High Availability Research Articles

Biopolymers Derived from Forest Biomass for the Sustainable Textile Industry

In line with environmental awareness movements and social concerns, the textile industry is prioritizing sustainability in its strategic planning, product decisions, and brand initiatives. The use of non-biodegradable materials, obtained from non-renewable sources, contributes heavily to environmental pollution throughout the textile production chain. As sustainable alternatives, considerable efforts are being made to incorporate biodegradable biopolymers derived from residual biomass, with reasonable production costs, to replace or reduce the use of synthetic petrochemical-based polymers. However, the commercial deployment of these biopolymers is dependent on high biomass availability and a cost-effective supply. Residual forest biomass, with lignocellulosic composition and seasonably available at low cost, constitutes an attractive renewable resource that might be used as raw material. Thus, this review aims at carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the use of residual forest biomass as a source of new biomaterials for the textile industry, identifying current gaps or problems. Three specific biopolymers are considered: lignin that is recovered from forest biomass, and the bacterial biopolymers poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) and bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be produced from sugar-rich hydrolysates derived from the polysaccharide fractions of forest biomass. Lignin, PHA, and BC can find use in textile applications, for example, to develop fibers or technical textiles, thus replacing the currently used synthetic materials. This approach will considerably contribute to improving the sustainability of the textile industry by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable materials upon disposal of textiles, reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the integration of residual forest biomass as renewable raw material to produce advanced biomaterials for the textile industry is consistent with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy and offers potential for the development of innovative materials for this industry.

Reproductive and persistence strategy of the liverwort Arnellia fennica after the last glaciation in the area of disjunction in Central Europe (Polish Tatra Mountains, carpathians)

The liverwort Arnellia fennica has a circumarctic distribution with disjunct and scarce localities in the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees. Within the Carpathians, it is only known from the Tatra Mountains (in Poland), where so far only four occurrences have been documented in the forest belt of the limestone part of the Western Tatras. The species is considered a tertiary relict, which owes its survival during the last glaciation period to low-lying locations in areas not covered by ice. Previously, it has been demonstrated that this plant does not produce gemmae in the Tatra Mountains, nor does it reproduce sexually, hence it has not spread in this massif despite the high availability of potential habitats. These studies address the following questions: (1) why A. fennica, an arctic-alpine species, has only been found at low elevations in the Tatra Mountains so far, (2) what were the possibilities of its survival during the glaciation period as verified based on the latest paleoglaciological map, (3) how this species persists in the Tatras and why it remains a rare plant. As a result, nine additional new occurrences were found, bringing the total to 13 throughout the massif. Some of the sites were found in the high mountain area. For the first time, the production of gemmae in the Tatra population of A. fennica was observed and documented, along with the presence of male specimens of this dioecious species. Genetic studies have shown that individuals from all three groups of sites are genetically homogeneous, indicating a lack of sexual reproduction. The only way of dispersal for A. fennica in the Tatras is through propagule production. The uniqueness and specificity of these structures have been described, which differ significantly from the common model known in liverworts. The rarity of the species in the Tatra massif is attributed to the inefficient mode of vegetative reproduction and the absence of sexual reproduction. Paleoglaciological analysis of all montane sites (historical and new) of A. fennica showed that half were located in areas covered by glaciers. The hypothesis of this liverwort’s survival during the glaciation period, at lower elevations, should be rejected. In light of the new data obtained, montane localities should be considered as secondary, which could have arisen after the glacier retreated only from high-mountain populations producing propagules transported downhill.

A Combination of Classification Robust Adaptive Kalman Filter with PPP-RTK to Improve Fault Detection for Integrity Monitoring of Autonomous Vehicles

Real-time integrity monitoring (IM) is essential for autonomous vehicle positioning, requiring high availability and manageable computational load. This research proposes using precise point positioning real-time kinematic (PPP-RTK) as the positioning method, combined with an improved classification adaptive Kalman filter (CAKF) for processing. PPP-RTK enhances IM availability by allowing undifferenced and uncombined observations, enabling individual observation exclusion during fault detection and exclusion (FDE). The CAKF reduces FDE computational load by using a robustness test instead of traditional FDE methods, improving precision and availability in protection level estimation. Epoch-wise weighting adjustments in the robustness test create a more accurate stochastic model, aided by an adaptive unit weight variance (UWV) calculated with a sliding window, achieving a 7–28% UWV reduction. Three test scenarios with up to four simultaneous faults in code and phase observations, ranging from 1 to 200 m and 0.4 to 20 m, respectively, demonstrated successful identification and de-weighting of faults, resulting in maximum positioning errors of 6 mm (horizontal) and 11 mm (vertical). The method reduced FDE computational load by 50–99.999% compared to other approaches.

Boosting thermoelectric properties of n-type PbS across a broad temperature range through doping with trace amounts of InBi

Lead sulfide (PbS) is a promising thermoelectric material due to its high availability, thermal stability, and cost-efficiency, with research predominantly aiming to enhance its carrier concentration through heavy doping for optimal ZT values at high temperatures. However, this approach often results in suboptimal performance at ambient temperature, significantly constraining its applicability in thermoelectric cooling technologies. In this work, the carrier concentration of n-type PbS is optimized by incorporating trace amounts of InBi. Due to the low carrier concentration, PbS retains a high Seebeck coefficient and carrier mobility, resulting in a high average power factor (PFave) of 15.4 μW·cm−1·K−2 within the temperature range from 300 to 773 K. In addition, the introduction of In/Bi interstitial atoms and dislocation defects enhances phonon scattering, effectively reducing the lattice thermal conductivity of PbS. The peak ZT value of Pb0.999(InBi)0.001S at 773 K reaches ∼1.0, while an average ZT value (ZTave) of ∼0.6 is achieved between 300 and 773 K in Pb0.9995(InBi)0.0005S. This study demonstrates that trace element doping is an effective strategy for optimizing the thermoelectric performance of PbS across a wide temperature range, which is vital in the thermoelectric power generation and refrigeration application.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Influence of Religion on the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food in Spanish Schoolchildren in North Africa

(1) Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constitutes a public health problem given their high availability and easy accessibility among children and young people and their influence on the development of non-communicable diseases in the long term. In this context, culture and religion may be modulating factors for the consumption of processed food. The aim of this study is to assess the consumption of UPFs in Spanish schoolchildren living in Melilla (North Africa), together with the possible impact of religion on this. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study of 590 Christian and Muslim schoolchildren aged 15–17 years was conducted. The NOVA food classification was used to identify UPFs. Associations between religion and daily consumption were identified using risk analysis (Odds Ratio). (3) Results: Muslim schoolchildren had a higher consumption of industrial juices [OR = 2.700, 95%CI = 1.830–4.037], milkshakes [OR = 2.925, 95% = 1.850–4.748], industrial pastries [OR = 2.217, 95% = 1.440–3.510], sweets [OR = 2.197, 95%CI = 1.437–3.541], chocolates [OR = 2.272, 95%CI = 1.482–3.606] and savory snacks [OR = 3.431, 95%CI = 1.844–6.579] compared to that observed among Christians. (4) Conclusions: Both Muslim and Christian schoolchildren had a high consumption of UPFs. Regarding the potential impact of religion on the consumption of UPF, we observed that Muslim schoolchildren consumed three to four times more UPF than Christian schoolchildren. These results show a shift away from a healthy eating pattern, especially among Muslim schoolchildren. Thus, it is necessary to implement nutritional education strategies in order to understand and control the consumption of UPF in adolescents, thereby reducing the occurrence of non-communicable diseases in the long term.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Water using TraPPE and SWM4-NDP Force Fields.

The increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to the combustion of fossil fuels and the consequential impact on global climate change have made CO2 capture, storage, and utilization a significant area of focus for current research. In most electrochemical CO2 applications, water is used as a proton donor due to its high availability and mobility and use as a polar solvent. Additionally, supercritical CO2 is a promising avenue for electrochemical applications due to its unique chemical and physical properties. Consequently, understanding the interactions between water and supercritical CO2 is of great importance for future electrochemical applications. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a powerful tool that enables atomistic-resolution dynamics of molecular systems, which can complement and guide future experimental investigations. This study employed atomistic MD to study the cosolubilities, codiffusivities, and structure of supercritical CO2 and water systems, with a polarizable water model (SWM4-NDP) and a nonpolarizable CO2 model (TraPPE). Additionally, ab initio MD simulations were used to better understand how atomistic polarizable/nonpolarizable models compare to explicit modeling of electron densities. The polarizable water model exhibited substantial improvement in water-associated properties. We anticipate the development of a compatible polarizable CO2 model to yield similar improvement, providing a pathway for realizing novel high-pressure electrochemical systems.

Availability, pricing, and affordability of antithrombotic medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: implications for health policy

BackgroundAntithrombotic medications are essential for the management of abnormal clot formation. However, their availability, pricing, and affordability in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis Ababa, have not been comprehensively studied.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to assess the availability, pricing, and affordability of essential antithrombotic medicines. This study utilized the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Health Action Organization methodology. Five public hospital outpatient pharmacies, four private hospitals, ten private pharmacies, four Kenema pharmacies, and two Red Cross pharmacies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, were included in the study. All essential antithrombotic medicines in the 6th edition of Ethiopia’s Essential Medicines List were included in this study. Data were collected for originator brands and the lowest-priced generic medicines available at each medicine outlet.ResultsThe availability of low-priced generic (LPG) antithrombotic medicines was 31%, with private hospitals having the highest availability (52%). Original-brand antithrombotic medicines were rarely available, averaging only 3%, with private pharmacies showing a slightly higher availability (10%). The median price of LPG antithrombotic medicines is higher in private settings. Original-brand (OB) antithrombotic medicines in private hospitals and pharmacies were unaffordable, costing between 256.14 and 3,418 days of wages.ConclusionThe availability of most antithrombotic medicines was low across all sectors compared with the WHO target. Private hospitals showed relatively higher availability of LPG medicines than other pharmacy outlets included in the study. There is a significant disparity between the availability and affordability of LPG and OB medicines. To address these issues, the national drug procurement and distribution systems must be strengthened. Exploring local production and financial assistance programs, implementing effective stock management, regulating medicine prices, promoting high-quality generic medicines, and conducting further research to understand the national landscape are all essential.

Thyroid hormones reversibly inhibit metamorphic development in ophiuroid larvae.

The timing of metamorphosis and settlement is critical for the survival and reproductive success of marine animals with biphasic life cycles. Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate developmental timing in diverse groups of chordates, including the regulation of metamorphosis in amphibians, teleosts, lancelets, tunicates, and lampreys. Recent evidence suggests a role for TH regulation of metamorphosis outside of the chordates, including echinoderms, annelids, and molluscs. Among echinoderms, TH effects on development as well as underlying signaling mechanisms in early embryogenesis have been documented for echinoid (sea urchin) larvae, but we lack information on TH effects on metamorphic development in most other echinoderm groups, including the ophiuroids (brittle stars). Unexpectedly, we found that THs, principally 3,5,3',5'-Tetraiodo-L-thyronine (T4), reversibly inhibit metamorphic development and settlement in the brittle star (Ophiopholis aculeata; daisy brittle star). Exposure to thiourea, an inhibitor of TH synthesis, accelerated metamorphic development. We showed that these effects were highly stage specific, providing evidence for a developmental point-of-no-return in ophiuroid metamorphic development. Furthermore, starvation of O. aculeata accelerates juvenile morphogenesis and settlement. Starvation also prevents the inhibitory effect of thiourea on TH function, suggesting that TH synthesis may play a role in delaying metamorphosis under conditions of high food availability. These findings provide evidence for a function of TH signaling in ophiuroid metamorphic development and suggest that exogenous thyroid hormone sources may be involved in the regulation of metamorphic timing in O. aculeata. Together with new evidence of TH involvement in metamorphic development in a range of invertebrates, these findings further emphasize the versatile and central role of endocrine signaling in metamorphosis.

Impact of ripening stages and drying techniques on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of apple mango chips.

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are valued for their rich nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. However, high moisture content and seasonal availability contribute to post-harvest losses of up to 50%. To reduce these losses and extend shelf life, drying methods like solar, convective, and freeze-drying are used, each impacting dried mango quality differently. This study examines how ripening stages and drying methods affect the physicochemical and sensory qualities of apple mango chips, analyzing attributes such as moisture (7.81%-11.50%), protein (2.49%-2.89%), fat (0.78%-1.11%), pH, total soluble solids, and color parameters (L* and a* values). Results show that solar drying, especially for fully ripe mangoes, enhances color and sensory qualities, with fully ripe, solar-dried mango chips receiving the highest ratings for color, taste, flavor, and aroma. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing ripeness and drying techniques to improve dried mango quality. Although solar drying is cost-effective and preserves sensory qualities, limitations include nutrient loss and limited access to advanced drying technologies like freeze-drying, especially in developing regions. The study's focus on apple mangoes and a small, non-trained sensory panel may limit generalizability, suggesting that future research could explore additional drying methods across more mango varieties. Larger sensory panels with trained evaluators may provide broader insights. This study offers valuable strategies for enhancing dried mango production and marketability. By optimizing ripening stages and drying techniques, industry professionals and researchers can improve product quality, meet consumer preferences, and support sustainability, benefiting local farmers and global markets.

Exploring Access to Essential Medicines in the South Pacific: Insights from a Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Study

Access to essential medicines is imperative for delivering effective healthcare, yet a significant proportion of the global population continues to face barriers in obtaining them. The South Pacific Region (SPR) faces unique medicine access challenges due to geographic remoteness, economic limitations, and, strained healthcare infrastructure. To gain further insight, this study aimed to assess the availability, pricing, and, affordability of essential medicines stratified by World Bank income group. The WHO and Health Action International standardised methodology was employed in the public and private sectors of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Vanuatu, and, the Solomon Islands between February 1st 2023 and October 1st 2023. We measured availability, median price ratio (MPR), and affordability. Data were analysed by World Bank income group. Data were collected from 19 public-sector hospitals and 24 private-sector pharmacies. Lower-middle income countries (LMICs) had the lowest mean availability for both public and private sectors, while upper-middle and high-income countries (HICs) demonstrated moderate to high availability. The mean availability of lowest-priced generics (LPG) in LMICs was 59.1% in the public sector and 57.4% in the private sector, compared to 87.2% and 72.5% respectively in HICs. MPRs indicated high medicine prices across all categories. Affordability analysis revealed that medicines were unaffordable in LMICs yet affordable in UMICs and HICs. LMICs within the South Pacific display low availability and poor affordability of essential medicines. Urgent targeted policy reform and strategic initiatives are required to ensure effective and equitable healthcare within this region. This research was supported by l'Agence Française de Développement, Le Fonds Pacifique [CZZ3165ORC].

Adenosinergic Signalling in Cervical Cancer Microenvironment.

Despite the emergence of the first human papillomavirus vaccine, the incidence of cervical cancer is still responsible for more than 350,000 deaths yearly. Over the past decade, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73/5'-NT) and extracellular adenosine (ADO) signalling has been the subject of many investigations to target cancer progression. In general, the adenosinergic axis has been linked to tumourigenic effects. However, CD73 can play contradictory effects, probably dependent on the tumour type, tumour microenvironment and tumour stage, thus being in some circumstances, inversely related to tumour progression. We herein reviewed the pathophysiological function of CD73 in cervical cancer and performed in silico analysis of the main components of the adenosinergic signalling in human tissues of cervical cancer compared to non-tumour cervix tissue. Our data showed that the NT5E gene, that encoded CD73, is hypermethylated, leading to a decreased CD73 expression in cervical cancer cells compared to normal cells. Consequently, the high availability of ADO cytoplasmatic/extracellular leads to its conversion to AMP by ADK, culminating in global hypermethylation. Therefore, epigenetic modulation may reveal a new role for CD73 in cervical cancer.

Identification of Low-Cost Potting Mixture for Propagation of Betel (Piper Betle L.)

Betel (Piper betle L.) is a popular intercrop with coconut in Kurunegala and Gampaha districts, cultivated primarily as a cash crop. Growers often use potted betel plants for transplanting to ensure the selection of high-quality, vigorous plants. The traditional potting mixture for betel includes top soil(TS), sand(S), cattle manure(CM) and coir dust(CD) in equal parts. However, due to the high cost and limited availability of sand and coir dust, using partially burned paddy husk as a substitute is a more economical option. A study was carried to find out the low-cost potting mixture using combination of potting materials. Seven treatments comprised combinations of top soil, sand, cattle manure, coir dust, and partially burned paddy husk (PBPH).. The poly bags were filled with a plotting mixture and three nodal cuttings were planted. A propagator was used to raise the plants for 21 days. Then the small plants were kept in 70% shade. According to the results, the highest root dry weights were observed in T2(TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH 2:1:1:1:3) treatment and T7 (TS:CM:PBPH, 1:1:3)treatments. The highest shoot dry weight was observed in T4 (TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH 2:1:1/2:1:1)treatment. The highest shoot length was observed in T4 treatment. The highest number of leaves was observed in T4 treatment. Therefore treatments, T2 ,T4 and T7 can be recommended for the betel propagation. Cost of a plant in the T2, T4 and T7 treatments were Rs11.5, Rs13.50, Rs 9.30 respectively were lower than the cost of the conventional potting mixture Rs18.00.

ANALYSIS OF THE ASSORTMENT OF COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES REGISTERED ON THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET OF UKRAINE AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC AVAILABILITY

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are a group of medications widely used by women of reproductive age worldwide that contain progestin and estrogen or progestin alone. COCs remain one of the most common contraceptive methods used by women of reproductive age, with approximately 151 million users worldwide. The aim of the work was to research the range of combined oral contraceptives (COC) registered on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine and to assess their socio-economic availability using the example of AKS Pharmacy No. 55 (Odesa, 162/2 Kostandi St.) for the year 2023. Research materials and methods. Analytical (data from the State Register of Medicinal Products and the search system tabletki.ua) and pharmacoeconomic (estimation of economic availability based on the indicator of adequacy of solvency Ca. s) research methods were used. Results and discussion. It was established that as of May 15, 2024, 36 trade names (TN) of COC preparations of foreign production were registered in Ukraine. The lion's share of the market is represented by IV generation COCs - 60% of the total assortment. 3rd, 2nd and 1st generation COCs account for 23, 14 and 3% of TN drugs, respectively. The type of composition containing only progestin is represented by 2 TN preparations. It was noted that among 12 TN COC drugs - "Regulon No. 3*21" tablets; "Femoston 1/10 No. 56" tablets and "Rygevidon No. 63" tablets belong to the middle range (Ca. s. = 6,5-7,5 %). All the other 9 TN COCs belong to the high range (Ca. s. less than 5 %). Conclusions. The range of combined oral contraceptives registered in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine is completely provided by imported manufacturers, and according to the results of socio-economic availability of COCs it was established that these drugs belong to the category of high and medium availability.

Perceived Riskiness and Problem Gambling Across Different Forms of Gambling: A Focus on 'Soft' Gambling.

Gambling encompasses a wide variety of activities, and the structural characteristics of each form contribute to its potential risk. However, the literature does not fully agree on the risk levels of certain gambling forms. In this study, we classify less risky gambling forms (soft forms) based on public perceptions of their riskiness. We examine the link between gambling experience and problem gambling prevalence. A survey was conducted in a model region of the Czech Republic, a post-socialist country with high gambling availability, with N = 2,498 respondents. A typology of gambling forms (lotteries, betting, and casino games) was created based on perceived risk similarities. Lotteries are the most frequently played gambling form, with 86.3% reporting lifetime participation. Among those who exclusively engage in lottery-type forms, 15 percentage points more women than men participated in the last year, and the gap widens to 31 points over a lifetime.Forms of gambling perceived as more riskyshow a lower proportion of non-problem gamblers, both for recent and lifetime participation. Furthermore, individuals who gambled within the past month or year are at higher risk of developing gambling problems compared to those whose gambling experiences were less recent.

Site-Specific Online Fertilizer Recommendations in Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton through CardSApp offers fertilizer savings and higher economic returns

The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, Southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The ICH region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Numerous studies have reported that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused soil acidification (lowering of pH) and nutrient imbalances. This has resulted in unsustainable production of cardamom, a high-value spice crop that contributes significantly to India's export earnings. This study aimed to conduct a geo-tagged soil fertility survey in selected cardamom-growing areas within the ICH, assess soil fertility and provide sitespecific fertilizer recommendations to farmers via a mobile- or web-based application. A digital application, CardSApp, designed for the small cardamom sector, offers tailored fertilizer recommendations based on local soil and crop requirements. A representative geo-tagged soil survey was conducted in Udumbanchola taluk, located in Idukki district of Kerala, within the ICH. The surveyed area spanned from 76°59'01.19'' to 77°16'11.55'' East longitude and 9° 38'21.54'' to 10°04'46.60'' North latitude. Spatial interpolation techniques were used to generate maps showing the distribution of primary, secondary and micronutrients in the soil. The study revealed a high availability of NPK nutrients in cardamom soils. The study also revealed deficiencies in secondary nutrients like magnesium and sulfur, as well as micronutrients such as boron. Most of the soils showed signs of acidification. These findings highlight opportunities to optimize fertilizer usage and improve soil health. Specifically, NPK usage can be reduced or phosphatic fertilizers omitted in 58% of the area, potentially savings of ?12.27 crores annually in the surveyed taluk alone. Additionally, addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients can further enhance soil health and crop productivity. To aid farmers in decision-making, the Android- and web-based application CardSApp leverages interpolated soil fertility data. CardSApp offers site-specific recommendations tailored to the soil nutrient profiles identified in the survey. CardSApp enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, correct nutrient imbalances and apply amendments for pH correction. These practices can improve both farm productivity and income. The adoption of this online fertilizer recommendation system by farmers in the ICH is expected to rationalize fertilizer usage in cardamom cultivation, improve both soil and plant health and support sustainable production with higher economic returns.

Adequate Volume Restitution with Midodrine Versus Albumin in Patients with Refractory Ascites Undergoing Large-Volume Paracentesis: A Comparative Analysis

Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) is a cornerstone in the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients, but it is associated with significant hemodynamic complications, including paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD). Current guidelines advocate for the use of albumin to mitigate these risks; however, its high cost and limited availability have prompted the exploration of alternative therapies such as midodrine, an α1-adrenergic agonist with vasoconstrictive properties. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of midodrine versus albumin in maintaining hemodynamic stability and preventing PICD post-LVP. We conducted a prospective, randomized trial involving patients with refractory ascites, evaluating hemodynamic parameters, renal function, and clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest that midodrine offers a cost-effective alternative to albumin with comparable efficacy in volume restitution, although certain patient subgroups may benefit more from specific interventions. Further research is warranted to optimize patient selection and treatment protocols.

Recent Progress in Balancing the Activity, Durability, and Low Ir Content for Ir-Based Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts in Acidic Media.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis faces challenges associated with high overpotential and acidic environments, which pose significant hurdles in developing highly active and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Ir-based nanomaterials are considered promising OER catalysts for PEM due to their favorable intrinsic activity and stability under acidic conditions. However, their high cost and limited availability pose significant limitations. Consequently, numerous studies have emerged aimed at reducing iridium content while maintaining high activity and durability. Furthermore, the research on the OER mechanism of Ir-based catalysts has garnered widespread attention due to differing views among researchers. The recent progress in balancing activity, durability, and low iridium content in Ir-based catalysts is summarized in this review, with a particular focus on the effects of catalyst morphology, heteroatom doping, substrate introduction, and novel structure development on catalyst performance from four perspectives. Additionally, the recent mechanistic studies on Ir-based OER catalysts is discussed, and both theoretical and experimental approaches is summarized to elucidate the Ir-based OER mechanism. Finally, the perspectives on the challenges and future developments of Ir-based OER catalysts is presented.

A Linker Histone Acts as a Transcription Factor to Orchestrate Malic Acid Accumulation in Apple in Response to Sorbitol.

High carbohydrate availability promotes malic acid accumulation in fleshy fruits, but the underlying mechanism is not known. Here, we show that antisense repression of ALDOSE-6-PHOSPHATE REDUCTASE in apple (Malus domestica) decreases the concentrations of sorbitol and malate and the transcript levels of several genes involved in vacuolar malate transport, including the aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) gene MdALMT9 (Ma1), the P-ATPase gene MdPH5, the MYB transcription factor gene MdMYB73, and the cold-induced basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor gene MdCIbHLH1, in fruit and leaves. We identified a linker histone H1 variant, MdH1.1, which complements the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) H1 deficient mutant and functions as a transcription factor. MdH1.1 activates MdMYB73, MdCIbHLH1, and MdPH5 expression by directly binding to their promoters. MdMYB73, in return, binds to the promoter of MdH1.1 to enhance its transcription. This MdH1.1-MdMYB73 feedback loop responds to sorbitol, regulating Ma1 expression. Antisense suppression of either MdH1.1 or MdMYB73 expression significantly decreases whereas overexpression increases Ma1 expression and malate accumulation. These findings demonstrate that MdH1.1, in addition to being an architectural protein for chromatin structure, operates as a transcription factor orchestrating malic acid accumulation in response to sorbitol, revealing how sugar signaling modulates vacuolar malate transport via a linker histone in plants.

Recurrent Swarms of Planktonic Shrimp Luciferidae De Haan, 1849 (Order: Decapoda) in the Neritic Waters of Tamil Nadu, Southeast Coast of India

ABSTRACTLuciferidae (Decapoda) are an important component of mesozooplankton in pelagic food webs. This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution and frequency of Luciferidae swarms along the Tamil Nadu coast, as observed during coastal monitoring cruises conducted between 2019 and 2022. Data were collected on various hydrobiological factors, including surface water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, zooplankton biomass, and the abundance of other mesozooplankton (such as copepods, cladocerans, and others) across eight locations in the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu, India. Salinity values were generally low (< 30 PSU) throughout the study period, except in September 2019. Microscopic analysis identified Belzebub hanseni Nobili, 1905, as the only organism responsible for swarm formation, with its occurrence peaking in January 2022. During this period, B. hanseni reached a maximum abundance of 3294 ind. m−3 for adults and 4056 ind. m−3 for larvae, together contributing approximately 27% of the total zooplankton abundance. Swarms of B. hanseni were observed a total of seven times over the course of the study, correlating with periods of low sea surface temperature and high food availability. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the abundance of copepods and B. hanseni (r = 0.84; p < 0.001), suggesting that both groups may be influenced by similar environmental factors, such as physical transport, food availability, and favorable conditions. This study indicates that the frequent swarming of B. hanseni in the nearshore waters of the Tamil Nadu coast is largely driven by food availability and optimal environmental conditions, including water temperature and monsoonal influences. The findings also suggest that geographical features, such as mangrove habitats, may contribute to the occurrence of B. hanseni swarms in this region.

Disaster Recovery and Application Security in Microservices: Exploring Kubernetes, Application Gateways, and Cloud Solutions for High Availability

Disaster Recovery and Application Security in Microservices: Exploring Kubernetes, Application Gateways, and Cloud Solutions for High Availability