The Composition and Organization of Cytoplasm in Prebiotic Cells

This article discusses the hypothesized composition and organization of cytoplasm in prebiotic cells from a theoretical perspective and also based upon what is currently known about bacterial cytoplasm. It is unknown if the first prebiotic, microscopic scale, cytoplasm was initially contained within a primitive, continuous, semipermeable membrane, or was an uncontained gel substance, that later became enclosed by a continuous membrane. Another possibility is that the first cytoplasm in prebiotic cells and a primitive membrane organized at the same time, permitting a rapid transition to the first cell(s) capable of growth and division, thus assisting with the emergence of life on Earth less than a billion years after the formation of the Earth. It is hypothesized that the organization and composition of cytoplasm progressed initially from an unstructured, microscopic hydrogel to a more complex cytoplasm, that may have been in the volume magnitude of about 0.1–0.2 µm3 (possibly less if a nanocell) prior to the first cell division

Promotion of protocell self-assembly from mixed amphiphiles at the origin of life

Vesicles formed from single-chain amphiphiles (SCAs) such as fatty acids probably played an important role in the origin of life. A major criticism of the hypothesis that life arose in an early ocean hydrothermal environment is that hot temperatures, large pH gradients, high salinity and abundant divalent cations should preclude vesicle formation. However, these arguments are based on model vesicles using 1–3 SCAs, even though Fischer–Tropsch-type synthesis under hydrothermal conditions produces a wide array of fatty acids and 1-alkanols, including abundant C10–C15 compounds. Here, we show that mixtures of these C10–C15 SCAs form vesicles in aqueous solutions between pH ~6.5 and >12 at modern seawater concentrations of NaCl, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Adding C10 isoprenoids improves vesicle stability even further. Vesicles form most readily at temperatures of ~70 °C and require salinity and strongly alkaline conditions to self-assemble. Thus, alkaline hydrothermal conditions not only permit protocell formation at the origin of life but actively favour it

Potential of using groceries in disasters/pandemics management: case of Al Ain City, UAE

AbstractScopus database between 2000 and 2023 showed that while groceries are vital in disaster/pandemic management, their roles have not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, we argued that privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide effective and sustainable Public–Private Partnerships-PPP for disaster/pandemic management. We supported our argument with surveys of 254 customers and 100 grocery tenants, as well as a spatial analysis utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results indicated that 62% of customers and 89% of grocery tenants agreed that grocery sales increased during COVID-19. Furthermore, 75% of customers agreed that groceries are vital during disaster/pandemic, and 81.8% of grocery tenants agreed that their current infrastructure allows their stores to become emergency food depots. Through GIS analysis, we found that groceries are clustered around population centers, and 69% of customers have groceries within a 5–10-minute walking distance. Our results demonstrated that groceries can be crucial in disaster management. The study aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and UN-SDG goals 11 and 17. The findings could be utilized by organizations working in the field of disaster/pandemic management. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers new insights into the potential of using privately owned groceries in disaster/pandemic management. It highlights the need for further consideration of these important community resources

Potential of using groceries in disasters/pandemics management: case of Al Ain City, UAE

Scopus database between 2000 and 2023 showed that while groceries are vital in disaster/pandemic management, their roles have not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, we argued that privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide effective and sustainable Public–Private Partnerships-PPP for disaster/pandemic management. We supported our argument with surveys of 254 customers and 100 grocery tenants, as well as a spatial analysis utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results indicated that 62% of customers and 89% of grocery tenants agreed that grocery sales increased during COVID-19. Furthermore, 75% of customers agreed that groceries are vital during disaster/pandemic, and 81.8% of grocery tenants agreed that their current infrastructure allows their stores to become emergency food depots. Through GIS analysis, we found that groceries are clustered around population centers, and 69% of customers have groceries within a 5–10-minute walking distance. Our results demonstrated that groceries can be crucial in disaster management. The study aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and UN-SDG goals 11 and 17. The findings could be utilized by organizations working in the field of disaster/pandemic management. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers new insights into the potential of using privately owned groceries in disaster/pandemic management. It highlights the need for further consideration of these important community resources. There are many lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the need for decentralization of food stores and cooperation between public and private sectors (Public–Private Partnerships-PPP). This study provides insights on how privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide sustainable PPP. Feedback from grocery tenants and customers showed that groceries can be crucial in disaster management. The grocery sector could bring innovative solutions to food distribution during a disaster/pandemic. Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is found crucial in supporting surveys. PPP can save time, save cost, improve efficiency, and bring various benefits to stakeholders involve in disaster management.</p