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Mindfulness witnessed a substantial popularity surge in the past decade, especially as digitally self-administered interventions became available at relatively low costs. Yet, it is uncertain whether they effectively help reduce stress. In a preregistered (OSF https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UF4JZ ; retrospective registration at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06308744 ) multi-site study (nsites = 37, nparticipants = 2,239, 70.4% women, Mage = 22.4, s.d.age = 10.1, all fluent English speakers), we experimentally tested whether four single, standalone mindfulness exercises effectively reduced stress, using Bayesian mixed-effects models. All exercises proved to be more efficacious than the active control. We observed a mean difference of 0.27 (d = -0.56; 95% confidence interval, -0.43 to -0.69) between the control condition (M = 1.95, s.d. = 0.50) and the condition with the largest stress reduction (body scan: M = 1.68, s.d. = 0.46). Our findings suggest that mindfulness may be beneficial for reducing self-reported short-term stress for English speakers from higher-income countries.

Through diverse roles, zinc determines a greater number of critical life functions than any other single micronutrient. Beyond the well-recognized importance of zinc for child growth and resistance to infections, zinc has numerous specific roles covering the regulation of glucose metabolism, and growing evidence links zinc deficiency with increased risk of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. Zinc nutriture is, thus, vitally important to health across the life course. Zinc deficiency is also one of the most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition globally. A clearer estimate of the burden of health disparity attributable to zinc deficiency in adulthood and later life emerges when accounting for its contribution to global elevated fasting blood glucose and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Yet progress attenuating its prevalence has been limited due, in part, to the lack of sensitive and specific methods to assess human zinc status. This narrative review covers recent developments in our understanding of zincs role in health, the impact of the changing climate and global context on zinc intake, novel functional biomarkers showing promise for monitoring population-level interventions, and solutions for improving population zinc intake. It aims to spur on implementation of evidence-based interventions for preventing and controlling zinc deficiency across the life course. Increasing zinc intake and combating global zinc deficiency requires context-specific strategies and a combination of complementary, evidence-based interventions, including supplementation, food fortification, and food and agricultural solutions such as biofortification, alongside efforts to improve zinc bioavailability. Enhancing dietary zinc content and bioavailability through zinc biofortification is an inclusive nutrition solution that can benefit the most vulnerable individuals and populations affected by inadequate diets to the greatest extent.

Abstract This study examines the relationship between respondents’ vaccine hesitancy, reported media consumption patterns, ideological leanings, and trust in science. A large-scale survey conducted in the US in 2022 (N = 1,646) assessed self-reported COVID-19 vaccination, trust in science, and reported media consumption. Findings show that, regardless of personal ideology, individuals who consumed less conservative media and had a more ideologically diverse media diet were more likely to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Additionally, consuming more conservative media was negatively associated with trust in science, but this relationship was weaker among those with a more ideologically diverse media diet. By incorporating data from an earlier wave of the survey in the summer of 2020, before COVID-19 vaccines were available, we found that a less conservative and more ideologically diverse media diet in 2022 predicted vaccination behavior in 2022, controlling for prior vaccine intentions and media consumption in 2020. A similar survey conducted in the UK in the summer of 2020 paralleled patterns in the US regarding vaccine intentions and media consumption. These results suggest that an ideologically diverse media diet is associated with reduced vaccine hesitancy. Public health initiatives might benefit from encouraging ideologically diverse media consumption.

Abstract Background The Brazilian Policy for Comprehensive Care for People with Rare Diseases was implemented in 2014; however, national epidemiological data on rare diseases (RDs) are scarce and mainly focused on specific disorders. To address this gap, University Hospitals, Reference Services for Neonatal Screening, and Reference Services for Rare Diseases, all of which are public health institutions, established the Brazilian Rare Diseases Network (RARAS) in 2020. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive nationwide epidemiological investigation of individuals with RDs in Brazil. This retrospective survey collected data from patients receiving care in 34 healthcare facilities affiliated with RARAS in 2018 and 2019. Results The survey included 12,530 participants with a median age of 15.0 years, with women representing 50.5% of the cohort. Classification according to skin color demonstrated that 5044 (47.4%) participants were admixed. Most had a confirmed diagnosis (63.2%), with a predominance of phenylketonuria (PKU), cystic fibrosis (CF), and acromegaly. Common clinical manifestations included global developmental delay and seizures. The average duration of the diagnostic odyssey was 5.4 years (± 7.9 years). Among the confirmed diagnoses, 52.2% were etiological (biochemical: 42.5%; molecular: 30.9%), while 47.8% were clinical. Prenatal diagnoses accounted for 1.2%. Familial recurrence and consanguinity rates were 21.6% and 6.4%, respectively. Mainstay treatments included drug therapy (55.0%) and rehabilitation (15.6%). The Public Health System funded most diagnoses (84.2%) and treatments (86.7%). Hospitalizations were reported in 44.5% of cases, and the mortality rate was 1.5%, primarily due to motor neuron disease and CF. Conclusion This study marks a pioneering national-level data collection effort for rare diseases in Brazil, offering novel insights to advance the understanding, management, and resource allocation for RDs. It unveils an average diagnostic odyssey of 5.4 years and a higher prevalence of PKU and CF, possibly associated with the specialized services network, which included newborn screening services.

One of the MSMEs developed Batik as a regional product is Rezti's Batik. Rezti's Batik is located in Ambulu, Jember Regency, about 28.4 km from the University of Jember. Increasing the number of consumer orders has made Rezti's Batik production continue to increase. One of the obstacles faced by Rezti's Batik is the process of making Batik which takes a long time because the drying process still relies on heat from the sun, which takes 4-6 hours. The process can also take longer if the rainy season slows the production process's completion. The solution method is the manufacture of appropriate technology in the form of installing a batik cloth dryer. The batik cloth drying installation implementation at Rezti's Batik is a drying system that utilizes heat from the furnace in the sagging process as a heating medium. The designed dryer consists of a stove as a heat generator which will later be distributed with air from the blower so that the hot air will spread evenly throughout the room.

BACKGROUND: Zinc-biofortified potatoes have considerable potential to reduce zinc deficiency because of their low levels of phytate, an inhibitor of zinc absorption, and their high consumption, especially in the Andean region of Peru. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure fractional and total zinc absorption from a test meal of biofortified compared with regular potatoes. METHODS: We undertook a single-blinded randomized crossover study (using 67Zn and 70Zn stable isotopes) in which 37 women consumed 500-g biofortified or regular potatoes twice a day. Urine samples were collected to determine fractional and total zinc absorption. RESULTS: The zinc content of the biofortified potato and regular potato was 0.48 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.02) and 0.32 (SD: 0.03) mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively. Mean fractional zinc absorption (FZA) from the biofortified potatoes was lower than from the regular potatoes, 20.8% (SD: 5.4%) and 25.5% (SD: 7.0%), respectively (P < 0.01). However, total zinc absorbed was significantly higher (0.49; SD: 0.13 and 0.40; SD: 0.11 mg/500 g, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that biofortified potatoes provide more absorbable zinc than regular potatoes. Zinc-biofortified potatoes could contribute toward reducing zinc deficiency in populations where potatoes are a staple food. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05154500.

Universal screening and progress monitoring are evidence-based practices in early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE). Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDIs) for infants/toddlers are measures that programs can use for universal screening, progress monitoring, intervention decision-making, and accountability. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, IGDIs were administered and scored exclusively in person by certified early educators. Because of COVID-19, EI/ECSE practitioners could no longer conduct in-person assessments. We report how two early intervention programs implemented IGDIs using remote protocols that included (a) preparation of parents for IGDI administration at home, (b) session observation by program staff using videoconferencing, and (c) remote coding of the child's performance by program staff when interacting with a parent/caregiver play partner using the standard toy set. The remote protocols are described, and uptake by the programs is compared before and during the pandemic. Equivalence of children's scores from in-person versus remote protocols is reported, as well as caregivers' and program staff's preferences. Implications for remote early childhood services are discussed.

Abstract Biological polymers, such as polysaccharides and polypeptides, offer renewable and biodegradable solutions for a more sustainable future. These polymers comprise natural building blocks, such as amino acids and glycans, which ensure their true environmental benefits at the end of their lifecycle. For example, cellulose is a highly sustainable material with many excellent properties, including renewability, biodegradability, and versatility in its functionality. It can be used in various forms, such as textiles, packaging materials, and building insulation. Here, we studied advanced cellulosic materials produced by blending or creating bi-composites with biomanufactured proteins inspired by squid ring teeth (SRT). Biomanufactured proteins can be synthesized in larger quantities, have a controlled production process, be modified to create desirable variants, and their production can be scaled up or down. Specifically, we engineered recombinant SRT proteins to have high electrostatic charge, induce crystallinity, and provide polar hydroxyl groups, which enhances cellulosic materials’ triboelectric response. The triboelectric voltage of blend triacetate and cellulose fibers increased by 72–108% and 49–57%, respectively, with a protein content of 10% wt. Furthermore, coating proteins on cellulosic fibers to create bi-composite fibers is a highly effective method for doubling (200%) the triboelectric performance. This finding has important implications for developing sustainable triboelectric materials and producing advanced materials using biomanufacturing.

The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method has been used to characterize site-effect parameters that are indispensable in seismic hazard and risk-reduction studies in urban areas and rapid land-use planning. This method is widely used because it is the cheapest and simplest geophysical method for the acquisition and processing stages. In subsequent developments, the HVSR method has been widely used to determine elastic rock parameters, particularly shear wave velocity (vS), through the HVSR curve inversion process. Furthermore, the vS structural model can be used to delineate the presence of complex geological structures, particularly faults and sedimentary basins. Bandar Lampung is a city in Lampung Province with many fault structures and groundwater basins to the south. There are 83 HVSR measurement points around Bandar Lampung for delineating the presence of fault structures and groundwater basins. We produced the HVSR curve from the measurement results and then performed an inversion process using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain vS for the depth profile. Subsequently, from this profile, we produced a two-dimensional (2D) lateral and vertical model. The mean vS value was calculated from all the measurement points, and we found stiff soil layers reaching depths of approximately 5 m, with a value of vS < 330 m/s. A bedrock layer with a velocity exceeding 1250 m/s was visible at a depth of 100 m. Based on the 2D model, the vS structure shows that the city of Bandar Lampung is divided into two zones, with a NW-SE boundary. The north-middle-eastern part of the city consists of harder rocks. This harder rock is characterized by extremely high vS values, starting from a depth of 50 m. In contrast, the south-middle-west exhibits a low-moderate vS anomaly associated with groundwater basins SW of the city. From the 2D vS structural model, fault structures can be found along the city, characterized by a contrast of vS values from low to medium and from medium to high.

The present study investigated the formation and growth behavior of metallic iron microparticles during the carbothermic reduction of red mud using palm kernel shell charcoal (PKSC) as a reducing agent. The experiments involved both thermodynamic simulations and experimental reduction work. The thermodynamic calculations predicted that liquid and solid metal, slag, mullite, corundum, and spinel would form as the main phases through the reduction process at 600–1500 °C. The experimental result revealed that the identified phases were metallic iron, spinel, and corundum when the reduced pellets reacted up to 1400 °C for 60 min. The total weight loss of a mixture of red mud and PKSC was estimated at 22.12 % based on thermogravimetric analysis. The metallization degree of iron in the reduced pellets increased with increasing the reduction temperature and the reaction time. The maximum metallization degree and mean size of iron metallic microparticles were obtained at 97.2 ± 0.7 % and 36.79 μm, respectively, when the reduced pellet was heated at 1400 °C for 60 min. The microstructure observations showed that when the temperature and reaction time increased, the metallic iron microparticles formed, sintered together, and progressively grew.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic heavy metal released from electroplating industrial processes and poses a significant threat to human health and the environment due to its high solubility and carcinogenicity. Effective removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater is crucial to mitigate its adverse effects. This study explores the potential of a novel sugarcane bagasse-bentonite magnetite nanocomposite, synthesized via the solvothermal method, for efficient Cr(VI) adsorption. The resulting sugarcane bagasse-bentonite magnetite nanocomposite was characterized and evaluated for its Cr(VI) removal efficiency from electroplating wastewater. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups in the nanocomposite, while PSA revealed an average particle size of 262 nm. SEM imaging further validated the porous structure of the material. Adsorption kinetics followed the Avrami model, reaching equilibrium at 270 minutes with a capacity of 11.40 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption process, with a maximum capacity of 7.15 mg/g. Removal efficiency decreased with increasing initial Cr(VI) concentration, highlighting the impact of available adsorption sites. This study demonstrates the potential of sugarcane bagasse-bentonite magnetite nanocomposite as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater.

Photocatalysis has attracted attention, utilizing solar energy directly to catalyze chemical reactions. This research synthesized Fe2TiO5/Ag/C nanocomposites as photocatalyst material using a wet milling process and confirmed with comprehensive characterizations. Impregnation Ag/C produced crystal defects Fe2TiO5, resulting smoother amorphous surface with increased surface area and higher volume and size of pores. The optical properties of Fe2TiO5/Ag/C absorb light at 600 nm with a band gap of 2.04 eV and thus can be classified as semiconductor materials sensitivity in visible light. Finally, the Schottky barrier and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag/C was proposed to describe the mechanism of the photocatalytic process on the Fe2TiO5/Ag/C.

This study explores the potential of Elaeocarpus ganitrus seed (EGs) powder as a sustainable composite biomaterial, focusing on its particle size effects on the mechanical, frictional, and thermal properties of composite materials for potential biomedical applications such as prosthetics and implants. Composite specimens were produced using the compression hot molding method, utilizing EG powder particles of varying sizes (120, 140, and 200-mesh sieving). The influence of EG powder particle size on key properties was systematically investigated. The findings reveal that reducing the particle size of EGs leads to a decrease in density and hardness of the composite, with the largest particle size (BP1) resulting in the highest density and hardness. Friction coefficient measurements indicated suitability for biomedical applications where surface interaction and wear resistance are critical, such as joint prosthetics. Thermal analysis showed that BP1 exhibited superior thermal stability, with a maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) exceeding 375 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry identified significant differences in glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallization temperature (Tc) across specimens. The composites demonstrated exceptional thermal performance, surpassing previous benchmarks for biomaterials in high-temperature environments. The mechanical and thermal characteristics of Specimen BP1—2.725 g/cm3 density, 74 Shore D hardness, 0.159 coefficient of friction, 93.3% total residual, 378.14 °C Tmax, 426.25 °C Tc, and 376.87 °C Tg—suggest its potential for biomedical applications requiring durability and thermal resilience, such as in orthopedic devices and tissue engineering scaffolds.

This research aimed to examine the influence of celebrity trustworthiness, celebrity attractiveness, parasocial interaction, and fear of missing out (FOMO) on purchase intention among TikTok users in the management student community. The population consisted of active undergraduate management students at the Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur who use TikTok. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling based on specific criteria. The study utilized a quantitative approach, and data was collected through a survey questionnaire. The key findings revealed that celebrity attractiveness and FOMO had a significant positive influence on purchase intention, while celebrity trustworthiness and parasocial interaction did not contribute to purchase intention. In conclusion, marketers should focus on leveraging celebrity attractiveness and creating a FOMO effect to effectively target the Generation Z consumer segment on the TikTok platform. Keywords: Celebrity Endorsement; Parasocial Interaction; FOMO; Purchase Intention; Generation Z

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in online searches related to psychological distress. Governments worldwide have responded with various measures to mitigate the impact of the virus, influencing public behavior and emotional well-being. This study investigated the relationship between government actions and public reactions in terms of online search behaviors, particularly concerning psychological distress during the pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to analyze how changes in government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced public expressions of psychological distress, as reflected in the volume of related online searches in Kuwait.MethodUtilizing Google Trends data, the study analyzed search frequencies for terms associated with psychological distress such as “anxiety” and “lockdown.” The analysis correlated these search trends with government actions using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). The study period covered March 1, 2020, to October 10, 2020, and involved extensive data collection and analysis using custom software in R programming.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between the stringency of government-imposed restrictions and the volume of online searches related to psychological distress. Increased searches for “lockdown” coincided with heightened government restrictions and were associated with increased searches for “anxiety,” suggesting that policy measures significantly impacted public psychological distress.ConclusionThe study concludes that governmental responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, measured through OxCGRT, have a measurable impact on public psychological distress, as evidenced by online search behaviors. This underscores the importance of considering psychological impacts in policymaking and suggests further research to explore this dynamic comprehensively. Future studies should focus on refining the correlation between specific types of policy measures and different expressions of psychological distress to better inform public health strategies and interventions.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive monogenic disorder that modifies the adult hemoglobin and results in multiple clinical phenotypes. Increases in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has clinical benefits by reducing the clinical severity of SCD. Hydroxyurea (HU) is a drug used to treat SCD that induces HbF expression, thereby ameliorating hematological and clinical profile. However, HbF response to HU treatment is highly variable among patients. A systematic review indicated that SNPs rs4671393 (A>G) and rs766432 (A>C) of BCL11A gene may help to explain interindividual variability in HbF induction in response to HU. We examined the changes in hematological profile, focused on HbF levels (%) after HU therapy. Next, we examined whether variation in BCL11A SNPs rs4671393 and rs766432 affects HbF levels in patients with SCD before and after HU therapy. We studied 93 patients with SCD (89.3% with SCA HbSS genotype: 10.7% with HbSC genotype) with a mean age of 17.9 ± 11.5y and 51.61% of the cohort were women. We measured the levels of total hemoglobin, hematocrit, global leukometry, reticulocytes (%) and HbF during 18 months of HU therapy (range, 5-32 mg/kg) at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais. Genotypes for BCL11A SNPs were determined by TaqMan® allele discrimination assays, and HbF levels were measured by HPLC. We observed an increase in hemoglobin (7.6-9.4 g/dL, p < 0.0001), hematocrit (23.0-28.0%, p < 0.0001), and especially HbF concentration (5.3-15%, p < 0.0001) during the 18 months, of HU therapy. In addition, reticulocytes and overall leukocyte count showed a decrease over the 18 months (3.65-1.9% and 13300-7200 mm3, respectively). Patients carrying genotypes with the minor alleles for both BCL11A SNPs (AG+AA for rs4671393 and AC+CC for rs766432) did not show differences in HbF concentration before and after HU therapy compared to genotypes with wild-type alleles (GG for rs4671393 and AA for rs766432). However, the mean (±S.D.) for HbF concentration was numerically higher for AC+CC genotypes (16.69 ± 8.86%; n = 33) than the AA genotype (13.62 ± 6.96%; n = 60) for the rs766432, and for patients carrying the GA+AA genotypes (16.55 ± 8.77%; n = 34) than the GG genotype (13.65 ± 7.02%; n = 59), although these differences did not reach significant level (rs766432, p = 0.068; and rs4671393, P = 0.0832). For rs4671393, median for HbF levels were higher after than before HU therapy both in GG genotype (5.0 vs. 13.0%; p < 0.0001) and AG+AA genotypes (5.5% vs. 15.85; p < 0.0001). For rs766432, HbF concentration was higher in carriers with AA genotype (5.0 vs. 12.65%; p < 0.0001) and AC+CC genotypes (5.4 vs. 16.0%; p < 0.0001). Our findings do not support the role of BCL11A SNPs rs4671393 and rs766432 in the increase of HbF concentration in response to HU therapy, which may be explained by the small number of patients with SCD analyzed. However, our findings are in line with a systematic review showing that BCL11A SNPs may partially explain the interindividual variability in the increase in HbF expression upon HU therapy. Replication studies should consider increasing the number of patients with SCD analyzed.

Introdução: As soluções aditivas de plaquetas (PAS) foram criadas na década de 1980 e seu uso substituto do plasma tem benefícios na redução da incidência de reações transfusionais, especialmente alérgicas e aumento da disponibilidade de plasma para produção de hemoderivados. Objetivo: : Buscando melhorias no processo de produção e qualidade do pool de buffy-coat seco de componentes plaquetários que são submetidos à inativação de patógenos a Fundação Hemominas (FH) validou a substituição de plasma por PAS (60 a 70%). Materiais e métodos: : Para a validação foi preparado o buffy-coat seco modificado (BCS), montado o pool com cinco bolsas de BCS e uma unidade de PAS (280 mL), foi realizada a análise dos perfis de centrifugação e extração do pool de plaquetas desleucocitado em PAS (PPSA). O PPSA foi submetido a inativação de patógenos (IPPA) que foi armazenado por até sete dias. Resultados: : Após definição do perfil da extração de primeira fase, foram testadas 45 unidades de BCS, sendo os valores médios de 46,8 mL (volume), 36,7% (hematócrito) e 29,5 mL (plasma residual). O volume médio das 45 bolsas de plasma foi 269 mL. Os pools de BCS/PAS apresentaram valores médios de 469mL (volume), 15,8% (hematócrito) e dose plaquetária (4,6 × 1011/bolsa). Foram avaliados cinco perfis de centrifugação. A partir desta seleção foram testados oito PPSA que demonstraram valores médios de 334mL (volume), 3,5 × 1011 (contagem de plaquetas), 0,36x106 (leucócitos) 7,14 (pH). No dia seguinte à inativação os IPPA apresentaram valores médios de 318 mL (volume), 3,3 × 1011 (contagem de plaquetas), 0,30 × 106 (leucócitos) e 7,01 (pH). A contagem média de plaquetas e pH no 5ºe 7ºdias, foram respectivamente: 3,3 × 1011, pH 7,03 e 3,1 × 1011, pH 6,98 e todas bolsas com swirling preservado e ausência de grumos. Discussão: : Na montagem do pool foi utilizada uma unidade de PAS de 280 mL. Entretanto, parte deste volume de PAS não pode ser transferido ao PPSA pois fica retido nos tubos, tendo que ser considerado nos cálculos. Também foi importante padronizar o tamanho dos segmentos na conexão para atender a relação ideal de plasma/PAS nos componentes plaquetários. Nas duas fases de centrifugação foram avaliadas diversas programações para se atingir a relação ideal de plasma/PAS, mantendo boa recuperação plaquetária e leucorredução. Isso foi mais árduo na segunda fase de centrifugação, devido à diferença na densidade da solução PAS/plasma (1,01 g/mL) em relação ao plasma (1,03 g/mL). A perda de plaquetas do IPPA foi dentro do esperado. O volume médio das bolsas de plasma ficou em torno de 10mL acima daquelas obtidas atualmente. Conclusão: : Os resultados iniciais são satisfatórios e promissores. A simplificação do procedimento de montagem dos pools garantirá economia de tempo e melhor padronização e robustez do processo. Após implantação na rotina, será de grande importância o monitoramento das notificações de reações transfusionais. Conforme descrito na literatura, a incidência de reações alérgicas deverá reduzir para a metade com o uso do IPPA. Também serão analisados os títulos de anti-A nestas bolsas e comparados ao pool sem PAS. Quanto à disponibilização de plasma, estima-se aumento de aproximadamente 10 mL no volume médio das bolsas, além de acréscimo de 900 unidades no envio mensal pela FH para a indústria de hemoderivados.

Movement facilitates and alters species interactions, the resulting food web structures, species distribution patterns, community structures and survival of populations and communities. In the light of global change, it is crucial to gain a general understanding of how movement depends on traits and environmental conditions. Although insects and notably Coleoptera represent the largest and a functionally important taxonomic group, we still know little about their general movement capacities and how they respond to warming. Here, we measured the exploratory speed of 125 individuals of eight carabid beetle species across different temperatures and body masses using automated image-based tracking. The resulting data revealed a power-law scaling relationship of average movement speed with body mass. By additionally fitting a thermal performance curve to the data, we accounted for the unimodal temperature response of movement speed. Thereby, we yielded a general allometric and thermodynamic equation to predict exploratory speed from temperature and body mass. This equation predicting temperature-dependent movement speed can be incorporated into modeling approaches to predict trophic interactions or spatial movement patterns. Overall, these findings will help improve our understanding of how temperature effects on movement cascade from small to large spatial scales as well as from individual to population fitness and survival across communities.

Banana peel (Musa corniculata) is one of the superior plants in Indonesia which is rich in polyphenolic compounds as a source of antioxidants. The potential of polyphenolic compounds as antioxidants can be used as an alternative to reduce banana peel waste. This study aims to determine the total content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of horn banana peel extract. Extraction used the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method with ethanol solvent and the variables were extraction time (4, 7, and 10 minutes), solvent concentration (50, 73 and 96 %), ratio of simplicia mass to solvent volume (1:12, 1 :8, 1:6 g/mL) with a microwave power of 150 Watt. Determination of polyphenol content using the Folin-Ciocalteau method and the ability of polyphenols as antioxidants were analyzed by DPPH test. This study used the Design Expert 13 Response Surface Methodology software, the Box Behnken type, to determine the extraction parameters for the total polyphenol content. The highest total polyphenol content was obtained at 354.02 mg GAE/g from the combination of parameters 50% solvent concentration, 10 minutes extraction time, and the ratio of horn banana peel powder to 1:8 g/mL solvent.

Se observaron los cambios en el potencial de acción del axón gigante de calamar a partir de diferentes dosis de tetrodotoxina utilizando el programa de simulación de experimentos virtual Nerve. Se replicaron resultados obtenidos en investigaciones previas en el modelo axón gigante de calamar. Se obtuvo evidencia acerca de las dosis efectivas de la tetrodotoxina en el axón del calamar gigante. Los resultados indican que las afectaciones derivadas de la presencia extracelular de tetrodotoxina se ven reflejadas los gráficos de los resultados, por el efecto retardado de los potenciales de acción en el tiempo dependiendo de la dosis administrada.

Euodia suaveolens is one of the plants that ancient people in Indonesia used due to its manifold benefits. Earlier research on this plant was mostly done on its potency as a mosquito repellent. This present study aims to determine the phytochemical and antibacterial analyses of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves of E. suaveolens. The EOs of the leaves of E. suaveolens were extracted by steam distillation method and were analyzed phytochemically utilizing the GC-MS technique to determine the chemical constituents. The chemical components were tested on four pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis utilizing the diffusion agar method. The results showed that the main compounds extracted from the EOs were α-curcumene, evodone, globulol, limonene, linalool, longipinenepoxide, menthofuran, and p-mentha-1,8-diene. The antibacterial analysis of these compounds showed potential activities to inhibit the growth of four pathogenic bacteria tested, but the inhibition zones formed were still lower compared to commercial antibiotic kanamycin. E. suaveolens EOs exhibited diameter of zone of inhibition as follows 2.03+0.22, 0.50+0.49, 1.38+0.10, 1.40+0.27 cm to E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis while kanamycin showed 3.43+0.08, 3.25+0.08, 3.38+0.12, and 3.18+0.24 cm respectively. These results recommend that the main compounds extracted from the EOs of the leaves of E. suaveolens be explored further to determine their potencies as new antibiotic medications.

Despite its significance particularly when it comes to writing competence, numerous studies have revealed that grammar is still considered complicated to grasp and used by students. The purpose of this study was to determine how video-based instruction affects students' understanding of grammar in writing assignments. This sequential explanatory mixed-method study aimed to investigate how students' grammatical skills especially in degree of comparison might be improved. Quantitative evaluations such as creating written test materials for the students and qualitative interviews with both teachers and students were employed. The findings showed that students' comprehension of grammatical rules for statistical tests had improved. Descriptive data evidenced that the students were clearly excited, enthralled, and actively involved with the tactics; served as a scaffold to lower obstacles; enhanced language learners' understanding; and increased students' vocabulary. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches evidenced the significance of implementing English videos to promote students’ grammatical competence in writing skills. The study's implications and suggestions are discussed.

This research employed the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to evaluate the performance of the black orchid hydroponic system using Deep Flow Technique (DFT) based on Plant House during the acclimatization phase. The objective of this study was to assess the system's performance considering parameters such as plant height, energy, water requirements, energy costs, nutrient needs, and ease of maintenance. The research methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches involving 50 respondents from various orchid communities in several cities in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using AHP to determine the priority weights for the tested alternatives. The results show that plant height holds the highest weight with 0.4394. Comparing the DFT black orchid system with the conventional one reveals differences in performance parameters like energy, water requirements, energy costs, nutrient needs, plant height, and ease of maintenance. The DFT hydroponic system outperforms the conventional system with a total performance index of 0.8832, interpreted as "Excellent," while the conventional system scores a total performance index of 0.5401, interpreted as "Average." The implications of this research suggest that the DFT black orchid system is more suitable for Plant House scale or producing ornamental plants supplied to orchid retailers, enhancing efficiency and productivity in commercial orchid cultivation.

We integrated Enviro-HIRLAM (Environment-High Resolution Limited Area Model) meteorological output into FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model). A FLEXPART simulation requires meteorological input from a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The publicly available version of FLEXPART can utilize either ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts) Integrated Forecast System (IFS) forecast or reanalysis NWP data, or NCEP (U.S. National Center for Environmental Prediction) Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast or reanalysis NWP data. The primary benefits of using Enviro-HIRLAM are that it runs at a higher resolution and accounts for aerosol effects in meteorological fields. We compared backward trajectories generated with FLEXPART using Enviro-HIRLAM (both with and without aerosol effects) to trajectories generated using NCEP GFS and ECMWF IFS meteorological inputs, for a case study of a heavy haze event which occurred in Beijing, China in November 2018. We found that results from FLEXPART were considerably different when using different meteorological inputs. When aerosol effects were included in the NWP, there was a small but noticeable difference in calculated trajectories. Moreover, when looking at potential emission sensitivity instead of simply expressing trajectories as lines, additional information, which may have been missed when looking only at trajectories as lines, can be inferred.

The Pan-Eurasian Experiment Modelling Platform (PEEX-MP) is one of the key blocks of the PEEX Research Programme. The PEEX MP has more than 30 models and is directed towards seamless environmental prediction. The main focus area is the Arctic-boreal regions and China. The models used in PEEX-MP cover several main components of the Earth’s system, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere, and resolve the physical-chemical-biological processes at different spatial and temporal scales and resolutions. This paper introduces and discusses PEEX MP multi-scale modelling concept for the Earth system, online integrated, forward/inverse, and socioeconomical modelling, and other approaches with a particular focus on applications in the PEEX geographical domain. The employed high-performance computing facilities, capabilities, and PEEX dataflow for modelling results are described. Several virtual research platforms (PEEX-View, Virtual Research Environment, Web-based Atlas) for handling PEEX modelling and observational results are introduced. The overall approach allows us to understand better physical-chemical-biological processes, Earth’s system interactions and feedbacks and to provide valuable information for assessment studies on evaluating risks, impact, consequences, etc. for population, environment and climate in the PEEX domain. This work was also one of the last projects of Prof. Sergej Zilitinkevich, who passed away on 15 February 2021. Since the finalization took time, the paper was actually submitted in 2023 and we could not argue that the final paper text was agreed with him.