Search Results (7,946)

Eyespot is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat in the Czech Republic. As part of a long-term study (2015–2024), the occurrence, population structure, and pathogenic variability of Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis were investigated. In total, 356 O. yallundae, 24 O. acuformis, and 33 mixed cultures were collected and identified using PCR. The study also included small-plot inoculation trials (2022–2023) to assess the response of widely grown winter wheat cultivars. Disease severity was evaluated visually, pathogen DNA was quantified using qPCR, and the presence of the resistance gene Pch1 was determined with the STS marker Xorw1. In addition to these analyses, monitoring of fungicide resistance to two commonly used fungicides (fluxapyroxad and prothioconazole) was performed. The results showed significant differences among cultivars and seasons. Genotypes carrying Pch1—including Annie, Campesino, Illusion, KWS Donovan, LG Absalon, and Pallas—exhibited the lowest levels of infection, whereas Mercedes and Dagmar were the most susceptible. The qPCR reliably detected and distinguished both pathogens, with O. yallundae occurring at higher concentrations. Fungicide sensitivity testing revealed EC₅₀ values (mean ± SD) of 0.09 ± 0.13 μg·mL⁻¹ for fluxapyroxad and 0.30 ± 0.22 μg·mL⁻¹ for prothioconazole, indicating that eyespot pathogens remain largely sensitive, with only minor signs of reduced sensitivity. Full article

Biophotons are non-thermal and non-bioluminescent ultraweak photon emissions, first hypothesised by Gurwitsch as a regulatory mechanism in cell division, and then experimentally observed in living organisms. Today, two main hypotheses explain their origin: stochastic decay of excited molecules and coherent electromagnetic fields produced in biochemical processes. Recent interest focuses on the role of biophotons in cellular communication and disease monitoring. This study presents the first campaign of biophoton emission measurements from cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells, conducted at Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza (FPS) using two ultra-sensitive setups developed in collaboration between the National Laboratories of Frascati (LNF-INFN) and the University of Rome II Tor Vergata. The statistical analyses of the collected data revealed a clear separation between cellular signals and dark noise, confirming the high sensitivity of the apparatus. The Diffusion Entropy Analysis (DEA) was applied to the data to uncover dynamic patterns, revealing anomalous diffusion and long-range memory effects that may be related to intercellular signaling and cellular communication. These findings support the hypothesis that biophoton emissions encode rich information beyond intensity, reflecting metabolic and pathological states. The differences revealed by applying the Diffusion Entropy Analysis to the biophotonic signals of Astrocytes and Glioblastoma are highlighted and discussed in the paper. This work lays the groundwork for future studies on neuronal cultures and proposes biophoton dynamics as a promising tool for non-invasive diagnostics and the study of cellular communication. Full article

Automata and artificial intelligence (AI) have long occupied a central place in cultural and artistic imagination, and the recent proliferation of AI-generated artworks has intensified debates about authorship, creativity, and human agency. Empirical studies show that audiences often perceive AI-generated works as less authentic or emotionally resonant than human creations, with authorship attribution strongly shaping esthetic judgments. Yet little attention has been paid to how AI systems themselves evaluate creative authorship. This study investigates how large language models (LLMs) evaluate literary quality under different framings of authorship—Human, AI, or Human+AI collaboration. Using a questionnaire-based experimental design, we prompted four instruction-tuned LLMs (ChatGPT 4, Gemini 2, Gemma 3, and LLaMA 3) to read and assess three short stories in Italian, originally generated by ChatGPT 4 in the narrative style of Roald Dahl. For each story × authorship condition × model combination, we collected 100 questionnaire completions, yielding 3600 responses in total. Across esthetic, literary, and inclusiveness dimensions, the stated authorship systematically conditioned model judgments: identical stories were consistently rated more favorably when framed as human-authored or human–AI co-authored than when labeled as AI-authored, revealing a robust negative bias toward AI authorship. Model-specific analyses further indicate distinctive evaluative profiles and inclusiveness thresholds across proprietary and open-source systems. Our findings extend research on attribution bias into the computational realm, showing that LLM-based evaluations reproduce human-like assumptions about creative agency and literary value. We publicly release all materials to facilitate transparency and future comparative work on AI-mediated literary evaluation. Full article

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive technological study of three bronze sculptures from the Jin Empire period (1115–1234 AD) from the collection of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography at the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Peoples of the Far East, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHAE FEB RAS). Using photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the production techniques were reconstructed, differences in alloy composition were identified, and specific features of the casting processes were determined. Tomographic analysis revealed two fundamentally different manufacturing approaches: a multi-stage technology involving the use of different alloys and the assembly of separately cast elements, and a single-cast technology with a homogeneous structure. Elemental analysis of the three sculptures using EDS demonstrated significant compositional variability—from 21% to 67% copper and from 9% to 69% tin in different parts of the objects—confirming the complexity of the technological processes. An expanded study of 20 bronze sculptures using portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF) allowed for the identification of four typological alloy groups: classic balanced lead–tin bronzes (Cu 30–58%, Sn 16–23%, Pb 16–28%), high-lead bronzes (Pb up to 52%), high-tin bronzes (Sn up to 30%), and low-tin alloys (Sn less than 11%). The morphological features of the sculptures suggest one of their possible interpretations as ancestor spirits used in ritual practices. The research findings contribute to the study of Jurchen metallurgical traditions and demonstrate the potential of interdisciplinary, non-destructive analytical methods for reconstructing the technological, social, and cultural aspects of medieval Far Eastern societies. Full article

Natural compounds, as honey-derived flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are increasingly investigated for their potential to mitigate skin aging and prevent oxidative stress-induced cellular damages. In this context, a dynamic cell culture model was employed to assess the protective influence of honey pre-treatment on stem cell–associated genes and the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway following ultraviolet (UV)-induced aging. Using a bioreactor, skin stem cells (SSCs) derived from healthy skin biopsies and human skin fibroblasts (HFF1) were pre-treated with 1% honey for 48 h and then exposed to UV. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed on Wnt signaling and anti-aging molecular responses. Honey pre-treatment enhanced the expression of pluripotency markers (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4); SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2)) and reduced senescence-related cell cycle regulators (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16); cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21); tumor protein 53 (p53)) in SSCs. In UV-damaged SSCs, honey also significantly increased Wnt3a expression. In fibroblasts, honey pre-treatment upregulated Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) expression, while downregulating caspase-8 (CASP8), indicating a protective role against UV-mediated cellular stress. We also analyzed nitric oxide release and the total antioxidant capacity of cells after treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that honey may safeguard skin stem cells from UV-induced aging by modulating pluripotency and senescence-associated genes and regulating differentiation through alterations in Wnt signaling. Furthermore, Hsp70 upregulation in fibroblasts appears to strengthen cellular stress responses and support homeostatic stability. Full article

Duckweed has attracted considerable attention for its high protein content, rapid growth, and broad potential in biotechnological applications. Understanding key phenotypic traits is crucial for unlocking and maximizing this potential. While most studies on duckweed growth have been conducted under natural or non-sterile conditions, here we minimize environmental influences and focus on the genetic component of growth by assessing growth performance under axenic culture. In this study, we measured relative growth rate (RGR) in four duckweed species, Landoltia punctata (G. Mey.) Les & D. J. Crawford, Lemna aequinoctialis Welw., Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid., and Wolffia globosa (Roxb.) Hartog & Plas. collected from various natural locations across Thailand. A total of six to seven strains were tested for each species. The relative growth rates of studied species ranged from 0.012 day⁻¹ in S. polyrhiza to 0.162 day⁻¹ in W. globosa. Significant intraspecific variation was observed in L. punctata, S. polyrhiza, and W. globosa, with the coefficients of variation between 9.6 to 109.9 percent. Each strain showed distinct growth characteristics: Most displayed a steady growth pattern, whereas W. globosa showed exponential growth at Day 35 after the start of experiment. The results provide the first systematic comparisons of baseline growth rate data for duckweed species in Thailand. These findings advance the understanding of strain-specific growth traits in duckweed and establish a standardized protocol for evaluating growth traits under axenic conditions, providing a basis for future research and applications. Full article

The success of STEM education in early childhood education is reliant on the pedagogical practices of teachers. Effective teaching of STEM requires specific knowledge of the four disciplines of STEM, appropriate teaching and learning methods and relevant experiences. In Saudi Arabia the teaching of STEM is a relatively new field, and this paper outlines a research project to promote the teaching and learning of STEM through professional development workshops. The research is informed by Vygotsky’s cultural-historical/socio-cultural theory, acknowledging the crucial role of social interaction and cultural context in a collaborative learning environment. To evaluate the project, a mixed methods approach was used involving the collecting, analyzing, and interpreting of quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys were conducted before and after professional development as well as semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate positive shifts in attitudes and enthusiasm among early childhood educators to teach STEM following the professional development program. However, the practical implementation remains a challenge due to the perceived lack of suitable resources, support from school leadership and the need for ongoing coaching and mentoring. Full article

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on mental health and lifestyle behaviours, especially among university students who experienced academic disruptions, social isolation, and fewer social interactions. Alcohol consumption has long been part of student culture. Still, the influence of post-pandemic academic reintegration on drinking patterns and psychological distress remains relatively unexplored, particularly in countries like Portugal, where student traditions heavily shape consumption habits. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of Portuguese university students during the post-pandemic academic period, and to explore associations with sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021 with 90 students from a private higher education institution in northern Portugal. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including sociodemographic information, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Result: The majority of the participants were not at risk of alcohol addiction (95.3%). In total, 15.1% of students reported anxiety symptoms ranging from severe to extremely severe. A binomial logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of being away from home and psychological distress (DASS-42 score), on the likelihood that participants were at risk of alcohol addiction (Level 3 and 4 in the AUDIT scale). The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ²(2) = 9.20, p = 0.010. Living away from home was associated with a substantially lower likelihood of high-risk status (B = −2.79, p = 0.034), corresponding to an odds ratio of 0.06, indicating a strong protective effect. DASS-42 total score was positively associated with high-risk status (B = 0.04, p = 0.039), such that higher psychological distress increased the odds of being classified as high risk. Conclusions: The findings reveal a low prevalence of alcohol risk but heightened symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Psychological distress notably increases the likelihood of hazardous alcohol use, emphasising the importance of targeted mental health and alcohol-use interventions among university students. Full article

Aged skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) exhibit impaired autophagy-related activity, reduced proliferative capacity, and compromised myogenic differentiation, which collectively contribute to defective muscle regeneration during aging. However, whether hypoxia-driven modulation of autophagy-related activity can improve aged MuSC function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, aged MuSCs were divided into three groups: normoxia, hypoxia, and hypoxia combined with an autophagy inhibitor. Aged MuSCs exhibited a decreased LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio and Beclin-1 expression, together with elevated p62 levels, indicating altered autophagy-related activity. Hypoxic culture was associated with enhanced autophagy-related activity in aged MuSCs, accompanied by HIF-1α stabilization, BNIP3 upregulation, and reduced p62 accumulation. Functionally, hypoxia significantly promoted the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of aged MuSCs. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine, as well as BNIP3 suppression, markedly attenuated these hypoxia-induced functional improvements. Collectively, these findings suggest that hypoxia is associated with improved proliferative and myogenic capacities of aged MuSCs, potentially involving autophagy-related activity regulated by the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway. This study provides insight into the relationship between hypoxic signaling and autophagy in aged MuSCs and may inform future strategies aimed at improving muscle regeneration during aging. Full article

Quality control of drinking water is essential for safeguarding public health, particularly in densely populated urban environments. Environmental microbiological monitoring can complement conventional surveillance by providing deeper insights into the dissemination of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes within aquatic systems. In this study, we assessed the quality of wastewater and treated water from two urban water supply systems, representing the southern and northern regions of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, across four climatic seasons between 2024 and 2025. Fifteen water samples were analyzed, including raw water from Guaíba Lake and treated water collected from public distribution points. The Water Quality Index was calculated, microbiological indicators were quantified, and carbapenem resistance genes were detected using molecular assays. Most treated water samples complied with established bacteriological standards; however, the bla_OXA-48-like gene was recurrently detected in both wastewater and treated water. No resistance genes were identified during the summer, whereas the bla_VIM gene was detected exclusively in spring samples. The presence of carbapenem resistance genes in the absence of cultivable coliforms suggests the persistence of extracellular DNA or viable but non-culturable bacteria, highlighting limitations inherent to conventional microbiological monitoring. Integrating classical microbiological methods with molecular assays enables a more comprehensive assessment of water quality and strengthens evidence-based decision-making within a One Health framework. Full article

Nucleic acids are essential dietary components with diverse physiological functions. Numerous studies have focused on the biological functions of nucleotides, nucleosides, and functional RNAs such as microRNAs. However, the nutritional value of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-derived oligonucleotides, which are likely the predominant nucleic acid-derived components in foods, remains largely unexplored. Here, yeast was used as a food-associated eukaryotic model organism to investigate the uptake and utilization of rRNA-derived oligonucleotides. Yeast efficiently utilized short RNA oligonucleotides (approximately 5–30 nt) as nutrient sources, supporting robust cell growth. Confocal microscopy confirmed rapid uptake of Cy5-labeled RNA oligonucleotides by yeast cells. Proteomic analysis further revealed marked upregulation of proteins involved in endocytosis and autophagy in yeast cultured with RNA oligonucleotides. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that yeast can internalize and metabolize rRNA-derived oligonucleotides as efficient nutrient sources, likely through coordinated endocytic and autophagic pathways. This study highlights the nutritional potential of rRNA-derived oligonucleotides and provides a foundation for their future application in functional foods and fermentation systems. Full article

As sustainable tourism gains global momentum, extended reality (XR) technologies have emerged as important tools for enhancing visitor experiences at overburdened World Heritage Sites while mitigating physical deterioration through non-consumptive engagement. However, existing research on immersive technologies in heritage tourism has largely relied on single-cultural samples and has paid limited attention to theoretically grounded boundary conditions in post-adoption behaviour. To address these gaps, this study extends the Expectation–Confirmation Model (ECM) by incorporating cultural distance (CD) and prior visitation experience (PVE) as moderating variables, and empirically tests the proposed framework using a mixed domestic–international sample exposed to an on-site XR application at the Badaling Great Wall World Heritage Site. Data were collected immediately after the XR experience and analysed using structural equation modelling. The results validate the core relationships of ECM while identifying significant moderating effects. Cultural distance attenuates the positive effects of confirmation on perceived usefulness as well as the effect of perceived usefulness on continuance intention, while prior visitation experience weakens the influences of enjoyment and visual appeal on satisfaction. These findings establish important boundary conditions for ECM in immersive heritage contexts. From a practical perspective, the study demonstrates that high-quality, culturally responsive XR can complement physical visitation and support sustainable conservation strategies at large-scale linear heritage sites. Full article

This article offers an interdisciplinary ethnolinguistic and sociolinguistic reading of Karl Steinmetz’s early twentieth-century travel accounts from the northern Albanian highlands and links them to contemporary Albanian youth’s attitudes toward tradition. Through close analysis of his depictions of space, social organisation and oral practice, the study examines how tower, household, clan, honour, blood, revenge, hospitality and priest are lexically and discursively encoded as “word-concepts” structuring local worldviews. Methodologically, it combines textual analysis with a questionnaire administered to respondents aged 15–17 and 18–21 about the relevance of traditions today. The findings show that Steinmetz’s materials provide an early, systematic corpus on Northern Gheg Albanian, where linguistic variation is closely linked to customary law and collective identity; contemporary youth still value honour, hospitality, family solidarity and “besa”, while distancing themselves from the normative force of the Kanun and reinterpreting traditional codes in more individualised, rights-oriented terms. The article argues that Steinmetz’s work remains a crucial resource for understanding the diachronic interplay of language, culture and identity in northern Albania and for analysing how cultural models are transformed among younger generations. Full article

As sustainability becomes a strategic priority, the Information Technology (IT) sector faces pressure on both reducing its environmental impact and leading in innovation. This study examines how Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices influence employees’ Green IT Attitudes (GITA) and beliefs within the IT industry. Guided by the Belief–Action–Outcome (BAO) framework, it explores how HR strategies can foster eco-conscious mindsets that support sustainable behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, collecting data through a validated questionnaire. The study was conducted in Australia, focusing on IT professionals employed. Responses from 112 IT professionals, determined through G*Power sample estimation, were analysed using SPSS 28.0.1 with regression techniques to assess the relationship between GHRM practices and environmental attitudes and beliefs. Results indicate that GHRM practices have a modest but significant positive effect on employees’ green IT attitudes and beliefs, supporting the view that structured HR initiatives can shape sustainability-driven mindsets. The findings emphasize the strategic role of HR in embedding sustainability within organizational culture, particularly in technology-driven environments. The study offers practical guidance for IT organizations aiming to integrate sustainability into internal systems by leveraging HRM. Future research should examine moderating variables and long-term behavioural effects, enhancing our understanding of sustainability-focused HRM in the digital era. Full article

Due to the unpredictability of seismic and the complexity of collection environments, significant uncertainty exists regarding their impact on cultural relics. Moreover, existing research on the causal analysis of seismic damage to cultural relics remains insufficient, thereby limiting advancements in risk assessment and protective measures. To address this issue, this paper proposes a seismic damage risk assessment method for cultural relics in collections, integrating deep learning and reinforcement strategies. The proposed method enhances the dataset on seismic impacts on cultural relics by developing an integrated deep learning-based data correction model. Furthermore, it incorporates a graph attention mechanism to precisely quantify the influence of various attribute factors on cultural relic damage. Additionally, by combining reinforcement learning with the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) strategy, this method refines seismic risk assessments and formulates more targeted preventive protection measures for cultural relics in collections. This study evaluates the proposed method using three public datasets in comparison with the self-constructed Seismic Damage Dataset of Cultural Relics (CR-SDD). Experiments are conducted to assess and analyze the predictive performance of various models. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an accuracy of 81.21% in assessing seismic damage to cultural relics in collections. This research provides a scientific foundation and practical guidance for the protection of cultural relics, offering strong support for preventive conservation efforts in seismic risk mitigation. Full article