Hasil untuk "Home economics"

Sihan You, Yushan Jia, Gentu Ge et al.

This study aimed to decipher the dynamic changes in native grass (Meadow Steppe and Typical Steppe plants) silage occur in correlation with longitudinal alterations in microbial community structure during the fermentation process, this research also aimed to characterize the functional groups and the mechanisms underlying the effects of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB, including Lactobacillus graminis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici) strains on the native grass silage. All LAB strains were added alone at 105 cfu/g of the fresh materials. The author combined 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing with temporal sampling to investigate the succession of the bacterial community and the influences of the LAB on the fermentation quality, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind LAB-mediated native grass silage production. Results showed that during the natural ensiling process, the most of the chemical compositions and fermentation quality markedly (p < 0.05) decreased and increased after 60 days of ensiling, respectively. The bacterial composition shifted significantly from Pantoea in raw materials to Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus in silages, and the fermentation was determined by the LAB. Then some LAB strains were isolated form the native grass silage and the native grass was treated with these isolated LAB strains, a clear differentiation in bacterial communities was observed across treatments, with Lactobacillus dominating the fermentation process. The metagenomic analysis revealed the distinct fermentation quality were driven by the LAB strains due to the significantly different gene profiles and metabolic function. This study has identified fermentation quality and microbial communities in native grass silage during anaerobic fermentation. The ensiling performance of native grass silage was dominated by the Lactobacillus plantarum, which could provide evidence for the importance of LAB in the native grass silage preservation.

Chanakan Khemthong, Sirinapa Thangsiri, Wimonphan Chathiran et al.

Tea, the world's most popular beverage, is prepared using different pre- and post-harvesting techniques, leading to its unique sensory characteristics and bioactive ingredients. However, knowledge about the impact of these processing methods on the phenolic compositions and health properties of commercially available ready-to-drink teas is limited. To fill this research lacuna, the phenolic compositions, antioxidant potentials, and inhibitory activities against the key enzymes relevant to non-communicable diseases including hyperlipidemia (lipase), type II diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), and Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and β-secretase) of eleven commercially available ready-to-drink teas were investigated. The results indicated that pre-harvest shading led to higher contents of catechin, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, while fermentation significantly increased rutin content, which, in turn, led to higher total phenolic contents. Antioxidants in shaded tea tended to follow a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-based mechanism, while the single electron transfer (SET)-based mechanism was a preferable reaction pathway for antioxidants in fermented teas. The ability to inhibit key enzymes was more pronounced in fermented teas than in shaded tea, potentially attributed to the biological activities of certain phenolics, either individually or working together as effective inhibitors. The addition of flavors (honey lemon, kyoho grape, watermelon, and roasted rice) led to higher contents of catechins than the original green tea (without added flavor), while the contents of other general phenolics varied, leading to similar or higher TPCs. Antioxidant potentials and enzyme inhibitions varied for different ready-to-drink tea varieties. The knowledge from this research will benefit the development of ready-to-drink teas with particular phenolics and health-related properties.

S M Toufiqul Huq Sowrov

This study investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic growth in South Asian countries, utilizing annual panel data from five SAARC member states (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) over the period 1980-2017. Data sourced from the World Development Indicators and Penn World Table were analyzed using static panel models, including Ordinary Least Squares, Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and Generalized Least Squares regressions. The empirical findings reveal that FDI exhibits a consistently positive but statistically insignificant correlation with economic growth across all model specifications. In contrast, domestic investment and human capital development emerge as significant and robust positive determinants of growth. Control variables such as government consumption and inflation show expected negative, though generally insignificant, associations with growth. The results imply that for the sampled South Asian economies, enhancing domestic investment and fostering human capital are more critical for driving economic expansion than relying on FDI inflows. Consequently, policymakers should prioritize strategies that strengthen local investment climates and improve educational and skill-building institutions to boost productivity. While FDI's role remains complementary, its insignificant immediate impact suggests the need for further research into the conditional factors such as institutional quality, financial market development, and trade policies that might mediate its effectiveness in fostering long-term growth within the region.

Guhan Sivakumar

This paper explores the application of Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks for economic forecasting, focusing on predicting CPI inflation rates. The study explores a new approach that integrates HMM-derived hidden states and means as additional features for LSTM modeling, aiming to enhance the interpretability and predictive performance of the models. The research begins with data collection and preprocessing, followed by the implementation of the HMM to identify hidden states representing distinct economic conditions. Subsequently, LSTM models are trained using the original and augmented data sets, allowing for comparative analysis and evaluation. The results demonstrate that incorporating HMM-derived data improves the predictive accuracy of LSTM models, particularly in capturing complex temporal patterns and mitigating the impact of volatile economic conditions. Additionally, the paper discusses the implementation of Integrated Gradients for model interpretability and provides insights into the economic dynamics reflected in the forecasting outcomes.

Brian P. Hanley

In a series of papers, Garrett, et al, presents a thermodynamic economic model first laid out in "Are there basic physical constraints on future anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide?". This model contains a key conceptual issue that obscures a robust system. This system can link to the Energy Based Cobb-Douglas equation. The key conceptual problem is the belief that $λ$, the symbol for growth in Garrett 2011 would disprove the model if it was not constant. However, $λ$ cannot be a constant in an economic model, because $λ$, with dimension [$\frac{E}{\$ \; GWP}$], represents the aggregate efficiency of all of the more than 359 million firms (and by extension, households) making products globally. To clarify it, I define this aggregate production function distribution as $Λ(t) \equiv \sum {λ_i(t) \cdot \frac{P_i}{GWP}}$, and with light algebra assign a version of the Energy Based Cobb-Douglas (EBDC) function to $λ$. There are various falsified speculations in the body of work that appear to mostly follow from the original issue. The 50 year stable relation of $W$ to $E$ is close, but the trend is not flat. The form and degree to which the "long arm of history" speculation may be true remains to be fully considered, but is falsified in the form presented. The speculation in Garrett 2022 that $\frac{dE}{dt}\rightarrow0$ can cause real GDP to go to zero by inflation is falsified. By generating a dataset going back to -14,000 CE, the speculative $W$ curve appears largely confirmed. The $E$ curve is quite far off prior to 1970 back to 1 CE due to overestimation of pre-industrial energy. By correcting and improving on the foundation issue of Garrett's yeoman effort, improving $E$ and some equation presentation formalism, a robust thermodynamic model of the global economy emerges that is straightforward and practical.

Quinten De Wettinck, Karolien De Bruyne, Wouter Bam et al.

Economic complexity has been linked to sustainability outcomes, such as income inequality and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, it is unclear whether the pursuit of complex and/or related activities naturally aligns with these outcomes, or whether meeting sustainability goals requires policy interventions that pursue unrelated diversification. Here, we exploit multidimensional social and environmental sustainability indicators to quantify the alignment between a country's closest diversification opportunities and sustainability goals. We find that high- and upper-middle-income countries face significantly better environmentally aligned diversification opportunities than poorer economies. This means that, while richer countries enjoy diversification opportunities that align complexity, relatedness and environmental performance, this alignment is weaker for developing economies. These findings underscore the value of evaluating future diversification trajectories through a multidimensional sustainability framework, and emphasise the strategic relevance of unrelated diversification for less developed economies to foster sustainable development.

Ya-jing Chen, Xin Sui, Yue Wang et al.

Oligosaccharides are low-molecular-weight carbohydrates between monosaccharides and polysaccharides. They can be extracted directly from natural products by physicochemical methods or obtained by chemical synthesis or enzymatic reaction. Oligosaccharides have important physicochemical and physiological properties. Their research and production involve many disciplines such as medicine, chemical industry, and biology. Functional oligosaccharides, as an excellent functional food base, can be used as dietary fibrer and prebiotics to enrich the diet; improve the microecology of the gut; exert antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties. Therefore, the industrial applications of oligosaccharides have increased rapidly in the past few years. It has great prospects in the field of food and medicinal chemistry. This review summarized the preparation, structural features and biological activities of oligosaccharides, with particular emphasis on the application of functional oligosaccharides in the food industry and human nutritional health. It aims to inform further research and development of oligosaccharides and food chemistry.

Maral Bishehkolaei, Yashwant Pathak

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, nearly 8 in 10 individuals who suffered from a stroke showed a history of hypertension, and over 60 % of those with Diabetes have hypertension with high triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol). Both high LDL and Diabetes double the threat of CVD incidence, with the probability of all the previous risk factors being higher in adults who are overweight and obese. The n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio is critical to developing metabolic disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The elaboration of the mechanisms by which n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids operate and convert to the essential fatty acids in the body will allow us to clearly understand the significance of the optimum ratio of the two. According to research, the human body can maintain optimum health with an intake ratio of n-6/n-3 of 5:1; however, the current ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA intake is 20:1 in the Western diet. As the intake of n-6 PUFA heavy diet increases, we notice an incline in the incidence rate of metabolic syndromes through activating the inflammatory pathways. Omega 6 and omega 3 compete for the same enzyme binding site, and depending on which is bound, the resulting essential fatty acid signals a cascade of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory factors. This review discusses the importance of the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio in preventing, developing, and progressing cardiovascular disease.

Alexey V. Sibirev

IntroductionThe efficiency of potato production depends to a large extent on the production of quality seeds that meet the requirements of the growing region. The main component of this production includes breeding, which creates the genetic basis of seeds. The process of establishing patterns between the amount of fertilizer application (“Aquarin 12,” “Bona Forte,” “Osmocote Exact High K”), their type, and biometric characteristics of potato plants of the studied varieties “Guliver,” “Beauty of Meshchera,” and “Grand” was explored.MethodsDuring the experimental studies, the methods of variation statistics, the technique of field experiment with the corresponding transformations to achieve normal distribution, and subsequent dispersion analysis were used.ResultsThe results of the research on the evaluation of potato structural elements depending on the plant nutrition system of the studied varieties testify to the expediency of using nutrient solutions in potato cultivation irrespective of their type. In addition, it has been established that increasing the concentration of the nutrient base solution from 75 to 125% of the nutrient formula improves the quality indicators of minitubers, namely the content of starch, sugars, dry matter, crude protein, phosphorus, specific gravity, and ash content, which can contribute to obtaining high-quality potatoes.DiscussionThus, the use of morphological and physiological tools in closed ecosystems is informative for predicting key agricultural characteristics of potato plants. Additionally, integrating organic amendments and biofertilizers, as supported by other studies, could further enhance nutrient uptake and plant health, especially under conditions of low irrigation.

Muhammad Samiullah Awan, Asif Ahmad, Waseem Khalid et al.

Pakistan is one of the biggest mango producing country in the world. Post-harvest losses of mango occur due to lack of storage facilities. Mango can be converted into concentrate to utilize it for longer period. In the current study, the physicochemical profile and storage stability of mango concentrate was investigated to evidence the opportunity of preservation method. Three different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5%) of citric acid, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were applied. All chemical preservatives significantly (p ˂ 0.05) increased viscosity, total soluble solids (TS), reducing sugar (RS), non-reducing sugar (NRS), total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA), while the moisture content, pH, DPPH antioxidant activity, TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content) and the level of texture acceptance decreased during the storage. The moisture content was decreased from 43.4% to 34.9% during storage. Phytochemical analysis showed that mango concentrate is a potential source of antioxidant compounds and has higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. Regarding preservation solution, it is suggested that sodium benzoate and citric acid might be utilized for industrial applications.

EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH), Claude Bragard, Paula Baptista et al.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a quantitative risk assessment of Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, for the EU. The assessment focused on potential pathways for entry, climatic conditions favouring establishment, spread and impact. Options for risk reduction are discussed but effectiveness was not quantified. L. orbonalis is a key pest of eggplant (aubergine/brinjal) in the Indian subcontinent and occurs throughout most of southern Asia with records mostly from India and Bangladesh. The main pathway of entry is fruit of solanaceous plants, primarily exotic varieties of eggplant, Solanum melongena and turkey berry, S. torvum. The trade in both commodities from Asia is small but nevertheless dwarfs the trade in other Solanum fruits from Asia (S. aethiopicum, S. anguivi, S. virginianum, S. aculeatissimum, S. undatum). Other Solanum fruits were therefore not further assessed as potential pathways. The trade in eggplant from Asia consists of special fruit types and caters mostly to niche markets in the EU, while most eggplant consumed in Europe is produced in southern European and northern African countries, where L. orbonalis does not occur. Using expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) and pathway modelling, the Panel estimated that approximately 3–670 infested fruit (90% certainty range, CR) of S. melongena or fruit bunches of S. torvum enter into regions of the EU that are suitable for L. orbonalis establishment each year. Based on CLIMEX modelling, and using two possible thresholds of ecoclimatic index (EI) to indicate uncertainty in establishment potential, climates favouring establishment occur mostly in southern Europe, where, based on human population, approximately 14% of the imported produce is distributed across NUTS2 regions where EI ≥ 30; or 23% of the produce is distributed where EI ≥ 15. Escape of adult moths occurs mostly from consumer waste. By analysing results of different scenarios for the proportion of S. melongena and S. torvum in the trade, and considering uncertainties in the climatic suitability of southern Europe, adult moth emergence in areas suitable for establishment is expected to vary between 84 individuals per year and one individual per 40 years (based on 90% CR in different scenarios). In the baseline scenario, 25% of the solanaceous fruit from Asia is S. torvum, 75% is S. melongena and EI ≥ 30 is required for establishment. After accounting for the chances of mating, host finding and establishment, the probability of a mated female establishing a founder population in the EU is less than 1 in 100,000 to about 1 event per 622 years (90% CR in baseline scenario). The waiting time until the first establishment is then 622 to more than 100,000 years (CR). If such a founder population were established, the moth is estimated to spread at a rate of 0.65–7.0 km per year after a lag phase of 5–92 years. The impact of the insect on the production of eggplant is estimated to be 0.67%–13% (CR) if growers take no specific action against the insect and 0.13%–1.9% if they do take targeted actions. Tomato (S. lycopersicum) and potato (S. tuberosum) are hosts of L. orbonalis, but the insect does not develop to maturity in tomato fruit, and it does not feed on potato tubers under field conditions; hence, damage to potato can only occur due to feeding on shoots. Tomato and potato are not preferred hosts; nevertheless, impact can occur if populations of L. orbonalis are high and preferred hosts are not available. The Panel did not assess this damage due to insufficient information.

Muhammad Fuad Anshori, Yunus Musa, Muh Farid et al.

Implementing a cropping intensity program with rice cultivation four times a year (CI 400) can be achieved using early maturing varieties of rice. However, this development needs to pay attention to the adaptability of the varieties planted to ensure successful implementation. The adaptability approach is a combination of assessing stability and productivity potential. This concept has been developed and applied in several studies, including research on rice. However, this approach is considered less comprehensive because it is non-parametric and only focuses on one stability analysis. Therefore, a systematic integration of various stability analyses, including index methods, is needed to comprehensively assess adaptability, particularly for early-maturing rice in South Sulawesi. This region is characterized by a dynamic climate zone and is one of the top four highest rice producers in Indonesia. Meanwhile, this study aims to develop a comprehensive adaptability index and select the best early-maturing rice varieties, especially in South Sulawesi. The investigation was conducted in Bone, Soppeng, and Gowa over two seasons using a nested randomized complete block design, with organized replications in each environment (location-season). Additionally, there was a significant focus on the application of five early-maturing and two check rice varieties, with each factor repeated three times at each location, totaling 126 experimental units. The results showed that the adaptability index, by combining stability rank accumulation with yield min max standardization, was effective at assessing the yield potential and stability of early-maturing rice varieties in supporting CI 400. Inpari 13 had the best index value at 0.55, followed by Cakrabuana at 0.31; hence both were recommended as adaptive early-maturing rice varieties, especially in South Sulawesi.

Mahdi Goldani

This study explores various feature selection techniques applied to macro-economic forecasting, using Iran's World Bank Development Indicators. Employing a comprehensive evaluation framework that includes Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) within a 10-fold cross-validation setup, this research systematically analyzes and ranks different feature selection methodologies. The study distinctly highlights the efficiency of Stepwise Selection, Tree-based methods, Hausdorff distance, Euclidean distance, and Mutual Information (MI) Score, noting their superior performance in reducing predictive errors. In contrast, methods like Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) and Variance Thresholding showed relatively lower effectiveness. The results underline the robustness of similarity-based approaches, particularly Hausdorff and Euclidean distances, which consistently performed well across various datasets, achieving an average rank of 9.125 out of a range of tested methods. This paper provides crucial insights into the effectiveness of different feature selection methods, offering significant implications for enhancing the predictive accuracy of models used in economic analysis and planning. The findings advocate for the prioritization of stepwise and tree-based methods alongside similarity-based techniques for researchers and practitioners working with complex economic datasets.

Simone Brusatin, Tommaso Padoan, Andrea Coletta et al.

Agent-based models (ABMs) are simulation models used in economics to overcome some of the limitations of traditional frameworks based on general equilibrium assumptions. However, agents within an ABM follow predetermined 'bounded rational' behavioural rules which can be cumbersome to design and difficult to justify. Here we leverage multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) to expand the capabilities of ABMs with the introduction of 'fully rational' agents that learn their policy by interacting with the environment and maximising a reward function. Specifically, we propose a 'Rational macro ABM' (R-MABM) framework by extending a paradigmatic macro ABM from the economic literature. We show that gradually substituting ABM firms in the model with RL agents, trained to maximise profits, allows for studying the impact of rationality on the economy. We find that RL agents spontaneously learn three distinct strategies for maximising profits, with the optimal strategy depending on the level of market competition and rationality. We also find that RL agents with independent policies, and without the ability to communicate with each other, spontaneously learn to segregate into different strategic groups, thus increasing market power and overall profits. Finally, we find that a higher number of rational (RL) agents in the economy always improves the macroeconomic environment as measured by total output. Depending on the specific rational policy, this can come at the cost of higher instability. Our R-MABM framework allows for stable multi-agent learning, is available in open source, and represents a principled and robust direction to extend economic simulators.

Francisco das Chagas Leal Bezerra, Regina de Fátima Moraes Reis, Leonardo Dias Negrão et al.

Trata-se de um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar os níveis de estresse psicológico e disbiose intestinal entre os discentes da área da saúde de uma Instituição de Ensino Público Superior (IES). A pesquisa foi realizada de forma remota com os universitários ao longo dos anos de 2021 e 2022, através da plataforma Google Forms®. Foram incluídos os alunos ativos nos cursos da área da saúde, matriculados e que se habilitaram a responder os questionários. O estudo foi composto por uma amostra não probabilística de conveniência (n=165). Houve a análise dos voluntários através dos questionários socioeconômico, rastreamento metabólico (QRM) e inventário de Sintomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp - ISSL. Compuseram a amostra do estudo acadêmicos, sendo 76,4% (n=126) do sexo feminino e do sexo masculino 23% (n=39), distribuídos entre os cursos de nutrição 72,7% (n=120), enfermagem 14,6% (n=24) e medicina 12,7% (n=21). Quanto a frequência de sintomas de estresse, verificou-se que 30,4% (n=50) da amostra não apresentaram sintomas de estresse e 44,8% (n=74) sendo o nível mais elevado de estresse na fase da resistência, acompanhado de 24,8% (n=41) que foram classificados na fase de exaustão. Ao analisar a pontuação do QRM percebeu-se que 59,4% (n=98) dos participantes apresentaram uma pontuação > 40 que sinaliza a certeza da presença da hipersensibilidade. Por meio dos resultados foi possível observar que os universitários do estudo se encontram tanto em um nível elevado de hipersensibilidade, como também em algum nível de estresse psicológico.

Delia Galina Putri, Farapti Farapti

Latar Belakang: Lansia memiliki resiko penyakit degeneratif seperti stroke, hipertensi, jantung koroner dan lainnya. Lansia mengalami penurunan kemampuan makan karena perubahan fisiologis, sehingga pembuatan snack padat gizi diperlukan untuk mengatasi hal tersebut. Mochi adalah kudapan semi basah yang dikenal masyarakat. Kulit mochi dengan substitusi labu kuning dan penambahan pisang ambon ditujukan sebagai kudapan sumber antioksidan alami (vitamin A & C) dalam mengatasi permasalahan penyakit degeneratif. Tujuan: Mengetahui nilai daya terima dan kandungan nutrisi kulit mochi dengan substitusi labu kuning (Cucurbita Moschata) dan penambahan pisang ambon (Musa Paradisiaca Var. Sapientum.L). Metode: Jenis penelitian merupakan eksperimental murni dengan rancangan acak kelompok 3 perlakuan modifikasi substisusi puree labu kuning dengan persentase 30%, 40%, 50% serta penambahan puree pisang ambon seberat 50 gram dalam 1 resep. Selanjutnya dilakukan pengujian daya terima berupa uji hedonik tingkat kesukaan oleh 65 panelis. Hasil formula yang digemari selanjutnya dilakukan uji laboratorium kandungan vitamin A dan C dengan spektrofotometri. Uji statistik dilakukan dengan Friedman dan Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test. Hasil: Formula F3 (substitusi labu kuning 50% dan penambahan pisang ambon 50 gram) memberikan nilai yang baik pada indikator warna (3,12), bentuk (3,12), aroma (3,34), tekstur (3,28), rasa (3,34) dan keseluruhan (3,34). Kandungan gizi formula F3/porsi (60 gram) berdasarkan perhitungan TKPI adalah energi 112,42 kkal; protein 1,17 g; karbohidrat 24,38 g; lemak 1,28 g; vitamin A 59,99 µg; vitamin C 1,81 mg. Kesimpulan: Kulit mochi dengan substiusi labu kuning dan penambahan pisang ambon memiliki nilai daya terima yang baik serta memiliki kandungan gizi yang meningkat bila dibandingkan dengan formula kontrol.

Hardian Gunardi

Background: Inflammation of the liver caused by cholestasis, viral infection, alcohol, autoimmune reactions, toxins, or metabolism will result in a prolonged immune response. As a result, simultaneous inflammation and tissue remodelling occur, resulting in fibrosis and eventually leading to cirrhosis. The main treatment for end-stage liver cirrhosis is liver transplantation. However, it is often not possible for patients to undergo this life-saving procedure. On the other hand, stem cell transplantation may be a potential strategy to prevent disease progression and improve the degree of fibrosis. Discussion: Inflammation of the liver activates hepatic stellate cells, which are perisinusoidal cells in the Disse cavity that contain vitamin A. Hepatic stellate cells activation results in retinoid storage loss and transformation into myofibroblast-like cells that express α-smooth muscle action (α-SMA) and produce collagen which plays a major role in fibrosis. Liver regeneration due to chronic liver damage is played by mesenchymal cells through the mesenchymal-epithelial or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (MET/EMT) process. Administration by the intrahepatic route is thought to be the ideal route because fewer cells are lost in the circulation and more mesenchymal stem cells differentiates into hepatocytes in the damaged liver area. However, intrasplenic route maybe an alternative with easier administration technique. There are special considerations regarding the risks, including the risk of carcinogenesis and viral transmission. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with end stage liver disease in the future. However, future research is needed regarding the risk of carcinogenesis and viral transmission following the procedure.

Marco Gortan, Lorenzo Testa, Giorgio Fagiolo et al.

Although high-resolution gridded climate variables are provided by multiple sources, the need for country and region-specific climate data weighted by indicators of economic activity is becoming increasingly common in environmental and economic research. We process available information from different climate data sources to provide spatially aggregated data with global coverage for both countries (GADM0 resolution) and regions (GADM1 resolution) and for a variety of climate indicators (average precipitations, average temperatures, average SPEI). We weigh gridded climate data by population density or by night light intensity -- both proxies of economic activity -- before aggregation. Climate variables are measured daily, monthly, and annually, covering (depending on the data source) a time window from 1900 (at the earliest) to 2023. We pipeline all the preprocessing procedures in a unified framework, which we share in the open-access Weighted Climate Data Repository web app. Finally, we validate our data through a systematic comparison with those employed in leading climate impact studies.

Stefania De Santis, Pasquale Crupi, Laura Piacente et al.

Obesity represents an important public health challenge of the twenty first century reaching epidemic proportions worldwide; this is especially true for the pediatric population. In this context, bioactive compounds from foods are crucial to counteract chronic inflammation as a typical feature of obesity. In particular, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most important functional foods exerting, among others, an anti-inflammatory activity not only due to its major (monounsaturated fatty acids) but also to its minor (phenolics) components, as reported in the last years. However, only a limited number of studies were performed on pediatric population, and even fewer are those focusing on EVOO phenolics that investigate the correlation of the chemical characterization with the biological function. Thus, starting from our in vitro data identifying an EVOO chemical profile characterized by a high content of secoiridoids correlating with an anti-inflammatory effect, we studied the ability of an EVOO extract with the same chemical profile to retain this function ex vivo. Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from obese children were treated with EVOO and olive oil extracts, characterized by a low polyphenol content, to study the ability of secoiridoids to dampen the inflammatory response. A reduction of pro-inflammatory CD14+CD16+ monocytes was detected by cytofluorimetric analysis when PBMCs were treated with EVOO as compared to olive oil extracts. According to this, a down modulation of CCL2 and CCL4 chemokines involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, was reported in the supernatants of EVOO relative to olive oil extracts treated PBMCs. Moreover, a high-throughput gene expression analysis revealed that PBMCs molecular profile from obese children is greatly modulated after the treatment with EVOO extract in terms of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Importantly, some of the significantly modulated genes were involved in the pathways promoting the development of severe obesity. Overall, our ex vivo data demonstrated the ability of EVOO to reduce the inflammatory milieu of PBMCs from obese children both at protein and molecular levels. Of note, a good correlation between the EVOO chemical profile and the biological modulations in terms of anti-inflammatory activity was reported.

EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP), Claude Lambré, José Manuel Barat Baviera et al.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP Panel) assessed the safety of the recycling process Enkador (EU register number RECYC206), which uses the Vacurema Prime technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food applications. The flakes are heated in a batch reactor (step 2) ■■■■■ and then heated in a continuous reactor (step 3) ■■■■■ before being extruded into pellets. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that step 2 and step 3 are critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of these steps are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure that the level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food is below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern, when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs for long term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. The final articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave and conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.