Search Results (58)

The distribution of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, with a focus on their chemodiversity, has been reported previously, but not at a genera-wide diversity level. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the occurrence of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids across the genera of the Amaryllidaceae family. This survey is taxonomically guided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Taxonomy Browser, with targeted keyword searches conducted in the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) SciFinder-n and PubMed. The family Amaryllidaceae comprises over 1214 species across three subfamilies: Agapanthoideae (1 genus, 5 species), Allioideae (3 genera plus 11 subgenera, 617 species), and Amaryllidoideae (58 genera plus 13 subgenera, 592 species). Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have been identified exclusively in 36 of the 58 genera and 6 of the 13 subgenera within the Amaryllidoideae subfamily. To date, more than 600 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have been isolated, predominantly from this subfamily—hence the designation “Amaryllidaceae alkaloids”. These alkaloids display a wide spectrum of biological activities, including acetylcholinesterase inhibition, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. A notable example is galanthamine (also known as galantamine), an FDA-approved drug marketed under the brand names Reminyl™ (Janssen Research Foundation, Beerse, Belgium, 2001) and Razadyne™ (Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA, 2004) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, due to its potent acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory activity. Galanthamine has been isolated from species belonging to the genera Cyrtanthus, Galanthus, Leucojum, Lycoris, Narcissus, Ungernia, Chlidanthus, Crinum, Eucharis, Eustephia, Pancratium, and Phaedranassa. Lycorine is another widely distributed alkaloid found across multiple genera, and it has been extensively studied for its diverse bioactivities. Given the remarkable chemical diversity and bioactivity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, along with the many underexplored genera and species, further research into Amaryllidaceae species and their alkaloids is strongly warranted to support the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. Full article

When it comes to wine communication, winery names can serve as multidimensional communication mechanisms. Their various aspects of communication concern the historical context, tourism geography, socio-economic tourism development, wine knowledge, and even gastronomy. On this basis, a whole communication strategy could be developed, which could lead to progressive interaction and networking with consumers. Quality needs to be fully and properly communicated through multiple channels. This paper aims to reveal the importance of the way in which wine producers in Northern Greece construct their brand identity through strategic naming choices—such as Estate, Ktima, Château, or the producer’s family name—as opposed to more neutral or descriptive labels. The findings suggest that winery names contribute significantly to consumer perception, place branding, and the development of wine tourism. The choice of a winery name influences regional identity, strengthens the connection with local traditions, and enhances the commercial success and tourism appeal of the region. Full article

Although the opening series of Bridgerton, a nineteenth-century mixed romance, was celebrated for the casting of Black characters, its use of white–Black inter-marriage is part of UK–US storytelling traditions that treat mixed relationships as worthy of screentime only if they involve a white person—what Derrick Bell in 1980 coined as ‘interest convergence’: when Black people are only allowed to progress with the interests of white peoples. Discussing Bridgerton as part of a wider anti-Black brand of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion [EDI], this paper argues that the way its Black characters are used and abused on screen is like a digital lynching. Here, white characters use Black people (i.e., to give them children) while simultaneously keeping them mentally dependent on the white family. While there is not a physical death, the place of Black partners in this so-called alt-London is nothing short of a zombification of Black humans. Additionally, this paper encourages readers to think about how the near-exclusive use of white-centring mixed love as representative of all mixed romance is racist. In other words, even in fantasy, Black men are written out of Blackness, forced to take on the culture of their partner. As this “fantasy” occurs in a world “made white” by colonialism, characters like Simon Bassett and Marina Thompson do not “pass” for white, but their world is one where few “see” colour except when Black folks upset white spaces. Those who choose not to “see” are most in fear of losing power, as novelist Toni Morrison writes in Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination “it requires hard work not to see”. Full article

As a tropomyosin-binding component, troponin T (TnT) is essential for the Ca²⁺ regulation of striated muscles’ contraction and locomotion activity, but its impacts on the growth and development of insects have rarely been reported. In this study, TnT was identified and functionally characterized in Tribolium castaneum by RNA interference (RNAi) and transcriptome analysis. The TnT of T. castaneum contained a 1152 bp open reading frame encoding 383 amino acids. It displayed the highest expression in late pupae and was highly expressed in the integument and CNS. Both the larval and early pupal injection of dsTnT led to 100% cumulative mortality before the pupal–adult transition. Late pupal RNAi caused 26.01 ± 4.29% pupal mortality; the survivors successfully became adults, but 49.71 ± 6.51% died in 10 days with a dried and shriveled abdomen, poorly developed reproductive system and no offspring. Additionally, RNA sequencing results indicated that key ecdysteroid and juvenile hormone biosynthesis genes (CYP314A1, aldehyde dehydrogenase family 3 member B1 and farnesol dehydrogenase) were affected, as well as several cuticle protein, nutrition metabolism and immune-related genes, suggesting that TnT may play prominent roles in development, metabolism and reproduction by affecting these pathways. This study could provide a brand-new target gene in the RNAi strategy for pest control. Full article

The younger generations are exerting a profound influence on the future of the media. The current crisis of reputation facing traditional media is compelling those involved in the creation, production, and distribution of content to rethink the logic underpinning these processes. The consumption of entertainment and information via smartphones is becoming increasingly concentrated in screen devices and social platforms. In light of the particularities of a convergence of media and the characteristics of the digital sphere of users, it is necessary to investigate the information consumption habits and preferences of young university students towards conventional and digital media platforms, as well as social networks within the digital sphere. The objective of this research was to ascertain the news consumption habits of young university students in the context of the new digital landscape, characterised by the pervasiveness of connectivity and the ascendency of smartphones as the primary gateway to the internet. A survey of 1300 students was conducted in October 2023 to investigate their adoption, use, and consumption of traditional and digital media, as well as the devices they use and the importance of podcasts. The results, viewed through the lens of a specific ecosystem, such as that of Colombia, challenge prevailing stereotypes and suggest that younger generations continue to value traditional journalistic brands, potentially due to familial influence. The majority of content is accessed through screen devices and social media platforms. Despite the existence of prejudices, young people supplement their musical preferences with informational content and leisure and entertainment products. Full article

The organic market in the Czech Republic has been growing dynamically, mainly in the last two decades. It is increasing the number of organic farms and producers of organic food. It was also identified as growing in popularity with Czech customers in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Czech Republic, organic products are labelled with a national brand called “bio zebra” under direct control of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. The dependence of the recognition of this brand on selected socio-demographic indicators (gender, age, education, net monthly household income, number of household members, number of children in the family, size of the municipality) was evaluated in a sample of 1197 respondents in total using logistic regression, and the course of partial dependence on individual sociodemographic indicators was monitored in more detail using contingency table analysis. Significant relationships were found between the recognition of this agri-food brand and gender, education, net monthly household income, number of members and children in the family, and size of the municipality where the consumers live. The proportion of respondents who know the label was higher among women and increased with education level, net monthly household income, number of household members and municipality size. Full article

Digital platforms such as social media and e-commerce platforms have become a major space where foods and beverages (F&B) are promoted. Prior research has found that online, unhealthy F&B receive more presence than healthy F&B. This obesogenic food environment may increase the obesity rate. Therefore, it is critical to understand how healthy and unhealthy F&B are promoted online. A content analysis of 2906 posts related to F&B via five digital platforms was conducted in China, where the obesity rate has increased in recent years. Firstly, the results show that unhealthy F&B received more presence on digital platforms than healthy F&B. Secondly, healthy F&B posts tended to highlight the healthiness of the products, whereas unhealthy F&B posts leveraged a wide range of promotional strategies, specifically use cues, food cues, chewing sounds, sensory descriptions, friend cues, local cultural appeal, nostalgia appeal, price information, discount information, and trending hashtags or topics. Next, use cues, chewing sounds, sensory descriptions, family cues, and friend cues increased the quantity of audience feedback, whereas price information and using trending hashtags or topics lowered the quantity of audience feedback. Moreover, local cultural appeal and social proof exhibited the opposite impact on audience feedback. Finally, health benefit statements lowered audience feedback for healthy F&B posts, whereas brand visibility and purchase links inhibited audience feedback for unhealthy F&B posts. In addition to describing the digital food environment in China, the present research provides implications on how to promote healthy F&B. Particularly, we suggest that healthy F&B businesses and healthy eating campaigns should leverage the strategies unhealthy F&B use to receive more consumer attention, in order to increase their own products’ public visibility and attractiveness. Full article

The applications of image classification are useful, especially in the prediction of object categories at a high accuracy rate. The technique helps industrial designers classify the existing products by product appearance and assess the extent to which newly designed products belong to their brand or product family. By doing this, designers classify products by typicality. Yet, the application of image classification of products and brand styles based on typicality is still limited. Thus, we presented a case study in which the extent to which a chair was recognized as a typical Apple product was predicted. In the technique, Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) was used. The results show that the industrial designer can use product typicality for the image classification of products to manage the style of a brand and its products. Full article

Determining the approximate dates that written documents were drawn up based on the chemical composition of the ink is not a simple process. It is very demanding in terms of legal requirements. Various studies have succeeded in dating manuscripts by analyzing the temporal evolutions of the concentrations of dyes and solvents in documents based on the original formulations of the ink pens. These analyses were carried out simultaneously by HPLC-DAD for dyes and by GC-MS for solvents. This study aims, for the first time, to evaluate novel ink compounds and the temporal evolution of the concentrations of the degradation products of the dyes used by most suppliers and which are present in almost all types of ballpoint inks, i.e., Crystal Violet (CV). CV degrades through two parallel pathways: on the one hand, it undergoes progressive demethylation until it becomes pararosaniline, and on the other, it undergoes a breakdown of the molecule obtaining, among other by-products, the compound N,N′-Dimethyl-4-aminophenol (NNAPH), that was experimentally verified using four different inks (e.g., Inoxcrom^® and Sigma^® brands, in blue and black). For the NNAPH compound, we observed that four of the inks under analysis displayed the same temporary behavior despite having different initial chemical compositions. These initial results show the high potential for both CV and NNAPH, together with the rest of the pararosaniline family, as age tracers for dated/old documents. These techniques may potentially open up new avenues for universal dating tools, regardless of the brands of ink employed for use in different ballpoint pen types. Full article

Here, we report a comprehensive description of the stable associations between two Paramecium species (P. nephridiatum and P. caudatum) and their cytoplasmic bacterial endosymbiont Pseudolyticum multiflagellatum. These spindle-like, rod-shaped, non-motile peritrichous bacteria demonstrate significant phenotypic polymorphism. Considering the differences in bacterial morphology and host species, several scientific groups have previously described these endosymbionts as distinct species. Our study provides brand-new molecular data, which allows us to unify earlier descriptions and determine the phylogenetic position of this endosymbiont as a member of the family “Ca. Midichloriaceae” (Rickettsiales). The distinguishing feature of this bacterium is the presence of a highly refractive granule in its cytoplasm, well detectable with differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. The protein nature of these peculiar inclusion bodies is considered. The other endosymbiont, “Ca. Megaira venefica”, co-inhabiting the cytoplasm of the studied P. nephridiatum strains, also displayed polymorphism, rounded forms being infected with phages. Full article

If one looks at the United States over the past sixty years, it becomes clear that religious and spiritual practices have proliferated in unexpected places and spaces. They have become thoroughly ensconced in the boardrooms, offices, shop floors, and retail spaces of business establishments. From there, they have seeped into just about every imaginable area of American life, turning schools, parks, shopping malls, sports stadiums, hospitals, gyms, health food restaurants, spas, and the very apps on our computers and cell phones into corporate spaces promising new and enticing forms of spiritual enchantment. The purpose of this essay is to document the way new forms of spirituality have become part of a much longer history of the entanglement of business and religion, a history that began in monasteries, formed the bedrock of the Puritan work ethic, and is now an established aspect of the neoliberal ideal of the privatization and corporatization of all aspects of human life. Full article

Cancer is one of the most worldwide spread diseases and causes maximum death. Treatment of cancer depends on the host immune system and the type of drugs. The inefficiency of conventional cancer treatments as a result of drug resistance, nontargeted delivery, and chemotherapy-related negative side effects has caused bioactive phytochemicals to come into focus. As a result, recent years have seen an increase in research into screening and identifying natural compounds with anticancer properties. Recent studies on the isolation and use of polysaccharides derived from various marine algal species have revealed a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties. Ulvan is a polysaccharide derived from various green seaweeds of the Ulva species in the family Ulvaceae. It has been demonstrated to have potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties through the modulation of antioxidants. It is vital to understand the mechanisms underlying the biotherapeutic activities of Ulvan in cancer and its role in immunomodulation. In this context, we reviewed the anticancer effects of ulvan based on its apoptotic effects and immunomodulatory activity. Additionally, we also focused on its pharmacokinetic studies in this review. Ulvan is the most conceivable candidate for use as a cancer therapeutic agent and could be used to boost immunity. Moreover, it may be established as an anticancer drug once its mechanisms of action are understood. Due to its high food and nutritive values, it can be used as a possible dietary supplement for cancer patients in the near future. This review may provide fresh perspectives on the potential novel role of ulvan, reveal a brand-new cancer-prevention strategy, and improve human health. Full article

This study aimed to examine the impact of augmented reality (AR) on the purchasing behavior of Saudi customers using analytic–descriptive methods and data from a snowball sample of 812 online buyers. Positive correlations were found between AR factors (hermeneutic, embodiment, and background) and dimensions (quality, fun, and creativity) and the purchase experience. Young women aged 17–26 mainly use AR for buying clothes and accessories, and the majority of the sample shops are available locally through mobile apps. The findings indicate that AR has a significant influence on buying decisions and suggest its potential use in marketing communications. The results also reveal that gender, social status, education level, and monthly income have an impact on participants’ responses to AR, with women and those who are married having more favorable views. Clothing and accessories were found to be the most frequently purchased products through AR. There were no significant differences based on age or the number of family members. Participants reported positively about their AR experience, and their concerns and anxiety did not affect their purchasing experience. Based on the main study’s results, a number of recommendations can be made: Saudi businesses need to use AR in their marketing communication strategies to meet consumer needs and trends. To maximize the benefits of brand awareness, they should use AR techniques and adopt this technology for products that depend on design in their production. When using AR in general and in light of the theories that have been studied, it is important to think about the cultural traits and dimensions of Saudi consumers and conduct further exploratory research before implementation. Full article

This paper aims to discuss the implications of body talk and socio-cultural pressure for the internalisation of a thin body image in purchase decisions, shopping habits and other outcomes of body dissatisfaction, in particular the proneness to avoid human/social interaction in retail contexts and proneness to engage in corrective, compensatory or compulsive shopping behaviour. This paper conducted an online questionnaire that measured the following constructs: body mass index; Socio-cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-4 (SATAQ-4), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), Compulsive Buying Follow-up Scale (CBFS), proneness to avoid social interaction in retail contexts, and the intention to purchase a list of products and services as a compensation for body dissatisfaction. A structural equations model supported the hypotheses proposing the influence of BAS-2 and SATAQ-4 (the internalisation of thin/athletic body and the social comparison induced by family, peers and media) upon the outcomes of social-interaction avoidance, ACSS and CBFS. Nevertheless, BAS-2 only influences social-interaction avoidance. This paper provides several recommendations to brand managers highlighting the social responsibility role of brand advertising in enhancing positive body appreciation, mitigating the psychological damage caused by socio-cultural pressure and preventing the stigmatisation bias against obese people. Full article

This study presents the analytical characterisation of Liu Kang’s paint mixtures and the painting technique used during the important Shanghai artistic phase (1933−1937). Liu Kang (1911–2004) was a Chinese artist who received an academic art education in Shanghai (1926–1928) and Paris (1929–1932). He settled permanently in Singapore in 1945 and became a leading contributor to the national art scene. This study showcases 12 paintings on canvas from the collections of the National Gallery Singapore and the Liu family. An integrated approach combined non- and micro-invasive analytical methods supplemented with archival sources and enabled characterising the investigated paint mixtures and revealing details of the artist’s painting technique. The study has proved the artist’s ability to produce a variety of hues by utilising a conventional palette of colours. The predilection for ultramarine, viridian, yellow and red iron-rich earth pigments, umber, yellow chromate pigments, as well as lead white, zinc white or Zn-base compounds like lithopone and barium white was recorded. The study emphasises a minor use of Prussian blue, emerald green, cadmium yellow or its variant and bone black. Although it remains unknown what brands of paints Liu Kang used, the available archival sources give insights into the painting materials available in Shanghai that the artist could have had at his disposal during the period under review. The archival information is based on the Chinese and overseas colourmen advertisements printed in Chinese journals and the respective contemporary colourmen catalogues. The artist’s painting technique departs from the experimental approach of his Paris phase. In Shanghai, he focused on synthesising the painting principles of the School of Paris with traditional Chinese calligraphy. The outcomes of this research may support future technical studies of works by other artists contemporary to Liu Kang and who were active in pre-war Shanghai. Full article