Search Results (1,486)

Meat flavor significantly influences consumer preference and market value, particularly for indigenous pig breeds renowned for distinctive sensory characteristics. While traditional research has focused on genetic factors and feeding regimens, emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in meat quality attributes. However, the specific contribution of bacterial–fungal co-occurrence to meat flavor formation remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the associations between intestinal bacterial–fungal co-occurrence networks and the muscle flavor-related metabolite profiles of CX pigs, using an integrated multi-omics approach. Twenty male pigs (10 CX and 10 LAN, 12 months old) were subjected to comprehensive analyses, including meat quality evaluation, electronic nose analysis, 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics. CX pigs exhibited significantly superior meat quality characteristics, including higher moisture content (p < 0.001), fat content (p = 0.008), and meat color scores (p < 0.001). Electronic nose analysis revealed significantly higher response values across all ten aroma sensors in CX pigs (p < 0.001), with the most pronounced differences observed in sensors detecting sulfur compounds and organic compounds. Untargeted metabolomics identified 40 differential metabolites, with 27 up-regulated in CX pigs, including key flavor compounds such as glycocholic acid, isorhamnetin, and pantothenic acid. Microbiome analysis demonstrated significantly higher bacterial alpha diversity in CX pigs (p < 0.05), with enrichment of beneficial bacteria, including Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, and Phascolarctobacterium, while fungal communities showed enrichment of Candida_Lodderomyces_clade. Correlation network analysis revealed that Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group demonstrated strong positive correlations with flavor compounds (r = 0.575 for isorhamnetin, r = 0.535 for pantothenic acid, p < 0.001) and all electronic nose responses (r = 0.434–0.691, p < 0.001). Bacterial–fungal co-occurrence networks showed synergistic relationships, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group positively correlated with Candida_Lodderomyces_clade (r = 0.711, p < 0.001) while exhibiting antagonistic relationships with Piromyces (r = −0.714, p < 0.001). These findings offer novel insights for developing microbiome-targeted strategies to enhance meat quality in pig production systems. Full article

The thermal history of carbonate successions is fundamental to constraining hydrocarbon generation and reservoir diagenesis, yet traditional proxies such as vitrinite reflectance and apatite fission-track analysis are often inapplicable to marine carbonates because organic matter and suitable heavy minerals are scarce. This study evaluates an integrated carbonate isotope (Δ₄₇) thermometry and in situ U-Pb geochronology approach using a micrite matrix and three dolomite-bearing samples from the Upper Permian Changxing Formation in the Yuanba area, northern Sichuan Basin, southwestern China. The measured apparent clumped isotope temperatures (TΔ₄₇) range from 127.8 to 174.6 °C. The micrite matrix yields a U-Pb age of 257 ± 1.2 Ma, consistent with an early depositional or syndepositional origin, whereas the dolomite samples yield younger diagenetic ages. Coupling these time–temperature constraints with an exchange–diffusion model for solid-state reordering provides a preliminary, well-scale thermal scenario for the sampled intervals. The preferred model suggests rapid heating during Late Permian–Early Triassic and Middle Jurassic burial, followed by peak heating to approximately 220 °C in the Late Cretaceous at modeled maximum burial depths exceeding 8000 m, and subsequent cooling during Yanshan–Himalayan uplift and denudation. A conditional maturity model predicts that the underlying Wujiaping Formation source rocks entered the main gas-generation window (1.3% < Ro < 2.6%) by the Middle Jurassic and became overmature during peak heating in the Late Cretaceous. This dual-proxy framework is promising for carbonate-dominated petroleum systems but requires validation with a larger sample set and independent thermal indicators. Full article

Four Al-Mg-Si alloys, three of them with additions of scandium or scandium and zirconium, were cast, homogenised at 550 °C, and precipitation hardened at 175 °C. For the alloy with the highest Sc content, significant discontinuous precipitation of Al₃Sc took place during cooling after casting. Homogenisation for 1 h led to the formation of Al₃Sc or Al₃(Sc,Zr) dispersoids. The Al₃(Sc,Zr) dispersoids were found in higher number densities than the Al₃Sc dispersoids, and the latter were not stable for longer homogenisation times. TEM observations indicate that the Al₃Sc or Al₃(Sc,Zr) dispersoids are not preferred nucleation sites for metastable (Mg,Si) particles. The precipitation hardening behaviour of the Al-Mg-Si alloys was not altered by the Sc or Sc+Zr additions. Full article

Transport infrastructure is commonly viewed as a key driver of development, although its actual contribution remains debated and appears to be dependent on geographical and economic context. This study investigates the impact of transport infrastructure on regional economic growth in Romania, with a particular focus on spatial spillover effects. Using panel data for Romanian regions over the period 2000–2024, the analysis applies spatial econometric techniques to capture both direct and indirect effects of transport infrastructure and economic factors. A structured model selection procedure, based on Lagrange Multiplier tests and robust diagnostics, supports the use of the Spatial Autoregressive Model (SAR) as the preferred specification. The results reveal significant spatial dependence in regional economic performance, indicating that growth processes extend across regional boundaries. Nonetheless, the findings show that transport infrastructure does not exert a statistically significant direct effect on economic growth once spatial and structural factors are controlled. Instead, labor and private gross capital formation emerge as the primary drivers, generating both strong local impacts and substantial spillover effects. These results suggest that transport infrastructure acts mainly as an enabling factor rather than a standalone driver of growth, making the concept of “political mythification” of transport infrastructure effectiveness relevant in the Romanian context. Full article

The increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress has intensified the demand for scalable, evidence-based psychological interventions that can be delivered across traditional and digital modalities. University students represent a high-risk group due to academic demands and developmental transitions, making them a relevant population for evaluating flexible, technology-mediated interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducation offers a structured approach that may accommodate variability in accessibility, preferences, and delivery contexts. This quasi-experimental pre–post study evaluated a CBT-based psychoeducation protocol delivered in group settings in both online and in-person formats. A total of 104 undergraduate and graduate students participated and completed the intervention. Symptom severity was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II). Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms were observed over the intervention period, with moderate to large effect sizes. DASS-21 scores decreased from moderate to mild severity levels, and reductions were also observed in BDI-II and HAM-A scores. No significant differences were found between delivery modalities. These findings support the potential of CBT-based group psychoeducation as a scalable intervention. Similar patterns of symptom change were observed across delivery formats, contributing to the expansion of accessible and digitally informed mental health care. Full article

Background/Objectives: In phenylketonuria (PKU), adherence to protein substitute (PS) is frequently suboptimal due to poor palatability, high volume, and sensory fatigue. A novel phenylalanine (Phe)-free L-amino acid microtablet PS has been developed to address these barriers. The microtablets incorporate a cellulose-based taste-masking coating and a sodium-alginate inner matrix intended to enable controlled amino acid release over approximately three hours. This study evaluated their short-term tolerability, acceptability, and adherence in children with PKU, with extended follow-up in a subgroup. Methods: A 7-day observational study was conducted in participants with PKU aged ≥3 years on a low-Phe diet in a single centre. The test product provided protein equivalent (PE) 54 g/100 g. Participants replaced at least one daily dose of their usual PS with the test product, providing 10 g or 20 g/day PE, with one child receiving 80 g/day. Daily gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, PS intake, and adherence were recorded. Acceptability was assessed using structured ratings of palatability, ease of use, and overall preference. Longer-term tolerability and acceptability were then assessed in four adolescents who elected to continue the test product for an additional 28 days. Results: Ten participants completed the 7-day study. Adherence to the test product was high (80%), exceeding adherence to participants’ usual PS (70%). At baseline, nine participants reported none/mild GI symptoms, most commonly flatulence. One participant reported moderate/severe symptoms including constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, bloating, burping, and abdominal discomfort. By day 7, all participants reported no or mild symptoms, with complete resolution in the child with moderate/severe baseline symptoms. Acceptability ratings were comparable between the test product and usual PS, and nine children (90%) reported no difficulty taking the test product. During the 28-day extension, adherence remained high, GI tolerance was maintained, and improved preference was noted, particularly due to reduced aftertaste. Conclusions: This novel slow-release PS microtablet was well tolerated, acceptable, and associated with high adherence. Its taste-masked, low-volume format offered practical advantages that may support sustained dietary adherence. Longer-term controlled studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Full article

Cu-Ni co-deposit electrodes were prepared and tested in an undivided cell for the electrochemical removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions. Pulsed electrodeposition (PED) under a dynamic hydrogen bubble template and direct electrodeposition (DE) techniques were used for synthetizing porous nickel- and copper-based cathodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses showed dendritic and cauliflower-like deposits with a uniform distribution of nickel and copper on the electrode surface, both using flat and foam nickel supports. The PED technique on nickel foam generated highly porous Cu-Ni coatings, with the largest electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) among all the investigated electrodes. Electrolysis in alkaline solutions containing nitrates was performed in an undivided cell in potentiostatic mode. The selectivity towards N₂ was strongly dependent on both copper loading and applied potential; in particular, the foam electrode containing about 23% Cu showed very low ammonia production even at the highest cathodic overpotential, evidencing its marked preference for nitrogen formation. The process performed in the undivided cell using foam-supported Cu-Ni cathodes enabled 100% of conversion of nitrate to molecular nitrogen within approximately 7 h, allowing the complete denitrification of the water. Full article

Bud fertility is a major determinant of grapevine productivity and an important criterion for selecting appropriate pruning strategies, yet information on indigenous Turkish Vitis vinifera cultivars remain limited. This study evaluated the bud fertility characteristics of 22 indigenous grapevine cultivars grafted onto 1103 Paulsen rootstock to identify cultivar-specific pruning requirements. Bud fertility, shoot emergence, and cluster formation were assessed using single-node cuttings collected during winter dormancy and forced under controlled conditions. Marked differences in shoot emergence and cluster production were observed among cultivars and bud positions. In most cultivars, the highest fertility occurred in the middle portion of the cane, whereas Oglak Karası and Rumi Uzum exhibited increasing fertility toward distal buds, indicating a preference for long cane pruning. Based on fertility distribution patterns, the majority of cultivars were classified as suitable for short pruning, while several cultivars showed better adaptation to medium pruning. These results demonstrate substantial variation in bud fertility among indigenous Turkish grapevine cultivars and highlight the importance of cultivar-specific pruning strategies for improving yield potential. The findings provide baseline information for 22 indigenous Turkish cultivars and contribute to the development of more efficient pruning recommendations under local viticultural conditions. Full article

Under the IMO net-zero framework, a GHG carbon-pricing mechanism must not only generate an effective price signal for emission reduction, but also address the fair distribution of carbon revenues among different types of member states. In view of the differences between developing and developed countries in transition needs, responsibility attribution, and policy affordability, this paper develops a multilateral bargaining model that incorporates a responsibility–need reference point, loss aversion, horizontal fairness preferences, and a voting threshold, and analyzes the equilibrium formation mechanism for the distribution of carbon-pricing revenues. Theoretical derivation shows that a higher responsibility–need weight raises the fairness reference point of developing countries and increases their minimum acceptable allocation requirement; loss aversion operates through a rejection-threat channel by shrinking the acceptable set of proposals below the reference point; and horizontal fairness preferences compress the relative deviation gap between the two types of countries and may trigger a transformation of the support structure once certain thresholds are reached. The simulation results show that, in the baseline L-proposer case, developing countries receive $105.48$ out of the normalized revenue $R=120$, while developed countries receive $14.52$. Under the stress scenario with $q=121>N_L=120$, the mechanism requires cross-type support and yields group-level allocations of $106.56$ and $13.44$, respectively. At the same time, horizontal fairness preferences and voting rules jointly weaken the proposer’s ability to obtain additional gains through agenda-setting power. The study indicates that the IMO carbon-revenue distribution mechanism should strengthen responsibility–need orientation and cross-type support constraints while maintaining a unified carbon price signal, so as to improve the fairness, acceptability, and institutional stability of the carbon-pricing mechanism. Full article

With its long history of familism and conservative values, marriage has been universally expected of young adults in the Philippines, yet the country has undergone considerable modernization over recent decades. During a time of economic and cultural change, marriage rates have decreased, while cohabitation has become more prominent. Using a sample of young women and men in the Philippines, this study examines the marriage aspirations of young adults, in terms of their desire to marry and their preferred timing, thereof. The results show that while a majority of both sexes do prefer to marry someday, they espouse more individualistic preferences concerning intimacy and union formation. Their preference for cohabitation is shown to be positively associated with the desire to marry, suggesting that most view cohabitation as a precursor to marriage, and not purely an alternative form of union. The implications of the findings, along with the future of marriage patterns in the Philippines, are discussed with the Second Demographic Transition framework. Full article

Background/Objectives: Immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone is increasingly preferred due to its advantages for patient comfort and reduced treatment time. However, maintaining peri-implant soft tissue volume and preserving or reconstructing the interdental papilla remain significant clinical challenges. This report aims to describe a clinical protocol designed to enhance peri-implant soft tissue stability and promote papilla regeneration following immediate implant placement. Methods: This article presents a clinical case managed through a combined mucogingival and prosthetic approach. The protocol included digital planning for implant positioning, immediate implant placement, and a connective tissue graft to support peri-implant soft tissues. Particular attention was given to the design and progressive modification of the provisional restoration. Targeted additions of composite material were applied in the under-proximal areas of the provisional crown to create controlled pressure at the base of the papilla, aiming to stimulate soft tissue adaptation and growth. Results: The progressive “bumping” technique applied to the provisional crown promoted the gradual growth of the interdental papilla and complete closure of the interproximal spaces. Clinical and radiographic follow-up showed stable peri-implant soft tissues, adequate tissue volume, and highly satisfactory esthetic outcomes. Conclusions: This report represents an initial proof of concept that highlights the importance of integrating precise surgical techniques, customized prosthetic contouring, and digital workflows to achieve predictable soft tissue management in immediate implant placement. This combined approach may contribute to improved papilla formation and enhanced esthetic outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the reproducibility and clinical advantages of this protocol. Full article

This study investigates the effects of post-annealing on the properties of thermally evaporated antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) thin films. The prepared samples were annealed at different temperatures of 150, 200, 250 and 300 °C for half an hour. Different analytical techniques were used to investigate the properties of the annealed samples. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of orthorhombic Sb₂Se₃ in all samples, while variations in diffraction peak intensity and preferred orientation revealed a strong dependence of crystallographic texture on annealing temperature. EDX results indicated progressive selenium loss with increasing annealing temperature, particularly for the film annealed at 300 °C. AFM analysis showed that the 300 °C sample exhibited increased surface roughness compared with the films annealed at lower temperatures. All films demonstrated good optical absorption in the visible region with optical band-gap values ranging from approximately 1.0 to 1.3 eV, making them suitable for photovoltaic applications. Hall-effect measurements revealed significant changes in carrier concentration, mobility, and resistivity as a function of annealing temperature. Among the investigated conditions, the film annealed at 250 °C exhibited the most favorable combination of structural quality and electrical performance, indicating that this temperature provides an optimal annealing condition for thermally evaporated Sb₂Se₃ thin films considered for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. Full article

The safe disposal of spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste has become a critical bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of nuclear energy, and 3D geological modeling serves as a core technology for repository siting and safety assessment. Taking the upper member of the Lower Cretaceous Bayingobi Formation in the Tamusu area as the research object, this study focuses on sedimentary facies identification, lithofacies prediction, 3D geological modeling, and candidate site optimization. A convolutional neural network (CNN) + attention algorithm is proposed for high-precision lithofacies identification, and a Geo-CVAE-GAN model is constructed to address data sparsity and reconstruct 3D geological models. Following the workflow of single-well fine analysis, multi-method fusion prediction, and 3D geological modeling, the Sequential Indicator Simulation (SIS) algorithm is improved to build a 3D lithofacies model, and four-property parameter modeling is completed under facies control. Optimal sites are delineated via 3D spatial superimposition based on parameter thresholds. The results show that favorable mudstone layers display a dual-layer structure: stable thick layers in deep strata and thin superimposed layers in shallow strata. A preliminary total area of approximately 165 km² is identified in Preselected Sections I and II, with target intervals at a 400–800 m depth, mud content exceeding 75%, and excellent physical properties, including low porosity, low permeability, and low water saturation. This study reveals the spatial distribution of favorable mudstone in the Tamusu area, and the preferred zones fully meet the siting criteria for high-level radioactive waste repositories, providing a reliable geological basis and technical support for subsequent exploration and engineering design. Full article

Tin–lead halide perovskite is a promising narrow-bandgap absorber for high-performance perovskite solar cells. However, the easy oxidation of Sn²⁺ and the resulting defect formation still limit these films’ quality and photovoltaic performance. Tin fluoride (SnF₂) is widely used as an antioxidant additive in Sn-containing perovskites, but its optimal concentration remains strongly dependent on the specific perovskite composition. Herein, we systematically investigate the influence of SnF₂ concentration on the film quality and device performance of methylammonium-free Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells. By varying the SnF₂ content from 0 to 15% relative to SnI₂, we find that an appropriate amount of SnF₂ can effectively improve the surface morphology, enhance crystallinity, promote preferred crystal orientation, and suppress defect-assisted non-radiative recombination. In particular, the film with 10% SnF₂ exhibits the smoothest surface, with a reduced root-mean-square roughness, enhanced photoluminescence intensity, and a lower trap density compared with the control films. As a result, the optimized device delivers a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.15%, significantly outperforming the control device. This work demonstrates the importance of SnF₂ concentration optimization and provides a useful guideline for improving MA-free Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells. Full article

A biological/synthetic hybrid graft copolymer was obtained by grafting poly(acrylic acid) (PAA, synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization) to amylopectin (AMP). The novel graft copolymer presents amphiphilic properties due to the inherent insolubility of AMP in water and was further utilized as a mediator for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) following an environmentally friendly in situ procedure. The AMP-g-PAA copolymer formation by the interaction of the PAA end groups with the C(6)-OH groups on an AMP backbone was confirmed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and 1D (proton (¹H NMR) and carbon (¹³C NMR) nuclear magnetic resonance, and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT)) and 2D (correlation (COSY) and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC)) spectroscopies. The calculated degree of substitution of 1.17 suggests that the grafting was done at one OH from the three in an anhydroglycosidic unit (AGU) (preferably at that in C6 position), with a mean grafting efficiency of 76%. Additional information obtained using thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal decomposition of AMP-g-PAA occurs in two steps, with a residual mass of ~16 wt% at 700 °C, higher than AMP or PAA, indicating increased thermal stability of the copolymer. Dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS) measurements were used to determine the hydrodynamic size and ionic charge of the AMP-g-PAA self-assemblies in aqueous solution as well as their stability. The AMP-g-PAA was subsequently tested as a reducing agent in the environmentally friendly synthesis of AuNPs in aqueous solution, at different incubation temperatures, reaction duration, and inorganic/polymer weight ratios. The development of the surface plasmon resonance band of AuNPs, observed in UV–vis spectra, was consistently monitored over the reaction time. DLS analysis indicated time-dependent changes in the AuNPs’ particle size distributions, while scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the AuNPs formed at the inorganic/polymer weight ratio of 0.36 and at 60 °C were predominantly well-dispersed, spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The AuNPs synthesized in situ within the copolymer matrix did not introduce additional cytotoxicity compared to the parent copolymer alone, with the composites representing a promising safety baseline for further investigation in biomedical applications. Full article