Search Results (285)

A managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project utilizing reclaimed water has been operated for over 10 years in northeastern Beijing, China, with the goal of restoring the long-dried Chaobai River and replenishing the region’s depleted groundwater resources. To ensure the safe implementation of the project, we quantitatively assessed the impact of river water recharge on the multi-layered groundwater system by investigating the hydrochemical compositions of the reclaimed water, river water, and groundwater. Results show that river water is characterized by higher concentrations of Na⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻ than found in groundwater, and that river water recharge has altered the groundwater types in the 30 m-depth unconfined layer, changing them from Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-HCO₃ types to Na-Ca-HCO₃-Cl and Ca-Mg-Na-HCO₃ types. End-member mixing analyses of river water samples indicate that three end-members are needed to represent the seasonal and spatial variations in river water. A five-end-member mixing model is then developed to quantify fractions of river water (f_R) in different aquifer layers. The estimated f_R values vary from 18.4% to 100%, with an average of 67.6% in the 30 m-depth layer, while f_R values in the 80 m-depth confined layer are mainly below 30%, with an average of 13.3%, which corresponds well to the known site geology. Overall, combining hydrochemical analysis with the end-member mixing approach is useful for assessing the impact of river recharge on groundwater. This study also highlights the need for high-resolution characterization of subsurface heterogeneity in MAR sites. Full article

The frequency and intensity of paleofloods reveal long-term hydrological changes and their responses to regional climate variations. This study focuses on sediment core HDZ04 from the desert section of the upper Yellow River, analyzing sediment grain size and elemental characteristics to reconstruct paleoflood events over the past 30,000 years. Using the EMMA end-member model, four end-member components were extracted, and the proportion of the two coarser end-members was used as a proxy for flood dynamics. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that ln(Zr/Ti) correlates more significantly with grain size value than ln(Zr/Rb), establishing Zr/Ti as a reliableproxy for paleoflood reconstruction. Integrating physical and chemical indicators with OSL dating, the reconstructed paleoflood sequence shows high frequency and intensity from 30~12 ka, lower values during the early and middle Holocene, and a significant increase in the late Holocene (3~0 ka). Comparison with regional climate records indicates that cold and dry periods correspond to higher paleoflood frequency and intensity. This multi-proxy approach provides a transferable framework for reconstructing past flood events in other alluvial systems worldwide, enhancing our understanding of hydrological responses to climatic forcing. Full article

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of invasive diseases, particularly affecting young children and the elderly. Currently, two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are commercially available: polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and conjugate vaccines (e.g., PCV20). Of over 100 identified pneumococcal serotypes, vaccines targeting 24 serotypes covered by PPSV23 and PCV20 (19 serotypes overlap between the two vaccines) have been developed, with serotype distribution varying by geography, age, and time. The immune response to pneumococcal vaccines differs across serotypes, vaccine types (polysaccharide vs. conjugate), and host factors. Quantitative methods for antibody assessment—particularly newer high-throughput assays—have emerged since 2000 to address limitations in conventional approaches. However, these methods have not been comprehensively reviewed. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the existing literature on quantitative methods used to assess antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccines. Specific objectives included the following: 1. summarizing conventional and novel quantitative immunoassays; 2. evaluating the current state of validation and application of these methods; 3. identifying knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. We followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We included the following: 1. peer-reviewed, open-access papers related to immunoassays used for pneumococcal antibody assessment; 2. articles written in English; 3. Studies published between 2000 and 2023. We excluded the following: 4. studies focusing on other pathogens, employing different analytical methods, or using animal models. Articles meeting the eligibility criteria were primarily retrieved from PubMed and Scopus. If free full-text versions were unavailable there, Google Scholar or the original journal databases were consulted. All references were exported to EndNote 20 for further management. At the beginning of the review, a data-charting form was developed based on prior studies and commonly addressed themes. Additional charts were created to accommodate newly identified variables during the review. All charting tools were reviewed and finalized through discussion among all research team members. The included studies were classified into five thematic groups: 1. general descriptions of quantitative assessment methods, 2. assay development and validation, 3. comparative studies, 4. technical details of assay development, 5. interpretation of assay application findings. Of 1469 articles from PubMed and 2946 articles from Scopus initially identified, 55 articles met the inclusion criteria. The earliest methods included radioimmunoassays, later replaced by WHO-standardized ELISA. While ELISA remains the gold standard, it is limited by labor, cost, and throughput. Multiplex immunoassays (MIAs), including Luminex-based platforms, have demonstrated advantages in efficiency and scalability. However, many MIAs did not initially meet WHO validation criteria. More recent assays show an improved performance, yet interlaboratory variability and lack of standardized protective thresholds remain major limitations. This review provides the first comprehensive mapping of quantitative antibody assessment methods for pneumococcal vaccines. Although ELISA continues to serve as the benchmark, MIAs represent a promising next-generation approach. Continued efforts are needed to harmonize assay validation protocols and establish global standards for protective thresholds, which will enhance the reliability of vaccine efficacy monitoring across diverse populations. Full article

This study investigates how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can be effectively integrated into the Balanced Scorecard (BSc) framework within local government organizations (LGOs) to enhance strategic planning and sustainability performance. Addressing a gap in the literature on ESG–BSc integration in the public sector, particularly in the Greek context, the study employs a dual-method approach. First, a bibliometric analysis of 3053 academic publications (1993–2025) was conducted using Scopus data to assess the evolution and thematic focus of ESG and BSc research. Second, a structured questionnaire—comprising both closed- and open-ended questions—was administered to 17 administrative staff members of a Greek LGO in 2024. This expert sample provided insights into strategic planning practices, ESG awareness, and performance management barriers. The findings reveal low levels of ESG–BSc application, a limited strategic capacity, and institutional resistance. In response, the study proposes a novel, context-sensitive ESG-integrated BSc model tailored for small municipalities, emphasizing stakeholder participation, operational simplicity, and the alignment with national sustainability policies. The model serves as a practical tool to support public sector performance measurement, bridging the gap between sustainability goals and local governance strategy. Full article

The Lower Congo Basin (LCB) and the Niger Delta Basin (NDB), two end-member deep-water systems along the West African passive margin, exhibit contrasting sedimentary architectures despite shared geodynamic settings. The research comprehensively utilizes seismic reflection structure, root mean square amplitude slices, drilling lithology, changes in logging curves, and previous research achievements to elucidate the controlling mechanisms behind these differences. Key findings include: (1) Stark depositional contrast: Since the Eocene, the LCB developed retrogradational narrow-shelf systems dominated by erosional channels and terminal lobes, whereas the NDB formed progradational broad-shelf complexes with fan lobes and delta-fed turbidites. (2) Primary controls: Diapir-driven topographic features and basement uplift govern architectural variability, whereas shelf-slope break configuration and oceanic relief constitute subordinate controls. (3) Novel mechanism: First quantification of how diapir-induced seafloor relief redirects sediment pathways and amplifies facies heterogeneity. These insights establish a tectono-sedimentary framework for predicting deep-water reservoirs in diapir-affected passive margins, refine the conventional “source-to-sink” model by emphasizing salt-geomorphic features coupling as the primary driver. By analyzing the differences in lithofacies assemblages and sedimentary configurations among the above-mentioned different basins, this study can provide beneficial insights for the research on related deep-water turbidity current systems and also offer guidance for deep-water oil and gas exploration and development in the West African region and other similar areas. Full article

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are voluntary coalitions of citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises and local authorities, which cooperate to share locally produced renewable energy, providing environmental, economic, and social benefits rather than profits. Despite a favorable European and Italian regulatory framework, their development is still limited in the Member States. To this end, this paper proposes a methodology to identify optimal spatial configurations of RECs, based on proximity criteria and maximization of energy self-sufficiency. This result is achieved through the mapping of the demand, expressive of the energy consumption of residential buildings; the suitable areas for installing photovoltaic panels on the roofs of existing buildings; the supply; the supply–demand balance, from which it is possible to identify Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and Negative Energy Districts (NEDs). Through an iterative process, the optimal configuration is then sought, aggregating only PEDs and NEDs that meet the chosen criteria. This method is applied to the case study of the Avellino Province in the Campania Region (Italy). The maps obtained allow local authorities to inform citizens about the areas where it is convenient to aggregate with their neighbors in a REC to have benefits in terms of energy self-sufficiency, savings on bills or incentives at the local level, including those deriving from urban plans. The latter can encourage private initiative in order to speed up the RECs’ deployment. The presented model is being implemented in the framework of an ongoing research and development project, titled Renewable Energy Communities Monitoring, Optimization, and Planning (RECMOP). Full article

Water source identification and dynamic assessment are critical for mining safety, particularly in mines governed by complex geological structures. The hydrochemical mixing model demonstrates a natural advantage for early warning of water intrusion compared to geophysical monitoring techniques. This study discusses core issues related to the mixing model, including the conceptual framework, selection of end-members, and choice of tracers, and formulates principles for general applicability. In this study, three sources were identified using the conceptual model and hydrochemical analysis: water in F7 (main fault), shallow fracture water, and river water. A correlation analysis and variability analysis were applied to determine the tracers, and the ¹⁸O, D, Cl, B, and Li were determined. The end-members of the three sources are time-dependent in July and September, especially the shallow fracture water’s end-members. The dynamics of the mixing ratios of the three sources suggest that river water contributes only to the inrush (1–4%), with this being especially low in September, as the increasing hydraulic gradient from south to north prevents recharge. The water in F7 accounts for at least 70% of the inrush water. Shallow fracture water accounts for the rest and increases slightly in September as the precipitation increases in mining-disturbed areas. Finally, this work makes the later water control work more targeted. Full article

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs) make a significant contribution to ensuring flight safety, making this profession a highly stressful job globally. Job demands–resources (JDR) theory proposes a health impairment process stemming from job demand (complexity) to mental workload, which causes job stress, resulting in compromised flight safety. This vicious cycle is evident among ATCOs and is recognized as an unsustainable management practice. To curb this process, we propose intra-functional flexibility as a conditional factor. Intra-functional flexibility refers to the flexibility in the reallocation and coordination of resources among team members to help in urgent times. This is a relatively new concept and is yet to be empirically tested in the ATCO context. ATCOs work in a dynamic environment filled with sudden surges of urgent jobs to be handled within short time limits. Intra-functional flexibility allows standby crews to be called to ease these tensions when needed. To ascertain the role of intra-functional flexibility in mitigating health impairment among ATCOs, a questionnaire was administered to 324 ATCOs distributed across Saudi Arabia. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis exhibited two critical findings: First, the study revealed the prevalence of a vicious cycle of health impairment among Saudi ATCOs, whereby job complexity leads to increased mental workload, resulting in elevated levels of job stress. Secondly, the presence of intra-functional flexibility weakened this vicious cycle by mitigating the influence exerted by mental workload on job stress. That is, the mediation-moderated model proposed in this study provides empirical evidence supporting the applicability of intra-functional flexibility in mitigating the dire suffering of ATCOs. This study discusses limitations and future research directions in the end. Full article

H-section steel members, as a commonly used load-bearing receiving member in building structures, may be subjected to the impact of accidental loads during their service life, and therefore, the impact loads need to be considered when carrying out the design. In this paper, based on experimental testing, the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is used to optimize the hyperparameters of the multilayer perceptron (MLP), and a combined prediction model PSO-MLP for H-section steel members subjected to lateral impact loads is proposed to predict the damage of the H-section steel members after impact. The results show that the prediction model based on PSO-MLP can predict the damage of the H-beam columns more accurately, and compared to the random forest model (RF) and the support vector machine (SVM), the PSO-MLP model has better prediction accuracy and robustness. In addition, the effects of different features on the impact performance of the members were analyzed, in which the weakest impact location is 0.57 L away from the fixed end and the effects of axial compression ratio, flange, and web thickness were similar to the results of previous studies; the impact angle showed a strong nonlinear relationship with the critical impact velocity, which the weakest impact angle is around 50° from the strong axle; and the height and width of the cross-section showed a linear enhancement of the impact performance. Full article

Background: While the mHealth and school-based scale-up intervention for salt reduction (EduSaltS) effectively reduced salt intake and blood pressure among adults living with participating schoolchildren, the sustainability of these effects remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate whether these effects persisted one year post intervention. Methods: A one-year follow-up of a cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 524 children and their 524 adult family members from 20 primary schools. At 24 months, 509 children (97.1%) and 486 adults (92.7%) completed the assessment. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the difference in changes in salt intake between the intervention and control groups at 24 months, compared to baseline and 12 months, as measured by consecutive 24 h urinary sodium excretions. Secondary outcomes included the differences in changes in blood pressure and salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) scores. Results: The adjusted mean difference in changes in salt intake between groups was −0.34 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.94 to 0.26, p = 0.265) for children and −0.72 g/24 h (95% CI: −1.48 to 0.05, p = 0.065) for adults at 24 months versus baseline. The corresponding differences from 12 to 24 months were −0.09 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.69 to 0.51, p = 0.775) for children and 0.29 g/24 h (95% CI: −0.50 to 1.08, p = 0.468) for adults. The adjusted difference in changes in adult blood pressure showed a slight, nonsignificant rebound at 24 months. The intervention group maintained significantly higher KAP scores than the control group at both 12 and 24 months. Conclusions: The effects of EduSaltS on reducing salt intake and blood pressure in adults diminished slightly one year after the intervention ended. However, sustained improvements in salt-related KAP were observed in both children and adults. Ongoing support is vital to sustain long-term salt-reduction behaviors. Full article

Zoharite (IMA 2017-049), (Ba,K)₆ (Fe,Cu,Ni)₂₅S₂₇, and gmalimite (IMA 2019-007), ideally K₆□Fe²⁺₂₄S₂₇, are two new sulfides of the djerfisherite group. They were discovered in an unusual gehlenite–wollastonite paralava with pyrrhotite nodules located in the Hatrurim pyrometamorphic complex, Negev Desert, Israel. Zoharite and gmalimite build grained aggregates confined to the peripheric parts of pyrrhotite nodules, where they associate with pentlandite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, digenite, covellite, millerite, heazlewoodite, pyrite and rudashevskyite. The occurrence and associated minerals indicate that zoharite and gmalimite were formed at temperatures below 800 °C, when sulfides formed on external zones of the nodules have been reacting with residual silicate melt (paralava) locally enriched in Ba and K. Macroscopically, both minerals are bronze in color and have a dark-gray streak and metallic luster. They are brittle and have a conchoidal fracture. In reflected light, both minerals are optically isotropic and exhibit gray color with an olive tinge. The reflectance values for zoharite and gmalimite, respectively, at the standard COM wavelengths are: 22.2% and 21.5% at 470 nm, 25.1% and 24.6% at 546 nm, 26.3% and 25.9% at 589 nm, as well as 27.7% and 26.3% at 650 nm. The average hardness for zoharite and for gmalimite is approximately 3.5 of the Mohs hardness. Both minerals are isostructural with owensite, (Ba,Pb)₆(Cu,Fe,Ni)₂₅S₂₇. They crystallize in cubic space group Pm$\overline{3}$m with the unit-cell parameters a = 10.3137(1) Å for zoharite and a = 10.3486(1) Å for gmalimite. The calculated densities are 4.49 g·cm⁻³ for the zoharite and 3.79 g·cm⁻³ for the gmalimite. The primary structural units of these minerals are M₈S₁₄ clusters, composed of MS₄ tetrahedra surrounding a central MS₆ octahedron. The M site is occupied by transition metals such as Fe, Cu, and Ni. These clusters are further connected via the edges of the MS₄ tetrahedra, forming a close-packed cubic framework. The channels within this framework are filled by anion-centered polyhedra: SBa₉ in zoharite and SK₉ in gmalimite, respectively. In the M₈S₁₄ clusters, the M atoms are positioned so closely that their d orbitals can overlap, allowing the formation of metal–metal bonds. As a result, the transition metals in these clusters often adopt electron configurations that reflect additional electron density from their local bonding environment, similar to what is observed in pentlandite. Due to the presence of shared electrons in these metal–metal bonds, assigning fixed oxidation states—such as Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ or Cu⁺/Cu²⁺—becomes challenging. Moreover, modeling the distribution of mixed-valence cations (Fe²⁺/³⁺, Cu⁺/²⁺, and Ni²⁺) across the two distinct M sites—one located in the MS₆ octahedron and the other in the MS₄ tetrahedra—often results in ambiguous outcomes. Consequently, it is difficult to define an idealized end-member formula for these minerals. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of the North American Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (NA-CORDEX) models in simulating the historical precipitation extremes and uses the best-performing model to project changes in extreme precipitation indices over the Missouri River Basin (MRB) in the United States. Five extreme precipitation indices are calculated to quantify the frequency and intensity of precipitation extremes, and the results are compared with gridded observations for summer (June–August, JJA) and winter (December–February, DJF). A majority of the NA-CORDEX models fairly reproduce the spatial patterns of the extreme precipitation indices and the seasonal patterns of mean precipitation with varying degrees of biases. Overall, the ensembles (either from all 16 NA-CORDEX members or grouped by individual regional climate models) show a reasonable performance in representing the spatial patterns of the precipitation extremes, but some models outperform the ensembles for individual precipitation indices in different seasons. By the end of the century, in a high-emission scenario, there is a significant increase in heavy precipitation intensity during the summer but with a projected increase in drought duration in the central areas. The winter season also shows a significant increase in heavy precipitation intensity, frequency, and duration, with a decrease in dry spells. Our results demonstrate variability in seasonal precipitation extremes over the MRB, highlighting the need for adaptive infrastructure and water resource planning to reduce vulnerability to extreme events. Full article

The inherent mineralogical alignment in stratified rock formations engenders pronounced mechanical anisotropy, presenting persistent challenges across geological, geotechnical, and petroleum engineering disciplines. While substantial progress has been made in modeling transversely isotropic media, current methodologies exhibit limitations in reconciling theoretical predictions with complex failure mechanisms. This investigation examines the anisotropic response of diverse lithologies through triaxial testing across bedding orientations (0–90°) and confinement levels (0–60 MPa), revealing a pressure-dependent attenuation of directional strength variations. Experimental evidence identifies three dominant failure modes: cross-bedding shear fracturing, bedding-parallel sliding, and hybrid mechanisms combining both, with transition thresholds governed by confinement intensity and bedding angle. Analytical comparisons demonstrate that conventional single weakness plane models produce characteristic shoulder-shaped strength curves with overpredictions, particularly in hybrid failure regimes. Conversely, the modified patchy weakness plane formulation achieves superior predictive accuracy through parametric representation of anisotropy gradation, effectively capturing strength transitions between end-member failure modes. The Pariseau criterion, though marginally less precise in absolute terms, provides critical insights into directional strength contrasts through its explicit differentiation of vertical versus parallel bedding responses. These findings advance the fundamental understanding of anisotropic rock behavior while establishing practical frameworks for optimizing stability assessments in bedded formations, particularly in high-confinement environments characteristic of deep reservoirs and engineered underground structures. Full article

The production and creation of jewelry in al-Andalus must be understood as a phenomenon having to do with images signifying power; not only that of rulers, but also of families boasting high socio-economic status. This study aims to highlight the adoption of Middle Eastern models in the design of some pieces, as can be appreciated in the examples studied, dated between the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th. To undertake this study, it was necessary to consult written sources that reveal the use of jewelry as images of power, and its importance in the society of al-Andalus. Rulers used jewels as symbols of personal authority, but also as gifts for other leaders and prominent members of their families and members of the social elite. It was necessary to formally study all the treasures preserved and dated between the end of the tenth century and the beginning of the eleventh, which made it possible to establish formal parallels with pieces of Eastern jewelry, from Fatimid Egypt and Iraq, dating from the same time. These artistic parallels manifest the adoption of Eastern models in al-Andalus jewelry, through the commercial relationships maintained with the East, especially as of the ninth century. Full article

Carbon emissions from human activities such as production and consumption have exacerbated climate deterioration. A common worldwide objective is to create a low-carbon economy by implementing carbon reduction measures in production, consumption, and other processes. To this end, this paper explores the production, price, carbon reduction rate, and profit or utility for a dual-channel low-carbon supply chain network (DLSCN) that includes numerous competing suppliers, manufacturers, risk-averse retailers, and demand markets under carbon trading. In order to create an equilibrium model for the DLSCN, risk-averse retailers are characterized using the mean-CVaR method, and each member’s optimal decision-making behavior is described using variational inequalities. A projection contraction algorithm is used to solve the model, and numerical analysis is presented to investigate how risk aversion, carbon abatement investment cost coefficients, and carbon trading prices affect network equilibrium. The results indicate that increasing retailers’ risk aversion can enhance supply chain members’ profits and carbon reduction rates. Retailers prioritize expected profits, while other members prefer them to focus more on CVaR profits. When retailers are more risk-averse and value CVaR, traditional retail channels become more popular. Increasing the carbon reduction investment cost coefficients for suppliers and manufacturers can boost their profits, and retailers also support this move to charge more for low-carbon products and enhance utility. When carbon trading prices rise, suppliers and manufacturers opt to increase carbon reduction rates to generate more profits from selling carbon allowances. This study provides decision-making references for achieving both economic and environmental benefits for members of DLSCN. Full article