Search Results (264)

Background/Objectives: The hippocampus is an essential part of the central nervous system (CNS); it plays a significant role in social–cognitive memory processing. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) can lead to impaired hippocampal functions. In this study, we evaluated the effect of plumbagin (PLB) as a natural product on spatial learning and memory, neuro-morphological changes, and inflammation levels in a VPA-induced autism model during adolescence. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of VPA (600 mg/kg) or saline on gestational day 12.5. The male offspring were then categorized and assigned to five groups: Saline+DMSO-, VPA+DMSO-, and VPA+PLB-treated groups at doses of 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze. Histopathological evaluations of the hippocampus were performed using Nissl and hematoxylin–eosin staining, as well as immunofluorescence. The pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were also quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The findings revealed that a VPA injection on gestational day 12.5 is associated with cognitive impairments in male pups, including a longer escape latency and traveled distance, as well as decreased time spent in the target quadrant. Treatment with PLB significantly enhanced the cognitive function, reduced dark cells, and ameliorated neuronal–morphological alterations in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats. Moreover, PLB was found to reduce astrocyte activation and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PLB partly mitigates VPA-induced cognitive deficits by ameliorating hippocampal inflammation levels. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are lignocellulosic residues generated from producing espresso or soluble coffee and have no commercial value. This study aimed to develop a new single-step process for extracting bioactive compounds from SCGs based on ultrasonication in an aqueous medium and simultaneously recovering the residual solid fraction, resulting in the integral utilization of the residue. This process resulted in a liquid aqueous extract (LAE) rich in bioactive compounds (caffeine: 400.1 mg/100 g; polyphenols: 800.4 mg GAE/100 g; melanoidins: 2100.2 mg/100 g) and, simultaneously, a solid multifunctional ingredient from modified spent coffee grounds (MSCGs) rich in bioactive compounds and dietary fibers (73.0 g/100 g). The liquid extract can be used as a natural ingredient for drinks or to isolate caffeine, while the solid matrix can be used to produce functional foods. This technique proved to be a promising eco-friendly alternative for the simultaneous production of two different materials from SCGs, maximizing resource efficiency, with some advantages, including short time, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness; using water as a solvent; and requiring no further purification processing. Full article

A growing number of research studies show that children spend less time in natural environments, which may have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health. This study explores changes in children’s (6–12 years) use of nearby nature and constraints on playing in nature between 2013 and 2023. We apply an ecological approach, including individual, social, and structural constraints on outdoor play. The study is based on national surveys of parents reporting child play behavior for eight activity categories and nineteen categories of constraints/motivation. Findings reveal a decreasing tendency for time spent on all activity categories and increasing constraints for 17 of 19 categories during the study period. Our ecological approach reveals that there is less time for children’s nature use in contemporary society, and activities are more common in built areas than in nature. The survey identifies some important socio-cultural differences regarding gender, age, and residential setting. In future research, the focus should be on how reduced connection to nature affects children’s mental and physical health, and beyond this, how it affects the understanding of and care for nature among future generations. Full article

Background: Shirakiopsis indica (Willd.) (Family: Euphorbiaceae), a mangrove species found in the Asian region, is a popular folkloric plant. Locally, the plant is traditionally used to treat various types of ailments, especially for pain relief. Therefore, the current study investigates the neuropharmacological, antipyretic, thrombolytic, and anthelmintic properties of the S. indica fruit methanolic extract (SIF-ME). Methods: The neuropharmacological activity was evaluated using several bioactive assays, and the antipyretic effect was investigated using the yeast-induced pyrexia method, both in Swiss albino mice models. Human blood clot lysis was employed to assess thrombolytic activity, while in vitro anthelmintic characteristics were tested on Tubifex tubifex. Insights into phytochemicals from SIF-ME have also been reported from a literature review, which were further subjected to molecular docking, pass prediction, and ADME/T analysis and validated the wet-lab outcomes. Results: In the elevated plus maze test, SIF-ME at 400 mg/kg demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects (200.16 ± 1.76 s in the open arms, p < 0.001). SIF-ME-treated mice exhibited increased head dipping behavior and spent a longer time in the light box, confirming strong anxiolytic activity in the hole board and light–dark box tests, respectively. It (400 mg/kg) also significantly reduced depressive behavior during forced swimming and tail suspension tests (98.2 ± 3.83 s and 126.33 ± 1.20 s, respectively). The extract induced strong locomotor activity, causing mice’s mobility to gradually decrease over time in the open field and hole cross tests. The antipyretic effect of SIF-ME (400 mg/kg) was minimal using the yeast-induced pyrexia method, while it (100 μg/mL) killed T. tubifex in 69.33 ± 2.51 min, indicating a substantial anthelmintic action. SIF-ME significantly reduced blood clots by 67.74% (p < 0.001), compared to the control group’s 5.56%. The above findings have also been predicted by in silico molecular docking studies. According to the molecular docking studies, the extract’s constituents have binding affinities ranging from 0 to −10.2 kcal/mol for a variety of human target receptors, indicating possible pharmacological activity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SIF-ME could serve as a promising natural source of compounds with neuropharmacological, anthelmintic, thrombolytic, and antipyretic properties. Full article

In the wake of global energy transition and the “dual-carbon” goal, the rapid growth of electric vehicles has posed challenges for large-scale lithium-ion battery decommissioning. Retired batteries exhibit dual attributes of strategic resources (cobalt/lithium concentrations several times higher than natural ores) and environmental risks (heavy metal pollution, electrolyte toxicity). This paper systematically reviews pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recovery technologies, identifying bottlenecks: high energy/lithium loss in pyrometallurgy, and corrosion/cost/solvent regeneration issues in hydrometallurgy. To address these, an integrated recycling process is proposed: low-temperature physical separation (liquid nitrogen embrittlement grinding + froth flotation) for cathode–anode separation, mild roasting to convert lithium into water-soluble compounds for efficient metal oxide separation, stepwise alkaline precipitation for high-purity lithium salts, and co-precipitation synthesis of spherical hydroxide precursors followed by segmented sintering to regenerate LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cathodes with morphology/electrochemical performance comparable to virgin materials. This low-temperature, precision-controlled methodology effectively addresses the energy-intensive, pollutive, and inefficient limitations inherent in conventional recycling processes. By offering an engineered solution for sustainable large-scale recycling and high-value regeneration of spent ternary lithium ion batteries (LIBs), this approach proves pivotal in advancing circular economy development within the renewable energy sector. Full article

The social category of dairy cows within a herd may influence their access to essential heat abatement resources. We evaluated how dominant, intermediate, and subordinate cows used shade and water in a silvopastoral system. Thirty-nine lactating Jersey cows were observed in a replicated study. Cows had unrestricted access to natural shade and a water trough. Microclimatic conditions and cow behaviors were recorded, and social rank was determined. Sunny areas promoted potential thermal discomfort for the cows, with higher heat load (on average 580.7 W/m²) than shaded areas (on average 438.6 W/m²). Intermediate (IRR: 2.07) and subordinate (IRR: 1.63) cows were more likely (p < 0.001) to visit the water trough than dominant cows. The odds of drinking water decreased by 13% (p < 0.001) for each hour that passed throughout the day. In contrast, the odds of using shaded areas increased by 7% (p < 0.001) for each increase in hour unit. Although all cows used the shaded areas at some point, they generally spent more time standing than lying down in the shade. Social category and hour influenced (p < 0.001) the behaviors in the shaded areas, with dominant cows more likely to engage in lying behaviors such as idling and rumination. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that cows’ social category and thermal environment influenced the use of shade and drinking water. Although the overall pattern of resource use increased with rising thermal load, the proportion of use varied according to social category. Ensuring multiple or alternative resources may help meet the needs of cows across social ranks and improve thermal comfort during heat stress periods. Full article

Withanolides are a class of naturally occurring C-28 ergostane steroidal lactones with an abundance of biological activities, and their members are promising candidates for antineoplastic drug development. The ADMET properties of withanolides are still largely unknown, and in silico predictions can play a crucial role highlighting these characteristics for drug development, shortening time and resources spent on the development of a drug lead. In this work, ADMET properties of promising antitumoral withanolides were assessed. Each chemical structure was submitted to the prediction tools: SwissADME, pkCSM–pharmacokinetics, admetSAR v2.0, and Molinspiration Cheminformatics. The results indicate a good gastrointestinal absorption rate, inability to cross the blood–brain barrier, CYP3A4 metabolization, without inhibition of other P450 cytochromes, high interaction with nuclear receptors, and a low toxicity. It was also predicted for the inhibition of pharmacokinetics transporters and some ecotoxicity. This demonstrates a viability for oral drug development, with low probabilities of side effects. Full article

The impact of living near environmental contamination on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well understood. This study examined the impacts of the residential proximity (RP) and time spent near a former Department of Energy uranium processing facility (located in Fernald, Ohio) on the surrounding community’s HRQoL outcomes. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data collected from participants using the Short Form-36 survey at the time of the enrollment in the Fernald Medical Monitoring Program (n = 7957). Mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS, respectively) were computed for each participant. The scores were compared among the cohort participants, stratified by the RP to the facility and to the U.S. general population. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations between the RP from the facility, duration at residence, participant characteristics, and HRQoL. The adults and minors at enrollment (MAEs) living within two miles of the facility reported slightly lower MCS scores compared to those of residents who lived >2 miles from the facility, after controlling for confounding variables (adults: marginal effect (ME): −0.553, p-value: 0.002, MAEs: ME: −1.594, p-value: 0.040). The RP had a significant association with PCS scores among adults but not with the MAEs (adults: ME: −0.456, p-value: 0.010). No significant relationship was observed between the duration at residence and HRQoL. Considering the association between the RP and HRQoL in the Fernald cohort, integrating a health perception screening tool into community healthcare practices would benefit residents near environmentally contaminated sites to capture the variable nature of perceived health over time. Full article

Background: Television (TV), video games, PC and devices such as tablets and smart phones have become part of everyday life at an ever-younger age. Increased screen time correlates with unhealthy eating habits among children. Methods: 374 children aged 9–12 years and their parents (n = 159), from 3 schools in Lemnos and 5 schools in Thessaloniki, Greece, took part in this cross-sectional study. The children completed the KIDMED score and a questionnaire about their physical activity, time spent watching TV, PC and playing electronic games, the frequency of cooking or shopping with their parents, the frequency of eating fast food, soft drinks and Functional Foods (FFs). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS-29.0, using One Way ANOVA and Pearson chi-square. Results: As the hours of TV viewing increased, so did the percentage of children who consumed soft drinks (p = 0.03). A statistically significant association detected between television (p = 0.024), video games (p = 0.028), all screen categories (p = 0.011) and fast-food consumption. Increased screen time is associated with a higher weekly consumption of fast food (p = 0.011). The more hours children spent in front of screens, the less adherence they had to the Mediterranean Diet (p = 0.001) and less natural FFs consumption (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggest that screen time seems to affect children’s eating behaviors. The study concluded that the longer the screen time, the unhealthier the dietary habits of schoolchildren become. Future research should focus on reducing screen time, as a means of improving dietary patterns and potentially reducing childhood obesity. Full article

This paper investigated how parents’ informal work relates to their children’s academic performance. We interviewed the heads of households with 83 school-aged children in peri-urban Kathmandu to obtain information on parental occupation and child schooling. We also interviewed key informants and conducted focus group discussions to investigate the relationship between working parents’ job profiles and their impression of their child’s school achievement. Parent characteristics, such as work status (formal or informal), educational attainment, family size, and number of children, were recorded. The primary variable of interest was the children’s academic performance, measured as improved or otherwise compared to the previous year. Our analysis confirmed that parents in informal jobs spent more time with their school-going children than their counterparts in formal employment. We found that the parents in informal jobs were relatively more educated in the sample area. The existing literature concurs that parental support significantly influences children’s educational outcomes. Parents in informal jobs, while spending more time with their children, expressed pessimism regarding their children’s school performance and future opportunities. We also found that household wealth, past performance, school type, and the level of supporter education in the family played significant roles in shaping parental perceptions of the child’s school performance. At the same time, we found the nature of the parent’s job did not significantly determine the child’s school performance, ceteris paribus. Full article

This review paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the evaluation, simulation, and control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in nuclear power plants (NPPs), specifically highlighting their importance in maintaining operational safety, thermal performance, and energy efficiency. The study’s authors summarize recent developments in HVAC technologies, such as passive cooling systems, data-driven energy management frameworks, and intelligent control strategies, to cope with the specific challenges of NPPs. Various passive cooling systems, including heat pipes, thermosyphons, and loop heat pipes, have proven themselves by their ability to remove residual heat from spent fuel pools and reactors power plants with high efficiency. Through experimental studies, they have shown their ability to eliminate operational vulnerability to accidents or guarantee any desired long-term cooling. Intelligent sensor networks allow a more data-driven approach to HVAC control, enabling online energy management frameworks and advanced intelligent control systems. These exhibit considerable promise for optimizing HVAC performance, decreasing energy consumption, and improving operational flexibility in multi-zone systems. Such capabilities are ideal for addressing the dynamic and safety-critical nature of NPPs. They are first enabled by the use of these technologies for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control. When applied with advanced HVAC control systems, passive cooling techniques provide an exciting route to improve safety and energy efficiency. An overview of the key findings is that robust thermal management solutions combined with intelligent control and intelligent adaptation are essential when addressing the rapidly evolving demands of nuclear energy systems. This work highlights the priorities in the next generation of nuclear power plants, which should actively pursue seamless integration of out-of-system technologies into existing NPP infrastructures, enabling scalable, cost-effective, and resilient solutions. Full article

Animal behaviors are key signs of animals’ stress, disease, and overall well-being. This study was conducted in an experimental farrowing building using eighteen sow pens: nine exposed to natural heat stress under summer indoor temperatures and nine receiving cooling treatments via innovative cooling pads. Sow and piglet behaviors were recorded in an ethogram through direct visual observation every 5 min for 48 h. Passive infrared detectors were used for continuous pig behavior monitoring every sec. Zmodo wireless cameras were used for video monitoring to validate sensor detection results. Visual observation revealed distinct pig behaviors between the treatments. The sows had peak times in eating, standing, and drinking approximately from 05:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00. The sows under heat stress spent 49.3% more time lying (p < 0.01). They spent 10.7% less time sleeping (p < 0.05). Piglets under heat stress spent more time sleeping but less time nursing. The sensor outputs and pig moving behaviors (i.e., sow eating + standing + drinking + sitting + piglet walking) had a strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.81 for heat stress and ρ = 0.74 for cooling). In contrast, there were strong-to-moderate negative correlations (ρ = −0.77 for heat stress and ρ = −0.56 for cooling) between the sensor outputs and sow on-body behaviors (i.e., sow lying + nursing + sleeping). Video recordings validated the response and sensitivity of the sensors, with them able to quickly capture changes in pig behaviors and provide behavioral information about the nuanced pig movements. Full article

This paper focuses on the analysis of change procedures in the Slovak Republic, the identification of the critical steps of the process, the possible impacts on the project, and the proposal of a methodological approach to change procedures. It emphasises the contribution of quality transport data for the decision-making of responsible public administration entities in the implementation of changes in transport infrastructure projects and the evaluation of their adequacy in terms of the effectiveness of the spent funds in the context of Value for Money. The proposed methodological approach was provided to the infrastructure manager as guidance in the process of handling effective change management and applied by the authority responsible for the construction and management of transport infrastructure in a specific transport construction project implemented in the Slovak Republic. This has led to the definition of change characteristics and, in terms of budget and schedule implications, has provided quantification of the interval nature of the cost and time requirements and the relative demand in relation to the benchmark. Finally, a recommendation was formulated regarding the change processing method and the selection of the change implementer from the companies approached in terms of the objective preferences of the managing authority and the impacts on the key aspects of the project. Full article

Most human time is spent indoors, and due to the pandemic, monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) has become more crucial. In this study, an IoT (Internet of Things) architecture is implemented to monitor IAQ parameters, including CO₂ and particulate matter (PM). An ESP32-C6-based device is developed to measure sensor data and send them, using the MQTT protocol, to a remote InfluxDBv2 database instance, where the data are stored and visualized. The Python 3.11 scripting programming language is used to automate Flux queries to the database, allowing a more in-depth data interpretation. The implemented system allows to analyze two measured scenarios during sleep: one with the door slightly open and one with the door closed. Results indicate that sleeping with the door slightly open causes CO₂ levels to ascend slowly and maintain lower concentrations compared to sleeping with the door closed, where CO₂ levels ascend faster and the maximum recommended values are exceeded. This demonstrates the benefits of ventilation in maintaining IAQ. The developed system can be used for sensing in different environments, such as schools or offices, so an IAQ assessment can be made. Based on the generated data, predictive models can be designed to support decisions on intelligent natural ventilation systems, achieving an optimized, efficient, and ubiquitous solution to moderate the IAQ. Full article

Supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters and human-made incidents have inflicted substantial losses on numerous companies. The management of supply chain risks, including disruption risk, has garnered significant attention from both academia and industries over the past few decades. Companies must develop effective solutions for disruption risk management. To seek an effective solution with disruption event monitoring and mitigation plans, we investigated the mechanisms and dynamics of disruption propagation along the supply chain. Specifically, we developed a quantitative mathematical model for the entire supply chain using system dynamics to understand the characteristics of disruption propagation, such as time spent for the disruption from the event location to a focal company and its impact. The model provides important management information on the development of a disruption monitoring system to enhance the resilience and robustness of supply chains, develop mitigation strategies, and minimize the adverse effects of disruptions. Full article