Search Results (28,617)

Environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures significantly influence both the tree layer and natural regeneration within forest ecosystems. Protected areas represent essential territories for the maintenance and conservation of species within forest communities. In this context, the present study aims to develop a methodological framework for the integrated application of diversity, evenness, and dominance indices in the study of forest plant communities. Analyses were conducted at both α- and β-diversity levels, providing a methodological basis for characterizing local diversity and community differentiation. Species diversity was estimated using the Shannon–Wiener (H′) and Simpson (D) indices, while evenness and dominance were assessed using the Pielou (J′) and Berger–Parker (d) indices. Differences among communities were quantified using the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index and its components, turnover and nestedness, and structural convergence of forest communities was analyzed through the ICF. The results indicate that α-diversity, estimated by H′, ranges from low to moderate, suggesting a relatively uniform distribution of species abundance. In certain microhabitats, processes of diversification and oligodominance are observed. At the β-diversity level, the analyzed communities are characterized by high dissimilarity, mainly driven by species turnover and, to a lesser extent, by nestedness associated with species loss. The ICF highlights that these forest communities exhibit relatively high structural uniformity, characteristic of mature stands in ecological equilibrium. Full article

The AP2/ERF superfamily is a key class of transcription factors involved in plant responses to various stresses. As an ancient species, the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) exhibits considerable stress tolerance and wide adaptability. In this study, we identified 348 AP2/ERF genes in the cultivated olive variety ‘Arbequina’ at the whole-genome level. According to protein sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses via the Maximum Likelihood method, these genes were classified into four major families: AP2, ERF/DREB, RAV, and Soloist. The ERF/DREB family was further divided into DREB and ERF subfamilies, each encompassing six groups (A1–A6 and B1–B6), with the ERF subfamily being the largest. Members of each group exhibited relatively consistent gene structures and domain/motif compositions of their encoded proteins; however, the distribution of cis-elements and expression patterns varied. Each AP2/ERF gene contained 12 light-responsive, three MeJA-responsive, three ABA-responsive, two anaerobic induction, and one MYB binding site on average. With the threshold of p value < 0.5, control TPM > 0, and |log₂(fold change)| > 0, 50 candidate genes were simultaneously up-regulated (30) or down-regulated (20) under four stress treatments (acid–aluminum, cold, disease, and wound), among which nine showed potential protein–protein interactions. This study provides a comprehensive genomic characterization of the AP2/ERF family in olive and identifies key candidate stress-responsive genes, establishing a foundation for future functional studies on the molecular mechanisms of stress adaptation in the olive tree. Full article

The high integration of renewables like distributed photovoltaic (PV) into medium- and low-voltage distribution networks causes bidirectional power flows, increased voltage fluctuations, and operational uncertainty. Traditional power flow models struggle to balance efficiency and accuracy for multi-period optimization. This paper proposes a dual-objective voltage optimization method based on a Holomorphic Embedding time-series power flow model. First, a recursive relationship for nodal voltage power series expansion is derived, revealing the linear superposition of first-order coefficients with power injection changes and the rapid decay of higher-order terms. A linearized analytical model neglecting higher-order terms is built, improving the computational efficiency of time-series power flow calculations while maintaining accuracy. Then, integrating energy storage systems and static var compensators, a dual-objective optimization model minimizing voltage deviation and daily operational cost is formulated. Tests on a practical 91-node rural distribution system show that the proposed power flow model maintains a voltage error below 0.25% compared to the Newton–Raphson method across various PV integration scenarios, and the optimization reduces computation time by about 61.3% versus the Second-Order Cone Programming method, validating its advantages in precision and efficiency for balancing voltage quality and economy. Full article

The heart’s performance relies on its contractile and rhythmic properties, which are modulated not only by extrinsic autonomic inputs but also by the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), a distributed network of intracardiac ganglia and neurons that integrates local sensory, autonomic, and inflammatory signals. Growing evidence indicates that cardiac fibrosis and neuronal remodeling are intertwined processes within this network. This review synthesizes current knowledge on molecular, structural, and functional remodeling of the ICNS to drive neurofibrosis, autonomic imbalance, and arrhythmogenesis. We outline ICNS anatomy and neurochemical diversity, then summarize core fibrotic mechanisms, fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix dynamics, and inflammatory signaling, and map these onto intracardiac ganglia. Across diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and neuroinflammatory states, shared pathways (e.g., IL-6/STAT3, TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, oxidative stress) suppress neuronal excitability, promote neuron–glia–fibroblast coupling, and culminate in neurofibrotic remodeling. We integrate functional data linking these changes to autonomic dysregulation and arrhythmia vulnerability. Future priorities involve constructing detailed human ICNS atlases and applying single-cell and spatial multi-omics to better characterize intracardiac neurons, their circuitry, and their interactions with fibroblasts and immune cells. These insights will be essential to inform targeted neuromodulation and anti-fibrotic interventions. The ICNS is a dynamic regulatory hub whose cells and circuits participate directly in cardiac fibrosis and electrical instability. Recognizing neurofibrosis as a companion process to myocardial fibrosis reframes therapeutic strategy toward preserving both neural and myocardial integrity. Full article

Aeolian sand hazards severely constrain highway safety and operation in arid regions. To support targeted mitigation along Highway S315 in the Gobi Desert of northern China, this study integrates meteorological observations with sand removal records to quantify wind regimes and classify sand hazard intensity. Event thresholds were objectively identified using change points in semi-logarithmic distributions of daily sand removal volumes, and spatial hazard severity was graded based on annual sand removal per unit road length. The results showed that (1) the study area was subject to intense aeolian activity, with a mean annual sand-driving wind frequency of 23.98%, an annual drift potential of 344.91 vector units (VU), and a resultant sand transport direction of 129.88° (east–southeast). (2) Based on inflection point characteristics, sand hazard events were classified into three intensity levels, namely, slight (<800 m³), moderate (800–3000 m³), and severe (>3000 m³), accounting for 13.0%, 76.1%, and 10.9% of all events along Highway S315, respectively. (3) Spatial grading criteria for sand hazard severity were defined as slight (<3 × 10³ m³ km⁻¹ yr⁻¹), moderate (3 × 10³–1.0 × 10⁴ m³ km⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and severe (>1.0 × 10⁴ m³ km⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Application of these criteria to a representative road section (K9+000–K30+600; 21.6 km) indicated that severe, moderate, and slight sand hazard segments extend over 6.0 km, 9.1 km, and 6.5 km, respectively, thereby delineating priority zones for targeted mitigation measures. This study proposes a quantitative framework that couples regional wind-driven sand dynamics with highway hazard severity, enabling targeted mitigation and offering a transferable reference for sand risk management in arid and desert regions. Full article

This study systematically evaluated the response mechanisms of water and sediment processes in the Kuye River Basin to climate change and human activities from 2023 to 2053 by integrating multi-source climate scenarios (CMIP5 models), land-use change projections (based on the Markov chain model), and a distributed hydrological model (SWAT model). The results indicate that under the RCP8.5 high-emission scenario, annual precipitation in the basin shows a non-significant increasing trend but with intensified interannual variability. Spatially, precipitation exhibits a pattern of increasing from northwest to southeast, with a marked decadal transition occurring around 2043. Land-use structure undergoes significant transformation, with construction land projected to account for 30.54% of the total basin area by 2050, while grassland and cropland continue to decline. Water and sediment processes display distinct phased characteristics: a fluctuating adjustment phase (2023–2033), a relatively stable phase (2034–2043), and a sharp growth phase (2044–2053). Parameter sensitivity analysis identifies the curve number (CN2) and soil bulk density (SOL_BD) as key regulatory parameters, revealing the synergistic mechanism by which land-use changes amplify climatic effects through alterations in surface properties. Based on the findings, an adaptive watershed management framework is proposed, encompassing dynamic water resource regulation, spatial zoning, targeted erosion control, and iterative scientific management. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing hydrological transition risks around 2043 and promoting low-impact development practices in high-erosion areas. This study provides a scientific basis for the integrated management of water and soil resources in the context of ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. The methodology developed herein offers a valuable reference for predicting water and sediment processes and implementing adaptive management in similar semi-arid basins. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is widely used in breast reconstruction; however, graft retention remains unpredictable due to recipient-bed variability. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a contrast-free, noninvasive modality enabling visualization of vascular structures in detail. This study used PAI to visualize and quantitatively assess neovascularization and vascular structure in breasts reconstructed with AFG. Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, data from eight patients who underwent PAI of both reconstructed and contralateral breasts at least three months after their final AFG procedure for total breast reconstruction were used. Excluding the nipple–areola complex and skin markings, four 3 × 3 cm regions of interest (one per quadrant) were selected in the periareolar region. Vascular density in terms of depth from the skin surface was analyzed in five cases with adequate contact between the device and the skin. Visible vessel diameters within the regions of interest were manually measured and categorized as small, medium, or large to assess distribution patterns. Results: PAI successfully enabled visualization of vascular structures on the reconstructed side in all cases, even at depths greater than 10 mm. In five cases, vascular density in the superficial layer (0–2.5 mm) was higher on the reconstructed side than on the contralateral side. A longer postoperative interval was associated with a higher proportion of small vessels and fewer large vessels. Conclusions: PAI enabled noninvasive visualization of vascular structures consistent with neovascularization on the reconstructed side after AFG. Temporal changes in vessel diameter distribution suggest ongoing vascular remodeling, supporting the potential utility of PAI in assessing vascular structural changes in grafted tissue over time. Full article

Chronic liver injury is accompanied by coordinated disturbances in lipid trafficking and inflammatory–fibrogenic signaling. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling has been implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis and tumor-associated remodeling and may co-vary with disturbances in lipid trafficking. Lisosan G (LG), a fermented wheat-derived nutraceutical, has reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and may influence these interconnected pathways. This study evaluated whether dietary LG alters the lipid composition of plasma lipoprotein fractions and hepatic TGF-β1 levels across distinct liver contexts. Seventy-two female Wistar rats were randomized into nine groups (n = 8/group) defined by liver condition, consisting of healthy control (Control), non-neoplastic liver (PH), and neoplastic liver injury (HCC; PH followed by diethylnitrosamine, DEN), and diet (standard diet, SD + 2.5% LG, or SD + 5% LG). Plasma lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL₁, HDL₂) were isolated by stepwise KBr density-gradient ultracentrifugation, and cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), and triacylglycerols (TG) were quantified in each fraction. Hepatic TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA and normalized to total protein. LG effects depended strongly on baseline liver status, with significant Condition × Diet interactions for most lipid endpoints and for hepatic TGF-β1. In healthy rats, LG produced fraction-selective remodeling rather than uniform lipid lowering, including increased VLDL-TG at both doses and non-linear changes in cholesterol distribution across LDL and HDL subfractions. After PH, LG broadened lipid remodeling, including reduced VLDL-PL, increased VLDL-TG (both doses), and an increase in LDL-TC at 5% LG, accompanied by marked changes in HDL₁/HDL₂ cholesterol partitioning. In HCC, LG induced pronounced, often dose-dependent increases in LDL-associated lipids (LDL-PL, LDL-TG, LDL-TC) and increased HDL₁-TC while decreasing HDL₂-TC. Hepatic TGF-β1 was elevated in PH and further increased in HCC versus controls; LG reduced hepatic TGF-β1 in a condition-dependent manner, with the strongest reduction at 5% LG in HCC. Dietary Lisosan G remodels circulating lipoprotein lipid composition in a liver-status-dependent manner and is associated with reduced hepatic TGF-β1 abundance in injured liver, most prominently in neoplastic injury. These findings are consistent with the notion that nutraceutical interventions may show stronger phenotypic effects under perturbed metabolic–fibrogenic states than under stable physiology, while highlighting the need for mechanistic work to distinguish altered lipoprotein secretion from changes in peripheral clearance and to assess pathway-level TGF-β signaling. Full article

The rapid development of autonomous vehicle technologies represents a major transformation in contemporary transportation systems; however, their successful integration depends not only on technological maturity but also on societal acceptance. This study investigates public attitudes toward autonomous vehicles, with particular emphasis on generational and gender-based differences, aiming to identify key factors influencing acceptance, usage intention, and purchase-related decision-making. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was applied using an online questionnaire survey conducted between January and September 2025. The final sample consisted of 655 respondents, with a balanced gender distribution and representation across multiple generational cohorts. Statistical analyses included one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by non-parametric tests when distributional assumptions were not fully met. The results indicate significant generational differences across all examined dimensions. Younger generations, particularly Generations Y and Z, exhibit significantly higher willingness to try autonomous vehicles, greater openness to new technologies, and stronger consideration of autonomous functions in vehicle purchasing decisions. Gender-based differences were also identified, with men generally demonstrating higher technological openness than women. Moreover, a significant interaction effect between generation and gender was found, suggesting that gender differences vary across generational groups and are less pronounced among younger cohorts. Despite these contributions, the study has several limitations. Its cross-sectional design captures attitudes at a single point in time and does not allow causal inference or longitudinal analysis of attitude change. The use of self-reported, hypothetical measures may not fully reflect actual behaviour in real-world adoption scenarios. Additionally, online data collection may introduce self-selection bias, favouring respondents with higher digital literacy and technological interest. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering demographic heterogeneity when developing, communicating, and regulating autonomous vehicle technologies, while also underscoring the need for longitudinal and behaviour-based research in future studies. Full article

Urban protected areas are increasingly recognized as essential for human well-being, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience; however, their role in post-industrial cities remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, we examine Văcărești Nature Park (VNP) (IUCN Category V), a 183-hectare urban wetland in Bucharest, Romania, formed through spontaneous ecological restoration within a post-industrial landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates ecological assessment, participatory mapping, and public perception analysis, we evaluate the park’s ecosystem services (ES) and social dynamics. Cultural ES—particularly recreation, wildlife observation, and biodiversity appreciation—dominate public valuation, while regulating services such as microclimate regulation are less recognized and provisioning services remain marginal. This pattern highlights the importance of experiential and relational values in shaping how urban nature is perceived and used. Spatial analysis reveals intensive use of biodiverse interior zones and the avoidance of peripheral areas, primarily driven by infrastructure degradation and perceived safety risks. The resulting core–periphery differentiation points to an uneven distribution of ES benefits with direct implications for urban ecosystem governance and social inclusiveness. Overall use is predominantly passive, centered on immersion in natural settings rather than interactive or educational engagement. By demonstrating how participatory surveys combined with spatial mapping can reveal both ES demand and latent governance challenges, this study shows that spontaneously restored urban wetlands can function as high-value, multifunctional assets and provide generally applicable insights for adaptive management in rapidly changing cities. Full article

The genus Xanthomonas comprises devastating plant pathogens responsible for significant yield losses in globally critical crops such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), citrus (Citrus L. spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms driving Xanthomonas pathogenicity, including the type III secretion system (T3SS) that translocates effector proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) that reprogram host transcription, and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that promote biofilm formation and immune evasion, which collectively enable host colonization, immune suppression, and disease progression. Rapid adaptation through genomic plasticity and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) exacerbates challenges in disease management by facilitating evasion of host defenses and environmental stressors. Economically, Xanthomonas spp. inflict billions in annual losses through crop damage, trade restrictions, and eradication efforts, disproportionately affecting resource-limited regions. Emerging antibiotic resistance and climate-driven shifts in pathogen distribution further threaten food security. Sustainable strategies, such as CRISPR-based genome editing to disrupt susceptibility genes, biocontrol agents (e.g., Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp.), and nanotechnology-driven antimicrobials offer promising alternatives to conventional copper-based and chemical controls. This review underscores the urgent need for integrated, climate-resilient management approaches to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Xanthomonas diseases, bridging genomic insights with innovative control measures, to address escalating threats posed by these pathogens in a changing global climate. Full article

Glare is a critical factor in the design of LED luminaires for street lighting, particularly in environments where pedestrians, cyclists and drivers coexist. Generally, glare assessments are performed for fixed geometries and a single observer, limiting their applicability to real urban environments. This study examines the effect of angular redistribution of the beam on glare and illuminance by introducing the relative angular parameter α into the photometric model and the UGR calculation. A generic LED luminaire is modelled using a cosine-type luminous intensity distribution raised to a power, and the emitting surface is also discretized to evaluate the luminance, solid angle and Guth position index at the patch level. This approach is applied to three distinct observer geometries—pedestrian, cyclist and driver—allowing direct comparison using a unified mathematical formulation. The results show that beam redistribution affects each observer differently, reducing glare for pedestrians while simultaneously increasing it for drivers, whereas cyclists show limited sensitivity to angular changes. Although relative illuminance and UGR show similar monotonic trends, their physical and perceptual interpretation is different. This paper presents a novel tool for the preliminary analysis of trade-offs between visual comfort and luminous efficiency in urban lighting design. Full article

Anticoagulant pharmacology is a cognitively demanding domain in undergraduate medical education, with persistent challenges in learner engagement, retention, and safe clinical application. Cinematic Clinical Narratives (CCNs) offer a theory-informed multimedia approach designed to support learning through narrative structure, visual mnemonics, and affective engagement. We conducted a multi-site quasi-experimental study within a six-week Cancer, Hormones, and Blood course across a distributed medical education program. First-year medical students received either a traditional case-based lecture or an animated CCN (Twilight: Breaking Clots) during a one-hour anticoagulant pharmacology session. Learning outcomes were assessed using pre- and posttests, learner engagement was measured with the Situational Interest Survey for Multimedia (SIS-M), and exploratory eye tracking with second-year medical students was used to assess visual attention to embedded mnemonics. Both instructional groups demonstrated significant learning gains, with fold-change analyses indicating greater relative improvement among students exposed to the CCN. The animated CCN elicited significantly higher triggered situational interest compared with non-animated cases (p = 0.019), while also being preferred by the majority of participants. Qualitative analysis revealed that learners perceived CCNs as particularly effective for initial encoding and memorization, while non-animated cases supported subsequent clinical application. Eye-tracking data demonstrated high visual uptake and sustained attention to key mnemonic elements. Together, these findings support expert-designed, genAI-assisted CCNs as a validated and complementary instructional approach in medical education. Full article

Cavity limitations and interspecific competition render large macaws valuable models for elucidating the integration of parental care, pair-bond maintenance, and nest defense across reproductive stages. Through continuous video monitoring of a single artificial polyvinyl chloride nest box in the Tambopata National Reserve, Peru, we quantified the complete breeding cycle of a resident green-winged macaw (Ara chloropterus) pair and the visitation behavior of a sympatric scarlet macaw (Ara macao) pair within the same cavity. We constructed daily time budgets for 17 behaviors, categorized into seven functional groups, from motion-triggered video clips; employed multivariate tests; and generalized additive models with beta error distribution to describe the temporal changes across the five reproductive stages. The resident A. chloropterus exhibited a significant reorganization of parental investment, with early courtship behaviors transitioning to peak nest attendance and sentinel vigilance during incubation and early brooding. In later stages, locomotion increased significantly, associated with chick provisioning, whereas the frequency of allopreening remained relatively constant throughout the cycle. The visiting A. macao displayed a brief, behaviorally rich prospecting phase, characterized by nest inspection and locomotion, followed by a sharp decline in minimal activity. These divergent strategies align with owner–intruder asymmetries and floater dynamics, indicating that artificial cavities can support A. chloropterus breeding, while suggesting that additional cavities may redistribute breeding opportunities among competing macaws, a hypothesis necessitating multi-nest and multi-year evaluation. Full article

Despite advances in high-resolution topographic survey technologies, abstracting static 3D data into physically meaningful indicators remains critical for river management. This study introduces a geometric moment technique to reflect river curvature and hydraulic characteristics within an integrated framework. Analysis was conducted on a reach of the Nakdong River using first-, second-, and third-order moments, W/D ratios, asymmetry indicators, and D50 data. Key findings are: First, the moment-based approach precisely quantified asymmetric variations and localized bed changes by utilizing centroid deviation (M1), dispersion (M2), and mass bias (M3), addressing the limitations of traditional average-based indices. This effectively transforms vast 3D datasets into “compressed records” for tracing hydraulic drivers. Second, sinuosity (S) analysis revealed that reaches with higher curvature (S ≥ 1.5) exhibited intensified variability in third-order moments and asymmetry due to imbalanced hydraulic forcing. Specifically, the horizontal misalignment between the velocity core and the thalweg was identified as a key mechanism driving geometric imbalance in curves. Third, a W/D-asymmetry quadrant analysis categorized reach-scale morphological types and identified hydraulically vulnerable zones. By integrating sectional geometry, velocity distribution, and sinuosity into a unified system, this study provides a quantitative framework for scientific river management and decision-making. Full article