Human Activities Research Articles

Evaluación de la calidad del agua subterránea para uso agrícola en Balzar, provincia del Guayas, Ecuador

Water is a natural and vital resource for living beings and ecosystems. Groundwater is of great importance for human consumption and agricultural activities, but over the years, it has become an increasingly scarce resource. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of groundwater extracted from wells used for crop irrigation in Balzar, province the Guayas, Ecuador. Four treatments and three repetitions were used; groundwater extracted from three wells plus a distilled water core. Physical, chemical, microbiological analyzes and a toxicity test with dark incubation were carried out on seeds of radish (Raphanus sativus), cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and corn (Zea mays). Turbidity exceeded permitted levels under TULSMA regulations and bicarbonate and chlorine levels exceeded the permitted limit. The microbiological analysis reflected fecal coliform values above 1000 UFC.100 mL-1 of water, indicating the presence of contaminants in the water sources. Phytotoxicity tests carried out with radish seeds showed a stimulation of radicle growth in well one and mild toxicity in wells two and three. For cocoa and corn seeds, moderate and mild toxicity was evident, respectively in the three wells. Although the maximum permissible limits were exceeded in some variables, the water from the three wells can be used for irrigation; however, there is a need to take measures to improve the quality of the water in these wells.

Synthesis, DFT calculations, and investigation of catalytic and biological activities of back‐bond functionalized re‐NHC‐Cu complexes

Five copper complexes (3a–e) stabilized by ring‐expanded back‐bond functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (re‐NHCs) were produced in the glovebox by reacting free re‐NHC with CuI precursor. The potential of these re‐NHC‐Cu complexes as catalysts on the synthesis of mono‐ and di‐(1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles) by Cu‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions was investigated. Various spectroscopic approaches were utilized to completely characterize the structures of the re‐Cu‐NHC complexes. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to get further insights into their molecular geometry and CuAAC reaction mechanism. The re‐NHC‐Cu complexes showed high activity on the CuAAC reaction in an open‐air atmosphere at rt. The Gibbs free energies as well as the optimized geometries of the intermediates and the transition states of the determining step of the reactions catalyzed by 3a, 3e, and 3b complexes were computed. Complex 3e was found to be the most efficient catalyst among these re‐NHC‐Cu complexes. Additionally, re‐Cu‐NHC complexes were investigated for their biological activities, including antiproliferative, antioxidant, AChE and TyrE inhibition, and antiparasitic activity. The results showed that the 3b, 3d, and 3e complexes possessed strong antiproliferative activity against human colon carcinoma (HCT‐116) and moderate cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG‐2) cell lines. In addition, effective selective antileishmanial effects were observed for the 3e compound against both promastigotes and amastigotes stages of L. major with an IC50 value of 0.027 and 0.39 μM mL−1, respectively. These results demonstrate that these compounds are promising candidates for the treatment of colorectal cancer and leishmaniasis.

Multi-interface Engineering of MXenes for Self-Powered Wearable Devices.

Self-powered wearable devices with integrated energy supply module and sensitive sensors have significantly blossomed for continuous monitoring of human activity and the surrounding environment in healthcare sectors. The emerging of MXene-based materials has brought research upsurge in the fields of energy and electronics, owing to their excellent electrochemical performance, large surface area, superior mechanical performance, and tuneable interfacial properties, where their performance can be further boosted via multi-interface engineering. Herein, a comprehensive review of recent progress in MXenes for self-powered wearable devices is discussed from the aspects of multi-interface engineering. The fundamental properties of MXenes including electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermal characteristics are discussed in detail. Different from previous review works on MXenes, multi-interface engineering of MXenes from termination regulation to surface modification and their impact on the performance of materials and energy storage/conversion devices are summarized. Based on the interfacial manipulation strategies, potential applications of MXene-based self-powered wearable devices are outlined. Finally, proposals and perspectives are provided on the current challenges and future directions in MXene-based self-powered wearable devices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Spatiotemporal Expansion of Algal Blooms in Coastal China Seas.

The coastal seas of China are increasingly threatened by algal blooms, yet their comprehensive spatiotemporal mapping and understanding of underlying drivers remain challenging due to high turbidity and heterogeneous water conditions. We developed a singular value decomposition-based algorithm to map these blooms using two decades of MODIS-Aqua satellite data, spanning from 2003 to 2022. Our findings indicate significant algal activity along the Chinese coastline, impacting an average annual area of approximately 1.8 × 105 km2. The blooms exhibit peak intensity in August, while the maximum affected area occurs in September, featuring multifrequency outbreaks in spring, and pronounced large-scale events in summer and autumn. Notably, our analysis demonstrates a robust 67% increase in bloom occurrences over the study period. This expansion is primarily attributed to increased nutrient inflow from terrestrial sources linked to human activity and precipitation, compounded by rising global sea surface temperatures. These spatiotemporal insights are critical for devising effective management strategies and policies to mitigate the impacts of algal blooms.

Climate concepts for supporting political goals of mitigation and adaptation: The case for “climate crisis”

AbstractClimate concepts are crucial to understand the effects of human activity on the climate system scientifically, and to formulate and pursue policies to mitigate and adapt to these effects. Yet, scientists, policymakers, and activists often use different terms such as “global warming,” “climate change,” “climate crisis,” or “climate emergency.” This advanced review investigates which climate concept is most suitable when we pursue mitigation and adaptation goals in a scientifically informed manner. It first discusses how survey experiments and social science reviews on climate frames draw normative recommendations about which terms to use for public climate communication. It is suggested that such normative claims can be refined by including the scientific alongside lay uses of a climate concept, and by using explicit assessment conditions to evaluate how suitable a concept is for formulating mitigation and adaptation goals. Drawing on philosophical theories of conceptual change in science and conceptual engineering, a novel framework with two assessment conditions is introduced and then applied to “global warming,” “climate change,” “climate emergency,” and “climate crisis.” The assessment suggests that currently, “climate crisis” is most suitable to formulate and pursue climate mitigation and adaptation goals. Using this concept promotes the epistemic goals of climate science to a high degree, bridges scientific, political, and activist discourse, and fosters for democratic participation when articulating climate policies.This article is categorized under: The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

#2870 Association between frailty and a history of falls in patients on hemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis have a higher prevalence of frailty that is associated with relevant outcomes such as disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Moreover, these patients have musculoskeletal and physical function impairments that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between frailty and a history of falls in patients on hemodialysis. Method This cross-section multicenter study included patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing regular hemodialysis treatment for at least three months. Patients were excluded if presented severe and unstable comorbidities, psychiatric or cognitive disorders, and physical limitations including neurological, musculoskeletal and osteoarticular diseases which prevented the correct execution of the physical function tests. Frailty was assessed by Fried phenotype and the criteria were as follows: unintentional weight loss ≥ 4.5 kg in the past year; exhaustion was assessed using the vitality domain of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire; weakness was measured using a handgrip dynamometer; walking speed was assessed by timing the 4.6 m distance covered at the participant's normal pace; and physical activity level was measured by the Human Activity Profile questionnaire. Patients were stratified into three groups: a score of 0/5 for non-frail, a score of 1-2/5 for pre-frail, and a score of 3-5/5 for frail. The retrospective history of falls was assessed for the last 12 months, and a fall was defined as an “unexpected event in which the individual comes to rest on the ground, floor or lower level”. The association between frailty stratification and a history of falls was analyzed using multivariate multinomial logistic regression model with non-frail group as reference. Then, a model adjusted for potential confounders was constructed. Results This study included 199 patients (59.1 ± 12.5 years, 41.2% female). The prevalences of frailty and pre-frailty were 17.6% and 54.8%, respectively. Patients classified as non-frail showed lower prevalence of a history of falls compared to patients classified as pre-frail and frail (26%, 36% and 54%, respectively, p < 0.001). The absence of a history of falls decreased the chance of patients being classified as frail (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07-0.78, p = 0.018). After adjusting for age, educational level, time on dialysis, hemoglobin and presence of cardiovascular disease, this association remained significant (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04-0.57, p = 0.005). Conclusion The prevalence of pre-frailty was approximately three times higher than that of frailty in patients on hemodialysis. A history of falls was associated with frailty in these patients.

The Impact of Climate Change and Human Activities on the Spatial and Temporal Variations of Vegetation NPP in the Hilly-Plain Region of Shandong Province, China

The Impact of Climate Change and Human Activities on the Spatial and Temporal Variations of Vegetation NPP in the Hilly-Plain Region of Shandong Province, China

How Does the Interaction of the Human Thermal Plume and Breathing Affect the Microenvironment and Macroenvironment of an Elevator Cabin?

The details of the interaction of human thermal plume and breathing activities are simulated in the current study of an unsteady turbulent flow field in an elevator cabin. Air velocity and temperature distributions of the circulation flow pattern (i.e., the macroenvironment), the breathing-scale microenvironment’s characteristics, and the thermal plume’s fate are analyzed. The current study is aimed at showing how respiratory activities such as breathing and human thermal plumes affect the flow field and respiratory contaminants dispersion pattern in a nonventilated enclosed environment (the elevator cabin). The results from three cases, i.e., breathing thermal manikins, nonbreathing thermal manikins, and isothermal breathing manikins, are contrasted to unveil better the effects of human thermal plume and breathing on the flow field, including the velocity distribution, dispersion pattern of the exhaled contaminant, the human body’s heat transfer coefficient, and the large-scale flow pattern. Results reveal that breathing inhalation increases the upward velocity of the thermal plume on the one hand, which directly affects the microenvironment and indirectly impacts the macroenvironment due to the more vigorous reflected thermal plume. On the other hand, the upward thermal plume reduces the penetration length of the exhaled jet. Breathing activities create ring vortices that connect the microenvironment and the macroenvironment. The circulation flow features a downward flow in the cabin’s center, affecting the vortex strength and contaminant dispersion pattern. Overall, the human thermal plume and human breathing make comparable contributions to the resulting elevator-cabin flow characteristics.

Метафорические образы перемещения в жидкой среде в диалекте английского языка Scots

The paper attempts to study the semantics of verbs denoting movement in a liquid medium in the Scots dialect. The aim of the study is to determine the ways of figurative interpretation of the semantics of movement in a liquid medium in Scottish lexical metaphor. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time in the Scots dialect, the semantics of verbs of movement in a liquid medium have been studied and described as a basis for creating a system of metaphorical images. The results showed that such a class of verbs is small and poorly differentiated. In the original meaning of the verbal lexemes of this class, such semantic components as “medium”, “speed” and “sound” turned out to be important. These components of the semantics in dialectal verbs served as the basis for a figurative assimilation of processes and phenomena of various spheres of human activity. The metaphorical evaluation of verbs in which the main semantic component of the original (nominative) meaning is movement in a “liquid dirty medium” is most often negative. Movement in such a medium served as a source sphere for the figurative comprehension of a number of deviant social actions, deeds, and human behavior.

Paleoclimate changes and ecosystem responses of the Bulgarian Black Sea zone during the last 26000 years

Multi-proxy analysis (spore-pollen, dinoflagellate cysts, other non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), radiocarbon dating and lithology) was performed on marine sediments from three new cores retrieved during the two cruise expeditions on board the Research Vessel “Akademik” in 2009 and 2011. The Varna transect comprises three cores extending from the outer shelf, continental slope and deep-water zone. The record spans the last 26000 years (all ages obtained in this study are given in calendar years BP (cal. yrs BP)). The pollen record reveals the spreading of steppe vegetation dominated by Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae, suggesting cold and dry environments during the Late Pleniglacial – Oldest Dryas (25903–15612 cal. yrs BP). Stands of Pinus and Quercus reflect warming/humidity increase during the melting pulses (19.2–14.5 cal. ka BP) and the Late Glacial interstadials Bølling and Allerød. The Younger Dryas (13257–11788 cal. yrs BP) coldest and driest environments are clearly demonstrated by the maximum relative abundance of Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae. During the Early Holocene (Preboreal and Boreal chronozones, 11788–8004 cal. yrs BP), Quercus appeared as a pioneer species and, along with other temperate deciduous arboreal taxa, formed open deciduous forests as a response to the increased temperature. The rapid expansion of these taxa indicates that they survived in Glacial refugia in the coastal mountains. During the Atlantic chronozone (8004–5483 cal. yrs BP), optimal climate conditions (high humidity and increased mean annual temperatures) stimulated the establishment of species-rich mixed temperate deciduous forests. During the Subboreal chronozone (5483–2837 cal. yrs BP), Carpinus betulus and Fagus expanded simultaneously and became more important components of mixed oak forests and probably also formed separate communities. During the Subatlantic chronozone (2837 cal. yrs BP to pre-industrial time), climate-driven changes (an increase of humidity and a cooling of the climate) appear to be the main drivers of the specific vegetation succession expressed by increased abundance of Alnus, Fraxinus excelsior and Salix along with lianas, suggesting formation of flooded riparian forests (so called ‘Longoz’) lining the river valleys along the Black Sea coast. The first indicators of farming and other human activities have been recorded since 7074 cal. yrs BP. The dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) assemblages have been analysed to assess the changes in the Black Sea environment over the last 26000 years in terms of fluctuation in paleoproduction and surface water conditions related to changes in climate, freshwater input and Mediterranean water intrusion. Two major dinocyst assemblages were distinguished: one dominated by stenohaline freshwater/brackish-water species and a successive one dominated by euryhaline marine species. The changes in the composition of the assemblages occurred at 7668 cal. yrs BP. The abrupt decrease of stenohaline freshwater/brackish-water species Pyxidinopsis psilata and Spiniferites cruciformis was followed upwards by a gradual increase in euryhaline marine species, such as Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Spiniferites belerius, S. bentorii and acritarch Cymatiosphaera globulosa. The first occurrence of euryhaline marine species took place synchronously with the onset of sapropel deposition. Modern marine conditions were established after 6417 cal yrs BP when an abundance of Mediterranean-related species, such as Operculodinium centrocarpum and Spiniferites mirabilis, along with other heterotrophic species, occurred. After the stable cold and dry environment during the Last Glacial Maximum, the phytoplankton record of core AKAD 11-17 shows that Pediastrum boryanum var. boryanum has a cyclical abundance associated with the deposition of four red-brown clay layers between 19.2 and 14.5 cal. ka BP. This event is associated with the major melting phase of European Ice drained by the Danube and Dnieper Rivers in response to climate warming observed after the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. During the Early Holocene, P. psilata, characterised by a preference to warmer temperatures, demonstrates its ecological optimum for growth concerning SST reaching maximum relative abundance of 94% between 11072 and 8638 cal. yrs BP. This maximum was interrupted by an abrupt significant short-term decrease in the relative abundance of P. psilata centred between 8500 and 8300 cal. yrs BP reflecting cold conditions similar to those of Younger Dryas. This finding, also confirmed by the rapid significant decrease of arboreal pollen, particularly of Quercus in the same studied core, is considered a regional expression of the well-known ‘8.2 ka cold event’ which is commonly linked to a meltwater-related perturbation of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and associated collapse of oceanic northward heat transport. Our fossil pollen and dinocyst data confirm that the high amplitude temperature anomaly associated with ‘the 8.2 ka cold event’ may have also occurred in south-eastern Europe, at lower latitudes of the western Black Sea coastal area, most probably due to atmospheric transition and/or river discharge.

Ectomycorrhizal communities of adult and young European larch are diverse and dynamics at high altitudinal sites

Abstract Background/Aims The European larch is a pioneer tree and a valuable economic resource in subalpine ecosystems, thus playing crucial roles to ecosystem services and human activities. However, their ectomycorrhizal fungal community remains unknown in high altitudinal natural habitats. Here, we explore the mycobiont diversity of Larix decidua var. decidua between naturally rejuvenated and adult trees, compare ectomycorrhizal colonization patterns in geographically disjunct areas within the Alps of South Tyrol, Italy, characterized by distinct climatic conditions, and explore turnover rates across various seasons. Methods Our approach combines morphotyping of mycorrhized root tips with molecular analysis. Particular effort was given to monitor both ectomycorrhizal host-specialist and -generalist fungi. Results Both adult and young trees show a 100% mycorrhization rate, with a total diversity of 68 ectomycorrhizal species. The ectomycorrhizal composition is dominated by typical host specialists of larch trees (e.g., Lactarius porninsis, Russula laricina, Suillus cavipes, S. grevillei, S. viscidus), which are widely distributed across sites. A rich diversity of host generalists was also detected. The composition of rare species within a habitat was comparatively consistent during one sampling campaign, but exhibited significant differences among individual sampling campaigns. The ectomycorrhizal compositions were only weakly correlated with distinct climatic conditions and tree ages. However, species richness and diversity, particularly of generalist fungi, was consistently higher in warmer, drier sites compared to cooler, more humid ones. Conclusions This study suggests potential mycobiont community shifts across climatic conditions with significant implications for the adaptability and resilience of subalpine forests in the face of climate change.

Multitemporal Dynamics of Fuels in Forest Systems Present in the Colombian Orinoco River Basin Forests

In Colombia’s Orinoco, wildfires have a profound impact on ecosystem dynamics, particularly affecting savannas and forest–savanna transitions. Human activities have disrupted the natural fire regime, leading to increased wildfire frequency due to changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change. Despite extensive research on fire monitoring and prediction, the quantification of fuel accumulation, a critical factor in fire incidence, remains inadequately explored. This study addresses this gap by quantifying dead organic material (detritus) accumulation and identifying influencing factors. Using Brown transects across forests with varying fire intensities, we assessed fuel loads and characterized variables related to detritus accumulation over time. Employing factor analysis, principal components analysis, and a generalized linear mixed model, we determined the effects of various factors. Our findings reveal significant variations in biomass accumulation patterns influenced by factors such as thickness, wet and dry mass, density, gravity, porosity, and moisture content. Additionally, a decrease in fuel load over time was attributed to increased precipitation from three La Niña events. These insights enable more accurate fire predictions and inform targeted forest management strategies for fire prevention and mitigation, thereby enhancing our understanding of fire ecology in the Orinoco basin and guiding effective conservation practices.

Evaluation and Drivers of Four Evapotranspiration Products in the Yellow River Basin

Evapotranspiration is a key driver of water and energy exchanges between terrestrial surfaces and the atmosphere, significantly influencing ecosystem balances. This study focuses on the Yellow River Basin (YRB), where evapotranspiration impacts both ecological dynamics and human activities. By analyzing actual evapotranspiration data from 1982 to 2017, this research provides insights into its spatial and temporal patterns within the YRB. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment and comparative analysis were performed on four distinct evapotranspiration product datasets: GLDAS-Noah, ERA5-Land, GLEAM v3.8a, and MOD16A2. Employing the Geodetector model, the research identified seven key influencing factors—the digital elevation model (DEM), slope, aspect, precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)—and analyzed their impact on evapotranspiration variations, yielding the following insights: (1) Based on the monthly-scale actual evapotranspiration dataset from 1982 to 2017, the annual average evapotranspiration in the YRB fluctuated between 375 and 473 mm, with an average value of 425 mm. A declining trend in the region’s overall evapotranspiration was discerned using the Theil–Sen median slope estimator and Mann–Kendall trend test. (2) The datasets from GLDAS-Noah, ERA5-Land, and GLEAM exhibited the highest correlation with the observed datasets, all exceeding a correlation coefficient of 0.96. In contrast, the MOD16A2 dataset showed the least favorable performance. The ERA5-Land dataset was particularly noteworthy for its close alignment with observational benchmarks, as evidenced by the lowest recorded root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.09 mm, indicative of its outstanding precision. (3) Employing the Geodetector model, a thorough analysis was conducted of the interactions between evapotranspiration and seven critical determinants. The findings revealed that precipitation and the NDVI were the most significant factors influencing evapotranspiration, with q-values of 0.59 and 0.42 in 2010, and 0.71 and 0.59 in 2015, respectively. These results underscore their pivotal role as the main drivers of evapotranspiration variability within the YRB. Conversely, the q-values for slope in 2010 and 2015 were only 0.01 and nearly zero, respectively, indicating their minimal impact on the dynamics of evapotranspiration in the YRB.

Noise-based correction for electrical impedance tomography.

Noisy measurements frequently cause noisy and inaccurate images in impedance imaging. No post-processing technique exists to calculate the propagation of measurement noise and use this to suppress noise in the image. The objectives were (1) to develop a post-processing method for noise-based correction (NBC) in impedance tomography, (2) to test whether NBC improves image quality in electrical impedance tomography (EIT), (3) to determine whether it is preferable to use correlated or uncorrelated noise for NBC, (4) to test whether NBC improves image quality with in vivo data and (5) to test whether NBC is stable across model and perturbation geometries. EIT was performed in silico in a 2D homogeneous circular domain and a realistic, heterogeneous 3D human head domain for four perturbations and 25 noise levels. This was validated by performing EIT for four perturbations in a circular, saline tank in 2D and a human head-shaped saline tank with a realistic skull-like layer in 3D. Images were assessed on the weighted spatial variance (WSV) with respect to the true, target image. The effect of NBC was also tested for in vivo EIT data of lung ventilation in a human thorax and cortical activity in a rat brain. On visual inspection, NBC maintained or increased image quality for all perturbations and noise levels in 2D and 3D, both experimentally and in silico. Analysis of the WSV showed that NBC significantly improved the WSV in nearly all cases. When the WSV was inferior with NBC, this was either visually imperceptible or a transformation between noisy reconstructions. For in vivo data, NBC improved image quality in all cases and preserved the expected shape of the reconstructed perturbation. In practice, uncorrelated NBC performed better than correlated NBC and is recommended as a general-use post-processing technique in EIT.

New piperazine derivatives helvamides B–C from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium velutinum ZK-14 uncovered by OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) strategy

Four extracts of the marine-derived fungus Penicillium velutinum J.F.H. Beyma were obtained via metal ions stress conditions based on the OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) strategy. Using a combination of modern approaches such as LC/UV, LC/MS and bioactivity data analysis, as well as in silico calculations, influence metal stress factors to change metabolite profiles Penicillium velutinum were analyzed. From the ethyl acetate extract of the P. velutinum were isolated two new piperazine derivatives helvamides B (1) and C (2) together with known saroclazin A (3) (4S,5R,7S)-4,11-dihydroxy-guaia-1(2),9(10)-dien (4). Their structures were established based on spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of helvamide B (1) as 2R,5R was determined by a combination of the X-ray analysis and by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against human prostate cancer PC-3 and human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells and growth inhibition activity against yeast-like fungi Candida albicans were assayed.Graphical

Economic structure, export specialization and greenhouse gas emissions in Latin America

Industrial societies have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in higher average temperatures compared to pre-industrial levels. This has disrupted the socio-environmental balance and led to more frequent extreme climatic events. In response, several organizations have developed strategies that prioritize reducing the environmental impact of human activities. Achieving this goal requires a thorough understanding of the relationship between economic structures and pollutant emissions to elaborate industrial policies that promote a transition to a greener economy. This study focuses on Latin America, a region highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographical characteristics and reliance on primary sector activities and tourism. Our analysis underscores the necessity of identifying factors that jeopardize socio-environmental sustainability.

The Reintegration of The Surfaces Affected by the Phenomenon of Subsidence through the Cultivation of Trees with High Energy Value

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the subsidence phenomena resulting from coal mining activities in Romania's Jiu Valley region, along with the environmental and socio-economic impact issues arising from subsidence in the Jiu Valley. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework provides a comprehensive understanding of subsidence challenges in the Jiu Valley, Romania, and highlights the importance of proactive measures such as afforestation for addressing these challenges while promoting environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a multidisciplinary approach integrating field surveys, geospatial analysis, environmental assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Results and Discussion: The results of the paper underscore the effectiveness of afforestation as a sustainable solution for addressing subsidence challenges in the Jiu Valley, offering environmental, economic, and societal benefits for the region's long-term development and resilience. The work effectively highlights the concept of subsidence, both as a natural process and as a result of human activities such as mining. By emphasizing the negative effects of subsidence on land stability, infrastructure, and community safety, the introduction underscores the urgency of addressing this issue in regions such as the Jiu Valley.

A dataset of ambient sensors in a meeting room for activity recognition

As IoT technology advances, using machine learning to detect user activities emerges as a promising strategy for delivering a variety of smart services. It is essential to have access to high-quality data that also respects privacy concerns and data streams from ambient sensors in the surrounding environment meet this requirement. However, despite growing interest in research, there is a noticeable lack of datasets from ambient sensors designed for public spaces, as opposed to those for private settings. To bridge this gap, we design the DOO-RE dataset within an actual meeting room environment, equipped with three types of ambient sensors: those triggered by actuators, users, and the environment itself. This dataset is compiled from the activities of over twenty students throughout a period of four months. DOO-RE provides reliable and purpose-oriented activity data in a public setting, with activity labels verified by multiple annotators through a process of cross-validation to guarantee data integrity. DOO-RE categorizes nine different types of activities and facilitates the study of both single and group activities. We are optimistic that DOO-RE will play a significant role in advancing human activity recognition technologies, enhancing smart automation systems, and enabling the rapid setup of smart spaces through ambient sensors.

A study on the image of Guilin’s urban central space from multidimensional views

In the context of high-quality urban development, strengthening the distinct characteristics of the city itself has become a hot topic. This study focuses on the present Guilin’s urban central space as its research object, aiming to explore the characteristics of Guilin city image through three dimensions: traditional method, spatial syntax, and big data analysis. By exploring the differences presented across these dimensions, the study seeks to analyze the influence of human activities on the spatial form of the city. The investigation reveals that the current development of Guilin’s urban central space manifests a diverse cognitive image characterized by large dispersion, small aggregation, and weak systematicity. The influence of natural landscape on the development of city images in Guilin’s urban central space lies in its ability to facilitate the outlanders’ macroscopic cognition of Guilin’s unique landscape characteristics. However, it also hinders the development of the road network in the urban area, resulting in reduced spatial accessibility and cognitive intensity. In short, Guilin’s urban central space requires systematic integration of the development of multiple images in its future development. This approach entails strengthening the accessibility of public transportation and effectively enhancing the coordination of its unique landscape and natural elements with the development of other urban spaces. Moreover, this study attempts to provide insights into the future planning of cities from the perspective of integrated image development. In addition, it represents a pioneering effort to acquire data and analyze methodologies for cognitive research on city morphology and city image.

Application of multiplatform remote sensing data over East Asia Ocean: aerosol characteristics and aerosol types.

It is important to explore the characteristics and rules of atmospheric aerosol in the East Asian Sea for monitoring and evaluating atmospheric environmental quality. Based on Aerosol Robot Network (AERONET), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (VIIRS), and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data, the temporal and spatial variation characteristics and differences of aerosol parameters and types in the East Asian Sea were studied by using figure classification method (FIGCM), aerosol optical depth (AOD)440-Angstrom exponent (AE)440-870 method (AA1M), and AOD550-AE490-670 method (AA2M). The results show that the seasonal variation trend of aerosol characteristics and types is obvious in East Asia Sea. AOD, volume concentration (Cv), and aerosol effective radius (reff) in the Bohai-Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan in autumn are lower than those in other seasons, and the occurrence frequency of ocean-type aerosols is high. Different from the Bohai-Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan, human activities in winter, summer, and autumn seriously affect the air quality in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Especially at the Taipei CWB site, from aerosol parameters and high biomass burning/urban industrial (BB/UI) aerosol, human activity is an important factor for high pollution at the Taipei CWB site. Aerosol types of AA1M, FIGCM, AA2M, and CALIPSO were compared at Anmyon and Yonsei University sites in the Bohai-Yellow Sea in March 2020. The results show that aerosol types based on threshold classification methods generally have higher mixed aerosol results, and the marine (MA) results of AA1M, FIGCM, and AA2M are close to the clean marine aerosol results of CALIPSO. Comparing the results of AA 2M and CALIPSO on a spatial scale, it is found that the clean marine aerosol proportion identified by CALIPSO (0.38, 0.48, 0.82) is consistent with the MA proportion identified by AA 2M (0.43, 0.46, 0.97) in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Western Pacific Ocean.