Search Results (4,226)

The nutritional and commercial value of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is determined by its foliar pigment and phenolic composition, which varies among cultivars. This study aimed to assess the capacity of hyperspectral and applied multispectral imaging, combined with machine learning algorithms, to predict and map key biochemical traits, such as chloroplastidic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) and extrachloroplastidic pigments (anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds). Eleven cultivars exhibiting contrasting pigmentation profiles were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions, and their chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and total phenolic contents were evaluated. Spectral reflectance data were acquired via a Headwall hyperspectral sensor and a MicaSense multispectral sensor, and the pigment contents were quantified via solvent extraction and a UV microplate reader. We developed predictive models via seven machine learning approaches, with partial least squares regression (PLSR) and random forest (RF) emerging as the most robust algorithms for pigment estimation. Chlorophyll a and b are highly and positively correlated (r > 0.9), which is consistent with their hyperspectral reflectance imaging results. The hyperspectral data consistently outperformed the multispectral data in terms of predictive accuracy (e.g., R² = 0.91 and 0.76 for anthocyanins and flavonoids via RF) and phenolic compounds with R² = 0.79, capturing subtle spectral features linked to biochemical variation. Spatial maps revealed strong genotype-dependent heterogeneity in pigment and phenolic distributions, supporting the potential of this approach for cultivar discrimination and pigment phenotyping. These findings demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging integrated with data-driven modelling offers a powerful, nondestructive framework for the biochemical monitoring of leafy vegetables, supporting breeding, precision agriculture, and food quality assessment. Full article

This study aims to examine the relationship between competition-derived GPS metrics and explosive power, as expressed by the countermovement jump (CMJ), and their influence on neuromuscular fatigue in professional male soccer players. In this observational–longitudinal study, GPS-derived data were collected during 15 official competitions from the same seven players (age = 26.03 ± 4.59 y, height = 180.0 ± 0.076 cm, body mass = 77.88 ± 9.90 kg). CMJ assessments were performed at matchday − 1 (MD + 2) and matchday + 2 (MD + 2) of each competition. CMJ height was significantly decreased from MD − 1 to MD + 2 (p < 0.05). While no significant correlations were found between MD − 1 CMJ values and the examined GPS metrics (total distance covered (TDC), high-speed running distance (HSR-D (m)), sprint-running distance (SR-D (m)), and number of high-intensity accelerations/decelerations (HIA (n)/HID (n), respectively), a significant negative relationship emerged between MD + 2 CMJ height and HIA (n) and HID (n) (p < 0.05). Linear mixed-effects measures revealed the impact of several parameters in three different models: (a) HIA (n) × HID (n) × HSR (m) × SR-D (m), (b) HIA (n) × HID (n) × SR-D (m), and (c) HID (n) × SR-D (m), with univariate testing highlighting significant effects of HIA (n) and HID (n) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, no association was evident between MD − 1 CMJ values and competition GPS metrics, while HIA (n) and DIA (n) were associated with post-competition explosive-power values at MD + 2. Moreover, CMJ reduction from MD − 1 to MD + 2, serving as a competition-induced neuromuscular fatigue indicator, was found to be related to HIA (n) and HID (n) volumes either individually or in association with HSR (m) and SR-D (m) distances, suggesting those to impact post-competition fatigue kinetics. Full article

Bruises in beef cattle carcasses are important indicators related to pre-slaughter handling and transport conditions, with implications for animal welfare and meat quality. This study analysed 19.4 million cattle carcasses transported from 42,805 farms to 38 slaughterhouses in Brazil to identify factors associated with bruising. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of sex, age, transport distance from farm to industry, and truck class. At least one bruise was found in 33.8% of the analysed carcasses. Older animals had a greater prevalence of bruising, and females were the most affected. The relationship between transport distance and bruising varied across carcass regions, showing distinct patterns rather than a uniform trend. Compared with larger-capacity vehicles, smaller trucks increased the risk of bruising. The round, rump, and flank regions presented the greatest number of bruises. The models assessing individual effects demonstrated good overall performance, with accuracy ranging from 75% to 82% in identifying bruises. The best performance was observed for round-rump, likely due to the higher frequency of bruises in these cuts. These findings highlight the need to improve transport logistics, adopt better handling practices, and implement specific interventions to reduce bruising. Full article

This study aimed to develop synbiotic edible films based on fish gelatin containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, evaluating the impact of different prebiotics (inulin and fructooligosaccharides, FOSs) and structuring polysaccharides (pectin and alginate) on their physical, mechanical, thermal properties, cell viability, and in vitro gastrointestinal behavior. Seven film formulations were prepared from fish gelatin solutions (3%, w/v) containing glycerol (30%, w/w, as plasticizer), with the addition of prebiotics (inulin or FOSs, 1:1 w/w to gelatin), either alone or in combination with pectin (1%, w/v) or alginate (0.5%, w/v). Specifically, F1 contained gelatin, glycerol, and L. rhamnosus GG (control); F2 and F5 included inulin or FOSs, respectively; F3 and F6 combined inulin or FOSs with pectin; and F4 and F7 combined inulin or FOSs with alginate. After incorporation of the probiotic, the solutions were cast and dried at 37 °C for 24 h. The incorporation of prebiotics and polysaccharides significantly influenced probiotic viability after film drying (p < 0.05). The control formulation (F1) showed the highest reduction (26.10%), while F4 (inulin + alginate) and F7 (FOS + alginate) exhibited the lowest losses of 10.41% and 10.98%, respectively. These films also demonstrated better performance during simulated digestion, with F7 showing the smallest reduction after 6 h (0.5 log), maintaining 7.0 colony-forming units per gram (CFU g⁻¹), which is considered adequate for functional effects. Physically, the films varied in solubility (27.50% to 41.37%), thickness (0.085 to 0.095 mm), water vapor permeability (WVP) (8.17 to 11.75 g·mm/m²·d·kPa), and moisture content (13.47% to 17.50%). Mechanically, F4 showed the highest tensile strength (24.5 MPa), while F1 had the highest elongation at break (62%). During storage, F7 and F4 showed the lowest viability losses (29.8% and 29.4%, respectively) under refrigeration. Overall, the results indicate that the association of prebiotics with structuring polysaccharides improves stability, cellular protection, and functional performance of the films. Full article

Grape pomace (i.e., the residual skins, seeds, and pulp left after vinification) retains up to 70% of the fruit’s original phenolic compounds and is also rich in dietary fiber. As such, because this by-product is generated in large quantities worldwide and its disposal is both technologically problematic and costly, reusing it as a food ingredient could simultaneously mitigate environmental burdens, lower winery waste-management expenses, and enhance the nutritional profile of fortified foods. In this context, this study investigated the nutritional enrichment of dark chocolate by incorporating flour produced from red (cv. Syrah) and white (cv. Arinto) grape pomace at three levels (5, 10, and 15% w/w). Formulated chocolates and controls were manufactured under industrial tempering conditions and subsequently analyzed for protein, lipids, sugars, dietary fiber, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC), color, texture, and consumer perception (hedonic test). All fortified samples showed higher fiber and antioxidant activity than the control, with “White_15” showing higher fiber content (43.1%) and “Red_5” for ORAC (69,483 µmol TE/100 g) and DPPH (6587 µmol TE/100 g). Dietary fiber showed an increase in content with the increase in grape pomace incorporation, regardless of the type (red or white). Texture softening was observed in all fortified chocolates independently of the incorporation level or type (red or white). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering confirmed clear separation between control and fortified chocolates based on the parameters analyzed. Sensory evaluation with untrained panelists revealed good overall acceptability across all formulations. These findings demonstrate that grape pomace flour can be effectively valorized as a functional ingredient in dark chocolates, supporting circular economy practices in the wine and confectionery sectors while delivering products with enhanced health-promoting attributes (nutritional and antioxidant). Full article

Lipases are widely used as biocatalysts in synthetic applications because of their high chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivities, which play key roles in the synthesis of esters and the resolution of racemates. These biocatalytic steps are essential for the production of various products, including cosmetic ingredients, building blocks in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. In this study, we produced lipases through solid-state fermentation of agricultural by-products and domestic wastes using the fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus. After fermentation, the dried solids containing lipases from P. sanguineus exhibited high catalytic activity. Lipase production was achieved via solid-state fermentation using a substrate composed of wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse supplemented with either residual frying oil or urea, resulting in an enzymatic activity of 24 U mL⁻¹ after 96 h. The resulting P. sanguineus fermentation solids (PSFS) efficiently catalyzed the esterification of capric acid with ethanol, achieving 95% ester conversion within 28 h. Additionally, PSFS proved to be effective in the kinetic resolution of (RS)-1-phenyl-1-ethanol via transesterification with various acyl donors, selectively forming the (R)-enantiomer. This process yielded a 16% conversion to (R)-1-phenylethyl propionate and an enantiomeric ratio (E) exceeding 200 after 72 h. These results demonstrate the potential of PSFS for applications in ester synthesis and resolution of enantiomerically pure sec-alcohols. Full article

A Universal Numerical Integrator (UNI) is a computational framework that combines a classical numerical integration method, such as Euler, Runge–Kutta, or Adams–Bashforth, with a universal approximator of functions, such as a feed-forward neural network (including MLP, SVM, RBF, among others) or a fuzzy inference system. The Euler-Type Universal Numerical Integrator (E–TUNI) is a particular case of UNI based on the first-order Euler integrator and is designed to model non-linear dynamic systems observed in real-world scenarios accurately. The UNI framework can be organized into three primary methodologies: the NARMAX model (Non-linear AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous input), the mean derivatives approach (which characterizes E–TUNI), and the instantaneous derivatives approach. The E–TUNI methodology relies exclusively on mean derivative functions, distinguishing it from techniques that employ instantaneous derivatives. Although it is based on a first-order scheme, the E–TUNI achieves an accuracy level comparable to that of higher-order integrators. This performance is made possible by the incorporation of a neural network acting as a universal approximator, which significantly reduces the approximation error. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the E–TUNI methodology, focusing on its application to the modeling of non-linear autonomous dynamic systems and its use in predictive control. Several computational experiments are presented to illustrate and validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

Deer antler-derived medicinal materials, including antler velvet, antlers, and deer antler base, exhibit differential therapeutic efficacy across developmental stages, though their molecular mechanisms at the proteomic level remain uncharacterized. This study employed Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) quantitative proteomics to systematically analyze protein profiles in sika deer antler velvet, antlers, and deer antler base. Comparative analysis revealed 3154 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs, 95% upregulated) between antler velvet and antlers, which were significantly enriched in Ribosome Biogenesis (e.g., Polyadenylate-binding protein), oxidative phosphorylation, and neurodegenerative disease pathways. In the comparison of deer antler base versus antlers, 1024 DEPs (92% upregulated) were identified, primarily involved in proteolysis (e.g., ACTC protein), glycolysis, and complement and coagulation cascades. Between deer antler base and antler velvet, 2749 DEPs (87% downregulated) were enriched in Thioredoxin domains, cytoskeleton regulation, and RNA-binding functions. Subcellular localization demonstrated antler velvet proteins predominantly distributed in the cytoplasm (37.6%) and nucleus (19.6%), while deer antler base proteins showed marked enrichment in extracellular regions (19.7%) and cytoskeletal components. As the first comprehensive proteomic characterization of these materials, this study identifies ribosomal proteins and complement pathway-related proteins as key biomarkers, thus establishing a scientific foundation for precise authentication, quality control, and efficacy–mechanism interpretation of deer antler-derived medicines. It further highlights antler velvet’s neuroprotective potential and deer antler base’s immunomodulatory applications. Full article

The stochastic model in Precise Point Positioning (PPP) defines the statistical properties of observations and the dynamic behavior of parameters. An inaccurate stochastic model can degrade positioning accuracy, ambiguity resolution, and other aspects of performance. However, due to the influence of multiple factors, the stochastic model in PPP cannot be precisely predetermined, necessitating the development of an Adaptive Stochastic Model (ASM) based on Variance Component Estimation (VCE). While the benefits of ASMs for PPP float solutions are well documented, their contributions to other performance aspects remain insufficiently explored. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of an ASM’s impact on PPP. First, the implementation of an ASM using VCE is described in detail. Then, experimental results demonstrate that the ASM effectively captures observational conditions through the estimated variance component factors. It enhances both PPP float and fixed solutions when the predefined stochastic model is inadequate, improves cycle-slip detection by tightening the stochastic model (reducing the missed detection rate from 19% to 8%), and accelerates both direct reconvergence and re-initialization after data gaps, with reconvergence times improved by 18% and 55%, respectively. Full article

Salt stress is a major constraint on cowpea cultivation in semi-arid regions, primarily due to excess salts in irrigation water and soils. We aimed to investigate the effects of foliar magnesium (Mg) application on the production, phenology, and seed vigor of the cowpea landraces “Pingo de Ouro” and “Costela de Vaca” under salt stress conditions. Two experiments were conducted. The first was carried out in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with five replicates, in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme: two cowpea landraces (“Pingo de Ouro” and “Costela de Vaca”), three irrigation water salinity levels (0.54, 3.50, and 5.00 dS m⁻¹), and four foliar doses of a product (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mL L⁻¹) containing 8% magnesium. Morphological traits and seed production were evaluated. The second experiment was conducted in a laboratory using a completely randomized design, also in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial, with four replicates of 25 seeds each. In the first experiment, the 1 mL L⁻¹ dose provided the best results for pod length in the variety “Pingo de Ouro” under an electrical conductivity salinity of 5.00 dS m⁻¹. In the variety “Costela de Vaca”, this same dose increased the number of seeds per pod and the 100-seed weight under the same salinity level. In the second experiment, seedlings of “Pingo de Ouro” grown from seeds produced by plants treated with 2 and 3 mL L⁻¹ doses showed greater shoot length, root length, stem diameter, and shoot fresh mass, particularly under 0.54 dS m⁻¹ salinity. Therefore, “Pingo de Ouro” exhibited superior seedling growth at doses of 2 and 3 mL L⁻¹, particularly under conditions of low salinity. These findings support the use of foliar magnesium fertilization as an effective agronomic strategy to enhance seed production and quality in cowpea landraces under salt stress conditions. Full article

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) has become a concern for companies, investors, and regulators. Its significance cannot be underestimated, as stakeholders increasingly demand accountability and transparency regarding corporate practices in these areas. Government agencies enforce laws mandating companies adhere to established ESG standards in response. However, despite these regulatory pressures, several obstacles have hindered organizations from effectively implementing sustainability initiatives, often resulting in lackluster outcomes. In this study, we developed a framework to implement ESG principles across various companies, utilizing the critical success factor (CSF) theory. By incorporating the perspectives of stakeholders, we identified the essential elements to achieve ESG. The developed framework in ESG studies employed the hybrid Delphi technique and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a structured method for organizing and analyzing complex decisions. Based on the results obtained from targeted questions, variables that influence ESG performance were identified. The effectiveness of different sustainability initiatives was also assessed to understand stakeholder engagement strategies and evaluate the impact of organizational culture on ESG adoption. Full article

Fiber fineness is a critical determinant of wool quality and is of great significance in enhancing the overall quality of wool. The aim of this research was to pinpoint the key proteins that participate in the regulation of wool fineness. To achieve this, we utilized Astral—DIA proteomics technology to examine the disparities in proteins, pathways, and GO terms among the wool tissues of Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep with varying mean fiber diameters (MFD). The experiment was divided into two groups: coarse (group C, MFD = 22.36 ± 0.75 μm, n = 4) and fine (group F, MFD = 16.89 ± 0.36 μm, n = 4). The results indicated that 67 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified from the wool tissues of Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep in groups C and F. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that several key differential proteins, including MGST3, KRT26, KRT72, KRT74, KRT71, etc., were mainly enriched in multiple functional pathways. These pathways included glutathione metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, the degradation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine, intermediate filaments, serine protease activity, and cysteine protease activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis suggested that type II keratin and type I keratin (such as CTSF, PSAP, TMEM106B, LYPD3, KRT71, KRT72), along with glutathione metabolism (MGST3, W5QDB7), are closely related to hair follicle development and the regulation of wool fineness. In summary, this study enriches the existing sheep proteinome database and offers novel perspectives on the regulatory mechanisms of wool fineness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor dietary habits remain a significant public health concern, highlighting the need to promote healthy and sustainable eating patterns, especially in childhood and adolescence. This study assessed the eating habits of primary school children in the Tagus Lezíria region, focusing on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), recognized for its health and environmental benefits. Methods: The KIDMED index (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents) was applied to 435 children, the vast majority (97.7%) aged 6–10 years. Results: The data showed that 64.6% of participants exhibited high adherence to the MD, 32.0% medium, and 3.5% low adherence. Despite these encouraging levels, several gaps were identified: 80% of the children did not meet the recommendation for regular nut consumption (≥2–3 times/week), 44% consumed legumes less than once a week, and 43% failed to eat vegetables more than once a day. Regarding demographic factors, no significant differences were observed in overall adherence categories; however, differences emerged in specific eating behaviours. For example, girls consumed more vegetables and cereals than boys, and children in rural areas consumed less dairy than those living in urban settings. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of reinforcing targeted school-based educational interventions to promote healthier dietary behaviours, particularly increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, and nuts. Strengthening children’s adherence to the MD from an early age may contribute to improving their health and fostering sustainable eating practices. Full article

Between 2016 and 2018, the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced its most significant yellow fever (YF) outbreak in 80 years. Yellow fever virus (YFV) circulation persisted afterward, with continued non-human primate (NHP) epizootics and, recently, human cases. In June 2024, YFV RNA was detected in a dead marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an urban square in Belo Horizonte (BH), prompting a field investigation in an adjacent park to assess infection in potential mosquito vectors and NHPs. A total of 250 mosquitoes representing nine species were collected at ground and canopy level, of which Aedes fluviatilis and Aedes scapularis comprised 78.8% of the specimens. Haemagogus spp. and Sabethes spp. mosquitoes were not collected, possibly due to the short sampling window during the dry season. No active YFV infection was detected in any of the mosquito pools tested. Eight marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) were captured and tested for arboviral infections. Five out of eight sera, representing both adult and juvenile (less than 17 months old) animals, tested positive for anti-YFV IgM. Interestingly, two adults recaptured in later expeditions revealed seroconversion. One was IgM-positive in July 2024 but negative by September 2024, consistent with the expected decline in IgM levels. The other, initially IgM-negative (as of July 2024), tested positive in April 2025, indicating recent exposure to YFV. These findings provide evidence for the ongoing, low-level circulation of YFV among urban NHPs, posing a continued risk of viral spillover to humans. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of active surveillance in detecting recent infections that would likely be missed by passive monitoring. This integrated approach enhances our understanding of local YF epidemiology and supports early, evidence-based public health interventions to prevent future human outbreaks. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a pathogenic variant in the TPI1 gene. It is characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, progressive neuromuscular dysfunction, and reduced life expectancy. Patients typically present with symptoms in the first few months of life, including muscle weakness, ataxia, and recurrent respiratory infections. Diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing, and management is generally symptomatic as no treatment is available. Case Presentation: We describe the case of an infant diagnosed with TPI deficiency in the context of haemolytic anaemia with progressive neurological deterioration and respiratory failure. Conclusions: This case illustrates the complexity of the disease and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and contributes to the limited literature by providing a detailed clinical description and highlighting the diagnostic challenges associated with this condition. Beyond its clinical relevance, this report emphasises the potential role of personalised medicine in the management of TPI deficiency. Early identification of specific genotypes may inform prognosis and guide individualised supportive strategies. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of TPI deficiency expands, opportunities may emerge for targeted therapeutic approaches tailored to patient-specific characteristics. Full article