Search Results (278)

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are secreted by microalgae and contribute to protecting cells from damage induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, the response mechanism of Chlorella sp. to Cd(II) stress as well as associated changes in the chemical properties (including functional groups and composition) of soluble EPS (SL-EPS), loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS), and tightly bound EPS (TB- EPS) in this microalga, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of EPS in enabling Chlorella sp. to resist Cd(II) stress. The results demonstrated that Cd(II) stress resulted in a significant inhibition of algal, chlorophyll a (Chl a) contents, and maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of Chlorella sp., with 7 d EC₃₀ of 6 mg/L. Nevertheless, Cd(II) exposure significantly increased both superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and EPS content. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis revealed that differences existed in the functional groups involved in Cd(II) binding across algal cell density, SL-EPS, LB-EPS, and TB-EPS. The carboxyl group was identified as the most prominent functional group and were found to play a crucial role in the adsorption of Cd(II). Additionally, Tryptophan-like protein substance in EPS may be the main component binding with Cd(II) in Chlorella sp. This study indicated that Chlorella sp. resisted Cd(II) stress by increasing SOD activity and EPS content, with protein-like substance containing tryptophan proteins in EPS which could also contribute to protection against Cd stress. Full article

Furunculosis caused by Aeromonas salmonicida is one of the most common diseases in aquaculture, leading to significant economic losses. This study comprehensively investigated the dynamics of pathophysiological and histopathological disorders in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) infected with the moderately virulent strain A. salmonicida SL0n. Whole-genome analysis showed that strain SL0n belongs to the A. salmonicida species complex, possessing a single circular chromosome. The genome encodes a wide range of virulence factors, including adhesion systems (type IV pili, fimbriae), toxins (aerolysin, hemolysins), and a type II secretion system (T2SS), but notably lacks plasmids and a type III secretion system (T3SS). This genomic profile likely dictates a pathogenic mechanism reliant on secreted exotoxins (via T2SS), explaining the observed systemic cytotoxic damage. In an acute experiment, the 4-day LD₅₀ was determined to be 1.63 × 10⁶ CFU/fish. In a prolonged experiment, fish were injected with a sublethal dose (1.22 × 10⁶ CFU/fish—75% of LD50). The disease progressed through three consecutive stages. The early stage (1–2 DPI) was characterized by maximal bacterial load and activation of nonspecific immunity. The acute stage (4 DPI) manifested as severe septicemia and anemia, associated with systemic organ damage, which correlated with peak AST and ALT enzyme activity. The recovery stage (6 DPI) was marked by partial regression of inflammation, key biochemical and histological parameters indicated persistent liver and kidney dysfunction, signifying an incomplete recovery. These results demonstrate the pathogenesis of acute furunculosis and reveal that the genomic profile of the SL0n strain causes a sequential, systemic infection characterized by severe organ dysfunction. Full article

It is well known that temperature strongly affects the photovoltaic (PV) performance. Raising the working temperature leads to a significant decrease in PV output of the power capacity, and it also lowers power conversion efficiency. This issue is highly important for the PV systems operating in tropical climate areas such as southern Viet Nam. Developing the cooling methods applied for reducing the PV module temperature might be the solution to this problem and has attracted many researchers and industrial sectors. However, the existing research might not sufficiently address the comparative evaluation of multiple active water-based cooling methods on power conservation efficiency, power output, and cost implications under high-temperature conditions in tropical areas. This study is a case study that aims at conducting some experimental investigations for active water-based cooling methods applied to PV modules in Ho Chi Minh City, South Viet Nam. There are four active water-based cooling methods, including the spraying liquid method (SL), the dripping droplet method (DD), tube heat exchanger method (TE), and the liquid flowing on the PV surface method (LF), that have been developed and experimentally investigated. The voltage, current, temperature, and humidity of the PV cells have been automatically recorded in every one-minute interval via sensors and electronic devices. The experimental results indicate that the surface temperature, the power conversion efficiency, and the output power of PV module are developed toward the useful and positive direction with four cooling methods. In detail, the SL is the best one, in which it leads the PV temperature to reduce from 52 °C to 34–35 °C, the output power increases up to 6.3%, its power conversion efficiency improves up to 2%, while the water flow rate is at its lowest with 0.65 L/min. Similarly, LF also creates results that are similar to SL, but it needs a higher amount of cooling water, which is up to 3.27 L/min. The other methods, like DD and TE, have less power conversion efficiency compared to the SL; it improves only around 1 to 1.3%. These results might be useful for improving the benefits of PV power generation in some tropical regions and contributing to the green energy development in the world. Full article

The successful integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks (T/NTNs) in 6G is poised to revolutionize demanding domains like Earth Observation (EO) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs). Still, it requires Distributed Machine Learning (DML) frameworks that are scalable, private, and efficient. Existing methods, such as Federated Learning (FL) and Split Learning (SL), face critical limitations in terms of client computation burden and latency. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel hierarchical DML paradigm. We first introduce Federated Split Transfer Learning (FSTL), a foundational framework that synergizes FL, SL, and Transfer Learning (TL) to enable efficient, privacy-preserving learning within a single client group. We then extend this concept to the Generalized FSTL (GFSTL) framework, a scalable, multi-group architecture designed for complex and large-scale networks. GFSTL orchestrates parallel training across multiple client groups managed by intermediate servers (RSUs/HAPs) and aggregates them at a higher-level central server, significantly enhancing performance. We apply this framework to a unified T/NTN architecture that seamlessly integrates vehicular, aerial, and satellite assets, enabling advanced applications in 6G ITS and EO. Comprehensive simulations using the YOLOv5 model on the Cityscapes dataset validate our approach. The results show that GFSTL not only achieves faster convergence and higher detection accuracy but also substantially reduces communication overhead compared to baseline FL, and critically, both detection accuracy and end-to-end latency remain essentially invariant as the number of participating users grows, making GFSTL especially well suited for large-scale heterogeneous 6G ITS deployments. We also provide a formal latency decomposition and analysis that explains this scaling behavior. This work establishes GFSTL as a robust and practical solution for enabling the intelligent, connected, and resilient ecosystems required for next-generation transportation and environmental monitoring. Full article

Background: The aim of this experimental pilot study was to evaluate the effect of pore volume and material composition on bone ingrowth into a resorbable poly-L-lactide-CaCO₃/CaP scaffold. Methods: Cylindric scaffolds of 7 mm diameter and 5 mm height and two different degrees of porosity were produced using selective laser sintering of poly-L-lactide-powder containing 24% CaCO₃ spherulites with and without surface modification with 4% CaP. Six minipigs received the four types of macroporous cylindrical scaffolds, inserted press fit into trephine defects of the tibial metaphyses, and left to heal for 4 and 13 weeks in three animals each. The specimens were evaluated using µCT for pore volume fill, and histomorphometry for bone formation and immunohistochemistry for expression of osteocalcin. Results: After 4 weeks, newly formed bone ranged from 2.73 mm² to 5.28 mm² mean total area. Mean pore volume fill varied between 12.25% and 20.35% and the average level of osteocalcin expression ranged from 2.49 mm² to 4.48 mm² mean total area. No significant differences were found between the different scaffolds. After 13 weeks, bone formation and pore fill volume had significantly increased in all scaffold groups up to a mean value of 14.79 mm² and 96.04%, respectively. Again, differences between the groups were not significant. Conclusions: The tested SLS produced scaffolds allowed for bone ingrowth, almost completely filling the pore volume after 13 weeks. Newly formed bone was in direct contact with the scaffold walls. Differences in pore volume did not account for significant differences in bone formation inside the scaffolds. The addition of CaP likewise did not lead to increased bone formation, most likely due to low availability of CaP to the biological environment. Full article

Ammonia, as a promising carbon-neutral fuel, has attracted growing attention for blended combustion applications from academia to industry. Low-NO_x-combustion strategies such as staged combustion, oxygen-enriched combustion, and exhaust gas recirculation may lead to ammonia combustion in CO₂-rich and NO-rich environments. In this work, the laminar burning velocities (S_L) in NH₃/CH₄/O₂/NO/CO₂ flames with various ammonia blended ratios under atmospheric pressure were investigated using the heat flux method. The addition of NO to the oxidizer significantly enhances S_L, with the enhancement factor ξ proportional to the NO fraction in the oxidizer and strongly dependent on the fuel composition. Chemical effects rather than thermal-diffusion effects dominate the enhancement of S_L. Kinetic analysis shows that NO actively participates in the reaction network during the early flame stage, promoting the formation of key radicals such as H and OH through pathways like NH₂ + NO = NNH + OH and NNH = N₂ + H, thereby accelerating chain-branching and sustaining flame propagation. Full article

Jasmonates (JAs) are crucial phytohormones governing plant growth and defense against stresses. This review synthesizes the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying JA crosstalk with key hormones: auxin (AU), gibberellin (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), brassinosteroids (BRs), strigolactones (SLs), and salicylic acid (SA). We focus on interactions during development and stress adaptation, highlighting how these range from synergistic (e.g., JA-ABA/ET in defense, JA-AU in root growth) to antagonistic (e.g., JA-SA in pathogen response, JA-GA/BRs in growth processes). Central to this crosstalk are key regulatory nodes like the MYC2 transcription factor and JAZ repressor proteins, which integrate signals through transcription factor networks, targeted protein degradation, and post-translational modifications. By elucidating these molecular pathways, our review establishes a framework for understanding the complex regulatory logic of hormone interactions. Furthermore, it offers insights for the strategic engineering of hormone signaling (e.g., modulating JAZ stability or MYC2 activity) to enhance crop resilience to environmental challenges. Full article

(1) Background: In today’s digital society, challenges like cyberbullying, harmful social media use, and unhealthy digital habits demand innovative and inclusive educational responses. This study investigates the potential of service-learning (SL) and electronic service-learning (e-SL) as experiential approaches to enhance digital well-being among youth. By actively engaging students, educators, and community stakeholders in co-designed projects, SL/e-SL promotes critical awareness, digital citizenship, and prosocial values while addressing digital risks. (2) Methods: This review offers a literature-based analysis of existing programs and good practices that apply experiential education to encourage responsible digital engagement. It explores SL and e-SL experiences across various educational settings. (3) Results: The findings show that SL and e-SL can be effective educational tools, creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in tackling digital issues and building inclusive spaces where students, faculty, and communities collaborate to foster digital literacy and well-being. The analysis also led to the development of quality standards for SL and e-SL practices that promote digital well-being. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights key implications for teaching, underscoring the value of integrative pedagogies that connect experiential learning to digital challenges, promoting a more inclusive and responsible digital culture. Full article

Heterobasidion root rot fungi represent a major threat to conifer forest stands, and virocontrol (biocontrol) has been proposed as an alternative strategy of disease management in recent years. Here, we investigated the occurrence of RNA viruses and viroid-like genomes in Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato in near-natural forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dinaric Alps), a region previously unexplored in this regard. Seventeen H. annosum s.l. isolates were screened for virus presence by RNA Sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. In total, 32 distinct mycoviruses were discovered in the datasets, 26 of which were previously unknown. The detected viruses represent two dsRNA (Partitiviridae and Curvulaviridae), six linear ssRNA (Mitoviridae, Narnaviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Virgaviridae, Benyviridae, and Deltaflexiviridae) and three circular ssRNA (Dumbiviridae, Quambiviridae, and Trimbiviridae) virus families. In addition to the known circular ambiviruses with their hammerhead (HHRz) and hairpin (HPRz) ribozymes, two other smaller non-coding circular RNAs of ca. 910 bp each were identified encoding HHRz and deltavirus (DVRz) ribozymes in both polarities of their genomes. This study documents the first report of a putative viroid-like RNA agent in Heterobasidion, along with beny-like and deltaflexivirus-like viruses in Heterobasidion abietinum, and expands the known virosphere of Heterobasidion species in Southeastern European forests. Full article

The mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber deposit from northern Myanmar is currently a promising locality for reconstructing Cretaceous bryophyte floras. However, the vast majority of bryophyte fossils reported from Kachin amber are epiphytic leafy liverworts of Porellales and pleurocarpous mosses of Hypnodendrales, while acrocarpous mosses are rarely discovered. In addition, terrestrial-to-lithophytic bryophytes have never been reported from Kachin amber. In this study, we describe three new species of acrocarpous mosses, Calymperites proboscideus sp. nov., Calymperites chenianus sp. nov., and Ditrichites aristatus sp. nov. (Dicranales s.l.), based on 34 whole plants and 11 fragments embedded in 13 pieces of Kachin amber. Calymperites chenianus is an epiphytic species based on the connection to a bark fragment, while the other two species are the first terrestrial-to-lithophytic bryophytes from Kachin amber, based on the attachment of rhizoids to soil or rock. Calymperites chenianus and Calymperites proboscideus probably represent stem group members of Calymperaceae. Ditrichites aristatus is likely a member of Ditrichaceae or Dicranaceae. These new findings provide compelling evidence for palaeoecological habitat reconstruction of acrocarpous mosses and significantly expand our understanding of the species diversity of bryophyte communities in the Cretaceous amber forest of Myanmar. Full article

In this work, we examine the correlation between financial inclusion and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors of sustainable development with the assistance of an exhaustive panel dataset of 103 emerging and developing economies spanning 2011 to 2022. The “Account Age” variable, standing for financial inclusion, is the share of adults owning accounts with formal financial institutions or with the providers of mobile money services, inclusive of both conventional and digital entry points. Methodologically, the article follows an econometric approach with panel data regressions, supplemented by Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) with instrumental variables in order to control endogeneity biases. ESG-specific instruments like climate resilience indicators and digital penetration measures are utilized for the purpose of robustness. As a companion approach, the paper follows machine learning techniques, applying a set of algorithms either for regression or for clustering for the purpose of detecting non-linearities and discerning ESG-inclusion typologies for the sample of countries. Results reflect that financial inclusion is, in the Environmental pillar, significantly associated with contemporary sustainability activity such as consumption of green energy, extent of protected area, and value added by agriculture, while reliance on traditional agriculture, measured by land use and value added by agriculture, decreases inclusion. For the Social pillar, expenditure on education, internet, sanitation, and gender equity are prominent inclusion facilitators, while engagement with the informal labor market exhibits a suppressing function. For the Governance pillar, anti-corruption activity and patent filing activity are inclusive, while diminishing regulatory quality, possibly by way of digital governance gaps, has a negative correlation. Policy implications are substantial: the research suggests that development dividends from a multi-dimensional approach can be had through enhancing financial inclusion. Policies that intersect financial access with upgrading the environment, social expenditure, and institutional reconstitution can simultaneously support sustainability targets. These are the most applicable lessons for the policy-makers and development professionals concerned with the attainment of the SDGs, specifically over the regions of the Global South, where the trinity of climate resilience, social fairness, and institutional renovation most significantly manifests. Full article

Wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Pst) resistance and agronomic traits are crucial determinants of wheat yield. Elucidating the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these essential traits can furnish valuable genetic resources for improving both the yield potential and disease resistance in wheat. Lantian 31 is an excellent Chinese winter wheat cultivar; multi-environment phenotyping across three ecological regions (2022–2024) confirmed stable adult-plant resistance (IT 1–2; DS < 30%) against predominant Chinese Pst races (CYR31–CYR34), alongside superior thousand-kernel weight (TKW) and kernel morphology. Here, we dissected the genetic architecture of these traits using a total of 234 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Lantian 31 and the susceptible cultivar Avocet S (AvS). Genotyping with a 15K SNP array, complemented by 660K SNP-derived KASP and SSR markers, identified four stable QTLs for stripe rust resistance (QYrlt.swust-1B, -1D, -2D, -6B) and eight QTLs governing plant height (PH), spike length (SL), and kernel traits. Notably, QYrlt.swust-1B (1BL; 29.9% phenotypic variance) likely represents the pleiotropic Yr29/Lr46 locus, while QYrlt.swust-1D (1DL; 22.9% variance) is the first reported APR locus on chromosome 1DL. A pleiotropic cluster on 1B (670.4–689.9 Mb) concurrently enhanced the TKW and the kernel width and area, demonstrating Lantian 31’s dual utility as a resistance and yield donor. The integrated genotyping pipeline—combining 15K SNP discovery, 660K SNP fine-mapping, and KASP validation—precisely delimited QYrlt.swust-1B to a 1.5 Mb interval, offering a cost-effective model for QTL resolution in common wheat. This work provides breeder-friendly markers and a genetic roadmap for pyramiding durable resistance and yield traits in wheat breeding programs. Full article

Background: Casein kinase I-like (CKL) protein is a member of the serine/threonine kinase CKI family and plays a pivotal regulatory role in various eukaryotic cellular processes, including stress responses. Objectives: This study aims to systematically identify the CKL gene family in the tomato genome and investigate its responsiveness to abiotic stress. Methods: Members of SlCKL were identified through genome-wide bioinformatics analysis, and their physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, cis-acting elements, cross-species collinearity, and tissue expression profiles were comprehensively analyzed. The expression patterns of SlCKL genes under abiotic stress were validated using real-time quantitative PCR. Results: A total of 16 SlCKL genes were identified and classified into three subfamilies (I–III), which are unevenly distributed across nine chromosomes, predominantly clustered at the ends. The gene structure, motifs, and functional domains exhibit high conservation. Collinearity analysis revealed stronger synteny between tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana or pepper compared to rice, maize, or tobacco, suggesting a common ancestral origin. The tissue expression profile indicates that SlCKLs are preferentially transcribed in roots. Promoter analysis and qRT-PCR validation demonstrated differential responses of SlCKLs to various abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt, heat, cold, and ABA treatment. Conclusions: This study represents the first systematic identification of the tomato SlCKL gene family, elucidating its evolutionary relationships, structural characteristics, tissue-specific expression patterns, and differential responsiveness to abiotic stress, thereby providing a critical foundation for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying CKL-mediated abiotic stress adaptation in tomatoes. Full article

This study investigated how corporate maturity—measured through firm age and lifecycle stage—moderates the value relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures in a frontier market context, using Bangladesh as a case study. Drawing on panel data from 2011–2012 to 2023–2024 for 86 publicly listed non-financial firms, the study employed a modified Ohlson valuation framework, panel regression analysis, and multiple robustness techniques (2SLS, PSM). ESG disclosure was measured using a researcher-developed index aligned with international reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, UN SDGs). ESG disclosures are positively associated with firm value, but this relationship is significantly moderated by corporate maturity. Younger firms exhibit a stronger valuation effect from ESG transparency, driven by higher signaling and legitimacy needs. In contrast, mature firms experience a diminished marginal benefit, reflecting routine compliance rather than strategic differentiation. These findings challenge the uniform application of ESG assessment models and suggest the need for lifecycle-adjusted disclosure ratings, particularly in nascent regulatory environments like Bangladesh. Investors and regulators should tailor ESG evaluation criteria by firm age and industry sustainability exposure. Younger firms, often overlooked, may carry outsized ESG signaling value in emerging markets. Enhancing ESG transparency among younger firms can foster greater stakeholder trust, support inclusive growth, and strengthen social accountability in emerging economies. This study contributes to the ESG literature by introducing corporate maturity as a key moderating variable in value relevance analysis. It provides new empirical insights from a developing economy and proposes lifecycle-based adaptations to global ESG rating methodologies. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) originating from road dust is an increasing concern in urban air quality, particularly as non-exhaust emissions from tire–pavement interactions gain prominence. Existing models often focus on meteorological and traffic-related variables while oversimplifying pavement surface characteristics, limiting their applicability across diverse spatial and traffic conditions. This study investigates the influence of concrete pavement macrotexture—specifically the Mean Texture Depth (MTD) and surface wavelength—on PM₁₀ resuspension. Field data were collected using a vehicle-mounted DustTrak 8530 sensor following the TRAKER protocol, enabling real-time monitoring near the tire–pavement interface. A multivariable linear regression model was used to evaluate the effects of MTD, wavelength, and the interaction between silt loading (sL) and PM₁₀ content, achieving a high adjusted R² of 0.765. The surface wavelength and sL–PM₁₀ interaction were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The PM₁₀ concentrations increased with the MTD up to a threshold of approximately 1.4 mm, after which the trend plateaued. A short wavelength (<4 mm) resulted in 30–50% higher PM₁₀ emissions compared to a longer wavelength (>30 mm), likely due to enhanced air-pumping effects caused by more frequent aggregate contact. Among pavement types, Transverse Tining (T.Tining) exhibited the highest emissions due to its high MTD and short wavelength, whereas Exposed Aggregate Concrete Pavement (EACP) and the Next-Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS) showed lower emissions with a moderate MTD (1.0–1.4 mm) and longer wavelength. Mechanistically, a low MTD means there is a lack of sufficient voids for dust retention but generates less turbulence, producing moderate emissions. In contrast, a high MTD combined with a very short wavelength intensifies tire contact and localized air pumping, increasing emissions. Therefore, an intermediate MTD and moderate wavelength configuration appears optimal, balancing dust retention with minimized turbulence. These findings offer a texture-informed framework for integrating pavement surface characteristics into PM emission models, supporting sustainable and emission-conscious pavement design. Full article