Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Smart Materials in Green Architecture: The Role of ETFE and Phase Change Materials in Sustainable Building Design

Given the importance of energy in achieving environmental sustainability in green buildings, one of the most significant solutions is to reduce physical building consumption and instead use renewable energy to prevent the depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution. Utilizing advanced technologies and intelligent systems in architecture is one of the methods that can achieve energy management in buildings and ensure comfortable conditions for the occupants of green buildings. In the field of future-oriented architecture, it is expected that in the future, materials and technologies developed over the past century will define the different challenges ahead to elevate sustainable development in the building industry. Using solar energy, one of the latest innovations in buildings, and other measures such as ETFE panels (a green roof idea with an intelligent system) and thermochromic materials, which change color to minimize heat exchange between interior and exterior spaces of the building, show that today's world faces energy crises. The use of smart materials tailored to environmental conditions can significantly impact building design and have beneficial effects in terms of compatibility with the environment, increased lifespan of materials, and the adaptability of materials to changing weather conditions, thus aiding in achieving sustainable architecture. Therefore, this article aims to introduce intelligent materials and their applications and benefits in green building architecture based on library studies. The primary goal is to identify and highlight the most crucial aspects of using intelligent materials and their performance in buildings and how these materials behave and perform in architectural designs. The best way to leverage the benefits of these smart energy-saving materials and management for achieving sustainable architecture will be discussed.

Trophic niche adaptation of mountain frogs around the Sichuan Basin: individual specialization and response to climate variations

BackgroundClimatic and geographic variations have profound effects on the resource utilization of individuals and populations. Evaluating resource use in different environments is crucial for understanding species ecological adaptation strategies and promoting biodiversity conservation. Stable isotopes are widely used to assess trophic niches, providing quantitative indicators of ecological interactions between organisms and resource use in ecosystems. This study assesses the trophic niche traits of spiny-bellied frogs (Quasipaa boulengeri) in the marginal mountains of the Sichuan Basin in southwestern China using stable isotopes. Trophic niche variation under different time periods and environmental conditions is explored.ResultsThe spiny-bellied frogs experienced a significant reduction in trophic niche width during the past breeding season. The populations in the northwestern Sichuan Basin had a greater trophic niche width than the southeastern populations, and their δ15N values showed a positive correlation with temperature seasonality and a negative correlation with annual precipitation. Despite differences between the northwestern and southeastern populations, there was a consistent trend of increased individual specialization with latitude in both the northwestern and southeastern regions.ConclusionsOntogenetic niche shifts and differences in trophic niche traits between the northwestern and southeastern populations indicate diverse adaptation strategies in mountain frogs. The findings underscore the impact of geographical and climate variations on the resource utilization of amphibians. In addition, patterns of individual specialization highlight the significance of considering intra- and interpopulational changes when studying ecological adaptation.

The influence of post-glacial migration and hybridization on the gene pool of marginal Quercus pubescens populations in Central Europe.

In Central Europe, the drought-tolerant downy oak (Quercus pubescens) is at the northern edge of its natural distribution range, often growing in small and spatially isolated populations. Here, we elucidate how the population genetic structure of Central European Q. pubescens was shaped by geographic barriers, genetic drift and introgression with the closely related sessile oak (Q. petraea). 27 Q. pubescens populations from the northern margin of Q. pubescens' natural distribution range were sampled. Based on 16 nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSRs), Bayesian clustering and distance-based analyses were performed to determine the intraspecific genetic structure and to identify genetic barriers. To identify drivers of introgression with Q. petraea, generalised linear models were applied to link levels of introgression with environmental conditions. To track post-glacial migration routes, the spatial distribution of haplotypes based on 8 chloroplast microsatellite markers (cpSSRs) was investigated. Based on nSSRs, the study populations of Q. pubescens were divided into a western and an eastern genetic cluster. Within these clusters, more pronounced genetic substructure was observed in the west, probably due to a rugged topography and limited gene flow. Introgression from Q. petraea was more prevalent at wetter and north-exposed sites and in the west. The identified cpSSR haplotypes followed known migration pathways. Our results suggest two late-glacial refugia in or near the southwestern Alps and the southeastern Alps as potential sources for post-glacial migration. Although some genetic exchange is evident in Northern Italy, south of the Alps, the two clusters remain distinct at a large scale. Landscape features and introgression with Q. petraea shaped the genetic substructure at a smaller scale. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic structure of Q. pubescens in Central Europe, relevant for conservation.

MULTI-PROXY PALEOENVIRONMENTAL AND PALEOECOLOGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FOREMOST FORMATION (UPPER CRETACEOUS, CAMPANIAN) OF ALBERTA

Abstract The Foremost Formation of southern Alberta, Canada, is the basal member of the Cretaceous (Campanian) Belly River Group and has been understudied relative to the overlying Oldman and Dinosaur Park formations of this group. Here we describe and analyze the sedimentology, foraminiferal micropaleontology, vertebrate microsite paleoecology, and paleoenvironmental conditions of the Foremost Formation. Outcrop of the Foremost Formation is characterized by estuarine and shallow marine facies that transition upward into coastal/fluvial facies that accumulated during the Claggett marine regression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). This is consistent with at least two rapid transgressive events driven by local subsidence interrupting the overall regressive phase of the Claggett marine cycle, creating the aggrading profile in the lower portion of the sections measured here, and suggesting that orogenic buildup in the Rocky Mountains and its associated basin subsidence were a controlling factor of local deposition in the WIS. A low abundance, low diversity agglutinated benthic foraminiferal fauna suggests frequently stressed oxygen and salinity conditions in marginal marine environments. Vertebrate microsite faunas display a mixed freshwater to brackish water environmental influence, with an increase in diversity upsection in conjunction with increased freshwater influence. Among dinosaurs, ceratopsids and ankylosaurs experience notable relative abundance decreases through the Foremost Formation and into the lower Oldman Formation, potentially reflecting preference for coastal habitats and/or plant resources relative to other terrestrial herbivores.

City as a filter: urban density affects taxonomic and functional diversity of foliage dwelling spiders

ContextUrbanization affects landscape structure, functions and local environmental conditions, with major impacts on biodiversity. An evaluation of its effects on biodiversity, including both taxonomic and functional diversity, is thus compelling, with a specific focus on taxonomic groups providing fundamental ecosystem services. Spiders are ideal biological models for urban ecology studies because they are renowned bioindicators and can be found abundantly along urbanization gradients.ObjectivesIn this work, we aim at evaluating the filtering role exerted by urbanization at landscape scale on foliage-dwelling spider communities both at functional and taxonomic level.MethodsWe assessed the response of foliage-dwelling spiders to urbanization in Torino (NW-Italy), by sampling their communities in urban parks along an urbanization gradient and in a control area located in a nearby natural park. We tested their response in terms of taxonomic and functional diversity to urban density and six landscape metrics. Results of statistical models (GLMMs) were used to predict values of the current biodiversity in the city and its values under different future scenarios of urbanization (i.e. 2040, 2050).ResultsSpider abundance and species richness decreased in the city compared to the control area and along the urbanization gradient. Variation in the community composition was mostly due to species replacement (67%) within the control area, and to species loss in the urban area (62%). This pattern was mostly due to the loss of specialized foraging guilds, such as pollinator-feeding spiders. Functional dissimilarity among samples within the urban area was mostly explained by functional loss (69%), suggesting an environmental filter favoring species preadapted to urban conditions. By projecting biodiversity measures in two “greener city” scenarios, we identified 8 priority areas in the city where management actions should be implemented.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the role of urbanization in shaping spider communities, favoring generalist species and specific functional traits. The prediction on future scenarios proved to be useful to identify areas where increasing the surface of urban parks may contribute most effectively to spider biodiversity.

Effects of hypoxia on uteroplacental and fetoplacental vascular function during pregnancy

During pregnancy, marked changes in vasculature occur. The placenta is developed, and uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulations are established. These processes may be negatively affected by genetic anomalies, maternal environment (i.e., obesity or diabetes), and environmental conditions such as pollutants and hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia has detrimental effects on the vascular adaptations to pregnancy and fetal growth. The typical pregnancy-dependent rise in uterine blood flow by vascular remodeling and vasodilation of maternal uterine arteries is reduced, leading to increases in vascular tone. These maladaptations may lead to complications such as fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia. In this review, the effect of hypoxia on uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulation and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in humans and animal models are discussed. Evidence is provided for several mechanisms that affect pregnancy through hypoxia-induced alterations. Future directions to fill gaps in knowledge and develop therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate hypoxia-related pregnancy complications, such as FGR and preeclampsia, are suggested.

Perinatal Photoperiod Has Long-Term Effects on the Rest-Activity Cycle and Sleep in Male and Female Mice.

Environmental light conditions during development can have long-lasting effects on the physiology and behavior of an animal. Photoperiod, a clear example of environmental light conditions, is detected by and coded in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. It is therefore possible that differences observed in behavior in adulthood after exposure to different perinatal photoperiods are caused by lasting changes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus or alternatively, in other nuclei affected by perinatal photoperiod. It can then be expected that behavior with strong circadian aspects, like rest-activity and sleep, are affected by difference in photoperiod during development as well. To investigate this further, we exposed mice to different photoperiods during their development in the womb until weaning (long: 16 h of light, 8 h of darkness; short: 8 h of light, 16 h of darkness). After weaning, the animals were exposed to a 12 h:12 h light:dark cycle for at least 3 more weeks and some animals were subsequently exposed to constant darkness. We assessed their rest-activity patterns by recording voluntary locomotor activity and used EEG recordings to determine sleep architecture and electroencephalographic spectral density. Perinatal long photoperiod animals showed a shorter duration of locomotor activity than short photoperiod-developed mice in a 12:12 light-dark cycle. This difference disappeared in constant darkness. In the light phase, that is, during the day, perinatal long photoperiod mice spent less time awake and more time in NREM sleep than short photoperiod-developed mice. No effects of perinatal photoperiod were observed in the EEG spectral density or in response to sleep deprivation. We see lasting differences in behavioral locomotor activity and sleep in female and male mice after exposure to different perinatal photoperiods. We conclude that perinatal photoperiod programs a developing mammal for different external conditions and changes brain physiology, which in turn results in long-lasting, possibly even permanent, changes in the sleep and locomotor activity.

Optimal Harvest Maturity Changes Depending on the Season Throughout the Year in Papaya Grown in Mediterranean Climate-Improved Greenhouses

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is highly appreciated worldwide for its organoleptic properties and its nutritional and medicinal value. The optimal fruit quality for market requirements is determined by genotype, environmental conditions, and crop management, as well as fruit handling at harvest and adequate postharvest conservation. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal maturity stage, based on skin color, at which to harvest papayas grown in Mediterranean greenhouses with active climate control in south-east Spain, depending on the harvest season. We confirm that it is possible to produce high-quality papayas in our conditions, but the optimal harvest maturity stage in each season, along with the postharvest storage capacity, vary throughout the year, even with active climate control. Thus, 10% yellow skin color (S0) is the optimal for harvesting in autumn, mainly due to its better conservation capacity and firmness, having a high TSS content (>11 °Brix). In summer and spring, the lower TSS content discourages harvesting at S0, with S1 (30–40% yellow skin color) or S2 (50–60% yellow skin color) being the optimal stages for harvest to ensure the minimum TSS content required for papaya commercialization (10 °Brix). In any case, papayas produced under our conditions are generally well rated by consumers.

Exploring the influence of age and diet on gut microbiota development in children during the first 5 years: a study from Yaoundé, Cameroon

IntroductionThe development of the human gut microbiota is shaped by factors like delivery mode, infant feeding practices, maternal diet, and environmental conditions. Diet plays a pivotal role in determining the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which in turn impacts immune development and overall health during this critical period. The early years, which are vital for microbial shaping, highlight a gap in understanding how the shift from milk-based diets to solid foods influences gut microbiota development in infants and young children, particularly in Yaoundé, Cameroon.MethodsThis study involved an analysis of the gut microbiota composition in 70 children aged ≤5 years through 16S rDNA gene metagenomic sequencing of fecal metagenomic DNA. The participants were grouped into four age categories: 0–6 months, 7–12 months, 13–24 months, and 25–60 months.ResultsWe observed a reduction in microbial diversity in the younger age groups, which increased progressively with age. At the taxonomic level, our analysis identified Firmicutes as the predominant phylum, with its abundance rising in older age groups, suggesting a maturation of the microbiota characterized by distinct genera associations. In the 0–6 month age group, we noted an enrichment of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which may play a crucial role in modulating and supporting immune system development during infancy. After 6 months, we found a higher prevalence of Clostridium, Bacillus, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium, which are associated with fiber fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).ConclusionThese findings underscore the influence of milk products and complementary diets on gut microbiota across various age groups, promoting increased diversity essential for healthy gut development. More such studies in the LMICs would augment and strengthen understanding towards functional microbiome.

Unlocking the pharmacological potential of Brennnesselwurzel (Urtica dioica L.): an in-depth study on multifaceted biological activities

Brennnesselwurzel (Urtica dioica L.) is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. With a range of chemical constituents, such as vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, fibers, and amino acids, Brennnesselwurzel (BWE) has a long history of traditional medicinal use in Europe and Asia. The correlation between a plant's metabolite composition and its activity can vary depending on considerations such as geographic location, environmental conditions, and genetic variations. In the present study, we explore the phytochemical profile and biological activity of the 70% acetone extract of the BWE plant. The chemical profile of the BWE extract was explored using several techniques, including amino acid analyzer, HPLC, GC–MS, and other colorimetric analysis. The antioxidant activity of the BWE extract was assessed by evaluating the total antioxidant, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2), and metal chelating scavenging activity (FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelating). Furthermore, we assessed the antimicrobial and antiproliferation activities of the BWE extract against 29 microbial strains and 15 cell lines, respectively. Our phytochemical analyzes revealed that the BWE extract has a unique profile of metabolites including amino acids, flavonoids, phenolics, volatile oils, lipids, and vitamins. The BWE extract showed a total antioxidant capacity of 30.94 ± 1.58 mg GAE/g, together with potential free radical scavenging activity towards ABTS (IC50 = 153.51 ± 3.97 µg/ml), DPPH (IC50 = 195.75 ± 5.91 µg/ml), and H2O2 (IC50 = 230.67 ± 5.98 µg/ml). Although the BWE extract showed no significant antifungal activity, our findings revealed that the BWE extract possesses substantial antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidi, Streptococcus mutants, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus sp., Klebsiella pneumonia and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Furthermore, the BWE extract demonstrated potential antiproliferative activity toward a panel of cancer cell lines with a high selectivity index. Among the cells examined, the BWE extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity toward HCT-116, A-549, MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 of 15.11, 15.32, 15.79 µg/mL, respectively, while it possessed no significant cytotoxic activity towards WI-38 cells (IC50 119.62 µg/mL). Taken together, our findings reveal that BWE extract possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities, and could be considered for further research to explore its potential as a natural plant-based supplement for human diseases.

Unpacking the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing activities and small firm performance

PurposeA question remains unresolved in existing cross-disciplinary research at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface (MEI). This features circumstances when employing a combination of market-oriented and entrepreneurially-oriented activities, known as entrepreneurial marketing (EM) behavior, is likely to lead to positive performance outcomes. Earlier mixed findings provide the need to unpack the nuances of EM practices, in terms of their boundary conditions, regarding circumstances where this behavior does or does not lead to performance-enhancing outcomes. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the complexities of the association between EM activities and small firm performance by assessing quadratic and moderating effects.Design/methodology/approachThis study was underpinned by resource-based theory (RBT). Survey responses were collected from 214 smaller-sized companies in the United Kingdom. The statistical data passed all major checks for reliability, different forms of validity, common method variance and endogeneity bias.FindingsEM activities had a quadratic connection with small firm performance, with this relationship being enhanced (in terms of a positive two-way interaction effect) by market dynamism (a counter-intuitive result regarding environmental conditions). Surprisingly, through a post-hoc test, coopetition (cooperation among competitors to leverage assets and overcome resource constraints) did not play any influential part in helping owner-managers to overcome the potential downsides of EM practices, like the time and cost implications of identifying and exploiting opportunities (i.e., a non-significant three-way interaction effect).Originality/valueUnique insights outline how decision-makers in smaller-sized organizations can harness the potential benefits, and minimise the likely drawbacks, of employing EM activities. However, owner-managers should be cautious when implementing these organization-wide practices, since they are likely to enhance performance, but only up to a fixed point. Indeed, excessive forms of EM activities can weaken small firms’ performance. A counter-intuitive positive moderation effect regarding market dynamism challenges certain earlier findings. Specifically, in some dynamic market conditions, EM activities could be performance-enhancing, since certain environmental-level forces might assist owner-managers to amplify the merits of behavior at the MEI when implemented effectively.

Examining inter‐regional and intra‐seasonal differences in wintering waterfowl landscape associations among Pacific and Atlantic flyways

The Central Valley of California (CVC) and Mid‐Atlantic (MA) in the U.S. are both critical sites for nationwide food security, and many waterfowl species annually, especially during the winter, providing feeding and roosting locations for a variety of species. Mapping waterfowl distributions, using NEXRAD, may aid in the adaptive management of important waterfowl habitat and allow various government agencies to better understand the interface between wild and domestic birds and commercial agricultural practices. We used 9 years (2014–2023) of data from the US NEXRAD network to model winter waterfowl relative abundance in the CVC and MA as a function of weather, temporal period, environmental conditions, and landcover characteristics using boosted regression tree modelling. We were able to quantify the variability in effect size of 28 different covariates across space and time within two geographic regions which are critical to nationwide waterfowl management and host a high density of nationally important commercial agriculture. In general, weather, geographic (distance to features), and landcover condition (wetness index) predictors had the strongest relative effect on predicting wintering waterfowl relative abundance in both regions, while effects of land cover composition were more regionally and temporally specific. Increased daily mean temperature was a major predictor of increasing relative waterfowl abundance in both regions throughout the winter. Increasing precipitation had differing effects within regions, increasing relative waterfowl abundance in the MA, while decreasing in general within the CVC. Increasing relative waterfowl abundance in the CVC are strongly tied to the flooding of the landscape and rice availability, whereas waterfowl in the MA, where water is less limiting, are generally governed by waste grain availability and emergent wetland on the landscape. Waterfowl relative abundance in the MA was generally higher nearer to the Atlantic coast and lakes, while in the CVC they were higher nearer to lakes. Our findings promote a better understanding of spatial associations of waterfowl to landscape features and may aid in conservation and biosecurity management protocols.

Near‐Infrared Reflectance, Thermal Shielding, and Corrosion Resistance of Neodymium‐Modified Zinc Aluminate Spinel‐Based Zinc Phosphate Coatings

Given the increasing demand for energy‐efficient and durable coatings, particularly in outdoor environments, this study investigates the development of lavender‐shaded neodymium (Nd)‐modified zinc aluminate pigment for thermal energy‐saving applications. The results evidence the potential of incorporating this Nd‐modified ZnAl2O4 pigment in zinc phosphate (ZP) coating to tune the morphology, microstructure, near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance, thermal shielding, and corrosion resistance capability. The study provides a detailed elucidation of the mechanism of pigment particles’ incorporation into ZP coating, revealing enhanced nucleation and crystal size refinement, leading to denser coating with improved NIR reflectance and corrosion resistance, with aesthetic requirements potentially suitable for outdoor environments. Quantitative analysis reveals a maximum NIR reflectance of 93%, thermal shielding capacity with a temperature difference of 15.4 °C, and a more than threefold reduction in corrosion current density. The study underscores the potential of these coatings for energy‐saving applications and outdoor use, highlighting their stability and effectiveness in various environmental conditions.

Variation in plasmid conjugation among non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars.

Conjugation is a complex phenomenon involving multiple plasmid, bacterial, and environmental factors. Here we describe an IncI1 plasmid encoding multidrug antibiotic resistance to aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, and third generation cephalosporins. This plasmid is widespread geographically and among One Health animal, human, and environmental sectors. We present data on the transmissibility of this plasmid from S. enterica ser. Kentucky into forty strains of S. enterica (10 strains each from serovars Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Infantis, and Typhimurium). Thirty-seven out of forty strains were able to take up the plasmid. Rates of conjugation were variable between strains ranging from 10^-8 to 10^-4. Overall, serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium demonstrated the highest rates of conjugation, followed by Heidelberg, and then Infantis. No relationships were observed between the recipient cell surface and rate of conjugation. Recipient cell numbers correlated positively with conjugation rate and strains with high conjugation rates had marginally but significantly higher growth parameters compared to strains that took up the plasmid at lower frequencies. Environmental conditions known to impact cell growth such as temperature, nutrient availability, and the presence of antibiotics had a modulating effect on conjugation. Collectively, these results will further understanding of plasmid transmission dynamics in Salmonella which is a critical first step towards the development of mitigation strategies.

Residual reliability of a composite material subjected to buckling and post-buckling tests: the case of reinforced concrete

This article examines the residual reliability of composite materials, focusing on reinforced concrete subjected to buckling and post-buckling tests, a crucial topic in civil engineering. The main aim of the study is to assess how these loads affect mechanical properties, including compressive strength and elongation at break, while identifying associated failure mechanisms. A rigorous methodology was adopted, involving experimental tests on reinforced concrete samples, followed by microscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. The results reveal a significant decrease in compressive strength and modulus of elasticity with increasing loads and loading cycles. In addition, the study highlights a reduction in elongation at break, indicating a loss of ductility and stiffness of the material. Failure mechanisms observed include cracking and delamination, suggesting that the residual reliability of reinforced concrete is inferior to that of advanced composites. These findings underline the importance of appropriate design to ensure the durability of reinforced concrete structures, taking into account the impact of extreme loads and environmental conditions. This research contributes to a better understanding of the behavior of composite materials under critical conditions, providing recommendations for improving design and construction practices in civil engineering.

Wind Turbine Static Errors Related to Yaw, Pitch or Anemometer Apparatus: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Related Performance Assessment

The optimization of the efficiency of wind turbine systems is a fundamental task, from the perspective of a growing share of electricity produced from wind. Despite this, and given the complex multivariate dependence of the power of wind turbines on environmental conditions and working parameters, the literature is lacking studies specifically devoted to a careful characterization of wind farm performance. In particular, in the literature, it is overlooked that there are several types of faults which have similar manifestations and that can be defined as static errors. This kind of error manifests as a static bias occurring from a certain time onward, which can affect the anemometer, the absolute or relative pitch of the blades, or the yaw system. Static or systematic errors typically do not cause the functional failure of the wind turbine system, but they deserve attention due to the fact that they cause power production loss throughout the operation time. Based on this, the first objective of the present study is a critical review of the recent papers devoted to three types of wind turbine static errors: anemometer bias, static yaw error, and pitch misalignment. As a result, a comprehensive viewpoint, enhancing the state of the art in the literature, is developed in this study. Given that the use of data collected by Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems has, up to now, been prevailing for the diagnosis of systematic errors compared to the use of further specific sensors, particular attention in the present study is thus devoted to the discussion of the phenomena which can be observable through SCADA data analysis. Based on this, finally, a rigorous work flow is formulated for detecting static errors and discriminating among them through SCADA data analysis. Nevertheless, methods based on additional information sources (like further sensors or meteorological data) are also discussed. An important aspect of this study is that, for each considered type of systematic error, some previously unpublished results based on real-world SCADA data are reported in order to corroborate the proposed framework. Summarizing, then, the present is the first paper which considers and discusses several types of wind turbine static errors in a unified viewpoint, correctly interprets apparently controversial results collected in the literature, and finally provides guidelines for the diagnosis of this kind of error and for the quantification of the performance drop associated with their presence.

Adoption of Circular Economy in Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Magelang District: Influence on Productivity and Farmer Welfare

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the adoption of circular economy principles in sustainable agriculture practices in Magelang district, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and farmer welfare, with the aim of assessing how circular economy practices contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource efficiency, enhancing productivity, and promoting farmer welfare in Magelang district. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in the priciples of the circular economy, which emphasize maximizing resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and fostering environmental regeneration. In agriculture, these principles align with sustainable practices by promoting the reuse of organic materials, efficient resource management, and the reduction of chemical inputs to maintain soil fertility and ecosystem balance. By integrating circular economy principles with sustainable agricultural practices, this framework aims to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve farmers’ welfare while ensuring long-term environmental resilience. Method: Using a quantitative approach that includes surveys of 100 farmers and in-depth interviews, this research evaluates the implementation of CE principles, such as composting organic waste, rainwater harvesting, and crop rotation. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that approximately 60% of farmers have adopted at least one CE practice, leading to a productivity increase of up to 25% compared to conventional methods. Additionally, CE adoption has proven to improve income stability and farmer welfare. However, barriers such as limited access to technology and funding reduce broader adoption of sustainable practices. Research Implications: This study recommends government and institutional support through training, technology access, and financial incentives to accelerate CE adoption. It provides actionable reccomendations for policymakers and stakeholders to support the broader adoption of circular economy practices in agriculture. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its focus on the adoption of circular economy principles within the specific context of sustainable agriculture in Magelang District, an area with unique agricultural challenges and potential. This research combines empirical data on productivity and welfare impacts with qualitative insights into local adoption barriers and drivers. By integrating these aspects, the study provides a novel perspective on implementing sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the region’s socioeconomic and environmental conditions.

Invasion stress mitigates climate stress in a brackish marsh amphipod

Abstract Organisms in coastal brackish ecosystems face not only highly variable environmental conditions, but the intensity and stochasticity of these environmental conditions are anticipated to increase due to climate change. While environmental changes are often presented unilaterally as stressors, there are some anthropogenic environmental transformations, such as the introduction of habitat forming plant species, that may mitigate physiological stress imposed by warming. In Suisun Marsh in the California Delta, native plant canopies allow light and heat to penetrate to the understory yet the canopies of the introduced Phragmites australis reed block out sunlight and heat for organisms living below. We set out to understand the physiological performance of mud‐dwelling invertebrates in this context: can invasion stress mitigate climate stress? We raised field collected Gammarus amphipods in the laboratory under simulated ‘native canopy’ and ‘Phragmites canopy’ temperature/light conditions based on data from our field environmental loggers. We assessed survival, body mass, fecundity, glycogen and protein content every 2 weeks from our lab population of amphipods. We found that amphipods raised under the Phragmites conditions had better survival, greater stores of protein, and similar body mass and stores of glycogen, which could positively impact available food resource quality for juvenile fishes. We support this with field data showing higher use of Phragmites canopies by amphipods, especially in the water column, across the year of sampling. Synthesis and applications: Understanding the potential benefits of Phragmites as climate stress refugia can inform management decisions around its mitigation in future restoration.

Influence of MHD Flow on Shrinking Sheet with Partial Slip and Heat Generation at Stagnation Point

Fluid dynamics encompasses the fundamental principles of continuity, momentum, and energy conservation, which are applied through mathematical models like the Navier-Stokes equations. These equations are essential for describing how fluid properties like velocity, pressure, and density change in response to forces and environmental conditions. Thus, this study attempted to explore the characteristics of flow and heat transfer of a shrinking sheet in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), along with the effect of partial slip and heat generation on the system. We employ a similarity transformation technique for turning the governing partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. These equations are solved numerically through shooting method in Maple, and the results are compared to the previous research. The analysis shows that the suction parameter and velocity slip parameter have an increasing effect on both the skin friction rate and the heat transfer rate. In the meantime, the heat transfer rate decreases as the parameter increases for the heat generation, magnetic parameter, Eckert number and thermal slip parameter. The bvp4c solver in MATLAB is implemented to conduct a stability analysis and determine the physically feasible solution. According to our research, the stability of the solution occurs only in the first solution.

RNA Stability: A Review of the Role of Structural Features and Environmental Conditions

The stability of RNA is a critical factor in determining its functionality and degradation in the cell. In recent years, it has been shown that the stability of RNA depends on a complex interaction of external and internal factors. External conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, the level of acidity of the environment, the presence of various substances and ions, as well as the effects of oxidative stress, can change the structure of RNA and affect its stability. Internal factors, including the specific structural features of RNA and its interactions with protein molecules, also have a significant impact on the regulation of the stability of these molecules. In this article, we review the main factors influencing RNA stability, since understanding the factors influencing this extremely complex process is important not only for understanding the regulation of expression at the RNA level but also for developing new methods for isolating and stabilizing RNA in preparation for creating biobanks of genetic material. We reviewed a modern solution to this problem and formulated basic recommendations for RNA storage aimed at minimizing degradation and damage to the molecule.