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Search Results (153)

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Keywords = semi-continuous culture

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8 pages, 890 KiB  
Communication
Single-Cell Protein Using an Indigenously Isolated Methanotroph Methylomagnum ishizawai, Using Biogas
by Jyoti A. Mohite, Kajal Pardhi and Monali C. Rahalkar
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(8), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16080171 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 167
Abstract
The use of methane as a carbon source for producing bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) has been one of the most interesting developments in recent years. Most of these upcoming industries are using a methanotroph, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, for SCP production using natural gas [...] Read more.
The use of methane as a carbon source for producing bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) has been one of the most interesting developments in recent years. Most of these upcoming industries are using a methanotroph, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, for SCP production using natural gas as the substrate. In the present study, we have explored the possibility of using an indigenously isolated methanotroph from a rice field in India, Methylomagnum ishizawai strain KRF4, for producing SCP from biogas [derived from cow dung]. The process was eco-friendly, required minimal instruments and chemicals, and was carried out under semi-sterile conditions in a tabletop fish tank. As the name suggests, Methylomagnum is a genus of large methanotrophs, and the strain KRF4 had elliptical to rectangular size and dimensions of ~4–5 µm × 1–2 µm. In static cultures, when biogas and air were supplied in the upper part of the growing tank, the culture grew as a thick pellicle/biofilm that could be easily scooped. The grown culture was mostly pure, from the microscopic observations where the large size of the cells, with rectangular-shaped cells and dark granules, could easily help identify any smaller contaminants. Additionally, the large cell size could be advantageous for separating biomass during downstream processing. The amino acid composition of the lyophilized biomass was analyzed using HPLC, and it was seen that the amino acid composition was comparable to commercial fish meal, soymeal, Pruteen, and the methanotroph-derived SCP-UniProtein®. The only difference was that a slightly lower percentage of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine was observed in Methylomagnum-derived SCP. Methylomagnum ishizawai could be looked at as an alternative for SCP derived from methane or biogas due to the comparable SCP produced, on the qualitative level. Further intensive research is needed to develop a continuous, sustainable, and economical process to maximize biomass production and downstream processing. Full article
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17 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
“More than Hunger”: Experiences of Food Insecurity Among South Asian International Graduate Students at a U.S. University
by Lisa Henry, Doug Henry and Eva Perez Zepeda
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152508 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 250
Abstract
Background/Objectives: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on the lived experiences of international graduate students. This study explores the challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies related to food insecurity among international graduate students at a large public university in North Texas. Methods: This qualitative, ethnographic study involved 20 semi-structured interviews with international graduate students who were clients of the university’s food pantry. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Interviews focused on students’ experiences with food access, financial constraints, campus resources, and cultural food preferences. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in MAXQDA. Two standardized food insecurity measures—the USDA and FAO scales—were also administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Findings revealed that 85% of participants experienced limited access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with 70% reporting hunger due to financial constraints. Themes included lack of cooking skills, limited campus food options, difficulty accessing familiar groceries, and limited job opportunities. Students expressed that food insecurity significantly impacted their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives, though many continued to prioritize academics over personal nourishment. Conclusions: Food insecurity among international graduate students is multifaceted, shaped by financial, cultural, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, tailored student support services, and institutional efforts to better understand and meet the needs of international students. Full article
26 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
An Intergenerational Exploration of Discipline, Attachment, and Black Mother–Daughter Relationships Across the Lifespan
by Seanna Leath, Lamont Bryant, Khrystal Johnson, Jessica Bernice Pitts, Titilope Omole and Sheretta T. Butler-Barnes
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070887 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
Discipline is a significant predictor of parent–child attachment and relationship quality across the lifespan. Yet, much of the research on Black families’ disciplinary strategies uses a deficit and myopic lens that focuses on punitive punishment styles (e.g., spanking or taking away privileges). In [...] Read more.
Discipline is a significant predictor of parent–child attachment and relationship quality across the lifespan. Yet, much of the research on Black families’ disciplinary strategies uses a deficit and myopic lens that focuses on punitive punishment styles (e.g., spanking or taking away privileges). In the current exploratory qualitative study, we used an intergenerational narrative lens and thematic analysis to explore semi-structured interview data from 31 Black mothers (25–60 years, Mage = 46) in the United States around their mothers’ disciplinary practices during their childhood. We explored the connections that Black adult daughters made between their childhood disciplinary practices and their current disciplinary practices with their children, as well as their current relationships with their mothers. Adult daughters varied widely in their retrospective accounts of their mothers’ disciplinary strategies, which we categorized into three themes: (a) punitive, (b) logical, and (c) natural. We also identified three themes around how their mothers’ practices informed their current disciplinary practices with their own children: namely, (d) continuity, (e) mix, and (f) shift. Finally, we identified three themes around the current nature of their mother–daughter relationships: (g) strained, (h) progressing, and (i) healthy. The results highlighted the personal and cultural factors that informed Black women’s disciplinary strategies across two generations of mothers and revealed that when adult daughters shifted away from what they experienced during childhood—it was often towards less punitive strategies. Our exploratory findings also pointed to patterns regarding the extent to which Black adult daughters felt connected, validated, and supported by their mothers. The findings lend insight into Black mother–daughter relationship dynamics, particularly around the importance of communication patterns and emotional connection in the culture of discipline within families. Full article
11 pages, 214 KiB  
Article
Addressing Food Waste in Restaurant Training: Practices and Challenges
by Kelly A. Way, Nicholas E. Johnston, Josephine Reardon and M. E. Betsy Garrison
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(3), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6030121 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 575
Abstract
Food waste significantly impacts the restaurant industry’s financial viability and environmental sustainability. This study explores training practices used to minimize food waste and identifies obstacles encountered in implementing these practices. Semi-structured interviews with 10 chefs from diverse restaurants in a mid-South U.S. state [...] Read more.
Food waste significantly impacts the restaurant industry’s financial viability and environmental sustainability. This study explores training practices used to minimize food waste and identifies obstacles encountered in implementing these practices. Semi-structured interviews with 10 chefs from diverse restaurants in a mid-South U.S. state were conducted. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. The results revealed that the predominant training methods were verbal instruction, mentoring, and hands-on coaching, emphasizing real-time feedback and individualized guidance. Training for front-of-house staff primarily included reducing unnecessary table items, whereas back-of-house employees focused on portion control and repurposing ingredients. Mentoring emerged as critical, especially for new employees with limited culinary experience, ensuring that they develop critical thinking skills and resourcefulness in minimizing waste. Chefs identified significant barriers, including staff cooperation, knowledge gaps, employee turnover, and resource limitations. Overcoming these challenges necessitates stronger managerial commitment, standardized guidelines, and incentive-based reinforcement. This study concludes that cultivating an organizational culture that embeds sustainability into training practices is essential. Practical strategies such as mentoring and continuous reinforcement can mitigate food waste, enhance operational efficiency, and promote a sustainable food system. Future research should quantify training impacts on waste reduction and examine consumer-side factors influencing restaurant food waste. Full article
19 pages, 923 KiB  
Article
Developing a Framework for Culturally Sensitive Breastfeeding Interventions: A Community Needs Assessment of Breastfeeding Experiences and Practices in a Black Immigrant Community
by Temitope Awelewa, Alexandra Murra and William T. Story
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132094 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite high breastfeeding initiation rates nationwide, disparities in breastfeeding continuation among Black mothers remain a public health issue. The BreastFeed Iowa Black Immigrant Project aimed to improve breastfeeding rates among low-income Black immigrant mother-infant dyads in Johnson County, Iowa by exploring factors [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite high breastfeeding initiation rates nationwide, disparities in breastfeeding continuation among Black mothers remain a public health issue. The BreastFeed Iowa Black Immigrant Project aimed to improve breastfeeding rates among low-income Black immigrant mother-infant dyads in Johnson County, Iowa by exploring factors influencing breastfeeding retention and developing a framework for culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions. Methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, we employed a convergent, parallel mixed-methods approach to explore factors that influence breastfeeding duration among Black immigrant mothers with children 0–2 years old. Nine focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted on Zoom among 40 participants with a semi-structured guide on breastfeeding beliefs, experiences, and feeding practices. Additionally, a 22-item survey was administered to 33 participants. Results: Based on the survey, one out of five participants indicated that they were unable to breastfeed for as long as they had planned. The top five reasons why mothers stopped breastfeeding included having received formula from the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children; being sick and having to take medicine; the baby was hungry too often; the baby was sick and could not breastfeed; and not producing enough milk. The top five themes that emerged from FGDs as barriers to breastfeeding included lack of lactation support, knowledge gaps on breastfeeding benefits, perception of inadequate milk supply, lack of comfort with breast milk expression, and work-related barriers. Conclusions: The community needs assessment identified the elements needed to develop a culturally sensitive framework with targeted interventions to address breastfeeding barriers in the Black immigrant community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
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13 pages, 4060 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Cultivation of the Orchid Hybrid Rhyncattleanthe Queen Bee JLA 1 and Its Propagation Under Different Systems
by Luis Alberto Solano-Rodríguez, María Elena Galindo-Tovar, Odon Castañeda-Castro, Juan Valente Hidalgo-Contreras, Joaquín Murguía-González, Gabriela Lucero Cuatra-Xicalhua, José Guadalupe Vián-Pérez, Pablo Antonio Mendoza del Ángel and Miriam Cristina Pastelín-Solano
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070722 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
The Orchidaceae family is of significant decorative, pharmaceutical, alimentary, and cultural importance worldwide. This family is very vulnerable due to illegal looting, habitat destruction, and climate change. The development of new hybrids helps meet the demand for specimens that possess outstanding appearance, fragrance, [...] Read more.
The Orchidaceae family is of significant decorative, pharmaceutical, alimentary, and cultural importance worldwide. This family is very vulnerable due to illegal looting, habitat destruction, and climate change. The development of new hybrids helps meet the demand for specimens that possess outstanding appearance, fragrance, and resistance characteristics and may reduce illegal looting. The objective of this research was to investigate the in vitro propagation of the hybrid Rhyncattleanthe Queen Bee JLA 1 (Rth. Queen Bee JLA 1). Shoot induction was performed with germinated seedlings that were 1 cm in length on semi-solid MS medium with different 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 3-Indoleacetic acid (IAA), and 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) concentrations. Micropropagation was conducted using a temporary immersion system (TIS), a liquid continuous immersion system (CIS), and a conventional semi-solid system (SSS). Afterwards, all regenerated seedlings underwent an acclimatization stage. The highest numbers of shoots (7.04) and leaves (14.28) were obtained with the combination of 1.5 mg L−1 BAP and 0.4 mg L−1 NAA, while the addition of 0.4 mg L−1 IBA in combination with 1.5 mg L−1 BAP enhanced the length of stems (2.12 cm) and leaves (1.88 cm). TIS produced the highest number of shoots (15.68), leaves (22.92), stem length (5.94 cm), and number of leaves (3.50) in seedlings analyzed. The combination of growth regulators BAP and NAA together with the temporary immersion system influenced both the development of the vitroplants and their vegetative development after acclimatization of the hybrid Rth. Queen Bee JLA1 orchid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Plant Growth Regulators in Horticulture)
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21 pages, 2267 KiB  
Article
Enhancing African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Aquaculture in Uganda: Insights into Hatchery Propagation, Population Suitability, and Broodstock Management
by Gerald Kwikiriza, Sylvie Muwanga Tebitendwa, Philip Rwezawula, Waiswa Wilson Mwanja, Ivan Abaho and Harald Meimberg
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060290 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2213
Abstract
The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is among the most farmed fish species in Uganda’s rapidly growing aquaculture sub-sector. The enhanced growth performance, increased survival, and resilience to environmental stressors have driven a rising demand among farmers for improved African catfish broodstock and [...] Read more.
The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is among the most farmed fish species in Uganda’s rapidly growing aquaculture sub-sector. The enhanced growth performance, increased survival, and resilience to environmental stressors have driven a rising demand among farmers for improved African catfish broodstock and seed. Until recently, most studies of this species have focused on nutrition, physiology, and culture systems, with little known about the genetics, broodstock, and hatchery management of the cultured C. gariepinus populations. This knowledge gap has led to inbreeding depression, resulting in poor seed quality and reduced performance of the broodstock. To enhance catfish aquaculture production, a survey was conducted across multiple catfish hatcheries and farms in Uganda. Using semi-structured questionnaires, the study assessed broodstock management practices, hatchery propagation methods, the suitability of various populations, demographics, challenges, and prospects of hatchery operators. Responses were coded, and descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and means were calculated. Results indicate that there are farmers who continue to source their broodstocks from the natural water bodies in addition to acquiring them from fellow farmers. The estimated effective population size (Ne) for the majority of the respondents was 133.33 and 178.22, with an average breeding coefficient of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. There is also a continuous use of shooters (fast-growing cannibalistic fish) by the farmers who hatch and select them to be used as broodstocks later, under the assumption that they have superior genetic traits. The reported hatchability rate was above 70%, with an average survival rate of 60% from larvae to fry. The study identified diseases, inadequate water supply, and electricity as the primary challenges for catfish breeding. While Uganda’s African catfish aquaculture industry is expanding rapidly, certain hatchery practices pose significant risks to its sustainability if not properly addressed. Full article
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10 pages, 980 KiB  
Brief Report
Large-Scale Expansion of Suspension Cells in an Automated Hollow-Fiber Perfusion Bioreactor
by Eric Bräuchle, Maria Knaub, Laura Weigand, Elisabeth Ehrend, Patricia Manns, Antje Kremer, Hugo Fabre and Halvard Bonig
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060644 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 720
Abstract
Bioreactors enable scalable cell cultivation by providing controlled environments for temperature, oxygen, and nutrient regulation, maintaining viability and enhancing expansion efficiency. Automated systems improve reproducibility and minimize contamination risks, making them ideal for high-density cultures. While fed-batch bioreactors dominate biologics production, continuous systems [...] Read more.
Bioreactors enable scalable cell cultivation by providing controlled environments for temperature, oxygen, and nutrient regulation, maintaining viability and enhancing expansion efficiency. Automated systems improve reproducibility and minimize contamination risks, making them ideal for high-density cultures. While fed-batch bioreactors dominate biologics production, continuous systems like perfusion cultures offer superior resource efficiency and productivity. The Quantum hollow-fiber perfusion bioreactor supports cell expansion via semi-permeable capillary membranes and a closed modular design, allowing continuous media exchange while retaining key molecules. We developed a multiple-harvest protocol for suspension cells in the Quantum system, yielding 2.5 × 1010 MEL-745A cells within 29 days, with peak densities of 4 × 107 cells/mL—a 15-fold increase over static cultures. Viability averaged 91.3%, with biweekly harvests yielding 3.1 × 109 viable cells per harvest. Continuous media exchange required more basal media to maintain glucose and lactate levels but meaningfully less growth supplement than the 2D culture. Stable transgene expression suggested phenotypic stability. Automated processing reduced hands-on time by one-third, achieving target cell numbers 12 days earlier than 2D culture. Despite higher media use, total costs for the automated were lower compared to the manual process. Quantum enables high-density suspension cell expansion with cost advantages over conventional methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering)
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32 pages, 33058 KiB  
Article
Spatial Analysis of Urban Historic Landscapes Based on Semiautomatic Point Cloud Classification with RandLA-Net Model—Taking the Ancient City of Fangzhou in Huangling County as an Example
by Jiaxuan Wang, Yixi Gu, Xinyi Su, Li Ran and Kaili Zhang
Land 2025, 14(6), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061156 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 492
Abstract
Under the synergy of urban heritage conservation and regional cultural continuity, this study explores the spatial features of “mausoleum–city symbiosis” landscapes in Huangling County’s gully regions. Focusing on Fangzhou Ancient City, we address historical spatial degradation caused by excessive industrialization and disordered urban [...] Read more.
Under the synergy of urban heritage conservation and regional cultural continuity, this study explores the spatial features of “mausoleum–city symbiosis” landscapes in Huangling County’s gully regions. Focusing on Fangzhou Ancient City, we address historical spatial degradation caused by excessive industrialization and disordered urban expansion. A methodological framework is proposed, combining low-altitude UAV-derived high-density point cloud data with RandLA-Net for semi-automatic semantic segmentation of buildings, vegetation, and roads by integrating multispectral and geometric attributes. Key findings reveal: (1) Modern buildings’ abnormal elevation in steep slopes disrupts the plateau–city visual corridor; (2) Statistical analysis shows significant morphological disparities between historical and modern streets; (3) Modern structures exceed traditional height limits, while divergent roof slopes aggravate aesthetic fragmentation. This multi-level spatial analysis offers a paradigm for quantifying historical urban spaces and validates deep learning’s feasibility in heritage spatial analytics, providing insights for balancing conservation and development in ecologically fragile areas. Full article
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19 pages, 698 KiB  
Article
Perceptions and Practices of Interdisciplinary Action in an Intra-Hospital Support Team for Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study
by Célio Cruz, Ana Querido and Vanda Varela Pedrosa
Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101179 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 980
Abstract
Background: The quality of palliative care (PC) services is closely linked to the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration. A coordinated approach among professionals from different fields fosters holistic, person-centered care, ensuring comprehensive support for patients with complex conditions and their families. In hospital settings, [...] Read more.
Background: The quality of palliative care (PC) services is closely linked to the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration. A coordinated approach among professionals from different fields fosters holistic, person-centered care, ensuring comprehensive support for patients with complex conditions and their families. In hospital settings, In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Teams (EIHSCPs) play a key role in delivering specialized care, enhancing interdepartmental communication, training other healthcare professionals, and optimizing resources. Strong leadership by PC specialists, combined with effective team management, contributes to symptom relief, improved quality of life, and cost reduction. However, interdisciplinary collaboration presents challenges, including competing priorities, resource constraints, and communication barriers. Despite its recognized benefits, research on its implementation in PC, particularly in Portugal, remains scarce. Objective: This study explores the perspectives and practices of professionals within an EIHSCP, examining team dynamics, interprofessional collaboration, and key facilitators and barriers. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers from the EIHSCP in the Médio Tejo region. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The interview findings were organized into three themes: (1) Social Representations and Interdisciplinary Practice; (2) Competencies for Interdisciplinary Practice; and (3) Challenges in Interdisciplinary Practice. Participants consistently highlighted that interdisciplinary collaboration enhances communication between services and improves care quality. While teamwork is central, patient- and family-centered care remains the priority. Key competencies include empathy, ethics, active listening, and cultural sensitivity, alongside structural and procedural elements such as team meetings, integrated communication, and clear referral criteria. Continuous education and professional development are essential. Challenges primarily stem from limited human and material resources, staff workload and stress, communication gaps between hospital and community teams, and insufficient institutional recognition. Suggested improvements focus on investing in ongoing training, strengthening communication and inter-institutional collaboration, and revising the organizational model of PC within Portugal’s National Health Service. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary collaboration in PC is fundamental for holistic, patient-centered care but is hindered by structural and organizational barriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Healthcare at the End of Life)
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12 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Evolving Global Migration Trends: Post-Migration Experiences of Iranian Dentists Attempting to Obtain Credential Recognition in Canada
by Sara Hajian and Glen E. Randall
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050725 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 640
Abstract
As global migration continues to expand, the diversity of migrant populations increases. This includes a growing number of highly educated individuals from lower-income countries who face significant economic and mental health challenges in attempting to integrate into new communities. Despite extensive education and [...] Read more.
As global migration continues to expand, the diversity of migrant populations increases. This includes a growing number of highly educated individuals from lower-income countries who face significant economic and mental health challenges in attempting to integrate into new communities. Despite extensive education and experience, their expertise is often unrecognized, with many resorting to unskilled labor alternatives. While substantial research exists on the immigration experiences of physicians and nurses, little is known about other professionals, such as dentists. This case study seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the post-migration experiences of Iranian-trained dentists in Canada, identifying barriers and facilitators to their successful integration. Using a qualitative approach, this study is based on eleven interviews with dentists trained in Iran who recently immigrated to Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom in English. A thematic analysis was performed using the 2021 Dedoose software program. Barriers to successful integration were categorized into two main themes: “socio-cultural” and “institutional” impediments. The findings show that participants faced significant challenges integrating into Canadian society. Beyond the many socio-cultural obstacles, the negative economic and mental health impacts of attempting to navigate the credential recognition system were substantial, largely due to what appears to be a systematic and institutionalized bias against foreign-trained individuals built into the credentialing system. As a result, their skills often remain underutilized, benefiting neither themselves nor their new country. Findings will inform policy and practice and propose practical recommendations that include reducing institutional barriers for credential assessment, providing mental health support, and offering financial support during assessment of international education. Full article
25 pages, 33381 KiB  
Article
Morphological Evolution and Socio-Cultural Transformation in Historic Urban Areas: A Historic Urban Landscape Approach from Luoyang, China
by Xiaozhen Zhang, Yunying Ren, Jing Lv, Yonghao Geng, Changxi Su and Ruiqu Ma
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081373 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
The historical authenticity of historic urban areas has been compromised, and community cohesion has declined, necessitating comprehensive methods to systematically identify spatial textures and socio-cultural transformation characteristics. This study investigates the Jianxi Historic Urban Area in Luoyang from a Historic Urban Landscape perspective, [...] Read more.
The historical authenticity of historic urban areas has been compromised, and community cohesion has declined, necessitating comprehensive methods to systematically identify spatial textures and socio-cultural transformation characteristics. This study investigates the Jianxi Historic Urban Area in Luoyang from a Historic Urban Landscape perspective, integrating GIS, sDNA tools, and semi-structured interviews to analyze material spatial evolution and socio-cultural shifts. The findings reveal stable street network structures enhanced by road expansions, functional intensification marked by rising residential density and tertiary sector growth, and high replacement rates of 1950s–1960s buildings that improved the area’s physical quality but disrupted historical continuity and heritage integrity. Material transformations fragmented collective memory and reshaped residents’ sense of place identity. This research proposes sustainable renewal strategies, emphasizing refined gradient control models, community identity revitalization, and participatory decision-making, offering actionable insights for regenerating historic urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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21 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
“You Could Sit and Think, I’m Not Alone with This”: A Multi-Agency Early Years Creative Arts Parent Project
by Jessica Tongue, Pamela Qualter and Caroline Bond
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040495 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
Challenges relating to children and families are often complex; however, solutions can be creative. An arts organisation consulted with a multi-professional group on introducing the arts and culture to families from birth. This action research details and evaluates an innovative multi-professional creative project [...] Read more.
Challenges relating to children and families are often complex; however, solutions can be creative. An arts organisation consulted with a multi-professional group on introducing the arts and culture to families from birth. This action research details and evaluates an innovative multi-professional creative project designed to support families in the North of England. Multi-professional stakeholder planning meetings decided the outcome of the project should be to create parental workshops. Evaluative data were collected from six parent semi-structured interviews to discuss their experience. Stakeholders also reflected on the parents’ data and evaluated the research project. Both datasets were analysed using inductive content analysis. Categories from the parents’ data described positive perceived effects on themselves and their families, emphasising the importance of community. Findings highlight the potential of the arts and parent groups for early intervention. Facilitators of and barriers to multi-agency working were also identified from the stakeholder data. The unique experience created using the arts as well as access to professionals contributed to the parental buy-in of the families. Parental commitment and a sense of community are essential for continued engagement in any parent project. Governments should invest in the early years population using parents and multi-agency working groups as an early intervention and proactive response. Full article
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40 pages, 1645 KiB  
Review
The Occurrence, Uses, Biosynthetic Pathway, and Biotechnological Production of Plumbagin, a Potent Antitumor Naphthoquinone
by Polavarapu B. Kavi Kishor, Bangaru Naidu Thaddi, Rajasheker Guddimalli, Tukaram Dayaram Nikam, Krothapalli Raja Surya Sambasiva Rao, Rupasree Mukhopadhyay and Prashant Singam
Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071618 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1204
Abstract
Plumbagin is an important naphthoquinone with potent anticancer properties besides multitudinous uses in healthcare. It is produced in a limited number of species and families but mostly in the roots of Plumbaginaceae family members. The biosynthetic pathway and the genes that regulate plumbagin [...] Read more.
Plumbagin is an important naphthoquinone with potent anticancer properties besides multitudinous uses in healthcare. It is produced in a limited number of species and families but mostly in the roots of Plumbaginaceae family members. The biosynthetic pathway and the genes that regulate plumbagin synthesis are not completely known, but details of these are being revealed. Several species, including Plumbago, Drosera, and others, are being uprooted for the extraction of plumbagin by pharmaceutical industries, leading to the destruction of natural habitats. The pharmaceutical industry is therefore facing an acute shortage of plant material. This necessitates enhancing the accumulation of plumbagin using suspensions and hairy roots to meet market demands. Many factors, such as the aggregate size of the inoculum, stability of the culture, and the sequential effects of elicitors, immobilization, and permeabilization, have been demonstrated to act synergistically and markedly augment plumbagin accumulation. Hairy root cultures can be used for the large-scale production, growth, and plumbagin accumulation, and the exploration of their efficacy is now imperative. The secretion of compounds into the spent medium and their in situ adsorption via resin has remarkable potential, but this has not been thoroughly exploited. Improvements in the quality of biomass, selection of cell lines, and production of plumbagin in bioreactors have thus far been sporadic, and these parameters need to be further exploited. In this review, we report the advances made relating to the importance of stable cell line selection for the accumulation of compounds in long-term cultures, hairy root cultures for the accumulation of plumbagin, and its semicontinuous production via total cell recycling in different types of bioreactors. Such advances might pave the way for industrial exploitation. The steps in the biosynthetic pathway that are currently understood might also aid us in isolating the relevant genes in order to examine the effects of their overexpression or heterologous downregulation or to edit the genome using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in order to enhance the accumulation of plumbagin. Its potential as an anticancer molecule and its mode of action have been amply demonstrated, but plumbagin has not been exploited in clinics due to its insolubility in water and its highly lipophilic nature. Plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsions, plumbagin–silver, or albumin nanoparticle formulations can overcome these problems relating to its solubility and are currently being tried to improve its bioavailability and antiproliferative activities, as discussed in the current paper. Full article
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15 pages, 1179 KiB  
Article
Strategic Responses in the COVID-19 Period: A Study of Selected Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Western Cape
by Fungai Chiruka, Zivanayi Mazhazha-Nyandoro, Renier Grosch and Ntandoyenkosi Sibindi
Businesses 2025, 5(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses5010013 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1198
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated businesses globally, leading to significant economic and social challenges. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are particularly vulnerable to environmental turbulence, while their survival and resilience are critical to the national economic recovery of countries globally. This study adopted [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated businesses globally, leading to significant economic and social challenges. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are particularly vulnerable to environmental turbulence, while their survival and resilience are critical to the national economic recovery of countries globally. This study adopted a qualitative approach to examine the strategic responses adopted by MSMEs and the impact of the strategies on survival and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The sample size comprises ten (10) MSMEs and data collection using a semi-structured interview schedule. The key findings indicate that the MSMEs adopted cost reduction and diversification strategies to mitigate the impact of the abrupt COVID-19 lockdowns and the subsequent financial and cashflow problems, threats to business continuity and survival. The study conclusions indicate that adopting a combination of cost reduction and diversification strategies improved the business continuity and survival of MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommendations include the need for government and stakeholders to enhance the capacity and competence of MSMEs in strategic and operational planning, investing in technology, innovation, creativity, training and development of strategic agility and fostering adaptive organisational cultures that enhance flexibility, resilience and survival when faced with economic and business environment disruptions in future. Full article
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