Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-10"
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- Resilience in uncertainty: the impact of coping strategies on tourism entrepreneurs’ subjective well-being in sub-Saharan AfricaPublication . Ribeiro, Manuel Alector; Adam, Issahaku; Kimbu, Albert Nsom; Dayour, Frederick; Adeola, Ogechi; Tichaawa, Tembi M.This study examines how tourism entrepreneurs of Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa (SAA) coped with environmental uncertainties during COVID-19 and the impact on their resilience and subjective well-being (SWB). Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative survey data from 844 participants and 23 in-depth qualitative interviews in Ghana and Nigeria. Findings reveal that environmental uncertainty triggers problem-focused coping, which significantly enhances resilience and SWB. Conversely, emotion-focused coping shows no significant relationship with uncertainty, indicating a unique response pattern in these contexts. Entrepreneurial team efficacy plays a crucial moderating role in the relationship between coping strategies, resilience, and SWB. While COVID-19 served as the primary context, the findings offer a broader perspective on how entrepreneurs navigate diverse environmental uncertainties in volatile, resource- scarce environments. These findings contribute to a contextualised understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour in SSA and provide practical implications for enhancing entrepreneur support systems in turbulent times.
- Dynamics of hotel bookings: identifying key drivers of hotel conversion ratePublication . Luchi, Piero; Heo, Cindy Yoonjoung; Nobre Pereira, Luis; Viverit, Luciano; Contessi, DanieleAll hotels receive numerous booking requests every day, either directly or through online travel agencies, but only a small percentage of these requests are converted into reservations. Low conversion rates generate an additional layer of uncertainty into the hotel demand function and pose a challenge for revenue maximization. Consequently, optimizing the conversion rate is a top priority for all hotel managers. Despite its importance, the factors influencing the conversion rate are not yet well understood. This longitudinal study aimed to identify the factors that explain seasonal variations in the conversion rate, providing insights to optimize it. By segmenting stay dates using machine learning algorithms and employing a logistic regression model to predict the probability of conversion per segment, this innovative research proposes a framework for conversion rate optimization. The research note contributes a new data mining methodology that can be implemented in machine learning algorithms to enhance conversion rates
- Advanced therapy medicinal products development - from guidelines to medicines in the marketPublication . Frederico, Catarina; Vieira da Conceição, André Filipe; Nóbrega, Clévio; Mendonça, Liliana S.In Europe, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) include medicines based on gene therapy, somaticcell therapy, tissue-engineered products, and combined ATMPs. ATMPs constitute an emerging and innovative class of medicines used to treat multiple pathologies and are particularly relevant in pathologies where therapeutic options are limited and require high medical needs. These therapies act, among others, through the insertion of recombinant nucleic acids, including genes, to promote a therapeutic effect and through the restoration of cell functions, and repairing or replacing damaged cells and tissues impaired in pathological conditions. Despite their unique potential, these therapies face challenges related to scientific complexity, production processes, regulatory approval, and market access that hinder their development and availability. Based on official European guidelines, the present review explores the current regulatory framework for the non-clinical and clinical development of advanced therapies. We aimed to discuss the regulations applied to the different types of ATMPs, as well as the challenges associated with their development until these therapies reach the market. Accordingly, topics such as the implementation of proof-of-concept studies to provide evidence supporting the potential clinical effect; biodistribution studies to evaluate tissue distribution and persistence; and toxicology studies to assess potential undesirable effects, integration potential of viral vectors, tumorigenicity, and germline transmission, are discussed. This work also covers some of the ATMPs available to patients on the EU market.
- Season and seagrass: drivers of fish assemblage structure in the Banc d'Arguin, MauritaniaPublication . Compain, Philippe; Mallmann, Antonia; Sidina, Ebaye; Bourweiss, Mohammed; Ba, Mamadou Abdoul; Talla, Ismaila Samba; Niang, Alioune; Erzini, Karim; Serrao, Ester A.The Banc d’Arguin is the most ecologically significant coastal wetland of West Africa, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage area with one of the most extensive seagrass areas on Earth, used by many marine species as breeding and/or feeding habitat. However, little is known about the subtidal biodiversity supported by these extensive seagrass meadows. This study aimed to assess the influence of subtidal seagrass vegetation on fish assemblages, using beach seines to compare vegetated and unvegetated habitat. Effects of season and site were also assessed. We sampled fish communities predominantly composed of juveniles (98.7 %). Specifically, we analyzed differences in abundance, species richness, diversity, evenness, and assemblage structure across these factors. Season was the most influential driver of fish assemblage structure, even more than habitat, as expected in a nursery area where fish reproduce seasonally. Notably, four species - Atherina boyeri, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Mugil capurrii, and Chelon dumerili - accounted for 53.7 % and 49.2 % of the variation in assemblages across habitat and season, respectively. Moreover, four times as many species were found exclusively in seagrass habitats compared to unvegetated areas, underscoring the critical role of seagrass meadows in the Banc d’Arguin in supporting species that depend on such shallow sheltered habitats, enhancing regional biodiversity, and contributing to the sustainability of fisheries.
- Microalgae-associated stenotrophomonas maltophilia enhances lutein production and biostimulant activity in Monoraphidium sp.Publication . Manoel, João Artur Câmara; Šterbová, Karolína; Saini, Mohit Kumar; Bárcenas-Pérez, Daniela; Cheel, José; Grivalský, Tomáš; Lakatos, Gergely Ernő; Lukeš, Martin; Urajová, Petra; Ferreira, Alice; Rodrigues Figueiredo, Daniel; Gouveia, Luisa; Masojídek, Jiří; Saurav, KumarPhotosynthetic organisms like microalgae can collect solar energy and transform it into biochemical compounds as other forms of energy that can be utilized in metabolic processes. In nature, microalgae coexist with bacterial communities and may maintain a symbiotic relationship. In the current study, a heterotrophic bacterium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the phycosphere of a cold-adapted green microalga Monoraphidium sp. (further abbreviated as Monoraphidium). By using advanced liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), we were able to detect homoserine lactones (HSLs): 3OHC12-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, 3OHC14-HSL, C10-HSL, C8-HSL, and OC14-HSL, produced by S. maltophilia. Further, the role of this bacterium in establishing intricate relationships and its implication on biotechnological potential was evaluated. Significant improvements were found in the lutein production of the Monoraphidium culture with bacterial supplements, achieving about 19.3 ± 0.88 mg g− 1 DW of this carotenoid compared to 13.7 ± 1.87 mg g− 1 DW in the control, which represents an increase of about 40 %. Furthermore, the biostimulant potential of Monoraphidium was evaluated using the germination tests with tomato and barley seeds. A higher germination index was observed with improvements of 55 % in tomato and 110 % in barley, respectively, as compared to the control culture, which was related to the microalgae’s growth stage. The role of the bacterium was evaluated in how the intricate relationships with the microalgal culture can affect its biotechnological potential (e.g., biostimulant activity and lutein production). The current work expands our knowledge towards designing an efficient polyculture based on complementary traits and metabolic potential to maximize the yield and bioactivity in algal biotechnology.
- The role of lithic technology in shaping mobility and decision-making: the case of Ararat-1 CavePublication . Cabrita Nora, David André; Frahm, Ellery; Oikonomou, Ioannis A.K.; Karampaglidis, Theodoros; Gasparyan, Boris; Petrosyan, Artur; Buller, Ariel MalinskyStudies of lithic technological organization have progressed from static typological classifications to analyses of dynamic processes of tool production, use, and discard. These analyses reveal the intricate interplay of human behavior and environmental adaptation. This paper investigates lithic technology, emphasizing the dichotomy of curated and expedient technologies by examining the differential strategies employed in raw material acquisition, tool production, and discard. It also explores how environmental, economic, and mobility factors interplay and shape lithic assemblages. Focusing on Ararat-1 cave, a late Middle Paleolithic site in the Armenian Highlands, we conducted an integrative techno-typological study of 1770 lithic artefacts spanning five stratigraphic units, identifying distinct raw material reduction strategies for obsidian and chert. Obsidian artefacts exhibited a focus on retouching and rejuvenation, indicative of curated technologies associated with high residential mobility, while the chert showed evidence of primary reduction and blank production, reflecting expedient strategies. By integrating module flake analysis and reviewing the Whole Assemblage Behavioral Indicators (WABI) framework, suggesting the addition of smaller debitage, we highlighted dual mobility patterns reflected in the site assemblage. This approach offers a refined understanding of lithic technological systems, providing insights into MIS 3 mobility and site function in the Armenian Highlands.
- Optimizing lignin cationization: unveiling the impact of reaction conditions through multi-response analysisPublication . Fernandes, Catarina; Gomes, Leandro Cid; Bernin, Diana; Alves, Luís; Rasteiro, Maria Graça; Medronho, Bruno; Varela, CarlaLignin, a natural and abundant biopolymer, holds great potential for cosmetic applications. However, its limited solubility and inherently negative charge restrict its use in certain formulations. This is particularly relevant for hair conditioning, where a positively charged polymer is preferred to effectively treat negatively charged damaged hair. To overcome this limitation, lignin extracted from acacia wood residues was chemically cationized, through an etherification reaction, using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) as cationization agent. The cationization process was optimized through a full factorial design of experiments aiming to maximize both the degree of substitution (DS) and ζ-potential of the lignin derivatives, thereby obtaining more positively charged derivatives. The reaction parameters temperature and CHPTAC-tolignin molar ratio were selected as independent variables to be optimized. Results revealed that the reaction temperature is the most relevant parameter for lignin cationization, showing a significant positive influence on lignin modification, while the CHPTAC-to-lignin ratio has no significant impact. Under optimal conditions, soluble derivatives with a DS of 0.61 ± 0.03 and a ζ-potential of 18.79 ± 0.30 mV were obtained, confirming the success of the reaction. This straightforward and efficient approach enhances acacia's lignin solubility and charge properties, broadening its application potential. In particular, it offers a promising alternative for hair conditioning, thus contributing to the sustainable development of bio-based cosmetic ingredients.
- Nanomedicine in oncology: diagnostic breakthroughs and therapeutic FrontiersPublication . Shehzad, Adeeb; Alves, Júlia; Ul-Islam, Mazhar; Saidi, Abdullah Khamis Al; Duarte, Sofia O. D.; Khan, Mohammad Sherjeel Javed; Fonte, PedroNanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field, offering significant promises for cancer detection and therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs), nanoprobes and nanobiosensors can be tailored to achieve highly sensitive tumor detection by contrast imaging techniques. The application of directed drug delivery for cancer therapies can be achieved via the formulation and tailoring of drug-loaded nanocarriers. NPs have been employed as carrier to transport drugs or biological molecules to tumor tissues via active or passive mechanisms, consequently improving treatment outcomes and minimize harmful effects. However, nanomedicine translation has been hindered by augmented permeability and retention and ICI of the TME, limiting improvement and potential outcomes of patients. TME, consisting of cancerous cells, CAFs or TAFs, specific immune cells, and the stroma, performs a crucial part in contributing to cancer resistance to nanotherapy. This review summarizes nanotechnology application in the identification and treatment of cancers by exploring pathophysiological features, mechanisms and limitation of nanomedicine in cancer.
- Intensive resource exploitation in Late Neolithic Iberia: bone marrow and subsistence changes at Branqueiras, central-coastal PortugalPublication . Costa, Cláudia; Fernandes Martins, Maria João; Cardoso, Vera; Cardoso, Guilherme; Carvalho, António Manuel Faustino deThe exploitation of bone marrow has long been recognised as a vital component of past human subsistence strategies, particularly for its nutritional value. While this practice is well studied in hunter-gatherer societies and in communities facing harsh environmental conditions, it is less understood in prehistoric farming societies and temperate environments. This paper presents the results of bone marrow exploitation at the Late Neolithic short term site of Branqueiras, located in the temperate central-coastal region of Portugal. The faunal assemblage reveals a significant percentage of intentional long bone breakage for marrow extraction, a practice that appears to have been overlooked in earlier and later periods. The site’s short-term occupation, radiocarbon-dated to 2900–2700 cal BC, coincides with a hiatus at the nearby long-term settlement of Leceia and occurred during a period of climate change characterised by reduced rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters. This study provides key insights into human adaptation to climate stress within established farming communities, a topic often underexplored in Neolithic–Chalcolithic contexts. The authors propose that the Branqueiras community repre sents a shift in human behaviour, as itinerant groups adapted to arid conditions by intensively exploiting animal resources, including domestic caprines, swine, wild game, and molluscs, while agricultural practices and cattle herding declined. In this context, bone marrow became a crucial source of nutrients, playing a significant role in subsistence strategies during this challenging period Phenolic compounds.
- Monsoon variability and high latitude climate signals in the Central Mediterranean at the Pliocene- Pleistocene transition: The Gelasian stratotype section (Monte San Nicola, Sicily) [Global and Planetary Change, volume 249, 104788]: CommentPublication . Zanola, Elena; Bonomo, Sergio; Incarbona, Alessandro; Tesei, Telemaco; Stefano, Agata Di; Ferretti, Patrizia; Fornaciari, Eliana; Galeotti, Simone; Macrì, Patrizia; Raffi, Isabella; Rodrigues, Teresa; Speranza, Fabio; Stefano, Enrico Di; Sprovieri, Rodolfo; Rio, Domenico; Capraro, LucaThe stratigraphic record of Monte San Nicola (southern Sicily, Italy), where the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Gelasian Stage (Lower Pleistocene) has been defined, has been studied by our research group for fifteen years. In 2021, another working group (GELSTRAT) started investigating the Monte San Nicola stratigraphy in a location close to the GSSP section, with results that differ significantly from those published by our team. In particular, major discrepancies in the alkenone-derived paleotemperature reconstructions led the GELSTRAT team to suggest that our age model is invalid, and they inferred that we had made a wrong interpretation of the physical stratigraphic record. In this comment, we demonstrate that our chronological model is correct, while the stratigraphic profile studied by the GELSTRAT team should be approached with care, due to the presence of tectonic displacements, truncations, and uncertain lithological evidence for critical marker beds, such as the sapropel layers below the Nicola bed.