Search Results (767)

Background/Objectives: Academic engagement plays a central role in students’ learning outcomes and persistence in higher education. However, the mechanisms through which amotivation influences engagement remain insufficiently understood, particularly within conditional self-regulation frameworks. The present study examined a conditional self-regulation model in which amotivation predicts academic engagement through forethought and self-reflection under different levels of perceived performance control. Methods: Data were collected from 530 university students from Western Romania. A moderated parallel mediation model (PROCESS Model 59) was estimated to test whether forethought and self-reflection mediate the relationship between amotivation and academic engagement and whether perceived performance control moderates these pathways. Results: The results indicated that amotivation maintained a robust direct association with academic engagement across levels of performance control. Perceived performance control moderated the amotivation–forethought pathway, while self-reflection showed conditional indirect effects depending on control levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that motivational deficits operate within a context-sensitive regulatory architecture in which control beliefs shape the activation of self-regulatory processes. The results contribute to understanding academic adaptation under motivational constraints and highlight the role of perceived performance control in students’ self-regulation systems. Full article

The aim of this study was to model the inactivation of Bacillus coagulans vegetative cells subjected to thermal processing (60–90 °C, 1–30 min) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) (11, 15, and 20 kV/cm, up to 0.12 s, 20 Hz, 15 μs pulse width) at different pH environments (4.0 to 7.0) and in real food matrices (peach puree and carrot juice). Microbial survival data were successfully described using the Gompertz model. Thermal experiments confirmed the high heat resistance of B. coagulans, with maximum survival observed at pH 5.0–6.0. PEF treatments were effective in inactivating vegetative cells, with more intense PEF conditions leading to faster inactivation. Complete inactivation was achieved in less than 15 ms at low pH (4.5), while more than 120 ms was required at pH 6.0. Preheating samples to 50–60 °C prior to PEF significantly reduced the PEF processing time needed for full inactivation, by approximately 88%. In food matrices, the inactivation rate in peach puree was twice as high as in carrot juice, but up to 8 times lower than in buffer solutions. Cells were inactivated twice as fast in peach puree as in carrot juice. This study provides quantitative technical parameter references for optimizing non-thermal processing technologies for acidic/weakly acidic fruit and vegetable products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing demand for personalised, patient-centric drug delivery systems has driven innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in multi-unit particulate systems (MUPS). Methods: In this study, inert cores with tailor-made geometry for multi-particulate formulations were fabricated with high-resolution stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. By a printable photopolymer resin, dimensionally accurate and mechanically robust starter cores were produced. The additively manufactured inert subunits were drug-layered with ibuprofen sodium using a fluidised bed process. Then, a controlled-release film coating of Eudragit RS 30D was applied with varying coating thicknesses. The initial 3D-printed subunits, together with the drug-layered and finally film-coated microparticles, were characterised by image analysis, Raman microspectroscopic measurements, and official methods of the European Pharmacopoeia. Results: The combined approach of 3D printing and traditional pharmaceutical processing proved highly effective. The 3D-printed cores demonstrated both flexibility in design and consistency in performance. Conclusions: These findings highlight the feasibility of using 3D printing to produce patient-specific, functional cores in multi-particulate systems that can be easily modified according to the patient’s needs. The fabricated minitablets can be used as alternatives to widely used inert cores. Integrating additive manufacturing with conventional coating techniques offers promising new avenues for developing next-generation, personalised drug delivery solutions. Full article

This study presents an innovative and interdisciplinary didactic approach for teaching biodiversity to high school students, aiming to enhance basic learning skills and promoting deeper understanding of biological concepts. The designed educational proposal aims to support policy-driven collaboration between schools and botanical gardens within the framework of coordinated and long-term educational policies. The intervention was designed to cultivate both cognitive and metacognitive skills within three (3) didactic hours, offering a holistic learning experience through the study of Tulipa members used as an alluring model. A total of 168 Greek first- and second-grade high school students (on average 16 years old) participated in the study. Biodiversity was examined in a multidisciplinary fashion, focusing on species’ diversity (phenotypic), genetic-karyological diversity, and habitat diversity. The core components of the approach included: (a) the completion of a corresponding worksheet module, which effectively engaged students in the learning process using the 5E didactic model, and (b) a karyotype lab experiment using living Tulipa specimens. The learning process was evaluated through two questionnaires assessing the acquisition of scientific knowledge and behavioral outcomes. The results showed a positive impact on students’ understanding regarding the genetic material and biodiversity, with the karyotype experiment playing a key role in achieving high performance in both cognitive and affective learning objectives. Knowledge scores were higher in the second-grade students (53–73%) than in the first-grade students (44–69%) of high school, especially regarding concepts such as karyotype applications and biodiversity-ecosystem balance. The karyotype experiment positively correlated with both the evaluation of the intervention and the shifts in biodiversity beliefs (Pearson’s r = 0.649, 0.515; p < 0.05, respectively). The modeled inquiry-based approach with living tulips and karyotype experiments can help schools and botanic gardens counteract plant blindness by enhancing cognitive and affective learning outcomes within a limited instructional timeframe. Full article

Wheat seed quality is a key factor of end-use performance and nutritional value, yet it is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The present study evaluated the performance, stability, and genetic control of wheat seed quality traits across six contrasting environments in Greece, focusing on genotypes derived from three selection designs (McGinnis & Shebeski, honeycomb, and gridding) and a local landrace. The measured traits included crude protein, fat, ash, starch, crude fibre, Zeleny sedimentation, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture. A combined ANOVA revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on all traits. Crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate were predominantly governed by genotype, while starch, Zeleny sedimentation, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture were more influenced by environmental factors, while crude fiber showed balanced genotype × environment effects. Stability analysis identified genotypes with consistent expression of key quality traits across environments, demonstrating the relevance of stability parameters for reliable selection. Correlation analysis indicated positive associations among protein, fat, Zeleny sedimentation, and crude fiber, and negative relationships with starch, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction, revealing trade-offs among wheat seed quality components. Selection method influenced trait expression, with gridding-derived lines excelling in protein and fat, McGinnis & Shebeski lines in Zeleny sedimentation and fiber, and honeycomb-derived lines in starch, carbohydrate, soluble, and non-starch fractions. Overall, the results support the use of multi-environment evaluation and stability-based selection to improve wheat seed quality in a predictable and targeted manner. Full article

In recent years, insect-derived peptides have attracted attention for their potential biological activities, particularly antioxidant properties. This study assessed the antioxidant activity of two widely consumed edible insects, T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae, using cell-free and cell-based approaches. Whole lyophilized larvae, digestion products from the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, as well as the <3 kDa permeate fraction (D-P3) derived from the intestinal digestion phase, were evaluated using biochemical antioxidant assays. Overall, digested samples exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than their undigested counterparts. At the cellular level, treatment of LPS-stimulated, PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages with A. diaperinus D-P3 was associated with increased mRNA expression of genes related to antioxidant defense, including NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NFE2L2, also known as Nrf2), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and catalase (CAT), whereas T. molitor D-P3 preferentially modulated nuclear factor kappa B p50 subunit (NFKB1) and nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (RELA). Overall, these findings indicate that gastrointestinal digestion enhances the bioaccessibility of antioxidant components in both edible insect species while revealing species-specific transcriptional responses under in vitro inflammatory conditions. This multilevel assessment provides mechanistic insight into the antioxidant-related biological activity of digestion-derived insect peptides and supports their further investigation as functional ingredients in food and feed systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of the growth retardants daminozide and paclobutrazol on the production of propagation material of Lavandula angustifolia under controlled greenhouse conditions. Cuttings were propagated using three systems (mist, aeroponics, and float) combined with growth regulator treatments and two rooting hormone formulations (powder vs. gel). Shoot height and root traits were assessed as indicators of propagation performance. The results are reported as estimated marginal means (±SE) derived from a fitted general linear model. Overall, the float system was associated with greater shoot elongation, whereas aeroponics consistently promoted longer and more highly branched root systems, resulting in the highest root length and branching among the three propagation systems. Compared with mist and float systems, aeroponic propagation was associated with approximately 20–30% higher estimated root length and a consistently greater degree of root branching across growth regulator treatments. Gel-based rooting formulations further enhanced root length and branching compared with powder formulations across propagation systems. Growth regulator treatments generally reduced shoot height relative to controls, while daminozide showed system-dependent trends for shoot and root traits. Full article

Grain quality traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), including protein content, gluten strength, and carbohydrate composition, are key determinants of end-use performance and breeding potential. This study assessed the genetic variability, stability, and multivariate relationships of seed quality traits among elite F7 pure lines derived from six long-term cultivated wheat cultivars. Field trials were conducted across six contrasting environments to evaluate genotype, environment, and genotype × environment (G × E) effects on crude protein, fat, ash, starch, crude fiber, Zeleny sedimentation, carbohydrates, non-starch carbohydrates, and moisture. Combined ANOVA revealed that genotypic effects accounted for the largest proportion of variation, though significant environmental and G × E effects were also observed. Broad-sense heritability was high for protein, Zeleny, and carbohydrate content. Stability analysis using the Stability Index (SI) highlighted A1, A2, A4, C2, E1, and F2 as genotypes combining high mean performance with a consistent expression across all environments. Principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated key trait relationships and trade-offs, particularly the negative association between protein-related traits and carbohydrate accumulation, while revealing the partial clustering of genotypes with similar quality profiles. AMMI and GGE biplots further supported broad adaptation for some genotypes (e.g., E1, F4, E2 for crude protein; F3, F4, E2 for Zeleny) and trait- or environment-specific performance for others. Correlation analyses confirmed positive associations between protein and gluten strength, and negative correlations with carbohydrate traits. Overall, targeted pure-line selection effectively exploits intracultivar genetic variation, offering a practical strategy for identifying superior, resilient wheat lines for breeding programs across diverse environments. Full article

Mating behavior plays a critical role in the reproductive success and population dynamics of insects. Praon volucre is a widespread, broadly oligophagous aphid parasitoid and an important natural enemy in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The present study provides the first detailed characterization of the courtship and mating sequence of P. volucre, examining the effects of host association and behavioral lateralization on mating performance. Behavioral observations were conducted on virgin P. volucre adults emerging from two aphid hosts, Macrosiphum euphorbiae feeding on Citrus aurantium and Aulacorthum solani feeding on Malva neglecta. Males from both host-derived populations exhibited a left-side mounting bias, which was associated with faster mate detection, reduced courtship duration, and higher mating success. Mating behavior remained largely stable across host origins, indicating a high degree of behavioral stability. This behavioral robustness, combined with enhanced mating efficiency driven by lateralization, underscores the suitability of P. volucre as a biological control agent. The results have practical implications for mass-rearing and release programs, suggesting that a potential host switching during rearing is unlikely to compromise reproductive performance. Full article

The effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) (a pin-to-liquid DBD) (28–32 kV, 1–10 min) on virgin olive oil (VOO) lipid oxidation was kinetically investigated. Quality assessment was performed (bioactive compound concentrations and fatty acid profiles) while the samples were further characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR). Intense processing (>5 min and voltages > 31 kV) significantly affected the quality of VOO, enhancing the oxidative reactions. CAP treatment led to an eight-fold increase in peroxide values and to a decrease in total antioxidants by up to 80% compared to untreated VOO. Carbonyl compounds (aldehydes, carboxylic acids) and hydroperoxide intermediates were the main oxidation products, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) dropped from 81.17% to 76.51%. The double bonds in the acyl chains were also highly reactive and facilitate the oxidation and subsequent fragmentation of the VOO. Full article

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) seeds are a valuable source of protein, oil, and minerals; however, seed-quality traits have received less attention than fiber traits, particularly in partially interspecific germplasm. This study evaluated the performance and stability of five cottonseed quality traits (1000-seed weight, crude protein, oil, ash, and crude fiber) in four partially interspecific Pa7 cotton lines (G. hirsutum × G. barbadense) and one commercial cultivar, grown under three irrigation levels and two nitrogen fertilization regimes across two Mediterranean growing seasons in Northern Greece. A strip–split plot factorial design with three replications was used, and year × irrigation combinations were treated as six distinct environments. Trait responses were analyzed using multi-way ANOVA, stability metrics (stability index and coefficient of variation), correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and genotype × environment interaction models (AMMI and GGE biplots). Multi-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and management practices, as well as their interactions, indicating complex regulation of cottonseed composition. Genotypic effects were significant for all traits, while environmental effects were particularly strong for protein content. The greater environmental sensitivity of protein content highlights the key role of nitrogen-related processes and indicates that optimized fertilization can partially offset environmentally induced variability in seed protein accumulation. Stability analysis showed that storage-related traits (protein, oil, ash, and crude fiber) were generally more stable across environments than 1000-seed weight. Among the genotypes, M4 consistently combined high trait performance with broad stability across environments, whereas M1 exhibited the greatest stability for 1000-seed weight. Multivariate and GEI analyses complemented univariate results by revealing trait associations, physiological trade-offs, and crossover responses among genotypes. Overall, using both stability indices and multivariate analyses enabled a detailed evaluation of cottonseed quality in partially interspecific material, supporting the identification of suitable genotypes and optimization of management practices under varying Mediterranean conditions. Full article

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seed quality traits were evaluated to investigate the relative genetic and environmental contributions to their variation, the stability of genotypes across environments, and the interrelationships among traits. Fifteen genotypes, including classical pedigree-derived lines (G1–G5), PYI-selected lines (G6–G10), YC-selected lines (G11–G12), cultivars (G13–G14), and a local population (G15), were assessed for crude protein content, fat content, ash content, starch content, crude fiber content, carbohydrate content, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction. Field trials were conducted across six environments under a randomized complete block design with four replications per environment. Combined ANOVA revealed significant differences among genotypes for all evaluated traits, while environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions also contributed significantly to trait variation. Stability analysis using the Stability Index (SI) showed that classical pedigree lines (G1–G5) demonstrated the highest overall stability across most traits. Lines selected via the Plant Yield Index (PYI) and Yielding Coefficient (YC) criteria exhibited greater stability compared to the local population, while cultivars showed intermediate and trait-dependent stability. Broad-sense heritability (H²) was high for all traits (>92%), with crude protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber content showing particularly strong genetic control. Genetic advance (GA) and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GA%) indicated a favorable expected response to selection for protein- and fiber-related traits. Traits such as starch content, carbohydrate content, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction were more strongly influenced by environmental variation, highlighting the need for multi-environment testing. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among traits, highlighting both trade-offs and coordinated accumulation patterns. Crude protein content was negatively correlated with carbohydrate content, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction, whereas fat content showed positive correlations with ash content and fiber-related components, indicating potential targets for breeding programs. Overall, advanced barley lines combine high performance and stability, providing material suitable for further breeding under Mediterranean conditions. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of portable spectroscopy technologies for rapid milk composition and hygiene quality assessment in ovine milk. Two portable analyzers, namely SmartAnalysis (UV/Vis absorbance) and SpectraPod (NIR transmittance), were used to obtain spectral data of raw milk samples. Additionally, reference values of the milk’s compositional, physical, and hygienic traits were measured. Machine learning algorithms were used to explore the correlations between spectral data and milk traits. The initial results indicated a promising potential of utilizing spectral technologies to predict milk quality and hygienic parameters. Regression models presented a moderate predictive accuracy, with R² values between 0.55 and 0.34, respectively, regarding fat (RF-NIR) and protein (LR-UV/Vis). Classification models indicated high accuracy for hygienic parameters, with the highest accuracy and AUC values up to 0.87 and 0.83, respectively, predicting increased levels of total bacterial count (TBC), while somatic cell count (SCC) level was less accurately predicted by the model, with AUC values lower than 0.70. The results demonstrate the applicability potential of UV/Vis and NIR portable devices in milk quality assessment, enabling its rapid evaluation, including milk composition and hygiene parameters at the point of service. Full article

Forests face significant pressures from human activities, mainly through deforestation and land-use changes driven by agricultural expansion. This study aims to conduct a literature review to identify and analyze the primary factors that have driven farmers to engage in deforestation and agricultural expansion over the past 25 years. The review followed the methodology proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, with an initial broad search followed by article selection and exclusion. The analysis of the results revealed interacting factors with varying intensities by region, extending to different levels. At the demographic level, factors such as gender, age, household composition, and education play a significant role. At the social level, factors are mainly related to migration, population growth, and the phenomenon of “imitation”. At the economic level, poverty, unemployment, the need for supplementary income, and the growing demand for cash crops are key drivers of agricultural expansion in forests. At the political level, state licensing of deforestation, either as part of poverty reduction strategies or to meet market demand, and the inability to impose sanctions, reinforce deforestation for agricultural cultivation. Finally, at the environmental level, factors such as climate change and soil fertility decline constitute another critical area of pressure on forest ecosystems. Full article

White lupin (Lupinus albus) is a very important legume crop, having seeds with high protein content but also quantities of antinutritional alkaloids. Regarding cultivation, it is sensitive to neutral or alkaline soil conditions, although it is well adapted to drought conditions. In this study, the adaptability of 17 L. albus (14 commercial varieties and 3 advanced lines) genotypes to neutral-pH soils was investigated in relation to morphological, agronomical, and yield attributes. An extended characterization of seed composition for total alkaloids, trypsin inhibitors, phenolics, tannins, total nitrogen, NDF, ADF, and lignin was also performed. Furthermore, a prebreeding program consisting of 140 targeted crosses was initiated to develop new F1 combinations for genotypes with low alkaloid profiles; at the same time, controlled self-fertilization of elite lines was carried out. The results indicated that the morphological response of L. albus to neutral pH was positive and significantly genotypically dependent. Among the varieties tested, ‘Magnus’ and ‘Figaro’ showed low alkaloid and lignin contents. On the other hand, the advanced lines (LKAP, LKML, LKAU) had high antinutritional components, even though they were high-yielding. This research proposes a model of combined evaluation and selection processes for identification of particular genotypes that can perform well in neutral soils and provides the basis for breeding and producing low-alkaloid genotypes for multi-locational exploitation. Full article