Projects related to green aviation designed to achieve fuel savings and emission reductions are increasingly being established in response to growing concerns over climate change. Within the aviation industry, there is a growing trend towards the electrification of aircraft, with more-electric aircraft (MEA) and all-electric aircraft (AEA) being proposed. However, increasing electrification causes challenges with conventional thermal management system (TMS) and power management system (PMS) designs in aircraft. As a result, the integrated power and thermal management system (IPTMS) has been developed for energy-optimised aircraft projects. This review paper aims to review recent IPTMS progress and explore potential design solutions for civil aircraft. Firstly, the paper reviews the IPTMS in electrified propulsion aircraft (EPA), presenting the architectures and challenges of the propulsion systems, the TMS cooling strategies, and the power management optimisation. Then, several research topics in IPTMS are reviewed in detail: architecture design, power management optimisation, modelling, and analysis method development. Through the review of state-of-the-art IPTMS research, the challenges and future opportunities and requirements of IPTMS design are discussed. Based on the discussions, two potential solutions for IPTMS to address the challenges of civil EPA are proposed, including the combination of architecture design and power management optimisation and the combination of modelling and analysis methods. Full article

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are widely used biosurfactants produced mainly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia spp. in the form of mixtures of diverse congeners. The global transcriptional regulator gene irrE from radiation-tolerant extremophiles has been widely used as a stress-resistant element to construct robust producer strains and improve their production performance. A P_rhlA-irrE cassette was constructed to express irrE genes in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa YM4 of the rhamnolipids producer strain. We found that the expression of irrE of Deinococcus radiodurans in the YM4 strain not only enhanced rhamnolipid production and the strain’s tolerance to environmental stresses, but also changed the composition of the rhamnolipid products. The synthesized rhamnolipids reached a maximum titer of 26 g/L, about 17.9% higher than the original, at 48 h. The rhamnolipid production of the recombinant strain was determined to be mono-rhamnolipids congener Rha–C₁₀–C₁₂, accounting for 94.1% of total products. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the Rha–C₁₀–C₁₂ products was 62.5 mg/L and the air-water surface tension decreased to 25.5 mN/m. The Rha–C₁₀–C₁₂ products showed better emulsifying activity on diesel oil than the original products. This is the first report on the efficient production of the rare mono-rhamnolipids congener Rha–C₁₀–C₁₂ and the first report that the global regulator irrE can change the components of rhamnolipid products in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Full article

To improve the nitrogen removal and reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant, two sequential batch reactor devices were used to treat chemical wastewater with biocarriers in low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio conditions. The results showed that the addition of biocarriers to the anoxic tank reduced the average concentration of COD in the effluent from 98.1 mg/L to 80.7 mg/L and increased total nitrogen (TN) removal by 9.4%. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to study the composition and function of microbial community samples taken from anoxic sludge and anoxic-carrier biofilms in this wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in the two samples, ensuring their capability for organic matter removal. The anoxic-carrier biofilms were mainly enriched with denitrifying bacteria such as Thauera (10.7%) and Comammonas (2.2%) and the anammox bacteria Candidatus Kuenenia (0.03%). Meanwhile, the nitrogen metabolism pathway was elaborated and the abundance of the functional genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism pathway was quantified. In addition, results from qPCR showed increased copy numbers of denitrification and anammox genes in the anoxic-carrier biofilms compared to those in the anoxic sludge, further confirming the enrichment of functional bacteria. Full article

Large language models (LLMs) are a compressed repository of a vast corpus of valuable information on which they are trained. Therefore, this work hypothesizes that LLMs such as Llama, Orca, Falcon, and Mistral can be used for misinformation detection by making them cross-check new information with the repository on which they are trained. Accordingly, this paper describes the findings from the investigation of the abilities of LLMs in detecting misinformation on multiple datasets. The results are interpreted using explainable AI techniques such as Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), and Integrated Gradients. The LLMs themselves are also asked to explain their classification. These complementary approaches aid in better understanding the inner workings of misinformation detection using LLMs and lead to conclusions about their effectiveness at the task. The methodology is generic and nothing specific is assumed for any of the LLMs, so the conclusions apply generally. Primarily, when it comes to misinformation detection, the experiments show that the LLMs are limited by the data on which they are trained. Full article

Pre-flight inspection and maintenance are essential prerequisites for aviation safety. This study focused on developing a real-time monitoring system designed to assess the condition of composite material structures on the exterior of aircraft. Implementing such a system can reduce operational costs, enhance flight safety, and increase aircraft availability. This study aims to detect defects in aircraft fuselages manufactured from composite materials by applying image visual recognition technology. This study integrated a drone and an infrared camera for real-time image transmission to ground stations. MATLAB image analysis software (MATLAB 2020b) was used to analyze infrared (IR) images and detect structural defects in the aircraft’s appearance. This methodology was based on the inspection of damaged engine cowlings. The developed approach compares composite material conditions with known defects before and after repair, considering mechanical performance, defect size, and strength. Simultaneously, tests were conducted on various composite material panels with unknown defects, yielding favorable results. This study underscores an integrated system offering rapid detection, real-time feedback, and analysis, effectively reducing time, and potential hazards associated with high-altitude operations. Furthermore, it addresses blind spots in aircraft inspections, contributing to effective flight safety maintenance. Full article

Background: Resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTI) are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Patients suffering from such UTIs are often elderly, with complex medical backgrounds, and require prolonged hospital stays due to the frequent need for intravenous antibiotics. The alternative hospital-at-home (HAH) option for such patients should, therefore, be explored. Methods. We present our experience in the treatment of patients with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) infections treated through our HAH service. Results: Eleven such patients were included in our HAH service between February 2022 and December 2023 (median age: 79 years; 64% females; 57% had diabetes mellitus in their background). Of these patients, 27.2% had urinary instrumentations and 81.8% had a history of previous UTIs, of which 77.7% had resistant bacteria. The most common pathogen (7 out of 9 patients) was Escherichia coli. All eleven pathogens were resistant to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. The mean length of hospitalization was 5 ± 2 days. Eight patients (72.7%) did not experience recurrent UTIs. Only two patients (18.2%) experienced acute kidney injury, which resolved during their HAH stay. Two patients died during a 30-day follow up from causes unrelated to their UTI. Conclusions: Treatment of patients presenting with urinary tract infections with resistant ESBL pathogens in the setting of a telemedicine-assisted, hospital-at-home setting is both effective and safe. Full article

An approach is demonstrated for the generation of swellable core–shell particles in the sub-millimeter range using a one-step microfluidic method. Particles are made of an agarose gel core and a shell consisting of hydrogel based on crosslinked poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). Solidification of the core was achieved by cooling below the sol–gel temperature, while the shell was cured by photoinitiated co-polymerization. The shell of the particles is reversibly thermoresponsive; it contracts upon heating, releasing water, and becomes hydrophobic. The transition temperature as well as the stability of the particles are mainly affected by the shell monomer composition, while they are less affected by the type of the core material. Such composite particles remain swellable after drying. Full article

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a prevalent and growing global health concern, especially within operational medicine, with limited therapeutic options available. This review article explores the emerging field of in vitro otic organoids as a promising platform for modeling hearing loss and developing novel therapeutic strategies. SNHL primarily results from the irreversible loss or dysfunction of cochlear mechanosensory hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Current interventions offer symptomatic relief but do not address the root causes. Otic organoids, three-dimensional multicellular constructs that mimic the inner ear’s architecture, have shown immense potential in several critical areas. They enable the testing of gene therapies, drug discovery for sensory cell regeneration, and the study of inner ear development and pathology. Unlike traditional animal models, otic organoids closely replicate human inner ear pathophysiology, making them invaluable for translational research. This review discusses methodological advances in otic organoid generation, emphasizing the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to replicate inner ear development. Cellular and molecular characterization efforts have identified key markers and pathways essential for otic organoid development, shedding light on their potential in modeling inner ear disorders. Technological innovations, such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics, have further enhanced the fidelity of these models. Despite challenges and limitations, including the need for standardized protocols and ethical considerations, otic organoids offer a transformative approach to understanding and treating auditory dysfunctions. As this field matures, it holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for hearing and balance disorders, moving us closer to personalized medicine for inner ear conditions. Full article

Agavins are reserve carbohydrates found in agave plants; they present texture-modifying properties and prebiotic capacity by increasing the viability of the intestinal microbiota. Through its hydrolysis, agave syrup (AS) can be obtained and can be used as a sweetener in food matrices. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the variation in the content of agavins and AS on the physical, structural, and viability properties of Saccharomyces boulardii encapsulates incorporated into gelatin gummies. An RSM was used to obtain an optimized formulation of gelatin gummies. The properties of the gel in the gummy were characterized by a texture profile analysis and Aw. The humidity and sugar content were determined. A sucrose gummy was used as a control for the variable ranges. Alginate microcapsules containing S. boulardii were added to the optimized gummy formulation to obtain a synbiotic gummy. The viability of S. boulardii and changes in the structure of the alginate gel of the microcapsules in the synbiotic gummy were evaluated for 24 days by image digital analysis (IDA). The agavins and agave syrup significantly affected the texture properties (<1 N) and the Aw (>0.85). The IDA showed a change in the gel network and an increase in viability by confocal microscopy from day 18. The number of pores in the gel increased, but their size decreased with an increase in the number of S. boulardii cells. Agavins and cells alter the structure of capsules in gummies without affecting their viability. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is marked by impaired skin barrier function and persistent pruritus. It significantly deteriorates patients’ quality of life, making it one of the most burdensome non-lethal skin disorders. Filaggrin plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of barrier disruption in AD, interacting with inflammatory mediators. It is an integral part of the extracellular matrix architecture, serving to protect the skin barrier and attenuate the inflammatory cascade. In this study, we engineered a novel recombinant human filaggrin (rhFLA-10) expression vector, which was subsequently synthesized and purified. In vitro and ex vivo efficacy experiments were conducted for AD. rhFLA-10, at low concentrations (5 to 20 μg/mL), was non-toxic to HACaT cells, significantly inhibited the degranulation of P815 mast cells, and was readily absorbed by cells, thereby exerting a soothing therapeutic effect. Furthermore, rhFLA-10 demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties (p < 0.05). In vivo, efficacy experiments further substantiated that rhFLA-10 could effectively ameliorate AD in mice and facilitate the repair of damaged skin (p < 0.001). These findings underscore the considerable potential of rhFLA-10 in the treatment of AD. Full article

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in mediating material transformation and nutrient cycling. However, little attention has been paid to the relationships between microbial communities and altitude and lithology in karst regions. Sophora japonica cv. Jinhuai is an officinal plant cultivated in karst areas, and there is a correlation between the dynamics of microbial community and ecological factors. This study examined the diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere of S. japonica under different lithologies and altitudes in karst regions of northern Guangxi, China using high-throughput sequencing technology. It was found that the bacterial community consisted of 37 phyla, including Proteobacteria. The fungal community mainly comprised 15 phyla, including Ascomycota. The fungal Shannon and Chao1 indices increased with altitude, while the bacterial Shannon index decreased. The fungal Shannon indices in limestone soil were higher than those in dolomite. The soil’s microbial Shannon and Chao1 indices were positively affected by pH, while the available phosphorus and potassium had the opposite effect. Research shows that altitude, lithology, pH, and available phosphorus were the crucial factors influencing the rhizosphere soil microbial community. This study provides references for understanding the relationship between plants and microorganisms and the microbial distribution strategy of rocky desertification habitats in the future. Full article

Carrots (Daucus carota L.), a globally significant vegetable, lack extensive research on heterotic groups and diallel analysis to generate hybrid combinations. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess combining abilities and identify optimal carrot parents for producing hybrids suitable for tropical climates with elevated metabolite levels. Twenty carrot hybrids, ten parent plants, and three commercial cultivars were evaluated during the summers of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. Agronomic evaluations were carried out and chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were determined, followed by a diallel analysis using Griffing’s Method III and GGE biplot analysis. There were significant general combining ability (GCA) effects for various agronomic traits, suggesting additive genetic effects. Based on GCA, cultivars 5, 4, and 2 were the most promising parents. Specific combining ability (SCA) revealed that hybrids 1 × 2 and 3 × 5 stood out in environment 1, whereas hybrids 1 × 5 and 5 × 3 performed well in environment 2. The GGE biplot analysis showed that hybrids 1 × 2 and 3 × 2 displayed larger average root diameters, belonged to the group with the best bolting percentages, and exhibited stability across environments. Moreover, hybrids 2 × 4, 3 × 1, 4 × 1, and 4 × 2 exhibited higher metabolite levels. These findings suggest the feasibility of obtaining superior hybrids tailored for the tropical carrot market. Full article

Brain tissue segmentation plays a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of brain diseases. Accurately identifying these boundaries is essential for improving segmentation accuracy. However, distinguishing boundaries between different brain tissues can be challenging, as they often overlap. Existing deep learning methods primarily calculate the overall segmentation results without adequately addressing local regions, leading to error propagation and mis-segmentation along boundaries. In this study, we propose a novel mis-segmentation-focused loss function based on a two-stage nnU-Net framework. Our approach aims to enhance the model’s ability to handle ambiguous boundaries and overlapping anatomical structures, thereby achieving more accurate brain tissue segmentation results. Specifically, the first stage targets the identification of mis-segmentation regions using a global loss function, while the second stage involves defining a mis-segmentation loss function to adaptively adjust the model, thus improving its capability to handle ambiguous boundaries and overlapping anatomical structures. Experimental evaluations on two datasets demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms existing approaches both quantitatively and qualitatively. Full article

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), also known as microsatellites, stand out as the most crucial molecular markers in both animals and plants owing to their high polymorphism, extensive information content, ease of detection through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and widespread distribution across the genome. In this study, a total of 125,443 SSR loci were identified from the whole-genome sequence of B. oleracea, and 82,948 primer pairs for SSR have been designed. Furthermore, each primer pair is designated with a unique identifier (ranging from BolSSR00001 to BolSSR82984). Our findings indicated that certain markers within them could be transferred to other cruciferous crops. In addition, a total of 336 pairs of SSR primers have been used to screen the polymorphism between the bolting-resistant and bolting-easy gene pools. After the test of verification with F₂ generation individual plants, we obtained an SSR dominant marker, BolSSR040196, linked with bolting-resistant locus in cabbage, and the genetic distance between this SSR marker and the bolting-resistant locus was 10.69 cM. Moreover, BolSSR040196 is located on the C05 chromosome with a CT motif, characterized by a repeat of 9 in bolting-easy plants and 11 in bolting-resistant plants. Haplotype analysis showed that the correct prediction rate reached 82.35%. The BolSSR040196 marker can be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding, offering a straightforward and efficient approach for bolting-resistant cabbage breeding in the future. Full article

This research highlights the importance of addressing bioplastic contamination in recycling processes to ensure the quality of recycled material and move towards a more sustainable circular economy. Polyethylene (PE) is a conventional plastic commonly used in packaging for which large amounts of waste are produced; therefore, PE is generally recycled and has an established recycling process. However, the contamination of biodegradable polymers in the PE waste stream could impact recycling. This study, therefore, focuses on polyethylene (PE) that has been polluted with a commercial thermoplastic starch polymer (TPS), as both materials are used to produce plastic films and bags, so cross-contamination is very likely to occur in waste separation. To achieve this, recycled PE was blended with small quantities of the commercial TPS and processed through melt extrusion and injection molding, and it was further characterized. The results indicate that the PE-TPS blend lacks miscibility, evidenced by deteriorated microstructure and mechanical properties. In addition, the presence of the commercial TPS affects the thermal stability, oxidation, and color of the recycled PE. Full article

The creation of polymer composite materials by compositing fillers into polymer materials is an effective method of improving the properties of polymer materials, and the development of new fillers and their novel composite methods is expected to lead to the creation of new polymer composite materials. In this study, we develop a new filler material made of low-molecular-weight gelators by applying a gelation process that simultaneously performs the swelling (gelation) of crosslinked polymer materials and the self-assembly of low-molecular-weight gelators into low-dimensional crystals in organic solvents within polymer materials. The gelation process of crosslinking rubber-based polymers using alkylhydrazides/toluene as the low-molecular-weight gelator allowed us to composite self-assembled sheet-like crystals of alkylhydrazides as fillers in polymeric materials, as suggested by various microscopic observations, including infrared absorption measurements, small-angle X-ray diffraction measurements and thermal analysis, microscopy, and infrared absorption measurements. Furthermore, tensile tests of the composite materials demonstrated that the presence of fillers improved both the Young’s modulus and the tensile strength, as well as the elongation at yield. Additionally, heat treatment was shown to facilitate filler dispersion and enhance the mechanical properties. The findings demonstrate the potential of self-assembled sheet-like crystals of low-molecular-weight gelators as novel filler materials for polymers. The study’s composite method utilizing gelators via gelation proved effective. Full article

White crowberries (Corema album) are a fruit from an endemic shrub found in Southern European Atlantic costal dunes. Although this shrub and its fruits never became a formal commercial crop for a number of reasons, it has a long-lasting relevance and tradition, much associated with summer, beach and holidays. The main goal of this study was to conduct a thematic analysis of the words and small expressions people associate with white crowberries. For that, a questionnaire was used, and the participants were asked to indicate in an open-ended question which top-of-mind words/small expressions they associate with white crowberries. A total of 501 people participated in this study, of which only 394 knew about white crowberries, and from those, only 229 answered the open-ended question of interest to this purpose. The results showed that the words/small expressions given by the participants were distributed between five categories (1—Memories of places, people and times, 2—Emotions and experiences, 3—Sensorial perception, 4—Properties and uses, and 5—Natural resources’ valuation). Additionally, 18 subcategories were also identified. The most representative of the categories was sensorial perception and the most relevant of the subcategories was habitats (a subcategory from category 1). The most frequent words mentioned by the participants were beach, berry and summer. In addition, the effect of sociodemographic groups was investigated and some variations were observed in the categories of the words mentioned by the participants according to sex, living environment or region. This work allowed for the identification of a high variability in the words or expressions that account for a rich patrimony of tacit knowledge, memories, emotions and perceptions of the population towards white crowberries, thus confirming their social as well as nutritional relevance. Full article

An experimental study is presented on the possibility of using the fluorescence from organic dyes as a broadband light source together with a monochromator for applications in excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. A high-power single-chip light-emitting diode (LED) was chosen as an excitation source with a central output wavelength at 365 nm to excite a fluorescent solution of Coumarin 1 dye dissolved in ethanol. Two excitation configurations were investigated: direct excitation from the LED and excitation through an optical-fiber-coupled LED. A Czerny–Turner monochromator with a diffraction grating was used for the spectral tuning of the fluorescence. A simple method was investigated for increasing the efficiency of the excitation as well as the fluorescence signal collection by using a diffuse reflector composed of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). As research objects, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), Coumarin 6 dye, and Perylene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), were used. The results showed that the light-emitting-diode-induced fluorescence was sufficient to cover the losses on the optical path to the monochromator output, where a detectable signal could be obtained. The obtained results reveal the practical possibility of applying the fluorescence from dyes as a light source for food system analysis by EEM fluorescence spectroscopy. Full article

This study focused on developing a Pickering emulsion fresh-keeping paper that contained clove essential oil (CEO). Cherry tomatoes served as the test material for assessing the preservative efficacy of fresh-keeping paper. The results showed that Pickering emulsion had strong stability. Additionally, the fresh-keeping paper had a good antioxidant activity and sustained-release effect on CEO. In terms of the preservation effect, 0.75 wt% CEO Pickering emulsion paper reduced the decay incidence and weight loss of cherry tomatoes during 12-day storage. Fresh-keeping paper could also play a positive role in protecting the sensory index and color difference of tomatoes. It slowed the decline rate of soluble solid concentration (SSC) and titrable acid (TA). The vitamin C (Vc) and hardness of preserved tomatoes using fresh-keeping paper were maintained at a high level. The paper also inhibited the growth of microorganisms significantly. Therefore, 0.75 wt% CEO Pickering emulsion fresh-keeping paper displayed considerable potential for application in the preservation of postharvest fruits and vegetables. It is a novel fruit and vegetable preservation material worthy of development. Full article

This paper introduces a refractive index sensor based on Fano resonance, utilizing a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide structure with an Anchor-like cavity. This study utilizes the finite element method (FEM) for analyzing the propagation characteristics of the structure. The evaluation concentrated on assessing how the refractive index and the structure’s geometric parameters affect its sensing characteristics. The designed structure demonstrates optimum performance, achieving a maximum sensitivity of 2440 nm/RIU and an FOM of 63. Given its high sensitivity, this nanoscale refractive index sensor is ideal for detecting hemoglobin concentrations in blood, and the sensor’s sensitivity is 0.6 nm·g/L, aiding in clinical prevention and treatment. Full article

The marijuana legalization trend in the U.S. will likely lead to increased use by younger adults during gestation and postpartum. The current study examined the hypothesis that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) would disrupt voluntary maternal care behaviors and negatively impact offspring development. Rat dams were gavaged with 0, 2, 5, or 10 mg/kg THC from the 1st day of gestation through the 21st postnatal day. Somatic growth and developmental milestones were measured in the offspring, and maternal pup retrieval tests were conducted on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5. THC did not affect body growth but produced transient delays in the righting reflex and eye opening in offspring. However, there was significant pup mortality due to impaired maternal care. Dams in all THC groups took significantly longer to retrieve their pups to the nest and often failed to retrieve any pups. Serum levels of THC and metabolites measured at this time were comparable to those in breastfeeding women who are chronic users. Benchmark doses associated with a 10% reduction of pup retrieval or increased pup mortality were 0.383 (BMDL 0.228) and 0.794 (BMDL 0.442) mg/kg THC, respectively. The current findings indicate that maternal care is an important and heretofore overlooked index of THC behavioral toxicity and should be included in future assessments of THC’s health risks. Full article

Spray-drying is a commonly used method for producing powdered flavors, but the high temperatures involved often result in the loss of volatile molecules. To address this issue, our study focused on a novel approach: developing O/W Pickering emulsions with agri-food byproducts to encapsulate and protect D-limonene during spray-drying and storage. Emulsions formulated with lupin hull, lupin byproduct (a water-insoluble protein–fiber byproduct derived from the production of lupin protein isolate), and camelina press-cake were subjected to spray-drying at 160 °C. The results revealed that these emulsions exhibited good stability against creaming. The characteristics of the dry emulsions (powders) were influenced by the concentration of byproducts. Quantitative analysis revealed that Pickering emulsions enhanced the retention of D-limonene during spray-drying, with the highest retention achieved using 3% lupin hull and 1% camelina press-cake. Notably, lupin-stabilized emulsions yielded powders with enhanced oxidative stability compared to those stabilized with camelina press-cake. Our findings highlight the potential of food-grade Pickering emulsions to improve the stability of volatile flavors during both processing and storage. Full article