Extreme Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Exploring robustness of hybrid membranes under high hydrostatic pressure and temperature

Bacterial membranes are typically composed of ester-bonded fatty acid (FA), while archaeal membranes consist of ether-bonded isoprenoids, differentiation referred to as the ‘lipid divide’. Some exceptions to this rule are bacteria harboring ether-bonded membrane lipids. Previous research engineered the bacterium Escherichia coli to synthesize archaeal isoprenoid-based ether-bonded lipids together with the bacterial FA ester-linked lipids, showing that heterochiral membranes are stable and more robust to temperature, cold shock, and solvents. However, the impact of ether-bonded lipids, either bacterial or archaeal, on membrane robustness, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the robustness, as survival after shock, of E. coli synthesizing either archaeal or bacterial ether-bonded membrane lipids, under high temperature and/or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Our findings reveal E. coli with bacterial ether-bonded lipids is more robust under HHP and high temperature. On the contrary, the presence of archaeal ether-bonded membrane lipids in E. coli does not affect the robustness under HHP nor high temperature under the tested conditions. We observed morphological changes induced by the shock treatments including reduced length under high temperature or HHP, and the presence of elongated cells after a shock of HHP and high temperature combined, suggesting the combined treatments impaired cell division. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of membrane adaptation to extreme environmental conditions and highlight the significance of HHP as a key parameter to investigate the differentiation of membranes during the lipid divide.

Roseomonas aestuarii, as a Potential In Situ Surfactin Producer During Hydrocarbon Biodegradation

ABSTRACTIn situ biosurfactant production by hydrocarbon degrader microorganisms is an attractive approach in the bioremediation of oil contamination because of their compatibility, biodegradability, environmental safety, and stability under extreme environmental conditions. Given the high efficiency of bacteria in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, the present work studied the detection and characterization of a biosurfactant‐producing hydrocarbon degrader, Roseomonas aestuarii NB833. This strain was able to synthesize a biosurfactant during the biodegradation of crude oil, which reduced the surface tension of the aqueous system from 70 to 34 mN m−1, with a critical micelle concentration of 200 mg L−1. The emulsification ability of the biosurfactant was sustained at various temperatures, pH values, and salinities. The biosurfactant chemical structure was identified via FT‐IR, LC‐MS, and NMR analyses. These analyses confirmed the production of surfactin‐C14 with a molecular mass of 1007 g mol−1. These results revealed the high potential of R. aestuarii NB833 as an in situ surfactin‐producing bacteria for bioremediation applications under extreme environmental conditions.

Cytokine profile, differential somatic cell count, and oxidative status of Italian Mediterranean buffalo milk affected by the temperature–humidity index

In the context of climate change, there has been an increased interest in improving management practices for animals genetically adapted to extreme environmental conditions, such as buffaloes. The temperature–humidity index (THI) is used to determine the severity of heat stress in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the cytokine profile, oxidative staus, differential somatic cell count (DCC), and the surface expression and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the somatic cells (SCs) of buffalo. Milk samples (n = 216) were collected from the spring to summer season under three different THI classes (THI < 72; ≤72 THI < 76, and THI ≥ 76). The cytokine profile was determined using ELISA, and the expression of DSCC and MPO was determined by flow cytometry. MPO activity was performed on SC extracts using a specific ELISA kit. Oxidative status was determined by the antioxidant/oxidant balance combining the free radical scavenging activity levels, and reactive oxygen and nitrogenous species. The results on the cytokine profile showed that at the THI ≥ 76 the levels of both IL-10 and IFN-γ were highest. IL-1β secretion was lower at the THI < 72 than at the THI values ranging from ≤72 THI < 76. Higher levels of both TNF-α and IL-12 were registered in both THI < 72 and THI ≥ 76 classes. The level of IL-4 was higher in the THI ≥ 76 class than in the ≤72 to <76 range. Data on DCC showed a decrease in the percentage of macrophages and lymphocytes as the THI increased from the ≤72 to <76 range to THI ≥ 76. Furthermore, the highest percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNLs) was registered in both ≤72 to <76 and THI ≥ 76 classes. The MPO activity and surface expression on SC were lower at a THI above 76, which could be associated with an absence of inflammation. A condition of oxidative imbalance was registered as demonstrated by the lower levels of antioxidant/oxidant balance along with increasing THI. Present data demonstrated that buffaloes were able to modulate the alteration of immune response activated by heat stress throughout a series of cross-linked mechanisms involving cytokine networks, different somatic cell distribution, and oxidative status.

Utilizing Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance of Climate-Resilient Highways through Integration of Advanced Asphalt Binders and Permeable Pavement Systems with IoT Technology

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the application of advanced technologies in enhancing the climate resilience of highway infrastructure. The focus is on the integration of machine learning for predictive maintenance, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring, and the deployment of advanced materials, specifically permeable pavements and modified asphalt binders. The review explores how these technologies work synergistically to create durable, low-maintenance highway systems capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. Advanced asphalt binders, such as those modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and nanomaterials, are discussed for their enhanced flexibility, thermal stability, and load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the environmental and structural benefits of permeable pavements are highlighted, particularly their role in stormwater management and reduction of urban heat island effects. Several case studies highlight the successful implementation of these technologies in diverse geographical and climatic conditions, including North Carolina, Australia, and Raipur, India. These cases illustrate the adaptability and environmental benefits of permeable pavements in managing stormwater, recharging groundwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. By synthesizing recent advancements and practical implementations, this review emphasizes the importance of integrating predictive technologies and resilient materials to develop sustainable, climate- adaptive highway systems. These insights offer a foundation for future infrastructure policies and technological innovations aimed at enhancing the durability and environmental sustainability of highway networks.

Advancing Vegetable Grafting: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges, and the Future of Automated Solutions

Vegetable grafting, a practice that combines two plant parts rootstock and scion into a single, superior plant, is an increasingly important technique in modern agriculture. By enhancing yields, stress resistance, and disease tolerance, grafting plays a crucial role in addressing challenges such as soil borne pathogens, extreme environmental conditions, and crop vulnerability to nematodes. Despite its benefits, vegetable grafting faces several challenges, including the need for compatible plant material, labour-intensive nursery production, high seed costs, and the potential for pathogen spread. Effective grafting requires meticulous selection of rootstock and scion, precise grafting techniques, and optimal post-grafting care to ensure survival and success. Looking toward the future, significant advancements in grafting technologies and nursery practices are required to overcome these challenges and improve efficiency. The development of grafting robots, capable of mechanizing the grafting process, holds promise for increasing productivity while reducing labor costs. Additionally, the establishment of specialized plug plantlet nurseries, equipped with advanced seeders, growth chambers, and acclimatization facilities, offers a pathway to enhance seedling vigour and uniformity in developing countries. Future research should also focus on refining seed-priming methods, improving seedling storage technologies, and exploring digital tools such as databases, crop models, and mobile applications to optimize grafting practices. These innovations could provide valuable insights for growers, helping them select the best rootstock-scion combinations and manage crops more efficiently. With continued research and technological advancements, vegetable grafting is poised to become a global solution, offering sustainable growth and productivity improvements in agriculture.

Experimental and theoretical study of 90Sr/90Y-n-Si/ZnO betavoltaic battery and theoretical prediction of homojunction betavoltaic cells performance

Today, betavoltaic batteries has been considered due to their high energy density and long life for operating electrical systems in inaccessible and hostile environments. Conventional electrochemical batteries, despite their widespread use in electronic devices, have a limited lifetime and tend to degrade in extreme environmental conditions. The current paper pursues three goals. The first goal is to the experimental and theoretical investigation of a n-Si/ZnO heterojunction betavoltaic battery based on 90Sr/90Y source. The second goal is to optimize ZnO, SnO2, BN, and diamond homojunction betavoltaic cells in two planar and cubical models by Monte Carlo simulation (MCNP code). The third goal is to present a new approach for estimating the standard error in calculating the parameters of betavoltaic batteries. In order to fabrication of a n-Si/ZnO heterojunction, the ZnO nanospheres were placed on the n-Si (100) substrate using chemical bath deposition (CBD) technology. The Al and Au electrodes were deposited on the formed sample. Then this sample was exposed to the radiation of an external 90Sr/90Y source with an activity of 12.8 mCi. The experimental values obtained for the short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc), efficiency (η), and maximum output power (Pmax) were 0.047 μA, 0.015 V, 3.4 × 10−4 percent, and 0.141 nW, respectively. To compare with the experiment, we investigated the n-Si/ZnO betavoltaic cell by MCNP code. In the simulation, the beta spectrum of the 90Sr/90Y source was considered. The calculated theoretical values for Isc, Voc, η, and Pmax were 0.063 μA, 0.020 V, 6.4 × 10−4 percent, and 0.265 nW, respectively. The experimental results show that the simulation results can be valid. In the optimization of ZnO, SnO2, BN, and diamond homojunction betavoltaic cells in two planar and cubical models by MCNP code, it was found that the Isc, Voc, η, and Pmax of the cubical model are better compared to the planar model. In the cubical model, Pmax of ZnO, SnO2, BN, and diamond betavoltaic batteries is 2633.34 nW ± 0.16 %, 1670.49 nW ± 0.15 %, 198.20 nW ± 0.17 %, and 1315.24 nW ± 0.15 %, respectively. In other words, Pmax of the ZnO betavoltaic battery is about 58 %, 1229 %, and 100 % more than Pmax of SnO2, BN, and diamond betavoltaic batteries, respectively. Pmax of the SnO2 betavoltaic battery is about 743 % and 27 % more than Pmax of BN and diamond betavoltaic batteries, respectively. The results show that ZnO and SnO2 betavoltaic batteries can perform better compared to BN and diamond betavoltaic batteries. Also, their growth process is less expensive compared to BN and diamond.

Design considerations for a continuous mussel farm in New England Offshore waters. Part I: Development of environmental conditions for engineering design

Sustainable aquaculture in nearshore waters faces challenges such as stakeholder conflicts, environmental pollution, and spatial constraints. Offshore aquaculture offers a promising solution but requires robust engineering design to withstand extreme weather conditions. This study develops the environmental conditions essential for engineering the design of a continuous mussel dropper system in New England offshore waters. A potential farm location was identified using criteria including water depth, federal boundaries, seafloor suitability, farm size, and proximity to ports, based on bathymetric and sedimentary maps. Historical data from five wave monitoring stations and two current velocity stations were analyzed to model extreme environmental conditions, as waves and currents pose primary threats. The extreme wave and current conditions are modeled using the Weibull distribution, on the annual maximum hourly significant wave height data and the largest 0.3% of current speeds. A newly proposed method combining Spalding’s wall function with a fourth-order polynomial is used to enhance the current profile analysis. Additionally, a joint probability density function was developed for wave height and current velocity at a specific depth, providing insights into wave height, period, and wavelength for various return periods such as 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. The results suggest a 10-yr wave of 8 m significant wave height and a current speed of 1.68 m/s, while a 50-yr values are 9.4 m and 1.96 m/s respectively. These findings offer critical data on extreme wave and current conditions in New England’s offshore waters, providing practical guidance for the engineering design of offshore mussel farms. This research advances offshore mussel farming and benefits the development of all types of offshore aquaculture systems.

Metagenomic analysis of deep-sea bacterial communities in the Makassar and Lombok Straits

The extreme conditions of the deep-sea environment, including limited light, low oxygen levels, high pressure, and nutrient scarcity, create a natural habitat for deep-sea bacteria. These remarkable microorganisms have developed unique strategies to survive and adapt to their surroundings. However, research on the diversity of deep-sea bacteria, both culture-dependent and culture-independent, in Indonesian waters remains insufficient. This study focused on exploring the biodiversity of deep-sea bacteria, specifically in the Makassar and Lombok Strait, the main Indonesian throughflow pathway characterized by relatively fertile water, which serves as an important deep-sea region. High-throughput DNA sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA was employed to construct a genomic database. The results of the bioinformatic analysis revealed that two stations, 48 and 50 (Makassar Strait), exhibited a more similar community structure of deep-sea bacteria than did station 33 (Lombok Strait). Among the predominant phyla found at a depth of 1000 m, the top ten were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, Nitrospinae, Verrucomicrobia, Candidatus Melainabacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Furthermore, the genera Colwellia, Moritella, Candidatus Pelagibacter, Alteromonas, and Psychrobacter consistently appeared at all three stations, albeit with varying relative abundance values. These bacterial genera share common characteristics, such as psychrophilic, halophilic, and piezophilic tendencies, and are commonly found in deep-sea ecosystem. The environmental conditions at a depth of 1000 m were relatively stable, with an average pressure 10 MPa, temperature 4.68 °C, salinity 34.58 PSU, pH 8.06, chlorophyll-a 0.29 µg/L, nitrate 3.19 µmol/L, phosphate 6.32 µmol/L and dissolved oxygen (DO) 2.90 mg/L. The bacterial community structures at the three sampling stations located at the same depth (1000 m) exhibited similarities, as indicated by the closely aligned similarity index values.

Mitigating Maritime Cybersecurity Risks Using AI-Based Intrusion Detection Systems and Network Automation During Extreme Environmental Conditions

The maritime industry is increasingly confronted with a myriad of cybersecurity challenges exacerbated by extreme environmental conditions, technological advancements, and heightened reliance on automation. This review paper discusses the intersection of these factors, focusing on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) and network automation as vital strategies for mitigating cybersecurity risks. The paper begins by outlining the unique cybersecurity threats faced by the maritime sector, which include data breaches, phishing attacks, and malware threats, all amplified by adverse weather and geographical isolation. In light of these challenges, the rationale for integrating AI-driven solutions into maritime operations is discussed. AI-based IDS can enhance threat detection capabilities through advanced machine learning algorithms that adapt to evolving cyber threats while minimizing false positives. Additionally, network automation can improve connectivity and data security, facilitating real-time monitoring and response to incidents. The review also addresses the critical need for collaboration between maritime and technology industries, emphasizing how partnerships can foster innovation and provide tailored solutions to the sector’s specific needs. Furthermore, the paper examines current implementations and case studies that illustrate successful applications of AI and automation in adverse maritime conditions. While recognizing the potential benefits, the review highlights the technical and operational challenges inherent in these implementations, including data integration, regulatory compliance, and cultural differences between sectors. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of maritime cybersecurity and the pivotal role of AI and automation in shaping a resilient, secure maritime future. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research and development, collaborative efforts, and the necessity of adaptable strategies to safeguard maritime operations against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Seasonal stability of the rumen microbiome contributes to the adaptation patterns to extreme environmental conditions in grazing yak and cattle

BackgroundThe rumen microbiome plays an essential role in maintaining ruminants’ growth and performance even under extreme environmental conditions, however, which factors influence rumen microbiome stability when ruminants are reared in such habitats throughout the year is unclear. Hence, the rumen microbiome of yak (less domesticated) and cattle (domesticated) reared on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau through the year were assessed to evaluate temporal changes in their composition, function, and stability.ResultsRumen fermentation characteristics and pH significantly shifted across seasons in both cattle and yak, but the patterns differed between the two ruminant species. Ruminal enzyme activity varied with season, and production of xylanase and cellulase was greater in yak compared to cattle in both fall and winter. The rumen bacterial community varied with season in both yak and cattle, with higher alpha diversity and similarity (beta diversity) in yak than cattle. The diversity indices of eukaryotic community did not change with season in both ruminant species, but higher similarity was observed in yak. In addition, the similarity of rumen microbiome functional community was higher in yak than cattle across seasons. Moreover, yak rumen microbiome encoded more genes (GH2 and GH3) related to cellulose and hemicellulose degradation compared to cattle, and a new enzyme family (GH160) gene involved in oligosaccharides was uniquely detected in yak rumen. The season affected microbiome attenuation and buffering values (stability), with higher buffering value in yak rumen microbiome than cattle. Positive correlations between antimicrobial resistance gene (dfrF) and CAZyme family (GH113) and microbiome stability were identified in yak, but such relationship was negatively correlated in cattle.ConclusionsThe findings of the potential of cellulose degradation, the relationship between rumen microbial stability and the abundance of functional genes varied differently across seasons and between yak and cattle provide insight into the mechanisms that may underpin their divergent adaptation patterns to the harsh climate of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. These results lay a solid foundation for developing strategies to maintain and improve rumen microbiome stability and dig out the potential candidates for manufacturing lignocellulolytic enzymes in the yak rumen to enhance ruminants’ performance under extreme environmental conditions.

Gene Expression Shifts in Emperor Penguin Adaptation to the Extreme Antarctic Environment.

Gene expression can accelerate ecological divergence by rapidly tweaking the response of an organism to novel environments, with more divergent environments exerting stronger selection and supposedly, requiring faster adaptive responses. Organisms adapted to extreme environments provide ideal systems to test this hypothesis, particularly when compared to related species with milder ecological niches. The Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the only endothermic vertebrate breeding in the harsh Antarctic winter, in stark contrast with the less cold-adapted sister species, the King penguin (A. patagonicus). Assembling the first de novo transcriptomes and analysing multi-tissue (brain, kidney, liver, muscle, skin) RNA-Seq data from natural populations of both species, we quantified the shifts in tissue-enhanced genes, co-expression gene networks, and differentially expressed genes characterising Emperor penguin adaptation to the extreme Antarctic. Our analyses revealed the crucial role played by muscle and liver in temperature homeostasis, fasting, and whole-body energy metabolism (glucose/insulin regulation, lipid metabolism, fatty acid beta-oxidation, and blood coagulation). Repatterning at the regulatory level appears as more important in the brain of the Emperor penguin, showing the lowest signature of differential gene expression, but the largest co-expression gene network shift. Nevertheless, over-expressed genes related to mTOR signalling in the brain and the liver support their central role in cold and fasting responses. Besides contributing to understanding the genetics underlying complex traits, like body energy reservoir management, our results provide a first insight into the role of gene expression in adaptation to one of the most extreme environmental conditions endured by an endotherm.

Impact of natural disasters on HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, and virological supression in a hyperendemic fishing village in Uganda.

Understanding the impact of natural disasters on the HIV epidemic in populations with high HIV burden is critical for the effective delivery of HIV control efforts. We assessed HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, and viral suppression in a high HIV prevalence Lake Victoria fishing community before and after COVID-19 emergence and lockdown and a severe lake flooding event, both of which occurred in 2020. We used data from the largest Lake Victoria fishing community in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, an open population-based HIV surveillance cohort in south-central Uganda. The data were collected both prior to (September-December 2018) and after (October-December 2021) COVID-19 emergence and a severe flooding event. Households impacted by flooding were identified via drone data and through consulting village community health workers. The entire study population was subject to extensive COVID-19-related lockdowns in the first half of 2020. Differences in HIV-related outcomes before and after COVID, and between residents of flooded and non-flooded households, were assessed using a difference-in-differences statistical modeling approach. A total of 1,226 people participated in the pre- and post-COVID surveys, of whom 506 (41%) were affected by flooding. HIV seroprevalence in the initial period was 37% in flooded and 36.8% in non-flooded households. After the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, we observed a decline in HIV-associated risk behaviors: transactional sex declined from 29.4% to 24.8% (p = 0.011), and inconsistent condom use with non-marital partners declined from 41.6% to 37% (p = 0.021). ART coverage increased from 91.6% to 97.2% (p<0.001). There was 17% decline in transactional sex (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) and 28% decline in the overall HIV risk score (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) among HIV-seronegative participants. We observed no statistically significant differences in changes of HIV risk behavior, seroprevalence, or viral suppression outcomes when comparing those affected by floods to those not affected by floods, in the periods before and after COVID-19, based on difference-in-differences analyses. Despite a high background burden of HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic, and severe flooding, we observed no adverse impact on HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, or virologic outcomes. This may be attributed to innovative HIV programming during the period and/or population resilience. Understanding exactly what HIV programs and personal or community-level strategies worked to maintain good public health outcomes despite extreme environmental and pandemic conditions may help improve HIV epidemic control during future natural disaster events.

6455 The Effect of Gene Silencing on Inhibiting Stress Hormones in Wild Birds Raised Under Stressful Conditions

Abstract Disclosure: S.M. Abdulateef: None. T. Mohammed: None. W. Al-Jugif: None. M.Q. Abed: None. Wild birds are notable for their ease of rearing, tolerance to extreme environmental conditions such as heat and cold, and their resistance to diseases. They are also recognized for their ability to withstand stress. However, their primary challenge is low egg production, stemming from their aggressive nature. This aggression elevates the secretion of stress and fear hormones, significantly impacting reproductive hormones. This study aims to explore the effects of gene silencing on the physiological traits of wild birds, particularly its influence on physiological responses and the reduction of stress hormone levels. Three treatments were employed: T1 (control), T2 (welfare treatment, wherein birds were raised with enhanced well-being), and T3 (using siRNA technology to silence the gene responsible for stress hormone corticosterone production). The silencing of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 involved obtaining the cDNA of each gene from the NCBI, associated with corticosterone production. The coding sequence from the 5' end at the cap direction was reversed to complement mRNA. Two siRNAs were procured from Macrogene Company (South Korea) in lyophilized form at high concentration, with sequences: CYP11B2 5'-acacctctgcctttgccctgagtgccat-3' and CYP11B1 5'-ctaaagtcaaactcagccccacattcat-3'. These were dissolved in molecular-grade distilled water for a final concentration of 500 pmol/µl. Each hen was injected in the wing in the jugular artery with 125 µl of the siRNA solution at 14 and 18 weeks of age, before the commencement of the egg-laying cycle. Corticosterone levels were measured using the Sunlong Biotech CO., LTD kit. The results showed a significant decrease (p&amp;lt;0.01) in stress hormone levels in the third treatment group (gene silencing treatment), leading to notable physiological responses in the birds compared to the other treatments. This study highlights the impact of gene silencing on the physiological traits of wild birds and its effects on their physiological responses. The findings of this study are significant in the context of avian physiology and poultry farming. By elucidating the impact of stress hormones on egg production and demonstrating the efficacy of gene silencing as a method to enhance reproductive efficiency, this research opens new avenues for improving the productivity and well-being of wild birds in controlled environments. It also underscores the potential of genetic interventions in addressing physiological challenges in wildlife. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Robust mussel-inspired LBL carbon nanotube-based superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge for efficient oil–water separation utilizing photothermal effect

Superhydrophobic materials possessing efficient and rapid oil–water separation capabilities, as well as robustness, have emerged as the epicenter of global attention. Conventional three-dimensional adsorbent materials often succumb to impaired performance under extreme environmental conditions, rendering it arduous to ensure the efficacy of oil–water separation, and confining the application scenarios. In this study, polyurethane sponges (PUs) co-modified with stearic acid (SA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), designated as SA-PDMS/MWCNTs@PU (SPMPU), were successfully synthesized via layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly and liquid-phase deposition. The SPMPU sponge exhibits an overall separation efficiency of not less than 90 %. It boasts a stable adsorption capacity, formidable mechanical properties, and commendable reusability. SPMPU sponges maintain unparalleled stability in extreme environments, such as strong acids and alkalis, and in the photothermal effect experiment, the SPMPU sponge can attain a temperature of 101.5 °C within 2 min, with rapid reaction kinetics, high efficiency, and unwavering stability. Through the photothermal effect-assisted oil–water separation, a reliable solution is furnished for the current oil–water separation endeavors. The SPMPU sponge preparation is uncomplicated, economical, and yields stable performance, holding significant potential for application in marine oil spills and industrial oil–water separation scenarios.

Sustainable, temperature-tolerant, dual network conductive pressure sensitive adhesive from cellulose and rosin for wearable sensing

Conductive pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) used for wearable and smart electronic sensors have attracted a significant amount of attention recently. However, achieving multifunctional conductive PSA with the feature of temperature tolerance and sustainability via a convenient and environment-friendly approach still remains challenge. Herein, a novel cellulose-rosin based poly(esterimide) (PEI) was first prepared by esterification and imidization. Then, the cellulose-rosin based PEI was integrated with polymerizable deep eutectic solvents (PDES, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and triethanolamine as hydrogen bond donor, choline chloride as hydrogen bond receptor) and performed UV-induced polymerization for formation of the conductive PSA with dual network (DN). The DN structure and the existence of extensive hydrogen bonds endowed these cellulose-rosin based conductive PSA with excellent adhesion property (shear resistance more than 70 h, tack of 14.6 N and 180° peel strength of 148.1 N/m, are higher than that of some typical commercial PSA), exceptional UV-blocking, solvent-resistance (usable in low polar solvent) and temperature tolerance (perform well between −25 °C to 140 °C). Furthermore, these conductive PSA could be used as wearable sensor to monitor subtle movements and achieve real-time monitoring of interface adhesion states even under extreme environmental conditions. This work provides a green strategy for the next-generation of multifunctional PSA.

Artificial river flow regulation triggered spatio-temporal changes in marine macrobenthos of the Yellow River Estuary

The Water Sediment Discharge Regulation (WSR) in the Yellow River transports a vast quantity of freshwater and materials to the Bohai Sea within 20 days, significantly altering the ambient environment of the estuary. To elucidate the ecological impacts of this typically artificial flood event, we investigated the benthic habitats and macrobenthic biodiversity within the Affected Core Area (ACA) influenced by this discharge. Our results show that: (1) The discharge created an area with extreme environmental conditions, extending from the southern estuary to Laizhou Bay. This led to a rapid transformation of the habitat, as evidenced by a significant increase in turbidity, ammonium, and silicate levels. Among these factors, nitrogen nutrients and pH were the dominant drivers of environmental filtration, shaping the macrobenthos community structure; (2) The changing habitat triggered spatial shifts in macrobenthos abundance based on the distance from the estuary. Compared to the northern estuary, species composition and C-diversity in the southern area decreased significantly. These changes collectively established a short-term biodiversity front in the estuary region; (3) Community stability declined, as evidenced by a 24.20% reduction in niche width for generalist species and a 90.91% shift in specialist species. Furthermore, the connectivity between species decreased, and the average path length of the network increased, resulting in a more fragmented community structure. Notably, some ecological patches dominated by generalist species (e.g. Alpheus distinguendus) emerged. These findings enhance our understanding of marine ecological responses to artificial flood events within the context of global environmental changes.

Research on Crude Oil Transportation Technology of Hu-Huan Pipeline in Huanqing Block

Abstract This study comprehensively analyzes the performance of the Hu-Huan-Huan Pipeline (Hu-Huan Pipeline) in the Huanqing Block under different crude oil transportation processes, especially the additive-modified transportation process and the blank oil transportation process. Through in-depth analysis of the properties of additive-modified crude oil, simulation tests, and hydraulic and thermal calculations, it aims to solve the transportation challenges of the Hu-Huan Pipeline under extreme environmental conditions and ensure the safety, efficiency, and economy of pipeline operations. Research results show that the additive-modified transportation process can significantly improve the fluidity of crude oil and enhance transportation capacity and safety. Adding an appropriate amount of additives can reduce the viscosity of crude oil, reduce internal friction in the pipeline, and improve fluid movement efficiency, thereby effectively reducing transmission pressure loss and increasing transportation stability. In contrast, although the blank oil delivery process is feasible under certain conditions, it has limitations under extreme conditions. The viscosity of blank oil is high and it is easy to form scaling on the inner walls of pipelines, which increases the frequency of pipeline cleaning and maintenance, and also increases operating costs and risks. By comparing and analyzing the performance of the two processes, the best transportation strategies and suggestions for Hu-ring pipelines are put forward. For the additive-modified transportation process, it is recommended to add additives appropriately and optimize transportation parameters to ensure stable transportation of crude oil and safe operation of the pipeline system. For the blank oil transportation process, it is recommended to clean and maintain the pipeline regularly to reduce the occurrence of scaling and blockage and improve the reliability and sustainability of the system. In summary, this study provides an important reference for the optimized operation of similar pipeline systems in the future. By fully considering the impact of crude oil performance and transportation technology, pipeline transportation efficiency can be effectively improved, operational risks can be reduced, and the safety and sustainability of energy transportation can be ensured.

Efficient biodecolorization of direct black 22 Azo Dye by Aspergillus tamarii Kita UCP1279 isolated from caatinga soil

The textile industry is a major consumer of water, generating large volumes of wastewater contaminated with harmful substances, particularly azo dyes, which contain aromatic rings, amines, and sulfonic groups that contribute to their environmental toxicity. The use of microbial agents for wastewater treatment offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution, minimizing sludge production. Fungi from the Caatinga biome have demonstrated potential for bioremediation, especially under extreme environmental conditions. This study explores the ability of Aspergillus tamarii Kita to decolorize the azo dye Direct Black 22 (DB22) under varying conditions, including the use of both active and inactive fungal biomass, in static and agitated systems (120 rpm), at a controlled temperature of 30°C. Dye concentrations of 50, 125, and 250 mg/L were evaluated over time intervals of 75, 180, and 180 minutes, respectively. The influence of dissolved oxygen concentration and redox potential on the decolorization process was also investigated to identify optimal treatment conditions. Decolorization efficiency was quantified via spectrophotometric analysis. Results revealed decolorization rates of 100%, 97%, and 63% for the respective dye concentrations, with active biomass in agitated conditions achieving the highest removal rates. The study further demonstrated that dissolved oxygen levels and redox potential are critical factors in enhancing dye decolorization. These findings underscore the bioremediation potential of Aspergillus tamarii Kita in treating textile dye effluents, offering a promising approach to sustainable industrial wastewater management.

Political Regimes and Climate Change: Learning from Past Civilisations

As the world is threatened by new and powerful climate-driven hazards, how are states and societies likely to react? In this paper, I explore the role of regime type in determining the likelihood of state survival under extreme environmental conditions. I begin with a theoretical and empirical analysis of public goods provision under different regime types, finding no evidence for the contention that any one particular regime is superior to others. Following from this, I argue that the survival of the state under increased hazard conditions will at least partly be a function of political flexibility, with more democratic regimes better able to weather crisis than non-democratic ones. I explore this argument by analysing two historical cases of climate change: the non-democratic Maya civilisation in the first millennium and the quasi-democratic Icelandic state at the start of the second millennium. These historical cases highlight potential advantages to the democratic system in allowing states to survive a world with increased hazards but also underscore how rising competition and political instability can negatively impact those same democratic institutions. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0 .

Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in goats: Insights from transcriptome and Gene Co-expression analysis

Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability of livestock production systems in developing countries, particularly impacting small ruminants like goats, which are highly susceptible to heat stress. This stressor not only reduces productivity but also undermines economic viability. This study aimed to delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in goats by conducting a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of heat-tolerant (HT, n = 4) and heat-susceptible (HS, n = 6) Jamunapari goats. Physiological metrics, such as rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate, were meticulously monitored under extreme environmental conditions (Temperature Humidity Index >92) to effectively classify goats based on their distinct heat stress responses. Samples of blood were obtained, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted for subsequent RNA extraction. RNA-Seq analysis revealed a sum of 734 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), comprising 251 upregulated and 483 downregulated genes in HT goats compared to their HS counterparts. The WGCNA revealed three key modules, darkorange (tolerance), paleturquoise (respiration rate), and darkmagenta (heart rate). Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs within these modules played intricate roles in crucial biological processes and pathways, including mitochondrial function, cardiac function, immune response, genomic stability, and metabolic regulation. This research notably enhances our comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of thermo-tolerance in goats and provides invaluable guidance for formulating breeding strategies aimed at bolstering livestock resilience against the challenges of climate change.