The survival of marginal/peripheral silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations in the broader region of Southeast Europe is endangered due to climate change and population decline. This study aimed to determine the level and pattern of variability for the anatomical traits of needles and the possibility of linking the pattern of phenotypic variability with environmental factors. In most of the analyzed needle traits, the statistically significant variability between populations was determined. According to the results of the multivariate principal component analysis, it is evident that the populations are distinct from each other, in three groups. The climatic factors Hargreaves reference evaporation, mean annual temperature, and growing degree-days, were statistically significantly correlated. The altitude and heating degree-days are statistically significantly correlated with the following three environmental factors: Hargreaves reference evaporation, mean annual temperature and growing degree-days, but negatively with others. The paper’s findings indicate significant moderate and high correlations between the anatomical traits of the needles’ central bundle diameter with the resin duct diameter, the distance between the vascular bundle and the resin duct and the epidermis thickness with cuticle, the resin duct diameter with the distance between the vascular bundle and the resin duct and the epidermis thickness with cuticle, as well as the distance between the vascular bundle and the resin duct with the hypodermis height and the epidermis thickness with cuticle. The results of agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis, performed for anatomical and climatic traits, confirmed the existence of three groups of tested populations according to the altitude gradient. Research results provide knowledge on the diversity and structure of Abies alba populations of Southeast Europe, important for further research and guidelines for the species’ conservation and genetic variability preservation in the southern marginal distribution area and keeping in line with climate change projections. Full article

This study explores the mental health challenges encountered by Sri Lankan camp refugees, a population often marginalized in mental health research, and analyzes a range of factors including socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions in camps, and psychological variables. In quantitative mental health research, linear regression serves as a conventional approach for assessing the influence of diverse factors on mental health outcomes. However, this method fails to accommodate non-linear relationships between mental health variables and predictors and relies on stringent model assumptions that often do not align with real-world conditions. This study introduces a model-agnostic, advanced machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) technique, glmboost, as a viable alternative to linear regression. The glmboost algorithm is capable of fitting non-linear prediction models while also conducting variable selection. Moreover, the coefficients obtained from the glmboost model retain the same interpretability as those derived from linear regression. While the glmboost model identifies several key factors including post-migration living difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulty in sleeping, poor family functioning, and lower informal support from families as markers of declining mental well-being among the Sri Lankan refugees, the linear regression overlooks vital predictors such as family functioning and family support, highlighting the importance of utilizing advanced ML/AI techniques like glmboost to comprehensively capture complex relationships between predictor variables and mental health outcomes among refugee populations. Thus, by introducing a novel, data-driven approach to mental health risk assessment, this study paves the way for more precise and efficient analyses and interventions in refugee settings, with the potential for improved resource allocation and personalized support, thus revolutionizing mental health service delivery in challenging environments. Additionally, it contributes to the academic discussion on refugee mental health while emphasizing the pivotal role of advanced data analytics in addressing complex health issues within humanitarian contexts. Full article

Anderson–Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which encodes the enzyme α-galactosidase A. The GLA gene is located on the X-chromosome, causing an X-linked pathology: due to lyonization, female patients usually manifest a variable symptomatology, ranging from asymptomatic to severe phenotypes. The confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of Fabry disease, achieved by measuring α-galactosidase A activity, which is usually the first test used, shows differences between male and female patients. This assay is reliable in male patients with causative mutations in the GLA gene, in whom the enzymatic activity is lower than normal values; on the other hand, in female Fabry patients, the enzymatic activity is extremely variable between normal and pathological values. These fluctuations are also found in female patients’ blood levels of globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) for the same reason. In this paper, we present a retrospective study conducted in our laboratories on 827 Fabry patients with causative mutations in the GLA gene. Our results show that 100% of male patients had α-galactosidase A activity below the reference value, while more than 70% of female patients had normal values. It can also be observed that almost half of the female patients with pathogenic mutations in the GLA gene showed normal values of LysoGb3 in blood. Furthermore, in women, blood LysoGb3 values can vary over time, as we show in a clinical case presented in this paper. Both these tests could lead to missed diagnoses of Fabry disease in female patients, so the analysis of the GLA gene represents the main diagnostic test for Fabry disease in women to date. Full article

The 3D cadastre presents a modern approach to the development of cadastral information systems, with the role of improving current cadastral systems and overcoming the challenges of a 2D-based approach. Technological advancements, standardization, and scientific research in recent decades have contributed to the development and definition of the 3D cadastre. This positioned the 3D cadastre as an integral part of the future of land administration. However, every country needs to define a solution for itself based on its own legal system and cadastral tradition, while at the same time relying on international standardization and research. Once a 3D cadastral system is developed, it is crucial to ensure the monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of both the quality of the cadastral data and the system itself throughout its lifecycle. Since 3D cadastres involve geometric data, quality management procedures must address both geometric and alphanumeric data. In this paper, we analyze and present the quality management procedures that should be included during designing, implementing, and maintaining a 3D cadastral system. Some examples based on real cadastral data were used to emphasize the need for improvement in quality management. The presented quality management procedures require further development in order to meet country-specific requirements and to fully support the 3D cadastre information systems. Full article

Pulverized coal pyrolysis based on solid heat carrier has a huge advantage in high tar yield. In this study, pyrolysis experiments on pulverized coal were conducted in a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor at 650 °C, utilizing char as the solid heat carrier. The influence of mass ratio of char to coal (RATIO) was investigated. Results show that the incorporation of solid heat carrier of char significantly enhanced the primary pyrolysis reaction in coal pyrolysis, resulting in increasing yields of tar and gas but reducing one of char. The yield of tar maximally reached 148.80–262.22% of the Gray–King analysis value at the RATIO of 14.52 g/g. As the RATIO increased, the tar contained more light component content, indicating that incorporating solid heat carriers improved the tar quality. These findings offer significant insights for the design of fluidized bed pyrolysis unit utilizing char as solid heat carrier. Full article

This paper presents the results of an experimental study that focused on the gradual modification of the modal parameters of reinforced concrete beam–column frames subjected to progressive damage under cyclic loading. As is commonly found in structures of the 1970s, the specimen was characterized by the absence of specific shear reinforcement in the nodal panel. The frame modal parameters were investigated using the ambient vibrations test (AVT) as a modal identification technique. In particular, quasi-static cyclic tests with increasing amplitudes were performed on the reinforced concrete frame specimen and the modal parameters were assessed at various stages of frame degradation. By establishing a correlation between the changes in the modal parameters and the mechanical indicators of the structural damage in the frame, this study aimed to determine whether the ambient vibration tests could offer meaningful insights for evaluating the structural health of this type of structural component. As a result of the damage that occurred in the tested RC frame, the residual experimental value of the first natural frequency of the specimen was found to reduce at 52.7% of the original reference value (undamaged stage). Similarly, the residual value of the frame stiffness was found to be as low as 43.82% of the initial one. Both these results confirmed that changes when monitoring the modal frequencies may provide quantitative indexes to describe the structural health of RC frames. In combination with static tests for a direct measure of the structural stiffness variations, the AVT technique was shown to have interesting potential in detecting the type, level, and distribution of the progressive damage in civil structures. In particular, exponential and polynomial regression curves were defined to describe the decay of the first natural frequency as the structural damage increased in various parts of the frame, and it was shown that the variation in the first natural frequency was determined more by the damage on the beam than by the damage on the joint. Full article

In the present paper, we consider the class $\overline{\mathcal{A}}$ of functions $f\left(z\right)$ of the form $f\left(z\right)=z+{\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }{a}_{1+\frac{k}{3}}{z}^{1+\frac{k}{3}}$ that are analytic in the open unit disc $\mathbb{U}.$ If $a_{1+\frac{k}{3}}=0$ for $k\ne 3n$$(n=1,2,3,\cdots ),$ then $f\left(z\right)$ is given by $f\left(z\right)=z+{\sum }_{k=2}^{\infty }{a}_k{z}^k.$ For such functions $f\left(z\right)\in \overline{\mathcal{A}},$ some interesting properties for subordinations and strongly starlike functions are given. Also, some interesting examples for the results are shown. Full article

Land use practices face significant pressure due to increased demand and conflicting needs. Several factors contribute to this trend, such as the ever-increasing human population, the increased demand for food production, and the expansion of industrial and agricultural areas. This paper, focused on the cultivation patterns and investigating changes in land use of maize and soybean over time (i.e., both genetically modified and non-genetically modified) in two South African provinces. The objective was to determine whether there was a net increase or decrease in land cover age for these two crops between 2006 and 2017 in the selected study areas. Hence, the study utilized ArcGIS (10.8.1) software to quantify and map the land used for the cultivation of maize and soybean from 2006 to 2017 in Free State and North West provinces. The results show both provinces to have minimal expansion or change in cultivation areas for both maize and soybean between 2006 and 2017. We concluded that both maize and soybean cultivation areas in these provinces, did not expand beyond the current agricultural areas (space), and did not encroach onto new land areas. As a result, both maize and soybean do not currently pose a threat to the surrounding landscape (i.e., natural vegetation) and are not in direct competition with other neighboring land use practices. We recommend that data on the annual planting or cultivation area be consistently gathered, analyzed, and mapped to monitor any alterations that could influence the current findings. This will also assist with any land use planning and management practices. Full article

Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are elevated within the amniotic cavity, and their increases correlate with advancing gestational age, chorioamnionitis, and labor. Although the specific triggers for their release in utero remain unclear, it is thought that they may contribute to the initiation of parturition by influencing cellular stress mechanisms that make the fetal membranes (FMs) more susceptible to rupture. DAMPs induce inflammation in many different tissue types. Indeed, they precipitate the subsequent release of several proinflammatory cytokines that are known to be key for the weakening of FMs. Previously, we have shown that in vitro stretch of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) induces a cellular stress response that increases high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) secretion. We have also shown that cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) induces a cytokine response in FM explants that is fetal sex-specific. Therefore, the aim of this work was to further investigate the link between stretch and the DAMPs HMGB1 and cffDNA in the FM. These data show that stretch increases the level of cffDNA released from hAECs. It also confirms the importance of the sex of the fetus by demonstrating that female cffDNA induced more cellular stress than male fetuses. Our data treating hAECs and human amnion mesenchymal cells with HMGB1 show that it has a differential effect on the ability of the cells of the amnion to upregulate the proinflammatory cytokines and propagate a proinflammatory signal through the FM that may weaken it. Finally, our data show that sulforaphane (SFN), a potent activator of Nrf2, is able to mitigate the proinflammatory effects of stretch by decreasing the levels of HMGB1 release and ROS generation after stretch and modulating the increase of key cytokines after cell stress. HMGB1 and cffDNA are two of the few DAMPs that are known to induce cytokine release and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in the FMs; thus, these data support the general thesis that they can function as potential central players in the normal mechanisms of FM weakening during the normal distension of this tissue at the end of a normal pregnancy. Full article

MTX-211 is a first-in-class dual inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways with a compelling pharmaceutical profile and could enhance the effectiveness of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor therapy in colorectal tumors with KRAS mutations. However, the specific mechanisms contributing to the acquired resistance to MTX-211 in human cancers remain elusive. Here, we discovered that the overexpression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug transporter ABCG2, a prevalent mechanism associated with multidrug resistance (MDR), could diminish the effectiveness of MTX-211 in human cancer cells. We showed that the drug efflux activity of ABCG2 substantially decreased the intracellular accumulation of MTX-211 in cancer cells. As a result, the cytotoxicity and effectiveness of MTX-211 in suppressing the activation of the EGFR and PI3K pathways were significantly attenuated in cancer cells overexpressing ABCG2. Moreover, the enhancement of the MTX-211-stimulated ATPase activity of ABCG2 and the computational molecular docking analysis illustrating the binding of MTX-211 to the substrate-binding sites of ABCG2 offered a further indication for the interaction between MTX-211 and ABCG2. In summary, our findings indicate that MTX-211 acts as a substrate for ABCG2, underscoring the involvement of ABCG2 in the emergence of resistance to MTX-211. This finding carries clinical implications and merits further exploration. Full article

Assai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) is a superfruit widely consumed in several countries, mainly produced in the Amazon region. The significant growth of the market for this fruit has raised environmental concerns regarding the disposal of production waste, especially the seeds that are not utilized and represent approximately 80% of the fruit. In the present study, strategies were developed for transforming these seed wastes into new products, using green solvents for extraction under conditions conducive to technology transfer and with feasible quality control through simple bench techniques, which represents an ideal approach for establishing a truly sustainable process. A significant interaction between solvent and extraction method was observed, impacting both yields and total phenols. Phenolic compounds are substances known for their health benefits, functioning as antioxidants and consequently aiding in disease prevention. The phenolic content observed in the extractions increased from 22.68% to 44.74% under optimal conditions during extraction via hot maceration (50 °C) in 100% ethanol for 2 h, which also enhanced yield and increased antioxidant capacity. The extracts displayed remarkable free radical scavenging activities (IC₅₀ = 6.54 μg/mL in ABTS and IC₅₀ = 14.71 μg/mL in DPPH), approaching the Trolox and quercetin standards, respectively. The optimized method paved the way for the industrial-scale utilization of the residues of this valuable Amazonian fruit. Full article

Changes in climate and environmental conditions have aggravated the severity and unpredictability of plant survival and growth. Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. is an economically important timber tree. Exploring its potential distribution and dynamic changes and identifying the leading environmental variables affecting it will help to adjust the planting range reasonably according to the habits and climate change, thus contributing to its survival and growth. Based on the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS tool, climate, soil, terrain, human activities, variable environment layers, and 395 C. lanceolata distribution points were used to simulate and analyze the geographical distribution characteristics of C. lanceolata in the current and future periods (the 2050s and 2070s) under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5. The results showed that C. lanceolata was suitable to grow in a subtropical monsoon climate with warm, humid, abundant rainfall and a relatively gentle topography. Additionally, using percent contribution, permutation importance, and the knife-cutting test, we noted that the annual precipitation (Bio12), human activities (Hfp), minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19), annual temperature range (Bio7), and elevation were the leading environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of C. lanceolata. Among them, it should be noted that the impact of human activities was negatively correlated with suitable habitat areas of C. lanceolata and led to the degeneration of suitable habitats and fragmentized distribution. In addition, predictions have shown that the areas of habitats under other scenarios will be characterized by an increasing and then decreasing trend by the 2050s and 2070s, except for the RCP2.6 scenario, under which the suitable habitats area of C. lanceolata will increase continuously. The core distributional shifts showed that the suitable habitats of C. lanceolata will gradually shift and migrate to high-latitude areas due to global warming. This study focused on the characteristics of suitable habitats of C. lanceolata under different climatic scenarios using more environmental factors and scenarios than before, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the management and utilization of forest resources, the planning of suitable planting areas, and germplasm protection. Full article

Background: Metabolic changes in donkey meat during the early postmortem period have not been previously reported. Methods: The LC–MS-based metabolomics technique was conducted to understand the metabolic profiles and identify the key metabolites of donkey meat in the first 48 h postmortem. Results: The pH values showed a decreasing trend followed by an increasing trend. Shear force was the lowest at 4 h and the highest at 24 h (p < 0.05). For the metabolome, some candidate biomarker metabolites were identified, such as adenine, inosine, n-acetylhistidine, citric acid, isocitrate, and malic acid. Predominant metabolic pathways, such as citrate cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and purine metabolism, were affected by aging time. Overabundant n-acetylhistidine was identified in LT, declined at 12 h postmortem aging, and then increased. This may explain the significantly lower pH at 12 h postmortem. Adenine was higher at 4 h postmortem, then declined. Decreased ADP may indicate a fast consumption of ATP and subsequent purine metabolism in donkey meat. Conclusions: The results of this study provided new insights into early postmortem aging of donkey meat quality. Full article

One of the limitations of the dung beetle optimization (DBO) is its susceptibility to local optima and its relatively low search accuracy. Several strategies have been utilized to improve the diversity, search precision, and outcomes of the DBO. However, the equilibrium between exploration and exploitation has not been achieved optimally. This paper presents a novel algorithm called the ODBO, which incorporates cat map and an opposition-based learning strategy, which is based on symmetry theory. In addition, in order to enhance the performance of the dung ball rolling phase, this paper combines the global search strategy of the osprey optimization algorithm with the position update strategy of the DBO. Additionally, we enhance the population’s diversity during the foraging phase of the DBO by incorporating vertical and horizontal crossover of individuals. This introduction of asymmetry in the crossover operation increases the exploration capability of the algorithm, allowing it to effectively escape local optima and facilitate global search. Full article

Objective: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, with the absence of any identifiable lesions. Numerous treatments for BMS have been investigated, though without conclusive results. An analysis was conducted of the efficacy of treatment with a low-level diode laser and clonazepam in patients with BMS, and a study was carried out on the levels of different salivary biomarkers before and after treatment. Material and methods: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 89 patients divided into the following groups: group 1 (laser, The Helbo^® Theralite Laser 3D Pocket Probe + clonazepam) (n = 20), group 2 (sham laser placebo) (n = 19), group 3 (laser) (n = 21) and group 4 (clonazepam) (n = 18). Symptom intensity was scored based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sialometry was performed before and after treatment, and the Xerostomia Inventory, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaires were administered. The following markers were measured in saliva samples: interleukins (IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL1β, IL10, IL12, IL13, IL17, IL21 and IL23), proteins (MIP-3α, MIP-1α and MIP-1β), GM-CSF, interferon gamma (IFNγ), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC), fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Results: A significant decrease in the VAS scores was observed after treatment in group 1 (laser + clonazepam) (p = 0.029) and group 3 (laser) (p = 0.005). In turn, group 3 (laser) showed a decrease in the salivary concentration of fractalkine (p = 0.025); interleukins IL12 (p = 0.048), IL17 (p = 0.020), IL21 (p = 0.008), IL7 (p = 0.001) and IL8 (p = 0.007); proteins MIP1α (p = 0.048) and MIP1β (p = 0.047); and TNFα (p = 0.047) versus baseline. Following treatment, group 1 (laser + clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL21 (p = 0.045) and IL7 (p = 0.009) versus baseline, while group 4 (clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL13 (p = 0.036), IL2 (p = 0.020) and IL4 (p = 0.001). No significant differences were recorded in group 2 (sham laser placebo). Conclusions: The low-level diode laser is a good treatment option in BMS, resulting in a decrease in patient symptoms and in salivary biomarkers. However, standardization of the intervention protocols and laser intensity parameters is needed in order to draw more firm conclusions. Full article

Pinus thunbergii Parl. is an economically and medicinally important plant, as well as a world-renowned horticultural species of the Pinus genus. Pine wilt disease is a dangerous condition that affects P. thunbergii. However, understanding of the genetics underlying resistance to this disease is poor. Our findings reveal that P. thunbergii’s resistance mechanism is based on differential transcriptome responses generated by the early presence of the pathogen Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, also known as the pine wood nematode. A transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) was performed to examine gene expression in shoot tissues from resistant and susceptible P. thunbergii trees. RNA samples were collected from the shoots of inoculated pines throughout the infection phases by the virulent Bursaphelenchus xylophilus AMA3 strain. The photosynthesis and plant–pathogen interaction pathways were significantly enriched in the first and third days after infection. Flavonoid biosynthesis was induced in response to late infestation (7 and 14 days post-infestation). Calmodulin, RBOH, HLC protein, RPS, PR1, and genes implicated in phytohormone crosstalk (e.g., SGT1, MYC2, PP2C, and ERF1) showed significant alterations between resistant and susceptible trees. Furthermore, salicylic acid was found to aid pine wood nematodes tolerate adverse conditions and boost reproduction, which may be significant for pine wood nematode colonization within pines. These findings provide new insights into how host defenses overcame pine wood nematode infection in the early stage, which could potentially contribute to the development of novel strategies for the control of pine wilt disease. Full article

The current study aims to utilize the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to solve nonlinear dynamical models, with a particular focus on models related to predicting and controlling pandemics, such as the SIR model. Specifically, we apply this method to solve a six-compartment model for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which includes susceptible, exposed, asymptomatic infected, symptomatic infected, and recovered individuals, and the concentration of COVID-19 in the environment is indicated by $S(t)$, $E(t)$, $A(t)$, $I(t)$, $R(t)$, and $B(t)$, respectively. We present the series solution of this model by varying the controlling parameters and representing them graphically. Additionally, we verify the accuracy of the series solution (up to the $(n-1)th$-degree polynomial) that satisfies both the initial conditions and the model, with all coefficients correct at 18 decimal places. Furthermore, we have compared our results with the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method. Based on our findings, we conclude that the homotopy perturbation method is a promising approach to solve nonlinear dynamical models, particularly those associated with pandemics. This method provides valuable insight into how the control of various parameters can affect the model. We suggest that future studies can expand on our work by exploring additional models and assessing the applicability of other analytical methods. Full article

MXenes, as emerging 2D sensing materials for next-generation electronics, have attracted tremendous attention owing to their extraordinary electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. However, challenges remain due to the weak stability in the oxygen environment and nonnegligible aggregation of layered MXenes, which severely affect the durability and sensing performances of the corresponding MXene-based pressure sensors, respectively. Here, in this work, we propose an easy-to-fabricate self-assembly strategy to prepare multilayered MXene composite films, where the first layer MXene is hydrogen-bond self-assembled on the electrospun thermoplastic urethane (TPU) fibers surface and the anti-oxidized functionalized-MXene (f-MXene) is subsequently adhered on the MXene layer by spontaneous electrostatic attraction. Remarkably, the f-MXene surface is functionalized with silanization reagents to form a hydrophobic protective layer, thus preventing the oxidation of the MXene-based pressure sensor during service. Simultaneously, the electrostatic self-assembled MXene and f-MXene successfully avoid the invalid stacking of MXene, leading to an improved pressure sensitivity. Moreover, the adopted electrospinning method can facilitate cyclic self-assembly and the formation of a hierarchical micro-nano porous structure of the multilayered f-MXene/MXene/TPU (M-fM²T) composite. The gradient pores can generate changes in the conductive pathways within a wide loading range, broadening the pressure detection range of the as-proposed multilayered f-MXene/MXene/TPU piezoresistive sensor (M-fM²TPS). Experimentally, these novel features endow our M-fM²TPS with an outstanding maximum sensitivity of 40.31 kPa⁻¹ and an extensive sensing range of up to 120 kPa. Additionally, our M-fM²TPS exhibits excellent anti-oxidized properties for environmental stability and mechanical reliability for long-term use, which shows only ~0.8% fractional resistance changes after being placed in a natural environment for over 30 days and provides a reproducible loading–unloading pressure measurement for more than 1000 cycles. As a proof of concept, the M-fM²TPS is deployed to monitor human movements and radial artery pulse. Our anti-oxidized self-assembly strategy of multilayered MXene is expected to guide the future investigation of MXene-based advanced sensors with commercial values. Full article

Memristive structures are among the most promising options to be components of neuromorphic devices. However, the formation of HfO₂-based devices in crossbar arrays requires considerable time since electroforming is a single stochastic operation. In this study, we investigate how Ar⁺ plasma immersion ion implantation (PI) affects the Pt/HfO₂ (4 nm)/${\mathrm{HfO}}_X{\mathrm{N}}_Y$ (3 nm)/TaN electroforming voltage. The advantage of PI is the simultaneous and uniform processing of the entire wafer. It is thought that Ar⁺ implantation causes defects to the oxide matrix, with the majority of the oxygen anions being shifted in the direction of the TaN electrode. We demonstrate that it is feasible to reduce the electroforming voltages from 7.1 V to values less than 3 V by carefully selecting the implantation energy. A considerable decrease in the electroforming voltage was achievable at an implantation energy that provided the dispersion of recoils over the whole thickness of the oxide without significantly affecting the ${\mathrm{HfO}}_X{\mathrm{N}}_Y$/TaN interface. At the same time, Ar⁺ PI at higher and lower energies did not produce the same significant decrease in the electroforming voltage. It is also possible to obtain self-compliance of current in the structure during electroforming after PI with energy less than 2 keV. Full article

The influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on collapsing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains was studied with turbidimetry and spin probe and spin label electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. An increased ratio of collapsed chains in aqueous solutions in the narrow temperature region near the LCST appeared in the presence of 2.5–10 wt% BSA. The spin probe EPR data indicate that the inner cavities of the BSA dimers are probably responsive to the capture of small hydrophobic or amphiphilic molecules, such as TEMPO nitroxyl radical. The observed features of the structure and dynamics of inhomogeneities of aqueous PNIPAM-BSA solutions, including their mutual influence on the behavior of the polymer and protein below the LCST, should be considered when developing and investigating PNIPAM-based drug delivery systems. Full article

Food waste is considered to be a social, environmental, administrative, and economic problem. Given the large-scale production and distribution of food, food waste in food services has been widely discussed by experts, professors, and scientists in the field. This systematic review aimed to understand which food service has the highest percentage of plate food waste. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted until January 2024 in ten electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, IBECS, BINACIS, BDENF, CUMED, BDNPAR, ARGMSAL, Cochrane Library, Sustainable Development Goals, and the gray literature. The protocol was previously registered with PROSPERO under the code CRD42024501971. Studies that have assessed plate food waste in food services were included. There were no restrictions on language, publication location, or date. The risk of bias analysis was carried out using the JBI instrument. A proportion meta-analysis was carried out using R software (version 4.2.1). This systematic review with meta-analysis showed that the type of distribution and the food service are the factors that have the greatest impact on the percentage and per capita of plate food waste. In the face of increased waste, interventions should be targeted by type and distribution system, diners, and meals in order to lessen the impact of these factors. Full article

Background: Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. Methods: Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. Results: A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η² = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η² = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η² = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: −3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η² = 0.000). Conclusion: Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this. Full article