Search Results (9,277)

Cold-climate cities remain poorly studied, yet their spontaneous flora is strongly shaped by severe winters and short growing seasons. Heilongjiang Province, the northernmost region of China, provides a valuable case study given its rapid urbanization. As an important component of urban biodiversity, the diversity distribution patterns of spontaneous plants and their underlying causes remain underexplored from multi-scale and multi-dimensional perspectives. Therefore, this study aimed to test how climatic subzones and habitat types jointly influence spontaneous plant diversity across urban landscapes in 14 cities of Heilongjiang Province. Based on vegetation surveys, we applied calculations of α- and β-diversity, along with hierarchical clustering, across climatic subzones, cities, and habitat types to elucidate the diversity patterns and their multi-scale driving mechanisms. The results showed the following: (1) A total of 778 spontaneous plant species were recorded, belonging to 98 families and 395 genera. Native plants accounted for 58.7%, and non-native plants accounted for 41.3% (including 77 invasive species). (2) Perennial herbs dominated overall (45.2%), consistent with winter filtering, whereas annual/biennial herbs were more common in warmer subzones such as II B2. (3) Forest gaps (FG) and shrub–grassland gaps (SG) supported the most diverse spontaneous plant communities, highlighting habitat heterogeneity. (4) Species richness peaked in subzone II B2 and was lowest in subzone I A1, while abandoned land (SA) and shrub–grassland gaps (SG) supported the richest communities. (5) β-diversity analyses indicated homogenization under extreme cold in subzone I A1 and greater turnover in warmer subzone II B2, reflecting contrasting climatic filters. The “light patches” in FG habitats and the “disturbance filtering” in LA habitats further shaped the differences in local communities. This study reveals the diversity distribution patterns and adaptation strategies of spontaneous plants in cold cities, emphasizing their integration into urban planning while addressing the dominance of invasive species. Full article

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are eco-technologies used for wastewater treatment, where vegetation is a key component. In recent decades, the adaptability and phytoremediation functions of ornamental plants (OPs)—which are not typically found in natural wetlands— have been tested. However, few comprehensive studies address the processes or mechanisms by which these OPs enhance pollutant removal in CWs and their artisanal applications. It is also vital to understand the most used OP species in CWs and their advantages in phytoremediation. Thus, this study enhances the understanding of the processes involved in pollutant degradation within CWs, specifically focusing on absorption, adsorption, translocation, radial oxygen loss, and root exudates. It reaffirms the essential role that plants play in these systems, as suggested in previous scientific reports, and discusses some potential applications for the ornamental plants produced in CWs, such as flower arrangements and crafts. This also includes the social aspect, emphasizing community engagement through social capital initiatives for the adoption and appropriation of the ecotechnology. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis revealed that Mexico is among the countries with the most significant research on OPs in CWs, particularly concerning commercially valuable species, followed by India and China. These findings can be instrumental in planning future community projects focused on wastewater treatment using CWs using OPs. Full article

To address the flood risks driven by climate change and urbanization, this study proposes the DRIRA model (Driving Force, Resistance, Influence, Recoverability, Adaptability). Distinct from BRIC (Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities) and PEOPLES (Population, Environmental/Ecosystem, Organized Governmental Services, Physical Infrastructure, Lifestyle, Economic Development, Social–Cultural Capital), the model emphasizes dynamic interactions across the entire disaster lifecycle, introduces the “Influence” dimension, and integrates SNA (Social Network Analysis) with a modified gravity model to reveal cascading effects and resilience linkages among cities. Based on an empirical study of 30 cities in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, and using a combination of entropy weighting, a modified spatial gravity model, and social network analysis, the study finds that: (1) Urban flood resilience increased by 35.5% from 2012 to 2021, but spatial polarization intensified, with Zhengzhou emerging as the dominant core and peripheral cities falling behind; (2) Economic development, infrastructure investment, and intersectoral governance coordination are the primary factors driving resilience differentiation; (3) Intercity resilience connectivity has strengthened, yet administrative fragmentation continues to undermine collaborative effectiveness. In response, three strategic pathways are proposed: coordinated development of sponge and resilient infrastructure, activation of flood insurance market mechanisms, and intelligent cross-regional dispatch of emergency resources. These strategies offer a scientifically grounded framework for balancing physical flood defenses with institutional resilience in high-risk urban regions. Full article

This article examines the global efforts to govern and regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in response to its rapid development and growing influence across many parts of society. It explores how governance takes place at multiple levels, including international bodies, national governments, industries, companies, and communities. The study draws on a wide range of official documents, policy reports, and international agreements to build a timeline of key regulatory and standardization milestones. It also analyzes the challenges of coordinating across different legal systems, economic priorities, and cultural views. The findings show that while some progress has been made through soft-law frameworks and regional partnerships, deep divisions remain. These include unclear responsibilities, uneven enforcement, and risks of regulatory gaps. The article argues that effective AI governance requires stronger international cooperation, fair and inclusive participation, and awareness of power imbalances that shape policy decisions. Competing global and commercial interests can create obstacles to building systems that prioritize the public good. The conclusion highlights that future governance models must be flexible enough to adapt to fast-changing technologies, yet consistent enough to protect rights and promote trust. Addressing these tensions is critical for building a more just and accountable future of AI. Full article

This study presents an analysis of the condition of street lighting based on a selected typical installation in one of the 1459 rural communes in Poland. The analysis was carried out on the basis of publicly available statistical data, local government reports, and information contained in national and European strategic documents. During the analysis, numerous irregularities and differences in the quality and energy efficiency of the lighting infrastructure were indicated. It was found that outdated sodium luminaires with high energy consumption, low durability, and limited luminous efficacy are used in many cases, which generates significant operating costs and negatively affects the environment. The authors emphasize that a lack of regular and professional lighting audits leads to the suboptimal use of energy resources, an insufficient level of road safety, and failure to adapt lighting to current technical standards and the needs of road users. A lighting audit is a key tool for diagnosing the technical condition, efficiency, and compliance of installations with relevant regulations and recommendations. It also allows for the identification of potential savings and determining the directions of modernization and implementation of energy-saving technologies, such as LED luminaires and intelligent control systems.The presented analysis demonstrates that energy audits are an effective tool for confirming efficiency improvements and enhancing visual safety conditions through better compliance with photometric standards (luminance, lighting uniformity). Direct accident statistics were not within the scope of this study. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a growing need for programs addressing perinatal mental health, particularly for new mothers. Postpartum depression (PPD) may occur during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum, with both short- and long-term negative consequences for both mothers and their infants. This study describes the cultural adaptation, implementation, and one-year follow-up of the Mom-to-Mom (M2M) program for minority Bedouin women in Southern Israel. Methods: We conducted a community-based intervention (M2M) emphasizing cultural adaptation. Outreach efforts were conducted in collaboration with healthcare professionals to encourage referral to the M2M program. A total of 111 mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and PPD symptoms (PPDs) at two time points: prior to the intervention (Time-1) and one year after participating in the program (Time-2). PPD was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a score cutoff of ≥10. Results: There was a significant decrease in PPDs (EPDS ≥ 13) between Time-1 and Time-2 after one year of follow-up in the M2M program (from 45% to 19.8%). Of the participants, 75% were referred to the program by healthcare professionals. Among those with EPDS ≥ 10, 30% were referred to mental health services. This program provided education, professional support, and led to the establishment of the first M2M center within a Bedouin community, located in the Negev (Naqab). Conclusions: The results emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to increase awareness, early diagnosis, and professional support in addressing PPD, tailored to a cultural context. Culturally adapted programs can be effective in minority populations and contribute to reducing disparities in maternal mental health care. Full article

Jiangsu Province is an important economic province on the eastern coast of China, revealing the spatial–temporal characteristics, dynamic degree, and transition direction of land use/cover change, and its main driving factors are significant for the effective use of land resources and the promotion of regional human–land coordinated development. Based on land use data of Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2020, this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land use/cover using the dynamics model and the transfer matrix model, and examines the influence and interaction of the driving factors between human activities and the natural environment based on 10-factor data using Geodetector. The results showed that (1) In the past 20 years, the type of land use/cover in Jiangsu Province primarily comprises cropland, water, and impervious, with the land use/cover change mode mainly consisting of a dramatic change in cropland and impervious and relatively little change in forest, grassland, water, and barren. (2) From the perspective of the dynamic rate of land use/cover change, the single land use dynamic degree showed that impervious is the only land type whose dynamics have positively increased from 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2020, with values of 3.67% and 3.03%, respectively. According to the classification of comprehensive motivation, the comprehensive land use motivation in Jiangsu Province in each time period from 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2020 is 0.46% and 0.43%, respectively, which belongs to the extremely slow change type. (3) From the perspective of land use/cover transfer, Jiangsu Province is mainly characterized by a large area of cropland transfer (−7954.30 km²) and a large area of impervious transfer (8759.58 km²). The increase in impervious is mainly attributed to the transformation of cropland and water, accounting for 4066.07 km² and 513.73 km² from 2010 to 2020, which indicates that the non-agricultural phenomenon of cropland in Jiangsu Province, i.e., the process of transforming cropland into non-agricultural construction land, is significant. (4) From the perspective of driving factors, population density (q = 0.154) and night light brightness (q = 0.156) have always been important drivers of land use/cover change in Jiangsu Province. The interaction detection indicates that the land use/cover change is driven by both socio-economic factors and natural geographic factors. (5) In response to the dual pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization, coordinating the multiple objectives of socio-economic development, food security, and ecological protection is the fundamental path to achieving sustainable land use in Jiangsu Province and similar developed coastal areas. By revealing the characteristics and driving factors of land use/cover change in Jiangsu Province, this study provides qualitative and quantitative theoretical support for the coordinated decision-making of economic development and land use planning in Jiangsu Province, specifically contributing to sustainable land planning, climate adaptation policy-making, and the enhancement of community well-being through optimized land use. Full article

As the world is technologically advancing, the integration of FSO communication in
non-terrestrial platforms is transforming the landscape of global connectivity. By enabling
high-data-rate inter-satellite links, secure UAV–ground channels, and efficient HAPS
backhaul, FSO technology is paving the way for sustainable 6G non-terrestrial networks.
However, the stringent requirement for precise line-of-sight (LoS) alignment between
the optical transmitter and receivers poses a hindrance in practical deployment. As
non-terrestrial missions require continuous movement across the mission area, the platform
is subject to vibrations, dynamic motion, and environmental disturbances. This makes
maintaining the LoS between the transceivers difficult. While fine-pointing mechanisms
such as fast steering mirrors and adaptive optics are effective for microradian angular
corrections, they rely heavily on an initial coarse alignment to maintain the LoS. Coarse
pointing modules or gimbals serve as the primary mechanical interface for steering
and stabilizing the optical beam over wide angular ranges. This survey presents a
comprehensive analysis of coarse pointing and gimbal modules that are being used in
FSO communication systems for non-terrestrial platforms. The paper classifies gimbal
architectures based on actuation type, degrees of freedom, and stabilization strategies.
Key design trade-offs are examined, including angular precision, mechanical inertia,
bandwidth, and power consumption, which directly impact system responsiveness and
tracking accuracy. This paper also highlights emerging trends such as AI-driven pointing
prediction and lightweight gimbal design for SWap-constrained platforms. The final part
of the paper discusses open challenges and research directions in developing scalable and
resilient coarse pointing systems for aerial FSO networks Full article

This study adopts a systems perspective to examine the persistent effects of China’s One-Child Policy (OCP) on the subjective well-being of older adults, emphasizing structural persistence, reinforcing feedback, and path-dependent lock-in in complex socio-technical systems. Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS-2014), we exploit the OCP’s formal rollout at the end of 1979—operationalized with a 1980 cutoff—as a quasi-natural experiment. A Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity (FRD) design identifies the Local Average Treatment Effect of being an only-child parent on late-life well-being, mitigating endogeneity from selection and omitted variables. Theoretically, we integrate three lenses—policy durability and lock-in, intergenerational support, and life course dynamics—to construct a cross-level transmission framework: macro-institutional environments shape substitution capacity and constraint sets; meso-level family restructuring reconfigures support network topology and intergenerational resource flows; micro-level life-course processes accumulate policy-induced adaptations through education, savings, occupation, and residence choices, with effects materializing in old age. Empirically, we find that the OCP significantly reduces subjective well-being among the first generation of affected parents decades later (2SLS estimate ≈ −0.23 on a 1–5 scale). The effects are heterogeneous: rural residents experience large negative impacts, urban effects are muted; men are more adversely affected than women; and individuals without spouses exhibit greater declines than those with spouses. Design validity is supported by a discontinuous shift in fertility at the threshold, smooth density and covariate balance around the cutoff, bandwidth insensitivity, “donut” RD robustness, and a placebo test among ethnic minorities exempt from strict enforcement. These results demonstrate how demographic policies generate lasting impacts on elderly well-being through transforming intergenerational support systems. Policy implications include strengthening rural pension and healthcare systems, expanding community-based eldercare services for spouseless elderly, and developing complementary support programs. Full article

In many countries across the Western world, religion is in decline, with public secular environments increasingly outweighing family-based religious socialization. Canada and West Germany exemplify this trend, where younger generations often perceive religion as something to be justified within predominantly nonreligious peer groups. Muslims, as a religious minority, display greater resilience to secularization, yet their religiosity is also subject to transformation. Drawing on narrative family interviews spanning two to three generations, this study examines the conditions shaping religious continuity and discontinuity within Muslim families in Canada and West Germany. Focusing on second- and third-generation Muslims, we find that practicing religion with children is the most significant factor in successful transmission, especially when rituals are woven into daily life. Yet family practice alone is insufficient: embedding children in faith-based community networks and fostering open dialogue about religion prove crucial for sustaining confidence, belonging, and adaptability. Religious transmission also intersects with ethnic and cultural identity, though ethnic ties alone do not guarantee continuity. Ultimately, we observe that transmission involves transformation: parents are changing the way they approach religion, placing a greater emphasis on their children making their own choices. Muslim families, like other faith communities, shift toward more individualized and reflective forms of religiosity, negotiating their identities within secular and often critical societal contexts. Full article

Background: Preliminary evidence supports high-intensity functional training (HIFT) for improving various health outcomes in non-disabled adults with overweight/obesity. It remains unknown whether HIFT produces similar benefits in individuals who are overweight/obese and also have a mobility disability (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)—a population disproportionately affected by obesity-related health conditions and systemic barriers to exercise. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a 24-week HIFT intervention, delivered at community sites by certified trainers, for adults with mobility disabilities (MDs) who were overweight/obese. Methods: Twenty adults with MD and overweight/obesity (self-reported BMI 25–46 kg/m²) enrolled in a 24-week HIFT intervention (3 days/wk, 60 min sessions) delivered at four community-based facilities by certified trainers. Feasibility indicators included recruitment, retention, and attendance; adverse events were tracked. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for changes in obesity-related measures, physical function, work capacity, and psychological measures from baseline to post-intervention. Results: Feasibility targets were met, with a recruitment rate of 72.2%, 76.9% retention, and 80.7% attendance. Thirteen adverse events occurred. Effects on obesity-related measures ranged from negligible to moderate, with stable weight/BMI, reduced waist circumference (45% ≥ 3 cm decrease), decreased body fat, and increased lean mass. Functional outcome effects ranged from small to large and included grip strength, balance, and walking speed. Large improvements were observed for the endurance, speed, work capacity, and self-reported physical function. Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and may improve health outcomes in adults with MD and overweight/obesity. Full article

Areas characterised by high ecological and cultural value are increasingly exposed to overtourism and intensifying land-use pressures, often exacerbated by mobility policies aimed at enhancing regional accessibility and promoting tourism. These dynamics create spatial tensions, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as those within the Natura 2000 network and Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), where intensified visitor flows, and infrastructure expansion can disrupt the balance between conservation and development. This study offers a geospatial analysis of the current state (2024) of such dynamics in the Lazio Region (Italy), evaluating the effects of mobility strategies on ecological vulnerability and tourism pressure. By applying isochrone-based accessibility modelling, GIS buffer analysis, and spatial overlays, the research maps the intersection of accessibility, heritage value, and environmental sensitivity. The methodology enables the identification of critical zones where accessibility improvements coincide with heightened ecological risk and tourism-related stress. The original contribution of this work lies in its integrated spatial framework, which combines accessibility metrics with indicators of ecological and heritage significance to visualise and assess emerging risk areas. The Lazio Region, distinguished by its heterogeneous landscapes and ambitious mobility planning initiatives, constitutes a significant case study for examining how policy-driven improvements in transport infrastructure may inadvertently exacerbate spatial disparities and intensify ecological vulnerabilities in peripheral and sensitive territorial contexts. The findings support the formulation of adaptive, place-based policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the unintended consequences of accessibility-led tourism strategies. These include prioritising soft mobility, enhancing regulatory protection in high-risk zones, and fostering coordinated governance across sectors. Ultimately, the study advances a replicable methodology to inform sustainable territorial governance and balance tourism development with environmental preservation. Full article

The gut microbiota of insects, shaped by extensive coevolution, plays a crucial role in host adaptability and ecological expansion. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), a highly polyphagous and migratory invasive pest, infests more than 350 plant species worldwide, resulting in substantial crop losses and increased reliance on pesticide applications. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to investigate diet-induced alternations in the gut microbial communities of larvae fed corn, rice, or an artificial diet. The results showed that diet significantly influenced microbial diversity, with rice-fed larvae exhibiting the highest richness. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the predominant bacterial phyla. Genus-level analysis revealed notable diet-dependent shifts, with Enterobacter and other genera (e.g., Ochrobactrum and Allorhizobium–Neorhizobium–Pararhizobium–Rhizobium) only detected in plant-fed groups. Additionally, current findings suggest that gut microbial genera are more prevalent when S. frugiperda larvae feed on rice plants than on corn plants or an artificial diet and are closely linked to their metabolic activities. Dominant microbial genera are expected to support essential metabolic processes and exhibit increased abundance on rice. These results indicate that the gut microbiome of S. frugiperda is diet-driven reorganization, potentially facilitating its polyphagy. This study extends the current understanding by elucidating the specific gut microbial taxa and their putative metabolic associations that are responsive to diet in S. frugiperda, thereby providing a theoretical basis for its polyphagous capability and underscoring microbiota-based strategies for sustainable pest management. Full article

With the large-scale deployment of 5G technology, the rationality of communication base station siting is crucial for network performance, construction costs, and operational efficiency. Traditional site selection methods rely heavily on manual experience, exhibiting strong subjectivity and difficulty in balancing multi-objective optimization. Existing heuristic algorithms suffer from slow convergence speeds and susceptibility to local optima. To address these challenges, this paper constructs a multi-objective base station site selection model that simultaneously minimizes costs, maximizes coverage contributions, and minimizes interference. It achieves quantitative balance among objectives through normalization and weight fusion, while introducing constraints to ensure engineering feasibility. Concurrently, the genetic algorithm underwent targeted optimization by introducing an adaptive migration strategy based on population diversity and a cosine-type parameter adjustment strategy. This approach was integrated with the particle swarm optimization algorithm to balance exploration and exploitation while mitigating premature convergence. Experimental validation demonstrates that the improved algorithm achieves faster convergence and greater stability compared to traditional genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization, while satisfying engineering constraints such as base station quantity, coverage, and interference. This research provides an efficient and feasible solution for intelligent base station site planning. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, exacerbated by the adaptive mechanisms of Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens, which include biofilm formation and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) production. Biofilms create robust protective barriers that shield bacterial communities from immune responses and antibiotic treatments, while OMVs contribute to both defense and offense by carrying antibiotic-degrading enzymes and delivering virulence factors to host cells. These mechanisms not only enhance bacterial survival but also increase the virulence and persistence of infections, making them a significant concern in clinical settings. This review explores the molecular processes that drive biofilm and OMV formation, emphasizing their critical roles in the development of AMR. By understanding these mechanisms, new therapeutic strategies can be developed to disrupt these defenses, potentially improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics and slowing the spread of resistance. Additionally, the use of OMVs in vaccine development and drug delivery offers promising avenues for future research. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, combining advanced research with innovative therapies to combat the escalating threat of AMR and improve patient outcomes. Full article