Information on long-term effects of postovulatory oocyte aging (POA) on offspring is limited. Whether POA affects offspring by causing oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial damage is unknown. Here, in vivo-aged (IVA) mouse oocytes were collected 9 h after ovulation, while in vitro-aged (ITA) oocytes were obtained by culturing freshly ovulated oocytes for 9 h in media with low, moderate, or high antioxidant potential. Oocytes were fertilized in vitro and blastocysts transferred to produce F1 offspring. F1 mice were mated with naturally bred mice to generate F2 offspring. Both IVA and the ITA groups in low antioxidant medium showed significantly increased anxiety-like behavior and impaired spatial and fear learning/memory and hippocampal expression of anxiolytic and learning/memory-beneficial genes in both male and female F1 offspring. Furthermore, the aging in both groups increased OS and impaired mitochondrial function in oocytes, blastocysts, and hippocampus of F1 offspring; however, it did not affect the behavior of F2 offspring. It is concluded that POA caused OS and damaged mitochondria in aged oocytes, leading to defects in anxiety-like behavior and learning/memory of F1 offspring. Thus, POA is a crucial factor that causes psychological problems in offspring, and antioxidant measures may be taken to ameliorate the detrimental effects of POA on offspring. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) buildup and neuronal degeneration. An association between low serum vitamin D levels and an increased risk of AD has been reported in several epidemiological studies. Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) is the active form of vitamin D, and is generated in the kidney and many other tissues/organs, including the brain. It is a steroid hormone that regulates important functions like calcium/phosphorous levels, bone mineralization, and immunomodulation, indicating its broader systemic significance. In addition, calcitriol confers neuroprotection by mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, promoting the clearance of Aβ, myelin formation, neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and autophagy. The receptors to which calcitriol binds (vitamin D receptors; VDRs) to exert its effects are distributed over many organs and tissues, representing other significant roles of calcitriol beyond sustaining bone health. The biological effects of calcitriol are manifested through genomic (classical) and non-genomic actions through different pathways. The first is a slow genomic effect involving nuclear VDR directly affecting gene transcription. The association of AD with VDR gene polymorphisms relies on the changes in vitamin D consumption, which lowers VDR expression, protein stability, and binding affinity. It leads to the altered expression of genes involved in the neuroprotective effects of calcitriol. This review summarizes the neuroprotective mechanism of calcitriol and the role of VDR polymorphisms in AD, and might help develop potential therapeutic strategies and markers for AD in the future. Full article

Food systems are complex and multifaceted, comprising a diverse range of actors, processes, and interactions. Participatory system mapping can be employed to help understand this complexity and support the development of sustainable and resilient food systems. This article shares a participatory mapping approach that has been developed as part of the Climate–Biodiversity–Health (CBH) Nexus project in the Comox Valley, British Columbia, Canada. This research pursues two main aims: (1) to ground truth in the CBH system map of food systems, developed with the participation of stakeholders; and (2) to explain how participatory system mapping can be employed to clarify the complexity of food systems in a clear and concise manner for all stakeholders. This research contributes to the literature on participatory system mapping, including critiques of its practical utility, by employing participatory approaches to visualize multi-dimensional and multi-level system maps with an emphasis on verifying that they are clear, understandable/useful, and reliable for diverse stakeholder audiences. Full article

When cultivating on wheat bran or deactivated fungal mycelium as a model of “natural growth”, the ability of Trichoderma to synthesize extracellular L-lysine-α-oxidase (LysO) simultaneously with cell-wall-degrading enzymes (proteases, xylanase, glucanases, chitinases, etc.), responsible for mycoparasitism, was shown. LysO, in turn, causes the formation of H₂O₂ and pipecolic acid. These compounds are known to be signaling molecules and play an important role in the induction and development of systemic acquired resistance in plants. Antagonistic effects of LysO have been demonstrated against phytopathogenic fungi and Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria with dose-dependent cell death. The antimicrobial effect of LysO decreased in the presence of catalase. The generating intracellular ROS in the presence of LysO was also shown in both bacteria and fungi, which led to a decrease in viable cells. These results suggest that the antimicrobial activity of LysO is due to two factors: the formation of exogenous hydrogen peroxide as a product of the enzymatic oxidative deamination of L-lysine and the direct interaction of LysO with the cell wall of the micro-organisms. Thus, LysO on its own enhances the potential of the producer in the environment; namely, the enzyme complements the strategy of the fungus in biocontrol and indirectly participates in inducing SAR and regulating the relationship between pathogens and plants. Full article

We study a continuous-review stock management of a retailer for a single item in a limited storage (buffer) in a random environment. The stock level fluctuates according to two independent compound Poisson processes with discrete amounts of items (batches) that enter and leave the storage facility. The storage facility is controlled by a three-parameter base-stock replenishment policy. All items exceeding the storage capacity are transferred to an unlimited foreign facility. In addition, a restricted backlogging possibility is permitted; additional demands for items are lost sales. We further assume a random shelf life, the possibility of total inventory collapse, and a random lead time. Applying Markov theory, we derive the optimal control parameters minimizing the long-run expected total cost. A sensitivity analysis is conducted focusing on the comparison between the pure lost-sales policy and a partial backordering policy. Accordingly, we identify cases where one policy is cost effective compared to the other, particularly with respect to the batch patterns (sign, rate, average, and variability), and the associated costs. Full article

In light of recent advancements in synchrotron radiation technology and nano-technology, there has been a marked increase in the need for ultra-precision nano-positioning mechanisms. This paper presents a method that integrates physical models with multi-objective optimization for developing an optical angle nano-positioning mechanism. We begin by examining the actual motion law of the mechanism, based on kinematic principles. The outcomes from this kinematic analysis facilitate a static analysis of the flexible hinge, identified as a critical component of the mechanism. Subsequently, we establish a dynamic model for the entire mechanism. By employing the physical model as a base and combining it with the optimization algorithm, we identify the optimal design parameters for the mechanism. The design achieves a resolution of 50 nrad and meets the specified requirements. The first-order inherent frequency of the mechanism is approximately 43.75 Hz. There is a discrepancy of 2.63% from the finite element modal analysis results and a 3.33% difference from the theoretical analysis results, validating the reliability of the design method proposed in this study. Full article

Recently, human well-being has emerged as a pivotal concern that affects not only quality of life but also social and economic dimensions. Lighting in office spaces is crucial for the health and cognitive function of occupants, and various methods are used to assess it. However, there is still a lack of research investigating the relationship between lighting satisfaction and its key factors in diverse spaces. This study focused on the office light environment, using quantitative and qualitative data analysis to understand occupants’ satisfaction and the factors influenced by lighting characteristics. According to the results, occupant satisfaction was higher in light environments with illuminance levels exceeding the appropriate illuminance standard. Furthermore, the influx of daylight and its influencing factors, such as daylight exposure and window size, played a significant role in enhancing satisfaction. However, while daylight was a primary source of glare, its mitigation was not solely reliant on installations, such as blinds; architectural designs, including space arrangement, were also crucial in addressing it. Furthermore, the perception of the lighting environment varied based on work behaviors and spatial arrangements, influencing satisfaction with the lighting conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers lighting elements, human behavior, and architectural design is essential in creating a lighting environment for office occupants. Full article

Vegetable production in Subtropical China is distinguished by excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization, frequent irrigation, and multiple crop rotations in a single year. The aforementioned variables are closely related to soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions. Hence, we conducted a field trial to measure N₂O and CH₄ emissions using static chamber–gas chromatograph. Four treatments were used: control (CK) with no fertilizer, 100% chemical N fertilization (CN), the conventional 30% chicken manure N plus 70%CN (CMN + CN), and 30% chicken manure biochar N plus 70%CN (CMBN + CN). The annual cumulative N₂O emissions reached 12.4, 63.5, 111.8, and 44.1 kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ for the CK, CN, CMN + CN, and CMBN + CN treatments, respectively. Compared to the CN and CMN + CN treatments, the CMBN + CN treatment reduced N₂O emissions by 35.9%–65.7%, while it simultaneously increased the total vegetable yield by 16.1% compared to the CN treatment. Seven seasons mean N₂O emission factors are 1.3% for CN, 3.8% for CMN + CN, and 0.9% for CMBN + CN. The CH₄ emission was negligible, ranging from 0.07 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ for the CK treatment to 0.8 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ for the CN treatment. N₂O emissions peaked under the conditions of an interior chamber temperature of around 31.9 °C and the water-filled pore space (WFPS) of the soil being approximately 60%. Future climate change will intensify, triggering higher N₂O emissions from subtropical vegetable fields. CMB can be one of the best substitutes for direct chicken manure application as a soil supplement because it has a beneficial effect on improving vegetable yield and reducing N₂O emissions in Subtropical China. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) cultures from a hospital-wide outbreak in the UK, which lasted for over 12 months, were sequenced. We sought to sequence and genetically characterise the outbreak strain. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) was performed on 65 K. pneumoniae isolates saved from the outbreak. All isolates were sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION flowcell: 10 isolates, including the isolate with the earliest collection date in 2017, were additionally sequenced on the NovaSeq 6000 platform to build high-accuracy nanopore-illumina assemblies. Among the sequenced strains, 60 were typed as ST628. 96.6% (n = 58/60) ST628 strains harboured a large ~247-kb FIB(K) plasmid carrying up to 11 antimicrobial resistance genes, including the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) gene, bla_CTX-M-15. Clonality between the outbreak isolates was confirmed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. The outbreak strains were phylogenetically related to clinical ST628 strains identified in 2012, 6 years prior to the outbreak. A rare ESBL K. pneumoniae K2 ST628 strain harbouring a multi-drug resistant (MDR) plasmid encoding the ESBL gene bla_CTX-M-15 was detected across multiple independent wards during the protracted nosocomial outbreak. Surveillance of this strain is recommended to prevent future nosocomial outbreaks. Full article

Introduction: Despite the progress made in multidisciplinary care, there has been little improvement in the oncologic outcomes of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). In the latest edition of the TNM staging, “depth of invasion” (DOI) has recently been introduced as one of the criteria for determining the T stage, alongside other factors. DOI is widely recognized as an independent risk factor for nodal metastases and is a crucial consideration in the preoperative staging of OSCCs, along with measurements of tumor thickness (TT). While various diagnostic methods exist for assessing DOI, intraoral ultrasonography (IOUS) has gained popularity for its efficacy in evaluating OSCCs. Methods: This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) in assessing oral cavity lesions compared to histopathological analysis. Results: The results revealed strong reliability in ultrasonographic measurements (ICC TT: 0.94; ICC DOI: 0.97) and distinct ultrasonographic features specific to different oral pathologies. This highlights the potential of UHFUS as a non-invasive imaging tool for precise diagnostic evaluations. Conclusions: Despite limitations such as a small sample size and focus on specific lesions, these promising results suggest that UHFUS could significantly enhance oral lesion diagnostics. Further research involving larger cohorts is necessary to validate and build upon these initial findings. Full article

This study aimed to develop simultaneous models with universal applicability for the estimation of the main factors of forest stands based on airborne LiDAR data and to provide a reference for standardizing the approach and evaluation indices of main forest factor modeling. Using airborne LiDAR and field survey data from 190 sample plots in spruce (Picea spp.), fir (Abies spp.), and spruce–fir mixed forests in Northeast China, the simultaneous models for estimating the main factors of forest stands were developed. To develop the models, the relationships between mean tree height, stand basal area, stand volume, and the main metrics of the LiDAR data and the correlations between eight quantitative factors of forest stands were considered, and the error-in-variable simultaneous equations approach was employed to fit the models. The results showed that the mean prediction errors (MPEs) of eight forest stand factors estimated by the simultaneous models were mostly within 5%, and only the MPE of the number of trees per hectare exceeded 5%. The mean percentage standard errors (MPSEs) of the estimates, including the mean diameter at the breast height (DBH), mean tree height, and mean dominant tree height, were within 15%; the MPSEs of the estimates of the stand basal area, volume, biomass, and carbon stock per hectare were within 25%; and only the MPSE of the estimated number of trees per hectare exceeded 30%. The coefficients of determination (R²) of the core prediction models for the volume, biomass, and carbon storage were all greater than 0.7. It can be concluded that estimating the main factors of forest stands based on the combination of LiDAR and field survey data is technically feasible, and the simultaneous models developed in this study for the estimation of the eight main stand factors of spruce–fir forests can meet the precision requirements of forest resource inventory, except for the number of trees, indicating that the models can be applied in practice. Full article

The use of biodegradable polymers as matrices in composites gives a wide range of applications, especially in niche areas. The assessment of the effect of the filler content on the change of mechanical properties makes it possible to optimize the composition for specific needs. Biochar was used as a filler in the studied composites with two different biodegradable blends as a matrix. Poly(1,4-butylene adipate-co-1,4-butylene terephthalate)/polylactide/biochar (PBAT/PLA/BC) and polylactide/poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate]/biochar (PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/BC) composites with 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 wt% of biochar underwent mechanical tests. The test results revealed a change in the properties of the composites related to the filler content. The results of the tensile test showed that increasing the biochar content increased the tensile modulus values by up to 100% for composites with 30 wt% of biochar, compared to unfilled matrices, and decreased the elongation associated with the breaking of PBAT/PLA and PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) matrix composites. The elongation values at break of PBAT/PLA and PLA/(3HB-co-4HB) composites with 30 wt% biochar were reduced by 50% and 65%, respectively, compared to the unfilled matrices. PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) matrix composites, in contrast to PBAT/PLA/BC, showed a decrease in tensile strength with the increases in filler content from 35.6 MPa for unfilled matrix to 27.1 MPa for PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/BC30 composites. An increase in filler content increased the brittleness of the composites regardless of the matrix used, as determined under the Charpy impact-test. This phenomenon was observed for all tested PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) composites, for which the impact strength decreased from 4.47 kJ/m² for the matrix to 1.61 kJ/m² for the composite containing 30 wt% biochar. PBAT/PLA-based composites with 10 wt% of biochar showed slightly lower impact strength compared to the unfilled matrix, but composites with 30 wt% biochar showed 30% lower impact strength than PBAT/PLA. The complex viscosity value increased with increased filler content. For all composites tested on both polyester matrices, the viscosity decreased with increasing angular frequency. Full article

The concentration of ammonia (NH₃) and the temperature of the air surrounding the rabbit habitat in the farm condition basic health processes such as breathing and feeding. The indoor climate in a rabbit farm is largely conditioned by the ventilation system (air conditioning). The objective of this study was to build a numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to evaluate, by numerical simulations, the air dynamics of a rustic farm. After the validation of the computational model, the thermal gradient and ammonia concentration were analyzed under three wind incidence angles (0°, 45°, and 90° with respect to the horizontal Z axis of the facility). The results of the simulations showed that, in the area occupied by the rabbits (AOR), the concentration of ammonia with respect to the source was reduced by 37.3% in the most favorable case (wind direction at 45°), and 21.2% in the least favorable case (wind direction at 0°), and the indoor temperature presented a maximum difference of 2 °C with respect to the outside temperature. Climate control is a more expensive cost in rabbit farm exploitation; dynamics modulation can serve as an auxiliary tool for reducing health risks in rabbits. The use of models based on fluid dynamics allowed us to understand the efficiency of the ventilation system, which must be increased to reduce the found temperature gradient. Through numerical simulation it will be possible to find alternatives to increase the ventilation rate. Full article

Beryl mineralization in the Nugrus-Sikait domain in the South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt occurs as disseminated crystals in granitic pegmatite and quartz, as well as pegmatite veins crosscutting mélange schist and ophiolitic rocks. When granitic pegmatite comes into contact with the ophiolitic rocks, phlogopite and amphibole schists are formed due to K metasomatism. The ophiolitic mélange is intruded by leucogranite and related pegmatite along the NNW to NW Nugrus shear zone. Beryl samples have been collected from Um Sleimat, Madinat Nugrus, Wadi Abu Rusheid, and Wadi Sikait. Major oxides and in situ trace and rare earth elements (REEs) of beryl and associated minerals were analyzed through EPMA and LA-ICP-MS, respectively. The investigated beryl, based on its color and chemical compositions, can be classified into the two following types: pegmatitic beryl (type I) and schist-related beryl (type II). The former is colorless to pale green, and is mainly restricted in pegmatite veins; it is poor in Cr₂O₃ (up to 0.03 wt%) and MgO (Nil). The latter, deep green in color, is rich in Cr₂O₃ (up to 0.27 wt%) and MgO (up to 2.71 wt%), and occurs within quartz veins, phlogopite schists, and tremolite schists. The abundant beryl mineralization in phlogopite schists and their related quartz veins suggests that granite and associated pegmatite are the source rocks for the Be-bearing fluids that migrate along the NW-SE trending deep-seated tectonic zone, such as the Nugrus shear zone. Therefore, the formation of beryl in schists is attributed to the interaction of granitic/pegmatitic-derived Be-bearing fluids with serpentinite and gabbro interlayered with mélange schists. Variations in the trace and REE contents of both beryl types (I and II) indicate their two-stage formation from different compositions of Be-rich fluids, where light REEs, Zr, Nb, Ba, and Th decrease from type I beryl to type II. These two phases of beryl could be attributed to the magmatic/hydrothermal fluids associated with the pegmatite emplacement. The early phase of the late-stage magmatic-derived fluids was closely related to magma evolution and pegmatite formation, forming euhedral type I beryl. The late phase of pegmatite-derived fluids was mixed with serpentinite/schist-derived fluids that cause high V and Cr content in type II beryl. The composition of parent magmas of felsic rocks, the high degree of magma fractionation or the late stage melts, fluid compositions (rich in Be, Li, Cs, Rb, K), and alkali metasomatism, as well as the linear NW-SE trending deep-seated shear zone, are all factors possibly influencing beryl mineralization in the SED of Egypt. Full article

The transverse leakage of leaky surface acoustic waves (LSAWs) occurs on 42°YX-lithium tantalate substrates (42LT), which increases the insertion loss, narrows the bandwidth and flattens the roll-off of band 40/41 SAW filters and duplexers. In this work, LSAW characteristics with different metal materials and thicknesses are calculated by the finite element method (FEM), which determines the IDT material and thickness used for band 40/41 SAW filter design. To deeply understand transverse leakage and suppress it, the effects of different gap and dummy lengths on transverse leakage are simulated and discussed. Then, a new technique of using a wider dummy without any additional lithographic or depositing processes is proposed to suppress the leakage. Its effectiveness is validated by both simulations and experiments. Then, the technique is extended to applications of band 40 and 41 SAW filters. The experimental results show that with the wider dummy structure, the band 40 and 41 SAW filters achieve a more than 0.2 dB improvement in the insertion loss, a wider bandwidth and a steeper roll-off characteristic. This technique may also be extended to the other band SAW filter applications. Full article

Azobenzene photoswitches are fundamental components in contemporary approaches aimed at light-driven control of intelligent materials. Significant endeavors are directed towards enhancing the light-triggered reactivity of azobenzenes for such applications and obtaining water-soluble molecules able to act as crosslinkers in a hydrogel. Here, we report the rational design and the synthesis of azobenzene/alginate photoresponsive hydrogels endowed with fast reversible sol–gel transition. We started with the synthesis of three cationic azobenzenes (AZOs A, B, and C) and then incorporated them in sodium alginate (SA) to obtain photoresponsive supramolecular hydrogels (SMHGs). The photoresponsive properties of the azobenzenes were investigated by UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Upon irradiation with 365 nm UV light, the azobenzenes demonstrated efficient trans-to-cis isomerization, with complete isomerization occurring within seconds. The return to the trans form took several hours, with AZO C exhibiting the fastest return, possibly due to higher trans isomer stability. In the photoresponsive SMHGs, the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of azobenzenes was determined for different compositions, indicating that small amounts of azobenzenes could induce gel formation, particularly in 5 wt% SA. Upon exposure to 365 nm UV light, the SMHGs exhibited reversible gel–sol transitions, underscoring their photoresponsive nature. This research offers valuable insights into the synthesis and photoresponsive properties of cationic, water-soluble azobenzenes, as well as their potential application in the development of photoresponsive hydrogels. Full article

Our study investigates sustainability and environmental disclosure in Saudi Arabian accounting, focusing on stakeholder accountability. Employing content analysis and close reading, we examine disclosures in the annual reports of 18 companies from 2008 to 2018. Findings reveal limited disclosures, influenced by interpretations of Islam and government emphasis. Despite sector-specific attention to environmental issues, disclosures lack depth. The study offers insights into managerial motivations, highlighting divergent stakeholder priorities and moral obligations. Policy implications suggest mandatory regulations could enhance accountability and encourage comprehensive disclosures. The research underscores the significance of contextual understanding in shaping accounting practices, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. Regulatory changes could improve corporate reporting on environmental and sustainability matters, addressing societal needs more effectively. Full article

The synthetic hormone 17α ethinyl estradiol (EE2) is a molecule widely used in female contraceptives and recognized as a contaminant of attention (Watch List) in the European Union due to its high consumption, endocrine effects and occurrence in aquatic environments. Its main source of introduction is domestic sewage where it can be associated with other contaminants such as microplastics (MPs). Due to their characteristics, they can combine with each other and exacerbate their isolated effects on biota. This study evaluated the combined effects of microplastics (MPs) and 17α ethinylestradiol (EE2) on two tropical estuarine invertebrate species: Crassostrea gasar and Ucides cordatus. Polyethylene particles were spiked with EE2 and organisms were exposed to three treatments, categorized into three groups: control group (C), virgin microplastics (MPs), and spiked microplastics with EE2 (MPEs). All treatments were evaluated after 3 and 7 days of exposure. Oysters exhibited changes in phase 2 enzymes and the antioxidant system, oxidative stress in the gills, and reduced lysosomal membrane stability after exposure to MPs and MPEs. Crabs exposed to MPs and MPEs after seven days showed changes in phase 1 enzymes in the gills and changes in phases 1 and 2 enzymes in the hepatopancreas, such as disturbed cellular health. The combined effects of microplastics and EE2 increased the toxicity experienced by organisms, which may trigger effects at higher levels of biological organization, leading to ecological disturbances in tropical coastal ecosystems. Full article

Bivalves hold an important role in marine aquaculture and the identification of growth-related genes in bivalves could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism governing their growth, which may benefit high-yielding bivalve breeding. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) is a conserved negative regulator of growth in vertebrates. Although SSTR genes have been identified in invertebrates, their involvement in growth regulation remains unclear. Here, we identified seven SSTRs (PySSTRs) in the Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, which is an economically important bivalve cultured in East Asia. Among the three PySSTRs (PySSTR-1, -2, and -3) expressed in adult tissues, PySSTR-1 showed significantly lower expression in fast-growing scallops than in slow-growing scallops. Then, the function of this gene in growth regulation was evaluated in dwarf surf clams (Mulinia lateralis), a potential model bivalve cultured in the lab, via RNA interference (RNAi) through feeding the clams Escherichia coli containing plasmids expressing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting MlSSTR-1. Suppressing the expression of MlSSTR-1, the homolog of PySSTR-1 in M. lateralis, resulted in a significant increase in shell length, shell width, shell height, soft tissue weight, and muscle weight by 20%, 22%, 20%, 79%, and 92%, respectively. A transcriptome analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes after MlSSTR-1 expression inhibition were significantly enriched in the fat digestion and absorption pathway and the insulin pathway. In summary, we systemically identified the SSTR genes in P. yessoensis and revealed the growth-inhibitory role of SSTR-1 in bivalves. This study indicates the conserved function of somatostatin signaling in growth regulation, and ingesting dsRNA-expressing bacteria is a useful way to verify gene function in bivalves. SSTR-1 is a candidate target for gene editing in bivalves to promote growth and could be used in the breeding of fast-growing bivalves. Full article

The article provides a narrative review of the social and cultural interpretation of pesticides in contemporary society. In so doing, it highlights the main fields of exploration investigated by social scientists concerning the perception and role played by these products among farmers and consumers. Following the WHO definition, pesticides are chemical compounds used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants. They are contemporary cultural artefacts that social sciences explore in synergy with other disciplines to highlight their socio-cultural connections at both local and global levels. Specifically, the use of these products is connected with power relations, which are embedded in and reflect imbalances and inequalities in access to rights and resources, as well as specific articulation of the perception of risk arising from environmental contamination in terms of individual and collective psychophysical health. Furthermore, pesticides fit into various environmental conceptions and multiple local knowledge systems, representing the intersection of different cultural heritages, worldviews, and rationales that make the tradition–modernity dichotomy complex and dynamic. In this respect, therefore, pesticides can be understood not just as mere tools for agricultural practice but as vital windows through which to investigate multiple layers of meaning to support transitions towards sustainable pest management systems, both environmentally and socio-culturally. Full article

Since the establishment of a clear link between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and certain birth defects, the research into the treatment of FASD has become increasingly sophisticated. The field has begun to explore the possibility of intervening at different levels, and animal studies have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, forming the basis for implementing potential therapies with increasingly precise mechanisms. The recent reports suggest that compounds that reduce the severity of neurodevelopmental deficits, including glial cell function and myelination, and/or target oxidative stress and inflammation may be effective in treating FASD. Our goal in writing this article was to analyze and synthesize current experimental therapeutic interventions for FASD, elucidating their potential mechanisms of action, translational relevance, and implications for clinical application. This review exclusively focuses on animal models and the interventions used in these models to outline the current direction of research. We conclude that given the complexity of the underlying mechanisms, a multifactorial approach combining nutritional supplementation, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral techniques tailored to the stage and severity of the disease may be a promising avenue for further research in humans. Full article

This paper proposes a novel five-dimensional (5D) memristor-based chaotic system by introducing a flux-controlled memristor into a 3D chaotic system with two stable equilibrium points, and increases the dimensionality utilizing the state feedback control method. The newly proposed memristor-based chaotic system has line equilibrium points, so the corresponding attractor belongs to a hidden attractor. By using typical nonlinear analysis tools, the complicated dynamical behaviors of the new system are explored, which reveals many interesting phenomena, including extreme homogeneous and heterogeneous multistabilities, hidden transient state and state transition behavior, and offset-boosting control. Meanwhile, the unstable periodic orbits embedded in the hidden chaotic attractor were calculated by the variational method, and the corresponding pruning rules were summarized. Furthermore, the analog and DSP circuit implementation illustrates the flexibility of the proposed memristic system. Finally, the active synchronization of the memristor-based chaotic system was investigated, demonstrating the important engineering application values of the new system. Full article