Although the mesomorphic phase as an intermediate state has been introduced to understand polymer crystallization, the understanding of the mesomorphic phase is far from complete. Here, the effect of chain mobility on the mesophase structuring in melt-quenched poly(ʟ-lactide) (PLLA) treated in low-pressure CO₂ at 1.6–2.0 MPa and 0 °C was investigated using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The IR and AFM results demonstrated that the final degree of order and the kinetics of structural evolution during the CO₂-induced mesophase formation were critically dependent on the CO₂ pressure. This was attributed to the distinct dynamics of conformational evolution (gg to gt conformer transition) due to the different CO₂ pressures. The thermal behavior from the DSC results showed that CO₂ pressure dominated both the scale and dynamics of the chain motion of PLLA. At a lower CO₂ pressure of 1.6 MPa, smaller-scale segmental motion was not replaced by the larger-scale cooperative motion that occurred at a relatively higher CO₂ pressure of 2 MPa, which was favorable for faster mesophase formation. Consequently, by inhibiting direct crystallization under limited mobility conditions, it was demonstrated that varying the chain mobility controlled by CO₂ pressure and thus CO₂ solubility impacted the dynamics of the mesophase formation of PLLA. The present results have implications for understanding the role of chain mobility in determining the intermediate structural phases in semicrystalline polymers. Full article

This essay aims to defend the need to help animals in any disaster situation, be it anthropogenic, natural, or hybrid. To this end, I will first establish a brief foundation of the antispeciesist principles that have been advocated by different theorists over the last decades. Then, I will describe the conflict between environmental and animal approaches as a problem for the consideration of animals in unfavorable situations. This will be followed by the ways in which animals can be harmed in such contexts. After that, I will argue that many anthropogenic disasters affect animals, but they also deserve aid in the face of natural disasters: they are sentient beings and capable of suffering just like humans, to whom help is offered unconditionally in such cases. Finally, I will propose sentience, particularly suffering, and an ecofeminist and antispeciesist approach to address the situation of animals in disaster situations in a dialogic way between environmentalist and individual-centered positions. Full article

Small oceanic islands, such as São Miguel Island in the Azores (Portugal), face heightened susceptibility to the adverse impacts of climate change, biological invasions, and land cover changes, posing threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Over the years, persistent conservation endeavors, notably those supported by the EU LIFE Programme since 2003, have played a pivotal role in alleviating biodiversity decline, particularly in the eastern region of São Miguel Island. This study advocates the application of remote sensing data and techniques to support the management and effective monitoring of LIFE Nature projects with land cover impacts. A land cover change detection approach utilizing Rao’s Q diversity index identified and assessed changes from 2002 to 2021 in intervention areas. The study analyzed the changes in LIFE project areas using ASTER, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 data through Google Earth Engine on Google Colab (with Python). This methodological approach identified and assessed land cover changes in project intervention areas within defined timelines. This technological integration enhances the potential of remote sensing for near-real-time monitoring of conservation projects, making it possible to assess their land cover impacts and intervention achievements. Full article

The combustion of diesel fuel in internal combustion engines faces challenges associated with excessive emissions of pollutants. A direct solution to this issue is the incorporation of cleaner energy sources. In this study, a numerical model was constructed to investigate the characteristics of ammonia–diesel dual-fuel application in a medium-speed diesel engine. Effects of ammonia–diesel blending ratios on engine performance and emissions were investigated. The results indicate that for this engine model, the optimal diesel energy ratio is about 22%. When the diesel energy ratio is less than 22%, the engine’s output performance is significantly affected by the diesel energy ratio, while above 22%, the influence of the intake becomes more pronounced. When the diesel energy ratio is below 16%, the cylinder cannot reach combustion conditions. Diesel energy ratios below 22% can cause ammonia leakage. With increasing diesel energy ratio, the final emissions of carbon oxides increase. With a higher diesel energy ratio, NO emissions become lower. When the diesel fuel energy ratio exceeds 22%, the N₂O emissions can be almost neglected, while below 22%, with poor combustion conditions inside the cylinder, the N₂O emissions will increase. Full article

This paper establishes a quasi-natural experiment grounded in the exogenous shock occasioned by the implementation of a compulsory corporate social responsibility (CSR) information disclosure policy. It investigates the ramifications of this mandated CSR information disclosure policy on firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) through the integration of the difference-in-differences (DID) methodology. The investigation reveals that obligatory disclosure of CSR information significantly augments firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) by mitigating agency conflicts and financial constraints. Further analysis elucidates investment efficiency and innovation enhancement as pivotal conduits through which the mandatory CSR information disclosure policy fosters firms’ TFP. The study explores the impact of mandatory CSR information disclosure on firms’ TFP mechanism, which has significant policy value and can provide useful reference for the high-standard development of China’s corporate economic transformation. Full article

Oxidative stress during in vitro of ovarian tissues has adverse effects on follicle survival. α-pinene is a monoterpenoid molecule with antioxidant activity that has great potential to maintain cell survival in vitro. This study investigated the effect of α-pinene (1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 μg/mL) on primordial follicle growth and morphology, as well as on stromal cells and collagen fibers in bovine ovarian slices cultured for six days. The effect of α-pinene on transcripts of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) was investigated by real-time PCR. The tissues were processed for histological analysis to evaluate follicular growth, morphology, stromal cell density, and collagen fibers. The results showed that 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 µg/mL α-pinene increased the percentages of normal follicles but did not influence follicular growth. The α-pinene (10.0 µg/mL) kept the stromal cell density and collagen levels in cultured bovine ovarian tissue like uncultured tissues. Ovarian tissues cultured in control medium had reduced expression of mRNA for NRF2, SOD, CAT, GPX1, and PRDX6, but α-pinene (10.0 µg/mL) increased mRNA levels for NRF2 and PRDX6. In conclusion, 10.0 µg/mL α-pinene improves the follicular survival, preserves stromal cell density and collagen levels, and increases transcripts of NRF2 and PRDX6 after in vitro culture of bovine ovarian tissue. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful tool for elucidating the molecular makeup of materials. It possesses the unique characteristics of single-molecule sensitivity and extremely high specificity. However, the true potential of SERS, particularly in capturing the biochemical content of particles, remains underexplored. In this study, we harnessed transformer neural networks to interpret SERS spectra, aiming to discern the amino acid profiles within proteins. By training the network on the SERS profiles of 20 amino acids of human proteins, we explore the feasibility of predicting the predominant proteins within the µL-scale detection volume of SERS. Our results highlight a consistent alignment between the model’s predictions and the protein’s known amino acid compositions, deepening our understanding of the inherent information contained within SERS spectra. For instance, the model achieved low root mean square error (RMSE) scores and minimal deviation in the prediction of amino acid compositions for proteins such as Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), ACE2 protein, and CD63 antigen. This novel methodology offers a robust avenue not only for protein analytics but also sets a precedent for the broader realm of spectral analyses across diverse material categories. It represents a solid step forward to establishing SERS-based proteomics. Full article

Multifunctional wearable electronic sensors exhibit significant potential for applications in health management, motion tracking, intelligent healthcare, etc. In this study, we developed a novel assembly method for a polymeric silver nanowire (Ag NW)/transition metal carbide/nitride (MXene) @Loofah device using a facile solution dip-coating technique. During the pretreatment phase, the loofah was conditioned with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC), promoting the self-assembly of MXene layers and bolstering device stability. Then, the Ag NWs/MXene@Loofah was packaged with polyurethane to form a piezoresistive pressure sensor, which demonstrated superior pressure-sensing capabilities and was adept at registering movements of human joints and even subtle pulses. The design strategy presents a novel and rational approach to developing efficient pressure sensors. Full article

The effect of tetrasodium of 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP·4Na) on the microstructure and phase characterization of alkali-activated fly ash–slag (AAFS) materials is not clear or well documented. In this study, XRD, DTG, TAM-air, and SEM analyses of AAFS were used to identify the microstructural changes in AAFS made with HEDP·4Na. Meanwhile, the workability and compressive strength of AAFS were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the early-age alkaline-activated reactions were retarded due to the addition of HEDP·4Na in the AAFS mixture. However, the degree of gel formation was relatively increased at a later age in the AAFS made with HEDP·4Na compared to the plain AAFS mixture. Additionally, in comparison to the control group, the incorporation of HEDP·4Na in AAFS specimens resulted in improved flowability, with increments of 5%, 15%, and 24% for concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, respectively. The initial and final setting times were prolonged by 5% to 50%, indicating a beneficial impact on the rheological properties of the AAFS fresh mixture. Furthermore, the addition of HEDP·4Na led to an improvement in compressive strength in the AAFS mixtures, with enhancements ranging from 13% to 16% at 28 days compared to the control group. With the presence of HEDP·4Na, the increase in the degree of reactions shifted to the formation of gel phases, like C-S-H, through the combined measurement of TGA, XRD, and SEM, resulting in a denser microstructure in the AAFS matrix. This study presents novel insights into the intricate compatibility between the properties of AAFS mixtures and HEDP·4Na, facilitating a more profound comprehension of the potential improvements in the sustainable development of AAFS systems. Full article

Computational drug-repositioning technology is an effective tool for speeding up drug development. As biological data resources continue to grow, it becomes more important to find effective methods to identify potential therapeutic drugs for diseases. The effective use of valuable data has become a more rational and efficient approach to drug repositioning. The disease–drug correlation method (DDCM) proposed in this study is a novel approach that integrates data from multiple sources and different levels to predict potential treatments for diseases, utilizing support-vector regression (SVR). The DDCM approach resulted in potential therapeutic drugs for neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases by constructing a correlation hybrid matrix containing the respective similarities of drugs and diseases, implementing the SVR algorithm to predict the correlation scores, and undergoing a randomized perturbation and stepwise screening pipeline. Some potential therapeutic drugs were predicted by this approach. The potential therapeutic ability of these drugs has been well-validated in terms of the literature, function, drug target, and survival-essential genes. The method’s feasibility was confirmed by comparing the predicted results with the classical method and conducting a co-drug analysis of the sub-branch. Our method challenges the conventional approach to studying disease–drug correlations and presents a fresh perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases. Full article

The presence of inherent micro-pores and micro-cracks in the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of Mg alloys is a key factor contributing to substrate corrosion. A composite film layer with high corrosion resistance was achieved through silanizing the micro-arc oxidation film. The corrosion performance of the MAO films treated with various silane coupling agents was assessed through morphological characterization and electrochemical tests. SEM graphs depicted that the silane film can effectively seal the defects existing in micro-arc oxidation film, and electrochemical tests indicated the significant corrosion resistance improvement of MAO film after silanization treatment. Full article

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are eco-friendly cementitious materials that can partially replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The occurrence of early-age cracking in OPC-SCM blended cement is a significant factor impacting the mechanical properties and durability of the concrete. This article presents a comprehensive review of the existing research on cracking in OPC-SCM concrete mix at early ages. To assess the effects of SCMs on the early-age cracking of concrete, the properties of blended cement-based concrete, in terms of its viscoelastic behavior, evolution of mechanical performance, and factors that affect the risk of cracking in concrete at early ages, are reviewed. The use of SCMs in OPC-SCM concrete mix can be an effective method for mitigating early-age cracking while improving the properties and durability of concrete structures. Previous research showed that the shrinkage and creep of OPC-SCM concrete mix are lower than those of conventional concrete. Moreover, the lower cement content of OPC-SCM concrete mix resulted in a better resistance to thermal cracking. Proper selection, proportioning, and implementation of SCMs in concrete can help to optimize the performance and reduce the environmental impact of OPC-SCM concrete mix. Full article

Background: Hepatic dysfunction (HD) after liver transplantation (LT) or extended hepatic resection (EHR) is associated with graft failure and high short-term mortality. We evaluated the safety and depurative efficacy of CytoSorb® in these settings. The primary endpoint was the change in serum total bilirubin at the end of the treatment compared to the baseline value. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the trend of serum total bilirubin and coagulation parameters up to 72 h after discontinuation of CytoSorb®. The effects of CytoSorb® therapy on the degree of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores as well as the hemodynamic status compared to baseline were also assessed. Methods: Adult patients with a serum total bilirubin level > 10 mg/dL admitted to the Intensive Care Unit were included. Exclusion criteria were hemodynamic instability, postoperative bleeding and platelet count < 20,000/mm3. Results: Seven patients were treated. Serum total bilirubin was significantly reduced at the end of treatment. However, seventy-two hours after the discontinuation of extracorporeal therapy, bilirubin levels returned to baseline levels in four patients. A decrease in platelet count was found during therapy, and platelet transfusion was required in six cases. A significant increase in D-dimer at the end of treatment was detected. HE degree, SOFA and MELD scores remained stable, while a deterioration in hemodynamic status was observed in two cases. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings did not show the possible benefits of CytoSorb^® in rebalancing clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with HD after LT or EHR. Full article

Protecting cropland quality is a fundamental national policy that China must adhere to for the long term. This study examines the impact of market-oriented allocation of land factors on farmers’ cropland quality protection behaviors and its mechanism of action, based on survey data from 3804 farm households in the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS). The study employs the Ordered Probit (O-probit) model, the mediated effect model, and other econometric tools to analyze the data. The study found that the market-oriented allocation of land factors can significantly promote farmers’ adoption of cropland quality protection behaviors. The robustness test supports this conclusion. The market-oriented allocation of land factors indirectly promotes the adoption of cropland quality protection by expanding the plot size and improving agricultural income. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that farmers are more likely to adopt cropland quality protection behaviors in the plains, suburban areas, or areas with better developed labor markets. Therefore, it is essential to continue promoting market-oriented reforms of rural land factors, actively promoting land transfer policies, and guiding the development of agricultural operations towards scaling, specialization, and modernization. This will achieve the rational allocation of land resources. It is important to consider geographical variations in each area when implementing policies to guarantee effective utilization and protection of cropland. Full article

The increasing rate of population growth and urban expansion has led to a higher demand for fossil fuels, which, in turn, directly generate greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to environmental problems such as global warming and climate change. This study aims to present the total life-cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of a single-family detached house designed with an energy conservation approach. Using a cradle-to-grave scope, this study quantifies the embodied energy in six stages of the building’s life cycle, i.e., initial, transportation, construction, operational, recurrent, and demolition. An input–output (IO)-based method was employed to construct a Thailand-specific embodied energy coefficient for 36 key building materials. This coefficient was then used to quantify both the initial embodied energy and the recurrent embodied energy in this study. The case-study house was broken down into 13 building materials. Concrete was the most consumed material, followed by fiber–cement, steel, and timber, in that order. However, the results of the embodied energy distribution for these materials revealed that fiber–cement ranked first, accounting for 29%. Steel was next, at 21%, followed by concrete at 18%, and, finally, aluminum at 12%. The case-study house had an initial embodied energy of 7.99 GJ/m² and a total life-cycle energy consumption of 0.66 GJ/m²/year. This study provides valuable information on LCEA for residential buildings, fostering public understanding of energy conservation in the Thai context. Furthermore, this study’s results can be applied to establish energy conservation guidelines for residential buildings. These guidelines can help reduce energy resource depletion, carbon emissions, and environmental problems, ultimately contributing to Thailand’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Full article

Within the lifecycle of a ship’s hull structure, damage due to collisions has been a focal point of research for researchers both domestically and internationally. To enhance the predictive accuracy of failure criteria in the simulation of ship hull collisions, this paper focuses on the modified Mohr–Coulomb (MMC) failure criterion for metals, utilizing a hybrid experimental–numerical method for parameter calibration. Consideration of stress-state-dependent mesh size sensitivity has been amended, and the approach is integrated into the comprehensive nonlinear finite element software Abaqus 2020. Finite element tensile simulations were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the MMC criterion. Simulation analyses were conducted based on drop hammer collision experiments with various failure criteria and grid sizes. The comparative validation highlighted the superiority of the mesh size sensitivity-corrected MMC failure criterion. The outcomes of this research provide a foundation for assessing the structural safety of ship hulls. Full article

Understanding the interplay among organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), microplastics, and freshwater organisms is crucial for unravelling the dynamics within freshwater environments and foreseeing the potential impacts of organic pollutants and plastic contamination. For that purpose, the present research assessed the exposure impact of 10 mg L⁻¹ flame-retardant aluminium diethylphosphinate (ALPI), 10 μg mg⁻¹_liver microplastics polyurethane (PU), and the combination of ALPI and PU on the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina. The exposure to both ALPI and PU revealed a sequential effect, i.e., a decrease in locomotor activity, while oxidative stress biomarkers (total glutathione, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation) and metabolic responses (cholinesterase activity, electron transport system, and lactate dehydrogenase) remained unaffected. Despite this fact, it was possible to observe that the range of physiological responses in exposed organisms varied, in particular in the cases of the electron transport system, cholinesterase activity, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and levels of total glutathione and proteins, showing that the energetic costs for detoxification and antioxidant capacity might be causing a lesser amount of energy allocated for the planarian activity. By examining the physiological, behavioural, and ecological responses of planarians to these pollutants, insights can be gained into broader ecosystem-level effects and inform strategies for mitigating environmental risks associated with OPFRs and microplastic pollution in freshwater environments. Full article

Cancer is ranked among lethal diseases globally, and the increasing number of cancer cases and deaths results from limited access to effective therapeutics. The use of plant-based medicine has been gaining interest from several researchers. Carvacrol and its isomeric compound, thymol, are plant-based extracts that possess several biological activities, such as antimalarial, anticancer, antifungal, and antibacterial. However, their efficacy is compromised by their poor bioavailability. Thus, medicinal scientists have explored the synthesis of hybrid compounds containing their pharmacophores to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and improve their bioavailability. Hence, this review is a comprehensive report on hybrid compounds containing carvacrol and its isomer, thymol, with potent anticancer and antibacterial agents reported between 2020 and 2024. Furthermore, their structural activity relationship (SAR) and recommended future strategies to further enhance their therapeutic effects will be discussed. Full article

Introduction: Magnesium is a vital intracellular cation crucial for over 320 enzymatic reactions related to energy metabolism, musculoskeletal function, and nucleic acid synthesis and plays a pivotal role in human physiology. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of dysmagnesemia in patients with diabetes mellitus and evaluate its correlations with glycemic control, medication use, and diabetic complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, including 316 patients aged 18 years or older with diabetes mellitus. Data included demographics, medical history, medications, and biochemical parameters. Serum total magnesium concentrations were measured, and dysmagnesemia was defined as magnesium ≤ 0.69 mmol/L for hypomagnesemia and ≥1.01 mmol/L for hypermagnesemia. Results: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients with diabetes was 17.1% (95% CI: 13.3–21.7%), and hypermagnesemia was 4.1% (95% CI: 2.4–7.0%). Females were significantly overrepresented in the hypomagnesemia group, while the hypermagnesemia group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension, retinopathy, an increased albumin/creatinine ratio, chronic kidney disease (CKD), elevated creatinine levels, and a lower adjusted calcium concentration. The multinominal logistic regression exhibited that the female sex and higher serum-adjusted calcium were independent risk factors of hypomagnesemia. In contrast, the presence of hypertension, higher levels of albumin/creatinine ratio, and stage 5 CKD were independent risk factors of hypermagnesemia. Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia was common among patients with diabetes mellitus; however, hypermagnesemia was associated with microvascular complications. Full article

Specialized cancer treatments have the potential to exploit glutamine dependence to increase patient survival rates. Glutamine diagnostics capable of tracking a patient’s response to treatment would enable a personalized treatment dosage to optimize the tradeoff between treatment success and dangerous side effects. Current clinical glutamine testing requires sophisticated and expensive lab-based tests, which are not broadly available on a frequent, individualized basis. To address the need for a low-cost, portable glutamine diagnostic, this work engineers a cell-free glutamine biosensor to overcome assay background and signal-to-noise limitations evident in previously reported studies. The findings from this work culminate in the development of a shelf-stable, paper-based, colorimetric glutamine test with a high signal strength and a high signal-to-background ratio for dramatically improved signal resolution. While the engineered glutamine test is important progress towards improving the management of cancer and other health conditions, this work also expands the assay development field of the promising cell-free biosensing platform, which can facilitate the low-cost detection of a broad variety of target molecules with high clinical value. Full article

The Maedi-visna virus (MVV) causes a persistent infection in small ruminants, and its high genetic heterogeneity affects the performance of diagnostic tests when used in different populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a bead-based multiplex immunoassay tailored to detect antibodies against a Norwegian MVV strain. We used tissue samples from 14 PCR-positive sheep from a recent MVV outbreak in Norway to sequence the viral strain and produced recombinant antigens based on sequences from one animal. The assay included commercial TM-A and recombinant Norwegian p25, p16–25 and SU5 antigens. Cut-off values for each antigen were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves on 40 ELISA-negative and 67 ELISA-positive samples from the outbreak. The intraplate and interplate repeatability were investigated by testing a quadruplicate of five samples over three days, while the analytical sensitivity (aSe) and specificity (aSp) were measured in comparison to a commercial ELISA. The repeatability showed a coefficient of variation below 15% for most positive samples. The aSe was equal or higher for the multiplex assay than the ELISA, and the aSp of each antigen was 91.7, 93.3, 95.0 and 93.3% for p25, p16–25, SU5 and TM-A, respectively. The assay shows promising results; however, further evaluations of diagnostic characteristics are necessary before implementation in the Norwegian surveillance programme. Full article