Subcritical water (SCW) hydrolysis was applied to valorize the low-valued ray-finned fish (Labeobarbus nedgia) into valuable protein hydrolysates, employing N₂ and CO₂ as pressurization agents at varying temperatures (140, 160, 180, and 200 °C). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and total free amino acid content increased with temperature for both pressurizing agents. The highest DH (54.5 ± 0.4%) and total free amino acid content (210 ± 1 mg/g_prot) were observed at 200 °C when CO₂ gas was used as the pressurizing agent. Predominantly, glycine and alanine were released for both pressurizing agents. The antioxidant activity, evaluated through three different assays, increased with temperature and was found to be the highest at 200 °C. This study illustrated the advantages of the intensified SCW technology by using CO₂ as a pressurization agent in valorizing low-valued ray-finned fish (Labeobarbus nedgia), as animal residue rich in proteins, for the production of valuable protein hydrolysates with a high fraction of valuable free amino acids, which could offer potential applications as a functional ingredient in the food industry. Full article

The use of bacteria and/or their compounds is an alternative to the use of positive-list additives that the food industry is using as a tool to meet consumer demands for more natural, long-shelf-life, and healthy products, in short, to offer clean label foods. The aim of this study is to investigate the suitability of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from Qualified Presumption of Safety strains as bioprotective cultures. Out of an initial screening panel of about 200 isolates, strains Pediococcus acidilactici CNTA 1059, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNTA 600, Levilactobacillus brevis CNTA 1374, and Bacillus subtilis CNTA 517 demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against, especially, Gram-positive bacteria. The CFSs of these four strains showed minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.15% and 5% against Listeria monocytogenes and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri. None of the four selected strains exhibited acquired resistance to target antibiotics, and the non-toxigenicity of all the CFSs was demonstrated. In the case of the three lactic acid bacteria, the presence of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances was confirmed following the decline in antimicrobial activity due to treatment with proteases. Regarding B. subtilis, biosynthetic gene clusters for different bacteriocin-like substances, including protease-resistant lipoproteins, were found via whole-genome sequencing. In addition, all of the CFSs exhibited stable antimicrobial activity at a wide range of temperatures (70–121 °C) used for the pasteurization and sterilization of food products, with a loss of antimicrobial activity ranging from 3% to 28%. These results point to the possibility that CFSs from these strains could be used in the food industry as a biocontrol tool to develop new products. Full article

This research investigates the mechanical behavior and damage evolution in cross-ply basalt fiber composites subjected to different loading modes. A modified Arcan rig for simultaneous acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was designed and manufactured to apply quasi-isotropic shear, combined tensile and shear loading, and pure tensile loading on specimens with a central notch. Digital image correlation (DIC) was applied for high-resolution strain measurements. The measured failure strengths of the bio-composite specimens under different loading angles are presented. The different competing failure mechanisms that contribute to the local reduction in stress concentration are described. Different damage mechanisms trigger elastic waves in the composite, with distinct AE signatures that closely follow the sequence of fracture mechanisms. AE monitoring is employed to capture signals associated with structural damage initiation and progression. The characteristic parameters of AE signals are correlated with crack modes and damage mechanisms. The evolution of AE parameters during the peak load transition is presented, which enables the timely AE detection of the maximum load transition. The combination of DIC and AE monitoring improves understanding of the mechanical response and failure mechanisms in cross-ply basalt fiber composites, offering valuable insights for possible performance monitoring and structural reliability in diverse engineering applications. Full article

The study is part of the trend of searching for research methods to demonstrate changes in forest cover at the level of basic units of public administration with greater precision and accuracy. The purpose of the article is to present, for the first time, changes in forest cover of municipalities in Poland from 1990 to 2018 using CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data. The contributions of this study are threefold. Firstly, using GIS and CLC data (3.1. Forests), multivariate analyses of forest cover changes were carried out for 2481 municipalities for the CLC data collection years (1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018), which showed the temporal and spatial dynamics of changes, with a predominance of deforestation in 1990–2000 and 2012–2018, and afforestation in 2000–2006 and 2006–2012. Secondly, the formal, legal and financial rationale for these changes was indicated. The increase in afforestation was a result of financial incentives under the National Program for Increasing Forest Cover and the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (under Rural Development Programs—RDPs). Deforestation was related to a decrease in the supply of land for afforestation, the competitiveness of subsidies implemented under RDPs, and statutory liberalization of logging. Thirdly, the main discrepancies between the data obtained from CLC and from the public data collected by Statistics Poland (GUS) and the State Forests were indicated, which ranged from −32 kha to +310 kha, corresponding to percentage differences of 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. This was mainly influenced by the differences in the complexity and updating of data collected for state and private forests, as well as delays in introducing changes to the land register by the public administration. This work contributes significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of forest cover changes in relation to the actual degree of forestation and deforestation, and the determinants of forest transformation in Polish municipalities, as well as demonstrating the new applicability of CLC data and their limitations related mainly to the generalization of forest cover area. Full article

Legal representatives take a major role in healthcare decisions with and for people with dementia, but only a minority has a qualification in this field. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the PRODECIDE education program for legal representatives. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, legal representatives (volunteers and professionals, representing at least one person with dementia) were allocated (1:1 computer-generated block randomization) to the intervention (PRODECIDE education program) and control (standard care) groups. The primary outcome measure was knowledge, operationalized as the understanding of decision-making processes and in setting realistic expectations. Only data entry and analyses were blinded. A process evaluation in a mixed methods design was performed. We enrolled 218 legal representatives, and 216 were included in the primary analysis (intervention n = 109, control n = 107). The percentage of correct answers in the knowledge test post intervention was 69.0% in the intervention and 43.4% in the control group (difference 25.6%; CI 95%, 21.3 to 29.8; p < 0.001). In the comparison of professional and voluntary representatives, professionals had 13.6% (CI 95%, 8.0 to 19.2; p < 0.001) more correct answers. The PRODECIDE education program can improve the knowledge of legal representatives, an important prerequisite for evidence-based, informed decision-making. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogenous pathology with high incidence and mortality rates globally, but it is also preventable so finding the most promising candidates (natural compounds or repurposed drugs) to be chemopreventive alternatives has become a topic of interest in recent years. The present work aims to elucidate the potential effects of a combination between genistein (GEN), an isoflavone of natural origin, and aspirin (ASA) in CRC prevention/treatment by performing an in vitro evaluation in human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) and an in ovo analysis using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Cell viability was verified by an MTT (migratory potential by scratch) assay, and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Our results indicated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of ASA (2.5 mM) + GEN (10–75 µM) combination characterized by reduced cell viability and morphological changes (actin skeleton reorganization and nuclei deterioration), an inhibition of HCT-116 cells’ migratory potential by down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions, and an antiangiogenic effect by modifying the vascular network. These promising results raise the possibility of future in-depth investigations regarding the chemopreventive/therapeutical potential of ASA+GEN combination. Full article

A series of MOF-derived ZrO₂-supported Pd-Ni bimetallic catalysts (PdNi/UiO-67-CTAB(n)-A500) were prepared by co-impregnation and pyrolysis at 500 °C under air atmosphere using UiO-67-CTAB(n) (CTAB: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; n: the concentration of CTAB; n = 0, 3, 8, 13, 18) as a sacrificial template. The catalytic activity of PdNi/UiO-66-CTAB(n)-A500 in 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation was found to be dependent on the crystal morphology of the UiO-67 template. The highest activity was observed over the PdNi/UiO-67-CTAB(3)-A500 catalyst which was synthesized using UiO-67-CTAB(3) with uniform octahedral morphology as the template for the 1,3-butadiene selective hydrogenation. The 1,3-butadiene conversion and total butene selectivity were 98.4% and 44.8% at 40 °C within 1 h for the PdNi/UiO-67-CTAB(3)-A500 catalyst, respectively. The catalyst of PdNi/UiO-67-CTAB(3)-A500 can be regenerated in flowing N₂ at 200 °C. Carbon deposited on the surface of the catalyst was the main reason for its deactivation. This work is valuable for the high-efficiency bimetallic catalyst’s development on the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene. Full article

This study examines the sustainability of livestock farming in Jordan’s arid regions, focusing on smallholder Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. It assesses breeders, economic factors, herd productivity, and sustainability, evaluating the vitality of these breeds by examining reproductive success through birth and survival rates. In 2021–2022, a total of 53 traditional Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farms in Northern Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate were surveyed using a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data on breeders’ information, farm economics, and herd indicators. Dry seasons in arid lands are tough on sheep and goats, with limited fodder and water availability harming their health and reproductive capacity. While wet seasons bring relief, they can also introduce diseases. Special care for these animals throughout the year is crucial to maintain healthy herds in arid regions. Linear models were employed to analyze sample data, with variance and correlation tests used to explore relationships among variables. Additionally, chi-squared analysis was utilized to assess the impact of male replacement plans on these herds. The main outcomes of this study reveal that breeder indicators pose challenges to the sustainability and growth of Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. Conversely, economic indicators suggest a blend of financial stability alongside obstacles related to profitability and resource ownership. Breeder age emerges as a significant factor in livestock herd management, influenced by elements such as experience, resource availability, and adherence to traditional practices. Experience notably influences breeders’ decisions regarding male insemination replacements, likely due to acquired skills. Crop cultivation is shown to reduce fodder costs, thereby enhancing profitability for each young animal sold and consequently increasing the breeders’ returns. Winter conditions elevate animal mortality rates due to cold stress, while other animals within herds contribute to increased kid mortality by facilitating disease transmission. Breeder experience significantly impacts lamb survival, underscoring its importance in ensuring proper care. Increasing ewe proportions within herds enhances lamb production and lowers lamb mortality rates. Effective ram management and yearling lamb sales further contribute to herd health and productivity. A higher proportion of goats within a herd positively correlates with the number of young yearlings sold but inversely affects breeding males and overall kid numbers, indicating a delicate balance that influences herd productivity and mortality rates. Sheep (92.5%) and goat herds (90.6%) demonstrate reproductive success, indicative of superior long-term vitality. While sheep excel in birth rates, survival, and sales, they exhibit lower ewe and lambing percentages. Goat farming demonstrates high birth rates, sales, and overall success but requires particular attention to ensuring kid survival, especially during the winter months. Improving the characteristics of the Awassi sheep and Baladi goat flocks is crucial for ensuring sustainability, achievable through proper care practices in dry lands. In conclusion, despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities to enhance sheep and goat farming in Jordan. Effective management, informed by the breeders’ experience and economics, is crucial. Empowering small-scale herders and implementing targeted interventions, like winter mortality solutions and selective breeding, is vital for sustainable growth. Full article

In Thailand, diesel buses are notorious for their poor energy efficiency and contribution to air pollution. To combat these issues, battery electric buses (BEBs) have emerged as a promising alternative. However, their high initial costs have posed challenges for fleet management, especially for agencies such as the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). This study aims to revolutionize BEB fleet management by developing an energy model tailored to the BMTA’s needs. The methodology consists of two crucial steps: analyzing BMTA bus routes and designing fleet management and charging systems. Through this process, the study seeks to determine the maximum number of BEBs that can be operated on each route with the fewest chargers possible. The results reveal exciting possibilities. Within the city bus landscape, two out of five BMTA bus routes show potential for transitioning to BEBs, provided they meet a maximum energy requirement of 200 kWh every two rounds. This analysis identifies routes ripe for BEB adoption while considering the limitations of battery size. In the next step, the study unveils a game-changing strategy: a maximum of 13 BEBs can operate on two routes with just four chargers requiring 150 kW each. This means fewer chargers and more efficient operations. Plus, the charging profile peaks at 600 kW from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., showing when and where the fleet needs power the most. However, the real eye-opener? Significant energy savings of THB 10.44 million per year compared to diesel buses, with an initial investment cost savings of over 37%. These findings underscore the potential for BEB fleet management to revolutionize public transportation and save money in the long run. However, there is more work to be done. The study highlights the need for real-time passenger considerations, the development of post-service charging strategies, and a deeper dive into total lifetime costs. These areas of improvement promise even greater strides in the future of sustainable urban transportation. Full article

Background/Objective: Diabetes registries that enhance surveillance and improve medical care are uncommon in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the diabetes burden lies. We aimed to describe the methodological and technical aspects adopted in the development of a municipal registry of people with diabetes using local and national Brazilian National Health System databases. Methods: We obtained data between July 2018 and June 2021 based on eight databases covering primary care, specialty and emergency consultations, medication dispensing, outpatient exam management, hospitalizations, and deaths. We identified diabetes using the International Classification of Disease (ICD), International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), medications for diabetes, hospital codes for the treatment of diabetes complications, and exams for diabetes management. Results: After data processing and database merging using deterministic and probabilistic linkage, we identified 73,185 people with diabetes. Considering that 1.33 million people live in Porto Alegre, the registry captured 5.5% of the population. Conclusions: With additional data processing, the registry can reveal information on the treatment and outcomes of people with diabetes who are receiving publicly financed care in Porto Alegre. It will provide metrics for epidemiologic surveillance, such as the incidence, prevalence, rates, and trends of complications and causes of mortality; identify inadequacies; and provide information. It will enable healthcare providers to monitor the quality of care, identify inadequacies, and provide feedback as needed. Full article

With the aim of improving the tribological properties of low-viscosity gear oil for automobiles, an acrylate of dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid (ADDP) with strong polar groups was synthesized. The tribological behavior of ADDP combined with molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) in gear oil was systematically studied. Tribological performances of gear oil containing different additives were assessed using a four-ball friction and wear tester. The obtained tribological characteristics reveal that ADDP and MoDTC can significantly improve the antiwear and antifriction performance of low-viscosity gear oil. Moreover, compared with using MoDTC or ADDP alone, the average friction coefficient and wear scar diameter of ADDP combined with MoDTC further decreased by 2.41–19.15% and 5.00–18.19%, respectively. Analysis of the worn surface showed that the structural characteristics and physical synergistic lubricating actions of the ADDP with MoDTC additives during the friction process can contribute to the exceptional tribological properties of the hybrid additives. Full article

Monitoring systems are recognized worldwide as fundamental tools for landslide risk management. However, monitoring can be difficult when dealing with large slopes in forested areas. In these situations, dendrogeomorphology can offer a low-cost and low-impact alternative for providing distributed information with an annual temporal resolution. The present study is a first attempt to integrate dendrometric and dendrogeomorphic data into a numerical finite difference model, in order to simulate the stress–strain behavior of the tree-slope system. By using a parametrical approach, the capability of the numerical model to effectively reproduce the tree stem anomalies (i.e., tilting angle, J-shaped feature, and internal stresses causing tree-ring growth anomalies such as eccentric growth and reaction wood) was verified, and the target parameters for the model calibration were identified based on a sensitivity analysis, which emphasized the relevance of the wood deformability; moreover, the interpretation of results allowed to point out different peculiarities (in terms of type of deformation, falling direction, and distribution of internal stresses) for different slope conditions (kinematics and depth of the failure surface) and different zones of the landslide (head scarp, main body, and toe). Afterwards, the modeling approach was applied to the Val Roncaglia landslide (Northen Italy), which involves a complex roto-translational kinematics, characterized by multiple sliding surfaces. The simulated stem anomalies showed good agreement with the ones arising from onsite dendrometric surveys, and they confirmed the conceptual model of the landslide, enabling the planning of further specific investigations. Moreover, the capability of the model in reproducing the tilting angle of trees, if correlated to their eccentricity, could provide a quite long time series (over more than 50–60 years) of the landslide reactivation and allow the use of dendrochronological data for the model calibration, thereby enhancing slope dynamic monitoring and landslide risk management. Full article

The recent rise in ocean temperatures, accompanied by other environmental changes, has notably increased the occurrence and spread of diseases in Octocorallia, many species of which are integral to shallow tropical and subtropical coral reef ecosystems. This study focuses on the understanding of these diseases, which has been largely limited to symptomatic descriptions, with clear etiological factors identified in only a fraction of cases. A key example is the multifocal purple spots syndrome (MFPS) affecting the common Caribbean octocoral sea fan Gorgonia ventalina, linked to the gall-forming copepods of the genus Sphaerippe, a member of the widespread family, Lamippidae. The specialized nature of these copepods as endoparasites in octocorals suggests the potential for the discovery of similar diseases across this host spectrum. Our investigation employed four molecular markers to study disease hotspots in Saint Eustatius, Curaçao, northwest and southwest Cuba, and Bonaire. This led to the discovery of a group of copepod species in these varied Caribbean locations. Importantly, these species are morphologically indistinguishable through traditional methods, challenging established taxonomic approaches. The observed diversity of symbionts, despite the host species’ genetic uniformity, is likely due to variations in larval dispersal mechanisms. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the Lamippidae copepods belong to the order, Poecilostomatoida (Copepoda), and revealed their sister group relationship with the Anchimolgidae, Rhynchomolgidae, and Xarifiidae clades, known for their symbiotic relationships with scleractinian corals. These results add to our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological interactions of copepods and their hosts, and the diseases that they cause, and are important data in a changing climate. Full article

In this study, greenhouse tests were conducted on 240 Fraxinus excelsior seedlings to investigate the simultaneous damage caused by thea pathogenic fungus and oomycetes. The experiment was performed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse of the Institute of Forest Research in Sękocin Stary (Poland). Three species of oomycetes were used for the experiment: Phytophthora plurivora, Phytophthora taxon hungarica, Phytophthora megasperma, and the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Inoculations using the fungus were carried out on shoots and in plant pots in which the soil was mixed with the three Phytophthora species mentioned above, both simultaneously and separately, which made it possible to recognize the cumulative effect of the related plant infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of phosphite-containing preparations on the health of common ash under conditions of threat to the roots by Phytophthora spp. and damage to the aerial parts of the plant by the fungus, as well as the possible occurrence of synergistic effects. Two types of protective preparations (Actifos and Phos60 of the nitrogen and potassium forms, respectively) were used. It was found that the inoculation of ash seedlings with the fungus H. fraxineus resulted in plant mortality, while the mixture of Phytophthora did not cause significant damage. It was confirmed that when pathogens coexist, a phenomenon occurs that leads to an acceleration in the development of disease symptoms and, thus, to plant mortality. In vitro tests confirmed the usefulness of phosphite preparations for the protection of ash seedlings. Full article

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that arises from abnormalities in cartilaginous tissue and is associated with lung metastases. Lymphangiogenesis plays an essential role in cancer metastasis. Visfatin is an adipokine reported to enhance tumor metastasis, but its relationship with VEGF-D generation and lymphangiogenesis in chondrosarcoma remains undetermined. Our results from clinical samples reveal that VEGF-D levels are markedly higher in chondrosarcoma patients than in normal individuals. Visfatin stimulation promotes VEGF-D-dependent lymphatic endothelial cell lymphangiogenesis. We also found that visfatin induces VEGF-D production by activating HIF-1α and reducing miR-2277-3p generation through the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. Importantly, visfatin controls chondrosarcoma-related lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, visfatin is a promising target in the treatment of chondrosarcoma lymphangiogenesis. Full article

Accurately acquiring crucial data on tube furnaces and real-time temperature monitoring of different temperature zones is vital for material synthesis technology in production. However, it is difficult to achieve real-time monitoring of the temperature field of tube furnaces with existing technology. Here, we proposed a method to fabricate silver (Ag) resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) based on a blade-coating process directly on the surface of a quartz ring, which enables precise positioning and real-time temperature monitoring of tube furnaces within 100–600 °C range. The Ag RTDs exhibited outstanding electrical properties, featuring a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 2854 ppm/°C, an accuracy of 1.8% FS (full scale), and a resistance drift rate of 0.05%/h over 6 h at 600 °C. These features ensured accurate and stable temperature measurement at high temperatures. For demonstration purposes, an array comprising four Ag RTDs was installed in a tube furnace. The measured average temperature gradient in the central region of the tube furnace was 5.7 °C/mm. Furthermore, successful real-time monitoring of temperature during the alloy sintering process revealed approximately a 20-fold difference in resistivity for silver-palladium alloys sintered at various positions within the tubular furnace. The proposed strategy offers a promising approach for real-time temperature monitoring of tube furnaces. Full article

Stress research in sports tends to focus on athletes, with sports officials typically being overlooked. In the current study, baseline, pre-game, and post-game cortisol levels among a sample of softball umpires were measured to assess the pattern of stress responses and determine if umpire performance (pass/fail) and position on the diamond (plate/field) could be predicted from cortisol levels. Nine male and four female participants aged 25–68 years (N = 13, M = 47.06 ± 15.65 years) each provided saliva samples on multiple occasions prior to and after officiating games at two Australian National Softball Championships. Data from 65 games were analysed. Performance was assessed using Softball Australia’s official umpire assessment tool. Cortisol levels increased significantly from baseline to pre-game (p < 0.001, d = −0.69) and declined significantly from pre-game to post-game (p < 0.001, d = 0.47). Umpiring performances were correctly classified as pass or fail from baseline and pre-game cortisol levels in 61.5% of cases and umpire position on the diamond from pre-game cortisol in 63.1% of cases. Findings suggest that stress management strategies should be recommended to softball umpires for performance enhancement and to safeguard their mental health. Full article

We studied the effects of vertical vibrations on a water drop that was pinned to the sharp edges of a rectangular post. By varying the frequency and amplitude of the vertical displacement, distinct resonance peaks were observed using a simple optical technique. The vibrational spectra of the first two modes exhibited two closely spaced peaks, which corresponded to standing waves that exist along the major and minor contour lengths of the drops. The values of the resonance frequencies can be explained rather well by a simple model, which was originally proposed for axially symmetric drops. Full article

Corrosion and wear issues of motion components exposed to water-based corrosion mediums, e.g., naval vessels and oil extraction equipment, pose challenges for the lifespan and reliability of the motion systems. In this work, epoxy-based coatings modified with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles were prepared. The anti-corrosion performance of the coatings was comparatively investigated by electrical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel tests in sterile and sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) mediums. Moreover, the tribological behaviors of the coatings were examined under water lubrication conditions. Our results demonstrate that the epoxy coatings lower significantly the corrosion current density i_corr and the charge transfer resistance of the electrical double layer R_ct of the carbon steel substrate. Interestingly, the hybrid coatings filled with both PTFE and Cu₂O exhibit excellent anti-corrosion and anti-wear performance. After being immersed in the SRB medium for 18 days, the i_corr of the pure EP coating and hybrid coatings are 1.10 × 10⁻⁷ A_mp/cm² and 0.3 × 10⁻⁷ A_mp/cm², and the R_ct values are 1.04 × 10³ Ω·cm² and 3.87 × 10³ Ω·cm², respectively. A solid tribofilm forms on the stainless steel counterface sliding against the hybrid coating, which is surmised to be essential for the low friction coefficients and wear. The present work paves a route for formulating the dual-function coatings of anti-biocorrosion and anti-wear. Full article

Introduction: Education of patients prior to an invasive procedure is pivotal for good cooperation and knowledge retention. Virtual reality (VR) is a fast-developing technology that helps educate both medical professionals and patients. Objective: To prove non-inferiority of VR education compared to conventional education in patients prior to the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM). Methods: 150 participants scheduled for an elective implantation of a PPM were enrolled in this prospective study and randomized into two groups: the VR group (n = 75) watched a 360° video about the procedure using the VR headset Oculus Meta Quest 2, while the conventional group (n = 75) was educated by a physician. Both groups filled out a questionnaire to assess the quality of education pre- and in-hospital, their knowledge of the procedure, and their subjective satisfaction. Results: There was no significant difference in the quality of education. There was a non-significant trend towards higher educational scores in the VR group. The subgroup with worse scores was older than the groups with higher scores (82 vs. 76 years, p = 0.025). Anxiety was reduced in 92% of participants. Conclusion: VR proved to be non-inferior to conventional education. It helped to reduce anxiety and showed no adverse effects. Full article

During the long nineteenth century, Western publics experienced the invention and proliferation of commercial games for children. Card games, board games, and other parlor games were no longer for adults only; these new offerings formalized some aspects of what it meant for a child to engage in play. Many games centered travel, becoming sites for children to simulate adult agency in movement through space. This paper examines the stories told by narrative card games and board games about travel, especially travel within and between urban centers. The games present the city as microcosm of the world. Child players are invited to construct multiple national and ethnic identities as they pretend to be city travelers. The games attempt to teach children, and their caregivers, how to travel. I argue that the structures and aims of the games evolve over time, keeping pace with new mores surrounding work and leisure travel. I also argue for connections between games and the “set moves” of narrative fiction and theatre. Full article

Climate warming has already influenced the distribution, community composition, and phenology of European Odonata. Trithemis annulata had been confined to the southern regions of Italy for over 150 years. In only four decades, it has expanded its range and has recently been observed inhabiting several alpine valleys. A dataset of 2557 geographical distribution data points spanning the years 1825–2023 was compiled using various resources, with the aim to analyse the chrono-story of the expansion of T. annulata. A further aim was to investigate the climatic conditions that best explain its current and future distribution. Over a period of 43 years, the species steadily extended its northern range margin at an approximate rate of 12 km/year. Once it reached the Po Plain, the expansion accelerated to an average speed of 34 km/year. However, its northward shift lagged behind the warming climate as we estimated an average speed of 28 km/year. In the future, the area suitable for T. annulata is expected to significantly increase in Italy. Surprisingly, we did not observe any consistent upward shift. Trithemis annulata has considerably expanded its distribution due to human-induced climate warming. The northernmost populations now inhabit Alpine valleys, potential gateways to central Europe. Full article