bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statins—Beyond Their Use in Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on the Pediatric Population
Authors: Spoiala Elena Lia , Cinteza Eliza , Vatasescu Radu , Vlaiculescu Mihaela Victoria , Moisa Stefana Maria
Published: January 2024

Statins are a class of medications primarily used in adults to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the use of statins in children is generally limited and carefully considered despite the well-documented anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects, as well as their effect on cell signaling pathways. These multifaceted effects, known as pleiotropic effects, encompass enhancements in endothelial function, a significant reduction in oxidative stress, the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, immunomodulation, the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, an influence on bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory properties, antithrombotic effects, and a diminished risk of dementia. In children, recent research revealed promising perspectives on the use of statins in various conditions including neurological, cardiovascular, and oncologic diseases, as well as special situations, such as transplanted children. The long-term safety and efficacy of statins in children are still subjects of ongoing research, and healthcare providers carefully assess the individual risk factors and benefits before prescribing these medications to pediatric patients. The use of statins in children is generally less common than in adults, and it requires close monitoring and supervision by healthcare professionals. Further research is needed to fully assess the pleiotropic effects of statins in the pediatric population.
Fostering Motivation: Exploring the Impact of ICTs on the Learning of Students with Autism
Authors: Fernández-Batanero José María , Montenegro-Rueda Marta , Fernández-Cerero José , López-Meneses Eloy
Published: January 2024

Currently, the use of digital tools has led to significant changes in the educational system, favouring equity and the inclusion of students with educational needs. In this context, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from using these electronic devices to improve their learning experience. This study focuses on conducting a bibliometric analysis of the impact of information and communication technologies on the learning of students with ASD, with the aim of addressing two research questions. Through the analysis of three databases (Scopus, Dialnet, and Web of Science), a total of 24 articles related to the subject were collected. The results show that the use of different technological devices has numerous benefits for these students. Among the most prominent are the use of augmented reality and educational robotics, mainly providing improvements in academic performance, motivation and improved retention of knowledge acquired in the classroom. In conclusion, the clear need to train teachers in digital competencies and to intensify efforts in this line of research in order to improve the education of students, as well as to enrich the knowledge available to the scientific community, is highlighted.
Plant Diversity and Conservation Role of Three Indigenous Agroforestry Systems of Southeastern Rift-Valley Landscapes, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfay Hafte Mebrahten , Oettel Janine , Lapin Katharina , Negash Mesele
Published: January 2024

Woody and non-woody plant species conservation is one of the ecosystem services provided by agroforestry (AF) systems across the agricultural landscapes. Little attention has been paid to assessing the conservation of plant diversity in AF systems. This study was, thus, aimed at investigating plant species diversity, structure, and composition of three AF systems in Gedeo zone of south-eastern rift–valley agricultural landscape of Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three agroforestry systems, namely, enset based, coffee–enset based (C–E based AF), and coffee–fruit trees–enset based (C–Ft–E based AF) agroforestry systems. Twenty farms representative of each AF system were randomly selected, and inventory of the floristic diversity was employed in a 10 m × 10 m sample plot per farm. A total of 52 perennial woody and non-woody plant species belonging to 30 families were recorded. Of all species identified, 33 (63.5%) were native, of which two species, namely Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker and Erythrina brucei Schweinf., were registered as endemic. The highest proportion of native species was recorded in enset based AF (93.3%), and the least were in C–Ft–E based AF (59%). According to the IUCN Red List and local criteria, 13 species were recorded as being of interest for conservation in all AF systems. The woody species Prunus africana was identified as both vulnerable by IUCN Red List and rare for 25% of species that least occur. The Shannon diversity index and richness showed that C–Ft–E based AF systems were significantly different from the two remaining AF systems. However, the species abundance and evenness did not show significant differences between the three AF systems. In general, retaining such numbers of woody and non-woody perennial plant species richness under the AF systems of the present study underlines their potential for biodiversity conservation.
Coriocella and the Worms: First Record of Scale-Worm Asterophilia cf. culcitae Ectosymbiotic on a Mollusc
Authors: Fassio Giulia
Published: January 2024

Species of the mollusc genus Coriocella (Velutinidae) produce defensive biocompounds, making them potentially valuable hosts for other marine invertebrates. However, so far, only two instances of crustaceans ectosymbiotic on their mantle have been reported. This is the first observation, made in New Caledonia, of a pair of scale-worms identified as Asterophilia cf. culcitae (Polynoidae) hiding themselves on the mantle of Coriocella cf. tongana. This finding represents the first evidence of a symbiotic interaction between these two groups, expanding the association range for both taxa, and providing new insight into their, mostly unknown, ecology.
Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Non-Expandable Lung: A Prospective Observational Study of M-Mode, B-Mode, and 2D-Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Petersen Jesper Koefod , Fjaellegaard Katrine , Rasmussen Daniel B. , Alstrup Gitte , Høegholm Asbjørn , Sidhu Jatinder Singh , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Gerke Oke , Bhatnagar Rahul , Clementsen Paul Frost , Laursen Christian B. , Bodtger Uffe
Published: January 2024

Background: Non-expandable lung (NEL) has severe implications for patient symptoms and impaired lung function, as well as crucial implications for the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Indwelling pleural catheters have shown good symptom relief for patients with NEL; hence, identifying patients early in their disease is vital. With the inability of the lung to achieve pleural apposition following thoracentesis and the formation of a hydropneumothorax, traditionally, chest X-ray and clinical symptoms have been used to make the diagnosis following thoracentesis. It is our aim to investigate whether ultrasound measurement of lung movement during respiration can predict NEL before thoracentesis, thereby aiding clinicians in their planning for the optimal treatment of affected patients. Methods: A total of 49 patients were consecutively included in a single-centre trial performed at a pleural clinic. Patients underwent protocolled ultrasound assessment pre-thoracentesis with measurements of lung and diaphragm movement and shear wave elastography measurements of the pleura and pleural effusion at the planned site of thoracentesis. Results: M-mode measurements of lung movement provided the best diagnostic ROC-curve results, with an AUC of 0.81. Internal validity showed good results utilising the calibration belt test and Brier test. Conclusion: M-mode measurement of lung movement shows promise in diagnosing NEL before thoracentesis in patients with known or suspected MPE. A validation cohort is needed to confirm the results.
High-Grade Infection after Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patient with Recent COVID-19 Hospitalization
Authors: Mohseni Alireza , Di Girolamo Alessia , Cangiano Rocco , Ascione Marta , di Marzo Luca , Mansour Wassim
Published: January 2024

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global healthcare landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly impacting the management of complex medical conditions such as aortic aneurysms. This study focuses on a 76-year-old female patient with a history of extensive cardiovascular surgeries, including aortic valve replacement, Bentall operation, and Frozen Elephant Trunk procedure, who presented with a type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm post-COVID-19 recovery. A comprehensive frailty assessment using the Modified Frailty Index and a two-phase endovascular approach for aneurysm treatment, considering the patient’s frailty and complex medical history was performed. Upon successful aneurysm management, the patient’s postoperative course was complicated by COVID-19 reinfection and Enterococcus faecalis superinfection, highlighting the increased risk of bacterial superinfections and the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in COVID-19 patients. The study underscores the necessity of vigilant postoperative surveillance and a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complex cases, highlighting the importance of personalized care strategies, integrating cardiovascular and infectious disease management, and adapting healthcare practices to the unique challenges of the pandemic. This case contributes to the evolution of knowledge on managing aortic aneurysms in the COVID-19 era, advocating for patient-centric treatment approaches and continuous research into long-term patient outcomes.
Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) Accuracy in Evaluating Humoral Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Horbach Ingrid Siciliano , de Souza Azevedo Adriana , Schwarcz Waleska Dias , Alves Nathalia dos Santos , de Moura Dias Brenda , Setatino Bruno Pimenta , da Cruz Moura Luma , de Souza Ariane Faria , Denani Caio Bidueira , da Silva Stephanie Almeida , Pimentel Thiago Goes , de Oliveira Silva Ferreira Victor , Azamor Tamiris , Ano Bom Ana Paula Dinis , da Penha Gomes Gouvea Maria , Mill José Geraldo , Valim Valéria , Polese Jessica , Campi-Azevedo Ana Carolina , Peruhype-Magalhães Vanessa , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , de Lima Sheila Maria Barbosa , de Sousa Junior Ivanildo Pedro
Published: January 2024

Massive vaccination positively impacted the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, being a strategy to increase the titers of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in the population. Assessing NAb levels and understanding the kinetics of NAb responses is critical for evaluating immune protection. In this study, we optimized and validated a PRNT50 assay to assess 50% virus neutralization and evaluated its accuracy to measure NAbs to the original strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. The optimal settings were selected, such as the cell (2 × 105 cells/well) and CMC (1.5%) concentrations and the viral input (~60 PFU/well) for PRNT-SARS-CoV-2 with cut-off point = 1.64 log5 based on the ROC curve (AUC = 0.999). The validated PRNT-SARS-CoV-2 assay presented high accuracy with an intraassay precision of 100% for testing samples with different NAb levels (low, medium, and high titers). The method displays high selectivity without cross-reactivity with dengue (DENV), measles (MV), zika (ZIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses. In addition, the standardized PRNT-SARS-CoV-2 assay presented robustness when submitted to controlled variations. The validated PRNT assay was employed to test over 1000 specimens from subjects with positive or negative diagnoses for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited higher levels of NAbs than those presenting mild symptoms for both the Wuhan strain and Omicron. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed description of an optimized and validated PRNT50 assay to monitor immune protection and to subsidize surveillance policies applied to epidemiologic studies of COVID-19.
Understanding Science Teachers’ Integration of Active Methodologies in Club Settings: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Martín-García Jorge , Dies Álvarez María Eugenia , Afonso Ana Sofia
Published: January 2024

This study analyses if school science clubs may serve as a resource to facilitate the introduction of active methodologies into science classrooms. Focusing on science clubs in Portuguese schools, this study aims to determine whether the teachers who coordinate and direct these clubs promote activities that incorporate aspects of problem-based learning and project-based learning methodologies. In order to do so, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 teachers, and their responses were analysed using content analysis strategies. The results show that although they do not explicitly refer to the use of these methodologies, teachers do propose the implementation of projects within clubs, and they incorporate aspects of these strategies in the activities they conduct. In this sense, teachers appreciate the role of clubs in promoting these types of strategies (PBL y PjBL) and the facilities they offer for their implementation. Additionally, teachers believe that one can only learn how to do projects through practise, i.e., doing projects with their students, and they think that clubs offer an opportunity to develop PBL and PjBL methodologies in a context free from the responsibilities and constraints of the classroom.
Strong Electromagnetic Interference and Protection in UAVs
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhou Yang , Zhang Yang , Qian Baoliang
Published: January 2024

With the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the escalating electromagnetic environment in space, there has been growing attention and research focus on the strong electromagnetic effects and electromagnetic protection design of UAVs. This paper aims to introduce the potential strong electromagnetic interference that UAVs may encounter during flight. It specifically concentrates on three crucial subsystems: the datalink system, the flight control and navigation system, and the power system. The goal is to provide an overview of the current state of research on the strong electromagnetic effects of UAVs, along with a discussion of commonly employed research methods. Additionally, this paper introduces various means of strong electromagnetic protection that can be utilized for UAVs. Finally, it concludes with a summary of the research status and development trends concerning the effects of strong electromagnetic interference and the corresponding protection measures for UAVs.
A 0.5 V Nanowatt Biquadratic Low-Pass Filter with Tunable Quality Factor for Electronic Cochlea Applications
Authors: Jakusz Jacek , Jendernalik Waldemar
Published: January 2024

A novel implementation of an analogue low-power, second-order, low-pass filter with tunable quality factor (Q) is presented and discussed. The filter feature is a relatively simple, buffer-based, circuit network consisting of eleven transistors operating in a subthreshold region. Q tuning is accomplished by injecting direct current into a network node, which changes the output resistance of the transistors and, as a result, modifies the filter network’s loss, and thus its Q. Q tuning is independent of a filter cut-off frequency (ω0). The filter, with a nominal ω0 of 1 kHz, was fabricated using a 0.18 µm CMOS technology, and features a Q range of 2–11, power consumption of up to 52 nW, and a 59 dB dynamic range when using a 0.5 V supply. The ω0 can be tuned from 0.5 to 2.5 kHz using a traditional method by changing the transistor transconductances, but this process partially affects the quality factor.
Improved Topology and Control Strategies for DC Converters in Wind Power Full DC Systems
Authors: Hu Wenhu , Li Fengting
Published: January 2024

This study presents an enhanced composite modular DC/DC converter topology designed to address critical technical requirements in wind power full DC systems, including high capacity, high conversion ratio, and fault isolation. The proposed topology combines MMC circuits and module combination circuits, allowing for exceptional modularity and configurability. Through the serial and parallel connection of multiple modules, the voltage or current levels can be further enhanced. Regarding the control strategy, the paper adopts SOGI phase-locked and coordinate transformation technology to precisely measure and control the differential and common-mode voltages within the MMC modules. A mathematical model is established, providing a theoretical foundation for experimental analysis. The research emphasizes the implementation of key strategies such as circulating current suppression, nearest level approximation, and capacitor voltage sorting. To validate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed converter topology and control strategy, an experiment is conducted using a ±30 kV/±300 kV, 300 MW model constructed within the MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment.
Conversational Agents for Energy Awareness and Efficiency: A Survey
Authors: Sanguinetti Manuela , Atzori Maurizio
Published: January 2024

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency is crucial to achieve the energy transition and sustainable development goals. The availability of tools that provide clear information on energy consumption plays a key role in this transition, enabling users to monitor, manage, and optimize their energy use. This process, commonly referred to as energy feedback or eco-feedback, involves delivering information regarding energy usage and potentially suggesting more sustainable practices. Within the range of available tools, conversational agents can represent a valuable channel to receive detailed information about energy consumption and tailored advice for improving energy efficiency. The aim of this article is thus to explore the application of conversational agents, focusing on eco-feedback, as these tools are primarily devised to foster user awareness of energy usage and enhance more participatory conservation strategies. To this end, we conducted a keyword-based search of major scientific article databases, applying strict criteria to select relevant studies. The results of the collection showed that there is a very diverse landscape with respect to this topic. The surveyed works exhibit a high versatility in feedback goals. Furthermore, while predominantly applied domestically, they also show potential in commercial and industrial settings. Implementation choices also vary to a great extent, while evaluation practices lack a systematic approach and highlight the need for greater consistency. In light of these remarks, we also outline possible future extensions of this type of application, exploring in particular the emerging challenges associated with the increased use of renewable sources and the rise of local decentralized energy communities.
Forward Learning of Large Language Models by Consumer Devices
Authors: Pau Danilo Pietro , Aymone Fabrizio Maria
Published: January 2024

Large Language Models achieve state of art performances on a broad variety of Natural Language Processing tasks. In the pervasive IoT era, their deployment on edge devices is more compelling than ever. However, their gigantic model footprint has hindered on-device learning applications which enable AI models to continuously learn and adapt to changes over time. Back-propagation, in use by the majority of deep learning frameworks, is computationally intensive and requires storing intermediate activations into memory to cope with the model’s weights update. Recently, “Forward-only algorithms” have been proposed since they are biologically plausible alternatives. By applying more “forward” passes, this class of algorithms can achieve memory reductions with respect to more naive forward-only approaches and by removing the need to store intermediate activations. This comes at the expense of increased computational complexity. This paper considered three Large Language Model: DistilBERT, GPT-3 Small and AlexaTM. It investigated quantitatively any improvements about memory usage and computational complexity brought by known approaches named PEPITA and MEMPEPITA with respect to backpropagation. For low number of tokens in context, and depending on the model, PEPITA increases marginally or reduces substantially arithmetic operations. On the other hand, for large number of tokens in context, PEPITA reduces computational complexity by 30% to 50%. MEMPEPITA increases PEPITA’s complexity by one third. About memory, PEPITA and backpropagation, require a comparable amount of memory to store activations, while MEMPEPITA reduces it by 50% to 94% with the benefits being more evident for architectures with a long sequence of blocks. In various real case scenarios, MEMPEPITA’s memory reduction was essential for meeting the tight memory requirements of 128 MB equipped edge consumer devices, which are commonly available as smartphone and industrial application multi processors.
MixedSCNet: LiDAR-Based Place Recognition Using Multi-Channel Scan Context Neural Network
Authors: Si Yan , Han Wenyi , Yu Die , Bao Baizhong , Duan Jian , Zhan Xiaobin , Shi Tielin
Published: January 2024

In the realm of LiDAR-based place recognition tasks, three predominant methodologies have emerged: manually crafted feature descriptor-based methods, deep learning-based methods, and hybrid methods that combine the former two. Manually crafted feature descriptors often falter in reverse visits and confined indoor environments, while deep learning-based methods exhibit limitations in terms of generalization to distinct data domains. Hybrid methods tend to fix these problems, albeit at the cost of an expensive computational burden. In response to this, this paper introduces MixedSCNet, a novel hybrid approach designed to harness the strengths of manually crafted feature descriptors and deep learning models while keeping a relatively low computing overhead. MixedSCNet starts with constructing a BEV descriptor called MixedSC, which takes height, intensity, and smoothness into consideration simultaneously, thus offering a more comprehensive representation of the point cloud. Subsequently, MixedSC is fed into a compact Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which further extracts high-level features, ultimately yielding a discriminative global point cloud descriptor. This descriptor is then employed for place retrieval, effectively bridging the gap between manually crafted feature descriptors and deep learning models. To substantiate the efficacy of this amalgamation, we undertake an extensive array of experiments on the KITTI and NCLT datasets. Results show that MixedSCNet stands out as the sole method showcasing state-of-the-art performance across both datasets, outperforming the other five methods while maintaining a relatively short runtime.
CFD Investigation of the Hydraulic Short-Circuit Mode in the FMHL/FMHL+ Pumped Storage Power Plant
Authors: Decaix Jean , Mettille Mathieu , Hugo Nicolas , Valluy Bernard , Münch-Alligné Cécile
Published: January 2024

The flexibility of the FMHL+ pumped storage power plants can be improved by extending the hydraulic short-circuit operating mode. CFD simulations of the flow in three bifurcations are performed to calculate the head losses and to investigate the flow topology in the pipes. A specific attention is paid to the influence of the curvature correction that has been developed for two-equation RANS turbulence models. For the T-junction considered, the activation of the curvature correction influences the head losses whereas for the two Y-junctions computed, no effect is observed. By comparing with the Y-junctions, the T-junction leads to higher head losses and helicity in the pipes downstream of the bifurcation. Compared to the current the intragroup hydraulic short circuit operation permitted, the intergroup and interplant hydraulic short circuit mode should provide better performances with possible gains until of −55% in head losses and −94% in helicity upstream of the turbines.
Direct Air Cooling of Pipe-Type Transmission Cable for Ampacity Enhancement: Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Kim Dong-Kyu , Kang Yeon-Woog , Jo Hye-Rin , Kim Jin Geon , Lee Minwoo
Published: January 2024

Amid the growing demand for energy supply in modern cities, the enhancement of transmission capacity is receiving considerable attention. In this study, we propose a novel method of direct forced cooling in pipe-type transmission lines via an external air supply for reducing the cable temperature and enhancing the ampacity. We conducted numerical simulations using computationally efficient two-dimensional models and a reduced-length three-dimensional model for assessing the cooling efficiency, the distance required for temperature convergence, and the fan/pump capacity required for forced air cooling. We found a 26% increase in ampacity in the case of 5 m/s inlet air velocity into the pipe conduit. We also built and tested the experimental setup equipped with a 300 m length model transmission cable. Results of the forced air cooling experiments show good agreement with numerical simulations. To the best of our knowledge, this study demonstrates the first analysis and validation of direct cooling in pipe-type cables, presenting a promising path for efficient power management in modern metropolitan areas.
Agroforestry Systems of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Tinoco-Jaramillo Leider , Vargas-Tierras Yadira , Habibi Nasratullah , Caicedo Carlos , Chanaluisa Alexandra , Paredes-Arcos Fernando , Viera William , Almeida Marcelo , Vásquez-Castillo Wilson
Published: January 2024

Agroforestry systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon play a vital role in environmental conservation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefits of the associated species within these production systems. This study aimed to assess the impact of agroforestry systems on cocoa yield, carbon sequestration, earthworm presence, and the nutritional contribution of companion species linked to cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) cultivation under agroforestry systems. The research was conducted at INIAP’s Central Experimental Station of the Amazon using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The agroforestry arrangements were: (1) monoculture; (2) forest (Cedrelinga cateniformis Ducke); (3) fruit forest (Bactris gasipaes Kunth); (4) service (Erythrina poeppigiana (Walp.) O.F.Cook); and (5) forest + service (E. poeppigiana + C. cateniformis). The results indicated that agroforestry systems showed better results than the monoculture in terms of yield (532.0 kg ha−1 compared to 435.4 kg ha−1) and total stored carbon (33.0–42.0 t ha−1 compared to 39.6 t ha−1). Additionally, agroforestry systems provided higher levels of Mg, B, and Ca, contributing to both crop yield and the presence of earthworms. These findings suggest a positive influence of companion species, improving soil nutrition through biomass incorporation and promoting environmental benefits (carbon sequestration). Therefore, agroforestry systems will support sustainable cocoa production in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
15-cis-Phytoene Desaturase and 15-cis-Phytoene Synthase Can Catalyze the Synthesis of β-Carotene and Influence the Color of Apricot Pulp
Authors: Gou Ningning , Zhu Xuchun , Yin Mingyu , Zhao Han , Bai Haikun , Jiang Nan , Xu Wanyu , Wang Chu , Zhang Yujing , Wuyun Tana
Published: January 2024

Fruit color affects its commercial value. β-carotene is the pigment that provides color for many fruits and vegetables. However, the molecular mechanism of β-carotene metabolism during apricot ripening is largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether β-carotene content affects apricot fruit color. First, the differences in β-carotene content between orange apricot ‘JTY’ and white apricot ‘X15’ during nine developmental stages (S1–S9) were compared. β-carotene contents highly significantly differed between ‘JTY’ and ‘X15’ from S5 (color transition stage) onwards. Whole-transcriptome analysis showed that the β-carotene synthesis genes 15-cis-phytoene desaturase (PaPDS) and 15-cis-phytoene synthase (PaPSY) significantly differed between the two cultivars during the color transition stage. There was a 5 bp deletion in exon 11 of PaPDS in ‘X15’, which led to early termination of amino acid translation. Gene overexpression and virus-induced silencing analysis showed that truncated PaPDS disrupted the β-carotene biosynthesis pathway in apricot pulp, resulting in decreased β-carotene content and a white phenotype. Furthermore, virus-induced silencing analysis showed that PaPSY was also a key gene in β-carotene biosynthesis. These findings provide new insights into the molecular regulation of apricot carotenoids and provide a theoretical reference for breeding new cultivars of apricot.
Results from Türkiye: Which Factors Drive Consumers to Buy Organic Food?
Authors: Baş Murat , Kahriman Meryem , Çakir Biçer Nihan , Seçkiner Selda
Published: January 2024

The trend towards organic foods as an alternative has recently increased. Several individual, environmental, and behavioural factors can affect this situation. This study was conducted with 1417 participants to examine the factors affecting attitudes, purchase intention (PI), and actual purchasing behaviour towards organic foods. Consequently, a two-part questionnaire was used to query participants’ sociodemographic information and their attitudes and preferences towards organic foods. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and structural equation modelling. Our findings confirmed that health consciousness, the knowledge of organic foods, subjective norms, perceived price, values (health and safety), nutritional content, naturalness, availability, monetary barriers, risk barriers, and trust affect attitudes towards organic products. These findings indicate that increasing consumers’ knowledge and awareness about organic foods, encouraging their consumption by society, accessibility them in the food market and making them affordable can affect the attitude towards these products. Furthermore, we determined the direct effect of the attitude on actual buying behaviour with the mediating role of PI. Additionally, we noted that marital status, employment status, disease diagnosis in the last 12 months, and the presence of a baby at home affect actual buying behaviour. In conclusion, they can help food marketers target consumers to their sociodemographic status and develop new sales strategies.
A Novel Strategy to Enhance the pH Stability of Zein Particles through Octenyl Succinic Anhydride-Modified Starch: The Role of Preparation pH
Authors: Wang Linlin , Wang Pengjie , Li Yi , Liu Siyuan , Wu Lida , Zhang Weibo , Chen Chong
Published: January 2024

Ensuring the stability of zein nanoparticles at different pH levels is crucial for their application as nanocarriers. In this study, octenyl succinic anhydride-modified starch (OSA-modified starch) was employed to enhance the stability of zein nanoparticles against different pH levels by forming complex nanoparticles with OSA-modified starch. The effect of preparation pH on the stability of the zein/OSA-modified starch nanoparticles was investigated. Sedimentation occurred in zein nanoparticles as the pH reached the isoelectric point. However, the stability of zein nanoparticles at various pH levels significantly improved after adding OSA-modified starch to form zein/OSA-modified starch nanoparticles regardless of whether they were prepared under acidic or alkaline pH conditions. Notably, the stability of zein/OSA-modified starch nanoparticles prepared at an acidic pH was higher than that of those prepared at an alkaline pH, thereby highlighting the critical role of the preparation pH for zein/OSA-modified starch in maintaining the stability of zein. The stable zein/OSA-modified starch nanoparticles developed in this study exhibit significant potential for use in delivery systems across various pH environments.
The Antioxidant Effect of Burdock Extract on the Oxidative Stability of Lard and Goose Fat during Heat Treatment
Authors: Pop Flavia , Dippong Thomas
Published: January 2024

Concerns regarding product quality and nutrition are raised due to the effects of high temperatures on frying fats. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of temperature and burdock extract addition in relation to quality parameters for dietary lard and goose fat exposed to heating. In order to monitor quality changes, animal fats and 0.01% additivated fats were heated at different temperatures (110, 130, 150, 170, 190, and 210 °C for 30 min). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances test (TBARS), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), acid value (AV), saponification value (SV), total polar compounds (TPoC), total phenolic content (TPC), fatty acid (FA) content, and microscopic examination were established in order to quantify the level of oxidative rancidity. Heating temperature and additivation had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on peroxide value. In all fats, values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances significantly (p < 0.001) increased with heating temperature, but values decreased when burdock extract was added in a proportion of 0.01%. Positive correlations were found between AV and PV for lard (r = 0.98; p < 0.001) and goose fat (r = 0.96; p < 0.001). The heating temperature had a significant effect on total MUFAs in both lard and goose fat (mostly in non-additivated fat). Statistical analysis of the data showed that the addition of burdock extract at a concentration of 0.01% significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the installation of oxidation process in alimentary fats heated at different temperatures. Animal fats were well protected from oxidation by burdock extract, which demonstrated its efficacy as an antioxidant; it may be used to monitor the fats oxidation and to estimate their shelf-life stability.
Does Consumers’ Cultural Background Affect How They Perceive and Engage in Food Sustainability? A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Lizcano-Prada Julieth , Maestre-Matos Marcela , Mesias Francisco J. , Lami Olda , Giray Handan , Özçiçek Dölekoğlu Celile , Abdoulaye Bamoi Abdou Gafarou , Martínez-Carrasco Federico
Published: January 2024

Motivated by the evolving global food landscape and its detrimental impacts on society, the environment, and health, this research aims to understand consumer perceptions, preferences and involvement regarding sustainable food products and consumption practices. To this aim, three countries were chosen for their distinct economic, cultural, and demographic differences (Spain, Türkiye, and Colombia), enabling an exploration of how these factors influence sustainability perceptions. The results show high levels of awareness, knowledge, consumption, and willingness to switch to more sustainable habits, although differences between countries were also found (price sensitivity in Spain and demand for information regarding sustainable food in Colombia). In addition, a group of consumers has been identified that is influenced by health, shows positive behaviours and perceptions towards sustainable food, and is not price sensitive. The study is significant, as it addresses the information gap between consumers, producers, and policymakers regarding sustainable food awareness. It seeks to provide insights into cultural influences on sustainability perceptions and aims to assist in developing educational programs and policies to promote sustainable consumption.
Biphasic Porous Bijel-Like Structures with Hydrogel Domains as Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Pizzetti Fabio , Massobrio Giovanna , Riva Silvia , Vangosa Francesco Briatico , Rossi Filippo
Published: January 2024

Bijels are a peculiar type of Pickering emulsion that have a bicontinuous morphology and are stabilised by a jammed layer of nanoparticles (NPs). Due to their double nature, their usage has increased in recent years in various fields, such as biological and food applications. In fact, they can release both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds simultaneously. An improvement to this structure is the use of a hydrophobic monomer like polycaprolactone as the organic phase, which is able to polymerise during the formation of the structure. Unfortunately, the structures formed in this way always have some drawbacks, such as their thermal stability or degradation when submerged in an aqueous medium. A number of studies have been carried out in which some parameters, such as the NPs or the monomer, were changed and their effect on the final product evaluated. In this work, the effect of modifying the aqueous phase was studied. In particular, the effect of adding alginate, a biopolymer capable of forming a stable hydrogel in the presence of divalent cations, was analysed, as was the difference between soaking or not in CaCl2, the final system. Specific attention was paid to their swelling behaviour (150% vs. 25% of the blank sample), rheological properties (G′ 100 kPa vs. 20 kPa of the blank sample) and their release performances. In this framework, complete release of hydrophilic drug vs. 20% in the blank sample was observed together with improved release of the hydrophobic one with 35% in 8 h vs. 5% in the case of the blank sample. This strategy has been proven to influence bijels’ properties, opening the doors to many different uses
Development and Application of the Anti-High-Temperature Delayed Crosslinking Polymer as a Gel Plugging Additive for Drilling Fluid
Authors: Wang Quanyang , Cai Jing , Wang Jiannan , Zhou Chenghua , Wen Xinxin , Zhang Jiang , Mao Hui
Published: January 2024

With the gradual deepening of the exploration and development of deep and ultra-deep oil and gas resources, the problem of lost circulation in drilling operations is becoming more and more complex. From field experience, conventional plugging materials cannot fully meet the technical requirements of plugging operations in drilling engineering. In this study, a high-temperature- and salt-resistant polymer HDZ−A was synthesized. A high-temperature and delayed crosslinking polymer gel plugging agent can be prepared by adding a certain concentration of a crosslinking agent and a retarder. In this paper, the optimum synthesis conditions of the HDZ−A were determined with orthogonal experiments using viscoelasticity and viscosity as evaluation criteria for newly developed polymers. The molecular structure, temperature resistance, and relative molecular mass of HDZ−A were determined using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. In addition, the optimal formula of the gel plugging agent was determined using gel strength as the evaluation standard. The results show that the newly developed gel plugging agent has stable performance after high-temperature crosslinking, and can resist high temperatures of 160 °C during formation. Under conditions of 160 °C, the gelation time can reach 4.5 h, and the plugging efficiency can reach more than 97%. Finally, the field test of the newly developed high-temperature-resistant delayed crosslinking polymer gel plugging agent was carried out in the direct exploration well KT-14X in the Ordos Basin. The field test showed that the plugging effect of the HDZ−A gel plugging agent was remarkable.
Novel Hybrid Gel–Fiber Membranes as Carriers for Lipase Catalysis Based on Electrospinning and Gelation Technology
Authors: Lin Shumiao , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Ziheng , Li Jinlong
Published: January 2024

An excellent oil–water interface is one of the prerequisites for effective lipase catalysis. Therefore, this study aimed to improve lipase activity in terms of catalytic interface optimization. A novel approach for constructing oil–water interfaces was proposed. The structural similarity and the hydrophilic differences between polyvinyl pyrrolidone gel–fiber membranes (GFMs) and poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) organogel inspired us to hybridize the two to form PVP/PLMA hybrid gel–fiber membranes (HGFMs) based on electrospinning and gelation. The prepared PVP/PLMA-HGFMs were capable of being adopted as novel carriers for lipase catalysis due to their ability to swell both in the aqueous phase (swelling ratio = 187.5%) and the organic phase (swelling ratio = 40.5%). Additionally, Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results showed that abundant network pores inside the carriers enabled numerous effective microscopic oil–water interfaces. The catalytic activity of Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) in PVP/PLMA-HGFMs ranged between 1.21 and 8.70 times that of the control (“oil-up/water-down” system) under different experimental conditions. Meanwhile, PVP/PLMA-HGFMs increased lipase activity by about eight times at −20 °C and had good application characteristics at extreme pH conditions.
Go-Go Music and Racial Justice in Washington, DC
Authors: Sibley Collin Michael
Published: January 2024

In 2019, a noise complaint from a new, white resident of Shaw, a historically Black neighborhood of Washington, DC, led a local MetroPCS store to mute the go-go music that the storefront had played on its outdoor speakers for decades. The cultural and social implications of muting go-go music, a DC-originated genre of music that has played a central role in DC Black culture, inspired a viral hashtag, #dontmutedc, on social media, as well as a series of high-profile public protests against the muting. The #dontmutedc protests highlighted the increasing impact of gentrification on DC’s Black communities, and connected gentrification to several other important social issues affecting Black DC residents. In the wake of the #dontmutedc incident, several DC-area activist organizations have integrated go-go music into major, public-facing racial justice projects. The first part of this article presents a brief history of go-go music and race in DC community life, mainstream media, and law enforcement in order to contextualize the work of go-go-centered activist work in the aftermath of the #dontmutedc protests. The second part of this article highlights the go-go-centered activist work of three organizations: the Don’t Mute DC movement, Long Live Go-Go, and the Go-Go Museum and Café. These movements’ projects will be used to categorize three distinct approaches to go-go-centered racial justice activism in the Washington, DC, area.
Assessing the Quality of YouTube’s Incontinence Information after Cancer Surgery: An Innovative Graphical Analysis
Authors: Rodriguez-Rodriguez Alvaro Manuel , De la Fuente-Costa Marta , Escalera-de la Riva Mario , Domínguez-Navarro Fernando , Perez-Dominguez Borja , Paseiro-Ares Gustavo , Casaña-Granell Jose , Blanco-Diaz María
Published: January 2024

Background: Prostate and colorectum cancers rank among the most common cancers, and incontinence is a significant postsurgical issue affecting the physical and psychological well-being of cancer survivors. Social media, particularly YouTube, has emerged as a vital source of health information. While YouTube offers valuable content, users must exercise caution due to potential misinformation. Objective: This study aims to assess the quality of publicly available YouTube videos related to incontinence after pelvic cancer surgery. Methods: A search on YouTube related to “Incontinence after cancer surgery” was performed, and 108 videos were analyzed. Multiple quality assessment tools (DISCERN, GQS, JAMA, PEMAT, and MQ-VET) and statistical analyses (descriptive statistics and intercorrelation tests) were used to evaluate the characteristics and popularity, educational value, quality, and reliability of these videos, relying on novel graphical representation techniques such as Sankey and Chord diagrams. Results: Strong positive correlations were found among quality rating scales, emphasizing agreement. The performed graphical analysis reinforced the reliability and validity of quality assessments. Conclusions: This study found strong correlations among five quality scales, suggesting their effectiveness in assessing health information quality. The evaluation of YouTube videos consistently revealed “high” quality content. Considering the source is mandatory when assessing quality, healthcare and academic institutions are reliable sources. Caution is advised with ad-containing videos. Future research should focus on policy improvements and tools to aid patients in finding high-quality health content.
Advances in the Quality Improvement of Fruit Wines: A Review
Authors: He Lei , Yan Yifan , Wu Min , Ke Leqin
Published: January 2024

Fruit wines have gained great interest in recent years due to the increasingly diverse demands of consumers for different fruit wines with different colors, flavors, and nutritional values. Some fruits such as blueberry and strawberry are perishable and have a short shelf life. The production of fruit wine reduces fruit losses after harvest and enhances fruit utilization. The production of fruit wine with premium quality is determined by both intrinsic (i.e., genetic background) and extrinsic factors (e.g., yeast and fermentation protocol). This article provides an updated overview on the strategies and technologies aiming to improve the quality of fruit wines. Recent progress in improving fruit wine quality by variety selection, post-harvest treatments, yeast selection, fermentation protocols, fermentation conditions, and aging technologies has been comprehensively reviewed.
Innovative Tools for Nitrogen Fertilization Traceability in Organic Farming Products: A Cauliflower Case Study
Authors: Campanelli Gabriele , Amenta Margherita , Bontempo Luana , Leteo Fabrizio , Montemurro Francesco , Platani Cristiano , Timpanaro Nicolina , Torrisi Biagio , Fabroni Simona
Published: January 2024

Different research works have been carried out over the years to investigate new and reliable systems to test the authenticity of products obtained using organic cultivation methods. Based on a previously proposed integrated approach for discriminating organic from conventional products through the acquisition of isotopic data and other chemical and biochemical parameters, we herein report the results of an open-field cultivation case study for cauliflower crop. Experiments were carried out on soil, leaves, and corymb samples of cauliflowers grown using six different nitrogen fertilization treatments (organic, conventional, and mixed at different % of mineral fertilizers). The results of this study have shown that a multivariate analysis of isotopic data (13C/12C; 15N/14N, 34S/32S, 2H/1H, and 18O/16O isotopic ratios) combined with other parameters (fresh weight, total soluble solids, total acidity, cut resistance, CIE L*, a*, b* color indices, head height, head diameter, ascorbic acid content, total polyphenols, and ORAC units) performed using the linear discriminant analysis method gives researchers the possibility to discriminate organic products from conventional ones. Our study highlighted that the different isotopic signatures impressed on the cauliflowers by the different nitrogenous sources combined with the qualitative pattern of the crop, significantly affected by the different treatments, could effectively be jointly used to trace the organic origin of the crop.