Filtyp
Co-design processes are of key importance in planning and implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS), but require boundary management between diverse holders of local, practical and scientific knowledge. Participatory and mapbased planning tools, such as Geodesign workshops, can facilitate such boundary management through mobilising knowledge holders, and translating and negotiating between differe
Background: Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cerebral small vessel diseases (SVDs). Yet, it is unknown whether antihypertensive drug classes differentially affect microvascular function in SVDs. Aims: To test whether amlodipine has a beneficial effect on microvascular function when compared to either losartan or atenolol, and whether losartan has a beneficial effect when comp
Despite the importance of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) in long-term soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) persistence, and the significant contribution of fungal necromass to this pool, the factors controlling the formation of fungal-derived MAOM remain unclear. This study investigated how fungal necromass chemistry, specifically melanin, interacts with soil mineral properties and microbial
This study inventories, classifies, and evaluates the hydrological heritage of North Macedonia, categorizing key features into four main groups: (1) river basins, including rivers and waterfalls; (2) springs, classified as karst and thermal; (3) natural lakes, subdivided into tectonic, glacial, landslide, denudation, and karst types; and (4) marshes. Recent measurements have shown a significant de
The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (up to 8 kbar) on bacteriochlorophyll a Qy electronic absorption bands of LH2 photosynthetic antenna complexes have been studied at ambient temperature. A variety of samples were studied, including intact membranes and isolated complexes from wild type and mutant photosynthetic bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodopseudomonas acidophila, and Rhodospirillu
Lignocellulosic materials (e.g., straw and bran) are gaining interest as feedstocks for the manufacture of higher value products, recognizing xylooligosaccharides (XOS) as interesting prebiotic compounds, and putting enzymes converting xylooligosaccharides into focus. In this work, we are investigating a XOS converting enzyme from the probiotic bacterium Levilactobacillus brevis (formerly Lactobac
Aims Methadone and buprenorphine diversion by patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST) is a poorly understood phenomenon. We study the norms and attitudes on diversion among OST patients, including the role these norms and attitudes play as diversion risk factors. We also study whether perceived quality of care, social bonds to treatment staff, and deterrence can be associated with diversio
Background: Opioid substitution treatment (OST) with methadone or buprenorphine is the most effective means of treating opioid dependence. If these substances are used by people who are not undergoing OST, they can however carry serious risks. This article examines the lifetime prevalence, motives, and drug sources for such use, as well as geographical differences in these variables. Methods: Stru
Background: Viral infections, including COVID-19, are associated with an increased risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D), but potential underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. We evaluated whether COVID-19 or influenza A infection is characterized by differential DNA methylation at immune and T1D susceptibility genes in young children at risk for T1D. Methods: Epigenome-wide association analysis using t
Gross primary production (GPP) of the vegetation is the largest carbon exchange process of the global carbon cycle. Currently, within satellite-based remote sensing, GPP is generally modelled using linear light use efficiency models where GPP is related to photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the green vegetation (APAR). These models work well on moderate to low spatiotemporal averaging
The increased demand, driven by a growing population and changing dietary habits, has created immense pressure on agroecosystems throughout the globe. In semi-arid areas, this increased pressure has led to excessive use of agrochemicals in agriculture, which poses a threat of potentially toxic metal (PTM) contamination in agricultural soils. PTMs in agricultural soils result in significant environ
More than 21 million tons of cheese whey are produced annually worldwide, posing an environmental risk if not properly managed. Due to widespread lactose intolerance, cheese whey, which contains lactose, can pose health problems for many individuals. Thus, the management of the cheese whey is necessary to avoid environmental and health problems. This study presents a sustainable approach for whey
Background: A wrist-worn wearable device for acquiring limb and chest ECG leads (wECG) may constitute a promising approach to detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it remains to be demonstrated whether the information conveyed by the wECG is sufficient for AMI detection. Objective: To explore explainable machine learning models for detecting AMI using the wECG. Methods: Two type
In recent years, the environmental impact of warfare has made front-page news. Discussions about “ecocide”—a term first proposed in 1970 by Yale biologist Arthur W. Galston to describe the large-scale destruction of ecosystems during the Vietnam War—have come into the spotlight. The preparation and conduct of war, along with the social, economic, and scientific reorganisation that accompany it, of
The Velika Vrbica loess-palaeosol sequence, situated on the south-western bank of the Danube River in northeastern Serbia, represents one of the key Quaternary records in the lower Danube basin, covering the MIS 5-MIS 1 period. Previous investigations of the upper 500 cm established a high-resolution chronology and revealed unexpected patterns of dust accumulation during interstadial phases. In th
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include many types of organic compounds, such as alkanes, olefins, aldehydes, etc. They have attracted widespread attention in various fields such as food and flavor analysis, environmental and atmospheric research, safety, or healthcare. Developing efficient, practical, and high-value industrial VOC utilization technologies is crucial for sustainable social and h
Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a catalytic process applied for the reduction of oxygen levels in hydrocarbons from bio-derived feedstock as part of the processing into renewable fuel. The MoS2-based hydrotreating catalysts, currently being applied for the HDO reaction, are exposed to a complex environment consisting of O-rich hydrocarbons and water, which adversely impacts the state and stability of
Peatlands are unique ecosystems that contain massive amounts of carbon. These ecosystems are incredibly vulnerable to human disturbance and climate change. This may cause the peatland carbon sink to shift to a carbon source. A change in the carbon storage of peatlands may result in surface deformation. This research uses the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique to measure the
MUC5B is the predominant glycoprotein in saliva and is instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of multi-species eubiotic biofilms in the oral cavity. Investigations of the aciduric Lactobacillaceae family, and its role in biofilms emphasizes the diversity across different genera of the proteolytic systems involved in the nutritional utilization of mucins. We have characterized a protease
