Search Results (70)

The aim of the study is to carry out a technical assessment of a Hungarian baths complex, which is a major tourist center with approximately 180,000 visitors per year. The bath complex had been partially closed. Following the partial closure of the spa, a comprehensive survey was carried out, identifying four main problem areas: operational difficulties with the thermal and cold-water wells, outdated water treatment technology, structural damage to the swimming pool and general mechanical deficiencies. Based on these investigations, recommendations were made for a safe and sustainable reopening of the spa, such as the reactivation of the geothermal system, the installation of modern filtration and dosing systems, and the application of energy-efficient and intelligent technologies. Based on the recommendations, the safe, economical, and sustainable reopening of the spa can be achieved, while also providing guidance for the modernization of other spa complexes. A separate section presents detailed development proposals, such as restarting the geothermal system, applying modern water treatment technologies and intelligent control systems, renovating the pool structure, and modernizing the mechanical and electrical systems. These proposals contribute to the modernization of the spa infrastructure and can also provide guidance for solving technical problems in other similar facilities. Full article

In this study, two color morphs (red and green) of Asian swimming crab (Charybdis japonica) commonly distributed in the China Sea area were analyzed for their L*a*b* values, carapace and inner membrane histology, morphological characteristics, mitochondrial DNA sequences, muscle texture, and amino acid composition. The results showed that compared with the green morph group, the red morph group exhibits higher aggregation of melanocytes and fewer pigment cells in the inner membrane. In addition, L* and b* of the carapace, and L* values of the inner membrane were lower in red morph group. Both populations of C. japonica also exhibit significant differences in their morphological parameters, including carapace length, body weight, and pincer width. However, the coefficient of variation for these morphological parameters did not correspond to the subspecies level. The mitochondrial DNA analysis also revealed sequence identity of COI (98.96%) and ITS-1 (99.71%) genes in both groups, supporting them to belong to the same species. Both groups also presented significant differences in their muscle texture characteristics, including adhesiveness, springiness, and gumminess, but no significant differences were observed in the muscle amino acid composition. Overall, red and green morphs of C. japonica show differences in their body color, morphological characteristics, and muscle quality, but still belong to the same species. Full article

Objectives: This single-arm, pre–post intervention study with a three-month follow-up aimed to determine whether a ten-day outdoor camp combining mixed-modality physical activity and time-restricted feeding elicits positive changes in multiple body-composition outcome measures and whether those changes persist at three-month follow-up. Methods: Forty healthy undergraduates (18 male, 22 female) participated in a 10-day outdoor camp that combined multi-modal physical activities (rock climbing and bouldering, swimming, hiking, applied paddling, survival skills, etc.) with a 13 h daily time-restricted feeding window. Body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, body mass, total body-water percentage, visceral fat level, and skeletal muscle index were measured using the InBody 270 at baseline, immediately post-camp, and at the three-month follow-up. Results: Mixed-effects models with random intercepts for subject revealed significant reductions in body fat percentage (β = −1.63, p < 0.001) and visceral fat level (β = −0.72, p = 0.001), alongside increases in skeletal muscle percentage (β = 1.02, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle index (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), and total body-water percentage (β = 1.19, p < 0.001) from baseline to post-camp; no outcomes differed between baseline and follow-up and no time × sex interactions were observed. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a brief, intensive nature-based intervention can drive rapid, multidimensional improvements in body composition, but structured maintenance is required to sustain benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is a naturally occurring polysulfide with known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. DMTS is a lipophilic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ligand that reaches the central nervous system (CNS). Its role in the CNS, particularly regarding depression-like behaviour, has yet to be explored. This study investigates the influence of DMTS on stress responses and whether this effect is mediated through the TRPA1 ion channel, known for its role in stress adaptation. Using a mouse model involving three-week exposure, we examined the impact of DMTS on depression-like behaviour and anxiety and identified the involved brain regions. Methods: Our methods involved testing both Trpa1-wild-type and gene-knockout mice under CUMS conditions and DMTS treatment. DMTS was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 30 mg/kg on days 16 and 20 of the 21-day CUMS protocol—in hourly injections seven times to ensure sustained exposure. Various behavioural assessments—including the open field, marble burying, tail suspension, forced swim, and sucrose preference tests—were performed to evaluate anxiety and depression-like behaviour. Additionally, we measured body weight changes and the relative weights of the thymus and adrenal glands, while serum levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were quantified via ELISA. FOSB (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B) immunohistochemistry was utilised to assess chronic neuronal activation in stress-relevant brain areas. Results: Results showed that CUMS induces depression-like behaviour, with the response being modulated by the TRPA1 status and that DMTS treatment significantly reduced these effects when TRPA1 channels were functional. DMTS also mitigated thymus involution due to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. Conclusions: Overall, DMTS appears to relieve depressive and anxiety symptoms through TRPA1-mediated pathways, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement or adjunct therapy for depression and anxiety. Full article

To design sustainable water supply systems, utilities need to determine the average per capita water consumption along with factors that influence it. However, data on residents per building are often unavailable. This study introduces a GIS-based approach to estimate residents per building despite incomplete data. Building height and size were determined and spatially linked to water consumption data. These values were used to calculate the living space and the number of residents per building. A comparison with actual residents from Study Site 1 showed high agreement (correlation of 0.7), confirming the method’s reliability. With an accuracy of ±1 person, 66% of single-family homes and 17% of apartment buildings were correctly estimated. The analysis further showed that single-family home residents consume about 130 L per day, while those in apartment buildings use 105–114 L per day. The presence of swimming pools was identified as a significant factor. A resident in a single-family home with a pool consumes around 153 L per day, while one without a pool uses around 126 L per day. This approach provides a method to estimate per capita water consumption, enabling water utilities to plan sustainably, even in regions with limited register data. Full article

Improving energy efficiency in post-primary-school buildings is crucial for decarbonisation, yet existing strategies often focus on costly renovations, rather than operational optimisations. This study addresses the research gap by investigating how targeted adjustments in building operation can achieve significant energy savings without major renovations while maintaining user comfort. This research employs the interdisciplinary ENERGE Project framework and a five-step methodology that integrates technical and behavioural approaches to identify savings opportunities. Central to the approach is an energy audit, which analyses building performance, benchmarks consumption against local standards, and categorises energy use to prioritise interventions. The methodology involves planning, implementing, and evaluating savings strategies with stakeholder engagement. Educational buildings were selected as pilot sites due to their important building stock and potential for dissemination. The results of a case study with empirical validation in Luxembourg demonstrate significant energy-saving opportunities, particularly in baseload consumption. By adopting reduced operational modes during unoccupied periods, energy use was minimised without compromising comfort. Monitoring revealed substantial reductions in electricity consumption, with an additional 5% savings achieved by adjusting light levels in common areas to meet standard requirements. Moreover, adapting the operational schedules of pumps and ventilation systems in a swimming pool to actual usage patterns yielded estimated savings of 12 MWh/a. These findings highlight the potential to achieve meaningful energy savings without requiring high investments or deep renovations, which in many cases face performance gaps. Success relies on adaptable operational settings and active engagement of the entire stakeholder chain to realise sustainable and impactful energy-saving measures. Furthermore, the saving measures tested in educational buildings can be replicated in the residential sector. Full article

Sustained exercise in aquaculture is known to improve the health and growth of finfish. Implementing exercise regimes has become an increasing focus in aquaculture practice. This study examined the relationship between the preferred swimming speed (U_pref) and the optimal swimming speed (U_opt) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under non-migratory conditions typical of aquaculture environments. Using a circular raceway, rainbow trout were allowed to swim voluntarily to determine U_pref. U_opt was measured using a forced-swimming test in a swim tunnel respirometer. Experiments were conducted at three temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C). The results revealed a significant difference between U_pref (1.18 ± 0.14, 1.17 ± 0.19, and 1.24 ± 0.15 BL s⁻¹, respectively) and U_opt (1.4 ± 0.19, 1.5 ± 0.15, and 1.6 ± 0.24 BL s⁻¹, respectively) across all temperatures. Aerobic scope was greatest at 15 °C (3.8), consistent with the species’ thermal range. Notably, swimming at U_pref required 18–22% less energy than U_opt, suggesting that U_pref is more suitable for aquaculture systems. This study introduces a minimally invasive and stress-free method for determining U_pref and provides insights that can optimize flow regimes in aquaculture tanks, improving both energy efficiency and fish welfare. Full article

To achieve sustainable swimming pool water management, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of energy, water, and chemical agents to maintain the appropriate water quality. Some of the pollutants are introduced by swimmers and can be relatively easily removed if swimmers take a shower before entering a pool. Thus, this research questions how much of an impact this simple act could have on the water quality and generally on sustainable water management in swimming pools. To address this question, experiments were conducted at the AGH Swimming Pool in Kraków, in a real facility—a hot tub—with the participation of volunteers who took a shower in Variant 1 and did not in Variant 2. The assessment was made on the basis of selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters of swimming pool water, including disinfection by-products. The research results proved that taking a shower can significantly reduce the load of pollutants users introduce into swimming pool water and can contribute to more efficient and ecological treatment of swimming pool water and minimize the negative impact on the health of swimming pool users (microbiological contaminants and precursors of harmful chlorination by-products). Full article

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a parasitic ciliate, causes “white spot disease” in freshwater fish and poses a significant threat to global freshwater aquaculture. Eliminating the free-swimming theront stage from the aquaculture environment is a critical measure for controlling I. multifiliis infections. The natural predator of I. multifiliis theronts in fish-farming ponds were identified using fluorescent dye-labelled live theronts and quantitative PCR; meanwhile, the zooplankton community composition in the positive ponds of I. multifiliis detected by quantitative PCR were analyzed by eDNA metabarcoding assay. The results revealed predation on theronts by cyclopoid copepods, including Cyclops vicinus, Thermocyclops taihokuensis, Cyclops sp., Thermocyclops sp., Eucyclops sp., and Mesocyclops sp. from the in-situ predation aquatic ecosystem, and among these copepods, C. vicinus was identified as a natural dominant predator of I. multifiliis. This study provides a scientific basis for further exploration and utilization of natural predators to enhance sustainable and environmentally friendly control strategies against I. multifiliis. Full article

Dams severely affect aquatic environments and block the longitudinal migration of fish. In order to mitigate the negative effects generated by these developments, fish passes, or fishways, are implemented in dams with the purpose of restoring river connectivity and allowing the movement of migrants. Nevertheless, fishways in neotropical areas often face design and construction issues that can reduce their efficiency and selectively disadvantage species with limited swimming capabilities. This study analyzes how a fish ladder on the Paraná River influences the black armored catfish (Rhinelepis aspera), a benthic, long-distance migratory species important to commercial fisheries. A total of 200 individuals were PIT-tagged and monitored for four months. The results showed that although many fish successfully located the fishway, only a small portion (3.5%) managed to complete the ascent. The interaction between the hydraulic characteristics of the fishway and the fish condition factor played a significant role in ascent performance. Our findings underscore the importance of assessing fishway suitability for benthic neotropical species to support conservation efforts in the Upper Paraná River Basin. To improve passage rates for R. aspera, we recommend optimizing flow conditions by adjusting orifice and notch configurations, incorporating roughness elements, and modifying resting pool designs. These adaptations would reduce energy expenditure for ascending fish, enhancing fishway performance and contributing to the sustainability of migratory species in this region. Full article

The increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), including biodegradable plant residues such as pruning, leaf, and kitchen wastes, presents a substantial environmental challenge due to the limited availability of landfill space and the resulting environmental contamination. Sustainable waste management practices, encompassing recycling and waste-to-energy conversion through biological or thermochemical processes, are imperative. In the Municipality of Athens, Greece, significant quantities of green waste generated from public and private gardening activities provide a valuable opportunity for energy recovery and landfill waste reduction. In accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC, Athens emphasizes waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery. This study examined alternative bio-waste and green waste management systems, using examples from Europe, focusing on the Athens Directorate of Urban Green Spaces and Urban Wildlife. This paper discusses methods for assessing the energy value of pruning residues, providing a definitive disposal framework. Additionally, it presents a technoeconomic study of one of the municipal swimming pools in the Municipality of Athens, investigating the production and distribution of thermal energy to meet the heating needs of the pool facilities. This research identified key constraints and their impact on decision-making, highlighting the potential for alternative green waste management strategies. It advocates modern recycling techniques in line with national and community legislation, which have significant environmental and economic benefits. Full article

For direct investment towards activities that significantly contribute to the achievement of the European Green Deal objectives, the European Union has adopted “Taxonomy Regulation”, which also applies disclosure requirements to financial institutions that finance the construction, renovation, or acquisition of buildings. For this reason, the financial sector needs methodologies and guidelines, adapted to the national situation, to define the primary energy thresholds to be used when assessing sustainability and financing the acquisition of real estate. This paper presents the methodology developed to identify 15% and 30% of the most energy-efficient national building stock in Lithuania based on EPC data. As a result, functional primary energy indicator (FPEI) threshold values are set for 17 distinct categories of existing buildings built by 31 December 2020. The 15% FPEI thresholds range from 81 kWh/m² for warehouse buildings to 228 kWh/m² for swimming pool buildings. Similarly, the 30% FPEI thresholds span from 104 kWh/m² for warehouses to 303 kWh/m² for foodservice buildings. The methodologies and threshold values are compared to other countries’ practice and recommendations are provided. Full article

Background/Objectives: 6-Shogaol is a comparatively innovative anti-Parkinson’s remedy with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This investigation intended to determine the role of 6-shogaol in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) paradigm in rotenone-induced rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (10–12 weeks old; 180 ± 20 g) were divided into five groups. Animals with rotenone-induced experimental PD were subsequently treated with 6-shogaol-10 at 20 mg/kg for 28 days. After the experimental duration, behavioural investigations were performed, i.e., open field test, forced swim test, rotarod test, and catalepsy test. Biochemical assessments like AChE, GSH, CAT, SOD, MDA, nitrite, ceruloplasmin, proinflammatory markers such as IL-1β, NF-κB, TNF-α, and catecholamines markers (DA, GABA, and MAO-B) were determined. The docking procedure was conducted using the AutoDock Vina docking protocol. Furthermore, histopathology was performed. Results: Rotenone significantly increased the level of MAO-B, oxidative, nitrative, and pro-inflammatory markers. However, there was a decline in ceruloplasmin, dopamine, and endogenous antioxidants. Treatment with 6-shogaol (10 and 20 mg/kg) considerably sustained the elevation of oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators and decreased AChE activity and dopamine levels. In the histology of the brain, 6-shogaol improved the neuronal structure and reduced the degeneration of neurons. Based on the binding energy values, compound 6-shogaol demonstrates a favourable binding affinity to AChE, MAO-B, DA, and GABA with respective binding energies of −8.214, −8.133, −7.396 and −6.189 kcal/mol. Conclusions: In this study, 6-shogaol exhibited neuroprotective properties against PD, which could be employed as a prospective medication for PD. Full article

To investigate the effects of taurine and vitamin C on gibel carp (Carrassius auratus gibeilo), fish (41.85 ± 0.03 g) were fed three diets with 0% taurine + 0% vitamin C (D0), 0.1% taurine + 0% vitamin C (D1), and 0.1% taurine + 0.1% vitamin C (D2) for 8 weeks. Then 12-hour hypoxic stress test was conducted. The results showed that weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and sustained swimming time (SST) were significantly increased in the D2. CAT, SOD, T-AOC, and GSH were increased. GSH-Px and il-6 were decreased in D1 and D2. In hypoxia, CAT and T-AOC were decreased, while GSH, sod, and nrf2 were the highest in D1. Compared to normoxia, GSH-Px was increased, while SOD and MDA were decreased. Il-10 and nf-κb were increased. Vegf, epo, and ho-1 were increased and they all were higher than that in normoxia. The number of gill cell mitochondria and survival rate (SR) of gibel carp had an increasing trend but no significant difference among groups. In conclusion, taurine with vitamin C improved the growth and SST of gibel carp, and taurine and taurine with vitamin C improved antioxidant capacity, immunity, and hypoxia tolerance. Full article

This study utilized particle image velocimetry (PIV) to analyze the kinematic and hydrodynamic characteristics of juvenile goldfish across three swimming modes: forward swimming, burst and coast, and turning. The results demonstrated that C-shaped turning exhibited the highest speed, enabling rapid and agile maneuvers for predator evasion. Meanwhile, forward swimming was optimal for sustained locomotion, and burst-and-coast swimming was suited for predatory behaviors. A vorticity analysis revealed that vorticity around the tail fin was the primary source of propulsive force, corroborating the correlation between vorticity magnitude and propulsion found in previous research. The findings emphasize the crucial role of the tail fin in swimming efficiency and performance. Future research should integrate ethology, biomechanics, and physiology to deepen the understanding of fish locomotion, potentially informing the design of efficient biomimetic underwater robots and contributing to fish conservation efforts. Full article