Search Results (10,401)

Ionic liquid crystals (ILCs), a class of soft matter materials whose properties can be tuned by the wise pairing of the cation and anion, have recently emerged as promising candidates for different applications, combining the characteristics of ionic liquids and liquid crystals. Among those potential uses, this review aims to cover chromogenic ILCs. In this context, examples of photo-, electro- and thermochromism based on ILCs are provided. Furthermore, thermotropic and lyotropic ionic liquid crystals are also summarised, including the most common chemical and phase structures, as well as the advantages of confining these materials. This manuscript also comprises the following main experimental techniques used to characterise ILCs: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Polarised Optical Microscopy (POM) and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). Chromogenic ILCs can be interesting smart materials for energy and health purposes. Full article

Grape is one of the most economically significant berry crops. Owing to the biological characteristics of grapes, such as the long juvenile period (5–8 years), high degree of genome heterozygosity, and the frequent occurrence of inbreeding depression, homozygosity during crossbreeding leads to loss of varietal characteristics and viability. CRISPR/Cas editing has become the tool of choice for improving elite technical grape varieties. This study provides the first evidence of a decrease in the total fraction of phenolic compounds and an increase in the concentration of peroxide compounds in grape callus cells upon the addition of chitosan to the culture medium. These previously unreported metabolic features of the grape response to chitosan have been described and used for the first time to increase the probability of selecting plant cells with MLO7 knockout characterised by an oxidative burst in response to the presence of a pathogen modulated by chitosan in the high-metabolite black grape variety ‘Merlot’. This was achieved by using a CRISPR/Cas9 editing vector construction with the peroxide sensor HyPer as a reporter. This research represents the first CRISPR/Cas9 editing of ‘Merlot’, one of the most economically important elite technical grape varieties. Full article

We employ wavelet analysis using the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) to examine the return and volatility interconnectedness between the German equity market (a prominent representative of the Eurozone market) and the BRICS countries over the period 2005–2017. Specifically, we investigate the presence of the pure form of financial contagion in the stock markets of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa subsequent to the Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crisis (EZDC). Our results indicate the presence of financial contagion between the Eurozone equity market and its counterparts in South Africa and Russia, characterised by co-movement and volatility spillover effects. This contagion is particularly evident at higher frequencies, suggesting that the transmission of shocks occurs rapidly across these markets in the short term. No financial contagion is observed in the Brazilian, Chinese, and Indian stock markets during the European Sovereign Debt Crisis. The absence of financial contagion observed in these three BRICS countries during the European Sovereign Debt Crisis suggests that policymakers in these countries should prioritise addressing idiosyncratic shock channels. Full article

This study employs a rigorous methodology to assess the condition of the hydraulic oil in a recently introduced mini skid-steer loader. The assessment is conducted through laboratory analysis, which adheres to a range of international standards. The objective is to provide accurate insights into the viscosity, particle count, and characterisation of the oil, along with thermographic data. The friction of oil is evaluated at specific time points: 0, 10, 100, 125, and 150 h of operation. This examination offers a comprehensive insight into the alterations in oil characteristics during a pivotal period when machine components are undergoing initial consolidation and abrasion to attain the factory-defined performance thresholds. The principal aim of this research is to provide valuable insights into the wear of oil and hydraulic system components through an in-depth analysis of a range of variables. Moreover, the investigation aims to ascertain the impact of this factor on the temperature elevation of system components and accessories to formulate enhanced technical guidelines for implementation. The main results indicate the presence of particles in the oil, resulting in a cleanliness code of 23/21/13, which exceeds the permissible threshold of 20/18/15 specified in ISO 11171. In addition, hydraulic oil shows a viscosity instability of more than 10% due to moisture absorption, leading to wear of mechanical components composed of iron, nickel, copper, zinc, and silicon. This deterioration is corroborated by thermographic evaluations, which reveal a considerable temperature increase in components such as cylinders and system accessories. Full article

The concept of segregation analyses the unequal distribution of social groups between neighbourhoods. It rests on two assumptions: that of homogeneous neighbourhoods and of a market liberal housing system. Both assumptions are applicable the context of American cities, but they display severe limitations when applied to the European context. Vienna’s housing market is particularly highly segmented, not only throughout the city as a whole but also within neighbourhoods. In the densely built-up area, residential buildings of different segments with different underlying rent regulations and entry barriers can be found side by side. Therefore, buildings are expected to show varying tenant and owner structures, which undermines the idea of a homogeneous neighbourhood. Against this background, we analyse at the micro scale small neighbourhoods defined by 100 m grid cells in a case study of two inner-city Viennese districts (districts 6 and 7) characterised by a particularly vivid housing-transformation and commodification dynamic. Using a novel and fine-grained dataset combining building information with the socio-economic data of households, we investigate the patterns and dynamics of income inequality and income segregation, as well as the relationship between housing market segments and socio-economic patterns. As data comprise two cross-sections for the years 2011 and 2020/21, changes in the neighbourhoods during the house-price boom period are also considered. This leads us to ask the question: How do housing market segmentation and its related changes affect income inequality and segregation at the micro scale? Our analysis delivers two main results: Firstly, we show the existence of marked social variation and related dynamics at the micro scale, even within a small urban area. Secondly, we show that the spatial distribution of housing market segments has a strong impact on income inequality in the neighbourhood. Full article

Baculoviral vectors (BVs) derived from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) are an attractive tool for multigene delivery in mammalian cells, which is particularly relevant for CRISPR technologies. Most applications in mammalian cells rely on BVs that are pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein (VSV-G) to promote efficient endosomal release. VSV-G expression typically occurs under the control of the hyperactive polH promoter. In this study, we demonstrate that polH-driven VSV-G expression results in BVs characterised by reduced stability, impaired morphology, and VSV-G induced toxicity at high multiplicities of transduction (MOTs) in target mammalian cells. To overcome these drawbacks, we explored five alternative viral promoters with the aim of optimising VSV-G levels displayed on the pseudotyped BVs. We report that Orf-13 and Orf-81 promoters reduce VSV-G expression to less than 5% of polH, rescuing BV morphology and stability. In a panel of human cell lines, we elucidate that BVs with reduced VSV-G support efficient gene delivery and CRISPR-mediated gene editing, at levels comparable to those obtained previously with polH VSV-G-pseudotyped BVs (polH VSV-G BV). These results demonstrate that VSV-G hyperexpression is not required for efficient transduction of mammalian cells. By contrast, reduced VSV-G expression confers similar transduction dynamics while substantially improving BV integrity, structure, and stability. Full article

In this study, novel Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalytic composites were synthesised by combining traditional oxidation roasting with the sol-gel method, using low-cost metallurgical waste (iron scales) as the raw material. The characterisation results revealed that the oxidised iron scales could be transformed into high-purity and porous Fe₂O₃ particles through oxidation roasting, thereby providing additional sites for the adsorption process and thus serving as an effective carrier for TiO₂-based photocatalytic materials. During the sol-gel process, TiO₂ was loaded onto the synthesised Fe₂O₃ particles, generating core-shell heterostructure Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalytic composites. Under visible light irradiation for 90 min, the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalytic composites achieved a remarkable methylene blue removal rate (97.71%). This reaction process followed the quasi-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.038 min⁻¹. The results have demonstrated that this combination of various components in the Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalytic composites improved the adsorption, light utilisation, and charge separation effect of the photocatalysts. Moreover, the material exhibited favourable stability and recyclability, making it a decent candidate for the treatment of wastewater from the biochemical industry. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ and expanding the high value-added utilisation of iron scales. Full article

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive haemoglobin disorder, affecting about 7.74 million individuals worldwide, but it is more prevalent among Africans and Asians. SCD is characterised by many complications, and it is a major health issue in Nigeria, the country with the largest burden of the disease globally. This work aims to present the design and implementation of electronic registries (ER) for SCD in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: Registry design was initiated during a staff exchange programme within the ARISE initiative (EU grant agreement no. 824021). Ethical approval was obtained, and paper records were retrieved and transferred into one adult and one paediatric database, developed with Microsoft Access. Results: Data from 2659 SCD patients were entered in the ERs, including 698 (26.3%) adults and 1961 (73.7%) children. There were 287 (41%) male adults, 404 (58%) female and 7 (1%) patients whose gender was missing. There were 1041 (53.1%) male children, 906 (46.2%) female and 14 (0.7%) whose gender was missing. Information on phenotype was available for 2385 subjects, and most of them (2082, 87.3%) were SS. The most prevalent SCD-related complication was painful events (26.6% in adults and 68.7% in children, considering valid cases). Conclusions: About 60% of SCD patients in the centre were included in the ERs providing useful, hands-on recommendations for future ER design in SCD. These ERs might be an appropriate tool for collecting and analysing SCD patients’ data. Full article

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, which leads to dryness of the eyes and mouth; systemic manifestations such as arthritis, vasculitis, and interstitial lung disease; and increased risks of lymphoma and cardiovascular diseases. SS predominantly affects women, with a strong genetic component linked to sex chromosomes. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with primary SS (pSS), revealing insights into its pathogenesis. The adaptive and innate immune systems are crucial to SS’s development, with viral infections implicated as environmental triggers that exacerbate autoimmune responses in genetically susceptible individuals. Moreover, recent research has highlighted the role of vitamin D in modulating immune responses in pSS patients, suggesting its potential therapeutic implications. In this review, we focus on the recently identified SNPs in genes like OAS1, NUDT15, LINC00243, TNXB, and THBS1, which have been associated with increased risks of developing more severe symptoms and other diseases such as fatigue, lymphoma, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), dry eye syndrome (DES), and adverse drug reactions. Future studies should focus on larger, multi-ethnic cohorts with standardised protocols to validate findings and identify new associations. Integrating genetic testing into clinical practise holds promise for improving SS management and treatment strategies, enabling personalised interventions based on comprehensive genetic profiles. By focusing on specific SNPs, vitamin D, and their implications, future research can lead to more effective and personalised approaches for managing pSS and its complications. Full article

This study investigates the biochemical composition and biological properties of different parts (leaves, roots, and twigs) of two Cistus species (Cistus monspeliasis and Cistus parviflorus). The extracts were analysed using UHPLC-MS/MS to determine their chemical profiling. A range of antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the extract’s antioxidant capabilities. The enzyme inhibition studies focused on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. In addition, the study examined the antimicrobial effects on different bacteria and yeasts and evaluated the toxicity using the MTT assay. Quinic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, catechin, quercetin derivatives, kaempferol, myricetin, ellagic acid, prodelphinidins, procyanidins, scopoletin, and flavogallonic acid dilactone are the main bioactive compounds found in both species. In enzyme inhibition assays, C. monspeliasis roots exhibited significant activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with the values of 2.58 ± 0.02 mg GALAE/g and 11.37 ± 1.93 mg GALAE/g, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies showed mostly weak toxicity, with some samples moderately reducing viability in RAW and HepG2 cells. These findings underscore the diverse biochemical profiles and bioactive potential of Cistus species, suggesting their utility as natural sources of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development. Full article

Yeasts play an essential role in the aroma and sensory profiles of wines. Spontaneous fermentations were carried out at the newly built winery of Granxa D’Outeiro. Yeasts were isolated from must at different stages of fermentation. Colonies belonging to Saccharomyces cerevisiae were characterised at the strain level by mtDNA-RFLPs. General chemical parameters and aroma profiles of the wines were determined using official OIV methodology and GC-MS analysis, respectively. The diversity of S. cerevisiae per fermentation ranged from 5 to 13 different strains depending on the grapevine variety. Out of 24 strains, strain B was the dominant yeast in most fermentations at different proportions, but strains D, E, and H also reached up to 25% of the total population in some fermentations. The yeast diversity was higher in the Lado fermentation than in those containing Treixadura. The chemical compositions of the wines revealed differences among them, with Loureira and Albariño wines showing the highest content of volatile compounds. The evaluation of their technological properties revealed the oenological potential of some strains of S. cerevisiae. The strains showing the best scores were selected to be used in future vintages to enhance the typicality of wines in the Granxa D’Outeiro winery. Full article

Bioreceptivity measures the ability of a surface to develop and maintain a permanent ecosystem of microorganisms. In the historic built environment, this is characterised visually by the greening of monuments and other outdoor heritage. Primary and secondary bioreceptivity refer to the potential for biological growth on fresh and weathered stone, respectively. Measuring bioreceptivity helps us understand biological growth rates and allows researchers to characterise the impact of stone conservation treatments on colonisation. Understanding the relative bioreceptivity of stones allows heritage professionals to make more informed selection of replacement stone types for repairs to existing structures. The primary bioreceptivity of stones from different geographical areas cannot currently be easily compared due to a lack of consistency in approaches to measurement. We propose a repeatable lab-based methodology for measuring colour and chlorophyll a levels from a standard algal culture grown on the stone surface as a standardised testing protocol for primary and secondary bioreceptivity. This protocol controls for the effects of mineralogical colour change during testing, which is something that has not been addressed in other methodologies. This method was successfully applied to case studies measuring the bioreceptivity of English granite, sandstone and limestone, determining their position in a bioreceptivity index. Our results demonstrated that for the stones tested, primary bioreceptivity was categorised as very low or low. Secondary bioreceptivity was increased compared to primary bioreceptivity. This research is the first to fully categorise any stones for secondary bioreceptivity and provides the first primary and secondary bioreceptivity data for any UK stones. We encourage others to follow this standard protocol to add additional data and build an international bioreceptivity database accessible to heritage practitioners. Full article

Intellectual capital (IC) has been an important element of business management for some time. Understanding the role of IC and consciously incorporating it into organisational and management processes is one of the key aspects of building unique competitive advantages in the context of sustainable development. The basic goal of the research was to determine which IC components are given greater importance by the management staff of selected Polish enterprises when shaping their operating strategy and which elements are the object of greater concern during everyday functioning. A statistical analysis of the survey results obtained was carried out, allowing for the characterisation of both the phenomena and trends in the entire surveyed population and taking into account the division criteria related to the size of enterprises and the specificity of their activities. The basic research instrument consisted of a questionnaire. This study covered the territory of southern Poland. The results showed that there are certain elements of IC that managers focus on in particular, and there are differences in the approach that is related to the selected criteria of analysis. This study adds to the existing knowledge of the key elements of strategy for companies managing strategic capital in the context of sustainable development. Full article

The Zaozigou gold deposit is recognized as one of the largest and most significant independent gold deposits in northwest China, representing a colossal orogenic gold-antimony deposit. It is imperative to delve into the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors within the mining area to unveil the groundwater circulation evolution process and enhance water resource management. In 2018, a comprehensive collection of 50 groups of groundwater samples was conducted, alongside 17 groups of surface water and underground mine water samples in 2023. Compositional descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, Piper three-plot, Gibbs map, ion ratio method, hydrogeochemical simulation and PCA methods were employed to reveal the chemical characteristics and evolution process of groundwater in the Zaozigou gold mine. Furthermore, employing water isotopes theory allowed for the identification of recharge sources and circulation conditions within the Zaozigou Gold Mine. The findings indicated a transition from HCO₃-Na·Ca type polluted water in 2018 to primarily the SO₄-Ca·Mg type and HCO₃·SO₄-Na·Ca·Mg type groundwater hydrochemistry types by 2023. The hydrochemical characteristics of the study area are closely related to the mining depth and time. The chemical characteristics are influenced by various factors such as rock weathering, mineral dissolution, cation exchange processes, atmospheric precipitation as well as human activities related to pollution from industrial mining activities. Full article

Often, artists of all time periods have unintentionally crystallized in their works the image of landscapes distant in time; of those landscapes, sometimes only faint traces remain, adding to the collection of so-called indirect sources. In many cases, a critical analysis carried out using the comparative method of those iconographic sources allows the inference of the relevant information regarding the layout of places, the structures housed there, and the practice of arts and crafts, or about customs and habits (e.g., dressing, eating, etc.); it is possible to recompose the so-called ‘buried landscapes’ by combining it with, and thanks to, the substantial contributions of other disciplines (such as history, archaeology, and anthropology). This contribution shows the first outcomes of research carried out within the Ghibertiana Project by CHMlab of DIDA (UNIFI), which aims to analyze the ‘landscape characterised by cultivated areas’ from the Florentine countryside in the early fifteenth century. In particular, it is maintained that Lorenzo Ghiberti (Pelago, 1378–Florence, 1455), just like other contemporary artists, depicted territories and architectures he had first experienced in some of the ten bronze panels of the Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery of Florence. He described in great detail the flora, fauna, and anthropic structures of the extra moenia territory. The focus of the early stage of analysis and this contribution is mainly on shelters: temporary structures functional to agricultural work. The encouraging results obtained may give rise to new research on other Florentine landscape elements artfully chiseled in Ghiberti’s workshop. Full article