Comparison of microwave, ultrasound, and ultrasound-microwave assisted extraction on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and antimicrobial properties of hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) and wheat bran extracts

Agricultural by-products such as wheat bran and hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) are rich in bioactive compounds but remain underutilized. Their recovery and valorization promote sustainability and expand their applications in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to identify the most effective green extraction method for maximizing the yield of bioactive compounds from these matrices while minimizing the use of harmful solvents. Four extraction techniques—maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE)—were compared using water and 50 % ethanol as solvents. The impact of these methods on polyphenol and flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activities was evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of optimized extracts from wheat bran and hemp seeds was assayed on Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Results showed that ethanol (50 %) consistently enhanced extraction efficiency. Regarding wheat bran, polyphenol and flavonoid levels remained similar across techniques, but MAE, UAE, and UMAE improved antioxidant activity compared to maceration. In contrast, hemp seed extracts obtained via MAE and UMAE exhibited the highest polyphenol and flavonoid content, alongside superior antioxidant activities. Moreover, wheat bran extracts, particularly those obtained through MAE, exhibited strong antibacterial activity at 6 mg/mL. Additionally, optimizing the solid-to-liquid ratio was crucial for improving extraction efficiency while reducing solvent consumption. These findings highlight the potential of innovative green extraction technologies for the sustainable recovery of bioactive compounds, fostering their application in functional foods, natural antimicrobial agents, and bioactive edible coatings

Some claim for the end of Botany... but what is Botany today?

In times of increasing interest in plants, a major challenge lies in effectively communicating the essence of Botany: What exactly does it encompass? Who are botanists? And how do botanical gardens differ from other types of gardens? To address these questions, refined definitions that account for the blurred boundaries between the fields of Botany, Agronomy, and Medicine are proposed. By representing these three disciplines in a ternary plot, I suggest defining Botany as a biological discipline where studies have a predominant (> 50%) component of basic plant science—this area is referred to here as the ‘Triangle of Botany’. In this context, a botanist can be defined as a professional or scientist whose primary research fo- cus is on basic research related to plant organisms. A botanical garden, therefore, is a space dedicated to the cultivation, conservation, study, and display of plants, based primarily on scientific principles grounded in basic research. The overlap between disciplines contributes to the communication difficulties in clearly defining what botanists do, especially when compared to professionals such as agronomists or doctors. The lack of distinct boundaries between these fields can lead the general public to misinterpret Botany and its practitioners. As a result, people may seek advice from “experts” who may not necessarily have a strong foundation in Botany. Similarly, botanical gardens are often perceived by the public as merely aesthetic spaces, akin to vegetable gardens or parks, rather than as scientifically-driven institutions. Disseminating refined definitions could help bridge the gap in public understanding of the role of Botany, fostering a clearer appreciation of this essential scientific field

I diritti religiosi e le balene

A whale emerges when applying the metaphor of immersion to religious rights. It is an animal that lives submerged in the sea but to survive it needs to emerge to breathe, and when it does so it emits upward flows, almost signifying the need for further elevation towards the sky; sometimes it expresses itself with high dives, with which it tries to make itself visible to its peers, but inexorably it ends up submerging again, to live waiting for the next emersion. This contribution aims to express the specificity of religious laws through the image of a whale: social — and cultural — tools for managing conflicts that arise in the sea of daily life and which are however managed in the light of an immanence other than everyday life. The oxygen that allows religious laws to live is found elsewhere than the place where those conflicts take place. The rules move within a horizon of purpose that marks their specificity and makes them different from secular rights. The salus animarum, the exit from the cycle of reincarnations, the entrance into the Garden of Eden can only be achieved if one emerges, and if one jumps upwards. However, the tension towards emersions also affects secular laws, especially when these come to regulating ethically sensitive issues. Even in these cases, it seems that the rules need to be oriented away from the sea of life, towards the same horizon of ultimativity identified by religious laws. After all, both act in the same sea, inhabited by an infinite number of animals that breathe the same oxygen. Most of these animals do not need to emerge to breathe; instead, the enormous whales rise and fall, drawing a path of extraordinary agility. Perhaps they are the oldest sea beasts in the world: sea monsters in which the Bible contains the symbol of life beyond life. I will conclude my reflection with an open question: for what life is law useful

CANini: In-Depth Traffic Analysis for Design and Robustness Evaluation of DTree-based IDS in Automotive Networking Systems

In-Vehicle Networks (IVNs) have become increasingly complex due to the need to enhance driving experience and provide passengers with a broader range of services. The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is widely used in modern vehicles, enabling communication between various electronic control units. The CAN bus exhibits cybersecurity vulnerabilities that require the use of protection mechanisms. An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can efficiently identify and mitigate threats in CAN networks. In this article, we perform an extensive and thorough analysis of a CAN dataset, namely CANini. The CANini dataset comes from the augmentation of the CAN-MIRGU dataset, which has been collected from a real vehicle under various driving scenarios. Our analysis offers a comprehensive and extensive characterization of CAN network traffic, examining specifically inter-frame arrival times and patterns in data bytes. We proceeded to test these features by designing a simple anomaly-based IDS that employs a multiclass Decision Tree classifier. To find and assess the weaknesses of our selected architecture, a robustness analysis was performed on the IDS by manipulating the properties of the CAN traffic. Our novel analysis provides critical insights into the behavior and structure of CAN in a typical IVN, which is crucial for the development and validation of a reliable IDS

Thoracic Ultrasound for Pre-Procedural Dynamic Assessment of Non-Expandable Lung: A Non-Invasive, Real-Time and Multifaceted Diagnostic Tool

Non-expandable lung (NEL) occurs when the lung fails to fully re-expand after pleural fluid drainage, complicating management and limiting therapeutic options. Diagnosis, based on clinical symptoms, pleural manometry, and traditional imaging, is often delayed to the peri- or post-procedural stages, leading to improper management, complications, and higher healthcare costs. Therefore, early, pre-procedural diagnostic methods are needed. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has emerged as a non-invasive tool with the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide clinical decisions, yet, it remains inadequately studied within the context of NEL. We conducted a non-systematic narrative review using a structured methodology, including a comprehensive database search, predefined inclusion criteria, and QUADAS-2 quality assessment. This approach ensured a rigorous synthesis of evidence on TUS in NEL, with the aim of identifying knowledge gaps and guiding future studies. Non-invasive, real-time, bedside M-mode TUS has demonstrated efficacy in predicting NEL prior to thoracentesis by detecting an absent sinusoidal sign and reduced atelectatic lung movement. Emerging experimental techniques, including 2D shear wave elastography (SWE), speckle tracking imaging (STI) strain analysis, the lung/liver echogenicity (LLE) ratio, TUS assessment of dynamic air bronchograms, and pleural thickening evaluation, show additional potential to enhance pre-procedural NEL detection. However, all these methods have significant limitations that require further comprehensive investigation. Despite their significant promise, TUS modalities for early NEL detection still require rigorous validation and standardization before broad clinical use. A multimodal diagnostic approach, combining clinical manifestations, pleural manometry, radiologic and ultrasonographic findings, along with emerging techniques (once fully validated), may provide the most extensive framework for NEL. Regardless of advancements, patient-centered care and shared decision-making remain essential. Further research is needed to improve outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance long-term treatment strategie

Self-blaming as a barrier to lung cancer screening and smoking cessation programs in Italy. A qualitative study

Background Lung cancer screening (LCS) combined with smoking cessation programs is a critical strategy for reducing lung cancer mortality. Understanding the perspectives of cigarette users and former ones on these interventions is essential for enhancing their acceptability and effectiveness. This study aimed to explore, in Italy, the perceptions and experiences of individuals eligible for LCS within the context of a smoking cessation program. Methods and findings This multicenter qualitative study was conducted in two Italian regions as part of a larger project the Italian League against Cancer promoted. Using purposive sampling, we included (a) cigarette users and former ones who participated in an Italian trial, ITALUNG study, and (b) cigarette users who had been offered individual or group smoking cessation interventions and were theoretically eligible for screening in the following years (aged 50–70, ≥15 pack-years). Data were collected through open-ended semi-structured interviews and focus group meetings and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The data analysis yielded six themes covering participants’ views on the interactions between the two types of interventions (screening and smoking cessation program). Across their data, we generated the following themes: (i) depreciation and fatalism toward the risk of smoking, (ii) self-blaming and ethicality, (iii) ambivalent impact of the screening on smoking, (iv) LCS-related information and concerns, (v) teachable and motivating moments, and (vi) non-stigmatizing communication and testimony by professionals. Conclusions Our study underscores the importance of avoiding stigma and respecting the dignity of cigarette users in implementing LCS and smoking cessation programs. Clear communication and supportive interactions with healthcare providers are crucial for enhancing the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions. Future research should focus on quantifying these findings and exploring additional factors influencing the acceptability and effectiveness of combined LCS and smoking cessation programs

3 Ὅσιον προτιμᾶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν: A Hidden Dialogue between Aristotle and Plato on Homer

In una celebre pagina dell’Etica Nicomachea (1096a11-16), incipit della ζήτησις sul bene universale, Aristotele sostiene che tale ζήτησις risulta penosa perché le idee sono state introdotte da amici, διὰ τὸ φίλους ἄνδρας εἰσαγαγεῖν τὰ εἴδη. Ma per preservare la verità, ἐπὶ σωτηρίᾳ γε τῆς ἀληθείας, sembrerebbe migliore e doveroso mettere da parte persino le questioni personali, τὰ οἰκεῖα, soprattutto se si è filosofi, ἄλλως τε καὶ φιλοσόφους ὄντας, perché pur essendo care amicizia e verità, ἀμφοῖν γὰρ ὄντοιν φίλοιν, è ὅσιον preferire la verità, προτιμᾶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν. Ovvio è scorgere nelle parole di Aristotele un riferimento al proprio maestro, Platone. Ma, com’è stato individuato dai commentatori moderni, è opportuno rilevare come, per formulare la propria critica nei confronti di Platone, con consumata arte allusiva, segno di una ricercata elaborazione formale inconsueta per la produzione acroamatica, Aristotele riprenda il sofferto bando dalla καλλίπολις che il maestro, per bocca di Socrate, aveva pronunciato nei confronti dell’amato Omero nelle pagine della Repubblica (607b-c). Nonostante una certa φιλία e reverenza, αἰδώς, nei confronti di Omero che lo avvincono fin da ragazzo lo trattengano dal parlare, Socrate non può non includere nel rifiuto della μίμησις dei tragici l’epica omerica, perché Omero è stato πρῶτος διδάσκαλός τε καὶ ἡγεμών di tutti i poeti tragici e nessun uomo può essere onorato più della verità, ἀλλ' οὐ γὰρ πρό γε τῆς ἀληθείας τιμητέος ἀνήρ. Le parole di Platone che, come ha persuasivamente dimostrato Regali 2016, con il nesso φιλία καὶ αἰδώς, alludono a loro volta al X libro dell’Iliade (114-118), da un lato sono all’origine, attraverso la mediazione di Aristotele, dell’espressione proverbiale amicus Plato sed magis amica veritas, di cui Taràn 1984 ricostruisce puntualmente la storia, dall’altro sono un chiaro segno dell’importanza che la ricezione della critica di Platone nei confronti di Omero assume per Aristotele. Com’è noto, Platone lascia aperta la possibilità di reintegrare la poesia nella καλλίπολις qualora i suoi sostenitori siano in grado di dimostrare in un discorso in prosa che essa sia non solo ἡδεῖα ma anche ὠφελίμη per le πολιτεῖαι e per la vita umana (607d-e). È possibile cogliere nella Poetica di Aristotele una risposta alla sfida lanciata dal maestro. E tale risposta passa certo attraverso una rivalutazione ad un tempo ontologica ed etica della poesia di Omero. Nella Poetica il nome di Omero appare 13 volte, 9 volte è menzionata l’Iliade, 9 l’Odissea, 2 il Margite, attribuito da Aristotele al poeta (cf. Tarán-Gutas 2012, pp. 475-497). In molti di questi passi è possibile cogliere un dialogo a distanza con Platone dal quale emerge spesso la volontà di riabilitare Omero dalle critiche della Repubblica. Ad esempio, a 1448a1-16, l’affermazione per la quale Omero rappresenta persone βελτίους rispetto al reale potrebbe rispondere al punto di vista dei libri II e III della Repubblica in cui la poesia omerica è principalmente μίμησις di modelli negativi. A 1460a5-11 Aristotele elogia Omero perché a differenza di altri autori parla il meno possibile in prima persona lasciando spazio ai propri personaggi, realizzando pienamente la propria natura di μιμητής. Aristotele riprende qui un significato tecnico di μίμησις utilizzato da Platone a R. 393a-394a: il risultato è però di segno opposto perché per Platone la migliore poesia è quella in cui la διήγησις prevale sulla μίμησις. A 1460a19-20, l’affermazione per cui Omero avrebbe insegnato agli altri poeti a mentire in modo conveniente potrebbe rispondere al biasimo di Platone nei confronti del poeta per aver detto il falso μὴ καλῶς (R. 377d). A 1448b32-1449a2, Aristotele attribuisce ad Omero un ruolo fondatore per i due generi serio e comico, dando origine con l’Iliade e l’Odissea alla tragedia, con il Margite alla commedia. Come è possibile osservare, Aristotele riprende la posizione della Repubblica (607b-c) con un Omero iniziatore della tragedia, ma in modo significativo gli attribuisce, con il Margite, un ruolo equivalente per la commedia. In questo modo Omero verrebbe ad assumere in una qualche misura quei requisiti di eccellenza che Platone nel finale del Simposio attribuisce al poeta ideale, da identificarsi probabilmente con Platone stesso, capace di una produzione ad un tempo comica e tragica (223d)

Loss and accretion of moderately volatile elements K and Na in Australasian microtektites from Antarctica

Recent studies on alkali metals, Ar-, Fe- and K-isotope distribution in Australasian microtektites have revealed the complex interplay of multiple fractionation processes in establishing their moderately volatile elements record, particularly in those deposited in Antarctica, most distal from the hypothetical source crater. To provide a better understanding of moderately volatile elements fractionation during microtektite formation, we studied the distribution of K, Na, Rb and Cs in twenty-seven Australasian microtektites from Antarctica ranging in size from 180 to 680 μm. Compositional profiles were determined using electron probe microanalyses (major elements) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (trace elements), following a petrographic study at the nanoscopic scale by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The Australasian microtektites from Antarctica contain nanometer-sized, partly digested lechatelierite inclusions and rare vesicles, and record significant moderately volatile elements depletion (Na2O = 0.30 ± 0.07 (1σ) wt%; K2O = 0.94 ± 0.25 (1σ) wt%) relative to: i) upper continental crust (Na2O = 3.46 wt%; K2O = 3.45 wt%), ii) microtektites from deep sea sediments (Na2O = 1.15 ± 0.43 (1σ) wt%; K2O = 2.47 ± 0.82 (1σ) wt%), and iii) Australasian tektites (Na2O = 1.20 ± 0.19 (1σ) wt%; K2O = 2.43 ± 0.24 (1σ) wt%). They are also characterized by moderately volatile elements enrichments at their rims (up to ∼2x for K2O; ∼1.6x for Na2O), and the enrichment factor typically decreases with increasing diameter. Lastly, there is an inverse correlation between bulk Na2O content (but not K2O) and diameter. We propose that the most distal Antarctic microtektites originated as impact melt droplets and not as vapor condensate spherules. Their moderately volatile elements geochemical budget was established through three subsequent stages of fractionation in the context of a hypervelocity impact. 1) Gross Na and K and other moderately volatile elements loss which occurred during the melting and vaporization of the target precursor materials. 2) Re-accretion of Na, K and other moderately volatile elements from the condensation of a hot gas envelope of vaporized target materials onto volatile depleted droplets cores. 3) Size-controlled partial evaporation of (mainly) Na, caused by aerodynamic drag heating, during deceleration from high ejection velocities either during the decoupling from the hot gas envelope in ambient air, or during atmospheric re-entry, as suggested by alkalis and Fe-isotope data in the literature. The late accretion of K vapor also provides plausible explanations for the contamination by extraneous Ar and K-isotopic systematics reported in the literature