for indoor landmark extraction. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess the biological potential of extracts obtained from the grape pomace of three Vitis vinifera hybrid varieties—Regent, Rondo and Marechal Foch—as a natural source of bioactive compounds, with possible application in cosmetology and dermatology. Grape pomace, which is an important by-product of the winemaking process, is a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and vitamin C, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties that are important for skin health. The conducted studies determined the antioxidant activity of the extracts (DPPH) and the content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and vitamin C, Of the varieties analysed: Marechal Foch exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (10 µmol TE/g), while Regent demonstrated the highest flavonoid content (50.42 mg/g) and vitamin C content (35.6 mg/100 g). The Rondo extract had the highest content of anthocyanins (362.36 mg/g) and total phenolic compounds (18.31 mg/g), indicating strong protective potential for skin cells. Regent extract at a concentration of 25 μg/mL was found to have the greatest effect on fibroblast proliferation and migration, significantly increasing the percentage of living cells and the rate of regeneration. This correlates with the high flavonoid content, which is particularly important for skin cells. These results confirm that grape pomace, particularly from the Regent variety, is a valuable source of natural antioxidants with anti-aging and regenerative properties. The use of these raw materials in cosmetic formulations aligns with the principles of the circular economy and the idea of “zero waste”, being an example of the sustainable use of by-products from the wine industry in the production of innovative bio-cosmetics. Full article

Nowadays, due to strategic reasons such as the importance of energy and environmental protection, the demand for alternatives to fossil fuels has surged. Hydrogen is considered a suitable and potential alternative energy source, promoting the development of various production technologies. However, conventional technologies for hydrogen production generate a large amount of CO₂ greenhouse gases, contributing to serious environmental issues. In recent decades, TiO₂ nanotubes have emerged as effective photocatalysts for electrode reactions involving water splitting, resulting in hydrogen production. These photocatalysts utilize readily available resources: water as the raw material and sunlight as the energy source. Despite their potential, TiO₂ nanotubes face substantial challenges, including a large energy gap resulting in very low electrical conductivity, along with the recombination of electrons and electron holes during the water splitting reaction. These issues present considerable obstacles to the integration of these materials into the industrial cycle of new energy production, particularly hydrogen generation. Currently, the challenges and potential solutions associated with TiO₂ have made it one of the most extensively researched materials worldwide. In this review, the status of photocatalysts based on TiO₂ nanotubes is examined, highlighting the main challenges in this field and the proposed solutions to address these obstacles. Full article

Landfills situated in karst terrains pose unique sustainability challenges due to the complex geological characteristics of these environments. This is mainly due to the well-developed underground drainage systems, including discontinuities and caves that can quickly transport contaminants over long distances, reaching the water sources and ecosystems. The focus of this study is on multi-geophysical assessment incorporating electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) to evaluate the volume of the waste and to delineate the contact between the waste material and the karst, offering a more comprehensive view of subsurface conditions. The presented examples include geophysical mapping of the landfills Sodol and Sorinj, situated in the immediate vicinity of sensitive water bodies, increasing the potential risk of environmental contamination. At both sites, the boundary between waste material and bedrock was clearly delineated. Bedrock was identified with P-wave velocities of approximately 3000 m/s at Sodol Landfill and 2000 m/s at Sorinj Landfill. Waste material, observed at both sites, exhibited electrical resistivity values up to 120 Ω·m. The combined use of ERT and SRT provides extensive coverage of the landfill area, surpassing what can typically be achieved through traditional methods such as boreholes or excavations. Overall, the obtained results show promising potential for using integrated geophysical methods to accurately characterize landfill sites in karst terrains, thereby improving environmental protection strategies in karst regions and contributing to sustainable waste management. Full article

Developing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to plant propagation, development, and protection is a common goal for the scientific community. Plant cell culturing enables us to obtain plant clones and produce biomolecules under controlled conditions. The same principle can be applied to the harvesting of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These nanosized structures are key players in cell communication and stress response by carrying, protecting, and delivering important biomolecules. Raising interest in the scientific community, EVs have been successfully tested as nanocarriers for therapeutics and biotechnology. However, despite their potential, there remains a gap in research on scalable, reliable sources for EV production. Our goals were to optimize EV production and isolation from induced poplar callus cell lines (Populus tremula × P. alba) and load these with RNA to validate their functionality as nanocarriers. We were able to isolate 2.5 × 10¹⁰ EVs/g, highlighting the potential for these lines to be mass-produced. Furthermore, RNA loaded into EVs through electroporation was internalized into Botrytis cinerea hyphae, reassuring their potential in protecting and delivering cargo. Our findings contribute to EV characterization and demonstrate that RNA delivery through EV transport could be a safe and effective method for future EV-based technologies in plant protection. Full article

Heritage conservation and environmental protection have similarities, both aiming at conserving structures and systems in their original state. While environmental protection prioritizes intact ecosystems, heritage conservation values past cultural achievements, thus reflecting the difference between nature and culture. Our research purpose is to analyze the interaction of these two disciplines for historic windows, which can be renovated, technically upgraded, or replaced by a new window. As the methodology, an LCA model was applied, where, after defining a model window material and energy flows in three scenarios, the related environmental impacts were investigated. The results show that the considerably lower loss of energy with a new window by far outweighs the impacts from the production of the new window. This becomes apparent for nearly all impact categories. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the energy source for heating has a major impact. Changing from fossil to renewable energy in the future will reduce the advantage of new windows markedly. Such novel approaches should support the integration of environmental considerations into heritage conservation. Full article

Rear-end collisions involving maintenance vehicles remain a critical source of severe injuries and fatalities in highway work zones. Existing studies on Rear Impact Guards (RIGs) and Truck-Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) have primarily relied on vehicle-based acceleration metrics or low-speed tests, leaving uncertainty regarding their performance under high-energy impact conditions. This study investigates occupant injury risk and vehicle crash behavior through full-scale frontal impact tests conducted at 80 km/h using a 2002 Renault SM520 passenger car against (1) a truck equipped with a RIG and (2) the same truck equipped with a TMA. Hybrid III 50th percentile ATDs, high-speed imaging, and multi-axis accelerometers were employed to measure occupant kinematics and injury responses. Occupant Risk Indices (THIV (Theoretical Head Impact Velocity), ASI (Acceleration Severity Index), PHD (Post-impact Head Deceleration), and ORA (Occupant Ridedown Acceleration)) and the ATD-based HIC36 were evaluated to assess crash severity. The RIG test exhibited severe underride, resulting in an HIC36 value of 1810, far exceeding the FMVSS 208 limit. In contrast, the TMA significantly reduced occupant injury risk, lowering HIC36 by 83.5%, and maintained controlled vehicle deceleration without compartment intrusion. Comparisons between FSM-based indices and ATD-measured injury responses revealed discrepancies in impact timing and occupant motion, highlighting limitations of current evaluation methodologies. The findings demonstrate the necessity of high-speed testing and ATD-based injury assessment for accurately characterizing RIG/TMA performance and provide evidence supporting improvements to roadside safety hardware standards and work-zone protection strategies. Full article

In the rapidly changing Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM), urbanization and oasis ecosystem degradation have intensified the need for ecological security planning. However, traditional ecosystem service assessments often struggle to capture the spatial heterogeneity of these fragile landscapes. This study integrates revised ecosystem service value (RESV), ecological sensitivity, and circuit-theory-based connectivity analysis to identify ecological sources and construct an ecological security pattern (ESP). Results indicate: From 2000 to 2020, land conversion among exposed areas, irrigated farmland, and grassland dominated regional change, with 5902 km² of exposed land converting to grassland and 4554 km² to irrigated farmland. RESV declined initially but rose overall from 1104 to 1255 billion yuan, yielding a net increase of about 14%. Ecologically sensitive areas were concentrated in the northeast, covering roughly 19,300 km² and dominated by irrigated farmland. In total, 23 ecological sources, 47 ecological corridors, 28 ecological barrier points, and 61 ecological bottleneck points were identified, forming the basis for a targeted point–line–area protection strategy to guide ecological zoning and restoration. This study provides scientific basis for ecological conservation and territorial spatial planning in arid urban clusters. Nonetheless, limitations related to data resolution and indicator selection remain. Future research should incorporate higher-resolution ecological data and scenario-based simulations to further refine ESP construction. Full article

Frankliniella panamensis Hood 1925 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a thrips species of increasing interest as a potential pest of crops in Central and South America and as a contaminant in international trade, especially for ornamentals. We identify, collate, summarize, and critically analyze information from national, regional, and international sources, on the taxonomy, diagnostics, distribution, biology and ecology, pest status, and pest management of F. panamensis. Approximately 90 articles of relevance were identified. Most were locatable in either Google or Google Scholar, but electronic or hard copies were sometimes difficult to obtain. The taxonomic status of F. panamensis is established. After past issues, especially those that related to the distinction between F. panamensis and Frankliniella occidentalis, suitable morphological and molecular diagnostics for F. panamensis have been developed. F. panamensis has mostly been recorded from between 1400 and 3600 m asl in several Central and South American countries and especially in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama. Adults of F. panamensis have been recorded from flowers and leaves of many endemic and introduced plants, including weeds, in Central and South America, but details on the feeding and breeding hosts for this thrips species are rare. F. panamensis seems to be multivoltine and exhibits arrhenotoky. F. panamensis is clearly a transitory species in some protected crops but there is little evidence as to whether it maintains breeding populations under these conditions. F. panamensis is listed as a pest in several South American publications, but we found little published evidence of direct or indirect damage caused by the species to any cultivated or uncultivated plant species. Until the pest status of F. panamensis is clarified, this species will probably remain a quarantine issue in international trade in some countries. We identify knowledge gaps and priority areas for future research. Full article

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is a highly infectious potexvirus that poses a significant threat to tomato cultivation in greenhouses worldwide. The threat posed by this virus is attributed to by its genetic complexity, characterized by the presence of multiple genotypes in circulation, mixed infections, and ongoing genotype turnover. Surveys of wild Solanum species have identified promising sources of resistance; however, this resistance is often incomplete, manifesting as symptomless, yet virus-positive, plants. When resistance is identified, introgressing of these traits into elite backgrounds is frequently impeded by reproductive barriers and linkage drag. Consequently, there are currently no commercially available cultivars with durable resistance to PepMV. Current control measures rely on stringent hygiene practices, seed health protocols, and the use of mild isolate cross-protection, which can mitigate fruit symptoms when carefully genotype-matched and closely monitored. Looking forward, achieving durable control will likely require host-centered strategies. Loss-of-susceptibility mutations and RNA interference-based approaches have demonstrated strong potential in experimental studies. Future solutions may involve the integration of genome editing with RNA-based technologies, supported by regulatory harmonization and socioeconomic viability considerations. Full article

Liepāja Lake, a Natura 2000 protected area and one of the largest coastal freshwater bodies in Latvia, has been historically influenced by urbanization, diffuse agricultural inputs, and legacy contamination from metallurgy and ship-repair industries. Comprehensive, spatially explicit data on its sediment and water chemistry were previously lacking. The dataset used in this study provides an openly accessible record of major and trace element concentrations in surface sediments and surface waters collected during the 2024 field campaign. Sampling sites were distributed across northern, central, and southern zones to capture gradients in anthropogenic pressure and natural variability. Water samples were filtered and acidified following ISO 15587-2:2002, while sediments were homogenized, sieved, and digested following EPA 3051a. Both matrices were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ) with multi-element calibration traceable to NIST standards. The dataset comprises 31 analytes (Li–Bi) with paired standard deviation values, reported in mg kg^–1 (sediments) and µg L^–1 (water). Rigorous validation included certified reference materials, duplicates, blanks, and statistical outlier screening. The resulting data form a reliable geochemical baseline for assessing pollution sources, quantifying spatial heterogeneity, and supporting future monitoring, modeling, and restoration efforts in climate-sensitive Baltic coastal lakes. Full article

This review presents a comprehensive overview of electrochemical-based technologies as emerging and sustainable methods for treating pesticide-contaminated wastewater. Core processes, including electro-Fenton, electrocoagulation, and electrochemical oxidation, as well as their hybrid combinations, have demonstrated high degradation efficiency, operational flexibility, and the ability to achieve complete mineralization of persistent pesticides. A bibliometric analysis covering 1997–2025 reveals growing global interest in these technologies, particularly in hybrid systems such as photoelectro-Fenton and solar-assisted electrochemical treatments, which offer improved degradation rates and reduced energy demand. Compared to conventional and biological approaches, electrochemical methods provide superior pollutant removal without generating excessive sludge or secondary contamination. Future advancements should focus not only on optimizing operational parameters but also on overcoming current methodological limitations through the development of durable and selective electrode materials and the integration of renewable energy sources, ultimately enhancing process efficiency and sustainability. Coupling electrochemical treatments with complementary physicochemical or biological methods may further improve mineralization and reduce costs. Overall, electrochemical technologies represent a promising pathway toward efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment systems capable of mitigating pesticide pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Enhancing herders’ livelihoods is essential in balancing human–land interactions and promoting inclusive, sustainable development within protected area management. Using a household survey (N = 3539; March–June 2025) and a mixed-methods quantitative approach (weighted TOPSIS, obstacle degree, Spatial Durbin Model, and hierarchical regression), we assessed household livelihood resilience in the Lancang River source area of Sanjiangyuan National Park. Key findings included the following. Overall livelihood resilience was moderate, with a mean score of 0.411. This was characterized by a marked weakness in learning capacity (0.358) and relative strength in self-organization (0.431). Major barriers to resilience included cooperative participation (obstacle degree: 8.14%), education levels (7.58%), skills training (7.18%), household savings (6.40%), and information acquisition abilities (5.97%). The spatial analysis revealed a core-periphery pattern of resilience, evidenced by significant negative spatial autocorrelation (W×HLR coefficient = −0.787, p = 0.001), suggesting competitive interactions among villages. Within this pattern, cooperative participation induced significant positive spatial spillovers (W×X₈ coefficient = 0.147, p < 0.001), while benefits derived from information acquisition abilities remained localized (Direct Effect = 0.061, p < 0.001). The pathways to resilience were associated with household heterogeneity. Associations between key factors and resilience varied across demographic groups, with women and youth benefiting more from skills training and education. Livelihood strategies were linked to information utilization, with cordyceps-dependent households exhibiting greater sensitivity to information acquisition abilities (interaction coefficient = 0.009, p = 0.009). The institutional environment shaped organizational benefits; the positive association with cooperative participation diminished in the core protected zone (interaction coefficient = −0.011, p = 0.036). These findings highlight household heterogeneity as a key factor influencing diverse resilience pathways. They also emphasize the need for targeted, spatially specific, and group-oriented governance strategies. Full article

Water hardness, an important factor influencing both human health and aquatic ecosystems, is controlled by natural processes and human activities. This study examined spatiotemporal variations in water hardness in Jinshu Port (JP) and Yuyang Mountain (YM) water sources in Suzhou from 2011 to 2023. The JP source exhibited a higher total hardness (92–182 mg/L) than the YM source (87–179 mg/L), and both sites showed clear seasonal patterns. Long-term trends diverged: the JP source remained stable, while the YM source declined significantly. Carbonate hardness increased, whereas non-carbonate hardness decreased in both sites. These changes were associated with the acid rain frequency, which correlated positively with non-carbonate hardness but negatively with carbonate hardness. Land use also strongly affected hardness: farmland-dominated rivers in Huxi (90–210 mg/L) had higher levels than forest-dominated rivers in Zhexi (76–164 mg/L). Water-soluble calcium and magnesium in farmland soils were about 4.5 times higher than those in forest soils and roughly doubled with fertilization. Overall, human activities—including land use, fertilizer application, and acid rain—strongly influenced hardness patterns. Over the past decade, the hardness in both regions has generally remained stable with a slight decrease, suggesting that the strict environmental protection in the Taihu Lake Basin effectively mitigated anthropogenic impacts on water sources. Full article

Amid climate change and land-use transformation, the scientific identification of high-quality arable land reserves is critical for safeguarding both cropland quantity and quality. Conventional approaches, largely based on spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity theories, inadequately capture the multi-scale integration of ecological functions and carbon cycling, particularly in ecologically high-risk areas where systematic identification and mechanism analysis are lacking. To address these challenges, this study introduces a geographically similar “grain-carbon” synergistic framework, paired with a “bidirectional optimization” strategy (negative elimination + positive selection), to overcome the shortcomings of traditional methods and mitigate grain–carbon trade-offs in high-risk areas. Using land-use data from Yunnan’s mountainous areas (2000–2020), integrated with InVEST-PLUS model outputs, multi-source remote sensing, and carbon pool datasets, we developed a dynamic land-use–carbon storage simulation framework under four policy scenarios: natural development, urban expansion, arable land protection, and ecological conservation. High-quality arable lands were identified through a geographic similarity analysis with the Geo detector, incorporating ecological vulnerability and landscape risk indices to delineate priority high-risk zones. Carbon storage degradation trends and land-use pressures were further considered to identify optimal areas for cropland-to-forest conversion, facilitating the implementation of the bidirectional optimization strategy. Multi-scenario simulations revealed an increase of 454.33 km² in high-quality arable land, with the optimized scenario achieving a maximum carbon storage gain of 23.54 × 10⁶ t, reversing carbon loss trends and enhancing both farmland protection and carbon sequestration. These findings validate the framework’s effectiveness, overcoming limitations of traditional methods and providing a robust strategy for coordinated optimization of carbon storage and arable land conservation in ecologically high-risk regions, with implications for regional carbon neutrality and food security. Full article