Environmental Sensitivity Research Articles

Environmental knowledge influencing pro-environmental behavior among university students: a serial mediation and MGA approach

Purpose The study aims to investigate the mediating role played by environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity in the influence of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental behavior. Specifically, the study examined whether both environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity act as serial mediators between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behavior. This study also explored whether there are gender differences in how environmental knowledge affects pro-environmental behavior through environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity. Design/methodology/approach A survey tool was distributed to university students in the northern region of India who had studied environmental studies as a compulsory subject during one of their semesters in their higher education program. A total of 558 responses were analyzed through nonparametric partial least squares multigroup analysis using PLS-SEM. Findings The results indicated that environmental knowledge significantly affected pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity played significant mediating roles between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behavior. Additionally, the results showed that the serial mediation effect of environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity in the relationship between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behavior was significant. However, the findings did not show any significant gender difference in how environmental knowledge influences pro-environmental behavior, mediated serially by environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity. Originality/value Although vast literature is available on the relationship between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behavior, a few studies have shown environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity as mediators. In addition, this study fills the gap in the existing research by exploring how environmental attitude and sensitivity serially mediate the nexus between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behavior, particularly across genders.

Does women's political participation promote green innovation? Global evidence

AbstractA long‐standing theory is that men value technology, while women focus more on human welfare and living conditions. Using data from 101 countries between 1996 and 2019, this study examines the impact of women's political participation on green innovation. Our results show that a one‐unit increase in women's political participation is positively associated with a 0.081 unit increase in the standard deviation of green innovation. This effect is particularly significant in developed countries where women's political participation is above the global average. Analysis using the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) shows a more pronounced effect at lower quantiles of green innovation in high‐carbon countries, due to women's heightened environmental sensitivity. Furthermore, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, bureaucratic quality, and law and order strengthen this relationship. Accordingly, we identify countries that should prioritize improving women's political status, especially in patriarchal and Muslim societies.

The interplay among environmental sensitivity, job stressors, and leadership styles on employee well-being

Investigating the role of individual differences in Environmental Sensitivity for well-being and stress at work is an emerging area of research with significant potential for practical implications in organizational management and human resources. Recent studies have begun to explore how individuals with high sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) may be more vulnerable to work-related stress than their less sensitive peers, but may also derive greater benefits from positive job resources when available. The present study aims to investigate the role of leadership style in the complex interplay between individual differences in sensitivity, stress at work, and general well-being. A questionnaire was administered through Qualtrics to a total of 317 workers from two medium–large–sized Italian companies, across two waves between May and July 2022. Findings provided support for a three-way interaction effect, with job stressors exerting an adverse effect on participants’ well-being, mitigated by democratic and let-it-be leadership styles at the team level, particularly among highly sensitive individuals. Thus, our findings suggest a vantage sensitivity effect and underscore the importance of cultivating positive work climates to enhance workers’ ability to cope with stressors and improve their global well-being, with particular relevance for highly sensitive individuals.

Natural and Human Impacts on Coastal Areas

Coasts are the most densely populated regions in the world and are vulnerable to different natural and human factors, e.g., sea-level rise, coastal accretion and erosion processes, the intensification of sea storms and hurricanes, the presence of marine litter, chronic pollution and beach oil spill accidents, etc. Although coastal zones have been affected by local anthropic activities for decades, their impacts on coastal ecosystems is often unclear. Several papers are presented in this Special Issue detailing the interactions between natural processes and human impacts in coastal ecosystems all around the world. A better understanding of such natural and human impacts is therefore of great relevance to confidently predict their negative effects on coastal areas and thus promote different conservation strategies. The implementation of adequate management measures will help coastal communities adapt to future scenarios in the short and long term and prevent damage due to different pollution types, e.g., beach oil spill accidents, through the establishment of Environmental Sensitivity Maps.

Does Greenium Exist? A Comparison between Sovereign and Corporate Bonds

Recent studies suggest that people when making investment decisions, evaluate risk according to their perception of eco-friendly commitment. These studies claim that preference to green investment influences prices and trading behaviour in market settings. Assets perceived greener on average trade at significantly higher prices with different performance between sovereign and corporate green bonds (Ehlers and Packer, 2017). Our paper refers to a sample of 5996 bond at world level divided equally in ordinary bond and green bonds. We tested a set of models to assess this new factor. The results confirm the presence of greenium, but it highlights that corporate bonds’ greenium is higher than sovereign one. Moreover, in developed markets, green bonds tend to exhibit characteristics of a greenium, whereas, in emerging markets, the environmental aspect is still developing. This observation supports the notion that greenium is more pronounced in mature markets with heightened environmental sensitivity. Differently from previous studies, we filter the model for bonds issued during the Covid19 pandemic and not, and the results suggests the presence of a greenium only in normal times (Zerbib, 2019a, 2019b). The analysis contributes to the research on the green bond market and its dynamics. We prove that greenium is not universally present or significant, especially in emerging markets. These insights are relevant for investors and policymakers considering the implications of green finance for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Improve the Sustainability of Supply Chain: the Role of Carbon Abatement and Blockchain Technology

This paper constructs a sustainable supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retail platform. This paper explores the manufacturer’s decision of whether to develop green technology to reduce carbon emission and the platform’s option of whether to adopt blockchain technology to disclose information. According to the selling format in the supply chain (i.e., reselling or agency selling format), this study divides the research into two scenarios: Scenarios R and A. Through analyses, the paper first finds that two parameters play decisive roles in the manufacturer’s and the platform’s decisions: the consumer’s acceptance of product and the consumer’s environmental sensitivity. As the consumer’s acceptance of product increases, the supply chain members’ mode preferences change from Mode RT (Mode AT) to Mode RB (Mode AB). And the increase of the consumer’s environmental sensitivity leads the supply chain members less likely to take actions (reducing carbon emission or disclosing information). Specifically, this paper discovers that the manufacturer’s and the platform’s mode preferences are always analogous with each other. Next, this paper finds that the two decisive parameters’ (i.e., the consumer’s acceptance of product and the consumer’s environmental sensitivity) joint impact on the platform’s optimal decision is more drastic than on the manufacturer’s. Finally, the selling format in the supply chain interacts with the consumer’s acceptance of product exerting influence on the supply chain members’ optimal decisions.

Evolution of Large Eyes in Stromboidea (Gastropoda): Impact of Photic Environment and Life History Traits.

Eyes within the marine gastropod superfamily Stromboidea range widely in size, from 0.2 to 2.3mm - the largest eyes known in any gastropod. Despite this interesting variation, the underlying evolutionary pressures remain unknown. Here, we use the wealth of material available in museum collections to explore the evolution of stromboid eye size and structure. Our results suggest that depth is a key light-limiting factor in stromboid eye evolution; here, increasing water depth is correlated with increasing aperture width relative to lens diameter, and therefore an increasing investment in sensitivity in dim light environments. In the major clade containing all large-eyed stromboid families, species observed active during the day and the night had wider eye apertures relative to lens sizes than species observed active during the day only, thereby prioritising sensitivity over resolution. Species with no consistent diel activity pattern also had smaller body sizes than exclusively day-active species, which may suggest that smaller animals are more vulnerable to shell-crushing predators, and avoid the higher predation pressure experienced by animals active during the day. Within the same major clade, ancestral state reconstruction suggests that absolute eye size increased above 1mm twice. The unresolved position of Varicospira, however, weakens this hypothesis and further work with additional markers is needed to confirm this result.

Enhancing Environmental Sensitivity and Vulnerability Assessments for Oil Spill Responses in the Caspian Sea

Oil spills pose significant threats to marine and coastal ecosystems, necessitating advanced methodologies for environmental sensitivity and vulnerability assessments. This study enhances existing frameworks to better manage oil spill risks in the Caspian Sea, a region characterized by its ecological sensitivity and economic dependence on oil extraction. Utilizing the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI), we adapted global standards to the unique conditions of the Caspian Sea and built a sensitivity map of the coastline, which later became one of the components of the integral sensitivity map for the entire Caspian Sea, which includes several biotic and abiotic components. We also developed a comprehensive geodatabase incorporating topographic, infrastructural, and hydrodynamic data. Through the sophisticated modeling of oil spill scenarios using the Oil Spill model of the MIKE 21 software (Release 2016) suite, we simulated spills of varying magnitudes to analyze their potential impacts on the marine and coastal environment. The results enabled the creation of vulnerability maps, pinpointing areas at highest risk and facilitating strategic response planning. Our study demonstrates the critical importance of integrating advanced geospatial analyses and dynamic modeling techniques to improve oil spill preparedness and response strategies. The findings of this study suggest that enhanced monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential for protecting the Caspian Sea from environmental risks posed by its oil industry.

Is advanced arthroscopic debridement in patients with end-stage TMJ degenerative joint disease associated with improved quality of life and pain reduction?

BackgroundTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) advanced arthroscopic debridement (Level II arthroscopy) is a minimally invasive procedure involving micro-surgical debridement of degenerated tissues with aid of a fibre-optic camera. Its use for treating intra-articular pain and dysfunction (IPD) in advanced TMJ degenerative disease remains debated. PurposeThe primary purpose was to evaluate if Level II arthroscopy was associated with improvement in pain and quality of life in subjects with advanced TMJ degenerative disease, and to identify clinical factors that influence outcomes. Study DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted on subjects who presented to the University of Michigan oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic between November 2020 and July 2023 who required arthroscopy for IPD. Inclusion criteria were unilateral or bilateral IPD, Wilkes V disease, arthroscopically verified disc perforation, and 3-month minimum follow-up. Subjects with Level I/III arthroscopy or with Wilkes I-IV disease were excluded. CovariatesThe covariates included demographics (age, gender), preoperative variables (body mass index, allergies, environmental sensitivities, condylar degeneration, systemic arthropathy, serology, prior arthrocentesis, pre-operative jaw functional limitation scale (JFLS) and pain), and operative variables (synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesions, laterality, debridement, and injections). Main outcome variablesPrimary outcomes were changes in quality of life and pain measured via the JFLS and visual analogue pain scale (VAS), respectively, at minimum 3-months post-arthroscopy. AnalysesLinear regression analyzed JFLS with covariates, and linear-mixed effects models adjusted for non-independent pain from bilateral TMJ sides. Paired t-tests compared mean JFLS and pain scores with significance set at p<0.05. ResultsA total of 240 subjects were screened and 40 subjects completed the study with mean age of 49.33 (+/- 13.62) years, 95% subjects were female, and median follow-up of 7 months (interquartile range 6-8). Mean JFLS decreased from 73.3 (+/-34.94) to 43.8 (+/-35.35) post-operatively (p<0.0001). Mean pain scores decreased from 60.0 (+/-21.2) to 38.0 (+/-28.5) post-operatively (p<0.0001). Environmental sensitivity was the only covariate significantly associated with higher post-operative JFLS (p=0.002). Three subjects (7.5%) required total arthroplasty post-Level II arthroscopy. Conclusions and RelevanceAdvanced arthroscopic debridement (level II arthroscopy) is associated with reduced pain and improved quality of life in subjects with Wilkes V degenerative joint disease.

The Potential Role of Phytoplankton Functional Groups Under Anthropogenic Stressed Wetlands: Characterizing The Environmental Sensitivity.

Anthropogenic and climatic changes are continuously altering the freshwater plankton, necessitating an evaluation of the complex structure of plankton communities to understand and mitigate these impacts. In this context, the present study focuses on evaluating the structure of plankton communities, specifically Phytoplankton Functional Groups (FGs) for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands under changing scenario. These FGs are defined by shared adaptive features rather than taxonomic traits. Over the period from 2016 to 2018, two ecologically distinct wetlands were examined, analysing their phytoplankton FGs and their relationship with water quality parameters. Ecohydrological data revealed significant seasonal variations (p ≤ 0.05) in key parameters such as water depth, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, NO3-N, and PO4-P. Notably, there were no significant differences observed among the sampling stations within each wetland. A total of 125 phytoplankton genera/species were classified into 23 FGs in the open wetland and 22 FGs in the closed wetland. Spatial and seasonal analyses of dominant FGs suggested both wetlands were experiencing pollution pressures. This study highlights the powerful role of phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) as bioindicators of wetland health, uncovering pollution pressures. In open wetlands, 15 phytoplankton FGs with 36 key taxa (Indicator Value ≥ 40%) emerged as critical indicators, while in closed wetlands, only 10 FGs with 17 taxa were identified. To assess eutrophication, the occurrence of these indicator species was evaluated using BVSTEP function analysis. The study recommends pollution reduction in catchment areas and restoration of riverine connectivity to enhance FG diversity. Phytoplankton FG methodologies are deemed effective for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands significantly impacted by human activities. This research offers a scientific foundation for the evaluation and restoration of wetland ecosystems.

Managing Acidic Mine Water Pollution in Karst Regions Based on Hydrogeological Structures

Acidic mine drainage (AMD) is one of the primary pollutants from abandoned mines. This type of pollution is characterized by its extensive area, prolonged duration, and challenging detection process, especially in karst region with intricate hydrological systems, thereby posing a significant threat to the sustainable development of the economy. This paper focuses on the pollution of acidic mine water in the karst region of Southwest China and adopts a comprehensive watershed pollution management strategy. Considering the unique hydrogeological structure of the karst mines, the active water cycle, and the sensitivity and fragility of the ecological environment, this study proposes a set of acid mine drainage pollution control methods based on hydrogeological structures. These include “zonal management, one policy per mine; source control, pollution reduction; and end-of-pipe treatment, standard discharge.” This study applies coal mine water prevention and control techniques to environmental management, developing a series of source control methods including “filling, isolating, blocking, intercepting, draining, and controlling”. It also integrates physical, chemical, and biological methods for the end-of-pipe treatment of acidic mine water. This approach has been successfully applied to the management of acidic mine drainage in the Yudong River basin in Kaili, Guizhou. Long-term monitoring of the "three-fields and four-water” revealed that rainfall significantly influences mine water quality. The study identified a “U-tube effect” whereby mine water exacerbates the pollution of karst water, leading to the development of a comprehensive prevention and control strategy termed the “three blocking (obstruction) and one guarantee” project. A comparative analysis of total iron content in the basin before and after treatment demonstrated a marked reduction, from 97.8mg/L to less than 0.3mg/L. This study provides a typical example for the prevention, control, and management of acid water pollution in karst areas across the watershed, and can serve as a reference for similar pollution management efforts.

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT USING GIS IN LAGOS STATE

Transportation infrastructure development poses significant environmental risks, including habitat disruption, air and water pollution, and climate change. This study develops a GIS-based framework for ecological risk assessment of transportation infrastructure development. This research identifies high-risk areas and prioritizes mitigation measures by integrating spatial analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, and expert consultations. The GIS-based approach evaluates environmental sensitivity, proximity to ecosystems, and potential hazards. Results provide valuable insights for sustainable transportation planning, policy-making, and ecological management. This study explored its application in solving Environmental Risk Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure Development GIS application in environmental Risk Assessment monitoring has mainly been divided into three aspects: water, soil, and atmosphere. Based on ArcGIS 10.1 software and ArcGIS 9.3.1 version, GIS has been applied in Transportation system monitoring and soil heavy metal concentration monitoring, respectively. A major function of planners is to promote the best use of a community's land and resources for different construction projects; especially critical are infrastructure projects on which economic development relies. Transportation projects typically involve both environmental and economic issues facing a community as it grows and changes. Considerations of sustainability, as well as the widespread use of collaborative planning, design, and construction, require tools that facilitate long-term impact analysis and easy communication among built-environment professionals. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is instrumental in studying transportation project impacts, but it is a time-consuming process because of the large number of dependent and independent variables involved. A vulnerability grade map and road distribution map were produced, providing an overall vulnerability score for each of the three planning alternatives considered. A road alignment was indicated as the preferred corridor, which was further recommended for a project development and environmental (PD&amp;E) study.

Signatures of coherent vibrational dynamics in ethylene carbonate.

Despite having practical applications in battery technology and serving as a model system for Fermi resonance coupling, ethylene carbonate (EC) receives little direct attention as a vibrational probe in nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy experiments. EC contains a Fermi resonance that is well-characterized in the linear spectrum, and the environmental sensitivity of its Fermi resonance peaks could make it a good molecular probe for two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2DIR) experiments. As a model system, we investigate the linear and 2DIR vibrational spectrum of the carbonyl stretching region of ethylene carbonate in tetrahydrofuran. The 2DIR spectrum reveals peak dynamics that evolve coherently. We characterize these dynamics in the context of Redfield theory and find evidence that EC dynamics proceed through coherent pathways, including singular coherence transfer pathways that have not been widely observed in other studies. We find that coherent contributions play a significant role in the observed dynamics of cross-peaks in the 2DIR spectrum, which must be accounted for to extract accurate measurements of early waiting time dynamics.

Study on Evaluation and Prediction Model of Long-term Mechanical Properties of Fine-grained Saline Soil Subgrade

In this thorough examination, we dive deep into the long-lasting mechanical characteristics of fine-grained saline soil subgrades, aspiring to establish a precise and reliable collection of predictive models. Our objective is to provide a solid scientific footing for the design and ongoing upkeep of road networks within saline soil environments. Analyzing prolonged monitoring data across diverse highway subgrades within a prototypical saline soil locale, we unveil the intricate temporal fluctuations and environmental sensitivities of the soil’s mechanical properties under continuous load. Precisely, the subgrade’s compressive modulus dwindled by 15%, while shear strength declined by 8% over a five-year period. These trends intensify during rainy and scorching seasons, with drops surpassing 20% and 12% respectively. Leveraging this intricate data, we deploy nonlinear regression analysis and sophisticated machine learning algorithms to construct a predictive model tailored for the long-term mechanical properties of fine-grained saline soil roadbeds. This model integrates a multitude of factors, including load duration, temperature, humidity, and more, delivering accurate forecasts of key subgrade indicators like compressive modulus, shear strength, and beyond. In the verification stage, compared with the measured data, the error rate of the model prediction results is controlled within 5%, showing high prediction accuracy and stability. In addition, we also carried on the sensitivity analysis to the model, found that the load size and the duration of the impact on the mechanical properties of the roadbed is the most significant. Therefore, in the design of road engineering in saline soil areas, the influence of these factors should be fully considered, and reasonable engineering measures should be taken to ensure the safety and durability of roads. This study not only provides effective data support for the long-term mechanical performance evaluation of fine-grained saline soil roadbed, but also provides an important theoretical reference for engineering practice in related fields.

Nucleotide-mediated modulation of chemoselective protein functionalization in a liquid-like condensed phase

Liquid-like protein condensates are ubiquitous in cellular system and are increasingly recognized for their roles in physiological processes. Condensed phase harbors distinctive chemical microenvironment, markedly different than dilute aqueous phase. Herein, we demonstrate chemoselective modification pattern of nucleophilic canonical amino acid sidechains (namely – cysteine, tyrosine and lysine) of the protein towards 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan in the dilute and condensed phase. We also delineate how the effect of nucleotides and their in situ enzymatic dissociation temporally modulate the protein condensate’s pH and the protein’s corresponding chemoselective modification. We have shown that the pH of the condensate decreases in the presence of nucleoside triphosphate, whereas it increases in the presence of nucleoside monophosphates or phosphate ion. For instance, we find lysine-specific modification gets inhibited in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but significantly enhanced in the presence of monophosphates. This feature enables us to gain temporal control over dynamic change in protein functionalization via enzymatic ATP hydrolysis. Overall, this work substantiates the alteration in pH-responsiveness of Brønsted basicity of a protein’s ε-amine in the condensed phase. Furthermore, this environment sensitivity in chemoselective protein functionalization in condensed phase will be important in adaptable protein engineering to the chemical biology of protein phase separation.

Genetic determinism of sensitivity to environmental challenges using daily feed intake records in three lines of pigs.

In pig breeding, environmental challenges can affect the welfare and productivity of animals. Resilient animals have the capacity to be minimally affected by these environmental challenges. Understanding the genetic basis of sensitivity to these environmental challenges is crucial for selecting more resilient animals, thereby enhancing welfare and productivity. The aims of this study were to: (1) estimate the probability of the occurrence of an unrecorded environmental challenge at a given day using daily feed intake (DFI) data, and (2) evaluate the genetic determinism of environmental sensitivity in three pig lines bred in real selection conditions. Data comprised of 100,799, 186,247, and 304,826 DFI records from 1,618, 2,517, and 3,788 Landrace (LA), Large White (LW) and Piétrain (PI) male pigs, respectively. The pedigree included 3,730, 5,649, and 9,293 animals for LA, LW, and PI, respectively. The probabilities of the occurrence of an unrecorded environmental challenge at a given day were estimated via a mixture model. The probabilities (p) of being "high CV days" were then taken as reference and used in genetic analysis as an environmental descriptor to describe the environment. DFI records were analysed using two linear models: a linear reaction norm animal model (RNAM) and the animal model. (Co)variance components were estimated using average-information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML). The means of the probabilities of the occurrence of an environmental challenge for LA, LW, and PI were 0.24, 0.10, and 0.22, respectively, indicating that the probability of an environmental challenge was low for most of the days. The genetic correlations between the intercept and the slope obtained from the RNAM for LA, LW, PI were -0.52, 0.06, and -0.36, respectively. These findings suggest that selecting hypothetically for decreased DFI in non-stressful conditions would result in pigs with increased DFI in stressful conditions in the LA and PI lines, whereas it would have a minor impact on the environmental sensitivity of LW. The proportion of resilient animals for LA, LW, and PI was 75.0, 74.2, and 72.2%, respectively, implying that most of the animals were resilient. The study demonstrated that the slope of DFI is heritable and can effectively be used as an indicator of sensitivity to environmental challenges. These results are valuable in improving the resilience of livestock species to environmental challenges through genetic selection.

Understanding the Environmental Sensitivity of Copper‐Metal Oxides Interactions in Cu/ZnO and Cu/Al2O3 Catalysts

AbstractTernary Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts are one of the most important industrial catalysts and show excellent activity in methanol reforming reaction. However, it is challenging to elucidate the metal support interactions, which critically influence the catalyst structure and performance, due to their environmentally sensitive nature. This study examines the interactions between Cu and Al2O3 and ZnO, after reductive treatments of the Cu/Al2O3 and Cu/ZnO model catalysts with varying temperatures and hydrogen concentration. A combination of Brunner‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) measurements, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2O titration, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformations spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) provided comprehensive insights into the structural evolution of the catalysts.

Identification of a Novel Signature Based on Ferritinophagy-Related Genes to Predict Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Focus on AHNAK2

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for over 40% of all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases and continues to be difficult to treat despite advancements in diagnostics and therapies. Ferritinophagy, a newly recognized autophagy process linked to ferroptosis, has been associated with LUAD development. Recent studies have shown a dysregulation of genes related to ferritinophagy in LUAD, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: We constructed a predictive model using seven genes associated with ferritinophagy. The model’s accuracy was evaluated across three independent gene expression datasets. We analyzed the biological functions, immune environment, mutations, and drug sensitivities in groups with high and low risk. Utilizing a single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, we confirmed the expression of the model genes and identified a subtype of epithelial cells expressing AHNAK2. We further investigated the impact of the ferritinophagy-related gene AHNAK2 on LUAD cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and ferroptosis in vitro. Results: Our prediction model, comprising seven genes (AHNAK2, ARNTL2, CD27, LTB, SLC15A1, SLC2A1, and SYT1), has shown potential in predicting the prognosis of individuals diagnosed with LUAD. Notably, AHNAK2 impedes ferroptosis, promoting LUAD progression in vitro. Conclusions: Our research suggests that ferritinophagy-associated genes are promising prognostic markers for LUAD and lay the groundwork for further exploration of ferritinophagy’s role in LUAD. Furthermore, we present AHNAK2 as a novel regulator of ferroptosis, which requires further investigation to understand its mechanism.

In their narratives: academic socialization in the experience of sensory processing sensitivity among university students.

While much of the worldwide contemporary research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and environmental sensitivity (ES) has relied on the participation of university students, there remains a significant gap in understanding the academic social experiences of those scoring high in SPS (i.e., highly sensitive individuals). To address this gap, this exploratory study aimed to investigate in detail students' academic socialization through their narratives. We conducted nine interviews with Italian university students who self-identified as highly sensitive. Through thematic reflexive analysis, we identified and analyzed 6 themes (with subthemes and versions of subthemes) concerning their self-definitions, their university experience (in classroom, before, during, and after exams), and socialization with peers and teachers. After 20 years of research on SPS, this study integrates the relevant literature into the field of social psychology and academic socialization, emphasizing the importance of understanding SPS within real-life educational contexts and considering highly sensitive students' perspectives on their resources and challenges in attending university. By contributing to the emerging qualitative literature on SPS and ES, this study provides practical implications for educators and policymakers seeking to foster inclusive learning environments for all students.

Blockchain Technology and Corporate Performance: Empirical Evidence from Listed Companies in China

Blockchain technology is widely recognized and adopted by many organizations, as it serves as a fundamental technological infrastructure for the digital economy. This has led to a rapid acceleration of industrial transformation and digital innovation. This study employs empirical data from a substantial sample to investigate the potential applications, strategies, and advantages of blockchain technology. This paper examines A-share listed companies in China from 2015 to 2021, offering valuable empirical insights that demonstrate how the implementation of blockchain technology can markedly improve corporate performance in a major global economy. The research in this paper examines the differential effects of blockchain technology by innovatively integrating financial and environmental performance metrics into an empirical model, revealing that implementing blockchain technology significantly enhances environmental performance. Furthermore, it has been observed that blockchain technology adoption can contribute to corporate performance by improving information transparency. It is worth noting that blockchain technology’s influence on enterprises’ performance exhibits discernible variations based on the ownership structure, environmental sensitivity, and technical features of said enterprises. This paper can be used as a guide for enterprises looking to implement blockchain technology and for governments seeking to develop digitalization legislation.