Abstract: This study explores the use of bentonite to enhance biological biogas upgrading in a bubble reactor (BR) operated under mesophilic conditions (39 ± 1 °C). The experimental setup consisted of a 2 L vertically oriented BR (height to diameter ratio 16:1) fed with a synthetic gas mixture (60% H₂, 15% CO₂, 25% CH₄, v/v) at a gas recirculation rate of 4 L L_R⁻¹ h⁻¹. The aim was to overcome hydrogen’s low gas-liquid mass transfer rate while avoiding the operational challenges typically associated with trickle-bed reactors (TBRs). Bentonite increases the density and hydrostatic pressure of the liquid medium, and likely alters its rheology, thereby extending the gas-liquid contact time without requiring elevated pressures or intensive gas recirculation. Additionally, bentonite is expected to provide microstructural support that promotes the formation of biofilm-like communities, creating favorable microenvironments for hydrogenotrophic methanogens. As a clay-based additive, bentonite may also contribute to improved process stability through adsorption of inhibitory compounds, enhanced bio-mass retention, and pH buffering. Under mesophilic conditions, the bentonite-modified BR achieved a methane production rate of 2.17 ± 0.06 L _CH4 L_R⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a gas retention time of 1.49 h, with methane purity reaching 96.25%. In comparison, a previously reported mesophilic BR operated under identical reactor configuration and operating conditions but without bentonite exhibited substantially lower methane production rates, supporting the beneficial role of bentonite in biological methanation. The findings highlight bentonite’s potential dual role -physical and biological- in improving process efficiency and stability in biological methanation.

Abstract: GEOGUIAS is a certified training program for local citizens to become knowledgeable tour guides, promoted by the Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark and supported by the National Tourism Office. The program's primary goal is to promote sustainable tourism and geoeducation, empowering the trainees to conduct geotouristic and educational tours, based on their region's geological, historical, and cultural heritage. The training combines on-line theoretical components with practical face-to-face field experiences. Participants learn about the local geology, history, culture, wildlife, and field safety, receiving a final Geoguide Certificate issued by the Oeste Geopark. The program aims to involve local communities in geotourism activities, contributing to creating new jobs and to support local economy, while safeguarding geoheritage sites. This study is based on a survey answered by >50 certified geoguides, characterizing their profile, expectations, and perceived results. It addresses the impact of training on geoguides, looking at the changes induced by the program on their local and professional or personal activities. Finally, the study aims to identify the impacts of this training and certification on local networking, sustainable geotourism and regional economic dynamics.

Abstract: Precision oncology has matured into a multidimensional field in which static molecular profiling — encompassing genomic, transcriptomic, and other omic data — is increasingly complemented by dynamic functional assays that measure direct tumor responses to therapeutic agents. While molecular diagnostics provide critical insights into cancer biology and potential drug targets, they do not always predict real-world therapeutic efficacy, especially in tumors characterized by high heterogeneity or complex regulatory networks. Functional ex-vivo testing platforms, including patient-derived organoids and tumor slice cultures, offer a phenotypic readout of drug resistance that reflects the integrated behavior of tumor cells within their microenvironment. This review synthesizes the technological advances and practical frameworks that support the integration of multi-omic and ex-vivo data in precision oncology. We present the current landscape of predictive modeling and functional validation, including workflows that move from transcriptomic and pharmacogenetic prediction toward rapid ex-vivo confirmation of drug effects, and discuss how such integrative approaches can refine therapeutic choices. We describe clinical implementation pathways, highlight operational and regulatory challenges, and explore ethical considerations that must be addressed to bring functional precision medicine into mainstream practice. By examining clinical feasibility, existing trial evidence, and emerging platforms, we highlight both the opportunities and barriers inherent in translating functional testing into routine care. Finally, we consider future directions aimed at achieving standardized, scalable, and clinically validated functional diagnostics. The integration of molecular and functional insights offers a promising route toward more accurate, individualized cancer therapy, and suggests a future in which treatment selection is guided not only by molecular signatures but by direct functional evidence of drug efficacy.

Abstract: This study addresses the critical challenge of optimizing outdoor thermal comfort for the aging population in old residential communities within China's hot-summer and cold-winter climate zones. Against the backdrop of urban regeneration and rapid demographic aging, it investigates how key landscape elements—ground reflectance, greening type, and pergola condition—influence the microclimate of community public spaces. The research employed an integrated methodology centered on numerical simulation. Using the ENVI-met software and an L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experimental design, it simulated the microclimatic effects of nine combined scenarios on typical summer and winter days for a case study in Nanjing. The comprehensive thermal comfort index, Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), was used as the primary evaluation indicator to assess the thermal comfort performance for elderly occupants, with the assistance of air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity, and the results were analyzed via range analysis and ANOVA. The key findings indicate that: (1) Greening type and pergola condition are the dominant factors affecting microclimate and annual thermal comfort across seasons, while ground reflectance has a comparatively minor influence. (2) The combination of deciduous trees with lawn achieves the optimal cross-seasonal PET gain. It provides effective shading and cooling in summer while allowing beneficial solar penetration for warming in winter, substantially outperforming evergreen-dominated configurations. (3) The presence of a pergola consistently enhances comfort by providing essential shade in summer and acting as a windbreak in winter. The combination dominated by deciduous trees + lawn and pergola yield an overall PET gain 1.0967 ℃ higher than that of evergreen trees + shrub without pergola. This study provides evidence-based, elderly-specific landscape design strategies to inform the thermal environment optimization of public spaces in old residential areas undergoing renewal.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic cavitation in process plants is often generated by static devices designed for nominal operating conditions. In real processes, however, the properties of the process fluid, including temperature, viscosity, and gas and solids content, may vary. Consequently, maintaining the cavitation regime within a target operating window over extended periods is challenging. The Dynamic Circular Venturi (DCVA) is introduced as a circular Venturi with an internal geometry that can be reconfigured during operation. The external body and connections are preserved, while the internal configuration, particularly the throat section, can be adjusted. A formalism based on equivalent geometric parameters is proposed to describe the set of admissible configurations. A dedicated design space is also defined to identify, for a given architecture, the subset that is practically accessible. Two implementations are presented: a single degree-of-freedom layout for throat-opening modulation and a multiparametric layout based on axial stations, enabling the generation of a family of internal profiles. An estimated operating indicator is introduced and formulated using variables typically measured in process plants, supporting configuration selection and the specification of operating settings. This conceptual framework can support the optimization of sustainable food-processing operations enabled by hydrodynamic cavitation, such as green extraction and food by-product valorization, with potential gains in resource efficiency and waste minimization.

Abstract: The study of airborne pollen and spores from regions, communities, and campuses has gained importance in recent times in Nigeria. Aerospora sampling was carried out from November 2012 to February 2013 on the University of Ibadan campus Watch Tower. The Tower is the tallest building on the campus, with a height of 253.8 m. An Aero sampler was used to collect aeropalynomorphs from the location. The recovered residues were acetolysed and studied microscopically. Meteorological data for this location were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for the prevailing weather conditions. Statistical analysis using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between airborne pollen and spores, and meteorological parameters. A variety of palynomorphs, characteristic of rainforest, secondary/open forest, savanna, and freshwater vegetation types, were recovered. The dominant ones belonged to the Arecaceae, Anacardiaceae, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Poaceae families, as well as fungal spores. Pollen counts with meteorological data revealed variations in palynomorph types and abundance, which reflected the influence of the location of the aerosampler, impact of weather parameters, and the degree of human activities, apart from the floral composition of the area. This work is the first aero sampling of the University of Ibadan campus and a contribution to the aeropalynological data of campuses across Southwest Nigeria.

Abstract: To mitigate environmental impact, specifically the CO₂ emissions associated with conventional thermal and nuclear facilities, renewable energy sources are increasingly being adopted as primary alternatives. However, integrating these renewable sources into the utility grid poses a significant challenge, primarily due to the stochastic and nonlinear nature of weather. Consequently, it is imperative that power systems operate under an intelligent control model to ensure energy output meets strict power quality standards. In this context, accurate forecasting is a cornerstone of smart power management, particularly in off-grid architectures, where predicting Power Quality Parameters (PQPs) is fundamental for system optimisation and error correction. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative evaluation of nine different predictive architectures for estimating PQPs. The algorithms analyzed include LSTM, GRU, DNN, CNN1D-LSTM, BiLSTM, attention mechanisms, DT, SVM, and XGBoost. The central objective is to develop a reliable basis for the automated regulation and enhancement of electrical quality in isolated systems. The specific parameters investigated are power voltage (U), Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion THDu, Current Total Harmonic Distortion THDi, and short-term flicker severity (P_st). Data for this investigation were acquired from an experimental off-grid setup at VSB-Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO), Czech Republic. To assess model performance, we utilised Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as the primary accuracy metric, while simultaneously evaluating computational efficiency in terms of processing speed and memory consumption during testing.

Abstract: Detecting small location shifts in stochastic processes is a fundamental problem in sequential statistical monitoring. Classical procedures such as Shewhart-type schemes, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), and cumulative sum (CUSUM) methods are known to perform well under normality or near-symmetry assumptions; however, their effectiveness may deteriorate substantially in the presence of right-skewed distributions. In such settings, mean-based monitoring statistics are highly sensitive to tail behavior, which may result in delayed detection of small shifts or increased false alarm rates. This paper introduces a novel monitoring scheme, referred to as the Golden Ratio (GR) control chart, designed for detecting small location shifts in right-skewed distributions. The proposed method is constructed using a median-centered statistic combined with a geometrically decaying weighting mechanism derived from the golden ratio. Unlike classical time-based weighting schemes, the GR chart assigns weights according to the rank-based distance from the sample median, thereby attenuating the influence of isolated extreme observations while enhancing sensitivity to persistent distributional shifts. Theoretical properties of the proposed monitoring statistic are investigated, and its run-length behavior is analyzed under non-normal distributions. The performance of the GR chart is evaluated through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and is compared with classical EWMA and CUSUM procedures under Gamma models. The results indicate that the proposed method provides a robust and stable alternative for monitoring skewed processes while maintaining competitive sensitivity to small location shifts. Overall, the GR control chart offers a distribution-aware and theoretically grounded framework for sequential monitoring in asymmetric stochastic environments.

Abstract: The Air-front Smart City (ASC) concept is proposed to address the stagnation of industries in developed countries and stimulate economic growth in developing countries while maintaining a higher quality of life for people and contributing to decarbonization and overall United Nations SDGs in an existing study. However, no studies have been conducted to assess ASC policies. Therefore, this study integrates the integrated accessibility index into the quality of life (QOL) and quality of business (QOB) evaluation models to assess the startup ecosystem in Aichi, Singapore, and Munich within the ASC concept. The study uses survey data conducted in Aichi to estimate monetary values of QOL and QOB component indicators, calculates the integrated accessibility indices, and estimates QOL and QOB. Furthermore, the study sets scenarios to assess the impacts of living and business urban policies in Aichi. Additionally, the study using Aichi parameters compares the startup ecosystem in Singapore and Munich. The result shows that the key drivers of startup attraction are corporate tax rate, economic growth, and safety; enhancing these indicators directly increases startups' QOB, business partners, and residents' QOL. It was found that QOB in Singapore is comparatively higher, whereas QOL is higher in Aichi.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are highly prevalent and encompass a broad range of conditions, including bone fractures and segmental defects, tendinopathies and tendon injury, and cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis, cartilage defects, and intervertebral disc disease. These conditions can arise from diverse causes including trauma and injury, tumor resection, congenital abnormalities, and age-related degeneration. In the past decades, administration of chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) encoding growth factors and transcriptional regulators has demonstrated effectiveness in repairing musculoskeletal tissues in preclinical studies. This review summarizes recent advancements in bone, tendon, cartilage, intervertebral disc, and muscle regeneration achieved through the localized delivery of protein-encoding mRNAs to express therapeutic target proteins. Delivery of cmRNA encoding growth factors such as BMP-2, BMP-9, VEGF, FGF-18, and IGF-1, or transcriptional regulators including Runx1 to various animal models has shown beneficial effects on bone, tendon, cartilage, and muscle injury repair in preclinical models. Alongside these progresses, the advantages and disadvantages of applying chemically modified mRNA for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration are also discussed. While studies show the promise of cmRNA for therapeutic applications in orthopaedic tissue regeneration, more research is required to optimize growth factors and delivery methods, as well as validate long-term safety and efficacy prior to successful translation into new therapies to benefit patients.

Abstract: Accurate monitoring of iron and steel factories is crucial for both economic efficiency and environmental protection. Steel plays a key role in the European (EU) economy, including its green transition, due to its use across numerous strategically important sectors. The EU steelmaking industry is the world’s third largest producer, with sites distributed across more than 20 Member States. Steel plants sustain many regional economies, emphasizing their socio-economic and political significance. Industrial complexes are major heat sources composed of multiple small-scale operating assets, which can be effectively analyzed using heterogenous infrared satellite indicators at medium to high spatial resolution. In this study, for the first time, a multi-source approach integrating two thermal anomaly indices, the Thermal Anomaly Index (TAI) and the Normalized Hotspot Index (NHI), derived from 20m infrared satellite imagery, is proposed. The ArcelorMittal facilities in Asturias, Spain (Avilés and Gijón), operated by the world’s second largest steel producer, were selected to calibrate and validate the methodological framework. Preliminary results show a strong correlation (R2 ≈ 0.7₋1.00) between detected activations (used as proxies for production rates) and ground-truth data (annual crude steel and pig iron production) for 2016˗2024, across multiple spatial scales (from national to individual assets). Application to steelmaking facilities in France and Germany further confirms the robustness of the approach. Independent data on steel production are essential to better assess the environmental impacts of the sector, as production levels are directly linked to emissions and pollution. The satellite-based methodology presented here provides an objective means to quantify steel output where official data are incomplete or unavailable, enabling consistent assessments of national exposure to steelmaking activities and progress toward decarbonization.

Abstract: Background Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a global health priority affecting approximately 30% of the population. It represents the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, potentially progressing from simple ste-atosis to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and hepa-tocellular carcinoma. This review aims to compare current knowledge of MASLD in mouse models and humans, focusing on pathophysiology, histological phenotypes, and the role of preclinical imaging as a non-invasive translational screening tool. Methods The study synthesizes recent evidence (last five years) regarding the multi-factorial aetiology of MASLD, focusing on some of the key aspects in selecting the ap-propriate animal model and on the recent non-invasive techniques applicable to both humans and mice. Results MASLD arises from complex interactions between genetics, sedentary lifestyles, and imbalanced diets. While mouse models have been refined to capture the multifac-torial interplay driving disease progression and are still essential for drug development, no single model fully mirrors the human condition. This process must take into account key variables, including diet composition, mouse strain, the use of genetically modified mice (GEMs), and housing temperature. Histological assessment remains the gold standard for MASLD staging, particularly in mouse models; however, preclinical im-aging is increasingly emerging as a complementary, non-invasive technique for in vivo investigation. Conclusions Rational, fit-for-purpose mouse models are essential to address specific mechanistic and therapeutic questions. Given the multifactorial and heterogeneous na-ture of MASLD, understanding the limitations and strengths of specific mouse models is therefore crucial for translational research. Integrating phenotype-driven approaches in both humans and mice, combining traditional histology, quantitative imaging and metabolic profiling, as well as longitudinal, combinatorial and humanized preclinical models, will enhance translational alignment and accelerate the development of therapies for MASLD.

Abstract: Immunotherapy has shown much promise for blood cancers, which may all be treatable or curable soon, especially if hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are harvested and frozen ahead of time for each individual. Alternatively, if sufficient numbers of HSCs can be produced from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from solid cell types, freezing cells ahead of time would not be necessary. Unfortunately, solid tumors are still extremely difficult to treat. Immunotherapy has helped in some instances for solid tumors, e.g., melanoma - and immunotherapy may eventually be able to cure all solid tumors for reasons that are somewhat unclear currently. However, there may be a more direct way to treat solid tumors. I have written multiple articles about targeting truncal, i.e., clonal, mutations in solid tumors as a means of eliminating them. This would be a treatment specific to each patient. There are thousands of clonal point mutations on average in a solid tumor patient’s cancer. This may essentially ensure that all of a solid tumor patient’s cancer cells could be targeted and eliminated.

Abstract: In this paper we analyze the evolution of atmospheric and surface physical properties on that portion of the Earth covered by the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites over a period of 20 years (from 2005 to 2024). The radiances show significant changes over time in the solar (–1.3 %) and infrared (+0.4%) domains, consistent with data from similar radiometers (e.g. CERES) on other satellite platforms. The outgoing solar radiance (OSR) mainly decreases as a result of low-level cloud reduction in the nominal Meteosat (at 0° longitude) field of view (MFoV) in the geostationary orbit. The increased CO2 content in the atmosphere also plays a decisive role in the radiation imbalance at the top of the atmosphere (ToA). For 60 MFoV subareas we describe regional changes in the cloud amount at high and low levels in the atmosphere, and show the connection between the imbalance at the ToA and the observed variation in the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Atlantic. We also did not find any significant cirrus variation in the study period. Our study provides a better spectral resolution in its conclusions compared with other analyses, such as those of CERES. It also introduces the SST as a major representative of the climate. For example, the radiance values in the atmospheric split window measurements around 11 µm can be used as a proxy for the humidity column at low levels, a key variable in climate projections, which shows a decadal increase. Meteosat data suggests a so-far unpredictable contribution to climate from the deep ocean and its heat reserve. The recent decrease in the total cloud cover (TCC) at low levels in the MFoV is also validated by the ECMWF ERA-5 reanalysis.

Abstract: As AI technologies increasingly play a crucial role in organisational decision-making, ethical frameworks and governance guidelines have been developed to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsible use. However, these governance structures primarily assume that organisations have the formal capacity to oversee AI, without examining whether such capacity is actually present. Empirical evidence on how organisations truly govern AI—and where responsibility is fundamentally lacking—remains scarce. This paper offers an initial empirical delineation of formal AI governance responsibilities across diverse sectors and regions. It employs survey data from 351 organisations to investigate the existence of positions such as Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), AI Ethics Officer, Responsible AI Lead, Algorithmic Auditor, and AI Governance Committees. Furthermore, it analyses variations in these jobs across industries and geographies, as well as their structural characteristics, such as seniority, reporting relationships, authority, and available resources. The research reveals prevalent profiles of governance maturity. The findings indicate that formal roles for AI governance are not consistently implemented and, when they do exist, often lack the necessary authority, resources, and integration at a senior institutional level. Executive-level leadership roles and specialised audit functions are rare, and many organisations operate without any formal AI governance roles despite using AI technologies. The study outlines four profiles of governance maturity: Governance Absence, Symbolic Governance, Operational Governance, and Institutionalised Governance, highlighting that mature governance is often more the exception than the norm. By empirically assessing the presence or absence of AI governance, this research presents an absence-based viewpoint on AI ethics. It indicates that ethical concerns often arise from inadequacies in governance design rather than from flaws in existing frameworks. These results establish a foundational empirical baseline for subsequent studies on how various AI governance models influence compliance, trust, and ethical risks.

Abstract: Soil is among the environmental compartments increasingly affected by microplastics (MPs) contamination, mainly coming from industrial activities, agricultural practices, atmospheric or waterborne transport, and improper waste disposal. Despite the increasing attention to the fate of MPs in soil over the last years, research in this area is still limited compared to aquatic ecosystems. The introduction of MPs into the soil environment can modify both the soil properties and the interactions among soil components, plants and microorganisms, thus affecting also the mobility and availability of other contaminants, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This review critically examines the complex dynamics between MPs and PTEs in the soil ecosystem, in particular in agricultural soils, and the conditions under which MPs can act as a source or a sink of PTEs. Indeed, microplastics can adsorb or complex PTEs on their surfaces, thus reducing their mobility and availability, or release/mobilize PTEs after their degradation or as micro/nano-vectors of PTEs. Understanding such mechanisms is relevant to evaluating the environmental risks associated with the co-presence of MPs and PTEs in soil, a situation very likely to occur in most contaminated sites as well as in soils strongly affected by anthropogenic activities.

Abstract: Background: Supported standing is commonly prescribed for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) to support musculoskeletal health and participation. However, objective data on plantar loading under different positioning conditions are limited, particularly in individuals with severe motor impairment (GMFCS IV–V). This study quantified plantar loading as an operational measure of foot weight-bearing during supported standing across combinations of verticalization angle and hip/knee flexion. Methods: Twenty-six children and adolescents with CP (GMFCS IV–V; 6–17 years) were assessed using a standardized back-supported standing system. Plantar loading was measured with two calibrated force plates at six verticalization angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) combined with four hip/knee flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°). Loading was expressed as percentage of body weight (% BW). Effects were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Plantar loading increased progressively with increasing verticalization angles across all hip/knee flexion conditions. Clinically relevant loading levels (>70% BW) were achieved at a verticalization angle of 60° in most flexion conditions. Maximum plantar loading was observed at 90° verticalization combined with 30° hip/knee flexion (96.4% BW). At 90° verticalization, plantar loading remained substantial even with 45° hip/knee flexion (81.4% BW). Increasing hip/knee flexion did not result in a linear reduction in plantar loading; a significant decrease was observed only at 45° flexion. Conclusion: Verticalization angle is the primary determinant of plantar loading during supported standing in children and adolescents with severe CP. Clinically meaningful plantar loading – and thus effective foot weight-bearing – can be achieved at moderate verticalization angles despite hip and knee flexion, supporting flexible positioning strategies.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Intraoperative methadone has emerged as a significant pharmacological strategy in cardiac surgery to improve postoperative analgesic outcomes and reduce the reliance on rescue short action opioids. This review aims to synthesize evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of intravenous methadone compared to other strategies for postoperative pain control in adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries. Methods: This scoping review relied on electronic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE up to January 2026. From 199 articles retrieved, 41 were included, focusing on analgesic efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic variations during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and cost-effectiveness. Results: The implementation of methadone results in a 30% to 70% reduction in postoperative opioid requirements. Patients experience significantly lower pain scores from 24 to 72 hours and a 20% to 30% improvement in satisfaction regarding their recovery. In pediatric populations (neonates and children), the use of methadone leads to a significant reduction in opioid needs and a high rate of extubation in the operating room. Pharmacokinetically, a 48% drop in methadone concentration occurs during CPB due to hemodilution and sequestration. Safety data confirms that intraoperative use does not prolong mechanical ventilation; however, doses exceeding 0.25 mg/kg are linked to an increased incidence of delirium. Economically, optimized recovery generates savings of up to $6,355 per patient within seven days. Conclusions: Intraoperative methadone is a robust and safe analgesic option for cardiac surgery, including pediatric cases. It offers profound opioid-sparing effects and significant cost reductions, if dosages are carefully managed to minimize delirium risks.

Abstract: Building on a previously proposed coupling between the Maxwell tensor and the Riemann‑Christoffel curvature tensor [Ann. Phys. 465, 169661 (2024)],[i] this manuscript develops the conceptual and foundational implications of that framework, with particular emphasis on source self‑consistency and the unification of electromagnetic and gravitational source terms. The theory eliminates the need for externally introducing charge and mass and instead defines these quantities self-consistently in terms of the theory’s fundamental fields. By construction, all solutions of the theory satisfy the equations of Classical Electrodynamics identically. This approach highlights a conceptual ambiguity in the merger of Classical Electrodynamics and General Relativity, where the standard merger can admit multiple, potentially inequivalent local definitions of mass density. Here, by enforcing source self-consistency, the geometric framework provides a unified and intrinsic foundation for both charge and mass, ensuring compatibility across all equations of motion. Notably, the global symmetries of the theory lead to the emergence of antimatter and dictate its behavior in electromagnetic and gravitational fields, in agreement with classical expectations. Despite the nontrivial integrability conditions imposed by the geometric coupling, exact particle‑like and radiative solutions are presented which illustrate the unification of electromagnetic and gravitational phenomena and demonstrate the constraints imposed by the geometric structure. The results suggest new directions for foundational research, emphasizing the role of internal logical consistency in classical field theory and its potential implications for outstanding problems such as the equivalence principle and the nature of dark matter.

Abstract: This study proposes a unified physical framework integrating conservation-based spatial foundations with discrete spatial quantum mechanics. By leveraging spatial quantum's localized splitting, adjacent capture, and density gradient effects, we develop a coherent explanation for the microscopic origins of gravity, cosmic expansion, dark matter, dark energy, and vacuum energy divergence. The theoretical mechanism posits that the total spatial volume remains strictly conserved, with space composed of indivisible fundamental units called spatial quantum. To maintain energy, momentum, and angular momentum conservation, bound matter continuously undergoes virtual particle processes—quantum information exchanges that require spatial quantum as the minimal physical degree of freedom, leading to their gradual increase over time. Gravity emerges as a geometric dynamics effect driven by spatial quantum density gradients, while cosmic expansion manifests as the continuous fragmentation of this conservation-based foundation into quantum units, observable through the light-cone causality structure. This model serves as a microscopic extension and refinement of general relativity, effectively addressing black hole singularities and Big Bang singularities. Without introducing dark matter particles, dark energy scalar fields, or additional gravitational corrections, it provides a self-consistent explanation for observed phenomena including galactic rotation curves, gravitational lensing, bullet clusters, and super-diffuse galaxies, while mitigating vacuum energy density divergence-induced "vacuum catastrophe" issues. The theory satisfies Lorentz covariance and local causality, featuring a relatively closed underlying structure with minimal assumptions, offering a potential pathway toward constructing a complete, singularity-free unified description of gravity and cosmology.