Multifunctional Approach Research Articles

Forgotten Ecological Corridors: A GIS Analysis of the Ditches and Hedges in the Roman Centuriation Northeast of Padua

Studying historical rural landscapes beyond their archaeological and cultural significance, as has typically been addressed in previous research, is important in the context of current environmental challenges. Some historical rural landscapes, such as Roman land divisions, have persisted for more than 2000 years and may still contribute to sustainability goals. To assess this topic, the hydraulic and vegetation network of the centuriation northeast of Padua were studied, emphasising their multiple benefits. Their length, distribution, and evolution over time (2008–2022) were vectorised and measured using available digital terrain models and orthophotographs in a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed a significant decline in the length of water ditches and hedgerows across almost all examined areas, despite their preservation being highlighted in regional and local spatial planning documents. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of the local dynamics driving such trends and highlight the importance of adopting a more tailored approach to their planning. This study discusses the GIS metrics utilised and, in this way, contributes to landscape monitoring and restoration actions. Finally, a multifunctional approach to the sustainable planning of this area is proposed here—one that integrates the cultural archaeological heritage in question with environmental preservation and contemporary climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Multifunctionality, social benefits, and engagement: insights for forest restoration success from a study case in Brazil

Social, economic, and ecological aspects must be considered for ecological restoration projects to be successful. Multifunctionality, achieved when restored ecosystems have multiple uses, is the desired goal for these projects. Understanding people's perceptions of forest restoration is essential to advance the debate on stakeholder acceptance and engagement. Based on a 30‐year case study of forest restoration on a university campus in Brazil, we assessed (1) how project objectives relate to contemporary multifunctionality and social attributes; (2) how the current state of the forest meets social goals; and (3) how stakeholders perceive the importance of the forest and the project itself. We used documents, interviews, and questionnaires, applying content analysis and narrative interpretation with the “social benefits wheel” and the “five‐star social system” to assess how the initial project objectives corresponded to contemporary social development goals and its progress toward social goals. The results revealed that socioecological goals were incorporated from the beginning of the project, ensuring a multifunctional approach. Respondents highlighted ecological, social, and cultural functions, with 84% expressing positive feelings toward the forest. Ecosystem services, especially regulatory and cultural benefits, were recognized as the most valuable. Although academic use was significant, nonmaterial values, such as cultural and emotional connections, were more prominent. The study concludes that a well‐planned restoration project involving the local community generates lasting support for ecological restoration. This information strongly supports Brazil's voluntary reforestation targets proposed in the Paris Agreement.

Conceptual framework to incorporate drainage solutions in the urban open space system

Cities are increasingly dealing with challenges regarding the negative impact of rapid and mismanaged urbanization. Therefore, city planning must cope with the natural environment limitations, seeking a balance between the human activities and the well-functioning of the hydrologic cycle. This work aims to present a conceptual framework able to properly integrate the stormwater dynamics into the open spaces system in a functional way, establishing a Hydrological Interest Area, HIA, to structure urban expansion integrated into and respecting watershed natural processes. The initial step is to define a HIA, primarily consisting of open spaces that can be used for supporting urban drainage functions and to order land use in the urban expansion process. This delimitation offers the background for interpreting the watershed in three functional arches, especially covering the upstream, mid-reach and downstream areas of the basin, guiding the design of a set of flood mitigation interventions focusing on the use of Blue-Green Infrastructure. To illustrate and validate the proposed methodological framework, the design is evaluated by a flood modeling tool, using a hydrological-hydrodynamic cell-model. A case study was driven in the Bambu Watershed, a rapidly developing area in the municipality of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The proposed intervention includes an urban expansion scenario for a low impact development on flood behavior alongside with four parks: an upstream park with reservoirs, two multifunctional floodable urban parks, and a park dedicated to lagoon restoration. This plan complements riverbed modifications designed to enhance water discharge. The simulation showed significant reduction of water depths with a consequent decrease in exposure of buildings and roads, especially in the most critical region of the watershed. This framework highlights the importance of a multifunctional approach in land use and serves as a robust foundation for controlling urban expansion and proposing projects.

Biocompatible chitin-based Janus hydrogel membranes for periodontal repair

Periodontal defects caused by severe periodontitis are a widespread issue globally. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using barrier membranes for alveolar bone repair is a common clinical treatment. However, most commercially available collagen barrier membranes are expensive and lack the antibacterial properties essential for effective bone regeneration. Herein, we report a natural polysaccharide chitin hydrogel barrier membrane with a Janus structure (ChT-PDA-p-HAP), featuring high antibacterial and protein-repelling activity on the outer side and good osteogenesis ability on the inner side. This multifunctional membrane is fabricated though a three-step process: (i) dissolution and regeneration of chitin, (ii) co-deposition with polydopamine (PDA) and poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA), and (iii) coating with gelatin-hydroxyapatite (gelatin-HAP). In vitro cell experiments demonstrated the membrane's high biocompatibility and significant osteogenic activity. In vivo implantation in rats with periodontal defects revealed that the cemento-enamel junction index of the ChT-PDA-p-HAP membrane (1.165 mm) was superior to that of the commercial Bio-Gide® membrane (1.350 mm). This work presents a method for fabricating a chitin-based Janus barrier membrane, potentially expanding the use of chitin in tissue engineering. Statement of significanceThis study introduces a Janus hydrogel membrane based on chitin, tailored for guided tissue regeneration in periodontal defects. By combining antibacterial properties and osteogenic capabilities in a single membrane, the ChT-PDA-p-HAP membrane represents a significant advancement over traditional collagen barriers. Its outer surface, enhanced by Cu2+ and PDA-pSBMA coatings, resists bacterial colonization and protein adhesion effectively, while the inner side, coated with gelatin-HAP, promotes robust bone formation. In vitro experiments demonstrate high biocompatibility and substantial osteogenic differentiation, while in vivo testing in rat models confirms good therapeutic efficacy compared to commercial membranes. This multifunctional approach not only utilizes chitin's abundant natural resource but also integrates simple coating techniques to enhance therapeutic outcomes in periodontal tissue engineering, offering promising avenues for broader biomedical applications.

Synergistic effect of graphene oxide and silica nanocomposites towards multifunctional biomedical applications

The development of advanced nanomaterials (NMs) has recently gained significant attention because of their potential in addressing various biomedical and healthcare challenges. This study focuses on the synthesis of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and their nanocomposite with graphene oxide (GO-SiO2), using a multifunctional approach to enhance antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. The synthesis of the GO-SiO2 involves the controlled growth of SiO2 NPs on the surface of the graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy. The crystallite sizes of SiO2 and GO-SiO2 were found to be 23.07 nm and 32.07 nm, respectively, by XRD analysis and 27.03 nm and 43.11 nm, respectively, by SEM. The Band gap of SiO2 was decreased from 3.76eV to 3.45eV in GO-SiO2. Disc diffusion method was used to perform antibacterial activity whereas ampicillin and moxifloxacin were taken as reference drugs. Biofilm inhibitions and minimum inhibitory concentrations were measured by microtiter plate method. The composite has shown higher antimicrobial activities against S. aureus, S. aureus MDR, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, P. aeruginosa MDR, E. coli, and P. vulgaris as compared to SiO2 NPs and GO. When IC50 values were compared with those of control (acarbose), GO-SiO2 and SiO2 demonstrated the highest and lowest antidiabetic activities, respectively. A 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging process was used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of NMs using ascorbic acid as a reference. GO-SiO2 displayed the negligible IC50 value compared to both SiO2 and GO. The nanocomposite (GO-SiO2) has shown higher antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential as compared to those of GO and SiO2NPs.

Assessing polylactic acid nanofibers with cellulose and chitosan nanocapsules loaded with chamomile extract for treating gram-negative infections.

This study presents the development and characterization of a novel nanocomposite wound dressing material based on polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers incorporating chitosan nanocapsules loaded with chamomile extract and cellulose nanoparticles. The nanofibers were fabricated using a three-step synthesis and electrospinning techniques, resulting in uniform, bead-free fibers with an average diameter of 186 ± 56nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of all components, while tensile strength tests demonstrated improved mechanical properties by adding nanoparticles. Water contact angle measurements revealed enhanced surface wettability of the PLA-Cellulose-Chitosan complex compared to pure PLA nanofibers. In vitro biocompatibility assessments using MTT assays showed excellent cell viability and proliferation, with the optimized composite exhibiting the best performance. Scanning electron microscopy imaging confirmed robust cell adhesion and interaction with the nanofibers. The nanocomposite demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, with a 20mm inhibition zone observed for chamomile extract-loaded samples. Additionally, the material showed superior hemostatic ability compared to commercial gauze and high hemocompatibility. These comprehensive results indicate that the developed nanocomposite is a promising candidate for advanced wound management applications, offering a multifunctional approach to wound healing by combining antimicrobial activity, cell compatibility, and hemostatic properties.

A Comprehensive Multi-Functional Approach for Measuring Parkinson's Disease Severity.

This research study aims to advance the staging of Parkinson's disease (PD) by incorporating machine learning to assess and include a broader multi-functional spectrum of neurocognitive symptoms in the staging schemes beyond motor-centric assessments. Specifically, we provide a novel framework to modernize and personalize PD staging more objectively by proposing a hybrid feature scoring approach. We recruited thirty-seven individuals diagnosed with PD, each of whom completed a series of tablet-based neurocognitive tests assessing motor, memory, speech, executive functions, and tasks ranging in complexity from single to multi-functional. Then, the collected data was used to develop a hybrid feature scoring system to calculate a weighted vector for each function. We evaluated current PD staging schemes and developed a new approach based on the features selected and extracted using Random Forest and Principal Component Analysis. Our findings indicate a substantial bias in current PD staging systems toward fine-motor skills, i.e., other neurological functions (memory, speech, executive function, etc.) do not map into current PD stages as well as fine-motor skills do. The results demonstrate that a more accurate and personalized assessment of PD severity could be achieved by including a more exhaustive range of neurocognitive functions in the staging systems either by involving multiple functions in a unified staging score or by designing a function-specific staging system. The proposed hybrid feature score approach provides a comprehensive understanding of PD by highlighting the need for a staging system that covers various neurocognitive functions. This approach could potentially lead to more effective, objective, and personalized treatment strategies. Further, this proposed methodology could be adapted to other neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or ALS.

Hagfish-inspired hydrogel for root caries: A multifunctional approach including immediate protection, antimicrobial phototherapy, and remineralization

Root caries is the main cause of oral pain and tooth loss in the elderly. Protecting root lesions from environmental disturbances, resisting pathogens, and facilitating remineralization over time are essential for addressing root caries, but are challenging due to the irregular root surface and the complex oral environment. Hagfish secretes slime when facing danger, which converts into gels upon contact with seawater, suffocating the predators. Inspired by hagfish's defense mechanism, a fluid-hydrogel conversion strategy is proposed to establish a mechanical self-regulating multifunctional platform for root caries treatment. The fluid system (silk fibroin-tannic acid-black phosphorene-urea, ST-BP-U), in which urea disrupts the hydrogen bonds between silk fibroin and tannic acid, can easily spread on the irregular root surface and permeate into dentinal tubules. Upon contact with the surrounding water, urea diffuses, prompting the hydrogel re-formation and creating intimate attachments with micromechanical inlay locks. Meanwhile, BP increases the crosslinking of the re-formed hydrogel network, resulting in reinforced cohesion for robust wet adhesion to the tooth root. This process establishes a structured platform for effective antimicrobial phototherapy and dentin remineralization promotion. This water-responsive fluid-hydrogel conversion system adapts to the irregular root surface in the dynamic wet environment, holding promise for addressing root caries. Statement of significanceRoot caries bring a heavy burden to the aging society, but the irregular root surface and dynamic moist oral environment always hinder non-surgical therapeutic effects. Here, we propose a water-responsive fluid-hydrogel conversion strategy aimed at mechanical self-regulation on the irregular and wet root interface to construct a functional structural platform. The liquid system (ST-BP-U) that prebreak intermolecular hydrogen bonds can easily spread on irregular surfaces and dentin tubules. When encountering water, hydrogen bonds re-form, and BP increases the crosslinking of the hydrogel formed in situ. Based on this firm wet-adhesion platform, it provides powerful phototherapy effects and promotes dentin remineralization. This fluid-hydrogel conversion system turns the disadvantages of wet environment into advantages, offering a promising strategy for root caries.

Nickel(II) complex anchoring on anatase nanoparticles: A multifunctional approach to anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities

In this study, a biologically active nickel(II) complex, [Ni(bipy)3]Cl2 (where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), was synthesized using a straightforward precipitation method. This nickel(II) complex was subsequently grafted onto anatase (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) through an adsorption technique, yielding nickel(II)-complex-grafted anatase (Ni-TiO2) NPs. The Ni-TiO2 NPs were thoroughly characterized using a range of analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), which confirmed the successful grafting of the complex onto the TiO2 NPs and maintained the structural integrity of the composite. The anticancer activity of the Ni-TiO2 NPs was assessed on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell lines using the MTT assay, revealing a significant enhancement in anticancer efficacy, with a 69 % improvement in cell inhibition compared to untreated cells. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of the Ni-TiO2 NPs was evaluated using the 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and their anti-inflammatory activity was determined through the protein denaturation assay. Both assays demonstrated that the Ni-TiO2 NPs exhibited superior inhibitory effects compared to the precursor Ni(II) complex, indicating enhanced bioactivity.

Unveiling the Versatile Applications of Cobalt Oxide-Embedded Nitrogen-Doped Porous Graphene for Enhanced Energy Storage and Simultaneous Determination of Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid

The advancement of electrode materials is essential for addressing the energy and biomedical challenges. A multi-functional approach was employed to create a new electrode material of cobalt oxide-embedded nitrogen-doped porous graphene (Co3O4@NpG) for sensing and energy storage applications. In the present study, we have fabricated a new electrochemical sensing platform based on Co3O4@NpG. The sensing performance and selective detection capability of the demonstrated sensor was optimized and tested by determining dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA) simultaneously in analyte fortified biological samples. The sensing response is noticed to be linearly dependent upon the concentration of AA, DA, and UA in the range of 0.1–450, 0.1–502, and 0.2–396 μM, respectively. This material also showed good electrochemical energy storage performance when assessed as a supercapacitor electrode. The Co3O4@NpG electrode material showcased a remarkable specific capacitance of 314.58 Fg−1, an energy density of 10.06 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 240 Wkg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1, in a 6 M KOH electrolyte, along with excellent long-term cycling stability. Hence, the material Co3O4@NpG stands out as a promising multifunctional electrode candidate, excelling in the precise simultaneous detection of critical biomolecules besides exhibiting superior energy storage performance.

Field-Assisted Efficient Capturing and Analysis of Airborne Nanoparticulate Matter Using a Multifunctional Nanoporous Membrane.

As the potential adverse health and environmental effects of nanoscale pollutants have garnered significant attention, the demand for monitoring and capturing ultrafine particulate matter has been growing. With the rise in ultrafine dust emissions, this issue has become increasingly important. However, submicron particles require advanced strategies to be captured because of their limited inertial effect. For example, electrostatic air filters have been investigated for their improved performance in the fine particle regime. On the other hand, Raman spectroscopy was proposed as a promising analytical strategy for aerosol particles because it can be used to conveniently detect analytes in a label-free manner. Thus, the synergistic integration of these strategies can open new applications for addressing environment-related challenges. This study presents a multifunctional approach for achieving both air filtration and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for analyte identification. We propose a nanoporous membrane composed of a thin gold layer, copper, and copper oxide to provide the desired functions. The structures are produced by performing scalable electrodeposition and subsequent electron-beam evaporation, attaining an excellent filtration efficiency of 95.9% with an applied voltage of 5 kV for 300 nm KCl particles and a pressure drop of 121 Pa. Raman intensity measurements confirm that the nanodendritic surface of the membrane intensifies the Raman signals and allows for the detection of 10 μL of nanoplastic particle dispersion with a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Rhodamine 6G aerosol stream with an approximate particle deposition rate of 0.040 × 106 mm-2·min-1 is also identified in a minimum detectable time of 50 s. The membrane is shown to be recyclable owing to its structural robustness in organic solvents. In addition, the fatigue resistance of the structure is evaluated through 22,000 iterative loading cycles at a pressure of 177 kPa. No performance degradation is observed after the fatigue loading.

Transdermal microneedles integrating biomimetic self-adjuvant particles for enhanced immunity

Optimal exposure and interaction of subunit antigens with the immune system are crucial for effective immunity. The epidermis and dermis, which harbor a significant population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and are broadly connected to the lymphatic system, serve as ideal sites for immunization to fulfill these objectives. However, the stratum corneum barrier severely hinders transdermal delivery of antigens. Here, we developed a transdermal platform integrating yeast-derived biomimetic glucan particles (GPs) and polymeric microneedles to overcome the hurdles and induce effective immunity. GPs served as carriers for encapsulating antigens in a pathogen-like manner. The antigen-loaded particles were concentrated within the tips of polymeric microneedle to solidify as tiny reservoirs, while the needle bodies were shaped using a fast-dissolving matrix. This tip-loaded approach enabled rapid administration for better compliance, followed by an extended antigen release at administration sites, aiming for recruiting more APCs. This microscale platform capacitated a multi-functional approach for subunit vaccine development by optimizing both delivery carriers and dosage forms with modulated release mechanisms to enhance antigen exposure and interaction, thereby promoting effective humoral and cellular immunity.

A multifunctional microneedle patch loading exosomes and magnetic nanoparticles synergistically for treating oral mucosal lesions

Oral mucosal lesions, prevalent and multifactorial disorders characterized by immune dysfunction and infection, pose significant challenges to oral functions due to the lack of effective and safe treatments. We herein introduce a multifunctional microneedle patch (MMP) that uniquely combines bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos) and folic acid-magnetic nanoparticles (Fmns) within a methacrylated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCSMA) microneedle structure. This innovative design synergistically enhances therapeutic outcomes by promoting immune regulation, angiogenesis, and epithelial repair. The MMP also features a gelatin layer for rapid pain relief via local anesthetic release and provides antimicrobial protection against opportunistic pathogens, reducing secondary infection risks. In vitro and in vivo results showed significant improvements in wound closure rates, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis compared to control treatments. Additionally, the MMP effectively modulated immune responses, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels and promoting macrophage polarization towards a pro-healing phenotype. These findings demonstrate the efficacy and biosafety of the MMP, and highlight its potential to address critical clinical challenges in treating oral mucosal lesions, offering a multifunctional approach that integrates immune modulation, infection control, and regenerative therapy.

Nature-Based Solutions to Enhance Urban Resilience in the Climate Change and Post-Pandemic Era: A Taxonomy for the Built Environment

Global environmental and health issues such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the weaknesses of current urban systems, including the poor availability and accessibility of green and public spaces in cities. Nature-based Solutions are configured as promising solutions to increase the resilience and health of the built environment by addressing climate and pandemic issues, promoting the psycho-physical well-being of users and proposing solutions for the protection of the environment and ecosystems. Following a systematic review of the scientific literature using the PRISMA methodology, this study aims to provide a taxonomic framework for Nature-based Solutions for the built environment that is applicable to the urban and building scales, highlighting key benefits in addressing pandemic and climate challenges and achieving urban resilience. This framework proposes a holistic and multifunctional approach that will prove to be a useful tool for researchers and policy makers to incorporate greening strategies into urban regeneration and redevelopment processes. The application of Nature-based Solutions still seems to be limited. It is therefore necessary to raise awareness of this issue among citizens and policy makers and to promote close co-operation between the different actors in territorial decision-making processes.

A Functionalized Scaffold Facilitates Neurites Extension for Spinal Cord Injury Therapy.

Scaffolds have garnered considerable attention for enhancing neural repairment for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. Both microstructural features and biochemical modifications play pivotal roles in influencing the interaction of cells with the scaffold, thereby affecting tissue regeneration. Here, a scaffold is designed with spiral structure and gradient peptide modification (GS) specifically for SCI treatment. The spiral structure provides crucial support and space, while the gradient peptide isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine (IKVAV)modification imparts directional guidance for neuronal and axonal extension. GS scaffold shows a significant nerve extension induction effect through its interlayer gap and gradient peptide density to dorsal root ganglia in vitro, while in vivo studies reveal its substantial promotion for functional recovery and neural repair. Additionally, the GS scaffold displays impressive drug-loading capacity, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes can be efficiently loaded into the GS scaffold and delivered to the injury site, thereby synergistically promoting SCI repair. Overall, the GS scaffold can serve as a versatile platform and present a promising multifunctional approach for SCI treatment.

Management and Uses of Woody Crops Field Gene Banks, a Multi-Functional Approach in the Experience of Apulia Region (Italy)

Management and Uses of Woody Crops Field Gene Banks, a Multi-Functional Approach in the Experience of Apulia Region (Italy)

Biomimetic Antifungal Materials: Countering the Challenge of Multidrug-Resistant Fungi.

In light of rising public health threats like antifungal and antimicrobial resistance, alongside the slowdown in new antimicrobial development, biomimetics have shown promise as therapeutic agents. Multidrug-resistant fungi pose significant challenges as they quickly develop resistance, making traditional antifungals less effective. Developing new antifungals is also complicated by the need to target eukaryotic cells without harming the host. This review examines biomimetic antifungal materials that mimic natural biological mechanisms for targeted and efficient action. It covers a range of agents, including antifungal peptides, alginate-based antifungals, chitosan derivatives, nanoparticles, plant-derived polyphenols, and probiotic bacteria. These agents work through mechanisms such as disrupting cell membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting essential fungal processes. Despite their potential, challenges remain in terms of ensuring biocompatibility, optimizing delivery, and overcoming potential resistance. Production scalability and economic viability are also concerns. Future research should enhance the stability and efficacy of these materials, integrate multifunctional approaches, and develop sophisticated delivery systems. Interdisciplinary efforts are needed to understand interactions between these materials, fungal cells, and the host environment. Long-term health and environmental impacts, fungal resistance mechanisms, and standardized testing protocols require further study. In conclusion, while biomimetic antifungal materials represent a revolutionary approach to combating multidrug-resistant fungi, extensive research and development are needed to fully realize their potential.

The impact of energy use rights trading policy on industrial companies’ green investments –Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

As the world's largest energy consumer, China's energy strategy is of great significance in achieving a low-carbon economy for the world. Among the various pathways towards a low-carbon economy, green investment represents a pivotal element. In contrast to traditional investment, which tends to undervalue externalities, green investment considers both economic and environmental effects. This multifunctional approach necessitates the implementation of effective environmental regulation to stimulate green investment. In 2015, China initiated a pilot energy use rights trading policy, offering a quasi-natural experiment in policy for corporate green investment. This paper examines the impact of China's energy use rights trading policy on increasing green investment by Chinese industrial companies. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the promotion of increased green investment by industrial companies in China and other major economies. The paper empirically examines the micro-economies under the method of multi-period difference-in-differences, taking 4037 observations of 1166 A-share listed industrial companies in China as the research sample from 2013 to 2021, sourced from the Wind database and hand-collected financial statements. It is found that (1) the energy use rights trading policy can significantly promote Chinese industrial companies to increase green investment. (2) After controlling for companies' relevant financial data and undergoing a series of robustness tests, including the placebo test and the propensity score matching difference-in-difference (PSM-DID) test, our main findings remain significant and robust. (3) The heterogeneity results show that the energy use rights trading policy has a more significant role in promoting the increase of green investment in non-state-owned companies, companies in the central region, and companies in high energy-consuming industries.(4) In terms of mechanism analysis, we demonstrate that energy use rights trading policy can promote an increase in green investments by increasing the environmental responsibility index in companies’ ESG ratings.

Climate and land use primarily drive the diversity of multi-taxonomic communities in agroecosystems

To successfully conserve and restore agrobiodiversity, it is essential to understand the impact of multiple drivers and interlinkages across multiple taxa that occur above, across, and below the soil interface. Based on data from six agricultural landscapes in Central Germany, with 16 sampling plots per landscape, we used structural equation models to disentangle the impacts of climate, land-use, and soil factors on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups. We expected belowground communities (soil bacteria and fungi) to be more driven by soil variables, mobile aboveground groups (wild bees, ground beetles) to be more driven by climate and land use, and vascular plants, that have an above- and belowground component, to respond to a combination of all factors.According to our expectations, climate and land-use variables had an important role in shaping aboveground and plant communities. In contrast to our expectations, soil characteristics were of lesser importance for belowground organisms. Moreover, climatic factors had a strong impact on the soil microbiome, but this effect was indirect, modulated by soil pH. We also found indications for cascading effects of environmental factors via interlinkages within and among the above- and belowground communities. Our results highlight the importance of direct and indirect effects of multiple drivers on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups and support recent calls for a multifunctional approach for sustainable landscape management and nature restoration, suggesting to focus on the promotion of semi-natural habitats but also considering the climatic context.

Boron-Nitrogen-Edged Biomass-Derived Carbon: A Multifunctional Approach for Colorimetric Detection of H2O2, Flame Retardancy, and Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Enhancing the concentration and type of nitrogen (N) dopants within the Sp2-carbon domain of carbon recycled from biomass sources is an efficient approach to mimic CNT, GO, and rGO to activate oxidants such as H2O2, excluding toxic chemicals and limiting reaction steps. However, monitoring the kind and concentration of N species in the Sp2-C domain is unlikely with thermal treatments only. A high temperature for graphitization reduces N moieties, leading to low electron density. This inhibits H2O2 adsorption and activation on catalyst surfaces. In this study, coffee waste (CW) is converted into B, N-doped biochar (BXNbY) using boric acid-assisted pyrolysis (H3BO3mass = X and carbonization temperature = Y) under N2 to overcome the challenge. The B dopant regulates the concentration and type of N, provides Lewis's acid sites, and converts graphitic-N to pyridine-N in BXNbY. The optimized B3Nb900 exhibits excellent colorimetric sensing performance toward H2O2 with a low detection limit (36.9nM) and high selectivity in the presence of many interferences and milk samples due to high pyridinic-N and Sp2 domain sizes. Interestingly, B enhances other properties of N-containing CW-derived carbon and introduces self-extinguishing and tribopositive properties. Hence, BXNbY-coated polyurethane foam shows excellent flame retardancy and energy harvesting performance.