Restricted Environment Research Articles

Does telemedicine hold the key for reproductive health care? A quantitative examination of women's intentions toward use and accurate information disclosure.

To investigate women's perceptions of telemedicine for reproductive health care services, focusing on how perceived benefits and privacy risks influence their intentions to adopt telemedicine and their willingness to disclose personal health information. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The study applied the privacy calculus theory to the context of telemedicine for reproductive health, using adapted, validated variables to develop the survey. Outcome variables included intentions to adopt telemedicine and willingness to disclose accurate personal health information. Data were collected in May and June 2023 using Qualtrics online panel services, targeting women across the United States who had not used telemedicine for reproductive health. The sample comprised 847 women aged 18 and older. Structural equation modeling was employed using AMOS v28.0 to test the hypothesized relationships between perceived benefits, perceived risks, and adoption intentions. The analysis controlled for age, household income, political affiliation, religious views, and prior births. Perceived benefits were positively related to intention to adopt telemedicine for reproductive care (β: 0.600, p < 0.001), and willingness to disclose accurate personal health information (β: 0.453, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, perceived privacy risks were positively related to adoption intentions (β: 0.128, p < 0.001), but negatively related to willingness to disclose (β: -0.282, p < 0.001). Intentions to adopt were positively associated with willingness to disclose (β: 0.089, p < 0.05). Lastly, older women and women located in states with abortion restrictions expressed lower intentions to adopt. The model explained 40.2% of variance in intention to adopt and 38.3% of variance in willingness to disclose. The study demonstrates the importance of perceived benefits and privacy risks in driving telemedicine adoption and disclosure intentions among women in the reproductive health context. These findings suggest the need for targeted strategies to address privacy concerns and support telemedicine adoption, particularly in restrictive regulatory environments.

Evolution of Algorithms and Applications for Unmanned Surface Vehicles in the Context of Small Craft: A Systematic Review

The development of autonomous vessels and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) has generated great interest in the scientific community due to their potential and advantages for use in various environments and applications. Several literature review papers have been produced from different perspectives, contributing to a better understanding of the topic and to the analysis of advances, challenges, and trends. We hypothesize that the greatest attention has been focused on the development of high-impact applications in the maritime sector. Additionally, we depart from the need to investigate the potential and advances of USVs in fluvial environments, which involve particular operating conditions, where there are different socio-environmental conditions and restrictions in terms of access to conventional energy sources and communication systems. In this sense, the main objective of this work is to study USVs in the particular context of small craft. The search for records was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering studies published from 2000 to 16 May 2024. The methodology employed was based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which is a widely recognized protocol that ensures quality and rigor in systematic reviews and bibliometric analyses. To optimize the data collection and selection process, the semaphore technique was additionally implemented, allowing for an efficient categorization of the studies found. This combined methodological approach facilitated a systematic and transparent evaluation of the literature. This study was developed based on three research questions about the evolution of research topics, areas of application, and types of algorithms related to USVs. The study of the evolution of works on USVs was carried out based on the results of the meta-analysis generated with the Bibliometrix tool. The study of applications and developments was carried out based on information obtained from the papers for six study categories: application environment, level of autonomy, application area, algorithm typology, methods, and electronic devices used. For each of the 387 papers identified in the databases, labeling was performed for the 359 screened papers with six study categories according to the availability of information in the title and abstract. In the categories application sector, autonomy level, application area and algorithm type/task, it was identified that most studies are oriented toward the maritime sector, the developments to achieve full autonomy for USVs, the development of designs or algorithms at the modeling and simulation level, and the development and implementation of algorithms for the GNC subsystems. Nevertheless, this research has revealed a much wider range of environments and applications beyond maritime, military, and commercial sectors. In addition, from the mapping of the types of algorithms used in the GNC architecture, the study provides information that can be used to guide the design of the subsystems that enable USV autonomy for civilian use in restricted environments.

Compositional and textural evidences of Na-bentonite authigenesis in the Pellegrini lake deposit (Neuquen basin, Argentina)

Textural and compositional variations of Na-bentonites from the Pellegrini Lake deposit (Neuquén Basin) have been established, with special emphasis on petrographic features in order to better understand the genetic pathways in their formation. In this region, two bentonite beds named “white bentonite” and “green bentonite” are mined mainly for the oil and foundry industries. The genesis of these beds was studied using petrological (petrography, SEM and TEM), mineralogical (DRX, FT-IR, DTA-TGA, 27Al MAS NMR) and geochemical (ICP-AES) data from two quarries named COR and CA. The bentonites mainly consist of Na-montmorillonite, with lesser amounts of quartz, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, illite, zeolite, barite and gypsum. Mineralogical and petrographical evidence indicates that the authigenic smectite was formed by devitrification of unstable glass shards in a shallow coastal marine environment. Green bentonite would be the result of several episodes of volcanic ash-fall input from multiple eruptions with a higher degree of alteration uppermost in the bed. In this case, the alteration would have occurred in a reducing environment as evidenced by the greenish colouration of these bentonites, the Ce anomaly and the presence of pyrite. Meanwhile, white bentonite would have formed in a less restricted environment than green bentonite, as evidenced by the existence of intercalations of silt-sized grains and a higher amount of detrital grains in the clay groundmass transported probably by fresher waters. The presence of celestine, barite, halite and gypsum indicates evaporitic conditions after smectite formation. The observed secondary gypsum and iron staining of surfaces are much later processes. Green bentonite samples indicate a trachyandesite composition of the parent material, while the white bentonite suggests a parent material most related to a rhyodacite/dacite composition showing that the characteristics of the volcanism might have changed with time.

HIV-1 Vpr-induced DNA damage activates NF-κB through ATM-NEMO independent of cell cycle arrest.

Lentiviruses encode a number of multi-functional accessory proteins, however, the primary role of the accessory protein Vpr remains unclear. As Vpr engages the host DNA damage response (DDR) at multiple steps, modulation of the DDR is considered central to the function(s) of Vpr. Vpr activates ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 (ATR)-mediated DDR signaling, resulting in cell cycle arrest. However, the cellular consequences of Vpr-induced DNA damage, and the connection of Vpr-induced DNA damage to other Vpr functions, are unknown. Here, we determined that HIV-1 Vpr-induced DNA damage activates the ATM-NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) pathway and alters cellular transcription via NF-κB/RelA. Through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of cells expressing Vpr or mutants that separate the ability of Vpr to induce DNA damage from other DDR phenotypes, we identified that Vpr alters the transcriptome independent of cell cycle arrest. In tissue-cultured U2OS cells and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), we showed Vpr activates both ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and NF-κB/RelA signaling cascades. While inhibition of NEMO did not affect Vpr-induced DNA damage, it prevented NF-κB activation by Vpr, highlighting the importance of NEMO in Vpr-mediated transcriptional reprogramming. Virion-delivered Vpr was sufficient to induce DNA damage and activate ATM-NEMO dependent NF-κB transcription, suggesting that engagement of the DDR and transcriptional changes can occur early during viral replication. Together, our data uncover cellular consequences of Vpr-induced DNA damage and provide a mechanism for how Vpr activates NF-κB through DNA damage and ATM-NEMO signaling, which occur independent of cell cycle arrest. We propose this is essential to overcoming restrictive environments, such as in macrophages, to enhance viral replication.IMPORTANCEThe HIV accessory protein Vpr is multi-functional and required for viral replication in vivo, yet how Vpr enhances viral replication is unknown. Emerging literature suggests that a conserved function of Vpr is the engagement of the host DNA damage response (DDR). For example, Vpr activates DDR signaling, causes DDR-dependent cell cycle arrest, promotes degradation of various DDR proteins, and alters cellular consequences of DDR activation. However, a central understanding of how these phenotypes connect and how they affect HIV-infected cells remains unknown. Here, we found that Vpr-induced DNA damage alters the host transcriptome by activating an essential transcription pathway, NF-κB. This occurs early during the infection of primary human immune cells, suggesting NF-κB activation and transcriptome remodeling are important for establishing productive HIV-1 infection. Together, our study provides novel insights into how Vpr alters the host environment through the DDR, and what roles Vpr and the DDR play to enhance HIV replication.

The role of ICT as LT in shaping inclusive and special education – a systematic review for 2012–2023

PurposeDigital inequalities are pressing concerns, especially for students in need of special educational support. In recent years, numerous reviews have been published on the use of learning technologies (LT) in inclusive and special education. They mostly provide findings for specific groups, technologies, and countries. This systematic review aims to identify changes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) as LT that evolved globally in inclusive and special education over the last 12 years.Design/methodology/approachWeb of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were systematically searched for publications for 2012 to 2023. Only peer-reviewed English publications were included to ensure a comprehensive review. The findings of the 421 included papers were then analysed, reflecting diverse perspectives at the technology, learners, teachers, and institutional levels.FindingsThe most used devices were computers, iPads/tablets, and specifically designed apps. More studies were conducted in separate settings than in inclusive ones. The primary participant groups were students on the autism spectrum. More than half the research publications were related to technology use. Technology development was the most common research objective, with approximately 40% of test hypotheses based on standardised tests or observations.Research limitations/implicationsBy shifting the focus from specific disabilities to a more usability-based approach, we can envision a future in which the quality of education for all students is substantially improved.Practical implicationsLT have the potential to significantly contribute to creating the least restrictive learning environment for students in need of special educational support. One step for practitioners is to consider the interdependencies between the different dimensions of heterogeneity relevant to digital inclusion. In order to solve these complex pedagogical tasks appropriately, multidisciplinary cooperation is necessary, involving experts in technical, pedagogical, didactic and inclusive education in digitalised societies.Originality/valueAll data were meticulously collected and analysed to ensure credibility and originality.

Depositional characteristics in the Lower Congo Basin during the Cenomanian-Turonian stage: Insights from fine-grained sedimentary rocks

The Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) stage, marked by extensive black shales and Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2), is pivotal for deciphering paleoceanographic conditions and the main drivers of hydrocarbon formation. Despite its significant oil and gas potential, the Lower Congo Basin (LCB) in central West Africa, particularly during the C-T stage (Likouala Formation), has been severely understudied, primarily due to limited exploration and a historical preference for other basins. Therefore, understanding the depositional characteristics of the C-T stage in the LCB is essential for elucidating paleoceanographic conditions, evaluating hydrocarbon potential and interpreting environmental changes. Due to the limited availability of published data and samples, we employed a targeted and integrated geological analysis to gain comprehensive insights, encompassing logging, lithofacies identification, thin-section observations, grain size measurements, and geochemical analyses (major, trace, and rare earth elements), to provide a cohesive and confirmatory assessment. Utilizing relative sea-level curves and geochemical indicators, and by comparing with other relevant basins, this study preliminarily identified OAE 2 stratigraphic intervals and attempted to discuss the impact of OAE 2 on organic matter enrichment in the LCB. The results indicate that, during the C-T stage, the LCB featured a restricted sea bay environment with limited terrestrial input and anoxic waters. Multiple geochemical proxies suggest that relative sea-level changes significantly affected paleoproductivity, thereby influencing organic matter enrichment. During the depositional period of Lower Likouala Formation (LLF), a relative sea-level drop resulted in weakly reducing conditions in a marginal restricted sea bay environment, leading to low primary productivity. Conversely, during the depositional period of Upper Likouala Formation (ULF), enhanced aeolian input and sea-level rise increased nutrient supply from the open ocean. This led to elevated surface marine productivity and intensified reducing conditions in the water column, forming a marginal semi-restricted sea bay environment. Enhanced reducing conditions within the lower stratigraphic intervals of the ULF are likely consequences of OAE 2. However, the marginal restricted sea bay environment and limited water exchange may have constrained the enhancement of paleoproductivity by OAE 2. These insights not only significantly enhance our understanding of the organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks in the LCB during the C-T stage, but also contribute to a broader comprehension of the South Atlantic's paleoceanographic conditions and the interplay between regional geological processes and global climate events during the C-T stage.

Special Education Law and Services for Pediatricians.

Rates of developmental screening have increased, and understanding how to discuss delays with families is imperative. Knowledge of federal and state law regarding special education is needed. Families often need support to understand the complexity of early intervention and school district-based services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is the law that mandates services for children from birth to age 21 years who require them. Early intervention provides services for children age 0 to 3 years who have a delay or a condition with a high probability of delay. School-based services for children age 3 to 21 years provide children with disabilities with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. While details of the laws are state and location specific, understanding the general principles of the law is important to support children and families navigate this very complex system and receive needed support. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(10):e366-e371.].

Paucispecific invertebrate associations in the Coniacian (Upper Cretaceous) Essen Formation (Tébessa Mountains, Northeast Algeria)

The Coniacian strata of the Tébessa Mountains in northern Algeria are predominantly marly facies that have received few studies. The present study is the first one to be carried out at Djebel Essen (west of Tébessa) to reveal the paleoenvironmental setting. The macrofossil taxa identified herein include fifteen bivalve species, three gastropods, and one cephalopod species, in addition to four irregular echinoid species. Quantitative analysis of these macrofossils indicates the occurrence of three benthic Coniacian macrofaunal associations, which include: 1) Agelasina plenodonta, 2) Cucullaea, and 3) Oscillopha-Plicatula. Both Agelasina plenodonta and Cucullaea associations are dominated by infauna. However, Cucullaea Association contains only suspension-feeders, where deposit-feeders are completely absent, suggesting oligotrophic conditions, that might have resulted in the lowest diversity level. In contrast, epifaunal taxa dominated the Oscillopha-Plicatula association. All the three associations are paucispecific. This low diversity of the Coniacian associations at study area and in other North African countries, can be attributed to the retreat of the sea and the shrinking of shallower habitats’ area. Probably, these associations lived within restricted marginal marine environments. The absence of any potential indicator of the middle-upper Coniacian anoxic event (OAE-3) agrees with the case in nearby sections and confirms a restricted extent of this event. The occurrence of many taxa of either regional or cosmopolitan affinity suggests episodic connection with the Tethyan Ocean.

Civil society organizations as policy entrepreneurs: the practices of problem definition in the case of Myitsone Dam suspension of Myanmar

ABSTRACT The study explores the role of civil society organizations in Myanmar as policy entrepreneurs in the suspension of the Myitsone Dam project. It emphasizes their strategic use of framing and discursive practices within a non-democratic context. By analysing their involvement and strategies, the paper illustrates how civil society organizations define the problems that demand political attention and, by extension, influence policy change in restricted political environments. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on policy entrepreneurship, demonstrating its relevance across varying political landscapes.

'The abortion gave me my life back': the long-term impact of access to self-managed medication abortion through telemedicine on women's lives in legally restricted countries.

Approximately 753 million women (38%) of reproductive age live in countries with restrictive abortion laws. To overcome these legal constraints, women access safe self-managed medication abortions through telemedicine abortion services. This study aimed to explore the long-term impact of accessing a self-managed medication abortion through telemedicine service on women's lives in countries with restrictive abortion laws. We conducted interviews with eleven women (from eleven different countries) who accessed a self-managed medication abortion through online telemedicine between 2014 and 2018 in a legally restricted country. We analysed interviews thematically. Three key themes were developed: (1) access to abortion positively impacted life plans; (2) the negative influence of the legally restricted environment wore off and their well-being improved; (3) participants are now using their own experiences to help others by either sharing information or facilitating access to abortion. In summary, our findings highlight the positive impact of access to self-managed medication abortion and underline the importance of ensuring access to abortion for everyone.

Portable detection of Salmonella in food of animal origin via Cas12a-RAA combined with an LFS/PGM dual-signaling readout biosensor.

Ahighly specific and sensitive rapid two-signal assay was developedfor the detection of Salmonella typhimurium in foods of animal origin. TheinvA gene of Salmonella was usedas the biorecognition element and recombinase-assisted amplification (RAA) technology for signal amplification. By utilizing the specific recognition and efficient trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a, point-of-care testing (POCT) for S. typhimurium was achieved via lateral flow strips (LFS) and personal glucometer (PGM) biosensors as dual signal readout systems, with sensitivities of 33CFU/mL and 20CFU/mL, respectively. Users can select the appropriate test system on the basis of specific application requirements: LFSs are ideal for rapid onsite screening, whereas glucometer biosensors offer precise quantitative determination. This approach simplifies the use of large instruments and overcomes site constraints, demonstrating good accuracy and applicability in animal-derived samples, with significant potential for the detection of other pathogens and for use in restricted environments.

Multi-party quantum key distribution protocol in quantum network

This study proposes a measurement property of graph states and applies it to design a mediated multiparty quantum key distribution (M-MQKD) protocol for a repeater-based quantum network in a restricted quantum environment. The protocol enables remote classical users, who cannot directly transmit qubits, to securely distribute a secret key with the assistance of potentially dishonest quantum repeaters. Classical users only require two quantum capabilities, while quantum repeaters handle entanglement transmission through single-photon measurements. The one-way transmission approach eliminates the need for additional defenses against quantum Trojan horse attacks, reducing maintenance costs compared to round-trip or circular transmission methods. As a result, the M-MQKD protocol is lightweight and easy to implement. The study also evaluates the security of the protocol and demonstrates its practicality through quantum network simulations.

The paleo-oceanic environment and organic matter enrichment mechanism of the early Cambrian in the southern Lower Yangtze Platform, China

This study focuses on the Lower Yangtze Platform located in southern Anhui Province, focusing on the black shale of the early Cambrian Hetang Formation as the primary research subject. Three field sections representing distinct sedimentary structural units were selected for investigation. Analytical methodologies encompassing organic geochemistry, elemental geochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy were employed to reconstruct paleo-oceanic environmental conditions. These analyses aimed to elucidate the characteristics of marine surface productivity and identify the factors controlling organic matter formation, thereby establishing a model for organic matter accumulation processes. These findings suggest that the Jiangnan paleo-uplift exerted differentiated control over organic matter formation and accumulation. Specifically, the barrier function of the paleo-uplift fostered a relatively enclosed and restricted water environment in certain regions, which proved conducive to the formation, accumulation, and preservation of organic matter. Furthermore, the paleo-upwelling system and hydrothermal groundwater circulation triggered by the activation of the Jiangnan deep fault played crucial roles in controlling the formation and accumulation of organic matter in the early Cambrian. Notably, the research also revealed that intermittent hydrothermal activity had a dual impact on organic matter accumulation within various paleo-oceanic settings. This process potentially facilitated organic matter enrichment and led to the dilution of organic matter concentrations.

Efficient Data Exchange between WebAssembly Modules

In the past two decades, there has been a noticeable decoupling of machines and operating systems. In this context, WebAssembly has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional virtual machines. Originally designed for execution in web browsers, it has expanded to executing code in restricted and secure environments, and it stands out for its rapid startup, small footprint, and portability. However, WebAssembly presents significant challenges in data transfer and the management of interactions with the module. Its specification requires each module to have its own memory, resulting in a “share-nothing” architecture. This restriction, combined with the limitations of importing and exporting functions that only handle numerical values, and the absence of an application binary interface (ABI) for sharing more complex data structures, leads to efficiency problems; these are exacerbated by the variety of programming languages that can be compiled and executed in the same environment. To address this inefficiency, the Karmem was designed and developed. It includes a new interface description language (IDL) aimed at facilitating the definition of data, functions, and relationships between modules. Additionally, a proprietary protocol—an optimized ABI for efficient data reading and minimal decoding cost—was created. A code generator capable of producing code for various programming languages was also conceived, ensuring harmonious interaction with the ABI and the foreign function interface. Finally, the compact runtime of Karmem, built atop a WebAssembly runtime, enables communication between modules and shared memory. Results of the experiments conducted show that Karmem represents an innovation in data communication for WASM in multiple environments and demonstrates the ability to overcome challenges of efficiency and interoperability.

Decentralized learning control for high-speed trains with unknown time-varying speed delays

Treating the multi-point-mass dynamic model of high-speed trains as an interconnected system, this study proposes a decentralized iterative learning control scheme for high-speed trains to achieve the trajectory tracking goal. By making reasonable estimates of the interaction term and compensating for it, the proposed control scheme utilizes only local information from each carriage and does not need any inter-carriage information exchange. The zero-error tracking of the desired trajectory is guaranteed even in a restricted communication environment. Considering unknown time-varying speed delays in the actual high-speed train operations, a modified decentralized iterative learning control scheme is also provided to address the negative impact of speed delays. The convergence of tracking errors is strictly proven by constructing appropriate composite energy functions. Numerical simulations further verify the theoretical results.

Malware containment with immediate response in IoT networks: An optimal control approach

The exponential growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has triggered a substantial increase in cyber-attacks targeting these systems. Recent statistics show a surge of over 100 percent in such attacks, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. When a cyber-attack breaches an IoT network, it initiates the dissemination of malware across the network. However, to counteract this threat, an immediate installation of a new patch becomes imperative. The time frame for developing and deploying the patch can vary significantly, contingent upon the specifics of the cyber-attack. This paper aims to address the challenge of pre-emptively mitigating cyber-attacks prior to the installation of a new patch. The main novelties of our work include: (1) A well-designed node-level model known as Susceptible, Infected High, Infected Low, Recover First, and Recover Complete (SIHILRFRC). It categorizes the infected node states into infected high and infected low, according to the categorization of infection states for IoT devices, to accelerate containment strategies for malware propagation and improve mitigation of cyber-attacks targeting IoT networks by incorporating immediate response within a restricted environment. (2) Development of an optimal immediate response strategy (IRS) by modeling and analyzing the associated optimal control problem. This model aims to enhance the containment of malware propagation across IoT networks by swiftly responding to cyber threats. Finally, several numerical analyses were performed to fully illustrate the main findings. In addition, a dataset has been constructed for experimental purposes to simulate real-world scenarios within IoT networks, particularly in smart home environments.

Effective Enrichment of Free Radicals through Nanoconfinement Boosts Electrochemiluminescence of Carbon Dots Derived from Luminol.

Local enrichment of free radicals at the electrode interface may open new opportunities for the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications. The sensing platform was constructed by assembling ECL-emitting luminol derived carbon dots (Lu CDs) onto the heterojunction Tungsten disulfide/Covalent organic frameworks (WS2@COF) for the first time, establishing a nanoconfinement-reactor with significantly heightened ECL intensity and stability compared to the Lu CDs-H2O2 system. This enhanced performance is credited to the COF domain's restricted pore environment, where WS2@COF exhibits a more negative adsorption energy for H2O2, effectively enriching H2O2 in the catalytic edge sites of WS2. Furthermore, the internal electric field at the WS2 and COF interface accelerates electron flow, boosting WS2's catalytic activity and achieving domain-limited catalytic enhancement of ECL. Self-designed DNA nanomachines combined with cascading molecular keypad locking mechanisms are integrated into the biosensors, effectively guaranteeing the accuracy of the sensing process while providing crucial safeguards for molecular diagnostics and information security applications. In essence, this innovative approach represents the first system to enhance local free radical concentrations by enriching co-reactants on the electrode surface through nanoconfinement catalysis, yielding heightened ECL luminescence intensity. The potential impact of this novel strategy and sensing mechanism on real-bioanalysis applications is promising.

Effective Enrichment of Free Radicals through Nanoconfinement Boosts Electrochemiluminescence of Carbon Dots Derived from Luminol

Local enrichment of free radicals at the electrode interface may open new opportunities for the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications. The sensing platform was constructed by assembling ECL‐emitting luminol derived carbon dots (Lu CDs) onto the heterojunction Tungsten disulfide/Covalent organic frameworks (WS2@COF) for the first time, establishing a nanoconfinement‐reactor with significantly heightened ECL intensity and stability compared to the Lu CDs‐H2O2 system. This enhanced performance is credited to the COF domain's restricted pore environment, where WS2@COF exhibits a more negative adsorption energy for H2O2, effectively enriching H2O2 in the catalytic edge sites of WS2. Furthermore, the internal electric field at the WS2 and COF interface accelerates electron flow, boosting WS2's catalytic activity and achieving domain‐limited catalytic enhancement of ECL. Self‐designed DNA nanomachines combined with cascading molecular keypad locking mechanisms are integrated into the biosensors, effectively guaranteeing the accuracy of the sensing process while providing crucial safeguards for molecular diagnostics and information security applications. In essence, this innovative approach represents the first system to enhance local free radical concentrations by enriching co‐reactants on the electrode surface through nanoconfinement catalysis, yielding heightened ECL luminescence intensity. The potential impact of this novel strategy and sensing mechanism on real‐bioanalysis applications is promising.

Visibility Politics of Disability Representative Civil Society Organizations Pursuing Social Justice in Russia

ABSTRACT The study investigates the visibility politics used by civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities in Russia. The article applies the framework of social injustice developed by Nancy Fraser enabling the distinction of affirmative and transformative visibility politics that allow these actors not only to affirm guaranteed rights but also to promote structural changes. The study is based on the analysis of interviews collected in Russian cities, and information from open sources. It emerges that the reconfiguration of civil society results in civil society organizations implementing mainly affirmative changes although transformative visibility politics challenging ableist assumptions also occurred in the restricted political environment.

Oxidative weathering on the continent and seawater upwelling along the passive continental margin promoted widespread phosphorite formation at the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian boundary in South China

The latest Proterozoic to early Cambrian is characterized by major global phosphogenic events and the diversification of complex multicellular life. However, the feedback mechanism of atmospheric oxidation and upwelling processes to form voluminous phosphorite deposits is unclear. South China is a key example of the sedimentary spectrum related to the Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian bloom of oxygenic photosynthesis, with alginite deposits (sapropelite; “stone coal”), barite, polymetallic black shales and phosphorites along the passive continental paleo-margin of the Yangtze craton. Here, we present a comprehensive geochemical analysis of drill core samples from the Zhijin phosphorite deposit, including Cr isotope, Fe speciation, and bulk elemental composition of dolostone, phosphorite and black shale from the Ediacaran to Early Cambrian sequence. The positively fractionated δ53Cr values of 0.11 to 1.81 ‰ of leachates from Ediacaran dolostone and Terreneuvian phosphorite indicate intensive oxidative terrestrial weathering. The phosphorite samples exhibit REE distribution patterns similar to modern seawater and strongly negative Ce anomalies (0.47–0.61), suggesting an oxic, open ocean environment. In contrast, the absence of Ce anomaly, high FeHR/FeT, and Fepy/FeHR ratios, enhanced redox-sensitive element concentrations, high Mo/TOC and TS/TOC, and high molar Corg:P ratios suggest euxinic to anoxic conditions for the overlying black shale sedimentation in a restricted sedimentary marine environment. Bulk-rock shale samples retain the positively fractionated Cr isotope pattern. The dramatic change from oxic to anoxic conditions aligns with the fossil record, which shows a proliferation of small shelly fossils in the phosphorite and their extinction in the overlying black shales, likely by hydrogen sulfide poisoning. We infer that nutrient-rich, oxidized upwelling seawater transported phosphorus and other nutrients to the photic zone, from where organic matter settled down to the seafloor and formed thick phosphorite beds at the oxic-anoxic boundary at and below the seafloor. Our study highlights that atmospheric and seawater oxygenation accelerated the Early Cambrian bio-diversification, and the subsequent restricted basin situation is responsible for the extinction at the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian boundary.