In this review are developed insights from the current research work to develop the concept of functional materials. This is understood as real modified substrates for varied applications. So, functional and modified substrates focused on nanoarchitectures, microcapsules, and devices for new nanotechnologies highlighting life sciences applications were revised. In this context, different types of concepts to proofs of concepts of new materials are shown to develop desired functions. Thus, it was shown that varied chemicals, emitters, pharmacophores, and controlled nano-chemistry were used for the design of nanoplatforms to further increase the sizes of materials. In this regard, the prototyping of materials was discussed, affording how to afford the challenge in the design and fabrication of new materials. Thus, the concept of optical active materials and the generation of a targeted signal through the substrate were developed. Moreover, advanced concepts were introduced, such as the multimodal energy approach by tuning optical coupling from molecules to the nanoscale within complex matter composites. These approaches were based on the confinement of specific optical matter, considering molecular spectroscopics and nano-optics, from where the new concept nominated as metamaterials was generated. In this manner, fundamental and applied research by the design of hierarchical bottom-up materials, controlling molecules towards nanoplatforms and modified substrates, was proposed. Therefore, varied accurate length scales and dimensions were controlled. Finally, it showed proofs of concepts and applications of implantable, portable, and wearable devices from cutting-edge knowledge to the next generation of devices and miniaturized instrumentation.

This study examines the spatial distribution of consumption competitiveness and carrying capacity across regions, exploring their interrelationship and implications for sustainable regional development. An evaluation index system is constructed for both consumption competitiveness and carrying capacity using a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators. We apply this framework to regional data in China and analyze the resultant spatial patterns. The findings reveal significant regional disparities: areas with strong consumption competitiveness are often concentrated in economically developed regions, while high carrying capacity is notable in less populated or resource-rich areas. Notably, a mismatch emerges in some regions—high consumer demand is not always supported by adequate carrying capacity, and vice versa. These disparities highlight potential sustainability challenges and opportunities. In the discussion, we address reasons behind the spatial mismatch and propose policy implications to better align consumer market growth with regional resource and environmental capacity. The paper concludes that integrating consumption-driven growth strategies with carrying capacity considerations is essential for balanced and sustainable regional development.

Exposure to high-frequency (HF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) has various effects on living tissues involved in biodiversity. Interactions between fields and exposed tissues are correlated with the characteristics of the exposure, tissue behavior, and field intensity and frequency. These interactions can produce mainly adverse thermal and possibly non-thermal effects. In fact, the most expected type of outcome is a thermal biological effect (BE), where tissues are materially heated by the dissipated electromagnetic energy due to HF-EMF exposure. In case of exposure at a disproportionate intensity and duration, HF-EMF can induce a potentially harmful non-thermal BE on living tissues contained within biodiversity. This paper aims to analyze the thermal BE on biodiversity living tissues and the associated EMF and bio-heat (BH) governing equations.

Disaster Risk Management benefits from innovative techniques including AI and Multi Sensor Fusion. The Firefguard Approach uses such technologies to improve the Wildfire Management works in Saxony, Eastern Germany by supporting standing efforts in Early Warning, Disaster Response and Monitoring. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) play a vital role in providing real-time information via a 5G network to a central information management system that delivers geospatial information to response teams. This study highlights the potential of combining UAS, AI, geospatial solutions and existing data for real-time wildfire monitoring and risk assessment systems.

Mangrove forests are vital to coastal protection, biodiversity support, and climate regulation. In the Niger Delta, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by oil spill incidents linked to intensive petroleum activities. This study investigates the extent of mangrove degradation between 1986 and 2022 in the lower Niger Delta, specifically the region between the San Bartolomeo and Imo Rivers, using remote sensing and machine learning. Landsat 5 TM (1986) and Landsat 8 OLI (2022) imagery were classified using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. Classification accuracy was high, with overall accuracies of 98% (1986) and 99% (2022) and Kappa coefficients of 0.97 and 0.98. Healthy mangrove cover declined from 2804.37 km2 (58%) to 2509.18 km2 (52%), while degraded mangroves increased from 72.03 km2 (1%) to 327.35 km2 (7%), reflecting a 354.46% rise. Water bodies expanded by 101.17 km2 (5.61%), potentially due to dredging, erosion, and sea-level rise. Built-up areas declined from 131.85 km2 to 61.14 km2, possibly reflecting socio-environmental displacement. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square (χ2 = 1091.33, p < 0.001) and Kendall's Tau (τ = 1, p < 0.001), showed strong correlations between oil spills and mangrove degradation. From 2012 to 2022, over 21,914 barrels of oil were spilled, with only 38% recovered. Although paired t-tests and ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant changes at broad scales, localized ecological shifts remain severe. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated environmental policies and restoration efforts to mitigate mangrove loss and enhance sustainability in the Niger Delta.

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated global lockdowns, profoundly altering daily life and resulting in widespread closures, except for essential services like healthcare and grocery stores. This scenario has notably intensified mental health challenges, particularly among children and adolescents. Influenced by a myriad of factors including developmental stages, educational backgrounds, existing psychiatric disorders, and socioeconomic status, the pandemic’s impact extends beyond the immediate health crisis. This paper critically examines the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on mental and physical health across various age groups. It highlights the increased incidence of stress, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the pandemic’s deep psychological footprint. Additionally, the paper explores the societal implications, from altered family dynamics and educational disruptions due to the shift to online learning, to workplace transformations. These changes have led to a mix of adaptive responses and adverse effects, including heightened domestic tensions and mental health issues. The paper also delves into the ethical challenges faced by medical professionals during this crisis, balancing urgent patient care with ongoing medical research and mental health considerations. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic’s extensive impact on health and society, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health as a crucial component of the response strategy.