Fire resistance of wood materials is crucial for the safety and longevity of construction structures, with spruce wood (Picea abies spp.) being widely used due to its mechanical properties. However, its natural fire resistance is limited, which poses a challenge in the context of fire safety. This study investigates the effects of various treatments and additives on enhancing the fire resistance of spruce wood. The methodology includes testing fire resistance using the small flame test in accordance with relevant standards. The expected results could contribute to improving safety standards in the construction industry, enabling broader and safer application of spruce wood in fire-sensitive constructions. Surface roughness analysis revealed significantly smoother surfaces in treated samples (Sa = 9.03 μm) compared to untreated sawn samples (Sa = 84.54 μm), which contributed to reduced combustion intensity. In small flame tests, untreated samples exhibited visible flames with flame heights up to 13.5 cm, whereas Burn Block treated samples showed no flame development and minimal color changes. Interestingly, burning depth was greater on treated samples, reflecting surface carbonization and the formation of a protective intumescent layer that slowed heat transfer and prevented deeper structural damage.

The research aims to improve the durability and functionality of traditional wooden structures through innovative technologies, reducing the ecological footprint and enhancing the economic viability of local materials. The model benches are made from five different types of indigenous conifer wood: Norway spruce, scots pine, larch, thermally modified spruce, and spruce treated with a copper-ethanolamine based biocide. Sensors installed on the benches allow continuous monitoring of wood moisture, a key factor in determining material durability under specific climatic conditions. Collected data will enable the evaluation of optimal wood types for various climatic conditions, promoting the wider use of indigenous, environmentally renewable materials. The project also aims to connect the wood protection industry with end-users, fostering sustainable approaches to environmental preservation, cultural landscapes, and wooden heritage. The research results support the application of wood materials in sectors such as agriculture, maritime transport, and tourism, contributing to ecologically sustainable and economically efficient use of natural resources.

Cutting processes, in general, and wood cutting processes in particular, are complex to explain and describe, depending on a number of influencing factors such as material characteristics, cutting tool geometry and cutting parameters. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of woodworking machining, such as cutting tool wear, cutting forces, energy consumption, and cutting tool stress, gives the opportunity to improve product quality, increase production efficiency, or improve the technological process. In this paper, some characteristic parameters of processing in flat, extensive milling of solid wood of different species are analysed in order to determine the significance of the selected parameters, as well as their mutual influences on the required cutting power.

ABSTRACT This article examines two instances of embodied experiences in research and teaching on mobilities, focusing on the senses as both an object of study and a means of inquiry. Firstly, drawing upon fieldwork exploring cross-border commuting in the Polish–German border region, we center the body in our analysis to explore the embodied and sensorial dimensions of labor mobility. By doing so, we develop the discussion of multisensoriality in the study of labor migration and mobilities and the discussion of the body in the sociology of work by examining how bodily experiences, such as exhaustion, contribute to a deeper understanding of everyday lives. Secondly, as researchers and educators in higher education institutions, we reflect upon our own and our students' bodily and sensory experiences when conducting fieldwork, emphasizing their significance in scholarly knowledge production and encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of the sensory complexities involved in migration and mobility studies.

Within the last 50 years, the emergence and re-emergence of widespread severe viral infections have caused some of the deadliest global pandemics. Thus, development of novel technologies that effectively stabilize and deliver virus-based vaccines are of high priority to public health. This review serves as a primer for those interested in developing and testing novel formulations and methods for administration of vaccines against viral infection. It starts with a brief history of immunization practices and the role they played in the evolution of vaccines available today. A brief section summarizing virus infection and immunology is provided to assist in design of studies for in vivo testing of novel vaccines. Physical properties of viruses are summarized with known physico-chemical mechanisms of virus degradation outlined. General formulation strategies to prevent degradation are discussed. Traditional and novel dosage forms for vaccine and immunization methods and up and coming technologies are also described.

Dynamic analysis can be used to determine dynamic displacements, time history, and the frequency content of loads. One of the analytical techniques for calculating the linear response of structures to dynamic loading is modal analysis. In modal analysis, the structural response is decomposed into several modes of oscillation. A mode is defined by its frequency and shape. Engineers refer to the mode with the lowest frequency (longest period) as the fundamental mode of oscillation. This paper presents Holzer’s approximate method for determining the modes and periods of oscillation for frame structures. The proposed approximation method, based on the relative stiffness of floors and the ground level, is also analyzed. The results obtained using the proposed approximate procedure do not significantly deviate from those obtained through more precise calculations. Therefore, it is emphasized that the method can be used both in practice and for verifying computer analyses of complex systems.

In this paper, a comparison between serverless databases and conventional data storage models is discussed, with a focus placed on architectural differences, performance measures, cost-benefit analysis, and use case applicability. In cloud-native applications, the use of serverless databases, in which resources are dynamically allocated as needed, is increasingly observed. In contrast, traditional databases require manual operations for infrastructure provisioning and maintenance. Situations in which serverless databases are preferable, as well as those where traditional approaches remain suitable, are characterized in this work. A guide for selecting a database system in modern computing environments is provided, based on an evaluation of systems such as AWS Aurora Serverless, Firebase, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

Alien species Trichopoda (Galactomyia) pictipennis Bigot, 1876 was found in southeasternBosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia in June and August 2024. This is the first recordof this species for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the southeastern part of Croatia.Additionally, this report includes the records from Montenegro and Bulgaria obtainedfrom the online data platform iNaturalist representing the first observations of T.pictipennis for Montenegro and the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria.

The genus Temnostoma comprises saproxylic hoverflies whose larvae develop by boring into wet, decaying wood, where they feed on microorganisms. Records of these species in the northwestern Balkans are sparse in the literature and nearly absent from openaccess databases. To enhance knowledge of their distribution in the region, we present new records of four Temnostoma species from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Three species were recorded in all three countries, while T. apiforme was found exclusively in Croatia. This discovery marks not only the first record of this species in the country but also the first for the entire Balkan Peninsula. Furthermore, Temnostomameridionale was documented in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. Given thatthese hoverflies are large and visually striking, we hope this study will inspire interestamong citizen scientists and encourage future contributions to the documentation ofthis genus in the region.

Summary Background Timely and comprehensive analyses of causes of death stratified by age, sex, and location are essential for shaping effective health policies aimed at reducing global mortality. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 provides cause-specific mortality estimates measured in counts, rates, and years of life lost (YLLs). GBD 2023 aimed to enhance our understanding of the relationship between age and cause of death by quantifying the probability of dying before age 70 years (70q0) and the mean age at death by cause and sex. This study enables comparisons of the impact of causes of death over time, offering a deeper understanding of how these causes affect global populations. Methods GBD 2023 produced estimates for 292 causes of death disaggregated by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2023. We used a modelling tool developed for GBD, the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm), to estimate cause-specific death rates for most causes. We computed YLLs as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. Probability of death was calculated as the chance of dying from a given cause in a specific age period, for a specific population. Mean age at death was calculated by first assigning the midpoint age of each age group for every death, followed by computing the mean of all midpoint ages across all deaths attributed to a given cause. We used GBD death estimates to calculate the observed mean age at death and to model the expected mean age across causes, sexes, years, and locations. The expected mean age reflects the expected mean age at death for individuals within a population, based on global mortality rates and the population's age structure. Comparatively, the observed mean age represents the actual mean age at death, influenced by all factors unique to a location-specific population, including its age structure. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 250-draw distribution for each metric. Findings are reported as counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2023 include a correction for the misclassification of deaths due to COVID-19, updates to the method used to estimate COVID-19, and updates to the CODEm modelling framework. This analysis used 55 761 data sources, including vital registration and verbal autopsy data as well as data from surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. For GBD 2023, there were 312 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 3 country-years of surveillance data, 51 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 144 country-years of other data types that were added to those used in previous GBD rounds. Findings The initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic caused shifts in long-standing rankings of the leading causes of global deaths: it ranked as the number one age-standardised cause of death at Level 3 of the GBD cause classification hierarchy in 2021. By 2023, COVID-19 dropped to the 20th place among the leading global causes, returning the rankings of the leading two causes to those typical across the time series (ie, ischaemic heart disease and stroke). While ischaemic heart disease and stroke persist as leading causes of death, there has been progress in reducing their age-standardised mortality rates globally. Four other leading causes have also shown large declines in global age-standardised mortality rates across the study period: diarrhoeal diseases, tuberculosis, stomach cancer, and measles. Other causes of death showed disparate patterns between sexes, notably for deaths from conflict and terrorism in some locations. A large reduction in age-standardised rates of YLLs occurred for neonatal disorders. Despite this, neonatal disorders remained the leading cause of global YLLs over the period studied, except in 2021, when COVID-19 was temporarily the leading cause. Compared to 1990, there has been a considerable reduction in total YLLs in many vaccine-preventable diseases, most notably diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and measles. In addition, this study quantified the mean age at death for all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality and found noticeable variation by sex and location. The global all-cause mean age at death increased from 46·8 years (95% UI 46·6–47·0) in 1990 to 63·4 years (63·1–63·7) in 2023. For males, mean age increased from 45·4 years (45·1–45·7) to 61·2 years (60·7–61·6), and for females it increased from 48·5 years (48·1–48·8) to 65·9 years (65·5–66·3), from 1990 to 2023. The highest all-cause mean age at death in 2023 was found in the high-income super-region, where the mean age for females reached 80·9 years (80·9–81·0) and for males 74·8 years (74·8–74·9). By comparison, the lowest all-cause mean age at death occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, where it was 38·0 years (37·5–38·4) for females and 35·6 years (35·2–35·9) for males in 2023. Lastly, our study found that all-cause 70q0 decreased across each GBD super-region and region from 2000 to 2023, although with large variability between them. For females, we found that 70q0 notably increased from drug use disorders and conflict and terrorism. Leading causes that increased 70q0 for males also included drug use disorders, as well as diabetes. In sub-Saharan Africa, there was an increase in 70q0 for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Additionally, the mean age at death from NCDs was lower than the expected mean age at death for this super-region. By comparison, there was an increase in 70q0 for drug use disorders in the high-income super-region, which also had an observed mean age at death lower than the expected value. Interpretation We examined global mortality patterns over the past three decades, highlighting—with enhanced estimation methods—the impacts of major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to broader trends such as increasing NCDs in low-income regions that reflect ongoing shifts in the global epidemiological transition. This study also delves into premature mortality patterns, exploring the interplay between age and causes of death and deepening our understanding of where targeted resources could be applied to further reduce preventable sources of mortality. We provide essential insights into global and regional health disparities, identifying locations in need of targeted interventions to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases. There is an ever-present need for strengthened health-care systems that are resilient to future pandemics and the shifting burden of disease, particularly among ageing populations in regions with high mortality rates. Robust estimates of causes of death are increasingly essential to inform health priorities and guide efforts toward achieving global health equity. The need for global collaboration to reduce preventable mortality is more important than ever, as shifting burdens of disease are affecting all nations, albeit at different paces and scales. Funding Gates Foundation.

Background: The European honey market is reported to be in a trou-bling state, far from being considered healthy. A comparison of honey with other food commodities has been conducted to identify specific characteristics of the conducing sector that may provide inspiration for measures to regulate hon y markets. Market indicators: Several general indicators used to describe markets for food production have been analysed to examine the current state of the honey market, offering insight into the primary market challenges or honey-anessential prerequisite developing strategies to address these identified challenges. Variations in market indicators between EU Member States are also presented. Policies related to market indicators: The overarching aim of the European Union, as defined by the Lisbon Treaty, is summarized, alongside a review of some relevant EU and national regulations related to apiculture. Policy me sures previously implemented to regulate certain aspects of other food commodity markets are evaluated for their feasibility in the hon y market. Results and conclusions: It is argued that regulatory me sures could potentially impro e the stability and security of income for beekeep-ers within the honey market. However, there is a risk, or possibly an opportunity, that such measures could drive production towards larger and more professional beekeepers, while smaller, amateur beekeepers may face economic and other difficulties in meeting the stricter regulatory requirements

In this paper, we will process the results of experimental and numerical analysis on the example of the boom of a machine tool - a rotary excavator. Rotary excavator SRs 1200/630 KW - 22/2, engine no. 1, field “D”, produced by “LAUHAMER” - German Democratic Republic, is intended for mining coal and tailings at the surface mine of the JP RB “KOLUBARA” Lazarevac mine. During the regular overhaul and after 35 years of operation of the rotary excavator, it was concluded that it would be necessary to assess the stress and deformation state of both the rotary excavator as a whole and its vital parts individually (primarily the excavator booms) through adequate tests. The goal is to determine the critical points on the arrow structure after the tests have been carried out and act preventively to avoid accidents and additional unnecessary costs. By comparing the experimental and numerical results, we obtained a representation of the stresses and strains on the shaft construction and defined the critical stresses and strains.

Mathematical modeling is a key tool in engineering as it enables the analysis and prediction of material behavior under specific conditions. This study focuses on material strength, which is one of the most critical aspects of engineering design and manufacturing. Understanding material strength is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of structures and products. The structure of the paper includes a theoretical overview of the fundamentals of mathematical modeling and regression analysis, a detailed description of the experimental research, the development of a model based on collected data, and the evaluation of the obtained mathematical model. Testing was conducted using a tensile testing machine, with samples of standard dimensions in accordance with EN 10002.

Sustainable nutrient management is critical for maintaining soil fertility, improving agricultural productivity and mitigating environmental impacts. This study evaluated the impact of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) on soil pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) dynamics over a 12‐year period across four meso‐scale agricultural catchments. Using a spatially defined field‐scale sampling approach, trends in studied chemical soil parameters were assessed in response to changing agricultural practices and policy interventions. Results indicate a notable increase in optimal soil pH levels (21%), likely as a result of recent targeted advisory efforts. While overall median soil test P (STP) levels decreased by 0.5 mg/L, variability among catchments was evident, with one catchment showing a significant increase due to intensive poultry manure applications. Additionally, the proportion of P Index 1 soils increased by 9%, suggesting uneven P distribution and highlighting challenges in on‐farm nutrient management. Median soil test K (STK) increased by 17.6 mg/L, with notable gains in tillage and dairy enterprises, indicating shifts in nutrient application strategies. The study also identifies critical source areas (CSAs) of P losses, which decreased by 2%, aligning with NAP objectives. However, nearly 80% of soils remain of suboptimal fertility, particularly for P and pH, underscoring the need for targeted advisory efforts, improved nutrient planning and region‐specific management strategies. Findings provide key insights into how regulatory measures influence soil nutrient trends, informing future policies for sustainable nutrient management and environmental protection in Irish agriculture.