Search Results (2,095)

Sustainable development, a key global priority, is increasingly shaped by factors such as the sharing economy, environmental patents, and energy efficiency, which have significant social, economic, and environmental implications. With rising public concern about the environment, volatile energy prices, and growing market pressure, more businesses are seeking ways to optimize energy usage. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of green technologies, the sharing economy, and energy efficiency on environmental sustainability in the G7 countries. By utilizing quarterly data from 2014Q1 to 2020Q4, this study measures ecological sustainability using the load capacity factor. The research employs the Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach to assess the relationships between variables, while the Cross-Sectionally Augmented IPS (CIPS) test is used to examine unit roots in the data. The objective of this study is to evaluate how these factors contribute to environmental sustainability and to provide policy recommendations for enhancing sustainability practices across the G7 countries. The scientific novelty of this work lies in its application of MMQR to understand the varying effects of energy efficiency, the sharing economy, and green technologies on sustainability and its incorporation of short-term quarterly data, offering fresh insights into the dynamics of these relationships. The findings reveal that an increasing number of sharing economy users and population growth positively impact environmental sustainability. Moreover, policies promoting efficient resource utilization and the sharing economy can significantly enhance sustainability. However, urbanization and industrialization pose challenges, necessitating more stringent industrial regulations and careful urban planning. The results indicate that while energy efficiency and the sharing economy hold theoretical potential for sustainability, their practical impacts can vary. To ensure long-term sustainability, the adoption of environmental patents and green technologies is critical, with initial investments yielding substantial returns as these technologies become more widely adopted. This study proposes policy recommendations including greater international collaboration, comprehensive energy policies, advanced urban planning, expanded support for green innovation, and stricter industrial regulations. The research also underscores the role of the United States in leading global sustainable development initiatives. Finally, this study suggests that future research should consider longer timeframes, advanced analytical methods, and a broader range of variables to further understand the complexities of sustainable development. Full article

The use of electrospun carbon nanofibers (ECNs) has been the focus of considerable interest due to their potential implementation in sensing. These ECNs have unique structural and morphological features such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, cross-linked pore structure, and good conductivity, making them well suited for sensing applications. Electrospinning technology, in which polymer solutions or melts are electrostatically deposited, enables the production of high-performance nanofibers with tailored properties, including fiber diameter, porosity, and composition. This controllability enables the use of ECNs to optimize sensing applications, resulting in improved sensor performance and sensitivity. While carbon nanofiber mats have potential for sensor applications, several challenges remain to improve selectivity, sensitivity, stability and scalability. Sensor technologies play a critical role in the global sharing of environmental data, facilitating collaboration to address transboundary pollution issues and fostering international cooperation to find solutions to common environmental challenges. The use of carbon nanofibers for the detection of air pollutants offers a variety of possibilities for industrial applications in different sectors, ranging from healthcare to materials science. For example, optical, piezoelectric and resistive ECNs sensors effectively monitor particulate matter, while chemoresistive and catalytic ECNs sensors are particularly good at detecting gaseous pollutants. For heavy metals, electrochemical ECNF sensors offer accurate and reliable detection. This brief review provides in-sights into the latest developments and findings in the fabrication, properties and applications of ECNs in the field of sensing. The efficient utilization of these resources holds significant potential for meeting the evolving needs of sensing technologies in various fields, with a particular focus on air pollutant detection. Full article

Background: Nursing relies on the development of caring attributes to uphold exceptional standards of care. While small-group work is a common practice in nursing education, its pivotal role in nurturing these attributes often remains underexplored. Aim: This study explored how caring attributes emerge in small-group settings from the perspectives of nursing students and educators. Methods: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured group interviews separately for students and educators. Thirteen nursing students and ten educators at a professional educational institution were interviewed. Results: Through the interviews, four key sets of caring attributes nurtured through small-group work were identified: interpersonal communication with respect; compassion and empathy; competence and confidence; and accountability to commitment. These findings, based on the perspectives of students and educators, underscore the essential role of caring in nursing. They emphasize how collaborative group work can serve as a catalyst for the development of these vital attributes through meaningful interpersonal interactions. Notably, the cultivation of respectful communication skills among students emerged as pivotal for enriching interactions with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided. By providing a platform for interactive learning and continual practice, small-group work facilitates the internalization of these caring attributes, nurturing nursing professionalism over the course of students’ careers. Conclusions: This study offers invaluable insights into the profound impact of small-group work in fostering caring attributes and propelling advancements in nursing education and practice. By enhancing the development of these attributes, small-group work contributes to the delivery of compassionate and high-quality patient care. Full article

Background: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri is a rare and devastating infection of the central nervous system, often diagnosed late, due to its rapid progression and nonspecific symptoms. Case Presentation: We report one of the youngest documented pediatric Vietnamese cases of PAM in a 10-month-old girl from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The diagnosis was confirmed through multiplex real-time PCR (MPL-rPCR), microscopy, and sequencing. Clinical data were gathered retrospectively from medical records, and additional details were provided by the patient’s family. Treatment regimens, disease progression, and diagnostic challenges were reviewed and compared to existing literature. With intensive treatment, the child survived for 14 days, representing one of the longest reported pediatric PAM survival durations. No direct exposure to untreated freshwater or other typical risk factors for Naegleria fowleri infection was identified, underscoring the unique epidemiological nature of this case. MPL-rPCR enabled timely detection of the pathogen and demonstrated its utility in resource-limited settings. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical need for rapid, accessible diagnostic tools such as MPL-rPCR, particularly in resource-constrained environments where traditional diagnostics may not be feasible. It also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and investment in cost-effective diagnostics and novel therapeutic strategies. The geographical expansion of PAM due to climate change further underscores the urgency of these measures to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations. Full article

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is caused by the BVD virus (BVDV) and has been reported worldwide in cattle. To estimate BVDV circulation among cattle where few BVD cases were reported in southern Japan, 1910 serum samples collected from 35 cattle farms without a BVD outbreak were investigated to detect antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 using an indicator virus with a cytopathogenic effect and the luciferase gene, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 were detected more frequently in 18 vaccinated farms than in 17 nonvaccinated farms. In the nonvaccinated farms, 9.6%, 1.8%, and 13.8% of the cattle were estimated to have a history of infection with BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and both, respectively. The median rate of within-herd anti-BVDV-1 seropositivity among cattle in the nonvaccinated farms was 22.0%; however, a high within-herd seropositivity (>50%) was confirmed in the two farms. The force of infection, basic reproduction number, and annual probability of BVDV-1 infection were estimated as 0.072 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.062–0.084), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31–0.42), and 0.73% (95% CI: 0.61–0.87%), respectively, using the age-specific positive rate of anti-BVDV-1 antibodies. These parameters should be further applicable for developing epidemiological models which illustrate the BVDV dynamics in the field. Full article

In recent years, there has been a significant growth in scholarly attention to the effects of Cd stress on horticultural plants, as reflected by the abundance of research articles on this issue in academic publications. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a review of current research and provide a comprehensive perspective to quickly grasp the latest developments and future trends in the research field of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”. By utilizing a visualizing bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace, this study integrated and analyzed a total of 4318 relevant research records—2311 from the Web of Science (WOS) database and 2007 from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database—related to “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, covering the period from 1999 to 2024. A visual analysis was conducted in the form of knowledge mappings, including the current research status of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, as well as the differences in publications’ temporal distribution, spatial distribution (cooperation networks) and intellectual base between China and foreign countries, precisely uncovering the core aspects of research topics related to the field. The results indicated the following: (1) Scientific research on “horticultural plants-Cd responses” has experienced a significant increase in publication volume and has entered a phase of rapid development. Globally, there has been an annual average increase of 217 articles in the WOS since 2019, while in China, the annual average increase has been 134 articles in the CNKI since 2015. (2) China is the most productive country in terms of publication volume (1165 articles, 52.79%), engaging in active partnerships with other countries worldwide. Chinese scholars (Lin L. and Liao M.) are leading researchers in both domestic and international research fields of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”. The network of collaborations among authors and institutions in the WOS database seemed denser compared to that in the CNKI database. (3) International research hotspots have focused on accumulation, tolerance and oxidative stress, while domestically, the focus has been on antioxidant enzymes, growth and seed germination. Phytoremediation, subcellular distribution and the transcriptome are the world’s emerging topics, while in China, growth and physiological characteristics are still emerging topics. (4) In comparison, China exhibited a lagging development trend, which is reflected in the fact that it began to focus on gene expression and transcriptome research only after the global frontier shifted towards biochar and cadmium co-stress and yield response. Based on these, this study provides a systematic theoretical basis for subsequent research on “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, aiding scholars in their efforts to understand the dynamic frontiers and address the challenges in this field. Full article

Management of melanoma in 2024 requires at times complex decision making and a multidisciplinary approach. An article by Dixon and collaborators published in this Journal contained broad-reaching recommendations, some of which are in contradiction of accepted National and International Guidelines. This article seeks to highlight these points of contention and outline widely accepted standards of care that are considered best practice. Full article

With deep-learning-based object detection methods reaching industrial-level performance, underwater object detection has emerged as a significant application. However, it is often challenged by dense small instances and image blurring due to the water medium. In this paper, a Multi-Scale Feature Enhancement(MSFE) method is presented to address the challenges triggered by water bodies. In brief, MSFE attempts to achieve dual multi-scale information integration through the internal structural design of the basic C2F module in the Backbone network and the external global design of the feature pyramid network (FPN). For the internal multi-scale implementation, a LABNK module is constructed to address the vanishing or weakening phenomenon of fine-grained features during feature extraction. Specifically, it adopts a symmetrical structure to collaboratively capture two types of local receptive field information. Furthermore, to enhance the information integration ability between inter-layer features in FPN, a shallow feature branch is injected to supplement detailed features for the subsequent integration of multi-scale features. This operation is mainly supported by the fact that large-sized features from the shallow layer usually carry rich, fine-grained information. Taking the typical YOLOv8n as the benchmark model, extensive experimental comparisons on public underwater datasets (DUO and RUOD) demonstrated the effectiveness of the presented MSFE method. For example, taking the rigorous mAP (50:95) as an evaluation metric, it can achieve an accuracy improvement of about 2.8%. Full article

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Recent increases in indigenous DENV cases in Europe are concerning, reflecting rising incidence linked to climate change and the spread of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors thrive under environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, which are increasingly influenced by climate change. Additionally, global travel accelerates the cross-border spread of mosquito-borne diseases. DENV manifests clinically in a spectrum from asymptomatic cases to severe conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, influenced by viral serotype and host factors. In 2024, Brazil experienced a fourfold increase in dengue cases compared to 2023, accompanied by higher mortality. Conventional control measures, such as vector control, community engagement, and vaccination, proved insufficient as climate change exacerbated mosquito proliferation, challenging containment efforts. In this regard, our review analyzes prevention measures and therapeutic protocols during the outbreak while addressing DENV transmission dynamics, clinical presentations, and epidemiological shifts. It also evaluates diagnostic strategies combining clinical assessment with serological and molecular testing, providing information to improve diagnostic and preventive measures. The global expansion of dengue-endemic regions, including outbreaks in Europe, highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, proactive interventions, and international collaboration to mitigate the growing threat of Dengue and other arboviruses like West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya, Oropouche, and Yellow Fever viruses. Full article

Agrivoltaic (AV) systems have emerged as a transformative solution to global challenges in food–energy–water security, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends, influences, intellectual structures, and future research directions in AV systems research from 2011 to 2023. Using a bibliometric approach guided by the PRISMA framework, 477 documents from the Scopus database were analyzed through performance analysis and science mapping with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Key findings reveal exponential growth in research output, with the United States, France, and Germany leading in publications, citations, and international collaboration. Eight thematic clusters were identified, including dual productivity of land use, renewable energy integration, policy implications, and climate adaptation. Influential contributors, such as Joshua M. Pearce, and leading journals, including Applied Energy, shape the field. Emerging areas focus on advanced photovoltaic materials and integrated resource management strategies. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing AV systems research by identifying critical trends, proposing innovative solutions, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Despite limitations, such as database dependency, this analysis highlights AV systems’ transformative potential to achieve global sustainability goals. Full article

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, awareness of the environmental impacts and negative potential inherent in current business systems has increased. The circular economy (CE) represents an innovative approach that transforms the traditional linear economy into a restorative system, focussing on extending the life cycle of materials through continuous circulation. The Circular B project aims to develop an international framework that considers multiple facets of the CE, including material and asset management and the use of components in the built environment throughout the entire life cycle of the value chain. The primary objective of the CE is to eliminate waste and pollution (e.g., carbon reduction) and strengthen the resilience of the value chain. However, the current implementation of circular strategies has not yet been found to be effective, with several challenges that cause adverse impacts. This study focuses on investigating and analyzing these challenges, particularly in the cultural and societal domains, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The scope of the questionnaire was to identify (1) awareness and understanding, (2) cultural attitude, (3) barriers to adoption, (4) incentives and motivations, (5) participation and engagement, and (6) education and training. A questionnaire was distributed to 270 respondents, with anonymous responses collected. The survey included eight questions specifically designed to address cultural and societal challenges. The survey was conducted with participants from various sectors, including academia, local authorities, industry professionals, consultants, and others collected from all over the world, ensuring diverse perspectives. The main weaknesses found based on this survey are related to (1) budget constraints due to high costs of reintegrating in the loop of materials or components due to the complexity of circular processes, (2) applicability on the market remains still limited, (3) the importance of planning and design in the initial phases, (4) the importance of establishing a comprehensive network to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and (5) inadequate policies. The insights gained from this study will help stakeholders, such as constructors, maintainers, engineers, designers, and consultants, across various organizations in the value chain to develop practical solutions to mitigate these challenges and improve the overall business system. Full article

Background: Mediastinal mass syndrome represents a major threat to respiratory and cardiovascular integrity, with difficult evidence-based risk stratification for interdisciplinary management. Methods: We conducted a narrative review concerning risk stratification and difficult airway management of patients presenting with a large mediastinal mass. This is supplemented by a case report illustrating our individual approach for a patient presenting with a subtotal tracheal stenosis due to a large cyst of the thyroid gland. Results: We identified numerous risk stratification grading systems and only a few case reports of regional anesthesia techniques for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Clinical Case: After consultation with his general physician because of exertional dyspnea and stridor, a 78-year-old patient with no history of heart failure was advised to present to a cardiology department under the suspicion of decompensated heart failure. Computed tomography imaging showed a large mediastinal mass that most likely originated from the left thyroid lobe, with subtotal obstruction of the trachea. Prior medical history included the implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker because of a complete heart block in 2022, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type II, preterminal chronic renal failure with normal diuresis, arterial hypertension, and low-grade aortic insufficiency. After referral to our hospital, an interdisciplinary consultation including experienced cardiac anesthesiologists, thoracic surgeons, general surgeons, and cardiac surgeons decided on completing the resection via median sternotomy after awake cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation via the right internal jugular and the femoral vein under regional anesthesia. An intermediate cervical plexus block and a suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block were performed, followed by anesthesia induction with bronchoscopy-guided placement of the endotracheal tube over the stenosed part of the trachea. The resection was performed with minimal blood loss. After the resection, an exit blockade of the dual chamber pacemaker prompted emergency surgical revision. The veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was explanted after the operation in the operating room. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was released home in stable condition. Conclusions: Awake veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation placed under local anesthetic infiltration with regional anesthesia techniques is a feasible individualized approach for patients with high risk of airway collapse, especially if the mediastinal mass critically alters tracheal anatomy. Compressible cysts may represent a subgroup with easy passage of an endotracheal tube. Interdisciplinary collaboration during the planning stage is essential for maximum patient safety. Prospective data regarding risk stratification for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation and effectiveness of regional anesthesia is needed. Full article

Both virtual reality (VR) and aromatherapy have shown significant potential in enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. Aromatherapy has been noted to improve the immersive quality of VR experiences. However, the combined use of these interventions for older adults has not been systematically explored. This scoping review aims to identify existing VR programs supported by aromatherapy and evaluate their outcomes on older adults’ well-being. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the review included both published and unpublished studies. A search across ten databases yielded 901 publications, from which six studies were analyzed, involving 94 participants with a mean age of 70 to 83 years. Results revealed positive impacts on well-being, cognition, and social engagement. Outcome measures included physical, psychological, emotional, and cognitive aspects like spatial orientation, stress, happiness, memory, and social interaction. Benefits included enhanced spatial awareness, memory, happiness, and reduced stress. Multisensory VR environments also fostered socialization through shared experiences and nostalgia. However, the individual differences in VR experiences indicate a need for personalized content. Despite promising findings, limited evidence supports clinical application in nursing practice. Further research is required to validate the health benefits of combining VR with aromatherapy. Full article

China’s implementation of the Comprehensive Commercial Logging Ban in All Natural Forests is deemed as disrupting the stability of both Chinese and international timber markets and has raised widespread concerns about deforestation leakage on a global scale. Clarifying the impact of the logging ban on the Chinese and international timber markets is essential for formulating effective policies and taking collaborative actions to improve the stability of both timber markets and promote the sustainable development of global forest resources. This study examines the causal effects of the logging ban on Chinese and international timber markets by conducting a counterfactual analysis of Chinese domestic and imported timber prices with the synthetic control method. Unlike most previous studies that revealed significant price increases in both markets as a result of the logging ban, our results show that there are no significant causal effects between the logging ban and the price changes in Chinese and international timber markets. As China made extensive efforts in plantation cultivation and harvesting and substantially improved its domestic timber supply capacity, the logging ban has only produced a limited impact on the Chinese domestic timber market and has not disrupted the international timber market through trade. Therefore, China’s logging ban policy has not protected its own forest resources at the expense of deforestation in other countries, and it has provided a practical reference for the formulation of forest protection policies and sustainable forest management. Full article

This article explores the strategic market entry of Czech construction companies into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public procurement sector, with a focus on the intricate legislative, economic, and cultural variables that define this emerging market. Employing Bosnia as a representative case study, this research synthesizes traditional marketing frameworks like the 4Ps model with contemporary paradigms such as relationship marketing and value co-creation, delivering a multidimensional understanding of market navigation in transitional economies. The study employs a robust methodological approach, incorporating comparative legislative analysis, SWOT and PEST assessments, and primary data collection through stakeholder interviews and surveys. Key strategies identified include fostering local partnerships, aligning with sustainability imperatives, and adopting tailored market entry methods such as joint ventures and strategic alliances. The findings bridge theoretical constructs with actionable insights, offering a dual contribution: generalizable frameworks for international market entry and targeted strategies for navigating Bosnia’s public procurement landscape. By advancing the discourse on project-based marketing in construction, this research provides a comprehensive toolkit for both academic and practical applications. The conclusions drawn emphasize the need for innovative partnerships, collaborative value creation, and alignment with evolving market trends, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike. Full article