Search Results (348)

Considering the growing significance of sustainable gastronomy and the need for controlling the populations of invasive species, the aim of this study is to explore chefs’ attitudes toward the sensory and psychological aspects of using invasive crayfish meat (Faxonius limosus) from the Danube. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire with a sample of 210 respondents, employing a consumption restriction scale based on various psychological aversions to non-traditional food sources. Binary logistic regression indicated a significant impact of psychological aversion on the likelihood of accepting this raw material. Thirty chefs participated in the sensory evaluation of the crayfish meat. The results revealed that the meat has potential for broad application in the preparation of gastronomic products. Full article

Remote sensing applications for marine placer deposit exploration remain limited due to the mineralogical complexity and dynamic coastal processes. This study presents the first medium- to high-level detailed multi-scale remote sensing analysis of placer deposits in the Rías Baixas, NW Spain, focusing on five beaches within the Vigo Estuary. Ten beach samples were analyzed for their heavy mineral (HM) content and spectral signatures, using bromoform separation and FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer equipment, respectively. The spectral signatures of beach samples with a high HM content were characterized and resampled for the Sentinel-2 application, employing the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm. Field validation and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey confirmed surface placer occurrences and the SAM’s results. Santa Marta Beach exhibited significant placer anomalies (up to 30% HM), correlating with low SAM values (minimum value–0.10), indicating high spectral similarity. The SAM-derived anomaly patches aligned with the field observations, demonstrating Sentinel-2’s potential for placer deposit mapping. This work highlights the application of Sentinel-2 in the exploration of placer deposits and the use of a specific spectral range of these deposits in coastal environments. These tools are non-invasive, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable, and can be extrapolated to other regions of the world with similar characteristics. Full article

This study investigates the subsurface remains of Jaundole Castle, a 14th-century medieval fortress located on Dole Island near Riga, Latvia. The castle, which has left no visible surface ruins, is known only from historical documents and maps. To assess whether its buried remains could be detected, a non-invasive ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was carried out across five targeted grids. The results revealed multiple linear and circular anomalies consistent with historical records of the castle’s layout, including possible foundations of walls and towers. These findings demonstrate that GPR, when combined with historical map and image analysis, can effectively locate, and delineate lost architectural features. The integration of historical sources and geophysical data provides a replicable model for the investigation of other completely buried archaeological sites. This work contributes to the development of non-destructive prospection strategies and supports the planning of future archaeological excavations and conservation actions. Full article

This study proposes a simplified approach for the experimental dynamic characterization of the historic Messina Bell Tower (northeastern Sicily) using passive seismic single-station surveys. The Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) analysis identified a site resonance frequency of approximately 1.06 Hz, while the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey contributed to the characterization of the shear wave velocity profile, providing a coherent geophysical framework useful for structural dynamic analysis. Spectral ratios analysis revealed four distinct vibration modes, including a fundamental rocking mode (~1.4 Hz), a torsional mode (3.5 Hz), and two higher-frequencies flexural modes. The structure’s dynamic behavior, notably its sensitivity to torsion and rocking, is attributed to the deformable subsoil. Damping ratios estimated via the Random Decrement Method (RDM) were below 1%, consistent with the expected linear elastic response under ambient vibrations. The results show strong agreement with previous long-term monitoring, validating the effectiveness of passive seismic techniques for rapid, non-invasive assessment. This study demonstrates that streamlined, time-efficient methodologies are capable of delivering modal parameters consistent with those obtained from more extensive and resource-intensive monitoring campaigns, thereby providing a reliable and practical approach for the seismic vulnerability assessment of heritage structures. Full article

The wild resources of Spinibarbus caldwelli, once an important economic fish in southern China, have been drastically reduced in recent years due to environmental changes and human activities. The Liuxi River S. caldwelli National Aquatic Germplasm Reserve was established in Conghua District, Guangzhou city, and the release of S. caldwelli was carried out. However, traditional fishery resource survey methods yield less accurate results when the abundance of the surveyed species is low or when they are difficult to catch. As a non-destructive and non-invasive approach, environmental DNA (eDNA) is widely employed in aquatic species monitoring, though its detection efficiency may be affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, this study explored the eDNA monitoring methods of S. caldwelli in Liuxi River from the following four aspects: (1) the relationship between eDNA release and biomass/abundance; (2) the concentration and diffusion range of eDNA over time in a lentic ecosystem; (3) the diffusion range of eDNA in a lotic ecosystem; and (4) the effects of eDNA application in field monitoring. Our results showed a correlation between eDNA concentration and abundance/biomass of S. caldwelli. eDNA of S. caldwelli can diffuse up to 18 m in lentic ecosystems within 2 h and decreases with distance. eDNA of S. caldwelli released by 10 individuals in Liuxi River could be detected 900 m downstream. Field studies in Liuxi River showed that the eDNA method has high sensitivity in detecting the presence or absence of species and is highly consistent with the results of traditional methods. This study explored the application of environmental DNA technology in species monitoring in Liuxi River. Our aim was to evaluate the applicability and potential of eDNA in ecological monitoring of stream fishes. Full article

Seafloor soil classification is essential for marine engineering, environmental monitoring, and geological surveys. Traditional classification methods, such as physical sampling and acoustic backscatter analysis, have inherent limitations, including spatial constraints and inconsistencies in distinguishing sediments with similar acoustic properties. This study uses frequency-dependent acoustic reflection coefficients to investigate a novel spectral-based approach to seabed soil classification. Experiments were conducted in a controlled aquatic environment to isolate the spectral characteristics of two soil types: poorly graded sand (SP) and poorly graded gravel (GP). The research employed calibrated transducers to measure reflection coefficients across the 100–400 kHz frequency range, allowing for a comparative spectral analysis between the two sediments. The results demonstrate that SP and GP exhibit distinct spectral fingerprints, with SP showing higher reflectance across all measured frequencies, while GP displays a more variable spectral response. These findings suggest that frequency-dependent reflectance provides a more sensitive and accurate classification criterion than conventional backscatter intensity analysis. By eliminating environmental variability and focusing on intrinsic soil properties, this study establishes a foundation for automated, non-invasive classification methods that could be integrated into machine learning frameworks for real-time seabed characterization. The proposed methodology enhances the precision of remote sensing techniques and presents significant advantages in offshore engineering, environmental monitoring, and hydrographic surveys. Future research should extend this approach to diverse sediment types and open marine environments to refine and validate its applicability in real-world scenarios. Full article

Introduction: Thirdhand smoke (THS) was first identified by Graham and colleagues in 1953, and nicotine was detected in household dust from smokers in 1991. Thirdhand smoke (THS) consists of toxic nicotine residues that persist on surfaces long after tobacco use, posing a significant public health concern. Individuals can be exposed to thirdhand smoke through skin contact or inhalation, particularly affecting children and infants who are most vulnerable to tobacco contaminants. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of different methods for measuring nicotine THS residues to evaluate their accuracy across various age groups. Methods: Relevant literature was sourced from databases including ProQuest (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The timeframe for included studies ranged the last 25 years, from 1999 to 2024. Eligible participants consisted of human populations exposed to thirdhand smoke residue. For this review, the animal studies were excluded. There were no restrictions regarding age, sex, ethnicity, or nationality for participant selection. For data management and screening, the Covidence systematic tool was utilized. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. This protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024574140). Results: A total of 394 studies were retrieved from 5 databases for the initial screening. A total of 67 studies included in full-text screening, and ultimately, 36 studies were selected for full review. The studies were classified into four categories based on assessment methods: (1) analysis of human secretions, including salivary or urinary tests; (2) cellular analysis utilizing cellulose substrates or paper-based materials; (3) environmental assessments, which examined outdoor surfaces, vehicles, residential spaces, and fabrics; and (4) epidemiological assessments, employing surveys or questionnaires. Non-invasive matrices such as saliva and urine were frequently utilized for biomarker analysis. The studies collectively investigated nicotine and its metabolites in human biological samples, environmental surface contamination, and thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure. They employed a diverse range of assessment tools including surveys, machine learning technique, and cellulose-based substrates. Conclusions: This review identified various selective testing methods for detecting thirdhand smoke (THS) from nicotine. These assessment methods have advantages and disadvantages and underscores the need for further research. Improving these techniques for assessment of THS could significantly improve our understanding of the impact THS has on human health. Full article

Shielings are seasonal settlements found in upland pastures across Scandinavia and the North Atlantic. New investigations in the county of Møre and Romsdal, Norway, demonstrate the existence of this transhumant system by the Viking Age and Early Middle Ages. Sub-terranean features in these pastoral mountain landscapes have been identified by remote sensing technologies, but non-invasive methods still face challenges in terms of practical applicability and in confirming the presence of archaeological sites. Generally, aerial surveys, such as LiDAR and image-based modelling, excel in documenting visual landscapes and may enhance detection of low-visibility features. Thermography may also detect shallow subsurface features but is limited by solar conditions and vegetation. Magnetic methods face challenges due to the heterogeneous moraine geology. Ground-penetrating radar has yielded better results but is highly impractical and inefficient in these remote and rough landscapes. Systematic soil coring or test-pitting remain the most reliable options for detecting these faint sites, yet non-invasive methods may offer a better understanding of the archaeological contexts—between the initial survey and the final excavation. Altogether, the study highlights the dependency on landscape, soil, and vegetation, emphasising the need to consider each method’s possibilities and limitations based on site environments and conditions. Full article

Catastrophic wind events play important but poorly documented roles in shaping bottomland hardwood forest structure and composition. The objective of this study was to survey a forested wetland area in Illinois, USA, twenty years following a severe tornado (wind speeds ranging from 333–418 km/h). Part of the damaged area had a subsequent salvage logging operation, and we compared the stand structure and composition of these damaged areas to adjacent reference sites. Stem density, basal area, and diversity differed significantly but slightly among disturbance types (p < 0.05). The density of Quercus spp. decreased in regenerated stands, while the density of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and invasive non-native species cover increased (p < 0.05). Salvage logging further increased the density of key bottomland taxa: Salix spp., Taxodium distichum, and Nyssa aquatica, as well as early successional species such as Liriodendron tulipifera (p < 0.05). Productivity did not differ between wind-impacted areas that were logged and not logged (p > 0.05). Recognizing the need for caution when informing management with case studies, this study highlights the value of delaying the assessment of even extreme wind disturbance impacts in hardwood forest recovery until the contribution of crown regrowth of severely wind-damaged trees, along with post-disturbance origin regeneration, can be ascertained. Full article

To avoid the spread and environmental impacts of the European catfish (Silurus glanis), which arrived in Portugal around 2006, it is fundamental to understand anglers’ behaviors and perceptions. To address this need, 339 Portuguese anglers were surveyed online and face-to-face and divided into two groups (catfish anglers, n = 115; and non-catfish anglers, n = 224). The majority of surveyed anglers were males (>95%) who consider that catfish is not beneficial to the development of angling (>62%) and acknowledge its negative impact on other fish species (>84%), mainly by predation (>89%). Catfish anglers perceive the species as more positive for angling and for other fish species. Principal Component Analysis showed that anglers’ behaviors are mainly driven by their awareness of the impacts of European catfish and by their angling experience. Regression modeling inferred the probabilities of two anglers’ behavior (targeting catfish and practice of catch and release) and one perception (catfish is beneficial to angling), which are considered promoters of catfish invasion, and detected strong correlations among these three variables. Therefore, it is strongly advised to implement an educational and law enforcement program to stop illegal practices that promote the dissemination of invasive fish species like European catfish. Full article

European hedgehogs are an important reservoir for many pathogens of health interest. Since hedgehogs live in close contact with humans, potential zoonotic fungi raise significant public health concerns, especially in areas with a high hedgehog density. From 2020 to 2023, 134 hedgehogs were surveyed for potential zoonotic fungi. Non-invasive methods were used, such as brushing live animals with a sterile toothbrush and taking oral and rectal swabs from deceased ones (86 animals). Dermatophytes were cultured on Dermasel agar and identified using molecular tools, while yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol and determined using Candida Chromogenic agar (MicroBiolDiagnostici^®, Cagliari, Italy) and MALDI-TOF (Microflex LT Smart Biotyper with FlexControlBiotyper 3.4 software, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for Candida albicans isolates. Dermatophytes were found in just one hedgehog (0.8%, 95% C.I.: 0–0.04), identified as Paraphyton mirabile. Yeasts were detected in 22 of 86 hedgehogs (25.6%, 95% C.I.: 16.4–34.8), with 25 isolates obtained, including 21 Candida albicans, 2 Yarrowia lipolytica, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 Meyerozyma guilliermondii. All C. albicans isolates showed a high susceptibility to the antimycotic panel tested. Monitoring zoonotic fungi harbored by European hedgehogs, as well as raising public awareness on the topic, is of great importance for public health. Full article

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is a vector-borne virus that poses a significant threat to citrus production worldwide, inducing a variety of symptoms. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of local aphids, identification of viruliferous species, and the development of new monitoring tools are necessary to improve CTV control strategies. Herein, a 2-year survey was conducted to assess the frequency of aphid species infesting several citrus pilot orchards. Plot findings based on morphological and molecular identification revealed Aphis spiraecola (ranged from 44–100%) as the most abundant aphid species, followed by A. gossypii (<50%). Toxoptera aurantii, Myzus persicae, and A. craccivora were present in low numbers, and A. citricidus was not detected. Due to the absence of CTV detection in aphids and citrus trees from the pilot orchards, a complementary survey was conducted in CTV-infected fields. Three aphid species were identified as CTV-positive by RT-PCR, suggesting that they may be viruliferous, with A. spiraecola as predominant, followed by A. gossypii and T. aurantii. Additionally, we developed a non-invasive procedure for identifying aphid species using wingbeat analysis. This method provides a faster alternative to traditional identification techniques by taxonomic keys based on morphological features or PCR, although its accuracy is lower (approximately 95% for the two species tested). Overall, this work provides a detailed study of aphid species composition in citrus orchards, identifies the predominant local putative CTV vector, and introduces a novel sensor for aphid monitoring, contributing to improved epidemic forecasting and sustainable disease management strategies. Full article

Hair loss is a widespread issue affecting both men and women, with significant aesthetic and psychological impacts. This study aimed to evaluate various hair restoration treatments, assess patient satisfaction, and identify the correlations between treatment types, treatment duration, and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective observational study on 50 patients who completed a 26-question online survey about their hair loss experience, treatments tried, and satisfaction levels. The treatments included FDA-approved drugs (finasteride and minoxidil), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, hormonal treatments, hair transplant surgery, and nutritional supplements. The results showed that a combination of PRP and topical minoxidil/finasteride produced significant improvements in hair density and thickness. Higher patient satisfaction was correlated with multiple treatment combinations and a longer treatment duration, while surgical hair transplants achieved the highest satisfaction rates despite their invasiveness. This study found that consistency and combination treatments are the key to the optimal hair restoration outcomes. Its limitations included a lack of racial diversity among the participants and the reliance on self-reported data. Overall, non-surgical therapies, particularly when combined, offer effective solutions for early-stage hair loss, while hair transplants remain the most definitive option for severe cases. Full article

The recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is a synthetic hormone developed to mimic the effects of the endogenous growth hormone, also known as bovine somatotropin (bST). Although rbST use in dairy cows is authorized in several countries, it is currently banned in Europe. Different methods for screening and confirmatory detection of rbST were developed, mainly based on LC-MS/MS and immune-enzymatic assays. However, some commercial forms of rbST have above the same amino acid sequence of bST, making it difficult to produce a reliable differentiation of recombinant from endogenous forms. Complementary strategies for indirect detection of rbST can therefore be considered as alternative biomarker-based tools. Untargeted transcriptomics was applied to characterize the microRNAs (miRNA) isolated from milk extracellular vesicles (EVs) in rbST-treated animals, aiming the identification of non-coding biomarkers related to its administration. Sequencing analysis of 63 archive samples collected during previous animal trial allowed for the identification of 35 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs. A validation study performed by qPCR on a further 70 milk samples from a field survey confirmed the significant upregulation of bta-miR-10167-3p in milk EV from rbST-treated cows. The results obtained suggest the potential use of bta-miR-10167-3p as a non-invasive biomarker to be considered in novel screening strategies, needed to tackle rbST misuse in dairy cows. Full article

Root system architecture (RSA), a critical attribute of plant roots, necessitates in situ reconstruction to advance the understanding of the subsurface plant root system. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non-invasive geophysical technique for in situ detection, has demonstrated success in plant RSA reconstruction. However, existing GPR-based methods have limitations, including their applicability to a specific survey line arrangement, reliance on root attribute information, numerous parameter settings, and a focus on incomplete root systems. To address these issues, a new clustering–connection (CC) method is proposed, which considers the root extension direction and growth characteristics for RSA reconstruction. Experimental results show that the CC method achieves accuracy rates of 93.38% and 88.17% for circular and grid survey line arrangements in simulated data, with deviation rates of 3.23% and 9.17% for root lengths. The method also delivered effective results with measured data. This study overcomes the limitations of survey lines and numerous parameters, enabling effective RSA reconstruction. It provides a methodological foundation and reference data for using GPR in urban tree root monitoring by estimating ecological parameters in the forest subsurface and analyzing root distribution patterns in deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants. Full article