Nature Of Interactions Research Articles

AHP and geospatial technologies for identifying groundwater exploration target regions in Dindigul, southern India

Recent advances in space technology are being widely utilized in resource mapping and management as they provide a high level of accuracy over a short duration and at a lower cost, when compared to traditional methods. Remote sensing and the geographical information system (GIS) play a vital role in collecting and analyzing information used to map resources and earth surface features. For example, anthropogenic activities and climate change affect the natural interaction between the surface and ground water making the monitoring and management of groundwater resources mandatory for future sustainable development. In this study, we attempt to identify the groundwater potential zones in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India using these emerging technologies. To map regions with groundwater potential, the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was used to assign weights to all classes in each thematic layer based on groundwater-influencing factors. The sub-features of every parameter were also ranked, using a pairwise comparison method, based on the groundwater-influencing factors and expert knowledge. The parameters selected for the analysis were geology, geomorphology, soil, land-use/land-cover, drainage density, lineament density, slope, rainfall, thickness of top-soil, thickness of fractured zone, thickness of weathered zone, topographic wetness index, roughness and curvature. The weighted overlay analysis method was adopted for all the thematic layers, with technical support from the AHP for assigning weightages. The results were classified into five categories viz., very high, high, moderate, low, and very low potential zones, and used to prepare a groundwater potential map. This map revealed a nuanced distribution of groundwater potential across the district, with varying degrees of potentiality in different regions. Very high potential zones occupy a minimal area (0.07%) but are strategically located in areas characterized by high weathered zone thickness and conducive soil characteristics. High potential zones cover a significant area (22.33%) and are dispersed throughout the district, with specific concentrations in regions featuring highly fractured zones and favorable geological attributes. Moderate potential zones (35.12%) are primarily located in the northeastern part of the study area, while low and very low potential regions cover 19.56% and 22.92% of the study area. The low and very low potential zones appear particularly in hilly terrains, with unfavorable top soil and geological conditions. The validation of the groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) map using the annual average water level data demonstrates a substantial match (60.53%) between the identified groundwater conditions and actual well depths, affirming the reliability and significance of the findings from this study.

Synthesis, spectral elucidation and DNA binding studies of cadmium(II) carboxylates with nitrogen donor heteroligands

A new series of novel homoleptic and heteroleptic Cd(II) complexes using cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (HL1) and cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (HL2) as main ligands and N-donor species like 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me2phen) as co-ligands were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, multinuclear (1H and 13C) NMR, and UV–Visible spectroscopies. Furthermore, the crystal structure of the Cd(II) complex coordinated by cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (HL2) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) was explored by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis. The crystal structure was binuclear, in which the coordination geometry around each cadmium center was distorted pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry. Various intermolecular interactions were accountable for stabilizing the supramolecular associations, which were seen by Hirshfeld surface analysis in terms of interatomic contacts. The spectroanalytical data of the synthesized complexes confirm the absence of the –OH band in the spectra of complexes as compared to the spectra of the free ligands, which favour the formation of complexes. The nature of complex-DNA interaction and the effect of the coordination of heteroligands on the binding strength of complexes were probed through UV–Visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The obtained data confirm that the interaction of DNA with the complexes is dual: intercalation as well as groove binding. The DNA binding constants (Kb) and Gibb’s free energy changes (ΔG) were also determined for these complexes. This study aims to project effective drugs with the least harmful effects that could be useful for mankind against dreadful diseases.

Unveiling the efficiency of peanut shell-derived porous composite for water denitrification: Characterization, kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

This research investigated the valorization of peanut shell (PS) waste to produce a ZnO-modified activated carbon composite ZnO@PS-AC for water denitrification. The composite was synthesized through chemical activation with ZnCl₂ followed by pyrolysis at 700 °C. Characterization techniques revealed a highly porous structure with over 79 % carbon content and successful ZnO formation, indicating the effectiveness of the synthesis process. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate nitrate removal under various conditions. The adsorption process demonstrated rapid kinetics, reaching equilibrium within 60 min. Isotherm studies showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 17.9 mg/g, while kinetic analysis revealed significant nitrate removal within the first 5 min. Phenomenological modelling suggested that adsorption onto active sites was the rate-limiting step in the process. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic, physical adsorption process, providing insights into the nature of the nitrate-adsorbent interactions. The study highlights ZnO@PS-AC’s potential as an eco-friendly, cost-effective adsorbent for nitrate removal from water. Its porous structure facilitates rapid uptake and efficient removal, making it a promising solution for water treatment applications. These findings demonstrate the viability of valorizing agricultural waste into effective water treatment materials, contributing to both waste management and environmental remediation efforts.

CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE AND THE MECHANISMS OF SOCIAL CONTROL

The article analyzes the main approaches to understanding the nature of identity construction and the mechanisms of social control in the digital age. Digitalization, globalization, and the transition of modern society to a networked or digital state have created new conditions for constructing identity, which is becoming more flexible and changeable. A close relationship between the nature of identity formation and practices of social control has been proven. The construction of identity in the digital society is a complex process involving individuals’ interaction with technology, social media and information systems. This process serves as a form of social control, establishing norms, influencing behavior, and shaping identities by social, economic, and political interests. Social networks are becoming important channels of identity formation, where individuals interact with different groups and virtual communities. The regulatory, economic, and political control mechanisms in the digital environment are described. It is proved that online platforms contribute to the construction of social ties, which ensures social control by influencing the content and nature of interactions. They also form prevailing unified patterns and models of action, influencing the identity and social behavior of individuals. Information and communication technologies offer new opportunities for self-expression and self-identification, but at the same time pose challenges to the preservation of the personal self. Therefore, it is necessary to take these issues into account in studies of digital culture and social media. Identity is not isolated or autonomous but is formed through constant interconnections with society and under the influence of various mechanisms of social control. The subject always has the opportunity to create new forms of identity and go beyond fixed roles and functions. However, it is also important to find a balance between the use of digital technologies and the preservation of real communications, while minimizing the negative consequences.

Digital Food Sensing and Ingredient Analysis Techniques to Facilitate Human-Food Interface Designs

Interactive technologies that shape the traditional human-food experiences are being explored under the emerging field of Human-Food Interaction (HFI). A key challenge in developing HFI technologies is the digital sensing of food, beverages, and their ingredients, commonly known as digital food sensing. Digital food sensing involves recognizing different food and beverages and their internal attributes, such as volume and ingredients (e.g., salt and sugar content). Contemporary research on interactive food applications, such as dietary assessment, primarily employs Computer Vision (CV) techniques to identify food; however, they are ineffective when 1) identifying food’s internal attributes, 2) discriminating visually similar food and beverages, and 3) seamlessly integrating with people’s natural interactions while consuming food. Thus, this paper reviews potential food and beverage sensing technologies that can facilitate novel Human-Food Interfaces, primarily focusing on non-disruptive sensing techniques to analyze food and beverages during consumption. First, we review ten different digital food sensing techniques and their applications in four categories. Then, we discuss three main aspects to consider when adopting these food-sensing techniques for human-food interface designs. Finally, we suggest the future research requirements in digital food sensing methodologies, followed by potential applications of digital food sensing in future developments of Human-Food Interfaces.

Analysis of asymmetric VR games – Steam platform case study

The paper presents research on the topic of asymmetric virtual reality (VR) games. These types of applications are in the development phase when it comes to their presence on the market, range, amount, and popularity. This research discusses the original topic, as it is still a niche compared to video games and even to VR applications on the market. The article presents a quantitative analysis of asymmetric VR applications available in the international market. One of the popular gaming platforms, Steam, was chosen as a subject for the case study in this investigation. The objectives of the conducted research include, first, a quantitative analysis and presentation of up-to-date data on asymmetric VR games available on Steam; then, providing and systematizing new knowledge about the asymmetric VR term, identifying the nature of asymmetric VR games, and finally, recognition of the current situation and the latest trends within the concept of asymmetric VR. Based on the results, it was concluded that the dominating genre of asymmetric VR was action (49.4 %), indie (46.0 %) and casual (45.4 %), followed by simulation (37.4 %). Most of the games were available in English (96.6 %), and far behind English, there were French and German languages (30.5 %), and then Spanish – Spain (28.2 %), Russian (27 %), Japanese (25.9 %), simplified Chinese (25.3 %) and others. The analysis of user re-views on Steam that asymmetric VR receive favorable feedback, with ‘very positive’ as the most prevalent label, representing 35.0 % of analyzed games. Notably, only four games achieved the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ label, including ‘Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes’ in the basic version and in the version with soundtrack (97 % positive reviews), ‘Rock Life: The Rock Simulator’ (95 % positive reviews), and ‘IronWolf VR’ (95 % positive reviews). Last but not least, the paper describes the features of the analyzed asymmetric VR application. The results of the research make a contribution to the field and provide new knowledge on the following: the new subarea of VR, the nature of asymmetric VR (author's concept), human behavior and interaction in asymmetric virtual gameplay, and communication in asymmetric VR.

Optical and supramolecular properties of cyclometalated palladium nanostructures with tumor targeting properties in living mice: a quantum mechanics interpretation.

The recent discovery that metallophilic interactions between cyclometalated palladium supramolecular nanostructures - with efficient tumour accumulation rate in a skin melanoma model - maintain excellent photodynamic properties even in a hypoxic microenvironment has inspired the present study focused on the theoretical predictions of optical properties of the bis-cyclometalated palladium compound in different contexts. More specifically, structural and UV/Vis absorption properties of both monomeric and dimeric forms of this anticancer drug are well reproduced with a Time-Dependent Density Functional Theoretical (TD-DFT) approach based on Exchange-Correlation (XC) hybrid functionals in conjunction with conductor-like and polarization solvation effects. A further novelty is represented by a fine investigation of the supramolecular interactions between the different subunits of the drug via dispersion force correction andQuantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM). This contribution while supporting the photoexcitation properties derived in laboratory following the self-assembly of monomeric units when passing from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to a H2O/DMSO mixture at 298K, shed some light on the nature of the chemical interactions modulating the formation of nano-size aggregates.

On the nature of social interactions and cognition in learning communities

Whether explicitly used as a research aim or implicitly discussed as an outcome, the concept of community is central for the networked learning research as it allows networked learning researchers to study how people perceive the networked environment as a space, wherein the members can develop relationships among one another. The underlying premise for this work is that it is erroneous to assume a learning community is a unified concept, functioning in the same way for everyone under same circumstances. Taking the contextual factors into account, this research questions the characteristics of a community that are related to learning. I explore how different types of relationships among members of a learning community are related to learning. In particular, I conceptualise the concept of community using social capital theory. Since the central tenet of social capital theory is that different relationships within networks of people hold different values, I argue that it can inform the ways by which the perceived level of learning is understood with respect to interaction patterns. The findings suggest that both distributed–diverse communications and strong–close communications are manifest in learning. However, the impact of diverse relationships on learning is considerably larger and stronger compared to denser relationships. The implications are discussed.

Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation

In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach for generating robotic faces with a thermal signature similar to that of humans and equipping prosthetic or robotic hands with a lifelike temperature distribution. This approach enhances their detection via infrared cameras and promotes more natural interactions between humans and robots. This method integrates a temperature regulation system into artificial skin, drawing inspiration from the human body’s natural temperature control via blood flow. Central to this technique is a fiber network simulating blood vessels within the artificial skin. Water flows through these fibers under specific temperature and flow conditions, forming a controlled heat release system. The heat emission can be adjusted by changing the dilation of these fibers, primarily by modulating the frequency of circulation. Our findings indicate that this approach can replicate the varied thermal characteristics of different human faces and hand areas. Consequently, the robotic faces appear more human-like in infrared images, aiding their identification by infrared cameras. At the same time, the prosthetic hands achieve a more natural temperature, reducing the discomfort typically felt in direct contact with synthetic limbs. The aim of this study was to address the challenges faced by the users of prosthetic hands. The results from this study show a promising direction in humanoid robotics, fostering improved tactile interactions and redefining human–robot relationships. This innovative technique facilitates further advancements, blurring the lines between artificial aids and natural biological systems.

The sunflower jacalin Helja: biological and structural insights of its antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

The limited availability of efficient treatments for Candida infections and the increased emergence of antifungal-resistant strains stimulates the search for new antifungal agents. We have previously isolated a sunflower mannose-binding lectin (Helja) with antifungal activity against Candida albicans, capable of binding mannose-bearing oligosaccharides exposed on the cell surface. This work aimed to investigate the biological and biophysical basis of Helja's binding to C. albicans cell wall mannans and its influence on the fungicidal activity of the lectin. We evaluated the interaction of Helja with the cell wall mannans extracted from the isogenic parental strain (WT) and a glycosylation-defective C. albicans with altered cell wall phosphomannosylation (mnn4∆ null mutants) and investigated its antifungal effect. Helja exhibited stronger antifungal activity on the mutant strain, showing greater inhibition of fungal growth, loss of cell viability, morphological alteration, and formation of clusters with agglutinated cells. This differential biological activity of Helja was correlated with the biophysical parameters determined by solid phase assays and isothermal titration calorimetry, which demonstrated that the lectin established stronger interactions with the cell wall mannans of the mnn4∆ null mutant than with the WT strain. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence on the nature of the Helja molecular interactions with cell wall components, i.e. phosphomannan, and its impact on the antifungal activity. This study highlights the relevance of plant lectins in the design of effective antifungal therapies.

Homoleptic nickel(II)-dithiocarbamates as potent homogeneous electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction: Effect of positional isomeric –OH group on electrocatalytic properties

Three positional isomeric homoleptic Ni(II) dithiocarbamate complexes having general formula [Ni(L)2] (L=N-benzyl-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-1); N-benzyl-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-2) and N-benzyl-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-3)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis., multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray analysis for Ni-2 reveals distorted square planar geometry around Ni(II), that is satisfied by four sulfur centers of two N-benzyl-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate ligands. The nature of weak interactions in Ni-2 have been explored using Hirshfeld surface analysis, which suggest that the percentage contribution of O···H interactions is more than S···H interactions. These complexes have been employed as homogeneous catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction suggesting turnover frequency (TOF) of 566.2, 457.2 and 867.9 s−1 for Ni-1, Ni-2 and Ni-3, respectively on adding 30 mM trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Also, the overpotential (η) values for Ni-1, Ni-2 and Ni-3 are 0.862, 0.872 and 0.723 V, respectively. The variation in the electrocatalytic properties was explained on the basis of theoretical calculations which suggested that the para-OH isomer complex possess relatively larger HOMO-LUMO energy gap, compared to ortho-OH and meta-OH isomeric complexes and indicated the relative less stable nature of para-OH isomer complex and its better susceptibility towards electrons at a lower negative potential.

Grain boundary segregation for the Fe-P system: Insights from atomistic modeling and Bayesian inference

In this work we re-assess experimental data for grain boundary (GB) segregation of P in bcc Fe with thermodynamic and statistical methods. The data are based on Auger-Electron-Spectroscopy (AES) measurements which have provided P GB concentrations for various bulk contents and temperatures for ferrite. While in the previous investigations of this system a single-site McLean equation was used to extract segregation enthalpy and entropy, we employ multi-site segregation models as suggested by atomistic simulations. We use a recently introduced methodology based on inter-atomic potentials to calculate the segregation energy spectrum, as well as vibrational entropy and solute-solute interactions of P in polycrystalline Fe, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional distribution of energy, entropy and interactions. Using this trivariate distribution we predict P GB concentrations and compare them to the experimental measurements. Furthermore, we calibrate the parameters of physical models of increasing complexity to the experimental data with an inverse modeling approach based on Bayesian inference. While it is not possible to seamlessly link the results from AES to atomistic modeling, our investigation provides significant new insights for thermodynamic modeling of GB segregation. The vibrational entropy deduced from experiment differs from physics based atomistic simulations even when taking the spectral nature of energy, entropy and interactions into account. However, the correlations of the quantities are in good agreement when considering the trivariate model. Our investigation highlights the need for new and more accurate experimental datasets of GB segregation.

Synthesis, bioactivity, and molecular docking of pyrazole bearing Schiff-bases as prospective dual alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with antioxidant activity

A series of pyrazole-Schiff base derivatives, 3a-i, were synthesized by reacting arylamines 2a-i with pyrazole aldehyde 1, utilizing two catalysts: ammonium chloride (catalystA) or acetic acid (catalystB). The compounds were analyzed using spectroscopic methods, including 1H and 13C NMR, along with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities were assessed through various in vitro assays, encompassing evaluation of inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzymes and determination of reducing power, free radical scavenging activity. The most promising in vitro antidiabetic results were also observed with analogs 3c (α-amylase IC50 = 19.57 ± 0.07 µM, α-glucosidase IC50 = 17.13 ± 0.28 µM) and 3h (α-amylase IC50 = 22.50 ± 0.06 µM, α-glucosidase IC50 = 20.75 ± 0.17 µM). Both products 3c and 3h revealed activity near to the standard acarbose (IC50 (α-amylase) =16.28 ± 0.24 µM, IC50 (α-glucosidase) =13.19 ± 0.26 µM). Among all compounds, 3c and 3h exhibited the highest transition metal reducing activity at levels of 75.27 ± 1.99 and 78.42 ± 0.58 µM Trolox equivalents (TE), respectively, along with the most significant free radical scavenging effects at levels of 73.79 ± 0.11 and 72.98 ± 0.33 µM TE, respectively. The antioxidant results of the current set of pyrazole-Schiff base derivatives 3a–i indicated their potential benefits as free radical scavenging and metal-reducing agents, thus proving their antioxidant capability. Their higher antidiabetic and antioxidant activities compared to other compounds might be explained by the presence of a free phenolic hydroxy group in 3c and a benzothiazole motif in 3h. These findings also lend support to the multifaceted biological functions associated with their antidiabetic activity, including their antioxidant activity. In silico molecular docking studies confirm the antihyperglycemic impact, elucidating the nature of interactions between 3c and 3h and HPA/HLAG catalytic sites.

Exploring the Interactions between Plant Proanthocyanidins and Thiabendazole: Insights from Isothermal Titration Calorimetry.

Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes produces substantial challenges to agriculture, and new strategies for nematode control in livestock animals are called for. Natural compounds, including tannins, with proven anthelmintic activity could be a functional option as structurally diverse complementary compounds to be used alongside commercial anthelmintics. However, the dual use of two anthelmintic components requires an understanding of the pharmacological effects of the combination, while information concerning the interactions between plant-based polyphenols and commercial anthelmintics is scarce. We studied the direct interactions of proanthocyanidins (PAs, syn. condensed tannins) and a commercial anthelmintic thiabendazole, as a model substance of benzimidazoles, by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Our results show evidence of a direct interaction of an exothermic nature with observed enthalpy changes ranging from 0 to -30 kJ/mol. The strength of the interaction between PAs and thiabendazole is mediated by structural characteristics of the PAs with the strongest positive correlation originating from the presence of galloyl groups and the increased degree of polymerization.

Theoretical evaluation of C24 nanocage functionalization with protons for enhanced sulfacetamide drug delivery: A DFT study with non-covalent interaction analyses

In the realm of drug design, achieving precise and effective drug delivery poses a significant challenge. In this computational study, we explore the capacity of pristine C24 nanocages and those modified with 1H+ and 2H+ ions to serve as carriers for the sulfacetamide (SA) drug, employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Geometry optimizations of the SA&C24, SA&H+C24, and SA&2H+C24 complexes were conducted at the cam-B3LYP/6–31+G (d, p) level of theory. The optimized structures of all complexes exhibit local minima on the potential energy surface, indicated by the absence of imaginary frequencies, which confirms their thermodynamic stability. The negative values of adsorption energy (Eads) denote an exothermic and favorable adsorption process, with H+ ion functionalization enhancing the drug's binding affinity to the nanocages. Further analysis of the structural properties of the complexes was conducted through natural bond orbital (NBO) charge distribution, dipole moment calculations, and frontier molecular orbital analysis. Additionally, Atoms in Molecules (AIM), reduced density gradient (RDG), and electron localization function (ELF) analyses were employed to elucidate the nature of intermolecular interactions governing the drug-nanocage binding. UV-visible and nonlinear optical (NLO) response calculations reveal the potential of both pristine and functionalized C24 nanocages as optical sensors for SA drug detection. Our findings suggest that these nanocages hold promise for the development of sensitive drug delivery vehicles and targeted therapeutic agents.

A reflexive thematic analysis exploring the experiences of undergraduate women in STEM in Bangladesh

Globally, a significant gender gap is reported in the enrolment of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Bangladesh reports one of the lowest female stakeholder percentages in STEM but has increased demand for skilled STEM professionals. Therefore, this qualitative study explores the experiences of undergraduate women in STEM in Bangladesh. Seven female undergraduate students were recruited using purposeful sampling, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis, along with a phenomenological approach, was utilized for data analysis to gain a better understanding of their experiences. The four key themes that emerged were the gendered nature of interactions, the impact of societal barriers, underrepresentation and role models, self-identity, and psychological outcomes. The findings suggested multiple factors like gender-biased interactions in classrooms, lack of access to STEM resources, and lack of female role models negatively impacted students’ academic experiences. Moreover, poor self-esteem in female students contributed to imposter syndrome and heightened career anxiety.

Empire-builders: Interactions between Convicts and Enslaved, Free, and Military Workers in Bermuda’s Dockyards, 1824–1838

ABSTRACT Convict labourers in Bermuda formed part of a uniquely mixed workforce that challenged racial and class-based divisions of labour in the British Empire. Following the War of 1812, investment poured into Bermuda's royal naval dockyard to secure its strategic position; convicts arrived in 1824, working alongside enslaved people, free black workers, and colonial soldiers. This article reveals the nature of interactions between different types of free and unfree labourers in Bermuda between 1824 – when convicts arrived – and 1838, when a change in governance took place. It examines racial diversity in the dockyards and the arrival of convict labourers, before considering perceived threats of racial intermixing and opposition to convict labour deployment in Caribbean colonies. The final section examines perceptions of convicts – moments where they equated their experiences to slavery, and administrative unease over interactions with white military workers. What the article shows is that although there were concerns over racial intermixing, officials objected most strongly to interactions between white workers of different classes, fearing their alliances would alter the island's power balance. In detailing the coexistence and interactions between contrasting labour types, this article provides a greater sense of the nuances of labour deployment and administrative anxiety in colonial locales.

Induction of Three New Secondary Metabolites by the Co-Culture of Endophytic Fungi Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11 Isolated from the Chinese Mangrove Plant Rhizophora mangle.

Co-cultivation is a powerful emerging tool for awakening biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that remain transcriptionally silent under artificial culture conditions. It has recently been used increasingly extensively to study natural interactions and discover new bioactive metabolites. As a part of our project aiming at the discovery of structurally novel and biologically active natural products from mangrove endophytic fungi, an established co-culture of a strain of Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 with another Phomopsis genus fungus DHS-11, both endophytes in mangrove Rhizophora mangle, proved to be very efficient to induce the production of new metabolites as well as to increase the yields of respective target metabolites. A detailed chemical investigation of the minor metabolites produced by the co-culture of these two titled fungal strains led to the isolation of six alkaloids (1-6), two sterols (7, 8), and six polyketides (9-14). In addition, all the compounds except 8 and 10, as well as three new metabolites phomopyrazine (1), phomosterol C (7), and phomopyrone E (9), were not present in discrete fungal cultures and only detected in the co-cultures. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were assumed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Subsequently, the cytotoxic, immunosuppressive, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties of all the isolated metabolites were determined in vitro. Compound 8 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against ConA-induced T and LPS-induced B murine splenic lymphocytes, with IC50 values of 35.75 ± 1.09 and 47.65 ± 1.21 µM, respectively.

Mechanical characteristics of optimized alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber/nanosilica composites in an epoxy matrix: An experimental investigation and numerical study

The demand for environmentally conscious materials has led the research on natural fiber composites as an alternative to synthetic materials in various industries. This study focuses on the optimization and preparation of alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber and nanosilica-reinforced epoxy composites. The weight % of Similax Zelanica/glass and nanosilica was optimized using the grey relational analysis (GRA) multiparameter optimization technique and DOE of L9 orthogonal was used. Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, impact, rock well hardness, and dynamic mechanical analysis were evaluated. Results indicate that increasing fiber volume fraction up to 30% enhances mechanical properties, with subsequent declines beyond this threshold. Tensile strength peaked at 30% fiber volume (75 MPa), while flexural strength also peaked at 30% substrate (140 MPa). The impact test showed a maximum of 1.84 kJ/m2 at 30% volume fraction. Maximum hardness of 85 RHN is observed for 30% S and 60% E specimens. Weibull distribution plots results, aligned well with the expected distribution pattern, indicating consistent and reliable mechanical behavior. Water absorption rates increase with fiber volume percentage increase, but optimal alkali treatment improves, absorption resistance to some extent. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals reduced glass transition temperature Tg (97° C) for composite due to their better interaction nature between fiber/silica nanoparticles and matrix. Further characterization reveals thermal stability (374°C), crystalline properties (crystalline index: 56.87%, crystalline size: 21.23 nm), and functional group composition. Numerical analysis using ANSYS validates experimental results, giving confidence in repeatability. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms good interfacial bonding, crack propagation details, and absence of impurities in the composite. These results like Mechanical properties, thermal stability, crystalline properties, and functional group composition of the composite confirm its suitability for various applications.

Plant memories: Art co‐created with the public as a tool for investigating how people build lasting connections with plants

Societal Impact StatementPeople often undervalue plants, hindering botanical education and conservation efforts. This study demonstrates how art‐based approaches including audience co‐creation elements can yield new insights into human‐plant interactions. Analyzing plant‐related memories showed that reflecting on personal experiences with plants evokes emotions and can reconnect individuals to specific people and places. The role of multisensory experiences of plants was also highlighted. This knowledge can inform botanical education practices and improve the design of effective outreach programs, fostering greater societal plant awareness and appreciation.Summary The lack of plant appreciation, a manifestation of plant awareness disparity, is concerning in the context of plant conservation and preservation of botanical knowledge and skills. Developing effective strategies to foster plant awareness requires a better understanding of the nature of human interactions with plants. Art‐based approaches offer a new lens for attracting diverse audiences and can generate unique data through promoting self‐reflection and evoking emotional responses. Herein, we used the case study of visual exhibition “In Memory of Plants” to investigate how arts can be used to explore lasting connections to plants. The exhibition, presented at the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival 2022, was designed to inspire reflection on plants as elements of personal experiences and introduce the concept of plant awareness disparity. It also included a co‐creation component where visitors were invited to add their own plant‐related memories to a display board. These audience contributions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results underscored the ability of plants to act as memory anchors, providing lasting connections to places and people from the past. Additionally, the study yielded insights into the identity of “plant mentors” and highlighted the role of multisensory perception in human‐plant interactions. Presented observations can inform future projects focused on plant awareness and may encourage new collaborations between artists, botanists, and science communicators. Collectively, this study supports the use of arts‐based methods to both enhance and investigate plant awareness.