Terraced historical landscapes have multiple functions in mountain land, limiting erosion, enabling agricultural production and constituting cultural heritage. Currently, they are largely abandoned in Mediterranean regions and facing the ongoing impacts of climate change. Our aim is to reconstruct the evolution of land use on the terraces in order to test the hypothesis of the resilience of these landscapes and their age in recent history (17th–21st century). To achieve this, we used various current and archive spatial datasets and GIS knowledge to detect and map terraces and the changes in land use. We tested this hypothesis in a territory impacted by a recent extreme event, facing the challenge of its reconstruction. Our main outcome showed that the optimal use of the terraces corresponded to the demographic optimum of the mid-19th century, and they were gradually abandoned after the Second World War, with significant differences between Mediterranean and mountain lands. Despite this evolution, the terraces persisted and withstood an extreme event, validating our resilience hypothesis and opening avenues for the revitalization of this territory based on this heritage. These findings are drawing perspectives for the future of terraced landscapes in Mediterranean mountains in the context of climate change. Full article

Circulating food metabolites could improve dietary assessments by complementing traditional methods. Here, biomarker candidates of food intake were identified in plasma samples from pregnancy (gestational week 29, N = 579), delivery (mothers, N = 532; infants, N = 348), and four months postpartum (mothers, N = 477; breastfed infants, N = 193) and associated to food intake assessed with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Families from the Swedish birth cohort Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment (NICE) were included. Samples were analyzed using untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. Both exposure and outcome were standardized, and relationships were investigated using a linear regression analysis. The intake of fruits and berries and fruit juice were both positively related to proline betaine levels during pregnancy (fruits and berries, β = 0.23, FDR < 0.001; fruit juice, β = 0.27, FDR < 0.001), at delivery (fruit juice, infants: β = 0.19, FDR = 0.028), and postpartum (fruits and berries, mothers: β = 0.27, FDR < 0.001, infants: β = 0.29, FDR < 0.001; fruit juice, mothers: β = 0.37, FDR < 0.001). Lutein levels were positively related to vegetable intake during pregnancy (β = 0.23, FDR < 0.001) and delivery (mothers: β = 0.24, FDR < 0.001; newborns: β = 0.18, FDR = 0.014) and CMPF with fatty fish intake postpartum (mothers: β = 0.20, FDR < 0.001). No clear relationships were observed with the expected food sources of the remaining metabolites (acetylcarnitine, choline, indole-3-lactic acid, pipecolic acid). Our study suggests that plasma lutein could be useful as a more general food group intake biomarker for vegetables and fruits during pregnancy and delivery. Also, our results suggest the application of proline betaine as an intake biomarker of citrus fruit during gestation and lactation. Full article

This article presents an experimental investigation of a passive-adaptive slat concept, an aerodynamic control mechanism aimed at avoiding separation in the inwards region of a horizontal axis wind turbine blade. The passive-adaptive slat is designed to autonomously adjust its position due to the aerodynamic forces acting on it, without the need of any active control system or external power source. The slat opens when the angle of attack increases beyond a certain threshold so that stall is delayed and closes for smaller angles of attack to increase the lift-to-drag ratio of the airfoil. A thorough aerodynamic characterisation of the passive-adaptive slat is performed in the wind tunnel followed by testing it under different sinusoidal inflows generated by a 2D active grid. It is observed that the slat system is able to leverage the advantages of both a clean airfoil and an airfoil with a fixed slat. It has the capability of delaying stalls for higher angles of attack, as well as having higher lift-to-drag ratio for lower angles of attack. It is also observed that, for fluctuating inflow, the passive-adaptive slat is able to achieve similar mean lift values as an airfoil with fixed slat while showing significant reduction in the lift fluctuations. Full article

This paper investigates a method for precise mapping of human arm movements using sEMG signals. A multi-channel approach captures the sEMG signals, which, combined with the accurately calculated joint angles from an Inertial Measurement Unit, allows for action recognition and mapping through deep learning algorithms. Firstly, signal acquisition and processing were carried out, which involved acquiring data from various movements (hand gestures, single-degree-of-freedom joint movements, and continuous joint actions) and sensor placement. Then, interference signals were filtered out through filters, and the signals were preprocessed using normalization and moving averages to obtain sEMG signals with obvious features. Additionally, this paper constructs a hybrid network model, combining Convolutional Neural Networks and Artificial Neural Networks, and employs a multi-feature fusion algorithm to enhance the accuracy of gesture recognition. Furthermore, a nonlinear fitting between sEMG signals and joint angles was established based on a backpropagation neural network, incorporating momentum term and adaptive learning rate adjustments. Finally, based on the gesture recognition and joint angle prediction model, prosthetic arm control experiments were conducted, achieving highly accurate arm movement prediction and execution. This paper not only validates the potential application of sEMG signals in the precise control of robotic arms but also lays a solid foundation for the development of more intuitive and responsive prostheses and assistive devices. Full article

Even though women and questions of gender difference are not a core issue in medieval Eastern Christian–Muslim polemic, there are numerous arguments that go back and forth between Muslims and Christians that revolve around women. In the large corpus of polemical texts from the Middle East between the 8th and the 13th centuries, it can be noted that criticism of the other religion involves pointing out illogicalities and absurdities in each other’s doctrines and rituals. Carefully constructed arguments against the claim to Divine endorsement of the faith of the other party are frequently interlaced with criticism of their alleged immoral behavior. Although women feature mostly in the emotive sections of the polemical compositions, there are also reasoned debates about the issue of gender equality in the eyes of God. The discussion of these texts here brings out a range of diverse ideas about women that function primarily as sources for subsidiary arguments against the religious other. At the same time, this study reveals that these arguments were not invented ad hoc. They show the interconnectedness of works within a corpus of polemical texts that spans five centuries. Full article

(1) Background: Despite advances in surgical technique and systemic chemotherapy, some patients with multifocal, bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remain unresectable. These patients may benefit from surgical debulking of liver tumors in combination with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. (2) Methods: A retrospective study including patients evaluated for curative intent resection of CRLM was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: those who underwent liver resection with recurrence within 6 months (subtotal debulked, SD), those who had the first stage only of a two-stage hepatectomy (partially debulked, PD), and those never debulked (ND). Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank test were performed to assess the median survival of each group. (3) Results: 174 patients underwent liver resection, and 34 patients recurred within 6 months. Of the patients planned for two-stage hepatectomy, 35 underwent the first stage only. Thirty-two patients were never resected. Median survival of the SD, PD, and ND groups was 31 months, 31 months, and 19.5 months, respectively (p = 0.012); (4) Conclusions: Patients who underwent a debulking of CRLM demonstrated a survival benefit compared to patients who did not undergo any surgical resection. This study provides support for the evaluation of intentional debulking versus palliative chemotherapy alone in a randomized trial. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to address a fundamental flaw in prominent approaches to managing businesses for sustainability. Current management strategies fail to recognize the fundamental differences between economic, social, and moral or ethical values. Economic values are instrumental, individual, and impersonal. Social values are reciprocal, communal, and personal. Moral values are altruistic, spiritual, and universal. These are not arbitrary definitions but expressions of basic differences among the three types of value. These differences reveal the fundamental flaws in attempts to assign economic value or objectively quantify the social and ecological costs and benefits of economic enterprises. The transactional, social, and moral economies are defined in ways that avoid compromising the differences in values. In addition, a natural hierarchy exists among nature, society, and economy that requires a corresponding hierarchy of moral, social, and economic values in managing sustainable organizations. The strategies, motives, and metrics that have dominated sustainable business management for the past several decades, and the related research and educational programs that support them, fail to reflect differences among economic, social, and moral values that are critical to sustainability. Full article

In this study, layered double hydroxide (LDH) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) were used as additives to prepare lubricants. The morphology and particle distribution of the LDH and MoS₂ were characterized using a scanning electron microscope and a laser particle size analyzer, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to compare the performance of the lubricants at high temperature. The extreme pressure and wear resistance performance of the lubricants were tested using a four-ball machine and a fretting-wear machine. Then, the lubricants were applied in a bolt fastener. The loosening torque and surface wear condition at high temperature were compared. By adding LDH and MoS₂ to the lubricants, the extreme pressure and wear resistance performance and anti-seize performance at high temperature were improved significantly. The LDH showed better anti-seize performance than the MoS₂ because of its strong and stable structure at high temperature. The MoS₂ showed better anti-wear performance under a high load because of its soft layered structure. The MoS₂ with a larger particle size showed better extreme pressure performance under a high load. The LDH and MoS₂ played a synergistic effect under the conditions of high temperature and high load. Full article

Forest plantations can be established in order to restore degraded areas. Acoustic tomography, which is of increasing importance in forest management, was used in the present study to obtain information for managing plantations of Cedrelinga cateniformis Ducke in the Peruvian Amazon. The species is valuable in the timber sector of Peru, but the core wood tends to deteriorate and develop cavities. The main objective of the study was to model wood deterioration in Cedrelinga cateniformis Ducke using the data obtained through acoustic tomography. Eight plantations of varying ages were analyzed using acoustic tomography in order to obtain indicators of wood deterioration. Biometric, climatic, and edaphic data (explanatory variables) were also measured in each plantation. The indicator variables and explanatory variables were compared and evaluated using correlation and principal component analysis. Wood deterioration was modelled using stepwise regression. The indicator variables differed significantly between plantations and were mainly correlated with the biometric variables (age and diameter at breast height). The models explained 81% of the variability of pith rot. The percentage rotten area was minimal in young plantations (1%), and the opposite was observed in mature trees (21.5 to 25.6%). The study findings provide valuable information, enabling foresters to determine the optimal age and diameter for felling Cedrelinga cateniformis in plantations in the Peruvian Amazon. Full article

In the realm of high-tech materials and energy applications, accurately measuring the transient heat flow at media boundaries and the internal thermal conductivity of materials in harsh heat exchange environments poses a significant challenge when using conventional direct measurement methods. Consequently, the study of photothermal parameter reconstruction in translucent media, which relies on indirect measurement techniques, has crucial practical value. Current research on reconstructing photothermal properties within participating media typically focuses on single-objective or time-invariant properties. There is a pressing need to develop effective methods for the simultaneous reconstruction of time-varying thermal flow fields and internal thermal conductivity at the boundaries of participating media. This paper introduces a computational model based on the numerical simulation theory of internal heat transfer systems in participating media, stochastic particle swarm optimization algorithms, and Kalman filter technology. The model aims to enable the simultaneous reconstruction of various thermal parameters within the target medium. Our results demonstrate that under varying levels of measurement noise, the inversion results for different target parameters exhibit slight oscillations around the true values, leading to a reduction in reconstruction accuracy. However, overall, the model demonstrates robustness and accuracy in ideal conditions, validating its effectiveness. Full article

Morocco, despite its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which made up 68% of electricity generation in 2020, has recognised its significant renewable energy potential. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment is to reduce emissions by 45.5% from baseline levels with international assistance and abstain from constructing new coal plants. Moreover, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap aims to export 10 TWh of green hydrogen by 2030, as well as use it for local electricity storage. This paper critically analyses this Roadmap and Morocco’s readiness to reach its ambitious targets, focusing specifically on an energy trilemma perspective and using OSeMOSYS (Open-Source energy Modelling System) for energy modelling. The results reveal that the NDC scenario is only marginally more expensive than the least-cost scenario, at around 1.3% (approximately USD 375 million), and facilitates a 23.32% emission reduction by 2050. An important note is the continued reliance on existing coal power plants across all scenarios, which challenges both energy security and emissions. The assessment of the Green Hydrogen Scenarios highlights that it could be too costly for the Moroccan government to fund the Green Hydrogen Roadmap at this scale, which leads to increased imports of polluting fossil fuels for cost reduction. In fact, the emission levels are 39% higher in the green hydrogen exports scenario than in the least-cost scenario. Given these findings, it is recommended that the Green Hydrogen Roadmap be re-evaluated, with a suggestion for a postponement and reduction in scope. Full article

Catalysts for the efficient catalytic decomposition of ozone to generate reactive free radicals to oxidize pollutants are needed. The graphite-supported CeO₂ catalyst was optimally prepared, and its activity in ozonation was evaluated using the degradation of diethyl phthalate (DEP) as an index. The stability of CeO₂/graphite catalyst and the influence of operating conditions on its catalytic activity were investigated, and the mechanism of CeO₂/graphite catalytic ozonation was analyzed. CeO₂/graphite had the highest catalytic activity at a Ce load of 3.5% and a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C with the DEP degradation efficiency of 75.0% and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency of 48.3%. No dissolution of active components was found during the repeated use of CeO₂/graphite catalyst. The ozone dosage, catalyst dosage, initial pH, and reaction temperature have positive effects on the DEP degradation by CeO₂/graphite catalytic ozonation. The presence of tert-butanol significantly inhibits the degradation of DEP at an initial pH of 3.0, 5.8, or 9.0, and the experimental results of the ^•OH probe compound pCBA indicate that the CeO₂/graphite catalyst can efficiently convert ozone into ^•OH in solution. The DEP degradation in the CeO₂/graphite catalytic ozonation mainly depends on the ^•OH in the bulk solution formed by ozone decomposition. Full article

(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) is not only a common cardiovascular disease with a poor prognosis. Its prevalence in developed countries equals 1–2% of the general population of adults, while in Poland HF, patients constitute 3.2% of the total population. Modern heart failure treatment should be focused not only on reducing the risk of death and the number of readmissions due to HF exacerbation but quality of life as well. Telemedicine has been suggested as a viable tool for enhancing HRQL. Therefore, we present the results of telemedical intervention in a group of HF patients and its effect on quality of life in chronic heart failure patients from a pilot study dedicated to reducing social inequalities in health through the use of telemedicine and e-health solutions. (2) Method: The project was a multicenter, open, non-controlled trial conducted by the University of Rzeszów, Poland. The data points were collected in the June 2023–December 2023 period from fourteen primary care units from five voivodeships, mostly considered social exclusion areas. A total of 52.7% of the patients recruited were Podkarpackie Voivodeship inhabitants. The result and discussion are presented based on the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHFQ) and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQVAS). (3) Results: During the program, a total of over 100,000 telemedicine examinations were conducted in the form of body weight measurement, heart rate, blood pressure tests, and 7-day Holter or 14-day event Holter assessment. Over the course of this study, coordinating the pilot program medical staff has ordered 570 changes in the patient’s pharmacotherapy, confirming the positive impact on quality of life in the study group. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive telemedical intervention can contribute to an improvement in the quality of life of patients with HF beyond what was achieved with the basic standard of care in the group of HF patients from the social exclusion region. It is now unclear if the result of the basic telemedical intervention would be constant after discontinuation of the mentioned pilot program. Full article

Concussion, caused by a rotational acceleration/deceleration injury mild enough to avoid structural brain damage, is insufficiently captured in recent preclinical models, hampering the relation of pathophysiological findings on the cellular level to functional and behavioral deficits. We here describe a novel model of unrestrained, single vs. repetitive concussive brain injury (CBI) in male C56Bl/6j mice. Longitudinal behavioral assessments were conducted for up to seven days afterward, alongside the evaluation of structural cerebral integrity by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 9.4 T), and validated ex vivo by histology. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity was analyzed by means of fluorescent dextran- as well as immunoglobulin G (IgG) extravasation, and neuroinflammatory processes were characterized both in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET) using [¹⁸F]DPA-714 and ex vivo using immunohistochemistry. While a single CBI resulted in a defined, subacute neuropsychiatric phenotype, longitudinal cognitive testing revealed a marked decrease in spatial cognition, most pronounced in mice subjected to CBI at high frequency (every 48 h). Functional deficits were correlated to a parallel disruption of the BBB, (R² = 0.29, p < 0.01), even detectable by a significant increase in hippocampal uptake of [¹⁸F]DPA-714, which was not due to activation of microglia, as confirmed immunohistochemically. Featuring a mild but widespread disruption of the BBB without evidence of macroscopic damage, this model induces a characteristic neuro-psychiatric phenotype that correlates to the degree of BBB disruption. Based on these findings, the BBB may function as both a biomarker of CBI severity and as a potential treatment target to improve recovery from concussion. Full article

Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to environmental conditions and versatility of use, have emerged as very promising. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding poplar’s application in urban landscapes, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions and benefits. However, challenges arise from the variable lifespans of different poplar cultivars, necessitating strategic management approaches. Selecting cultivars based on growth rates, root system characteristics, and adaptability to urban conditions is pivotal. Adaptive replanting strategies, incorporating species with varying lifespans, offer solutions to maintain continual greenery in urban landscapes. Collaborative efforts between researchers, urban planners, and policymakers are essential for devising comprehensive strategies that maximize benefits while addressing challenges associated with their variable lifespans. In conclusion, harnessing poplar’s potential in urban greenery initiatives requires a balanced approach that capitalizes on their benefits while mitigating challenges. Further research and adaptive strategies are crucial for sustained and effective utilization to create resilient and vibrant urban landscapes. Full article

SCARECROW-LIKE6 (SCL6) plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the meristem. In Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr., an important afforestation tree species in China, SCL6 (LaSCL6) has two alternative splicing variants—LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2—which are regulated by microRNA171. However, their roles are still unclear. In this study, LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 were transformed into the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. genome, and the phenotypic characteristics of transgenic A. thaliana, including the germination percentage, root length, bolting time, flower and silique formation times, inflorescence axis length, and branch and silique numbers, were analyzed to reveal their functions. It was found that LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 overexpression shortened the root length by 41% and 31%, respectively, and increased the inflorescence axis length. Compared with the wild type, the bolting time in transgenic plants was delayed by approximately 2–3 days, the first flower and silique formation times were delayed by approximately 3–4 days, and the last flower and silique formation times were delayed by about 5 days. Overall, the life cycle in transgenic plants was prolonged by approximately 5 days. These results show that LaSCL6 overexpression inhibited the transitions from the vegetative meristem to inflorescence meristem and from the flower meristem to meristem arrest in A. thaliana, revealing the roles of LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 in the fate transition and maintenance of the meristem. Full article

A cost-effective solution to the problems that the automotive industry is facing nowadays regarding regulations on emissions and fuel efficiency is to achieve weight reduction of automobile parts. Glass fiber-reinforced polymers are regularly used to manufacture various components, and some parts may also contain thermoplastic elastomers for toughness improvement. This work aimed to investigate the effect of styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer (E) and treated fly ash (C) on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of long glass fiber (G)-reinforced polypropylene (PP). Results showed that the composites obtained through melt processing methods presented similar thermal stability and improved (nano)mechanical properties compared to 25–30 wt.% G-reinforced PP composites (PP-25G/PP-30G). Specifically, the impact strength and surface hardness were greatly improved. The addition of 20 wt.% E led to a 25–39% increase in impact strength and surface elasticity, while the addition of 6.5 wt.% C led to a 16% increase in surface hardness. The composite based on 25 wt.% G, 6.5 wt.% C, and 20 wt.% E presented the best-balanced properties (8–17% increase in impact strength, 38–41% increase in axial strain, and 35% increase in surface hardness) compared with PP-30G/PP-25G. Structural and morphological analysis confirmed the presence of a strong interaction between the components that make the composites. Based on these results, the PP–G–E–C composites could be presented as a viable material for automotive applications. Full article

Upward comparisons are prevalent in life and have a significant influence on consumer psychology and subsequent behavior. Previous research examined the effects of upward comparisons on consumption behavior, mainly focusing on behavior that evokes positive emotions (e.g., donation behavior, sustainable consumption) or behavior that evokes negative emotions (e.g., impulsive consumption, compulsive consumption) and less on behavior that evokes both negative emotions and positive emotions (i.e., counterhedonic consumption). This research examined the effect of upward comparisons on counterhedonic consumption. Five studies (N = 1111) demonstrated that upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) leads to counterhedonic consumption, and this effect is mediated by relative deprivation (Studies 2 and 3). In addition, this research showed that the comparison targets moderate the effects of upward comparisons on counterhedonic consumption. Specifically, when the comparison target is a friend, an upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) leads to counterhedonic consumption. When the comparison target is a stranger, an upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) has no significant influence on counterhedonic consumption (Study 5). Our findings extend the research on upward comparisons, relative deprivation, and counterhedonic consumption. Full article

Background: To describe high-resolution brain vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) patterns and morphological brain findings in central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis patients. Methods: Fourteen patients with confirmed CNS Vasculitis from two tertiary centers underwent VW-MRI using a 3T scanner. The images were reviewed by two neuroradiologists to assess vessel wall enhancement characteristics and locations. Results: Fourteen patients were included (six females; average age 48 ± 19 years). Diagnoses included primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) in six patients and secondary CNS vasculitis (SCNSV) in eight, half of which were infection-related. Thirteen patients showed vessel wall enhancement, which was intense in eleven patients (84.6%) and concentric in twelve (92.3%), affecting the anterior circulation in nine patients (69.2%), posterior in two patients (15.4%), and both circulations in two patients (15.4%). The enhancement patterns were similar across different CNS vasculitis types. DWI changes corresponded with areas of vessel wall enhancement in 77% of patients. Conclusions: CNS vasculitis is often associated with intense, concentric vessel wall enhancement in VW-MRI, especially in the anterior circulation. The consistent presence of DWI alterations in affected territories suggests a possible link to microembolization or hypoperfusion. These imaging findings complement parenchymal brain MRI and MRA/DSA data, potentially increasing the possibility of a clinical diagnosis of CNS vasculitis. Full article

(1) The main goals of general anesthesia include pain management and a safe anesthetic protocol for smooth recovery. In this retrospective study, we compared two anesthetic protocols for general anesthesia with isoflurane during emergency laparotomy: sedation with xylazine and the intraoperative infusion of lidocaine (X group) versus medetomidine as a preoperative sedation and intraoperative infusion (M group). (2) The medical records of horses who underwent emergency laparotomies between 2016 and 2023 were reviewed. According to the anesthetic protocol, patients were allocated to the X or M groups. Data about the horse, signalment, history, and anesthetic variables were analyzed. (3) Group X had a significantly higher heart rate (HR), lower respiratory rate (RR) and mean and diastolic arterial pressure (MAP/DAP). A progressive increase in HR and RR was observed in both groups. Group X underwent a decrease in RR and an increase in DAP. In Group M, a decrease in MAP and DAP was observed. Group M exhibited a longer recovery time with similar recovery scores. Both protocols provided safe anesthesia for emergency laparotomy, with minor cardiovascular and respiratory depression. Minor respiratory depression was detected when xylazine was used, while recovery was longer with medetomidine. Full article

Metakaolin-based geopolymers have substantial potential as replacements for cement, but their relatively inferior mechanical properties restrict their application. This paper aims to enhance the mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymers by incorporating appropriate amounts of calcium sources. CaCO₃, Ca(OH)₂, and CaSO₄ are three types of calcium sources commonly found in nature and are widely present in various industrial wastes. Thus, the effects of these three calcium sources on the performance of metakaolin-based geopolymers were studied. Through the analysis of the mechanical properties, heat-release behavior during hydration, hydration products, and microstructure of geopolymers, the effectiveness of the aforementioned calcium sources in improving the performance of metakaolin-based geopolymer was evaluated, and the mechanisms of action were elucidated. The results indicate that the pozzolanic reaction between CH and MK could promote MK hydration and increase the proportion of CASH gel in the hydration products, thereby facilitating the setting of the geopolymer and enhancing its strength. CS could react with the active aluminates in MK to form ettringite, thus forming a higher early strength. CC had a lower reactivity with MK and does not improve the performance of MK-based geopolymers. Full article

The fungal genus Trichoderma is a rich source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with remarkable pharmaceutical properties. The chemical constituents and anticancer activities of the marine-derived fungus Trichoderma lixii have never been investigated. In this study, a bioactivity-guided investigation led to the isolation of eleven compounds, including trichodermamide A (1), trichodermamide B (2), aspergillazine A (3), DC1149B (4), ergosterol peroxide (5), cerebrosides D/C (6/7), 5-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone (8), nafuredin A (9), and harzianumols E/F (10/11). Their structures were identified by using various spectroscopic techniques and compared to those in the literature. Notably, compounds 2 and 5–11 were reported for the first time from this species. Evaluation of the anticancer activities of all isolated compounds was carried out. Compounds 2, 4, and 9 were the most active antiproliferative compounds against three cancer cell lines (human myeloma KMS-11, colorectal HT-29, and pancreas PANC-1). Intriguingly, compound 4 exhibited anti-austerity activity with an IC₅₀ of 22.43 μM against PANC-1 cancer cells under glucose starvation conditions, while compound 2 did not. Full article