We explore and compare the dynamics of two transcomplex recombination reactions XeI– + Cs+ → CsI + Xe and XeCs+ + I– → CsI + Xe in the collision energy range from 0.1 to 2.5 eV. The reactions are simulated by the quasiclassical trajectory method on a semiempirical diabatic potential energy surface proposed in 2021. Recombination of an alkali cation M+ and a halide anion X– via the weakly bound negative ionic complex RX– with a neutral atom R has never been studied before. The results of trajectory simulation include the excitation and opacity functions, the distributions of the vibrational, rotational, and total internal energies of the cesium iodide molecule, and the distributions of the energy of the flying apart of the products CsI and Xe. All the principal dynamical characteristics of the two reactions mentioned turn out to be quite close. However, at almost all the collision energies, the cross section of ion recombination via XeI– is larger than the cross section of recombination via XeCs+. The main motivation for this work is the recently discovered peculiar deterministic chaos in the transcomplex recombination reactions RCs+ + Br– → CsBr + R with R = Kr, Xe, Hg.
Agricultural practices are increasingly challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses, which compromise crop yield and quality. Weeds, in particular, present a persistent problem, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives to chemical herbicides. This study investigates the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts from three wild plant species on common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.). The research involved comprehensive phytochemical analyses and an evaluation of 19 germination and growth parameters. Notably, the Arisarum vulgare (O.Targ.Tozz). extract (AVE) exhibited strong inhibitory effects on purslane germination and growth, closely mirroring the action of glyphosate, a widely used synthetic herbicide. The inhibitory effects of AVE were attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. In contrast, extracts from Urtica urens (L.) (UUE) and Chamaemelum mixtum (L.) (CME) showed weaker and variable effects, with some parameters suggesting potential stimulatory responses under the tested conditions. The originality of this research lies in the novel selection of Arisarum vulgare (O.Targ.Tozz) and the thorough investigation of its herbicidal properties, offering new insights for sustainable weed management.
The (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation describes complex wave propagation in shallow water with varying amplitudes, where dispersion and nonlinearity are important factors. The equation captures wave interactions in multiple dimensions. The Hirota bilinear method and the extended hyperbolic function approach are used to construct lump wave solutions, their interactions with periodic, strip and double-strip waves, and traveling wave solutions. Stability analysis is carried out to determine whether the solutions develop singularities or remain bounded. Bifurcation theory and sensitivity analysis for dynamical systems are applied to obtain phase diagrams of the governing model. Bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems is also used to examine the model’s qualitative analysis. Three-dimensional graphical representations of the exact solutions show periodic features such dark V-shaped, singular bell-shaped, bright, unique periodic, and periodic soliton solutions. The findings provide analytical insight into the nonlinear dynamics and stability features of the model. Both approaches highlight the rich solution structure and its applications under various physical conditions.
The scientific figure of Michele Caputo is illustrated showing how his conceptual trajectory, starting from the invention of important mathematical tools, has carried him into a number of different disciplines where such tools could be used; primarily Economics and Probability. After an introduction, in §2, 3, and 4, we illustrate the typical geodetic march through measurements, models and methods that Caputo has followed in his career. In §5 we concentrate on the invention of the famous Caputo’s operator, a fractional derivative, describing its rigorous definition and mathematical properties and illustrating general Cauchy problems based on it. In §6 we present two examples: one is classical, where the fractional derivative is employed to describe the mechanical energy dissipation of body waves crossing the Earth; the second example describes an application to renewal models, in particular to fractional Poisson process, demonstrating the loss of Markov property and the rise of a memory dependent model. Some conclusions close the paper.
This study investigates a generalized (3+1)-dimensional q-deformed Tanh-Gordon equation within q-calculus to develop engineering-oriented analytical and numerical solutions for nonlinear wave propagation and quantum engineering applications. Two techniques are employed: the Reduced q-Differential Transform Method (RqDTM) for series-form analytical solutions with convergence analysis, and the Variational Iteration Method (VIM) for approximate iterative solutions. A comparative analysis evaluates computational efficiency. Simulations use Mathematica 13.2. Both methods yield consistent, reliable solutions with absolute errors within engineering tolerances ( 10^-10 to 10^-4 ). The q-deformation parameter significantly influences solution amplitude and wave profiles. Convergence of RqDTM series is confirmed under specified conditions. This is the first application of RqDTM and VIM to a (3+1)-dimensional q-deformed Tanh-Gordon equation. Both methods are computationally efficient, robust, and suitable for engineering computations in quantum-inspired nonlinear systems.
Positioning on the Earth is a broad topic, undergoing an unprecedented transformation and involving a variety of technologies and methods. This review contribution focuses on outdoor positioning based on true satellite signals on direct line-of-sight. With this limitation, the status and the modernization perspectives of positioning based both on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (US GPS, Russian GLONASS, Chinese Beidou and EU Galileo), on Regional Navigation Satellite Systems (RNSS) (Indian NavIC and Japanese QZSS) and on new constellations of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are addressed, together with the evolution of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) to which positions are referred. Principles of a variety of positioning methods are recalled, together with their present performances in terms of accuracy and real-time/off-line availability. In this frame, positioning is intended in a broader sense, considering not only positions, but also other kinematic parameters (velocities, accelerations). The overall goal is to outline the status and trajectory toward a resilient and outdoor seamless Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) ecosystem.
The Riverian region is highly sensitive to biological invasion due to higher nutrient levels, frequent natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and rivers that serve as effective conduits for the spread of non-native plants (NNPs). This study characterizes the composition, distribution, ecological dynamics, and socio-economic impacts of NNPs across 11 human-altered habitats in the Nile Valley. The non-native flora comprises 117 species across 33 families and 91 genera, representing 15.13
This paper investigates the analytical and semi-analytical wave solutions of the (4+1)-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries-Calogero-Bogoyavlenskii-Schiff equation. This examines the applicability and effectiveness of the improved tan( ϕ (ξ )/2 )-expansion method, the extended modified sub-equation method, and the Adomian decomposition method for underlying nonlinear model. All symbolic and numerical computations were carried out and verified using Maple software. The obtained analytical solutions were illustrated through 3D surface plots, density plots, and 2D profiles for different time values. The results reveal kink, singular kink, and periodic wave structures, highlighting the rich dynamical characteristics and physical significance of the equation. Furthermore, the comparison between the analytical and semi-analytical solutions is discussed by evaluating the absolute error between them. To the best of our knowledge, these exact solutions have not been reported previously, emphasizing the novelty and potential contribution of the present study.
Background: Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a major cause of disability and mortality, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. long non-coding RNA HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (lnc-HOTAIR) is involved in the regulation of endothelial cell function, but its role and molecular mechanism in post-aSAH CVS have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether lnc-HOTAIR participates in the development of CVS after aSAH by modulating Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) and the Notch signaling pathway, thereby affecting vascular endothelial cells (VECs) injury. Methods: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of lnc-HOTAIR and MTHFR in the basilar artery of aSAH and CVS rats. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA knockdown or pcDNA overexpression was employed to manipulate lnc-HOTAIR and MTHFR expression both in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and H E staining were used to assess VEC proliferation, apoptosis, protein expression, and basilar artery morphological changes. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the direct binding between lnc-HOTAIR and MTHFR. Jagged1/Fc (a Notch pathway activator) and DAPT (a Notch pathway inhibitor) were used to intervene in Notch signaling, and their effects on VEC proliferation and apoptosis were examined. Homocysteine (Hcy) was used to simulate VEC injury in vitro. Results: lnc-HOTAIR expression was significantly upregulated in the basilar artery of aSAH and CVS rats and was negatively correlated with MTHFR expression. In vivo experiments showed that lnc-HOTAIR overexpression exacerbated bleeding, basilar artery luminal narrowing, and vessel wall thickening in aSAH rats, whereas lnc-HOTAIR silencing alleviated these changes. In vitro experiments revealed that Hcy upregulated lnc-HOTAIR expression and downregulated MTHFR expression in VECs in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that lnc-HOTAIR directly bound to MTHFR and inhibited its expression. Knockdown of lnc-HOTAIR or overexpression of MTHFR reversed Hcy-induced VEC proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, whereas lnc-HOTAIR overexpression attenuated the protective effect of MTHFR. Furthermore, knockdown of lnc-HOTAIR or overexpression of MTHFR activated the Notch signaling pathway and upregulated VEGF expression, thereby inhibiting Hcy-induced VEC apoptosis and promoting proliferation. Conclusion: lnc-HOTAIR is upregulated in post-aSAH CVS and directly binds to and inhibits MTHFR expression, leading to suppression of the Notch signaling pathway and VEGF, which ultimately promotes VEC apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, thereby exacerbating cerebral vasospasm. Knockdown of lnc-HOTAIR reverses these effects and exerts a protective role.
Wildfires represent a growing disturbance in Alpine ecosystems. In Val Venosta (South Tyrol), we conducted the first assessment of vegetation recovery five months after a wildfire in Laces (Latsch). By integrating field surveys and remote sensing, we evaluated regeneration dynamics and fire severity. We analyzed floristic and vegetation composition, life forms, functional traits, and seed dispersal strategies. Our results revealed a community dominated by pioneer species, with Asteraceae as the most represented family (21.43
For sustainable soil management, evaluating all parameters of soil fertility collectively is important. Biological organisms are very important for soil fertility. However, these parameters are not sufficiently investigated in general soil quality studies. In the present study, changes and relationships between nematode trophic groups (bacterivores, fungivores, omnivores, predators, plant parasites) and basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in different land use types (particularly dry-irrigated agriculture) and depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm) were investigated. Bacterivores were found to be the nematode trophic group with statistically significant variability due to the difference between land uses (p < 0.05). Total nematode density was higher in irrigated agriculture, and the abundance of all nematode trophic groups was approximately 2.5 times greater in surface soils (0–20 cm) than in subsurface soils (20–40 cm). Statistically significant positive low-level correlations were found between organic matter and bacterivores (r: 0.131; p < 0.01), and total nematode density (r: 0.106; p < 0.05). Also, significant positive correlations were found between microbial biomass carbon and bacterivore (r: 0.164, p < 0.01), total nematode (r: 0.158, p < 0.05), and plant parasite (r: 0.101, p < 0.05). As a result of this study, important relationships between soil properties and nematode trophic groups were identified, suggesting that nematode communities, particularly bacterivores, can serve as useful biological indicators for assessing soil fertility and improving the efficiency of sustainable soil management practices.
Continental rifting and oceanic spreading are end-members of lithospheric extension, yet the transition between them is not a smooth kinematic continuum. Using a representative global dataset of continental rifts, transitional breakup systems and oceanic ridges, I compare extension or spreading rate, surface heat flow, lithospheric thickness and characteristic duration. Continental rifts typically operate at 0.1–10 mm/yr and may persist for tens to more than one hundred million years, whereas oceanic spreading commonly occurs at 10–150 mm/yr under a higher-heat-flow, thinner-lithosphere regime. Transitional systems such as Afar and the Red Sea occupy an intermediate field but already display strong thermal weakening and faster rates. Across the combined dataset, heat flow increases and lithospheric thickness decreases with log-rate moving from continental to oceanic rifting. Regression analysis reveals a non-linear acceleration of extension rates, with an increase of up to one or two orders of magnitude from continental to oceanic domains. This transition reflects a shift from strength-controlled lithospheric rift-resisting to other processes, such as a more effective shearing from below or from above active on the escaping plate. This confirms the asymmetry of rifts and questions the mechanism determining plate tectonics since plates can spread apart without any lateral slab pull. For example, North and South America plates move westerly relative to the mantle, without any attached slab which could drag them, indicating that slab pull is neither necessary nor sufficient to drive the process. I propose that rift acceleration is controlled by progressive lithosphere–asthenosphere decoupling. As the lithosphere thins and ruptures, a continuous lower-viscosity layer in the Low Velocity Zone (LVZ) beneath the western plate with respect to the LVZ of the conjugate plate could explain the faster westerly motion of the plate and the faster spreading rate once the continental lithosphere is spread apart. This model aligns with the westward net rotation of the lithosphere, which is triggered by the low-frequency horizontal component of the body tide. Here, velocity gradients among tectonic plates are controlled by viscosity gradients in the low-velocity zone. Continental rifting may persist for > 100 Myr at low extension rates. Extension accelerates non-linearly toward oceanic breakup. Heat flow increases and lithosphere thins moving from continental to oceanic rift. Oceanization implies 5 to 100 times faster spreading. Faster western plate due to a lower-viscosity LVZ. Acceleration reflects lithosphere–asthenosphere decoupling.
Fluid inclusions in fluid-rich diamonds (i.e., fibrous, cloudy and coated diamonds) represent the only direct means by which the composition and sources of deep-Earth fluids can be directly studied. At the surface, fluid inclusions typically consist of multiphase mineral inclusions (daughter-phases including carbonates and micas) and residual low-density fluids thought to form from parental high-density fluids upon depressurization. However, the sub-micrometric to nanometric size of such mineral inclusions has made rigorous identification and chemical–structural characterization of discrete phases, particularly those in multiphase inclusions, exceedingly difficult. Consequently, traditional chemical (and/or elastic) thermobarometric methods cannot be applied to nanometric inclusions and thus the P/T – depth conditions of fluid-rich diamond formation, and the mantle environments in which they form, remain poorly understood. In previous studies, authors have attempted to address this problem using TEM coupled with EDS and/or EELS to obtain chemical data from mineral inclusions, and SAED (or CBED) to constrain identification based on general crystallographic information (e.g., d-spacings and symmetry). Despite these advancements, difficult and time-consuming FIB-based preparation of diamond films, and the instability of common inclusions (e.g., carbonates) under the TEM electron beam, has prevented statistically meaningful surveys of inclusions in different types of fluid-rich diamonds. Here, the advantages and limitations of single-crystal micro-electron diffraction (MED) are discussed as a method for obtaining detailed crystallographic information (e.g., crystal structure data and structural formulae) from nanoinclusions enabling rigorous phase identification and follow-up work on the P/T/fO2 stability of inclusions phase-assemblages. This is exemplified in the first rigorous application of MED to fluid-rich diamonds (Wang et al. 2026). These authors identified unique Sr/Ba-carbonates and several species that have never been observed before as inclusions in diamond, including Sr-rich åkermanite and a Ca-rich strontianite phase, which has no naturally occurring analogue. Wang et al. (2026) also completed an anisotropic crystal structure refinement of one nanometric crystal of åkermanite. By combining such MED results with spectroscopic, chemical and isotopic data, the P/T – depth conditions, and the fluid sources associated with diamond-formation, were constrained testifying to the utility of MED applied to sub-micrometric inclusions in diamond.
Artificial sweeteners have become essential in contemporary diets as alternatives to sugar to combat health issues like obesity and diabetes. Neotame, a structurally modified derivative of aspartame, has received global regulatory clearance owing to its exceptional sweetness, metabolic efficacy, and chemical stability. This paper thoroughly analyses neotame’s physicochemical characteristics, metabolic pathways, toxicological profile, and possible effects on human health. Data from animal models, in vitro experiments, and restricted human clinical investigations consistently provide a favourable safety profile, with zero bioaccumulation risk and minimal environmental persistence relative to other sweeteners. Moreover, neotame’s rapid metabolism diminishes methanol synthesis, making it suitable for individuals with phenylketonuria within prescribed consumption limits. However, concerns persist about the long-term metabolic and microbiome consequences, indirect environmental exposure, and possible health implications unique to specific populations. This review highlights existing information deficiencies and emphasises the need for comprehensive, longitudinal epidemiological and mechanistic investigations to inform regulatory decisions and public health recommendations.
This study presents an integrated analytical investigation of a composite historical object consisting of a paper manuscript mounted on a wooden panel. The artifact belongs to a private collection and bears a clearly inscribed date of 1810 CE on the manuscript folio, providing a reliable chronological framework for the study. However, it remains unclear whether the manuscript was originally mounted on the wooden panel or if this was a later intervention. The research aimed to identify the constituent materials and evaluate their state of preservation to provide a scientific foundation for future conservation. Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including visual assessment, USB digital microscopy, optical microscopy, pH measurement, microbiological isolation and identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the manuscript paper was cotton-based, with slightly acidic pH values reflecting ongoing deterioration. FTIR analysis revealed oxidative degradation of cellulose, evidenced by the formation of carbonyl groups, splitting of hydroxyl bands, and shifts in CH stretching vibrations. SEM confirmed fiber embrittlement, fragmentation, and fungal contamination. The ink was identified as carbon-based rather than iron-gall, with high carbon and oxygen content and minimal iron. The wooden panel was identified as Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis); FTIR spectra showed the absence of hemicellulose and partial cellulose degradation, while lignin bands remained relatively stable. SEM observations confirmed fiber disintegration, cracks, crystalline deposits, and microbial activity. The adhesive was identified as gum Arabic, and the resinous incrustation on the wood was attributed to aged shellac, a material widely employed in the 19th century. Microbiological analysis further revealed fungal colonization by Aspergillus flavus and Brachysporiella on paper, and Trichoderma and Phialophora on wood. Overall, the multi-analytical approach allowed for precise identification of the composite materials and their deterioration pathways, highlighting the combined effects of acidic hydrolysis, oxidative processes, microbial colonization, and environmental fluctuations. These findings provide critical insights for developing targeted conservation strategies for composite heritage artifacts.
In this work, a new method for real-time estimation of Ionospheric Hole parameters using dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) observations is presented. The methodology is designed to work in real-time; it can be applied to different types of ionospheric disturbances and is based on a technique called VARION (Variometric Approach for Real-Time Ionosphere Observation), along with a tracking algorithm for the ionospheric perturbation parameters. The VARION, designed and developed by "Sapienza Università di Roma", allows the calculation of TEC (Total Electron Content) variations using double-frequencies GNSS phase observations. Additionally, the implementation of a least-squares tracking algorithm enables the calculation of the origin position, the propagation velocity of the disturbance, and the event time. The main assumption for the methodology is that the perturbation is considered as an isotropic wavefront propagating inside a single ionospheric layer at about 300 km altitude. This method has been tested on a dataset collected from 42 GPS (Global Positioning System) ground stations during the Falcon 9 launch event on August 24, 2017, a particular case that favored the formation of an Ionospheric Hole due to the low payload mass. The results show that the method effectively reconstructs the spatial and temporal evolution of the disturbance and highlights its potential for real-time monitoring of the ionosphere and to mitigate the impact of ionospheric irregularities on satellite navigation and telecommunications.
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are essential metalloenzymes that catalyse the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes. Given their potential for industrial use as biocatalysts for CO2 sequestration, there’s a growing interest in CAs from organisms adapted to extreme environments. This study focuses on a specific α-CA, CA-IV-like, recently identified in the femoral gland secretions of lizards. Under the “homeostatic function hypothesis,” this enzyme is posited to stabilize chemical communication signals left in the environment, suggesting it should be robust to thermal stress. To test this, we conducted a preliminary assessment of the effect of thermal treatment on the CA activity in femoral gland secretions from the lizard Podarcis muralis. Using protonography to measure enzyme activity and mass spectrometry to confirm the identity of the active protein, we incubated samples of the hydrophilic fraction of the secretion including CA at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 100 °C. Our results show that the overall CA activity remains at approximately 50
Nonlinear electrostatic structures associated with drift ion-acoustic dynamics are investigated in Saturn’s inner magnetosphere using plasma parameters constrained by Cassini observations between 12 R_s and 15.2 R_s for a background magnetic field of B_0≃ 0.3 G . Accordingly, the current plasma system is modeled as a hydrogen ion background permeated by coexisting cold and hot superthermal electron populations, each described by a κ -type distribution consistent with in situ measurements. Within this framework, a planar Gardner-like evolution equation is obtained in a remarkably direct way by means of the drift approximation, which naturally connects the Korteweg-de Vries-like (KdV), modified KdV-like (mKdV), and Gardner limits without invoking the reductive perturbation technique or successive changes of stretched coordinates. The resulting family of equations provides a unified description of solitary waves and double layers, and makes it possible to identify the existence domains and polarity of nonlinear drift ion-acoustic structures under realistic Saturnian plasma conditions. The analysis demonstrates that an outward increase in radial distance, accompanied by enhanced cold-electron content and modified superthermality, systematically amplifies the electrostatic potential and slightly broadens the associated Gardner double layers. For the drift-modified Gardner-like, KdV-like, and mKdV-like equations, the supported solitary structures can be either compressive or rarefactive, depending on the detailed balance between quadratic-cubic nonlinearities and dispersion, and they exist only within a restricted window of oblique propagation, represented here by α =0.5 . Outside this angular interval, coherent solitary solutions are suppressed, which underlines the importance of propagation geometry in determining the accessibility of nonlinear states. The predicted dependence of amplitude and width on the cold-to-hot electron density ratio, temperature profiles, and spectral index κ _c yields a set of observationally testable signatures for localized electrostatic solitary waves and double layers in Saturn’s magnetospheric plasma and, more broadly, in planetary magnetospheres with multi-temperature, superthermal electron populations.
