Green Line Research Articles

Ever-shifting border: West Bank case study, Palestine

ABSTRACT In 1949, the West Bank “Green Line” (or the “Armistice Line”) was established and drawn on maps of Palestine, but it is not a firm border: the line is continuously shifting due to its elastic and virtual nature. The border in the region has shifted to accommodate Israeli expansion strategies. Colonies, checkpoints, military areas, security zones, and a physical wall are the driving forces of border elasticity and dynamics. This study aims to shed light on the chronological border shifting by Israel, leading to changes in the current border situation on the ground. The research presented here focuses on a study area of 30 × 30-km sq, in which the border was shifted many times inside the West Bank region. Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies were used as the main analytical tool. The outcomes of the research are maps illustrating the border shifts and its reasons.

Оценка уровней шума в Санкт-Петербургском метрополитене

Purpose: to assess the impact of noise levels in St. Petersburg metro cars. Identify what types of cars used on various metro lines. Determine what types of rolling stock cars used in the metro. Determine how much the service life of the cars affects the noise level in the car. Conduct measurements of noise levels inside the carriages of rolling stock of various types on various metro lines. Correlate the obtained values with the established requirements of SP 2.5.3650–20 “Sanitary rules for the operation of subways” with the values of maximum permissible noise levels in cars. Conduct an analysis of the level of noise impact on humans in the metro and identify possible measures to reduce the noise level in the metro. Methods: measurements of noise levels at various stations and trains were carried out by a special instrumental method, using a digital integrating meter and an Octave 110A sound spectrum analyzer of 1st accuracy class according to GOST R 53188.1. Results: measurements of noise levels carried out in various types of cars on various branches of the St. Petersburg metro. An analysis of the results of field measurements of noise levels for equivalent and maximum levels in the metro shows that permissible noise levels are exceeded in the “Baltiets” car on the red metro line, in car 81-717/714 on the blue metro line; in car 81-717/714 on the purple metro line; in car 81-556.2/557.2/558.2 “Neva” on the green metro line. Practical significance: identification of the obtained data show necessary measures to reduce noise in the metro. Installation of sound-absorbing materials at stations and on trains. Replacing old trains with newer ones.

A missense mutation in the barley Xan-h gene encoding the Mg-chelatase subunit I leads to a viable pale green line with reduced daily transpiration rate

Key messageThe barley mutant xan-h.chli-1 shows phenotypic features, such as reduced leaf chlorophyll content and daily transpiration rate, typical of wild barley accessions and landraces adapted to arid climatic conditions.The pale green trait, i.e. reduced chlorophyll content, has been shown to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and biomass accumulation when photosynthetic microorganisms and tobacco plants are cultivated at high densities. Here, we assess the effects of reducing leaf chlorophyll content in barley by altering the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway (CBP). To this end, we have isolated and characterised the pale green barley mutant xan-h.chli-1, which carries a missense mutation in the Xan-h gene for subunit I of Mg-chelatase (HvCHLI), the first enzyme in the CBP. Intriguingly, xan-h.chli-1 is the only known viable homozygous mutant at the Xan-h locus in barley. The Arg298Lys amino-acid substitution in the ATP-binding cleft causes a slight decrease in HvCHLI protein abundance and a marked reduction in Mg-chelatase activity. Under controlled growth conditions, mutant plants display reduced accumulation of antenna and photosystem core subunits, together with reduced photosystem II yield relative to wild-type under moderate illumination, and consistently higher than wild-type levels at high light intensities. Moreover, the reduced content of leaf chlorophyll is associated with a stable reduction in daily transpiration rate, and slight decreases in total biomass accumulation and water-use efficiency, reminiscent of phenotypic features of wild barley accessions and landraces that thrive under arid climatic conditions.

Biological effect of dual-frequency laser pulse radiation during pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds at early stages of development under stressful environmental conditions

The biological effect of two-frequency laser pulsed radiation produced on copper vapor during pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds of Veles and Leader varieties at early stages of development in extreme stressful environmental conditions has been studied. The copper vapor laser used in the experiment had the following output characteristics: wavelengths of 510.6 nm (green radiation line) and 578.2 nm (yellow radiation line), pulse duration of 15 ns, repetition frequency of 10 kHz, total pulse power of 10 kW, energy-power ratio between the green and yellow radiation lines 3/1 The interaction of laser radiation with wavelengths of 510.6 and 578.2 nm in the nonlinear medium of the seed caused the formation of additional wavelengths: a total wavelength of 271 nm (ultraviolet radiation) and a difference wavelength of 4.37 microns. Exposure to each of the four wavelengths in its spectral range could lead to the initiation of at least four radiation-induced biochemical reactions. It is shown that pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds with two-frequency laser pulsed radiation for 5–20 seconds had a stimulating effect on the growth and development of rice (the greatest effect was when exposed to 5–10 seconds), and also increased its stability when grown in extreme stressful environmental conditions (moisture deficiency, depleted soil) at early stages of development.

Extended segmentectomy for intersegmental lesions with intraoperative surgical margin assessment by radiofrequency identification markers

ObjectiveWe developed a technique to determine deep surgical margins using radiofrequency identification markers. This study assessed the feasibility of this technique during extended segmentectomy of intersegmental lesions. MethodsA single-center, prospective, single-arm study was performed from 2020 to 2023. Small pulmonary lesions suspicious for malignancy locating the virtual intersegmental plane based on 3-dimensional imagery were included. Markers were placed in the vicinity of the lesions using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. In addition to indocyanine green injection, surgeons used wireless signal strength to determine the best resection line without lung palpation to obtain surgical margins of 10 mm or the same size as the tumor. ResultsWe analyzed 75 lesions in 75 patients. Median lesion size and depth from the pleura were 12.0 mm and 23.6 mm, respectively. Three-dimensional imagery identified lesions at a median distance of 7.0 mm from the virtual intersegmental plane. The median marker-lesion and marker-virtual intersegmental plane distances were 5.8 mm and 4.9 mm, respectively. Complex segmentectomy was performed in 64 of 75 patients (85.3%). The indocyanine green and preoperative simulated intersegmental lines agreed in 92.0% (69/75). In 6 cases (8.0%), the resection line was determined using radiofrequency identification markers to obtain adequate margins because the indocyanine green undyed area was smaller than the preoperatively simulated one. In 1 patient, planned segmentectomy was converted to lobectomy because of a misplaced radiofrequency identification marker (1.3%). The successful tumor resection rate was 98.7%. The median surgical margin was 16.0 mm. ConclusionsUse of radiofrequency identification markers enabled precise extended segmentectomy with adequate surgical margins.

Synthesis of a Novel and Highly HOR/HER Selective Ru@Pt/TiOx/C Catalyst Exhibiting Strong Metal-Support Interactions (SMSI) for PEMFC Applications

One main goal in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) research is to make Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) viable for long-haul travel and increase their durability. Besides many degradation modes which target different parts of a PEMFC such as the catalyst layer, the membrane, bipolar plates, and other components, one major concern is the start-up/shut-down (SUSD) of the cell, inducing degradation of the catalyst support on the cathode. Addressing this, two mitigation strategies are possible: a) the system approach, e.g., reducing number of damaging SUSD events; b) the catalyst approach, e.g., suppressing the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) activity of the anode.The latter is feasible by utilizing a highly selective HOR/HER (Hydrogen Oxidation/Evolution Reaction) catalyst on the anode side that catalyzes the HOR but has a poor ORR activity, a property that was reported for a Pt/TiOx/C catalyst by Stühmeier et al.[1,2] The high selectivity towards the HOR/HER is explained by the Strong-Metal-Support-Interaction (SMSI) formed between the Pt nanoparticles and the TiOx-support, where the support creeps over the particle during a reductive heat treatment, as observed in HR-TEM.[1] In general, the SMSI effect between a metal and a suitable metal support is found in various heterogeneous catalytic applications, altering the catalyst’s activity for various reactions.[3] In the particular case of Pt/TiOx/C, the SMSI layer forming on the Pt nanoparticle is said to be permeable for protons but impermeable for any other oxygen-containing species, explaining a still rather high HOR/HER activity compared to a Pt/C catalyst (≈ 30% vs Pt/C) and an ORR activity that is decreased by two magnitudes (≈ 2% vs Pt/C).[1] Such interaction was also observed by Stühmeier et al. between Ru and a TiOx-support, where similar trends were determined. However, since the intrinsic HOR/HER activity of a Ru catalyst is quite low compared to Pt, a Ru/TiOx/C catalyst is not feasible for PEMFC applications.[4] Ru@Pt core-shell particles, as shown by Schwämmlein et al., exhibit a 3-5x higher HOR/HER activity compared to a Pt/C catalyst, making a Ru@Pt/C catalyst viable even for alkaline fuel cell applications.[5] Due to the already successfully explored interaction of Pt and Ru with a TiOx-support, we will examine the HOR and ORR activity of Ru@Pt/TiOx/C catalysts..In this work we successfully synthesized a novel catalyst system by forming an SMSI between Ru@Pt core-shell particles and a TiOx-support. Via RDE (Rotating Disk Electrode) characterization, we elucidate if the Ru@Pt/TiOx/C catalyst gains all the benefits from the single parts of the catalyst, namely: i) a high HOR/HER activity from the Ru@Pt core-shell particles; ii) a low ORR activity due to the SMSI effect. Figure 1 shows the HOR/HER performance catalysts based on Ru@Pt particles supported on Vulcan carbon (black line) or on TiO2 nanoparticles, whereby for the latter support the catalysts were either tested as-synthesized (red line) or after a reductive heat-treatment under 5% H2/Ar to induce SMSI effects (green line). Apparently, the SMSI layer on the Ru@Pt core-shell particles enable a sustained HOR/HER activity at > 1.0 VRHE, in contrast to the other two catalysts which show the typical decrease of the HOR/HER activity at high potentials. Similar observations had been made by Stühmeier et al. for a Pt/TiOx/C and Ru/TiOx/C catalyst.[1,2,4] The findings in this particular study with the TiOx-support, as an example, should serve as proof of principle to possibly translate the gained knowledge on different types of metal oxide supports, since the stability of TiOx is known to be limited under PEMFC operation.[2,6] References [1] B. M. Stühmeier, S. Selve, M. U. M. Patel, T. N. Geppert, A. Hubert, H. A. Gasteiger, H. A. El-Sayed, ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2019, 1–8.[2] B. M. Stühmeier, A. M. Damjanović, K. Rodewald, H. A. Gasteiger, J. Power Sources 2023, 558, DOI 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232572.[3] C. J. Pan, M. C. Tsai, W. N. Su, J. Rick, N. G. Akalework, A. K. Agegnehu, S. Y. Cheng, B. J. Hwang, J. Taiwan Inst. Chem. Eng. 2017, 74, 154–186.[4] B. M. Stühmeier, R. J. Schuster, L. Hartmann, S. Selve, H. A. El-Sayed, H. A. Gasteiger, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2022, 169, 034519.[5] J. N. Schwämmlein, H. A. El-Sayed, B. M. Stühmeier, K. F. Wagenbauer, H. Dietz, H. A. Gasteiger, ECS Trans. 2016, 75, 971–982.[6] J. Zhang, F. Coms, S. Kumaraguru, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2021, 168, 024520. Figure 1

Feasibility of Remotely Controlled Capsule to Enable Directionality and Higher Dose Rates for Conventional Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy Using Topas

With low dose radiation (LDR) brachytherapy, thus far, only low dose rates could be used with low energy level radiation sources at 30 keV or less due to the risk of radiation to healthy cells, tissue, and organs. The radiation seeds are placed in the location of the tumor and is left in the body for the total dose to be continuously administered throughout the decay period of the radiation seed. However, the amount of time to deliver the total dose can take up to several months depending on the type of radiation source, tumor size and location, due to the low dose rate of <2 Gy/hr. In contrast, high dose radiation (HDR) is defined as a dose delivered at a rate >12 Gy/hr, although usually much higher, often in excess of 1 Gy/min, with a higher energy radiation source close to 0.5 MeV.For the first time, a remotely controllable, implanted radiation capsule is introduced, to enable a very high dose rate of 10 Gy/min for 30 keV I-125 radiation source. Until now, this combination of low energy and high dose rate for implanted radiation seeds for LDR was not possible due to the risk of radiation. The implantable capsule is designed to control this risk of radiation by remotely controlling the opening of the capsule hole. In the open case, the high dose rate of I-125 is delivered for a duration of 1 minute and then closed to stop emission.For feasibility, a simulation study was conducted using TOPAS for Monte Carlo simulation of radiotherapy. In the top right figures, a cylindrical capsule of height 6 mm, diameter 3 mm, and wall thickness 0.9 mm is designed using gold to contain the radiation and prevent leakage radiation. An opening of 30 degrees was made in the middle of the capsule wall where the radiation was to be emitted. For the radiation source, a 30 keV I-125 was used with a specific activity of 6.42 x 1014 Bq/gram. With a wall thickness of 0.9 mm, calculations showed that 4.4 micrograms of I-125 was needed to increase the source activity for 1.454 x 1020 Bq per second for a high dose rate of 10 Gy/min.The yellow and red colors in the capsule are both gold with wall thickness of 0.9 mm. The red portion of the cylinder is where the 30 degree opening was defined. The green lines show the paths of the radiation particles.TOPAS simulation results successfully show that the capsule contains the radiation and the only direction of radiation is through the defined opening in the capsule. The bottom three graphs show the x, y, and z plane cuts showing a directional radiation beam that drops in intensity, from a range of 1.0 to 0, over distance and slightly widens over distance.To control the opening and closing of the hole in the radiation capsule, an inner cylinder and outer cylinder is used, where the inner cylinder can move up and down. A permanent magnet is attached to the bottom of the inner cylinder and an electromagnet is attached to the base at the bottom of the capsule. An implantable inductive coil receives an AC current from the external inductive coil, which is rectified using a diode and capacitor circuit. This DC current powers the electromagnet, which repels the inner cylinder, moving it up to align the windows of the inner and outer cylinders. This alignment opens the hole and radiation is emitted towards the target tumor. After the dose is delivered, the current is turned off, which turns off the electromagnet. With no repelling force from the electromagnet, the permanent magnet reattaches itself to the base, and the inner cylinder slides down and the windows are no longer aligned. This blocks the radiation from being emitted. The dimensions of the capsule and the windows depend on the radiation source and tumor size. Micromachining and micro 3D printing techniques can be applied for fabrication of the device.In conclusion, a feasibility study using TOPAS demonstrated that a 0.9 mm gold wall with a hole can contain a very high source activity of I-125 radiation for a very high dose rate of 10 Gy/min and emit a directional beam through the hole. A remotely controllable capsule can enable a high dose rate with LDR brachytherapy that combines the advantages of LDR and HDR, which is minimum radiation risk and minimum treatment time, simultaneously. Potential applications for this is intracavitary cancer treatment such as esophageal or cervical cancer. Figure 1

Radio Recombination Line Observations toward the Fermi Bubble

We use Green Bank Telescope radio recombination line (RRL) observations to constrain the morphology of warm ionized gas in the Fermi Bubble. Our limits on hydrogen RRL emission allow us to constrain the emission measure of the ionized gas and to estimate the beam filling factor of previous Wisconsin H-Alpha Mapper observations. Our results indicate that the warm ionized gas on the Fermi Bubble boundary spans at least 1000 pc2 with a depth of less than a pc, suggesting either a sheet-like structure or a structure consisting of many small clumps. Our data will enable us to properly calibrate future Hα observations and aid in calculating the Lyman continuum flux needed to maintain the ionized gas.

Techno-solutionism a Fact or Farce? A Critical Assessment of GenAI in Open and Distance Education

Techno-solutionism (Ts) amplifies academic integrity issues endemic to using Generative AI in Open and Distance education (ODE). It (Ts) induces in Higher education (HE) the disposition that technology can and should be employed in every aspect of teaching, learning, and assessment. The prevalence of Ts in ODE and the consequence of undermining academic integrity is found in the surge in published papers. A 2023 study by Nature of over 1600 scientists reports that nearly 30% use GenAI to write papers, and 5% use it in grant applications. A 2024 Originality.ai report on 13,000 analysed papers on arXiv indicates a sudden increase of 200.42%, 44.68% and 22.04%, respectively, in Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics in papers published in Jan. 2019 and those published in Nov. 2023. Apr. 2024 paper on arXiv notes Computer Science to be the most prolific in LLM usage with up to 17.5% increase. The problem this study addresses is balancing the challenges and opportunities of GenAI in ODE. Is there a limit to AI use in ODE? How can we upsurge academic integrity in the age of AI? How might we rethink the culture of publish or perish in the age of AI? Adopting the scoping review methodology and discourse analysis, this paper analyses the gains and pains of AI in ODE. Leveraging the critical theory of technology, it recommends clear green and red lines on using AI in teaching, research, and assessment.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINDFULNESS AND ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LIGHT OF SOME VARIABLES

The current study aimed to reveal the relationship between mindfulness and academic engagement among university students in light of some variables. To achieve the objectives of the study, a sample of (537) male and female students was selected from the Al Qasimi Academic College of Education, within the Green Line in the city of Baqa Al Arabiya by purposive sample method, mindfulness scale and academic engagement scale were applied to them. The results showed that the level of academic engagement was high among the sample. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences attributable to gender, as the arithmetic mean for females was higher than that of males, and there were no differences attributable to the academic specialization variable. The results showed a positive relationship between academic engagement and the dimensions of mindfulness: observing, describing, non-reactivity, interacting to inner experience, and acting with awareness.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0784/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Introduction: Visibility, images, Palestine/Israel

This article aims to introduce the publication in English of Ruthie Ginsburg's ‘Citizens' Photography: A Comparative Analysis' (2018) and Regev Nathansohn's ‘Shooting Occupation: The Sociology of Visual Representation’ (2007), both of which deal in different ways with the visual representation of Palestine/Israel, and specially of the Israeli occupation. The article does this by discussing the subjects of visibility and images in relation to Palestine/Israel, with a focus on how the occupied territories are seen from within the Green Line.

Genome-Wide Profiling of the Genes Related to Leaf Discoloration in Zelkova schneideriana

Zelkova schneideriana is a landscaping flowering and deciduous plant whose leaf color changes in the fall season. In the discoloration period, the anthocyanin content in the red lines of Z. schneideriana is 3.52 times greater than that in the green lines, whereas the chlorophyll content in the red lines is 20.10 times lower. To understand the molecular mechanism of the leaf discoloration, transcriptome sequencing was performed. A total of 3965 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the red and green lines in the discoloration period. These DEGs were mainly involved in plant–pathogen interactions, the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Among them, three downregulated genes were involved in chlorophyll synthesis; these genes exhibited a maximum decrease in the red lines that was 11.13 times greater than their expression in the green lines. In contrast, 33 upregulated genes were involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis; they exhibited a maximum increase in the red lines 4645.33 times greater than their expression in the green lines. The results of an association analysis revealed that four transcription factors, including ZeBHLH42, ZeMYB123, ZeMYB113, and ZeWRKY44, positively regulated the anthocyanin synthesis genes. These results explained the mechanism underlying the discoloration of Zelkova leaves and provided a basis for molecular breeding programs of colorful plants.

The Role of Digital Media in Forming the Value System among Children in Arab Kindergarten Schools within the Green Line

The Role of Digital Media in Forming the Value System among Children in Arab Kindergarten Schools within the Green Line

Riding the Wave: The Growing Preference for Public Transit System among Customers

Public transport is essential for urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing environmental impact. However, inadequate public transport conditions in Karachi have shifted interest towards private vehicles. The Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System aims to offer a modern alternative and improve the current situation. This study aims to explore the role of technological developments, best practices, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in improving service quality and attracting people to public transportation in Karachi. A cross-sectional study and survey were conducted in Karachi to gauge residents’ perceptions and expectations of the Green Line BRT System. Data were collected from 450 participants using a non-probability sampling technique. The findings reveal that technological advancements contribute to improved service quality and are considered significant by consumers when evaluating and selecting public transport services. Improved road quality further reinforces this connection. These insights are essential for policymakers and transport authorities to develop strategies that increase the attractiveness of public transportation and ensure sustainable urban mobility. Addressing core issues with modern technological methods can improve public transport systems and inspire further research.

The Administrative Performance of Arab Preparatory School Principals within the Green Line in Light of the Requirements of Artificial Intelligence

The study aimed to demonstrate the reality of administrative performance in Arab preparatory schools within the Green Line in light of the requirements of artificial intelligence. The study relied on the descriptive, correlational approach, and the research population was represented by all principals of Arab preparatory schools within the Green Line. The study sample consisted of (187) school principals. Arabic preparatory schools were selected by a simple random method, and a questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the study members. The results of the study showed that the level of administrative performance of the study members was at an average level, and that the degree of availability of artificial intelligence requirements in Arab preparatory schools was at a moderate degree, and it was shown that there is a correlation between the availability of Artificial intelligence requirements and improving the level of administrative performance. The results of the study also showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the responses of the study sample members in the field of administrative performance due to the variable (gender, academic qualification, years of experience), while there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance. (0.05) in the study members’ responses to the field of artificial intelligence requirements is attributed to gender in favor of females, to academic qualification in favor of postgraduate studies, and to the years of experience variable in favor of those with 4 years of experience or less.

The Provenance of the “Seiyal Collection”

Abstract This article considers the collection history of the so-called “Seiyal Collection,” purchased by the Palestine Archaeological Museum in 1952 and 1953. While the Taʿamireh Bedouin and/or Khalil Iskander Shahin reported the material as coming from Wadi Seiyal, much if not all of the material was actually looted from caves in Nahal Hever. The common claim that the Bedouin misreported the findspot to hide the fact that they had smuggled the material from Israel into then-Jordanian-held East Jerusalem cannot be correct, as the caves along both Wadi Seiyal and Nahal Hever are on the Israeli side of the Green Line. The article considers why the provenance was misreported, whether the scrolls team knew that the material had been smuggled from Israel, and the implications of these issues both for our understanding of the scrolls and for scholarly ethics.

Environmental drivers behind the exceptional increase in cyanobacterial blooms in Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta region in Botswana experienced exceptionally intense landscape-wide cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in 2020. In this study, the drivers behind CyanoHABs were determined from thirteen independent environmental variables, including vegetation indices, climate and meteorological parameters, and landscape variables. Annual Land Use Land Cover (LULC) maps were created from 2017 to 2020, with ∼89% accuracy to compute landscape variables such as LULC change. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and Structural Equation Models (SEM) were used to determine the most important drivers behind the CyanoHABs. Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI) and Green Line Height (GLH) algorithms served as proxies for chlorophyll-a (green algae) and phycocyanin (cyanobacteria) concentrations. GAM models showed that seven out of the thirteen variables explained 89.9% of the variance for GLH. The models showcased that climate variables, including monthly precipitation (8.8%) and Palmer Severity Drought Index- PDSI (3.2%), along with landscape variables such as changes in Wetlands area (7.5%), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (5.4%) were the determining drivers behind the increased cyanobacterial activity within the Delta. Both PDSI and NDVI showed negative correlations with GLH, indicating that increased drought conditions could have led to large increases in toxic CyanoHAB activity within the region. This study provides new information about environmental drivers which can help monitor and predict regions at risk of future severe CyanoHABs outbreaks in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, and other similar data-scarce and ecologically sensitive areas in Africa.Plain Language Summary: The waters of the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana experienced an exceptional increase in toxic cyanobacterial activity in recent years. Cyanobacterial blooms have been shown to affect local communities and wildlife in the past. To determine the drivers behind this increased bloom activity, we analyzed the effects of thirteen independent environmental variables using two different statistical models. Within this research, we focused on vegetation indices, meteorological, and landscape variables, as previous studies have shown their effect on cyanobacterial activity in other parts of the world. While driver determination for cyanobacteria has been done before, the environmental conditions most important for cyanobacterial growth can be specific to the geographic setting of a study site. The statistical analysis indicated that the increases in cyanobacterial bloom activity within the region were mainly driven by persistent drier conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the driving factors behind cyanobacterial activity in this region of the world. Our findings will help to predict and monitor areas at risk of future severe cyanobacterial blooms in the Okavango Delta and other similar African ecosystems.

Antimalarial and antioxidant activities of novel artesunate-ellagic acid hybrid compound in vitro and in vivo.

Introduction: Emergence of drug resistant strains of Plasmodium species has necessitated the search for novel antimalarials with unique mechanisms of action. Synthesis of hybrid compounds has been one approach to tackling this challenge. In this study, the synthesis of artesunate-ellagic acid hybrid compound (EA31) from ellagic acid and artesunate and its evaluation for antimalarial and antioxidant activities using in vitro and in vivo models were carried out. Method: EA31 was synthesized from artesunate and ellagic acid. The activities of the hybrid compound against Plasmodium falciparum W2 and P. berghei NK65 were evaluated, and its antioxidant activities were also determined. Results: The results revealed that EA31 was more active against P. falciparum W2 (chloroquine resistant) clone and less cytotoxic to buffalo green monkey kidney cell line compared to artesunate. EA31 was also active against Plasmodium berghei NK65 in vivo. The results revealed inhibition of β-hematin formation as one of the mechanisms of action of EA31. EA31 also exhibited antioxidant activities. Conclusion: The results revealed that EA31 may exert dual action of killing malaria parasite and mopping the reactive oxygen species that mediate the secondary complications of malaria.

Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 6/2024

Color‐magnitude diagram of the lower mass end of the Main Sequence of globular cluster NGC 6752, as derived from NIR images of a deep field observed under a HST Large Programme led by L.R.Bedin. Three main stellar populations can be reliably distinguished within this cluster. The three isochrones (blue, green, and red lines) were computed with different chemical compositions, adjusted to match the observed colors of the different generations of stars at an age of 12.63 Gy. In the lower left part of the plot, the corresponding isochrone for the White Dwarfs (at an age of 12.5 Gy) is shown in purple, together with the three WD candidates shown as orange crosses. For each isochrone, specific mass values are marked by labeled filled dots. A detailed analysis of the HST data and a discussion of possible scenarios for the formation of multiple stellar populations within NGC 6752 is presented in the article by Scalco et al., this issue e240018. image

From leaves to fabric: the beauty of Econic

Learning outcomes This case is primarily intended fior students to evolve ideas in context to the challenges catering to a green fashion clothing line selling their products in the emerging economy of India wherein the masses are far behind considering the sustainable value of their products. In response to these challenges, the learners would be able toanalyze the influence of internal and external enhancers and inhibitors on a sustainable fashion brand to improve its scalability; articulate the factors influencing diffusion of sustainable fashion apparel; and formulate a strategic plan to aid in the growth and scalability of the brand and building micro-economies that will thrive in the future.The case also addresses topics like consumer attitude toward sustainable fashion clothing line and pricing challenges faced by such brands in developing economies like India. Case overview/synopsis This case describes the challenges faced by the co-founders, Sanghamitra and Mayuree, who introduced a sustainable fashion apparel brand called Econic. Marketing and sales of Econic’s products came with a bundle of challenges, and it was not easy to convince customers about the authenticity, quality and pricing of these products. Indian consumers had less awareness of the value of sustainable fashion clothing thereby presenting a huge challenge for Econic to flourish and sell their products in India. Thereafter, the brand aimed at expanding beyond the geographical boundaries of India. This further led Econic to face a cutthroat competition from various established players with comparatively huge market shares. Majority of Econic’s sales arose from expatriates or outlanders. Considering the response of local impediments and constraints from India, Sanghamitra began targeting the foreign markets. She saw global expansion as an opportunity for driving the brand’s growth. Eventually, Econic witnessed nascent success when the founders started exporting their products in the markets of UAE [1] and USA [2]. Contrarily, the brand’s co-founder Mayuree felt that it was too early for the brand to enter international market, and instead, it would be more sensible to focus attention in India itself. The approach of both the co-founders seemed paradoxical. At one point, Econic was facing a fierce local competition for their products. How could the brand increase awareness and acceptance of its products was an area of concern for Sanghamitra. Second, expanding into international market posed certain other challenges. The key dilemmas encountered by the co-founders continued to remain that which growth strategy should Econic adopt; how could Econic ascertain to set foot into which market; what were the likely scalability challenges they faced by entering international market; and what could be the finest marketing strategy for their brand. Complexity academic level The case is relevant for students in disciplines of green marketing, principles and concepts of sustainability, climate change and development, corporate social responsibility, marketing and strategy. It is designed for advanced MBA/PGDM and capstone courses. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.