Search Results (10,969)

Social conflict over rangeland-use priorities, especially near protected areas, has long pitted environmental and biodiversity conservation interests against livestock livelihoods. Social–ecological conflict limits management adaptation and creativity while reinforcing social and disciplinary divisions. It can also reduce rancher access to land and negatively affect wildlife conservation. Communities increasingly expect research organizations to address complex social dynamics to improve opportunities for multiple ecosystem service delivery on rangelands. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), an area of the western US, long-standing disagreements among actors who argue for the use of the land for livestock and those who prioritize wildlife are limiting conservation and ranching livelihoods. Researchers at the USDA-ARS US Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) along with University and societal partners are responding to these challenges using a collaborative adaptive management (CAM) methodology. The USSES Rangeland Collaboratory is a living laboratory project leveraging the resources of a federal range sheep research ranch operating across sagebrush steppe ecosystems in Clark County, Idaho, and montane/subalpine landscapes in Beaverhead County, Montana. The project places stakeholders, including ranchers, conservation groups, and government land managers, in the decision-making seat for a participatory case study. This involves adaptive management planning related to grazing and livestock–wildlife management decisions for two ranch-scale rangeland management scenarios, one modeled after a traditional range sheep operation and the second, a more intensified operation with no use of summer ranges. We discuss the extent to which the CAM approach creates opportunities for multi-directional learning among participants and evaluate trade-offs among preferred management systems through participatory ranch-scale grazing research. In a complex system where the needs and goals of various actors are misaligned across spatiotemporal, disciplinary, and social–ecological scales, CAM creates a structure and methods to focus on social learning and land management knowledge creation. Full article

The accuracy of ultrasonic rangefinders is crucial for mobile robotic navigation systems, yet environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind conditions can influence ultrasonic speed in the air. The primary objective is to investigate how environmental factors influence the output signal of an ultrasonic emitter and to develop a method for improving the accuracy of distance measurements in both outdoor and indoor settings. The research employs a combination of theoretical modeling, statistical analysis, and experimental validation. The research employs an ultrasonic rangefinder integrated with environmental sensors (BME280, Bosch Sensortec GmbH, Kusterdingen, Germany) and wind sensors (WMT700, WINDCAP^®, Vaisala Oyj, Vantaa, Finland) to account for environmental influences. Experimental studies were conducted using a prototype ultrasonic rangefinder, and statistical analysis (Student’s t-test) was performed on collected data. The results of estimation by Student’s t-test for 256 measurements demonstrate the maximum effect of air temperature and the minimum effect of relative air humidity on a piezoelectric emitter output signal both outdoors and indoors. In addition, wind parameters affect the rangefinder’s operation. The maximum range of obstacle detection depends on the reflection coefficient of the material that covers the obstacle. The results align with theoretical expectations for highly reflective surfaces. A cascade-forward artificial neural network model was developed to refine distance estimations. This study demonstrates the importance of considering environmental factors in ultrasonic rangefinder systems for mobile robots. By integrating environmental sensors and using statistical analysis, the accuracy of distance measurements can be significantly improved. The results contribute to the development of more reliable navigation systems for mobile robots operating in diverse environments. Full article

Particle number concentration and size distribution in Jordan (in the Middle East) is still not comprehensive. In this study, a simple aerosol portable setup was used to measure size-fractioned aerosol number and mass concentrations with different particle diameter fractions (0.01–10 µm) in different regions inside Karak city and roads connecting Amman, Madaba, Karak, and Tafila, Jordan. The mean submicron particle number concentrations (PN₁) in Karak governorate, Madaba, Tafila, and Amman were 2.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 3.7 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 4.1 × 10⁴ cm⁻³ and 5.2 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, respectively. On all roads leading to Karak governorate, the mean PN₁ was within 1.5 × 10⁴–3.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, except on Madaba-Karak Road which exhibited a lower mean concentration (6.4 × 10³ cm⁻³). In the Amman–Madaba road, the PN₁ was 4.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³. Inside the Karak governorate, mean PN₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ concentrations were 1.0 × 10⁴–3.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 10–15 µg m⁻³, and 27–200 µg m⁻³, respectively. Considering local roads inside Karak city, the mean concentrations were 2.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 12 µg m⁻³, and 109 µg m⁻³, respectively. This study highlights the important need to monitor and understand aerosol number and mass concentrations not only in the Karak governorate, which is affected by various environmental factors, but also in other surrounding regions. The results provide valuable insights into air quality and its potential impact on public health and the local environment. Future research is needed to focus on long-term PM levels monitoring, identifying key emission sources, and developing strategies to mitigate air pollution. Collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and local communities is essential to create effective environmental management plans and promote sustainable practices to improve air quality in the region. Full article

Concrete, a cornerstone of modern construction, owes its widespread adoption to global industrialization and urbanization, with mortar being an essential component. However, the cement production process is energy-intensive and generates significant CO₂ emissions. This study explores the use of agricultural (rice husk ash, RHA) and industrial (waste marble powder, WMP) waste materials as partial cement replacements in mortar. Despite extensive research on RHA and WMP individually, studies examining their combined effects remain scarce. This research assessed cement replacement levels from 0% to 30% in 5% increments, evaluating the fresh, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of the mortar. The findings showed that replacing 20% of cement with RHA and WMP increased compressive strength by 20.65% after 28 days, attributed to improved homogeneity and pozzolanic reactions that produced more calcium silicate hydrate. Water absorption decreased from 8.3% to 6.34%, indicating lower porosity and enhanced uniformity. Microstructural analyzes showed a denser mortar with 13% less mass loss at 20% replacement level. However, higher replacement levels reduced workability due to the increased surface area of RHA and WMP. Generally, using RHA and WMP as partial replacements of up to 20% significantly enhances mortar properties and supports sustainability. Full article

Curcumin is recognized for its diverse biological activities, including the ability to induce apoptosis and ferroptosis. Therefore, it represents a promising candidate for the development of new compounds with neuroprotective and anticancer properties. In order to synthesize mimics with improved pharmacokinetic properties (better solubility and stability than curcumin) here, we present the design and synthesis of novel curcumin analogues named Ethylphosphonate-based curcumin mimics (EPs), which preserve the pharmacophoric features of curcumin. New EP mimics were synthesized by tyrosol- and melatonin-based building blocks using an orthogonal protection approach of the different precursors’ OH functions with good yields and in a few steps. Comparative screenings of the cytotoxic and cytoprotective properties (curcumin was used as a reference compound) were carried out on all new mimics in different cell lines (HeLa, A375, WM266, MDA-MB-231, LX2, and HDF). Assays with inhibitors of ferroptosis (Ferrostatin-1, Fer-1) and apoptosis (Quinoline-Val-Asp-difluorophenoxymethyl ketone, Q-VD), in combination with curcumin, suggested the specific cell death pathway (apoptotic or ferroptotic) of EPs, depending on the aromatic moieties contained in them. Interestingly, EP4 exhibited substantial cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines (HeLa, A375, WM266) while sparing normal cells (HDFs). EP4 displayed a five-times-higher toxicity in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and LX2 stellate cells than curcumin. The cytotoxicity exerted by EP4 involves only an apoptotic mechanism, contrary to curcumin, which exerts both apoptotic and ferroptotic effects. Additionally, EP4 was also found to be a very potent inhibitor of the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, reinforcing the anticancer potential of this compound. Furthermore, EP2 possesses high antioxidant properties, efficiently protects against cell death by ferroptosis, and inhibits the amyloid aggregation involved in AD. Full article

Consumption of non-alcoholic beer (NAB) is continuously increasing in many countries. NABs are produced with varying technologies, resulting in different sensory properties. Previous studies have focused on understanding the consumers’ acceptance and preferences among different types of NAB. However, few studies have focused on the sensory characterization of commercial NABs produced with different methods. This study aimed to find key sensory characteristics in lager, Indian pale ale, and pilsner-type NABs with untrained panels by conducting tests in Finland and China. Participants were asked to Check-All-That-Apply for odors and Rate-All-That-Apply for flavors. Additionally, hedonic responses to odor and flavor pleasantness were rated. Chinese participants used more different and more often-used attributes to describe NABs. More varying descriptors were used on the NAB samples chosen as the most pleasant ones, indicating more complex sensory properties. Participants from both locations preferred lager-type beers characterized as ‘fresh’ odor and ‘fruity’, ‘floral’, and ‘sweet’ flavors and less frequently found Indian-pale-ale-type NABs pleasant, describing them as ‘sour’, ‘bitter’, ‘fermented’, and ‘pungent’ flavors. The flavor pleasantness correlated more with the samples frequently chosen as the most pleasant than odor pleasantness. No clear connection was found between the production method of NAB and consumers’ acceptance, demonstrating that all production methods can be used to produce non-alcoholic beers with sensory properties acceptable to consumers. Full article

A simple algorithm for respiratory activity detection in data produced by Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radars is presented in this paper. The proposed computational architecture can be directly mapped onto custom digital–analog VLSI hardware, which is a unique approach in research on intelligent FMCW sensor development, offering a potential energy-efficient data analysis solution for target applications, such as preventing human trafficking or providing life-sign detection under limited visibility. The algorithm comprises two main modules. The first one summarizes radar-produced data into a descriptor reflecting the amount of motion that occurs within appropriately determined time intervals. The second one classifies a sequence of the produced descriptors using a recurrent neural network composed of gated recurrent units. To ensure the algorithm’s implementation feasibility, an analog VLSI circuit comprising its main functional blocks has been designed, manufactured, and tested, providing constraints for neural model derivation. The adverse effects of the primary constraint, the severe restriction on admissible weight resolution, have been handled by introducing a novel training loss component and a simple mechanism for diversifying the effective weight sets of different network neurons. Experimental evaluation of the presented method, performed using the dataset of indoor recordings, indicates that the proposed simple, hardware implementation-friendly algorithm provides over 94% human detection accuracy and similar F1 scores. Full article

Chemical–structural characteristics of three differently synthesized research-benchmark Mn-Na-W-O_x/SiO₂ catalysts for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane (OCM) were systematically studied in this research. XRD, EDX, ICP-OES, and SEM/FIB-SEM techniques, as well as Carrier Gas Hot Extraction (CGHE) and high-temperature XRD analyses, were performed to explain the functional features of the studied catalysts, in particular, the features affecting the quantity and quality of the interactions of oxygen and methane with the catalyst surface and with other molecular and radical species. These enable tracking the potential for the oxygen activation and dynamic transformation of the solid-state chemistry on the surface and sub-surface of these Mn-Na-W-O_x/SiO₂ catalysts. These catalysts were synthesized, respectively, via the sol–gel synthesis method (Cat₁) and the incipient wetness impregnation of the non-structured silica support (Cat₂) and structured SBA-15 silica support (Cat₃), under different sets of temperatures and gas compositions. The catalysts with the homogenous distribution of active components, namely Cat₁ and Cat₃, showed similar trends in terms of their dynamic interaction with oxygen species. They also showed higher levels of crystallinity of the active materials and higher catalytic selectivity towards ethane and ethylene. An explanation is given as to how the structural characteristics of the catalysts on the nanometer–micrometer scale contribute to these. The gained knowledge will be crucial in the selection and treatment of the support and developing a proper synthesis approach for the ultimate goal of designing a selective OCM catalyst. Full article

Using mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM), the mineral systems approach enables the identification of geological indicators linked to ore formation. This approach streamlines exploration by minimizing the time and cost required to identify areas with the highest mineral potential. With its extensive till cover and dense forests limiting bedrock exposure, New Brunswick provides an ideal environment to test this approach. The New Brunswick portion of the Canadian Appalachians hosts a diverse range of gold deposits and occurrences that formed during various stages of the Appalachian orogeny. In northern New Brunswick and the adjacent Gaspé Peninsula, the Tobique–Chaleur Zone contains several orogenic and epithermal gold systems that are closely associated with a large-scale crustal fault and its offshoots, i.e., the long-lived trans-crustal Rocky Brook–Millstream Fault system. To identify favorable zones for epithermal gold mineralization in northwestern New Brunswick, this study employed MPM by translating key mineral system components—such as ore metal sources, fluid pathways, traps, and geological controls—into mappable criteria for regional-scale analysis. The data were modeled through the integration of knowledge-based and data-driven methods, including fuzzy logic, geometric average, and logistic regression approaches. The concentration–area (C–A) fractal model was applied to reclassify the final maps based on prospectivity values obtained from these three approaches, dividing the mineral prospectivity maps into six classes, with threshold values emphasizing high-favorability zones. The fuzzy overlay model had the highest predictive accuracy (AUC 0.97), followed by the geometric average model (AUC 0.93), whereas the logistic regression identified more tightly constrained high-potential zones. In the prospectivity models, known epithermal gold mineralization consistently overlaps with regions of high favorability. This suggests a positive result from the use of MPM, indicating that this approach could be applicable to other regions and types of ore deposits. Full article

Background: Genetic diversity in closed populations, such as pedigree dogs, is of concern for maintaining the health and vitality of the population in the face of evolving challenges. Measures of genetic diversity rely upon estimates of homozygosity without consideration of whether the homozygosity is desirable or undesirable or if heterozygosity has a functional impact. Pedigree coefficients of inbreeding have been the classical approach yet they are inadequate unless based upon the entire population. Methods: Homozygosity measures based upon pedigree analyses (n = 11,898), SNP array data (n = 244), and whole genome sequencing (n = 23) were compared in the Bearded Collie, as well as a comparison of SNP array data to a pedigree cohort (n = 5042) and a mixed-breed cohort (n = 1171). Results: Molecular measures based upon DNA are more informative on an individual’s homozygosity levels than pedigree analyses, although SNP coefficients of inbreeding overestimate the level of inbreeding based on the nature of SNP array methodology. Whole genome sequence (WGS) analyses revealed that the heterozygosity observed is generally in variants having neutral or low impact, which would indicate that the variability may not contribute substantially to functional diversity in the population. The majority of high-impact variants were observed in the shortest runs of homozygosity (ROH) reflecting ancestral breeding and domestication practices. As expected, mixed-breed dogs displayed higher measures of genomic diversity than either Bearded Collies or other pedigree dogs as a whole using the current paradigm algorithm models to calculate homozygosity. Conclusions: Using typical DNA-based measures reflect only a single individual and not the population thereby failing to account for regions of homozygosity that reflect ancestral breeding, domestication history, breed-defining regions, or regions positively selected for health traits. Incorporating measures of genetic diversity into dog breeding schemes is meritorious. However, until measures of diversity can distinguish between breed-defining homozygosity and homozygosity associated with positive health alleles, the measures to use as selection tools need refinement before their widespread implementation. Full article

Porous asphalt mixtures play a pivotal role in enhancing pavement drainage capacity and traffic safety, where the performance of asphalt binder constitutes a determining factor. This study introduces an innovative advancement through the development of a high-viscoelastic modifier and corresponding modified asphalt based on SBS-modified asphalt, coupled with optimized preparation protocols. The optimal composition and dosage of the modifier were systematically determined through standardized tests including penetration, ductility, softening point, and bending beam rheometer (BBR) analysis. A comprehensive evaluation of road performance was conducted on two porous asphalt mixtures, namely conventional SBS-modified asphalt versus the novel high-viscoelastic modified asphalt (designated as 10-A). Experimental protocols encompassed high-temperature rutting resistance tests, low-temperature beam bending tests, freeze–thaw splitting tests, two-point bending fatigue tests, accelerated abrasion tests, and dynamic friction tester (DFT) measurements. The results demonstrate that the 10-A-modified mixture exhibits superior high- and low-temperature performance. Notably, its fatigue resistance and skid resistance showed minimal divergence from conventional SBS-modified asphalt, attributable to physicochemical crosslinking interactions among antioxidants, resins, and stabilizers. This research elucidates the synergistic mechanism of components within the 10-A modifier system. The proposed high-viscoelastic asphalt formulation meets the technical requirements for functional drainage asphalt mixtures while providing material-level support for implementing sponge city initiatives. Full article

Bullying poses significant challenges to adolescent health and well-being. This time-trend study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bullying behaviors and associated emotional and behavioral difficulties among Greek adolescents. Data were collected from two cross-sectional surveys in 2016 (n = 1574) and 2023 (n = 5753) conducted in Greece. Both samples comprised students aged 12–16 years, with near-equal gender distribution (2016, 53.4% girls; 2023, 54.5% girls) and a predominance of urban residents (approximately 73% in both samples). Traditional and cyberbullying experiences were assessed via structured questionnaires, while mental health outcomes were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Post-pandemic findings revealed substantial increases in bullying involvement; traditional bullying victimization rose from 12.4% to 21.7%, and cyberbullying victimization increased from 4.0% to 11.6%. Correspondingly, mean SDQ total scores increased significantly from 8.59 to 14.16, reflecting heightened emotional and behavioral problems. Logistic regression analyses identified male gender, urban residence, and non-traditional family structures as significant predictors of bullying involvement. These results underscore the amplified burden of bullying and mental health difficulties in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address both traditional and cyberbullying within diverse sociodemographic contexts. Full article

This study revealed a significant reduction in tree growth across northern Fennoscandia following the 1600 AD eruption of Huaynaputina in Peru, the most powerful volcanic event in South America over the past two millennia. In the analysis, we utilized six tree-ring chronologies, which included the Finnish super-long chronology (5634 BC–2004 AD), the Kola Peninsula chronology (1445–2004 AD), and historical chronologies derived from old wooden churches in Finnish Lapland and Karelia, Russia. Using a superposed epoch analysis across these chronologies revealed a significant 24% (p < 0.01) decline in tree-ring growth in 1601 compared to the previous six years. The northernmost records, the Finnish super-long chronology (72%, p < 0.001) and the Sodankylä Old Church chronology (67%, p < 0.001), showed the most pronounced decreases. Statistical analysis confirmed significant (p < 0.05) similarities in tree-ring responses across all chronologies from 1601 to 1608. These findings underscore the reliability of using the 1600 Huaynaputina eruption as a chronological marker for dating historic wooden churches in northern Fennoscandia that were likely built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Additionally, analyzing church wood may provide insights into past climate patterns and environmental conditions linked to the eruption. Full article

Influenza A virus is responsible for annual epidemics and occasional pandemics leading to significant mortality and morbidity in human populations. Parainfluenza viruses also contribute to lung infections and chronic lung disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of high glucose on the productivity of influenza A and Sendai (murine parainfluenza type 1) viruses in A549 immortalized cells. A glycolytic pattern of infection was determined by monitoring the release of lactate and phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity in infected and uninfected cells. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of viral and cellular cytokine mRNA levels in cultured cells. The data show that the productivity of both influenza and Sendai viruses was reduced in A549 cells cultured in high-glucose conditions. This was accompanied by increased lactate production and altered PFK activity profile. Endogenous or virus infection-induced interferon β (IFN-β) mRNA expression was significantly decreased in high glucose compared to normal glucose status during early times of infection. Unlike in Sendai virus-infected cells, H1N1 virus reversed the significant increase in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA expression due to increased glucose concentration during early infection times. In conclusion, high glucose may have a negative effect on influenza and parainfluenza productivity in vitro. This effect may be considered when evaluating personalized therapeutic/diagnostic markers in infection-accompanied hyperglycemic status. Full article

Synthetic and natural fibers are widely used in the textile industry. Natural fibers include cellulose-based materials like cotton, and regenerated fibers like viscose as well as protein-based fibers such as silk and wool. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, include PET and polyamides (like nylon). Due to significant differences in their chemistry, distinct dyeing processes are required, each generating specific waste. For example, cellulose fibers exhibit chemical inertness toward dyes, necessitating chemical auxiliaries that contribute to wastewater contamination, whereas synthetic fibers are a major source of non-biodegradable microplastic emissions. Addressing the environmental impact of fiber processing requires a deep molecular-level understanding to enable informed decision-making. This manuscript emphasizes potential solutions, particularly through the biodegradation of textile materials and related chemical waste, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes clean water and sanitation. For instance, cost-effective methods using enzymes or microbes can aid in processing the fibers and their associated dyeing solutions while also addressing textile wastewater, which contains high concentrations of unreacted dyes, salts, and other highly water-soluble pollutants. This paper covers different aspects of fiber chemistry, dyeing, degradation mechanisms, and the chemical waste produced by the textile industry, while highlighting microbial-based strategies for waste mitigation. The integration of microbes not only offers a solution for managing large volumes of textile waste but also paves the way for sustainable technologies. Full article