Optimizing two-step floating catchment area for green space accessibility and equity: Is mountainous green space more age friendly?

Green spaces provide leisure opportunities for older adults, who require high accessibility to such spaces. Improving the equity of green space accessibility will help support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. However, existing analyses of accessibility to green spaces have not considered the socioeconomic disadvantages of residential communities (disadvantages at the origin points) or the age-friendliness of the destinations, limiting their applicability for planning purposes.

Beaded metamaterials.

Beading transforms flexible fiber networks into load-bearing structures by incorporating rigid, discrete elements in programmable weave patterns. Beaded assemblies function as mechanical metamaterials, where emergent mechanical behaviors arise from the interplay between geometry and material properties. Here, we investigate how this interplay governs the global mechanics of bead-thread networks.

Comparative investigation and mechanistic analysis of textured PMN-30PT ceramics using BaTiO and PbTiO templates.

Homogeneous PbTiO (PT) templates are considered an ideal choice for textured lead-based piezoceramics. In order to further investigate the texture mechanism and topological microcrystal conversion of PT templates, a comparative investigation and mechanistic analysis were conducted on Pb(MgNb)O-30PbTiO (PMN-30PT) textured ceramics prepared using the template grain growth (TGG) technique, with 〈001〉 oriented BaTiO (BT) and PbTiO (PT) as templates. The results show that the use of BT templates resulted in a textured ceramic with a Logtering factor of 91%, a piezoelectric coefficient of 824 pC N, and parallel striped domains, compared to 11%, 534 pC N, and fingerprint-like domains with PT templates.

Study on the mechanisms associating community outdoor public spaces with elderly behavior.

As the global population ages, enhancing community outdoor public spaces to accommodate the needs of senior citizens has emerged as a critical challenge. This research delves into the intricate relationship between community outdoor public spaces and the behavioral patterns of the elderly, seeking to inform strategies for optimizing these spaces. The complexity and diversity of the mechanisms linking elderly behaviors with the characteristics of their outdoor environments pose challenges in identifying clear guidelines for improvement.

Dual Isotope Analysis Reveals Phylogenetic Patterns and Novel Insights Into Methoxy Group Synthesis of Structural Biomolecules in Leaf and Woody Plant Tissues.

Stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes of wood methoxy groups (δH, δC), mainly sourced by structural biomolecules like lignin and pectin, provide important insights into climatic, hydrological and physiological conditions. This study systematically investigated species-specific δH and δC variations in leaves and woody twigs of 65 different tree species grown in a common garden. Significant phylogenetic patterns were observed in δH and δC of both tissues, with stronger signals in leaves and the most pronounced differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms.

Comparative characterization of bronchial and nasal mucus reveals key determinants of influenza A virus inhibition.

Differentiated primary human respiratory epithelial cells grown at air-liquid interface have become a widely used cell culture model of the human conducting airways. These cultures contain secretory cells such as goblet and club cells, which produce and secrete mucus. Here, we characterize the composition of mucus harvested from airway cultures of nasal and bronchial origin.

Perilla essential oil: a natural antimicrobial agent against Listeria monocytogenes.

Background: Foodborne infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes are increasing. Chemical antimicrobials are the primary control measure in the food industry; however, prolonged use of these agents may pose health risks, highlighting the need for natural antimicrobial alternatives. Perilla essential oil (PEO) has shown potential as a natural antibacterial agent but its efficacy against L.

Evaluating Interactions Between National and Subnational Governments in the Czech Republic for Physical Activity Policy Development and Implementation.

Background: Most countries now have physical activity (PA) policies but translating them into action at national and subnational levels remains poor. To better understand the disconnect, the "Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool" (INTEGRATE-PA-Pol) was developed by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!).

Methods: The Czech Republic was chosen as a European pilot site based on existing research capacity and relationships.

Multi-trophic communities in river ecosystems: Insights into environmental drivers and assembly mechanisms for ecological management- a case study in the Minjiang River.

Understanding the differences in community structure, assembly processes, and environmental responses among aquatic multi-trophic communities is essential for effective ecological management but remains limited. To fill this gap, we proposed an ecological management framework integrating key drivers, species interactions, and assembly mechanisms across trophic levels, supported by the statistical methods (VPA, PCA, CCA, RDA, Bioenv, SEM) and ecological models (null model, neutral community model, co-occurrence network) using the Minjiang River as a case study. The results indicated that the impact factors that affected the distribution, dominant species and diversities varied significantly among different communities.

Transmission dynamics of Norovirus GII and Enterovirus in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022) as evidenced in wastewater.

Noroviruses and enteroviruses are major causes of endemic gastrointestinal disease associated with substantial disease burden. However, viral gastroenteritis is often diagnosed based on symptoms, with etiology infrequently tested or reported, so little information exists on community-level transmission dynamics. In this study, we demonstrate that norovirus (NoV) genogroup II and enterovirus (EV) viral loads in wastewater reveal transmission dynamics of these viruses.

Development of the Double-Blind, Randomized Trials of Effects of Antihypertensive Medicines (DREAM) Database and Characteristics of the Included Trials: Protocol for an Umbrella Review and Meta-Analyses.

Background: A comprehensive evaluation of short-term effects of antihypertensive medicines is important for informing guidelines and clinical practice.

Objective: We aimed to develop the Double-blind Randomized trials of Effects of Antihypertensive Medicines (DREAM) database to facilitate a series of meta-analyses evaluating the short-term effects of antihypertensive medicines.

Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Epistemonikos from inception until December 2022 to identify relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

How do the drivers react to different C-V2X-based communication conditions in dilemma zones? A driving simulator study.

Drivers should react quickly in dilemma zones at signalized intersections, where ill-timed decisions may result in rear-end or angular collisions with other vehicles. Recent advancements in connected vehicle (CV) technologies, particularly cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), are expected to enhance driver decision-making by providing real-time traffic information. Despite this, most previous studies have not considered the latest C-V2X specifications, leaving critical questions unanswered about how drivers interact with and benefit from this technology in dilemma-zone scenarios.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and optimization strategies of land use and land resource carrying capacity in the three gorges reservoir region (1986-2020).

Studying land use changes caused by human economic activities is beneficial for sustainable growth, making it a global research hotspot. In this study, we used Landsat Thematic Mapper images and statistical yearbooks from 1986, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2010, and 2020 to obtain grid data on the land use status of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR), from which vector data reflecting socioeconomic information were derived. We introduced models on land use quantitative changes, dynamic indicators, and degree index to investigate spatiotemporal variations in land use in the TGRR over the past 30 years.

Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Zinc Oxide in an Eco-Friendly Deep Eutectic Solvent for Zn Electrodeposition.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a waste produced from end-of-life Zinc-air batteries. Recycling of these spent batteries is important to reduce the pressure on primary zinc sources and to mitigate environmental pollution. To address the recyclability of waste ZnO from different sources, here we have studied ZnO dissolution and Zn electrodeposition in deep eutectic solvents (DES) of betaine hydrochloride (Betaine-HCl) and formic acid (FA) using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques.

Unraveling the mechanism of dissolved organic matter in enhancing nitrogen removal from leachate wastewater treatment via aerobic granular sludge process.

The aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process has emerged as a viable alternative to landfill leachate treatment. The mechanisms by which dissolved organic matter (DOM) in landfill leachate, a potential stimulant, is utilized during treatment with AGS systems remain unclear. In this study, we revealed DOM-mediated nitrogen removal in AGS receiving the effluent from up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB).

The impact of objective urban features on perception of neighbourhood environments.

Perceptions of the neighbourhood environment can play an important role in promoting public health, yet modifying perceptions is challenging. Adjusting the built environment may be a pathway to influence perceptions. In addition to the physical environment, intrapersonal factors may shape perceptions.

Pollinator-Promoting Interventions in European Urban Habitats-A Synthesis.

Pollinators receive considerable interest due to their fundamental role in ecosystem functioning and human well-being. Unlike farmlands, studies of urban pollinator-promoting interventions are scarce and have not been synthesised, hampering policy implementation. To fill this gap, we compared pollinator-promoting interventions (treatment) with conventionally managed (control) sites regarding vegetation, floral resources, and pollinators.

Assessment of leaf spot disease-resistant hydrangea cultivars and the role of epidermal wax underlying in their resistance to leaf spot disease.

Hydrangea (), a globally significant ornamental species, suffers severe economic losses from leaf spot disease caused by . Through detached-leaf assays screening 40 commercial cultivars, this study identified seven resistant cultivars ('Rivet', 'White Angel', 'Blue Danube', 'Flora', 'Fire Works', 'Spring Bird', and 'Inspiration') with distinct phenotypic clustering. Comparative analysis of resistant 'White Angel' (WA) versus susceptible 'Ocean Heart' (OH) revealed multilayered resistance mechanisms: WA exhibited 19.

The effects of Chinese Buddhist meditation tradition: the impact of nature observation and literary creation.

Introduction: After integrating with indigenous Chinese culture, Chinese Buddhist meditation traditions expanded beyond classical rock meditation to include new practices. This study examines the physiological and psychological effects of nature observation and literary creation within Chinese Buddhist meditation.

Methods: Experiment 1 recruited 30 participants and used observation duration, heart rate, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and a supplemental questionnaire to compare relaxation effects across water (LS), forest (FS), and rock (RS) landscapes at a Buddhist temple.

Effect of alkali activator and granulated blast furnace slag on the properties of lithium slag-based high-strength lightweight aggregates.

This study investigated the effects of NaOH molarity (6-14 M) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) content (0-45%) on the properties of lithium slag (LS)-based cold-bonded lightweight aggregates. Bulk density, water absorption, porosity, and cylinder compressive strength were evaluated, and microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, XRD, FTIR, MIP, and TG/DTG. Results showed that increasing NaOH molarity and GBFS content reduced water absorption (from 15.

[Spatiotemporal Coupling and Spatial Correlation Between Water Conservation and Human Activities in Counties of the Yellow River Basin].

Quantitative evaluation of the coupling coordination and spatial correlation between water conservation and human activities is crucial for alleviating the contradiction between human beings and water and promoting the coordinated development of social-ecological systems in the Yellow River Basin. The InVEST model and human activity intensity （HAI） were used to quantitatively evaluate water conservation and human activities in the Yellow River Basin. The spatiotemporal coupling and spatial correlation between water conservation and human activities in the counties of the Yellow River Basin were analyzed by combining the coupling coordination degree and bivariate spatial autocorrelation.

Toward Normalizing Inclusive Design by Uncovering Patient Experiences of a Web Portal in a Dental Hospital: Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Patient portals can improve care delivery and the efficient use of health care resources. Barriers to uptake can hinder the realization of expected benefits for health services and patients, particularly for older adults (≥65 y) and those who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD).

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usability and overall patient experience of a patient portal, particularly for CALD and older adults.

Nano-polymeric curing agents for enhancing water stability in sandy soils: A sustainable approach for ecological slope protection.

The susceptibility of sandy soil slopes to erosion, particularly during rainfall events, poses significant challenges for soil conservation and ecological slope protection. This study explores the potential of nano-polymeric curing agents (NPCA) as a sustainable solution to enhance water stability and slope integrity. Reinforcement depth experiments were conducted to determine the optimal application depth of NPCA, while permeability and erosion tests assessed its impact on water retention and soil stability.

Research on the Adhesion Performance of Fast-Melting SBS-Modified Emulsified Asphalt-Aggregate Based on the Surface Free Energy Theory.

Aiming at the problems of complex process flow, high energy consumption, and difficult emulsification in the preparation of traditional SBS-modified emulsified asphalt, a preparation method of fast-melting SBS (referred to as SBS-T) modified emulsified asphalt based on the integration of modification and emulsification is proposed. Based on surface free energy theory, the contact angles between three rapid-melting SBS-modified emulsified asphalts with different dosages and three probe liquids (deionized water, glycerol, and formamide) were measured using the sessile drop method. The adhesion performance of the asphalt-aggregate system was studied by means of micromechanical methods.

Study on the Impact of Lithium Slag as an Alternative to Washed Sand on Mortar Properties.

Lithium slag (LS), a by-product of lithium extraction processes, poses a significant disposal challenge during the rapid development of new energy technologies. In this study, LS was used to replace partially washed sand in the process of mortar production to compensate for the content of stone powder in sand. Five mortar mixes containing varying proportions of LS were prepared, and the macroscopic performance was evaluated.