Search Results (5,868)

The 2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was one of the major avian influenza outbreaks, leading to multiple spillover events infecting domestic and wild bird flocks, as well as mammals. The sustained spread was a result of viral circulation in wild birds across migratory flyways in North America. Pennsylvania has a significant poultry population that supports both retail and live bird markets. The state also features migratory bird stopovers on the Atlantic flyway, increasing exposure to HPAI infections. This study investigates clinical presentation and sequence data from H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses during the 2022 outbreak in Pennsylvania. Eight different H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotypes were detected (A1, B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B2.2, B3.3, B3.5, and one minor genotype) during the first year. The earliest detection was genotype A1, a fully Eurasian virus, in commercial poultry in April 2022. All other genotypes identified were reassortants of A1 with North American avian influenza gene segments (denoted with “B”). Genotype B3.3 was a rare genotype prior to the initial spillover into the live bird market system, but remained predominant among backyard flocks in Pennsylvania and surrounding states until September 2023. Genotype B3.3 has not been detected in migratory waterfowl since, suggesting the genotype has waned and is no longer in circulation. This study sheds light on the genotype diversity of H5N1 during the 2022 outbreak in Pennsylvania poultry, contributing to the understanding of virus evolution and its potential impacts. Full article

Security and stability constitute fundamental preconditions for long-term sustainable development. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the return of high-intensity interstate warfare to Europe have profoundly transformed the European security environment and challenged long-standing assumptions underpinning European integration and economic development. This article analyses the ongoing transformation of European security with particular attention to industrial resilience, the evolution of the defence technological and industrial base, and the expanding institutional role of the European Union in strengthening strategic autonomy. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on the examination of strategic documents, policy initiatives, and academic literature, the study identifies structural weaknesses in Europe’s defence-industrial system and evaluates recent institutional and financial responses aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that security, industrial capacity, and institutional adaptation are increasingly interconnected, and that strengthening resilience and reducing strategic dependencies are essential conditions for Europe’s long-term sustainable development in an unstable geopolitical environment. Full article

To enhance the engineering performance of fine-grained composite soils with unbalanced particle gradation, high plasticity, and poor water stability, a synergistic stabilization strategy combining particle structure regulation and microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) was proposed. The particle size distribution and fundamental engineering properties of a titanium gypsum–clay (TSC) composite soil were first optimized through systematic single-factor blending tests. The results indicate that a TS:C ratio of 60:40 significantly improved gradation characteristics, reduced plasticity, and enhanced both compaction behavior and load-bearing capacity. Based on the optimized gradation framework, MICP treatment was subsequently introduced to further enhance water stability. The effects of key parameters, particularly the type of calcium source, on the evolution of water stability were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to elucidate the underlying reinforcement mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the water stability coefficient increased markedly from 0.35 to 0.83 following MICP treatment, while strength degradation under water immersion was effectively mitigated. Microscopic observations reveal that microbially precipitated calcite fills pore spaces and forms a continuous cementation network via particle bridging and interfacial bonding, leading to an approximately 32% reduction in porosity. Overall, the proposed synergistic strategy offers an effective and sustainable approach for improving the water stability and structural integrity of complex fine-grained composite soils. Full article

Coal gangue is one of the most abundant solid wastes generated during coal mining. The use of coal gangue for underground backfilling is widely recognized as an effective approach to reducing waste accumulation and promoting sustainable utilization. To further investigate the bearing and deformation behavior of underground gangue filling materials, combined with the underground occurrence conditions of crushed gangue in goaf, a self-designed loading apparatus for crushed gangue was employed to perform lateral compression experiments on crushed gangue. The compaction deformation, fractal dimension, and acoustic emission evolution characteristics of crushed gangue under the influence of lithology, water content state, particle size distribution, and axial pressure were analyzed. The results indicate that higher rock strength, lower moisture content, smaller particle size range, and lower axial pressure significantly enhance the bearing capacity and reduce axial strain. The fractal dimension increases with decreasing rock strength, increasing moisture content, and increasing axial pressure, reflecting intensified particle fragmentation. The acoustic emission response exhibits three different stages, corresponding to void compaction, void filling, and structural adjustment. Axial pressure has been identified as the main factor controlling acoustic emission energy release, while water content significantly suppresses acoustic emission energy and event frequency. The key roles of particle sliding, rotation, and torque-driven rearrangement in controlling overall deformation were elucidated. These findings provide theoretical support for the mechanical behavior of gangue filling in the goaf and the sustainable disposal and resource utilization of mining waste. Full article

Dry ports are becoming increasingly important elements of port–hinterland transport systems, particularly as maritime gateways face rising congestion, infrastructure pressure, and coordination challenges within global supply chains. As international trade expands and logistics networks grow more complex, inland terminals are progressively evolving into integrated intermodal platforms that support more efficient freight distribution between seaports and their hinterlands. This study presents a PRISMA-based systematic review of research on dry port–seaport systems covering the period 1980–2025. Following a structured screening and selection procedure, peer-reviewed publications were identified and analyzed to examine conceptual developments, thematic orientations, geographical scope, and decision-making perspectives within the field. Particular attention is given to the growing relevance of digital transformation, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, in shaping future dry port operations and network design. By synthesizing existing contributions and identifying research gaps, this review provides a consolidated understanding of the evolution of dry port research and outlines key directions for advancing sustainable, resilient, and data-driven port–hinterland systems. Full article

Under the strategic context of building a transportation powerhouse in China, the transportation sector faces the dual challenge of reducing emissions while improving efficiency. This study constructs a two-dimensional regional classification framework based on the “economic-carbon” dimension and systematically investigates the coordinated evolution of the development level (TD) and carbon emission intensity (TCEI) of the transportation systems in 31 provinces of China from 2014 to 2023, using methods such as entropy weight TOPSIS, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, kernel density estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation analysis, and the XGBoost-SHAP explainable machine learning framework based on transfer learning. The study finds that (1) TD shows a fluctuating upward trend, while TCEI continues to decline, with regional imbalances; (2) in terms of time, CCD shows a general upward trend with an N-shaped evolution; spatially, CCD presents a pattern of stronger coordination in the east and weaker in the west, with sustained regional heterogeneity, forming a development pattern of “Region I leading, Region II breaking through, Region III maintaining, Region IV catching up”; and (3) regarding the driving factors, freight volume, transport industry output value, and passenger turnover are the core driving factors of CCD, with significant regional heterogeneity in their mechanisms. This study provides a systematic analytical framework and differentiated policy tools for promoting coordinated regional development of green transportation. Full article

Ecological resilience (ER) describes the ability of ecosystems to resist, adapt, and recover from external shocks. How to improve ER has become a crucial component of high-quality development (HQD) in the new era. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the synergistic relationship between HQD and ER. In this study, taking the Yellow River Basin as an example, long-term time series data (2008–2022) were used at the provincial scale. Then we developed a logical framework to reveal the interrelationship and intrinsic mechanism between HQD and ER. Next, we explored the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics of HQD and ER using a comprehensive evaluation model and coupling coordination analysis. We found that from 2008 to 2022, the comprehensive level of HQD and ER fluctuated, and the coupling coordination degree showed significant spatial distribution characteristics. Meanwhile, from 2008 to 2022, the spatial evolution level of HQD increased in 89% of the study regions, while ER improved markedly across most regions. Furthermore, using principal component analysis (PCA), we analyzed the driving factors for HQD and ER. The analysis revealed that economic development, green innovation, livelihood improvement, and ecological adaptation play significant roles in promoting the coordinated development of HQD and ER. This research can serve as a reference and methodological guidance for achieving high-quality and sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. Full article

Wine phenolic composition is strongly influenced by tannin structure, yet how the polymerization degree of exogenous proanthocyanidins modulates wine quality during aging remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of adding grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) with different mean degrees of polymerization (mDP 4.63, 3.29, and 1.31) to Cabernet Sauvignon wine by analyzing phenolic compounds, tannin structure, anthocyanin components, CIELAB color parameters, and astringency over 6 months of bottle aging. Low-mDP GSP (rich in galloylated monomers) provided the biggest initial phenolic boost, while high-mDP GSP (dominated by non-galloylated units) sustained tannin enrichment throughout aging. Low-mDP GSP accelerated tannin maturation and color evolution toward aged wine characteristics, with Mv-3-Coglu identified as a key precursor for brick-red hue development. Sensory evaluation revealed that high-mDP GSP enhanced coarse and drying astringency, whereas low-mDP GSP promoted velvety mouthfeel. These findings establish that GSP polymerization degree critically determines phenolic evolution, color stability, and mouthfeel during bottle aging, providing a scientific basis for selecting structure-specific proanthocyanidins to achieve targeted wine quality outcomes. Full article

Surface water quality, serving as a key link between domestic water use and agricultural production, impacts both the drinking water safety of local residents and the sustainable use of irrigated soil. To better protect water resources and enhance their sustainable value, this study collected 50 water samples from the areas surrounding Nansi Lake. Using the Piper trilinear diagram, Gibbs model, and ion ratio analysis, the main hydrochemical types were identified. Based on this, the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) was used to evaluate the water’s suitability for drinking, while irrigation water quality indicators were applied to assess its suitability for irrigation. The results indicate that during both dry and rainy seasons, Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ dominate the water, with average total dissolved solids (TDS) of 1279 mg/L and 1163 mg/L, respectively, indicating moderately elevated salinity. The ion concentrations follow the order: SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > NO₃⁻ > F⁻ and Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. From a hydrochemical perspective, mixed-type and Cl-Na-type waters prevailed in both seasons. The chemical composition of surface water in the study area is largely governed by rock weathering, with ions primarily originating from the dissolution of silicate and evaporite minerals. Furthermore, cation exchange processes play a significant role in shaping the evolution of the water chemistry. The water quality evaluation indicates that surface water in the study area is generally Class II, representing good water quality. However, Class IV and Class V water exist in some areas, where the primary exceedance parameter is SO₄²⁻, which is a key factor influencing water quality. Irrigation suitability is generally good. Systematic investigation of surface water hydrochemistry and quality is of great practical significance for ensuring safe drinking and irrigation water and promoting sustainable socio-economic development. Full article

The complex ocean dynamics in the Northwest Pacific high-seas fishing grounds shape phytoplankton communities, which serve as the foundation for commercially pelagic species. This study investigates how mesoscale eddies modulate phytoplankton groups’ structures by analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of eight phytoplankton functional types (PFTs) from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing high-resolution AI-driven model data (AIGD-PFT) and a normalized radial distance grid (0–2 R), we quantified PFTs concentrations within cyclonic (CE) and anticyclonic (AE) eddies, validated by Biogeochemical Argo (BGC-Argo) and in situ measurements. Results reveal that diatoms and dinoflagellates dominate the region, accounting for 88.7% of phytoplankton with distinct seasonal peaks in spring and autumn, respectively. CE significantly enhance diatom and dinoflagellate concentration, particularly within the 0.4 R–1.2 R dynamic ring, while AE favor the aggregation of picophytoplankton, such as Prochlorococcus, in mid-to-low latitudes. Correlation analysis indicates that diatom abundance is strongly linked to dissolved oxygen and negatively correlated with sea surface height. We conclude that mesoscale eddies drive the spatial remodeling of phytoplankton communities by altering local physical and nutrient conditions. These findings provide a critical ecological context for assessing the habitat distribution and sustainable management of North Pacific fisheries across different trophic levels. Full article

Photocatalytic hydrogen production represents a promising approach for sustainable fuel generation, particularly when driven by solar irradiation. In this study, a photocatalytic system composed of eosin Y, cobalt sulfate, triethanolamine, and graphene oxide was investigated for hydrogen evolution. The optical and structural properties of the system components were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated under both artificial light sources (halogen lamp, xenon lamp, and LED 505 nm) and natural sunlight in order to assess system performance under realistic environmental conditions. The addition of graphene oxide significantly enhanced hydrogen production, resulting in an approximately 4-fold increase compared to the three-component system without graphene oxide. Solar-driven experiments conducted over one year demonstrated efficient hydrogen evolution under a wide range of weather and irradiance conditions. Importantly, based on combined experimental and meteorological data, it is shown that high photocatalytic performance is achievable for a substantial fraction of the year, with approximately 55% of days expected to provide at least 80% of the maximum hydrogen production efficiency under Central European climatic conditions. These findings highlight the strong potential of the investigated four-component system for efficient hydrogen generation using low amounts of catalytic material and without external electrical energy input. Overall, the system shows promising performance for solar-driven hydrogen production under real-world solar irradiation conditions. Full article

Industrial chains in agriculture are currently fragmented and do not support developing resource-based competitive advantages. This is true under the Big Food Framework’s strategic orientation. This research seeks to develop a new analytical framework for evaluating pathways to the integration of agricultural industrial chains and their impact on the performance of companies engaged in food processing in Xinjiang. A mixed-method approach, employing both an exploratory and sequential design, will be used to do this. The primary method of data collection for this study is the case study method, along with the questionnaire method involving 145 agricultural enterprises. From these data, structural equation modeling (SEM) will be used to test the paths of causation among cognitive managers of firms who have implemented the BFF. Evidence will be presented to demonstrate the relationship among three types of integration (vertical, horizontal, and lateral) in the agricultural industrial chain, dynamic capabilities, and company performance. Additionally, network topology and optimization simulations will be conducted to determine how effectively structures are organized in training the respective companies. Important findings revealed in this research include the following: The managerial cognition constructs offered by BFFs play a key role in enhancing the depth and structural balance of industry chain integration. There were complementary performance effects found, and they are related to vertical integration achieving operational efficiency and financial efficiency; horizontal integration improving market competitiveness and brand competitiveness; and lateral integration facilitating innovative growth. Dynamic capabilities are a significant mediating mechanism linking institutional support and digital capability with the depth of integration across different modes of integration. The findings from network optimization suggest that there is a positive effect of balanced connectivity across the different dimensions of integration on overall system efficiency and reduced structural inefficiencies. Based on these findings, the authors recommend that organizations establish governance mechanisms that facilitate coordinated connectivity; strengthen adaptive capabilities within the firm; and promote balanced integration across industrial networks. Future researchers should consider applying these findings to conducting longitudinal studies on network evolution; integrating sustainability measures as part of their analysis; and conducting comparative validation studies across regions or industry systems. Full article

Lolium rigidum is among the most prevalent and noxious weeds in cereal and perennial cropping systems worldwide and has developed resistance to several herbicide modes of action. This study employed a sensor-based smart farming method for the early screening of herbicide resistance across three L. rigidum accessions in Greece, followed by dose–response experiments with clodinafop-propargyl, glyphosate, and mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl. In the preliminary screening, herbicides were applied at their highest recommended rates, whereas the dose–response experiments included five application rates (0, 1/4X, X, 2X, and 4X). The EM2 accession exhibited confirmed resistance to mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl, with a resistance index of 5.31 and a five-fold increase in the herbicide rate required compared to the susceptible EM1 accession. For clodinafop-propargyl, the GR50 value of the resistant EM3 accession (147.97 g a.i. ha⁻¹) was approximately 2.5-fold higher than that of the susceptible EM2 accession (60.28 g a.i. ha⁻¹). Glyphosate application provided only partial biomass reduction in resistant accessions, indicating reduced susceptibility. In parallel, TaqMan assays were developed and validated to detect target-site mutations linked to resistance against EPSPS-, ACCase-, and ALS-inhibiting herbicides, supporting the molecular interpretation of the observed resistance patterns. Overall, the results demonstrate that sensor-based smart farming approaches can provide a rapid and reliable tool for the early screening of herbicide resistance, enabling more informed crop protection strategies and supporting sustainable weed management. Further research across diverse soil types and climatic conditions is warranted to validate and extend the applicability of these approaches. Full article

This study investigates the rapid, often uncontrolled urban expansion in Khenchela, a medium-sized city in Algeria’s eastern High Plains, and its profound environmental repercussions amid semi-arid fragility. Drawing on sustainable urban development and resilience frameworks, it dissects pressures such as green space reduction (from 45 ha in 1998 to 33 ha in 2023, dropping per capita from 6.1 m² to 3 m² below WHO standards), water scarcity with 35% leakage losses waste mismanagement, informal settlements on hazardous lands, air/soil pollution, and climate vulnerabilities like heat waves and flooding. Employing a mixed-methods approach documentary analysis of (MPLUUP, LUP and MDP) plans, GIS cartography of spatial evolution (2000–2025), statistical demographics, field observations, and institutional critiques, the research exposes governance gaps: fragmented coordination, weak ecological integration, and resource shortages. It reveals socio-spatial disparities across functional zones, underscoring the need for adaptive, participatory strategies that promote polycentric and compact urban forms, enhanced biodiversity, efficient infrastructure, and inclusive governance to strengthen urban resilience. Full article

Uranium is a resource with exceptionally high energy density, releasing substantially more energy per unit mass than conventional fossil fuels. In uranium mining, in situ leaching offers significant advantages over open-pit and underground mining, including reduced environmental impact, lower operational costs, enhanced safety, and improved controllability. Within the in situ leaching framework, acid leaching faces limitations in high-carbonate ore bodies, while alkaline leaching is unsuitable for deposits rich in pyrite and other sulfide minerals due to side reactions and precipitate formation that hinder leaching efficiency. In contrast, CO₂-O₂ leaching, as a neutral leaching approach, exhibits broader applicability across diverse ore types and geological settings. Incorporating CO₂ into the leaching process also enables carbon utilization, offering a potential pathway to cleaner uranium extraction aligned with carbon reduction and sustainable energy goals. This review systematically examines the geochemical principles, as well as hydrological and transport phenomena governing CO₂-O₂ in situ leaching. Recent technological advances are summarized, including progress in reaction kinetics and leaching efficiency, leaching solution design and control, and reservoir modification. Furthermore, the techno-economic implications of CO₂-O₂ in situ leaching are critically assessed, with particular emphasis on operational cost structures and the evolution of techno-economic analysis methodologies. On this basis, key challenges and future directions are identified. This work aims to support the future large-scale and economically efficient deployment of CO₂-O₂ in situ leaching for uranium resource development. Full article