Local Environment Research Articles

Ruminant microbiome data are skewed and unFAIR, undermining their usefulness for sustainable production improvement

The ruminant microbiome plays a key role in the health, feed utilization and environmental impact of ruminant production systems. Microbiome research provides insights to reduce the environmental footprint and improve meat and milk production from ruminants. However, the microbiome composition depends on the ruminant species, habitat and diet, highlighting the importance of having a good representation of ruminant microbiomes in their local environment to translate research findings into beneficial approaches. This information is currently lacking. In this study, we examined the metadata of farmed ruminant microbiome studies to determine global representativeness and summarized information by ruminant species, geographic location, body site, and host information. We accessed data from the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration via the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. We retrieved 47,628 sample metadata, with cattle accounting for more than two-thirds of the samples. In contrast, goats, which have a similar global population to cattle, were underrepresented with less than 4% of the total samples. Most samples originated in Western Europe, North America, Australasia and China but countries with large ruminant populations in South America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe were underrepresented. Microbiomes from the gastrointestinal tract were the most frequently studied, comprising about 87% of all samples. Additionally, the number of samples from other body sites such as the respiratory tract, milk, skin, reproductive tract, and fetal tissue, has markedly increased over the past decade. More than 40% of the samples lacked basic information and many were retrieved from generic taxonomic classifications where the ruminant species was manually recovered. The lack of basic information such as age, breed or sex can limit the reusability of the data for further analysis and follow-up studies. This requires correct taxonomic assignment of the ruminant host and basic metadata information using accepted ontologies adapted to host-associated microbiomes. Repositories should require this information as a condition of acceptance. The results of this survey highlight the need to encourage studies of the ruminant microbiome from underrepresented ruminant species and countries worldwide. This shortfall in information poses a challenge for the development of microbiome-based strategies to meet sustainability requirements, particularly in areas with expanding livestock production systems.

Spiral-Concave Prussian Blue Crystals with Rich Steps: Growth Mechanism and Coordination Regulation.

Investigating the formation and transformation mechanisms of spiral-concave crystals holds significant potential for advancing innovative material design and comprehension. We examined the kinetics-controlled nucleation and growth mechanisms of Prussian Blue crystals with spiral concave structures, and constructed a detailed crystal growth phase diagram. The spiral-concave hexacyanoferrate (SC-HCF) crystals, characterized by high-density surface steps and a low stress-strain architecture, exhibit enhanced activity due to their facile interaction with reactants. Notably, the coordination environment of SC-HCF can be precisely modulated by the introduction of diverse metals. Utilizing X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and in situ ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, we elucidated the formation mechanism of SC-HCF to Co-HCF facilitated by oriented adsorption-ion exchange (OA-IE) process. Both experimental data, and density functional theory confirm that Co-HCF possesses an optimized energy band structure, capable of adjusting the local electronic environment and enhancing the performance of the oxygen evolution reaction. This work not only elucidates the formation mechanism and coordination regulation for rich steps HCF, but also offers a novel perspective for constructing nanocrystals with intricate spiral-concave structures.

Spiral‐Concave Prussian Blue Crystals with Rich Steps: Growth Mechanism and Coordination Regulation

AbstractInvestigating the formation and transformation mechanisms of spiral‐concave crystals holds significant potential for advancing innovative material design and comprehension. We examined the kinetics‐controlled nucleation and growth mechanisms of Prussian Blue crystals with spiral concave structures, and constructed a detailed crystal growth phase diagram. The spiral‐concave hexacyanoferrate (SC‐HCF) crystals, characterized by high‐density surface steps and a low stress‐strain architecture, exhibit enhanced activity due to their facile interaction with reactants. Notably, the coordination environment of SC‐HCF can be precisely modulated by the introduction of diverse metals. Utilizing X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and in situ ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, we elucidated the formation mechanism of SC‐HCF to Co‐HCF facilitated by oriented adsorption‐ion exchange (OA‐IE) process. Both experimental data, and density functional theory confirm that Co‐HCF possesses an optimized energy band structure, capable of adjusting the local electronic environment and enhancing the performance of the oxygen evolution reaction. This work not only elucidates the formation mechanism and coordination regulation for rich steps HCF, but also offers a novel perspective for constructing nanocrystals with intricate spiral‐concave structures.

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation reveals the influence of entropy effect on Co@BEA zeolite-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ethane

The C–H bond activation in alkane dehydrogenation reactions is a key step in determining the reaction rate. To understand the impact of entropy, we performed ab initio static and molecular dynamics free energy simulations of ethane dehydrogenation over Co@BEA zeolite at different temperatures. AIMD simulations showed that a sharp decrease in free energy barrier as temperature increased. Our analysis of the temperature dependence of activation free energies uncovered an unusual entropic effect accompanying the reaction. The unique spatial structures around the Co active site at different temperatures influenced both the extent of charge transfer in the transition state and the arrangement of 3d orbital energy levels. We provided explanations consistent with the principles of thermodynamics and statistical physics. The insights gained at the atomic level have offered a fresh interpretation of the intricate long-range interplay between local chemical reactions and extensive chemical environments.

Gravitropic Gene Expression Divergence Associated With Adaptation to Contrasting Environments in an Australian Wildflower.

Plants adapt to their local environment through complex interactions between genes, gene networks and hormones. Although the impact of gene expression on trait regulation and evolution has been recognised for many decades, its role in the evolution of adaptation is still a subject of intense exploration. We used a Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population, which we derived from crossing multiple parents from two distinct coastal ecotypes of an Australia wildflower, Senecio lautus. We focused on studying the contrasting gravitropic behaviours of these ecotypes, which have evolved independently multiple times and show strong responses to natural selection in field experiments, emphasising the role of natural selection in their evolution. Here, we investigated how gene expression differences have contributed to the adaptive evolution of gravitropism. We studied gene expression in 60 pools at five time points (30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min) after rotating half of the pools 90°. We found 428 genes with differential expression in response to the 90° rotation treatment. Of these, 81 genes (~19%) have predicted functions related to the plant hormones auxin and ethylene, which are crucial for the gravitropic response. By combining insights from Arabidopsis mutant studies and analysing our gene networks, we propose a preliminary model to explain the differences in gravitropism between ecotypes. This model suggests that the differences arise from changes in the transport and availability of the two hormones auxin and ethylene. Our findings indicate that the genetic basis of adaptation involves interconnected signalling pathways that work together to give rise to new ecotypes.

Enhancement of a one-step membrane technique for the treatment of large bone defects by pre-seeding the membrane with CD8 lymphocyte depleted bone marrow mononuclear cells in a rat femoral defect model

BackgroundThe one-step membrane technique, using a human acellular dermal matrix (hADM), is an experimental method for treating large bone defects. This eliminates the need for the Masquelet membrane induction step, shortening the procedure while maintaining effectiveness. However, previous studies showed that colonizing hADM with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) worsens healing, likely due to the presence of CD8+ lymphocytes, which negatively affect bone regeneration. This study aims to investigate whether the negative impact of BMC on bone healing in this technique is due to the CD8+ cell population.Materials and methodsA 5 mm femoral defect was created in 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into three groups (G1-G3). BMC were isolated from syngenic donor rats, with CD8+ lymphocytes removed magnetically from the BMC fraction in one group. The defects were filled with bone chips and wrapped with differently treated hADM: G1 received native hADM, G2 received hADM+BMC, and G3 received hADM+BMC-CD8. After 8 weeks, the femurs were evaluated through radiological, biomechanical, and histological examinations.ResultsBone defects and bone mineral density (BMD) were significantly improved in G3 (hADM+BMC-CD8) compared to G2 (hADM+BMC). Bone volume, bone formation, and median bending stiffness were higher in G3. Immunohistological analysis showed a significant decrease in CD8 cell count in G3, with a lower percentage of IFNγ-producing cells compared to G2.ConclusionDepleting CD8+ cells from BMC before colonizing hADM significantly improved bone healing, likely due to changes in the local mediator environment. This suggests that preoperative colonization with CD8+-depleted BMC could enhance the one-step membrane technique.

The beta 2 adrenergic receptor cross-linked interactome identifies 14-3-3 proteins as regulating the availability of signaling-competent receptors.

The emerging picture of G protein-coupled receptor function suggests that the global signaling response is an integrated sum of a multitude of individual receptor responses, each regulated by their local protein environment. The beta 2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) has long served as an example receptor in the development of this model. But the mechanism and the identity of the protein-protein interactions that govern the availability of receptors competent for signaling remains incompletely characterized. To address this question, we characterized the interactome of agonist-stimulated B2AR in HEK293 cells using FLAG co-immunoprecipitation coupled to SILAC labeling and mass spectrometry. Our B2AR cross-linked interactome identified 190 high-confidence proteins, including almost all known interacting proteins and six out of seven isoforms of the 14-3-3 family of scaffolding proteins. Inhibiting 14-3-3 proteins with the peptide difopein enhanced isoproterenol-stimulated adrenergic signaling via cAMP approximately three-fold, and increased both miniGs and arrestin recruitment to B2AR more than two fold each, without noticeably changing EC50 with respect to cAMP signaling or effector recruitment upon stimulation. Our results show that 14-3-3 proteins negatively regulate downstream signaling by inhibiting access of B2AR to effector proteins. We propose that 14-3-3 proteins maintain a dynamic pool of B2AR that has reduced signaling efficacy in response to acute agonist stimulation, limiting the amount of signaling-competent receptors at the plasma membrane. Significance Statement This study presents a new interactome of the agonist-stimulated beta 2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR), a paradigmatic GPCR that is both a model system for members of this class and an important signaling protein in respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic regulation. We identify 14-3-3 proteins as responsible for restricting B2AR access to signaling effectors and maintaining a receptor population that is insensitive to acute stimulation by agonists.

The temperature evolution of the atomic structure and the influence of the local environment of atoms on the optical properties of the NA2SIF6 crystal

Crystals of sodium hexafluorosilicate Na2SiF6 millimeter size were grown by the hydrothermal method. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, it was revealed that Na2SiF6 samples are twinned according to the merohedral law and crystallize in sp. gr. P321 with unit cell parameters equal at 295 K a = 8.8582(12), c = 5.0396(11) Å, V = 342.47(17) Å3 on average the results of repeated measurements. A multi-temperature diffraction study of Na2SiF6 was carried out, based on the results of which the temperature dynamics of the optical properties of crystals was calculated. The structural similarity of Na2SiF6 crystals with crystals of the langasite family La3Ga5SiO14 was found. This made it possible to explain the optical activity of Na2SiF6 by considering electron density spirals similar to langasite, twisted around a triple axis of symmetry passing through the origin of the Na2SiF6 cell. The fractures in the temperature dependences of the refractive indices and rotation of the plane of polarization of light are explained by taking into account the anomalous features of interatomic interactions along the triple axis of the crystal cell passing through the Si2(2d) position with coordinates (1/3, 2/3, z). It was found that the main factor influencing the temperature dynamics of optical parameters is the Si2(2d)–F2(6g) distance, which increases abnormally with cooling.

Assessing the Performance and Flower Quality of Dendrobium Varieties Grown Under Shade-net in Konkan Region

Dendrobium orchids are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and durability, constituting a major segment of the global orchid market. A study was conducted in the Konkan region of Maharashtra (India) to determine the most suitable varieties for the specific climatic conditions of this area. The research was carried out under shade-net condition at the Hitech Nursery, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) that included twelve varieties and thrice replications. The research revealed significant differences in various characteristics, including the timing of inflorescence emergence, spike length, the number of florets per spike, as well as flower length, diameter, and overall lifespan among different cultivars. During the findings, ‘Areedang Blue’ showed early inflorescence emergence as well as flowering (14.5 days), while ‘Thongchai Gold x Udom Yellow’ had late inflorescence emergence and flowering (19.89). The variety ‘White 5N’ was particularly noted for its extended spike length (57.60 cm) and consistently high florets per spike (10.66), while ‘Sonia Red’ was recognized for having the longest flower lifespan (62.59 days) with good flower size. Conversely, certain varieties such as ‘King Dragon’ and ‘Burana Jade x Madam Vipa’ did not expressed their potential to the local environment. This investigation offers prime information for the selection of best Dendrobium varieties suitable for cultivation in Konkan region under shade-net condition.

Effect of the local and large-scale environment on the star formation histories of galaxies

The specific environment of galaxies may play a key role in their evolution. Large extragalactic surveys make it possible to study galaxies not only within their local environment, but also within the large-scale structure of the Universe. We aim to investigate how the local environment influences the star formation history (SFH) of galaxies across a range of large-scale environments. We categorised a sample of 9384 galaxies into the three primary large-scale structures (voids, walls and filaments, and clusters). We further classified them based on their local environment (as either 'singlets' or group members) through a search of companion galaxies within sky-projected distances of $ r_p < 0.45$ Mpc and velocity differences of $ v < 160$ $ km s $. Subsequently, we explored these subsamples using SFH data from previous works. Throughout this study, we divided galaxies into long-timescale SFH galaxies (LT-SFH), which assemble their mass steadily along cosmic time, and short-timescale SFH galaxies (ST-SFH), which form their stars early on. We then compared their characteristic mass assembly look-back times. The distributions of mass assembly look-back times in ST-SFH galaxies are statistically different for singlets and groups. These differences are only found in LT-SFH galaxies when studying these distributions in stellar mass bins. Our results indicate that the large-scale environment is related to a delay in mass assembly of up to sim 2 Gyr, while this delay is $<$1 Gyr in the case of local environment. The effects of both types of environment are more significant in less massive galaxies and in LT-SFHs. Our results are consistent with galaxies in groups assembling their stellar mass earlier than in singlets, especially in voids and lower mass galaxies. Local environment plays a relevant role in stellar mass assembly times, although we find that large-scale structures also cause a delay in mass assembly, and all the more so in the case of cluster galaxies.

Elevated Netrin-4 Expression and Its Action in Infrapatellar Fat Pad

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation and cartilage degradation. The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), located beneath the patella within the knee joint, serves as a key anatomical structure involved in cushioning and supporting the knee. It is also an active endocrine organ that secretes various bioactive substances, potentially influencing the local inflammatory environment and contributing to KOA pathogenesis. Netrin-4 (NTN4), a protein primarily known for its role in neuronal guidance, has been implicated in various non-neuronal functions, including inflammatory processes and tissue remodeling. This study aims to explore the involvement of NTN4 in KOA, focusing on its expression in the IFP and its potential impact on disease progression. This study involved 82 patients with radiographically confirmed KOA undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The correlation between NTN4 expression and OA pathology, including Kellgren–Lawrence (K/L) grades, was investigated. NTN4-expressing cells were identified in the stromal vascular fraction, including fibroblastic, hematopoietic, and endothelial cells of the IFP. To elucidate the molecular effects of NTN4, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on fibroblastic cells treated with recombinant NTN4. Subsequent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate the RNA-seq findings. NTN4 expression was significantly elevated in the IFP of patients with advanced KOA (K/L grades 3 and 4) compared to those with early-stage disease (K/L grade 2). Higher NTN4 expression was found in fibroblastic cells, and RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of genes associated with pro-inflammatory pathways, including IL-17 and TNF-α signaling, and matrix degradation. Notably, genes including IL6, MMP1, CXCL1, and CXCL8 were significantly elevated, as confirmed by qPCR, indicating NTN4’s role in promoting an inflammatory and catabolic environment. Our findings suggest that NTN4 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of KOA by promoting inflammation and matrix degradation within the IFP. Although NTN4 expression was not directly correlated with clinical symptoms, its elevated expression in fibroblastic cells and influence on inflammatory and degradative pathways suggest a potential mechanism for exacerbating joint damage. Targeting NTN4 could offer a novel therapeutic approach to mitigating inflammation and slowing disease progression in KOA, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify NTN4’s specific roles and therapeutic potential in OA management.

Emergy-Based Evaluation of the Sustainability of Agricultural Ecosystem in Dazhou, China, from 2002 to 2022

Our aim is to analyze the emergy evaluation indicators of the agricultural ecosystem in Dazhou, northeastern Sichuan, and provide practical and effective recommendations for sustainable agricultural development. Using emergy analysis, the emergy inputs and outputs of an agricultural ecosystem from 2002 to 2022 were calculated. Five emergy indicators were selected for evaluation: emergy yield ratio (EYR), emergy self-sufficiency ratio (ESR), emergy input ratio (EIR), environmental load ratio (ELR), and emergy sustainable indices (ESI). The total emergy input of the agricultural ecosystem showed an upward trend from 2002 to 2017, thus the industrial auxiliary emergy input decreased, somewhat curbing its continued rise from 2017 to 2022. The structure of emergy inputs, in descending order, is as follows: industrial auxiliary > organic emergy > renewable environmental resources > non-renewable environmental resources. The total emergy output of the agricultural ecosystem was highest in 2007, reaching 2.31 × 1022 Sej, and lowest in 2012, at 1.83 × 1022 Sej. The structure of emergy outputs, in descending order, is as follows: livestock > planting > fishery > forestry. The emergy yield ratio fluctuated down from 3.12 to 2.51, with an average of 2.88, below the provincial average of 3.07. The emergy self-sufficiency ratio fluctuated down from 0.30 to 0.26, with an average of 0.27, above the provincial average of 0.13. The emergy input ratio fluctuated up from 2.31 to 2.91, with an average of 2.66, above the provincial average of 1.86. The environmental load ratio fluctuated from 3.8 to 4.75, with an average of 4.40, which is higher than the provincial average of 1.68. The emergy sustainable indices fluctuated down from 0.81 to 0.53, with an average of 0.67, below the provincial average of 1.17. The efficiency of resource utilization in the agricultural ecosystem of Dazhou has decreased, economic inputs have increased, and it is in a consumptive production process. The pressure on the local natural environment is increasing, and the capacity for sustainable development remains at a low level over the long term.

Targeting Sepsis: Disease Tolerance, Immune Resilience, and Compartmentalized Immunity

Introduction: Sepsis remains a major contributor to critical care mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite advances in understanding its complex immunopathology, the compartmentalized nature of immune responses across different organs has yet to be fully translated into targeted therapies. This review explores the burden of sepsis on organ-specific immune dysregulation, immune resilience, and epigenetic reprogramming, emphasizing translational challenges and opportunities. Methods: We implemented a systematic literature search strategy, incorporating data from studies published between 2010 and 2024, to evaluate the role of molecular profiling techniques, including transcriptomics and epigenetic markers, in assessing the feasibility of targeted therapies. Results: Sepsis-induced immune dysregulation manifests differently in various organs, with lung, heart, liver, and kidney responses driven by unique local immune environments. Organ-specific biomarkers, such as the Spns2/S1P axis in lung macrophages, mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart, proenkephalin for early acute kidney injury (AKI), and adrenomedullin for predicting multi-organ failure, offer promising avenues for timely intervention. Furthermore, immune resilience, particularly through regulatory T-cell modulation and cytokine targeting (e.g., IL-18), is crucial for long-term recovery. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modification and trained immunity, present opportunities for reprogramming immune responses but require more precision to avoid unintended inflammatory sequelae. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of compartmentalized immune responses and the dynamic immune landscape in sepsis is critical for developing precision therapies. Real-time immune monitoring and organ-targeted interventions could revolutionize sepsis management, although significant barriers remain in clinical translation. Further research is required to establish biomarkers and treatment timing that optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic risks.

Natural and agricultural disturbances differentially impact seedling emergence from soil seed banks in hyperarid ecosystems

Saudi Arabia has implemented ambitious environmental protection programs by creating numerous nature reserves throughout the country. Establishment of the latter nature reserves has led to farm abandonment and the initiation of ecosystem recovery processes. Agricultural practices are known to impact the structure and physicochemical properties of soils while also often markedly affecting natural ecosystem restoration processes. Moreover, weed proliferation in crop fields may modify soil seed banks (SSB), thereby impacting subsequent vegetation recovery. Therefore, it is essential to assess SSB compositions in degraded sites, such as abandoned farms (AF), so as to identify weed species and design efficient restoration strategies in hyperarid ecosystems. In this study, SSB compositions in upper and deep soil layers, standing vegetation compositions, and soil chemical properties were analyzed and compared for two natural ecosystems (NE), two abandoned orchards (AO), two AF, and two natural evaporite basins (EB). NE, AO, AF, and EB all exhibited similar chemical properties, suggesting that former agricultural activities have been guided by a fine understanding of the local environments. Agriculture had impacted the species composition of the observed standing vegetation and germinable SSBs, which could be partly explained by soil property modifications. The findings highlighted that SSBs would warrant detailed study prior to designing ecological restoration strategies, and that the drivers of horizontal and vertical weed dissemination in hyperarid ecosystems should also be explored to gain further insight into weed proliferation patterns and to adapt restoration strategies accordingly.

Efficient Rendering of Digital Twins Consisting of Both Static And Dynamic Data

Abstract. The high number of vertices and faces present in a digital twin of a large scene poses a challenge when executing large-scale simulations that require the data to be rendered multiple times with slight changes such as the light conditions in a day-night cycle during a long period of time (weeks and even months). Adding urban morphology such as tree planting introduces a new layer of complexity due to the requirement for evaluating different tree configurations and their effect on the local environment in the context of urban heat islands. Using advanced rendering techniques such as splitting a single buffer into sub-regions with inplace updates as well as buffer orphaning multiple methodologies are evaluated.

Industrial Production Networks and Small Towns: A Case Study from Algeria

This paper investigates the conditions and consequences of integrating small towns into industrial production networks. It is based on empirical research conducted in Algeria, a hydrocarbon-dependent rentier economy characterized by significant regional inequalities and the political aims of economic diversification and spatial rebalancing. Elaborating the case study of a state-owned cement factory in the small town of Sigus, the research provides insights into the multiple roles of the state in shaping production network integration and the characteristics of small towns as economic locations. The methodology combines secondary data and information with primary research based on semi-structured interviews. It reveals the importance of a multi-scalar regional framework in production network integration, whereby national factors played a key role due to the centralized Algerian state, the state-owned character of the investing company, and the shortcomings of the small town’s local environment. It emphasizes the contradictory impacts of production network integration in economic, social, and environmental terms, primarily on a local level. These contradictions underscore the necessity for critical evaluations to maximize the benefits of production network integration while mitigating its adverse effects. They also call for the more consistent involvement of the local community in similar economic development decisions. Notably, this research contributes significantly to the existing body of literature by addressing the underexplored topic of integrating small towns into production networks within the Algerian context. Doing so offers a more nuanced understanding of the particular economic, social, and environmental dynamics at play in these locations, thereby enriching the discourse on economic development strategies for small towns in rentier economies like Algeria.

Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context

This study seeks to review African indigenous and local knowledge in farming systems that are used as instruments for the achievement of sustainable development. Hence the idea of sustainability, indigenous and local knowledge paying reference to Zero Hunger. Limited studies have indicated the importance of indigenous knowledge systems as a fundamental driver for the achievement of SDG2 by 2030. This study envisioned the idea of sustainable development in the context of indigenous and local knowledge as a potential for achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2. Hence, it emphasizes the necessity of a radical investigation of Indigenous knowledge practices for a more effective local farming system in the African setting that is inclusive and driven by the Indigenous community to harness the untapped riches of indigenous knowledge. Local and Indigenous knowledge are regarded as knowledge systems possessed by cultural groups and, based on their experience and adaptability to local culture and environment, it is important for development, particularly in food security. The study concludes by urging further potential investigation into whether indigenous and traditional knowledge systems as tools can be used to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals in practice.

I-vector and variability compensation techniques for mobile phone recognition

Mobile phone recognition consists of trying to identify the mobile phone brand or model, which is very important in forensic analysis. In this paper, we exploit the audio recordings to realize this task. Audio data conveys many information, one of them is related to the source of records, i.e., is a specific audio was captured by a given mobile phone. In order to separate between this particular information and the rest of audio content, we introduce the I-vector technique. Additionally, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Within-Class Covariance Normalization (WCCN) methods were used in different ways to compensate the speaker and channel variability. We evaluate the performance of our proposed system by correct rate recognition based on Gaussian Probabilistic Linear Discriminant Analysis (GPLDA) and Cosine Similarity Score (CSS) methods. To train the mobile phone models and do tests, two datasets were prepared: the public MOBIPHONE database and a novel local database. Experiments done with different configurations demonstrate the effectiveness of I-vectors models with the combination of LDA – WCCN compensation techniques and CSS as a similarity measurement method. A correct recognition rates of 97.23 %, 98.91 %, and 99.45 % were obtained for MOBIPHONE, the local Same Environment (SE) and Different Environment (DE) databases, respectively.

The benefits of the dairy value chain to inclusive sustainable development in European highlands: a systems thinking approach

This research investigates the benefits of the dairy value chain beyond food provision, and its contribution to inclusive sustainable development (ISDH) in European highlands. Transdisciplinary teams interviewed and analysed 11 cases related to the dairy value chain sourced from three highland regions in Europe: Alps (Austria, France, Italy), Massif Central (France), Pyrenees (Spain). Actors interviewed were farmers, cooperatives, retailers and associations. A systems thinking approach was applied to develop a conceptual map (Causal Loop Diagram, CLD) describing the contribution of the dairy value chain to ISDH, through the interpretation of the viewpoints of interviewed actors. For each case, the factors contributing to ISDH were identified, then clustered within related topics. Topics from all the cases were used to develop a CLD, and subsystems and leverage points identified. Six interconnected subsystems were identified: local resources, environment, dairy production, collaboration, supply chain and socio-economic. Four leverage points were also identified: public subsidies, feed autonomy, certification of product, and added value. In conclusion, the dairy value chain provides the following benefits aligned with the dimensions of ISDH: landscape maintenance and ecosystem services, quality of dairy products and added value, inclusive governance for actors, reduction of environmental impact, and local development. This model delivers a decision-making tool for the actors involved in the dairy value chain, to prioritise strategic interventions.

Enhanced ammonia electrosynthesis over phosphorus-doped nickel across broad nitrate concentrations via regulating trade-offs in pathways

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) holds promise for carbon-neutral ammonia production but requires efficient electrodes to minimize the formation of nitrite and hydrogen by-products, from either concentrated or dilute feedstocks. Here, we report a trade-off effect upon phosphorus incorporation into Ni, wherein Ni- and P-rich surfaces tend to inhibit nitrite and hydrogen formation, respectively, while promoting the generation of the respective opposite by- products. Under 0.1 M nitrate concentration, the selectivity switch between the by-products presented a correlation with the intrinsic HER activity of surfaces, highlighting the critical role of *H supply. Through ex-situ and in-situ spectroscopies, the reconstructed P-doped Ni (R-NiP) was found to exhibit an oxidation state and local atomic environment intermediate between those of Ni and P-doped Ni (NiP), effectively integrating the suppressing traits of both Ni and P. Consequently, an ammonia Faradaic efficiency of 89 % was achieved at a reduced potential on R-NiP, along with a 2- and 8-fold enhancement in intrinsic activity compared to NiP and Ni, respectively. By leveraging this trade-off, we also showcase the adaptability of NiP platform for effective operation across both lower and higher nitrate concentrations, emphasizing that nitrate bulk concentration should be factored in when regulating *H supply for efficient ammonia electrosynthesis.