Search Results (7,145)

A near-infrared (NIR) light transmission imaging system was constructed using a stereomicroscope equipped with an 860 nm NIR LED light source to evaluate its applicability for observing wood anatomical structures. Species identification of wooden Buddhist statues is important for clarifying their provenance and production period, but such objects require non-destructive examination, and surface darkening from aging and soot deposits often limits observation under visible light. Fifteen wood species used for Buddhist statues and other cultural and architectural properties—eight hardwoods and seven softwoods—were examined, and NIR transmission images of the transverse section were obtained under air-dried and water-saturated conditions. Under air-dried conditions, NIR transmittance differed among species and between heartwood and sapwood, revealing anatomical structures such as vessels, growth-ring boundaries, and resin canals. Under water-saturated conditions, transmittance increased in all species and resin-canal structures became more distinct in softwoods, although some image blurring occurred. These results indicate that NIR transmission observation is effective for non-destructive species identification of wooden cultural properties, and that wood moisture strongly affects the resulting transmitted image. Full article

The transition metal dichalcogenides (MX₂, TMD) are a family of two-dimensional compounds, and MoS₂ is perhaps the most representative material among them. MoS₂, in its bulk form, is semiconductive, with an indirect band gap of around 1.2–1.3 eV. Monolayer MoS₂, nevertheless, exhibits a direct band gap of 1.8–1.9 eV. For zero-dimensional MoS₂ (quantum dots), the band gap would be even wider. These changes are mainly due to quantized energy levels arising from geometric confinement. Quantum effects directly yield distinct optoelectronic properties, such as photoluminescence, which are absent in the material’s bulk form. In this study, we developed an economical, scalable one-pot synthesis of MoS₂ nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for high-pressure autoclaves commonly employed in hydrothermal synthesis at around 150–270 °C. This one-pot synthesis was tested by two exfoliation methods—ultrasonication and thermal heating at 80 °C in three solvents: ethanol, deionized water, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Our focus is on the empirical study of nanoparticles’ photoluminescence and photothermal effects. The material characterization includes transmission electron microscopy for morphology and crystal structure, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical bonding energies, and a UV–visible–NIR spectrometer for optical absorption. Photoluminescent spectroscopy of the nanoparticles was assessed using laser excitation between 300 and 400 nm, and photothermal effects were measured as temperature variations in DI water under continuous irradiation by an 808 nm laser. Results show that MoS₂ nanoparticles synthesized in ethanol exhibit an additional broad optical absorption in the red–infrared range, in addition to the usual high absorption in the UV–blue range. This photothermal absorption would raise the temperature of DI water to 50 °C in 300 s. A simplified numerical analysis by finite elements was also carried out as a numerical confirmation of the photothermal test. On the cell biological side, both in vitro cultures with NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and antibacterial against E. coli show that critical tolerance of MoS₂ is no more than 0.25 mg/mL in the media. Full article

Background: Depression is a major global health burden, requiring culturally appropriate assessment instruments, but no validated Kazakh-language version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is available. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Kazakh PHQ-9 in a community-based, non-clinical sample. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 503 Kazakh-speaking adults (mean age = 24.0 years, SD = 10.1; 51.3% women and 48.7% men) who completed the Kazakh PHQ-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires. Internal consistency, structural validity, measurement invariance across genders, and convergent validity were assessed. Results: Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.91), and both one-factor and correlated two-factor models showed excellent fit (CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.997–0.998; RMSEA = 0.046–0.048; SRMR = 0.050–0.052), with a slightly better fit for the latter. Measurement invariance across genders was supported, and PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were strongly correlated (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Kazakh PHQ-9 demonstrated excellent internal consistency and structural validity, measurement invariance across genders, and strong convergent validity in this non-clinical sample. These findings support its use for assessing depressive symptoms in Kazakh-speaking adults. Clinical validation is needed to establish diagnostic validity and screening performance. Full article

Porcine rotavirus (PoRV), a major enteric pathogen, causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, high morbidity, and mortality, leading to significant economic losses in the porcine industry. In this study, we established a porcine small intestinal organoid culture system and developed an in vitro model for PoRV infection. Jejunal crypts were isolated from neonatal piglets and subsequently cultured to generate porcine small intestinal organoids in both three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) organoid formats, properties of which were verified via morphological assessment and immunostaining for Lgr5, villin, Ki-67, and lysozyme. Furthermore, a PoRV infection model was established in both 3D and 2D organoid cultures, and growth kinetics demonstrated efficient PoRV replication. PoRV infection also significantly increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IFN-α. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the established porcine small intestinal organoid models support efficient PoRV replication and provide a physiologically relevant platform for studying PoRV pathogenesis and evaluating potential antiviral strategies. Full article

Consumers increasingly favor frozen yogurt as a healthier alternative to ice cream due to its lower fat content and probiotic benefits. Baked fermented milk (BFM), with its caramelized flavor, brown color, and enhanced nutritional properties, has emerged as a promising ingredient for improving the functional and sensory qualities of frozen yogurt. This study aimed to develop a novel probiotic baked frozen yogurt (PBFY) using BFM instead of traditional fermented milk (TFM) and to evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics compared with traditional probiotic frozen yogurt (PTFY). Reconstituted skim milk and fresh cream were heat-treated (90 °C, 5 min) for TFM or baked (115 °C, 20 min) for BFM prior to culture inoculation. Both bases were inoculated with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, along with the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis. PTFY and PBFY were formulated by blending ice cream mix with TFM or BFM at 25, 50, and 75% substitution levels. Increasing fermented milk concentration significantly decreased pH and surface tension while elevating mix viscosity. High inclusion levels (75%) impaired whipping ability, reduced overrun, increased fat destabilization, decreased the melting rate, and reduced culture survival during storage. Compared with PTFY, PBFY exhibited a higher melting rate, lower viscosity, and superior antioxidant activity (1.31- and 1.33-fold higher DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, respectively); however, the fermented milk type did not significantly affect overrun or fat destabilization. During storage, S. thermophilus was the most stable strain, with a decline rate of 0.6–0.69 log₁₀ CFU/mL/month, whereas B. animalis subsp. lactis showed a more rapid decline (0.80–0.89 log₁₀ CFU/mL/month). Sensory evaluation revealed that a 50% BFM inclusion level was optimal, producing PBFY with a smooth texture, light brown color, and appealing caramel-like flavor. Full article

Objective: Simulated microgravity (SMG) alters fluid dynamics and may influence microbial aggregation. However, its effects on oral bacteria remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of SMG on the growth and aggregation of representative oral bacteria. Methods: Four facultative oral bacteria representing distinct ecological and adhesive properties—Staphylococcus aureus(opportunistic pathogen), Streptococcus mutans (glucan-producing cariogenic bacterium), Streptococcus salivarius (commensal fructan-producing bacterium), and Streptococcus sanguinis (early colonizer)—together with the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured under SMG (10⁻³G) or normal gravity (NG). Streptococci were grown with or without sucrose to evaluate the role of extracellular polysaccharides. Growth was assessed by optical density, and aggregation was quantified by image analysis. Results: SMG induced aggregation in a species-dependent manner. S. mutans and S. salivarius formed spherical aggregates under SMG, whereas little or no aggregate formation was observed in S. aureus, S. sanguinis, or P. gingivalis. Aggregation of S. mutans was markedly reduced without sucrose, indicating dependence on glucan-mediated adhesion. S. salivarius also showed reduced aggregation under sucrose-free conditions, although limited aggregation persisted. Growth kinetics were virtually unaffected by SMG. Conclusions: SMG promotes aggregation of selected oral bacteria through species-specific mechanisms. These findings suggest that microgravity may alter the architecture of oral microbial communities by enhancing particular intercellular adhesion pathways. Full article

Traditional fermented foods are important reservoirs of wild microorganisms with technological, sensory, protective, and functional potential. However, the performance of these isolates in controlled or compositionally different food matrices remains fragmented across microbial groups and food systems. This systematic review synthesized evidence on using wild microbial isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages as starters or potential probiotic cultures. The conducted a systematic search exclusively in Scopus, following PRISMA 2020, to include original research articles published between 2021 and 2026, yielding 68 eligible studies. The included studies were analyzed by geographical origin, isolation source, recipient matrix, microbial group, and key physicochemical, technological, sensory, microbiological, nutritional, and functional outcomes. The evidence was organized into wild yeasts and filamentous fungi, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bacillus isolates, and defined mixed microbial cultures. Across food matrices, microbial incorporation frequently accelerated acidification, shortened fermentation time, modified volatile compound profiles, and altered texture, color, enzymatic activity, or substrate utilization. Sensory responses improved aroma, flavor, texture, and acceptance, whereas others produced profiles that deviated from the characteristic product and reduced overall liking. Functional effects included increases in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, GABA, folate, peptides, and resistant starch, along with reductions in phytates, nitrites, biogenic amines, aflatoxins, and nondigestible oligosaccharides. Researchers also reported antimicrobial, antifungal, protective, and preliminary probiotic properties. Defined mixed microbial cultures often provided complementary metabolic effects, although true synergistic interactions were demonstrated only sporadically. Overall, wild isolates from traditional fermentations represent promising resources for food bioprocessing; however, their performance varies widely across strains, recipient matrices, experimental conditions, and outcomes evaluated. Consequently, their application requires strain–matrix validation, comprehensive sensory assessment, safety characterization, and evaluation under processing and storage conditions relevant to industrial production. Full article

Flammulina velutipes roots, abundant edible mushroom by-products, have potential for value-added utilization. This study evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lab. bulgaricus) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, flavor characteristics, sensory characteristics, and metabolite profiles of F. velutipes roots. Fermentation significantly increased soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from 1.537 to 1.722 g/100 g and DPPH radical scavenging activity from 27.88% to 59.92% in Lpb. plantarum-treated samples. GC-IMS analysis showed that fermentation increased several flavor-active aldehydes, esters, alcohols, organic acids, and ketones, thereby improving aroma complexity. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics revealed that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid-related pathways were closely associated with flavor formation and antioxidant enhancement. Both Lpb. Plantarum and Lab. bulgaricus fermentation enhanced the accumulation of organic acids, sugar alcohols, and aromatic precursors, supporting improved antioxidant activity. Notably, Lpb. plantarum elicited broader metabolic shifts involving hydroxy fatty acids, esters, while Lab. bulgaricus more strongly promoted organic acid and aromatic metabolite accumulation, contributing to a more acidic and malty flavor profile. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis further confirmed that fermentation enhanced aroma and palatability, while increasing sourness and reducing bitterness and astringency. These results suggest that starter-culture-dependent lactic acid bacteria fermentation is an effective strategy for improving the functional and sensory characteristics of F. velutipes root by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glia-mediated inflammation contributes to a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including epilepsy. Pregabalin (PGB) and cannabidiol (CBD) are CNS-acting drugs prescribed for various neuropsychiatric conditions, especially seizures. This study investigated the effects of PGB and CBD on glial properties in an astrocyte–microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Methods: Physiological (M5, containing 5–10% microglia) and pathological inflammatory astrocyte–microglia co-cultures (M30, containing 30–40% microglia) were collected from the postnatal brain hemispheres of Wistar rats (P0-P2) according to an established protocol and treated with different concentrations of PGB (3, 10, 30 and 60 µg/mL) for 24 h or CBD (50, 500 and 1000 ng/mL) for 1 h or 24 h. Metabolic activity was assessed by the MTT assay. Microglial phenotypes and astroglial connexin (Cx)43 expression were detected by immunocytochemistry. Results: In M5 co-cultures, short-term incubation (1 h) with high concentrations (1000 ng/mL) of CBD significantly reduced glial viability (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in M30 co-cultures. After 24 h of incubation, M5 cultures exhibited a significant increase in metabolic activity at 50 ng/mL (p < 0.0001) and 500 ng/mL (p < 0.05), and a reduction at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05), suggesting impaired viability at high concentrations under physiological conditions. The distribution of microglial phenotypes in physiological M5 co-cultures incubated with CBD remained unchanged. In M30 co-cultures, CBD incubation for 1 and 24 h significantly reduced microglial activation and promoted a shift from reactive, phagocytic to homeostatic, ramified microglial phenotype (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.0001). In contrast, PGB did not affect glial cell viability, microglial phenotypes or Cx43 expression in physiological and inflammatory co-cultures, indicating that the mechanisms of action of PGB probably do not include modulation of glial cells in vitro. Conclusions: The inhibition of microglial reactivity by CBD suggests potential positive effects on the neuroinflammatory component involved in the pathogenesis of CNS disorders such as epilepsy. Full article

In recent years, the city of Naples has seen increasing attention focused on the mural dedicated to Diego Armando Maradona, located in the Spanish Quarter. Originally a spontaneous expression of street art and initially perceived by the local community as a simple artwork, the mural has gradually transformed into a powerful symbol of identity, becoming a true cultural icon of the city. This process has generated effects that transcend the artistic value of the artwork, contributing to the enhancement of the entire surrounding urban context and altering the social and economic dynamics of the quarter. By considering the Maradona Mural as the epicentre of a range of territorial and socio-economic effects, this paper aims to explore the issue of measuring the influence exerted by its presence on the market values of residential properties located in the Spanish Quarter of Naples. From this perspective, street art can be interpreted as a positive externality capable not only of fostering processes of urban regeneration and the redevelopment of formerly marginalised or degraded areas but also of influencing the dynamics of the local real estate market. Property values reflect not only the intrinsic characteristics of the properties but also the environmental and territorial attributes that contribute to the formation of market prices. From this perspective, properties can be considered as beneficiaries of externalities, whose economic value can be estimated through variations in house prices attributable to changes in environmental and territorial conditions. Full article

Insufficient vascularization remains a major limitation in tissue engineering, restricting the survival and maturation of larger bioengineered constructs. While candidate hydrogels are commonly characterized with regard to physicochemical properties, gelation behavior, mechanical performance, and cytocompatibility, simple functional assays that assess their capacity to support vascular sprouting are less frequently integrated into early-stage biomaterial evaluation. Here, we investigated the established ex vivo aortic ring assay (ARA) as an exploratory functional approach for the initial comparison of selected hydrogel formulations. Murine aortic rings were embedded in collagen I (Col I), alginate (Alg), or gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and cultured under control conditions or with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) stimulation. These hydrogels were intentionally selected as a proof-of-concept panel of representative, non-equivalent material classes with distinct expected cell-interactive properties. After five days, Col I supported robust capillary-like outgrowth that was further enhanced by VEGF-A, whereas the tested GelMA formulation supported only limited cellular migration and the tested unmodified Alg formulation showed no detectable sprouting under the conditions examined. Cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) immunostaining supported the presence of an endothelial component within the Col I-supported sprouting structures. These findings demonstrate that the ARA can detect pronounced formulation-dependent differences among the specific hydrogels tested using straightforward morphological and immunostaining readouts. Within the scope of the formulations tested, these findings support the ARA as a complementary functional readout alongside conventional biomaterial characterization before more complex tissue engineering or biofabrication studies are performed. Full article

Promoting morality among youth is an important educational priority in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces. However, few culturally grounded learning interventions based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy have been systematically developed and evaluated. This study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate the Digital Learning Innovation for Strengthening Society (DLISS), a culturally grounded learning intervention designed to promote self-reported morality among youth. A four-phase research and development design was employed, including needs assessment, intervention and instrument development, preliminary field implementation, and post-implementation expert appraisal. Self-reported morality was assessed using the Sufficiency Economy Moral Scale (SEMS), which underwent psychometric evaluation with 1640 youth. Preliminary implementation involved 22 youth leaders assessed at pretest, immediate posttest, and post-reinforcement assessment. The SEMS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. Participants showed statistically significant within-participant changes in the five measured dimensions of self-reported morality across the three assessment occasions. Experts rated the DLISS model favorably for its appropriateness, feasibility, utility, and contextual relevance. The DLISS model represents a promising culturally grounded learning intervention for promoting self-reported morality among youth. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting further evaluation using larger samples and controlled research designs. Full article

Background: Census data in Hungary indicate a substantial decline in declared religious affiliation, with Christian identification falling from 74.4% in 2001 to 42.5% in 2022, underscoring the need for culturally validated measures of religious faith. Methods: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Hungarian versions of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF-10) and its 5-item short form (SCSORF-5) in a cross-sectional online sample of 430 participants (M_age = 22.28, SD = 9.23). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for both scales, with acceptable support when considering the full pattern of indices, but with elevated RMSEA as a limitation. All models were estimated with the mean- and variance-adjusted weighted least squares estimator (WLSMV) on polychoric correlations, under which fit improved markedly for the SCSORF-10 (CFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.989, SRMR = 0.040, RMSEA = 0.080). Modification indices identified a single interpretable residual covariance between the two explicitly devotional items, which did not alter the solution and was not retained. Measurement invariance across gender was tested with the sequence appropriate to ordered categorical indicators, and configural, threshold, threshold-and-loading, and strict invariance were all supported. Internal consistency was high (SCSORF-10: α = 0.95, ω = 0.95; SCSORF-5: α = 0.89, ω = 0.89). Convergent validity was demonstrated by strong associations with spiritual well-being, while correlations with self-esteem were weak, providing limited discriminant evidence against a conceptually distant construct. Conclusion: The short form showed psychometric properties closely comparable to the full scale; because its items are a subset of the full version, this correspondence is partly expected. Both instruments appear to be reliable and valid for assessing religious faith in Hungary. Known-group evidence was strong: scores separated self-described religious respondents from atheists (d = 1.37) and from believing-but-not-religious respondents (d = 1.17), and the religiosity category accounted for 27.5% of score variance, whereas scores were unrelated to gender and age. Full article

Life skills are cognitive, emotional and social competencies that help adolescents manage everyday demands and participate in school and social contexts. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the European Portuguese Life Skills Scale (LSS). A cross-sectional methodological study included a convenience sample of 1807 Portuguese adolescents aged 13–19 years from public secondary schools in Central Portugal. The sample was randomly split for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 903) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 904). EFA supported an interpretable eight-factor solution explaining 50.7% of the variance. CFA compared the original ten-factor model with the EFA-derived eight-factor model. The ten-factor model showed significant standardised loadings (λ = 0.444–0.849) and comparatively better fit, with acceptable root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = 0.045) and standardised root mean square residual (SRMR = 0.062), although the comparative fit index (CFI = 0.855) and Tucker–Lewis index (TLI = 0.849) remained below preferred thresholds. Internal consistency was satisfactory to excellent (α = 0.782–0.963; ω = 0.783–0.964). Average variance extracted (AVE) and heterotrait–monotrait ratio (HTMT) analyses provided partial evidence of convergent validity and additional support for discriminant validity. Supplementary multi-group CFA provided preliminary support for measurement invariance across female and male adolescents. Findings provide initial support for the European Portuguese LSS as a multidimensional measure of adolescent life skills. Full article

Recent archaeological evidence indicates that Gandhāran wine culture and Buddhist communities shared the same social and material environment. However, surviving evidence does not permit direct reconstruction of lay Buddhists’ drinking practices. Grounded in source criticism, this study combines contextual historical interpretation with comparative textual analysis to examine Gandhāran wine culture, the application of the precept against intoxicants, and the Sarvāstivāda theory of partial undertaking of the five precepts at distinct evidentiary levels. Archaeological evidence situates Buddhist communities within Gandhāra’s wine-producing environment. Vinaya materials clarify criteria of fermentation, intoxicating properties, and intended use. The Abhidharmamahāvibhāṣāśāstra and Abhidharmakośabhāṣya illuminate Gandhāran views on lay status and selective undertaking of individual precepts. The analysis identifies concern with intoxication (mada) and heedlessness (pamāda) as the normative basis for applying the precept and examines how Buddhist affiliation and wine culture could coexist within the same society. It posits no direct causal relationship between wine culture and either relaxation of the precept or debates over partial undertaking, synthesizing independently derived findings only where they are mutually compatible. Full article