The collection of forty-nine 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, substituted at C5, C6 or C7, was designed and studied by computational methods of modified POM analysis, using SwissADME, Osiris and Molinspiration tool. POM analysis (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration) and its modified version using SwissADME instead of Petra software are indisputably tools of modern chemoinformatics, often published in the professional literature as well as in the field of research of new antibacterial active compounds, developed to replace existing antibiotics that fail due to increased resistance of bacteria. NitroxolineTM and the group of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives with their broad antibacterial effect and the possibility of extensive derivatization of the skeleton, represent a promising direction in the research of new antibacterial active substances. Twenty 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives were also evaluated on their antibacterial activity against eight selected G+ and G- bacterial strains with a defined resistance mechanism. All structures were in accordance with Lipinski's criteria, twenty-one structures were interesting from the point of view of individual or average value of the bioactivity prediction score and fourteen structures showed one or more mechanisms of toxicity prediction. Furthermore, eleven structures showed a low rate of GI absorption or the inability to cross the BBB barrier, fourteen substances showed a BRENK or PAIN warning, eleven substances are an undesirable substrate of P-glycoprotein and all structures predicted the same level of bioavailability and a relatively low rate of metabolism in the liver. Five structures were selected by the intersection of the POM criteria. The virtual structures 17, 25, 35 and 43 can be favored for the continuity of next study. The resulting scores of bioactivity can indicate the potential of studied structures to be used for the design and development of new active antibacterial agents.

Recent advancements in mass spectrometry have significantly enhanced our understanding of complex lipid profiles, opening new avenues for oncological diagnostics. This review highlights the importance of lipidomics in the comprehension of certain metabolic pathways and its potential for the detection and characterization of various cancers, in particular melanoma. Through detailed case studies, we demonstrate how lipidomic analysis has led to significant breakthroughs in the identification and understanding of cancer types and its potential for detecting unique biomarkers that are instrumental in its diagnosis. Additionally, the review addresses the technical challenges and future perspectives of these methodologies, including their potential expansion and refinement for clinical applications. The discussion underscores the critical role of lipidomic profiling in advancing cancer diagnostics, proposing a new paradigm in how we approach this devastating disease, with particular emphasis on its application in comparative oncology.

Background: Angiogenesis is essential for various physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development and cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in normal homeostasis and disease processes by regulating gene expression through various mechanisms, including as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) of target microRNAs (miRNAs). The lncRNA MYU is known to promote prostate cancer proliferation via the miR-184/c-Myc regulatory axis, and to be upregulated in vascular endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions, which often occurs in solid tumors. In the present study, we investigated whether MYU might affect cancer growth by regulating angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia. Methods: The expression of MYU-regulated miR-23a-3p and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in HUVEC cell lines was examined using qRT-PCR. CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, Wound-healing assay and Tube-formation assay were used to assess the effect of MYU on cell proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC cells in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the effect of miR-23a-3p on MYU and IL-8 expression. Results: We found that overexpression of MYU and knockdown of miR-23a-3p in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under hypoxia promoted cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Mechanistically, MYU was shown to bind competitively to miR-23a-3p, thereby preventing miR-23a-3p binding to the 3′ untranslated region of IL-8 mRNA. In turn, increased production of pro-angiogenic IL-8 promoted HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation under hypoxia. Conclusion: This study identified a new role for lncRNA MYU as a ceRNA for miR-23a-3p, and uncovered a novel MYU–miR-23a-3p–IL-8 regulatory axis for angiogenesis. MYU and/or miR-23a-3p may thus represent new targets for the treatment of hypoxia-related diseases by promoting angiogenesis.

The role of the microbiome in cancer and its crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been extensively studied and characterized. An emerging field in the cancer microbiome research is the concept of the intratumoral microbiome, which refers to the microbiome residing within the tumor. This microbiome primarily originates from the local microbiome of the tu-mor-bearing tissue or from translocating microbiome from distant sites, such as the gut. Despite the increasing number of studies on intratumoral microbiome, it remains unclear whether it is a driver or a bystander of oncogenesis and tumor progression. This review aims to elucidate the intricate role of the intratumoral microbiome in tumor development by exploring its effects on reshaping the multi-leveled ecosystem in which tumors thrive, the TME. To dissect the complexity and the multitude of layers within the TME, we distinguish six specialized tumor microenvironments, namely the immune, metabolic, hypoxic, acidic, mechanical and innervated microenvironments. Accordingly, we attempt to decipher the effects of the intratumoral microbiome on each specialized microenvironment and ultimately decode its tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive impact. Additionally, we portray the intratumoral microbiome as an orchestrator in the tumor milieu, fine-tuning the responses in distinct, specialized microenvironments and remodeling the TME in a multi-leveled and multi-faceted manner.

This research explores the application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Digital Surface Models (DSM) derived from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data for a vertical-horizontal classification of mangrove ecosystems in Tongke-tongke and Samataring Village. The study focuses on integrating high-resolution DSM subtracted from Digital Terrain Models (DTM) to classify mangrove vegetation into sixteen distinct vertical-horizontal classes based on vegetation type and elevation. The analysis revealed that older mangroves, particularly those within the 25-35 meters elevation range, dominate the landscape, accounting for 43.40% of the total classified area. This dominance suggests a mature and ecologically stable mangrove ecosystem, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation and carbon storage. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of SVM and UAV technologies in providing detailed and accurate ecological assessments of mangrove forests. The classification results contribute valuable insights into the structural diversity and health of mangrove ecosystems, facilitating targeted conservation and management strategies. Additionally, the research highlights the utility of advanced remote sensing and machine learning techniques in enhancing the precision of environmental monitoring and the assessment of carbon sequestration capabilities within mangrove ecosystems. The findings underscore the potential of UAV-based remote sensing for ecological studies, offering a replicable method for similar assessments in other regions, thereby supporting global environmental management and climate action initiatives.

Clinical and laboratory diagnostics are particularly important in monitoring the internal homeostasis of the body in high-yielding animals, especially in dairy cows, whose metabolism is under constant pressure to obtain high parameters of milk production and reproduction. Knowledge of laboratory test results and relationships based on significant correlations between various milk and blood parameters may be very useful in veterinary diagnostics and helpful in cattle practice in order to protect animal health and the quality of milk production. The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between selected hematological biomarkers such as white blood corpuscles (WBC), red blood corpuscles (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelets (PLT), erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and selected quantitative-qualitative parameters of cow’s milk such as current milk production, somatic cells count (SCC), colony of bacteria forming units (CFU), milk fat (MF), milk protein (MP), milk lactose (ML), milk solids (S), solids non-fat in milk (SNF), daily milk production. Samples were collected three times at daily intervals from 11 clinically healthy late-lactation dairy cows obtaining 33 sets of test results. This repeated study of cows allowed for obtaining a homogeneous group in order to determine statistical correlations between selected blood and milk parameters. Many significant correlations were found between the examined parameters. In cows, significant positive correlations were recorded between milk production and HGB, HCT, MCV or MHC. Significant negative correlations were also found between SCC and HGB, SCC and HCT, SNF and MCV, SNF and MHC, and between MF and RBC.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a widely practiced lifesaving skill. Conventional CPR is based on manual chest compressions and delivering mouth-to-mouth breaths. There has been advancement in biomedical technology over the last few decades which has led to the introduction of new techniques and devices in CPR as well. In light of these advancements, we propose SMEAR (Standard, Mechanical, ECMO Assisted, Augmented virtual and Remote) classification system to provide structured overview from traditional to novel methods and devices. The standard or Manual CPR, widely practiced by the general public during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, combines active chest compressions with or without mouth breathing. However, to enhance CPR’s efficacy, various mechanical devices have been developed, encompassing Active Chest Compression, Passive Decompression, and those integrated with Automated External Defibrillators. Feedback sensor-equipped devices, include the Metronome, Accelerometer, Barometer, and Triaxial Field Induction. Mechanical devices, classified by their compression mechanisms, can be isolated – like the Piston-driven, Load-distributing, and Active Compression-Decompression (ACD) – or combined, as in ACD-ITV (Impedance Threshold Device), ACD-IAC (Interposed Abdominal Compression), and ACD-ITV-EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation). Beyond mechanics, Extracorporeal CPR offers veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in refractory cardiac arrest and can improve outcomes. Augmented Virtual Reality usage in training and provision of CPR is at the early stages. It has the potential of expanded usage in training public to provide high-quality CPR. A provider can be remotely guided step by step via telephone or smartphone applications, ensuring continuous support until professional assistance arrives.

The prevalence of patients on buprenorphine therapy presenting for elective surgery has increased. Buprenorphine is a widely used medication for management of patients with chronic pain. It is also used for maintenance therapy for patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD). Due to lack of standardized protocol for managing patients on buprenorphine peri-operatively, we performed a retrospective analysis to compare pain score outcomes and post-operative opiate requirements between patients who continued versus discontinued buprenorphine. We identified 35 patients, 11 continued buprenorphine and 24 discontinued buprenorphine. The average Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) pain score was 7.54 for those who discontinued pre-operative buprenorphine and 5.59 for those who continued (P value 0.0339). The average post-operative Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) use was 86.13 for those who continued pre-operative buprenorphine and was 107.70 for those who discontinued buprenorphine (P value 0.6439). The results from our study correlate with several previous studies which showed lower PACU pain scores in patients who continued buprenorphine. There is a benefit of decreased pain post-operatively when pre-operative buprenorphine is continued and having a decrease in relapse in those with a history of OUD.

Nystagmus induced by applying an intense vibratory stimulus to the skull (SVIN) indicates vestibular functional asymmetry. In unilateral vestibular loss, a 100-Hz bone-conducted vibration given to either mastoid immediately causes a primarily horizontal nystagmus. Test is performed in darkness to avoid visual fixation (VF) but there is no data about how much VF affects the often-intense SVIN. The aim is to analyze the amount of reduction of SVIN when VF is allowed during testing. Thus, all patients seen in a tertiary hospital for vertigo or dizziness with positive SVIN were included. SVIN was recorded for 10 seconds for each condition: without VF (aSVINwo) and VF (aSVINw). We obtained an aSVINwo and aSVINw as average slow-phase velocities (SPV) without and with VF. VF index (FISVIN) was calculated as the ratio of SPV. Among the 124 patients included, spontaneous nystagmus (SN) was found in 25% and the mSPV (without VF) of SN was 2.62.4º/s. Mean FISVIN was 0.270.29. FISVIN was 0 in 42 patients and >0 FISVIN <1 in 82 (mean FISVIN 0.390.02). Fixation suppression was found in all patients with SVIN in cases of peripheral vestibulopathy. FISVIN clearly delineates two populations of patients: with or without complete visual reduction of nystagmus.

The Shimensi super-large tungsten polymetallic deposit is located in Late Jurassic- Early Cretaceous Porphyry-Skarn tungsten ore belt in the south Yangtze metallogenic belt. There are 3 types of mineralization: veinlet-disseminated type, thick quartze vein type and hydrothermal crypto-explosive breccia type. Based on geological studies, this paper presents new petrographic, microthermometric, laser Raman spectroscopic and hydrogen and oxygen isotope research of the fluid inclusions from the deposit. The results show that there are five different types of fluid inclusions: liquid-rich inclusions, vapor-rich inclusions, pure liquid inclusions, pure vapor inclusions, and fluid inclusions containing a solid crystal. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusion range from 140℃-270℃, the salinities are 3%-5% NaCleq and the densities of ore-forming fluid range from 0.64 g/cm3 to 0.99 g/cm3. For the analyses of Laser Raman spectroscopic, the ore-forming fluids can be approximated by a Ca2+-Na+-SO42--Cl- fluid system with small amount of CO2, CH4 and N2. Otherwise, the datas of the pressure, pH and Eh show a fluid metallogenic environment of low pressure, weak acid and weak reduction. The values of the homogenization temperature in 3 types of orebodies suggest that the mineralization is characterized by the decrease of the temperature under the condition of the fluid immiscibility. The H-O isotope values are interpreted to indicate that the ore-forming fluids are mainly composed of magmatic water, and also the meteoric water was added with the process of the magma rising.

Measurement of Globe temperature is essential for investigating thermal comfort in street canyon. Globe thermometer is the most common instrument used to measure globe temperature (GT), however its application in scale models is still uncertain and not thoroughly investigated as of today. Therefore, this study is explicitly conducted to investigate globe thermometer measurements and proposed an improvised customization of the globe thermometer size to enhance reliability in scale models. The experiments were carried out outdoors using a typical street canyon model (scale 1:100) with East-West street orientation. The experiment presented a comparison between a low solar reflective street canyon (albedo of 0.4) and a high solar reflective canyon (albedo of 0.6) in terms of surface temperatures, heat flux and globe temperature. Furthermore, this study also investigated the influence of solar orientation on the globe temperature using both experimental using scale models and microclimatic modelling using ENVI-met. It is observed that although the surface temperatures are lower with high solar reflective canyon compared to that with low solar reflective canyon, GT is higher in high reflective canyon during daytime, which could be due to combined effect of direct radiation and shortwave reflection. However, for hours after the sun set, GT becomes lower (up to 1°C) in the case of high reflective canyon compared to low reflective canyon.

This study used Dutch potatoes at the end of dormancy as the material to explore the impact of menthol (0.2 and 0.5 g/kg based on potato mass) treatment on sprouting inhibition and potato quality. The findings revealed that a menthol concentration of 0.5 g/kg effectively inhibited potato tuber sprouting and significantly reduced glucoside alkaloids production. After a storage period of 15 days, the sprouting percentage and glucoside alkaloids content of potatoes treated with 0.5 g/kg menthol were observed to be significantly lower at 4.17% and 68.63 mg/kg, respectively, compared to the control group which exhibited values of 100% and 282.01 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). Throughout the storage period, 0.5 g/kg of menthol promoted respiration, reduced malondialdehyde production in potatoes, inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity, and slowed down tissue browning. Additionally, it mitigated the decline in starch and soluble protein content, inhibiting the accumulation of reducing sugars.

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is a challenging condition with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Understanding the interactions between tumor cells and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies. One promising target is estrogen receptor β (ERβ), which promotes the expression of key tight junction proteins, sealing the BBB and reducing its permeability. In this study, we investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and the selective ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) on endothelial and cancer cells. Western blot analysis revealed the expression patterns of ERs in these cell lines, and estrogen treatment upregulated claudin-5 expression in brain endothelial cells. Using in vitro models of the BBB, we found that DPN treatment significantly increased BBB tightness about suppressed BBB transmigration activity of representative HER2-positive (BT-474) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines. However, the efficacy of DPN treatment decreased when cancer cells were pre-differentiated in the presence of E2. Our results support ERβ as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of BCBM and suggest that targeted vector-based approaches may be effective for future preventive and therapeutic implications.

This study focused on evaluating the potential of natural fermentation of pea flour (F) to improve the release of antioxidant compounds. Two fermentation conditions of F were performed: 1: 36.4% w/w, 24 h, 30°C (FF1); 2: 14.3% w/w, 24 h, 37°C (FF2); pH values decreased to 4.4-4.7, with a predominance of lactic acid bacteria. An increment of the proteolysis degree (TNBS method) (greater for FF2), polypeptides aggregation and decrease of solubility, increase of &lt; 2 kDa peptides, and increase in the ORAC potency of PBS-soluble fractions after fermentation was demonstrated. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID, COST-INFOGEST), FF1D and FF2D showed greater proteolysis degrees (63 and 53%) than F1D and F2D (45%), with differences in the molecular composition of the different digests. ORAC and HORAC potencies increased in all cases. FF2D presented the greater ORAC value, with higher activities for &gt; 4 kDa, some in the range 2 to 0.3 kDa. and &lt; 0.10 kDa fractions. Fermentation also increased the 60 % ethanol extracted phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, and the ORAC activity. After SGID, the flavan-3-ols disappeared but some phenolic acids increased respect to F. Fermentation in condition 2 was considered the most appropriate to obtain a functional antioxidant ingredient.

In the realm of agribusiness, transformative shifts are underway, propelled by the growing demands and expanding scales of grain production. This evolution calls for a critical reevaluation of the existing paradigms in coffee production and marketing paradigms, with a specific focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI). This work aims to review, synthesize, and summarize the available data regarding how Machine Learning (ML) has been used to detect and classify characteristics in coffee beans and leaves. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review of the most significant research contributions describing the application of AI for advanced classification techniques in coffee agriculture has been carried out. Our analysis suggests that implementing AI technologies allows the classification of coffee, encompassing various attributes such as maturity, roast intensity, disease identification, flavor profiles, and overall quality. More largely, this technological advancement holds the potential to revolutionize coffee farming by providing producers and agricultural specialists with sophisticated tools to enhance production efficiency, minimize costs, and improve the accuracy and confidence of their decision-making processes.

Psychrophilic anaerobic digestion emerges as an appealing integrated solution for the management of agricultural waste, particularly for farmers in regions where the average temperature does not exceed 26°C, as seen in coffee cultivation. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the biomethane potential of thermochemical treated coffee husk through psychrophilic anaerobic digestion (C3-20°C-w/pretreatment). To examine its viability, outcomes were compared with reactors operating at both mesophilic (C1-35°C) and psychrophilic (C2-20°C) conditions, albeit without the use of pretreated coffee husk. The C3-20°C-w/pretreatment test demonstrated a 36.89% increase (150.47 mL CH4/g VS; 161.04 mL CH4/g COD), while the C1-35°C test exhibited a 24.03% increase (124.99 mL CH4/g VS; 133.77 mL CH4/g COD), both in comparison to the C2-20°C test (94.96 mL CH4/g VS; 101.63 mL CH4/g COD). Notably, the C3-20°C-w/pretreatment trial yielded superior outcomes, accompanied by an associated energy output of 4262.2 KWh/year, sufficient to meet the annual energy demands of 588 residences. This marks an increase of 100 and 217 residences compared to mesophilic and psychrophilic AD of CH without pretreatment, respectively.

Coffee is not only a delicious beverage but also an important dietary source of natural antioxidants. We live in an oxidative world where it is impossible to avoid pollution, stress, food additives, radiation, and other sources of oxidants that eventually lead to severe health disorders. Fortunately, there are chemicals in our diet that counteract the hazards posed by the reactive species that trigger oxidative stress. They are usually referred to as antioxidants; some of them can be versatile compounds that exert such a role in various ways. This review summarizes, from a chemical point of view, the antioxidant effects of relevant molecules found in coffee. Their ways of action and trends in activity are analyzed, considering the data gathered so far from both theory and experiments. The influence of the media and pH in aqueous solution, and structure-activity relationships are discussed. The protective role of the explored compounds is examined. A particular section is devoted to derivatives of some coffee components, and another one to their bioactivity. The data used in the analysis come from theoretical anc computational protocols, which have been proven to be very usefull in this context. Hopefully, the information provided here will promote further investigations into the amazing chemistry contained in our morning cup.

Coffee is not only a delicious beverage but also an important dietary source of natural antioxidants. We live in an oxidative world where it is impossible to avoid pollution, stress, food additives, radiation, and other sources of oxidants that eventually lead to severe health disorders. Fortunately, there are chemicals in our diet that counteract the hazards posed by the reactive species that trigger oxidative stress. They are usually referred to as antioxidants; some of them can be versatile compounds that exert such a role in various ways. This review summarizes, from a chemical point of view, the antioxidant effects of relevant molecules found in coffee. Their ways of action and trends in activity are analyzed, considering the data gathered so far from both theory and experiments. The influence of the media and pH in aqueous solution, and structure-activity relationships are discussed. The protective role of the explored compounds is examined. A particular section is devoted to derivatives of some coffee components, and another one to their bioactivity. Hopefully, the information provided here will promote further investigations into the amazing chemistry contained in our morning cup.

This work aimed to develop an easy-to-use smartphone-based electrochemical biosensor to quickly assess coffee blend's total polyphenol (Phs) content at industrial and individual level. The device is based on a commercial carbon-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). At the same time, the biotransducer, Laccase from Trametes versicolor, TvLac, was immobilized on the sensor surface by using glutaraldehyde (GA) as cross-linking agent. The platform was electrochemically characterized to ascertain the influence of the SPE surface modification on its performance. The working electrode (WE) surface morphology characterization was obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging. All the measurements were carried out with a micro-potentiostat Sensit Smart by PalmSens connected to a smartphone. The developed biosensor provided a sensitivity of 0.12 μA/μM, a linear response ranging from 5 to 70 μM, and a lower detection limit (LOD) of 2.99 μM. Afterwards, the biosensor was tested for quantifying the total Phs content in coffee blends, evaluating the influence of both the variety and the roasting degree. The smartphone-based electrochemical biosensor performance has been validated though the Folin-Ciocâlteu standard method.

The role of agroforestry systems in providing ecosystem services is very crucial. The most significant increase in carbon (C) storage is often achieved by moving from lower biomass land-use systems to tree-based systems like agroforestry (AF). However, estimation of carbon stocks in indigenous agroforestry systems of South-eastern Rift- valley landscapes, Ethiopia the data are scarce. The study was aimed to investigate the biomass, biomass carbon (BC), and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock of Enset based, Enset-Coffee based, and Coffee-Fruit tree-Enset based agroforestry systems. Comparison of SOC stock of agroforestry systems against their adjacent monocropping farms was also investigated. The study was conducted in three selected sites of the Dilla Zuria district of Gedeo zone. Twenty farms (total of 60) representative of each AF system were randomly selected, inventoried and biomass C stocks estimated. Ten adjacent mono-cropping farms which were related to each AF system were selected in a purposive manner for comparison of SOC stock. Inventory and soil sampling were employed in the 10×10 m farm plot. The mean aboveground biomass ranged from 81.1 t ha-1 to 255.9 t ha-1 and for belowground biomass from 26.9 t ha-1 to 72.2 t ha-1. The highest C stock was found in Coffee-Fruit tree-Enset based (233.3±81.0 t ha-1), and the lowest was in Coffee-Enset based agroforestry system (190.1±29.8 t ha-1). The result showed that SOC stocks were not statistically significant between the three AF systems, although they showed a significant difference in their BC stock. The AF systems' C stocks are substantially higher than those reported for tropical forests and other AF systems. The SOC of AF systems was significantly higher than the ones for the adjacent monocropped farms. Therefore, it is possible to deduce that AF systems are storing significant amount of C and contributing to climate change mitigation.

The evaporation of polymer solution droplet is an important in solution-based polymer film fabrications, such as inkjet print, spray coatings, and droplet casting etc. In this work, we investigated the effect of droplet size, solvent evaporation rate, and concentration on “coffee-ring” effect, crystal nucleation, polymorphism, and morphology of dried poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) solution droplets with atomic force microscopy (AFM) method. We found that the crystal structure, morphology and crystal distribution in the center and edge regions of dried PVDF droplets were different due to “coffee-ring” effect. The “coffee-ring” effect of dried PVDF droplets was mainly composited of accumulated crystals at the edge region of droplet, which was mainly made by crystallization of migrated chains. The interplay between migration of chains, crystallization and solidification of PVDF droplets significantly influenced the formation of “coffee-ring”. In addition, our results showed that the decrease of droplet size and controlling solvent evaporation rate were effective ways to improve the PVDF β-phase nucleation and decrease crystal size.

We report interfacial crystallization in droplets of saline solutions placed on superhydrophobic surfaces and liquid marbles filled with the saline. Evaporation of saline droplets deposited on superhydrophobic surface resulted in the formation of cup-shaped millimeter-scaled residues. The formation of the cup-like deposit is reasonably explained within the framework of the theory of the coffee-stain effect, namely, the rate of heterogeneous crystallization along the contact line of the droplet is many times higher than in the droplet bulk. Crystallization within evaporated saline marbles, coated with lycopodium particles, depends strongly on the evaporation rate. Rapidly evaporated saline marbles yielded dented shells built of a mixture of colloidal particles and NaCl crystals. We relate the formation of these shells to the interfacial crystallization promoted by hydrophobic particles coating the marbles, accompanied with the upward convection flows supplying the saline to the particles, serving as the centers of interfacial crystallization. Convective flows prevail over the diffusion mass transport for the saline marbles heated from below.

Air pollution has been a major environmental issue worldwide from the last few decades. It is a man-made issue that has a serious harmful impact on the environment and the health of humans. There are different sources of emission, but industrial processes and motor vehicles contribute to a chief part of air pollution. It has acute as well as chronic effects on the health of humans and affects different organs. It is thought the main environmental risk factor in the incidence and progression of several diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Long-term exposure to air pollution has different toxicological impacts on humans such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric complications, eye irritation and skin diseases. As per the study by the World Health Organization (WHO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals are the major air contaminants. These pollutants are different in their properties, composition and time of disintegration. The aim of this study is to review the different sources, types, impacts, challenges and mitigation of air pollution in detail.

This study presents the Bayesian-Optimized Attentive Neural Network (BOANN), a novel approach enhancing image classification performance by integrating Bayesian optimization with channel and spatial attention mechanisms. Traditional image classification struggles with the extensive data in today's big data era. Bayesian optimization has been integrated into neural networks in recent years to enhance model generalization, while channel and spatial attention mechanisms improve feature extraction capabilities. This paper introduces a model combining Bayesian optimization with these attention mechanisms to boost image classification performance. Bayesian optimization optimizes hyperparameter selection, accelerating model convergence and accuracy; the attention mechanisms augment feature extraction. Compared to traditional deep learning models, our model utilizes attention mechanisms for initial feature extraction, followed by a Bayesian-optimized neural network. On the CIFAR-100 dataset, our model outperforms classical models in metrics such as accuracy, loss, precision, recall, and F1 score, achieving an accuracy of 77.6%. These technologies have potential for broader application in image classification and other computer vision domains.

Titanium alloys, notably Ti6Al4V, are frequently employed in biomedical applications due to their high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. But improving their surface qualities like biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion remains a crucial topic of study. This study investigates the effects of rhenium-carbon coatings deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using magnetron sputtering technique with a molybdenum anchoring layer. Despite successful formation of rhenium carbides, elemental rhenium, and rhenium oxides confirmed by EDS and XRD analysis, the coatings exhibited poor adhesion, resulting in significant delamination as observed in SEM images. Corrosion resistance tests revealed that the coatings adversely affected the Ti6Al4V substrate, as indicated by increased corrosion current densities and more negative corrosion potentials in potentiodynamic polarization tests. Biocompatibility assessments using PK15 cells showed a notable reduction in cell viability and metabolic activity, particularly with coatings of higher surface roughness. These findings underscore the need for improved surface preparation and coating processes to enhance adhesion and biocompatibility of rhenium-carbon coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates. Future research should focus on optimizing coating adhesion, investigating cytotoxicity mechanisms related to surface roughness, and expanding biocompatibility evaluations to various cell types and biological environments.

Segregating one space from another is a rudimentary act of architecture and the basic principle of this act is creating differentiation between outside and inside. Thresholds, in their expanded or summed form, also produce spaces. They establish the staging for threshold areas in conjunction with space-defining elements. Threshold spaces are typically complicated spatial formations that serve as transition points. They pose a challenge to the interacting human senses in terms of perception. In this research threshold areas have been studied under a specific typology of architecture i.e the traditional housing in historic cities of India. The traditional dwelling settlements have evolved and grown over multiple layers of history, influenced by the culture, society, economy, climate and topography. The purpose of this research is to examine the characteristics of these transition spaces of the traditional dwelling units in relation to the symbolic reference and social meanings assigned to them that influence the architectural and urban spaces attached to them. It seeks to describe transition space in terms of its nature, character, morphology, and social significance. Transparency and material articulation, as well as hierarchy and enclosure, will be investigated. The importance and quality of the nature of "transition" will be examined from the inside to the outside. The research reveals that the space has great functional and socio-cultural importance. It allows multiple activities, provides protection from sun and rain, defines boundaries, connects people within the neighborhood, enhances security and gives an identity to the owner. The contributions made by this research have the potential to improve design considerations for transition areas between the dwelling units and the street.

In order to explore the effect of Wickerhamomyces on the production of flavor compounds in Xiaoqu Baijiu, this study examined the correlation between the fungal communities in Xiaoqu and ester compounds. It was hypothesized that Wickerhamomyces contributes to the aroma of Xiaoqu. Enhanced fermentation methods were used to validate the role of Wickerhamomyces in Xiaoqu Baijiu brewing. Compared to traditional Xiaoqu, enhanced fermentation significantly increased the acidity of fermented grains and starch utilization rate (P<0.05). The fungal communities in fermented grains were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology. The dominant fungi in both control and test groups were Saccharomyces, Cyberlindnera, Rhizopus, and Meyerozyma, with Wickerhamomyces replacing Saccharomymycopsis in the enhanced group. Flavor compounds in the fermentation experiments were analyzed, revealing that ethyl acetate content in Xiaoqu Baijiu increased by 949.94 mg/L in the test group, while isoamyl alcohol decreased by 23.62 mg/L and isobutanol decreased by 34.81 mg/L. Functional prediction analysis using PICRUSt2 confirmed a higher relative abundance of enzymes involved in ethyl acetate metabolism and a lower relative abundance of enzymes involved in higher alcohol metabolism in the test group. These findings demonstrate that Wickerhamomyces enhances ethyl acetate production and reduces higher alcohols during Xiaoqu Baijiu brewing, offering a theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality of Xiaoqu Baijiu.

Background: Symmetry is a special kind of balance. This study aims to systematically explore and apply the role of balanced composition in aesthetic judgments by focusing on balanced composition features and employing research methods from computational aesthetics and Neuroaesthetics. Methods: First, experimental materials were classified by quantifying balanced composition using several indices, including symmetry, center of gravity, and negative space. An EEG experiment was conducted with 18 participants, who were asked to respond dichotomously to the same stimuli under different judgment tasks (balance and aesthetics), with both behavioral and EEG data being recorded and analyzed. Subsequently, participants' data were combined with balanced composition indices to construct and analyze various SVM classification models. Results: Participants largely used balanced composition as a criterion for aesthetic evaluation. ERP data indicated that from 300-500ms post-stimulus, brain activation was more significant in the aesthetic task, with unbeautiful and imbalanced stimuli eliciting larger frontal negative waves and occipital positive waves. From 600-1000ms, beautiful stimuli caused smaller negative waves in the PZ channel. The results of the SVM models indicated that the model incorporating aesthetic subject data (ACC=0.9989) outperforms the model using only balanced composition parameters of the aesthetic object (ACC=0.7074). Conclusions: Balanced composition is a crucial indicator in aesthetics, with similar early processing stages in both balance and aesthetic judgments. Multimodal data models validated the advantage of including human factors in aesthetic evaluation systems. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our understanding of the cognitive and emotional processes involved in aesthetic judgments but also enables the construction of more reasonable machine learning models to simulate and predict human aesthetic preferences.

Introduction: Known for its persistent blood-feeding behavior from dawn to dusk, Aedes albopictus is recognized as one of the most dangerous mosquito species due to its role as a vector for diseases such as dengue. Studies have demonstrated that Aedes albopictus thrives in micro-breeding sites predominantly located on private properties, including abandoned containers and manholes used for rainwater and irrigation. This study investigates an innovative methodology, the TombiniNet, to mitigate the proliferation of Aedes albopictus by engaging citizens in the active management of micro-breeding sites on their properties. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Alessandria, a city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants, focusing on a sample of 200 houses and a population of about 5,000 people. Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis of micro-breeding sites for Aedes albopictus on both private and communal properties. The larval control measures were conducted from April to October, aligning with the peak mosquito breeding season. The study's sample included 51% of houses that allowed researchers access, and within these, 81% had Aedes albopictus larvae, often found in diverse water Containers holes of which basically manholes on villa garden floors. For monitoring the adult populations were used ovitraps that were not placed in private homes but in public areas to monitor and control the mosquito population. Results: The study identified that up to 70% of micro-breeding sites for Aedes albopictus in northern Alessandria were located on private properties. Citizen participation was critical to the success of the intervention, with a marked decrease in the number of adult tiger mosquitoes observed in areas where residents actively managed breeding sites using the TombiniNet. The TombiniNet was particularly effective in private areas, as it could be regularly maintained by residents, preventing debris accumulation that could hinder drainage. Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of engaging citizens in mosquito control programs to effectively manage Aedes albopictus populations in urban areas. The TombiniNet intervention demonstrated that a simple, cost-effective solution could significantly reduce mosquito breeding sites on private properties. By addressing both communal and private breeding sites, a comprehensive and sustainable approach to mosquito management can be achieved, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. Future studies should focus on long-term monitoring and the development of additional innovative solutions to enhance citizen participation and control measures. The study's success also pointed out the limitations of applying such interventions in public areas where debris could impede the net's effectiveness.

Pesticides are chemical compounds or mixtures of hazardous substances that are used by humans to increase and protect crops from pests and control disease-carrying insects. Because of its wide use, it may be poisonous to helpful and non-targeting plants and animals. Spraying or spreading pesticides over whole fields of crops can cause runoff to transfer the chemicals into aquatic ecosystems, and wind can carry the chemicals to nearby grazing regions, farms, and populated areas, where they can endanger other animals. This review summarises recent studies on pesticide combination toxicity to aquatic biota and approaches used to anticipate toxic effects. When toxicants harm economically significant organisms that humans consume, the negative effects become more severe and can cause stress conditions, vital organ damage, biochemical damage, or even the death of living things in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Pesticides are highly toxic to aquatic organisms such as snails, fish, etc. Neurological dysfunction in freshwater organisms is also caused by pesticides. By producing excessive ROS, pesticides can cause severe biochemical and histological changes in freshwater organisms. So, it is therefore easy to understand the attention of the public on these substances. Because aquatic organisms play a major part in the food chain. However, through the biomagnification process, the quantity of pesticides increases in the higher organisms through the food chain. Which results play a terrific role in the higher organism’s body. So, It's essential to comprehend the way that insecticides work on aquatic organisms. In this review article, we are focusing on the way that pesticides work, which will help in the system of biomonitoring.

As the global population faces an increasing prevalence of physical disabilities, the challenge of motor rehabilitation has become increasingly urgent. Considering that approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability, with a significant number having motor disa-bilities that greatly impact their quality of life, the integration of robotic technologies into rehabili-tation processes offers an opportunity for significant improvement in functional recovery and pa-tient autonomy. This analysis aims to evaluate the progress and challenges encountered in imple-menting robotic technology for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies such as exoskeletons, assisted training devices, and brain-computer interface systems in facilitating motor recovery. By examining relevant clinical studies, the analysis demonstrates the varied effectiveness of robotic therapies compared to traditional re-habilitation methods, while also highlighting the need for ongoing research to optimize care prac-tices and address challenges related to cost, accessibility, and treatment personalization. In con-clusion, robotic technologies represent a promising direction in motor rehabilitation, with the po-tential to revolutionize the care of patients with physical disabilities, significantly improving quali-ty of life and social integration.

In the main prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) producing region in the State of Mexico, fruit production (tunas) occupies the largest cultivated area with 15,800 ha, while 900 ha are cultivated for fresh consumption (“nopal” or “nopalitos”). Two composite samples consisting of prickly pear cactus cladodes (n=6) and another of nopal vegetable (n=6) showing virus-like symptoms were collected. Both sample sets were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to identify the viruses and viroids present. The HTS results were verified using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, 86 nopal samples (nopal vegetable, prickly pear cactus, xoconostle and wild) were analyzed via RT-PCR with specific primers for the viruses and viroids previously detected via HTS. Three viruses were discovered [Opuntia virus 2 (OV2), cactus carlavirus 1 (CCV-1), and Opuntia potexvirus A (OPV-A)], along with a previously reported viroid [Opuntia viroid 1 (OPVd-1)]. Additionally, two new viroid species were identified, provisionally named Mexican opuntia viroid (genus Pospiviroid) and Opuntia viroid 2 (OVd-2). Phylogenetic analysis, pairwise identity comparison, and conserved structural elements analysis confirmed the classification of these two viroids as new species within the Pospiviroidae family. This is the first report of a pospiviroid and two apscaviroids infecting prickly pear in the world. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the virome associated with nopal in Mexico.

In recent years, the treatment of locally-advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has been spotlighted in a number of landmark, practice-changing trials, heralding in the age of so-termed “total neoadjuvant therapy” (TNT). However, the lack of a common control arm, standard inclusion criteria, or, indeed, definition of TNT necessitates further study in this field, particularly using real-world data. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients treated for LARC at a single Canadian academic cancer centre between July 1st 2019 and July 14th 2022. This includes the June 2020 incorporation of TNT. 290 patients were included in the final analysis, and 124 variables were collected on each patient, including demographics, treatment type, adverse events, response to treatment, surgery versus watchful waiting and survival. Our findings demonstrate that both TNT and non-TNT regimens are highly toxic, with regards to both overall toxicity and grade 2+ adverse effects. 62 (96.9%) of patients on TNT experienced toxicities, compared to 186 (82.3%) of the non-TNT patients. Grade 2+ toxicities were 46 (71.9%) and 143 (63.3%), respectively. TNT, however, was associated with improved rates of complete response, compared to non-TNT treatment regimens (44% vs 24%). These findings suggest that TNT harbours both benefit and risk in a real-world population, and both of these aspects should be considered when deciding on a treatment approach for an individual patient. More work in the area is needed to determine longer term survival, as well as impact of surgery versus organ preservation approach on patient outcomes.

This study delves into the complex interplay among attachment styles, hypersexuality, and sexual and couple satisfaction in emerging adults within the Mexican population. Despite established correlations between anxious and avoidant attachment styles and emotion dysregulation and hypersexuality, the roles of sexual and couple satisfaction in this context have remained relatively unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how these variables interact and contribute to psychological distress and sexual risk behaviors. Data analysis on 214 emerging adults, utilizing the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, Couple Satisfaction Index, Sexual Satisfaction Scale, SCL-90, and SAST-R, revealed a significant association between risky sexual behaviors—such as a higher number of sexual partners, drug and alcohol use during sexual activity, and lack of sexual protection—and heightened levels of hypersexuality. Notably, individuals with hypersexual tendencies reported diminished levels of sexual satisfaction but elevated levels of couple satisfaction. Avoidant attachment emerged as the attachment style most strongly correlated with early sexual experiences. Moreover, the abbreviated versions of the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-4) and the Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR-8) exhibited commendable psychometric properties, enhancing their applicability for research and clinical purposes. This research furnishes valuable insights into the complex dynamics among attachment styles, hypersexuality, and couple and sexual satisfaction, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to foster healthier sexual and relationship behaviors among emerging adults.

Bacteriocins is a term given to products of the secondary metabolism of many bacterial genera described today with antimicrobial activity. Although there are several biomolecules with such activity, even today it has not been possible to reach a consensus on the method of classification for these biomolecules. In addition, many of them are not authorized for therapeutic use against multi-drug resistant microorganisms due to possible toxic effects. However, recent research has achieved significant progress in their understanding, classification, and elucidation of the mechanisms of action against microorganisms of medical and biotechnological interest. Therefore, in more recent times, protocols are already being carried out for their optimal use and applications to use them on the hopes of solving multiple health and food conservation problems.

Deep underground laboratories offer advantages for conducting high-precision observations of weak geophysical signals, benefitting from a low background noise level. It is both valuable and feasible to enhance strong, noisy ground electromagnetic (EM) field data using synchronously recorded underground EM signals, which typically exhibit a high signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, we propose an EM field reconstruction method employing a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network with referenced deep underground EM observations. Initially, a deep learning model was developed to capture the time-varying features of underground multi-component EM fields using the LSTM recurrent neural network. Subsequently, this model was applied to process synchronously observed strong, noisy data from other conventional observation systems, such as those at surface, to achieve noise suppression through signal reconstructions. Both theoretical analysis and practical observational data suggest that the proposed method effectively suppresses noise and reconstructs clean EM signals. This method is efficient and time-saving, representing an effective approach to fully utilizing the advantages of deep underground observation data. Furthermore, this method could be extended to the processing and analysis of other geophysical data.

In the most cases, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast is identifiable when they present with classic infiltrative growth pattern. However, subset of IDC can occur in a very sneaky way, significantly mimicking the appearance of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In this condition, it’s much easier to miss the invasive component without pulling ancillary staining when morphologic findings are extremely compatible with DCIS, especially the diagnosis of DCIS was made on the previous biopsy. Here, we reported a 55 year-old female who was noted to have microcalcification at the 11:00 o’clock of the right posterior breast on routine mammographic examination in 09/2023. Biopsy of the calcification area in 10/2023 reported high grade DCIS (ER+ PR-). Histologic examination of subsequent mastectomy specimen showed two separate DCIS-looking areas (Figure 1A-D and Figure 2). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining showed that myoepithelial markers, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), p63, CK5/6 and S100, were retained at the periphery of all the expanded acini in one area (Figure 1E-H). Unexpectedly and surprisingly, myoepithelial markers were completely lost at the periphery of part of the DCIS-looking acini in another area (Figure 3A-H), immunohistochemically compatible with the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma admixed with DCIS. Knowing that invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast can present as DCIS-looking morphology, especially given the condition that the diagnosis of DCIS was rendered on the previous biopsy, will enhance awareness of pathologists to recognize DCIS-looking invasive ductal carcinoma. In turn, this will prevent misdiagnosis and under-treatment of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

This research investigates the perceptions of parents belonging to the Sidama ethnic group re-garding the significance of technology in early childhood education. The study aims to elucidate how parents perceive the role of technology, such as digital devices and educational applications, in the education and development of their young children. Through qualitative interviews con-ducted with 30 parents and thematic analysis, the study uncovers diverse perspectives, shedding light on cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors influencing parental attitudes towards technology in early childhood education among the Sidama people. Findings indicate a spectrum of views ranging from enthusiastic embracement to cautious reservation, revealing nuanced considerations that inform parental decisions regarding technology integration in their children's learning experiences.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the spectrum and determinants of child abuse and neglect in Nkpor-Uno, a community in Anambra State, Nigeria. Through a descriptive surveys design, the study explores various forms of abuse and neglect experienced by children, as well as the underlying factors contributing to these phenomena. The population for the study consisted of 1000 parents/ caregivers who are residents of Nkpor-uno. The sample for the study consisted of 100 respondents, purposive sampling techniques was used for the study. The questionnaire was a self-designed structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal alarming prevalence rates of child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, parental substance abuse, family dynamics, and inadequate sex education emerged as significant contributors to child maltreatment. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the root causes of abuse and neglect and safeguard the well-being and development of children in Nkpor-Uno. By raising awareness, enhancing access to resources, and promoting positive parenting practices, we can strive towards building a safer and healthier environment for children, ensuring they are protected from harm and given the opportunity to thrive.

Keywords: grape pomace extracts, encapsulation, freeze-drying, bioaccessibility, phenolic compounds

The Yb/Al multilayer films exhibit excellent theoretical reflectivity in the 54-90nm wavelength range. This study attempted to incorporate 1.5% wt.% of Si impurities into Al to suppress the crystallization of Al, reduce interfacial roughness, and enhance the actual reflectivity of the prepared Yb/Al multilayer films. The internal microstructure changes of the film layers before and after Si impurity doping were investigated using GIXRR, AFM, and XRD techniques. The reflectivity of two types of multilayer films, Yb/Al(1.5wt.%Si) and Yb/Al(pure), was tested to evaluate the effect of Si impurity on the film performance.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Extraction and Fractionation Trains: An Integrated Approach of Simulation Analysis, Advanced Modifications, and Technological Advancements. Through comprehensive research, innovative solutions such as the heat pump aided distillation (HPAD) system and self-heat recuperation technology (SHRT) have been developed to significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with conventional distillation systems. To identify a practical system for NGL fractionation trains, this study extensively examined and compared various HPAD and SHRT options to retrofit a single column. The objective was to find the most suitable and efficient solution for the fractionation process of natural gas liquids (NGLs). The retrofit options analyzed in this study encompassed a range of techniques, including vapor compression (VC), mechanical vapor re-compression (MVR), thermal vapor re-compression (TVR), bottom flashing (BF), side heat exchanger (SHE), intermediate heating and cooling (IHC), self-heat recuperative (SHR), and modified self-heat recuperative (MSHR) distillation. These methods were carefully examined to determine their suitability and effectiveness in improving the performance of NGL fractionation trains.In this study, a depropanizer column, typically employed in conventional NGL plants, was selected as a case study. The simulation software Aspen HYSYS V7.3 was employed to model and analyze eight retrofit designs based on predefined criteria. The simulation data was carefully evaluated to identify the most efficient design for minimizing energy consumption. Among the retrofit options, the mechanical vapor re-compression (MVR) technique demonstrated the most significant energy cost reduction, with a remarkable 68.11 percent improvement compared to the base case conventional column. These findings highlight the potential of MVR as an effective solution for lowering energy costs in NGL fractionation trains.Following the MVR retrofit option, the study found that vapor compression (VC) achieved a considerable energy cost reduction of 66.65 percent, closely followed by modified self-heat recuperative (MSHR) at 64.02 percent, bottom flashing (BF) at 62.88 percent, self-heat recuperative (SHR) at 55.85 percent, side heat exchanger (SHE) at 54.23 percent, intermediate heating and cooling (IHC) at 39.54 percent, and thermal vapor re-compression (TVR) also at 39.54 percent. These findings highlight the significant potential for energy savings offered by these retrofit options, with VC being the most popular choice, closely followed by MSHR, BF, SHR, SHE, IHC, and TVR.

Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlights the positive effects of species of the Lactobacillacea on the intestinal microbiota, the overall homeostasis of the body, as well as a complementary treatment for some diseases. However, data on the effects on intestinal epithelial cells of postmetabolites released by bacteria are incomplete. This is likely due to the fact that these effects are species and strain specific. In the present study, we investigated the effects of postmetabolites produced by a pre-selected candidate probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum on HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data showed a pronounced proliferative effect, evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of cell population, and determination of mitotic index. This was accompanied by stabilization of the cell monolayer, measured by increase of TEER (trans epithelial electric resistance) and reorganization of actin filaments. The data obtained are a clear indication of the positive effects, that the products secreted by L. fermentum strain 53 have on the intestinal epithelial cells.

(1) Background: Until December 2021, French Guiana (FG), located in South America, faced four consecutive COVID-19 epidemic waves. This study sought to analyze the mortality trend of severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the referral ICU of FG. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, and non-interventional study in ICU at Cayenne Hospital. We included 383 patients older than 18 admitted with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia hospitalized from May 2020 to December 2021. The study covers three periods. Period 1 (Waves 1 and 2, original variant), period 2 (Wave 3, gamma variant), and period 3 (Wave 4, delta variant). (3) Results: The median age was 63 years (52-70). Frailty was diagnosed in 36 patients over 70 (32.4%). Only 4.8% of patients were vaccinated. The median ICU LOS was 10 days (6-19). Hospital mortality was 37.3%. It was 30.9% in period 1, 36.6% in period 2 (p=0.329 vs. period 1), and 47.1% in period 3 (0.015 vs. period 1). In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with hospital mortality were age more than 40 years (]40-60 years] OR=5.2, 95%CI: 1.4-19.5; (]60-70 years] OR=8.5 95%CI: 2.2-32; (]70+ years] OR=17.9, 95%CI: 4.5-70.9), frailty (OR=5.6, 95%CI: 2.2-17.2), immunosuppression (OR=2.6, 95%CI: 1.05-6.7), and MV use (OR=11, 95%CI: 6.1-19.9). This model had an overall sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 80.4%, a positive predictive value of 68.7%, and a negative predictive value of 82.8%. (4) Conclusions: The mortality of severe COVID-19 patients in French Amazonia was higher during the delta variant wave. This over-death is explained by the virulence of the responsible SARS-CoV-2 variant and the under-vaccination coverage of the studied population.

Culture signifies the customs, language, ceremonies, Indigenous Medical Knowledge (IMK) and other material objects of a tribe. These and many other features are a representation of identity for many Zambian communities. IMK practices are skills inherent by certain individuals in a tribal grouping who are chosen by the spirits (gods) or trained by those who practice. This intrinsic skill is in danger of diminishing as a result of modern medication. This article attempts to understand the role of traditional healers (also known as asing’anga in local language) in preservation of IMK in Chibombo District of Zambia. In so doing, the paper examined methods of preservation used by asing’anga and the challenges faced. Using hermeneutic phenomenology and linear snowball sampling, findings revealed that preservation was done through training. The study found unwillingness, expiration, and spirituality as challenges in the process of preserving IMK. The study recommended that the Lenje Cultural Association consider documenting and disseminating information to the local people by showcasing what is available in the Mukuni Culture Village Museum and Library. This was seen as a way through which many youths would be encouraged to appreciate the indigenous values in their culture.

This study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, infections, and neuroinflammation, focusing specifically on the impact of pathogenic epitopes of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) in a mouse model of mitochondrial dysfunctions. The investigation included female middle-aged PARK2^-/- and C57BL/6J wild-type mice immunized with EBNA1_386-405 or with active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)_35-55 peptide. PARK2^-/- mice developed more severe EAE than wild-type mice. Following immunization with EBNA1_386-405, only PARK2^-/- exhibited symptoms resembling EAE. During the acute phase, PARK2^-/- mice immunized with either MOG_35-55 or EBNA1_386-405 exhibited similar infiltration of T cells and macrophages in the spinal cord and decreased GFAP expression in the brain. However, EBNA1_386-405 -immunized PARK2^-/- mice showed significantly increased frequencies of CD8a+ T cells and CD11c+ B cells, and distinct cytokine profiles in the periphery compared to wild-type controls. These findings highlight the role of EBV in exacerbating inflammation, particularly in the context of mitochondrial deficiencies.

Tourism Geographers in Anglo-American geographical departments migrate to teach and research tourism in applied schools and departments such as business, resource and environment, and even cultural and creative industry. Under national research assessment and funding pressures, tourism geographers are not encouraged to keep on undertaking serious theoretical researches related to their mother discipline and transferred to research applied researches and publish in hybrid journals. Such changes in tourism geographers` research behavior have not been tested and reported in Asian academic contexts, especially Taiwan while frequently being discussed internationally. This research aims to investigate the differences in the research behavior of tourism geographers between those who are staffed in geography departments and those who migrate to applies departments such as tourism and recreation, resource and environment, and others in terms of publishing journals, paradigmatic approaches, research types(qualitative, quantitative, and mixed), research methods and geographical scales conducted based on content analysis of articles published by tourism geographers in geography and tourism and recreation departments. This study revealed that there are significant differences in the research behavior of tourism geographers between different department. Finally, this paper explains the differences in terms of Taiwan changing social and economic conditions, academic traditions and politics of geography and applied departments, research habits and preferences of tourism geographers among departments and other aspects. This study can help international tourism geography academic circles to understand the complexity and diversity of tourism geography academic landscape of the Chinese language.

Detecting IgE sensitizations in the serum of allergic dogs is commonly done using allergen extracts, but these are difficult to standardize. This article details the development and validation of the Pet Allergy Xplorer (PAX; Nextmune, Stockholm, Sweden), the first multiplex macroarray for the detection of IgE sensitization in dogs using allergen extracts and molecular components; the PAX is derived from the Allergy Xplorer (ALEX2; MacroArray Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria). The selection of allergens, cartridge processing, strategy for identifying and blocking IgE directed against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD), and the method used for determining the positivity threshold are described. The validation of the PAX included evaluations of the specificity of its anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, specificity of IgE binding to target allergens, assay precision, and internal consistency. Additionally, the influence of possible confounding factors, such as sample type, the influence of hemolysis, lipemia, bilirubinemia, and elevated CCD-IgE, was tested. Finally, the sensitization rates of 23,858 European dogs to 145 environmental and Hymenoptera venom allergens were summarized. The PAX is accurate and reproducible and has a unique CCD-detection and blocking strategy; its molecular allergens offer a unique window on allergen cross-reactivity.

while composting of organic wastes is increasingly adopted in sustainable agriculture, continued interest on biochar application, dark soils, and compost, showed morphological aspects and functionality of biochar as a challenge to solve the CO2 aspects related to climatic change, and carbon stability in sustainable soils, as Black carbon presents long chemical permanency due to incomplete combustion of biomass. The objective of this work was to study the characteristics of soil amendments and to review the state of the art of biochar, showing differences in composition and main microorganisms with relevant presence in the soils. Arbuscular mycorrhizal spores (Scutellospora sp., Glomus like, Funneliformis geosporus, Glomus crenatum, and Acaulospora excavata, obtained from TPI soil samples are shown. New strategies are highlighted such as nutrient supplementation of compost, which can constitute the basis for improved compost-based biofertilizers in the future. Thus, the most important strategies for C sequestration are underlined to diminish substantial organic agro- and municipal wastes, increasingly disposed in the fields, landfills or either released by burning or discarding.

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is an imaging technique that provides information on the microstructural organization of biological tissue. dMRI allows for non-invasive visualization and quantitative assessment of white matter architecture in the brain by characterizing restrictions on the random motion of water molecules. Ultra-high field MRI scanners, such as those operating at 7 Tesla (7T) or higher, can boost signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to improve dMRI compared with what is attainable at conventional field strengths such as 3T or 1.5T. However, at 7T wavelength effects cause lower transmit magnetic field efficiency in the human brain, mainly in the posterior fossa region, manifesting as signal dropouts in this region. Recently, we reported a simple approach of using a wireless radiofrequency (RF) surface array to improve transmit efficiency and signal sensitivity at 7T. Here we demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using this RF enhancer for in-vivo dMRI at 7T. The use of the RF enhancer can effectively recover signal dropouts in the regions with intrinsically lower SNR such as cerebellum, leading to a better depiction of principal fiber orientations and enhanced visualization of extended tracts to the brainstem and pons enabling more comprehensive delineation of the full white matter architecture.

Blueberries are rich in a variety of functional substances and have high nutritional and health values, but they are not resistant to decline during fresh storage. Here, the effects of six Bacillus species on storage quality of, and antioxidant levels in, the southern highbush blueberry ‘O'Neal’ fruit were investigated. Bacillus treatments reduced the fruit decay rate, slowed fruit quality decline, inhibited malondialdehyde accumulation, and increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity levels. Bacillus altitudinis Y-14 had the best effect overall. Further, the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), B. altitudinis Y-14, and 1-MCP+B. altitudinis Y-14 treatments on the storage quality and antioxidant of rabbiteye blueberry ‘Brightwell’ fruit were investigated, and each treatment effectively reduced the decay rate and weight loss of fruit. When stored for 25 days, the decay rate of the 1-MCP+B. altitudinis Y-14 group was only 8.33%, significantly lower than that of the control. The three treatments delayed the fruit quality decline, inhibited malondialdehyde accumulation, and increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity levels. The 1-MCP+B. altitudinis Y-14 treatment had the best effect. Thus, the combined 1-MCP and B. altitudinis Y-14 treatment may be an effective way to improve the storage quality and extend the storage period of blueberries.

New strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a major challenge in treating cerebral diseases. Nano-emulsion based nanocarriers represent an ideal candidate to improve drug delivery thanks to their versatility in functionalization and cargo protection. In this work, a paclitaxel loaded nano-emulsion has been firstly functionalized and stabilized with two layers constituted of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, and, secondly, the latter has been conjugated to the CRT peptide. CRT is a bioactive peptide that selectively recognizes bEnd.3 cells, model of the BBB, thanks to its interactions with transferrin (Tf) and its receptor (TfR). Cytotoxic results showed a higher uptake of CRT functionalized nano-emulsion 41.5 % more than the negative control, demonstrating the ability of this novel tool to be accumulated on the brain endothelium tissue. Thanks to these results, our approach can be fully generalizable to the design of multifunctional nanocarriers for delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous systems.

Objective To explore the endoscopic anatomical structures of lumbar surgery. Methods A total of 290 patients who underwent lumbar endoscopic surgery due to lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation from September 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed in our hospital,179 patients had complete surgical video recordings, including 108 males and 71 females, aged from 19 to 65 years, with an average age of 41±16 years. The endoscopic structures through the intervertebral foramen and interlaminar space were independently identified by 3 doctors with more than 3 years of related surgery experience. When there were differences of opinions, the three doctors would discuss and come to a consensus. The probability, location, and neighboring structures of each specific structures were statistically analyzed. Results The anatomical structures observed through the lumbar foramen under endoscopy include muscles and ligaments attached to the superior articular process (SAP), main blood vessels inside the intervertebral foramen, blood vessels on the surface of IVD, and blood vessels on the surface of the dural sac and nerve root. The major anatomical structures observed through interlaminar space are multifidus, the conjugated ligament of ligament flavum and capsule ligament (capsule part of flavum ligaments), edges of the lamina, specific vessel bundle to facet with exit nerve root. Conclusion The anatomical structures under spinal endoscopy have certain characteristics, which are grossly different from those under open surgery. Familiarity with these anatomical structures has important clinical significance.

Background: The safety and effectiveness of factor-Xa (FXa) inhibitors for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) remains inconclusive. We investigated the current dosing of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban by monitoring drug plasma concentration (PC) and coagulation activity. Methods and Results: This multicenter clinical study monitored the drug PC levels and two coagulation biomarkers (fibrinogen: FIB, and fibrin monomer complex: FMC) at peak and trough timing in 268 outpatients receiving rivaroxaban (n = 72), apixaban (n = 71), and edoxaban (n = 125) for NVAF. Doses were adjusted according to the dose adjustment criteria of each drug. Based on our previous study, each peak drug PC remained below the cut-off level for predicting bleeding events except in eight patients (three on rivaroxaban, two on apixaban and three on edoxaban) in whom bleeding events occurred; among them, two (one each on rivaroxaban and edoxaban) had a peak drug PC below the cut-off level. Drug PCs widely varied from peak to trough, whereas FMC levels remained within the normal range (< 6.1 µg/ml) regardless of PC variation. These finding suggested that the anticoagulant effects of these drugs persisted throughout the day regardless of the drug PC levels, dosage, and frequency of dosing. Regarding the change in peak drug PC levels over time, rivaroxaban tended to accumulate more than edoxaban (p

The growing deforestation of tropical forests requires the implementation of restoration actions capable of assisting the recovery of biodiversity and functioning of these ecosystems. This research aimed to identify the environmental factors that influence woody plant recruitment abundance and diversity in an Andean forest restoration project in Medellin (Colombia). Data from all individuals taller than 80 cm was collected in 22 plots of 200 m2. The environmental factors selected were edaphic variables, plantation structure, slope, elevation, prior land use and landscape forest cover. A generalized linear model was adjusted for recruitment density, and linear mixed models were built for recruited species richness, diversity and dominance. Woody plant recruitment attributes in our study area were similar to a typical secondary succession in an Andean forest, but planted trees contributed little to these attributes. While recruitment density was affected by slope, canopy closure and landscape forest cover, recruitment diversity was influenced by physical (bulk density) and chemical (pH, aluminum, CEC) edaphic factors, planted trees diversity (species richness and composition), canopy closure and mortality rate of planted trees. We conclude that a good development of planted trees enhances both recruitment attributes, indicating a synergy between active restoration and passive regeneration processes.

Plastics, once regarded as a revolutionary material shaping modern society, now poses an unprecedented threat to our environment. Household solid waste sorting stations produce several fractions, one of which contains a high concentration of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) film waste (packaging, sunscreen film, etc.). This fraction is difficult to recycle because it contains quite a lot of impurities. Usually, it is sent to the cement factories that burn it together with other fuels. However, with some processing techniques such catalytic pyrolysis this fraction could be valorized. In this paper the experiments which were carried out at a laboratory scale installation, in batches with a processing capacity of 1-3 kg of waste. The pyrolysis reactor is connected to a distillation column giving the possibility to separate the fractions. The gaseous and liquid fractions were characterized by GC-FID-TCD (gases) and GC-MS (liquids) analysis. Natural catalysts such as bentonite or clinoptilolite were studied and used in the melting of plastic mass to simplify the process as much as possible. To test the activity of the catalysts, the pyrolysis of LDPE granules was initially studied. It was found that natural zeolites are much more active than bentonite and that a minimum concentration of 5-10% is needed to have a positive effect on the composition of the fractions (increasing the weight of the light fractions C1-C6, C6-C10 and C11-C13) in relation to the heavy fractions C13-C20 and C20+. Catalytic pyrolysis gives a completely different distribution of light hydrocarbons. The best catalyst selected from LDPE lab experiments, was then tested upon the pyrolysis of plastic film waste obtained by a waste treatment plant. The research objective reported in this paper was to obtain a fraction of combustible gases in the largest possible proportion, which can be much easier exploited by burning in an engine that drives an electric generator.

Academic procrastination, more than merely postponing tasks, represents a significant failure in the self-regulation process of learning. Research on study skills highlights academic time management as one of the crucial elements of learning strategies and sustainable education. These abilities will help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals fourth goal. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how students plan time management in school activities and its influence on study procrastination, analyzing differences between genders and the hours students spend studying. The Time Management Planning Inventory, the Study Procrastination Questionnaire, and a personal and school data sheet were used. A sample of 506 students from elementary schools in northern Portugal was utilized. The results revealed that gender and study hours significantly influence how students plan time management for school tasks in the short and long term. This variable also showed a significant impact on the procrastination of study activities. The practical implications of this study are substantial, as they provide educators and researchers insights into the factors influencing academic procrastination and the role of time management planning and study hours. These insights can be applied to develop effective strategies to reduce academic procrastination and promote sustainable education.

This study investigates anomaly detection of IoT device traffic using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE) to enhance the detection capability of security threats in IoT environments. A series of hardware configurations, software environments, and hyperparameters were utilized to optimize the training and testing processes of the models. The CNN model demonstrates robust classification performance, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.85% on the test dataset, effectively distinguishing between different types of IoT device traffic. Meanwhile, the VAE model exhibits proficient anomaly detection capabilities by effectively capturing abnormal patterns in the data using reconstruction loss and KL divergence. The combined use of CNN and VAE models offers a comprehensive solution to cybersecurity challenges in IoT environments. Future research directions include exploring diverse IoT traffic data, practical deployment for validation, and further optimization of model structures and parameters to improve performance and applicability.

Introduction: Transportation logistics play a pivotal role in facilitating both individual mobility and supply chain operations on a global scale. However, conventional transportation systems have contributed significantly to urban congestion and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, there is a growing momentum towards the adoption of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and sustainable transportation solutions. This research aims to explore the potential of renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles (EVs) and flying automobiles, thereby accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon future. Objectives: The primary objectives of this research are as follows: - Investigate the role of renewable fuels in powering both EVs and flying cars to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions. - Analyze the dynamic growth and sustainability implications of advancements in battery technology and alternative renewable energy sources, such as Hydrogen Fuel Cells. - Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of flying vehicles into existing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety, airspace control, and infrastructure development. - Review insights and guidance to stakeholders on promoting sustainable transportation solutions for EVs and flying cars through the utilization of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions from the literature. Methodology: This research employs a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, and causal loop diagram analysis. The literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable transportation and renewable energy technologies. A causal loop diagram is utilized to visualize the dynamic interactions between various factors influencing the adoption of EVs and flying cars, including technological advancements, policy interventions, and market dynamics. Results and Discussion: The findings of this research highlight the significant potential of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, in powering both EVs and flying cars. Advances in battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells are identified as key drivers in accelerating the transition towards sustainable transportation systems. However, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development, safety regulations, and airspace management for flying vehicles. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable advancement in reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels with the widespread adoption of EVs. By harnessing renewable energy and implementing effective policy measures, stakeholders might able to promote the widespread adoption of sustainable transportation solutions, thereby contributing to environmental protection and societal well-being. Conclusion: Literally, this research underscores the importance of sustainable transportation solutions in addressing urban congestion, environmental pollution, and energy security concerns. By leveraging renewable energy sources and embracing technological advancements, such as EVs and flying cars, stakeholders pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient transportation system. However, concerted efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges and ensure the successful integration of these technologies into existing infrastructure. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives, a low-carbon future for transportation logistics can be achieved, benefiting both the environment and society as a whole.

(1) Background: The lateral arm flap has been the very useful choice in the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects like hand, extremity, oral head and neck area reconstructions. Its versatile characteristics and surgical feasibility allow this flap to be widely applied, but the reconstructive potential in facial subunit after tumor ablative procedures has never been reported. In this study, we aimed to utilize the advantages of the flap to treat facial temple subunit defect reconstruction. (2) Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, 12 patients underwent temple reconstruction with lateral arm free flaps after malignant tumor wide excision. There were 7 women and 5 men, and the mean patient age was 60.6 years old. Among the patients with cancer, 6 had squamous cell carcinoma, 5 had basal cell carcinoma and 1 had myxofibrosarcoma. All the flaps were elevated under general anesthesia. Aloprostadil(PGE1, Eglandin®) were administered postoperatively. (3) Results: All the flap types were fasciocutaneous type with varied sizes from 3 × 4 to 5 × 7 cm (Average size of flap 22.7cm2) were utilized. The average pedicle length was 6.1cm. The versatility of the lateral arm flap enabled successful coverage of all cases with no specific complications. Good functional outcome and range of motion in the recipient arm were obtained after surgery. (4) Conclusion: The authors successfully verified the advantages of lateral arm flaps in the treatment of medium sized facial subunt temple defect reconstruction.

Background: Self-harm (SH) refers to self-injury or intentional self-poisoning with varying degrees of suicidal intent and is a major public health issue for children and adolescents (C&A) worldwide. Given significant gaps exist in our understanding of the associated psychopathology in C&A, this paper outlines the protocol for a prospective clinical study examining risk factors of SH and additional candidate parameters (not routinely assessed) during an acute SH episode. Methods: The EXPAAND (EXploring Psychiatric and Attentional risk-factors in Adolescents Needing intervention for Deliberate self-harm) is a randomised control trial to assess additional novel candidate risk factors for SH in C&A and to evaluate the effectiveness of SH-targeted brief psychological intervention (Therapeutic Assessment (TA)), within a real-world acute clinical setting, as we include neurodiversity and gender diversity in this study. EXPAAND is conducted in 4 phases: (i) recruitment & randomisation; (ii) extended assessment; (iii) randomised intervention; and (iv) follow-up observational period to ascertain clinical outcomes for comparison. Expected Results: We envisage that by diagnosing and treating attentional disorders when detected will mitigate potential confounding effects of these conditions. We also expect that SH-focused TA will be effective in reducing subsequent SH and in improving engagement in follow-up and subsequent treatments.

This study provides a comprehensive comparison of the Peter Chew Sum method and Newton's Sum in Quadratic Root Function Computations. Both methods offer significant advancements by alleviating the need for memorization of multiple formulas. However, when confronted with higher-order quadratic root functions such as the calculation of power 33. Newton's Sum method proves cumbersome due to its requirement of all previous answers for final computation, leading to increased steps and error risks. In contrast, the Peter Chew Sum method simplifies the computational process by requiring only a few previous answers, resulting in a more straightforward series of operations. We contextualize our analysis within the historical progression of mathematical techniques, highlighting the transformative leap represented by the Peter Chew Sum method in quadratic root function computations. Peter Chew Sum addressing the limitations of Newton's Sum , especially concerning higher-order functions such as the calculation of power 256. Furthermore, study demonstrates that the innovative approach of the Peter Chew Sum method not only simplifies complex computations but also fosters enhanced conceptual understanding among students. In conclusion, study findings underscore the profound impact of the Peter Chew Sum method on quadratic root function computations.

This research follows the publication of recent scoping and systematic reviews of existing literature on vaccine literacy (VL), its relationship to vaccine hesitancy (VH), and associated variables, such as vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards immunization. In this review, 17 articles were selected, published between December 2022 and November 2023, in which VL tools were used, most of which support the notion of a negative association between VL and VH, although not confirmed by others. Moreover, the definitions of the variables under consideration were not homogeneous between studies, some aimed to evaluate the association of VL with vaccine confidence, while others were more focused on outcomes such as willingness to be vaccinated or vaccine uptake. The complexity of the factors underlying VL, and the heterogeneity of the methods applied in the studies, in particular the limitations of cross-sectional surveys, still make it difficult to have a comprehensive understanding of the role of VL. Therefore, it is important to develop future assessment tools that consider not just the measurement of psychological factors connected to the motivational aspect of VL, but also those related to knowledge and competencies. For this purpose, a theoretical framework is proposed, where the positioning of VL at the intersection between antecedents and beliefs/attitudes leading to behaviors explains why and how VL serves as a tool and a critical, direct, or mediating driver of vaccination choices, overcoming VH and increasing vaccination rates, operating at personal, as well as at organizational and community level.

The Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) (YLH) is an invasive insect that arrived in Europe in 2004 and is now spread across nine countries. It is a threat to the native entomofauna and harmful to beekeeping and agriculture, as it is a ravenous predator of the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and other pollinating species. Its expansion has been unstoppable and all resources are needed to fight against it, including native vertebrate predators. Among these, the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (EBE) is a potential one, but little is known about its predation on YLH. In a study carried out in Portugal, remains of YHL were detected in EBE nesting sites, which to the best of our knowledge is the first such report. This means that this bird could be one more agent in the biological control of this pest (although research on predation intensity is still needed), in conjunction with other natural predators and other strategies. In the Iberian Peninsula both species are allopatric in vast regions, so the role of EBE may be more limited. However, in the rest of Europe, at a country or continent scale, the scenario may be different and sympatry may occur to a greater extent.

This study uses the social impact theory to analyse consumer behaviour amidst Covid-19. Fear of scarcity has changed consumer buying behaviour in crisis times such as the now abating global health crisis – i.e., Covid-19. The study asserts that the existing five-stage model of consumer purchasing decisions does not fit neatly in turbulent times. It proposes a shortened four-stage process of need recognition, purchase, ownership and satisfaction as a better and more adaptable fit. Cutting out information search and evaluation of alternatives in the old model, and replacing these with ownership, is where the main contribution of the study lies. The study has implications for managing the marketing mix as we know it. It asserts that not all the 4Ps of the marketing mix are important in crisis times.

The pyrolysis process has emerged as an attractive option for waste treatment. In this technology, inorganic compounds play catalytic effects in the pyrolytic reaction of organic materials, increa-sing the char's yield, porosity, and physicochemical properties. The present research investigates and compares the slow pyrolysis of spent coffee grounds (SCG) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) (weight ratio of 1:1) and landfill leachate membrane concentrate (LLMC) residue (weight ratio of 1:1) as pyrolitic additives. We hypothesized that the high content of alkali and alkaline earth metals in LLMC could enhance the yield or improve the quality of the carbon-based material produced in pyrolysis. This strategy could be a sustainable alternative for valorizing SCG and landfill wastes, replacing catalyzing agents such as steam, CO2, and chemical additives used on an industrial scale. The char yields in slow pyrolysis ranged from 18 to 24%. The SCG had a low specific surface area (4.5 m2 g-1), contrasting with the notable surface areas observed in both ac-tivated chars. In particular, the KOH-activated char displayed a higher surface area than the LLMC-activated char (1960 vs. 1130 m2 g-1). On the other hand, the combustion enthalpy of the LLMC-activated material was estimated at 22 MJ kg-1. This value was 22% higher than the energy enthalpy of SCG and KOH-activated char used for comparison. Our findings confirm that pyrolysis of SCG with KOH produces a microporous material with a high specific surface area. In contrast, the resulting LLMC-activated char demonstrates a higher calorific value. Our findings could contribute to establishing potential industrial applications for SCG and LLMC residues to produce energy and high-value materials.

A valorization process of spent coffee grounds (SCG) was studied. Thus, a two-stage process, a stage of extraction of the polyphenols and a stage of obtaining activated carbon (AC) by a carbonization process, was performed. The extraction was carried out with a hydro-alcoholic solution in a pressure reactor, modifying time and temperature. To optimize the extraction of polyphenols, a two-level factorial design with three replications at the central values was used. The best results were obtained by performing the extraction at 80 °C during 30 min, using a mixture of EtOH:H2O 1:1 (v/v) as extraction solution. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds in the analyzed extracts, ranging from 0.09 to 4.8 mg∙g^-1 and 0.06 to 9.7 mg∙g^-1, respectively. The precursor obtained in the extraction stage were transformed into AC. An experimental design was realized in order to analyze the influence of different variables in the AC obtained process (reaction time and amount of potassium hydroxide used). Actived carbons with BET specific surface (SBET) comprised between 1600 m^2∙g^-1 and 2330 m²∙g^-1 had a microporous surface. Under the optimum conditions, the obtained AC presented a maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue (qm) between 411 mg∙g^-1 and 813 mg∙g^-1.

Coffee and caffeine have been used as solar absorbers and also to increase the thermal stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. In this work, we report the sensing of extremely alkaline pH by colloidal coffee solution aided by generation of an optical absorption band in the near-UV region. This generation of absorption band could be explained by the orientation induced dipole-dipole interactions arising from differing caffeine-solvent interactions with varying pH. Such a generation leads to the lowering of direct as well as indirect bandgaps from 4 eV-->2.8 eV& 3.4 eV-->2.5 eV, respectively. We also estimate the changes in optical energy storage efficiency, inferring it to be highest for pH 11 having the highest intensity of the generated absorption band (λ_abs≈360 nm). With these observations and further deductions, the work reported in this paper would be of immense interest to the researchers working in the field of development of chemical pH sensors and also in the development of novel UV absorbers.

Consumption of coffee by women early in their pregnancy has been viewed as potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and childhood leukemias. Many of these reports of epidemiologic studies have not acknowledged the potential biases inherent in studying the relationship between early-pregnancy-coffee consumption and subsequent events. I discuss five of these biases, recall bias, misclassification, residual confounding, reverse causation, and publication bias. Each might account for claims that attribute adversities to early-pregnancy-coffee consumption. To what extent these biases can be avoided remains to be determined. At a minimum, they need to be acknowledged wherever they might account for what is reported.

This study, based on proactive motivation theory, explores the relationship between perceived overqualification, digital leadership, and constructive deviant behavior, as well as generational differences. Using data collected in two waves from 596 employees, the results show that perceived overqualification positively influences constructive deviant behavior, and digital leadership enhances this effect. Employees born in the 1980s are most influenced by both factors, followed by those born in the 1990s, where the effect of digital leadership is less significant. The study suggests that effectively utilizing digital leadership and recognizing generational differences in perceived overqualification can help organizations better manage overqualified talent, improving employee satisfaction and productivity.

Common prosperity is the core goal of rural revitalization, and sustainable growth of farmers' income is an inevitable requirement. This study uses CLDS2016-2020 village and family level questionnaire data to reveal how the degree of village organization affects the sustainable growth of farmers' income, thus providing reference and decision-making for the local government to promote the increase of farmers' income and narrow the gap from the village level. The results show that the degree of village organization can significantly affect farmers' income, and the analysis results of the degree of formal organization are consistent with them. Specifically, for every 1% increase in the degree of village organization, the per capita household income will increase by 32.4%, among which the wage income will increase by 22.6%, the operational income will increase by 5%, the property income will increase by 0.8%, and the transfer income will increase by 4.2%. The estimation results through instrumental variables are consistent, and the results are robust. At the same time, improving the degree of village organization can also significantly increase the proportion of farmers' non-agricultural income and narrow the income gap among farmers. On the impact of heterogeneity, it is found that the geographical distance between villages and county and township governments, as well as the political identity and education level of farmers will affect the role of the degree of organization. The results of mechanism analysis show that improving the degree of village organization is mainly through promoting the circulation of agricultural land, socialized service of agricultural machinery and industrial and commercial capital to the countryside to increase farmers' income. The research revealed that the modernization of rural governance should be accelerated, and the degree of village organization should be improved, especially the degree of formal organization, so as to build a benign trust and cooperation relationship between the two village committees and the villagers, and implement policies and measures to improve the income of farmers according to local conditions. At the same time, strengthen the publicity and education in party member to improve the proportion of rural party member and the education level of farmers.

The increasing adoption of student-centred learning environs by the institutions of higher education in business, has led to new mechanisms and methodologies such as the Simulation-Based Learning (SBL), Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Challenge-Based Learning (CBL). Literature has shown evidence of raising interest in these methodologies towards a more experiential paradigm with regard to upcoming events from the surrounding real-world context. This paper presents a Systematic Bibliographic Literature Review (SBLR) with respect to the integration and application of these innovative and collaborative methodologies in higher education. It aimed to identify its relevant advantages, challenges, and consequences for the future of business education. Bibliographic databases were searched for documents published up to May 2024 to categorize key topics discussed in the literature on SBL, PBL and CBL. The review process identified 89 empirical and non-empirical papers on SBL, PBL and CBL, business related paperwork, which resulted from the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. PRISMA is a framework with evidence-based data designed to help authors perform a systematic literature review. Data analysis revealed diverse subthemes for those methodologies uses in business higher education institutions. The research questions “What are the advantages, challenges and implications of SBL, PBL and CBL altogether, in the training of business students?” guided the study. The central output of the research is the discovery of the varying uses of SBL, PBL and CBL overall, to cope with diverse demands arising within environmental context. Future research directions are suggested.

Introduction: The escalating morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with invasive candidiasis pose significant challenges in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Conventional diagnostic methods fall short in effectiveness, while various risk factors exacerbate the prevalence of these infections. This study introduces a novel model that amalgamates the Candida Score with key predictors to enhance the specificity and applicability of mortality risk assessments for pediatric patients with fungemia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study aimed to develop an integrated model for estimating mortality risk in children with fungemia in PICUs. We constructed and evaluated multiple predictive models using the Candida Score and other relevant clinical and laboratory variables. The discriminative abilities of the models were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The study cohort comprised 85 pediatric patients admitted between 2016 and 2020, with a median age of 6 months and a male predominance of 62.4%. The mortality rate was 45.9%. Candida albicans was the most prevalent causative agent, accounting for 37.55% of fungemia cases. Multivariable Logistic regression revealed the duration of mechanical ventilation, and the Candida Score were significant predictors of mortality. Each additional day of ventilation increased mortality odds by 11.5% (OR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.025-1.212, p = 0.011), while a higher Candida Score more than doubled the odds (OR = 2.205, 95% CI: 1.359-3.578, p = 0.001).The Random Forest predictive model demonstrated superior discriminative performance, with an AUC of 0.838 (95% CI: 0.738-0.917), outperforming Gradient Boosting and Logistic Regression models, which had AUCs of 0.7759 (95% CI: 0.667-0.877) and 0.7085 (95% CI: 0.589-0.813), respectively. Although the internal validation yielded satisfactory results, external validation is warranted. Conclusion: This study presents an innovative approach for accurately assessing the risk of mortality due to fungemia in PICU patients by integrating the Candida Score with critical predictors. The Random Forest model emerged as the most effective predictive tool due to its exceptional discriminative ability.

Habenaria, a member of Orchidaceae family is the cosmopolitan distributions, which has significant medicinal and ornamental values. Regardless of morphology and molecular data that have been studied in recent times, the phylogenetic relationship is still under debate. Here, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the whole chloroplast (cp) genome of two species (Habenaria aitchisonii Rchb.f. and Habenaria tibetica Schltr.ex Limpricht) of Habenaria grown on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), and combined with seven already published cp genomes which may assist to uncover their genomic profiling. The two genomes ranged from 155259-155269 bp in length and both encoded 132 genes, including 86 protein, 38 tRNA and 8 rRNA. In the cp genomes, the tandem repeats (797), SSRs (2195) and diverse loci (3214) were identified. Comparative analyses of codon usage, amino frequency, microsatellite, oligo repeats and transition and transversion substitutions showed similarities among the species. Moreover, we identified 16 highly polymorphic regions with nucleotide diversity above 0.02, which may be suitable for robust authentic barcoding and inferring in the phylogeny of Habenaria species. Among the polymorphic regions, positive selection was significantly exerted on the several genes such as cemA, petA, and ycf1. This may suggest that the important adaptation stratagem for two Habenaria species on the QTP. The phylogenetic relationship displayed that H.aitchisonii and H. tibetica have closer relationship than others and the rest seven species clustered in the other three groups. Our findings also supported the idea that Habenaria could be divided into different sections. This study enriched the genomics resources of Habenaria, which may be helpful for the conservation efforts of these endangered species.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) is the best therapy for most patients with non-metastatic HCC. In recent years, the management of patients with HCC has changed considerably, thanks to the improvement of molecular biology knowledge and the introduction of immunotherapy. To date, systemic therapy is authorized in the Western world only in patients with advanced HCC. However, this therapy could lead not only to stabilize the tumour disease or improve survival but could display excellent response and lead to downstaging of the tumor that finally permits liver transplantation. There are increasing reports of patients that have performed liver transplantation after pretreatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, due to the intrinsic mechanism of ICIs to stimulate the immune response against tumors, they could also cause graft rejection. This review aims to evaluate the readiness and outcomes of liver transplantation in patients with advanced HCC who have previously undergone treatment with ICIs. It seeks to identify the challenges, risks, and benefits associated with this conversion therapy. The integration of ICIs into the treatment paradigm for advanced HCC necessitates a nuanced approach to liver transplantation. While early evidence supports the feasibility of LT following ICI therapy, there is an urgent need for standardized guidelines and more extensive longitudinal studies to optimize patient selection, timing, and post-transplant management.

Surface water plays a crucial role in climate change, human production, and life, making accurate monitoring and observation of surface water particularly important. However, due to the significant diversity and complexity of water distribution in surface space, accurate mapping of surface water faces considerable challenges. When extracting water bodies from medium-resolution satellite remote sensing images, CNN methods may suffer from limitations in receptive fields and insufficient context modeling capabilities, leading to the loss of water body boundary details and poor fusion of multiscale features. Currently, there is relatively little research on this issue; therefore, it is necessary to explore new combinations of deep learning networks to address these challenges. The purpose of this study is to address the above issues. We propose a new combination of deep learning networks that fully utilize multiscale information to enhance water features. Specifically, we first combine deformable convolutions with the Swin Transformer to increase effective receptive fields while better integrating global semantic information. This combination can capture features of water bodies at different scales, improve the accuracy and integrity of water extraction, and provide reliable technical support for detailed water body extraction. We tested the newly constructed model using Sentinel-2 satellite images. Our model achieved results of over 90%, with an average accuracy of 97.89%, average precision of 94.98%, average recall of 90.05%, and an average F1 score of 92.33%. In addition, our model achieved an accuracy of 98.03% in mountainous areas. Our experiments and results validate the potential of combining the Swin Transformer and deformable convolutions in detailed water body extraction.

Hydrogels have gained significant attention as vehicles for transdermal delivery systems. These polymeric-structured substances have been implemented in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Many factors are employed in their preparation. Light, pH, temperature and specific molecules ligands are commonly used in the production of hydrogels. The Transdermal delivery system (TDD) is a widely used route, used to deliver actives/drugs via the skin. Hydrogels as a TDD have been shown to be efficient in enhancing the efficacy in delivering the actives and drugs. The aim of this review is to discuss the hydrogels application in both dermatological therapeutic and cosmetic applications, covering the types, and properties of hydrogel polymer networks. Furthermore, this review presents one of the most extensively used polymers (Hyaluronic acid HA) in this field and discusses the properties, preparation methods and applications of HA hydrogel patches as a delivery system, including methods of loading the actives and the releasing of these actives from them.

The deaf-mute and individuals with hearing disabilities who communicate through sign language should not be overlooked or excluded. It is a social responsibility to strive for an inclusive world without inequality. Advances in technology offer various solutions to address the communication gap, one of which is the use of computer-based sign language recognition systems. This project proposes a Malaysian Sign Language recognition model utilizing MobileNetV1, a convolutional neural network-based algorithm, to interpret sign language in real-time settings through a website application using Streamlit. The outcome of the model test shows that it has achieved a recognition rate of 96 percent. Although the proposed model has demonstrated the ability to recognize sign language, it is suggested that further improvement can be achieved by enhancing the quality and diversity of the dataset. The implementation of a more comprehensive dataset would lead to improved performance and increased accuracy of the model. This project underscores the importance of considering and accommodating the needs of the deaf-mute and individuals with hearing disabilities and highlights the potential of technology to bridge communication barriers and achieve a more inclusive society.

Immunotherapy, particularly Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB), has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating melanoma in recent years. However, accurately predicting treatment success and avoiding ineffective therapies remains an unresolved challenge. Therefore, this study aims to develop statistical models utilizing neural networks to forecast the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapies for melanoma patients. Our models primarily rely on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to anticipate both Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) among melanoma patients undergoing anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1/anti-PDL1 therapy. We incorporate gene expression data, measured in Transcripts per Million (TPM), derived from bulk tumor RNA-sequencing datasets. Additionally, clinical variables such as gender, age, and treatment type are factored into our analysis. The ANN underwent optimization to attain the highest feasible precision in anticipating the predetermined survival outcome. Issues stemming from high-dimensional data, such as overfitting, were tackled through regularization and feature selection methods. Consequently, the ANN-based model incorporating feature selection exhibited the capacity to forecast survival (PFS) in response to ICB therapy with a maximal precision of 86%. Conversely, the ANN lacking feature selection but incorporating regularization achieved accuracies of up to 72% for PFS and 71% for OS, correspondingly. In order to confront the challenge posed by limited patient samples and to assess replicability, the model underwent training and validation based on the amalgamation of all five datasets. However, this amalgamation failed to enhance predictive performance, necessitating further investigations.

The institutionalization of people with intellectual disabilities has been a common international response across cultures and generations that persists to this day. This chapter recounts its inheritance and manifestation in modern service provision. An institutional mind-set persists among clinicians and managers despite policies that emphasise the rights of persons with intellectual disability and anti-discriminatory practice. Alternative provision is rooted in person-centred practice; with a growing body of evidence for the improved quality of life that results from it. A reflective activity encourages readers to examine a recent case when they were associated with an institutional placement and what alternatives might have been sought. Yet alliances with other professionals, self-advocates and family carers will be needed to effect real and lasting changes in our service cultures and even then, the long shadows of institutional care may still persist.

Objective To investigate nailfold capillary parameters in community-dwelling individuals aged over 60 years who have hypertension and do not exercise regularly. Furthermore, the study examined the correlations between capillary function and other health-related indicators. Design A single- center pilot trial Setting Faculty of Health, Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan Participants hypertensive community-dwelling elderly people Intervention Microcirculation was observed before and 1 min after arm-curl exercise by means microscopy of capillary with non-exercised limb. Additionally, we examined other health-related indicators. Outcome measures: Acute effects of reperfusion on nailfold density, flow, and diameters. Secondary outcomes included the correlations between microvascular parameters and other health-related indicators. We hypothesized that brief exercise could enhance microcirculation reperfusion and correlate with other health-related parameters.　 Results: There were 20 participants with a mean (SD) age of 67.1 (5.8) years. The capillary flow rate changed from 2.3±6.7 to 2.7±0.2 log µm/s (P

The main proteinase (Mpro), or 3CLpro, is a critical enzyme in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lifecycle and is responsible for breaking down and releasing vital functional viral proteins crucial for virus development and transmission. As a catalytically active dimer, its dimerization interface has become an attractive target for antiviral drug development. Recent research has extensively investigated the enzymatic activity of Mpro, focusing on its role in regulating the coronavirus replication complex and its significance in virus maturation and infectivity. Computational investigations have identified four druggable pockets, suggesting potential allosteric sites beyond the substrate-binding region. Empirical validation through site-directed alanine mutagenesis targeted residues in both the active and allosteric regions corroborated these predictions. Structural studies of drug target proteins can inform therapeutic approaches, with metadynamics simulations shedding light on the role of H163 in regulating Mpro function and providing insights into its dynamic equilibrium to the wild-type enzyme. Despite the efficacy of vaccines and drugs in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 spread, ongoing viral evolution, selective pressures, and continued transmission pose challenges, potentially leading to resistance mutations. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the existence of several resistance variations predating drug introduction to the human population, emphasizing the likelihood of drug spread. Hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry reveals the structural influence of the mutation, while clinical trials on 3CLPro inhibitors underscore the clinical significance of reduced enzymatic activity and offer avenues for future therapeutic exploration. Understanding the implications of 3CLPro mutations holds promise for shaping forthcoming therapeutic strategies against COVID-19. This review delves into factors influencing mutation rates and identifies areas warranting further investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of Mpro mutations, their categorization, and terminology. Moreover, we examined their associations with clinical outcomes, illness severity, unresolved issues, and future research prospects, including their impact on vaccine efficacy and potential therapeutic targeting.

The development and evaluation of techniques that increase the efficiency of selection for planta plant resistance to pathogens is a challenge in all breeding programmes for disease resistance. Under field and laboratory conditions, hybrid populations (F1) of Coffea arabica derived from sources that carry the rust resistance gene SH1 and the CX.2385 line obtained from the Caturra variety × Timor Hybrid CIFC-1343 were evaluated. By means of survival curves, under controlled conditions, the probable times (P&lt;0.05) for the development of symptoms associated with coffee rust were found to be highly variable. Similarly, phenotypic variation in resistance reactions was detected, and plants with incomplete resistance to rust, late development of the incubation period (PI), and no development of a latency period (PL) were identified. The results suggest the use of the detached leaf method as an alternative for the preselection of genotypes for resistance to coffee rust, which could reduce the number of plants used for field evaluations.

The overuse of chemical fertilisers degrades the soil ecosystem and restricts the natural development of plants. Within the coffee industry, various by-products are produced throughout the process of coffee production and consumption, which are significant in terms of environmental waste. SCG (spent coffee grounds) contain a variety of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated potential applications in various fields. These compounds can enhance soil quality by improving its chemical, physicochemical, physical properties, and biological fertility, ultimately leading to improved plant growth. This study examines the impact of SCG, vermicompost, and chemical fertilisers on the growth of organic red radish (Ravanello Cherry Belle) and soil quality. The experiment, conducted in a greenhouse, tested various concentrations and applications of SCG. Results showed that the SCGT 0.5 gm treatment yielded the highest mean plant length (18.47 cm) and fresh weight (27.54 grammes), while the SCG 10% treatment resulted in the lowest mean plant length (4.54 cm) and fresh weight (0.07 grammes). Vermicompost at 50% concentration produced the highest mean leaf surface area (58.32). These findings suggest the potential of SCG as a sustainable fertiliser alternative, contributing to improved plant growth and soil quality, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices and a circular economy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the parameters affecting the extraction of positive molecules such as chlorogenic acids and antioxidants, as well as potentially carcinogenic substances such as acrylamide, in different coffee brewing methods. Three coffee varieties, each assigned to different roasting degree, were used to prepare coffee brews following eight diverse preparation methods. Acrylamide was quantified by HPLC-MS/MS instrument while chlorogenic acids and caffeine by HPLC-DAD system. Three spectrophotometric analyses were also performed (DPPH, TFC and TPC) to evaluate antioxidant activity as well. The results showed that the main brewing parameters, that have the greatest influence on the final content of these compounds were the volume of water used, more specifically the brewing ratio (coffee to water ratio), the extraction time and the particle size of the coffee powder.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing fungi in coffee cultivation is an alternative with which to reduce the use of fertilizers. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanisms involved in the phosphorus solubilization of the fungal strains and to evaluate the effect of a phosphate-solubilizing strain on the coffee plants. For this, phosphorus-solubilizing fungal strains were selected for evaluation of their solubilization potential and phosphatase activity. Coffee plants were inoculated in the field with a phosphate solubilizing strain, and soil and foliar soluble phosphorus, as well as coffee bean yield, were quantified. Of the 151 strains analyzed, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium waksmanii, and Penicillium brevicompactum showed the highest solubilization. Aspergillus niger and P. waksmanii presented the highest soluble phosphorus values; however, P. brevicompactum showed the highest phosphatase activity. The P. brevicompactum strain inoculated on the coffee plants did not favor foliar phosphorus content but increased the soil soluble phosphorus content in two of the coffee plantations. The plants inoculated with the phosphate solubilizing strain showed an increase in coffee bean weight on all plantations, although this increase was only significant in two of the three selected coffee plantations.

Coffee is regarded as the highly consumed beverage throughout the world and has established a key spot in the world economy as an important commodity for trading. In general, they are produced by brewing their roasted and ground beans, which release aromatic coffee; as well as produce an equivalent amount of spent coffee grounds (SCG). Previously, they were discarded as wastes or used as natural pest repellent or garden fertilizer; however, in recent times, are valorized into biofuels owing to their high calorific value. In fact, SCG briquettes have gained wide attention for supplying energy renewably, especially to the rising energy demand; and also have been identified as an effective measure to reduce their pollution. With this in mind, this present chapter focuses on reviewing the availability and chemistry involved in these SCG wastes, pre-treatments and preparations required for their briquetting, compacting techniques followed, and fuel characteristics of their briquettes, from various available works of literature. Here, their availability showcases the amount of SCG wastes generated with respect to time and consumption, wherein understanding their chemistry helps in deciding the pre-treatments necessary for their briquetting. Meanwhile, preparation techniques briefs about the necessary pre-treatments undertaken before compaction by different researchers; and the fuel characteristics define the physicochemical and mechanical properties of their briquettes, developed using various compaction methods. Besides, combustion behaviors of these briquettes are explained in terms of their burning characteristics and emission levels, as reported in literatures; which help in deciding their suitability as a replacement for existing fossil coal. Eventually, all the reported data were in accordance with their permissible standards and suggested these SCG as a highly renewable solid biofuel.

In recent years, the demand for coffee has increased tremendously. During the production process, green coffee beans are traditionally screened manually for defective beans before they are packed into coffee bean packages; however, this method is not only time-consuming but also increases the rate of human error due to fatigue. Therefore, this paper proposed a lightweight deep convolutional neural network (LDCNN) for the quality detection system of green coffee beans, which combined depthwise separable convolution (DSC), squeeze-and-excite block (SE block), skip block, and other frameworks. To avoid the influence of low parameters of the lightweight model caused by the model training process, rectified Adam (RA), lookahead (LA), and gradient centralization (GC) were included to improve efficiency; the model was also put into the embedded system. Finally, the local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) model was employed to explain the predictions of the model. The experimental results indicated that the accuracy rate of the model could reach up to 98.38% and the F1 score could be as high as 98.24% when detecting the quality of green coffee beans. Hence, it can obtain higher accuracy, lower computing time, and lower parameters. Moreover, the interpretable model verified that the lightweight model in this work is reliable, providing the basis for screening personnel to understand the judgment through its interpretability, thereby improving the classification and prediction of the model.

Cold brew coffee has emerged as a new trend during the last decade. However, “cold brew” is an extraction style of ground roasted coffee with water at less than body temperature (typically 8°C or room temperature) rather than a beverage per se. Cold brew extraction poses several challenges including the need of specific optimization depending on the multivariate influences of coffee variety and processing, roast degree, grinding, dosage, water composition, turbulence, brew system (drip, immersion etc.), time and temperature. While cold brew is typically characterized by a floral sweetness, over-extraction may lead to abundant acidity and bitterness. To avoid this, an extraction degree of 70% was suggested using rather shorter times (i.e. 2 h at 15°C with 80 g/L coffee with optimized medium roast profiles). Due to the lack of sterilizing temperatures during preparation, cold brew is special in the coffee sector because hygiene and food safety aspects pose specific challenges for food industry. To avoid microbiological contamination and spoilage, cold brew should be as freshly prepared as possible and shelf-life should be minimized.

Limited research has been conducted on the metabolites present in the essential oils (EOs) of Phlomoides rotata (Benth. ex Hook. f.) Mathiesen (PR, syn. Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudô), and their potential pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant properties, are often overlooked. We conducted a metabolomics-based screening to identify the characteristic metabolites (CMs) in the EOs extracted from PR. Meanwhile, we evaluated their in vitro antioxidant activities (AOAs). The EOs obtained through hydro-distillation are characterized by a light yellow color and a fresh, elegant fragrance. Cryoprecipitation was used to separate the crystals (Crs) from the EOs, resulting in the crystal-free EOs (CFs). A total of 121 components are identified and quantified in the EOs, Crs, and CFs. Among them, 84 were reported for the first time from such EOs. The major compounds include long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and their esters, such as palmitic acid (PA), myristic acid (MA), linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA), stearic acid, and methyl palmitate (MP). Furthermore, 11 kinds of apocarotenoids (also called norisoprenoids) were first systematically investigated. Among them, eight C13-norisoprenoids, with trans-β-damascenone (DN) being particularly notable for its flavor, were identified. A sum of 11 CMs are screened , including PA, MA, LA, OA, MP, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, phytol (PT), DN, stearic acid, linalool, and hexanal. These CMs are biosynthesized through FAs and 2-C-Methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate/1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate pathways. The in vitro AOAs of EOs, Crs, CFs, and seven selected CMs (PA, MA, LA, OA, MP, PT, and DN) were evaluated. Generally, PA and MA exhibited pro-oxidant activities (POAs) or weak AOAs. LA and OA demonstrated POAs or weak AOAs at lower concentrations, but at higher concentrations, they displayed medium to strong AOAs. Importantly, the CFs typically exhibited stronger AOAs compared to the corresponding EOs and Crs, potentially due to variations in their PA content. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential utilization of EOs from PR.

This study used a completely randomized design with a bifactorial arrangement in triplicate to evaluate dif-ferent concentrations of flavonoid extracts from orange (Citrus sinensis), onion (Allium cepa), tamarillo (So-lanum betaceum) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) peels in combination with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in fruit juices. The shells were dehydrated at 50-57 °C for 8 hours and pulverized. The dehydration yields were: orange (32 %), onion (13 %), tamarillo (14 %) and cocoa (34 %). Flavonoids were extracted with Soxhlet using 70% ethanol for 5 hours, concentrating with a rotary evaporator. They were quantified by UV spectrophotometry and the Folin-Ciocalteu method, being the highest in orange (300,75-372,60 mg Q/L) and onion (205,70-534,96 mg Q/L), while tamarillo presented the lowest, with possible errors in the measurement. Soluble solids losses ranged from 2,30 g (cocoa) to 5,27 g (orange). Cocoa and orange extracts showed greater potential as natural preservatives, inhibiting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in fruit juices, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 300 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, re-spectively.

Fluorinated cytokinins have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional cytokinins in plant tissue culture, offering enhanced stability and bioactivity. However, their metabolic fate and impact on endogenous cytokinin profiles remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the cytokinin metabolism of Phalaenopsis orchids under varying exogenous cytokinin treatments (BA, FmT, FmTR) and culture conditions (open vs. closed containers). The results reveal distinct metabolic profiles associated with each treatment, highlighting the complex interplay between exogenous and endogenous cytokinin levels. Additionally, we proposed an alternative inactivation pathway involving the conversion of FmTR and BA to pT and pTR. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between cytokinin metabolism and plant growth under in vitro conditions, with implications for optimizing micropropagation protocols

The increasing focus on sustainability and the adoption of green practices across industries underscore the necessity of equipping future professionals with competencies in implementing sustainable solutions. This study explores the perceptions of former students from two departments within the technological sector towards sustainability practices. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among alumni from two programs at the University of Thessaly, a university recognized for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives as a member of the INVEST European University alliance. The survey questionnaire included background inquiries and 16 statements designed to gauge alumni perspectives towards sustainability practices. Specifically, it aims to assess their views through self-assessment and compare differences between the two alumni groups. Responses were collected on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. A total of 300 graduates from the Computer Science and Telecommunications as well as Electrical Engineering undergraduate programs were encouraged to take part in the survey, achieving a response rate of 69%. Of those who responded, 61% (n = 126) represented the Computer Science and Telecommunications group, while 39% (n = 81) were from the Electrical Engineering program. Our findings indicate a generally positive attitude towards sustainability, with statistically significant differences in perspectives on the implementation of sustainable technologies and stakeholder engagement. These results underscore the necessity of integrating sustainability education deeply within the curricula of technological programs to cultivate a workforce capable of addressing future environmental challenges. This study illuminates the critical role of educational frameworks in shaping the sustainability competencies of technology professionals.

Introduction: Glomerulopathy is a term used to describe a broad spectrum of renal diseases, character-ized by dysfunction of glomerular filtration barrier, especially of podocytes. Several podocyte-associated proteins have been found and proved their usefulness as urine markers of podocyte dysfunction. Two of them are nephrin (NEP) and prodocalyxin (PDC). Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the association of podocyte damage, as it is demonstrated via the concentrations of urinary proteins, with clinical and histological data from patients with several types of glomerulonephritis. Methods: We measured urine levels of two podocyte-specific markers, NEP and PDC (corrected for urine creatinine levels), in patients with a wide range of glomerulopathies. Serum and urine parameters as well as histological parameters from renal biopsy were recorded. Results: In total, data from 37 patients with glomerulonephritis and 5 healthy controls were analyzed. PDC and NEP concentrations correlated between them and with serum creatinine levels (p=0.001 and p=0.013 respectively), and with histological lesions associated with chronicity index of renal cortex, such as severe interstitial fibrosis, severe tubular atrophy and hyalinosis (for PDC/NEP, all p3gr/24h with diffuse fusion of podocyte foot processes (p=0.016) was identified. Conclusions: Podocalyxin and nephrin concentrations in urine represent markers of podocyte dysfunction and in our study they were associated both with serum creatinine and histological chronicity indices.

The rise of the Internet has enabled people to express their opinions on various subjects through social media, blogs, and website comments. As a result, there has been a significant increase in research on sentiment analysis. However, most of the research efforts have focused on analyzing sentiment in English-language data, neglecting the wealth of information available in other languages. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in multilingual sentiment analysis. The survey investigates techniques for data preprocessing, representation learning, and feature extraction in multilingual sentiment analysis. It explores cross-lingual transfer learning, domain adaptation, and data augmentation methods that enhance the performance of sentiment analysis models, particularly in low-resource languages and domains. It provides insights into the state-of-the-art approaches, challenges, and opportunities in this evolving field and encourages further advancements in multilingual sentiment analysis research.

The paper presents the observational, remote sensing and model simulation to analyze Southern Brazil Antarctic Ozone Hole influence (SBAOHI) events occurred between 2005 and 2014. To an-alyze it we use Total Ozone Column (TOC) data provide by Brewer Spectrophotometer (BS) and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) instrument satellite, besides the AURA/MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder) instrument satellite ozone profiles was utilized with DYBAL (Dynamical Barrier Localization) code in MIMOSA (Modélisation Isentrope du transport Mésoéchelle de l’Ozone Stratosphérique par Advection) model Potential Vorticity (PV) fields. TOC has 7.0 ± 2.9 DU re-ductions average in 62 events. October have more events (30.7%). Polar Tongue events are 19.3% of total, being in October more frequently observed (50% of cases), with medium intensity (58.2%) and in stratosphere medium levels (55.0%). Already Polar Filament events (80.7%) are more frequent in September (32.0%), medium intensity (42.0%) and in stratosphere medium lev-els (40.7%). ENSO index positive phase influenced 61.3% of events, having dominance in all in-tensity categories (minor 57.9%, medium 51.6%, major 58.3%), while the equilibrium dominate the QBO influence with 50% of total cases in positive phase and 50 % in negative phase.

UVA1 phototherapy has been reported to mediate some of its effects via FICZ/AHR/MAPK signaling. A proof-of-concept study was performed to assess whether a topical solution of L tryptophan formulated to favor the generation 6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) demonstrated activity at the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as assessed by the intensity of cytochrome P450 1A2 staining. Ten participants applied a trial agent consisting of L- tryptophan, lecithin, polyvinyl alcohol and ethanol followed by 36 sessions of graduated sun exposure increasing to a total of 20 Joules per square centimetre. At the end of the trial, biopsies were taken from a treated site with photo-protected buttock skin used as a control. Assessment was via intensity of cytochrome P450 1A2 staining. An average baseline value of 53488923 units was obtained at the control site and 972214294 at the treatment site supporting the concept that this preparation displays activity at the AHR. As the components of this preparation are known to have UV absorbing properties and are potentially permissive of UVA-1 transmission, UV absorbance was assessed for natural sunlight and at 365 and 395nm confirming strong absorption in the UVB and UVA-2 spectra with partial transmission in the UVA-1 spectrum.

In diabetic foot injury prevention, no studies relate physical activity with the inflammatory response of the plantar tissues, evaluated by thermography and pressure distribution. These measurements are easy to be implemented in diabetic foot follow-up. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the plantar skin response, evaluated with thermography, after physical activity in healthy or diabetic patients, is a foot ulcer prognostic tool and to asses if there is a correlation between exercise intensity, plantar pressure and plantar thermographic response. A systematic review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, with no year limit during the second quarter of 2024. A total of 14 studies have been included in this review. The use of infrared thermography for early inflammatory tissue detection, plantar pressures and the monitoring of controlled physical activity, make possible to monitor changes that allow the identification of patients at risk of developing foot ulcers.

A major problem of the technological production process of the metallurgical-grade silicon is formation of a large amount of microsilica. However, this material can be a significant source of raw materials for its own production. Hence, this study is aimed to solve the problem of micro-silica utilization, i.e. the technogenic dust-like waste generated during the melting of the technical-grade silicon. Within this study, the technology of the joint briquetting of microsilica was investigated with the carbonaceous reducing agents, i.e. by obtaining of mono-charge and by melting of the technical-grade silicon from the obtained mono-charge in the 200kVA ore-thermal furnace. Results of the study show that the briquettes in the melting process of the technical-grade silicon can be used in the range from 0 to 50%. The using of briquettes may significantly improve the technological parameters. When briquetted charge is applied only, the technological parameters will deteriorate significantly. The material balance of silicon melting showed the recovery rates of the main elements (Si, Al, Ca and Fe). It recorded a decrease in content of aluminum from 1.9-2.1% to 0.5-0.7%, calcium from 0.2-0.3% to 0.07-0.1% and titanium from 0.2-0.23% to 0.11-0.13% during the transition to briquetted monocharge. Phosphorus content increased from 0.004-0.005 to 0.011-0.013%.

Treating central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is challenging due to high recurrence rates and variable therapy responses. This study examines the efficacy of various treatments in reducing CGCG recurrence. A literature review explored outcomes of surgical excision, curettage, intralesional corticosteroid injection, and adjuvant therapy, considering factors like lesion location, size, and histological features. Aggressive surgical techniques such as en bloc resection were found to potentially lower recurrence rates compared to conservative approaches. However, treatment should be tailored to individual patient needs. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and improve treatment strategies. A concise literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers published from 1986 to 2024. Search terms included "central giant cell granuloma," "recurrence," "treatment modalities," and "surgical excision". Studies reporting recurrence rates and treatment outcomes for CGCG were analyzed. Twenty-nine studies were reviewed, including six studies on surgical excision and curettage, eight studies on intralesional corticosteroid injections, six studies on calcitonin therapy, five studies on interferon alpha therapy and four studies on the therapy with denosumab. Analysis indicated that aggressive surgical treatments like en bloc resection were associated with lower recurrence rates compared to conservative methods. Predictors of recurrence included lesion size (&gt;3 cm), location (mandible), and aggressive histopathological features. Aggressive surgical excision combined with nonsurgical methods may lower recurrence rates, while conservative techniques remain viable in some cases. Further prospective research is needed to validate these findings and enhance CGCG treatment options.