Current decision-making regarding urban design, architecture, and spatial planning often
emphasizes existing power balances, which historically have excluded other humans, such as
indigenous people, and nature from conversations and decision-making. The purpose of this study
is to explore if and how an empathic experience could give insights into how nature can be given
a voice, and, more concretely, how a group of trees on the TEC campus in Monterrey would feel
about a sudden change in their direct environment. The methodology is divided into three parts.
The first is the explanation of the case study and immersion of the (human) participants in the site.
The second stage consists of deep listening and reproducing the imagined expressions of the trees.
In the third stage, the participants return from the site, evaluate, and formulate a manifesto. The
experience suggests that it is possible to inspire human beings to imagine what trees would have to
say if we only imagined their language. It also shows that it is possible to gain access to a formerly
hidden environment. The conclusion is that the empathic access to these formerly muted worlds,
such as those of nature or socially marginalized peoples, can strengthen our understanding of, and
our ability to resolve, the current environmental crisis. Full article

The vision of a unified European HTA is by no means a new endeavor. At its core are the publicly declared ambitions to harmonize assessments of clinical data within the EU and avoid the duplication of efforts. Not surprisingly, these ambitions are publicly announced to be motivating the new 2022 EU HTA regulation. However, industry experts typically see more of a risk for additional bureaucracy resulting in delays, further scrutiny, and one additional EU (clinical) dossier to submit on top of all national HTA dossiers, which could be considered a duplication of effort and therefore counterproductive. Regardless of how the details of the process will be defined and how the entire process will work in practice, we can be sure that EU officials will refer to the EU HTA and Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) in particular as a learning system. The purpose of this article is to take a closer look at the new EU HTA regulation and analyze threats and opportunities for manufacturers and what the resulting opportunities and threats will be at the affiliate level throughout the EU. Full article

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosome-dependent degradation of cytoplasmic constituents. The system operates as a critical cellular pro-survival mechanism in response to nutrient deprivation and a variety of stress conditions. On top of that, autophagy is involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis through selective elimination of worn-out or damaged proteins and organelles. The autophagic pathway is largely responsible for the delivery of cytosolic glycogen to the lysosome where it is degraded to glucose via acid α-glucosidase. Although the physiological role of lysosomal glycogenolysis is not fully understood, its significance is highlighted by the manifestations of Pompe disease, which is caused by a deficiency of this lysosomal enzyme. Pompe disease is a severe lysosomal glycogen storage disorder that affects skeletal and cardiac muscles most. In this review, we discuss the basics of autophagy and describe its involvement in the pathogenesis of muscle damage in Pompe disease. Finally, we outline how autophagic pathology in the diseased muscles can be used as a tool to fast track the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Full article

This article describes the development of current sensors used in DCU-type high-speed circuit breakers. DCU-type circuit breakers use the principle of turning off a constant short-circuit current by means of countercurrent. The article presents a new current sensor design called PIKh, which uses Hall sensors to measure current and determine its direction. PIKh sensors allow parallel operation of high-speed circuit breakers during the “parking” operation. The article includes the algorithm and principle of operation of the PIKh sensor. The proposed solution was verified on an electric traction vehicle. Full article

In this age of digital economy, issues relating to the data security and personal privacy of multimedia systems are increasingly manifesting in the form of unprotected data. The level of governance capability for data protection determines whether the data security and personal privacy of multimedia systems can be protected and developed in the future. In recent years, China has introduced laws and regulations on the protection of personal information, personal privacy, data security, and cybersecurity. Although data protection still needs to be improved, China has been refining the framework and provisions on data security governance through certain practices and the adoption of supporting regulations. The country aims to rapidly promote the current governance capability of data security and gradually form a good institutional environment to support international collaboration in the realm of global data security. Full article

We present a case of a neonate born with prenatal diagnosis of Cantrell syndrome and ectopia cordis. This extremely rare congenital disorder underscores the significant need for multimodality imaging to plan further management. The aim of the study was to present the thoracoabdominal syndrome using a three-dimensional computed tomography angiography. The CT scans confirmed complex intracardiac defects consisting of tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return and persistent left superior vena cava. In conclusion, Cantrell syndrome necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, from the onset of the prenatal diagnosis followed by prompt medical imaging and surgical interventions after birth. The thoracoabdominal wall defect including complete ectopia cordis is an extremely rare disorder with a fatal outcome. Full article

In recent years, electrochemical synergistic activation of persulfate (PDS) degradation technology has demonstrated significant potential in wastewater treatment applications. Given the challenges posed by the complex water quality, high COD content, and recalcitrant degradation of dyeing wastewater, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of iron/aluminum dual-electrode electrochemical activation of PDS for degrading simulated dyeing wastewater. The results showed that under optimal conditions, utilizing both periodic reversal and direct current electrochemical activation of PDS achieved removal rates of 99.2% and 98.3% for Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Red X-3B (RRX-3B), respectively, demonstrating promising removal efficiency. Notably, the removal efficiency of RB5 surpassed that of RRX-3B, suggesting a dependence on initial concentration influencing reaction kinetics. Furthermore, full-spectrum scanning and quenching experiments revealed that RB5 and RRX-3B were primarily degraded through the potent oxidation action of SO₄⁻· and ·OH, with a small number of intermediates present in the solution. Periodic reversal proved effective in mitigating electrode passivation and enhancing electrode longevity. This study provides a highly effective removal method of binary dyes from dyeing wastewater by periodic reversal Fe-Al dual-electrode electrochemical activation of PDS technology, offering valuable insights for sustainable treatment of dyeing wastewater with binary components. Full article

Lately, the logistics sector has seen accelerated development, which has led to general economic growth, but, at the same time, it has caused considerable environmental damage due to the excessive consumption and emissions that are currently affecting society at large. Since logistics activities are considered some of the most polluting economic activities, this present article aims to present the advantages of implementing the green logistics concept. To this purpose, the activity of a logistics centre in Romania was analysed, with a focus on the greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced as a consequence of this economic activity, and its carbon footprint was calculated according to the GHG Protocol. Although this global standard is based on an integrated approach to how GHG emissions are calculated, there is limited evidence about its degree of implementation by companies. The results of the analysis revealed that the consumption of energy and fuel by the logistics sector has a significant impact on the environment. This impact is maintained, albeit at a smaller scale, even if the technology is replaced and the equipment used by companies to carry out their activities is increasingly performant. Full article

The need for chronic systemic immunosuppression, which is associated with unavoidable side-effects, greatly limits the applicability of allogeneic cell transplantation for regenerative medicine applications including pancreatic islet cell transplantation to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Cell transplantation in confined sites enables the localized delivery of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs to prevent graft loss by innate and adaptive immunity, providing an opportunity to achieve local effects while minimizing unwanted systemic side effects. Nanoparticles can provide the means to achieve the needed localized and sustained drug delivery either by graft targeting or co-implantation. Here, we evaluated the potential of our versatile platform of drug-integrating amphiphilic nanomaterial assemblies (DIANAs) for targeted drug delivery to an inflamed site model relevant for islet transplantation. We tested either passive targeting of intravenous administered spherical nanomicelles (nMIC; 20–25 nm diameter) or co-implantation of elongated nanofibrils (nFIB; 5 nm diameter and >1 μm length). To assess the ability of nMIC and nFIB to target an inflamed graft site, we used a lipophilic fluorescent cargo (DiD and DiR) and evaluated the in vivo biodistribution and cellular uptake in the graft site and other organs, including draining and non-draining lymph nodes, after systemic administration (nMIC) and/or graft co-transplantation (nFIB) in mice. Localized inflammation was generated either by using an LPS injection or by using biomaterial-coated islet-like bead implantation in the subcutaneous site. A cell transplant inflammation model was used as well to test nMIC- and nFIB-targeted biodistribution. We found that nMIC can reach the inflamed site after systemic administration, while nFIB remains localized for several days after co-implantation. We confirmed that DIANAs are taken up by different immune cell populations responsible for graft inflammation. Therefore, DIANA is a useful approach for targeted and/or localized delivery of immunomodulatory drugs to decrease innate and adaptive immune responses that cause graft loss after transplantation of therapeutic cells. Full article

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. It poses a significant threat to the physiological function of reproductive cells. Factors such as xenobiotics and heat can worsen this stress, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis, ultimately decreasing reproductive efficiency. The nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress and protecting reproductive cells via enhancing antioxidant responses. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with infertility and suboptimal reproductive performance in mammals. Recent advancements in therapeutic interventions have underscored the critical role of Nrf2 in mitigating oxidative damage and restoring the functional integrity of reproductive cells. In this narrative review, we delineate the harmful effects of heat and xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress on reproductive cells and explain how Nrf2 signaling provides protection against these challenges. Recent studies have shown that activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway using various bioactive compounds can ameliorate heat stress and xenobiotic-induced oxidative distress and apoptosis in mammalian reproductive cells. By comprehensively analyzing the existing literature, we propose Nrf2 as a key therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative damage and apoptosis in reproductive cells caused by exposure to xenobiotic exposure and heat stress. Additionally, based on the synthesis of these findings, we discuss the potential of therapies focused on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve mammalian reproductive efficiency. Full article

Blast furnace slag is an industrial waste. Its disposition is generally by means of landfilling or stacking, which goes against the concept of sustainable development. In order to maximize its reuse and abate its adverse effects on the natural environment, this study innovated a solution of using blast furnace slag to produce 3D printing materials. Blast furnace slag was mixed with desulfurization gypsum to adapt to the operation of 3D printers. The mixture has fluidity, viscosity, and hydraulicity. Fluidity allows the mixture to smoothly pass through the transportation pipeline and nozzle of the machine; viscosity ensures that the extruded mixture is gradually stacked and settled; hydraulicity guarantees that the mixture solidifies and forms completely solid objects after dehydration and drying. Fully suitable 3D printers are rare in the market. Therefore, the printing nozzle and reserve device of the 3D printer were designed and improved in this study according to the material characteristics, enhancing the smoothness of the mixture during 3D printing. The sustainable application of blast furnace slag in the field of 3D printing not only favors diminishing environmental pollution and resource consumption but also provides a further sustainable production method for human beings. Full article

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is one of the most commercially important crustacean species in China. The aim of this study was to characterize the toxic effects of butachlor (an herbicide of the acetanilide class) on juvenile E. sinensis crabs. The lethal effects and the acute toxicity of butachlor on juvenile E. sinensis specimens were assessed through a semi-static in vitro experiment. We determined the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the gills and the hepatopancreas of the juvenile crabs, at different time points over a 14-day short-term exposure to butachlor. Moreover, we measured the residual levels of butachlor in three different tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and muscles) of the juvenile crabs over a longer period. Our findings revealed that butachlor is highly toxic for juvenile E. sinensis crabs. In fact, the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values of butachlor at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were found to be 4.22, 1.84, 0.34, and 0.14 mg/L, respectively, while the safe concentration was 0.014 mg/L. The antioxidant defense ability of the juvenile E. sinensis crabs against butachlor was induced after exposure to the herbicide at a concentration of 0.01 mg/L. After 14 days of exposure to butachlor at 0.04 and 0.16 mg/L, both SOD and CAT were found to be significantly inhibited (p < 0.05), the GSH levels were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the MDA levels were identified as significantly increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, after 14 days of exposure to butachlor at 0.16 mg/L, the activities of SOD and CAT as well as the content of GSH in the hepatopancreas were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Our results revealed that a high concentration of butachlor was capable of inducing oxidative stress and damage in juvenile E. sinensis crabs. The maximal residual value of butachlor was obtained in the gills, with a content of 4.56 μg/kg. Butachlor was not detected after 24 days in the aforementioned three tissues of the juvenile crabs, thereby indicating that it was effectively metabolized. Full article

Chronic environmental exposure to toxic heavy metals, which often occurs as a mixture through occupational and industrial sources, has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Parkinsonism. Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) typically presents along with manganese (Mn), especially in welding rods and high-capacity batteries, including electric vehicle batteries; however, the neurotoxic effects of vanadium (V) and Mn co-exposure are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the neurotoxic impact of MnCl₂, V₂O_5, and MnCl₂-V₂O₅ co-exposure in an animal model. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally administered either de-ionized water (vehicle), MnCl₂ (252 µg) alone, V₂O₅ (182 µg) alone, or a mixture of MnCl₂ (252 µg) and V₂O₅ (182 µg) three times a week for up to one month. Following exposure, we performed behavioral, neurochemical, and histological studies. Our results revealed dramatic decreases in olfactory bulb (OB) weight and levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the treatment groups compared to the control group, with the Mn/V co-treatment group producing the most significant changes. Interestingly, increased levels of α-synuclein expression were observed in the substantia nigra (SN) of treated animals. Additionally, treatment groups exhibited locomotor deficits and olfactory dysfunction, with the co-treatment group producing the most severe deficits. The treatment groups exhibited increased levels of the oxidative stress marker 4-hydroxynonenal in the striatum and SN, as well as the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein PKCδ and accumulation of glomerular astroglia in the OB. The co-exposure of animals to Mn/V resulted in higher levels of these metals compared to other treatment groups. Taken together, our results suggest that co-exposure to Mn/V can adversely affect the olfactory and nigral systems. These results highlight the possible role of environmental metal mixtures in the etiology of Parkinsonism. Full article

In recent years, biomonitoring has gained more attention, particularly when assessing the environmental health of significant areas, such as those near waste-to-energy facilities. These requirements coincide with the chance to detect environmental pollutants using sensitive organisms. Bees were shown to be quite effective in evaluating the presence of certain compounds by analyzing their associated matrices, such as pollen, honey, or wax. In our study, we employed the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as an indicator to initially monitor the vicinity of the waste-to-energy plant in Acerra, which is situated in the Campania region of Italy. The primary aim was to determine whether the facility was accountable for any environmental releases of dioxins or dioxin-like compounds. Then, we assessed the presence of additional pollutants in the same area, including trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides, released by human activities. To obtain further information about environmental quality, a second biomonitoring station was installed near the Caivano S.T.I.R. (Waste Shredding, Sifting, and Packaging Plant). The results showed the dioxin levels did not exceed predetermined limitations at the Acerra site, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the waste-to-energy facility and the bees’ ability to detect the presence of other pollutants. Additionally, this biomonitoring system exhibited sensitivity to environmental variations, thereby enabling the evaluation of xenobiotic flux between two proximate zones and across temporal scales. This pioneering study suggests the advantages of utilizing bees to detect a wide range of contaminants, thereby providing valuable insights into environmental quality and potential health risks for both ecosystems and human populations. Full article

Several studies suggest that HTLV-1 infection may be associated with a wider spectrum of neurological and clinical manifestations that do not meet diagnostic criteria for HAM. These conditions may later progress to HAM or constitute an intermediate clinical form: intermediate syndrome (IS), a mid-point between asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and those with full myelopathy. Thus, we determined the incidence of HAM cases in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic and IS patients, and the clinical/laboratory associated markers. A total of 204 HTLV-1-positive patients were included in this study, divided into two groups: Group 1, including 145 asymptomatic HTLV-1 subjects (ASY), and Group 2, including 59 patients with inflammatory clinical symptoms in more than three systems and a high proviral load (PVL). During a 60-month follow-up time, with the age ranging from 47 to 79 years, ten patients of the fifty-nine initially diagnosed as IS developed HAM (iHAM), and two patients of the initial 145 ASY developed HAM directly. Women were more prevalent in all groups. For the iHAM patients, the age ranged from 20 to 72 years, with a mean of 53 (±15 SD). Older age was associated with the development of HAM, higher PVL and IS; however, there was no any specific symptom or clinical sign, that was associated with risk for iHAM. In conclusion, IS cases could be an early phase of development of HAM. These findings show the presence of higher incidence probabilities in our cohort than previously reported. Full article

Inherited muscular diseases (MDs) are genetic degenerative disorders typically caused by mutations in a single gene that affect striated muscle and result in progressive weakness and wasting in affected individuals. Cardiac muscle can also be involved with some variability that depends on the genetic basis of the MD (Muscular Dystrophy) phenotype. Heart involvement can manifest with two main clinical pictures: left ventricular systolic dysfunction with evolution towards dilated cardiomyopathy and refractory heart failure, or the presence of conduction system defects and serious life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The two pictures can coexist. In these cases, heart transplantation (HTx) is considered the most appropriate option in patients who are not responders to the optimized standard therapeutic protocols. However, cardiac transplant is still considered a relative contraindication in patients with inherited muscle disorders and end-stage cardiomyopathies. High operative risk related to muscle impairment and potential graft involvement secondary to the underlying myopathy have been the two main reasons implicated in the generalized reluctance to consider cardiac transplant as a viable option. We report an overview of cardiac involvement in MDs and its possible association with the underlying molecular defect, as well as a systematic review of HTx outcomes in patients with MD-related end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, published so far in the literature. Full article

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) helps to identify the weak points in the processing, manufacturing, and assembly of products and plays an important role in improving product reliability. To address the shortcomings of the existing FMEA methods in terms of the uncertainty treatment of information and not considering the weights and correlations between risk factors, we propose a new FMEA method. In this paper, the Fermatean fuzzy Z-number (FFZN) is proposed by fusing the Fermatean fuzzy number and Z-number. Extending it to the Bonferroni mean (BM) operator, the Fermatean fuzzy Z-number-weighted Bonferroni mean (FFZWBM) operator is proposed. A new FMEA method is proposed based on this operator. In order to overcome the factors not considered in the FMEA method, two new risk factors are proposed and added. The ability of experts to express fuzzy information is enhanced by introducing the FFS. The weights and correlations between the influencing factors can be handled by aggregating the evaluation information using the FFZWBM operator. Finally, the proposed method is applied to an arithmetic example and the accuracy of the proposed method is proved by teaming it with other methods. Full article

Pulpal pathology in young permanent teeth, caused by dental caries or trauma, can lead to disruption of root formation, leaving the tooth with an uncertain prognosis. Current therapies for such cases present a number of limitations; thus, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the use of nanofibers in endodontics. The search was conducted on two databases and eight articles met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Data on nanofiber production and fiber characteristics were extracted and systematized in tables. Moreover, the ability of novel scaffolds to deliver either drugs or different therapeutic agents without interfering with the products’ characteristics is analyzed from the in vitro and in vivo data. The potential for nanofiber-based scaffolds to induce cellular differentiation and overcome the limitations of classic regenerative endodontic treatment is also discussed. Full article

Mining communities often rely on tourism as a vehicle for post-mining territorial development. Sometimes, these expectations of the locals are justified by the natural setting and/or the well-preserved industrial heritage; however, these potential tourist destinations are disadvantaged primarily by their image, often associated with decay in the perception of travellers. In this paper, we treat travellers as stakeholders, able to decisively influence the image of a destination by uploading content (photos, reviews and ratings) on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, and we emphasise that user-generated content should be considered when shaping the tourism development strategies. Taking as case studies three former mining regions trying to capitalise on their tourist potential—Jiu Valley and Ștei, in Romania and La Louvière, in Belgium—this article proposes a method for assessing the image of the destination, also aiming to identify those aspects that require improvement. Full article

The T-2 toxin (T-2) is a type A trichothecene found in cereals. The formation of metabolites is a frequent cause of mycotoxin-induced toxicity. In this work, the conversion of T-2 during biotransformation reactions in HepG2 cells was evaluated. For this, HepG2 cells were exposed to 30 (IC₅₀/2) and 60 (IC₅₀) nM of T-2 for 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 24 h, and the concentrations of T-2 and its metabolites HT-2, T2-triol, T2-tetraol and neosolaniol were determined in both the cell fraction and culture medium through liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry–time of flight (LC-Q-TOF MS). Results showed a fast metabolization of T-2 (>90%) during the first 2 h, with HT-2 as its main (>95%) biotransformation product. The cell fraction showed higher levels (p < 0.05) of HT-2 (39.9 ± 2.1 nM) compared to the culture medium (12.53 ± 2.4 nM). This trend was also observed for the identified metabolites. T2-triol reached its maximum concentration (1.7 ± 0.4 nM) at 2 h, and at later times a time-dependent increase in the T2-tetraol and neosolaniol concentrations was observed. The identification of T-2 metabolites shows the need to continue combined toxicity studies of mycotoxins for a correct risk characterization of these natural contaminants. Full article

This study investigated the meat quality, expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and metabolism-related genes, ribonucleotides and fatty acids in Longissimus thoracis of Thai native pigs (TNPs) from different geographical regions (GR). Forty-one 9–10-month-old castrated TNPs (BW 60 kg), consisting of 18, 11 and 12 pigs from Northern (NT), Southern (ST) and Northeastern (NE) regions, respectively, were slaughtered. GR did not affect (p > 0.05) the expression of MyHC, phosphoglycerate mutase 1, cytosolic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase 1 and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein genes. The trend of MyHC was MyHC IIx > MyHC IIb > MyHC IIa > MyHC I. The NT loin had higher (p < 0.05) glycogen, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and cooking loss, lower inosine, inosine monophosphate and hypoxanthine and a shorter sarcomere length than the ST and NE loins. The ST loin had a lower (p < 0.05) a* compared to other loins. Principal component analysis established significant relationships between the TNP and specific meat quality traits. This finding suggests that GR affected the meat quality, ribonucleotides and selected fatty acids in TNPs. These results provide relevant information that can be used to optimize the use of Thai native pork. Full article

Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, represents one of the notable botanical species and is recognized for its rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds. Beyond its culinary application as a spice, this plant has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Given the contemporary emphasis on incorporating natural resources into food production, particularly essential oils, to enhance sensory attributes and extend shelf life, our study seeks to elucidate the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial (in vitro, in situ) and insecticidal properties of Illicium verum essential oil (IVEO). Also, microbiological analyses of pumpkin sous vide treated with IVEO after inoculation of Salmonella enterica were evaluated after 1 and 7 days of study. GC/MS analysis revealed a significantly high amount of (E)-anethole (88.4%) in the investigated EO. The disc diffusion method shows that the antibacterial activity of the IVEO ranged from 5.33 (Streptococcus constellatus) to 10.33 mm (Citrobacter freundii). The lowest minimal inhibition concentration was found against E. coli and the minimum biofilm inhibition concertation was found against S. enterica. In the vapor phase, the best antimicrobial activity was found against E. coli in the pears model and against S. sonei in the beetroot model. The application of the sous vide method in combination with IVEO application decreased the number of microbial counts and eliminated the growth of S. enterica. The most isolated microbiota identified from the sous vide pumpkin were Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, and Ralstonia picketii. Modifications to the protein composition of biofilm-forming bacteria S. enterica were suggested by the MALDI TOF MS instigations. The IVEO showed insecticidal potential against Harmonia axyridis. Thanks to the properties of IVEO, our results suggest it can be used in the food industry as a natural supplement to extend the shelf life of foods and as a natural insecticide. Full article