Search Results (1,540)

While intensive aquaculture has developed rapidly, the consequent buildup of nitrogenous compounds, poses a critical threat to aquatic organisms. Microbial degradation offers an environmentally sustainable solution. We investigated the metabolic regulatory capacity of Priestia megaterium BZ-95 under four nitrogen regimes—ammonium (NH₄⁺-N), nitrite (NO₂⁻-N), nitrate (NO₃⁻-N), and a mixture of them (Mix)—using comparative transcriptomics. We revealed that BZ-95 in NH₄⁺-N activated a direct assimilation program prioritizing branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. Conversely, under nitrate, BZ-95 enhanced membrane transport and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism to facilitate the rapid incorporation of nitrate-derived ammonium into biomass. Nitrite stress triggered a coordinated response involving the assimilatory nir module (nirC-nirB-nirD) and enhanced energy metabolism to meet the heightened demand for reducing power during its rapid reduction. Under mixed nitrogen sources, BZ-95 established a highly synergistic carbon-nitrogen network, simultaneously processing multiple nitrogen inputs without a hierarchical preference, highlighting its remarkable metabolic plasticity. Intersection analysis defined a refined core of 692 nitrite-specific DEGs and revealed broad transcriptional activation under nitrite stress. Analysis of the NO₂⁻-specific core identified enhanced transmembrane transport capacity, coupled with auxiliary metabolic tuning, as central adaptive strategies for nitrite processing. Collectively, these findings provide crucial insights into the molecular basis of nitrogen coordination in P. megaterium BZ-95. Full article

Urbanization in developing countries has intensified ecological degradation and reduced the availability of Urban Green Spaces (UGS), including in Bogor City, Indonesia, where public UGS covers only 4.26%—far below the national minimum requirement of 20%. Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a viable strategy to enhance the ecological, economic, and social functions of limited urban green areas. This study assesses the sustainability of agroforestry practices in Bogor City’s public UGS using the Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) method across five aspects: ecological, economic, social, infrastructure–technology, and legal–institutional. This study is grounded in three principal hypotheses: (i) the implementation of agroforestry exerts a positive effect on ecological, social, and infrastructural–technological sustainability; (ii) economic and legal–institutional dimensions constitute the major limiting factors affecting overall sustainability performance; and (iii) strategic improvements targeting key leverage factors can significantly enhance the composite sustainability index. Primary data were collected through field observations, interviews, and surveys, supplemented by secondary policy and spatial data. Results show an overall sustainability score of 51.84%, categorized as “sustainable”. Ecological (66.71%), social (60.71%), and infrastructural–technological (60.50%) aspects were sustainable, while economic (26.14%) and legal–institutional (45.14%) aspects were less sustainable. Key leverage factors influencing sustainability include microclimate regulation, canopy density, biodiversity, tourism management, consumer dependence on agroforestry products, product quality standardization, availability of processing industries, and the presence of management institutions and SOPs. Scenario analysis demonstrates that targeted improvements in these levers can substantially increase sustainability scores, with optimistic scenarios raising the aggregate index to 78.45%. Strengthening economic value chains, regulatory frameworks, management institutions, and data infrastructure is essential to enhance the adaptive capacity and long-term viability of urban agroforestry in Bogor City. Full article

To reduce water consumption and potential formation damage associated with conventional water-based fracturing fluids while improving the proppant-carrying and flow adaptability of CO₂-based systems without relying on specialized CO₂ thickeners, a CO₂–water polymer hybrid fracturing fluid was developed using an AM/AA copolymer (poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid), P(AM-co-AA)) as the thickening agent for the aqueous phase. Systematic experimental investigations were conducted under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Fluid-loss tests at different CO₂ volume fractions show that the CO₂–water polymer hybrid fracturing fluid system achieves a favorable balance between low fluid loss and structural continuity within the range of 30–50% CO₂, with the most stable fluid-loss behavior observed at 40% CO₂. Based on this ratio window, static proppant-carrying experiments indicate controllable settling behavior over a temperature range of 20–80 °C, leading to the selection of 60% polymer-based aqueous phase + 40% CO₂ as the optimal mixing ratio. Rheological results demonstrate pronounced shear-thinning behavior across a wide thermo-pressure range, with viscosity decreasing systematically with increasing shear rate and temperature while maintaining continuous and reproducible flow responses. Pipe-flow tests further reveal that flow resistance decreases monotonically with increasing flow velocity and temperature, indicating stable transport characteristics. Phase visualization observations show that the CO₂–water polymer hybrid fracturing fluid system exhibits a uniform milky dispersed appearance under moderate temperature or elevated pressure, whereas bubble-dominated structures and spatial phase separation gradually emerge under high-temperature and relatively low-pressure static conditions, highlighting the sensitivity of phase stability to thermo-pressure conditions. True triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments confirm that the CO₂–water polymer hybrid fracturing fluid enables stable fracture initiation and sustained propagation under complex stress conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that the AM/AA copolymer-based aqueous phase can provide effective viscosity support, proppant-carrying capacity, and flow adaptability for CO₂–water polymer hybrid fracturing fluid over a wide thermo-pressure range, confirming the feasibility of this approach without the use of specialized CO₂ thickeners. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly used by athletes, yet sport-performance-enhancement findings are mixed and often small, with outcomes depending on stimulation target, timing, and task demands. Aim: This scoping review mapped and synthesized the soccer-specific trial evidence to identify (i) which tDCS targets and application schedules have been tested in soccer players, (ii) which soccer-relevant outcomes show the most consistent immediate (minutes–hours) or training-mediated benefits, and (iii) where evidence gaps persist. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of clinical trials in footballers, following review best-practice guidance (PRISMA-informed) and a preregistered protocol. Searches (August 2025) spanned PubMed/MEDLINE, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, using combinations of “football/soccer” and “tDCS/transcranial direct current stimulation,” with inclusion restricted to trials from 2008–2025. Dual independent screening was applied. Of 47 records identified, 21 studies met the criteria. Across these, the total N was 593 (predominantly male adolescents/young adults; wide range of levels). Results: Prefrontal protocols—most commonly left-dominant dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (+F3/−F4, ~2 mA, ~20 min)—most consistently improved post-match recovery status/well-being (e.g., fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, stress, mood), and when repeated and/or paired with practice, shortened decision times and promoted more efficient visual search. Effects on classic executive tests were inconsistent, and bilateral anodal DLPFC under fatigue increased risk-tolerant choices. Motor-cortex targeting (C3/C4/Cz) rarely changed rapid force–power performance after a single session—e.g., multiple well-controlled trials found no immediate CMJ gains—but when paired with multi-week training (core/lumbar stability, plyometrics, HIIT, sling), it augmented strength, jump height, sprint/agility, aerobic capacity, and task-relevant EMG. Autonomic markers (exercise HR, early HR recovery) showed time-dependent normalization without specific tDCS effects in single-session, randomized designs. In contrast, a season-long applied program that added prefrontal stimulation to standard recovery reported significantly reduced creatine kinase. Across studies, protocols and masking were athlete-friendly and rigorous (~2 mA for ~20 min; robust sham/blinding), with only mild, transient sensations reported and no serious adverse events. Conclusions: In soccer players, tDCS shows a qualified pattern of benefits that follows a specificity model: prefrontal stimulation can support post-match recovery status/well-being and decision efficiency, while M1-centered stimulation is most effective when coupled with structured training to bias neuromuscular adaptation. Effects are generally modest and heterogeneous; practitioners should treat tDCS as an adjunct, not a stand-alone enhancer, and align montage × task × timing while monitoring individual responses. Full article

The Santiago River near the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area is one of the most contaminated water bodies in Mexico, where heavy metals pose a major threat to aquatic ecosystems. Chronic metal pollution has promoted the adaptation of native microbial communities, including the production of metal-chelating metabolites such as siderophores, which represent a valuable resource for remediation-oriented biomaterials. In this study, bacterial strains were isolated from water and sediment samples, then screened for siderophore production using the Chrome Azurol S assay (CAS), complemented by a MATLAB-based image processing approach for semi-quantitative ranking prior to taxonomic identification by MALDI-TOF MS. Based on biosafety considerations and cultivation robustness, Bacillus thuringiensis was selected as a benchmark case, being immobilized onto activated carbon to produce a carbon–bacteria biocomposite (CBM). To evaluate the performance of CBM, Cu(II) was used as a model contaminant due to its industrial relevance, persistence, toxicity, and strong complexation behavior. Batch adsorption experiments showed that the CBM exhibited a 23.9% higher maximum Cu(II) sorption capacity than pristine activated carbon. Acute toxicity assays using Vibrio fischeri further indicated reduced toxicity in CBM-treated effluents, supporting the feasibility of this contained biocomposite for heavy metal remediation. Full article

This paper explores the application of predictive maintenance (PdM) to address paraffin deposition in sucker rod pump systems used for oil production. System maintenance has become critical for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, while PdM, supported by advanced analytics and sensors, enables downtime prediction and maintenance optimization. Paraffin deposition is a significant problem in the oil industry, as it diminishes production capacity and increases expenses. This paper presents the use of the SCADA system, which enables the collection and analysis of data in real time. Furthermore, it proposes diagnostic methods for early detection of paraffin deposition using predictive maintenance, offering timely warnings to prevent production delays. While the proposed framework relies on interpretable statistical and physics-informed predictive models, the results indicate that further improvements could be achieved by integrating advanced artificial intelligence techniques to enhance adaptability, automation, and decision support in predictive maintenance systems. Full article

Difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) have been consistently associated with eating disorders (EDs). However, little is known about how this association operates during early adolescence, and the specific influence of sex. Objectives: This study aims to assess if maladaptive ER strategies predict greater ED symptomatology, while adaptive strategies predict lower levels of EDs symptoms among early adolescents. Additionally, the moderating effect of sex will also be assessed in these associations. Method: Ninety-eight Spanish-speaking adolescents aged 12–15 years (55 girls, 43 boys) participated in this study and completed a baseline assessment, including measures of EDs, adaptative (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) and maladaptive (i.e., expressive suppression and rumination) ER strategies. Independent sample t-tests were used to examine sex differences in age, ER, and ED symptoms. Hierarchical regression models assessed whether sex moderated the associations between ER strategies and ED symptoms. Results: Girls reported significantly higher levels of both brooding and reflective rumination compared to boys, but no sex differences were found in other measures. Regression analyses showed that expressive suppression and brooding rumination significantly predicted higher ED symptomatology, independent of sex. In contrast, cognitive reappraisal and reflective rumination were not associated with ED symptoms. No moderating effects of sex were observed in any model. Conclusions: Findings indicate that maladaptive ER strategies, particularly expressive suppression and ruminative brooding, predict greater ED symptom severity in early adolescence. However, sex did not moderate these relationships. These results underscore the importance of targeting maladaptive ER processes in adolescent prevention programs. Interventions focused on reducing maladaptive ER may be especially relevant at this developmental stage, when cognitive capacities for adaptive ER are still maturing. Full article

Continuum robots (CRs) exhibit high compliance and environmental adaptability in confined, tortuous spaces, yet their inherent low stiffness and load capacity limit performance in precise positioning and stable support tasks. To solve the “soft-rigid” paradox, this study proposes and implements a three-segment tendon-driven variable-stiffness CR. Structurally, a segmented constant-curvature model directs the optimization of grid skeletons and notch parameters, enhancing bending consistency and motion predictability. Elongated flat airbag actuators, arranged in annular arrays, enable segment-level stiffness switching through the enhancement of surface properties like axial constraints and friction amplification. A time-sharing drive strategy decouples multi-segment coupling into sequential single-segment subproblems, reducing drivers and kinematic complexity while maintaining dexterity. Experimental results demonstrate that flexible-mode joints maintain near-constant curvature with stable motion (average end-effector trajectory error < 0.9 mm), and in rigid mode, stiffness increases by a factor of 5.77 (rated load: 4.0 N). Shape-locking disturbances during transitions are confined to millimeter levels (remote offset < 1.32 mm), with successful traversal of J/U/S-shaped and irregular paths confirmed in pipeline tests. This work introduces a practical, scalable system for designing variable-stiffness structures and enabling low-complexity multi-segment control, offering valuable insights for minimally invasive devices and industrial endoscopy in confined spaces. Full article

The application Strava is widely used among runners, yet its influence on motivational processes remains unclear. This study examined endurance sport self-efficacy, achievement goals, fitness indicators, and Strava use in 225 active club runners using validated quantitative instruments and qualitative survey data. Self-efficacy and achievement goal scores were generally high. Greater endurance capacity was associated with higher self-efficacy and task-approach goals. Strava settings and subscription status were not associated with motivational outcomes; however, runners who had deleted training sessions due to perceived slow running pace scored higher on other-avoidance goals. Qualitative findings showed that Strava can enhance training through feedback, routine building, and social connection, while also introducing pressure, comparison, and stress, particularly during injury or reduced performance. Several participants reported adapting their use of the app to preserve motivation. Overall, Strava’s motivational impact appears context dependent and shaped by both its features and individual usage patterns. Full article

Inclusive AI-mediated mathematics education for students with learning difficulties refers to a human-centered approach to mathematics teaching and learning that uses artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive technologies, and data-rich environments to support learners who experience persistent challenges in mathematics. These challenges may take the form of a formally identified developmental learning disorder with impairment in mathematics, broader learning difficulties, low and unstable achievement, irregular engagement, or heightened mathematics anxiety that places students at risk of disengagement and poor long-term outcomes. This approach integrates early screening, personalized instruction, and affect-aware support to address both cognitive difficulties and the emotional burden associated with mathematics anxiety. Situated within digitally augmented schools, homes, and community spaces typical of smart cities, it seeks to reduce stress and anxiety, prevent the reproduction of educational inequalities, and promote equitable participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. It emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ethical and transparent use of learner data, and sustained collaboration among teachers, families, technologists, urban planners, and policy-makers across micro (individual), meso (school and community), and macro (urban and policy) levels. Crucially, AI functions as decision support rather than replacement of pedagogical judgment, with teachers maintaining human-in-the-loop oversight and responsibility for inclusive instructional decisions. Where learner data include fine-grained logs or affect-related indicators, data minimization, clear purpose limitation, and child- and family-friendly transparency are essential. Implementation should also consider feasibility and sustainability, including staff capacity and resource constraints, so that inclusive benefits do not depend on high-cost infrastructures. Full article

The State of Alaska, USA, has a long and controversial history of controlling predators to enhance ungulate populations, including moose (Alces alces). Moose management is complicated by a dual system in which the Federal and State governments prioritize harvesting moose for human consumption over other considerations, such as trophy or sport hunting, but have conflicting regulations regarding who is eligible to harvest moose. Wildlife management for the State is overseen by the Alaska Board of Game (BOG), with advice from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). In accordance with its Intensive Management Policy, the BOG establishes regulations promoting the harvest of moose and other ungulates for human consumption. This typically occurs by controlling bears (Ursus americanus and U. arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) in anticipation of increasing ungulate harvests, often without adequate information on the status and ecology of predator or ungulate populations. We provide a narrative and integrative review of moose population dynamics to help resolve those issues. We argue that the current management of moose and their predators in Alaska does not encompass a full range of management options and fails to consider or implement important aspects of their population dynamics. Predators maintain some moose populations at a low density, reducing the harvest of moose but promoting large-antlered individuals, which are of value to Alaska’s professional guide and tourism industries. Using modern models of population dynamics of moose and other ungulates, we argue that if the proximity of the moose population to K (the ecological carrying capacity) is known, management strategies that increase the human harvest of moose and also promote large-antlered trophies are not mutually exclusive. We list life history and population characteristics to help determine the nutritional status of moose populations in relation to K, thereby guiding wise management of that valuable resource. We also recommend an adaptive management approach to assessing the effects of such activities. We caution, however, that to wisely manage these important wildlife resources, more information on the dynamics of moose and their predators is necessary. A system that embraces more biology and fewer politics would provide greater opportunities to employ the best science in the management of moose and their predators. Full article

Many companies in the mining industry include decarbonization of production among their key strategic goals as part of their internal sustainability strategy. This need is driven by a number of factors: stricter regulation in the area of carbon footprint (introduction of carbon taxes, emissions quotas, reporting requirements); sustained growth in demand for electricity and rising market prices; economic feasibility—the need to optimize operating costs and improve energy efficiency. This study provides a comprehensive technical and economic justification for implementing a hybrid power supply system—combining a solar power plant (SPP) and a gas engine power plant (GPP)—at Solidcore Resources’ Varvarinsky hub in Kazakhstan. The methodology includes modeling the energy balance of the real asset (156.9 GWh of annual energy consumption), calculating the output of a 22.6 MW SPP based on local GHI/PR/η parameters, forming and determining the adaptability coefficient Kₐ (proportion of PV in total monthly electricity generation), conducting an economic assessment (NPV, payback period, sensitivity), and inventorying CO₂ emissions under Scope 1–2. The SPP provides approximately 41.3 GWh of electricity generation per year, with an average annual K_a = 0.263; the 40 MW installed capacity of the gas piston power plant covers the residual demand, forming a stable daily and seasonal balance. The project demonstrates a positive NPV (After Tax) = USD 23.65 million with an estimated payback period of 10 years, while the cost of energy in extraction and processing is reduced by almost three times, and the total reduction in CO₂ emissions will be 51%. Thus, hybridization of energy supply systems is a practical compromise between reliability and decarbonization. Determining the adaptability coefficient K_a allows the flexibility of the system to be taken into account, shows how effectively the new energy system uses renewable energy sources, and can be used to optimize the operation of the energy system to achieve the company’s internal sustainable development goals. Full article

To improve solar energy utilization efficiency, address control precision issues in solar panel tracking systems, and strengthen the sustainable supply capacity of clean renewable energy, this study proposes an innovative variable universe fuzzy adaptive PID control algorithm for high-precision solar tracking systems. Based on this algorithm, a fusion scheme combining a high-precision four-quadrant detector and GPS positioning is employed to achieve real-time and precise positioning of the tracking system. The azimuth and elevation angle deviations between the real-time solar rays and the system’s actual position are calculated and used as input signals for the tracking control system. These deviations are dynamically corrected by the variable universe fuzzy adaptive PID controller, which drives a stepper motor to achieve high-precision solar tracking. The results demonstrate that, under ideal operating conditions, the proposed algorithm reduces the steady-state error by 3.5–4.9°, shortens the settling time by 4.4–5.8 s, decreases the rise time by 0.6 s, lowers the overshoot by 18–19%, and reduces the disturbance recovery time by 1.3 s. These improvements significantly enhance tracking accuracy and dynamic response efficiency. Under complex operating conditions, the algorithm reduces the steady-state error by 3.2–5.9°, shortens the settling time by 5.4–6.2 s, decreases the rise time by 0.7 s, lowers the overshoot by 17.5–19%, and reduces the disturbance recovery time by 1.5 s, thereby ensuring stable and efficient solar tracking and maintaining continuous energy capture. By quantitatively optimizing multiple performance metrics, this algorithm significantly enhances the control precision of solar panel tracking and improves solar energy utilization efficiency. It holds substantial significance for promoting the transition of the energy structure toward cleaner and more sustainable sources. Full article

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are host-specific, immune-modulating microorganisms that colonize the small intestine of various vertebrate species, playing a crucial role in stimulating immune maturation during early life. Previous research on the genomes of SFB from humans, rats, and mice has revealed significant differences among SFB strains associated with various hosts, suggesting that their evolution is closely linked to their relationships with specific hosts. However, the genome of SFB from chickens has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we present the metagenomic reconstruction of an SFB genome derived from the ileum of layer Lohmann Select Leghorn (LSL) chickens. We utilized Hi-C sequencing techniques to assemble the LSL-SFB and annotate the avian SFB from both turkeys and chickens. Our reference-guided consensus assembly, followed by Hi-C scaffolding, produced a high-quality genome for LSL-SFB. Our pangenomic analysis revealed substantial conservation of core gene clusters among mammalian SFB strains, but we also identified a distinct repertoire of genes in chicken and turkey SFB. Furthermore, metabolic network analysis indicated a reduced capacity for biosynthesis, signifying an increased reliance on the host, as shown by the absence of key biosynthetic and utilization pathways. We also discovered a unique flagellin subunit (fliC-2) in chicken SFB from different genetic lines and confirmed its interaction with the chicken flagellin receptor, Toll-like receptor five. This study provides the first high-quality genome and annotation of LSL-SFB, alongside that of turkeys, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of host specificity and adaptation. Understanding the interactions between host-specific SFB and their hosts, as well as their role in promoting immune maturation, is essential for improving intestinal health. Full article

Internationally, there are several studies that examined the relationship between core executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) and mind wandering. These studies focused mostly on adult samples and there are fewer studies that examined this relationship with children and adolescent samples. Therefore, the current systematic review aims to identify and critically examine the existing peer-reviewed literature on the relationship between the core executive functions and mind wandering. Journal articles reporting quantitative results were identified through keyword searches in PsycINFO, Scopus, and PubMed. In total, 750 references were identified using the specified keywords. Among those, only ten studies were deemed to fit the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies employed behavioural measures. The evidence on the relationship between the core executive functions and mind wandering was rather scarce and mixed. Most of the studies suggest that working memory capacity is critical for reduced mind wandering. The evidence regarding inhibitory control is rather mixed. Cognitive flexibility may underpin adaptive reallocation of attention between internal and external states, producing performance declines. The directional nature of the relationship between the three core executive functions and mind wandering is largely an unresolved matter, which requires further research. Full article