Search Results (4,047)

Urban population growth is intensifying pressure on mobility systems, with road transportation contributing to environmental and sustainability challenges. Policymakers must navigate complex uncertainties in addressing rising mobility demand while pursuing sustainability goals. Advanced technologies offer promise, but their real-world effectiveness in urban contexts remains underexplored. This meta-review comprised three complementary studies: a broad analysis of sustainable mobility with Norwegian case studies, and systematic literature reviews on digital twins and Big Data/AI applications in urban mobility, covering the period of 2019–2024. Using structured criteria, we synthesised findings from 72 relevant articles to identify major trends, limitations, and opportunities. The findings show that mobility policies often prioritise technocentric solutions that unintentionally hinder sustainability goals. Digital twins show potential for traffic simulation, urban planning, and public engagement, while machine learning techniques support traffic forecasting and multimodal integration. However, persistent challenges include data interoperability, model validation, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. We identify a hierarchy of mobility modes where public transit and active mobility outperform private vehicles in sustainability and user satisfaction. Integrating electrification and automation and sharing models with data-informed governance can enhance urban liveability. We propose actionable pathways leveraging Big Data and AI, outlining the roles of various stakeholders in advancing sustainable urban mobility futures. Full article

The chaotic dynamics observed in mathematical models of cancer can correspond to the unpredictable tumor growth and treatment responses seen in clinical settings. Suppressing this chaos is a significant challenge in theoretical oncology. This paper investigates and compares four distinct control strategies designed to stabilize a chaotic three-dimensional tumor-immune interaction model. The objective is to steer the system from its chaotic attractor to a target unstable periodic orbit, representing a transition to a more regular and predictable dynamic. The strategies, all based on the external force control paradigm, include continuous control, a simple state-dependent intermittent control, an improved intermittent control with a minimum activation duration to suppress chattering, and an adaptive intermittent control with a time-varying feedback gain. The performance of each strategy is quantitatively evaluated based on tracking accuracy and the required control effort. Full article

We investigate the role of a statistical complexity measure to assign equilibration in isolated quantum systems. While unitary dynamics preserve global purity, expectation values of observables often exhibit equilibration-like behavior, raising the question of whether a measure of complexity can track this process. In addition to examining observable equilibration, we extend our analysis to study how the complexity of the quantum states evolves, providing insight into the transition from initial coherence to equilibrium. We define a classical statistical complexity measure based on observable entropy and deviation from equilibrium, which captures the dynamical progression towards equilibration and effectively distinguishes between complex and non-complex trajectories. In particular, our measure is sensitive to non-complex dynamics. Such dynamics include the quasi-periodic behavior exhibited by low-dimensional initial states, where the system explores a limited region of Hilbert space while preserving coherence. Numerical simulations of an Ising-like non-integrable Hamiltonian spin-chain model support these findings. Our work provides new insight into the emergence of equilibrium behavior from unitary dynamics and advances complexity as a meaningful tool in the study of the emergence of classicality in microscopic systems. Full article

To investigate temporal deformation mechanisms of hydraulic asphalt concrete slope flow under evolving temperatures, this study developed a novel temperature-controlled slope flow intelligent test apparatus. Using this apparatus, slope flow tests were conducted at four temperature levels: 20 °C, 35 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C. By applying nonlinear dynamics theory, the temporal evolution of slope flow deformation and its nonlinear mechanical characteristics under varying temperatures were thoroughly analyzed. Results indicate that the thermal stability of hydraulic asphalt concrete is synergistically governed by the phase-transition behavior between asphalt binder and aggregates. Temporal evolution of slope flow exhibits a distinct three-stage pattern as follows: rapid growth (0~12 h), where sharp temperature rise disrupts the primary skeleton of coarse aggregates; decelerated growth (12~24 h), where an embryonic secondary skeleton forms and progressively resists deformation; stabilization (>24 h), where reorganization of coarse aggregates is completed, establishing structural equilibrium. The thermal stability temperature influence factor (δ) shows a nonlinear concave growth trend with increasing test temperature. Dynamically, this process transitions sequentially through critical stability, nonlinear stability, period-doubling oscillatory stability, and unsteady states. Full article

Tillage is a major factor influencing soil biological communities, particularly earthworms, which play a key role in soil structure and nutrient cycling. To address soil degradation, less-intensive tillage practices are increasingly being adopted globally and have shown positive effects on earthworm populations when applied consistently over extended periods. However, understanding of the earthworm population dynamics in the period following the implementation of changes in tillage practices remains limited. This three-year field study (2021–2023) investigates earthworm populations during the early transition phase (4–6 years) following the conversion from conventional ploughing to conservation (<8 cm depth, with residue retention) and no-tillage systems in a temperate arable system in central Slovenia. Earthworms were sampled annually in early October from three adjacent fields, each following the same three-year crop rotation (maize—winter cereal + cover crop—soybeans), using a combination of hand-sorting and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) extraction. Results showed that reduced tillage practices significantly increased both earthworm biomass and abundance compared to conventional ploughing. However, a significant interaction between tillage and year was observed, with a sharp decline in earthworm abundance and mass in 2022, likely driven by a combination of 2022 summer tillage prior to cover crop sowing and extreme drought conditions. Juvenile earthworms were especially affected, with their proportion decreasing from 62% to 34% in ploughed plots and from 63% to 26% in conservation tillage plots. Despite interannual fluctuations, no-till showed the lowest variability in earthworm population. Long-term monitoring is essential to disentangle management and environmental effects and to inform resilient soil management strategies. Full article

The cecal microbiota is essential for intestinal health and performance. This study describes the succession patterns of the cecal microbiota in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) until 42 days of age. Sixty quails were raised using standard conditions and fed corn–soybean meal diets. Cecal contents were sampled from five birds weekly from 7 to 42 days of age and submitted to Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing for metabarcoding analysis. Diversity and functional prediction were carried out with QIIME2, PICRUSt2, STAMP and MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0. Firmicutes increased from 50% at 7 days to more than 80% at 42 days, whereas Bacteroidota decreased from 45% to 12% in the same period. Alpha diversity progressively increased with age, indicating a richer and more balanced microbiota at later ages. Genera such as Bacteroides were predominant in the beginning and later were replaced by Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium. These developmental taxonomic features aligned with significant shifts in ten metabolic pathways identified by prediction, revealing a transition from biosynthetic functions to complex carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis. The first seven days are considered a critical window for probiotics intervention, which may favor the establishment of a microbiota that is more stable and beneficial to quail performance. Full article

A multidisciplinary study was conducted to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental evolution of Maladroxia Bay, one of the principal bays of the islet of Sant’Antioco in southwestern Sardinia, over the past eight millennia. As part of an archaeological landscape project, this study explores the paleogeography and environment of the bay from a diachronic perspective to gain insights into the Holocene relative sea level history, shoreline displacements, and the environmental conditions during different phases. This study is based on an analysis of four sediment cores in conjunction with a chronological model that is based on radiocarbon dates. Four relative sea level indicators were produced. These are the first such indicators from the early and middle Holocene for the island of Sant’Antioco. The results indicate that in the early Holocene, the area was a terrestrial, fluvial environment without marine influence. In the 6th millennium BCE, the rising sea level and marine transgression resulted in the formation of a shallow inner lagoon. It reached its maximum extent in the middle of the 5th millennium BCE. Afterwards, a gradual transition from lagoon to floodplain, and a seaward shift of the shoreline occurred. The lagoon potentially served as a valuable source of food and resources during the middle Holocene. During the Nuragic period (2nd to 1st millennium BCE), the Bay of Maladroxia was very similar to how it is today. Its location was ideal for use as an anchorage, due to the calm and sheltered conditions that prevailed. Full article

The increasing demand for electricity in multi-tenanted residential areas has placed unforeseen strain on sub-transformers, particularly in dense urban environments. This strain compromises overall grid performance and challenges utilities with shifting and rising peak demand periods. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the operation of a virtual power plant (VPP) comprising a microgrid (MG) integrated with renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). By employing an advanced monitoring and control system, the proposed topology enables efficient energy management and demand-side control within apartment complexes. The system supports controlled electricity distribution, reducing the likelihood of unpredictable demand spikes and alleviating stress on local infrastructure during peak periods. Additionally, the model capitalizes on the large number of tenancies to distribute electricity effectively, leveraging locally available RESs and ESSs behind the sub-transformer. The proposed research provides a systematic framework for managing electricity demand and optimizing resource utilization, contributing to grid reliability and a transition toward a more sustainable, decentralized energy system. Full article

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in western China, which has triggered remarkable land-use changes and habitat degradation, Chengdu, as a developed city in China, plays a demonstrative and leading role in the economic and social development of China during the transition period. Therefore, integrated modeling approaches are required to balance development and conservation. This study responds to this need by conducting a scenario-based assessment of urbanization-induced land-use changes and regional habitat quality dynamics in Chengdu (1990–2030), using the FLUS-InVEST model. By integrating remote sensing-derived land-use data from 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, we simulate future regional habitat quality under three policy scenarios: natural development, ecological priority, and cropland protection. Key findings include the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, cropland decreased by 1917.78 km², while forestland and built-up areas increased by 509.91 km² and 1436.52 km², respectively. Under the 2030 natural development scenario, built-up expansion and cropland reduction are projected. Ecological priority policies would enhance forestland (+4.2%) but slightly reduce cropland. (2) Regional habitat quality declined overall (1990–2020), with the sharpest drop (ΔHQ = −0.063) occurring between 2000 and 2010 due to accelerated urbanization. (3) Scenario analysis reveals that the ecological priority strategy yields the highest regional habitat quality (HQ_mean = 0.499), while natural development results in the lowest (HQ_mean = 0.444). This study demonstrates how the FLUS-InVEST model can quantify the trade-offs between urbanization and regional habitat quality, offering a scientific framework for balancing development and ecological conservation in rapidly urbanizing regions. The findings highlight the effectiveness of ecological priority policies in mitigating habitat degradation, with implications for similar cities seeking sustainable land-use strategies that integrate farmland protection and forest restoration. Full article

The impacts of land use transition on ecological environment quality (EEQ) during China’s rapid urbanization have attracted growing concern. However, existing studies predominantly focus on single-scale analyses, neglecting scale effects and driving mechanisms of EEQ changes under the coupling of administrative units and grid scales. Therefore, this study selects Zhejiang Province—a representative rapidly transforming region in China—to establish a “type-process-ecological effect” analytical framework. Utilizing four-period (2005–2020) 30 m resolution land use data alongside natural and socio-economic factors, four spatial scales (city, county, township, and 5 km grid) were selected to systematically evaluate multi-scale impacts of land use transition on EEQ and their driving mechanisms. The research reveals that the spatial distribution, changing trends, and driving factors of EEQ all exhibit significant scale dependence. The county scale demonstrates the strongest spatial agglomeration and heterogeneity, making it the most appropriate core unit for EEQ management and planning. City and county scales generally show degradation trends, while township and grid scales reveal heterogeneous patterns of local improvement, reflecting micro-scale changes obscured at coarse resolutions. Expansive land transition including conversions of forest ecological land (FEL), water ecological land (WEL), and agricultural production land (APL) to industrial and mining land (IML) primarily drove EEQ degradation, whereas restorative ecological transition such as transformation of WEL and IML to grassland ecological land (GEL) significantly enhanced EEQ. Regarding driving mechanisms, natural factors (particularly NDVI and precipitation) dominate across all scales with significant interactive effects, while socio-economic factors primarily operate at macro scales. This study elucidates the scale complexity of land use transition impacts on ecological environments, providing theoretical and empirical support for developing scale-specific, typology-differentiated ecological governance and spatial planning policies. Full article

The earliest Cambrian (ca., 538.8–524.8 Ma) was an important period in geological history witnessing significant environmental change, during which organic-rich facies were developed in the Yangtze Platform, South China. However, the contemporaneous paleogeographic and stratigraphic framework within which the environmental change and organic matter accumulation took place remains poorly understood. We investigate this based on facies, sequence stratigraphic, and geochemical analyses of the lowermost Cambrian Maidiping and Zhujiaqing formations in the northwestern Yangtze Block. The results show that the terminal Ediacaran rimmed platform changed into a foredeep carbonate ramp and backbulge basin after the onset of the earliest Cambrian transgression. Across the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary, the shallow-marine redox condition rapidly transitioned from relative euxinia to an oxygen-rich state. During the late transgression to highstand normal regression, the foredeep carbonate ramp expanded to the cratonic interior, and nutrients brought by intensified continental weathering and upwelling promoted significant phytoplankton proliferation, an increase in oxygen level and primary productivity, and then organic matter enrichment. During the forced regression, the carbonate ramp gradually changed into a rimmed platform. The weakening continental weathering and expanding anoxic area during the forced to lowstand normal regression led to the significant organic carbon burial in the foredeep basin. Full article

This paper aims to discuss the transition of new graduate nurses into the workforce, the preparation provided to equip them through the novice–beginner stage, and the theory–practice conundrum. Background: In Australia, new graduate transition programs have been in existence since the 1990s. While there is widespread acknowledgment that this period is pivotal for new graduate nurses entering the profession, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of best practice to achieve optimal preparation for new graduate nurses transitioning into the workforce. Methods: This discussion paper integrates the nursing literature on this topic with the extensive professional experiences of the authors, who are currently working as clinicians in metropolitan hospitals and hold academic positions at universities. Their insights are informed by the literature sourced from peer-reviewed English language journals, including reviews, empirical studies, and national and international reports. Discussion: Recruiting and retaining nurses presents a multifaceted challenge that requires the development of effective tools and strategies to build a sustainable workforce. Both the literature and the authors’ experiences highlight several key factors influencing the preparedness of new graduates. These factors include workplace culture, the demands placed on new graduates, and the support, education, and training they receive. The perspectives shared in this article offer valuable discussion points that can deepen our understanding of the current issues and contribute to the development of more effective solutions. Full article

Higher education and science (HES) is one of the key drivers of a country’s economic growth. In this study, we examine national projects and research capacity in HES in Kazakhstan from 2014 to 2024. We conducted a content review and scientometric analysis with network and temporal visualizations. Our data sources included policy documents, statistical reports, and the Scopus database. Our findings suggest that, while Kazakhstan aligns with global trends in the field (e.g., digitalization, scientometrics monitoring, and internationalization), these are achieved through a state-led, policy-driven approach shaped by its post-Soviet context. Additionally, we note a dual structure in Kazakhstan’s HES sector, characterized by a strong top-down direction and increasing institutional engagement. In terms of the thematic trends from the temporal analysis, the country experienced a three-staged evolution: foundational reforms and system modernization (2014–2017), capacity building and evaluation (2018–2021), and, most recently, strategic expansion, inclusivity, and globalization (2022–2024). Throughout the analyzed period, low R&D intensity, disciplinary imbalances, and structural barriers still undermine desired development efforts in HES. The analyzed case of Kazakhstan can serve as “lessons learned” for policymakers and researchers working in the science evaluation and scholarly communication area in similar emerging or transition countries. Full article

The search for artificial blood substitutes that are suitable for safe transfusion in clinical conditions and in extreme situations has gained increasing interest during recent years. Most of the problems related to donor blood could be overcome with hemoglobin sub-micron particles (HbMPs) that are able to bind and deliver oxygen. On the other hand, the length of the circulation time of HbMPs in the bloodstream strongly depends on their surface properties and can be improved with biopolymer coatings. The redox potential of HbMPs and HbMPs coated with biopolymers using the layer-by-layer technique (LbL-HbMPs) is related to the energy required for electron transfer upon transition from an oxidized to a reduced state. It can be used as a measure of the stability of Hb against oxidation, which is directly connected with its function as an oxygen carrier. The redox potential of Hb, HbMPs, and LbL-HbMPs was determined by a spectroelectrochemical method utilizing the shift of the Soret peak of Hb upon oxidation/reduction of the iron in the heme. The obtained results showed a slight shift in the redox potential of both particle types of about 17 mV towards more negative values compared to the free Hb in the solution. It was demonstrated that the free Hb and the cross-linked Hb in HbMPs and LbL-HbMPs undergo transitions from an oxidized to a reduced state and vice versa several times without Hb destruction. The LbL coating does not affect the redox properties of HbMPs. This ability, as well as the proximity of the obtained redox potentials of Hb, HbMPs, and LbL-HbMPs, indicates that the eventual oxidation of HbMPs in the bloodstream is reversible; thus, HbMPs can be active as artificial oxygen carriers for a longer period of time. Full article

The development of Daoism in Italy is deeply connected to how its classical texts were received and circulated. Although Italian Christian missionaries were among the earliest Western commentators on Daoism, significant Italian engagement with Daoist works only emerged in the 20th century. During the first half of that century, Italian publishers released six translations of the Laozi, three partial translations of the Zhuangzi, and several general works on Daoism. This surge of interest was influenced by two major 19th-century developments: the rise of sinology as an academic field in France, which spurred European scholarly interest in Chinese culture, and the spread of international esoteric and occult movements, which drew heavily from Eastern philosophies. This paper focuses on two important Italian translations of the Laozi from the interwar period—Julius Evola’s 1923 translation and Attilio Castellani’s 1927 version. These translations exemplify the dual influences of academic sinology and esoteric movements on the Italian reception of Daoism. By comparing these works, this paper highlights how Daoist ideas were introduced and interpreted in Italy, shaped both by the translators’ personal backgrounds and their distinct intellectual aims, thus revealing the varied contexts in which Daoism was received in early 20th-century Italy. Full article