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ABSTRACT The deep‐sea benthos often exhibit exceptional biodiversity. The patch‐mosaic hypothesis proposes that this deep‐sea diversity arises from varied microhabitats with prolonged temporal persistence filtering for distinctive communities thereby increasing beta‐diversity. This study investigated environmental, community, and macrofaunal species turnover at four deep‐sea sites (~2000 m) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Using precise small‐scale sampling with a ROV, we analyzed patterns across spatial scales from centimeters to approximately 400 km among 67 sediment cores. We examined the relationships between sedimentary carbon, sediment grain size, and macrofaunal alpha‐ and beta‐diversity. Subsequently, we explored the role of these environmental properties and their spatial arrangement in shaping communities and species distributions. We observed a consistent trend where the overall abundance and diversity of a community increased with higher carbon but decreased with increasing grain size. Substantial faunal turnover was observed among cores, even at centimeter scales, with the contribution of centimeter‐scale spatial distance rivaling that of 100‐km scales in faunal dissimilarity. Similar to alpha‐diversity, beta‐diversity exhibited strong correlations with sediment carbon and grain size. The observed random spatial structure in grain size and carbon appear to translate into randomness in both community and species distribution. These findings align with the patch‐mosaic model, underscoring the complexity of deep‐sea ecosystems. These findings suggest an intricate relationship between sedimentary attributes, faunal composition, and spatial arrangement in the deep‐sea benthos, shedding light on the mechanisms driving biodiversity in seemingly homogeneous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social and spatial structures of host populations play important roles in pathogen transmission. For environmentally transmitted pathogens, the host space use interacts with both the host social structure and the pathogen's environmental persistence (which determines the time-lag across which two hosts can transmit). Together, these factors shape the epidemiological dynamics of environmentally transmitted pathogens. While the importance of both social and spatial structures and environmental pathogen persistence has long been recognized in epidemiology, they are often considered separately. A better understanding of how these factors interact to determine disease dynamics is required for developing robust surveillance and management strategies. Here, we use a simple agent-based model where we vary host mobility (spatial), host gregariousness (social) and pathogen decay (environmental persistence), each from low to high levels to uncover how they affect epidemiological dynamics. By comparing epidemic peak, time to epidemic peak and final epidemic size, we show that longer infectious periods, higher group mobility, larger group size and longer pathogen persistence lead to larger, faster growing outbreaks, and explore how these processes interact to determine epidemiological outcomes such as the epidemic peak and the final epidemic size. We identify general principles that can be used for planning surveillance and control for wildlife host–pathogen systems with environmental transmission across a range of spatial behaviour, social structure and pathogen decay rates. This article is part of the theme issue 'The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational resources, fundamental to ecological experiences, are critical in balancing conservation with development. Effective ecotourism planning is especially vital for newly established protected areas such as the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in China's developing system of natural conservation areas. Targeting Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, this study applies nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) to study the spatial pattern of 274 recreational resource points. Results indicate a clustered spatial pattern with significant differences in resource density among municipalities. Specifically, 98% of these resources can be reached in 3 h, with an average travel time of 91 min, and cultural resources exhibit greater accessibility than natural resources. Natural resource availability and ethnic culture are major factors of resource distribution and accessibility. This research offers a theoretical basis and practical guidance for optimizing recreational resource allocation and promoting ecotourism in the park, contributing to the ongoing discussion of sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding spatial variation in species distribution and community structure is at the core of community ecology. Nevertheless, the effect of distance on metacommunity structure remains little studied. We examine how plant‐pollinator community structure changes across geographical distances at a regional scale and disentangle its underlying local and regional processes.We use a multilayer network to represent linked plant‐pollinator communities as a metacommunity in the Canary Islands. We used modularity (i.e. the extent to which the community is partitioned into groups of densely interacting species) to quantify distance decay in structure across space. In multilayer modularity, the same species can belong to different modules in different communities, and modules can span communities. This enabled quantifying how similarity in module composition varied with distance between islands. We developed three null models, each controlling for a separate component of the multilayer network, to disentangle the role of species turnover, interaction rewiring and local factors in driving distance decay in structure.We found a pattern of distance decay in structure, indicating that islands tended to share fewer modules with increasing distance. Species turnover (but not interaction rewiring) was the primary regional process triggering distance decay in structure. Local interaction structure also played an essential role in determining the structure similarity of communities at a regional scale. Therefore, local factors that determine species interactions occurring at a local scale drive distance decay in structure at a regional scale.Our work highlights the interplay between local and regional processes underlying community structure. The methodology, and specifically the null models, we developed provides a general framework for linking communities in space and testing different hypotheses regarding the factors generating spatial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is one of the most economically damaging livestock enzootic diseases in the world. BVD aetiological agents are three pestiviruses (BVDV-1, -2 and HoBi-like pestivirus), which exhibit high genetic diversity and complex transmission cycles. This considerably hampers the management of the disease, which is why eradication plans have been implemented in several countries. In France, a national plan has been in place since 2019. Our understanding of its impact on the distribution of BVDV genotypes is limited by the availability of French genetic data. Here, we conducted a molecular epidemiology study to refine our knowledge of BVDV genetic diversity in France, characterise its international relationships, and analyse national spatio-temporal genotypic distribution. We collated 1037 BVDV-positive samples throughout France between 2011 and 2023, with a greater sampling effort in two major cattle production areas. We developed a high-throughput sequencing protocol which we used to complete the 5'UTR genotyping of this collection. We show that two main BVDV-1 genotypes, 1e and 1b, account for 88% of genotyped sequences. We also identified seven other BVDV-1 genotypes occurring at low frequencies and three BVDV-2 samples (genotype 2c). Phylogenetic analyses indicate different worldwide distribution patterns between the two main BVDV-1 genotypes. Their relative frequencies present no major changes in France since the 1990s and few variations at the national scale. We also found some degree of local spatial structuring in western France. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of large-scale sequence-based surveillance to monitor changes in the epidemiological situation of enzootic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the factors that drive changes in biodiversity is a hot and critically important topic in landscape ecology and biogeography. In this study, semi-structured citizen science data and bird distribution maps were employed to gather data from 2015 to 2020 for the calculation of bird species richness, the Shannon index, and the Pielou index in Anhui Province. These metrics were utilized to assess avian biodiversity and to elucidate the spatial patterns of biodiversity distribution across the region. In this research, a structural equation model (SEM) was utilized to investigate the relationships between the three dimensions of landscape spatial structure, urban development intensity, and environmental factors on bird biodiversity, and a conceptual framework was established to identify the key driving factors. The validity, reliability, and fit of the hypothesized model were substantiated through rigorous testing, demonstrating its reasonableness. The results indicate the following: (1) In landscape spatial structure, landscape composition and configuration play crucial roles in influencing bird diversity. An increased proportion of cultivated land negatively impacts bird diversity, whereas the expansion of forested areas promotes it. At the configuration level, the Largest Patch Index (LPI) significantly enhances bird diversity, serving as the primary driving force. Landscape spatial structure affects bird diversity both directly, through its composition, and indirectly, through its configuration. (2) The dimension of urban development intensity generally shows significant negative impacts; among these, GDP has the greatest comprehensive impact and shows a significant negative impact. (3) Topography has the greatest overall impact on bird diversity among the environmental factors, with a predominantly direct positive effect. (4) Overall, urban landscape spatial structure and urban development intensity are the main driving forces of bird diversity in Anhui Province, the greatest of which is the direct effect of the urban development intensity. These results provide an important scientific basis for landscape planning and ecological protection and provide inspiration for assessing the driving factors of animal and plant diversity in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Populations of Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris, the ancestor of cultivated olives, are scattered across the Mediterranean Basin. However, after millennia of possible hybridization with cultivated varieties, the genetic identity of many of these populations remain questionable. In the southern Levant, the plausible primary domestication center of olives, many of the naturally growing olive (NGOs) are considered feral, having developed from nearby olive groves. Here, we investigated the genetic identity of NGOs population in the Carmel region, hypothesizing that their specific location, which limit anemophily, provided an opportunity for the persistence of genuine var. sylvestris. Results: We mapped more than 1,000 NGOs on the Kurkar ridge along the Carmel coast, within and outside the residential area of Atlit and used simple sequence repeats of 14 loci to assess the spatial genetic structure of 129 NGOs. Genetic diversity parameters and genetic distances between NGO and cultivated olives, as well as phenotypic and morphometric analyses of their oil content and pits, respectively, indicated the presence of a genuine var. sylvestris population. However, NGOs within the residential area of Atlit and old settlements showed an intermediate admix genetic structure, indicating on hybridization with local varieties, a consequence of their proximity to cultivated trees. Conclusions: Integrating the results of genetic and phenotypic analyses we provide crucial evidence of the presence of a genuine var. sylvestris population in the southern Levant, in close geographical proximity to archaeological sites with the earliest evidence of olive exploitation in the ancient world. We supplement the results with recommendations for a conservation program that combines municipal requirements and the urgent need to preserve the largest population of var. sylvestris in the southern Levant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing urbanization in China has caused severe haze pollution in Chinese cities in recent years. This study investigates the impact of urban spatial development mode on haze pollution from the leapfrog spatial dimension. We constructed a dataset containing LandScan population dynamic statistical data, PM2.5 surface concentration data, and urban economic statistical data and adopted ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variable methods. The findings indicate that the polycentric spatial structure within the city increases the PM2.5 levels, indicating that the urban monocentric spatial development mode is conducive to alleviating haze pollution. The use of the core explanatory variables, lagged by one and two periods, and of the number of Qing Dynasty walls as the instrumental variable confirm the robustness of the benchmark results. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that, in cities with underdeveloped public rail transit, the monocentric spatial development mode has a more obvious effect on reducing haze pollution. The results of the influence mechanism test show that the urban polycentric spatial development mode aggravates urban haze pollution, mainly by encouraging residents to travel by private transport, thereby increasing energy consumption. The obtained research results provide a sufficient basis for taking appropriate measures to govern haze pollution in Chinese cities from the perspective of polycentric spatial development mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciding where to forage must not only account for variations in habitat quality but also where others might forage. Recent studies have suggested that when individuals remember recent foraging outcomes, negative frequency-dependent learning can allow them to avoid resources exploited by others (indirect competition). This process can drive the emergence of consistent differences in resource use (resource partitioning) at the population level. However, indirect cues of competition can be difficult for individuals to sense. Here, we propose that information pooling through collective decision-making—i.e. collective intelligence—can allow populations of group-living animals to more effectively partition resources relative to populations of solitary animals. We test this hypothesis by simulating (i) individuals preferring to forage where they were recently successful and (ii) cohesive groups that choose one resource using a majority rule. While solitary animals can partially avoid indirect competition through negative frequency-dependent learning, resource partitioning is more likely to emerge in populations of group-living animals. Populations of larger groups also better partition resources than populations of smaller groups, especially in environments with more choices. Our results give insight into the value of long- versus short-term memory, home range sizes and the evolution of specialization, optimal group sizes and territoriality. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean lagoons face a significant threat due to the prevalent risks of eutrophication and dystrophy, particularly in sectors with limited water renewal. The El Mellah Lagoon in northeastern Algeria represents a crucial ecosystem. Our study focused on assessing its operational state by examining the seasonal variability of spatial patterns indicative of eutrophication. Our primary hypothesis posited that a lack of fluctuation in spatial pattern expression reflects ecosystem dysfunction in the face of eutrophication-related disturbances. Our objective was to establish that the El Mellah Lagoon maintains robust health, capable of recovering or sustaining dynamic equilibrium following periods of instability induced by external or internal disruptions. To achieve this, we employed a methodology combining multidimensional analysis (utilizing STATIS from the K-TABLE family) and spatial analysis (employing Moran's I and ordinary Kriging interpolation). Statistical analyses of physicochemical and biological measurements revealed seasonal variations in key eutrophication parameters. The first principal components derived from the STATIS analysis underwent spatial analysis techniques. Consequently, the spatial models constructed unveiled the dynamics characterizing the operational states of the El Mellah Lagoon. This comprehensive approach aimed to demonstrate the lagoon's resilience and ability to withstand disturbances, fostering a dynamic equilibrium crucial for its long-term viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra‐tumour immune infiltration is a crucial determinant affecting immunotherapy response in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its phenotype and related spatial structure have remained elusive. To overcome these restrictions, we undertook a comprehensive study comprising spatial transcriptomic (ST) data (28 712 spots from six samples). We identified two distinct intra‐tumour infiltration patterns: immune exclusion (characterised by myeloid cells) and immune activation (characterised by plasma cells). The immune exclusion and immune activation signatures showed adverse and favourable roles in NSCLC patients' survival, respectively. Notably, CD14+APOE+ cells were recognised as the main cell type in immune exclusion samples, with increased epithelial‒mesenchymal transition and decreased immune activities. The co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells was observed in both ST and bulk transcriptomics data, validated by multiplex immunofluorescence performed on 20 NSCLC samples. The co‐location area exhibited the upregulation of proliferation‐related pathways and hypoxia activities. This co‐localisation inhibited T‐cell infiltration and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures. Both CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells were associated with worse survival. In an immunotherapy cohort from the ORIENT‐3 clinical trial, NSCLC patients who responded unfavourably exhibited higher infiltration of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells. Within the co‐location area, the MK, SEMA3 and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signalling pathway was most active in cell‒cell communication. This study identified immune exclusion and activation patterns in NSCLC and the co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells as contributors to immune resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Building aggregation is one of the main contents in map generalization at the micro scale, which is of great significance to map compilation and multi-scale representation of spatial data. In order to maintain the consistency of spatial characteristics, a building aggregation method considering the spatial structure is proposed. Methods: First, based on distance-adaptive Delaunay triangles, the relationships of spatial structure between adjacent buildings are divided into six types. Meanwhile, these spatial structures are summarized as positive bridging type and oblique bridging type according to the bridging surfaces. Then, the bridging area is constructed according to bridging triangles, which are identified by projective overlap lines between adjacent buildings. The rectangular method is applied to the bridging area to maintain the spatial structure relationship. Finally, the calculation of bridging distance between adjacent buildings is put forward for building clustering, which can meet the mapping requirements and cognitive habits. Results: The effectiveness and universality of the proposed method are verified by several experiments. Conclusions: The comparative experiment shows that the proposed method has advantages in maintaining spatial structure characteristics and geometrical characteristics, including area consistency and rectangularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kin selection is important for understanding the evolution of social behaviour in group-living species. Yet, the role of kinship in solitary species has received little attention. We studied how kinship influences intraspecific variation in social organization and spatial structure in a predominantly solitary species, the bush Karoo rat, Otomys unisulcatus , from the Succulent Karoo semidesert of South Africa. We predicted that if social groups occur, they should consist of close kin. We further predicted that the spatial structure is not random, but that close kin live closer to each other. Over 5 years we performed trapping and focal animal observations and fitted mini-GPS dataloggers simultaneously on 125 neighbouring female bush Karoo rats to investigate how their spatial structure was influenced by kinship. Females were mainly solitary, although small social groups also occurred, all consisting of close kin, typically females, such as a mother and her adult daughter or sisters. Although females did have more nonkin than kin neighbours, kin lived closer to each other than nonkin. Daily ranges were larger in the breeding than in the nonbreeding season and overlapped more between kin than nonkin females. We conclude that kinship should be considered when studying solitary species as it might influence variation in social organization and spatial structure. • This study is the first use of mini-GPS devices in a small rodent. • Female bush Karoo rat females are mainly solitary. • Sometimes they form small groups, always consisting of close kin. • They display a kinship spatial structure. • Kinship is important to understand solitary species' social system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Understanding the physical-spatial structure of cities from the perspective of their development is one of the important influencing factors in the success rate of urban planners and practitioners and can contribute significantly to the improvement of urban environments. In this regard, the present study was carried out to investigate the spatialphysical structure changes in the Tabriz metropolis. The research method is mixed (quantitative-qualitative) with a practical purpose and analytical-exploratory nature. To analyze information Heldren's model and Moran and Kernel's technique in ArcGIS software were used. The findings of the research based on Heldren's model indicate that from 1956 to 1986, 71% of the physical growth of the city was related to population growth and 29% to horizontal growth. From 1986 to 2006, the population and horizontal growth of the city was almost equal (48 and 52 percent), and from 2006 to 2021, the extensive population growth caused the vertical growth and the formation of the compact city of Tabriz. Also, Tabriz metropolis is located in a single-core state (city center), and due to the changes, that have taken place and the increase of administrative, therapeutic, and recreational functions in the eastern regions and industries in the western regions, it has the ability to become a multi-core development model in its spatial structure. In other words, the changes in the spatial structure of the city in recent years have witnessed the decentralization of the city center. The results also indicate that the process of changes in the physical-spatial structure of the city has changed from fast to medium and back to fast, and in the meantime, the wide formation of spatial inequalities and imbalances in different dimensions is being witnessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the spatial structure of traditional villages is required to promote and preserve these villages. These traditional villages are an essential part of China's farming legacy and hold substantial historical and cultural significance. Therefore, this article analyzed 30 nationally recognized traditional villages in Liaoning Province, selected from the 6819 traditional villages in the province, as samples. These were divided into three types based on elevation: plain-type (below 200 m above sea level), hilly-type (200–500 m), and mountain-type (above 500 m) villages. Two villages of each type were selected for a total of six villages as the study objects; for these, quantitative comparative research on the spatial structure of these villages was carried out. The results of the study show that: (1) plain-type traditional villages are little affected by the terrain, the overall presentation of the surface space, the village traffic is well developed, able to form a commercial street as the core of the road interruptions in the head of the road more; (2) hilly-type traditional villages are influenced by mountains and water systems, forming a linear space with main roads as the core and crossroads, their core areas are more remote and lack space for public activities, and the villages rely on religious venues or the former residences of celebrities to attract tourists; (3) mountain-type villages are greatly influenced by the mountains, making it difficult to form a commercial area, the distribution of each natural town is relatively scattered and forms a point-like space, each point is developed with public space as the core, and there is a lack of characteristics within the village. The above quantitative characteristics are compared and three targeted conservation strategies for national-level traditional villages in Liaoning are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional CO2 emissions are closely related to their territorial function, which is the major role a region plays in sustainable processes on the earth's surface. Given that China is implementing a top-down emission allocation quota strategy, studying the impact of a territorial function on emissions addresses the research gap from a spatial integration dimension. By investigating the effects of three basic functional territories (urbanization zones (UZ), food security zones (FSZ), and ecological security zones (ESZ)), horizontal spatial structure and vertical combinations of functional territories on CO2 emission patterns in China, we found that functional territory patterns were highly coupled with the spatial distribution of CO2 emissions, with a ratio of CO2 emissions from UZ–FSZ–ESZ was stable at around 5:2:1 from 2000 to 2017. Spatially, CO2 emissions in FSZ and ESZ were 1.06–2.12 times higher than the average value within 200 km from the UZ. As territorial function combination increased with spatial upscaling, the emission characteristics attributable to functional territories became indistinct. The findings above can provide a basis for the long-term prediction of CO2 emissions from spatial dimension, support scientific guidance for inter-zone cooperation and classified management of carbon emissions with the major function oriented zones as impetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide an experimental design to study how estimates of the distance deterrence parameter in a standard doubly-constrained gravity model respond to different patterns of spatial structure. The design is defined as an agent-based simulation framework that simultaneously considers the response of commuting and migration to changes in the spatial structure, accounting for labor and housing market issues. The agents are equipped with a utility function and are expected to maximize their utilities corresponding to their disposable income net of commuting costs and house value. We study how the estimates of the distance deterrence parameter respond to where the central business district is located, to the clustering of local and basic sector jobs, to changes in the road transportation network, and to the compactness in the system of towns in the geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public spaces within cities play a crucial role as significant reflections of their identity and social history, characterized by unique features encompassing natural, geographical, economic dynamics, and cultural traditions. The economies of cities and ports in Hormozgan province, historically central to regional fishing and commerce, grapple with challenges related to sustainable development, including the deterioration of historical contexts, rapid population growth, restricted resource access, and environmental degradation. In this context, public spaces, integral focal points in the spatial structure of cities, have undergone changes and faced challenges indicative of these conflicts. The influence of the development-oriented economic and cultural shift shapes the characteristic features of public space, determining its form and functionality. This shift, in turn, either strengthens or weakens the emerging spaces under this role. This study aims to explore the impact of these economic and cultural changes on public spaces, shedding light on the forces that shape their development. The objective of this study is to assess the current state of public spaces and their contribution to sustainable development. The goal is to comprehend the underlying factors influencing the formation of these spaces within the spatial organization of the studied cities and ports, aiming to enhance their development processes. This research employed qualitative methods, relying on field observations, documentary and library studies, and an analytical approach to describe the phenomenon. Through a comparative analysis of the three examined samples, a consistent pattern emerges in the repositioning of public spaces within the spatial organization of the city. The primary catalyst for this shift lies in the creation of economic attractions driven by a rapid increase in tourism. Historically, fishing and shipping dominated the coastal cities’ economy, shaping their structures. However, the current surge in the tourism economy, accompanied by lifestyle changes and increased capital attraction, has not only altered programmatic and financial dynamics but has also impacted the spatial organization of cities. This ongoing transformation, coupled with shifts in the region’s economic structure, has resulted in fundamental changes to the cityscape, rooted in the dominance of the development discourse and native traditions. Consequently, the city’s landscape and landmarks have undergone significant transformations.

Abstract Background Populations of Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris, the ancestor of cultivated olives, are scattered across the Mediterranean Basin. However, after millennia of possible hybridization with cultivated varieties, the genetic identity of many of these populations remain questionable. In the southern Levant, the plausible primary domestication center of olives, many of the naturally growing olive (NGOs) are considered feral, having developed from nearby olive groves. Here, we investigated the genetic identity of NGOs population in the Carmel region, hypothesizing that their specific location, which limit anemophily, provided an opportunity for the persistence of genuine var. sylvestris. Results We mapped more than 1,000 NGOs on the Kurkar ridge along the Carmel coast, within and outside the residential area of Atlit and used simple sequence repeats of 14 loci to assess the spatial genetic structure of 129 NGOs. Genetic diversity parameters and genetic distances between NGO and cultivated olives, as well as phenotypic and morphometric analyses of their oil content and pits, respectively, indicated the presence of a genuine var. sylvestris population. However, NGOs within the residential area of Atlit and old settlements showed an intermediate admix genetic structure, indicating on hybridization with local varieties, a consequence of their proximity to cultivated trees. Conclusions Integrating the results of genetic and phenotypic analyses we provide crucial evidence of the presence of a genuine var. sylvestris population in the southern Levant, in close geographical proximity to archaeological sites with the earliest evidence of olive exploitation in the ancient world. We supplement the results with recommendations for a conservation program that combines municipal requirements and the urgent need to preserve the largest population of var. sylvestris in the southern Levant.

This paper discusses the home garden (Pekarangan) Physical structure in the current condition of Javanese agricultural villages. The discussion mainly focused on home garden layout, spatial elements, and vegetation characteristics. The study of Traditional Javanese village home gardens is summarized from the study of relevant literature. Current conditions were identified from the results of observation and field studies in three villages selected based on the distance of the urban area. A spatial analysis of the home garden’s layout and forming elements was carried out to determine the current condition of the home garden structure and its transformation. The result revealed that the typical Javanese home garden structure in the village still exists and is utilized by people. Some home gardens were also transformed into new structures based on their original form. Home garden spatial structure transformation can be seen in the changes in home garden spatial structure, land size, area coverage, and vegetation characteristics. Furthermore, the composition of the home garden’s spatial structure transformation influences the village’s spatial development.

The article presents findings from the analysis of macroregions' adaptation to economic sanctions and external shocks after the accession of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia and after the onset of the special military operation. Changes in the territorial and sectoral structure of production as well as the emergence of new sectoral and regional growth drivers are shown. The contribution of macroregions to the formation of the dynamics in the total gross regional product, final consumption of households, and gross fixed capital accumulation is estimated. The changes in the regional structure of consumer demand and income of the population are analyzed. It is noted that the growth in wages and incomes of the population in the regions does not lead to a proportional increase in consumer demand; in all macroregions, income growth was converted into a rise in savings. In 2022–2023, the growth rate of investments, including budget ones, increased significantly. The contribution of investments to the growth of total GRP exceeded the contribution made by the final consumption of households. The Ural-Volga macroregion has become a new center of economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs the instrumental variable method and the intermediary model to explore the influence of monocentric and polycentric spatial structures of innovation agglomeration on energy efficiency. This paper uses data from 2010 to 2021 in China, and also panel data regression models were used. The findings indicate that the monocentric spatial structure of provincial system innovation agglomeration is primarily concentrated in northeastern and western regions of China, whereas the polycentric spatial structure is mainly distributed in eastern coastal areas. A monocentric spatial structure inhibits the enhancement of energy efficiency, but there is an environmental paradox of excessive resource agglomeration. In contrast, a polycentric spatial structure and its strengthening tendency facilitate the improvement of energy efficiency. A monocentric spatial structure has an inhibitory impact on the improvement of energy efficiency in the three sectors of agriculture, industry, and construction, while a polycentric spatial structure aids it. A monocentric spatial structure further hinders the improvement of energy efficiency by impeding the upgrading of the industrial structure, while the upgrading of the industrial structure driven by the polycentric spatial structure plays a role in enhancing energy efficiency. The policy recommendations of this paper are intended to help coordinate the pace of innovation development between cities, adjust the spatial structure of innovation agglomeration between regions, and promote the upgrading of the comprehensive industrial structure, thereby improving overall energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a thorough and detailed analysis of bicalutamide's structural and conformational properties. Quantum chemical calculations were employed to explore the conformational properties of the molecule, identifying significant energy differences between conformers. Analysis revealed that hydrogen bonds stabilise the conformers, with notable variations in torsion angles. Conformers were classified into 'closed' and 'open' types based on the relative orientation of the cyclic fragments. NOE spectroscopy in different solvents (CDCl3 and DMSO-d6) was used to study the conformational preferences of the molecule. NOESY experiments provided the predominance of 'closed' conformers in non-polar solvents and a significant presence of 'open' conformers in polar solvents. The proportions of open conformers were 22.7 ± 3.7% in CDCl3 and 59.8 ± 6.2% in DMSO-d6, while closed conformers accounted for 77.3 ± 3.7% and 40.2 ± 6.2%, respectively. This comprehensive study underscores the solvent environment's impact on its structural behaviour. The findings significantly contribute to a deeper understanding of conformational dynamics, stimulating further exploration in drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Resources Development & Market is the property of Sichuan Resource Development & Market Magazine Co., Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kinematic analysis is the first task that needs to be solved for further real-life problems such as machine dynamics and durability, machine balancing, and optimization, chemistry, etc. Currently, there are many methods to analyze the kinematic problem, for instance: vector graphics method, vector-analytic method, or Dennavit-Hartenberg-Craig matrix method. Although each method has its advantages, they have mostly encountered difficulties in establishing equations associated with complicated spatial structures. This research proposed a novel method, entitled "'perpendicular projection method" to solve the problem of spatial structural kinematic analysis. This is an approximate solution method that combines the use of generalized coordinates and direction cosine matrices. With this method, the problem of kinematic analysis of spatial structures will be solved simply and easily by establishing connection equations as well as simulating the motion of spatial structures. This method was then applied in conducting the kinematic analysis of a spatial mechanism with 1 rotating joint (R), 1 ball joint (S), 1 translational joint (P), and one cylindrical joint (C). The calculated results, including the velocity, acceleration of generalized coordinates, angular velocity, angular acceleration of the links, velocity, and acceleration of the center of mass of the links, showed the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated growth of urban areas has resulted in substantial alterations to the spatial structure of these settlements. The accurate identification of the multi-centre spatial structure is a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of urban spatial development and the optimisation of urban space. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the multi-centre spatial structure of cities through a novel approach of data fusion based on night-time lighting data, LandScan data, and population heat data. Furthermore, this study compared the differential effects of population distribution and population mobility in identifying urban spatial structures. The empirical research results for Zhengzhou City demonstrate that the accuracy of using LandScan data fusion to identify multi-centre spatial structures was 0.7463, while the accuracy of using night-time light data fusion to identify urban spatial structures through population mobility reached 0.8235. This suggests that, in the context of increasing population mobility and economic activity, the integration of population mobility data may have a significant impact on the accuracy of urban spatial research. Moreover, this study places a dual focus on population distribution and population mobility and a new method of data integration for urban spatial research. These are of considerable practical value in facilitating spatial optimisation and the coordinated development of cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reveal the spatial structural characteristics of 1,652 Ethnic-Minority Villages (EMV) in China and to analyze the mechanisms driving their spatial heterogeneity. EMV are a special type of settlement space that preserve a large number of historical traces of the ethnic culture of ancient China. They are important carriers of China's excellent traditional culture and are key to the implementation of rural revitalization strategies. In this study, 1652 EMV in China were selected as the research subjects. The Nearest Neighbor Index, kernel density, and spatial autocorrelation index were employed to reveal the spatial structural characteristics of minority villages. Neural network models, spatial lag models, and geographical detectors were used to analyze the formation mechanism of spatial heterogeneity in EMV. The results indicate that: (1) EMV exhibit significant spatial differentiation characterized by "single-core with multiple surrounding sub-centers," "polarization between east and west," "decreasing quantity from southwest to east coast to northeast to northwest," and "large dispersion with small agglomeration." (2) EMV are mainly distributed in areas rich in intangible cultural heritage, with high vegetation coverage and low altitude, far from central cities, and having limited arable land and an underdeveloped economy and transportation, particularly in shaded or riverbank areas. (3) Distance from the nearest river (X3), distance from central cities (X8), national intangible cultural heritage (X9), and NDVI (X10) were the main driving factors affecting the spatial distribution of EMV, whereas elevation (X1) and GDP (X5) had the weakest influence. As EMV are a relatively unique territorial spatial unit, the identification of their spatial heterogeneity characteristics not only deepens the research content of settlement geography, but also involves the assessment, protection, and development of Minority Villages, which is of great significance for the inheritance and utilization of excellent ethnic cultures in the era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During February 2023, the quasi‐4‐day wave (Q4DW) with westward zonal wavenumber 2 (W2) reached its largest amplitude of ∼400 m in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) geopotential height observations since 2004, which occurred simultaneously with an Arctic major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) with an elevated stratopause (ES). However, the Q4DW‐W2 perturbations in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) were unexpectedly suppressed despite the unstable Arctic stratosphere and mesosphere during the 2023 ES‐SSW. Diagnostic analysis shows that the westward winds at ∼54°N–70°N in the upper stratosphere of ∼‐79 m/s during the 2023 ES‐SSW were the strongest during boreal winters over the past two decades, which benefited from the onset of a preceding minor SSW at the end of January. The strongest westward wind generated a wave geometry configuration of full reflection for Q4DW‐W2 in the NH, while the Q4DW‐W2 enhancement in the SH was induced by the in‐situ amplification of the surviving seeding perturbations. Plain Language Summary: Among the planetary waves with a period of about 4 days, the eastward quasi‐4‐day wave (Q4DW) excited by the double‐jet structure in the Southern Hemisphere is the most famous one, while another Q4DW with westward zonal wavenumber 2 (W2) belonging to the normal modes of the Earth's atmosphere has attracted little attention. During the February 2023 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) with an elevated stratopause (ES), the exceptional enhancement and suppression of Q4DW‐W2 were captured in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere, respectively. Such global structure is first observed and abnormal among traveling planetary waves during SSW since they usually have a peak region in the unstable winter hemisphere. We found that the rare sequence of stratospheric disturbances in the 44‐year historical record that a minor SSW followed by an ES‐SSW led to the excessively strong westward wind during the 2023 ES‐SSW, which resulted in a wave geometry configuration of full reflection for Q4DW‐W2 in the Northern Hemisphere. Our current results well establish the relationship between a new global structure of traveling planetary waves during SSW and the rare sequence of stratospheric disturbances. This will deepen the understanding of the less studied Q4DW‐W2 and the Earth's whole atmospheric coupling during SSW. Key Points: The anomalous burst and suppression of quasi‐4‐day wave (Q4DW) with westward zonal wavenumber 2 (W2) were observed in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere (NH) respectively during the February 2023 major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) with elevated stratopause (ES)The rare sequence of SSWs in January and February 2023 led to the strongest westward wind during boreal winters over the past two decadesThe strongest westward wind during the 2023 ES‐SSW created a wave geometry configuration of full reflection weakening the Q4DW‐W2 in the NH [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) as signaling molecules, playing a crucial role in inducing resistance against herbivores. Neighboring plants that eavesdrop on BVOC signals can also increase defenses against herbivores or alter growth patterns to respond to potential risks of herbivore damage. Despite the significance of BVOC emissions, the evolutionary rationales behind their release and the factors contributing to the diversity in such emissions remain poorly understood. To unravel the conditions for the evolution of BVOC emission, we developed a spatially explicit model that formalizes the evolutionary dynamics of BVOC emission and non‐emission strategies. Our model considered two effects of BVOC signaling that impact the fitness of plants: intra‐individual communication, which mitigates herbivore damage through the plant's own BVOC signaling incurring emission costs, and inter‐individual communication, which alters the influence of herbivory based on BVOC signals from other individuals without incurring emission costs. Employing two mathematical models—the lattice model and the random distribution model—we investigated how intra‐individual communication, inter‐individual communication, and spatial structure influenced the evolution of BVOC emission strategies. Our analysis revealed that the increase in intra‐individual communication promotes the evolution of the BVOC emission strategy. In contrast, the increase in inter‐individual communication effect favors cheaters who benefit from the BVOCs released from neighboring plants without bearing the costs associated with BVOC emission. Our analysis also demonstrated that the narrower the spatial scale of BVOC signaling, the higher the likelihood of BVOC evolution. This research sheds light on the intricate dynamics governing the evolution of BVOC emissions and their implications for plant–plant communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, the consequences of population aging are generally visible, including the negative impact of dynamically rising aging index and old-age dependency ratio. Besides the growing number of elders, the basis of the problem spiral can be identified with the excessively low population of child cohorts (aged 0--14 years) entering the working-age group (aged 15--64 years). The focus of the study is on childbearing behavior, i.e. fertility, in a geographical based approach, at the level of NUTS 2 regions. According to the results, it can be concluded that the total fertility rate exchanged significantly regionally in the European Union between 2010 and 2020. The previously outstanding values of Western and Northern Europe have decreased significantly, the Central and Eastern European regions, which were in an unfavorable situation at the beginning of the decade, have made a significant progress, while the low values of 2010 of the southern regions decreased even further. The average age of women at childbirth shows smaller differences than the total fertility rate, as births were brought forward in only one percent of the regions; on the other hand, the average age of having children has shifted later at different paces in certain parts of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is a prevalent hazard that poses a significant risk to public safety and societal progress. The continuous expansion of densely populated urban areas, exacerbated by global warming and the increasing intensification of urban heat islands, has led to a notable increase in the frequency and severity of fires worldwide. Incorporating measures to withstand different types of calamities has always been a crucial aspect of urban infrastructure. Well-designed plant communities play a pivotal role as a component of green space systems in addressing climate-related challenges, effectively mitigating the occurrence and spread of fires. This study conducted field research on 21 sites in the green belt around Shanghai, China, quantifying tree morphological indexes and coordinate positions. The spatial structure attributes of different plant communities were analyzed by principal component analysis, CRITIC weighting approach, and stepwise regression analysis to build a comprehensive fire resistance prediction model. Through this research, the relationship between community spatial structures and fire resistance was explored. A systematic construction of a prediction model based on community spatial structures for fire resistance was undertaken, and the fire resistance performance could be quickly judged by easily measured tree morphological indexes, providing valuable insights for the dynamic prediction of fire resistance. According to the evaluation and ranking conducted by the prediction model, the Celtis sinensis, Sapindus saponaria, Osmanthus fragrans, Koelreuteria paniculata, and Distylium racemosum + Populus euramericana 'I-214' communities exhibited a high level of fire resistance. On the other hand, the Koelreuteria bipinnata + Ligustrum lucidum, Ginkgo biloba + Camphora officinarum + Ligustrum lucidum, and Ligustrum lucidum + Sapindus saponaria communities obtained lower scores and were positioned lower in the ranking. It is emphasized that the integration of monitoring and regulation is essential to ensure the ecological integrity and well-being of green areas in the Wildland–Urban Interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinning is a crucial approach to the near-natural conversion of plantations, contributing to the sustainability of forest management. However, over a rotation, the effects of thinning on tree growth, structure, and species diversity, as well as their scale-dependent outcomes, remain unclear. Ten years after conducting individual tree thinning in a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) monoculture in southwest China, we analyzed the thinning effects within the influence zone (r = 0–2.5 m) centered around stumps and center trees. The results indicate that (1) individual tree thinning did not significantly promote the increment of diameter at breast height, volume, and biomass of Chinese fir. The four nearest Chinese fir around stumps and center trees were in a state of random distribution, high mixing, and dominance; (2) individual tree thinning significantly promoted the formation of species abundance and richness at r = 2–2.5 m. With increased scale, more species were found, leading to increased stability in diameter and species distribution. Linear and nonlinear relationships between diameter classes, mingling, and dominance became more stable; (3) later-coming populations within both modes exhibited a common characteristic of random distribution, high mixing, and disadvantage at each scale, but with significant differences in species composition (kj = 0.22–0.61). These results suggest that individual tree thinning has limited impacts on the growth and structure of retained trees in Chinese fir plantations but significantly enhances the formation of species diversity, demonstrating scale effects. This underscores the feasibility of individual tree thinning in the near-natural conversion of plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable interest in identifying and locating natural forests as accurately as possible, because they are deemed essential in preventing biodiversity loss. In the boreal region, natural forests contain a substantial amount of dead wood and exhibit considerable variation in tree age, size, and species composition. However, it is difficult to define natural forests in a quantitative manner. This is an issue, for example, in the Finnish national forest inventory. If naturalness could be related to the metrics derived from tree measurements, it would be easier to locate natural forests based on the inventory data. In this study, we investigated the value of metrics computed from tree locations and tree sizes for the characterization of a key aspect of naturalness, namely, structural naturalness as defined in the Finnish national forest inventory. We used L-moments, Gini coefficient, Lorenz asymmetry, and interquartile range to quantify the variations in tree size at the plot level. We summarized the spatial pattern of trees with a spatial aggregation index. We compared the structural metrics, species proportions, and stand age using the classes of structural naturalness described in the Finnish national forest inventory, which have been determined in the field without strict numerical rules. These categories are 'natural', 'near-natural', and 'non-natural'. We found that the forests evaluated as structurally natural had larger variations in tree size and species composition and showed a more clustered spatial pattern of trees on average, although the variation in the structural metrics was considerable in all three classes. In addition, we used the structural metrics to predict naturalness by employing a random forest algorithm. Based on the structural metrics, it was possible to obtain high precision in the classification only if we simultaneously accepted low recall, and vice versa; the link between the inspected metrics and naturalness evaluated in the field was weak. The stand age separated the three classes more clearly and it also improved the classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reasonable design of S‐scheme heterojunction to avoid unwanted charge transfer paths in hybrid semiconductors is considered to be an attractive method to obtain efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of the system was improved by loading ultra‐thin InVO4 nanosheets on the surface of hollow cube Co3O4 to form an S‐scheme heterojunction. Benefiting from the unique nano‐cage structure derived from the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) series, it not only provides a good carrier for activating and stabilizing InVO4 nanosheets but also effectively avoids the masking of active sites caused by self‐agglomeration, which is more conducive to the exposure of more active sites. In the presence of sensitizer and sacrificial reagent, the optimized InVO4/Co3O4 has a more competitive H2 production, which is undoubtedly due to the construction of S‐scheme heterojunctions and unique spatial structure that facilitates the spatial separation of photoexcited charges. It is further confirmed that the photogenerated carrier transfer follows the S‐scheme mechanism by in‐situ irradiation XPS test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining the stability of ecological communities is critical for conservation, yet we lack a clear understanding of what attributes of metacommunity structure control stability. Some theories suggest that greater dispersal promotes metacommunity stability by stabilizing local populations, while others suggest that dispersal synchronizes fluctuations across patches and leads to global instability. These effects of dispersal on stability may be mediated by metacommunity structure: the number of patches, the pattern of connections across patches, and levels of spatiotemporal correlation in the environment. Thus, we need theory to investigate metacommunity dynamics under different spatial structures and ecological scenarios. Here, we use simulations to investigate whether stability is primarily affected by connectivity, including dispersal rate and topology of connectivity network, or by mechanisms related to the number of patches. We find that in competitive metacommunities with environmental stochasticity, network topology has little effect on stability on the metacommunity scale even while it could change spatial diversity patterns. In contrast, the number of connected patches is the dominant factor promoting stability through averaging stochastic fluctuations across more patches, rather than due to more habitat heterogeneity per se. These results broaden our understanding of how metacommunity structure changes metacommunity stability, which is relevant for designing effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presents results of the in vitro and in silico study of formation of amyloid-like structures under harsh denaturing conditions by non-specific OmpF porin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YpOmpF), a membrane protein with β-barrel conformation. It has been shown that in order to obtain amyloid-like porin aggregates, preliminary destabilization of its structure in a buffer solution with acidic pH at elevated temperature followed by long-term incubation at room temperature is necessary. After heating at 95°C in a solution with pH 4.5, significant conformational rearrangements are observed in the porin molecule at the level of tertiary and secondary structure of the protein, which are accompanied by the increase in the content of total β-structure and sharp decrease in the value of characteristic viscosity of the protein solution. Subsequent long-term exposure of the resulting unstable intermediate YpOmpF at room temperature leads to formation of porin aggregates of various shapes and sizes that bind thioflavin T, a specific fluorescent dye for the detection of amyloid-like protein structures. Compared to the initial protein, early intermediates of the amyloidogenic porin pathway, oligomers, have been shown to have increased toxicity to the Neuro-2aCCL-131™ mouse neuroblastoma cells. The results of computer modeling and analysis of the changes in intrinsic fluorescence during protein aggregation suggest that during formation of amyloid-like aggregates, changes in the structure of YpOmpF affect not only the areas with an internally disordered structure corresponding to the external loops of the porin, but also main framework of the molecule, which has a rigid spatial structure inherent to β-barrel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially resolved datasets are revolutionizing knowledge in molecular biology, yet are under-utilized for questions in evolutionary biology. To gain insight from these large-scale datasets of spatial organization, we need mathematical representations and modeling techniques that can both capture their complexity, but also allow for mathematical tractability. Evolutionary graph theory utilizes the mathematical representation of networks as a proxy for heterogeneous population structure and has started to reshape our understanding of how spatial structure can direct evolutionary dynamics. However, previous results are derived for the case of a single new mutation appearing in the population and the role of network structure in shaping fitness landscape crossing is still poorly understood. Here we study how network-structured populations cross fitness landscapes and show that even a simple extension to a two-mutational landscape can exhibit complex evolutionary dynamics that cannot be predicted using previous single-mutation results. We show how our results can be intuitively understood through the lens of how the two main evolutionary properties of a network, the amplification and acceleration factors, change the expected fate of the intermediate mutant in the population and further discuss how to link these models to spatially resolved datasets of cellular organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of digital cultural enterprises have formed a "reticular space" between countries (regions) regarding advanced production factors such as capital, technology, and knowledge, and have an important impact on reshaping the economic geographic configuration of the world. Based on this, this paper used complex network methods and GIS spatial technology to explore the structure of global cross-border M&A network of digital cultural enterprises and its evolution law. The results show that: ① The crossborder M&A network of digital cultural enterprises is gradually evolving from a "dual-core" pattern dominated by North America and Western Europe to a "three-pole" pattern dominated by North America, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific; ② The polarization caused by economic globalization has induced the phenomenon of "rich club" in the cross-border M&A network of digital cultural enterprises, and the centralization of the cross-border M&A network of global digital cultural enterprises has been deepening; ③ The refinement of the division of global labor system of digital cultural enterprises and the deepening of regional economic grouping and integration have enhanced the M&A preference and contact level between neighboring countries (regions); ④ The cross-border M&A network of digital cultural enterprises is characterized by a "core-periphery" structure. Among them, North America and Western Europe always occupy the core of the network; while Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia and West Asia are located at the edge of the network and are in a state of being "harvested". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anadolu University Journal of Art & Design / Sanat & Tasarım is the property of Anadolu University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study focuses on 1209 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage items and 1234 traditional Chinese villages within the Dongting Lake Basin. Using kernel density analysis, centroid models, coupling models, and quantitative spatial–structural models, the present research analyzes the spatial–structural characteristics and formation mechanisms of intangible cultural heritage and traditional villages to provide scientific support for their preservation, inheritance, and effective utilization. The results revealed the following: (1) Intangible cultural heritage and traditional villages in the Dongting Lake Basin exhibit a very concentrated spatial distribution, with similar spatial–structural characteristics. (2) High spatial coupling of intangible cultural heritage and traditional villages is observable in the sub-basins of Dongting Lake, such as the Yuanjiang, Zishui, and Lishui basins, whereas the Xiangjiang Basin and Dongting Lake area present relatively lower levels of spatial coupling. In terms of the categories of intangible cultural heritage, four of them—cultural heritage, folk literature, traditional music, traditional dance, and traditional drama—have the smallest deviation distance and index values from traditional villages. The coupling degree was higher than 0.70, and there were some differences in the coupling degree between the other six categories of intangible cultural heritage and traditional villages. (3) The spatial–structural characteristics of intangible cultural heritage and traditional villages in the Dongting Lake Basin emerged from the combined effects of multiple factors, including internal connections between the two, as well as external factors such as the natural environment, socio-economic conditions, and cultural policies, all of which play crucial roles in the formation processes of these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the article reviews and substantiates research methods and data sources on the dynamics of the spatial structure of the largest urban agglomerations in Russia. The object of the study is modern methods for studying urban agglomerations based on new data sources. A case study of the number two urban agglomeration in Russia—St. Petersburg urban agglomeration—shows that interdisciplinary synthesis of socioeconomic geography, regional economics, urban studies, geoinformatics and cartography, land management, and variety of data sources (mobile network operators' data, tax statistics, housing construction, satellite observations, retail chain activity, and road networks), as well as modern GIS equipment, make it possible to evaluate this structure, its changes, and fluctuations. The main objective of the study is to critically rethink the methods of studying the spatial structure of one of the largest urban agglomerations in Russia that developed in the turbulent period between 2014 and 2022. Using a deductive approach, the authors inventoried the available methods for studying urban agglomerations and traditional data sources and obtained updated methods and new sources. Next, the advantages and disadvantages of each group of methods are identified. Using bibliographic analysis, the authors identified the limitations and possibilities for empirical content (availability of specific data sources). Based on their own critical analysis, the authors offer a final expert assessment of the applicability and usefulness of the methods specifically for the St. Petersburg urban agglomeration. The authors' contribution lies in the adaptation of modern groups of methods for studying the spatial structure of cities to study the considered urban agglomeration, taking into account the local specifics. It is expected that development of a modern methodology for studying the spatial structure of the St. Petersburg urban agglomeration, based on a symbiosis of modern methods and data sources, will contribute to studying Russia's largest urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) presents a promising method for the sterilization of coconut milk and exhibits a modifying effect on coconut globulin (CG), the primary allergen in coconut milk. This study investigated the potential role of ACP treatment in mitigating the allergenic properties of coconut milk by examining changes in protein structure. ACP treatment induced structural alterations in CG, disrupting binding sites with immunoglobulin E (IgE). Consequently, this led to a reduction in the affinity between CG and IgE, evidenced by a decrease in Ka from 2.17 × 104/M to 0.64 × 104/M, thereby diminishing IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The findings from allergenic and cellular models further corroborated that ACP treatment decreased the allergenicity of CG by 55.18%, while inhibiting degranulation and the release of allergic mediators. This study presents an innovative methodology for producing hypoallergenic coconut milk, thereby expanding the applicability of ACP technology within the food industry.

Abstract Intra‐tumour immune infiltration is a crucial determinant affecting immunotherapy response in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its phenotype and related spatial structure have remained elusive. To overcome these restrictions, we undertook a comprehensive study comprising spatial transcriptomic (ST) data (28 712 spots from six samples). We identified two distinct intra‐tumour infiltration patterns: immune exclusion (characterised by myeloid cells) and immune activation (characterised by plasma cells). The immune exclusion and immune activation signatures showed adverse and favourable roles in NSCLC patients' survival, respectively. Notably, CD14+APOE+ cells were recognised as the main cell type in immune exclusion samples, with increased epithelial‒mesenchymal transition and decreased immune activities. The co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells was observed in both ST and bulk transcriptomics data, validated by multiplex immunofluorescence performed on 20 NSCLC samples. The co‐location area exhibited the upregulation of proliferation‐related pathways and hypoxia activities. This co‐localisation inhibited T‐cell infiltration and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures. Both CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells were associated with worse survival. In an immunotherapy cohort from the ORIENT‐3 clinical trial, NSCLC patients who responded unfavourably exhibited higher infiltration of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells. Within the co‐location area, the MK, SEMA3 and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signalling pathway was most active in cell‒cell communication. This study identified immune exclusion and activation patterns in NSCLC and the co‐location of CD14+APOE+ cells and MMP7+ tumour cells as contributors to immune resistance.

Urban heat islands (UHI) are important environmental issue in cities where urban spatial structure has been proven to play an important role in alleviating UHI effects. The relationship between land surface temperature and urban spatial structures has been explored, providing strong support for their cooling effects. Urban roads are the skeleton of urban spatial structures, with obvious spatial structure characteristics; however, research on the relationship between roads and the thermal environment has been mostly focused at the micro and meso level, lacking exploration at the macro spatial structure scale. Xuzhou—a typical average-sized city in China—was selected as the research object and the road system as the carrier. The thermal environmental effects of road elements such as their structural attributes, geometric attributes and unique construction attributes were quantitatively analyzed using geographically weighted regression analysis. The results revealed that 1) the contribution of roads in the study area to the UHI effect is relatively stable; therefore, this area should become an important cooling space to decompose UHI patch connectivity and thus decrease the UHI effect. 2) the self-organizing structural characteristics of urban roads affect their thermal environments where in the straightness of the road structure and road thermal environment showed a clear overall negative correlation And 3) the length and width of the road segments had negative and positive effects on the thermal environment, respectively. The green coverage of the roads has a global negative effect on the thermal environment, but shows obvious spatial non-stationarity. Therefore, green measures must be implemented in different regions. The results here provide a quantitative basis for urban road system planning and urban form management and control that incorporates thermal environment improvements, as well as a reference for the study of urban thermal environments under different spatial forms and planning control systems in other countries and regions.