Search Results (8,043)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a major global public health concern, as antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to drug resistance. The ß-lactam group of antibiotics are widely used in dairy farms to treat animal infections, and their presence in the food chain is a significant concern. Addressing this issue requires the development of effective analytical tools for the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a miniaturized Biosensor-on-Pillar platform was developed for detecting ß-lactam antibiotics in milk, which operates in a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly format, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. The platform employs an enzyme induction-based approach, wherein Bacillus cereus spores germinate in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, leading to the production of β-lactamase enzyme, which is then recognized using a chromogenic substrate functionalized on paper associated with the pillar platform. The developed biosensor can detect 12 β-lactam antibiotics with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1 to 1000 ppb, achieving sensitivity at or below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies (FSSAI/CODEX) for the majority of the tested antibiotics. The performance of the platform, including the design, fabrication, and working principle, was further evaluated by analyzing six blind milk samples, yielding significant results compared to the commercially available AOAC-approved gold-standard method. Hence, the developed biosensor demonstrates promising potential for the rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput screening of milk samples for β-lactam antibiotics, benefiting the dairy industry and ensuring food safety. Full article

Background: p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS) has been linked to vascular dysfunction through endothelial injury and vascular remodeling. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), identified by a low ankle–brachial index (ABI), is associated with increased mortality in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. This study investigated the association between serum PCS levels and PAD (as defined by ABI) in KT recipients. Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center study included 90 KT recipients. Serum total PCS levels were quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. ABI was measured using an automated oscillometric device, and PAD was defined as ABI < 0.9. Results: Among the 90 KT recipients, 20 (22.2%) met the ABI for PAD. Patients with ABI-defined PAD had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.036) and serum PCS levels (p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders revealed that serum PCS levels remained independently associated with PAD (odds ratio 1.254, 95% confidence interval 1.108–1.419; p < 0.001). PCS levels were inversely correlated with both left (r = −0.339, p = 0.001) and right (r = −0.357, p < 0.001) ABIs. The association remained consistent in penalized regression models. Conclusions: Higher serum PCS levels were independently associated with ABI-defined PAD in KT recipients. The findings indicate that residual uremic toxin burden may contribute to peripheral vascular disease despite the restoration of renal function following transplantation. Full article

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds derived from xenogeneic tissues represent promising biomaterials for tissue engineering. In this study, dECM scaffolds were developed and characterized from four ovine tissues—skin, tunica vaginalis, fascia lata, and pericardium—using a detergent-based decellularization protocol to evaluate decellularization efficiency and extracellular matrix (ECM) preservation. Decellularization was performed using a sequential detergent-based protocol with sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100. Decellularization efficacy and matrix preservation were evaluated through gross examination, histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and residual DNA quantification. Gross inspection revealed increased translucency and reduced pigmentation in decellularized tissues compared with native counterparts, indicating effective cellular removal while maintaining overall tissue architecture. Histological assessment confirmed the complete absence of nuclear and cytoplasmic material, alongside preservation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix organization. SEM analysis demonstrated well-maintained ultrastructural features, including aligned collagen fibers and porous ECM architecture, with complete removal of epithelial and stromal cellular elements. Quantitative analysis revealed approximately 94% reduction in residual DNA content across all decellularized tissues compared with native controls. This study demonstrated that the employed detergent-based protocol reliably produces structurally preserved, acellular scaffolds from multiple ovine tissues. The resulting biomaterials exhibit structural characteristics that support their potential use in tissue engineering applications, pending further functional validation. Full article

We study a modified-degenerate version of the $W_{\alpha ,\beta ,\nu }$-factorial and the associated exponential, trigonometric, and hyperbolic families obtained by replacing the Euler gamma function with the modified-degenerate gamma function ${\Gamma }_{\lambda }^{*}$, where $\lambda \in (0,1)$. A main conclusion of this paper is that this construction does not generate a genuinely new transcendental family. Indeed, since ${\Gamma }_{\lambda }^{*}\left(s\right)=b_{\lambda }^s\Gamma \left(s\right),b_{\lambda }={\displaystyle \frac{\lambda }{log(1+\lambda )}},$ all modified-degenerate W-functions reduce to exact rescalings of their non-degenerate counterparts. The novelty of the present work is therefore operational rather than structural. We formulate this transport principle explicitly, derive the corresponding modified-degenerate Laplace-transform identities directly in the spectral variable s, establish the induced convolution rule, and obtain first-order asymptotic expansions as $\lambda \to 0^{+}$. We further show that the associated W-derivative is a formal coefficient-shift operator, and conjugate it to the non-degenerate one under the scaling map. As an application, we present a complete Volterra integral-equation example with polynomial memory, including an explicit resolvent representation for the case $m=1$, together with convergence and residual-error checks supporting the numerical illustrations. Full article

Financial time series in turbulent markets exhibit complex long-memory dynamics and multifractal features that traditional deep learning models fail to capture due to inherent exponential forgetting mechanisms. To address this, we propose Frac-Attn-GL, a novel Fractional-order Spatiotemporal Attention-based GRU-LSTM framework. Grounded in the Fractal Market Hypothesis, the model embeds Grünwald–Letnikov fractional-order operators into a dual-channel architecture (FracLSTM and FracGRU) to characterize long-range memory with rigorous power-law decay priors. Furthermore, an extreme-aware asymmetric loss function is designed to drive a dynamic spatiotemporal routing mechanism, enabling adaptive shifts between long-term macro trends and short-term micro shocks. Empirical tests on major U.S. stock indices reveal three significant findings. First, the Frac-Attn-GL framework substantially reduces prediction errors, achieving up to a 93.1% RMSE reduction on the highly volatile NASDAQ index compared to standard baselines. Second, the adaptively learned fractional-order parameters exhibit a consistent quantitative alignment with the market’s empirical multifractal singularity spectrum, supporting the physical interpretability of the model’s endogenous memory mechanism. Finally, hybrid residual multifractal diagnostics indicate that the framework effectively captures deep long-range correlations, reducing the Hurst exponent of the prediction residuals from ~0.83 to approximately 0.50, a level consistent with the absence of significant long-range dependence. Full article

This study presents an application-oriented CFD–FEM integrated workflow for analyzing chamber-side field non-uniformity and kelp-side thermal response during infrared drying. A three-dimensional steady-state CFD model was first established to reconstruct the chamber temperature, airflow, and incident radiation fields under certain operating conditions. Numerical consistency was checked through residual convergence; monitored variables; and global mass balance, for which the net mass imbalance was 0.004077 kg s⁻¹. The reconstructed mid-plane fields were then processed in MATLAB to extract the mean values, extrema, and coefficients of variation, and a composite objective function was used to screen the tested operating conditions in terms of field uniformity, temperature band compliance, and overheating risk. The thermal loads obtained via CFD were subsequently mapped onto a kelp finite element model to simulate the transient surface temperature evolution. Among the tested cases, case01 yielded the lowest composite objective value (J = 0.4535); its mapped kelp response showed a mean surface temperature of 62.23 °C and a maximum temperature of 63.57 °C at the exported time step. The proposed framework is therefore suitable for thermal response assessment and operating condition screening, although determining the full drying behavior still requires coupling of moisture transfer and improved experimental validation. Full article

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is an efficient, low-cost technique for fabricating large-scale metallic components and, in particular, functionally graded materials (FGMs). This review focuses on the fabrication of 316L stainless steel–Inconel 625 FGMs by arc-based WAAM processes, examining Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) in terms of their microstructural outcomes, compositional control strategies, residual stress development and mechanical performance. A critical finding emerging from the reviewed literature is that direct compositional interfaces between 316L and Inconel 625 can yield superior tensile strength and ductility and lower residual stresses compared to smooth gradient strategies, owing to the formation of detrimental secondary phases such as δ-phase, Laves phase and MC carbides at intermediate iron–nickel compositions encountered only during graded builds. The potential of Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM) as a future high-deposition-rate alternative for large-scale FGM fabrication is also discussed. Key challenges, including dilution control, Laves phase formation, residual stress management and the corrosion characterization of the graded region, are identified, together with priority research directions for advancing the industrial adoption of arc-based FGM components. Full article

Corn processing waste represents an abundant, renewable, and low-cost lignocellulosic resource with considerable potential for environmental remediation applications. Large quantities of residues generated during corn processing, including cobs, husks, bran, and other by-products, are produced annually and can be utilized directly as native biomass or converted through thermochemical processes into hydrochars and biochars. This systematic review provides a comparative analysis of native corn processing biomass, hydrochars produced via hydrothermal carbonization, and biochars obtained through pyrolysis, with a focus on their potential as adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from soil and water systems. Particular attention is given to the influence of thermochemical conversion processes on the physicochemical properties of the materials, including surface chemistry, porosity, functional groups, and structural characteristics, which govern adsorption mechanisms such as ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of each material type are discussed, together with key environmental and techno-economic considerations related to their production and practical application, including indicative production costs (USD per kg of adsorbent) and cost–performance relationships in terms of adsorption capacity. By linking biomass conversion processes, material properties, and adsorption performance, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of corn processing waste valorization and to support the development of sustainable adsorbent materials for soil and water remediation. A total of 36 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis following PRISMA guidelines. Full article

Joint modulation format identification (MFI) and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) monitoring constitutes one of the most critical functions integrated in digital coherent receivers, ensuring high flexibility and stability in elastic optical networks (EONs). Since signal amplitude information captures inherent characteristics associated with modulation formats and fluctuations induced by OSNR variations, a simple and effective optical performance monitoring (OPM) scheme based on an amplitude-analytic complex plane is proposed. By employing a multi-task learning algorithm incorporating the multi-order gated aggregation (MOGA) module, the proposed scheme enables simultaneous MFI and OSNR monitoring for polarization division multiplexed (PDM)-QPSK/-16QAM/-32QAM/-64QAM/-128QAM signals. The performance of the proposed scheme is numerically verified in 28 GBaud coherent optical communication systems of various configurations. Numerical simulation results show that 100% identification accuracy is obtainable for all five modulation formats, even at OSNR values lower than the corresponding theoretical 20% forward error correction (FEC) limit. Meanwhile, the mean absolute error (MAE) of OSNR monitoring for QPSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, and 128QAM are 0.16 dB, 0.15 dB, 0.17 dB, 0.28 dB, and 0.33 dB, respectively. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed scheme is robust to residual chromatic dispersion (CD) and the nonlinear effects with strong generalization capability. These results suggest that the proposed scheme is promising for applications in next-generation EONs. Full article

Mango leaves (Mangifera indica), an underutilized residue, represent a promising source of functional proteins with potential applications in emulsion-based delivery systems. Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) was extracted and modified by high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) to enhance its techno-functional properties. The modified protein was subsequently used as a natural emulsifier to develop oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions enriched with Curatella americana leaf extract, a phenolic-rich source of antioxidant bioactive compounds. Ultrasound-assisted emulsification (UAEm) conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design, evaluating the effects of protein concentration (0.5, 1, and 1.5%), oil-to-water ratio (1:4, 1:4.5, and 1:5, mL:mL), and sonication time (2.5, 5, and 7.5 min) on droplet size (D_[4,3], µm). The optimized formulation consisted of 1.5% protein, an O/W ratio of 1:4 mL, and a time of 7.5 min, producing an emulsion with a droplet diameter of 7.23 µm. The emulsions exhibited high resistance to storage, pH variation (2–10), ionic strength (100–500 mM NaCl), and thermal treatments up to 50 °C. Additionally, incorporating C. americana extract enhanced thermal stability, photostability, and antioxidant retention under UV exposure, suggesting the formation of reinforcing protein–polyphenol interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of mango leaf protein as a sustainable emulsifier and protective carrier for sensitive bioactive compounds, supporting its application in functional food and nutraceutical formulations. Full article

This study investigates the internal structure and functional consistency of a brief scale designed to assess the social regulation of learning in collaborative higher education environments. Social regulation is essential to understanding how students coordinate cognitive and socio-emotional processes during group work, but brief and valid instruments remain limited. A total of 973 undergraduate students responded to seven items on a seven-point Likert scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to evaluate the dimensionality of the instrument. The results supported a two-factor structure comprising coordination regulation and collective engagement regulation. Standardized loadings ranged from 0.772 to 0.935 and the factors showed a high latent correlation (r = 0.792), indicating that they are distinct yet strongly interdependent. The model demonstrated excellent fit according to incremental indices (CFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.988) and acceptable residual fit (SRMR = 0.064). Although the RMSEA value exceeded conventional thresholds (RMSEA = 0.137, this result should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of items and degrees of freedom, as documented in prior methodological research), these findings highlight how shared planning, monitoring, and socio-emotional alignment function as interconnected processes that support effective collaboration in academic teams. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence that a parsimonious two-dimensional model can capture key regulatory dynamics relevant to fostering sustainable collaborative practices in higher education. Future research should examine measurement invariance across contexts and explore associations with student performance, engagement, and well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: The worldwide occurrence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing, but existing treatments frequently suffer from limited effectiveness and notable side effects. walnut green husk polysaccharide (WGHP) has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities; however, its specific potential and mechanisms of action against colitis remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of purified WGHP on (dextran sulfate sodium) DSS-induced UC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: WGHP-2-2, a primary acidic polysaccharide fraction, was extracted from crude WGHP and analyzed through chromatography and spectroscopy. The therapeutic efficacy of WGHP-2 was assessed using a murine model of DSS-induced UC. Assessments included disease severity (DAI, colon length, histopathology), inflammatory markers (tissue IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and intestinal barrier integrity (Claudin-5, Occludin, ZO-1). Results: WGHP-2-2 is an acidic polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 15.29 kDa. Its composition includes glucosamine, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose, with respective molar ratios of 0.55, 8.48, 3.06, 65.99, 4.49, 10.86, and 6.57. Methylation and NMR analyses revealed a backbone mainly composed of →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ and →2)-α-D-Rhap-(1→ linkages, with side chains or terminal residues such as T-Rhap, T-Galp, T-Glcp, and T-Araf. In vivo, WGHP-2 significantly mitigated DSS-induced UC symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, the high-dose group (123 mg/kg) markedly attenuated colon shortening and improved histological architecture, including the restoration of colonic crypts. WGHP-2 effectively reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in colon tissues, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Conclusions: WGHP-2 mitigates DSS-induced UC by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), increasing IL-10 levels, and improving intestinal barrier integrity through the upregulation of tight junction proteins. These results position WGHP-2 as a promising lead compound for developing functional foods for UC. Full article

Natural food-derived proteins are increasingly explored as alternatives to synthetic inhibitors for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the recognized health-promoting properties of Morchella esculenta, the potential of its bioactive proteins to modulate glucose metabolism remains largely unexplored. This study systematically investigated the structural basis and hypoglycemic mechanisms of MEP5 (Morchella esculenta Protein 5), a fucose-specific lectin from M. esculenta, using an integrated in silico pipeline. MEP5 (33.12 kDa) adopts a stable β-sheet-rich conformation and harbors a conserved fucose-binding carbohydrate-recognition domain. Protein–protein docking revealed that intact MEP5 binds directly to surface glycans of human α-glucosidase, generating steric hindrance that obstructs the catalytic pocket. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion yielded a highly bioavailable peptide profile. Following a rigorous multiparametric screening for toxicity, allergenicity, and water solubility, 11 short oligopeptides were identified as potent dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors. Molecular docking demonstrated that the top-ranked peptides, QPPR, DGTY, and DPDSH, occupy the S2 pocket of DPP-IV and form hydrogen bonds with catalytic triad residues (Ser630/His740). These findings delineate a dual-stage hypoglycemic mechanism, pre-digestion enzymatic blockade and post-digestion incretin regulation, and support the potential of MEP5 as a multifunctional candidate for glucose homeostasis-oriented functional foods. Full article

Agricultural residues and agro-waste are increasingly recognized as valuable reinforcements for sustainable composite materials. Natural fibers derived from these biomasses offer biodegradability, low density, renewability, and potential environmental benefits. However, their performance and sustainability depend strongly on extraction, surface treatment, and processing conditions. Therefore, evaluating the environmental emissions associated with natural fiber biocomposites is essential before claiming sustainability advantages. In this research, flax, jute, kenaf, and bagasse fibers were extracted and treated using an eco-friendly sodium bicarbonate solution, then incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) matrix to fabricate biocomposites via injection molding. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using the ReCiPe midpoint (H) method, with a functional unit defined as “per kg” of manufactured biocomposite. The results revealed that jute fiber composites generated the highest emissions across several impact categories, including climate change (1.290 × 10¹ kg CO₂-Eq), terrestrial ecotoxicity (6.327 × 10¹ kg 1,4-DCB-Eq), human toxicity: carcinogenic effects (1.923 kg 1,4-DCB-Eq), and fossil resource use (3.202 kg oil-Eq). Jute also showed a 3.6% increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity and a 19.5% increase in land compared to flax, although it exhibited a 6.5% lower impact related to bagasse. A ±20% electricity-consumption sensitivity analysis further highlighted the dependence of environmental impacts on processing energy demand. Full article

This study examined how the extraction medium used to obtain Quercus robur extracts influenced the properties of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mats intended for potential active packaging applications. Extracts prepared with 50% ethanol and with a choline chloride:lactic acid:water system were incorporated into PVA spinning solutions, and their effects on solution properties, fiber morphology, thermal behavior, crosslinking response, and polyphenol release were evaluated. The type of extraction medium affected both the electrospinning process and the structure of the resulting materials. Ethanol-derived extracts reduced solution viscosity and promoted the formation of thinner fibers, whereas systems containing the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived extract showed higher conductivity and lower electrospinning stability. Crosslinking with tannic acid in water led to the collapse of the fibrous structure, while ethanolic tannic acid treatment preserved the nanofibrous morphology more effectively. FTIR analysis indicated differences in intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix, consistent with the observed changes in structural stability and release behavior. Thermal analysis showed that ethanol-derived extracts lowered the thermal stability of the PVA matrix, whereas the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived system altered the degradation pathway and increased the amount of solid residue formed during heating. Release studies demonstrated a rapid burst release for ethanol-based mats and a more sustained release profile for mats containing the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived extract. Selected extract-containing and ethanol–tannic acid-crosslinked mats also showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the extraction medium significantly affected polymer–extract interactions and the functional properties of electrospun PVA mats. At the same time, the conclusions refer specifically to the tested solvent systems, and broader generalization to other natural deep eutectic solvent-type formulations requires further comparative studies. Full article