The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging multi-host pathogen, with suids being the main reservoir. Humans are primarily infected through the consumption of contaminated water or food. In Argentina, HEV circulation has been confirmed in humans, domestic pigs, wild boar (Sus scrofa), and surface water. In El Palmar National Park, invasive wild boar and axis deer (Axis axis) are controlled, and their meat is released for public consumption, with trimmings and offal frequently fed to dogs. Between 2017 and 2019, we conducted a multi-species serological survey in this protected area to assess HEV exposure in invasive mammals and in dog and human consumers of game meat. We also evaluated associations between seropositivity and environmental variables, as well as behavioral risk factors among game-meat consumers. Total anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 29/75 (38.67%) wild boar, 1/134 (0.75%) deer, 1/18 (5.6%) dogs, and 6/59 (10.17%) humans. A spatial cluster of seropositive wild boar was identified in a low-lying, flood-prone area near the confluence of the El Palmar stream and the Uruguay river, suggesting increased risk of environmental transmission. This is the first report of HEV exposure in wild boar from this park and in axis deer and dogs in Argentina. Participation in culling and game meat handling and consumption may contribute to HEV exposure pathways among humans. These findings improve understanding of HEV epidemiology at the wildlife–domestic animal–human interface and highlight the influence of environmental factors and human behavior on zoonotic virus circulation.

Introduction: Aquatic dipterans are key components of mountain lotic ecosystems due to their diversity, ecological sensitivity, and bioindicator value. The Combeima River Basin (Tolima, Colombia) is a high-Andean basin essential for water supply, but it is affected by anthropogenic pressures. Objective: To expand knowledge on the diversity and abundance of aquatic dipterans along the Combeima River Basin (Ibagué, Tolima) during contrasting hydrological periods. Methods: Three samplings were conducted over an annual hydrological cycle (September 2022, June and September 2023), covering both the dry and rainy seasons. Five samples were taken at each station using three different sampling methods: Surber net (on sediment, rock, and leaf-litter substrates), screen net, and sieves. All samples were pooled into a unique sample for data treatment. Larvae were separated, preserved, and identified using available taxonomic keys; for Chironomidae, clearing and mounting techniques were applied, considering different diagnostic characters for identification. Diversity was estimated using Hill numbers and rarefaction curves. NMDS and ANOSIM analyses were applied to explore community patterns. Results: A total of 1 586 larvae belonging to 11 families and 28 genera were collected. Chironomidae were the most abundant (74.56 %), followed by Simuliidae (15.76 %) and Blepharoceridae (6.24 %). In contrast, Dolichopodidae, Dixidae, and Stratiomyidae were scarce, with only four, two, and one individual recorded per family, respectively. Differences in richness and dominance were observed among stations and periods, related to altitude and anthropogenic disturbances. NMDS showed grouping by station, with greater heterogeneity in impacted sites. Conclusions: Aquatic dipteran communities reflected the combined influence of natural environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. A progressive replacement of sensitive by tolerant genera was observed, indicating a clear ecological tolerance gradient and reinforcing their value as bioindicators of environmental quality. These findings provide a robust ecological baseline for future monitoring and conservation programs in high-Andean microbasins.

This study investigates the ecological structure of an ichthyofaunal assemblage within the Galmal Oya-Heel Oya stream network on the southern flank of the Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka. We examined how species composition and spatial distribution vary along an elevational gradient and assessed the influence of environmental factors - including substrate type, water velocity, habitat dimensions, turbidity, shading, canopy cover and physicochemical parameters - on assemblage structure. Species richness increased downstream, with Garra ceylonensis and Schistura notostigma dominating high-elevation reaches (~1000 m above sea level, asl), whereas Devario malabaricus and Dawkinsia filamentosa were more abundant at lower elevations (500-1000 m asl). Species within the assemblage exhibited clear differentiation in macrohabitat associations and microhabitat selectivity, reflecting distinct ecological preferences and adaptive strategies. Our results suggest that this co-evolved structure plays a critical role in resource partitioning within Sri Lankan highland stream assemblages, thereby minimizing niche overlap. This pattern is evident in both identified feeding guilds, where species with similar feeding strategies avoid direct competition through spatial-ecological segregation, as observed in the 'benthic feeders' - the loach duo Lepidocephalichthys thermalis and S. notostigma, and the pair Mastacembelus armatus and Channa kelaartii - and in the surface feeders, D. malabaricus and Rasbora dandia. In contrast, co-occurring species further reduce competitive interactions through dietary differentiation, exploitation of different relative depths (e.g., D. filamentosa and D. malabaricus), or fine-scale feeding behavioural specialization, as observed between G. ceylonensis and Plesiopuntius bimaculatus. The study also highlights the importance of biological interactions among benthic cyprinids in shaping assemblage structure. Overall, our findings provide baseline ecological information essential for understanding and conserving Sri Lanka's highland stream fish assemblages.

Fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the groundwater-to-estuary continuum in an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)-impacted watershed.

Mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches for postmortem interval estimation: A systematic review.

Influence of environmental parameters on total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from mussels and clams.

Influence of environmental and climatic factors on AOD concentration: A model-based analysis

Shifts in the European eel recruitment distribution: the impact of changing environmental conditions?

Based on the historical data of lung cancer in China and the analysis of its related influencing factors.

Occupant window interaction is a critical component in optimizing energy consumption and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Understanding the influence of environmental and behavioral factors on window state decisions remains a significant challenge in building management systems (BMS). We present a hybrid probabilistic model to assess thermal comfort and predict the probability of the occupant opening or closing the window. The data was acquired from an open-source platform that provided yearly university dormitory window interactions. Bayesian networks (BNs) and logistic regression (LR) models were applied to predict the window-opening behavior of the occupants. An average accuracy of 92% for Bayesian and 94% for LR were obtained. The results were further enhanced by combining these models through weighted methods, with weights extrapolated through generative recursive iterations generating an average accuracy of 95% and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 98%. The proposed hybrid approach significantly improves over existing predictive models in thermal comfort and window state prediction. Practical Application This research provides a practical tool for building engineers, facility managers, and smart system developers to significantly improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The developed hybrid model predicts window-opening behavior with high accuracy (95%). This enables the creation of next generation BMS that can anticipate occupant needs, proactively adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operations, and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. For building designers, the model offers data-driven understandings into realistic occupant behavior (OB), leading to better-performing natural ventilation approaches.

Field experiments are complex to interpret due to interactions between genotypes, environment, plant development, and cultivation practices. This complexity challenges the accurate phenotyping of individual plant traits over the season. Here, we quantified the primary sources of seasonal variation in stomatal conductance (gs) across 15 grapevine cultivar-rootstock combinations within a large-scale phenotyping platform, comprising over 6000 observations. Environment-related traits and date of measurement accounted for up to 76% of the variance, potentially obscuring cultivar-rootstock effects. Therefore, we integrated machine learning, spatiotemporal normalization of the gs response, and the use of mixed models to disentangle the influences of environmental factors, plant material, and crop performance related traits. After spatio-temporal normalization, cultivar and cultivar-rootstock interactions explained over 25% of the variation in gs, and Grenache exhibited the most conservative water use behaviour resulting in high water use efficiency. Specific rootstock-scion combinations also exhibited smaller, but still significant, differences in gs and water use efficiency, highlighting the specificity arising from the interaction within each rootstock-scion combination. The high variability in gs indicates that accurate quantification of rootstock-scion contributions to key traits in field studies is complex and requires accounting for spatial heterogeneity driven by the environment.

Academic engagement is a critical determinant of success and wellbeing for college students. While previous research has identified the influence of stable environmental and individual factors, it has largely overlooked the impact of dynamic, daily psychological experiences. Moreover, mortality salience can be triggered by common experiences such as pandemics or accidents, yet its link to academic engagement remains unexplored. Grounded in Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Compensatory Control Model (CCM), this study employed a 10-day daily diary study with 102 Chinese undergraduates to investigate how daily mortality salience influences academic engagement. Results from a multilevel path analysis revealed significant, though modest, positive indirect associations between daily mortality salience and academic engagement both through death anxiety and personal control. These findings demonstrate that academic engagement can serve as a compensatory mechanism to manage existential threat. This study not only bridges a theoretical gap by integrating TMT and CCM but also provides practical insights, suggesting that educators can enhance engagement by fostering a sense of meaning and personal control in the learning environment.

Adult body size often varies geographically in response to local climatic conditions. The Emma field cricket ( Teleogryllus emma ) exhibits a reverse Bergmann’s rule pattern, with smaller adults occurring at higher latitudes. This trend was confirmed across populations sampled from 33°N to 41°N. One unique population inhabits the periodically exposed reservoir slopes (RS) of the Oishi Dam, Niigata, Japan. These crickets display significantly reduced body sizes compared to those in the surrounding grasslands. To investigate the underlying causes of this body size reduction, we examined the influence of environmental and genetic factors. Laboratory-reared mid-instar nymphs from the RS grew into larger adults than their field-collected counterparts, suggesting an environmental basis for reduced body size. High temperatures led to smaller adults, while high rearing densities (100 individuals per container) significantly reduced adult size compared to low densities (1–2 individuals). Photoperiod (11–16 hours) also influenced growth: longer daylengths extended development and produced larger adults. Small but significant size differences between the RS and surrounding populations suggest possible genetic differentiation, although further genetic analysis is needed to confirm evolutionary divergence. Delayed hatching at the RS exposes the crickets to shorter daylengths, likely accelerating growth and leading to smaller adults. Year-to-year variation in adult head width in the RS population primarily correlated with nymphal densities rather than temperature. Interestingly, smaller adults laid smaller eggs, yet nymphs from these eggs exhibited compensatory growth, often reaching sizes comparable to those from larger eggs, resulting in no significant correlation between adult body sizes of females and offspring. Overall, body size variation in T. emma at the RS appears to be shaped by both phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental conditions and genetic differentiation. Despite these fluctuations, body size in some populations has remained stable for over half a century, suggesting possible stabilizing selection or genetic constraints.

Objective . To analyse current trends in the structure of disabling mental pathology among adult and child population of the Republic of Belarus for the period of 2015-2024 to identify key problems and ways to improve the system of psychiatric care, medical prevention and rehabilitation. Materials and methods . The study is based on an analysis of data from 29 966 adults (18+) and 10 259 children (<18) newly recognized as disabled due to mental and behavioral disorders. Materials of the database of the Republican Information and Analytical System on Medical Assessment and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons of the Republic of Belarus were used. Nosological groups are identified according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel, absolute, relative and intensive indicators were calculated taking into account demographic data of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus. Results . The average annual level of primary disability related to mental and behavioral disorders was 3.96 per 10,000 people among the adult population of the Republic of Belarus. The largest proportion of disability falls on the age groups of 80-89 years old (29.8%), 70-79 years old (18.7%) and 60-69 years old (9.8%). The leading cause of primary disability is organic mental disorders (77.0% in 2024), mainly vascular and mixed dementia (49.0%), and Alzheimer’s disease (7.0%). Primary disability in this group increased over 10 years from 2254 cases in 2015 to 2652 in 2024. Vascular dementia predominates in the Republic of Belarus due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, late diagnosis, and influence of environmental factors and bad habits. Since 2019, the leading cause of primary disability in children is autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Over 10 years, the number of ASD cases has increased 6-fold (from 221 in 2015 to 1298 in 2024), and primary disability rates have increased from 1.38 to 6.32 per 10,000 children. The increase of disability among adults with ASD is projected to increase: by the end of 2023, 256 patients over the age of 18 were registered, 85% of whom have severe disabilities (I and II disability group). Conclusion . The structure of disabling mental pathology in the Republic of Belarus is characterized with predominance of vascular dementia, that requires strengthen prevention of cardiovascular diseases and early prevention of cognitive disorders. Disabilities due to ASD are rapidly increasing in children, creating a need for the development of medical, social, and occupational rehabilitation programs for adult patients. Counteracting the identified trends is seen in the introduction of advanced diagnostic methods, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and promotion of a healthy lifestyle, development of a support system for patients with ASD at all stages of life. The obtained data are relevant for the adaptation of the State policy in the field of mental health and social protection.

Suture selection significantly impacts surgical outcomes, with tensile strength and knot security being critical factors. This study investigated the influence of suture material and environmental factors on these parameters. We compared four suture types: polyglactin 910 (PG), polypropylene (PP), silk (SK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Tensile strength was assessed initially and during two weeks of immersion in various media (saliva, tea, coffee and cola). Knot security, specifically knot slippage and breakage, was evaluated across the different suture materials and media. Prolene displayed highest TS of all sutures. However this difference was statistically significant when compared with SK and PTFE sutures (p < 0.05). The mean tensile strength is significantly higher at day 3, day 7 and day 10 compared to baseline in Tea, Cola and Coffee with PG suture material (p-value < 0.05 for all). The incidence of knot slippage at baseline is significantly higher for PTFE as compared to all other types of suture materials (p < 0.05). The incidence of knot slippage at day 7 and day 14 is significantly higher compared to baseline in Cola by SK, PG and PP (p-value < 0.05 for all) The incidence of knot breakage at baseline is higher for silk as compared to all other sutures but it is statistically significant when compared to PTFE (p < 0.05). Environmental factors, such as acidic media, can negatively affect knot security. These findings underscore the importance of careful suture selection based on specific clinical requirements. However, further research needs to be undertaken to confirm these findings in-vivo.

Background . The increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, combined with the influence of biological, social, and anthropogenic environmental factors, negatively affects health status and is a significant cause of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Population-based and personalized preventive measures contribute to at least half of the success in reducing NCD incidence and mortality. It has been proven that modern, effective prevention programs yield tangible and intangible returns on investment within 5–10 years. Objective . To assess the adherence to healthy lifestyle (HLS) principles among residents at Yaroslavl State Medical University. Materials and methods . Between 2023 and 2024, a survey was conducted among 82 clinical residents, aged 25–35, in their first or second year of study across various medical specialties at Yaroslavl State Medical University. The «Structure of a Healthy Lifestyle for Students» questionnaire was used, which included sections on communication skills, physical activity, attitudes towards bad habits and sexual activity, hardening practices, vaccination, and dietary habits. Results . The importance of adhering to HLS principles was acknowledged by the overwhelming majority of respondents (96 %). However, the study revealed that in daily practice, 56 % of residents demonstrated a moderate level of adherence, while 29 % showed a low level. Specific areas with low adherence included: regular exercise (only 19 %), periodic hardening practices (26 %), insufficient knowledge of substance abuse issues (46.3 %), and inadequate understanding of the risks associated with early pregnancy (34 %). Conclusions . While the importance of core healthy lifestyle principles is recognized by most medical residents, their awareness and practices are insufficient for healthcare professionals who have graduated from a medical university. These findings highlight the need for active integration of comprehensive HLS programs into the daily training and education of medical residents.

This study evaluated entomophilous pollinators of pear (Pyrus communis) and their impact on fruit yield in the Sétif region, Algeria, during the 2021 and 2022 flowering seasons. Using transect sampling and comparing open versus exclusion pollination, key species were identified and assessed for density, foraging behavior, and efficiency. Hymenoptera, particularly Apoidea, dominated the pollinator community (77.66%), with the honey bee (Apis mellifera) accounting for 79.84% of floral visits. Activity peaked between 11:00 and 13:00, focusing on pollen collection-indicating effective pollination crucial for crossfertilization. Open pollination significantly enhanced both the quantity and quality of fruit compared to exclusion conditions. However, high variability in pollinator abundance (A. mellifera SD: 122.5) and fruit yield (CV &gt; 100%) suggests the influence of environmental factors. The findings highlight the essential role of A. mellifera and the broader pollinator community in optimizing pear production, emphasizing the need for pollinator conservation to support sustainable agriculture in the region.

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) provides a sustainable approach for the autonomous repair of microcracks in concrete. However, its practical application is limited by the poor long-term survival of microorganisms in the highly alkaline environment of cement matrices. This study used expanded perlite as an immobilization carrier to systematically investigate the effects of pH, temperature, and aging on microbial spore survival. Under non-immobilized conditions, acclimatized spores showed optimal long-term activity at pH = 10 and 0°C. After 180 days, the spore survival rate reached 12.31%, and urease activity achieved 0.74 mmol/(L·min)-approximately twice and nine times higher, respectively, than those recorded at 30°C over the same period. Although environmental factors reduced microbial mineralization capacity under immobilized conditions, mineral precipitation stabilized at around 5.60 g, representing a 28-fold increase compared to non-immobilized results over the same duration. These findings confirm that the carrier effectively alleviates the adverse effects of high alkalinity and temperature variations. The expanded perlite-based immobilization strategy significantly extended microbial service life, improved remediation efficiency, enhanced engineering feasibility, and reduced long-term maintenance costs. This research offers critical technical support for the development of durable and high-efficiency self-healing concrete systems.IMPORTANCEMicrobially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has gained significant attention as a promising technology in architecture and civil engineering. However, the understanding of microbial long-term activity and mineralization capacity within cement-based materials remains limited. This study investigated the influence of environmental factors on microbial spore survival in such materials by monitoring key indicators, including microbial concentration, urease activity, and mineral precipitation. Furthermore, it identified specific environmental conditions that support prolonged microbial viability. The use of expanded perlite as a carrier material aimed to mitigate external environmental stresses on microorganisms, thereby extending their mineralization capability over extended periods. These findings provide a scientific basis for the rational design of microbially mediated self-healing concrete systems.

The influence of environmental factors and phytoplankton blooms on cyphonautes larvae abundance and bryozoan colony development at a kelp farm in central Norway.

Introduction. Anthropometric charac t eristic s ar e necessary to obtain objective data on human physical development that allow us to assess the age, gender and geographical features of the human body structure while geographical differences in the shape of the human body (body size, body proportions, shape and size of limbs, as well as the relative proportions between these components) are often interpreted as the result of adaptation to the climate. Objective. Assessment of the age dynamic s of somatometric charac teristics of males living in various climatogeographic r egions – North-East, North-West of Russia. Materials and methods. The main anthropometric charac teristics, their calculated indic es, and body composition w ere evaluated in 333 males living in various northern r egions of the Russian F eder ation: Magadan Region (Northeast of Russia) – 199 young men and 110 men, Murmansk Region (Northwest of Russia) – 72 young men and 32 men. Results: In the course of the work, a distinct regional feature has been established in the formation of the morphotype of the inhabitants of the North-East of Russia in the adolescent and mature periods of ontogenesis, manifested by large body lengths andbodydisproportionalityduetothegreatercontribution of leg length tobodylength compared to the inhabitants of the North-West of Russia. The age-related dynamics of changes in the analyzed parameters in residents of the North-East and North-West of Russia had similar trends, manifested in an increase in hypersthenization of body build, conditioned by excessive body weight. Conclusion. The r esults obtained emphasize the importance of conducting continuous monitoring studies of key indicators of physical development as valuable markers for identifying geographical variations in morphological types under the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors in the northern and Arctic regions.