Search Results (3,103)

Internet addiction (IA) refers to an individual’s excessive and uncontrollable internet use. According to the cognitive-behavioral model of IA, school disconnectedness and relative deprivation may function as environmental and cognitive risk factors for adolescent IA, while adversity beliefs could serve as a protective factor. To examine whether relative deprivation mediates the link between school disconnectedness and adolescent IA, and whether adversity beliefs moderate this mediation, 2485 Chinese adolescents completed anonymous measures assessing school disconnectedness, relative deprivation, adversity beliefs, and IA. Results showed that: (1) school disconnectedness positively predicted IA; (2) relative deprivation partially mediated this relationship; (3) adversity beliefs moderated the relationship between school disconnectedness and IA; (4) adversity beliefs also moderated the link between relative deprivation and IA. These findings show the mediating role of relative deprivation and the moderating role of adversity beliefs in the association between school disconnectedness and IA, suggesting that fostering adversity beliefs could help reduce IA among adolescents. Full article

Academic achievement serves as a crucial indicator of quality within higher education. In this context, internet addiction and procrastination emerge as significant factors influencing student performance. However, existing literature has predominantly focused on objective and comparative metrics, such as grades, thereby limiting the exploration of the subjective dimension from the student’s perspective. This research aims to investigate the mediating role of internet addiction (IA) in the relationship between academic procrastination (AP) and self-perceived academic achievement (AA) among Peruvian university students. Employing an explanatory and cross-sectional design, data were collected from 525 university students aged 18 to 40 years, utilizing validated instruments such as the Internet Addiction Questionnaire, the University Academic Performance Scale, and the Academic Procrastination Scale. The findings revealed a negative influence of AP on AA (b = −0.385, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−1.457, −0.991]), a positive influence of AP on IA (b = 0.205, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.341, 0.886]), and a positive influence of IA on AA (b = 0.326, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.239, 0.441]). IA partially and competitively mediates 12.5% of the relationship between AP and AA. Full article

Recent innovations in poultry feed technology have emphasized the role of postbiotics and phytogenics as promising strategies to strengthen gut health and improve overall performance in broilers. Within this context, the current study evaluated the effectiveness of Biostrong™ Dual (Cargill Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA, USA), a novel product that integrates Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic products (SCFPs) with a proprietary blend of essential oil compounds (EOCs). The objective was to determine whether this dual formulation could consistently enhance growth, feed efficiency, and carcass quality across multiple production phases. To test this, three independent trials were conducted using commercial broiler strains. Birds were allocated to either a control group (CON) receiving a basal diet or a treatment group (DUAL) receiving the same diet supplemented with 0.4 kg/MT of Biostrong™ Dual. Each trial employed a randomized block design with 24 replicates per treatment and 16–25 birds per replicate. Results consistently demonstrated that DUAL improved (p < 0.05) body weight and the cumulative feed conversion ratio (cFCR) at 42 days. Pooled analysis revealed body weight gains of 5.5%, a cFCR improvement of 5 points, increased feed intake, and a 0.86% rise in breast meat yield. Additionally, one trial showed reduced footpad lesion scores. Collectively, these findings highlight Biostrong™ Dual as a valuable nutritional intervention to optimize productivity and carcass quality in poultry production and further research is needed to understand the mode of action of the product. Full article

This work explores a novel and efficient synthetic approach to a new class of boron cluster derivatives via the nucleophilic addition of stabilized phosphorus ylides, Ph₃P=CHR² (R² = COOEt, CN), to a series of nitrilium salts of the closo-decaborate anion, [2-B₁₀H₉NCR¹]⁻ (R¹ = Me, Et, ⁿPr, ⁱPr, Ph). The reaction proceeds regio- and stereospecifically, affording a diverse range of iminoacyl phosphorane derivatives, [2-B₁₀H₉NH=C(R¹)C(PPh₃)R²]⁻, in high isolated yields (up to 95%). The obtained compounds (10 examples) were isolated as tetrabutylammonium or tetraphenylphosphonium salts and thoroughly characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹¹B, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P), high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction feasibility was found to be strongly influenced by the steric hindrance of the R¹ group. Furthermore, the practical utility of these novel hybrids was demonstrated by employing the [2-B₁₀H₉NH=C(CH₃)C(COOC₂H₅)=PPh₃]⁻ anion as a highly effective membrane-active component in ion-selective electrodes. The developed tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP⁺) sensor exhibited a near-Nernstian response, a low detection limit of 3 × 10⁻⁸ M, and excellent selectivity over a range of common inorganic and organic cations, showcasing the potential of closo-borate-based ionophores in analytical chemistry. Full article

Background: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, immobile oral bacterium responsible for the secretion of virulence factors, namely leukotoxin (LtxA), a large exotoxin of the RTX family that enables the bacterium to evade the immune system by destroying leukocytes, resulting in aggressive periodontitis (AP) leading to tooth loss. Methods: This study aimed to screen 106 molecules derived from Moroccan propolis in order to identify potential inhibitors of the active sites of LtxA based on molecular docking, ADMET property evaluation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Results: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), used as a reference compound, showed binding energies of −6.9 kcal/mol, −6.1 kcal/mol, −6.5 kcal/mol, and −5.9 kcal/mol with the four active sites P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. By establishing conventional hydrogen bonds, pi-alkyl bonds, and non-covalent pi–pi bonds. Chrysin and luteolin showed favorable binding affinities with the four active sites, named as follows: P1–P4 (P1–chrysin = −7.5 kcal/mol; P2–chrysin = −7.9 kcal/mol; P3–chrysin = −8.1 kcal/mol; P4–chrysin = −6.9 kcal/mol; P1–luteolin = −7.3 kcal/mol; P2–luteolin = −7.6 kcal/mol; P3–luteolin = −8.1 kcal/mol; P4–luteolin = −7.3 kcal/mol). The binding affinity of these two propolis derivatives was stabilized by pi−sigma bonds, pi−alkyl bonds, conventional hydrogen bonds, pi-cation interactions, non-covalent pi–pi bonds, and carbon–hydrogen bonds. According to free energy calculations performed with Prime MM-GBSA, the complexes formed by chrysin demonstrated the most stable interactions due to Van der Waals and lipophilic forces. Luteolin formed significant interactions, but slightly weaker than those of chrysin. These results reveal the inhibitory potential of chrysin and luteolin with protein active sites. MD simulations corroborated the excellent stability of complexes formed by chrysin, as indicated by low RMSD values, suggesting favorable dynamic behavior. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of chrysin as a versatile inhibitor capable of interacting with the four active sites. These findings are a strong foundation for further experimental confirmations. Full article

This study examines the determinants of goodwill impairment recognition under IFRS 3 in the context of Moroccan listed firms. Using an unbalanced panel covering the period of 2006–2024 and comprising 862 firm-year observations, we employ a three-stage empirical strategy that integrates a Probit model to estimate the likelihood of impairment, a Tobit model to assess the magnitude of the loss, and a Heckman two-step procedure to correct for potential self-selection. The results show that goodwill impairment reflects key economic and financial fundamentals, including revenue growth, book-to-market ratios, and operating performance. However, both real and accrual-based earnings management significantly influence the probability and intensity of impairment, particularly through abnormal cash flows and income-smoothing behavior. Discretionary accruals become significant only after correcting for selection bias, indicating that they do not drive the recognition decision but contribute to determining the size of the impairment once it has been recorded. The findings are robust across multiple specifications and contribute to the broader literature on financial reporting quality under IAS/IFRS, while enriching empirical evidence on managerial discretion and earnings management in emerging-market environments. Full article

Clade I mpox virus (MPXV) is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recent studies have described the changing epidemiology of mpox in the country, which has been mainly characterized by the emergence of new MPXV lineages, Clade Ib/sh2023 and Ia/sh2024, associated with sustained human-to-human transmission. Both Clade Ib/sh2023 and Ia/sh2024 are co-circulating in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC. Here, we report the first two cases of Clade IIb/sh2017 identified in Kinshasa, DRC, imported from West Africa and locally transmitted. Clinical specimens were collected and tested by PCR. We performed whole genome sequencing using a tiled-amplicon sequencing approach with Clade IIb MPXV-specific primers. The phylogenetic tree shows that Kinshasa Clade IIb MPXV is assigned to Clade IIb/sh2017 within the newly designated lineage G.1, as identified in January 2025 in Sierra-Leone. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic pain syndrome and a leading cause of disability worldwide, characterized by progressive deterioration of articular cartilage. This degradation leads to pain, swelling, inflammation, and eventual stiffness as the cartilage wears down, causing bone-on-bone friction. Current medical treatments primarily aim at pain relief; however, many interventions, especially invasive or surgical ones, carry risks of adverse outcomes. Consequently, intra-articular (IA) therapy, particularly hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, is widely adopted as a conservative treatment option. HA plays a crucial role in maintaining joint homeostasis by supporting proteoglycan synthesis and scaffolding, restoring optimal HA concentrations in synovial fluid, and providing chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. In recent years, hydrogels composed of natural and synthetic materials have emerged as promising candidates for OA treatment. Our research focuses on the biosynthesis and characterization of novel hydrogel composites combining short peptide hydrogelators with aminated graphene oxide (a-GO) nanosheets functionalized with HA (a-GO-HA@Hgel). These a-GO-HA@Hgel nanocomposites are designed to facilitate the controlled release of HA into the extracellular matrix, aiming to promote cartilage regeneration and mitigate inflammation. The strategy is to exploit the oxygen-containing functional groups of GO nanosheets to enable covalent coupling or physical adsorption of HA molecules through various chemical approaches. The resulting a-GO-HA are incorporated within hydrogel matrices to achieve sustained and controlled HA release. We study the influence of a-GO-HA on the native hydrogel structure and its viscoelastic properties, which are critical for mimicking the mechanical environment of native cartilage tissue. Through this multidisciplinary approach combining advanced materials science and cellular biology, this work aims to develop innovative nanocomposite hydrogels capable of delivering HA in a controlled manner, enhancing cartilage repair and providing a potential therapeutic strategy for OA management. Full article

In recent times, field crop damage caused by birds, such as corvids and pigeons, has become crucial for many farmers. Damage can be as serious as the loss of a large part of the harvest. Several solutions have been proposed, but none are effective. An example is the use of scarecrows, but birds eventually adapt to them over time, and so they become ineffective. To study bird behavior and to propose a bird deterrent that would adapt to the presence of birds, we set up an experimental image-taking system on several plots of land over a period of 4–5 years. Around fifteen terabytes of images taken in the field were acquired. Our aim was to automatically detect these birds using deep learning methods and then to activate a real-time scarer. This work meets two challenges: the first is agroecological, as bird damage has become a major issue, and the second is IT, as it is difficult to detect birds in the field: the individuals are small because they are far from the camera lens, and field conditions are often less than optimal: darkness, confusion between the pigeons’ colors and the ground, etc. The Mask-RCNN in its original configuration is not suited to detecting small individuals. We mainly focused on the model’s hyperparameters to better adapt it to our study context. As a result, we improved the detection of small individuals using, among other things, appropriate anchor scales design and image processing techniques. At the same time, we built an original dataset focused on small individuals called BirdyDataset. The model can detect corvids and pigeons with an accuracy of 78% under real field conditions. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a popular fruit tree with high edible and ornamental values. However, the traditional breeding strategies are lacking in efficiency for the improvement of agronomic traits of pomegranate. Gene editing technologies offer a solution for promoting desired growth or metabolic processes in pomegranate trees. In this study, we established a CRISPR-mediated gene editing system for pomegranate, using Agrobacterium tumefaciens as the delivery vehicle and unlignified stems of the ‘Baihuayushizi’ cultivar as explants. The editing efficiency of our system was inferred to be 38.00%, which is substantially higher than those in some other plant species. The impacts of different culture conditions on the system were further assessed. Pre-culture duration was found to have the largest influence on the success of genetic transformation, followed by A. tumefaciens infection time and concentration. The optimal pre-culture time for this system is 3 days, and the A. tumefaciens concentration, infection time, and co-culture duration are OD₆₀₀ = 0.8, 10 min, and 2 days, respectively. With the help of our system, we successfully knocked the PgBZR1 gene out from ‘Baihuayushizi’ pomegranate, which encodes a key transcription factor that regulates the growth and development of pomegranate. Given these advantages, we anticipate that our gene editing system is a useful tool for future studies on pomegranate gene functions and genetic improvement. Full article

We confront two future-singularity dark-energy templates—sudden future singularities (SFSs) and finite scale factor singularities (FSFSs)—with late-time geometric probes and redshift-space distortion growth data. We compute the observable growth $f{\sigma }_8\left(z\right)$ by solving the full linear perturbation system (including the standard fiducial cosmology rescaling of RSD measurements) and build a joint ${\chi }^2$ from Pantheon+SH0ES SNe Ia, $H\left(z\right)$, DESI AP-only BAO, and $f{\sigma }_8$. Parameter constraints are obtained via grid-based profiling over nuisance parameters and the singularity time location parameter. We compare the viability and goodness of fit of the singularity scenarios to the $\mathrm{\Lambda }$CDM reference. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a frequent and clinically relevant complication following open lumbar discectomy (OLD) under general anesthesia. The present study represents a secondary, post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial originally designed to investigate the effects of infiltration anesthesia (IA) on postoperative pain perception and opioid consumption. The objective of this analysis was to explore the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing OLD under adequacy of anesthesia (AoA)-guided general anesthesia, with or without IA. Methods: This secondary analysis included 94 patients undergoing OLD under AoA-guided general anesthesia with fentanyl titration based on the surgical pleth index (SPI). Patients were randomized to receive IA with 0.2% ropivacaine (RF) or bupivacaine (BF) plus 50 µg fentanyl, or no IA (control). PONV was assessed as early (in the post-anesthesia care unit), late (in the neurosurgical ward), and overall (within 48 h postoperatively). Opioid consumption and Apfel risk scores were also analyzed. All analyses related to PONV were exploratory. Results: PONV occurred in 12.8% of patients, with no significant differences between study groups. Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly lower in the RF group than in the control group (2.7 ± 5.3 mg vs. 7.1 ± 5.9 mg; p < 0.05). Higher pre-induction SPI values were observed in patients who experienced early PONV (73.1 ± 9.7 vs. 59.5 ± 17.2; p < 0.05); however, this exploratory finding requires confirmation in larger studies. Conclusions: In this secondary, post hoc analysis, no significant differences in PONV incidence were observed between anesthetic groups in patients undergoing OLD under AoA-guided general anesthesia. The observed association between pre-induction SPI values and early PONV should be interpreted cautiously and requires confirmation in adequately powered prospective studies. Full article

In today’s plural and global context, the Theology of Religions and Interreligious Dialogue play a decisive role in fostering mutual understanding and a genuine culture of encounter. This article examines the theological and spiritual foundations of this task through a re-reading of Paul Tillich and Jacques-Albert Cuttat. Starting from Tillich’s unfinished reflection on the significance of the history of religions, this study reconstructs his ontological and pneumatological framework, with particular attention to the notion of a mystical a priori as the structural condition of all religious experience. On this basis, it analyses Cuttat’s model of “assumptive convergence” between the two “religious hemispheres”—East and West—as an experiential and spiritual unfolding of Tillich’s intuition. This article argues that Cuttat’s proposal anticipates, in practical and mystical terms, the theology of religions outlined by Tillich, showing how Christian mystical experience can assume, discern, and transfigure other religious traditions without syncretism or relativism. In this perspective, mysticism emerges as a fundamental theological principle for articulating truth, plurality, and ethical responsibility in interreligious dialogue. Full article

Air temperature is commonly used to represent plant thermal conditions, although temperatures within woody tissues and the soil–root zone can differ substantially under field conditions. This study characterized the thermal dynamics of xylem tissue and the soil–root interface in almond and olive orchards under Mediterranean field conditions in Southern Spain. Using long-term in-field measurements, temperatures were monitored in branch and trunk xylem tissues and at the soil–root interface, and regression models were developed to provide empirical correction relationships between air and internal temperatures across seasons and sensor position. Branch xylem temperatures closely matched air temperature for both minima and maxima. In contrast, trunk xylem and the soil–root interface showed pronounced thermal buffering. Trunk xylem maximum temperature was significantly (3.4 to 5.4 °C) lower than air temperature during summer. Shaded soil–root interface temperatures were 5.2 to 9.0 °C lower than air temperature in spring and summer but 5.9 to 11.7 °C higher than air temperature in autumn and winter. These patterns indicate a strong capacity of woody tissues and the soil–root system to moderate external thermal conditions. By quantifying air-to-tissue and air-to-soil relationships under field conditions, this study provides microclimatic data that can improve agronomic models and temperature-driven disease risk frameworks for vascular pathogens infecting woody crops. Full article

Background: The low-profile visualized intraluminal support EVO (LVIS EVO) stent is a novel device for stent-assisted coiling (SAC) that offers improved visibility, radial force, and navigability in tortuous cerebral vessels. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of the LVIS EVO stent in treating intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify studies reporting clinical outcomes of LVIS EVO in SAC of IAs was performed. Primary outcomes included aneurysm occlusion based on the Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), procedural, and clinical complication rates. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either a fixed- or random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the leave-one-out method. Results: Twelve studies involving 567 patients and 586 aneurysms were included. Immediate angiographic results showed complete occlusion (RROC I) in 78% (95% CI: 0.53–0.92), residual neck (RROC II) in 13% (95% CI: 0.08–0.21), and residual aneurysm (RROC III) in 9% (95% CI: 0.02–0.34). At follow-up, complete obliteration was observed in 73% (95% CI: 0.60–0.83). Procedural complications occurred in 5% (95% CI: 0.03–0.09), and clinical complications in 6% (95% CI: 0.04–0.10). Conclusions: The LVIS EVO stent demonstrated high technical success, effective aneurysm occlusion, and low complication rates, supporting its safety and efficacy. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes. Full article