Search Results (41,095)

Single-cell omics technologies have transformed the study of cellular heterogeneity, enabling high-resolution analysis of tissue development and complex traits. In sheep and goats, these approaches have been applied to skin, hair follicles, reproductive organs, metabolic tissues, and adipose tissue, revealing cell type-specific regulatory programs underlying traits such as wool quality, fertility, growth, and fat deposition. However, most studies rely on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and are limited by incomplete genome annotation, insufficient coverage of production traits, and weak integration with population genetics, restricting their application in molecular breeding. This review summarizes advances in single-cell omics in sheep and goats, focusing on tissue development and trait formation. We further discuss emerging strategies that integrate single-cell multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, and population genetics to resolve regulatory mechanisms in a cell type-specific and spatially informed context. Finally, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9-based validation to link genotype and phenotype, accelerating gene discovery and precision breeding in small ruminants. Full article

Investigating the spatial correlation characteristics and configurational pathways of ecological space service value (ESSV) is of importance for alleviating urban ecological pressure. This study, focusing on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in China, employs the modified value equivalent method, gravity model, and configurational analysis model to elucidate the spatiotemporal evolution mechanisms of ESSV. The results demonstrate that: (1) The extent of ecological space decreased sharply (328.25 km²), primarily converting to other ecological space. Among these, the grassland ecological space experienced the largest reduction (215.34 km²), whereas the decline in forest ecological space was relatively modest (58.85 km²). (2) ESSV showed a fluctuating but overall increasing trend, with ΔESSV dominated by negative changes. Spatially, the pattern was characterized by higher values in the west, lower values in the east, and a contiguous high-value area in the central region. (3) The network of ESSV exhibited multiple connections and multiple cores, with the strength of network linkages continuously strengthening and showing a trend of expansion from the central region toward the south and north. (4) High ESSV depends on the configurational effects of multidimensional resilience factors. Several configurational modes were identified, including single-core resilience-driven and multi-dimensional resilience synergy-driven modes. Full article

Decommissioned airfields are increasingly recognized as strategic sites for ecological regeneration, climate adaptation, and the creation of new public spaces. However, research on their transformation has predominantly focused on the environmental performance of Nature-based Solutions (NBS), often overlooking the role of inherited spatial morphology in structuring regeneration processes and outcomes. This paper proposes an AI-assisted, morphology-based proto-ontological framework for analyzing and designing post-airfield architecture. The framework was developed through the inductive and comparative analysis of a corpus of 32 urban post-airfield regeneration projects, from which recurrent inherited morphologies, transformation actions, spatial devices, and NBS were identified and structured into a relational sequence. The framework was then applied to two contrasting case studies: Maurice Rose Airfield Park (Frankfurt) and Xuhui Runway Park (Shanghai); these were selected for their different transformation logics. The results show that similar airfield morphologies can generate markedly different climatic, ecological, social, and memory-related outcomes depending on how they are transformed and linked to NBS. The study demonstrates that inherited airfield morphologies are not passive remnants but operative spatial structures, and that NBS should be understood as spatially embedded and form-generating design components. The proposed proto-ontology offers a transferable analytical model and a basis for future computational and generative design applications. Full article

The results of a multiscale study of fault and fracture geometry, distribution, density, and intensity are reported for Mesozoic platform carbonates cropping out along the axial zones of the southern Apennines fold-and-thrust belt, Italy. By integrating field structural observations with digital outcrop analysis, the study focuses on Cretaceous limestone rocks exposed along natural creeks and artificial trails of the Castelsaraceno area, Raparo Mt., southern Italy. There, the limestone beds are bounded by mm- to cm-thick marly–clayey interbeds, forming a well-layered succession made up of a few m-thick bed packages bounded by several cm-thick clayish interlayers. The carbonate multilayer was first affected by thrust tectonics, with the formation of low-angle intra-carbonate thrust faults and fault bend-folding. Then, the multilayer was crosscut by extensional–transtensional high-angle faults, which displaced the previously formed contractional structural elements, and allowed carbonate exhumation from shallow crustal depths. At outcrop scales, thrust-related deformation was solved by low-angle joints and veins, rare high-angle stylolites, and low-angle sheared fractures displaying reverse kinematics. Quantitative analyses of fracture density (P20) and intensity (P21) conducted on selected portions of the thrust fault zones indicate that the low-angle joints and veins attain their highest values in the vicinity of the main slip surfaces, whereas they are almost absent in the surrounding carbonate host rocks. Plio-Quaternary transtensional deformation was solved by NW–SE- and NE–SW striking faults. The latter fault set, nicely exposed along the flanks of the Raganello Creek, was characterized by right-lateral components of slip. Incipient faults, with ca. 1 cm throw, are made up of vertically discontinuous slip surfaces, which crosscut single bed packages and abut against clayish interlayers. The slip surfaces form conjugate geometries, and are associated to high-angle fractures and veins striking NE–SW, dissecting the bed packages. The fault core is virtually absent, whereas the damage zones are very discontinuous along dip. The P20 values computed for the high-angle fractures and veins increase toward the slip surfaces, whereas the P21 values remain nearly constant. These data are interpreted as being due to fault nucleation processes associated with fracture nucleation within the limestone rocks. NE–SW striking small faults displaying throws between 10 and 60 cm are comprised of through-going main slip surfaces crosscutting multiple bed packages, and poorly developed, discontinuous fault cores flanked by m-thick damage zones. The damage zones include sub-parallel high-angle shear fractures, fractures and veins showing a positive correlation between P20 and P21, whose values increase in the vicinity of the main slip surfaces. Such a positive correlation is interpreted as due to fault growth by linkage and coalescence of pre-existing high-angle fractures, and formation of fault-related joints and veins at the extensional quadrants of single shear fractures. Similarly, large-scale NE–SW striking mature faults with throws on the order of tens of meters, made up of a m-thick fault core and 10 s of m-thick damage zones including sub-parallel fractures and veins, also show a positive P20 and P21 correlation. The main outputs of this work are synthesized into a conceptual model illustrating the transition from thrust-related deformation to extensional–transtensional faulting, documenting the evolution of fracture networks from incipient-to-small-to-mature faults. Full article

Amid China’s transition from rapid urbanization to high-quality development, quantifying urban building metabolism is crucial for building resilient resource management systems. However, current research predominantly focuses on eastern cities, largely overlooking non-residential buildings. Here, we apply dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) to quantify the material stocks of residential and non-residential buildings in two major economic hubs in western China, Xi’an and Chengdu. The stock patterns from 1950 to 2050 and the underlying drivers are further clarified. Model projections suggest that material stocks in both cities will peak around 2040, reaching 2.2 billion tons in Chengdu and 1.08 billion tons in Xi’an, under the intensive scenario. Chengdu reaches stock saturation 2 to 3 years earlier than Xi’an, and the total stocks are approximately twice those of Xi’an. Reinforced concrete and steel structures dominate future building development and increase the accumulation of cement and steel. Sand and gravel still account for the majority of building materials. Demand for new construction materials shows a pronounced double-peak pattern, occurring in 2016 and 2026. Construction waste is projected to rise sharply by mid-century; scenario analysis indicates that an 80% material recovery rate has the potential to largely offset new material demand. Sensitivity analysis identifies building lifetime extension and construction technology improvement as the strategies with the greatest potential for mitigating future waste generation. This study expands the scope of urban building material metabolism research and provides a scientific basis for low-carbon urban planning and construction waste management in China. Full article

This study investigates the readiness of future teachers in Romania to meet the requirements of inclusive education, with a specific focus on curricular deficits and student teachers’ perceptions of competence. Respecting the right to education for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a central policy commitment. Yet, the capacity of initial teacher education (ITE) programs to operationalize this mandate remains uncertain. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the research combines a systematic documentary analysis of national regulations and psycho-pedagogical curricula (Orders No. 4139/2022 and 4524/2020; Law No. 199/2023) with a survey of 327 student teachers across eight universities. Systematic Content Analysis, based on a three-level depth protocol, reveals a structural curricular deficit: Level 1 outcomes (theoretical awareness of SEN and inclusion) appear in approximately 40% of compulsory subjects, whereas Level 2 outcomes (operational competence, such as designing adapted lessons or differentiated assessments) are almost completely absent from the mandatory core and are confined to electives. Survey results mirror this gap: although 81% of respondents anticipate working with pupils with SEN, 29.9% feel poorly or very poorly prepared, 25.5% report a lack of basic knowledge of SEN, and only 14.6% report high confidence in designing adapted activities. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) shows that training level has a statistically significant but small effect on technical inclusive skills (p = 0.043; η²_p = 0.013), while inclusive attitudes are mainly associated with age. The study concludes with a roadmap for reforming ITE through mandatory SEN-focused practicum placements and transversal integration of inclusive pedagogy. Full article

In this paper, L1 phonemic systems are discussed in the context of their impact on the pronunciation and perception of English diphthongs in PE, drawing on World Englishes and phonetic analysis. The study focuses on speakers whose native languages are Punjabi, Seraiki, Pashto, and Urdu, and examines how changes in local vowel inventories and glide processes influence diphthong production. The controlled production and perception tasks were done on eight English diphthongs by 40 adult speakers (10 speakers per L1 group). The formant trajectories (F1, F2), duration, and intensity were recorded by acoustic analyses, which are used to measure the variation that occurs as the articulatory glide occurs between vowel targets. Perception was measured using diphthong identification tasks to assess listeners’ sensitivity to dynamic spectral movement. The results indicate systematic L1-conditioned restructuring. Deviations were the most pronounced in diphthongs with significant vowel gliding, especially centering diphthongs, characterized by a decrease in spectral movement, a constriction in vowel space, and a general tendency toward monophthongization. Closing diphthongs were generally more stable in production; however, they still exhibited systematic L1-conditioned variation, particularly in glide magnitude, spectral direction, and temporal realization. These patterns of production were highly consistent with the results of perceptual production: the diphthongs with lesser acoustic movement were also found to be less accurately recognized, and diphthongs in their L1s and speakers of phonemically richer vowel systems had partial glide contrasts. The findings demonstrate that the variation in diphthongs in PE is systematic, reflecting predictable relationships between the L1 phonemic system, perceptual assimilation, and sociolinguistic experience. The findings highlight the pedagogical value of L1-sensitive pronunciation instruction and contribute to the phonetic description of Pakistani English as a systematic contact variety. Full article

Sustainable and efficient removal of nutrients in decentralised wastewater treatment is still challenging. This work focused on the characterisation of natural clinoptilolite and chabasite as low-cost and recyclable ammonium adsorbents. Inductively coupled plasma analysis showed Si/Al ratios of 3.92 and 2.30 for clinoptilolite and chabasite, respectively. X-ray diffraction tests showed different material purities (93% for clinoptilolite and 73% for chabasite). The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) reported specific areas of 291.6 m²∙g⁻¹ and 29.9 m²∙g⁻¹ for chabasite and clinoptilolite, respectively. Single point pore volume at P/P₀ = 0.99 was 0.2 cm³ g⁻¹ and 0.12 cm³ g⁻¹ for chabasite and clinoptilolite, respectively. Adsorption capacities derived from batch adsorption tests were 1.66 ± 0.08 mg∙g⁻¹ and 1.47 ±0.03 mg∙g⁻¹ for clinoptilolite and chabasite, respectively (C_eq = 10 mg∙L⁻¹). In all column tests, the adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite was higher (2.48 ± 0.3 vs. 2.21 ± 0.2 mg∙g⁻¹), a result inconsistent with its lower exchange capacity and lower specific surface area. Although it is difficult to clearly define the leading mechanism for adsorption, the difference between the two materials is probably due to the slower adsorption kinetics of chabazite, while the purity of the material may also have contributed. Applications of these sustainable materials for ammonium adsorption in decentralised wastewater treatment is promising, although determining their detailed preliminary characterisation is fundamental. Full article

This article addresses the role of geometry in architecture throughout history as a language that supports and connects the domains of design and aesthetic expression. This study focuses on the analysis of contemporary curvilinear glass architecture, in which geometry becomes a fundamental tool for shaping both form and its visual perception. We define and investigate panelization strategies for freeform surfaces, adopting surface continuity as the primary criterion for their classification. Research is conducted through the confrontation of two complementary approaches: a descriptive one, based on case study analysis, and a generative one, employing parametric modeling of curvilinear surfaces. In the descriptive approach, selected architectural realizations are analyzed, in which panelization strategies and their impact on the aesthetic expression of glass façades are identified. In the generative approach, a digital surface analysis is conducted, enabling the assessment of relationships between geometry, panel typology, and visual continuity. The results provide a basis for developing theoretical and methodological frameworks for the analysis and design of curvilinear glass architecture. This study identifies interdependencies between geometry, material, and fabrication processes. The main contribution of this study is a method for analyzing curved surfaces based on digital analysis, enabling a systematic evaluation of the relationships between geometry, panelization typology, and surface continuity in the context of freeform architectural design. This method may support informed and conscious design decision-making. Full article

Recent advances in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have rapidly transformed research and practice across the Cultural Heritage domain. While several studies have investigated AI applications in documentation, analysis and dissemination, a focused and critical assessment of generative AI within 3D virtual reconstruction workflows is still lacking. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature addressing the use of generative AI in 3D heritage virtual reconstructions, with particular attention to methodological implications, scientific reliability and ethical challenges. A large-scale bibliographic analysis covering publications from 2015 to 2024 was conducted using OpenAlex, complemented by targeted manual searches. From an initial corpus of over 8700 papers on 3D heritage reconstruction, only 13 directly addressed generative AI-driven reconstruction processes. The analysis highlights a significant gap between the rapid technological development of AI-based tools and their cautious, often problematic, adoption in virtual reconstruction practices. Results reveal recurring issues related to terminological ambiguity, opacity of reconstruction processes, evaluation metrics focused on visual plausibility rather than scientific transparency and the risk of interpretative bias. The paper argues that current AI-driven approaches tend to privilege speed and aesthetic outcomes over heuristic, source-based reconstruction workflows. Finally, future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the potential role of AI as an evaluative and analytical support tool rather than a fully autonomous reconstruction agent, in alignment with established charters and principles of virtual archaeology. Full article

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are essential tools for terrain analysis. However, their selection often focuses on spatial resolution or overall vertical accuracy, overlooking aspects such as geometric consistency or fitness for specific applications. This misalignment between DEM’s capabilities and study requirements can lead to inaccurate interpretations, undermining the reliability of the results. To address this, we assessed the accuracy of seven freely available global DEMs (SRTM, ASTER, ALOS, Copernicus DEM, MERIT DEM, NASADEM, and FABDEM) against a 1 m LiDAR reference in a coastal region of El Salvador. Our workflow combined traditional metrics (RMSE, MAE, ME) with spatial error visualizations (histograms and heatmaps) and introduced the Spatial Error Robustness Index (SERI) with RMSE/SD ratio to jointly quantify error magnitude and variability. Elevation and slope were selected for DEM–LiDAR comparisons. Results show that all DEMs systematically overestimate elevation, with slope errors amplified by scale discrepancies. FABDEM achieved the highest elevation accuracy across coastal and tectonic landscapes, ALOS the lowest slope RMSE overall and Copernicus performed best in coastal zones; DEM performance depends on terrain and parameters. The SERI and RMSE/SD ratio, combined with spatial visualizations, revealed systematic error patterns and improved geomorphic coherence interpretation. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven markerless motion capture (MMC) technologies are increasingly being integrated into pediatric healthcare to improve the assessment and management of movement disorders. These video-based systems enable non-invasive motion analysis without wearable sensors, facilitating more natural movement assessment in children, particularly those with neurological or developmental conditions. Objectives: We evaluated the clinical applicability of AI-based MMC tools in pediatric settings for diagnosis, monitoring of motor development, and rehabilitation. Methods: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024511787) and conducted by two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. The literature published between 2018 and 2025 was systematically searched. Studies involving pediatric populations or clinically relevant pediatric applications of MMC were included. Results: Of 1521 identified studies, 52 were finally selected. The included studies evaluated populations across a wide age range. However, seven of the included articles were specifically focused on underage populations. Infant studies primarily analyzed whole-body movements, emphasizing the relevance of global motor patterns in early development. OpenPose and AlphaPose were the most frequently used frameworks in pediatric research because of their automatic full-body key point detection, whereas DeepLabCut was commonly selected for its customizable labeling capabilities. Theia3D emerged as a promising clinically applicable solution with high accuracy. Most studies evaluated kinematic parameters as objective markers of motor performance and development. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited pediatric-specific validation remain important limitations. Conclusions: AI-driven MMC technologies show considerable potential to support objective, accessible, and child-friendly movement assessment in pediatric clinical practice. Full article

Incorporating comonomers in propylene polymerization plays a critical role in tuning the physical and chemical properties of the resulting polymers. In this study, the impact of three developed comonomers on propylene polymerization over the triethylaluminum-treated TiCl₃ catalyst was investigated in detail by DFT. The results indicate that these comonomers remain highly stable under actual catalytic conditions, with their ions or functional groups showing a low propensity for detachment, which would otherwise poison the catalyst or disrupt the polymerization process. However, the three comonomers on the surface with a strong adsorption capacity may compete with propylene for adsorption, which will affect the polymerization. Among them, Vinyltrimethoxysilane, which exhibits the strongest adsorption ability, tends to form bonds with the ethyl on the catalyst surface, leading to catalyst poisoning and inhibiting the reaction. In contrast, 5-hexenyl methyldichlorosilane demonstrates relatively higher activity due to its balanced properties. The order of reactivity in the polymerization reaction: 5-hexenyl methyldichlorosilane > 5-hexenyldichlorophosphonane > vinyltrimethoxysilane. This work provides fundamental mechanistic insights into how functional comonomers interact with catalytic active sites through adsorption, competitive reactions, and insertion processes. Additional free energy analysis at 333 K confirms that these mechanistic trends remain unchanged under realistic reaction conditions. Rather than directly simulating industrial catalysts, the present study focuses on a model TiCl₃ system to elucidate intrinsic structure-reactivity relationships. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of comonomer effects in olefin polymerization at the molecular level. Full article

Introduction: Elasmobranchs play a crucial role in ecosystem regulation, but they are highly vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, particularly those driven by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, elasmobranchs are among the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide, with overfishing and habitat degradation representing the primary threats to their survival. To address these challenges, in situ and ex situ conservation programs are complementary approaches. Objective: The implementation of assisted reproductive technologies, still poorly developed for elasmobranchs, represents a critical component of these ex situ strategies. Focused on that aspect, the main goal of this work was to get a better understanding of the sperm cells morphologies of different Mediterranean elasmobranch species. Results: The Elasmobranchii spermatozoa possesses a long and he-lical head, an elongated midpiece, and a flagellum supplemented with additional ultrastructural components to its axoneme. The comparative analysis of sperm head morphology revealed substantial interspecific variation among the studied elasmobranchs. Head length was relatively conserved, ranging from 48.5 to 62.0 μm, whereas helical parameters showed much greater variability. S. canicula and M. mobular exhibited the most compact head morphology, characterized by short helical wavelengths, low amplitudes, and the highest numbers of helices. In contrast, the batoids R. rhinobatos, R. radula, and R. clavata displayed broader, more widely spaced helices and fewer turns. Phylogenetic patterns were partially evident, as the closely related rajids shared very similar sperm morphology, while R. rhinobatos showed a comparable batoid morphotype. However, similarities between the distantly related M. mobular and S. canicula, and differences between the scyliorhinids S. canicula and G. melastomus, suggest that ecological and reproductive factors, in addition to phylogeny, have influenced the evolution of sperm head morphology in elasmobranchs. Conclusion: Elasmobranchii species possess big spermatozoa (compared to bony fishes) with an elongated helical head and tail similar to one currently existing (but later diverged) in birds, reptiles, and amphibians, which can be considered an evolutionary ancient. Sperm head morphology varies markedly among elasmobranchs, mainly regarding helical traits rather than head length. While phylogeny explains similarities among rajids, convergent patterns in distantly related species suggest that additional ecological and reproductive factors influence sperm evolution and structural design. Full article

Construction sites generate large volumes of contaminated wastewater, yet sustainable treatment solutions remain limited. This study presents a case study focusing on the wastewater produced from washing construction equipment at an industrial site in northern Morocco. Initial characterization revealed a chemical oxygen demand of 3125 mg O₂/L, a five-day biochemical oxygen demand of 980 mg O₂/L, and a total suspended solids concentration of 676 mg/L, values that exceed national discharge standards. An electrocoagulation process using aluminum electrodes was employed, alongside electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, to investigate the treatment mechanisms. Under optimal conditions (30 min at 142.85 A/m²), the removal of chemical oxygen demand reached 88%, alongside significant reductions in dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. Analysis of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy identified two relaxation phenomena associated with ionic migration and flocculation, with efficiency decreasing beyond 0.3 A. These results demonstrate that electrocoagulation is an effective and sustainable technology for treating construction site wastewater. This study highlights its potential for practical application in the built environment and its relevance for improving the environmental performance of the construction sector. Full article