Environmental Sensitivity Research Articles

Microencapsulation of green tea polyphenols: Utilizing oat oil and starch-based double emulsions for improved delivery

The stability and bioavailability of green tea polyphenols, crucial for their health benefits, are compromised by environmental sensitivity, limiting their use in functional foods and supplements. This study introduces a novel water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion technique with microwave-assisted extraction, significantly enhancing the stability and bioavailability of these compounds. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of several encapsulating agents, such as gum Arabic as control and native and modified starches, in improving encapsulated substances' stability and release control. Native and modified starches were chosen for their outstanding film-forming properties, improving encapsulation efficiency and protecting bioactive compounds from oxidative degradation. The combination of maltodextrin and tapioca starch improved phenolic content retention, giving 46.25 ± 2.63 mg/g in tapioca starch microcapsules (GTTA) and 41.73 ± 3.24 mg/g in gum arabic microcapsules (GTGA). Besides the control, modified starches also had the most potent antioxidant activity, with a 45 % inhibition (inh%) in the DPPH analysis. Oat oil was utilized for its superior viscosity and nutritional profile, boosting emulsion stability and providing the integrity of the encapsulated polyphenols, as indicated by the microcapsules' narrow span index (1.30 ± 0.002). The microcapsules' thermal behavior and structural integrity were confirmed using advanced methods such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). This study highlights the critical role of choosing appropriate wall materials and extraction techniques. It sets a new standard for microencapsulation applications in the food industry, paving the way for future innovations.

The impact of environment on enhancement of tourism system resilience in China: The moderating role of digital technology

Tourism is characterized by environmental sensitivity, and ecological impacts such as natural disasters have a profound impact on the vulnerability of tourism systems. Exploring the impact mechanisms and resilience of tourism systems provides new research perspectives on their ability to withstand vulnerability and promote sustainable development. This paper uses panel data from 2006 to 2021 as the research sample, and the resilience index for the tourism sector is constructed based on the DPSIR theory, using the entropy right TOPSIS method. The fixed effects model verifies the effect on tourism system resilience, while the mediation effect is tested through a mediation model. The research results show that: (1) the composite index of tourism system resilience in 31 provinces is on the rise, and the spatial distribution of ecological impact types in China is distinct due to geological variations, the temperature zone between the north and south, and the terrain between the east and west; (2) ecological impacts significantly and positively influence tourism system resilience, as established after various robustness tests; (3) there is some intermediary effect between ecological impacts and tourism system resilience; (4) ecological impact varies across different economic cycles.

A parylene/graphene UV photodetector with ultrahigh responsivity and long term stability

Long term stability, high responsivity, and fast response speed are essential for the commercialization of graphene photodetectors (GPDs). In this work, a parylene/graphene UV photodetector with long term stability, ultrahigh responsivity and fast response speed, is demonstrated. Parylene as a stable physical and chemical insulating layer reduces the environmental sensitivity of graphene, and enhances the performances of GPDs. In addition, utilizing bilayer electrodes reduces the buckling and damage of graphene after transferring. The parylene/graphene UV photodetector exhibits an ultrahigh responsivity of 5.82 × 105 AW−1 under 325 nm light irradiation at 1 V bias. Additionally, it shows a fast response speed with a rise time of 80 μs and a fall time of 17 μs, and a long term stability at 405 nm wavelength which is absent in the device without parylene. The parylene/graphene UV photodetector possesses superior performances. This paves the way for the commercial application of the high-performance graphene hybrid photodetectors, and provides a practical method for maintaining the long term stability of two dimensional (2D) materials.

Genome-wide association study considering genotype-by-environment interaction for productive and reproductive traits using whole-genome sequencing in Nellore cattle

BackgroundThe genotype-by-environment interaction (GxE) in beef cattle can be investigated using reaction norm models to assess environmental sensitivity and, combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to map genomic regions related to animal adaptation. Including genetic markers from whole-genome sequencing in reaction norm (RN) models allows us to identify high-resolution candidate genes across environmental gradients through GWAS. Hence, we performed a GWAS via the RN approach using whole-genome sequencing data, focusing on mapping candidate genes associated with the expression of reproductive and growth traits in Nellore cattle. For this purpose, we used phenotypic data for age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), post-weaning weight gain (PWG), and yearling weight (YW). A total of 20,000 males and 7,159 females genotyped with 770k were imputed to the whole sequence (29 M). After quality control and linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning, there remained ∼ 2.41 M SNPs for SC, PWG, and YW and ∼ 5.06 M SNPs for AFC.ResultsSignificant SNPs were identified on Bos taurus autosomes (BTA) 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 27 for AFC and on BTA 4, 5 and 8 for SC. For growth traits, significant SNP markers were identified on BTA 3, 5 and 20 for YW and PWG. A total of 56 positional candidate genes were identified for AFC, 9 for SC, 3 for PWG, and 24 for YW. The significant SNPs detected for the reaction norm coefficients in Nellore cattle were found to be associated with growth, adaptative, and reproductive traits. These candidate genes are involved in biological mechanisms related to lipid metabolism, immune response, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and energy and phosphate metabolism.ConclusionsGWAS results highlighted differences in the physiological processes linked to lipid metabolism, immune response, MAPK signaling pathway, and energy and phosphate metabolism, providing insights into how different environmental conditions interact with specific genes affecting animal adaptation, productivity, and reproductive performance. The shared genomic regions between the intercept and slope are directly implicated in the regulation of growth and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle raised under different environmental conditions.

A review on cementitious composite incorporating carbon nanomaterials: The self-sensing functionality as an implication for geological CO2 storage monitoring

Ensuring the long-term security and safety of geological CO2 storage relies on the durability of wellbores and cement. Addition of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have enhanced traditional cement, improving cement properties, and preventing gas migration. Despite these advancements, their potential for self-monitoring in GCS remains understudied. Self-sensing cementitious composites (SSC) are gaining attention for their ability to detect risks and damages, like cracks and corrosion, by monitoring environmental changes. This review first scrutinizes the self-sensing mechanism of SSC, including piezoresistivity, electrical resistivity and conductivity. The commonly used CNMs in SSC, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon black (CB), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), along with the hybrid nanocomposites, detailing recent advancements. Based on their effects, such as enabling the measurement of electrical response to strain, real-time monitoring of structural integrity, and improvement in cement performance, the implications are made for GCS cases, for instance, structural health monitoring and detecting leakage. Technical challenges, such as balancing electrical properties and mechanical strength, scalability, and environmental sensitivity, are addressed, along with insights on employing machine learning algorithms to optimize SSC usage. Finally, future directions for integrating SSC into GCS initiatives are proposed.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Highly Sensitive Child Scale among Chinese adolescents

The present study aimed to develop the Chinese version of the Highly Sensitive Child (C-HSC) Scale and examine its psychometric properties in Chinese participants (grade 4 ∼ fourth year of college), and preliminarily explores what kinds of Environmental Sensitivity groups exist among Chinese adolescents. A total of 9091 data (46.65 % males, 9–23 years old) points were collected to examine the psychometric properties of the C-HSC scale, and half of the data were used to explore the types of Environmental Sensitivity groups. The results showed that the scale has good psychometric properties. First, the scale composed of three dimensions is consistent with the Highly Sensitive Child Scale, which is more consistent with the bifactor structure model than the three-factor structure model. In addition, the scale has good reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity; and has full configural, full metric, and full scalar invariance (partial scalar invariance across developmental stages) across genders and developmental stages. Finally, three groups of Environmental Sensitivity were found among Chinese adolescents, namely, high (orchids), medium (tulips), and low (dandelions) Environmental Sensitivity. The proportions of low, medium and high environmental sensitivity were 24.09 %, 40.64 % and 35.27 %, respectively.

BASIC PENTACYSTEINE1 regulates ABI4 by modification of two histone marks H3K27me3 and H3ac during early seed development of Medicago truncatula.

The production of highly vigorous seeds with high longevity is an important lever to increase crop production efficiency, but its acquisition during seed maturation is strongly influenced by the growth environment. An association rule learning approach discovered MtABI4, a known longevity regulator, as a gene with transcript levels associated with the environmentally-induced change in longevity. To understand the environmental sensitivity of MtABI4 transcription, Yeast One-Hybrid identified a class I BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (MtBPC1) transcription factor as a putative upstream regulator. Its role in the regulation of MtABI4 was further characterized. Overexpression of MtBPC1 led to a modulation of MtABI4 transcripts and its downstream targets. We show that MtBPC1 represses MtABI4 transcription at the early stage of seed development through binding in the CT-rich motif in its promoter region. To achieve this, MtBPC1 interacts with SWINGER, a sub-unit of the PRC2 complex, and Sin3-associated peptide 18, a sub-unit of the Sin3-like deacetylation complex. Consistent with this, developmental and heat stress-induced changes in MtABI4 transcript levels correlated with H3K27me3 and H3ac enrichment in the MtABI4 promoter. Our finding reveals the importance of the combination of histone methylation and histone de-acetylation to silence MtABI4 at the early stage of seed development and during heat stress.

Environmental sensitivity in the 27 National Roma Integration Strategies of the European Union member states

ABSTRACT The Roma people, particularly in Central and Eastern European countries, often live ethnically segregated in inadequate housing or without access to basic services (water, sewage system, electricity). Exposure to these harmful environmental factors jeopardizes their health and hinders their social integration. This study delves into the sensitivity of the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS) (2012–2020) regarding the environmental factors that affect the Roma population. Previous studies have explored gender or identity in the strategies, but few have analysed environmental sensitivity. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) reports, we consider the following environmental factors: housing, access to basic services, urban environment, working environment and injuries at home. The sensitivity of the 27 NRIS to these factors was quantified in all crucial areas (housing, health, education, employment). An inductive analysis of the operational content (measures, actions) was conducted on nine NRIS. The Member States in the southeast of the European Union were more environmentally sensitive than their counterparts in the northwest. The salient environmental factors were housing and basic services. The nine NRIS analysed show two approaches (western/eastern) in addressing the environmental conditions of the Roma population. Finally, although we identified environmental factors in the NRIS, this issue was not systematically addressed.

Nature relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors in nature-based leisure activities.

Through nature-based leisure activities, spending time in nature offers opportunities to reduce stress, relax the mind, and enhance feelings of well-being. Being aware of the benefits provided by these activities increases the nature relatedness, and during the time spent in nature, it enables experiencing positive and satisfying moments by entering into a state of flow. The concepts of nature-relatedness and flow experience represent psychological experiences and characteristics that play an important role in enhancing psychological well-being and life quality. Based on structural equation models, the relationships among nature-relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors were investigated. Data were collected from 379 individuals (212 male, 167 female) who regularly engage in nature-based leisure activities such as cycling, hiking, and fishing. The participants were predominantly male (55.9%) and aged 45 years and over (53.3%). The nature-relatedness significantly influences flow experience (R 2 = 0.505, p < 0.01), environmental behavior (R 2 = 0.108, p < 0.01), environmental sensitivity (R 2 = 0.137, p < 0.01), and communication with nature (R 2 = 0.200, p < 0.01). Specifically, nature-relatedness directly enhanced environmental sensitivity (0.494 total effect), environmental behavior (0.604 total effect), and communication with nature (0.599 total effect) and did so both directly and indirectly through the mediation of flow experience. A higher level of nature-relatedness can lead to a stronger flow experience, which in turn can increase positive. environmental behavior, environmental sensitivity, and communication with nature.

Role of hexagonal boron nitride configuration in gate-induced hysteresis of WSe2 field-effect transistors

Environmental sensitivity of layered materials necessitates investigating the impact of surrounding materials like hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) on their electrical properties. We investigate the effects of hBN on gate-induced hysteresis in multilayer WSe2 field-effect transistors (FETs) with four configurations: bare WSe2, WSe2 on bottom hBN (b-hBN), WSe2 under top hBN (t-hBN), and WSe2 encapsulated with hBN. The presence of b-hBN greatly improves the electrical properties of the two corresponding WSe2 FETs, leading to a more than tenfold increase in channel currents and a significant reduction in hysteresis. In contrast, the effect of t-hBN is weaker than that of b-hBN. When the environment changes from vacuum to atmospheric conditions, the hysteresis of the two WSe2 FETs without b-hBN increases substantially, while the change is small for those with b-hBN. Our observations support that pressure-dependent hysteresis originates from gas molecule adsorptions at the WSe2/SiO2 interface, not directly on the WSe2 surface.

People with sensory processing sensitivity connect strongly to nature across five dimensions

Human connections to nature are critical to the sustainability of life on Earth. Nature connections are often linked with pro-environmental behaviors. Therefore, a better understanding of the nuances of human-nature connections can help inform policies and practices to advance sustainability. Connections to nature research has rarely investigated nuances like the nature connections of subpopulations or distinguished between types of nature connections. This article reports on an investigation of the subpopulation of highly sensitive individuals (HSPs), a group comprising about one-third of the general population thatexhibits higher levels of sensitivity to stimuli, greater depth of processing, and stronger emotional and physiological reactivity to both positive and negative stimuli than the general population, a suite of traits known as “sensory processing sensitivity” or “environmental sensitivity.” We assessed the nature connections of this group across five nature-connection types: material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical. We found that HSPs hold deeper nature connections than less sensitive individuals with respect to all five connection types. Additionally, variability in nature-connection scores decreased as sensitivity increased, showing a significant trend. Future research can investigate links between nature connections and pro-environmental behavior in this population and the potential mediating role of specific psychological characteristics. We also recommend that researchers consider including sensitivity in future connections to nature assessments.

Potential Mechanism Linking Peer Relationships and Adolescent Prosocial Behavior: Mediation of Cognitive Empathy and Moderations of OXTR and DRD2.

Peers are important socializers of adolescent prosocial behavior. Still, the proximal cognitive and emotional process underlying this link and the sources of individual differences in sensitivity to peer influence have yet to be explored. Utilizing the gene-gene-environment (G × G × E) approach and multi-informant measurement, this study investigated how peer relationships operate to influence adolescent prosocial behavior by examining the mediating role of cognitive and emotional empathy, and the moderating role of the OXTR and DRD2 genes. The study utilized longitudinal data from a community sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 1080, Mage = 13.32 years at T1). Results showed that cognitive empathy rather than emotional empathy mediated the link between peer acceptance/rejection and prosocial behavior. Furthermore, the association among peer acceptance, cognitive empathy, and prosocial behavior was moderated by OXTR and DRD2. Specifically, adolescents with the combinations of AA/AA or G/G genotypes of OXTR/DRD2 benefited more from peer acceptance compared to their counterparts carrying other combined genotypes. The findings highlight cognitive empathy as a proximal process linking peer interaction to prosocial behavior and lend support to the interaction between oxytocinergic and dopaminergic systems on environmental sensitivity.

Environmental Sensitivity of Soil Microbial Communities is Altered in Association with Plant Roots in Saltmarsh Ecosystems

Environmental Sensitivity of Soil Microbial Communities is Altered in Association with Plant Roots in Saltmarsh Ecosystems

Environmental factors and fibromyalgia syndrome: a narrative review.

This in-depth review of fibromyalgia (FM), which is a complex condition characterised by chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a spectrum of diagnostically and therapeutically challenging symptoms, underlines the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach that also takes into account the psychological factors affecting patient responses. We focus on the substantial impact that environmental factors (climatic variations, air pollution, electromagnetic field exposure, physical and emotional traumas, dietary patterns, and infections) have on the manifestation and intensity of symptoms, and advocate personalised, holistic treatment of patients' psychological and environmental sensitivities by suggesting the benefits of tailored dietary and stress management. We also call for further research into the complex interplay of environmental, biological and psychological factors influencing FM in order to develop more effective individualised treatments that are capable of enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Recent advances in microscale separation techniques for glycome analysis.

The glycomic analysis holds significant appeal due to the diverse roles that glycans and glycoconjugates play, acting as modulators and mediators in cellular interactions, cell/organism structure, drugs, energy sources, glyconanomaterials, and more. The glycomic analysis relies on liquid-phase separation technologies for molecular purification, separation, and identification. As a miniaturized form of liquid-phase separation technology, microscale separation technologies offer various advantages such as environmental friendliness, high resolution, sensitivity, fast speed, and integration capabilities. For glycan analysis, microscale separation technologies are continuously evolving to address the increasing challenges in their unique manners. This review discusses the fundamentals and applications of microscale separation technologies for glycomic analysis. It covers liquid-phase separation technologies operating at scales generally less than 100µm, including capillary electrophoresis, nanoflow liquid chromatography, and microchip electrophoresis. We will provide a brief overview of glycomic analysis and describe new strategies in microscale separation and their applications in glycan analysis from 2014 to 2023.

The Effect of Different Curing Temperatures on Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete Reinforced by Micro Steel Fibers

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is a type of high-performance concrete that is known for its exceptional strength and durability also RPC is one of the new composite materials that allow for the most efficient use of materials, which benefits the concrete industry economically. Additionally, it improves environmental sensitivity. The main objective of this paper is the determine some characteristics of RPC, such as (compressive strength and fresh density) after exposure to different curing temperatures (60, 120, and 200) oC for 4 hours due two days. This study involves many variables such as micro steel fibers content with 1% by vol. of reactive powder concrete samples as well as elevated temperature. It was discovered that the optimum temperature that was used after conducting the tests was 60 Celsius, as it gave the best results for the mechanical properties of RPC, which were adopted in the rest of the tests. The value of fresh density increased by about (1.95%) and compressive strength increased by about (33.3%) at 60 oC for the age of 28 days in contrast to the reference mixture.

Density dependent displaced vertex signatures as a novel probe of light dark sector scalars at the LHC

Dynamical theories of dark energy predict new degrees of freedom with particular environmental sensitivity to avoid constraints on fifth forces. We show that the similar, yet complementary multi-purpose detector setup of the ATLASand CMS experiments provides a unique opportunity to place sensitivity on such scenarios in a narrow, yet relevant parameter range. Furthermore, our investigation gives rise to a novel phenomenological signature that the LHC experimentscan pursue to exploit their complementary detector design from a BSM perspective.

Advancing understanding of ESG score and executive compensation relationships in the Indian context

This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance metrics on executive compensation in India using a sample of top-listed firms from 2007 to 2021 and controls for various firm-level characteristics. Findings show that a higher ESG score is associated with higher executive compensation. The subsample analyses examines how business-group affiliations and environmental sensitivity affect executive compensation. Results reveal that business-group affiliated firms with higher ESG scores tend to have higher executive compensation than nonaffiliated firms. Moreover, environmentally sensitive firms with higher governance pillar scores, which represent better governance practices, show higher executive compensation. Finally, high ESG scores and executive compensation is associated with better firm performance.

Analisis Kesadaran Dan Literasi Lingkungan Pada Mahasiswa Pendidikan Biologi

Environment is one of the materials and topics that are always interesting to discuss in learning. Environmental problems that occur today are increasingly diverse. This is because there is a lot of natural damage due to weather and climate change. Environmental problems are often found in everyday life and can be discussed together in learning by taking real examples that can be found directly in the surrounding nature. The current 21st century learning model emphasizes problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based study as well as project-based learning (PjBL). This research was conducted to analyze how environmental literacy in Biology Education students of FKIP ULM. The research method used is qualitative research by providing instruments in the form of questionnaires related to environmental problems, especially those encountered around which then measured students' understanding of this. The environmental literacy variable is adapted from the NELA environmental literacy variable with the environmental aspects observed, namely verbal commitment, environmental sensitivity, feelings for the environment, issue analysis, issue identification, action plans, and real commitment. The analysis was conducted by looking at the scores obtained by students and seeing the changes that occurred during the pretest and posttest. The results showed an increase in students' environmental literacy, with the highest increase in verbal commitment of 18%. The results of this research provide an overview of how to understand environmental literacy and awareness in students and analyze things that are still lacking and can be improved through other learning models.

An Allysine-Conjugatable Probe for Fluorogenically Imaging Fibrosis.

Allysine, a pivotal biomarker in fibrogenesis, has prompted the development of various radioactive imaging probes. However, fluorogenic probes targeting allysine remain largely unexplored. Herein, by leveraging the equilibrium between the nonfluorescent spirocyclic and the fluorescent zwitterionic forms of rhodamine-cyanine hybrid fluorophores, we systematically fine-tuned the environmental sensitivity of this equilibrium toward the development of fluorogenic probes for fibrosis. The trick lies in modulating the nucleophilicity of the ortho-carboxyl group, which is terminated with a hydrazide group for allysine conjugation. Probe B2 was developed with this strategy, which featured an N-sulfonyl amide group and exhibited superior fibrosis-to-control imaging contrast. Initially presenting as nonfluorescent spirocyclic aggregates in aqueous solutions, B2 displayed a notable fluorogenic response upon conjugation with protein allysine through its hydrazide group, inducing deaggregation and switching to the fluorescent zwitterionic form. Probe B2 outperformed the traditional Masson stain in imaging contrast, achieving an about 260-2600-fold ratio for fibrosis-to-control detection depending on fibrosis severity. Furthermore, it demonstrated efficacy in evaluating antifibrosis drugs. Our results emphasize the potential of this fluorogenic probe as an alternative to conventional fibrosis detection methods. It emerges as a valuable tool for antifibrosis drug evaluation.