Search Results (2,546)

Mediterranean forests are increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including large wildfires, prolonged droughts and rural abandonment, making sustainable forest management (SFM) a key element for climate adaptation and territorial resilience. However, despite its recognised importance, the social acceptance of SFM remains insufficiently understood, particularly in relation to how public perceptions are shaped by media narratives and information ecosystems. This study addresses this gap by analysing the relationship between media framing and social acceptance of SFM in a Mediterranean context. A mixed-methods approach was applied in the Valencian region (Spain), combining (i) a systematic analysis of conventional and digital media, (ii) a system mapping exercise to identify dominant narratives and communication dynamics, and (iii) a population survey (n = 1070) focused on perceptions of forests, climate change and forest management. The results reveal a high level of environmental concern and climate awareness, coexisting with limited knowledge of SFM and simplified or distorted perceptions of forest dynamics. Media coverage is predominantly reactive and event-driven, strongly focused on wildfire events, while preventive and adaptive forest management practices remain largely invisible. In this context, support for SFM increases significantly when management practices are clearly explained and contextualised, indicating that resistance is more closely related to communication gaps than to ideological opposition. These findings highlight the critical role of media framing and communication processes in shaping the social acceptance of SFM. The study contributes to the literature by integrating media analysis and social perception within a forest governance perspective, and provides empirical insights to support more effective communication strategies and policy design in Mediterranean regions facing increasing climate pressures. Full article

The Fruit Weight 2.2-like (FWL) gene family, characterized by the conserved PLAC8 domain, plays important roles in plant organ development and metal ion homeostasis. However, the systematic characterization of FWL genes in rice (Oryza sativa) and their involvement in abiotic stress responses remain insufficiently understood. In this study, a genome-wide identification of the FWL gene family in rice was performed, resulting in the identification of nine OsFWL genes, including a previously unreported member, OsFWL9. Phylogenetic analysis of FWL proteins from rice, maize, soybean, and Arabidopsis thaliana classified the family into three distinct subgroups, indicating both conserved and divergent evolutionary relationships. Structural and conserved motif analyses revealed that OsFWL proteins share similar domain architectures, while promoter analysis uncovered abundant cis-acting elements associated with stress responses, phytohormone signaling, and plant growth and development. Expression profiling demonstrated that most OsFWL genes were rapidly induced by drought, high temperature, salt, and arsenic stresses at the seedling stage, suggesting their broad involvement in abiotic stress adaptation. Notably, OsFWL8 exhibited a unique expression pattern, being significantly suppressed under arsenic stress. Functional characterization using CRISPR/Cas9-generated knockout mutants and overexpression lines revealed that OsFWL8 negatively regulates arsenic tolerance in rice. Overexpression of OsFWL8 markedly increased plant sensitivity to arsenic stress. Furthermore, arsenic detoxification-related genes, including OsABCC1 and OsPCS2, were significantly upregulated in fwl8 mutants under arsenic treatment. These results indicate that OsFWL8 may modulate arsenic tolerance by influencing arsenic sequestration and detoxification pathways. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the FWL gene family in rice and identifies OsFWL8 as a key regulator of arsenic stress response, offering valuable insights for improving rice tolerance to heavy metal stress. Full article

Milk fat synthesis in dairy cows is a complex process affected by ruminal fermentation, systemic metabolism, and mammary gland activity. To explore the metabolic interplay across these systems, a multi-tissue metabolomics approach (rumen fluid, plasma, and milk) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify metabolic differences between Chinese Holstein cows with high (H-MF, 5.82 ± 0.41%) and low (L-MF, 3.60 ± 0.12%) milk fat content under the same diet. The bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were also cultured to evaluate the impact of a key metabolite, malic acid (MA), on lipid metabolism. Our findings reveal distinct metabolic profiles across rumen fluid, plasma, and milk, with 96, 109, and 79 differential metabolites, respectively, between the L-MF and H-MF groups. In rumen fluid, H-MF cows showed higher levels of lauric acid and succinic acid, linked to fatty acid biosynthesis, while the L-MF cows had elevated citraconic and orotic acids, associated with amino acid metabolism and liver stress. Plasma from the H-MF cows contained higher β-hydroxybutyric acid, methionine sulfoxide, and phosphatidylcholine, supporting lipogenesis, whereas L-MF plasma showed increased 3-hydroxy-L-proline, indicating tissue catabolism. In milk, the L-MF cows had higher MA, while the H-MF cows exhibited elevated L-carnitine, linked to fatty acid β-oxidation. Metabolite trend analysis during rumen fluid–plasma–milk showed that 211 metabolites were classified into 8 profiles. Profile 1 had the largest number of metabolites whose levels were down-regulated from rumen to plasma and enriched in lipid metabolism. Profile 3 (mainly related to amino acid metabolism) and profile 4 (mainly related to energy metabolism) exhibited opposite trends from plasma to milk. In vitro, 200 μM of MA reduced the triglyceride content in BMECs and down-regulated lipogenic genes and their protein expression levels (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1). These results highlight how rumen fluid, plasma, and milk metabolites collectively influence milk fat synthesis, with MA acting as a key regulator of lipid metabolism in mammary epithelial cells. Full article

As public demand for health and well-being continues to rise, rural landscapes are increasingly valued as settings for stress reduction and psycho-physiological restoration. Drawing on five “Beautiful Villages” in Jiangning District, Nanjing (China), this study categorizes rural landscapes into three types—farmland production landscapes, rural settlement landscapes, and rural mountain–water landscapes—based on the proportional dominance of key landscape elements. Audio-visual stimuli were developed from on-site photography and field recordings to construct controlled rural audio-visual environments. Using a combination of physiological indicators and self-reported psychological assessments, we systematically compare restorative responses across modalities (visual, auditory, and audio-visual) and across landscape types, and examine how specific landscape elements relate to restorative outcomes. Results show that (1) auditory stimuli generally produce stronger restorative responses than visual stimuli, and audio-visual interactions are evident; (2) restorative benefits vary significantly across the three rural landscape types; and (3) visually natural and structurally rich elements are associated with greater restoration, while auditory cues can direct visual attention and natural sounds are positively linked to restorative outcomes. These findings advance understanding of multi-sensory restorative processes in rural landscapes and provide evidence for sustainable rural landscape planning and design by supporting healthier, more restorative, and more human-centered rural environments. Full article

With limited coaching resources, automated training devices offer opportunities for self-directed sports practice. However, their practical value depends on users’ continued use. To identify the key determinants of continuance intention toward basketball shooting training machines, this study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Task–Technology Fit (TTF) into an analytical framework. A mixed-method design was adopted, including prototype experience, interviews, and questionnaire surveys. A total of 429 valid questionnaires were collected from basketball enthusiasts recruited from universities, fitness centers, and public basketball courts. The results indicate that performance expectancy, task–technology fit, and effort expectancy all positively influence continuance intention. Among these factors, performance expectancy shows the strongest direct effect (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). In addition, task–technology fit reinforces both performance expectancy and effort expectancy. To translate these findings into design practice, the study further integrates the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) and the Function–Behavior–Structure (FBS) framework, generating a design pathway from behavioral mechanisms to functional elements and structural implementation. These findings provide theoretical and practical support for the design of automated training devices. Full article

The prediction of dynamic responses of offshore wind turbine foundations under wind-wave-current multi-field coupled loads is the cornerstone of safety in offshore wind power engineering. The currently widely adopted equivalent load application method, while computationally efficient, simplifies loads into concentrated forces applied at the pile top and tower top, neglecting fluid-structure dynamic interaction mechanisms, which leads to deviations in response predictions. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a high-precision bidirectional fluid-structure interaction numerical framework. The fluid domain employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to construct an air-seawater two-phase flow model, utilizing the standard k-ε turbulence model and nonlinear wave theory to accurately simulate complex marine environments. The solid domain establishes a wind turbine-stratified seabed system via the finite element method (FEM), describing soil-rock mechanical properties based on the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model. Comparative studies indicate that the equivalent static method significantly underestimates the displacement response of pile foundations, particularly under the extreme shutdown conditions examined in this study. This value should be interpreted as a case-specific observation rather than a universal deviation, and the discrepancy may vary with sea state, wind speed, current velocity, and wind–wave misalignment, thereby leading to non-conservative estimates of stress distribution. In contrast, the fluid-structure interaction method can reveal key physical processes such as local flow acceleration and wake–interference effects around the tower and the parked rotor under shutdown conditions, and the nonlinear interaction and resistance-increasing mechanisms between waves and currents. This model provides a reliable tool for safety assessment and damage evolution analysis of wind turbine foundations under extreme marine conditions, promoting the transformation of offshore wind power structure design from empirical formulas to mechanism-driven approaches. Full article

Optimizing the parameters of the manufacturing process for products in terms of metalworking equipment is one of the key tasks in technological preparation for production. This process is structurally complex, characterized by an ordered set of actions of various types. The basis for improving the efficiency of the technological process is the comprehensive optimization of the parameters of individual elements that form its structure. To solve this problem, an integrated model for comprehensive multi-criteria optimization of a structurally complex process has been developed, establishing a clear hierarchical relationship between its elements. The model is based on the structural decomposition of two processes: the process of forming individual design elements and the technological process of manufacturing a product. Structural hierarchical models have been developed for each process. The structure of the integrated model contains six levels of control. For each level of control, a set of target indicators and control parameters has been formed. The article presents the results of testing the proposed model using the example of optimizing the technological process of mechanical processing for the “Housing” product. As part of the study, structural and parametric optimization of the manufacturing process for this part was carried out. During the study, the structure of the technological processing route was optimized, as well as individual technological operations and technological transitions. Over the course of the work, the technological equipment and processing methods used for shaping a number of surfaces were replaced. As a result of the optimization, the overall labor intensity of the technological process for manufacturing the “Housing” product was reduced by 19.8%, and the manufacturing accuracy of the most critical surfaces was increased by 16.4%. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model for comprehensive optimization of the mechanical processing technological process. Full article

High-speed operation is a key pathway to higher power density in modern EV traction systems, and multi-parameter optimization is essential for enhancing its high-speed performance. This study investigates a 20,000 r/min interior double-V permanent-magnet flat-wire motor via finite-element simulations to systematically examine the effects of multiple interacting parameters—including flat-wire layer number, stator slot geometry, magnet grade, and rotor magnetic barrier angle—on the electromagnetic performance under high-speed operating conditions. The results indicate that increasing winding layers significantly reduces high-speed torque; an eight-layer design decreases torque by about 50% compared to a four-layer one, while a six-layer arrangement offers a favorable torque-loss trade-off. Wider slots lower the average torque but reduce torque ripple by approximately 27%, whereas deeper slots increase tooth flux density and reduce efficiency. Higher-grade magnets enhance air-gap flux and torque at elevated cost. Rotor magnet angle optimization reveals a trade-off between peak torque and ripple, with a symmetric 100°/100° design achieving balanced performance. These findings clarify structural–control interactions and support the multi-objective design of high-speed flat-wire permanent-magnet motors. Full article

This study aims to investigate the static performance of water-lubricated rubber bearings (WLRBs) with axial grooves. To achieve this objective, an analytical approach is employed that combines a modified Reynolds equation, accounting for surface groove effects and rubber deformation, with a Winkler model and finite element analysis of pressure distribution. By developing a fluid–structure interaction model that incorporates rubber liner deformation, this research reveals the interaction between WLRB geometry and steady-state performance parameters. The investigation evaluates the influence of geometric characteristics, including groove shape, number, and size, on the performance of elastomeric liner WLRBs, while assessing optimal groove depths under various conditions. The study analyzes five distinct groove geometries, including semi-cylindrical, rectangular prism, and three pyramidal types with different apex positions, in a six-groove bearing configuration, presenting their qualitative effects on the behavior of the examined bearings. The key findings indicate that increasing groove size or quantity reduces maximum pressure and load-carrying capacity while elevating friction coefficients. As groove count rises, supporting surfaces diminish, causing pressure distribution to intensify and minimum film thickness to decrease under a specified external load. A notable result reveals that when groove depth exceeds film thickness, performance becomes geometry-independent; however, shallower grooves exhibit significant geometric effects. Additionally, the study identifies groove ends as critical functional zones where film thickness reduction substantially enhances pressure distribution and static performance. Comparative analysis shows that longitudinal grooves with triangular cross sections outperform semi-circular and rectangular variants, with the backward triangular configuration demonstrating superior characteristics due to optimal end-film properties. In conclusion, this research provides a detailed understanding of how groove geometry influences the static performance of WLRBs, highlighting the importance of groove design, particularly at the groove ends, in optimizing bearing functionality. The findings offer valuable insights for the design and selection of groove configurations in water-lubricated rubber bearing applications. Full article

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is an important therapeutic target involving cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. However, the features of its activation as an essential function regulation process have been poorly understood, limiting related drug development. The work utilizes a molecular dynamics simulation coupled with an interpretable machine learning model to identify key structure and dynamics determinants distinguishing the active and inactive states of GRK5. Benefiting from the unbiased and data-driven framework, the work reveals that the active site tether (AST) is a dominant activation-associated feature, acting as a conformational switch that regulates kinase domain movements. Beyond this canonical element, we also uncover two previously underappreciated structure modules contributing to GRK5 activation, such as the coupling interaction between the α10/α11 helix interface with the N-terminal lipid-binding domain (NLBD) in the active state, and the α5 helix region that facilitates large-scale RH domain reorientation. Conformation dynamics analyses further indicate that GRK5 activation involves disruption of the interdomain interactions and interaction coupling between AST, αN-helix, kinase domain N-lobe, NLBD, and α10/α11 hinge. These observations provide valuable insights into understanding the GPK5 activation mechanism and also highlight the power of machine learning in capturing functionally conformational changes, and in turn offering a methodological guideline for the studying of the protein function mechanism. Full article

Molecular subtype–guided therapy for breast cancer (BC) remains limited in a subset of patients by suboptimal efficacy, acquired resistance, and the presence of “undruggable” targets. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategy that differs fundamentally from conventional occupancy-driven inhibition. By inducing ubiquitination of a protein of interest and subsequent proteasomal degradation, PROTACs can directly reduce pathogenic protein abundance and potentially abrogate non-catalytic or scaffolding functions, thereby enabling more durable pathway suppression in selected resistance contexts. This review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of action, key molecular design elements, and the developmental landscape of PROTACs, and maps target selection and research progress across BC molecular subtypes. In hormone receptor–positive/HER2-negative BC, clinical translation is most advanced for estrogen receptor alpha-directed PROTACs; Phase III evidence indicates biomarker-dependent efficacy, with clearer benefit signals in resistant subgroups such as estrogen receptor 1 mutations, suggesting that the net clinical benefit of TPD is more likely to be realized through precision stratification. In contrast, in solid-tumor settings, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC and triple-negative breast cancer, PROTAC translation is more frequently constrained by an “exposure–selectivity–therapeutic window” trade-off driven by physicochemical liabilities, insufficient tumor penetration, and broad target expression. Accordingly, engineering strategies—such as antibody/aptamer-mediated targeted delivery, stimulus-responsive prodrugs, nanocarriers, and local administration—are emerging as decisive approaches to enable safe and effective clinical implementation. Looking forward, further progress of PROTACs in BC will depend on expanding the spectrum of E3 ubiquitin ligases and recruitment modalities, establishing predictable and dynamically monitorable biomarker systems, optimizing rational combination/sequencing regimens with exposure- and schedule-guided dosing, and advancing scalable manufacturing and quality control capabilities, thereby translating mechanistic advantages of TPD into verifiable precision-therapy applications. Full article

With the rapid transition of power transmission systems toward higher capacity, longer distance, and improved efficiency, aluminum alloys from the 6xxx (Al–Mg–Si) and 8xxx (Al–Fe) series have become key structural materials for overhead conductors and power cables due to their low density, cost effectiveness, and favorable strength–conductivity balance. Compared with traditional steel-reinforced conductors, optimized aluminum alloy conductors can reduce structural weight by approximately 30–40% and installation cost by about 20–30%, while maintaining comparable current-carrying capacity. This review systematically focuses on modification methods and research progress of aluminum alloy cores for electric wires and cables. The strengthening characteristics of 6xxx alloys (heat-treatment responsiveness and precipitation strengthening) and the creep-resistance stability of 8xxx alloys are comparatively analyzed. Four core performance requirements—high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, creep resistance, and corrosion resistance—are summarized as evaluation criteria for conductor applications. Particular emphasis is placed on three major modification strategies: (1) microalloying (e.g., Zr, Sc, rare earth elements) for precipitation and dispersoid stabilization; (2) thermomechanical process optimization for grain refinement and strength–conductivity balance; (3) composite reinforcement for high-temperature and ultra-high-strength applications. Quantitative literature data indicate that microalloying and process optimization typically achieve 15–40% strength improvement with conductivity variation within 3–5% IACS, while composite strategies may provide 30–80% strength enhancement but often at the expense of 5–20% conductivity reduction. The distinct applicability of 6xxx and 8xxx alloys under different service conditions is clarified, providing guidance for conductor material selection. Finally, future research directions—including precise composition–process integration, advanced thermomechanical control, and scalable modification technologies—are proposed to support high-performance, cost-effective, and large-scale deployment of aluminum alloy conductors. Full article

Foodborne pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae are becoming an increasing global concern, with multidrug-resistant strains posing significant risks to food safety and public health, especially in high-risk products like dairy. This research focused on isolating, biologically characterizing, and genomically profiling new bacteriophages that target key Enterobacteriaceae members as potential biocontrol agents. Eight phages were isolated from wastewater using four bacterial hosts and analyzed through transmission electron microscopy, one-step growth analysis, adsorption kinetics, host range evaluation, whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, phylogenetic analysis, proteomic profiling, and virion assembly pathway characterization. All eight isolates exhibited icosahedral heads with contractile tails typical of Myoviridae morphology, demonstrated broad-spectrum lytic activity against 21 bacterial strains (infectivity: 47.6–95.2%), showed high adsorption efficiencies (84.75–99.98%), and had burst sizes ranging from 11 to 166 particles per cell. Genome sizes varied from 103 to 170 kb with coding densities between 92–96%. Importantly, none contained antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, or lysogeny-associated elements, confirming their strictly lytic lifestyles and favorable biosafety profiles. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicated mosaic genomic structures influenced by horizontal gene transfer rather than host phylogeny. These findings provide a robust biological and genomic basis for evaluating these phages as potentially safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics in controlling foodborne Enterobacteriaceae, pending further in situ validation. Full article

Understanding how geometry governs interfacial contact and material removal is central to designing efficient bioinspired surface systems. Gastropod radular teeth form natural arrays of microscale cutting elements optimized for repeated interaction with compliant and semi-rigid substrates, yet experimentally validated shape–performance relationships remain limited. Here, we isolate geometric effects on interfacial mechanics using stereolithography-printed biomimetic tooth arrays inspired by the taenioglossan radula of the hard-substrate grazer Spekia zonata. Two morphologically distinct tooth types (central and marginal) were systematically varied in cusp and stylus geometry (four variants each), while array configuration, material, and boundary conditions were kept constant. Tooth stiffness was quantified in bending tests as load-induced height reduction. Interfacial performance was assessed using a controlled pull-through assay in agarose substrates of two stiffness levels (0.4% and 0.8%), with continuous force recording and measurement of removed mass. Marginal-tooth geometries were stiffer and consistently removed more substrate than central variants. Although work increased substantially in stiffer gels, removal did not scale proportionally and declined for central teeth, revealing a decoupling between mechanical input and yield. Performance correlated with active engagement rather than work alone, indicating geometry-limited contact regimes. These findings establish geometry-controlled stiffness and engagement as key parameters for efficient abrasive interfaces. Full article

Ubiquitins (Ubs) play a crucial role in plant–pathogen interactions, particularly the RPL40 family, which is essential for protein synthesis. While Pinus massoniana is highly susceptible to pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the defense mechanisms mediated by RPL40s remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification of the ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like gene family (PmUBQs) in P. massoniana. We identified 30 PmUBQ genes unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes, which were classified into six subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. An analysis of promoter regions indicated that the PmUBQ genes were enriched with cis-acting elements associated with stress responses, hormone regulation, and development. Specifically, two group II members, PmRPL40-1 and PmRPL40-2, located on chromosomes 12 and 11, respectively, were identified and exhibited distinct responses to B. xylophilus infection in resistant and susceptible P. massoniana. PmRPL40-1 was significantly highly expressed in the 15 days post-inoculation, while PmRPL40-2 was downregulated on day 1 and then upregulated. Moreover, both genes showed peak divergence at 15 days post-inoculation; the expression levels of PmRPL40-1 and PmRPL40-2 in resistant P. massoniana were approximately 1.8- and 3.7-fold higher, respectively, than in susceptible P. massoniana. These patterns suggest that PmRPL40s might be involved in the rapid activation of defense responses and late-stage cell repair. Notably, transient overexpression of PmRPL40-1 in P. massoniana led to a significant 1.6-fold increase in the jasmonic acid (JA) content (p < 0.0001). These findings reveal the key PmUBQ genes and suggest that PmRPL40s contribute to PWD resistance potentially through the modulation of JA signaling, offering potential targets for molecular breeding in P. massoniana. Full article