Distinct Strategies Research Articles

Cultural management: analysis of strategies, policies, and practices in Ukraine and the EU countries

The focus of this article is on the evolution of cultural policy and strategy within Ukraine in the context of its integration with the European Union. A historical investigation into the shared origins of the Ukrainian population and European peoples is conducted, emphasizing Slavic heritage and communal settlements. The regulatory framework governing the progress of Ukrainian culture in its independent state is delineated. The primary hypotheses and trajectories for the advancement of Ukrainian cultural policy, as articulated in the "Long-term Strategy for the Development of Culture until 2025," are expounded upon. In aggregate, it is ascertained that the outlined objectives within the Strategy currently fall short of addressing the imperatives incumbent upon the nation to affirm its national identity and align with the attainments of European civilization. It is discerned that the absence of a cultural diplomacy framework in Ukraine stands in stark contrast to the substantial outcomes achieved through this paradigm across the majority of European Union member states. Additionally, an exploration of both shared features and distinctions in cultural policy and strategy between the European Union as an entity and select member countries is undertaken. The European Union's strategy, characterized by its dynamic and targeted approach, is notable for its commitment to preserving the integrity of nations and ethnicities. This strategy places considerable emphasis on respecting the distinct national identities and traditions of each country and its constituent nations. Of particular significance is the instance of the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Italy, and Finland, wherein the cultivation of cultural diplomacy has been a focal point. These examples underscore the diverse routes undertaken to achieve cultural recognition and formulate distinct cultural strategies for each nation. This serves as an indication that cultural policy ought to evolve into a responsibility shared among the state, diplomatic representatives, and cultural stakeholders within Ukraine. The ongoing conflict instigated by Russia underscores once again the multi-dimensional trajectory characterizing Ukraine's cultural evolution. It underscores Ukraine's heightened dedication to unity and the rejuvenation of the European principles that were proclaimed during the twentieth century.

Disentangling the contribution of individual and social learning processes in human advice-taking behavior

The study of social learning examines how individuals learn from others by means of observation, imitation, or compliance with advice. However, it still remains largely unknown whether social learning processes have a distinct contribution to behavior, independent from non-social trial-and-error learning that often occurs simultaneously. 153 participants completed a reinforcement learning task, where they were asked to make choices to gain rewards. Advice from an artificial teacher was presented in 60% of the trials, allowing us to compare choice behavior with and without advice. Results showed a strong and reliable tendency to follow advice (test-retest reliability ~0.73). Computational modeling suggested a unique contribution of three distinct learning strategies: (a) individual learning (i.e., learning the value of actions, independent of advice), (b) informed advice-taking (i.e., learning the value of following advice), and (c) non-informed advice-taking (i.e., a constant bias to follow advice regardless of outcome history). Comparing artificial and empirical data provided specific behavioral regression signatures to both informed and non-informed advice taking processes. We discuss the theoretical implications of integrating internal and external information during the learning process.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Leersia hexandra Swartz to nickel stress: Insights into antioxidant defense mechanisms and metal detoxification strategies

Phytoremediation is widely considered as a cost-effective method for managing heavy metal soil pollution. Leersia hexandra Swartz shows a promising potential for the remediation of heavy metals pollution, including chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni). It is vital to understand the physiological and biochemical responses of L. hexandra to Ni stress to elucidate the mechanisms underlying Ni tolerance and accumulation. Here, we examined the metabolic and transcriptomic responses of L. hexandra exposed to 40 mg/L Ni for 24 h and 14 d. After 24-h Ni stress, gene expression of glutathione metabolic cycle (GSTF1, GSTU1 and MDAR4) and superoxide dismutase (SODCC2) was significantly increased in plant leaves. Furthermore, after 14-d Ni stress, the ascorbate peroxidase (APX7), superoxide dismutase (SODCP and SOD1), and catalase (CAT) gene expression was significantly upregulated, but that of glutathione metabolic cycle (EMB2360, GSTU1, GSTU6, GSH2, GPX6, and MDAR2) was downregulated. After 24-h Ni stress, the differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were mainly flavonoids (45%) and flavones (20%). However, after 14-d Ni stress, the DEMs were mainly carbohydrates and their derivatives (34%), amino acids and derivatives (15%), and organic acids and derivatives (8%). Results suggest that L. hexandra adopt distinct time-dependent antioxidant and metal detoxification strategies likely associated with intracellular reduction–oxidation balance. Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms responsible for Ni tolerance in plants are presented.

Lead‐Free All‐Inorganic Cesium Bismuth Iodide‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Current Limitations, and Future Prospects

Remarkable achievements have been made in the development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a rapidly boosting rate of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) from 3.8% to 26.1%. Nevertheless, the toxicity of lead (Pb) elements and the hygroscopicity of organic cations in high‐efficiency PSCs severely hamper the commercialization of this technology. Consequently, Pb‐free all‐inorganic PSCs have received increasing attention recently to resolve the above‐mentioned toxicity and instability problems. Among various Pb‐free all‐inorganic halide perovskites, cesium bismuth iodide (CBI)‐based perovskites have gained particular attention as light absorbers in PSCs due to the tunable/small bandgaps, long carrier diffusion length/lifetime, and superb sunlight absorption coefficients. Nevertheless, the PCEs of CBI‐based PSCs are still far away from Pb‐based organic–inorganic counterparts because of the low structural dimensions and inferior perovskite film quality. Herein, the recent advances of CBI‐based perovskites as light‐absorbing materials in Pb‐free all‐inorganic PSCs are reviewed by emphasizing the distinct structural/optical/electronic properties and currently existing limitations. Additionally, several distinct strategies to boost the PCEs and robusticity of CBI‐based PSCs are presented. Finally, the unsolved key problems and future directions of CBI‐based PSCs are proposed, aiming to provide important insights for the further development of CBI‐based PSCs to realize sustainable, nontoxic, high‐performance perovskite photovoltaics.

Identity and Marketing Strategies: Lessons Learnt From Indonesian University Websites

Purpose: Analysing how institutions present themselves on websites provides significant benefits in unravelling the intricacies of the messages educational institutions aim to communicate. In the context of Indonesia, however, there has been limited research on the content of university websites as a promotional tool. Hence, the current study aims to address this void by offering a comprehensive exploration of how educational institutions shape their narratives in the digital era.Design/Methodology/Approach: By adopting a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach, this study describes the linguistic features of text and images on the websites of the universities located in the Province of Gorontalo, namely Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG) and Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Gorontalo (UNUGO). A three-dimensional framework developed by Fairclough (2013) was employed for data analysis.Findings: UNG and UNUGO have revealed distinctive strategies in portraying their identities and marketing strategies. UNG adopts a multifaceted approach, incorporating specific historical milestones, official documents, and a symbolic logo philosophy to establish credibility and signal adaptability, while UNUGO strategically positions itself as a reputable Islamic higher education institution, emphasizing religious foundations and academic excellence.

Low-Temperature Adaptive Single-Atom Iron Nanozymes against Viruses in the Cold Chain.

Outbreaks of viral infectious diseases, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A virus (IAV), pose a great threat to human health. Viral spread is accelerated worldwide by the development of cold chain logistics; Therefore, an effective antiviral approach is required. In this study, it is aimed to develop a distinct antiviral strategy using nanozymes with low-temperature adaptability, suitable for cold chain logistics. Phosphorus (P) atoms are added to the remote counter position of Fe-N-C center to prepare FeN4P2-single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes), exhibiting lipid oxidase (OXD)-like activity at cold chain temperatures (-20, and 4°C). This feature enables FeN4P2-SAzymes to disrupt multiple enveloped viruses (human, swine, and avian coronaviruses, and H1-H11 subtypes of IAV) by catalyzing lipid peroxidation of the viral lipid envelope. Under the simulated conditions of cold chain logistics, FeN4P2-SAzymes are successfully applied as antiviral coatings on outer packaging and personal protective equipment; Therefore, FeN4P2-SAzymes with low-temperature adaptability and broad-spectrum antiviral properties may serve as key materials for developing specific antiviral approaches to interrupt viral transmission through the cold chain.

Using cluster analysis to identify procrastination and student learning strategies in a flipped classroom

Flipped classrooms are becoming increasingly important in higher education. While their value over traditional practices has been identified, it is possible to implement a flipped classroom in many ways. Therefore, research needs to consider the distinct ways flipped classrooms are structured to identify their relative effectiveness. The usefulness of flipped classrooms is reduced when students’ procrastination in the pre-class phase, resulting in a lack of student engagement with online resources. This paper uses a cluster analysis of log-file data from three cohorts of a flipped classroom module, involving 169 undergraduate business students, to identify their learning strategies. It considers when students first begin to access online material and relates this to the timing of their classes and assessments. Two distinct learning strategies were identified. Prepared students accessed online resources as expected in advance of flipped classes. Assessment-focused students used the available resources after class to prepare for impending assessments. Prepared students performed significantly better than those that were assessment focused. In addition, there was more engagement with video-based material over text-based resources and also more engagement when assessments were weekly and low-stakes rather than terminal and higher-stakes. Concsequently, the way in which flipped classrooms are structured can reduce the level of student procrastination present and improve the effectiveness of this method.

Understanding the dynamics of hybrid seed adoption among smallholder chilli farmers in Indonesia

In the realm of agricultural research, considerable attention has been directed toward the adoption of hybrid seeds; however, the evolution of adoption behaviors over time remains an area of limited comprehension. This study contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the determinants that underlies the dynamic of hybrid seed adoption among smallholder chilli farmers in Indonesia. By categorizing adoption into four distinct phases—non-adoption, late-adoption, continual-adoption, and dis-adoption—a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon is sought. Leveraging a two-period panel dataset encompassing chilli farmers, we employ a multinomial logit model to explicate the dynamic adoption behaviors exhibited by these farmers. Our empirical findings bring to light a notable divergence in the variables associated with continual-adoption as opposed to those linked with late-adoption. This distinction underscores the heterogeneous nature of adopters and emphasizes the need for tailored strategies for each category. Specifically, we unearth a positive correlation between membership in a farmer's group and the propensity for continual-adoption, concurrently mitigating the likelihood of non-adoption. The implications drawn from our study underscore the intricate nature of adoption stages, thereby providing valuable insights to inform the design of targeted adoption policies that cater to the distinct strategies required for varying adoption categories.

Comparing the mechanisms of syntrophic volatile fatty acids oxidation and methanogenesis recovery from ammonia stress in regular and biochar-assisted anaerobic digestion: Different roads lead to the same goal

Biochar has been recognized as a promising additive to mitigate ammonia inhibition during syntrophic methanogenesis, while the key function of biochar in this process is still in debates. This study clarified the distinct mechanisms of syntrophic volatile fatty acids -oxidizing and methanogenesis recovery from ammonia inhibition in regular and biochar-assisted anaerobic digestion. Under 5 g/L ammonia stress, adding biochar shortened the methanogenic lag time by 10.9% and dramatically accelerated the maximum methane production rate from 60.3 to 94.7 mLCH4/gVSsludge/d. A photometric analysis with a nano-WO3 probe revealed that biochar enhanced the extracellular electron transfer (EET) capacity of suspended microbes (Pearson's r = −0.98), confirming that biochar facilitated methanogenesis by boosting EET between syntrophic butyrate oxidizer and methanogens. Same linear relationship between EET capacity and methanogenic rate was not observed in the control group. Microbial community integrating functional genes prediction analysis uncovered that biochar re-shaped syntrophic partners by enriching Constridium_sensu_stricto/Syntrophomonas and Methanosarcina. The functional genes encoding Co-enzyme F420 hydrogenase and formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase were upregulated by 1.4–2.3 times, consequently enhanced the CO2-reduction methanogenesis pathway. Meanwhile, the abundances of gene encoding methylene-tetrahydrofolate transformation, a series of intermediate processes involved in acetate oxidation, in the biochar-assisted group were 28.2–63.7% higher than these in control group. Comparatively, Methanosaeta played a pivotal role driving aceticlastic methanogenesis in the control group because the abundance of gene encoding acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase complex increased by 1.9 times, suggesting an aceticlastic combining H2-based syntrophic methanogenesis pathway was established in control group to resist ammonia stress. A 2nd period experiment elucidated that although depending on distinct mechanisms, the volatile fatty acid oxidizers and methanogens in both groups developed sustained and stable strategies to resist ammonia stress. These findings provided new insights to understand the distinct methanogenic recovery strategy to resist toxic stress under varied environmental conditions.

Acoustic Bessel-like beam generation using phononic crystals

Diffraction-free beams with large depth-of-field have a lot of potential in the field of acoustics, such as imaging, sensing, and particle manipulation. In this study, an acoustic Bessel-like beam is produced using an axicon-sonic crystal lens. The sonic crystal is created using cylindrical glass rods arranged in a triangular shape with a centered square lattice configuration. The numerical simulation between 4 and 8 kHz indicates that the axicon-sonic crystal converts the plane acoustic wave into a Bessel-like beam. The analysis of the beam indicates that the depth of field of this beam depends on the size and periodicity (lattice parameter) of the sonic crystal. The axicon lens also displays variable focal lengths at different frequencies. A graded index layer was implemented to mitigate the reflection caused by the significant impedance mismatch. Experimental validation of acoustic Bessel-like beam formation is also reported for the working frequencies. At 8 kHz, the measured range to the 50% on-axis intensity was 34λ, while the focus width at the same frequency was measured to be 2λ. The integration of three distinct design strategies—axicon shape, sonic crystal, and graded index—expands the possibilities for sound focusing applications.

The effects of hotels’ environmental sustainability communication strategies on social Media engagement and brand advocacy: The roles of communication characteristics and customers’ personality traits

Prior research has overlooked the significance of two distinct communication strategies used by hotels over social media platforms to foster environmental sustainability (ES), namely informative communication strategy (ICS) and engaging communication strategy (ECS). Understanding the role of these communication strategies in cultivating social media engagement (SME) with sustainability content, and deciphering the conditions that govern these relationships have yet to be addressed. The current study endeavors to fill these research voids. First, it investigates the effects of ICS and ECS on SME with sustainability content. Second, it examines the moderating effects of two key communication characteristics (perceived intensity and perceived transparency) and two customers’ personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) in the investigated relationships. Finally, it establishes the potential role of sustainability-oriented SME in generating online brand advocacy. Data from Japan-based online panelists were analyzed using AMOS 28. The results generally lend support to the study's hypothesized relationships. ICS and ECS are equally important in driving SME. Their effects are positively moderated by the intensity and transparency of the ES communication as well as by customers’ conscientiousness and extraversion. SME is positively associated with online brand advocacy. The article discusses the implications of the findings, and closes with the study's limitations and directions for future research.

Hummingbirds use distinct control strategies for forward and hovering flight.

The detection of optic flow is important for generating optomotor responses to mediate retinal image stabilization, and it can also be used during ongoing locomotion for centring and velocity control. Previous work in hummingbirds has separately examined the roles of optic flow during hovering and when centring through a narrow passage during forward flight. To develop a hypothesis for the visual control of forward flight velocity, we examined the behaviour of hummingbirds in a flight tunnel where optic flow could be systematically manipulated. In all treatments, the animals exhibited periods of forward flight interspersed with bouts of spontaneous hovering. Hummingbirds flew fastest when they had a reliable signal of optic flow. All optic flow manipulations caused slower flight, suggesting that hummingbirds had an expected optic flow magnitude that was disrupted. In addition, upward and downward optic flow drove optomotor responses for maintaining altitude during forward flight. When hummingbirds made voluntary transitions to hovering, optomotor responses were observed to all directions. Collectively, these results are consistent with hummingbirds controlling flight speed via mechanisms that use an internal forward model to predict expected optic flow whereas flight altitude and hovering position are controlled more directly by sensory feedback from the environment.

CYBERSECURITY IN BANKING: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE WITH A FOCUS ON NIGERIAN PRACTICES

The paper review cybersecurity practices in banking, with a specific focus on Nigerian banks. Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern in the banking industry worldwide, given the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. This study provides an overview of the global landscape of cybersecurity in banking, with a specific focus on practices observed in Nigeria. The global banking sector is witnessing a surge in digital transformation, marked by the adoption of advanced technologies and online financial services. However, this digitization brings with it unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, ranging from data breaches and ransomware attacks to sophisticated financial fraud. Financial institutions globally are compelled to fortify their cybersecurity frameworks to protect sensitive customer information, ensure the integrity of financial transactions, and maintain trust in the digital financial ecosystem. Nigeria, as a key player in the African banking landscape, faces unique cybersecurity challenges and has developed distinct strategies to safeguard its financial institutions. This study explores the cybersecurity practices employed by Nigerian banks, considering regulatory frameworks, incident response mechanisms, and collaborative efforts with international cybersecurity entities. The analysis encompasses case studies illustrating real-world cyber threats and incidents in both global and Nigerian banking contexts. It investigates the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures implemented by Nigerian banks, shedding light on the nation's response to evolving cyber risks. Furthermore, the study delves into collaborative initiatives between Nigerian banks, regulatory bodies, and international cybersecurity organizations to enhance information sharing, threat intelligence, and collective defense mechanisms. It also explores the role of public awareness campaigns in fostering a cyber-resilient banking environment. The insights provided aim to contribute to the collective understanding of cybersecurity challenges in the global banking sector while offering a nuanced perspective on Nigerian practices. As digital financial ecosystems continue to evolve, the findings underscore the importance of ongoing adaptation, collaboration, and innovation in safeguarding the integrity and trustworthiness of banking systems, both on a global scale and within the Nigerian context.
 Keywords: Cybersecurity, Banking, Global Perspective, Nigerian, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence.

Complex Metal Oxides as Emerging Inorganic Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved revolutionary progress during the past decades with a rapidly boosting rate in power conversion efficiencies from 3.8% to 26.1%. However, high-efficiency PSCs with organic hole-transporting materials (HTMs) suffer from inferior long-term stability and high costs. The replacement of organic HTMs with inorganic counterparts such as metal oxides can solve the above-mentioned problems to realize highly robust and cost-effective PSCs. Nevertheless, the widely used simple metal oxide-based HTMs are limited by the low conductivity and poor light transmittance due to the fixed atomic environment. As an emerging family of inorganic HTMs, complex metal oxides with superior structural/compositional flexibility have attracted rapidly increasing interest recently, showing superior carrier conductivity/mobility and superb light transmittance. Herein, the recent advancements in the design and development of complex metal oxide-based HTMs for high-performance PSCs are summarized by emphasizing the superiority of complex metal oxides as HTMs over simple metal oxide-based counterparts. Consequently, several distinct strategies for the design of complex metal oxide-based HTMs are proposed. Last, the future directions and remaining challenges of inorganic complex metal oxide-based HTMs for PSCs are also presented. This review aims to provide valuable guidelines for the further advancements of robust, high-efficiency, and low-cost PSCs.

Forecasting Airline Passenger Growth: Comparative Study LSTM VS Prophet VS Neural Prophet

To conduct an exhaustive examination of airline passenger growth prediction methods, this study compares the performance of three distinct strategies: LSTM, Prophet, and Neural Prophet. To forecast passenger volumes accurately, the aviation industry needs robust prediction models due to rising demand. This research evaluates the performance of LSTM, Prophet, and Neural Prophet models in passenger growth forecasting by utilizing historical airline passenger data. A comprehensive examination of these methodologies is conducted via a rigorous comparative analysis, encompassing prediction accuracy, computational efficiency, and adaptability to ever-changing passenger traffic trends. The research methodology consists of various approaches for preprocessing time series data, engineering features, and training models. The findings elucidate the merits and drawbacks of each method, furnishing knowledge regarding their capacity to capture intricate patterns, fluctuations in passenger behavior across seasons, and abrupt shifts. The results of this study enhance comprehension regarding the relative efficacy of LSTM, Prophet, and Neural Prophet in prognosticating the expansion of airline passenger numbers. As a result, professionals and scholars can gain valuable guidance in determining which methodologies are most suitable for precise predictions of forthcoming passenger demand. This comparative study serves as a significant point of reference for enhancing aviation prediction models to optimize the industry's resource allocation, operational planning, and strategic decision-making.

Enhancing affinity purification of monoclonal antibodies from human serum for subsequent CZE-MS analysis

Due to the separation technique employed, capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) analysis performances are significantly influenced by the chemical composition and the complexity of the sample. In various applications, that impact has prevented the use of CE-MS for the characterization and quantification of proteins in biological samples. Here we present the development and evaluation and a sample preparation procedure, based on affinity purification, for the specific extraction of the monoclonal antibody (mAbs) infliximab from human serum in order to perform subsequent proteolytic digestion and CE-MS/MS analysis. Three distinctive sample preparation strategies were envisaged. In each case, the different steps composing the protocol were thoroughly optimized and evaluated in order to provide a sample preparation addressing the important complexity of serums samples while providing an optimal compatibility with CE-MS/MS analysis. The different sample preparation strategies were assessed concerning the possibility to achieve an appropriate absolute quantification of the mAbs using CE-MS/MS for samples mimicking patient serum samples. Also, the possibility to perform the characterization of several types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) was evaluated. The sample preparation protocols allowed the quantification of the mAbs in serums samples for concentration as low as 0.2 µg·mL−1 (2.03 nM) using CE-MS/MS analysis, also the possibility to characterize and estimate the modification level of PTMs hotspots in a consistent manner. Results allowed to attribute the effect on the electrophoretic separation of the different steps composing sample preparation. Finally, they demonstrated that sample preparation for CE-MS/MS analysis could benefit greatly for the extended applicability of this type of analysis for complex biological matrices.

Beyond traditional teaching: a systematic review of innovative pedagogical practices in higher education

Background Pedagogical best practices play a pivotal role in ensuring the academic success of students within the higher education landscape. This study aims to systematically synthesize innovative pedagogical best practices within the university context. Methods We conducted a thorough systematic review using the rigorous PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Our review involved comprehensive searches of scientific databases, including Eric, Scopus, and Proquest, covering both Spanish and English publications. We strategically employed Boolean operators like AND and OR to create a robust search equation. Our primary research question guiding this investigation was: “What innovative pedagogical practices have been developed in university settings to improve teaching and learning effectiveness?” This central question led us to delve deeply into the strategies utilized, pedagogical approaches adopted, and the noticeable impact achieved after their implementation. Additionally, we carefully established stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. Results A total of 25 scholarly articles that met the pre-established criteria were meticulously identified and included in this systematic review. The results were thoughtfully categorized into three distinct teaching strategies: the first emphasizing student-centered approaches, the second showcasing the integration of educational technology, and the third highlighting evaluation and feedback methodologies. Conclusions This systematic exploration of pedagogical best practices underscores their paramount importance in driving continuous improvement in teacher training and fostering innovation within the educational arena. Such practices not only create an engaging and effective learning environment but also set the stage for ongoing advancements in the teaching and learning processes.

Enhanced Enumeration Techniques for Syntax-Guided Synthesis of Bit-Vector Manipulations

Syntax-guided synthesis has been a prevalent theme in various computer-aided programming systems. However, the domain of bit-vector synthesis poses several unique challenges that have not yet been sufficiently addressed and resolved. In this paper, we propose a novel synthesis approach that incorporates a distinct enumeration strategy based on various factors. Technically, this approach weighs in subexpression recurrence by term-graph-based enumeration, avoids useless candidates by example-guided filtration, prioritizes valuable components identified by large language models. This approach also incorporates a bottom-up deduction step to enhance the enumeration algorithm by considering subproblems that contribute to the deductive resolution. We implement all the enhanced enumeration techniques in our SyGuS solver DryadSynth, which outperforms state-of-the-art solvers in terms of the number of solved problems, execution time, and solution size. Notably, DryadSynth successfully solved 31 synthesis problems for the first time, including 5 renowned Hacker's Delight problems.

The identification of a correlation between lipid content in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and pH treatment strategies

pH treatment promotes single-cell lipid accumulation and significantly affects microalgae growth. This study investigates the correlation between lipid content and environmental pH using the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum). We compared three distinct pH treatment strategies—continuous, intermittent, and a two-phase culture—in P. tricornutum. Rigorous analysis of chlorophyll content, cell density, and lipid content indicated that ongoing pH treatment at pH 9.5 (CHES) emerged as the most effective approach for lipid accumulation in P. tricornutum. The CHES buffer treatment significantly boosted total lipid yield and led to a reduction in protein content. Carbohydrate content experienced a slight decline under CHES buffer treatment, but changes were observed in the activities of key enzymes. Specifically, [acyl-carrier-protein] S-malonyltransferase (MAT) activity decreased after 3 days in the control treatment, while no significant change was noted under the CHES buffer treatment. In contrast, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) activity showed upregulation 2 and 3 days post-CHES buffer treatment. Moreover, the study identified differentially expressed genes enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with protein biosynthesis, photosynthesis, nucleoside metabolism, and transferase activity. These outcomes underscore the pivotal role of CHES buffer in orchestrating primary metabolism, potentially steering carbon flux towards lipogenesis. As a result, the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of biofuels contributes significantly to the transition towards a more environmentally friendly energy landscape.

Spatial co-location patterns between early COVID-19 risk and urban facilities: a case study of Wuhan, China.

COVID-19, being a new type of infectious disease, holds significant implications for scientific prevention and control to understand its spatiotemporal transmission process. This study examines the diverse spatial patterns of COVID-19 within Wuhan by analyzing early case data alongside urban infrastructure information. Through co-location analysis, we assess both local and global spatial risks linked to the epidemic. In addition, we use the Geodetector, identifying facilities displaying unique spatial risk characteristics, revealing factors contributing to heightened risk. Our findings unveil a noticeable spatial distribution of COVID-19 in the city, notably influenced by road networks and functional zones. Higher risk levels are observed in the central city compared to its outskirts. Specific facilities such as parking, residence, ATM, bank, entertainment, and hospital consistently exhibit connections with COVID-19 case sites. Conversely, facilities like subway station, dessert restaurant, and movie theater display a stronger association with case sites as distance increases, hinting at their potential as outbreak focal points. Despite our success in containing the recent COVID-19 outbreak, uncertainties persist regarding its origin and initial spread. Some experts caution that with increased human activity, similar outbreaks might become more frequent. This research provides a comprehensive analytical framework centered on urban facilities, contributing quantitatively to understanding their impact on the spatial risks linked with COVID-19 outbreaks. It enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness between urban facility distribution and transportation flow, affirming and refining the distance decay law governing infectious disease risks. Furthermore, the study offers practical guidance for post-epidemic urban planning, promoting the development of safer urban environments resilient to epidemics. It equips government bodies with a reliable quantitative analysis method for more accurately predicting and assessing infectious disease risks. In conclusion, this study furnishes both theoretical and empirical support for tailoring distinct strategies to prevent and control COVID-19 epidemics.