Search Results (636)

Stomata, highly specialized structures that evolved on the aerial surfaces of plants, play a crucial role in regulating hydration, mitigating the effects of abiotic stress. Stomatal lineage development involves a series of coordinated events, such as initiation, stem cell proliferation, and cell fate determination, ultimately leading to the differentiation of guard cells. While core transcriptional regulators and signaling pathways controlling stomatal cell division and fate determination have been characterized over the past twenty years, the molecular mechanisms linking stomatal development to dynamic environmental cues remain poorly understood. Therefore, stomatal development is considered an active and compelling frontier in plant biology research. On the one hand, this review aims to provide an understanding of the molecular networks governing stomatal ontogenesis, which relies on the activation and function of the transcription factors SPEECHLESS (SPCH), MUTE, and FAMA; the EPF–TMM and ERECTA receptor systems; and downstream MAPK signaling. On the other hand, it synthesizes current discoveries of how hormonal signaling pathways regulate stomatal development in response to environmental changes. As the climate crisis intensifies, the understanding of the complex interplay between stress stimuli and key factors regulating stomatal development may reveal key mechanisms that enhance plant resilience under adverse environmental conditions. Full article

Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse environmental conditions theoretically limit the survival of Leptospira, high livestock density and synanthropic reservoirs (e.g., rodents) may compensate, facilitating transmission. In this cross-sectional study, blood sera from 445 dairy cows (28 herds: 12 intensive [MI], 16 semi-intensive [MSI] systems) were analyzed via microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) against 10 pathogenic serovars. Urine samples were cultured for active Leptospira detection. Risk factors were assessed through epidemiological surveys and multivariable analysis. This study revealed an overall apparent seroprevalence of 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8–31.1), with significantly higher rates in MSI (54.1%) versus MI (12.2%) herds (p < 0.001) and an estimated true seroprevalence of 56.3% (95% CI: 50.2–62.1) in MSI and 13.1% (95% CI: 8.5–18.7) in MI herds (p < 0.001). The Sejroe serogroup was isolated from urine in both systems, confirming active circulation. In MI herds, rodent presence (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.6–7.9) was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity, while first-trimester abortions (OR:10.1; 95% CI: 4.2–24.2) were significantly associated with infection. In MSI herds, risk factors associated with Leptospira seropositivity included co-occurrence with hens (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.3) and natural breeding (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), whereas mastitis/agalactiae (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.2) represented a clinical outcome associated with seropositivity. Despite semi-arid conditions, Leptospira maintains transmission in La Laguna, particularly in semi-intensive systems. The coexistence of adapted (Sejroe) and incidental serogroups underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as rodent control in MI systems and poultry management in MSI systems, to mitigate both zoonotic and economic impacts. Full article

This study investigates the factors influencing school trip mode choice among senior high school students in the Chiang Rai urban area, Chiang Rai, Thailand, under normal and adverse weather conditions. Utilizing data from 472 students across six extra-large urban schools, a Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression model was applied to examine the effects of socio-demographic attributes, household vehicle ownership, travel distance, and spatial variables on mode selection. The results revealed notable modal shifts during adverse weather, with motorcycle usage decreasing and private vehicle reliance increasing, while school bus usage remained stable, highlighting its role as a resilient transport option. Car ownership emerged as a strong enabler of modal flexibility, whereas students with limited access to private transport demonstrated reduced adaptability. Additionally, increased waiting and travel times during adverse conditions underscored infrastructure and service vulnerabilities, particularly for mid-distance travelers. The findings suggest an urgent need for transport policies that promote inclusive and climate-resilient mobility systems, particularly in the context of Chiang Rai, including expanded school bus services, improved first-mile connectivity, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure. This study contributes to the literature by addressing environmental variability in school travel behavior and offers actionable insights for sustainable transport planning in secondary cities and border regions. Full article

Coastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change and anthropogenic pressures, which can disrupt microbial communities and favor the emergence of pathogenic organisms. In this study, we applied metagenomic analysis to characterize fungal communities in sediment samples from an urban mangrove subjected to environmental stress. The results revealed a fungal community with reduced richness—28% lower than expected for similar ecosystems—likely linked to physicochemical changes such as heavy metal accumulation, acidic pH, and eutrophication, all typical of urbanized coastal areas. Notably, we detected an increase in potentially pathogenic genera, including Candida, Aspergillus, and Pseudoascochyta, alongside a decrease in key saprotrophic genera such as Fusarium and Thelebolus, indicating a shift in ecological function. The fungal assemblage was dominated by the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and despite adverse conditions, symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi remained present, suggesting partial resilience. A considerable fraction of unclassified fungal taxa also points to underexplored microbial diversity with potential ecological or health significance. Importantly, this study does not aim to compare pristine and contaminated environments, but rather to provide a sanitary alert by identifying the presence and potential proliferation of pathogenic fungi in a degraded mangrove system. These findings highlight the sensitivity of mangrove fungal communities to environmental disturbance and reinforce the value of metagenomic approaches for monitoring ecosystem health. Incorporating fungal metagenomic surveillance into environmental management strategies is essential to better understand biodiversity loss, ecological resilience, and potential public health risks in degraded coastal environments. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Global warming and rapid urbanization have increased population exposure to heatwaves, with compound day- and night-time heatwaves (CDNH) posing greater health risks than individual heatwave events. Although air conditioning (AC) adaptation effectively mitigates heat-related impacts, its role in reducing CDNH exposure under climate change remains unknown. Using meteorological and socioeconomic data, this study quantified population exposure to CDNHs and the impacts that could be avoided through AC adaptation across China and its regional variations. Results show that CDNH exposure risks were particularly high in the middle–lower Yangtze–Huaihe Basin and south China, with an increasing trend observed over the period of 2001–2022. AC adaptation has reduced the exposure risk and its upward trend by 5.85% and 37.87%, respectively, with higher mitigating effects in urban areas. By breaking down the total exposure changes into climatic, demographic, and AC-driven changes, this study reveals that increased AC contributes 10.16% to exposure reduction, less than the effect of climate warming (59.80%) on the exposure increases. These findings demonstrate that expanding AC adaptation alone is insufficient to offset climate-driven increases in exposure, highlighting the urgent need for more effective adaptation measures to address climate change and thereby alleviate its adverse impacts on human beings. Full article

The development of mining operations in high-altitude regions is associated with a number of geomechanical challenges caused by increased rock fracturing, adverse climatic conditions, and high seismic activity. These issues are particularly relevant for the exploitation of gold ore deposits, where the stability of open-pit slopes directly affects both safety and extraction efficiency. The aim of this study is to develop and practically substantiate a comprehensive approach to assessing and ensuring slope stability, using the Bozymchak gold ore deposit—located in a high-altitude and seismically active zone—as a case study. The research involves the laboratory testing of rock samples obtained from engineering–geological boreholes, field shear tests on rock prisms, laser scanning of pit slopes, and digital geomechanical modeling. The developed calculation schemes take into account the structural features of the rock mass, geological conditions, and the design contours of the pit. In addition, special bench excavation technologies with pre-shear slotting and automated GeoMoS monitoring are implemented for real-time slope condition tracking. The results of the study make it possible to reliably determine the strength characteristics of the rocks under natural conditions, identify critical zones of potential collapse, and develop recommendations for optimizing slope parameters and mining technologies. The implemented approach ensures the required level of safety. Full article

Sustainable Development Reserves are organized units in the Amazon that are essential for the proper use and sustainable management of the region’s natural resources and for the livelihoods and economy of the local communities. This study aims to provide a climatic characterization of the Madeira River Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR), offering scientific support to efforts to assess the feasibility of implementing adaptation measures to increase the resilience of isolated Amazon communities in the face of extreme climate events. Significant statistical analyses based on time series of observational and reanalysis climate data were employed to obtain a detailed diagnosis of local climate variability. The results show that monthly mean two-meter temperatures vary from 26.5 °C in February, the coolest month, to 28 °C in August, the warmest month. Monthly precipitation averages approximately 250 mm during the rainy season, from December until May. July and August are the driest months, August and September are the warmest months, and September and October are the months with the lowest river level. Cold spells were identified in July, and warm spells were identified between July and September, making this period critical for public health. Heavy precipitation events detected by the R80, Rx1day, and Rx5days indices show an increasing trend in frequency and intensity in recent years. The analyses indicated that the MSDR has no potential for wind-energy generation; however, photovoltaic energy production is viable throughout the year. Regarding the two major commercial crops and their resilience to thermal stress, the region presents suitable conditions for açaí palm cultivation, but Brazil nut production may be adversely affected by extreme drought and heat events. The results of this study may support research on adaptation strategies that includethe preservation of local traditions and natural resources to ensure sustainable development. Full article

Molds readily grow on wet books, documents, and other library materials where they ruin them chemically, mechanically, and aesthetically. Poor maintenance of libraries, failures of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, roof leaks, and storm damage leading to flooding can all result in accelerated fungal growth. Moreover, when fungal spores are present at high concentrations in the air, they can be linked to severe respiratory conditions and possibly to other adverse health effects in humans. Climate change and the accompanying storms and floods are making the dual potential of fungi to biodegrade library holdings and harm human health more common. This essay is intended for microbiologists without much background in mycology who are called in to help librarians who are dealing with mold outbreaks in libraries. Our goal is to demystify aspects of fungal taxonomy, morphology, and nomenclature while also recommending guidelines for minimizing mold contamination in library collections. Full article

Humulus lupulus L. (hop) is a multipurpose crop valued for its essential role in beer production and for its bioactive compounds with recognized medicinal properties. Otherwise, climate change represents a major challenge to agriculture, particularly impacting the cultivation of crops with stenoecious characteristics, such as hop. This highlights the urgent need to enhance crop resilience to adverse environmental conditions. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key regulator of plant responses to abiotic stress, yet the ABA signaling pathway remains poorly characterized in hop. Harnessing the publicly available hop genomics resources, we identified eight members of the PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE 1 LIKE ABA receptor family (HlPYLs). Phylogenetic and gene structure analyses classified these HlPYLs into the three canonical ABA receptor subfamilies. Furthermore, all eight HlPYLs are likely functional, as suggested by the protein sequence visual analysis. Expression profiling indicates that ABA perception in hop is primarily mediated by the HlPYL1-like and HlPYL8-like subfamilies, while the HlPYL4-like group appears to play a more limited role. Structure modeling and topology predictions of HlPYL1b and HlPYL2 provided insights into their potential functional mechanisms. To assess the physiological relevance of ABA signaling in hop, we evaluated the impact of exogenous ABA application during the ex vitro acclimatization phase. ABA-treated plants exhibited more robust growth, reduced stress symptoms, and improved acclimatization success. These effects were associated with reduced leaf transpiration and enhanced stomatal closure, consistent with ABA-mediated drought tolerance mechanisms. Altogether, this study provides the first comprehensive characterization of ABA receptor components in hop and demonstrates the practical utility of ABA in improving plant performance under ex vitro conditions. These findings lay the groundwork for further functional studies and highlight ABA signaling as a promising target for enhancing stress resilience in hop, with broader implications for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. Full article

A system of field protective forest belts (FPFBs) was created in the middle of the 20th century in Southern Dobrudzha (Northern Bulgaria) to reduce wind erosion, improve soil moisture storage, and increase agricultural crop yields. Since 2020, prolonged climatic drought during growing seasons and the advanced age of trees have adversely impacted the health status of planted species and resulted in the decline and dieback of the FPFBs. Physiologically stressed trees have become less able to resist pests, such as insects and diseases. In this work, an original new methodology for the integrated assessment of the condition of FPFBs and their protective capacity is presented. The presented methods include the assessment of structural and functional characteristics, as well as the health status of the dominant tree species. Five indicators were identified that, to the greatest extent, present the ability of forest belts to perform their protective functions. Each indicator was evaluated separately, and then an overlay analysis was applied to generate an integrated assessment of the condition of individual forest belts. Three groups of FPFBs were differentiated according to their condition: in good condition, in moderate condition, and in bad condition. The methodology was successfully tested in Southern Dobrudzha, but it could be applied to other regions in Bulgaria where FPFBs were planted, regardless of their location, composition, origin, and age. This methodological approach could be transferred to other countries after adapting to their geo-ecological and agroforest specifics. The methodological approach is an informative and useful tool to support decision-making about FPFB management, as well as the proactive planning of necessary forestry activities for the reconstruction of degraded belts. Full article

The need to maximize aquaculture production while addressing environmental and food security challenges posed by climate change has driven research towards the development of functional aquafeeds that enhance performance and immunity in farmed species. However, exposure to dietary and environmental stressors affects marine organisms, altering key metabolic pathways best understood through high-throughput “omics” tools. This study assessed the effects of Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation on central metabolic pathways by analyzing changes in primary metabolite levels in the liver of farmed Diplodus sargus under optimal and suboptimal temperature conditions. Results showed that seaweed supplementation had a beneficial effect on the fish’s primary metabolome; however, inclusion levels and rearing conditions played a crucial role in determining outcomes. While 1.5% supplementation maintained a balanced primary metabolome under optimal temperature conditions, 3.0% supplementation most effectively mitigated the adverse effects of acute thermal stress during a marine heatwave. These findings highlight the nutritive and functional potential of A. taxiformis supplementation in aquafeeds for marine omnivorous fish species and emphasize the importance of evaluating functional aquafeeds under suboptimal rearing conditions. Overall, our results demonstrate the value of metabolomics in elucidating the molecular basis underlying biological pathways in farmed marine fish and optimizing production through climate-smart dietary strategies. Full article

In recent years, global agriculture has encountered several challenges exacerbated by the effects of changes in climate, such as extreme water shortages for irrigation and heat waves. Water-deficit stress adversely affects the morpho-physiology of numerous crops, including soybean (Glycine max L.), which is considered as promising crop in Bangladesh. Seaweed extract (SWE) has the potential to improve crop yield and alleviate the adverse effects of water-deficit stress. Remote and proximal sensing are also extensively utilized in estimating morpho-physiological traits owing to their cost-efficiency and non-destructive characteristics. The study was carried out to evaluate soybean morpho-physiological traits under the application of water extracts of Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui (red seaweed) with two varying irrigation water conditions (100% of total crop water requirement (TCWR) and 70% of TCWR). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that among the four treatments, the 70% irrigation + 5% (v/v) SWE and the 100% irrigation treatments overlapped, indicating that the application of SWE effectively mitigated water-deficit stress in soybeans. This result demonstrates that the foliar application of 5% SWE enabled soybeans to achieve morpho-physiological performance comparable to that of fully irrigated plants while reducing irrigation water use by 30%. Based on Pearson’s correlation matrix, a simple linear regression model was used to ascertain the relationship between unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-derived vegetation indices and the field-measured physiological characteristics of soybean. The Normalized Difference Red Edge (NDRE) strongly correlated with stomatal conductance (R² = 0.76), photosystem II efficiency (R² = 0.78), maximum fluorescence (R² = 0.64), and apparent transpiration rate (R² = 0.69). The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had the highest correlation with leaf relative water content (R² = 0.87), the Blue Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (bNDVI) with steady-state fluorescence (R² = 0.56) and vapor pressure deficit (R² = 0.74), and the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (gNDVI) with chlorophyll content (R² = 0.73). Our results demonstrate how UAV and physiological data can be integrated to improve precision soybean farming and support sustainable soybean production under water-deficit stress. Full article

Rural road programs are essential for enhancing connectivity in remote areas, yet they frequently encounter schedule delays and budget overruns. This study explores the extent to which specific project characteristics influence these deviations in Colombian rural road contracts. A dataset comprising 229 projects was extracted from the national SECOP open-procurement platform and processed using the CRISP-DM protocol. Following the cleaning and coding of 14 project-level variables, statistical analyses were conducted using Spearman correlations, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and post-hoc Wilcoxon comparisons to identify significant bivariate relations I confirm I confirm I confirm hips. A Random Forest model was subsequently applied to determine the most influential multivariate predictors of cost and time deviations. In parallel, a directed content analysis of contract addenda reclassified 22 recorded deviation descriptors into ten internationally recognized categories of causality, enabling an integrated interpretation of both statistical and documentary evidence. The findings indicate that contract value, geographical region, and contractor configuration are significant determinants of cost and time performance. Additionally, project intensity and discrepancies between awarded and bid values emerged as key contributors to cost escalation. Scope changes and adverse weather conditions together accounted for 76% of all documented deviation triggers, underscoring the relevance of robust front-end planning and climate-risk considerations in rural infrastructure delivery. The findings provide information for stakeholders, policymakers, and professionals who aim to manage the risk of schedule and budget deviations in public infrastructure projects. Full article

This article examines the modeling of sustainable development in transport logistics, focusing on the impact of climate factors, changing weather conditions, and digitalization processes. The study analyzes the complex influence of adverse weather phenomena, such as fog, rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and strong winds, whose frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change, on the efficiency, safety, and reliability of transport systems across all modes except pipelines. Special attention is paid to the integration of weather-resilient sensor technologies, including LiDAR, thermal imaging, and advanced monitoring systems, to strengthen infrastructure resilience and ensure uninterrupted transport operations under environmental stress. The methodological framework combines comparative analytical methods with economic–mathematical modeling, particularly Leontief’s input–output model, to evaluate the mutual influence between the transport sector and sustainable economic growth within an interconnected ecosystem of economic and technological factors. The findings confirm that data-driven management strategies, the digital transformation of logistics, and the strengthening of centralized hubs contribute significantly to increasing the resilience and flexibility of transport systems, mitigating the negative economic impacts of climate risks, and promoting long-term sustainable development. Practical recommendations are proposed to optimize freight flows, adapt infrastructure to changing weather risks, and support the integration of innovative digital technologies as part of an evolving ecosystem. Full article