Search Results (48)

The loss of plant species, especially endangered and endemic ones, poses a significant threat to global biodiversity. These species cannot easily be replaced when their populations decline or become extinct, which makes their loss particularly devastating. This study focuses on the geobotanical study of nine Rosaceae species (Cotoneaster karatavicus, Crataegus ambigua, Malus niedzwetzkyana, Malus sieversii, Prunus tenella, Prunus ulmifolia, Sibiraea laevigata, Sorbus persica, and Spiraeanthus schrenkianus) and the development of ex situ approaches for the conservation of Rosaceae species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The geobotanical study revealed an alarming trend of biodiversity loss in five regions of Kazakhstan. This loss is driven by threats from diseases and pests, as well as the aging of plants, small population sizes, weak in situ fruiting, and other factors, such as climate change. We have established an in vitro collection for the short- and medium-term conservation of seeds, embryos and shoots taken either directly from field-grown plants or from budwood cuttings forced indoors. We also use long-term sexual conservation methods, such as the cryopreservation of seed and embryonic axes, alongside conventional seed banking at −20 °C. Ex situ conservation efforts that use multiple propagules and storage methods for the same species are well-suited to a diverse genebank facility. These efforts enable future generations to use this valuable reservoir of genetic diversity for crop improvement and may also serve as a basis for propagating planting material to restore degraded populations. Full article

This article is an interdisciplinary study. The authors (a canon lawyer and a biblical theologian) endeavour to examine the text of the Book of Deuteronomy 24:1 through both canonical and exegetical lenses. They look at whether and to what extent it is aligned with the contemporary Catholic teaching on the permanence and indissolubility of marriage. They frame the research problem through a series of questions: Is the analysed text contrary to the Catholic Church’s position on the inadmissibility of divorce? Does it imply consent to divorce? Or does it permit marital separation but solely under specific conditions? First, the authors discuss the Catholic teaching on the permanence and indissolubility of marriage. They highlight a distinction between the two terms. They seek to expose the process of evolution of the institution of marriage from the Creation, i.e., God’s original intention in relation to marriage, through the Old Testament period of “hardness of heart”, i.e., from the original sin to the time of Jesus, to the third stage since Jesus, who restored the original order destroyed by sin and elevated the conjugal bond of two baptized people to the dignity of a sacrament. The authors then examine the concept of marital separation. By its very nature, it does not sever the marital bond. The authors explain the legal grounds for separation, among them adultery and failure to maintain marital fidelity. Next, they conduct an in-depth semantic analysis of the studied text and discuss divorce proceedings in the light of Deuteronomy 24:1. They close the discussion with conclusions. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the authors relied on the literature from the domains of biblical studies and canon law. Full article

The restoration of medieval wall paintings often involves the combination of heterogeneous techniques and materials considering their nature and period. One of the many obstacles in the study of the restoration of these types of artifacts is the paucity of sources that remain and the fragmentary nature of the paintings. As support, we can identify information about the modus operandi of the artists and artisans’ workshops that were active in the medieval period. Such information can be derived from important treatises-for example, Theophilus’ mid-12th-century treatise, the Diversarum artium Schedula, and chapter XV of Cennino Cennini’s Book of Art. These all coincide with the paintings presented in this paper, which represent the Virgo Lactans (or Madonna del Latte, Nursing Virgin) and a likely pre-existing figure of a praying woman. The investigated wall paintings are located in the porch of St. Andrew’s church, situated in the neighborhood of Pianoscarano (Viterbo, Central Italy). The historical context and the execution technique of the paintings were carefully studied, supported by a diagnostic and analytical campaign carried out by means of hypercolorimetric multispectral imaging, spot X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy using a portable instrument, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cross-section analysis. These analyses allowed us to characterize the original materials, the stratigraphic sequence of the paintings, and the previous interventions applied to the paintings’ layers, giving relevant data to support the recently concluded restoration. Full article

Satellite–ground communication is a critical component in the global communication system, significantly contributing to environmental monitoring, radio and television broadcasting, aerospace operations, and other domains. However, the technology encounters challenges in data transmission efficiency, due to the drastic alterations in the communication channel caused by the rapid movement of satellites. In comparison to traditional transmission methods, semantic communication (SemCom) technology enhances transmission efficiency by comprehending and leveraging the intrinsic meaning of information, making it ideal for image transmission in satellite communications. Nevertheless, current SemCom methods still struggle to adapt to varying channel conditions. To address this, we propose a SemCom transmission model based on a Channel Code-Book (CCB) for adaptive image transmission in diverse channel environments. Our model reconstructs and restores the original image by documenting fading and noise states under various channel conditions and dynamically adjusting the denoiser’s model parameters. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our CCB model outperforms three representative baseline models, including Deep JSCC, ASCN, and WITT in various environments and task conditions, achieving an advantage of more than 10 dB under high signal-to-noise ratio conditions. Full article

Background: Lake Al-Asfar in KSA was used as a sink for wastewater for decades and suffered from pollution. The lake is a habitat to different microbial species that play important ecological roles, some of which are good, and some are bad and even pathogenic. In a previous investigation, algal-bacteria consortia have proven to be beneficial in bioremediating heavy metals and hydrocarbons in Lake Al-Asfar. The identity of algae was revealed to be Chlorella sp. and Geitlernema sp. in the consortia. The identity of the heterotrophic bacterial partners, on the other hand, awaits investigation and is addressed in the present research. On the other hand, investigating the diversity of Protozoa and parasites is also tackled as they represent indicators of pollution. Some pose serious health risks, but some of them also contribute to reducing some of the pollution levels. Methods: Bacteria associated with algae were isolated in pure form. The polyphasic approach was used to identify bacterial samples, including staining procedures, the use of Vitek technology, and scanning electron microscopy. This information was integrated with structure information such as capsule presence, endospore formation, and wall characteristics indicated by Gram stain. With regard to protists including Protozoa and parasites, Light microscopy and taxonomic books of identification were used to reveal their identity. Results: three main bacterial strains belonging to the following genera were identified: Sphingomonas, Rhizobium, and Enterbacter. The last is potentially pathogenic and poses health risks to Lake goers. Rhizobium, on the other hand, is most likely found in the lake from agricultural wastewater and is a nitrogen fixer that increases the fertility of crops. The first bacterium is associated with special lipid metabolism and is hardly pathogenic. Several diverse microscopic forms of protists, mainly Protozoa and parasites, were identified, which included Entamoeba histolytica, Balantidium coli, Ascaris lumbricoides, Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, and Gymnodinium sp. Discussion: The three types of bacteria identified have metabolic activities that are associated with bioremediation. On the other hand, protists, including Protozoa and parasites, are regular members of wastewater communities and help in scavenging solid wastes, but they cause hazards such as secreting toxins, causing disease, and impacting the bioremediation potential by feeding on beneficial bioremediating algae and bacteria. This is part of the wastewater ecosystem dynamics, but efforts must be exerted to minimize, if not completely eliminate, pathogenic parasites in order to maximize the growth of algal consortia. Conclusions: Vitek technology is an emerging less time- and effort-consuming fast technology for identifying bacteria. Bacteria identified have significant ecological bioremediating roles, together with their algal partners, but some pose pathogenic risks. Identifying co-inhabitants like protists and parasites helps to shed light on their impact on one another and pave the way for restoration efforts that minimize the biological hazards and maximize the use of beneficial local microorganisms. Full article

Azurite, a natural mineral pigment consisting of basic copper carbonate (2CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂), is one of the Middle Ages’ most common blue pigments. Why paintings originally coated with azurite appear blackened today remains debated. Using a non-invasive multi-analytical approach, the study analysed several unexpectedly black-appearing details (objects such as books or clothing such as veils, robes, or mantles) in Antoine de Lonhy’s works. The aim was to investigate if the black colour was due to intentional iconographic reasons, incautious restoration work, or painting deterioration. The analytical results displayed the presence of the blue pigment azurite, therefore, the expected original colour of various areas should be blue. To shed light on the discussion regarding the blackening, several other Renaissance paintings with similar black details were analysed, all from the same period and geographic area as de Lonhy’s works and conserved under identical conditions. The reasons why the blackening takes place are still unclear. However, the combined use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optical fibres (FORS), portable X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the elemental mapping based on the XRF data revealed that these blackened areas were originally painted with azurite, suggesting they were once blue. This finding significantly changes the overall appreciation of these artworks. Full article

Incarvillea semiretschenskia (B. Fedtsch.) Grierson is listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan as a rare relic, narrowly endemic species of the Shu-Ile low mountains (Kazakhstan). The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of the ecological conditions of its habitats, the floristic composition of plant communities, and molecular phylogeny, as well as to identify threats to the species’ existence. The ecological conditions of I. semiretschenskia habitats are rocky slopes and intermountain valleys of the low mountains in the altitude range from 812 to 1075 m asl with light chestnut mountain soils of little development, having a light granulometric composition and containing insignificant amounts of organic matter. We revealed 164 species of vascular plants in the communities of I. semiretschenskia, including five endemics and five species from the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. Anthropogenic factors associated with grazing, fires, and limestone mining were identified as leading to a decrease in the number and density of populations. New insights into the relationship and time of diversification in the genus Incarvillea are gained through the use of several accessions of I. semiretschenskia and I. potaninii Batalin in the phylogenetic study. Preliminary fingerprint analysis shows relatively high genetic variability within populations of I. semiretschenskia. This unique relic species has survived since the Miocene epoch and exists to this day only in the Shu-Ile low mountains. To preserve this rare species, measures are proposed to create plant micro-reserves to provide ex situ collections and ensure future in situ restoration efforts. Full article

This study developed a novel material based on polyvinyl alcohol–ethylene glycol (PVA-EG) hydrogel and systematically evaluated its potential application in the removal of animal glue from book surfaces. The microstructure, surface properties, and mechanical characteristics of the PVA-EG hydrogel were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, a universal testing machine, and a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The introduction of ethylene glycol (EG) could weaken hydrogen bonding interactions between PVA chains to enhance the molecular chain flexibility of the hydrogel. Notably, the 10% PVA-EG hydrogel shows better crystallinity, higher hydrophilicity, and optimal balance between mechanical strength and flexibility compared to pure PVA, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of the removal of animal glue. Additionally, the effectiveness of the process of removing animal glue was verified by real-time monitoring using europium nitrate at a concentration of 0.4% (w/v) as a fluorescent marker. Such hydrogels with high mechanical properties, strong surface hydrophilicity, good removal efficiency, and gentle treatment characteristics have potential applications in the restoration of cultural heritage. Full article

Research highlights: At the turn of the 21st century, there were more forest territories found disturbed by both natural processes (climate change, wildfires, insect outbreaks, permafrost thawing, etc.) and anthropogenic interferences (air pollution, clearcuts, etc.). Seed collecting, then growing seedlings in forest nurseries, and then planting seedlings over lost forest areas are the forestry measures needed to restore the forest after disturbances. Goals were to construct bioclimatic models of ranges and seed mass of major Siberian conifers (Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour), Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.), Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), Siberian larches (Larix sibirica Ledeb., L. gmelini (Rupr) Rupr, and L. cajanderi Mayr.) and Pinus sylvestris L.) and predict their potential change in a warming climate by the mid-century. Methods: Multi-year seed mass data were derived from the literature, seed station data, and were collected in the field. Climate data (January and July data and annual precipitation) were derived from published Russian reference books and websites on climate. Bioclimatic indices (growing degree-days > 5 C, negative degree-days < 0 C, and annual moisture index) were calculated from January and July temperatures and annual precipitation for both contemporary and the 2050s (2040–2060) climates using the general circulation model INM-CM5-0 and two climate change scenarios, ssp126 and ssp585, from CMIP6. Our bioclimatic range models (envelope and MaxEnt models) and regression seed mass models for major conifers were built based on these bioclimatic indices. Additionally, their ranges were limited by the permafrost border, which divided the forest area into the permafrost-free zone, where five conifers are able to grow, and the permafrost zone, where only one conifer, Dahurian larch, is able to survive. Results: Under warmed climates, the ranges of all Siberian conifers would expand 1.5-fold due to the decrease in the permafrost zone, except Dahurian larch, which would lose 5–20% of its coverage due to permafrost retreat. Conifers shifting northward would be slower than predicted only by warmed climates because permafrost would thaw slower than climates would warm. Scots pine may expand by up to 60%, covering dryer lands in the south. Future climates were found to favor seed mass increase for major Siberian conifers and for heavier seed to shift northward. Our major conifers differ by the type of seed dispersal mode: zoochoric, animal (Siberian pine) and anemochoric, and wind-dispersed (other five trees). The seed masses of the five anemochoric conifers varied within the range of 1.5–15 g of 1000 seeds, which is about 40–50-fold less than that of zoochoric Siberian pine. Site climate explained about 28–65% of the seed mass variation for the five anemochoric trees and only 11% for Siberian pine (zoochoric tree). This finding needs additional research to explain the reasons. Conclusions: Warmed climates would favor the expansion of the ranges of major Siberian conifers and their seed mass to be heavier, which would support the high-quality seed production for forest well-being and its restoration in Siberia. Full article

During the restoration and digitalization intervention of the Manoscritto Parmense (Ms. Parm.) 3285 codex, a 14th-century illuminated volume that contains the three books of Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia belonging to the Biblioteca Palatina of Parma, the deposits present in the center of some bifoliums were removed using soft bristle brushes and collected. A preliminary observation of these deposits with a stereomicroscope allowed the detection of some pigment grains of different colors, likely detached from the full-page illuminations at the beginning of each book. These grains of the pigments were then analyzed in the Bologna ENEA Research Centre through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), EDX microanalysis, and micro-Raman spectroscopy, allowing the identification of the minerals or the compounds used as pigments. Consequently, some pigments that were commonly used in the Middle Ages such as gold leaf, typically employed in illuminations and the decoration of heading initials, cinnabar red, and different types of blue pigments, including traces of lapis lazuli and azurite, were identified. Full article

Allium microdictyon Prokh. is a rare, endemic species possessing good taste qualities and listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan; therefore, it is subject to anthropogenic impact (food gathering, grazing, logging, fires, etc.), which leads to a substantial reduction of its area. The aim of the study was to develop a protocol for microclonal propagation of A. microdictyon. Mature seeds of A. microdictyon collected from natural habitats in the Kazakhstani Altai were used as explants. Optimization of seed sterilization methods, selection of growth regulators for inducing adventitious shoot formation and microclonal propagation, and optimization of conditions for adaptation of regenerants to ex vitro conditions were carried out. Surface sterilization of seeds with 70% EtOH and 0.01% HgCl₂ is optimal for obtaining sterile and viable A. microdictyon seedlings. Sterile seedlings obtained in vitro on ½ Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 10 mg L⁻¹ gibberellic acid and 0.1 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were used as a source for obtaining micropropagation cultures. Induction of adventitious organogenesis of A. microdictyon was effective on media containing 0.5 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.5–2 mg L⁻¹ zeatin. On these variants, leaf conglomerates consisting of abundantly overgrown thin leaves were formed. The effect of 0.2 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on further development of organogenesis and formation of microbulbs in A. microdictyon was shown in comparison with IAA, NAA, and PAC. Regenerated A. microdictyon plants were adapted to ex vitro conditions and resumed growth after 16–20 weeks of relative dormancy. The developed micropropagation protocol can be used to preserve germplasm and propagate for subsequent restoration of A. microdictyon populations in natural habitats. Full article

Background and Objectives: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in the health benefits of contact with nature. The theoretical and practical aspects of this issue are constantly being investigated. It is worth noting, however, that there is a large group of people for whom the only available form of contact with nature can only be through images (the view outside the window, photos and films about nature), recorded sounds of nature or descriptions of nature. Research indicating how much exposure to nature in the dimension of virtual reality achieves improvements in well-being, mood and vitality is therefore urgently needed. Material and Methods: The main goal of the experiment was to examine whether watching a 20-min 2D video of forest environment or reading a textbook on forest knowledge for 20 min would bring any psychological benefits. The order of both exposures was intentionally changed (reversed) for every second participant in this study to reduce the order effect. A group of 16 volunteers, students of Warsaw University of Life Sciences, took part in the experiment. The psychological tests before and after each of the two parts of the experiment (viewing a picture with sound and reading a book) were established using five questionnaires: Profile of Mood State (POMS); Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS); Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS); Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: As a result of the analyses, a 20-min viewing of a 2D video of a forest with natural sounds of nature was shown to have a positive effect on the psychological relaxation of the subjects in the form of an increase in restorativeness and vitality in the participants of the experiment, as well as a greater decrease in negative feelings, tension and anger than when reading a forest-themed book. Watching a video of a landscape can reduce tension and anger levels significantly, which can be an important guideline in relation to the interior design of public spaces and the protection of employees from the adverse effects of psychosocial working conditions, as well as the desire to stabilize anger and maintain emotional stability in everyday life. Full article

Paper relics, as carrieres of historical civilization’s records and inheritance, could be severely acidic and brittle over time. In this study, the multi-functional dispersion of nanometer magnesium oxide (MgO) carried by 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane-modified bacterial cellulose (KH550-BC) was applied in the impregnation process to repair aged paper, aiming at solving the key problems of anti-acid and strength recovery in the protection of ancient books. The KH550-BC/MgO treatment demonstrated enhanced functional efficacy in repairing aged paper, attributed to the homogeneous and stable distribution of MgO within the nanofibers of BC networks, with minimal impact on the paper’s wettability and color. Furthermore, the treatment facilitated the formation of adequate alkali reserves and hydrogen bonding, resulting in superior anti-aging properties in the treated paper during prolonged preservation. Even after 30 days of hygrothermal aging tests, the paper repaired by KH550-BC/MgO was still in a gently alkaline environment (pH was about 7.56), alongside a 32.18% elevation compared to the untreated paper regarding the tear index. The results of this work indicate that KH550-BC/MgO is an effective reinforcement material for improving the long-term restoration of ancient books. Full article

In recent years, the demand for the protection and restoration of cultural heritage has become increasingly urgent. Particularly for paper-based cultural relics such as ancient books and paintings, their restoration is especially important due to their unique nature and susceptibility to environmental damage. Among various restoration materials, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) has been widely studied and applied in the protection of paper-based cultural relics. However, commercial Ca(OH)₂ materials have issues such as a large particle size and slow carbonation. In order to address these issues, this study employed carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a support, on which nano-sized Ca(OH)₂ crystals were grown in situ on its surface, followed by loading with TiO₂ nanoparticles, successfully preparing a multifunctional paper-based cultural relic restoration material with reinforcement, deacidification, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties. It is worth noting that by in situ growing Ca(OH)₂ on the surface of CMC, particle size control, uniform dispersion, and the fixation of Ca(OH)₂ can be achieved. CMC is used to enhance the mechanical strength of the paper, Ca(OH)₂ is used for deacidification, and TiO₂ is used for anti-aging and antimicrobial purposes. This study provides a new approach and method for the restoration of paper-based cultural relics, simplifying traditional multi-step processes and avoiding potential impacts on the cultural relics from multiple repairs. Full article

The Sala del Dottorato (Hall of Graduates) is a magnificent library in the University of Perugia which plays the double role of providing optimal conservation of valuable books and manuscripts while also hosting important events. This double role is closely connected to contrasting indoor microclimatic conditions. This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study, begun in 2019, which investigates optimal conditions for the conservation of volumes by monitoring thermo-hygrometric and air quality parameters. The study describes the current conditions of the Hall (in terms of air temperature, relative humidity and concentration of CO₂), highlighting critical aspects, defining strategies for their mitigation and control, and outlining future developments. Improvement measures relate to the installation of a permanent monitoring system with alarm settings and data storage, technical interventions on the windows, and the restoration of several volumes. The paper shows the importance of monitoring as an instrument of control in real time and provides guidelines for management to be implemented according to indoor microclimatic conditions. Full article