Search Results (8,960)

Preformed porous media (PPM) technology has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance heat and mass transfer in vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) of agricultural and food products. This review systematically analyzes recent advances in PPM research, with particular focus on spray freeze-drying (SFD) as the dominant technique for precision pore architecture control. Empirical studies confirm PPM’s efficacy: drying time reductions of 20–50% versus conventional VFD while improving product quality (e.g., 15% higher ginsenoside retention in ginseng, 90% enzyme activity preservation). Key innovations include gradient porous structures and multi-technology coupling strategies that fundamentally alter transfer mechanisms through: resistance mitigation via interconnected macropores (50–500 μm, 40–90% porosity), pseudo-convection effects enabling 30% faster vapor removal, and radiation enhancement boosting absorption by 40–60% and penetration depth 2–3 times. While inherent VFD limitations (e.g., low thermal conductivity) persist, we identify PPM-specific bottlenecks: precision regulation of pore structures (<5% size deviation), scalable fabrication of gradient architectures, synergy mechanisms in multi-field coupling (e.g., microwave-PPM interactions). The most promising advancements include 3D-printed gradient pores for customized transfer paths, intelligent monitoring-feedback systems, and multiscale modeling bridging pore-scale physics to macroscale kinetics. This review provides both a critical assessment of current progress and a forward-looking perspective to guide future research and industrial adoption of PPM-enhanced VFD. Full article

This study examines the transformation of literary translation practices in Georgia from the Soviet era to the post-Soviet and neoliberal periods, using postcolonial translation theory as the main analytical lens. Translation is treated not merely as a linguistic transfer but as a process shaped by ideological control, cultural representation, and global power hierarchies. In the Soviet era, censorship policies rooted in socialist realism imposed direct ideological interventions; children’s literature such as Maya the Bee and Bambi exemplified how religious or individualist themes were replaced with collectivist narratives. In the post-Soviet period, overt censorship has largely disappeared; however, structural factors—including the absence of a coherent national translation policy, economic precarity, and dependence on Western funding—have become decisive in shaping translation choices. The shift from Russian to English as the dominant source language has introduced new symbolic hierarchies, privileging Anglophone literature while marginalizing regional and non-Western voices. Drawing on the Georgian Book Market Research 2013–2015 alongside archival materials, paratextual analysis, and contemporary case studies, including the Georgian translation of André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name, the study shows how translators negotiate between market expectations, cultural taboos, and ethical responsibility. It argues that translation in Georgia remains a contested site of cultural negotiation and epistemic justice. Full article

A class of retinal dystrophies known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is caused by the loss of photoreceptor cells. RP can be genetically transmitted as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked trait. About one-third of genes implicated in retinal degeneration encode for proteins whose functional dysregulation affects the “connecting cilium” in photoreceptors, altering its structure and function. Here we report on a 33-year-old woman who was referred for clinical genetic testing following a previous diagnosis of degenerative retinopathy, which was not informative. She was enrolled in a research program dedicated to undiagnosed retinal disorders, where a whole genome sequencing approach was employed to understand the underlying genetic basis. The genomic analysis documented the occurrence of compound heterozygosity for two functionally relevant missense variants in BAIAP3, which encodes a protein with a well-documented role in SNARE-mediated trafficking and ciliogenesis. Confocal microscopy analysis showed elongated cilia in patient-derived and BAIAP3-depleted fibroblasts compared to control cells. Real-time PCR analyses showed a consistent significant reduction of GLI1 mRNA levels in patient-derived and BAIAP3-depleted cells, both in basal conditions and after treatment with Smoothened agonist, SAG, indicating Sonic hedgehog signaling dysregulation. Collectively, these data suggest that biallelic loss-of-function variants of BAIAP3 may cause photoreceptor degeneration and underlie isolated RP. Full article

The paper presents a two-dimensional RANS–SST k–ω investigation of vortex-induced vibration of a square cylinder with two degrees of freedom under combined steady and oscillatory flow at the Reynolds number of 5000, Keulegan–Carpenter number of 10, mass ratio of 2.5, and zero structural damping. Flow ratio a (steady-to-total velocity) is varied from 0 to 1.0, and the reduced velocity from 2 to 25 to map lock-in regimes, response amplitudes, frequency content, hydrodynamic loads, trajectories, and wake patterns. At low a ≤ 0.4, in-line vibrations dominate at > 5, with double-frequency transverse lock-in peaking near = 5. As a → 1.0, in-line motion diminishes, and single-frequency transverse oscillation prevails, with the maximum transverse displacement up to 0.54D. The mean drag coefficient increases with increasing flow ratio; the fluctuating drag coefficient decreases with increasing a; while the lift coefficient peaks at a = 1, = 2. Wake topology transitions from a mixed vortex shedding towards a 2S pattern, as a → 1. Full article

This study employs molecular orbital (MO) analysis, density of states (DOS) analysis, and advanced techniques such as charge density difference (CDD), transition density matrix (TDM), transition electric dipole moment density (TEDM), and transition magnetic dipole moment density (TMDM) to systematically investigate the electronic structure characteristics of Fc-[8]CPP and Fc-[11]CPP. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT), the π-electron delocalization properties and optical behaviors of these molecules were analyzed. Furthermore, their responses to external electromagnetic fields were explored through electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and Raman spectroscopy, comparing chiral optical responses and electron–vibration coupling effects to elucidate their photophysical properties. The results reveal that the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of Fc-[8]CPP and Fc-[11]CPP are 5.81 eV and 5.95 eV, respectively, with a slight increase as ring size grows; Fc-[8]CPP exhibits a stronger chiral response, while Fc-[11]CPP shows reduced chirality due to enhanced symmetry. Finally, TD-DFT calculations demonstrate that their optical absorption is dominated by localized excitations with partial charge transfer contributions. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for designing conjugated macrocyclic materials with superior optoelectronic performance. Full article

Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare, autosomal dominant multisystem disease caused by pathogenic variants in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Although ATTRv is classically categorized into “cardiac” and “neurologic” phenotypes, recent evidence suggests a more complex and overlapping disease spectrum. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between neurological staging and cardiac involvement through an integrated assessment of patients with confirmed TTR mutations. Methods and Results: Fifty-eight patients with genetically confirmed ATTRv (41% female, mean age 60 ± 15 years) were evaluated. Genotypes included Phe64Leu, Val30Met, Val122Ile, and others. Patients were stratified by neurological stage: G0 (asymptomatic carriers), G1 (symptomatic but ambulatory), and G2 (requiring walking support). Cardiac assessment included clinical evaluation, echocardiography with tissue Doppler, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and NT-proBNP levels. Cardiac markers worsened with neurological stage. NT-proBNP, left ventricular mass index, maximal wall thickness, and E/E′ ratio increased progressively, while GLS declined (G0: –19%, G1: –14%, G2: –13%; p < 0.001), indicating a progressive structural and functional myocardial disease. Ejection fraction remained preserved. Neurological stage independently predicted cardiac dysfunction after age adjustment. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess cardiac abnormalities across neurological stages in a well-characterized cohort of ATTRv patients. Cardiac involvement in ATTRv begins early, even in asymptomatic carriers, and progresses with neurological deterioration. GLS and diastolic parameters are sensitive indicators of early myocardial dysfunction, highlighting the need for integrated neurologic and cardiac monitoring in all patients with ATTRv, regardless of initial phenotype. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pompia is an ancient, endemic citrus ecotype native to Sardinia (Italy), characterized by distinctive morphology and high content of bioactive compounds. Despite increasing interest, several aspects of this fruit, including its histological characteristics, remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the anatomical features and spatial distribution of secretory cavities involved in essential oil (EO) production and accumulation, while also evaluating the EO’s chemical profile and associated biological activity. Methods: Pompia peel (flavedo and albedo) was subjected to histological analysis through fixation, dehydration, resin inclusion and sectioning. Sections were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue and observed under a light microscope to measure different parameters of secretory cavities. Essential oil (EO) was obtained from Pompia peel by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The biological activity of Pompia EO was assessed in vitro using NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, where wound-healing was evaluated by scratch assay and anti-senescence effects by β-galactosidase and γH2AX activity. Results: Microscopic analysis of the peel revealed pronounced variability in depth and size of the secretory cavities, along with the presence of lenticel-like structures in the epidermis. GC–MS analysis showed that Pompia EO is dominated by limonene (89%), with minor compounds including myrcene, geranial and neral. In vitro biological assays demonstrated that the EO promotes cell migration in a wound-healing model at concentrations ≥ 12.5 µg/mL and reduces markers of cellular senescence, including β-galactosidase activity and γH2AX foci, in etoposide-induced senescent fibroblasts. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides the first histological characterization of Pompia peel and confirms the bioactive potential of its EO. These findings support future applications in skin regeneration and anti-aging strategies and contribute to the valorization of this underexplored Citrus ecotype. Full article

Background: Children with disabilities face complex, systemic health access barriers rooted in societal, institutional, and structural inequities, requiring urgent global policy attention. Publications on access to health services for this population category have been found to have a significant growth in both quantity and content. The article aims to examine the structure and evolution of scientific literature in analyzing the healthcare system through the lens of inclusive services. Methods: We present the bibliometric profile of the global literature on access to health services for children with disabilities, the publication trends, the structure of research in this field concerning geographical distribution, methodological approaches, and interdisciplinary collaborations, and the core research topics, conceptual clusters, and future research directions in the field. The publications were screened from Web of Science databases, using PRISMA methodology. Finally, 1100 academic publications published between 1984 and 2025, obtained from a total of 432 different sources, the majority of which were peer-reviewed journals, were screened. Results: The calculated annual publication growth rate of 8.37% and the distinct upward trend observed, especially after 2015. The highest level was reached in 2023, with over 90 publications showing that the topic has become a focus of international academic interest. The USA (33.5%), the United Kingdom (15.7%), Australia (9.5%), and Canada (9.5%) stood out in publications, and there were strong collaborative networks among European nations (8.2%). Conclusions: Although high-income countries still appear to play a dominant role in research production, expanding international collaborations and distributing resources more equitably will contribute to the development of more inclusive solutions on a global scale. Temporal trends show an evolution toward diagnostic processes, family-centered approaches, and psychosocial dimensions. The results draw a clear picture of the current research landscape regarding access to health services for pediatric disability populations and identify potential directions for future research. Full article

The red soil region in southern China is an ecologically fragile area. Although ecological engineering construction has achieved phased results, there are still obvious gaps in research on the mechanisms underlying vegetation dynamics in response to natural and anthropogenic variables. Changting County (CTC) serves as a typical case of vegetation degradation and restoration in the region. We examined the vegetation dynamics in CTC with the fraction vegetation cover (FVC) based on kernel normalized difference vegetation index-based dimidiate pixel model (kNDVI-DPM) and employed the optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD), multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze interaction mechanisms between vegetation dynamics and underlying factors. The FVC showed a fluctuating upward trend at a rate of 0.0065 yr⁻¹ (p < 0.001) from 2000 to 2020. The spatial distribution pattern was high in the west and low in the east. Soil and terrain factors were the primary factors dominating the spatial heterogeneity of FVC, soil organic matter and elevation showing the most significant influence, with annual mean q-values of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Climate, terrain, and soil properties positively and anthropogenic activities negatively impacted vegetation. From 2000 to 2020, the path coefficient of anthropogenic activities to FVC decreases from −0.152 to −0.045, the adverse effects of human activities are diminishing with ongoing ecological construction efforts. Climate and anthropogenic activities act indirectly on vegetation through negative effects on soils and terrain. The impact of climate on soils and terrain is gradually lessening, whilst the influence of anthropogenic activities continues to grow. This study provides an analytical framework for understanding the complex interrelationships between vegetation changes and the underlying factors. Full article

The paper presents the results of the influence of SiC dopant, annealing temperature, and annealing time on the morphology of MgB₂ material in superconducting wires. The results of measurements of critical temperature (T_c), irreversible magnetic field (B_irr), resistance in the normal state (R_n), and transport critical current density (J_ct) at the temperature range from 15 K to 30 K are presented. The MgB₂ material is characterized by the presence of two specific regions. The first region with high density, excess Mg, and rectangular MgB₂ grains is located outside the voids surrounding them. The second region occurs inside the ceramic core, away from voids, and its chemical composition corresponds to a stoichiometric Mg to B ratio (1:2), and it is characterized by the presence of spherical grains and lower material density. A higher amount of SiC admixtures (6 at.%) causes an increase in the first region surface area. This kind of structure observation in MgB₂ superconducting wires has never been reported previously. The transport measurements showed that higher SiC dopant leads to lower J_ct at higher temperatures and high magnetic fields. The studies showed that the point-dominant mechanism and the first region allow for obtaining high J_ct at 30 K. Full article

1,4-Thiazine S,S-dioxide 1, the cis- and trans-isomers 2 and 3 of its precursor 2,6-diethoxy-1,4-oxathiane S,S-dioxide, and diethyl 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazine-3,5-dicarboxylate S,S-dioxide 4 have been fully characterised, both in solution by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and in the solid state by X-ray diffraction. Simulation has been used to model the unexpectedly complex ¹H NMR spectra and arrive at a full assignment of all chemical shifts and coupling constants. The crystal structures of both 1 and 4, which adopt, respectively, boat and half-chair conformations, are dominated by strong NH to O=S hydrogen bonding leading to chains of molecules. In the case of 4, the NMR data point to an equatorial position of the C(2)-ester group in solution, while in the crystal, this adopts an axial orientation. Compounds 2 and 3 adopt chair conformations both in solution and in the solid state with ring inversion on the NMR timescale leading to unexpected simplification of the spectra in the case of 3. Full article

This study examines the determinants of apartment prices in 17 post-WWII multi-family housing estates in Ljubljana, Slovenia, constructed between 1947 and 1986. Using 1973 verified transactions from 2020 to 2025, the analysis evaluates spatial, structural, environmental, and accessibility-related variables through a combination of statistical and machine learning techniques. A hedonic price model based on ordinary least squares (OLS) demonstrates modest explanatory power (R² = 0.171), identifying local market reference prices, floor level, noise exposure, and window renovation as significant predictors. In contrast, seven machine learning models—Random Forest, XGBoost, and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs), including optimized versions—achieve notably higher predictive accuracy. The best-performing model, GBM with Randomized Search CV, explains 59.6% of price variability (R² = 0.5957), with minimal prediction error (MAE = 0.03). Feature importance analysis confirms the dominant role of localized price references and structural indicators, while environmental and accessibility variables contribute variably. In addition, three clustering methods (Ward, k-means, and HDBSCAN) are employed to identify typological groups of neighborhoods. While Ward’s and k-means methods consistently identify four robust clusters, HDBSCAN captures greater internal heterogeneity, suggesting five distinct groups and detecting outlier neighborhoods. The integrated approach enhances understanding of spatial housing price dynamics and supports data-driven valuation, urban policy, and regeneration strategies for post-WWII housing estates in Central and Eastern European contexts. Full article

Aim: To investigate the synergistic effects of exercise training and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli sprout) supplementation on Apolipoprotein A-I, B-100, and J levels in men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty-four males with T2DM were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (CG), Supplement (SG), Training (TG), and Training + Supplement (TSG) groups. Participants in the supplement groups (SG and TSG) received 10 g of broccoli supplement after meals for 12 weeks, while those in the training groups (TG and TSG) participated in a structured exercise program (resistance and aerobic), performed three times per week for 12 weeks, at intensities of 60–70% one-repetition maximum (1RM) for resistance training and 60–70% peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) for aerobic training. Results: Circulating levels of apolipoproteins improved after 12 weeks in the TSG, TG, and SG groups. However, the TSG group exhibited the most pronounced improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, reflecting an additive effect of both interventions. Specifically, the TSG group demonstrated absolute reductions in ApoB-100 (−48.30 ± 7.20 mg/dL) and ApoJ (−44.05 ± 5.76 mg/dL), along with an increase in ApoA-I (+44.92 ± 6.05 mg/dL). Main effect analysis revealed that exercise training elicited the most substantial improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, with large effect sizes for glucose (η²p = 0.787), insulin (η²p = 0.640), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.856), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.685), ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.774), ApoJ (η²p = 0.848), and HDL-C (η²p = 0.535). Supplementation showed moderate effects, particularly on HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.370), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.383), and ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.334), supporting an additive but exercise-dominant benefit. The combined intervention group (TSG) showed the most pronounced improvements across all measured outcomes, with large effect sizes for ApoA-I (η²p = 0.883), glucose (η²p = 0.946), insulin (η²p = 0.881), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.904), and ApoJ (η²p = 0.852). Conclusions: The effects of combining training and broccoli sprout supplementation on apolipoprotein levels are likely to result from the activation of two separate pathways, one from training and the other from supplementation. This dual-modality intervention could serve as an effective complementary strategy in managing metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors for individuals with T2DM. However, the magnitude of change induced by the combination of exercise training and broccoli supplementation was largely driven by the training component, with supplementation providing complementary but less consistent benefits. Full article

Cultivated land concentration and contiguity, as a core element of agricultural modernization development, holds strategic significance for enhancing agricultural production efficiency and ensuring national food security. This study employs vector patches as research units and classifies spatial connections between patches into direct and indirect connections. We quantify six types of spatial relationships between patches using binary encoding, enabling precise delineation of concentrated contiguous cultivated land. A Patch Connectivity Index is proposed. Combined with the Patch Area Index and Patch Shape Index, an evaluation system for cultivated land concentration and contiguity is established. Using Suixi County as a case study, we investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of its cultivated land concentration and contiguity from 2019 to 2023. Overall, patch connectivity exhibits a “single-element dominant, multi-element complementary” structural pattern, while the evaluation grading of cultivated land concentration and contiguity follows a normal distribution. Between 2019 and 2023, the average patch area decreased while the average number of connections between patches increased, indicating significant improvement in cultivated land concentration and contiguity levels. By adjusting spatial relationships between patches, the effective integration and utilization of cultivated land resources can provide theoretical foundations and practical references for agricultural modernization development. Full article

Rapid population aging in developing countries has intensified demand for accessible nursing home services, yet spatial disparities in service distribution remain insufficiently examined in secondary cities. This study investigates spatial distribution and multi-dimensional accessibility of nursing homes in Kunming, China, using comprehensive spatial analytical methods to inform sustainable urban development. We analyzed 205 nursing homes with 47,600 beds, evaluating spatial distribution patterns, economic accessibility, and spatial accessibility across different transportation modes. Our analysis reveals a pronounced monocentric pattern with nursing resources concentrated within central urban districts, creating a “primary core-multiple satellite” structure and spatial mismatch between service supply and older adult population needs. A distinct institutional dichotomy exists between publicly and privately operated facilities, establishing a dual-track system with different accessibility implications for social equity. Economic accessibility analysis demonstrates significant barriers in central urban and tourism-oriented districts dominated by higher-priced private facilities, where minimum prices frequently exceed average monthly pension. Spatial accessibility remains inadequate across all transportation modes, with only 24.3% of communities achieving normal or higher accessibility via private car, 21.5% via public bus, and merely 13.9% via walking. These limitations primarily stem from insufficient service capacity (34 beds per 1000 older adults) relative to demographic needs rather than transportation constraints. We recommend three sustainable interventions: implementing demand-based planning mechanisms, establishing progressive pricing policies, and developing older adult-friendly transportation networks. This framework supports sustainable urbanization by promoting spatial equity and efficient resource allocation, providing valuable insights for secondary cities pursuing sustainable development goals. Full article