SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.

Background: Dr. Miguel Fornes is a researcher at CONICET and director of the Andrological Research Laboratory of Mendoza, Argentina. His research focuses on how dietary fat excess and hypercholesterolemia affect sperm physiology and male fertility. Objectives: The primary objective of Dr. Fornes' research is to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet on sperm function, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and fertilization. He aims to develop translational animal models to study these effects without using human subjects. Methods: Dr. Fornes and his team use rabbit models to induce hypercholesterolemia through a high-fat diet. They then study the physiology and function of sperm cells from these hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Key parameters analyzed include cholesterol content in sperm membranes, ability to undergo capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and fertilization capability. Results: The studies revealed that hypercholesterolemia caused by a high-fat diet leads to increased cholesterol levels in sperm. This interferes with the normal physiology of sperm cells. In particular, many sperm from hypercholesterolemic rabbits were unable to properly undergo the acrosomal reaction, a crucial step for successful fertilization of the oocyte. This suggests high-fat diets could contribute to male infertility. Conclusions: The research highlights the importance of diet and lifestyle on male reproductive health. Dr. Fornes recommends a balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, to maintain healthy sperm function and fertility. Replacing animal fats with olive oil may help prevent hypercholesterolemia-related infertility. The findings have implications for dietary guidelines and clinical interventions to support male fertility.

Background: Antioxidant compounds are widely used in medicine to protect the organism from the impact of various stresses and strengthen the immune system. The primary source of natural antioxidants is considered plant-based products. That is precisely why scientists are interested in extracting active compounds out of plant materials and use them. However, diverse resources of medicinal plants of Georgia is poorly studied and used as a source of antioxidants. Aim: The research aimed to study the antioxidant composition and total antioxidant activity of some dried medicinal plants sold in the pharmacy network in Tbilisi, Georgia. Methods: Several types of medicinal plants (3 berry plants and 3 herbaceous plants) sold in the pharmacy chain were chosen as the research object. These are Crataegus sp., Sorbus sp., Viburnum sp., Helichrysum sp., Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib, Origanum vulgare L. Results: As a result, it has been found that the content of ascorbic acid and carotene in the studied plants is not so high to fill the daily intake of a man with an infusion prepared from one tablespoon. As for proline and the number of total antioxidants, all the plants we have chosen are high in content, considerably increasing their medicinal value. Discussion: The low amount of ascorbic acid and carotine found in studied plant, this increases their medicinal value, and in combination with other antioxidants/plants, the healing effect of the raw materials has been used. Conclusions: The studied plants are characterized by high levels of proline and antioxidant activity, so their infusions can be safely used as a source of antioxidants both in folk medicine and for the preparation of biologically active preparations.