Degree Of Degradation Research Articles

Геоэкологические подходы к состоянию антропогенных ландшафтов сквера «Радуга» в г. Улан-Удэ

The intensification of economic activity and especially the construction of industrial or residential facilities next to recreational facilities, in most cases, negatively affects the condition of such facilities. The object of the study is Children’s park "Raduga" in Ulan-Ude. The goal of the study is to consider geoecological approaches to studying the state of anthropogenic landscapes, the Raduga Garden Square in Ulan-Ude, during the implementation of the state program "Formation of a comfortable urban environment" based on the principles of geo-urbanism and geoecology. Research objectives are as follows: implementation of a geo-ecological assessment of the state of the Raduga Garden Square; based on the assessment, phased zoning of the territory of the Raduga Garden Square; preparation of a SWOT analysis of the local residents’ attitude to the Raduga Garden Square in Ulan-Ude; implementation of a sociological survey and the allocation of focus groups of the local population living in the area of the Raduga Garden Square; development of recommendations on the project for the implementation of a comfortable urban environment. In the period of 2023, as a part of the project "Formation of a comfortable urban environment" implementation in the city of Ulan-Ude, the territory of the Raduga Garden Square, one of the popular recreational places for residents of the capital of the republic, has been examined, for this purpose sociological methods and methods of geo-ecological analysis of the condition are used. Anthropogenic landscapes of the park territory. It is discovered that the processes of recreational facilities renovation have begun and require scientific justification, including the standpoint of geo-urbanism and geoecology. The results of sociological and other studies of the Raduga Garden Square have showed that most of it has been subjected to anthropogenic transformation; more than half of the territory of this facility does not meet the requirements for sanitary and hygienic indicators and has a certain degree of degradation. To prevent further regression of the territory of the Raduga Garden Square, a decrease in its attractive properties associated with the anthropogenic transformation of natural components, primarily soil cover, natural vegetation, and the degree of its projective coverage, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive geo-ecological monitoring, and local authorities need to ensure the protection and improvement of the territory of this recreational facility.

Geographies of urban solid waste management in India

Rapid urbanization and globalization increase consumerism in developing countries specially in India. As a consequence, municipal solid waste (MSW) has been exponentially increased in last two decades and posed a great challenge to manage. Government has taken many initiatives, policies and collaborated with private company to solve these issues of waste but lack of scientific approach, money, political will, conflict, interest of planners, it stands undisputed problem of urbanization. Different degree of environmental degradation takes place due to MSW in different ecosystems and also it affects health of urban people. This paper analyzes municipal solid waste generated in 59 cities of India which categorized into six regions to understand spatio-temporal quantum of waste generated by each city, nature of management and problem at regional level.

Reliability studies of vanadium redox flow batteries: upper limit voltage effect.

All-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) show promise as a long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology in grid applications. However, the continual performance fading over time poses a significant obstacle for VRFBs. This study systematically investigates the impact of increased upper limit voltage (1.6 V, 1.7 V, and 1.8 V) in the reliability and degradation of a scaled VRFB cell (49 cm2) over long-term testing (500+ cycles). The findings indicate that higher upper voltages significantly decrease capacity and voltage efficiencies. Although electrolyte remixing can restore the majority of the capacity, it only partially recovers voltage efficiency at 1.7 V and 1.8 V, suggesting substantial cell degradation. Analysis reveals that the overpotential increase induced degradation is mainly contributed by the anode during charging and the cathode during discharging. Increased upper voltage amplifies degradation, with the anode being more affected. As confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves, elevated voltages lead to significant resistance increases, driven by charge transfer resistance (mostly from the anode). Moreover, the morphological, surficial, and electrochemical characterization results of cycled electrodes suggest that the degree and mode of degradation were contingent upon the cutoff voltage. For instance, the cathode experienced severe surface degradation at the maximal upper voltage of 1.8 V. This work highlights the importance of optimizing voltage limits to improve the lifetime of VRFBs and offers valuable insights into the development of predictive models through using accelerated stressor lifetime testing (ASLT) protocols for VRFBs.

Farmers' perception of soil health: The use of quality data and its implication for farm management

AbstractPreventing and reversing soil degradation is essential to maintaining the ecosystem services provided by soils and guaranteeing food security. In addition to the scientific community, it is critical to engage multiple stakeholders to assess the degree of soil degradation and mitigation strategies' impact and meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, and other national and international goals. A semi‐structured questionnaire was distributed across countries participating in the EU Horizon‐2020 “Transforming Unsustainable management of soils in key agricultural systems in E.U. and China. Developing an integrated platform of alternatives to reverse soil degradation (TUdi).” Using farmers' associations and educational institutions as an intermediate to distribute the questionnaires was an effective strategy for gathering a high number of responses. Results from 456 responses to the questionnaire showed that farm country, size, type of agriculture, and educational level of farm managers were significantly associated with the farmers' perception of soil degradation issues. Farm size and type of agriculture were also correlated with applying a nutrient management plan. The implications of the results for soil conservation measures are discussed. Additionally, we highlight the potential of projects such as TUdi for creating collaboration networks to drive widespread adoption by farmers of technologies to reverse the degradation of agricultural soils.

Antennal excision reveals disparate olfactory expression patterns within castes in Reticulitermes aculabialis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

In lower termites, which exhibit a high degree of compound eye degradation or absence, antennae play a pivotal role in information acquisition. This comprehensive study investigates the olfactory system of Reticulitermes aculabialis, spanning five developmental stages and three castes. Initially, we characterize the structures and distribution of antennal sensilla across different developmental stages. Results demonstrate variations in sensilla types and distributions among stages, aligning with caste-specific division of labor and suggesting their involvement in environmental sensitivity detection, signal differentiation, and nestmate recognition. Subsequently, we explore the impact of antennal excision on olfactory gene expression in various caste categories through transcriptomics, homology analysis, and expression profiling. Findings reveal that olfactory genes expression is influenced by antennal excision, with outcomes varying according to caste and the extent of excision. Finally, utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization, we precisely localize the expression sites of olfactory genes within the antennae. This research reveals the intricate and adaptable nature of the termite olfactory system, highlighting its significance in adapting to diverse ecological roles and demands of social living.

Unravelling substrate availability and redox interactions on methane production in peat soils of China

AbstractThe availability of electron acceptors (EAs) in peatlands determines the potential of methane (CH4) formation under waterlogged conditions. Previous studies suggested that EAs can suppress CH4 production based on Gibbs free energy under the Redox Ladder Theory. However, growing evidence challenges this theory, raising the question of how the coupling of soil substrates with EAs influences CH4 emissions. To answer this key question, peat soils were collected across different climatic zones with different degrees of soil degradation. Anoxic incubation experiments were set up, and continuous addition of SO42−, Fe3+ and humic acid (HA) at different concentrations was followed by characterization of dissolved organic matter using fluorescence spectroscopy. Results suggest that low concentrations of SO42− (1000 μmol L−1), Fe3+ (100 μmol L−1) and HA (30 mgC L−1) promoted CH4 production in most of the peat soils. With the addition of SO42− and HA, increased CH4 emissions were attributed to the facilitation of dissolved organic carbon and increased quinone‐like component C1, which increased the substrate availability for methanogenesis. Furthermore, strengthened microbial activity as indicated by fluorescence component C2 led to higher CH4 production under Fe3+ treatments. On the other hand, at high concentrations of SO42− (5000 μmol L−1), Fe3+ (500 μmol L−1) and HA (50 mgC L−1), CH4 emissions rapidly decreased by 70.65 ± 1.57% to 96.25 ± 0.45% compared to control group without EAs addition, accompanied by increased δ13C‐CH4 signatures indicating the outweighed CH4 production under anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) when coupling with reduced EAs. The effect of EAs on CH4 emissions in peat soils could also be related to lability and characteristics of natural organic matter. Our results suggest that the CH4 production in waterlogged peatlands could be facilitated by regulating organic substrates at low EAs concentrations, but excessive EAs will reduce net CH4 emissions through AOM. The valuable discovery of CH4 production and oxidation processes provides insights for mitigating methane emissions from peatlands and regulating global climate change.

Exploitation of Magnetic Susceptibility Data for Soil Stability Analysis: A Watershed Study of the Oued Ghiss Dam in the Central Rif, Morocco

The water erosion of soil in northern Morocco raises significant concerns due to its potential impact on the sustainability and productivity of the land. The objective of our study is to evaluate water erosion by utilizing magnetic susceptibility of soil particles in the watershed of the Oued Ghiss Dam. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken on 25cm deep profiles collected from six distinct areas, distributed based on pedology, slope, and land use. The results reveal significant variations in susceptibility. Transects 5 and 6 stand out with significantly higher magnetic susceptibility values compared to other transects, indicating relative soil stability under dense forest cover. Transect 2 also exhibits a range of magnetic susceptibility from 21.05 to 51.67 x 10-8 m³/kg, suggesting relative stability despite slight changes in magnetic susceptibility due to vegetation density and morphometric characteristics. Transects 1, 3, and 4 display lower magnetic susceptibility ranges, indicating signs of active erosion in bare soils. Magnetic signatures of soil particles provide crucial insights into soil dynamics in the Central Rif region of Morocco, emphasizing the impact of geodynamic factors and land use on the degree of evolution and degradation.

Strategic priorities for rehabilitation of desertified areas

Desertification is a global socio-ecologial - economic problem. Desertification has affected the South of Russia, including the territory of Kalmykia. The problem of desertification poses a threat to all sectors of the Republic’s economy, especially the agricultural sector.The agrarian sphere of the Republic of Kalmykia is not only agricultural production, but also engineering infrastructure, everyday life, health and income of the population. The fundamental point is that the higher the degree of land degradation, the less the socio-economic and environmental benefits accrue to the people living in the territory. Recent assessments of the Republic of Kalmykia rangeland fund indicate a rather low feed potential. The transformation of rangelands into arable land remains an unresolved problem. Among the problems of rational use of rangeland resources, the regulatory and legal failure to regulate the use of natural resources is highlighted, the current assessment of the state of soil and plant resources remains. It is impossible to carry out expert assessments of the condition without classical survey methods, absence of materials of large-scale soil and geobotanical cartographic affects on economic calculations, cadastral assessment of land and standardization of agricultural land use.

Markers of cellulose insulation ageing: Calculation of total methanol quantity in the internal insulation of power transformers

The methods of calculation of methanol quantity in the internal insulation of power transformers (PT) based on the values of its concentration in transformer oil (TO) are considered. The total methanol quantity formed during the operation of PTs allows estimating the degree of degradation of cellulose insulation. We are considering the models for calculation of the total methanol quantity in PT on the base of: literature data characterizing the methanol balance in the cellulose-oil system; data on the reduction of methanol concentration after TO replacement during total overhaul. The errors analysis on the base of the results of calculations using the models showed that their value can reach 30%. Reduction of errors in the calculation results should be based on a deeper study of the kinetics of methanol sorption processes by cellulose and taking into account the structural features of different types of cellulose insulation in the particular PT. The considered models can be recommended for estimation of total quantity of any dissolved decomposition products of cellulose insulation in TO, which can become an important indicator of technical condition of PT.

Exploring the anticancer potency and photocatalytic efficiency of bio-derived CuO nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized by a simple one-pot synthesis process using leaf extract from Moringa oleifera. A range of analytical methods were utilized to examine the physicochemical characteristics of CuO NPs in their prepared state. The existence of CuO nanoparticles is strongly suggested by the finding of a maximal absorption peak at 293 nm, which was then used to calculate the band gap energy (3.82 eV). The produced CuO NPs had a d-spacing value of 0.215 nm and an assessed crystalline size of approximately 21 nm, indicating good crystallinity. The EDAX spectrum confirms that the produced CuO NPs have a clearly aggregated structure and remarkable elemental purity. These data compellingly demonstrate the effectiveness of our preparatory strategy. Additionally, MCF7 and A549 breast and lung cancer cells were used to test the produced CuO NPs' potential for in vitro anticancer activities. These results demonstrated that different concentrations of CuO nanoparticles exhibited significant and proportionate toxicity toward the evaluated cell lines, underscoring its potential as an effective cancer-fighting strategy. Additionally, under UV light, the as-prepared CuO NPs were used to break down the dyes malachite green (MG) and titan yellow (TY). According to the present results, there was a discernible degree of degradation of 84.7 % and 79.03 % for MG and TY, respectively in basic medium at the 140th and 110th minute. The alignment of first order and 0th order kinetics for MG and TY dyes, respectively, was confirmed when the obtained data were later further examined for the reaction kinetic studies. In addition to being a powerful tool for developing novel treatments for lung and breast cancer, the produced CuO NPs can also be used to break down dangerous cationic and anionic dyes.

PLA/PVP/bio-synthesized hydrozincite nanocomposite films – photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Nanocomposite films based on biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with embedded stabilized Hydrozincite powder were synthesized by solution casting method. The Hydrozincite was prepared by plant extract-mediated hydrothermal synthesis. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to establish the phase composition and structure of the films. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained nanocomposite films was tested and compared in the reaction of degradation of Malachite Green dye under UV illumination. The photocatalytic results revealed that the PLA/PVP-containing Hydrozincite nanocomposite film leads to a higher degree of degradation of the Malachite Green dye (87 %) after 150 minutes in comparison to that of PLA/Hydrozincite (31%). The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposite films against an Escherichia coli control strain was also discussed. The investigated biocomposite films demonstrated high antibacterial efficiency. It was found that the concentration of viable bacterial cells decreases by about 99% after 1 hour of contact time for both investigated composites.

Dynamics of desertification of arid ecosystems of Kizlyar pastures

The authors conducted research to identify the sources of formation of sand massifs, which then become the main cause of desertification of the territories of Kizlyar pastures, in order to carry out protective measures. In the article, the authors present materials confirming desertification and its ecological aspects. The ecological state of arid territories of Russia is one of the most acute problems that requires constant monitoring. Global changes in climatic conditions have a significant impact on the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, including the soil cover. With the warming of the climate, the development of the processes of wind erosion and soil salinization increases. As a result, the pastures of Kizlyar were driven into extreme conditions. Pastures have come to an extremely critical state, and the degree of degradation of damage caused by these processes is much higher than other regions of the European South of Russia. The ecological situation of the territory is deteriorating rapidly. According to various estimates, large areas of them are occupied by open sands – 60.0 - 71.3 thousand hectares. As the analysis of the experience of the work carried out on the Kizlyar pastures shows, their effectiveness was extremely low, and in some places they contributed to the strengthening of the development of natural degradation processes. As a result, destabilizing factors have emerged that ensure the production of established phytocenoses, worsening conditions and progressing every year. At present, there are practically no improved pasture lands with natural vegetation in the Tersk-Kum lowland. In the current situation, the priority is to stop the activity of moving sands, as well as to improve the state of the species diversity of vegetation, otherwise, if these processes continue at the same pace, it may endanger the very existence of pastures and the basis of life in this territory.

Multi-Methodological Geophysical Approach for Rapid and Non-invasive Structural Characterization of Infrastructures

In the context of health monitoring of structures/infrastructure, we propose a combination of different rapid and non-invasive experimental methods that allows the determination of the main structural parameters of an infrastructure. It is based on simultaneous acquisition of 20 minutes of seismic ambient noise with seismic arrays placed at different points of the infrastructure without diverting or blocking the traffic flow or interrupting the operation of a road infrastructure. The signals are analyzed using different analysis techniques such as standard spectral analysis (Fourier Amplitude Spectra, FAS), Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD), Ambient Noise Deconvolution Interferometry (ANDI), and Non Parametric Damping analysis (NonPaDAn). These combined techniques were applied to two different types of viaducts: the Gravina bridge, located on the SS.655-Bradanica, and the Monticello viaduct on the SS.407-Basentana (Albano di Lucania), both located in the Basilicata region (Italy). The Gravina bridge is a newly constructed arch bridge whose structural parameters, evaluated using this approach, represent the zero-time reference point for further investigations on the temporal evolution of the structural parameters. The Monticello bridge is a multi-span viaduct built in the 1970s whose estimated structural parameters were compared to the various degrees of degradation observed on the girders. The application of different methods has facilitated and improved the interpretation of the results obtained, proving very promising for the estimation of the main vibrational modes, the associated mode shapes, the equivalent damping and the wave propagation velocities.

In vitro chemical treatment of silk increases the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and facilitates degradation in rats.

Silk fiber is difficult to degrade in vivo, which limits its application in tissue engineering materials such as artificial nerves. Therefore, in this study aim to promote its degradation in vivo by chemical treating silk fibers in vitro. Sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, mechanical test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurements were used to investigate the degradation effect of chemicals (hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium chloride) on silk fiber in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining and transcriptome analysis were used to investigate the effect of inflammatory factors on the degradation of chemically treated silk fiber in rats. (1) Silks were separated into finer fibers in each group. (2) FT-IR absorption peaks of amides I, II, and III overlap in each group. (3) Silk degradation degree in each group was higher than that in an untreated group. The calcium chloride-treated group was completely degraded. (4) Fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, integrin α and CD68 were immunofluorescence positive in all vegetation section. (5) There were no significant differences in the expressions of collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin in the vegetations formed on the 14th day of subcutaneous implantation, while integrin α, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-23 express at higher levels with IL-10 at lower levels. All chemicals could completely degrade silk; however, their degradation products were not the same. The chemicals change the mechanical properties of silk by separating it into finer fibers, which increase the contact surface area between the silk and tissue fluid, accelerating the degradation of monofilaments in vivo by promoting inflammation and macrophage activity through the increased and decreased expressions of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, respectively.

Soil contamination by plastic particles in the floodplain of the small Danilikha River in an urbanized area

The aim of the study. To assess the content, morphology and surface degradation degree of plastic particles in the Danilikha river floodplain soils in an urbanized area. Location and time of the study. The study was conducted in a recreational area in the projected “Kamensky Square”, located on the left bank of the low floodplain of the small Danilikha River (a left-bank tributary of the Kama River) in the city of Perm. Urban-alluvial gray-humus gley soils were identified in the area. Soil samples were taken from surface horizons in July 2023. Methods. To extract plastic particles from soil we used visual selection, sieving, and flotation in a saturated NaCl solution. The shape and type of plastic particles were determined visually by external features. Natural organic matter was removed with Fenton's reagent. Surface morphology of the of plastic particles and their number were determined using a stereomicroscope. Information-logical analysis was used to determine the relationship between the shape of plastic particles and their sizes. Results. In the combined soil sample from the surface horizons, the number of plastic particles reached 177 pieces/kg (excluding fibers). The mass of plastic particles, including fibers, was 0.7 g/kg. Films prevailed quantitatively among the forms of plastic particles (62%), whereas foam and foam balls made up 34% and 4%, respectively. By mass, particles predominated in the following sequence: foam balls ˃ film ˃ fiber ˃ foam. The size range was dominated by large plastic particles from 1.1 to 15 mm. Specific sizes of plastic particles for different shapes were established. Conclusions. For the first time, the content of plastic particles in the surface soil horizons of the Danilikha river floodplain in an urbanized territory was studied using the case of a recreational zone in the projected Kamensky Square. Plastic particles had different sizes and shapes, which indicated a variety of contamination sources. Contamination of the studied soils with plastic particles can be regarded as moderate. The surface degradation degree of plastic particles indicated their active weathering, which occurs in soil under neutral reaction. The surface degradation of the plastic particles was also actively influenced by external factors that act before plastics enter alluvial soils. To detect soil contamination with plastic particles, we recommend Perm municipal authorities to organize monitoring of plastics content in areas with high anthropogenic pressure.

Thermal stimulation mechanical response and shear dilatation predictive model improvement of granite fractures in an enhanced geothermal system

The exploitation of shear dilatation behavior exhibited by natural rock fractures can serve as an effective strategy for stimulating reservoirs in the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). However, few studies have considered the shear dilatation characteristics of rock fractures treated by real-time high temperature. Firstly, the self-developed Mechanical(M)-Thermal(T) coupling shear test cell and the MTS816.01 rock shear test system were used to carry out the direct shear tests of granite fractures. The M-T coupling effect on granite's physical properties such as cohesion, the mechanical properties such as shear strength, and strain energy characteristics such as dissipated strain energies were analyzed. On these Base, the shear dilatation mechanism of granite fractures treated by real-time high temperature is further revealed. Subsequently, based on the dynamic changes in the area degradation degree of granite fractures, the shear dilatation model of rock fractures treated by real-time high temperature were improved and verified. The results reveal that the M-T coupling effect can considerably impair the shear dilatation behavior of granite fractures. The temperature undermines the shear dilatation behavior of granite fractures by negatively affecting their physical and mechanical properties, while the normal stress deteriorates their shear dilatation behavior by constraining the normal displacement of the rock fractures. The modified shear dilatation model of rock fractures exhibits high accuracy and can accurately represent the shear dilatation behavior of rock fractures under M-T coupling effects. The novel insights provided in this paper contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the wellbore stability and permeability improvement mechanism of EGS.

Exploring the interplay between thermo-oxidative degradation and asphalt aging in thermoplastic polyurethane-modified asphalt: Mechanisms, properties, and performance evolution

The aging behavior of thermoplastic polyurethane-modified asphalt (TPUMA) is intricate and the mechanisms of its thermal degradation are not well understood. This study examines the viscoelastic, chemical and morphological characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane modified asphalt (TPUMA) under different aging conditions (RTFOT/PAV). The rheological master curve model of the S parameter was used to analyze the fitting effect on TPUMA, with SBS (styrene–butadiene–styrene) modified asphalt serving as the control group. The relationship between the phase angle plateau area and polymer aging degradation was elucidated. This study investigates the impact of polymer degradation on the high-temperature rheological behavior and medium-temperature fatigue properties of asphalt through temperature sweep, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) are used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the chemical composition and morphological evolution of TPUMA during thermal-oxidative degradation. The findings suggest that TPUMA's performance changes in the aging environment is result from the dual coupling effect of polymer degradation and asphalt oxidative hardening. The closely arranged isocyanate (-NCO) and polar component molecular chains in asphalt slow down its oxidation speed, which enhances the aging and deformation resistance of TPUMA. The successful blending of TPU and asphalt was confirmed, and the degradation degree of the polymer was quantitatively characterized by the percentage of the degraded area. The results provide insights to better understand the interplay between TPU degradation and asphalt oxidation.

Life and death of Poland’s landscape – are we living in landscape “hell”?

The author’s thesis assumes that the degree of landscape degradation in many parts of Poland is so high that the use of the term “landscape hell” is justified. This denotes such a state of visual and aesthetic, structural and functional landscape degradation that leads or has already led to the landscape’s death. This condition existed in many areas during the communist period, but now, 34 years after the political transformation and eight years of the development of the “mafia” state, it is also occurring with increasing frequency. Its origin lies in the attitude of some politicians and the public towards space and nature as resources that can be exploited to an extreme extent and that must be subordinated to people. This is due, among others, to the Poles’ civilizational lag in relation to many other nations, Polish society’s developmental history, and the recurring compensation for economic shortcomings. In the first quarter-century of transformation, the development of consumption, the dominance of economic development criteria, and the politicians’ ignorance and bias have introduced phenomena such as strip farm urbanisation, “concreteosis”, architectural “gigantomania”, “urban blight”, “railingeosis”, and “advertosis” into the landscape. After 2015, the above have been overlaid by the landscape-eroding activities of the representatives of the “mafia” state, resulting from, among others, excessive deforestation and tree clearing in open and urban areas, continued operation of the coal-based energy sector, including open-cast mines, river diversions, construction of hydro-technical facilities, mass legalisation of arbitrary construction, and transport infrastructure planning. The various recommendations on landscape conservation, formulated for many years, have, for the most part, not been implemented, despite Poland’s ratification of the European Landscape Convention. We can thus gradually kill off more landscape, which will continue to linger in our memories and documents for some time, until eventually, virtual reality becomes the main way of admiring it.

New perspective for Calpain-Mediated regulation of meat Quality: Unveiling the impact on mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in post-mortem

While calpain's role in myofibrillar protein degradation is well-established, its impact on post-mortem apoptosis remains fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine how calpain influences the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in post-mortem muscle cells and assess its potential impact on chicken tenderness. The findings indicate that the calpain inhibitor treatment could decelerate the rate of lysosome destruction in post-mortem chicken, which is a crucial factor in delaying the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Subsequently, this inhibition enhanced the mitochondrial membrane’s stability and suppressed the apoptosis-inducing factor Cyt c release into the sarcoplasm. The Western blot results in a greater myofibrillar protein degradation degree in the caspase inhibitor samples compared to the calpain inhibitor samples. Interestingly, the two groups had no significant difference in shear force. Based on these reasons, a novel perspective was introduced in this paper: Calpain could affect the change in meat tenderness by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis in the post-mortem period.

Enzymatic Degradation of Starch—Usage of β‐Cyclodextrin for Inactivation of Pullulanase

AbstractThe cyclic oligosaccharide β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CDx) is investigated regarding its ability on principle to reduce the debranching activity of pullulanase (PUL) or even terminate the enzymatic hydrolysis process of starch polymers completely. For this purpose, dissolved β‐CDx (aqueous solution) is mixed with the diluted PUL compound (solution) and conditioned (stirred at 40 °C for various durations [0, 20, 40, and 60 min; at 26.75 nmol β‐CDx U−1] and at various β‐CDx dosages [5.35, 13.375, 26.75, and 53.5 nmol β‐CDx U−1; reaction time 60 min]). The PUL‐CDx‐mixtures are subsequently added to a 2.5% w/w starch solution (related to the initial specific debranching activity; 1593.6 NPUN g−1/557.8 U g−1) and gently stirred for 20 min at 40 °C before final thermal inactivation. The obtained samples are diluted and characterized molecularly, i.e., by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC). An increasing β‐CDx dosage reduces the degree of molecular degradation systematically reflecting a successively reduced enzyme activity. However, the reaction time (PUL‐CDx‐mixture) has no impact on the enzyme's activity since the starch degradation is marginally and the SEC‐chromatograms similar to the one of the initial starch. Restrictions of the enzyme inhibiting effect of β‐CDx are found terminating the hydrolysis process in a starch suspension.