Extrinsic Factors Research Articles

Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry

The integumentary system, a vital organ, constitutes a multifaceted barrier against pathogens and environmental factors, crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can accelerate skin aging and compromise its homeostatic functions and solar rays, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pose a significant risk for skin cancer. Polyphenols are molecules that donate hydrogen or electrons, preventing the oxidation of substances, such as lipids, or the formation of inflammatory mediators by cyclooxygenase enzymes. This study explored the in vitro safety, by HET-CAM (hen’s egg test on chorioallantoic membrane), and protective effects of polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin) against stratum corneum UV-induced lipid peroxidation using an innovative method, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography–thiobarbituric acid reactive substances–ex vivo stratum corneum), and a stress test using methyl nicotinate and laser Doppler flowmetry to establish in vivo the samples’ topical anti-inflammatory ability. An aqueous gel containing 0.1% w/w of each polyphenol was formulated using ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer. Through the utilization of the HET-CAM assay for in vitro safety assessment, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin were classified as non-irritating active ingredients. This classification was based on their lack of adverse reactions within the vascularization of the chorioallantoic membrane. To assess the protective capabilities of four polyphenols against lipid peroxidation in the stratum corneum, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC protocol was conducted. It was observed that only naringenin exhibited a significant reduction in epidermal lipoperoxidation, indicating superior anti-radical potential. Conversely, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol displayed a pro-oxidant profile under the specified test conditions. The laser Doppler flowmetry suggested the anti-inflammatory potential of naringenin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid, with naringenin showing superior efficacy involving all parameters quantified. Naringenin emerged as the only polyphenol capable of reducing the intensity of the inflammatory response induced by methyl nicotinate solution in the participants, compared to the blank gel and the untreated area. This comprehensive investigation underscores the diverse protective roles of polyphenols in skin health, emphasizing naringenin’s notable anti-radical and anti-inflammatory properties.

Teaching English at Tertiary Level: Motivating Students of Technical Study Programs

Student motivation has always concerned foreign language instructors. It has become more topical in recent years, after the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, and the new global phenomenon known as remote learning. Previously, it has been claimed that teachers should pay greater attention to intrinsic motivation (e.g., curiosity, autonomy, interest in the subject, novelty), as only intrinsically motivated learners are kept motivated throughout the whole course of learning. It has been proven that extrinsic motivational factors (e.g., awards, positive feedback, good marks, pressure from the family) are inadequate to keep learners motivated over a long period. Still, psychologists suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation must be activated to ensure an efficient learning process. The present research is aimed at investigating the view of the learners of technical study programs on intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors as regards foreign language learning, the interrelation between the teacher’s character, studying environment, classroom management, and family involvement in the studying process and motivation, as well as to investigate the factors that motivate the technical students to learn and kept them motivated in the remote learning setting. The author of this research surveyed 140 students of Riga Technical University of the technical study programs. The results showed that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are essential for student motivation in the post-pandemic time. However, in a crisis situation, even self-motivated students appear to lose their intrinsic motivation and seek support from families, peers, and teachers to stay motivated. The challenging, entertaining, and engaging tasks, good classroom management, and the application of digital teaching methods are appreciated by students in these times.

Methods for investigating STAT3 regulation of lysosomal function in mammary epithelial cells

The transcription factor STAT3 is activated by multiple cytokines and other extrinsic factors. It plays a key role in immune and inflammatory responses and, when dysregulated, in tumourigenesis. STAT3 is also an indispensable mediator of the cell death process that occurs during post-lactational regression of the mammary gland, one of the most dramatic examples of physiological cell death in adult mammals. During this involution of the gland, STAT3 powerfully enhances the lysosomal system to efficiently remove superfluous milk-producing mammary epithelial cells via a lysosomal-mediated programmed cell death pathway. The lysosome is a membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic organelle that digests and recycles cellular waste, with an important role as a signalling centre that monitors cellular metabolism. Here, we describe key strategies for investigating the role of STAT3 in regulating lysosomal function using a mammary epithelial cell culture model system. These include protocols for lysosome enrichment and enzyme activity assays, in addition to microscopic analyses of the vesicular compartment in cell lines. Collectively, these approaches provide the tools to investigate multiple aspects of lysosome biogenesis and function, and to define both direct and indirect roles for STAT3.

Factors facilitating and hindering South Asian immigrant adults from engaging in exercise and physical activity - a qualitative systematic review.

Exercise and physical activity are key components of management in patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD), but people of the South Asian communities have a lower level of engagement with these activities compared to their Caucasian counterparts. The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to determine the barriers and facilitators of exercise and physical activity in South Asian communities who have migrated and live in western countries, particularly in those who have RMD. Qualitative studies, published in English between 1999 and 2021 and including evaluation of barriers and/or facilitators to exercise or physical activity behaviour in people of South Asian adult communities who have migrated and/or lived in western countries were identified from Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and manual searches. The studies were appraised using the CASP checklist. Inductive thematic synthesis was used to identify common and global themes. A total of 32 studies that discussed barriers and facilitators of physical activity in South Asian communities who have migrated and lived in western countries were used for this review but there were no studies identified that focussed specifically on those with RMD. Following appraisal of the reporting of the studies, 30 studies were included in the pooling of the results. The facilitators and barriers to physical activities were broadly categorized into 'extrinsic' and 'intrinsic' factors. Extrinsic factors such as 'opportunity' included environmental factors such as weather and safety; socioeconomic factors such as education, language and literacy, and support in the form of social, psychological and resources. Intrinsic factors included cultural factors, such as life stages and family influence, beliefs and knowledge, which impacted attitudes and skills. This review has synthesised evidence of barriers or facilitators and identified potentially modifiable factors influencing physical activity and exercise engagement, which could form the basis of evidence-based interventions to promote participation in healthy behaviour change. Provision of a safe, comfortable and culturally acceptable environment together with culturally-aligned cognitive strategies to facilitate acquisition of exercise-efficacy skills could help engagement. The systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, registration no. 289,235.

P01 Remodelling of the dermoepidermal junction occurs in intrinsically aged Far East Asian skin without significant epidermal atrophy

Abstract Introduction and aims Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function and is influenced by both intrinsic genetic and extrinsic lifestyle and environmental factors. However, much of our knowledge of cutaneous ageing comes from the study of White populations. We have previously shown that the organization of young healthy skin is ethnicity-dependent and that altered epidermal morphology in White volunteers correlates with loss of biomechanical function in the skin. In this study, we used epidermal morphometry to determine whether parameters associated with intrinsic skin ageing in White skin are also observed in Far East Asian skin. Methods Archival skin samples were obtained from the Asian Skin Biobank [young (3–21 years), N = 38, 37 male samples (Chinese, n = 16; Malay, n = 16; other Far East, n = 6); aged (61–86 years), N = 7, one male sample (Chinese, n = 6; Malay, n = 1)] and stained with haematoxylin and eosin prior to image analysis for dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) convolution and measurement of epidermal thickness. Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin stain was used to ensure samples were photoprotected. Results Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin stain revealed that all samples were photoprotected, with no evidence of solar elastosis. We next compared whether geographic ancestry of our local Far East Asian population impacted epidermal morphology in young skin; neither DEJ convolution nor epidermal thickness were impacted by geographic ancestry. However, a significant flattening of the DEJ was observed between young and aged samples (P < 0.01). Interestingly, no significant difference in epidermal thickness was observed as a function of age. Conclusions While intrinsically aged Asian skin undergoes the same flattening of the DEJ that is seen in White populations, epidermal thickness does not significantly alter; this is in stark contrast to intrinsically aged White skin, where epidermal atrophy is observed. Hence, the trajectory of intrinsic cutaneous ageing may be ethnicity-dependent, providing further evidence that studies of skin from different ethnicities are necessary.

Paediatric hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is classically considered as a failure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis that results in the active expansion of the cerebral ventricles. Infants with hydrocephalus can present with progressive increases in head circumference whereas older children often present with signs and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at or near birth and some cases have been linked to gene mutations that disrupt brain morphogenesis and alter the biomechanics of the CSF-brain interface. Acquired hydrocephalus can develop at any time after birth, is often caused by central nervous system infection or haemorrhage and has been associated with blockage of CSF pathways and inflammation-dependent dysregulation of CSF secretion and clearance. Treatments for hydrocephalus mainly include surgical CSF shunting or endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization. In utero treatment of fetal hydrocephalus is possible via surgical closure of associated neural tube defects. Long-term outcomes for children with hydrocephalus vary widely and depend on intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic factors. Advances in genomics, brain imaging and other technologies are beginning to refine the definition of hydrocephalus, increase precision of prognostication and identify nonsurgical treatment strategies.

Device engineering of Sb2X3 antimony chalcogenide for loss analysis and strategies for maximizing photovoltaic efficiency

Antimony chalcogenide (Sb2X3; X=S, Se) is reportedly stable in ambient open-air, abundant, and shows composition-dependent absorption tunability. We simulated the Sb2X3 device utilizing the reported optical and electrical properties to analyze the performance limiting factors and the extent of achievable performance. Initially, we benchmarked the simulated device with the experimental reported device. The VOC-temperature and VOC-illumination characterization of the benchmarked device revealed the contact issue responsible for the VOC deficit. The suboptimal device configuration is a major performance-limiting factor. Contact optimization and conduction band offset optimisation have improved efficiency to 14.86% and 20.45% in Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3, from their experimentally reported values of 7.5% and 9.2% respectively. The optimization of trap-assisted Shockley Read Hall (SRH) recombination in bulk and interface has improved efficiency to 19.43% and 26.13% in Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3, respectively. When extrinsic factors are optimised, such as resistance losses (series resistance as high as 2 Ωcm2 and shunt resistance as low as 1000 Ωcm2), efficiency increased to 20.03% and 26.82% for Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3, respectively. Finally, with ideal intrinsic recombination parameters (radiative and Auger recombination), efficiency improved to theoretical limits (corresponding to their band gap). The study highlights the possibility of immediate gain upon contact passivation in Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3.

Autophagy in hematopoietic stem cell development of the embryo

ABSTRACT Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) emerge from hemogenic endothelial cells (HEC) in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region of embryos, which go through the pre-HSC process. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors are involved in this process. We recently discovered that the existence of distinct macroautophagic/autophagic statuses in hematopoietic precursors is related to the hematopoietic potential of pre-HSCs and the depletion of the Atg5 (autophagy related 5) gene specifically in endothelial cells impaired in the transition of endothelial to pre-HSCs, by hampering the autophagic process, likely via the NCL (nucleolin) pathway.

Potential Impact of Climate Change-Induced Alterations on Pyroptotic Cell Death in Animal Cells: A Review.

Climate change-induced alterations in temperature variation, ozone exposure, water salinity and acidification, and hypoxia might influence immunity and thus survival in diverse groups ofanimals from fish to mammals. Pyroptosis is a type of lytic pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, which participates in the innate immune response, and is involved in multiple diseases characterized by inflammation and cell death, mostly studied in human cells. Diverse extrinsic factors can induce pyroptosis, leading to the extracellular release of pro-inflammatory moleculessuch as IL-18. Climate change-related factors, either directly or indirectly, can also promote animal cell death via different regulated mechanisms, impacting organismal fitness. However, pyroptosis has been relatively less studied in this context compared to another cell death process, apoptosis. This review covers previous research pointing to the potential impact of climate change, through various abiotic stressors, on pyroptotic cell death in different animal cells in various contexts. It was proposed that temperature, ozone exposure, watersalinity, wateracidification and hypoxia have the potential to induce pyroptotic cell death in animal cells and promote inflammation, and that these pyroptotic events should be better understood to be able to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on animal physiology and health. This is of high importance considering the increasing frequency, intensity and duration of climate-based changes in these environmental parameters, and the critical function of pyroptosis in immune responses of animals and in their predisposition to multiple diseasesincluding cancer. Furthermore, the need for further mechanistic studies showing the more direct impact of climate change-induced environmental alterations on pyroptotic cell death in animals at the organismal level was highlighted. A complete picture of the association between climate change and pyroptosis in animals will be also highly valuable in terms of ecological and clinical applications, and it requires an interdisciplinary approach. SIGNIFICANCE: Climate change-induced alterations might influence animal physiology. Pyroptosis is a form of cell death with pro-inflammatory characteristics. Previous research suggests that temperature variation, ozone exposure, water salinity and acidification, and hypoxia might have the potential to contribute to pyroptotic cell death in certain cell types and contexts. Climate change-induced pyroptotic cell death should be better understood to be able to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on animal health.

Green Practice Motivation in Small Businesses

Purpose: The study's primary aim is to identify and analyze the factors influencing the motivation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia to implement green accounting practices as part of sustainable business operations. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework focuses on motivational theories, particularly distinguishing between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. This framework underpins the study's exploration of why SMEs might adopt green practices. Method: The research employs a deductive approach, utilizing qualitative methods such as interviews and document analysis to gather data. This approach is used to understand the motivations behind SMEs' decisions to implement green accounting practices. Result and Conclusion: The study finds that extrinsic and intrinsic factors motivate SMEs to run sustainable businesses and adopt green accounting practices. Extrinsic motivations include introjected motivation, identification, and integrated motivation, while intrinsic motivations are derived from satisfaction, profits, and cost efficiency. Research implications: The study contributes to the broader understanding of green practices in the context of SMEs, a sector often overlooked in previous research predominantly focused on larger companies. The findings can aid SMEs in understanding the various motivational factors that could drive the adoption of green practices. The results are valuable for policy-making, providing insights for the government to develop green policies tailored to small businesses, promoting broader environmental sustainability within the business sector. Originality/value: This study focuses on green accounting that was carried out in a small, medium enterprises (SMEs) context, which has not been studied much by previous studies.

Evidence-based practice in canine artificial insemination.

A number of methods are currently used to predict the optimal date of insemination of the breeding bitch, particularly with the use of frozen-thawed canine semen which has a far shorter lifespan than fresh semen. Aside from confirming cytological oestrus, vaginal cytology is of no assistance in predicting the most fertile day(s) in a bitch; however, a neglected avenue of research suggests that vaginal cytology may be of great importance in confirming the days of optimal fertility retrospectively. Similarly, vaginoscopy provides clues as to the stage of a bitch's cycle but is inadequate as a sole determinant of her most fertile days. Nevertheless, vaginoscopy is useful to identify very late oestrus and the onset of dioestrus, as well as Stage I of labour (cervical dilatation). Due to variations in the rate at which circulating progesterone concentrations rise in individual bitches, the reliability of circulating progesterone concentrations for determining the optimal day(s) of insemination with frozen-thawed semen decreases as values rise. Moreover, progesterone assay results can vary widely due to extrinsic factors such as the time of blood sampling, sample storage conditions and the assay employed. Finally, this review investigates evidence surrounding various insemination routes and suggests that well-performed vaginal insemination, even with frozen-thawed semen, may be an acceptable approach for cases where transcervical insemination is impractical.

A Mesenchymal stem cell Aging Framework, from Mechanisms to Strategies.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively researched for therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and show significant potential for clinical use. Intrinsic or extrinsic factors causing senescence may lead to reduced proliferation, aberrant differentiation, weakened immunoregulation, and increased inflammation, ultimately limiting the potential of MSCs. It is crucial to comprehend the molecular pathways and internal processes responsible for the decline in MSC function due to senescence in order to devise innovative approaches for rejuvenating senescent MSCs and enhancing MSC treatment. We investigate the main molecular processes involved in senescence, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of senescence-related issues in MSCs. Additionally, we analyze the most recent advancements in cutting-edge approaches to combat MSC senescence based on current research. We are curious whether the aging process of stem cells results in a permanent "memory" and if cellular reprogramming may potentially revert the aging epigenome to a more youthful state.

Understanding Mechanisms and Key Factors Influencing Melanogenesis for the Management of Melasma: An Updated Review.

Melanocytes are highly specialized dendritic cells that deliver melanin to keratinocytes in melanosomes, which are subcellular organelles where melanin is produced and stored. Mammal's skin, hair, and eyes all contain the complex pigment melanin, which gives them color and ultraviolet protection. Melanins have the potential to be free radical sinks and are strong cation chelators. Amino acid tyrosine and its metabolite, dopa, are the precursors to complex metabolic processes that end with melanin production. Melanocytes generate different types and amounts of melanin, which is defined genetically and is impacted by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as hormone fluctuations, inflammation, age, and ultraviolet radiation exposure, leading to the stimulation of numerous melanogenesis pathways. Melasma, a common skin pigmentation condition, is associated with the overproduction of melanin and is characterized by brown to gray-brown and black spots that mostly affect the face. The present review addresses the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in skin pigmentation with an emphasis on the altered melanogenesis that causes melasma and hyperpigmentation. The current study also illustrates the available treatment options with cellular and molecular mechanisms for the management of melasma. Understanding the mechanism of the pigmentation process may help researchers develop new therapeutic strategies and novel drugs for the management of melasma.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Growth and Sporulation of <i>Corticium koleroga (Cke) Hoehnel</i>

A numerous production constraints have been affecting coffee production and productivity. Among the constraints, coffee diseases attacking fruits, leaves, stems and roots that reducing coffee yield and marketability are economically important across the country. Coffee thread blight disease considered as a minor for 40 years in Ethiopia is currently emerging as a significant bottleneck to the sector. Recently, the occurrence and significant damage due to this disease have been frequently reported from different coffee production areas. However, there is the lack of profiled information on intrinsic and extrinsic character of the pathogen. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the effect of temperature and artificial media on the growth and sporulation of C. koleroga. Collected sample from Metu sub-center have been isolated and purified. Then after, purified isolate was characterized on five different artificial media namely PDA, MEA, Sabouraud, yeast and Czapeck and three temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) ranges for growth and sporulation. The result revealed, there was a significant difference (P<0.001) among media and temperature ranges in the sporulation and radial growth rate of the pathogen. The fastest radial growth 3.57 and 3.51mm/day was recorded from PDA and Sabouraud media when incubated at 25°C, respectively. Whereas, the lowest growth rate was observed on yeast extract agar. On the other hand, the highest spore amount (116 spores/ml) was recorded from Sabouraud medium followed by potato dextrose agar and Yeast extract agar media at 25°C. The study confirmed that the three media (Sabouraud, Yeast extract agar and potato dextrose agar) with 25°C temperature are the best combination for proper radial growth and sporulation of Corticium koleroga. In general future studies should focus on alternative intrinsic and extrinsic factors for the growth and sporulation of this pathogen.

Magneto-transport in the monolayer MoS2 material system for high-performance field-effect transistor applications

Electronic transport in monolayer MoS2 is significantly constrained by several extrinsic factors despite showing good prospects as a transistor channel material. Our paper aims to unveil the underlying mechanisms of the electrical and magneto-transport in monolayer MoS2. In order to quantitatively interpret the magneto-transport behavior of monolayer MoS2 on different substrate materials, identify the underlying bottlenecks, and provide guidelines for subsequent improvements, we present a deep analysis of the magneto-transport properties in the diffusive limit. Our calculations are performed on suspended monolayer MoS2 and MoS2 on different substrate materials taking into account remote impurity and the intrinsic and extrinsic phonon scattering mechanisms. We calculate the crucial transport parameters such as the Hall mobility, the conductivity tensor elements, the Hall factor, and the magnetoresistance over a wide range of temperatures, carrier concentrations, and magnetic fields. The Hall factor being a key quantity for calculating the carrier concentration and drift mobility, we show that for suspended monolayer MoS2 at room temperature, the Hall factor value is around 1.43 for magnetic fields ranging from 0.001 to 1 Tesla, which deviates significantly from the usual value of unity. In contrast, the Hall factor for various substrates approaches the ideal value of unity and remains stable in response to the magnetic field and temperature. We also show that the MoS2 over an Al2O3 substrate is a good choice for the Hall effect detector. Moreover, the magnetoresistance increases with an increase in magnetic field strength for smaller magnetic fields before reaching saturation at higher magnetic fields. The presented theoretical model quantitatively captures the scaling of mobility and various magnetoresistance coefficients with temperature, carrier densities, and magnetic fields.

Stem cell‐derived cardiomyocyte heterogeneity confounds electrophysiological insights

AbstractHuman induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) offer potential as an in vitro model for studying drug cardiotoxicity and patient‐specific cardiovascular disease. The inherent electrophysiological heterogeneity of these cells limits the depth of insights that can be drawn from well‐designed experiments. In this review, we provide our perspective on some sources and the consequences of iPSC‐CM heterogeneity. We demonstrate the extent of heterogeneity in the literature and explain how such heterogeneity is exacerbated by patch‐clamp experimental artifacts in the manual and automated set‐up. Finally, we discuss how this heterogeneity, caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, limits our ability to build digital twins of patient‐derived cardiomyocytes. image

Intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to subregional thalamic volume loss in multiple sclerosis.

To evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic microstructural factors contributing to atrophy within individual thalamic subregions in multiple sclerosis using in vivo high-gradient diffusion MRI. In this cross-sectional study, 41 people with multiple sclerosis and 34 age and sex-matched healthy controls underwent 3T MRI with up to 300 mT/m gradients using a multi-shell diffusion protocol consisting of eight b-values and diffusion time of 19 ms. Each thalamus was parcellated into 25 subregions for volume determination and diffusion metric estimation. The soma and neurite density imaging model was applied to obtain estimates of intra-neurite, intra-soma, and extra-cellular signal fractions for each subregion and within structurally connected white matter trajectories and cortex. Multiple sclerosis-related volume loss was more pronounced in posterior/medial subregions than anterior/ventral subregions. Intra-soma signal fraction was lower in multiple sclerosis, reflecting reduced cell body density, while the extra-cellular signal fraction was higher, reflecting greater extra-cellular space, both of which were observed more in posterior/medial subregions than anterior/ventral subregions. Lower intra-neurite signal fraction in connected normal-appearing white matter and lower intra-soma signal fraction of structurally connected cortex were associated with reduced subregional thalamic volumes. Intrinsic and extrinsic microstructural measures independently related to subregional volume with heterogeneity across atrophy-prone thalamic nuclei. Extrinsic microstructural alterations predicted left anteroventral, intrinsic microstructural alterations predicted bilateral medial pulvinar, and both intrinsic and extrinsic factors predicted lateral geniculate and medial mediodorsal volumes. Our results might be reflective of the involvement of anterograde and retrograde degeneration from white matter demyelination and cerebrospinal fluid-mediated damage in subregional thalamic volume loss.

Nanostructured High Entropy Alloys as Structural and Functional Materials.

Since their introduction in 2004, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Advances in our understanding of atomic-scale ordering and phase formation in HEAs have facilitated the development of fabrication techniques for synthesizing nanostructured HEAs. These materials hold immense potential for applications in various fields including automobile industries, aerospace engineering, microelectronics, and clean energy, where they serve as either structural or functional materials. In this comprehensive Review, we conduct an in-depth analysis of the mechanical and functional properties of nanostructured HEAs, with a particular emphasis on the roles of different nanostructures in modulating these properties. To begin, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the formation and stability of nanostructures in HEAs. Subsequently, we delve into an examination of the mechanical and electrocatalytic properties exhibited by bulk or three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured HEAs, as well as nanosized HEAs in the form of zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires, or two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. Finally, we present an outlook on the current research landscape, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with nanostructure design and the understanding of structure-property relationships in nanostructured HEAs.

Techno-functional and physicochemical properties of corn flours as potential food ingredients

Background and Objectivescorn plays a crucial role in food security and nutrition. This study aimed to assess the impact of three corn cultivars (Advanta, Leptra, and Porva) and varying particle sizes of flours on estimated glycemic index (eGI), techno-functional properties, and rheological behaviors, crucial in defining their technological properties. FindingsWAI and WSI presented differences among particle sizes for Advanta and Leptra corn flours, whereas Porva flour displayed consistent results regardless of particle sizes. Notably, while Advanta and Leptra did not showed differences in eGI and its fractions, Advanta (174.4 µm) demonstrated the lowest eGI at 32.21, alongside higher water-holding capacity (WHC) compared to wheat flours. Further findings included an initial Emulsification Activity Index (EAI) of 40.55 m2/g and a minimum gelation concentration (LGC) of 12 %. Additionally, rheological characterization indicated a non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior. Conclusionsthis study presented a corn flour with high resistant starch content and low glycemic index with functional properties that could be applied to manufacture healthy food requiring high water solubility, greater emulsification capacity, and water retention capacity greater than conventional flours. Significance and Noveltythe study on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can modulate the glycemic index of corn becomes crucial. This exploration holds the potential to design healthy commercially viable products.

21ST CENTURY PEDAGOGICAL SKILLS AND ACADEMIC MOTIVATION OF TEACHERS IN ENGLISH SUBJECT

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the traditional teaching paradigms are being reshaped by the demands of the 21st century. This study conducted in Hagonoy 2 District, Division of Davao del Sur, aimed to explore the relationship between 21st-century pedagogical skills of teachers and learners academic motivation in English subjects. A quantitative research approach employing descriptive-correlational methods was utilized. Data were gathered from 200 English teachers through probability sampling. Statistical tools including mean, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that the extent of 21st-century pedagogical skills among teachers was very extensive, encompassing critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity and innovation. Similarly, learners academic motivation was found to be extensive, with both intrinsic and extrinsic factors playing significant roles. Importantly, a significant relationship was identified between teachers pedagogical skills and learners academic motivation. The study concluded that effective pedagogy, which goes beyond content delivery, involves understanding students needs and creating engaging learning environments. Recommendations included crafting effective policies to enhance pedagogical skills, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, and fostering continuous monitoring of learners academic motivation. Future research avenues were also suggested to further explore the dynamics between pedagogical skills and academic motivation. KEYWORDS: 21st century pedagogical skills, academic motivation, Hagonoy 2 District, Division of Davao del Sur, Philippines