The grape variety Maratheftiko (V. vinifera sp.) is one of the most prestigious Cypriot varieties, yet Maratheftiko wines are rather poorly studied with regard to principal quality characteristics, such as the polyphenolic and aromatic profile. The current study was undertaken with the scope to investigate the effect of various common industrial prefermentation treatments on the non-volatile and volatile fractions of Maratheftiko wines, in two consecutive harvests. Different lots of grapes underwent the saigneé process, which was also combined with cold maceration, and/or enzyme and tannin addition, and the wines produced on industrial scale were analyzed to portray their profiles of anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin polyphenols, and volatiles. The non-anthocyanin composition was found to be dominated by flavonol glycosides (mainly quercetin 3-O-glucuronide), but also caftaric acid. The major anthocyanin pigment in all wines examined was malvidin 3-O-glucoside, accompanied by its p-coumarate derivative. The principal volatiles determined were isoamyl alcohol, ethyl octanoate, 2-phenylethanol, ethyl caprate, and isoamyl acetate. Principal component analysis revealed that the wines could be clearly discriminated based on vintage year but not based on the different treatments. This study offered novel insights into the composition of Maratheftiko wines and provided some evidence regarding the impact of common enological techniques on their non-volatile and volatile fractions. Full article

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) enables the non-invasive three-dimensional imaging of live cells and other structures in physiological environments. However, when imaging complex samples, SICM faces challenges such as having a low temporal resolution during slow scanning and a reduced signal-to-noise ratio during fast scanning, making it difficult to simultaneously improve both temporal and spatial resolution. To address these issues, this paper proposes an algorithm for enhancing image resolution under high-speed scanning. Firstly, scanning images are preprocessed using a median filtering algorithm to remove the salt-and-pepper noise generated during high-speed scanning. Next, the Canny edge detection algorithm is employed to extract the edges of the image targets. To avoid blurring the edges, the new edge-directed interpolation (NEDI) algorithm is then used to fill the edges, while non-edge areas are filled using bilinear interpolation, thereby enhancing the image resolution. Finally, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM) are used to analyze the imaging of articular chondrocytes. The results show that under a scanning speed of 480 nm/ms, the proposed algorithm improves the temporal resolution of imaging by 60% compared to traditional 2× resolution imaging, increases the peak signal-to-noise ratio of the scanning images by 7 dB, and achieves a structural similarity of 0.97. Therefore, the proposed algorithm effectively removes noise during high-speed scanning and improves the SICM scanning imaging resolution, thereby avoiding the reduction in temporal resolution when scanning larger resolution samples and effectively enhancing the performance of SICM scanning imaging. Full article

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a multifunctional incretin hormone with various physiological effects beyond its well-characterized effect of stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion in the pancreas. An emerging role for GLP-1 and its receptor, GLP-1R, in brain neuroprotection and in the suppression of inflammation, has been documented in recent years. GLP-1R is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that couples to Gs proteins that stimulate the production of the second messenger cyclic 3’,5’-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP, acting through its two main effectors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), exerts several anti-inflammatory (and some pro-inflammatory) effects in cells, depending on the cell type. The present review discusses the cAMP-dependent molecular signaling pathways elicited by the GLP-1R in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, central neurons, and even in adrenal chromaffin cells, with a particular focus on those that lead to anti-inflammatory effects by the GLP-1R. Fully elucidating the role cAMP plays in GLP-1R’s anti-inflammatory properties can lead to new and more precise targets for drug development and/or provide the foundation for novel therapeutic combinations of the GLP-1R agonist medications currently on the market with other classes of drugs for additive anti-inflammatory effect. Full article

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a powerful and cost-effective technology to monitor ground deformation. Its accuracy is highly influenced by the atmospheric characteristic of the monitoring area. Separating the true ground deformation from atmospheric signals remains one of the major challenges in the application of InSAR. In this paper, the phase-based linear model, high-spatial resolution weather model (MERRA-2 and GACOS) and combination of the MERRA-2 and phase-based linear model are selected, and their performances in reducing the tropospheric delay are assessed based on the detrending standard deviation (DStd) of all Persistent Scattered (PS) points. A framework for the assessment is proposed and applied to a selected region of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 26 Sentinel-1A images are used and processed by the method of PS-InSAR. It is found that the phase-based linear model outperforms the other models by at least 6.6% if the whole monitoring time span of the SAR images in the study area is considered. The proper tropospheric correction model in different seasons is not the same. The phase-based linear model is robust against the variations in the atmospheric characteristics of the four seasons. Full article

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) can lead to both recurrent seasonal epidemic outbreaks and devastating pandemics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics and pathogen spectrum of RTIs using a multiplex RT-PCR panel. A total of 9354 cases with suspected RTIs between February 2021 and July 2023 were included in this study. A total of 11,048 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from these patients were analyzed for 23 respiratory tract pathogens using multiplex RT-PCR. H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were considered as colonizing bacteria. At least one pathogen was detected in 70.66% of the samples; viral pathogens were detected in 48.41% of the samples, bacterial pathogens were detected in 16.06% of the samples, and viral + bacterial pathogens were detected in 35.53% of the samples. The most frequently detected viral pathogen was rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) (19.99%). Interestingly, in 2021, respiratory syncytial virus A/B showed atypical activity and replaced RV/EV as the most prevalent pathogen. Human bocavirus, H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae were detected at higher rates in males (p: 0.038, p: 0.042, and p: 0.035, respectively), while SARS-CoV-2 and B. pertussis were detected at higher rates in females (p < 0.001 and p: 0.033). RTIs were found at higher rates in children (p < 0.001). SARS-CoV-2 and human coronaviruses 229E were detected at higher rates in adults (p < 0.001 and p: 0.001). This comprehensive study with a large sample size investigating RTI pathogens was the first in Türkiye. Understanding the current viral circulation using multiplex RT-PCR panels enables clinicians to predict the most likely pathogens affecting patients and contributes to patient management, in addition to anticipating potential threats. Full article

The node pressure and flow rate along the shale gas flow process are analyzed according to the characteristics of the shale gas flow pipe network, and the non-leaking and leaking processes of the shale gas flow pipe network are modeled separately. The changes in pressure over time along each pipe segment in the network provide new ideas for identifying leaking pipe sections. This paper uses the logarithmic value of pressure as the basis for judging whether the flow pipe network is leaking or not, according to the process of varying flow parameters resulting in the regularity of leakage. A graph of the change in pressure of the pipe section after the leak compared to the pressure of the non-leaking section of pipe over time can be plotted, accurately identifying the specific section of pipe with the leak. The accuracy of this novel method is verified by the leakage section and statistical data of the shale gas pipeline network in situ used in this paper. Full article

The preparation of matrix-matched material for elemental quantitative analysis in rice flour matrix is proposed here for the first time as part of a feasibility study using the SN-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS methods. It was prepared via the spiking process in colloidal solution of rice flour with different levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), followed by drying in a climatic chamber. Comparative studies of the results on external calibration and gravimetric standard addition ICP-MS approaches through the use of calibration standard solutions were discussed. Method bias from the external calibration method was investigated, demonstrating the systematic effect arising from the sample matrix. Characterizing the concentration of measurands was then reasonably proposed using the gravimetric standard addition ICP-MS. Using powdered rice matrix reference material for ICP-MS calibration following acid digestion, the study showed a good agreement of recovery studies. A feasibility study of the LA-ICP-MS method as a direct solid analysis performed on the matrix-matched standard was then discussed. In the study, large fluctuation of signals was found for constructing calibration curve, generating poor linearity, especially for As and Pb, although yttrium (Y) as internal standard was applied. This might be ascribed to a limited microscale of homogeneity, and particularly laser-induced preferential evaporation of volatile elements. Using a number of measured data points, the mean and median were statistically recommended to improve precision. An attempt to use of similar matrix in both standard and sample is a critical point to consider to minimize the elemental fractionation effect. The proposed approach to prepare matrix-matched material could be a potential means for achieving elemental quantitation. Full article

This comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the “Pius Brinzeu” healthcare center in Timisoara explored the differential impacts of pregnancy planning status on sexual function, body image, and relationship satisfaction among pregnant women. Employing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the study analyzed responses from 107 participants divided into groups of planned (n = 59, mean age 28.5 ± 5.2) and unplanned (n = 48, mean age 27.3 ± 4.8) pregnancies. In the first trimester, unplanned pregnancies reported higher median scores in desire (4.7 vs. 3.6, p = 0.005), arousal (4.5 vs. 3.8, p = 0.001), and lubrication (4.6 vs. 3.7, p = 0.015) compared to planned pregnancies. Satisfaction scores also favored unplanned pregnancies in the first trimester (4.8 vs. 3.9, p = 0.009). Similar trends were observed in subsequent trimesters, with unplanned pregnancies consistently reporting higher FSFI scores, indicating a robust sexual function. Risk factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction were a higher BMI in the first trimester (beta coefficient: −0.124, p = 0.019), unmarried civil status (beta coefficient: −0.323, p = 0.045), history of previous abortion (beta coefficient: −0.451, p = 0.012), irregular menstrual cycles (beta coefficient: −0.384, p = 0.026), and rural living area (beta coefficient: −0.278, p = 0.034). Notably, unplanned pregnancy itself was not a significant risk factor for sexual dysfunction (beta coefficient: −0.054, p = 0.095). Regarding relationship dynamics, planned pregnancies exhibited significantly higher satisfaction with partner support (4.1 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.041) and communication within the couple (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.020), whereas unplanned pregnancies reported higher satisfaction with emotional closeness (4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0, p = 0.004). Concerns about managing professional activities and household chores were significantly more prevalent in the unplanned pregnancy group (62.50% vs. 33.90%, p = 0.014). Unplanned pregnancies demonstrated better initial sexual function but faced greater challenges in relationship satisfaction and managing pregnancy demands. Identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction can provide targeted interventions to improve the well-being of pregnant women, regardless of pregnancy planning status. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive study focusing on the detection and characterization of droplets with volumes in the nanoliter range. Leveraging the precise control of minute liquid volumes, we introduced a novel spectroscopic on-chip microsensor equipped with integrated microfluidic channels for droplet generation, characterization, and sensing simultaneously. The microsensor, designed with interdigitated ring-shaped electrodes (IRSE) and seamlessly integrated with microfluidic channels, offers enhanced capacitance and impedance signal amplitudes, reproducibility, and reliability in droplet analysis. We were able to make analyses of droplet length in the range of 1.0–6.0 mm, velocity of 0.66–2.51 mm/s, and volume of 1.07 nL–113.46 nL. Experimental results demonstrated that the microsensor’s performance is great in terms of droplet size, velocity, and length, with a significant signal amplitude of capacitance and impedance and real-time detection capabilities, thereby highlighting its potential for facilitating microcapsule reactions and enabling on-site real-time detection for chemical and biosensor analyses on-chip. This droplet-based microfluidics platform has great potential to be directly employed to promote advances in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, food engineering, flow chemistry, and cosmetics. Full article

Rabies virus (RABV) is a neurotropic virus that causes fatal neurological disease, raising serious public health issues and attracting extensive attention in society. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of RABV-induced neuronal damage, we used hematoxylin–eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, transcriptomics analysis, and immune response factor testing to investigate RABV-infected neurons. We successfully isolated the neurons from murine brains. The specificity of the isolated neurons was identified by a monoclonal antibody, and the viability of the neurons was 83.53–95.0%. We confirmed that RABV infection induced serious damage to the neurons according to histochemistry and transmission electron microscope (TEM) scanning. In addition, the transcriptomics analysis suggested that multiple genes related to the pyroptosis pathway were significantly upregulated, including gasdermin D (Gsdmd), Nlrp3, caspase-1, and IL-1β, as well as the chemokine genes Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl5, Ccl7, Ccl12, and Cxcl10. We next verified this finding in the brains of mice infected with the rRC-HL, GX074, and challenge virus standard strain-24 (CVS-24) strains of RABV. Importantly, we found that the expression level of the Gsdmd protein was significantly upregulated in the neurons infected with different RABV strains and ranged from 691.1 to 5764.96 pg/mL, while the basal level of mock-infected neurons was less than 100 pg/mL. Taken together, our findings suggest that Gsdmd-induced pyroptosis is involved in the neuron damage caused by RABV infection. Full article

Leadership is crucial to moving society and organizations from one stage to another. Strategic planning is required to sustain the quality of education due to the changing features of students and the construction of many higher educational institutions in Nigeria. However, because higher education is evolving, leaders’ strategic thinking constantly shifts. This study examines the effect of strategic planning on transformational leadership towards attaining the organizational performance of higher education institutions in Nigeria. This study used a sample of 388 staff from 48 state universities in Nigeria. The findings indicate that strategic planning positively influences transformational leadership and organizational performance. Moreover, transformational leadership positively mediates strategic planning and organizational performance. We empirically validate the role of strategic planning in enhancing the performance of higher education institutions. Also, strategic-planning-focused and transformational leadership processes can be critical for facilitating the proper guidelines to improve higher education institutions’ performance. Full article

Breast milk serves as the primary source of nourishment for newborns. In cases of low milk production, one approach to address this challenge involves the consumption of lactagogues. Chicken–herb essence, a beverage rich in protein, amino acids, and minerals, presents itself as a viable option to supplement a lactating mother’s diet, particularly in terms of protein intake. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chicken–herb essence on prolactin and lactoferrin in lactating rats. Furthermore, the study also assessed the lactagogue effect on IgA in offspring. The experimental research method used a completely randomized design. The animal models in this study were female Sprague Dawley rats. The result showed that there was an increase in milk production, as seen from the results of the lactagogue effect. The highest increase in prolactin and lactoferrin was obtained in treatment group II (TG II). The increases in prolactin and lactoferrin of TG II were 214.18 ± 71.99 and 904.02 ± 435.35 pg/mL, respectively. The lactagogue test showed that TG II haspotency as a milk-booster. Testing the blood serum of offspring showed that the highest concentration of IgA was also found in TG II at 398.34 ± 214.85 pg/mL. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic, with increased home cooking and decreased restaurant dining, significantly altered seafood consumption patterns. By applying an ordered logit model to identify factors affecting seafood consumption during the pandemic, this study found that the shift in seafood consumption was driven by factors such as changes in meal preparation methods, more time spent at home, and shifts in financial situations. While take-out consumption boosted overall seafood intake, popular varieties saw a rise in home consumption, while high-end seafood suffered from decreased demand as consumers focused more on home dining. This study underscores the importance of supporting suppliers, restaurants, and retailers dealing with high-end seafood, as they face economic challenges due to reduced consumption. In summary, pandemic-induced restrictions on mobility led to a notable transition from restaurant-prepared seafood to home-cooked options, highlighting the need for targeted policies to aid affected sectors. Full article

This paper presents an author co-citation analysis of the research on L2 vocabulary acquisition that was published in the 2020 calendar year. The most significant influence at this time is Paul Nation—cited in 85% of the publication set—but a number of other important influences can also be identified, notably, Laufer, Hulstijn, Schmitt and Webb. This paper draws some comparisons with data from 1990, and speculates on how “research fronts” might be identified in an author co-citation data set. Full article

Polyploidization produces abundant phenotypic variation. Little is currently known about adventitious root (AR) development variation due to polyploidization. In this study, we analyzed the morphological, cytological, and physiological variations in AR development between tetraploid and diploid Populus plants during in vitro rooting culture. Compared to the diploids, the AR formation times and rooting rates of the tetraploids’ stem explants had non-significant changes. However, the tetraploid ARs exhibited significantly slower elongation growth than the diploid ARs. Cytological observation showed that the tetraploid ARs were characterized by shorter root meristems and reduced meristem cell numbers, suggesting the reasons for the slow AR elongation. Analysis of hormones and related metabolites during AR development demonstrated that the total auxin, cytokinin, and jasmonic acid contents were significantly lower in the tetraploid ARs than in those of the diploids, and that the ratio of total auxins to total CKs at 0 h of AR development was also lower in the tetraploids than in the diploids, whereas the total salicylic acid content of the tetraploids was consistently higher than that of the diploids. qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of several hormone signaling and cell division-related genes in the tetraploid ARs significantly differed from those in the diploids. In conclusion, the slow elongation of the tetraploid ARs may be caused by the endogenous hormone-mediated meristem shortening. Our findings enhance the understanding of polyploidization-induced variation in AR development of forest trees. Full article

Under the challenge of global energy transition, coal-fired cogeneration systems are undergoing a technical revolution towards enhanced efficiency, heating capacity, and flexibility. In this paper, four schemes using a steam ejector integrated into a cogeneration system are designed. Considering operational safety, integrated locations are selected at the front and back of high- and medium-pressure turbines. Subsequently, the thermodynamic and operational characteristics under both design and off-design conditions are analyzed based on a model built in EBSILON Professional. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the heating process is conducted. The results show that the integration of steam ejectors can increase the waste heat recovery ratio of exhaust steam by 18.42–45.61% under design conditions. The largest waste heat recovery ratio is obtained in System 4, resulting in the power generation efficiency (${\eta }_g$) and gross energy utilization efficiency (${\eta }_p$) of 81.95% and 65.53%, respectively. Meanwhile, the steam ejector can expand the power-load regulation range of the cogeneration system, and System 4 has the lowest lower power limit among all the systems. The ${\eta }_p$ values of Systems 1–4 reach extreme values at different mixed steam pressures of the ejector. Increasing the pinch point temperature difference reduces the power load ${\eta }_g$ and ${\eta }_p$ of Systems 1–4. The results provide technical solutions for improving the heating capacity and efficient and flexible operation of cogeneration systems. Full article

In this paper, the temperature dependence of single event upset (SEU) cross-section in 28 nm embedded Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) of System in Package (SiP) was investigated. An atmospheric neutron beam with an energy range of MeV~GeV was utilized. The SEU cross-section increased by 39.8% when the temperature increased from 296 K to 382 K. Further Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulation results show that the temperature has a weak impact on the peak pulse current, which is mainly caused by the change of bipolar amplification effect with temperature. As the temperature increases, the critical charge of the device decreases by about 4.8%. The impact of temperature on the SEU cross-section is determined competitively by the peak pulse current and the critical charge. The impact of temperature on critical charge is expected to become more severe as the feature size is further advanced. Full article

The circulatory system is a closed conduit system throughout the body and consists of two parts as follows: the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. Hematological malignancies usually grow and multiply in the circulatory system, directly or indirectly affecting its function. These malignancies include multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) regulates the function and stability of substrate proteins through O-GlcNAc modification. Abnormally expressed OGT is strongly associated with tumorigenesis, including hematological malignancies, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. In cells, OGT can assemble with a variety of proteins to form complexes to exercise related biological functions, such as OGT/HCF-1, OGT/TET, NSL, and then regulate glucose metabolism, gene transcription, cell proliferation, and other biological processes, thus affecting the development of hematological malignancies. This review summarizes the complexes involved in the assembly of OGT in cells and the role of related OGT complexes in hematological malignancies. Unraveling the complex network regulated by the OGT complex will facilitate a better understanding of hematologic malignancy development and progression. Full article

Background: Eyelid dermatitis is a common, multifactorial, chronic, and/or relapsing condition with a considerable impact on life quality that represents a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Methods: We carried out a single-blind, controlled, randomized, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy of two dermo-cosmetics (cream for the eyelids and eye contour area and cleansing face cream) in which the key ingredient was witch hazel extract, compared to generic cream, in the treatment of patients affected by eyelid dermatitis. Enrolled subjects were treated and followed-up for 4 weeks; dermatological evaluation was objectively performed using the DLQI, OSDI, NRS–itch, and EDSI indicators. Results: The products tested proved to be more effective than the placebo in ameliorating the dermatitis in the treated patients, based on all considered dermatological scores. In the treatment arm, we observed a reduction in both DLQI score and in the indicators related to the extension of dermatitis, greater than that observed in the control arm. Conclusions: This comparative study demonstrates the role of dermo-cosmetic products tested not only as a support treatment, but also as a first-choice clinical approach. Full article

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and policy makers identify and address urban environmental justice and health equity issues. To our knowledge, no studies have yet combined assessments of park quality, park availability, and green cover to inform equitable urban green space planning. To this end, we developed a comprehensive methodology to identify urban green space inequities at the city scale and applied it in Portland, OR, USA. After auditing all public parks in Portland and gathering green cover data from publicly accessible repositories, we used a suite of statistical tests to evaluate distribution of parks and green cover across Census block groups, comprising race, ethnicity, income, and educational attainment characteristics. Right-of-way tree canopy cover was the most significant urban green space inequity identified in bivariate analysis (r_s = −0.73). Spatial autoregressive models identified that right-of-way, private, and overall tree canopy cover (Nagelkerke pseudo-R² = 0.66, 0.77, and 0.67, respectively) significantly decreased with the proportion of minoritized racial population and increased with median income. The results were then used to identify priority locations for specific urban green space investments. This research establishes a process to assess intra-urban green space inequities, as well as identify data-informed and spatially explicit planning priorities to promote health equity and environmental justice. Full article

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) have been the cornerstone of maritime navigation since their introduction. Knowledge and implementation of these rules are paramount in collision avoidance at sea. However, terms found in these rules are sometimes imprecise or fuzzy, as they are written by humans for humans, giving them some freedom in interpretation. The term Very Large Ship used in Rule 7 of the COLREGs is, by its nature, fuzzy. While human navigators understand this term’s meaning, it could be challenging for machines or autonomous ships to understand such an unprecise expression. Fuzzy sets could easily describe unprecise terms used in maritime navigation. A fuzzy set consists of elements with degrees of membership in a set, making them perfect for interpreting some terms where boundaries are unclear. This research was conducted among 220 navigational experts to describe linguistic variables used in maritime regulations. This research consists of an internationally distributed questionnaire. Membership data were collected with the adapted horizontal method, and the results were statistically analyzed, followed by regression analyses to describe the range and shape of membership functions. A conceptual model of the implementation of linguistic variables is presented. The novelty of this study derives from the data collecting, modeling, and quantification of the important but neglected linguistic term Very Large Ship based on a large number of navigational experts. The same quantification method could be easily used for other COLREGs linguistic variables, which could easily lift barriers to advances in intelligent solutions based on fuzzy sets. The obtained quantified fuzzy sets can be used in decision support or control systems used by conventional or autonomous ships in the future. Full article