Bioaerosols and pathogens in indoor workplaces and residential environments are the primary culprits of several infections. Techniques for sanitizing air and surfaces typically involve the use of UV rays or chemical sanitizers, which may release chemical residues harmful to human health. Essential oils, natural substances derived from plants, which exhibit broad antimicrobial properties, could be a viable alternative for air and surface sanitation. The objective of this study has been to investigate the efficacy of thyme essential oil (TEO) in environmental sanitation processes. In Vitro assays through agar well diffusion, disk volatilization and tube dilution methods revealed significant antimicrobial activity of TEO 100% against foodborne and environmental isolates, with both bacteriostatic/fungistatic and bactericidal/fungicidal effects. Therefore, aqueous solutions of TEO 2.5% and 5% were formulated for air sanitation through nebulization and surface disinfection via direct contact. Bioaerosol samples and surface swabs were analyzed before and after sanitation, demonstrating the efficacy of aqueous solutions of TEO in reducing mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria and environmental fungi levels in both air and on surfaces. The obtained results prove the antimicrobial potential of aqueous solutions of TEO in improving indoor air quality and surface cleanliness, suggesting thyme essential oil as an effective and safe natural sanitizer with minimal environmental impact compared to dangerous chemical disinfectants. Full article

Entanglement in commercial fishing gear is one of the main factors inhibiting the recovery of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Installing low-breaking-strength (LBS) components in the buoy lines and main lines of stationary fishing gear may be a viable solution for some fisheries. But is it an effective solution for deep-water trap fisheries? This study quantified in-line rope tensions observed during fishing operations for snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We conducted a controlled fishing experiment in which we documented the loads experienced while hauling fleets of traps. The results showed that several factors contributed to the loads observed, including the components of the traps, the presence of crabs, and environmental conditions such as wind direction and wave height. According to the statistical models, the maximum tension from the estimated marginal means was 477.53 kgf in the buoy line and 987.99 kgf in the main line for the baited hauls, which exceeds the safe working load (154 kgf) of the proposed low-breaking-strength components. Our results suggest that LBS components are not a viable solution for this deep-water fishery. Full article

The greater yam (Dioscorea alata), a widely cultivated and nutritious food crop, suffers from widespread yield reduction due to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Latent infection often occurs before anthracnose phenotypes can be detected, making early prevention difficult and causing significant harm to agricultural production. Through comparative genomic analysis of 60 genomes of 38 species from the Colletotrichum genus, this study identified 17 orthologous gene groups (orthogroups) that were shared by all investigated C. gloeosporioides strains but absent from all other Colletotrichum species. Four of the 17 C. gloeosporioides-specific orthogroups were used as molecular markers for PCR primer designation and C. gloeosporioides detection. All of them can specifically detect C. gloeosporioides out of microbes within and beyond the Colletotrichum genus with different sensitivities. To establish a rapid, portable, and operable anthracnose diagnostic method suitable for field use, specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) primer probe combinations were designed, and a lateral flow (LF)-RPA detection kit for C. gloeosporioides was developed, with the sensitivity reaching the picogram (pg) level. In conclusion, this study identified C. gloeosporioides-specific molecular markers and developed an efficient method for C. gloeosporioides detection, which can be applied to the prevention and control of yam anthracnose as well as anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides in other crops. The strategy adopted by this study also serves as a reference for the identification of molecular markers and diagnosis of other plant pathogens. Full article

Spirulina protein (SP) is recognized as a nutritious edible microbial protein and holds potential as a natural emulsifier. Due to the inherent challenges SP faces in stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), ultrasonic techniques were utilized for modification. Noticeable alterations in the structural and functional properties of SP were observed following ultrasonic treatment at various power levels (0, 100, 300, and 500 W). Ultrasound treatment disrupted non-covalent interactions within the protein polymer structure, leading to the unfolding of molecular structures and the exposure of hydrophobic groups. Importantly, the particle size of SP was reduced the most at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, and the three-phase contact angle reached its peak at 84.3°. The HIPEs stabilized by SP modified with 300 W ultrasonication have high apparent viscosity and modulus values and strong storage stability under different environmental conditions. Additionally, the encapsulation of curcumin in HIPEs led to improved retention of curcumin across various settings. The bioavailability increased to 35.36, which is 2.8 times higher than the pure oil. These findings suggest that ultrasound-modified SP is a promising emulsifier for HIPEs, and is expected to encapsulate hydrophobic nutrients such as curcumin more effectively. Full article

This project aimed to explore the influence of the interaction between ovotransferrin fibrils (OTF) and gum arabic (GA) on the formation mechanism, physicochemical properties, and curcumin delivery of the oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy results showed that OTF—GA complexes effectively adsorbed on the oil–water interface, generating spatial hindrance to inhibit droplet coalescence. The texture analysis also proved that OTF—GA complexes endowed oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion with preferable springiness (0.49 ± 0.03 mm), chewiness (0.43 ± 0.07 mJ), and adhesion (0.31 ± 0.01 mJ). By exploring the coalescence stability, droplet size, and rheological properties of OTF—GA complexes–stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OGPE), the higher coagulation stability, larger average droplet size (46.22 ± 0.08 μm), and stronger gel strength were observed. The microrheological results also exhibited stronger attraction between the OGPE droplets, a more pronounced solid-like structure, and a slower speed of movement than OTF-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OPE). Meanwhile, OGPE significantly enhanced the extent of lipolysis, stability, and bioaccessibility of curcumin, suggesting that it possessed superior performance as a delivery system for bioactive substances. This project provided adequate theoretical references for protein–polysaccharide complexes–stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion, and contributed to expanding the application of oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion in the food industry. Full article

After two phases of on-site construction and testing (2010–2013 and 2013–2017), the Shanghai Tianma Radio Telescope (TMRT) can work well, with efficiencies better than 50% from 1.3 to 50.0 GHz, mainly benefiting from its low-noise cryogenic receivers and active surface system. Pulsars were chosen as important targets of research at the TMRT because of their important scientific and applied values. To meet the demands of pulsar-related observations, TMRT is equipped with some necessary backends, including a digital backend system (DIBAS) supporting normal pulsar observation modes, a real-time fast-radio-burst-monitoring backend, and baseband backends for very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. Utilizing its high sensitivity and simultaneous dual-frequency observation capacity, a sequence of pulsar research endeavors has been undertaken, such as long-term pulsar timing, magnetar monitoring, multi-frequency (or high-frequency) observations, interstellar scintillation, pulsar VLBI, etc. In this paper, we give a short introduction about pulsar observation systems at the TMRT and briefly review the results obtained by these pulsar research projects. Full article

This work presents a configurable Internet of Things architecture for acoustical sensing and analysis for frequent remote respiratory assessments. The proposed system creates a foundation for enabling real-time therapy and patient feedback adjustment in a telemedicine setting. By allowing continuous remote respiratory monitoring, the system has the potential to give clinicians access to assessments from which they could make decisions about modifying therapy in real-time and communicate changes directly to patients. The system comprises a wearable wireless microphone array interfaced with a programmable microcontroller with embedded signal conditioning. Experiments on the phantom model were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of reconstructing acoustic lung images for detecting obstructions in the airway and provided controlled validation of noise resilience and imaging capabilities. An optimized denoising technique and design innovations provided 7 dB more SNR and 7% more imaging accuracy for the proposed system, benchmarked against digital stethoscopes. While further clinical studies are warranted, initial results suggest potential benefits over single-point digital stethoscopes for internet-enabled remote lung monitoring needing noise immunity and regional specificity. The flexible architecture aims to bridge critical technical gaps in frequent and connected respiratory function at home or in busy clinical settings challenged by ambient noise interference. Full article

Subspace predictive control (SPC) is a widely recognized data-driven methodology known for its reliability and convenience. However, effectively applying SPC to complex industrial process systems remains a challenging endeavor. To address this, this paper introduces a nonlinear subspace predictive control approach based on locally weighted projection regression (NSPC-LWPR). By projecting the input space into localized regions, constructing precise local models, and aggregating them through weighted summation, this approach handles the nonlinearity effectively. Additionally, it dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on online process data and model parameters, while eliminating the need for offline process data storage, greatly enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of the approach. The parameter determination criteria and theoretical analysis encompassing feasibility and stability assessments provide a robust foundation for the proposed approach. To illustrate its efficacy and feasibility, the proposed approach is applied to a continuous stirred tank heater (CSTH) benchmark system. Comparative results highlight its superiority over SPC and adaptive subspace predictive control (ASPC) methods, evident in enhanced tracking precision and predictive accuracy. Overall, the proposed NSPC-LWPR approach presents a promising solution for nonlinear control challenges in industrial process systems. Full article

Solar wind is known to have different properties depending on its origin at the Sun. In addition to the differences in plasma and magnetic field parameters, these streams differ due to the properties of turbulent fluctuations involved in the flow. The present study addresses the changes in the turbulence properties in the magnetosheath—the transition region in front of the magnetosphere. This study is based on statistics from the simultaneous measurements of magnetic field fluctuations in the solar wind and in the magnetosheath. Both the dayside and flank magnetosheath regions are focused on to detect the evolution of the turbulent fluctuations during their flow around the magnetosphere. Turbulent cascade is shown to save its properties for fast solar wind streams. Conditions favorable for the preservation of the turbulence properties at the bow shock may correspond to the increased geoefficiency of large-scale solar wind structures. Full article

Addressing challenges regarding Hybrid Optoelectronic Network-on-Chip systems, such as congestion control, their limited adaptability, and their inability to facilitate optoelectronic co-simulation, this study introduces an adaptive hybrid optoelectronic interconnection shunt structure tailored for reconfigurable array processors. Within this framework, an adaptive shunt routing algorithm and a low-loss non-blocking five-port optical router are developed. Furthermore, an adaptive hybrid optoelectronic interconnection simulation model and a performance statistical model, established using SystemVerilog and Verilog, complement these designs. The experimental results showcase promising enhancements: the designed routing algorithm demonstrates an average 17.5% improvement in mitigating congestion at network edge nodes; substantial reductions in the required number of cross waveguides and micro-ring resonators for optical routers lead to an average path insertion loss of only 0.522 dB. Moreover, the hybrid optoelectronic interconnection performance statistical model supports the design of routing strategies and topology structures, enabling resource usage, power consumption, insertion loss, and other performance metrics to be accurately assessed. Full article

The limits of chip technology are constantly being pushed with the continuous development of integrated circuit manufacturing processes and equipment. Currently, chips contain several billion, and even tens of billions, of transistors, making chip testing increasingly challenging. The verification of very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) requires testing on specialized automatic test equipment (ATE), but their cost and size significantly limit their applicability. The current FPGA-based ATE is limited in its scalability and support for few test channels and short test vector lengths. As a result, it is only suitable for testing specific chips in small-scale circuits and cannot be used to test VLSI. This paper proposes a low-cost hardware and software solution for testing digital integrated circuits based on design for testability (DFT) on chips, which enables the functional and performance test of the chip. The solution proposed can effectively use the resources within the FPGA to provide additional test channels. Furthermore, the round-robin data transmission mode can also support test vectors of any length and it can satisfy different types of chip test projects through the dynamic configuration of each test channel. The experiment successfully tested a digital signal processor (DSP) chip with 72 scan test pins (theoretically supporting 160 test pins). Compared to our previous work, the work in this paper increases the number of test channels by four times while reducing resource utilization per channel by 37.5%, demonstrating good scalability and versatility. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between dietary habits and metabolic health among women, emphasizing the role of anthropometric parameters as proxies for insulin resistance. We analyzed data from 443 women categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of clinically diagnosed insulin resistance. Our assessments included dietary quality, socio-demographic characteristics, and a series of anthropometric measurements such as body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI). The results indicated significant disparities in these parameters, with the insulin-resistant group exhibiting higher average body weight (78.92 kg vs. 65.04 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (28.45 kg/m² vs. 23.17 kg/m², p < 0.001), and other related measures, suggesting a strong influence of dietary patterns on body composition and metabolic risk. The study underscores the importance of dietary management in addressing insulin resistance, advocating for personalized dietary strategies to improve metabolic health outcomes in women. This approach highlights the need for integrating dietary changes with lifestyle modifications and socio-demographic considerations to combat metabolic risks effectively. Full article

Crassostrea hongkongensis is an economically important bivalve found in various parts of the South China Sea. A new interspecific backcross ([(Crassostrea hongkongensis ♀ × C. gigas ♂) ♂ × C. hongkongensis ♀]) variety was bred by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology which named “South China No. 1”. This study aims to explore the effects of stocking density on the growth performance of “South China No. 1”, compared their growth performance and genetic diversity to C. hongkongensis, and found the best place breeding site for “South China No. 1” in Beibu Gulf. The results showed that stocking a density of 20 oysters/substrate can significantly increase the shell height, shell width, total weight, survival rate, daily shell height gain and daily body mass gain. It was found that the shell height and total weight of “South China No. 1” cultured in Fangchenggang were significantly higher than that of those in Beihai and Qinzhou from September 2018 to November 2018. Similarly, the shell width of oysters in Fangchenggang and Qinzhou was also significantly higher in September 2018, and the interaction between site and stocking density had significant effects on the shell width in March 2018 and November 2018. In addition, the shell height and shell width of “South China No. 1” were significantly higher than that of C. hongkongensis in all three sites. At all three sites, the phytoplankton community structure was mostly dominated by Bacillariophyta. In the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test, for the seven populations and ten microsatellites, in 10 of the 70 groups, the segregation distortion was significant. These results suggest that a stocking density of 20 oysters/substrate can promote the shell height, shell width and total weight of “South China No. 1” in Beibu Gulf, China. “South China No. 1” has better growth performance compared with C. hongkongensis. Fangchenggang is a suitable place to cultivate the “South China No. 1” breed according to the total weight and sum of all algal genus abundances. The results of this study can be used as a reference to further understand the stocking density and genetic diversity of the “South China No. 1” breed in Beibu Gulf, China. Full article

The Cannabis species is one of the potent ancient medicinal plants acclaimed for its medicinal properties and recreational purposes. The plant parts are used and exploited all over the world for several agricultural and industrial applications. For many years Cannabis spp. has proven to present a highly diverse metabolomic profile with a pool of bioactive metabolites used for numerous pharmacological purposes ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial. Cannabis sativa has since been an extensive subject of investigation, monopolizing the research. Hence, there are fewer studies with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of bioactive metabolites grown in different environmental conditions, especially C. indica and a few other Cannabis strains. These pharmacological properties are mostly attributed to a few phytocannabinoids and some phytochemicals such as terpenoids or essential oils which have been tested for antimicrobial properties. Many other discovered compounds are yet to be tested for antimicrobial properties. These phytochemicals have a series of useful properties including anti-insecticidal, anti-acaricidal, anti-nematicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Research studies have reported excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although there has been an extensive investigation on the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis, the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis on phytopathogens and aquatic animal pathogens, mostly those affecting fish, remain under-researched. Therefore, the current review intends to investigate the existing body of research on metabolomic profile and anti-microbial properties whilst trying to expand the scope of the properties of the Cannabis plant to benefit the health of other animal species and plant crops, particularly in agriculture. Full article

Connexins (Cxs) are a family of integral membrane proteins, which function as both hexameric hemichannels (HCs) and dodecameric gap junction channels (GJCs), behaving as conduits for the electrical and molecular communication between cells and between cells and the extracellular environment, respectively. Their proper functioning is crucial for many processes, including development, physiology, and response to disease and trauma. Abnormal GJC and HC communication can lead to numerous pathological states including inflammation, skin diseases, deafness, nervous system disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias. Over the last 15 years, high-resolution X-ray and electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) structures for seven Cx isoforms have revealed conservation in the four-helix transmembrane (TM) bundle of each subunit; an αβ fold in the disulfide-bonded extracellular loops and inter-subunit hydrogen bonding across the extracellular gap that mediates end-to-end docking to form a tight seal between hexamers in the GJC. Tissue injury is associated with cellular Ca²⁺ overload. Surprisingly, the binding of 12 Ca²⁺ ions in the Cx26 GJC results in a novel electrostatic gating mechanism that blocks cation permeation. In contrast, acidic pH during tissue injury elicits association of the N-terminal (NT) domains that sterically blocks the pore in a “ball-and-chain” fashion. The NT domains under physiologic conditions display multiple conformational states, stabilized by protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions, which may relate to gating mechanisms. The cryoEM maps also revealed putative lipid densities within the pore, intercalated among transmembrane α-helices and between protomers, the functions of which are unknown. For the future, time-resolved cryoEM of isolated Cx channels as well as cryotomography of GJCs and HCs in cells and tissues will yield a deeper insight into the mechanisms for channel regulation. The cytoplasmic loop (CL) and C-terminal (CT) domains are divergent in sequence and length, are likely involved in channel regulation, but are not visualized in the high-resolution X-ray and cryoEM maps presumably due to conformational flexibility. We expect that the integrated use of synergistic physicochemical, spectroscopic, biophysical, and computational methods will reveal conformational dynamics relevant to functional states. We anticipate that such a wealth of results under different pathologic conditions will accelerate drug discovery related to Cx channel modulation. Full article

Background: This study aimed to compare keratometry and anterior chamber depth (ACD) changes after XEN implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) cases over a 3-month follow-up period. Methods: Twenty patients with POAG who underwent XEN63 implantation, either standalone or combined with cataract surgery, were included. Preoperative data, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, gonioscopy, ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation, and axial length, were collected. Corneal topography and ACD measurements were assessed preoperatively and at postoperative days 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90. Each patient’s eye that underwent XEN surgery was included in the study group, with the fellow eye serving as a control. Results: In the study group, there was a significant decrease in IOP after XEN stent implantation at all investigated time intervals (p < 0.05). However, changes in mean ACD did not show statistically significant differences at any follow-up examination in both the study and control groups. Additionally, keratometry readings revealed no significant changes in total astigmatism or steep keratometry values in either group. Conclusions: XEN implantation in POAG cases resulted in a significant decrease in IOP over the 3-month follow-up period. However, there were no significant changes observed in mean ACD or keratometry readings, indicating stability in these parameters post-XEN implantation. These findings suggest that XEN implantation may be an effective option for IOP reduction without affecting corneal curvature or ACD in POAG patients. Full article

Background: This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the cutoff values (COVs) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using a three-dimensional (3D) pelvic model reconstructed using computed tomography (CT). We included 107 healthy Japanese participants and 73 patients who had undergone curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO) for DDH between 2012 and 2017. Methods: The hip CT images were adjusted to the anterior pelvic plane (APP), functional pelvic plane (FPP), sagittal anterior center-edge angle (ACEA), and sagittal posterior center-edge angle (PCEA). The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), acetabular roof obliquity (ARO), anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), and posterior acetabular sector angle (PASA) were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the COVs, and the association between the parameters was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The ARO (≥10.2°) and LCEA (≤22.2°) were independent influencing factors for the APP, whereas the AASA (≤53.1°) and LCEA (≤24.5°) were independent influencing factors for the FPP. Conclusions: The 3D criteria for the diagnosis of DDH in Japanese individuals can identify DDH with insufficient anterior coverage, which anteroposterior plain radiographs cannot visualize, and can help determine indications for acetabular osteotomy. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, poses significant challenges in perioperative management due to its complexity and multifactorial nature. With a global prevalence of approximately 22.6%, OSA often remains undiagnosed, and increases the risk of cardiac and respiratory postoperative complications. Preoperative screening has become essential in many institutions to identify patients at increased risk, and experts recommend proceeding with surgery in the absence of severe symptoms, albeit with heightened postoperative monitoring. Anesthetic and sedative agents exacerbate upper airway collapsibility and depress central respiratory activity, complicating intraoperative management, especially with neuromuscular blockade use. Additionally, OSA patients are particularly prone to opioid-induced respiratory depression, given their increased sensitivity to opioids and heightened pain perception. Thus, regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia are strongly advocated to reduce perioperative complication risks. Postoperative care for OSA patients necessitates vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies, such as supplemental oxygen and Positive Airway Pressure therapy, to minimize cardiorespiratory complications. Health care institutions are increasingly focusing on enhanced monitoring and resource allocation for patient safety. However, the rising prevalence of OSA, heterogeneity in disease severity, and lack of evidence for the efficacy of costly perioperative measures pose challenges. The development of effective screening and monitoring algorithms, alongside reliable risk predictors, is crucial for identifying OSA patients needing extended postoperative care. This review emphasizes a multidimensional approach in managing OSA patients throughout the perioperative period, aiming to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse outcomes. Full article

Venous disorders encompass a diverse range of manifestations and diseases, impacting a significant portion of the population. While life-threatening conditions are uncommon in non-thrombotic disorders, like telangiectasias or uncomplicated varicose veins (VVs), these conditions still have a substantial impact on affected individuals. Ensuring that patients are well informed about their venous disorder is a crucial step in their treatment journey. Providing them with valuable information regarding the disease’s natural progression and available therapeutic options plays a pivotal role in optimizing their care. When patients are diagnosed with venous disorders, they often have numerous questions and concerns they want to discuss with their healthcare providers. Addressing these inquiries not only improves patients’ knowledge and understanding but also influences their treatment compliance and overall outcomes. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to provide comprehensive explanations that address any doubts, uncertainties, and areas of confusion that patients may have. This report aims to present a concise, practical, and informative guide to venous disorders, focusing specifically on the common questions frequently raised by patients in everyday clinical practice. By serving as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in the field of venous diseases, this guide equips them with the necessary tools to effectively address patients’ concerns and provide optimal care. By bridging the gap between patients’ inquiries and medical expertise, this guide strives to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the overall management of venous disorders, ultimately empowering patients in their treatment journey. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of supplementing ZH in combination with D3 on the growth performance, energy efficiency, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Thirty-two Dorper × Katahdin cross lambs (37.3 ± 5.72 kg) were utilized in a 29 d experiment in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial structure consisting of two levels of ZH for 26 d (0 and 0.20 mg/kg PV⁻¹) and two levels of D3 for 7 d (0 and 1.5 × 10⁶ IU/d⁻¹). ZH improved (p ≤ 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency by 9.9% and 17.8%, respectively, as well as hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing carcass by 4.3% and 2.6%, respectively. (p ≤ 0.03). However, ZH increased (p < 0.01) muscle pH and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) (2.5 and 23.0%, respectively). D3 supplementation negatively affected (p ≤ 0.02) dry matter intake (DMI) (last 7 d) and ADG by 15.7% and 18.1%. On the other hand, D3 improved the pH of the longissimus thoracis muscle by 1.7% (p = 0.03) without affecting WBSF. When D3 was supplemented in combination with ZH, it was observed that meat quality was improved by reducing muscle pH compared to lambs treated only with ZH. However, D3 did not improve the meat tenderness negatively affected by ZH supplementation. Full article

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an economically important polyphagous quarantine pest of horticultural crops endemic to South and Southeast Asia. Methyl eugenol (ME), a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid, is a male attractant used to lure and (when mixed with an insecticide) annihilate the males from the wild population, a method of pest control termed the male annihilation technique (MAT). ME is reported to enhance the mating success of sterile males of Bactrocera spp., which is critical for enhancing the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The suppressed response of ME-treated males to ME-baited traps/devices allows the simultaneous application of the MAT and SIT, increasing the efficiency of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programs. However, ME treatment in sterile males in SIT facilities is logistically difficult. β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a widely occurring, safer plant compound and is considered suitable for treating males in SIT facilities. Here, we demonstrate that BCP feeding enhanced B. zonata male mating success to the same extent as ME feeding. Feeding on BCP suppressed the male’s subsequent attraction to ME-baited traps, but not to the same degree as feeding on ME. The results are discussed and BCP is suggested as an alternative to ME for the concurrent use of the MAT and SIT. Full article

Tap water and its pricing have predominantly interested economists, partly due to the perception of water services primarily as production processes. As a result, much of the existing literature focuses on the economic value of water, leaving the social and cultural importance of water for citizens underexplored. This study adopts a sociological lens to explore the significance of water, delving into citizens’ experiences and perceptions regarding their water usage. Applying a social practice approach to value creation, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews. The results show that although the price of tap water is a concern for people, the actual value of water extends well beyond its price. Water has direct values for citizens in their everyday lives, as well as indirect value by contributing to broader societal systems. In their everyday lives, citizens use water not so much for the sake of water itself, but in various household water practices (e.g., showering) associated with certain values: hygiene, health, relaxation, warmth, and so on. Finally, our study directs attention towards the tensions people may experience between the various values they attach to tap water and the sense of responsibility to use it prudently. Future research needs to consider this water value ambivalence when encouraging water conservation. Full article