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Search Results (305)

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24 pages, 637 KB  
Article
ZDBERTa: Advancing Zero-Day Cyberattack Detection in Internet of Vehicle with Zero-Shot Learning
by Amal Mirza, Sobia Arshad, Muhammad Haroon Yousaf and Muhammad Awais Azam
Computers 2025, 14(10), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14100424 - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is becoming increasingly vulnerable to zero-day (ZD) cyberattacks, which often bypass conventional intrusion detection systems. To mitigate this challenge, this study proposes Zero-Day Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers approach (ZDBERTa), a zero-shot learning (ZSL)-based framework for ZD attack [...] Read more.
The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is becoming increasingly vulnerable to zero-day (ZD) cyberattacks, which often bypass conventional intrusion detection systems. To mitigate this challenge, this study proposes Zero-Day Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers approach (ZDBERTa), a zero-shot learning (ZSL)-based framework for ZD attack detection, evaluated on the CICIoV2024 dataset. Unlike conventional AI models, ZSL enables the classification of attack types not previously encountered during the training phase. Two dataset variants are formed: Variant 1, created through synthetic traffic generation using a mixture of pattern-based, crossover, and mutation techniques, and Variant 2, augmented with a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). To replicate realistic zero-day conditions, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks were omitted during training and introduced only at testing. The proposed ZDBERTa incorporates a Byte-Pair Encoding (BPE) tokenizer, a multi-layer transformer encoder, and a classification head for prediction, enabling the model to capture semantic patterns and identify previously unseen threats. The experimental results demonstrate that ZDBERTa achieves 86.677% accuracy on Variant 1, highlighting the complexity of zero-day detection, while performance significantly improves to 99.315% on Variant 2, underscoring the effectiveness of GAN-based augmentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to explore ZD detection within CICIoV2024, contributing a novel direction toward resilient IoV cybersecurity. Full article
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32 pages, 1603 KB  
Article
Evolution of Artificial Intelligence-Based OT Cybersecurity Models in Energy Infrastructures: Services, Technical Means, Facilities and Algorithms
by Hipolito M. Rodriguez-Casavilca, David Mauricio and Juan M. Mauricio Villanueva
Energies 2025, 18(19), 5163; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195163 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Critical energy infrastructures (CEIs) are fundamental pillars for economic and social development. However, their accelerated digitalization and the convergence between operational technologies (OTs) and information technologies (ITs) have increased their exposure to advanced cyber threats. This study examines the evolution of OT cybersecurity [...] Read more.
Critical energy infrastructures (CEIs) are fundamental pillars for economic and social development. However, their accelerated digitalization and the convergence between operational technologies (OTs) and information technologies (ITs) have increased their exposure to advanced cyber threats. This study examines the evolution of OT cybersecurity models with artificial intelligence in the energy sector between 2015 and 2024, through a systematic literature review following a four-phase method (planning, development, results, and analysis). To this end, we answer the following questions about the aspects of CEI cybersecurity models: What models exist? What energy services, technical means, and facilities do they encompass? And what algorithms do they include? From an initial set of 1195 articles, 52 studies were selected, which allowed us to identify 49 cybersecurity models classified into seven functional categories: detection, prediction and explanation; risk management; regulatory compliance; collaboration; response and recovery; architecture-based protection; and simulation. These models are related to 10 energy services, 6 technical means, 10 types of critical facilities, and 15 AI algorithms applied transversally. Furthermore, the integrated and systemic relationship of these study aspects has been identified in an IT-OT cybersecurity model for CEIs. The results show a transition from conventional approaches to solutions based on machine learning, deep learning, federated learning, and blockchain. Algorithms such as CNN, RNN, DRL, XAI, and FL are highlighted, which enhance proactive detection and operational resilience. A broader coverage is also observed, ranging from power plants to smart grids. Finally, five key challenges are identified: legacy OT environments, lack of interoperability, advanced threats, emerging IIoT and quantum computing risks, and low adoption of emerging technologies. Full article
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25 pages, 570 KB  
Article
Distribution-Free EWMA Scheme for Joint Monitoring of Location and Scale Based on Post-Sales Online Review Process
by Sirui An and Jiujun Zhang
Axioms 2025, 14(10), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14100719 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 80
Abstract
Nowadays, the online comment process of product after-sales has become a key part of product development. Quality problems, such as the failure of products or services, are more likely to exist or hide in negative comments. Therefore, this paper focuses on detecting abnormal [...] Read more.
Nowadays, the online comment process of product after-sales has become a key part of product development. Quality problems, such as the failure of products or services, are more likely to exist or hide in negative comments. Therefore, this paper focuses on detecting abnormal changes in both the time between review T and the emotional score S of negative comments. Due to the complexity of the online review process, the distribution assumption of S and T may be invalid. To solve this problem, this study propose a distribution-free monitoring scheme that combines the exponentially weighted moving average-based Lepage statistics of S and T using a max-type combining function. This scheme is designed for joint monitoring of location and scale parameters in Phase II of an unknown but continuous process. The scheme’s performance is evaluated via Monte Carlo simulation under in-control and out-of-control conditions, using statistical measures such as the mean, standard deviation, median, and selected percentiles of the run length distribution. Simulation results indicate that the scheme is effective in detecting shifts in both location and scale parameters. Furthermore, an application of the proposed scheme for monitoring online reviews is discussed to illustrate its implementation design. Full article
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19 pages, 1234 KB  
Review
Learning from the Implementation of Disability-Inclusive Maternity Care: A Scoping Review
by Sarah Clifford, Meighan Mary, Briana Kramer, Mairead C. Minihane, Brina Ratangee, Erin M. Gilmer and Andreea A. Creanga
Healthcare 2025, 13(18), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13182315 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A growing body of evidence has revealed the multifaceted barriers populations with disabilities face during pregnancy and postpartum. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the literature on the implementation of disability-inclusive maternity care services for patients with disabilities. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A growing body of evidence has revealed the multifaceted barriers populations with disabilities face during pregnancy and postpartum. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the literature on the implementation of disability-inclusive maternity care services for patients with disabilities. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo were sourced for literature between January 2013 and July 2025. Articles were eligible for inclusion in the review if they reported on the implementation of interventions that aimed to improve quality of maternity care for pregnant or postpartum patients with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental impairments. In total, 6279 studies were screened to yield a final sample of 13 eligible articles. Key characteristics and implementation outcomes were extracted and synthesized from each eligible article. Results: Three of the studies targeted populations with physical impairments, five targeted populations with intellectual impairments, and five focused on populations with mental impairments. A variety of interventions were employed to improve the quality of care, targeting functional referral systems (n = 4), competent and motivated human resources (n = 4), actionable information systems (n = 3), effective communication (n = 1), and evidence-based practices (n = 1). Eligible studies reported acceptability (n = 11), adoption (n = 7), fidelity (n = 2), and penetration (n = 1) outcomes. The interventions generally reported high acceptability among providers and patients and emphasized the importance of participatory development and phased introduction. Conclusions: Significant gaps in the evidence remain across all categories of impairments. Additional research is needed to understand what types of interventions can be effectively implemented to improve the quality of maternity care for pregnant and postpartum patients with disabilities. Full article
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15 pages, 3299 KB  
Article
Towards Sustainable Airport Operations: Emission Analysis of Taxiing Solutions
by Marta Maciejewska and Paula Kurzawska-Pietrowicz
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8242; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188242 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Airport operations significantly contribute to air pollution in their vicinity through various sources, including aircraft activities—particularly taxiing and take-off—as well as ground support equipment, service vehicles, and maintenance work. Since emissions from aircraft engines represent the primary pollution source at airports, it is [...] Read more.
Airport operations significantly contribute to air pollution in their vicinity through various sources, including aircraft activities—particularly taxiing and take-off—as well as ground support equipment, service vehicles, and maintenance work. Since emissions from aircraft engines represent the primary pollution source at airports, it is essential to reduce emissions at every phase of the LTO (landing and take-off) cycle to improve local air quality and promote environmental sustainability. Given the research gap in emission analysis, a comprehensive LCA framework for airport pushback and taxi operations is proposed, integrating tow truck propulsion, a taxiing strategy, and fleet management. Given the complexity of the issue, the authors first decided to investigate emissions from taxiing operations using tow trucks with different powertrains. The analyses performed were considered preliminary and a starting point for exploring emissions during taxiing operations at airports. Typically, aircraft are pushed back from the apron and then taxi under their own power using both engines at approximately 7% of maximum thrust. To substantially reduce exhaust emissions, external towing vehicles can be employed to move aircrafts from the apron to the runway. This study evaluates the potential for emission reductions in CO2 and other harmful compounds such as CO, HC, NOx, and PM by using electric towing vehicles (ETVs). It also compares emissions from different taxiing methods: full-engine taxiing, single-engine taxiing, ETV-assisted taxiing, and taxiing using diesel and petrol-powered tow vehicles. The analysis was conducted for Warsaw and Poznań airports. Three aircraft types—the most commonly operating at these airports—were selected to assess emissions under various taxiing scenarios. The results show that using electric towing vehicles can reduce CO and NOx emissions to nearly zero compared to other methods. Interestingly, CO emissions from full-engine taxiing were lower than those from petrol-powered towing, although the Embraer 195 showed the highest CO emissions among the selected aircrafts. HC emissions were lowest for the A321neo and also relatively low for the diesel towing vehicle. The use of electric tow trucks significantly reduces CO2 emissions: only 2.8–4.4 kg compared to 380–450 kg when taxiing with engines. This research highlights the critical role of sustainable ground operations in reducing harmful emissions and underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into airport taxiing practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control of Traffic-Related Emissions to Improve Air Quality)
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22 pages, 7111 KB  
Article
Study on the Ground-Penetrating Radar Response Characteristics of Pavement Voids Based on a Three-Phase Concrete Model
by Shuaishuai Wei, Huan Zhang, Jiancun Fu and Wenyang Han
Sensors 2025, 25(18), 5713; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25185713 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Concrete pavements frequently develop subsurface voids between surface and base layers during long-term service due to cyclic loading, environmental effects, and subgrade instability, which compromise structural integrity and traffic safety. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used as a non-destructive method for detecting [...] Read more.
Concrete pavements frequently develop subsurface voids between surface and base layers during long-term service due to cyclic loading, environmental effects, and subgrade instability, which compromise structural integrity and traffic safety. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used as a non-destructive method for detecting such voids. However, the presence of coarse aggregates with strong electromagnetic scattering properties often introduces pseudo-reflection signals in radar images, hindering accurate void identification. To address this challenge, this study develops a high-fidelity three-phase concrete model incorporating aggregates, mortar, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is used to simulate electromagnetic wave propagation in both voided and intact structures. Simulation results reveal that aggregate-induced scattering can blur or distort reflection interfaces, generating pseudo-hyperbolic anomalies even in the absence of voids. In cases of thin-layer voids, real echo signals may be masked by aggregate scattering, leading to missed detections. GPR systems can be broadly classified into impulse, continuous-wave, and multi-frequency types. To validate the simulations, field tests using multi-frequency 2D/3D GPR systems and borehole verification were conducted. The results confirm the consistency between simulated and actual radar anomalies and validate the proposed model. This work provides theoretical insight and modeling strategies to enhance the interpretation accuracy of GPR data for subsurface void detection in concrete pavements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromagnetic Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation)
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29 pages, 3506 KB  
Article
Assessment and Mapping of Water-Related Regulating Ecosystem Services in Armenia as a Component of National Ecosystem Accounting
by Elena Bukvareva, Eduard Kazakov, Aleksandr Arakelyan and Vardan Asatryan
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 8044; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17178044 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 949
Abstract
To promote sustainable development and guide the responsible use of natural ecosystems, the United Nations introduced the concept of ecosystem accounting. Ecosystem services are key components of ecosystem accounting. Water-related ecosystem services (ES) are of primary importance for Armenia due to relatively dry [...] Read more.
To promote sustainable development and guide the responsible use of natural ecosystems, the United Nations introduced the concept of ecosystem accounting. Ecosystem services are key components of ecosystem accounting. Water-related ecosystem services (ES) are of primary importance for Armenia due to relatively dry climate, and dependence on irrigation water for agriculture. This study aims to conduct a pilot-level quantitative scoping assessment and mapping of key water-related regulating ES in accordance with the SEEA-EA guidelines, and to offer recommendations to initiate their accounting in Armenia. We used three Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) models—Seasonal Water Yield, Sediment Delivery Ratio, and Urban Flood Risk Mitigation. Input data for these models were sourced from global and national databases, as well as ESRI land cover datasets for 2017 and 2023. Government-reported data on river flow and water consumption were used to assess the ES supply–use balance. The results show that natural ecosystems contribute between 11% and 96% of the modeled ES, with the strongest impact on baseflow supply and erosion prevention. The average current erosion is estimated at 2.3 t/ha/year, and avoided erosion at 46.4 t/ha/year. Ecosystems provide 93% of baseflow, with an average baseflow index of 34%, while on bare ground it is only 3%. Changes in land cover from 2017 to 2023 have resulted in alterations across all assessed ES. Comparison of total water flow and baseflow with water consumption revealed water-deficient provinces. InVEST models show their general operability at the scoping phase of ecosystem accounting planning. Advancing ES accounting in Armenia requires model calibration and validation using local data, along with the integration of InVEST and hydrological and meteorological models to account for the high diversity of natural conditions in Armenia, including terrain, geological structure, soil types, and regional climatic differences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)
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12 pages, 301 KB  
Article
Patient and Family Perspectives on Integrated Transitional Care for Anorexia Nervosa in Mantova, Italy
by Debora Bussolotti, Giovanni Barillà, Antonia Di Genni, Martina Comini, Alberto Gallo, Mariateresa Torre, Laura Orlando, Beatrice Mastrolorenzo, Eva Corradini, Barbara Bazzoli, Francesco Bonfà, Andrea Mora, Luca Pasqualini, Elisa Mariantoni, Alessandro Cuomo, Despoina Koukouna and Paola Accorsi
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172830 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 904
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) hand-over to adult mental health service (AMHS) remains an ongoing shortfall in eating disorder (ED) treatment, typically in tandem with diagnostic drift, heightened suicide risk, and carer burn-out. We created one 14-to-25 Transition—ED track [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) hand-over to adult mental health service (AMHS) remains an ongoing shortfall in eating disorder (ED) treatment, typically in tandem with diagnostic drift, heightened suicide risk, and carer burn-out. We created one 14-to-25 Transition—ED track within our own unit, where a single multidisciplinary team continuously follows each patient and family across the CAMHS–AMHS boundary (via weekly joint paediatric and adult clinician meeting) without changing the individual psychotherapist, family therapist, or dietitian at the age 18 transition. We investigated the manner in which patients and parents perceive this model. Methods: A survey of two naturalistic parent cohorts—CAMHS (n = 16) and Transition—Adult arm (n = 15)—also joined, alongside the original group of young adults who had entered the programme during its set-up phase (n = 9). Here, the 14–25 pathway denotes one unified route of care across adolescence and young adulthood; the Transition—Adult arm is its ≥ 18-years component. All index patients had a primary DSM-5-TR diagnosis of restricting-type anorexia nervosa. Participants completed the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8; range 8–32) and four bespoke Continuity-of-Care items (1–4 Likert). Results: Overall, the caregivers in both cohorts were pleased (median CSQ-8 = 28.5 [CAMHS] vs. 27.0 [Transition]; p = 0.75). Continuity items were universally well rated across cohorts. Cohort parents reported a median of two unchanged core clinicians (i.e., the individual psychotherapist, the family therapist, or the dietitian), which was nonsignificantly positively correlated with CSQ-8 scores (ρ = 0.22). Early-group patients mirrored caregiver impressions (mean CSQ-8 = 27.0 ± 3.9). Conclusions: It is feasible and highly acceptable to both caregivers and anorexia nervosa young adults to have the same key staff and family-centred sessions over the 14-to-25 age span. Constrained by single-site study and small sample size, these preliminary data provide a rationale for wider implementation and controlled follow-up studies. Full article
23 pages, 9151 KB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Relationship and Transition Patterns of Ecosystem Service Value and Land-Use Carbon Emissions on the Loess Plateau
by Yaxuan Yang, Hongliang Wang, Yining Gao, Chang Ge and Jiansheng Wu
Land 2025, 14(9), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091764 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Ecosystem services play a vital role in human well-being, with land-use changes exerting substantial influence on ecosystem service value (ESV) and land-use carbon emissions (LUCEs). Understanding the spatio-temporal relationship and transition dynamics between ESV and LUCEs is essential for promoting high-quality ecological development [...] Read more.
Ecosystem services play a vital role in human well-being, with land-use changes exerting substantial influence on ecosystem service value (ESV) and land-use carbon emissions (LUCEs). Understanding the spatio-temporal relationship and transition dynamics between ESV and LUCEs is essential for promoting high-quality ecological development aligned with the “dual carbon” objective. This study takes the Loess Plateau as the research object. Based on five-phase land-use data from 2000 to 2020, the ESV and LUCEs are calculated. Exploratory spatio-temporal data analysis is used to explore their spatio-temporal relationship and transition paths, and the quadrant model is introduced to analyze the transition patterns from the perspective of ecological quality. The results indicate the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the ESV of the Loess Plateau increased from CNY 579.032 billion to CNY 582.470 billion, with an overall increase of only 0.15%. Among the changes in land use, changes in forest and grassland significantly affected the ESV. (2) The LUCEs from land use on the Loess Plateau increased from 137.15 Mt to 458.43 Mt, with an average annual growth rate of 6.22%. Affected by industrialization and urbanization, the LUCEs showed significant spatial differences at the provincial and county scales. (3) There was a certain positive spatial correlation between ESV and LUCEs. The distribution of significantly correlated areas did not change significantly from 2000 to 2020, and the relationship characteristics were mainly characterized by Type IV transitions. (4) At the county scale, ESV and LUCEs exhibited temporal stability, with most counties situated in the general ecological category, indicating substantial potential for enhancing regional ecological quality. These research outcomes offer a foundational framework for devising tailored regional carbon emission reduction strategies. Full article
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11 pages, 598 KB  
Perspective
Systems of Care for Treating Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Comparing the United States to Italy
by Nicholas J Cioe, Rita Formisano, Gregory O’Shanick, Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, Valentina Bandiera, Elisa Berardi, Vincenzo Vinicola and Umberto Bivona
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15090943 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is now widely regarded as a chronic condition but this change in conceptualization has not yet been realized in the way rehabilitation and care are offered and funded in the United States. Similarly, it is widely accepted that an [...] Read more.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is now widely regarded as a chronic condition but this change in conceptualization has not yet been realized in the way rehabilitation and care are offered and funded in the United States. Similarly, it is widely accepted that an optimized ABI system includes integration across the phases of care and recovery that considers the bio-psycho-socio-ecological (BPSE) dimensions beyond the injury itself. Despite the importance of BPSE factors informing care, typical post-injury care and management remain focused on acute presentation and the biological nature of the injury and there still exists relevant inter-country differences for disorders of consciousness (DoC) neurorehabilitation after severe ABI. This collaboration with Italian colleagues explores and compares the types and locations of rehabilitative services offered in a Post-Coma Unit of neurorehabilitation center in Italy (namely, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS in Rome) and in the United States following a “severe” ABI (sABI). This narrative seeks to describe the degree to which both systems utilize a BPSE informed approach to care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue At the Frontiers of Neurorehabilitation: 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 749 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Positioning of a Lunar Lander Using a Dedicated Lunar Communication and Navigation System Assuming Realistic ODTS Performances
by Yoann Audet, Floor T. Melman, Dimitrios V. Psychas, Richard D. Swinden and Javier Ventura-Traveset
Eng. Proc. 2025, 88(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025088074 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
With the renewed interest in the Moon, manifested by the growing number of planned missions for the past decade, space agencies are investing in reliable and dedicated lunar communication and navigation systems and services, such as the Moonlight programme of the European Space [...] Read more.
With the renewed interest in the Moon, manifested by the growing number of planned missions for the past decade, space agencies are investing in reliable and dedicated lunar communication and navigation systems and services, such as the Moonlight programme of the European Space Agency (ESA), to provide support to all types of lunar users (i.e., surface users, landers and orbiters). In the context of lunar human and robotic exploration, one of the critical phases will be the landing of spacecraft on lunar soil. This type of operation is far from trivial, as shown by the recent crashes such as the one of the Luna25 lander from the Russian Space Agency. A reliable method to position a lander during its descent could be provided by a dedicated lunar navigation system. This paper will focus on what the achievable positioning accuracy is for a lander landing on the Moon’s South Pole using dedicated satellite-based navigation services such as Moonlight. It will be shown that using the LCNS constellation and the altimeter can achieve a sub 50 m accuracy with a 99% confidence interval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of European Navigation Conference 2024)
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33 pages, 732 KB  
Article
China’s Legal Protection System for Pangolins: Past, Present, and Future
by Da Su, Kai Wu and Anzi Nie
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162422 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 757
Abstract
This article examines the historical evolution, contemporary dynamics, and future trajectory of China’s legal and judicial framework for pangolin protection. By reviewing over seventy years of regulatory changes, case law, and policy implementation, it outlines three distinct phases: the early emphasis on pangolins [...] Read more.
This article examines the historical evolution, contemporary dynamics, and future trajectory of China’s legal and judicial framework for pangolin protection. By reviewing over seventy years of regulatory changes, case law, and policy implementation, it outlines three distinct phases: the early emphasis on pangolins as medicinal and export resources (1949–1989); the phase of conflicted protection and utilization under regulatory expansion (1989–2020); and the post-2020 shift toward judicial activism and ecological civil litigation. We then highlight the long-standing contradiction between legislative protection and continued medicinal use, particularly the centuries-old use of pangolins and their derivatives in traditional Chinese medicine, a practice still acknowledged within certain state policies and regulatory frameworks, showing how these inconsistencies enabled persistent illegal exploitation despite regulatory controls. Through systematic analysis of public court records and case databases, the policy historical records reveal a marked increase in environmental public interest litigation since 2020. These lawsuits, often attached to criminal prosecutions, signal a transition from merely punitive approaches to restorative ones—anchored in ecological valuation of species and their services. Case studies illustrate how courts now impose not only wildlife resource loss fees, but also punitive damages and compensation for ecological service function loss. The article will elaborate in detail on the distinctions and interrelations among these types of compensation. The landmark Case No.17 also demonstrates this paradigm shift, wherein courts recognized pangolins’ role in balancing forest ecosystems. However, significant challenges persist. Valuation methodologies lack uniform standards; while the ecological value of pangolins has been recognized, their inherent value as individuals has not been emphasized within the legal system; judicial discretion varies across jurisdictions; and public interest organizations remain underutilized in litigation. Moreover, while the crackdown on organized crime succeeded in curbing mass trafficking, smaller-scale violations tied to cultural consumption for medicine use persist. The article concludes that judicial innovations, such as ecological judicial restoration bases and integration into China’s draft Ecological Environment Code, offer promising pathways forward. To enhance efficacy, it calls for standardization in ecological valuation, strengthened civil society participation, and nuanced differentiation in penal strategies between minor and serious offenses. This study ultimately positions judicial reform as the cornerstone of China’s evolving pangolin conservation strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wild Animal Welfare: Science, Ethics and Law)
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35 pages, 7791 KB  
Article
Inspection Data-Driven Machine Learning Models for Predicting the Remaining Service Life of Deteriorating Bridge Decks
by Gitae Roh, Changsu Shim and Hyunhye Song
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152799 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
The bridge deck is more vulnerable to deterioration than other structural components. This is due to its direct exposure to environmental factors such as vehicular loads, chloride ingress, and freeze–thaw cycles. The resulting accelerated degradation often results in a serviceability life that is [...] Read more.
The bridge deck is more vulnerable to deterioration than other structural components. This is due to its direct exposure to environmental factors such as vehicular loads, chloride ingress, and freeze–thaw cycles. The resulting accelerated degradation often results in a serviceability life that is shorter than the intended design life. However, the absence of standardized condition assessment methods coupled with clear definitions of remaining service life has limited the establishment of rational guidelines for repair and strengthening. In a bid to address this lack, this study focuses on PSC-I type bridges in South Korea, utilizing long-term field inspection data to analyze environmental, structural, and material factors—including reinforcement corrosion, chloride diffusion, and freeze–thaw actions. Environmental zoning was applied based on regional conditions, while structural zoning was performed according to load characteristics, thereby allowing the classification of deck regions into moment zones and cantilever sections. Machine learning models were employed to identify dominant deterioration mechanisms, with the validity of the zoning classification being evaluated via model accuracy and SHAP value analysis. Additionally, a regression-based approach was proposed to estimate the remaining service life of the bridge deck for each corrosion phase, thereby providing a quantitative framework for durability assessment and maintenance planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Knowledge Management in the Building and Construction Industry)
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19 pages, 7447 KB  
Article
Research on the Size and Distribution of TiN Inclusions in High-Titanium Steel Cast Slabs
by Min Zhang, Xiangyu Li, Zhijie Guo and Yanhui Sun
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3527; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153527 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 457
Abstract
High-titanium steel contains an elevated titanium content, which promotes the formation of abundant non-metallic inclusions in molten steel at high temperatures, including titanium oxides, sulfides, and nitrides. These inclusions adversely affect continuous casting operations and generate substantial internal/surface defects in cast slabs, ultimately [...] Read more.
High-titanium steel contains an elevated titanium content, which promotes the formation of abundant non-metallic inclusions in molten steel at high temperatures, including titanium oxides, sulfides, and nitrides. These inclusions adversely affect continuous casting operations and generate substantial internal/surface defects in cast slabs, ultimately compromising product performance and service reliability. Therefore, stringent control over the size, distribution, and population density of inclusions is imperative during the smelting of high-titanium steel to minimize their detrimental effects. In this paper, samples of high titanium steel (0.4% Ti, 0.004% N) casting billets were analyzed by industrial test sampling and full section comparative analysis of the samples at the center and quarter position. Using the Particle X inclusions, as well as automatic scanning and analyzing equipment, the number, size, location distribution, type and morphology of inclusions in different positions were systematically and comprehensively investigated. The results revealed that the primary inclusions in the steel consisted of TiN, TiS, TiC and their composite forms. TiN inclusions exhibited a size range of 1–5 µm on the slab surface, while larger particles of 2–10 μm were predominantly observed in the interior regions. Large-sized TiN inclusions (5–10 μm) are particularly detrimental, and this problematic type of inclusion predominantly concentrates in the interior regions of the steel slab. A gradual decrease in TiN inclusion number density was identified from the surface toward the core of the slab. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations incorporating solute segregation effects demonstrated that TiN precipitates primarily in the liquid phase. The computational results showed excellent agreement with experimental data regarding the relationship between TiN size and solidification rate under different cooling conditions, confirming that increased cooling rates lead to reduced TiN particle sizes. Both enhanced cooling rates and reduced titanium content were found to effectively delay TiN precipitation, thereby suppressing the formation of large-sized TiN inclusions in high-titanium steels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Stainless Steel—from Making, Shaping, Treating to Products)
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29 pages, 8280 KB  
Article
Constructing an Ecological Spatial Network Optimization Framework from the Pattern–Process–Function Perspective: A Case Study in Wuhan
by An Tong, Yan Zhou, Tao Chen and Zihan Qu
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152548 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Under the continuous disturbance of ecosystems driven by urbanization, landscape fragmentation and the disruption of ecological processes and functions are key challenges in optimizing ecological networks (EN). This study aims to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of topological patterns, ecological processes, and ecosystem services [...] Read more.
Under the continuous disturbance of ecosystems driven by urbanization, landscape fragmentation and the disruption of ecological processes and functions are key challenges in optimizing ecological networks (EN). This study aims to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of topological patterns, ecological processes, and ecosystem services (ES) in Wuhan from the “pattern–process–function” perspective. To overcome the lag in research concerning the coupling of ecological processes, functions, and spatial patterns, we explore the long-term dynamic evolution of ecosystem structure, process, and function by integrating multi-source data, including remote sensing, enabling comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis from 2000 to 2020. Addressing limitations in current EN optimization approaches, we integrate morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA), use circuit theory to identify EN components, and conduct spatial optimization accurately. We further assess the effectiveness of two scenario types: “pattern–function” and “pattern–process”. The results reveal a distinct “increase-then-decrease” trend in EN structural attributes: from 2000 to 2020, source areas declined from 39 (900 km2) to 37 (725 km2), while corridor numbers fluctuated before stabilizing at 89. Ecological processes and functions exhibited phased fluctuations. Among water-related indicators, water conservation (as a core function), and modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI, as a key process) predominantly drive positive correlations under the “pattern–function” and “pattern–process” scenarios, respectively. The “pattern–function” scenario strengthens core area connectivity (24% and 4% slower degradation under targeted/random attacks, respectively), enhancing resistance to general disturbances, whereas the “pattern–process” scenario increases redundancy in edge transition zones (21% slower degradation under targeted attacks), improving resilience to targeted disruptions. This complementary design results in a gradient EN structure characterized by core stability and peripheral resilience. This study pioneers an EN optimization framework that systematically integrates identification, assessment, optimization, and validation into a closed-loop workflow. Notably, it establishes a quantifiable, multi-objective decision basis for EN optimization, offering transferable guidance for green infrastructure planning and ecological restoration from a pattern–process–function perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Remote Sensing in Landscape Ecology)
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