Functional Areas Research Articles

Deciphering the role of nonylphenol adsorption in soil by microplastics with different polarities and ageing processes.

In the soil environment, microplastics (MPs) commonly coexist with organic pollutants such as nonylphenol (NP), affecting the migration of NP through adsorption/desorption. However, few studies have focused on the interaction between NP and MPs in soil, especially for MPs of different types and ageing characteristics. In this study, non-polar polypropylene (PP) and polar polyamide (PA) MPs were aged either photochemically (144 h) or within soil (60 days), then used to determine the effect of 5 % MPs on the adsorption behaviour of NP (0.1-4.0 mg/L) in soil. Results showed that both ageing processes significantly promoted the conversion of -CH3 groups to C-O and CO on the surface of PPMPs, while PAMPs exhibited amide groups changes and a reduction in average particle size due to ageing. Additionally, both ageing processes promoted the adsorption of NP by soil containing PPMPs, due to an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups and specific surface area. In contrast, the NP adsorption capacity of soil containing PAMPs decreased by 15.4 % following photochemical ageing due to hydrolysis of amide groups, but increased by 21.15 % after soil ageing due to reorganization of amide groups, respectively. The soil-PAMPs systems exhibited a stronger affinity for NP compared to the soil-PPMPs systems, which was primarily attributed to the dominant role of hydrogen bonding. NP was found to be distributed mainly on soil particles in the soil-PPMPs systems, while it tended to be adsorbed by MPs in the soil-PAMPs systems, especially in the soil aged MPs system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex effects of MPs on coexisting pollutants in soil environments, highlighting the effect of MP characteristics on the adsorption of organic pollutants, which is essential for understanding the transport behaviour of organic pollutants.

Intracranial voltage profiles from untangled human deep sources reveal multisource composition and source allocation bias.

Intracranial potentials are used as functional biomarkers of neural networks. As potentials spread away from the source populations, they become mixed in the recordings. In humans, interindividual differences in the gyral architecture of the cortex pose an additional challenge, as functional areas vary in location and extent. We used source separation techniques to disentangle mixing potentials obtained by exploratory deep arrays implanted in epileptic patients of either sex to gain access to the number, location, relative contribution and dynamics of co-active sources. The unique spatial profiles of separated generators made it possible to discern dozens of independent cortical areas for each patient, whose stability maintained even during seizure, enabling the follow up of activity for days and across states. Through matching these profiles to MRI, we associated each with limited portions of sulci and gyri, and determined the local or remote origin of the corresponding sources. We also plotted source-specific 3D coverage across arrays. In average, individual recording sites are contributed to by 3-5 local and distant generators from areas up to several centimeters apart. During seizure, 13-85 % of generators were involved, and a few appeared anew. Significant bias in location assignment using raw potentials is revealed, including numerous false positives when determining the site of origin of a seizure. This is not amended by bipolar montage, which introduce additional errors of its own. In this way, source disentangling reveals the multisource nature and far intracranial spread of potentials in humans, while efficiently addressing patient-specific anatomofunctional cortical divergence.Significance Statement Field potentials are used to better localize zones showing normal and pathological activity. However, as potentials spread throughout the brain volume, they mix with others and make their place of origin uncertain, even when recorded intracranially. We used advanced algorithms to disentangle the activity of each these zones by their unique spatial profiles, which allowed us to determine the 3D outline of normal and epileptic areas and follow their activity for days. Dozens of independent sources per patient can be explored and precisely located. The findings show that standard stereoEEG recordings are contributed by 3-5 populations, which after separation will help to plan clinical intervention to break epileptic networks by more accurately marking epileptic foci and avoiding false positives.

Awake surgery with mapping-based resection to treat focal epilepsy in eloquent brain areas.

Resective surgery is a potential therapeutic option for select patients with intractable focal epilepsy. However, the presence of ictal onset zones within or surrounding highly functional brain areas presents a surgical challenge, leading to poor seizure and functional outcomes. This report describes our experiences with awake mapping-tailored resection of epileptogenic areas involving eloquent cortices and evaluates their feasibility, tolerance, limitations, and significance. The study included patients who underwent surgery for drug-resistant focal epilepsy at our center under awake conditions. The surgical approach aimed to achieve maximum resection of preoperatively defined epileptogenic zones, considering the boundaries defined by surrounding functional areas. We collected data on preoperative evaluations, intraoperative tests and seizures, postoperative status epilepticus, and neurological functional outcomes. We included 22 patients, 10 of whom had non-lesional epilepsy. Language, motor function, and sensory function were at risk in 19, 9, and 4 patients, respectively. Resection was performed as planned in 14 (63.6%) patients, while modifications were necessary in 8 (36.4%) patients due to functional constraints. The mean follow-up duration was 29.8months. Sixteen (72.7%) patients achieved Engel class Ia outcomes, indicating seizure freedom, while none of the patients experienced clinically significant permanent postoperative neurological deficits. Resective surgery with intraoperative brain mapping under awake conditions was a valid treatment option for achieving a cure in cases of drug-resistant focal epilepsy, even in situations in which the condition is considered inoperable due to the risk of significant postoperative neurological deficits.

Calculation of productive capacity: From theory to practice

This article suggests and conceptualizes a methodology for calculating capacity in production processes, applicable to both the manufacturing industry and service companies. Its relevance lies in the fact that a correct dimensioning of the productive capacities of a company is a fundamental aspect, not only for its operations department, but also for the rest of the functional areas of the organization. The study begins with a reflection of the main concepts associated with measuring the capacity of production processes; where the main activities of the methodology stand out: description of the process, time study, capacity calculation and planning; in addition to the concepts of bottleneck and profitability. And it ends with the application of the step-by-step methodology on a case raised about a venture about the sale of fresh sugar cane juice on weekends at a farmer market. In short, it is important to mention that the article also aims to serve as a tool to contribute to the development of the Know-How competencies of future industrial engineers given its importance recognized by the employers sector (Ramírez-Mora, 2023). And, that it serves as an instrument to facilitate the study of students during their hours of independent work in their study plans. (Ramírez-Mora, 2023).

Experiences of treating people with persisting symptoms after COVID-19: a focus group study

Abstract Background A proportion of people who had COVID-19 infection continue to suffer with persistent symptoms. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are recognised as heterogeneous and complex, challenging health services. This study aims to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals dealing with patients suffering from persisting symptoms following COVID-19 infection and their views on the healthcare services response. Methods We held 4 focus groups (n = 19) with healthcare professionals by video-call. Healthcare professionals were recruited using a snowball strategy, taking level of care, healthcare area, and nature of function as diversification criteria. Participants were invited to tell their experiences regarding the following topics: experiences and challenges in providing care to patients with persisting symptoms following COVID-19 infection; usual care pathways; models of care. Data were recorded, transcribed, and anonymized. The qualitative data were submitted to thematic analysis following an inductive approach. A computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (MaxQDA) was used. Results Based on thematic analysis, 4 core themes emerged: uncertainty; new condition, usual challenges; variable standards implementation; personalized and multilevel care. This new condition challenged health services and health professionals to keep adjusting and updating responses in a context of uncertainty, but at the same time revealed the usual challenges and needs for providing timely and integrated care. Health services burden challenges the implementation of care standards. This heterogeneous condition demands a multi-level response, including general information and advice, enabling self-management, and providing rehabilitation. Conclusions Healthcare professionals envision an heterogenous condition, bringing uncertainty to healthcare services. More research, training, and information to the population is required for an appropriate response. Key messages • Persisting symptoms following COVID-19 challenged an already overwhelmed health system, bringing barriers to healthcare standards implementation. • The heterogeneous nature of the condition and the healthcare services burden may leave some people to chance, demanding a diverse set of care.

Unravelling the effect of crystal lattice compression on the supercapacitive performance of hydrothermally grown nanostructured hollandite α-MnO2 induced by incremental growth time

Manganese oxide (α-MnO2) nanoparticles are highly recognised for their use in supercapacitor applications. This study demonstrates the successful synthesis of flower-like and nanorods hollandite α-MnO2 by a simple one-pot hydrothermal technique at various reaction times. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by various physicochemical and electrochemical characterisation techniques. The influence of the various reaction times on the structural and morphological properties was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. XRD patterns revealed that the synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles are tetragonal structures with crystallite sizes ranging from 13.69 to 20.37 nm estimated from the Williamson–Hall method. Moreover, the functional groups and surface area were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Bruner–Emmert–Teller, respectively. Furthermore, the compositional elements were studied by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, the electrochemical performances were studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The GCD characteristics revealed that the optimised α-MnO2 has a good capacitive behaviour, which predicts the potential application in energy storage. Electrochemical studies revealed that the 3 h-MnO2 sample exhibited a superior electrochemical behaviour and demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 132 F/g at a current density of 1A/g.

Current echocardiographic indices for right ventricular function are inadequate to predict patient outcomes in chronic tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Background/Introduction The presence of chronic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can lead to pseudo-normalization of right ventricular (RV) functional indices on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Thus, the current cutoffs for RV free wall strain (FWS), functional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (1) are not optimal for the volume overload associated with TR (2). Purpose We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the current cutoffs for RV FWS (>-23%), FAC (<35%), and TAPSE (<17 mm) in predicting adverse patient outcomes in a multi-centric population with chronic TR. We also evaluated whether interventricular septal shape was correlated with patient outcomes and aimed to develop cutoffs for this novel index. Methods We studied 753 patients (mean age 70.3 ± 15.0 years, 42.5% male) with >mild, medically managed TR who presented to our centers between 2018 and 2023. We measured TR grade (3), RV size, RV FWS, FAC, TAPSE, and eccentricity index (EI) for each patient (Figure 1). We subsequently tracked time to cardiac-related hospitalization or death, whichever came first. Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), we estimated the area-under-the-curve (AUC) for RV FWS, FAC, and TAPSE as well as systolic and diastolic EI in predicting adverse patient outcomes. We used the modified Youden index (4) to analyze the current cutoffs for RV FWS, FAC, and TAPSE and specify novel cutoffs for all indices (including systolic and diastolic EI). Results Over a mean follow-up of 52 ± 16 months, there were 282 hospitalizations and 146 deaths across the 753 patients. AUC values for RV FWS, FAC, and TAPSE in predicting adverse clinical outcomes were 0.54, 0.62, and 0.54, respectively (p < 0.05 each, Figure 2A). Systolic and diastolic EI had the highest AUC (0.86 each, p < 0.0001) and were equivalent to one another in predicting adverse outcomes (Z-score = 0.0471, p = 0.9624) (Figure 2B). Sensitivity and specificity for the current cutoffs for RV FWS, FAC, and TAPSE are shown in Figure 2C. Using maximized Youden indices, the proposed cutoffs for normal RV FWS, FAC, TAPSE, systolic EI, and diastolic EI in chronic TR were ≤-24%, ≥38%, ≥22 mm, <1.3, and <1.3, respectively, which are all notably higher than the currently cutoffs (Figure 2C). Conclusions Given the pseudo-normalization of RV FWS, FAC, and TAPSE in chronic TR, waiting to intervene until these values become "abnormal" (per the current cutoffs) may in fact be too late. Our data suggest that the new cutoffs are needed to identify compensated RV function in the setting of TR. Moreover, interventricular septal shape (assessed via EI) predicts adverse patient outcomes with greater accuracy than conventional indices and should perhaps be incorporated in clinical decision-making.Figure 1.Eccentricity MeasurementFigure 2.ROC Curves for RV Indices

Traffic injury as a medical and sanitary consequence of an emergency of man-made nature in Ukraine. Report four: analysis and characterization of the array of victims depending on the volume of damage

Background. Road traffic injuries always remain a significant medical and social problem for all mankind, and in Ukraine even during the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study: to determine the clinical and nosological characteristics of victims of road traffic accidents according to the extent of damage in road users. Materials and methods. This article is a continuation of the cycle of publications that were previously published in the journal “Emergency Medicine”, that is, it is a component of a comprehensive study. The actual material of the study were 1,696 cases of road traffic injuries formed by the method of irreversible randomization. The resulting array was formed from victims who were injured in the conditions of a metropolis, a regional city, and a rural area. Results. The conducted analysis found that in the total body of the study, 78.25 % of victims of traffic accidents had damage of up to three anatomical and functional areas (AFAs). Greater damage (4–6 AFAs) occurs in 21.75 % of patients. In the array of those who survived, 79.71 % had damage to 4–6 AFAs, in the array of the dead — 34.68 %. The highest mortality rate is 27.78 % when six AFAs are damaged, and the lowest — with one injured AFA (2.37 %). It was also found that among the “drivers” traffic participants, victims with damage to two (31.56 %) and three AFAs (25.58 %) have the highest specific weight. Among the “passengers” traffic participants, victims with damage to two (33.73 %) and one AFA (26.56 %) have the highest specific weight. Among the “pedestrians” traffic participants, victims with damage to two (29.74 %) and three AFAs (25.15 %) have the highest percentage. Conclusions. 1. It was found that a large amount of damage in general causes a greater threat to the life of a victim of traffic accidents, but the trend is non-linear, that is, the survival is affected by other risk-creating factors. 2. All traffic participants in general have a relatively smaller injury (damage to 1–3 anatomical and functional areas). At the same time, the highest specific weight of such trauma is observed among drivers, and the lowest one among pedestrians. 3. There was a significant influence of the sign of participation in traffic and the extent of damage on the outcome of traumatic process in victims of traffic accidents.

Differential postnatal cardiovascular course of donor-recipient twins and associated pathophysiology-a cohort study.

Fetal echocardiography in twin to twin transfusion pregnancies treated with photocoagulation noted impaired cardiac function. Systematic information about cardiac structure or function and arterial distensibility after birth is not available. This study evaluated cardiovascular function and arterial dynamic properties in survivors of twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Eleven pairs of donor-recipient twins were compared with each other, and with 20 singletons of comparable gestational age. The twin cohort was born at 31.5±2 weeks gestational age; birthweights of donors-recipients were comparable (donors: 1358±421g vs recipients: 1617±460g, P=0.2). Significant inter-twin differences were noted for cardiac function parameters. Recipients had greater septal thickness (donors: 2.3±0.15 vs recipients: 2.7±0.36mm, P=0.01) and globularity (lower sphericity index [donors: 1.76±0.1 vs recipients: 1.62±0.12, P=0.009]). They also had lower cardiac function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [donors: 4.6±0.5 vs recipients: 4.1±0.4mm, P=0.02) and right ventricular fractional area change [donors: 30±1 vs recipients: 27.7±1.3%, P=0.0001]). Comparing with singletons, differences were statistically more significant for recipients. Arterial distensibility however, was more affected in donors (higher arterial wall stiffness index [donors: 2.5±0.2 vs recipients: 2.2±0.2, P=0.008] and lower pulsatile diameter [donors: 51±5 vs recipients: 63±10 µm, P<0.0001). Comparing with singletons, the differences were statistically more significant for donors. Evaluation in the neonatal period noted that cardiac function and arterial distensibility is affected in TTTS twins. These cohorts will benefit from close postnatal follow up for resolution of cardiac and arterial impairments.

Exploring the Feasibility of Social Skills Programs for Autistic Youth Through Virtual Reality.

Many autistic individuals may desire support and services primarily in the areas of adaptive functioning and social well-being throughout their lifetime. There is a need for community-informed and person-centered social programs targeted for autistic adolescents and adults. New technology, such as virtual reality (VR), is being researched to assess the feasibility of providing therapeutic services to autistic individuals. This qualitative study aims to better understand and explore the perceptions of parents and autistic adolescents regarding social development and thoughts around social skills interventions delivered through technologies such as VR. Eight autistic adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17, and five parents participated across five focus groups. The focus group interviews were semi-structured, and qualitative data analysis was conducted through an open thematic approach and inductive coding process. Seven primary themes with sub-themes were identified throughout the focus group interview discussions: Social Skills of the participating autistic adolescents as reported by their parents and by self-report, Family Dynamics affecting social relationships within the family, Social Skills Goals both groups hoped to develop and improve, the existence and quality of In-Person vs. Online Friendships, Experience/Comfort With Technology, Openness to Virtual Environments, and Concerns for Virtual Environments. Researchers identified these themes across both parent and adolescent focus groups. This study provides guidance to the research community on investigating different innovative approaches for offering a social program that is supported by autistic individuals.

New paradigms of 2D layered material self-driven photodetectors.

By virtue of the high carrier mobility, diverse electronic band structures, excellent electrostatic tunability, easy integration, and strong light-harvesting capability, 2D layered materials (2DLMs) have emerged as compelling contenders in the realm of photodetection and ushered in a new era of optoelectronic industry. In contrast to powered devices, self-driven photodetectors boast a wealth of advantages, notably low dark current, superior signal-to-noise ratio, low energy consumption, and exceptional compactness. Nevertheless, the construction of self-driven 2DLM photodetectors based on traditional p-n, homo-type, or Schottky heterojunctions, predominantly adopting a vertical configuration, confronts insurmountable dilemmas such as intricate fabrication procedures, sophisticated equipment, and formidable interface issues. In recent years, worldwide researchers have been devoted to pursuing exceptional strategies aimed at achieving the self-driven characteristics. This comprehensive review offers a methodical survey of the emergent paradigms toward self-driven photodetectors constructed from 2DLMs. Firstly, the burgeoning approaches employed to realize diverse self-driven 2DLM photodetectors are compiled, encompassing strategies such as strain modulation, thickness tailoring, structural engineering, asymmetric ferroelectric gating, asymmetric contacts (including work function, contact length, and contact area), ferroelectricity-enabled bulk photovoltaic effect, asymmetric optical antennas, among others, with a keen eye on the fundamental physical mechanisms that underpin them. Subsequently, the prevalent challenges within this research landscape are outlined, and the corresponding potential approaches for overcoming these obstacles are proposed. On the whole, this review highlights new device engineering avenues for the implementation of bias-free, high-performance, and highly integrated 2DLM optoelectronic devices.

Successful entrepreneurship, higher education and society: from business practice to academia

This research explores the coverage of success factors for entrepreneurship in higher education through the lens of the actual practice in prosperous company launchings. Accordingly, the paper analyzes how universities prioritize the importance of the success factors in entrepreneurship identified by business practitioners. Through the text analysis of a set of syllabi of courses on entrepreneurship we find that the success factors underlined in the teaching-learning process are the idea, business model, CEO, finance, and marketing. The exploration of a collection of recent papers on entrepreneurship education suggests that the factors emphasized by researchers are CEO, social impact, team, and formation. We find differences in the teaching-learning and research spheres regarding the ranking of success factors. Teaching-learning focuses on more traditional aspects of entrepreneurship and firm management, associated with key functional areas in companies. Research, in contrast, emphasizes social and psychological aspects and pays more attention to recent trends in management, like gender, diversity, and social impact. This suggests that research enjoys more flexibility and capacity for quick adaptation to new trends and ideas in society than teaching. Our findings imply that the process of teaching-learning in entrepreneurship must strive to remain closer to the reality of firms to prioritize the transmission and development of knowledge and skills more in accord with business practice.

The utilisation of fMRI for pre-operative mapping in the paediatric population with central nervous system tumours: a systematic review.

Functional MRI (fMRI) is a well-established tool for pre-operative planning, providing neurosurgeons with a roadmap of critical functional areas to preserve during surgery. Despite its increasing use, there is a need to compare task-based (tb-fMRI) and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) in the peadiatric population to comprehensively evaluate the existing literature on the use of fMRI for pre-operative mapping in pediatric patients, comparing tb-fMRI and rs-fMRI. Two databases were searched for relevant studies published before July 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines. Eleven studies were selected and comprised 431 participants: 377 patients with different types and locations of brain tumours, and 54 healthy controls (HC). Results indicate that tb-fMRI could reliably locate the eloquent cortex with more than an 80% success rate. Furthermore, results were comparable with intraoperative mapping. Two studies reported that 68-81% of patients did not develop deficits in the postoperative period. Results also found that rs-fMRI can fill the gap in the situation of paediatric patients when other techniques do not apply to younger patients. This study suggests that tb-fMRI is more effective for pre-operative mapping in pediatric patients, offering precise localisation of critical brain functions and enhancing surgical planning. Although rs-fMRI is less demanding and compatible with light sedation, it lacks the specificity needed for accurate identification of language, sensory, and motor areas, which limits its clinical relevance. rs-fMRI can aid in function-preserving treatments for brain tumour patients and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Combining tb-fMRI with intraoperative mapping optimizes precision and safety in pediatric-neurosurgery.

Growing green: Exploring the drivers of citizens’ participation in Italian urban and peri-urban forestation governance

Urban and peri-urban forests (UPUFs) are essential components of urban landscapes that offer multiple benefits to local communities, above all to those who live in large cities. This realization has fueled the interest of the scientific community in understanding citizens’ attitudes and perceptions towards UPUFs, focusing on the diverse ecosystem services they provide in social and environmental terms. However, less attention has been paid to the citizens’ perceptions and attitudes about UPUFs in relation to their willingness to participate in their governance. This quantitative study aims to address this gap by identifying the main factors that affect citizens’ participation in UPUFs governance. Conducted in large Italian Metropolitan Functional Urban Areas, composed of a city and its commuting zone, with a population above 500,000 inhabitants, this study provides valuable insights into citizens’ willingness to participate in UPUFs governance. Results indicate that citizens' socio-demographic factors (especially education, age, and income) and the frequency of visits impact their perception of UPUFs. High positive perceptions of environmental quality and low perceptions of the negative impact of UPUFs promote active participation in governance, especially among young citizens with heightened green space sensitivity, among those dissatisfied with current green space management and those advocating for effective communication campaigns. These findings can provide a practicable scientific reference for municipalities to refine their corresponding decision-making and communication, and to devise effective urban forest programs.

Measuring and modelling functional moat area in perennially ice-covered Lake Fryxell, Antarctica

ABSTRACT The perennially ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs), Antarctica, are an important reservoir of liquid water in an arid and largely frozen environment. During the austral summer, the margins of these ice covers melt, forming a “moat” of liquid water and thin ice, allowing exchange between lake waters and the atmosphere to occur and serving as an interface between lake, soil, and stream ecosystems. The size of these moats varies from year to year. Here, we have established the first published record of moat area changes at MDVs’ Lake Fryxell through time using manual traces of the moat as observed via satellite imagery. We have also tested a semi-automated approach for measuring moat area and found that it consistently underestimated the manual record, which we suspect may be due to the lower spatial resolution of images used in this versus the manual approach. Finally, we developed a predictive model based on readily available climate data, allowing moat area to be predicted beyond the limits of the satellite-based records. We found that functional moat area varies annually, potentially influencing ecosystem processes in the moats.

Serum proteomic changes related to residual impairment in remittent depression are associated with immune and inflammatory processes.

In patients with major depressive disorder, various functional areas are impaired, negatively impacting the quality of life. Remission can restore pre-depression functions; however, some patients may still have residual impairments. Distinguishing between near-normal recovery and residual impairment helps identify those at a high risk of relapse risk and helps tailor treatment. Accordingly, we aimed to discover and validate biomarkers that distinguish between near-normal recovery and residual impairment in remission states through serum proteome analysis. Pooled serum and individual serum samples from three groups (depression status, remission status with residual impairment, and remission status with normal recovery) were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The combination of four proteins-antithrombin-III, serum amyloid A4 protein, C1q subcomponent subunit B, and serum amyloid P-component-was selected as a candidate biomarker. The trend of protein changes suggests complement C1q subcomponent subunit B and serum amyloid P-component as potential biomarkers for distinguishing remission from residual impairment. Changes in complement C1q subcomponent subunit B and serum amyloid P-component suggest that the complement system and inflammation-related immune mechanisms are associated with residual impairment in remittent major depressive disorder.

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use and Assessment of Carbon Stocks in Terrestrial Ecosystems Based on SD-PLUS-InVEST Coupled Modeling in Nanjing City

In the context of achieving the goal of carbon neutrality, exploring the changes in land demand and ecological carbon stocks under future scenarios at the urban level is important for optimizing regional ecosystem services and developing a land-use structure consistent with sustainable development strategies. We propose a framework of a coupled system dynamics (SD) model, patch generation land-use simulation (PLUS) model, and integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model to dynamically simulate the spatial and temporal changes of land use and land-cover change (LUCC) and ecosystem carbon stocks under the NDS (natural development scenario), EPS (ecological protection scenario), RES (rapid expansion scenario), and HDS (high-quality development scenario) in Nanjing from 2020 to 2040. From 2005 to 2020, the expansion rate of construction land in Nanjing reached 50.76%, a large amount of ecological land shifted to construction land, and the ecological carbon stock declined dramatically. Compared with 2020, the ecosystem carbon stocks of the EPS and HDS increased by 2.4 × 106 t and 1.5 × 106 t, respectively, with a sizable ecological effect. It has been calculated that forest and cultivated land are the two largest carbon pools in Nanjing, and the conservation of both is decisive for the future carbon stock. It is necessary to focus on enhancing the carbon stock of forest ecosystems while designating differentiated carbon sink enhancement plans based on the characteristics of other land types. Fully realizing the carbon sink potential of each ecological functional area will help Nanjing achieve its carbon neutrality goal. The results of the study not only reveal the challenges of ecological conservation in Nanjing but also provide useful guidance for enhancing the carbon stock of urban terrestrial ecosystems and formulating land-use planning in line with sustainable development strategies.

Implementation of Information System at SD Laboratorium UNG

This research aims to find out the implementation of the human resource information system at SD Laboratorium UNG. The purpose of the information system is to help organize all functional areas of human resource management efficiently. SD Laboratorium UNG is a school that has been accredited as superior. This mini-research was conducted using a qualitative approach and data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation, and data presentation was carried out using a descriptive approach, in the form of words, writing, or oral from the subjects observed, namely the principal and teachers. Based on the mini research that has been carried out, the results show that the implementation of the Human Resource Management System at SD Laboratorium UNG has been carried out, but it has not been carried out optimally, but the school has been able to utilize the development of information and communication technology for the progress of the school towards a better direction. The applications used at SD Laboratorium UNG are Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Email, Zoom, Google Drive, WhatsApp, Ms.Word, Ms.Exel, and JunioSmart.

The designing of magnetic nanomaterials synthesis and applications in dye degradation: a review.

Numerous activities, including rapid industrialization, population increase, and agricultural practices, have continuously contaminated freshwater resources. One of the main risks to aquatic life and human health is water pollution, which can lead to a number of extremely dangerous illnesses, includingcancer, asthma, and gastrointestinal problems. The contaminated wastewater could be cleaned using a variety of traditional and cutting-edge techniques. In order to solve these problems, scientists have been investigating a number of treatment techniques, such as adsorption, which uses adsorbents to effectively and selectively remove particular pollutants. Adsorption is the most widely used economical and effective method for treating wastewater and eliminating dangerous contaminants. The surface characteristics of the adsorbents utilized, such as their surface area and availability of functional groups, are what primarily determine the efficacy of adsorption. Since different carbon derivatives derived from waste are used as adsorbents to remove harmful pollutants, nanomaterials have been used as effective adsorbents in recent times because of their superior surface qualities. Particularly magnetite (Fe3O4), magnetic adsorbents have shown great promise as an adsorbent material for water filtration. It is appropriate for the adsorption of numerous pollutants due to its large surface area, supermagnetism, and simplicity of functionalization. In order to eliminate harmful contaminants including heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from wastewater, this review paper critically examined the synthesis of nanomaterials, with a focus on green synthesis. It is anticipated that this kind of multidisciplinary research would lead to more advancements in advanced nanotechnology and nanoscience in the water treatment industry.

Trait-based ecology, trait-free ecology, and in between.

Trait-based ecology has become a popular phrase. But all species have traits, and their contributions to ecological processes are governed by those traits. So then, is not all ecology trait-based? Actually, there do exist areas of ecology that are consciously trait-free, such as neutral theory and species abundance distributions. But much of ecology could be considered actually or potentially trait-based. A spectrum is described, from trait-free through trait-implicit and trait-explicit to trait-centric. Trait-centric ecology includes positioning ecological strategies along trait dimensions, with a view to inferring commonalities and to generalizing from species studied in more detail. Trait-explicit includes physiological and functional ecology, and areas of community ecology and ecosystem function that invoke traits. Trait-implicit topics are those where it is important that species are different, but formulations did not initially characterize the differences via traits. Subsequently, strands within these trait-implicit topics have often moved towards making use of species traits, so the boundary with trait-explicit is permeable. Trait-based ecology is productive because of the dialogue between understanding processes in detail, via traits that relate most closely, and generalizing across many species, via traits that can be compared widely. An enduring key question for trait-based ecology is which traits for which processes.