[Objective] To understand the relationship between species diversity and tree growth in natural secondary forests in Northeast China, to determine the reasonable size of species diversity, and to carry out appropriate nurturing harvesting and artificial replanting, so as to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for secondary forest management and management. [Methods] A total of 123 sample plots were set up in the Xiaoxinganling (XXAL), Zhangguangcailing (ZGCL), Laojialing (LYL), Changbai Mountain (CBS), Hadaling (HDL) and Longgang Mountain (LGS) areas in Northeast China, they were used to investigate the species composition, importance value, diversity and tree growth in each area. [Results] A total of 48 species belonging to 17 families and 31 genera were investigated in all the sample plots, among which the sample plots in Longgang Mountain contained the largest number of families, genera and species, followed by Hada Ling, Changbai Mountain, Laoyaling, Zhangguangcai Mountain and Xiaoxinganling. The α-diversity index of species in the sample sites was the largest in Changbai Mountain and the smallest in Xiaoxinganling, and the difference between them was significant (P < 0.05), while the richness index was the largest in Longgang Mountain and the smallest in Xiaoxinganling. The difference between them was significant (P < 0.05), while the greater the difference in latitude between the regions, the more obvious the difference in β-diversity index of species in the sample sites, and the fewer species shared between the two regions. The higher the rate of community succession, the higher the average diameter at breast height and the average tree height in each region were CBS > LYL > LGS > ZGCL > HDL > XXAL. The largest breast tree species in each region was Mongolian oak in Changbai Mountain with a diameter at breast height of 64.8 cm, and the smallest breast tree species in each region was Tyrannus sylvestris in Longgang Mountain with a diameter at breast height of 4.0 cm. The highest tree species in each region was Liriodendron sylvestris in Longgang Mountain with a height of 28.9 m, and the smallest species is yellow pineapple with a height of 1.3 m in Longgang Mountain. [Conclusion] Within a certain range, species diversity has a facilitating effect on the average diameter at breast height and average tree height of species within a stand. Therefore, during the management of secondary forests, appropriate nurturing harvesting and artificial replanting should be adopted to ensure reasonable species diversity in the stands and provide optimal space for the growth of natural secondary forests.

In this paper, a detailed mineralogical and genesis investigation have been carried out in the seven locations of the Iron Ore in Hazara area. Thick bedded iron ore have been observed between Kawagarh Formation and Hangu Formation i.e., Cretaceous-Paleocene boundary. At the base of Hangu Formation, variable thickness of these lateritic beds spread throughout the Hazara and Kohat-Potwar plateau. This hematite ore exists in the form of unconformity. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), detailed petroghraphic study and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques indicated that those iron bears minerals including hematite, chamosite and quartz, albite, clinochlore, illite-montmorillonite, kaolinite, calcite, dolomite, whereas ankerite are the impurities present in these beds. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) results show that the total Fe₂O₃ ranges from 39 to 56%, with high silica and alumina ratio of less than one. Beneficiation requires for significant increase in ore grade. The petroghraphic study revealed the presence of ooids fragments as nuclei of other ooids with limited clastic supply, which indicate high energy shallow marine depositional setting under warm and humid climate. The overall results show that Langrial Iron Ore is a low-grade iron ore which can be upgraded up to 62% by applying modern mining techniques so as to fulfill steel requirements of the country.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results and complications of arthroscopic subcapital realignment osteotomy for the treatment of chronic and stable proximal femoral epiphysiolysis (PFE) in an initial series of patients. According to the literature review, the study presents the first description of an arthroscopic technique of this type of osteotomy. Methods: Between June 2012 and December 2014, seven patients underwent arthroscopic subcapital realignment osteotomy for the treatment of chronic, stable PFE. The mean age of the patients was 11 years and four months. Minimum follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months (mean, 16.5 months). Patients were clinically evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score modified by Byrd and radiographically according to Southwick’s quantitative classification and the epiphyseal-diaphyseal angle. Postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: With regard to the evaluation of the Harris Hip Score Modified by Byrd clinical score, a preoperative mean of 35.8 points and a postoperative mean of 97.5 points were observed (p < 0.05). Radiographically, five patients were classified as Southwick grade II and two as grade III. A mean correction of the epiphyseal-diaphyseal angle of 40° was observed. There were no immediate postoperative complications. One patient developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head, without collapse or chondrolysis at the last follow-up (22 months). Conclusion: The arthroscopic technique presented by the authors for the treatment of chronic, stable PFE resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement of the patients in this initial series.

The expansion of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway has reshaped the hospitality sector, introducing competitive pressures for traditional hotels and influencing local communities in Greece. This study examines perceptions among 343 hoteliers and 277 Airbnb hosts across Greece, focusing on economic, competitive, and social impacts of Airbnb-type accommodations. This cross-sectional study used structured questionnaires to assess views on Airbnb's contribution to tourism, competition, and economic performance. Results reveal significant differences in perceptions: hoteliers expressed concerns about increased competition and regulatory inequalities, often viewing Airbnb as a mixed or negative influence on local tourism. In contrast, Airbnb hosts perceived their accommodations as beneficial for tourism growth and local economic support. Key areas of divergence included perceived competitive pressures, impact on overnight stays, and pricing strategies, with Airbnb hosts reporting more frequent economic benefits. These findings emphasize the need for a balanced regulatory approach to ensure fair competition and sustainable growth in Greece's tourism sector. By comparing the perspectives of traditional and alternative accommodation providers, this study provides insights for policymakers seeking to address evolving challenges in the Greek hospitality landscape.

Increasing number of smart cities, the rise of technology and urban population engagement in urban management, and the scarcity of open data for evaluating sustainable urban development determines the necessity of developing new sustainability assessment approaches. This study uses passive crowdsourcing together with the adapted SULPiTER (Sustainable Urban Logistics Planning to Enhance Regional freight transport) methodology to assess the sustainable development of smart cities. The proposed methodology considers economic, environmental, social, transport, communication factors and residents’ satisfaction with the urban environment. The SULPiTER relies on experts in selection of relevant factors and determining their contribution to the value of a sustainability indicator. We propose an alternative approach based on automated data gathering and processing. To implement it, we build an information service around a formal knowledge base that accumulates alternative workflows for estimation of indicators and allows for automatic comparison of alternatives and aggregation of their results. A system architecture was proposed and implemented with the Astana Opinion Mining service as its part that can be adjusted to collect opinions in various impact areas. The findings hold value for early identification of problems, and increasing planning and policies efficiency in sustainable urban development.

Autism is often referred to as autism spectrum disorder that constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to brain development (which is a neurodevelopmental disorder). Autism spectrum disorder patients often have difficulty communicating and interacting socially, and are characterized by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests that have been shown to be the same in cultures of countries around the world. However, the interpretation of symptoms and recognition in terms of policies and laws in countries are not the same. Accordingly, some countries recognize autism spectrum disorder as one of the types of disability and some countries do not, including Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam's Law on Persons with Disabilities 2010 does not recognize the term "autism" in the Law. At the same time, there is a lack of legal issues related to the "autism spectrum" from the time of diagnosis such as policies on practical support appropriate to each individual's needs and interests so that they can develop and be integrated in the medical field, education and enjoyment of other benefits such as persons with disabilities. This is an overlooked term that leads to the community having a misperception of "autism" when they are not aware that autism is a disease or a disability, what causes autism and why, etc. The article points out the current situation of adjustment by policies and laws on autistic people in Vietnam. On that basis, the article focuses on analyzing the contents that need to reform those policies and laws to ensure human rights of autistic people and their families.