Search Results (853)

The adoption of conservation systems in agriculture has been increasingly explored as a strategy to improve soil quality and potentially influence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study reports the first assessment of GHG emissions within a long-term (14 years) agroecological field experiment evaluating soil management systems for onion (Allium cepa L.) production in a Humic Dystrudept (Cambissolo Húmico Distrófico, Brazilian Soil Classification System) in Southern Brazil. Three management systems based on permanent soil cover and crop diversification were evaluated in an onion–maize rotation: conventional tillage (CT) without cover crops, no-till (NT) without cover crops, and a no-till vegetable system (NTV) with a summer cover crop mixture of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Short-term GHG emissions were monitored during one onion growing season (106 days), while soil chemical and physical properties reflect long-term management effects. Evaluations included (i) daily and cumulative GHG (N₂O, CH₄, and CO₂) emissions, (ii) soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, (iii) soil aggregation, porosity, and bulk density in different soil layers (0.00–0.05, 0.05–0.10, and 0.10–0.30 m), and (iv) onion yield and cover crop dry matter production. The NTV system improved soil physical and chemical quality and increased onion yield compared to NT and CT. However, higher cumulative N₂O emissions were observed in NTV, highlighting a short-term trade-off between increased N₂O emissions and long-term improvements in soil quality and crop productivity. All systems acted as methane sinks, with greater CH₄ uptake under NTV. Despite higher short-term emissions, the NTV system maintained a positive C balance due to long-term C accumulation in soil. Short-term greenhouse gas emissions were assessed during a single onion growing season, whereas soil carbon stocks reflect long-term management effects; CO₂ fluxes measured using static chambers represent ecosystem respiration rather than net ecosystem carbon balance. These results provide an initial baseline of GHG dynamics within a long-term agroecological system and support future multi-year assessments aimed at refining mitigation strategies in diversified vegetable production systems. Full article

Plant viruses cause substantial yield and quality losses worldwide, and their rapid evolution can erode deployed host resistance. This review synthesizes current knowledge of antiviral resistance and tolerance mechanisms, using barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in cereals as an illustrative case study. We first summarize key layers of plant antiviral immunity, including pre-formed physical and chemical barriers, dominant and recessive resistance genes, RNA silencing, hormone-regulated defense signaling, and degradation pathways such as the ubiquitin–proteasome system and selective autophagy. We then discuss how these mechanisms are exploited in breeding and biotechnology, covering conventional introgression, marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping and pyramiding, induced variation (mutation breeding and TILLING/ecoTILLING), transgenic strategies (pathogen-derived resistance and plantibodies), RNA interference-based approaches, and CRISPR-enabled editing of susceptibility factors. Finally, we highlight emerging nano-enabled tools and propose integrated strategies that combine genetic resistance with surveillance and vector management to improve durability under climate change and ongoing viral diversification. Full article

This paper examines a stochastic Stackelberg differential game between an insurer and a pool of homogeneous policyholders. Policyholders dynamically optimize insurance coverage and risky asset allocations to minimize the probability of wealth shortfall, while the insurer, acting as the leader, sets the premium loading to maximize the expected exponential utility of terminal surplus. Employing dynamic programming techniques, we derive closed-form equilibrium strategies for both parties. The analysis reveals that a strong positive correlation between insurance claims and financial market returns incentivizes full coverage with modest premiums, whereas a strong negative correlation may induce market collapse as insurers exit underwriting to exploit natural hedging opportunities. Furthermore, larger policyholder pools generate diversification benefits that reduce equilibrium premiums and stimulate insurance demand. Full article

This study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a new strawberry cultivation zone in the Region of Florina, Northern Greece, as a strategy to support rural revitalization and agricultural diversification. Day-neutral strawberry genotypes were cultivated under net-house conditions at the University of Western Macedonia and assessed for physiological traits (SPAD index, chlorophyll fluorescence) and fruit quality (weight, color, firmness, °Brix, titratable acidity); while postharvest behavior was evaluated after seven days of cold storage. Statistical analysis identified genotypes with superior physiological performance and storability. Preliminary economic analysis suggests that their adoption could increase growers’ income by 20–30% compared to conventional varieties. The findings support the development of a strawberry production zone in Florina, with broader implications for sustainable agricultural intensification and rural development in underutilized European regions. Full article

This study examines the recent diversification of the Korean golf market into traditional field, popular virtual reality (VR), and park golf, which is rapidly expanding among older adults. Comparing participants’ psychological characteristics and behavioral intentions across golf types is essential for sustainably developing the golf industry. Therefore, differences were investigated in participation satisfaction (physical, mental, and social), switching intention, loyalty, and continuous participation intention among regular participants in all three golf types in urban Korea. Data were analyzed from 327 adults aged 20 years or older (Field: 98, VR: 132, Park: 97) in Korea using on/offline surveys, and a multivariate analysis of variance with post hoc tests was implemented to compare psychological and behavioral differences across the three golf types. The findings showed that, first, physical and mental satisfaction were significantly higher in the park golf group than in the rest of the groups. Second, switching intention was higher in the field golf group than in the VR golf group. Third, loyalty and continuous participation intention were highest in the park golf group. Each golf type thus offers unique experiential value, with park golf particularly effective in fulfilling participants’ physical and psychological needs. Conversely, field golf faces potential risks of participant attrition because of cost and time burdens. The findings provide useful implications for predicting demand and developing differentiated marketing and management strategies tailored to generational needs. Full article

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in employment and regional economic development, yet they are highly vulnerable to shocks such as pandemics, energy price spikes, and supply chain disruptions. Scenario modelling, stress testing, and digital twins are used to assess resilience, yet most applications focus on large firms in single-country settings. This article develops a model to stress test the resilience of Slovenian SMEs, calibrated with parameters and mechanisms derived from South African SME resilience studies. A system dynamics model with stocks for cash, inventory, and productive capacity is specified and subjected to demand, supply, financial, and compound shock scenarios, with and without resilience measures such as liquidity buffers, customer and supplier diversification, and basic digital planning capabilities. Results indicate non-linear tipping points where small reductions in liquidity sharply increase the likelihood of distress, and show that combinations of liquidity, diversification, and collaborative supply chain practices reduce the depth and duration of output losses. The study demonstrates how evidence from an African context can inform resilience strategies in a small European economy and provides a transparent, portable modelling architecture that can be adapted to other settings. Implications are discussed for SME managers and for policies supporting sustainable, resilient enterprise ecosystems. Full article

Overexpression of protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is implicated in tumor cell growth, establishing PP5 as a compelling target for small-molecule anticancer therapy. Building on prior success in achieving selectivity within the PP2A domain through scaffold functionalization that maximizes active-site interactions, we propose a parallel strategy for PP5 inhibition. Norcantharidin, the demethylated cousin of cantharidin, is a potent yet unselective phosphatase inhibitor, making its bicyclic framework an attractive platform for systematic derivatization. The approach reported herein exploits anhydride reactivity to generate a carboxylic acid derivative that is transformed into a chloromethyl ester. Chloromethyl ester functionality serves as a strategically activated intermediate enabling downstream functional-group diversification under mild, neutral conditions while preserving scaffold integrity. This modular synthetic strategy establishes a foundation for the development of PP5-selective norcantharidin derivatives with improved tumor selectivity, potency, and synthetic feasibility. Full article

Real estate constitutes a core segment of the global building and built environment industry, absorbing substantial volumes of international institutional investment capital. Unlisted real estate has featured prominently in the portfolios of global institutional investors. In recent years, global real estate markets have been significantly impacted by rising interest rates, posing a real and significant risk to investors. In response, more tactical asset allocation strategies have been adopted. Investment fund managers and institutional investors seek to rebalance through sector selections and sectoral portfolio diversification when tactical asset allocation strategy may be insufficient in phases of heightened rate volatility. By deploying MSCI US unlisted sector-specific real estate quarterly total returns between March 1999 and June 2024, this research assesses portfolio asset allocation strategy for unlisted sector-specific real estate over both rate-easing and rate-tightening phases to investigate how the structural change shapes portfolio asset allocation strategy resulting from the rising interest rates. Overall, the findings show that unlisted sector-specific real estate played a substantial role in the US institutional mixed-asset portfolios during rate-hike phases in the period before the COVID-19 recession. The allocation to unlisted sector-specific real estate was close to the maximum 10% cap, averaging 9.5% during rate-easing phases but decreasing to 7.5% during rate-tightening phases. At a sector level, unlisted office real estate allocations were higher across constrained mixed-asset and real estate portfolios in rate-tightening phases relative to those in rate-easing phases, while portfolio asset allocations to unlisted real estate sectors were lower in rate-easing phases relative to those in rate-tightening phases. These empirical findings provide real estate investment stakeholders with practical and crucial insights into rebalancing portfolios’ tactical asset allocation strategies for unlisted sector-specific real estate responding to interest rate phases and macro-financial markets, albeit static asset allocation strategies being insufficient in phases of heightened rate volatility. The investment implications of empirical outcomes are identified and further discussed. Full article

Microorganisms have emerged as prolific and versatile producers of steroidal natural products, displaying a remarkable capacity for structural diversification that extends far beyond classical sterol frameworks. This review critically examines steroidal metabolites isolated from microbial sources, with a particular emphasis on marine-derived and endophytic fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, alongside selected bacterial and lesser-studied fungal taxa. Comparative analysis reveals that these organisms repeatedly generate distinctive steroid scaffolds, including highly oxygenated ergostanes, secosteroids, rearranged polycyclic systems, and hybrid architectures arising from oxidative cleavage, cyclization, and Diels–Alder-type transformations. While many reported compounds exhibit cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or enzyme-inhibitory activities, the biological relevance of these metabolites varies considerably, highlighting the need to distinguish broadly recurring bioactivities from isolated or strain-specific observations. By integrating structural classification with biosynthetic considerations and bioactivity trends, this review identifies key steroidal frameworks that recur across taxa and appear particularly promising for further pharmacological investigation. In addition, current gaps in mechanistic understanding and compound prioritization are discussed. Finally, emerging strategies such as genome mining, biosynthetic gene cluster analysis, co-culture approaches, and synthetic biology are highlighted as powerful tools to unlock the largely untapped potential of microbial genomes for the discovery of novel steroidal scaffolds. Together, this synthesis underscores the importance of microorganisms as a dynamic and expandable source of structurally unique and biologically relevant steroids, and provides a framework to guide future discovery-driven and mechanism-oriented research in the field. Full article

The evolution of type I polyketide synthase (T1PKS) assembly lines remains poorly understood. Through systematic mining of polyene biosynthetic gene clusters, we identified a novel eurocidin biosynthetic pathway capable of producing identical compounds with divergent loading module architectures, thereby capturing an evolutionary transitional state. Biochemical analysis revealed unprecedented functional reprogramming of acyltransferase (AT) domains, shifting substrate specificity from extender units (malonyl-CoA) to starter units (acyl-CoA). This paradigm shift enables direct initiation of polyketide chain assembly via AT-mediated loading of starter units, thereby elucidating the origin of extant AT-initiated assembly lines and establishing AT functional plasticity as a novel mechanism for polyketide structural diversification. Parallel evolution of ketosynthase (KS) domains through KSS→KSQ mutations further diversified initiation strategies. Applying this evolutionary insight, we engineered the candicidin pathway by replacing its native aromatic-starting bimodule with a starter-selective monomodule from eurocidin, generating aliphatic-starting analogs. This demonstrates that evolution-inspired AT reprogramming provides a rational framework for modifying polyketide starter units, expanding structural diversity, and enhancing therapeutic potential. Full article

This paper extends the gravity model to financial markets by examining how distance and bilateral linkages influence stock market correlations between the United States and selected emerging economies. To this end, the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator is used to account for heteroskedasticity and zero-value observations. Results show that greater economic distance weakens equity market correlations, while larger combined economic mass strengthens them, suggesting that bigger economies foster deeper financial linkages. Moreover, the results show that higher trade intensity between the U.S. and emerging markets results in negative correlations, which are explained by portfolio diversification motives—investors view these markets as substitutes, reallocating funds in opposite directions under varying conditions. The findings highlight how structural factors, distance measures, and trade intensity influence international equity market correlations, providing key insights for portfolio allocation and diversification strategies. Full article

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a major challenge in neurological development research and is receiving increasing attention from the pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences. Despite this constant growth, there is no document that provides a comprehensive overview integrating publication trends, key contributors, and thematic developments, allowing efforts to be focused on specific areas. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of pharmacological research related to ASD published between 2001 and 2025. Methods: The database obtained contains 1170 articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database in the JCR Pharmacy and Pharmacology category. Bibliometric indicators such as publication growth, h-index, authorship, institutional and national productivity, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer and the laws of Price, Bradford, Zipf, and Lotka. Results: A total of 1170 documents were analyzed, showing an exponential increase in pharmacological research related to ASD over the last two decades. The United States, China, and Italy emerged as the most productive countries, while King Saud University, Harvard Medical School, and The Ohio State University were among the leading institutions. The most frequently cited keywords, such as “autism spectrum disorder,” “valproic acid,” “oxidative stress,” and “flavonoids,” revealed a translational approach linking neurobiological mechanisms, redox imbalance, and therapeutic interventions. Contemporary research emphasizes immuno–synaptic interactions, microbiota, and biomarker-guided approaches. Conclusions: This study highlights the global expansion and diversification of pharmacological research in ASD. The results underscore a shift toward integrated biological frameworks and precision-oriented strategies, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance translational outcomes in ASD therapy. Full article

The sustained growth of electricity demand and the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems have intensified the need for efficient, flexible, and reliable operation of electrical distribution networks. In this context, the coordinated integration of distributed renewable energy resources and demand-side flexibility has emerged as a key strategy to improve technical performance and economic efficiency. This work proposes an integrated optimization framework for active power supply in a radial, distribution-like network through the optimal siting and sizing of photovoltaic (PV) units and wind turbines (WTs), combined with a real-time pricing (RTP)-based demand-side response (DSR) program. The problem is formulated using the branch-flow (DistFlow) model, which explicitly represents voltage drops, branch power flows, and thermal limits in radial feeders. A multiobjective function is defined to jointly minimize annual operating costs, active power losses, and voltage deviations, subject to network operating constraints and inverter capability limits. Uncertainty associated with solar irradiance, wind speed, ambient temperature, load demand, and electricity prices is captured through probabilistic modeling and scenario-based analysis. To solve the resulting nonlinear and constrained optimization problem, an Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (I-WaOA) is employed. The proposed algorithm enhances the classical Whale Optimization Algorithm by incorporating diversification and feasibility-oriented mechanisms, including Cauchy mutation, Fitness–Distance Balance (FDB), quasi-oppositional-based learning (QOBL), and quadratic penalty functions for constraint handling. These features promote robust convergence toward admissible solutions under stochastic operating conditions. The methodology is validated on a large-scale radialized network derived from the IEEE 118-bus benchmark, enabling a DistFlow-consistent assessment of technical and economic performance under realistic operating scenarios. The results demonstrate that the coordinated integration of PV, WT, and RTP-driven demand response leads to a reduction in feeder losses, an improvement in voltage profiles, and an enhanced voltage stability margin, as quantified through standard voltage deviation and fast voltage stability indices. Overall, the proposed framework provides a practical and scalable tool for supporting planning and operational decisions in modern power distribution networks with high renewable penetration and demand flexibility. Full article

This study aimed to determine the degree of diversification in exports of fresh/chilled salmon and the level of international competitiveness of Norway, Sweden, Chile, and the United Kingdom over 2020–2024, using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and the normalized revealed comparative advantage (NRCA). A quantitative, descriptive approach was adopted, drawing on annual Trade Map data for HS subheading 030214. HHI series were constructed by country–destination and NRCA series by country–market, and both were examined through univariate analysis. The findings showed that Norway exhibited low concentration levels and strong, stable advantages in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Russia, whereas Sweden displayed moderate but rising concentration, supported by high advantages in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. In contrast, Chile and the United Kingdom recorded persistently high HHI values, with pronounced advantages concentrated in a limited number of markets (Brazil in Chile’s case; France and Chinese Taipei in the UK’s) and intra-product positions or comparative disadvantages in China, the United States, and Mexico. The study concludes that the combination of geographic diversification and positive NRCA enhances export resilience, while extreme specialization increases vulnerability to demand and regulatory shocks. It is recommended that Chile and the United Kingdom further develop diversification strategies toward markets where NRCA is neutral or negative, and that Norway and Sweden consolidate their advantages through investments in sustainability, traceability, and logistics. Further multivariate research incorporating macroeconomic and firm-level variables is also suggested. Full article

In the context of open innovation, innovation cooperation has become an important path to strengthen the resilience of urban economics. This study aims to explore how different innovation cooperation patterns impact urban economic resilience by utilizing panel data from 280 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2020. The results show that intra-provincial buzz has a nonlinear relationship with economic resilience, while the inter-provincial pipeline consistently enhances that resilience. Furthermore, intra-provincial buzz primarily promotes economic resilience by improving the technology agglomeration level, while the inter-provincial pipeline achieves the same by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship vitality. Further analysis reveals heterogeneous effects across geographic locations, city sizes, and levels of industrial diversification. These findings highlight the complex impacts of two innovation cooperation patterns on urban economic resilience, underscoring the requirement for strategies tailored to specific situations depending on geographic and economic contexts. Full article