ABSTRACT The Thal and Cholistan Deserts in Pakistan are ecologically significant yet face numerous environmental challenges, including desertification, vegetation decline, and water scarcity. This study aims to assess the spatial-temporal dynamics and environmental challenges of these deserts through a multi-disciplinary approach. A combination of remote sensing, field surveys, and socio-economic assessments was employed. Multispectral satellite imagery from 2015 to 2023 was analyzed to detect land-use and land-cover changes, while vegetation indices such as NDVI and EVI were used to monitor vegetation dynamics. Soil and water samples were analyzed for degradation patterns, and household surveys assessed socio-economic impacts. The study revealed a 43% increase in built-up areas and a corresponding decline of 8% in vegetation cover in the Cholistan Desert, with similar trends in Thal. Groundwater levels declined by 1.5 meters per decade, and soil erosion rates were highest in areas with sparse vegetation. Socio-economic surveys showed that 70% of Cholistan households and 65% of Thal households rely on livestock and agriculture, respectively, highlighting community vulnerability to environmental changes. The findings underscore the critical impact of anthropogenic activities, overgrazing, and climate variability on these ecosystems. Sustainable management strategies integrating scientific and traditional knowledge are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure ecosystem resilience.

Crude oil, primarily consisting of alkanes, and plastic derivatives are integral to modern society, yet their widespread use has led to persistent pollution that devastates ecosystems worldwide. Enzymatic and microbial biodegradation are highly desirable to become alternatives to conventional methods for the control of these pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Consequently, investigating the enzymatic machinery of specialized microbes that thrive in contaminated areas and possess the catabolic potential to degrade alkanes and plastics is of considerable interest. In this study, we present a genomic and proteomic analysis of Acinetobacter towneri RMS-02 that was isolated from sludge obtained from mixed food waste and sewage. Consistent with its ability to grow and persist in this environment, the genome of A. towneri RMS-02 encodes enzymes to catabolize different types of polyphenols and aromatic compounds, including trans-cinnamic acid, o-cresol, toluene, benzene, and benzoate. In addition, it encodes serine proteases, metallopeptidase, and transporters facilitating the uptake of amino acids and possibly small peptides, as well as enzymes potentially involved in the depolymerization of alkanes and 2-ketones. Proteomics analysis of A. towneri RMS-02 revealed an extensive repertoire of enzymes involved in terminal and subterminal oxidation of medium- and long-chain alkanes and ketones, which were specifically more abundant during growth on a product that consists of a mixture of these compounds and an oxidized low-molecular-weight polyethylene (LMWPE). Substrate characterization following bacterial growth confirmed the selective utilization of alkanes with chain lengths of C10-C25 and 2-ketones of C13-C26, while the polymeric fraction of the substrate remained unaltered.IMPORTANCECrude oil and plastic pollution threaten ecosystems worldwide, creating an urgent need for sustainable remediation strategies. Microbial and enzymatic degradation provides a sustainable alternative to physical, chemical, and thermal treatments by biologically breaking down hydrocarbons into harmless products or recyclable monomers. Here, we describe a detailed genomic characterization of A. towneri RMS-02, identifying core metabolic functions underlying its potential to utilize phenols, aromatic compounds, proteins, and small-chain hydrocarbons. Using proteomics, we show that a diverse enzymatic arsenal is deployed when growing on an oxidized LMWPE product that includes a mixture of alkanes and 2-ketones. Remarkably, the proteomics results were corroborated by advanced analysis of the spent substrate, confirming that A. towneri RMS-02 metabolizes alkanes and 2-ketones but is unable to interact with the polymeric LMWPE component. Our results expand the understanding of the metabolic repertoire supporting Acinetobacter towneri's survival and identify candidate enzymes with potential for the bioremediation of alkanes and 2-ketones.

ABSTRACT To determine whether ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) administered prior to an altitude training camp could enhance aerobic fitness and endurance performance in athletes. In a randomized controlled trial, 19 competitive (Tiers 3–5) cross-country (XC) skiers ( V ˙ O2peak 69.1 ± 6.4 ml.min−1.kg−1) performed a 6-day IPC block ( n = 10) or placebo compressions (n = 9) before a 21-day altitude camp in Park City, Utah (2,200 m) during their pre-competition season. Measures of performance and laboratory outcomes included a 3000-m track time trial, peak treadmill speed, peak O2 uptake, muscle oxygenation, ventilatory thresholds and haematological markers. V ˙ O2peak improved only in IPC (2.9 ml.min−1.kg−1, 4%, p = 0.002), in direct proportion to the increase in quadriceps muscle deoxygenation (~17%, r = 0.84, p < 0.05). Both groups improved red cell count (3.6%, p = 0.006), peak treadmill speed (1.0 km.h−1, p < 0.001) and 3000-m track time (−2.4 s, p = 0.032) to the same extent. In IPC, the reduction in track time inversely correlated with the increase in V ˙ O2peak (r = −0.67, p < 0.05). Six days of IPC enhance the V ˙ O2peak gain from an altitude training camp in trained XC skiers, concomitant with greater muscle deoxygenation, and from similar training load. IPC may be considered as an effective and sustainable strategy for developing maximal aerobic fitness in a ‘live high-train high’ paradigm.

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum siamense, is a major limiting factor for global natural rubber production. To develop sustainable control strategies, seven bacterial strains with antagonistic activity against C. siamense were isolated from healthy rubber tree leaves, with strain WR7 demonstrating the most significant antifungal effect, exhibiting an inhibition rate of 82.36%. Pot experiments revealed that WR7 achieved a disease control efficacy of 71.65% against C. siamense-induced anthracnose. Genomic analysis identified WR7 as Bacillus altitudinis. This strain inhibits pathogen growth through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of the pathogen’s cell wall and membrane integrity, induction of reactive oxygen species accumulation in hyphae, and secretion of cellulase, glucanase, protease, and siderophores. Gene cluster analysis further confirmed the potential of WR7 to synthesize antagonistic secondary metabolites such as lichenysin, fengycin, and bacilysin, while its sterile filtrate and volatile compounds also exhibited significant antifungal activity. Moreover, treatment with WR7 activated defense-related enzymes, including catalase and superoxide dismutase in rubber tree leaves, thereby enhancing the plant’s defense responses. This study is the first to report that Bacillus altitudinis WR7 has potential as a biocontrol agent for managing rubber tree anthracnose, offering a novel resource for sustainable disease management in rubber production.

Ecosystem restoration is increasingly recognized as a sustainable climate change mitigation strategy, yet global estimates of its carbon sequestration potential widely vary. Modeling-based studies differ in assumptions over key restoration aspects, including restorable areas and restoration outcomes. Many assume recovery of carbon stocks to pristine levels, an expectation not supported by empirical evidence. They also focus primarily on forests and biomass, with limited attention to soil organic carbon (SOC). Here, we estimate the global SOC sequestration potential of forest and grassland restoration by combining current SOC levels on degraded land areas available for restoration with empirically derived SOC increase factors at the ecosystem scale. We provide spatially explicit estimates of SOC sequestration potential, absolute and per hectare. We also assess the carbon sequestration potential achievable under national forest restoration pledges across four major resolutions. With 1223 million hectares (Mha) of degraded land globally, the SOC sequestration potential is 38.5 GtC, of which 35.1 GtC (IQR 30.4–39.3 GtC) in forests and 3.4 GtC (IQR 2.6–4.2) in grasslands. National pledges cover 133 Mha, whose restoration could sequester 4–5.5 Gt of SOC. We show that there is a large unexplored theoretical climate mitigation potential of restoration globally. Environmental policies targeting Southeast Asia and South America, where potential is high and pledges are low, are particularly promising.

Pseudomonas syringae functions as a model phytopathogen causing numerous crop diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses in global agriculture. Presently, management of P. syringae predominantly depends on chemical pesticides; however, their prolonged application has contributed to escalating resistance and environmental contamination, highlighting urgent requirement for sustainable biological control approaches. In this review, we examine recent advances in the utilization and mechanistic understanding of natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms for the control of P. syringae. Plant-derived compounds—including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids—inhibit P. syringae infection by targeting the bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS), disrupting cell membrane integrity, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and activating plant immune signaling pathways such as salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) cascades. Animal-derived substances, such as chitosan, propolis, and antimicrobial peptides, primarily exert antibacterial effects through membrane disruption and immune system stimulation. Microbial-derived natural products contribute to synergistic disease suppression by modulating host immunity and interfering with the pathogen’s quorum sensing mechanisms. Evidence indicates that these natural products possess multi-target antimicrobial properties, offering a rich repository of candidate molecules, such as baicalein, lignans, and carvacrol, for the development of eco-friendly antibacterial agents. Future investigations should focus on detailed characterization of these bioactive compounds and their specific disease targets, optimization of extraction methodologies to improve stability and bioavailability, and comprehensive assessment of environmental safety to advance the industrial implementation of sustainable biocontrol strategies

Intensive cropping and long-term ammoniacal nitrogen (N) fertilization have degraded soil health in eastern Oregon dryland wheat systems, leading to soil acidification and declining soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, which poses a critical threat to sustainability. This study assessed the impacts of a one-time biochar application on soil acidity, SOC sequestration, and nutrient dynamics over 10 years in a winter wheat–spring pea rotation. Biochar, derived from forest waste and applied only once in 2013 at rates of 11.2, 22.4, and 44.8 t ha −1 , was evaluated against both non-amended control plots and plots receiving nitrogen fertilizer alone. Key soil properties, including pH, SOC, labile carbon (POXC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient concentrations, and mineralization rates, were measured. Results showed biochar significantly increased soil pH by up to 0.9 units, with improvements persisting for a decade, particularly at higher rates. Elevated pH positively correlated with improved CEC, indicating enhanced nutrient retention and better macro/micronutrient availability (Zn, Ca, Mg, K), reducing Fe solubility. Biochar instantly increased SOC stocks by 95–207% and maintained the stocks for more than 10 years, demonstrating long-term persistence, particularly at higher application rates. Biochar effectively maintained a higher labile carbon content (POXC), although a declining POXC/SOC ratio suggested a shift to more stabilized carbon pools. Mineralization changes were moderate, with non-significant increases in CO 2 efflux at higher biochar rates and no consistent net N mineralization trends, suggesting limited direct stimulation of microbial N cycling. Overall, a single alkaline biochar application provided sustained, long-term benefits, playing a dual role in mitigating acidity and enhancing carbon sequestration, thereby supporting a sustainable strategy for restoring soil fertility and ecosystem function and strengthening dryland agroecosystem resilience.

Hair loss remains a prevalent dermatological concern with limited options for targeted, sustained transdermal therapy. Conventional topical formulations of minoxidil (MXD) suffer from poor skin penetration, rapid clearance, and low patient compliance. To address these limitations, we developed a three-dimensional-printed, dissolving microneedle (MN) system featuring a novel layered design: a recyclable polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) base and detachable, pH-responsive tips loaded with MXD-encapsulated ZIF-8 nanoparticles. This design allows for rapid insertion and dissolution of the drug-loaded needle tips, enabling the sustainable recovery and reuse of the PDES base through a simple ethanol-based regeneration protocol. The MNs exhibited excellent print fidelity, mechanical integrity (>50 mN fracture force), and skin penetration capability, along with minimal cytotoxicity and hemolysis. In vitro and in vivo evaluations confirmed pH-triggered drug release and potent hair regrowth performance in a cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia mouse model. Histological analysis revealed enhanced hair follicle density and demonstrated minimal systemic toxicity, highlighting its safety profile. Overall, this layered dissolving-recyclable MN platform for pH-triggered delivery of ZIF-8-encapsulated MXD represents a promising, sustainable strategy for transdermal delivery to treat hair loss.

Abstract The decision-making system plays an important role in renewable energy sources. Assessing and effectively utilizing renewable energy sources is essential to any country’s sustainable strategies. However, evaluating energy sources is a tough call. To address such challenges, researchers apply decision-making processes to identify the optimal choice among multiple alternatives. This involves analyzing various options, assessing their potential outcomes, and making informed decisions based on available data and specific objectives. The goal of this article is to define a circular picture fuzzy set and its basic operations and then demonstrate them with an example, which is the advanced version of circular intuitionistic fuzzy set theory. Additionally, we proposed Muirhead mean, weighted Muirhead mean, dual Muirhead mean, and dual weighted Muirhead mean models in the framework of circular picture fuzzy set, which deals with the uncertainties and complexities in the integrated data of renewable energy sources. Further, we establish some essential properties of our proposed aggregation models, methodology, and algorithm for multi-criteria decision-making problems. The defined fuzzy aggregation models significantly handle uncertainties in hypothetical data obtained by the decision-making procedure for renewable energy sources. A sensitivity and computational analysis illustrates the effectiveness and reliability of these approaches. Finally, we adopted the comparative analysis and highlighted the advantages of defined work.

This study offers a critical interrogation of the role played by superficial religious understanding in the rise and persistence of violent extremism in Nigeria, with specific emphasis on Boko Haram and related insurgent formations. While a vast body of scholarship has examined the structural foundations of extremism such as poverty, unemployment, state fragility, corruption, and political marginalization far less attention has been devoted to the ways in which shallow religious literacy and distorted interpretations of sacred texts facilitate radicalisation. Drawing on qualitative interviews, documentary analysis, and a broad review of secondary literature, this article demonstrates that limited religious knowledge enables ideological manipulation, legitimises violence through selective and decontextualised scriptural interpretations, and weakens community resistance to extremist doctrines. The findings reveal that superficial engagement with religion functions as a critical interpretive vulnerability that extremist actors exploit to transform social grievances into morally sanctioned violence. The article argues that sustainable counter-extremism strategies in Nigeria must therefore go beyond militarised responses to include strengthened religious education, improved clerical training, and institutionalised interfaith dialogue.

The incorporation of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) into self-compacting concrete (SCC) represents a critical sustainable construction strategy addressing both construction waste management and natural resource conservation. However, predicting the compressive strength of recycled aggregate self-compacting concrete (RASCC) remains challenging due to complex nonlinear interactions among mixture parameters. This study develops a robust predictive framework using ensemble machine learning algorithms to accurately estimate RASCC compressive strength across diverse mixture compositions. A comprehensive database comprising 301 experimental specimens with 18 input variables—including curing age, binder components, water-to-binder ratio, recycled aggregate properties, and supplementary cementitious materials—was systematically analyzed. Four advanced modeling approaches were evaluated: Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), Stacked Generalization with Ridge regression meta-learner, and Voting ensemble with Non-Negative Least Squares optimization. The Stacking ensemble model demonstrated superior predictive performance on the independent test set, with R2 = 0.963, RMSE = 3.321 MPa, and MAE = 2.506 MPa. Rigorous residual analysis confirmed model validity through satisfaction of normality, homoscedasticity, and independence assumptions. SHAP interpretability analysis identified specimen age as the dominant predictor, followed by recycled aggregate density and water-to-binder ratio, while elucidating the complex nonlinear contributions of supplementary cementitious materials including fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. The developed framework demonstrates practical applicability for predicting RASCC compressive strength across conventional to high-performance grades, facilitating sustainable mix design optimization while maintaining structural performance requirements, and advancing circular economy principles through confident integration of recycled aggregates in SCC applications.

Optimization of architectural cultural heritage protection and sustainable development strategy based on deep learning and data mining

Trypanosoma vivax is a hemoprotozoan parasite of major veterinary importance affecting domestic ungulates in Africa and the Americas. While traditionally addressed within cattle-centered paradigms, accumulating evidence indicates that water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are both clinically susceptible and epidemiologically significant hosts. This structured narrative review provides a host-centered synthesis of global evidence on T. vivax infection in buffaloes, integrating pathogenesis, transmission biology, epidemiology, diagnostics, chemotherapy, and integrated control. The analysis encompasses literature from 2000 to 2025 and incorporates seminal experimental studies published prior to 2000 that established buffalo susceptibility and reservoir competence. Evidence from cyclical (tsetse-mediated) and mechanical transmission systems is comparatively interpreted to clarify host–parasite dynamics. The Amazon biome is discussed as a model system for high-density buffalo production under mechanical vector pressure, offering case-based contextualization without geographic restriction. Particular attention is given to immunopathological mechanisms, chronic low-parasitemia carriage, diagnostic sensitivity in subclinical infections, emerging trypanocide resistance, and ecological constraints on vector control. Controversies and buffalo-specific knowledge gaps are highlighted throughout. By adopting a buffalo-centered analytical framework, this review supports translational diagnostics, targeted surveillance, and sustainable control strategies for trypanosomiasis in tropical livestock systems.

Zosteric acid (ZA) is a marine-derived phenolic sulfate with great application potential as a natural antifouling agent in food safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ZA, focusing on its physio-chemical properties, structure–function relationships, and antifouling mechanisms, with particular emphasis on its relevance to controlling biofilms associated with food spoilage and foodborne contamination. It further discusses the major production strategies for ZA, including natural extraction, chemical synthesis, enzymatic synthesis, and microbial biosynthesis. Key challenges related to production efficiency, process scalability, and regulatory compliance are critically analyzed. Finally, future perspectives are proposed for the development and application of ZA in food processing, packaging, and hygiene control, with emphasis on integrating sustainable biosynthesis with practical implementation in food-related environments. This review aims to provide valuable insights that support the development of natural, safe, and sustainable antifouling strategies to enhance food safety and quality.

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant threat to rice cultivation worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh where rice is a major staple cereal. This study explores the biocontrol potential of bacterial isolates against rice blast disease, with an emphasis on in vitro and field efficacy. Thirty bacterial isolates from indigenous rice varieties and rhizospheric soils were evaluated using dual culture techniques to assess their antagonistic effects on M. oryzae. Six isolates demonstrating significant antifungal activity were further tested in field trials through seed and seedling priming methods. Results indicated that these bacterial isolates significantly reduced leaf blast incidence and severity, with specific isolates (Isolate 2 and Isolate 5) showing notable efficacy. Yield was significantly influenced by bacterial treatments, with seed priming using Isolate 5 (358.20 g/m²) and seedling priming using Isolate 2 (342.98 g/m²) achieving the highest yields, significantly outperforming the control (128.72 g/m²). This study highlights the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in enhancing rice production and offers a sustainable strategy for disease management in rice. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric,39(2): 123-135, 2025

Zea mays L., a globally vital C₄ cereal, is increasingly threatened by fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a destructive and insecticide-resistant pest. This study developed a nano-enabled strategy integrating green-synthesized SiO2 nanoparticles (GS-SiNPs) for plant fortification with nano-formulated emamectin benzoate (EMB-NPs) for enhanced insecticidal activity. Laboratory bioassays on 4th-instar FAW larvae evaluated acute toxicity (LC50 and LC90) and detoxification enzyme activity. A field experiment in Egypt, autumn 2024 used a randomized complete block design to test two foliar sprays on maize in ten treatments with four replicates. Larval counts, leaf damage, anatomy, photosynthesis, leaf area (LA) plant-1, Si content, and yield were assessed. Laboratorially, LC90 (ppm) values were 93.6 (EMB-NPs), and 122.7 (EMB bulk), with GS-SiNPs exhibiting the steepest (5.18). GS-SiNPs with EMB bulk or EMB-NPs exhibited LC50 values of 102.0 and 71.8ppm, respectively, indicating a synergistic effect of both mixtures. EMB bulk + GS-SiNPs and EMB-NPs + GS-SiNPs suppressed larval detoxification enzymes. Field results revealed 100% initial larval mortality. The ½EMB-NPs + GS-SiNPs reduced leaf damage by 64.2% after the 1st spray, while ¾EMB-NPs + GS-SiNPs achieved 86.4% after the 2nd spray. This treatment also induced significant anatomical modification, increasing blade, midvein, and vascular bundle thickness. It enhanced photosynthesis, leaf Si, and LA plant-1, and boosted yield by 54.5% vis-à-vis control. Combining GS-SiNPs with EMB-NPs, particularly ¾EMB-NPs + GS-SiNPs, enhanced EMB bioefficacy and suppressed FAW detoxification while improving maize's physio-anatomical resilience. This nano-enabled sustainable strategy offers a dose-efficient and eco-friendly approach for FAW management and maize productivity.

Financial volatility increasingly challenges firms to maintain operational sustainability; yet the mechanisms through which cash flow uncertainty (CFU) shapes environmental practices remain unclear. Based on an international unbalanced panel of 14,798 firm-year observations (2010–2021), this study analyzes how CFU affects waste generation and recycling. Panel regression models are employed, complemented by robustness checks using generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations to mitigate endogeneity concerns. The findings suggest that higher CFU is associated with lower waste generation at the source due to more disciplined resource allocation, alongside higher recycling levels, reflecting a strategic response to operational risk and stakeholder expectations. Moreover, these effects are amplified in contexts characterized by stricter environmental policy stringency, the existence of corporate social responsibility committees, and sustainable supply chain management, underscoring the importance of institutional and organizational settings in shaping environmental operational outcomes. Overall, the results indicate that financial uncertainty can act both as a constraint and a catalyst, encouraging more efficient and circular practices. This study offers novel empirical evidence on the operational implications of CFU, providing valuable insights for managers and policymakers aiming to align financial management with sustainable and resilient production strategies.

ABSTRACT The discharge of Lead(II) ions (Pb2+) from bauxite mining effluents poses serious environmental and health risks, requiring cost-effective and sustainable treatment strategies. This study evaluates T. catappa leaf biomass as a low-cost biosorbent for Pb(II) removal from bauxite wastewater, quantified using Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (DPAdSV). The biosorbent was prepared through drying, grinding, and chemical activation (100–150 µm). FTIR analysis confirmed hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, nitrogen, and polysaccharide groups involved in Pb(II) binding. Batch experiments showed an optimum pH of 5.0 and equilibrium at 24 h. At 120 mg L−1 initial concentration and 0.15 g L−1 dosage, adsorption reached 88.29 mg L−1. Langmuir modeling indicated a maximum capacity of 2.2 mg g−1 (R2 = 0.98), suggesting monolayer adsorption, while kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. In fixed-bed columns (0.5–1.5 cm; 3 mL min−1), breakthrough time increased with bed height, and the Thomas model best described the data (32.11 mg g−1). Treatment of real wastewater spiked with 25 mg L−1 Pb(II) achieved >70% removal despite competing ions. Regeneration with 0.5 M HCl enabled >85% desorption and >70% efficiency after three cycles. These results demonstrate the potential of T. catappa biomass as an eco-friendly and reusable biosorbent.

A comparative analysis of the development of circular supply chain management in Malaysia and Thailand.

Postharvest fruit losses significantly impact producers and distributors. Although synthetic preservatives mitigate these losses, consumer safety concerns and regulatory restrictions drive interest in alternative approaches. Propolis, rich in polyphenols, exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a promising natural strategy to preserve fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pre- and postharvest applications of Portuguese propolis extracts on the preservation of postharvest quality of ‘Rocha’ pear, an exclusively Portuguese variety of major economic importance. Treatments were applied by spraying the fruits one month before and at harvest. After five months of cold storage, the main quality parameters, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, physiological disorders, and microbial contamination were assessed. The results showed that the application of propolis extract, either 30 days before or immediately after harvest, reduces the total microbiological load on the fruit’s epidermis (~1-log to 2-log reduction, after treatment). Moreover, the treatment enhanced the preservation of key quality attributes, including a reduction in water loss of up to 44%, a 13–33% decrease in firmness loss relative to the control, and a lower incidence of physiological disorders during postharvest storage. Furthermore, the application of propolis can enhance the production of fruits with higher levels of bioactive compounds, while also adding value to a bee product that is often underappreciated by most beekeepers.