College of Environmental Protection

Octane number is an important indicator reflecting the combustion performance of gasoline. In order to meet the requirements for gasoline quality during the refining process of catalytic cracking gasoline, the dataset is preprocessed using methods such as the Laida criterion and the maximum and minimum limiting method; Reduce the number of candidate variables through recursive elimination and regression analysis, and then perform correlation analysis on the variables to determine the operating variables; Using parameter grid search as the training strategy, the single regression model method and Boosting method were used to train the main variable operation variables. The learning ability and overall performance of the octane number (RON) loss prediction model were evaluated based on three indicators: interpretability variance, root mean square error (RMSE), and Bad Case number. The Boosting learner was selected as the final model, and genetic algorithm was used to solve the optimal operation values or optimal operation interval ranges of the main variables in the model. This can verify the rationality of the optimal operation conditions of the main variables obtained by our model. The results show that this model can effectively predict and optimize the problem of octane number loss.

The Leviellus thorelli reference genome provides the first high-quality genomic resource for Zygiellidae, a family of orb-weaving spiders with a dynamic systematic history and distinct for constructing webs with a characteristic spiral-free sector. As part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA), we generated a chromosome-level assembly for L. thorelli that is organized into 13 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 2.20 Gb and is composed of 939 contigs and 130 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 5.4 Mb and 167.1 Mb, respectively. This genome represents a valuable addition to the growing collection of spider genomes. With Zygiellidae now included among the available genomes of true orb-weavers, this is a key resource for comparative studies into the genomic basis of orb web and silk evolution.

Ganoderma boninense is primarily known as a harmful pathogen responsible for basal stem rot in oil palms, significantly affecting the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.As a result, farmers often chop down and discard the G. boninense.However, recent studies suggest that this discarded material may possess untapped pharmacological potential, including anti-inflammatory properties.The metabolite composition and bioactivity of G. boninense are influenced by environmental factors, which can limit its consistency.In this study, advanced techniques such as LC-MS/MS and molecular networking (MN) were used to annotate groups of triterpenoids, alkaloids, and aminoglycosides from samples collected at three different locations in Malaysia.All crude extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells.All three G. boninense extracts significantly suppressed NO production, with effective concentrations ranging from 0.50 to 0.60 M which comparable to the effect of the positive control, dexamethasone.

Karst aquifer systems are highly vulnerable due to their unique underground water flow characteristics, making them prone to contamination and abandonment. This study compares an active karst water source (Ljubija) with a previously abandoned one (Rečica) to assess freshwater quality and water protection risks, especially as water scarcity becomes a concern during dry summer periods. The Ljubija and Rečica catchments, designated as water protection areas (WPAs), were monitored over a year (January–December 2020). Groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) were analyzed twice a month during both dry and wet periods, adhering to European and national guidelines. An interdisciplinary approach integrated natural and human impact indicators, linking water quality to precipitation, hydrogeography, and landscape characteristics. After Slovene regulation standards (50 mg/L), the Ljubija source demonstrated stable water quality, with low nitrate levels (average 2.6 mg/L) and minimal human impact. In contrast, the Rečica catchment was more vulnerable, with its GW excluded from drinking use since the 1990s due to organic contamination, worsened by the area’s karst hydrogeology. In 2020, its nitrate concentration averaged 6.0 mg/L. These findings highlight the need for improved monitoring regulations, particularly for vulnerable karst water sources, to safeguard water quality and ensure sustainable use.

In the context of information technology, traditional recommendation methods for I&P teaching resources face challenges such as outdated content, limited delivery methods, and a low degree of personalization, making it difficult to meet students' diverse and precise learning needs. The main goal of this study is to construct an intelligent and personalized I&P teaching resource recommendation system to enhance the accuracy, engagement, and educational effectiveness of I&P education, thereby supporting the development of the “Three-wide Education” system in higher education institutions. This research introduces AI and deep learning algorithms to address the current pain points in the delivery of I&P educational resources and to meet the practical needs of high-quality development in I&P education in the new era. In terms of methodology, this study adopts multiple models including collaborative filtering, neural collaborative filtering, and FCM. It utilizes user profiling techniques to construct personalized feature dimensions, integrating students' learning behaviors, interest preferences, and knowledge mastery to achieve accurate matching and dynamic optimization of resource recommendations. The research results show that, under two dimensions-recommendation of simple and difficult test questions-and at different recommendation ratios (40%, 50%, 60%), the precision, recall, and Fl scores of different models were analyzed and compared. The HECR model outperforms the other two methods across all ratios, demonstrating significant advantages in coverage and matching capabilities. This contributes to building a fast-responding, highly accurate, and timely-updating I&P resource recommendation system. The innovation of this study lies in the organic integration of N CFin deep learning with traditional algorithms, achieving multi-algorithm collaborative optimization in the recommendation system. Moreover, it constructs a highly adaptable multimodal knowledge point tree model, providing a feasible technical path and theoretical reference for the intelligent upgrading of I&P education in universities in the new era.

Abstract The reference genome of the False ringlet ( Coenonympha oedippus ) will serve as a valuable resource for uncovering the genetic mechanism underlying the species′ adaptability to two ecologically distinct habitats. Through this genome we might be able to determine whether (i) each ecotype is monophyletic, indicating that the ecological divergence represents an early stage of speciation, (ii) the ecotypes have evolved through divergent evolution of habitat preference, or (iii) the differences between ecotypes are solely due to phenotypic plasticity or epigenetic variation. This reference genome is also a prerequisite for the planning, design, and implementation of conservation measures for this endangered species, taking into account its intraspecific diversity. Furthermore, it holds broader implications for population genomic studies of the species-rich genus Coenonympha , which includes some of the most endangered butterfly taxa in Europe. The complete genome sequence was assembled into 30 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules (sex chromosomes included). This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.39 Gb, composed of 385 contigs and 62 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 2.8 Mb and 14.2 Mb, respectively.

Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge1, 2, 3–4. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species5,6, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research. We show that within-population genetic diversity is being lost over timescales likely to have been impacted by human activities, and that some conservation actions may mitigate this loss. Our dataset includes 628 species (animals, plants, fungi and chromists) across all terrestrial and most marine realms on Earth. Threats impacted two-thirds of the populations that we analysed, and less than half of the populations analysed received conservation management. Genetic diversity loss occurs globally and is a realistic prediction for many species, especially birds and mammals, in the face of threats such as land use change, disease, abiotic natural phenomena and harvesting or harassment. Conservation strategies designed to improve environmental conditions, increase population growth rates and introduce new individuals (for example, restoring connectivity or performing translocations) may maintain or even increase genetic diversity. Our findings underscore the urgent need for active, genetically informed conservation interventions to halt genetic diversity loss.

Empty pesticide containers (EPCs) constitute a special waste stream of solid waste in rural areas. The aim of this case study is the assessment of the EPC municipal management system in Greece. The first stage of the WMS-DSC framework was chosen as the assessment method. In the case of the Municipality of Edessa, Greece, the coverage percentage of collection points, was estimated at 75.1%. The collection rate was estimated at 85.0%. Increasing the number of collection points and adopting pay-back mechanisms, would have a positive effect on collected quantities. The EPCs collection stations could operate within the municipal green points or near to the sprayer water- filling points, adhering strictly to specific, environmentally friendly specifications. A return receipt to growers, only after the return of cleaned EPCs would be useful as proof of compliance with the law and facilitate the official control procedures, preventing illegal practices. Educational programs for pupils in schools and awareness campaigns would significantly boost municipal collection efforts, yielding great environmental benefits. The study’s results can also be valuable for planning and developing other approved management systems.

The mechanisms underlying the domestication process have already been well explained. Starting with Belyaev’s pioneering experiment on silver foxes, which showed that selection for tameness (reduced fear response, changes in the ‘hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system’—HPA axis) leads to destabilisation of the regulatory systems that control morphological and behavioural development, resulting in the changes characteristic of the domestication syndrome. Later, the thyroid rhythm hypothesis and the neural crest cell (NCC) hypothesis provided additional explanations. Recently, the parasite-mediated domestication hypothesis (PMD) has been proposed, suggesting an important role of endoparasites in the domestication process. Since parasites either directly or indirectly affect all mechanisms underlying the domestication syndrome (HPA, thyroid, NCC), the PMD proposes that they may be an important trigger of domestication. PMD can be tested either experimentally or comparatively. One of the basic assumptions of PMD is that parasite-susceptible, genetically less resistant/more tolerant wild animals were originally domesticated and that the susceptibility to parasites has been passed on to today’s domestic animals. This can be verified primarily by comparing the parasite susceptibility of existing wild and domestic populations of the same species. We, therefore, followed a systematic comparative approach by analysing the parasite load in wild boar (WB) and free-ranging domestic pig (DP) populations from a comparable environment in a geographically close area. Fresh faeces from WB and DP populations, one each from Slovenia (SI) and Croatia (HR), were sampled. A total of 59 individual faecal samples were collected (SI: 12 WB, 20 DP; HR: 14 WB, 13 DP). Parasitological diagnostics were carried out using the sedimentation and floatation method. Five different taxa were found in WB and seven in DP. Three parasite taxa were found exclusively in DP (Cystoisospora suis, Trichuris sp., Balantidium coli), and one (Strongyloides sp.) only in WB. Of the parasites found in both cohorts, strongyles/Oesophagostomum sp. were significantly more abundant in DP, while Eimeria sp. was found in equal amounts in both (but in HR only in WB). According to the preliminary study presented here, there is evidence to support the PMD baselines in the wild boar—domestic pig association. However, we cannot draw a definitive conclusion as there are many aspects that may bias the interpretation based on parasite load alone, which are also discussed here. Therefore, comparative studies should be supported by a more focussed methodology, including an experimental approach.

Red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is a globally distributed species characterized by its high adaptability to diverse habitats and a broad range of food resources. This remarkable adaptability has allowed the red fox to thrive in various environments, from urban areas to remote wilderness. In this study, we used a set of microsatellite markers for the comparative genetic analysis of red fox populations from two countries. We included populations from the Eastern Alps and the northern Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia, as well as the Central Dinaric Mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We successfully isolated DNA and genotyped 118 red fox samples. Our analyses, which included Bayesian clustering techniques, revealed a weak genetic differentiation among the studied populations. However, it is noteworthy that statistically significant differences in estimates of genetic differentiation were only apparent when comparing the populations between the two countries. Further spatial genetic clustering analyses provided additional insights, unveiling a differentiation into four genetic clusters. These clusters comprised two distinct groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and two in Slovenia. This pattern of differentiation suggests that isolation by distance is a key factor influencing the genetic structure of the red fox in this studied region. Additionally, our findings highlighted that populations from the Alps and northern Dinaric Mountains exhibit higher genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity compared to their counterparts in the Central Dinaric Mountains. The genetic diversity is also notable when compared to other European red fox populations. Studying genetic diversity is crucial for the resilience and adaptability of populations, ensuring their survival amid environmental changes and human-induced pressures.