Search Results (1,809)

Introduction: Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is a frequent manifestation of haemodynamic instability during general anaesthesia. Advances in arterial waveform analysis have led to two distinct monitoring strategies: flow-derived platforms and predictive algorithms designed to anticipate hypotension. However, prospective comparisons and their associations with IOH and postoperative outcomes remain limited. The objective was to compare predictive haemodynamic monitoring using the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) with flow-derived monitoring using the Vigileo/FloTrac system and to evaluate their associations with IOH and postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this single-center prospective observational study, 101 adults undergoing elective major abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia were monitored using either the HPI system (n = 49) or the Vigileo/FloTrac system (n = 52). Primary outcomes were cumulative duration and frequency of IOH (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg). Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, organ injury biomarkers (troponin, creatinine, eGFR), and hospital length of stay. Multivariable regression models adjusted for predefined confounders were used to estimate associations. Results: Vigileo/FloTrac monitoring, compared with HPI, was independently associated with a greater cumulative duration of IOH (adjusted β = 1.66; 95% CI, 0.63–2.72) and a higher number of hypotensive episodes (adjusted β = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.10–0.95). Monitoring strategy was not associated with surgical site, respiratory, or neurological complications. However, Vigileo/FloTrac monitoring was associated with higher odds of vascular complications (adjusted OR = 4.36; 95% CI, 1.13–20.41). No significant associations were observed between monitoring strategy and postoperative organ injury biomarkers or length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Predictive haemodynamic monitoring using the HPI system was associated with lower IOH burden compared with the Vigileo/FloTrac system. However, these differences were not consistently accompanied by improvements in postoperative outcomes. Haemodynamic optimisation should be considered as one component within a broader, integrated perioperative management strategy. Further large-scale, multicenter prospective studies are warranted to clarify its impact on patient-centered outcomes. Full article

Urban green spaces provide essential ecosystem services, yet mismatches between subjective perceptions and objective assessments may constrain effective planning. This study examines the correspondence between perceived and measured ES across two contrasting urban green spaces in Shanghai: Century Park, a managed urban park, and Sanlin Green Space, a naturalistic urban forest. Objective ecosystem services (regulating, supporting, and cultural) were quantified using UAV-based biotope mapping and indicators including biophysical metrics (Net Primary Production, Water Retention, PM10 removal, and Land Surface Temperature), structural diversity indices (Shannon Diversity of land cover, vegetation, and tree structure), and visual–spatial proxies (Green View Index, Sky View Index, Water View Index, color metrics, and spatial openness). Subjective perceptions were derived from panoramic image-based questionnaires, with perception scores predicted using XGBoost and aggregated via SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Correlation analyses, spatial regression models, and partial least squares structural equation modeling were applied to explore relationships and pathways. Results show weak but significant positive associations in the urban park, whereas no overall correspondence was observed in the urban forest. Spatial mismatches were concentrated in biotopes with distinctive visual–ecological features and in fragmented areas. Green View Index is associated with higher perceptions in both sites, while the Sky View Index reduced perception in the forest context. These findings highlight strong context dependence in perceived–measured ecosystem service relationships and underscore the importance of integrating ecological structure and visual legibility in the design and management of the studied urban green spaces in Shanghai. Full article

This research introduces a novel methodology that combines Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Economic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (EMCDM) with Neural Networks to optimize hybrid renewable energy systems in small communities. Its core aim is to improve sustainability, technical performance, and financial vokiability through integrated modelling and decision-making. The approach is applied to a hydropower site, evaluating five Scenarios (IDs 1–5) under a Community and Industry model. Financial benchmarks include a 10% Minimum Required Return and a 7-year payback period. ID3—hydropower, solar, and wind—proves most effective, with ANPV of €10,905 (wet) and €4501 (dry), and ROI of 155%/64%. Its ROIA/MRA Index peaks at 539%, and Payback/N ratios remain within acceptable limits (55%/96%). LCOE stays stable in average conditions (0.042–0.046 €/kWh), rising in dry years (0.07–0.10 €/kWh). Profitability differences primarily stem from demand and curtailment, rather than production costs. The NARX neural network reliably models SS% values from renewable inputs with low error across scenarios. The integrated BIM–EMCDM framework ensures transparent, sustainable, and risk-balanced energy system decisions for long-term autonomy. Full article

Urban planners increasingly require high-resolution thermal comfort maps to prioritize heat adaptation, yet validating the necessary microclimate models against standard field instruments remains methodologically fraught. This study establishes an integrated measurement–modeling framework applied to a study area in Strasbourg, France. First, we evaluate the radiative physics of the LASER/F model against net radiometer measurements at a specific sub-canopy location and against incoming shortwave radiation pyranometer records across three instrumentation sites. Results demonstrate high accuracy for longwave fluxes ($R^2>0.95$) but reveal that simplified tree geometry leads to condition-dependent shortwave discrepancies. Second, we quantify the systematic divergence between Mean Radiant Temperature derived from black globe measurements and six-directional simulations across seven sites. We analyze how these inevitable discrepancies, stemming mainly from geometric mismatch, propagate into the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), resulting in (71.5–75.5%) diurnal exact categorical agreement. Finally, spatial application of the model uncovers a “masked risk”: while temporal averaging suggests that 100% of the district remains safe (mean UTCI $<{32}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$), duration-based analysis reveals that 72.8% of surfaces actually experience critical heat stress for over a quarter of the period. To address these hidden exposure risks, we propose a “Combined Risk Score” (CRS) that integrates thermal intensity and critical exposure duration on an absolute, dataset-independent scale, with a sensitivity analysis demonstrating that spatial risk prioritization is invariant to the intensity–duration weighting choice at the operational threshold. Full article

Rainfall-induced landslide early warning systems require reliable estimation of soil moisture conditions. This study proposes a Soil Water Index (SWI) framework based on a three-stage TANK model. Through GLUE (Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation)-based behavioral parameter sampling and K-means clustering, SWI response characteristics were classified into two representative scenarios: slow drainage (Scenario 1) and fast drainage (Scenario 2). Two-stage thresholds—Watch (α = 0.40 × SWI_peak) and Warning (β = 0.70 × SWI_peak)—were established from SWI rise profile analysis at 500 m and 5 km resolutions, providing 20–27 and 4–5 h of lead time, respectively. Verification against the July 2025 heavy rainfall event across multiple resolutions and spatial extents yielded Hit Rates of 0.984–1.000, while FAR (False Alarm Ratio) remained structurally high (0.607–0.648 for grids sharing the rainfall field with occurrence sites). These findings confirm that SWI serves as an effective regional-scale necessary condition indicator for landslide-triggering moisture, but FAR reduction requires integration with slope susceptibility information. Full article

Aquaculture sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions is increasingly threatened by heavy metal contamination originating from complex anthropogenic land-use patterns. This study used an integrated model to evaluate the molecular-to-human health continuum in hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus × Clarias macrocephalus) sourced from Pathum Thani, Thailand’s primary aquaculture hub. We integrated geospatial land-use data with heavy-metal quantification, oxidative-stress biomarkers, and transcriptional profiling to assess how canal-specific water quality modulates fish health and consumer risk. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in metal concentrations, corresponding to the province’s 27% urban–industrial land-use footprint. While water quality generally met regulatory limits, a pronounced aqueous–biotic discrepancy, “bioaccumulation paradox” was identified at certain sites, where muscle and hepatic tissues exhibited lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) levels that substantially exceeded international safety standards. Biochemical and molecular analyses provided functional evidence of physiological distress, specifically significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the transcriptional modulation of cat, cyp1a, gpx, met, tnf, and star genes indicated that chronic metal exposure overwhelmed antioxidant defenses and induced potential endocrine disruption. Moreover, human health risk assessments revealed that the hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TR) exceeded unacceptable thresholds at multiple hotspots, indicating that Cr is a primary carcinogenic driver. These findings highlight a “GAP Paradox,” where farm-level certifications are insufficient to mitigate risks posed by the surrounding canal network. This study presents vital evidence-based risk profiles that necessitate a transition to a spatially based regulatory framework, incorporating geospatial land-use monitoring into national food safety policies to protect both aquaculture viability and public health. Full article

This study proposes and evaluates a specialized Recreational Water Quality Index (IR-WQI) designed to prioritize the bathers’ safety and comfort. Focusing on the Năvodari–Mamaia sector (2022–2024), the research investigates how different weighting configurations—prioritizing either microbiological safety or physicochemical stability—affect the accuracy of bathing water assessments. The IR-WQI was tested across four scenarios, comparing the sensitivity of a specialized pH-based “bather-comfort” penalty function against models that include salinity as a weighted constant. Results demonstrate high categorical stability, with 93.3% of monitoring sites maintaining their qualitative classification regardless of the weighting scheme. However, the inclusion of salinity was found to inflate quality scores, potentially masking fecal contamination at vulnerable sites. Scenario 1, which prioritizes microbiological indicators (60% weight) and incorporates a pH filter, provides a transparent and conservative diagnostic tool for coastal managers, thereby supporting sustainable tourism and informed decision-making for beach safety. Full article

The importance of heritage in global development is a well-established fact, and according to UNESCO the preservation and protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the world should be among the priorities of the global community. This is necessitated by the fact that heritage has been continuously destroyed over time by war and terrorism, modernisation, urbanisation, and climate change. World Heritage sites are global treasures of unique value, and their protection requires efforts on the international scale. Countries may raise resources for maintaining and preserving their endangered World Heritage sites, and for those inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger they may apply for international assistance from UNESCO as well. Case studies and examples show that economic affluence and state stability considerably influence the conservation of World Heritage sites. This research investigates the correlation between national economic development and the conservation status of UNESCO World Heritage sites. By analysing data from 31 countries as homes of sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, this study examines the relationship between GDP per capita, the volume of international assistance, and the “In Danger” status of sites, adding control factors such as the fragile state index, encompassing threats of war and internal conflicts, and extreme climate events. To the author’s best knowledge, no such comparative assessment between development level and international assistance to sites inscribed on the list has been attempted before, so this quantitative analysis is a novel approach of the outlined problem area. The findings aim to demonstrate whether the current global heritage framework effectively supports lower-income nations or if financial disparity remains the primary driver of heritage loss in the face of global climate change and political factors. The main research question is whether the socio-economic status of a nation will remain a stronger predictor of heritage survival than the actual severity of environmental threats, maintaining a “heritage divide” between the Global North and the Global South. This research concludes with recommendations for a more equitable financial model to safeguard universal values in an age of increasing uncertainty. Full article

The study aims to analyze comprehensive effects of site quality class (SQC), stand density index (SDI), and species composition (SC) on biomass growth. Based on 5872 observations from 2040 permanent sample plots of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) plantations from successive national forest resource inventories, five classical growth equations were employed and nonlinear regression and dummy variables were used for modeling. A dominant height (DH) growth model was first developed to determine SQC, followed by a series of stand biomass (SB) growth models incorporating SQC, SDI, and SC (pure vs. mixed stands). Growth differences among different classes or categories were analyzed using inflection age and optimal rotation age. The results show that Korf equation performed best for both DH and SB growth models; SDI contributed the most to SB growth, followed by SQC, with their interaction accounting for over half of the total contribution. Mixed stands grew faster than pure stands; higher SQC was associated with faster growth and earlier attainment of inflection age and optimal rotation age. The productivity increased with rising SDI, but the rate of increase gradually diminished. Different optimal rotation ages should be determined for pure and mixed stands across different SQCs. Reasonable adjustment of harvesting age and control of stand density represent the greatest potential for improving forest productivity. Full article

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development and ecological civilization construction, tourism ecological security at cultural landscape heritage sites faces both opportunities and challenges. This study constructs a cultural landscape heritage tourism ecological security (CLHTES) evaluation system based on the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework. It dynamically assesses CLHTES in the Yangtze River Delta Integrated Demonstration Zone (YRDIDZ) from 2014 to 2023 using the entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and linear stretching transformation, identifies obstacle factors with the obstacle degree model, and predicts CLHTES trends for 2024–2030 using a radial basis function (RBF) neural network. Results show that: (1) The CLHTES index in the YRDIDZ presented a three-stage fluctuating upward trend during 2014–2023, with medium-clustered security levels and divergent evolution across the DPSIR criteria layers; (2) CLHTES obstacles feature a multi-level differentiated structure, with rising barriers in D and P layers, the R layer as the future core obstacle, and high-frequency barriers concentrated in cultural and social indicators; (3) Under the assumption of structural continuity in current trajectories, the conditional trend projection suggests that the CLHTES index of the YRDIDZ may sustain a general upward tendency during 2024–2030, with a possibility of approaching Level VII after 2028; however, these projections should be interpreted as exploratory and scenario-like rather than as robust forecasts, given the short annual series and the absence of exogenous disturbance variables. This study explores tourism-ecology interactions from a social-ecological complex system perspective, supporting synergistic tourism development and ecological protection of cultural landscape heritage. Full article

The Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a long-lived terrestrial reptile listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List and protected under CITES Appendix II. As an ecosystem engineer, it plays a vital role in Mediterranean landscapes, yet it frequently faces anthropogenic pressures in urban environments. This study provides an ecological and ethological assessment of a captive T. graeca population (n = 42) in the historical Münire Madrasa Handicrafts Bazaar in Kastamonu, Türkiye. The methodology integrated spatial carrying capacity modeling (Boullon model), systematic ethogram-based observations (120 h), and ethnozoological surveys (n = 200). Spatial analysis revealed that the population exceeds the corrected Real Carrying Capacity (RCC ≈ 10) by four times (Overcapacity Index: 4.2) within the 70 m² area. Ethological findings documented chronic stress, with stereotypic pacing (H1) occupying 32% of the time budget, alongside a significant loss of anti-predator mechanisms due to anthropogenic habituation (İ1). While stakeholders (100%, 95% CI: 98.1–100%) perceive the tortoises as cultural symbols of abundance, the biological reality indicates severe welfare risks, including potential metabolic bone disease from a monotonous anthropogenic diet and a disrupted Ca:P ratio. The site is categorized as a ‘High-Constraint Interaction Zone’. We propose a management transition toward a monitored ‘Urban Wildlife Education Station’ to align local cultural values with international animal welfare and conservation standards. Full article

Heat stress is a major challenge for broiler production worldwide and is expected to intensify with more frequent heatwaves. This study focuses on mechanically ventilated broiler houses in South Korea, where heatwaves have become increasingly frequent. Three regression meta-models were developed to predict the indoor temperature–humidity index (THI) directly from weather forecast data, using simulated results from a validated building energy simulation (BES) model. A TRNSYS-based BES model was validated against field measurements from four rearing cycles in a commercial broiler house (RMSE 1.31–2.16; MAPE < 2.00%). Using 3072 simulation cases that combined multiple sites, thermal-transmittance levels, cooling conditions, building sizes, and broiler body weights, three regression meta-model approaches were evaluated: a condition-specific regression meta-model for each condition set, a unified regression meta-model with categorical predictors, and a single variable meta-model using only external THI as a predictor. All three showed strong predictive performance, and the unified regression meta-model achieved R² = 0.978, RMSE = 0.817, and MAPE = 0.829, providing the best balance between accuracy and simplicity. This unified model offers a practical tool to link weather forecasts with broiler-house design and environmental-control decisions for heat-stress risk management. Full article

To investigate the characteristics and health risks of heavy metal (HM) contamination in soils of typical industrial sites during urban renewal, this study selected Pudong New District, Shanghai, as a case. Seven HMs (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Hg, and As) were analyzed for their concentrations, ecological risks, spatial patterns, and potential sources. Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation was used to assess spatial distribution, Random Forest (RF) regression to predict HM concentrations, and a two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate human health risks. The results showed that all HMs except As exceeded Shanghai background values in surface soils, with varying levels observed in subsoil and saturated layers. The Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo) and Risk Index (RI) indicated low contamination and moderate ecological risk. Pearson correlation combined with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified four major sources: traffic emissions dominated by Cd and Zn, combustion-related sources dominated by Pb and Hg, industry-related inputs dominated by Cu and Ni, and a natural source dominated by As. The RF model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for Cd, Pb, Hg, and As (R² = 0.80–0.94), and predicted values were consistent with observations. Monte Carlo results showed that non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults were within acceptable limits, while carcinogenic risks reached “notable” levels with probabilities of 62.06%, 55.65%, and 22.49% for children, adult females, and adult males, respectively. Cd and As were identified as key contributors. This work provides scientific support for soil pollution prevention and remediation during urban renewal. Full article

This research provides an extensive evaluation of liquefaction induced by earthquakes in the Ionian Islands, specifically Lefkada, Cephalonia, Ithaki, and Zakynthos, through the compilation of a liquefaction inventory and GIS-based liquefaction susceptibility index (LiSI) maps. A total of 49 liquefaction sites from 20 causative earthquakes confirm that liquefaction is a recurrent geohazard in the area, primarily affecting coastal and low-lying areas with unconsolidated post-alpine deposits. The relationship between earthquake magnitude and maximum epicentral distance of observed liquefaction is consistent with global empirical datasets, indicating that moderate to strong earthquakes (M_w = 5.9–7.4) can induce liquefaction at considerable distances. The susceptibility model integrates eleven conditioning variables, classified as geological and geomorphological variables, hydrological indices and optical satellite imagery-derived data, within an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework. Lithology, age, and geomorphological unit emerged as the dominant conditioning variables. The LiSI maps confirm the zones previously identified in the inventory. Model validation and sensitivity analysis including confusion matrix components, key performance metrics and ROC analysis in coarser grid sizes demonstrate performance ranging from excellent (Zakynthos) to moderate (Lefkada and Cephalonia), while remaining inconclusive for Ithaki due to data limitations. The model exhibits generally conservative behavior, characterized by high precision and specificity but variable sensitivity, while it is largely stable across spatial resolutions in most cases. Full article

To address the challenge of surrounding rock instability in deep-buried tunnels crossing fractured fault zones, this study focuses on the Xigu Tunnel of the Lanzhou–Hezuo Railway. A combination of laboratory triaxial tests, an optimized multi-source advanced geological prediction workflow, and a site-specific parameter-weakened Mohr–Coulomb numerical simulation is employed to systematically reveal the physical–mechanical properties, spatial distribution, and deformation response of fractured rock masses under excavation-induced disturbance. The triaxial test results show that the average peak strength of the surrounding rock reaches 149.04 MPa; however, significant variability is observed among samples, and the failure mode exhibits a typical brittle–shear composite feature. The measured cohesion and internal friction angle are 20.57 MPa and 49.91°, respectively, indicating high intrinsic strength of individual rock blocks. Nevertheless, due to the presence of densely developed joints and crushed structures, the overall mass is loose and highly sensitive to dynamic disturbances such as blasting and excavation, revealing a unique mechanical paradox of high-strength rock blocks with low overall rock mass stability in deep-buried fractured zones. Joint TSP (Tunnel Seismic Prediction Ahead) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) prediction reveals decreased P-wave velocity, increased Poisson’s ratio, and intensive seismic reflection interfaces; a quantitative index system for identifying the boundaries of narrow deep-buried fractured zones is proposed based on these geophysical characteristics. Combined with geological face mapping, these results confirm the existence of a highly fractured zone approximately 130 m in width, characterized by well-developed joints, heterogeneous mechanical properties, and localized risks of blockfall and groundwater ingress. The developed numerical model, with parameters weakened based on triaxial test and geological prediction data, effectively reproduces the deformation law of the fractured zone, and the simulation results agree well with field monitoring data, with peak displacement concentrated at section DK4 + 595, thus accurately identifying the center of the fractured belt as a key engineering validation result of the integrated technical framework. During construction, based on the identified spatial characteristics of the fractured zone and the proposed targeted support insight, enhanced dynamic monitoring and targeted support measures at the fractured zone center are required to ensure structural safety and long-term stability of the tunnel. This study develops an integrated engineering-oriented technical framework for deep-buried tunnels crossing narrow fractured zones, and provides novel mechanical insights and quantitative identification indices for such complex geological engineering scenarios. Full article