Ongoing Changes Research Articles

Circular economy and sustainability: The case of the automotive industry in Portugal

This paper analyzes the basic principles of the Circular Economy in the context of the automotive industry in Portugal. This is a sector of great importance for the Portuguese economy, in terms of production and income (around 5% of GDP), employment and exports, as well as one of those raising great concerns in terms of energy use and environmental impacts. In recent years, it has been the target of several rules and regulations, with the EU recently announcing the end of production of vehicles that emit CO2, from 2035 on, as part of the European Green Deal. This is, however, just one of many ongoing changes in a sector that has been under pressure to become more circular and sustainable, whether in the way it produces, the cars it makes, and the way cars and their waste are disposed of, eventually its useful life period. This work shows how the transition process towards greater sustainability and circularity in the sector in Portugal is taking place, through a detailed analysis of the disposal and recycling/reuse practices of its various waste, as well as the sustainability of car factories and their environmental plans.

Indoor heat in Amsterdam: Comparing observed indoor air temperatures from a professional network and from a citizen science approach

Ongoing climate change is increasing summertime temperatures, and frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Europe, which can threaten human health. Relatively little is known about how quickly outdoor heat penetrates into residences during heatwaves. Long-term and systematic networks recording indoor temperatures are challenging to install and maintain, and therefore scarce. We first report on crowdsourced indoor air temperature data in residences in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) during a heatwave event in September 2023. These data complement professional long-term indoor air temperature observations in 92 houses in Amsterdam. Second, we document the lessons learnt in the design and execution of this citizen science activity. 571 indoor temperature records were collected through the citizen science crowdsourcing approach, with a median value of 28.0 °C on the warmest day in the study period, while outdoor mean minimum and maximum temperatures reached 20.6 °C and 31.1 °C respectively. The results indicate that the crowdsourcing approach reports temperatures that are significantly higher than the professional approach, which supports the need for professional indoor networks. Finally, local media attention was critical in reaching a wide audience.

Processing cataphoric they amidst pronominal innovation

AbstractWhen they encounter a cataphoric pronoun during real-time sentence processing, the comprehender begins searching actively for a feature-matched noun that can supply its reference. The present study investigates individual variation in this active search procedure, leveraging an ongoing change in the pronoun system of North American English. The types of referents compatible with the they-series of pronouns is expanding, with an increasing number of speakers allowing definite singular referents: especially but not exclusively when referring to someone with a nonbinary gender identity. Sociolinguistic work shows that the speakers who most accept innovative usages of singular they tend to be younger, or to be non-cisgender (e.g. transgender, nonbinary). Recruiting participants representing diverse ages and gender identities, the present experiment tracked reading times of sentences involving cataphora. Results shows that cataphoric they is processed differently than cataphoric s/he, across the board. There is a significant processing cost to reading a plural noun that follows cataphoric s/he, indicating that singular cataphors evoke strong number expectations. However, the cost of reading a singular noun after they is smaller and emerges later; they seems to evoke weak number expectations. Individual differences show that those expectations are especially weak for younger participants, perhaps reflecting a higher baseline familiarity with singular they. On the other hand, course-grained gender identity (cis vs. non-cis) does not seem to be a reliable predictor of how cataphoric they is processed. Integrating insights from sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, this study offers a novel view into ongoing language change and its manifestation in real-time processing measures.

UniProt: the Universal Protein Knowledgebase in 2025

Abstract The aim of the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB; https://www.uniprot.org/) is to provide users with a comprehensive, high-quality and freely accessible set of protein sequences annotated with functional information. In this publication, we describe ongoing changes to our production pipeline to limit the sequences available in UniProtKB to high-quality, non-redundant reference proteomes. We continue to manually curate the scientific literature to add the latest functional data and use machine learning techniques. We also encourage community curation to ensure key publications are not missed. We provide an update on the automatic annotation methods used by UniProtKB to predict information for unreviewed entries describing unstudied proteins. Finally, updates to the UniProt website are described, including a new tab linking protein to genomic information. In recognition of its value to the scientific community, the UniProt database has been awarded Global Core Biodata Resource status.

On the Axiological Shift in Europe and Its Impact on the European System of Human Rights as Exemplified by the Council of Europe and European Union

Abstract This article investigates shifts in the primary sources of political and axiological discourse in Europe in the area of human rights. Assumed that there may have been two main causes, firstly, the ongoing cultural change in Europe and the departure from the Christian cultural and axiological foundations in Europe, which also affects the interpretation of human rights, is discussed. Secondly, there may perhaps have been progressive change in the source of human rights, and a departure from the concept of human dignity as a universal source of human rights, in the direction of a European cultural interpretation. This change will be shown by reference the Council of Europe and the EU. The theoretical inspiration for this article has been the theory of Christian Reus Smit, who in his own way shows an alternative history to the formation of the structures of the international system, showing that its fragmentation has been taking place around the consolidation of societies (and states) around newly-created rights. Taking this inspiration into account, the article tries to look at Europe through this prism and the European system of human rights protection in relation to the universal one.

Pertubations of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal in the Soil of Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the concentrations and perturbations of the physicochemical properties and heavy metals in the soil of the coastal regions of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Sampling was carried out across three mangrove locations (Iko Town, Okoroutip and Uta Ewa) in Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas respectively. Four vegetation plots were randomly selected, and within each plot, three belt transects were established. Physicochemical properties [Sand, Clay, Silt, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, sulphate and chlorine content] and heavy metals (Arsenic, Silver, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Titanium, Vanadium and Zinc) were analyzed using standardized methods. Results from this study revealed considerable variations in the physicochemical properties of soil in the study area. The aforementioned heavy metals were present in both wet and dry seasons in considerable concentrations in the soil samples within the study areas. However, were within and below WHO limits. The variations in the physicochemical properties and the presence of these heavy metals in the samples are indicative of an impacted environment unsuitable for the growth and survival of the endemic flora and fauna species of this unique ecosystem. In view of the current knowledge of the role of mangrove ecosystems in blue-economy of the nation and mitigation of ongoing climate change, we advocate a tripartite alliance between the government, multinational companies operating within the area and the various impacted communities that leads to a concerted efforts of constant monitoring and remediation in the reduction of current and future pollutant levels.

Job Burnout Among Female Teachers in Saudi Primary Schools

This study investigates job burnout among female primary school teachers in Saudi Arabia, a relatively under-researched area in the region. It employs a structured questionnaire focusing on three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, Human relations, and Diminished Personal Accomplishment. The findings highlight a significant prevalence of emotional exhaustion, the most acute form of burnout experienced by these teachers. This high level of emotional fatigue is attributed to the demanding nature of their profession, societal expectations of women, and ongoing changes in the education sector. While diminished personal accomplishment receives a moderate rating, indicating challenges, human relations are managed effectively, likely influenced by cultural and religious norms emphasising respectful interaction. The study also examines the impact of social status and student gender on burnout. It concludes that social status doesn’t significantly affect burnout levels, but there’s notable higher burnout among female teachers who solely teach boys. Additionally, burnout varies with teaching experience, potentially due to differences in workload. This research contributes to understanding job burnout in female primary school teachers, emphasising the need for supportive measures in education.

Learning A-Share Stock Recommendation from Stock Graph and Historical Price Simultaneously

The Chinese stock market, marked by rapid growth and significant volatility, presents unique challenges for investors and analysts. A-share stocks, traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, are crucial to China’s financial system and offer opportunities for both domestic and international investors. Accurate stock recommendation tools are vital for informed decision making, especially given the ongoing regulatory changes and economic reforms in China. Current stock recommendation methods often fall short, as they typically fail to capture the complex inter-company relationships and rely heavily on financial reports, neglecting the potential of unlabeled data and historical price trends. In response, we propose a novel approach that combines graph-based structures with historical price data to develop self-learned stock embeddings for A-share recommendations. Our method leverages self-supervised learning, bypassing the need for human-generated labels and autonomously uncovering latent relationships and patterns within the data. This dual-input strategy enhances the understanding of market dynamics, leading to more accurate stock predictions. Our contributions include a novel framework for label-free stock recommendations with modeling stock connections and pricing information, and empirical evidence demonstrating the robustness and adaptability of our approach in the volatile Chinese stock market.

The influence of physical exercise on negative emotions in adolescents: a meta-analysis

BackgroundAdolescence is also accompanied by ongoing mood changes (relative to childhood and adulthood), which can trigger more extreme negative emotional responses. Physical exercise alleviates negative emotions and reduces the risk of mental illness. However, the effect of physical exercise on negative emotions in adolescents is unclear, so it is valuable to synthesize previous studies with meta-analysis.ObjectiveTo examine the influence of physical exercise (PE) intervention on negative emotions in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.MethodsWe retrieved the articles from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Embase up to April 11, 2024. The main search terms were physical exercise, negative emotions, adolescents, randomized controlled trials. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. A random-effects model was employed to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroups were analysed as the type of negative emotions, type of control group, intervention type, duration, time, frequency.ResultsThe PE intervention group exhibited a significantly superior improvement in alleviating negative emotions compared to the control group (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.26, p < 0.01, Z = 3.50, I² = 95%). PE was particularly effective in mitigating adolescent depression (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI = -1.07 to -0.28, p < 0.01, I² = 96%) but did not yield significant results in reducing adolescent anxiety (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.63 to 0.05, p = 0.10, I² = 95%).ConclusionPE intervention can ameliorate negative emotions in adolescents.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024534375.

DDDR-30. ENHANCED CHEMO AND RADIO-SENSITIZATION OF GLIOMAS BY HSP90 INHIBITION WITH JIN-001, A NOVEL BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PENETRANT HSP90 INHIBITOR

Abstract BACKGROUND HSP90, an abundant molecular chaperone, plays a pivotal role as a key regulator in the growth and survival of malignant cells and has been a therapeutic target in various cancers. We have previously reported a strong role for HSP90 inhibitors to disable DNA damage repair mechanisms and induce cell death. Here, we determined the effects of JIN-001 mediated HSP90 inhibition on alkylator and radiation induced DNA damage. Method: Using a panel of patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs) we determined the synergy scores for cell viability of JIN-001 (0.1µM to 0.5µM) in combination with radiation (RT) and Temozolomide (TMZ). We also examined cell cycle dynamics and cell death of the combination using flow cytometry (PI and PI/Annexin method) and cell viability assays. Additionally, organotypic human glioma slice cultures treated with JIN-001 and chemoradiation were analyzed for changes in gene and protein expression as well as cell viability in situ. Ongoing in-vivo studies are being conducted to further elucidate drug combination efficacy in mouse models. RESULTS JIN-001 sensitized the cells to chemoradiation leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death which was higher in the combination compared to single agent. Significant changes in expression of downstream molecules of homologous recombination pathway was noted (ATM, pATM, CHK1, pCHK1, ATR, pATR) in the cell lines and confirmed in human glioma slice culture. Based on the synergy score from four cell lines, an effective dose for combination of JIN-001+RT+TMZ was identified; Results of ongoing ex-vivo human glioma gene expression changes and in-vivo mouse studies will be presented. CONCLUSION Through a comprehensive analysis, we demonstrated that HSP90 inhibitor JIN-001 sensitizes glioma cells to radio-chemotherapy including in human glioma tissue. Our study underscores the potential of combining JIN-001 with standard therapies in glioma treatment in future clinical trials for patients with glioblastoma.

LEGISLAÇÃO E REGULAMENTAÇÃO SOBRE A EMISSÃO DE GASES DE EFEITO ESTUFA NA NAVEGAÇÃO: ESTADO, EVOLUÇÃO E IMPACTOS NO BRASIL

This paper analyzes aspects of international and Brazilian legislation on maritime transport activities and the actions of Brazilian authorities and companies in the sector to ensure compliance with existing environmental requirements, with emphasis on the control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The paper analyzes the ongoing climate change process and international initiatives to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by economic activity sectors, with an emphasis on maritime transport activities in Brazil, A bibliographical research was conducted on greenhouse gas emissions through scientific articles, government websites and websites of various entities and organizations. A survey was conducted on the initiatives of companies in the sector and on the perception of shipping professionals about the state and prospects for progress in the implementation of measures to mitigate emissions on vessels. The results showed that the regional approach complements global regulations and reinforces the need for a coordinated response to address the environmental challenges posed by international shipping and that the integration of these international regulations is essential to promote sustainable practices and ensure global compliance.

Long-Term Changes in the Thermal and Ice Regime of the Biebrza River (Northeastern Poland) in the Era of Global Warming

In the context of ongoing environmental changes, particularly against the backdrop of global warming, significant attention is being given to areas of exceptional natural value that, in many aspects, retain a pristine character. One such area is the Biebrza River in northeastern Poland, which, together with the wetlands in its basin, forms one of the most valuable ecosystems of its kind in Europe. This study analyses the changes in the thermal and ice regime for two hydrological stations, Sztabin and Burzyn, in the period from 1959 to 2023. It was found that the average annual water temperature in this period for the Biebrza River increased by 0.28 °C/decade, and in the case of ice phenomena, statistically significant changes for both stations showed a decline, with an acceleration of the ice cover disappearance by an average of 3 days/decade. These recorded changes should be considered unfavourable, as they will affect the transformation of both the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the river itself, as well as the natural elements associated with it.

Vehicular Traffic Flow Detection and Monitoring for Implementation of Smart Traffic Light: A Case Study for Road Intersection in Limeira, Brazil

This paper proposes the development of a smart traffic light prototype based on vehicular traffic flow measurement in the stretch between two avenues in the city of Limeira, SP, Brazil, focusing on the stretch towards UNICAMP’s School of Technology. To this end, we initially developed a Python code using the OpenCV library in order to detect and count vehicles. With the counting in operation, programming logic was inserted, aiming at preparing traffic light timers based on vehicular traffic. Finally, the traffic lights were added to display video via a code change to show the ongoing color changes, also obtaining a code for identifying vehicles and flow, in addition to the virtual traffic light system itself in the system. Vehicle counting accuracy was 75% for large vehicles, 90% for passenger cars, and 100% for motorcycles. The simulation of a smart traffic light implementation worked satisfactorily according to the post-processing of the video recorded for validation.

The Hydration-Dependent Dynamics of Greenhouse Gas Fluxes of Epiphytic Lichens in the Permafrost-Affected Region

Recent studies actively debate oxic methane (CH4) production processes in water and terrestrial ecosystems. This previously unknown source of CH4 on a regional and global scale has the potential to alter our understanding of climate-driving processes in vulnerable ecosystems, particularly high-latitude ecosystems. Thus, the main objective of this study is to use the incubation approach to explore possible greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes by the most widely distributed species of epiphytic lichens (ELs; Evernia mesomorpha Nyl. and Bryoria simplicior (Vain.) Brodo et D. Hawksw.) in the permafrost zone of Central Siberia. We observed CH4 production by hydrated (50%–400% of thallus water content) ELs during 2 h incubation under illumination. Moreover, in agreement with other studies, we found evidence that oxic CH4 production by Els is linked to the CO2 photoassimilation process, and the EL thallus water content regulates that relationship. Although the GHG fluxes presented here were obtained under a controlled environment and are probably not representative of actual emissions in the field, more research is needed to fully comprehend ELs’ function in the C cycle. This particular research provides a solid foundation for future studies into the role of ELs in the C cycle of permafrost forest ecosystems under ongoing climate change (as non-methanogenesis processes in oxic environments).

Gritty Philadelphia: Orientation to local ideology as a predictor of sound change

Abstract Local orientation has been shown to influence speakers’ participation in local dialect norms and ongoing sound changes since the beginning of modern sociolinguistics (e.g., Labov, 1963). I argue here that local orientation is best understood as an orientation to the ideological imagined place, rather than to the actual physical hometown itself. Analysis of the effect of orientation to the imagined Philadelphia shows that speakers’ personal orientation impacts their adoption of an ongoing change. This change is best understood when orientation is considered alongside a major structural influence on young speakers—secondary school attendance—using a bipartite network analysis. The sound change under investigation, a change in the conditioning of a split in /æ/, is highly abstract and complex, making it an unlikely candidate for overt or intentional identity work. Nevertheless, a regression analysis finds strong effects of both structural influences and personal orientation on speakers’ advancement in this abstract change.

Normalcy Among Individuals Living With Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

To explore descriptions of normalcy among individuals who have lived with mechanical circulatory support for a long time. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for this qualitative research. A parent study, utilising constructivist grounded theory, was conducted to explore the experiences of advance care planning among mechanical circulatory support individuals. Participants spontaneously shared their experiences of normalcy, which was outside the scope of the primary study. Thus, a secondary analysis using reflexive thematic analysis was performed to explore experiences of normalcy among individuals living with mechanical circulatory support for long-term use. Twelve transcripts were purposively sampled and analysed. Three major themes were derived from the data: acquiescence, adapting to the device and restructuring family roles. Normalcy continued to evolve years after device implantation because individuals were not prepared to face ongoing psychosocial challenges. Clinicians and researchers must address the complex emotional and social needs related to changes in goal therapy and unanticipated transplant delays. This includes the development of support groups that are aligned with the various stages of the MCS trajectory. Clinicians need to engage patients in conversations about disruptions to their perceived 'normal' lifestyle and how they plan to adapt to complex changes. Future support groups can be organised according to individuals' duration of implantation and goal therapy to reduce social withdrawal. Additionally, clinicians should assess bridge to transplant individuals' attitudes before connecting them with transplanted volunteers. Finally, clinicians can support resilience by recognising and discussing the ongoing work required to adapt to the complex changes throughout the mechanical circulatory support trajectory. Perceptions of normalcy among mechanical circulatory support individuals are subject to ongoing change. Findings will inform clinicians of the social, emotional and familial challenges that require ongoing support and resources for long-term mechanical circulatory support individuals. Reporting adhered to the COREQ checklist. Participants contributed to this study by sharing their experiences of normalcy after living with mechanical circulatory support for 2 years or more.

Machine learning models for river flow forecasting in small catchments.

In consideration of ongoing climate changes, it has been necessary to provide new tools capable of mitigating hydrogeological risks. These effects will be more marked in small catchments, where the geological and environmental contexts do not require long warning times to implement risk mitigation measures. In this context, deep learning models can be an effective tool for local authorities to have solid forecasts of outflows and to make correct choices during the alarm phase. In this study, we investigate the use of deep learning models able to forecast hydrometric height in very fast hydrographic basins. The errors of the models are very small and about a few centimetres, with several forecasting hours. The models allow a prediction of extreme events with also 4-6h (RMSE of about 10-30cm, with a forecasting time of 6h) in hydrographic basins characterized by rapid changes in the river flow rates. However, to reduce the uncertainties of the predictions with the increase in forecasting time, the system performs better when using a machine learning model able to provide a confidence interval of the prediction based on the last observed river flow rate. By testing models based on different input datasets, the results indicate that a combination of models can provide a set of predictions allowing for a more comprehensive description of the possible future evolutions of river flows. Once the deep learning models have been trained, their application is purely objective and very rapid, permitting the development of simple software that can be used even by lower skilled individuals.

Tropical teleconnections through the Amundsen Sea Low impact Antarctic toothfish recruitment within the Ross Gyre

Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the Ross Sea region are believed to spawn predominantly in the northern parts of the Ross Gyre during the austral winter with fluctuations in their recruitment observed. This Lagrangian modelling study attempts to explain these fluctuations and shows how sea-ice drift impacts the buoyant eggs and the overall recruitment of juveniles reaching the Amundsen shelf break. Interannual variations in the Amundsen Sea Low, linked to tropical sea surface temperatures, cause modulations in the sea-ice drift and subsequent recruitment. When the Amundsen Sea Low is weaker, consistent with El Niño conditions, the northward sea-ice drift reduces, and more eggs remain within the Ross Gyre leading to a larger recruitment success. Conversely, recruitment success reduces during La Niña conditions. The sea-ice drift may explain about 80% of the interannual Antarctic toothfish recruitment variability over the period 1975–2016 and is of particular importance during the first year after spawning. These results enable future interannual changes in Antarctic toothfish recruitment success based on remote observations to be anticipated. Our findings suggest that ongoing climate change strengthening of the Amundsen Sea Low, will likely contribute to a long-term toothfish recruitment decline in the Ross Gyre region.

Climate‐driven shifts in plant–soil feedback of a perennial grass species

Abstract Plant–soil feedback (PSF) plays a key role in determining the composition of plant communities, and understanding the impact of the ongoing climate change on PSF is thus crucial for predicting the consequences of climate change for ecosystems. Here, we conducted a growth‐chamber experiment to examine possible climate‐driven shifts in PSF of a perennial grass, Festuca rubra, originating from two climatically distinct sites, by using all factorial combinations of soil biota origin, plant origin, and cultivation climate. Soil biota generated more negative PSF effects when grown under the climatic conditions of their origin. This observation suggests that soil biota, especially soil pathogens, are well adapted to their local climate, exhibiting greater efficiency in suppressing plant growth within their climatic conditions. All plants, regardless of their origin, exhibited less negative PSF (expressed as relative performance in live vs. sterilized soil) when grown under warmer climate than under colder climate, likely due to positive effects of increased activity of soil decomposers and enhanced nutrient cycling. Plants showed negative PSF when grown with local soil biota under home climate, and the negative PSF disappeared when plants were grown with foreign biota or in away climates. This suggests that any disruption of the established plant‐soil‐climate interactions may lead to the release of plants from negative PSF, potentially destabilizing plant communities. Synthesis. Our results highlight the adaptions of soil biota to their native climate as key drivers of plant–soil feedback interactions and suggest that climate change could significantly alter these interactions, potentially leading to new plant community dynamics. These findings emphasize the need for further investigations to unravel the mechanisms driving these responses and evaluate their consequences for ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

Icelandic glacial dissolved organic carbon fluxes, composition and variability - relevance for the global glacial carbon budget

Despite their relatively large size, organic carbon (OC) fluxes from Icelandic glaciers have not been explicitly considered in current global glacial OC flux calculations. Most global glacial OC estimates are based on limited individual flux estimates, which show considerable spatial differences, are often based on melt season fluxes, and rarely account for seasonal and diurnal variability of glacial dissolved organic matter (DOM). Using an annual dataset of 25 Icelandic glaciers (and their glacial streams) we investigate DOM concentration and composition, calculating an estimate for downstream OC fluxes from Icelandic glaciers, considering diurnal and seasonal variability. DOM source and composition distinctly changed from a terrestrial character toward a more proteinaceous character as melt increased, both on a seasonal and diurnal basis, likely reflecting the flow path of the meltwater. While DOC concentration did not change on a diurnal basis, DOM composition was more labile in the afternoons, possibly indicating photochemical or biological transformation processes. Overall, the glacial streams predominantly acted as CO2 sinks. However, higher DOC concentrations, along with contributions of more proteinaceous DOM in proglacial streams, led to a decrease in the uptake potential for CO2. Finally, we estimated an export flux of 0.0026 ± 0.0029 Gg C yr−1 km−2 of DOC, and 0.011 ± 0.007 Tg C yr−1 km−2 of POC, from Icelandic glaciers. We reveal larger than previously assumed DOC and POC fluxes from Icelandic glaciers, with higher-than-global-average areal fluxes (~3 % and 9 % of global glacial C flux respectively). Our findings underscore the importance of revising current global estimates to include the not-fully-accounted-for contribution of Icelandic, and other glaciers. This is particularly important considering ongoing climatic changes will likely affect glacial meltwater discharge and sources, leading to altered DOM composition and DOC concentration, having potentially considerable consequences for glacial OC export and CO2 uptake potentials of glacial streams.