bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of NCD-Related Fiscal Policies: Evidence from the Pacific
Authors: Buksh Shazna M. , Crookes Annie , de Wit John B. F.
Published: November 2023

Obesity in Pacific Island countries (PICs) has hit crisis levels, and the consequent high non-communicable disease (NCD) burden is devastating for their developing economies. Nutrition transitions from traditional, plant and seafood diets to a dependence on processed foods are at the core of the obesity and NCD epidemic in PICs. Fiscal policies are widely promoted as an effective mechanism to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, there are little data to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies as rates of NCDs and obesity in PICs continue to rise. This study used an online survey to recruit 4116 adults from six PICs: Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The study measured the consumption of and household access to sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed packaged snacks, fruits and vegetables and attitudes on food prices and unhealthy eating. The study also assessed the relationship between consumption of these foods and drink and (1) household access, (2) price as a food choice motive, and (3) unhealthy eating attitudes. This study provides novel data on food-related behaviours in PICs, offers insights into the potential impact of NCD-related fiscal policies on food consumption and identifies other variables of interest.
High ApoB/ApoA-I Ratio Predicts Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Large Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Lim Jae-Sung , Kim Yerim , Park Soo Hyun , Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Chulho , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Jae-Jun , Oh Mi Sun
Published: November 2023

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with acute stroke of large artery atherosclerosis etiology. Methods: Prospective stroke registry data were used to consecutively enroll patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis. Cognitive function assessments were conducted 3 to 6 months after stroke. PSCI was defined as a z-score of less than −2 standard deviations from age, sex, and education-adjusted means in at least one cognitive domain. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was calculated, and patients were categorized into five groups according to quintiles of the ratio. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between quintiles of the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and PSCI. Results: A total of 263 patients were included, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 11.6 years. The median NIHSS score and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio upon admission were 2 (IQR, 1–5) and 0.81 (IQR, 0.76–0.88), respectively. PSCI was observed in 91 (34.6%) patients. The highest quintile (Q5) of the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was a significant predictor of PSCI compared to the lowest quintile (Q1) (adjusted OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.19–8.41; p-value = 0.021) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Patients in the Q5 group exhibited significantly worse performance in the frontal domain. Conclusions: The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio in the acute stage of stroke independently predicted the development of PSCI at 3–6 months after stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis. Further, a high ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was specifically associated with frontal domain dysfunction.
Treatment of Active Crohn’s Disease in Children Using Partial Enteral Nutrition Combined with a Modified Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet: A Pilot Prospective Cohort Trial on Clinical and Endoscopic Outcomes
Authors: Urlep Darja , Orel Rok , Kunstek Patricija , Benedik Evgen
Published: November 2023

Background: Partial enteral nutrition (PEN) coupled with the Crohn’s disease (CD) exclusion diet (CDED) was shown to be effective in inducing clinical remission in paediatric CD. There are currently no robust data on the endoscopic outcomes of PEN. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and endoscopic rates of remission after PEN combined with a modified CDED (mCDED) adjusted to the local cuisine in comparison with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for the induction of remission. Methods: Between June 2017 and February 2021, a prospective cohort study on children with active CD, treated with PEN + mCDED or EEN, was performed at a single tertiary centre. Results: During the study period, 54 patients were screened and 15 were excluded according to the exclusion criteria, with six patients excluded in the first two days due to intolerance of the enteral formula. Fourteen patients were included in the PEN and 19 in the EEN group. They were assessed at Weeks 0, 1, 3 and 6, using clinical and laboratory parameters. Endoscopy was performed at Weeks 0 and 6. Clinical remission rates per protocol analysis were 84.6% in the PEN group and 81.3% in the EEN group (p = 0.99). At Week 6, an endoscopic response (a decline in the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) > 50%) was observed in 84.6% of patients on PEN and in 68.8% on EEN treatment (p = 0.41). Endoscopic remission (SES-CD ≤ 2) was achieved in 53.8% of patients in the PEN group and in 50.0% in the EEN group (p = 0.99), while the mucosal healing rates (SES-CD = 0) were 38.5% with PEN and 43.8% with EEN (p = 0.99). A significant decline in the clinical and endoscopic activity scores was observed in both groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that PEN + mCDED could be effective in inducing endoscopic remission and mucosal healing in active paediatric CD patients. Here, we present an analysis of the data from our cohort of patients and our real-world experience with PEN + mCDED.
Evaluation of an Environmental Nutrition Intervention at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Pelly Fiona , Thurecht Rachael
Published: November 2023

There has been an increasing expectation that the food provided for athletes at major competition events meets the specific dietary and performance needs of athletes. The aim of this study was to map the range of food service nutrition schemes that were implemented prior to and during a major competition event (2018 Commonwealth Games) and evaluate these schemes through staff training satisfaction, athlete feedback, and quality assurance checks. This study followed a case study design with nutrition schemes as follows: informing (nutrition labelling), enabling (staff training, nutrition service), and engineering (modification to menus and recipes). Overall, participants reported that they easily found items on the menu that met their nutritional/dietary needs. When asked how useful the schemes were in helping them to identify items that meet their needs, the majority of participants found the nutrition cards (n = 227, 71%) and serving staff (n = 212, 66%) ‘useful/very useful’. ‘Good/very good’ ratings were received by >90% of respondents for speed of service, staff politeness, and knowledge of the menu. Participants (n = 316) who rated the nutrition staff as ‘useful/very useful’ gave a higher median rating for the menu. Past events have focused on the impact of a single component in the food environment; however, taking a whole systems approach resulted in more suitable food provision to meet the dietary needs of athletes.
COVID-19 Lockdown and Changes in Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors in a French Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Reviers Antoine de , Helme-Guizon Agnès , Moinard Christophe , Féart Catherine
Published: November 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed local lockdowns resulting in strong disruptions in our lifestyles and dietary behaviors. This study aimed to determine how the lockdown in France affected these behaviors and weight during the lockdown and in a one month follow up period of time after the end of the lockdown. Methods: The study design was a longitudinal cohort, among French adults. A total of 593 participants (68.6% female), with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD = 15.2) completed a self-reported questionnaire on four occasions spaced one month apart, from the beginning of the lockdown starting 17 March 2020, until one month after its end (mid-June 2020). Clusters of participants were formed using the non-supervised k-means algorithm. Results: The mean weight gain after one month of lockdown was 0.56 kg (SD = 0.6). The cluster analysis exposed three different patterns of behavioral changes, despite no significant differences in age or BMI between clusters. These three groups have experienced different weight change dynamics over the follow-up duration. The first cluster (n = 210) reported fewer changes in sleep quality and quantity and less change in snacking frequency (p ≤ 0.001). The second cluster (n = 200) reported significantly lower levels of stress than the other clusters (p ≤ 0.001). The third cluster (n = 183) differed from the others, with a more degraded quality of sleep reported throughout the lockdown (p ≤ 0.01). However, changes in eating behaviors and body weight were not significant. Conclusions: During the lockdown, behavioral changes occurred, both health-favorable and non-health-favorable, yet they had a minor impact on eating behaviors and reported body weight once the restrictive measures were lifted. The identification of three patterns suggests that, in such constraining situations, personalized recommendations should be provided.
CRP Monitoring in Early Hospitalization: Implications for Predicting Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Avihai Byron , Sundel Erin P. , Lee Eileen , Greenberg Patricia J. , Cook Brennan P. , Altomare Nicole J. , Ko Tomohiro M. , Chaia Angelo I. , Parikh Payal D. , Blaser Martin J.
Published: November 2023

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes. While baseline CRP levels are higher in women, obese individuals, and older adults, the relationship between CRP, sex, body mass index (BMI), age, and COVID-19 outcomes remains unknown. To investigate, we performed a retrospective analysis on 824 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted during the first pandemic wave, of whom 183 (22.2%) died. The maximum CRP value over the first five hospitalization days better predicted hospitalization outcome than the CRP level at admission, as a maximum CRP > 10 mg/dL independently quadrupled the risk of death (p < 0.001). Males (p < 0.001) and patients with a higher BMI (p = 0.001) had higher maximum CRP values, yet CRP levels did not impact their hospitalization outcome. While CRP levels did not statistically mediate any relation between sex, age, or BMI with clinical outcomes, age impacted the association between BMI and the risk of death. For patients 60 or over, a BMI < 25 kg/m2 increased the risk of death (p = 0.017), whereas the reverse was true for patients <60 (p = 0.030). Further impact of age on the association between BMI, CRP, and the risk of death could not be assessed due to a lack of statistical power but should be further investigated.
Strengthening the Key Features of Volumizing Fillers: Projection Capacity and Long-Term Persistence
Authors: Flégeau Killian , Jing Jing , Vantou Camille , Brusini Romain , Bourdon François , Faivre Jimmy
Published: November 2023

Volumizing fillers aim to create or restore facial volume in fat layers. To provide strong tissue lifting and long-term persistence, gels are generally designed with stiff properties, characterized by a high storage modulus (G′). However, clinical evidence shows a discrepancy between high G′ and good lifting capacities, especially after skin tension has been exerted on the gel. To better explore the in vivo behavior of a gel, we first evaluated the elastic moduli of five commercial volumizers (RHA4, JUVVOL, RESVOL, RESLYFT, and BELVOL) in dynamic compression mode, E′. We further developed a Projection Index score based on the rheological assessment of creep in compression to mimic skin tension-induced stress relaxation (flattening). Finally, the ability of a gel to resist enzymatic degradation was analyzed with a multidose approach. Despite similar clinical indications, volumizers exhibited distinct behaviors. RHA4 and BELVOL showed the highest E′ values (resistance to strain), RHA4, JUVVOL, and RESVOL exhibited the greatest projection capacities, while JUVVOL and RHA4 offered the largest persistence to enzymatic degradation. In this article, we introduce the use of the Projection Index to efficiently assess the ability of a gel to lift tissues, thus increasing preclinical models’ efficiency and reducing the need for animal studies.
Optimisation of the Manufacturing Process of Organic-Solvent-Free Omeprazole Enteric Pellets for the Paediatric Population: Full Factorial Design
Authors: Rouaz-El-Hajoui Khadija , García-Montoya Encarnación , López-Urbano Andrea , Romero-Obon Miquel , Chiclana-Rodríguez Blanca , Fraschi-Nieto Alex , Nardi-Ricart Anna , Suñé-Pou Marc , Suñé-Negre Josep María , Pérez-Lozano Pilar
Published: November 2023

Liquid formulations are mostly used in the paediatric population. However, with certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), it is very difficult to guarantee quality and stability; this is the case, for example, with omeprazole. Omeprazole is used as a model drug due to the lack of a paediatric formulation meeting gastro-resistance requirements, which remains a challenge today. In this experimental study, the development of enteric polymer-coated pellets is proposed. It is proposed to use aqueous coating dispersions without the use of organic solvents, which are commonly used in fluidised bed coatings. To do this, the design of experiments method is used as a statistical tool for experiment creation and the subsequent analysis of the responses. In particular, this study uses a randomised full factorial design. The mean weight increases of the protective layer and the enteric coating are chosen as factors. Each factor is assigned two levels. Therefore, the design of the used experiments is a 22 + 1 central point. Overall, the obtained pellets can be an alternative to the compounding formulas of omeprazole that are currently used in the paediatric population, which do not meet the gastro-resistance specifications necessary to guarantee the therapeutic efficacy of this active ingredient.
Systematically and Comprehensively Understanding the Regulation of Cotton Fiber Initiation: A Review
Authors: Zhai Zeyang , Zhang Kaixin , Fang Yao , Yang Yujie , Cao Xu , Liu Li , Tian Yue
Published: November 2023

Cotton fibers provide an important source of raw materials for the textile industry worldwide. Cotton fiber is a kind of single cell that differentiates from the epidermis of the ovule and provides a perfect research model for the differentiation and elongation of plant cells. Cotton fiber initiation is the first stage throughout the entire developmental process. The number of fiber cell initials on the seed ovule epidermis decides the final fiber yield. Thus, it is of great significance to clarify the mechanism underlying cotton fiber initiation. Fiber cell initiation is controlled by complex and interrelated regulatory networks. Plant phytohormones, transcription factors, sugar signals, small signal molecules, functional genes, non-coding RNAs, and histone modification play important roles during this process. Here, we not only summarize the different kinds of factors involved in fiber cell initiation but also discuss the mechanisms of these factors that act together to regulate cotton fiber initiation. Our aim is to synthesize a systematic and comprehensive review of different factors during fiber initiation that will provide the basics for further illustrating these mechanisms and offer theoretical guidance for improving fiber yield in future molecular breeding work.
Evaluation of Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Ethylene Elastomer (EE) Blends
Authors: Bernardes Giordano P. , Andrade Matheus P. , Poletto Matheus , Luiz Nathália R. , Santana Ruth M. C. , Forte Maria M. de C.
Published: November 2023

The influences of ethylene-based elastomer (EE) and the compatibilizer agent ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EBAGMA) on the thermal degradation of PLA/EE blends were evaluated by the thermal degradation kinetics and thermodynamic parameters using thermogravimetry. The presence of EE and EBAGMA synergistically improved the PLA thermal stability. The temperature of 10% of mass loss (T10%) of PLA was around 365 °C, while in the compatibilized PLA/EE blend, this property increased to 370 °C. The PLA average activation energy (Ea¯) reduced in the PLA/EE blend (from 96 kJ/mol to 78 kJ/mol), while the presence of EBAGMA in the PLA/EE blend increased the Ea¯ due to a better blend compatibilization. The solid-state thermal degradation of the PLA and PLA/EE blends was classified as a D-type degradation mechanism. In general, the addition of EE increased the thermodynamic parameters when compared to PLA and the compatibilized blend due to the increase in the collision rate between the components over the thermal decomposition.
An Analysis of the Self-Healing and Mechanical Properties as well as Shape Memory of 3D-Printed Surlyn® Nanocomposites Reinforced with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Calderón-Villajos Rocío , Sánchez María , Leones Adrián , Peponi Laura , Manzano-Santamaría Javier , López Antonio Julio , Ureña Alejandro
Published: November 2023

This research work studies the self-healing ability, mechanical properties, and shape memory of the polymer Surlyn® 8940 with and without multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a nanoreinforcement. This polymer comes from a partially neutralized poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) ionomer copolymer. MWCNTs and the polymer went through a mixing process aimed at achieving an excellent dispersion. Later, an optimized extrusion method was used to produce a uniform reinforced filament, which was the input for the 3D-printing process that was used to create the final test samples. Various concentrations of MWCNTs (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) were used to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and shape memory of unreinforced and nanoreinforced materials. Results show an enhancement of the mechanical properties and self-healing ability through the addition of MWCNTs to the matrix of polymer, and the specimens showed shape memory events.
Separation of Ternary System 1,2-Ethanediol + 1,3-Propanediol + 1,4-Butanediol by Liquid-Only Transfer Dividing Wall Column
Authors: Wu Yan-Yang , Song Zhong-Wen , Rao Jia-Bo , Yao Yu-Xian , Wu Bin , Chen Kui , Ji Li-Jun
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on separating a mixture consisting of 1,2-ethanediol (1,2-ED), 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD). Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for 1,2-ED + 1,4-BD and 1,3-PD + 1,4-BD are determined at 101.3 kPa using a modified Rose equilibrium still. The consistency of the VLE data is checked with both Redlich–Kister and Fredenslund tests. The VLE data are fitted by the Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models. All three models can effectively correlate the VLE data. Then, the separation of the mixture is designed with the NRTL model and its correlated binary interaction parameters. A liquid-only transfer dividing wall column (LDWC) is investigated on the basis of a direct conventional distillation sequence (DCDS). For a fair comparison, both DCDS and LDWC are optimized to minimize total annual cost using sequential iterative optimization procedures. After optimization, LDWC exhibits a 16.87% reduction in total annual cost, while cooling and heating utility consumptions are reduced by 28.40% and 19.24% compared to DCDS.
Generation of Dissimilar Alternative Product Formulations Using Graphs
Authors: Bernardo Fernando P.
Published: November 2023

In this work, alternative product formulations are represented as a bipartite graph, and mixed-integer programming is used to find a graph partitioning that identifies the most dissimilar formulations within a potentially large design space. This involves fully integrating available models for product properties and known heuristic rules for product formulation. The set of dissimilar alternative formulations thus found constitutes the best exploratory plan of experiments in the face of the available knowledge. Also in this work, a cosmetic emulsion example is explored, where some ingredients (in a non-specified number) have to be chosen from a pool of 32 possible. The number of possible combinations of ingredients is around half a million. With the new tools proposed herein, one is able to identify small sets of alternative formulations that adhere to available models and known heuristics rules, have maximum dissimilarity, and are optimal regarding a specific product design objective (cost or other), in a few minutes of computational time.
Relationship between Nash Equilibrium Strategies and H2/H∞ Control of Mean-Field Stochastic Differential Equations with Multiplicative Noise
Authors: Ma Limin , Zhang Weihai , Liu Zhenbin
Published: November 2023

The relationship between finite-horizon mean-field stochastic H2/H∞ control and Nash equilibrium strategies is investigated in this technical note. First, the finite-horizon mean-field stochastic bounded real lemma (SBRL) is established, which is key to developing the H∞ theory. Second, for mean-field stochastic differential equations (MF-SDEs) with control- and state-dependent noises, it is revealed that the existence of Nash equilibrium strategies is equivalent to the solvability of generalized differential Riccati equations (GDREs). Furthermore, the existence of Nash equilibrium strategies is equivalent to the solvability of H2/H∞ control for MF-SDEs with control- and state-dependent noises. However, for mean-field stochastic systems with disturbance-dependent noises, these two problems are not equivalent. Finally, a sufficient and necessary condition is presented via coupled matrix-valued equations for the finite-horizon H2/H∞ control of mean-field stochastic differential equations with disturbance-dependent noises.
Safety Assessment of Recycled Plastics from Post-Consumer Waste with a Combination of a Miniaturized Ames Test and Chromatographic Analysis
Authors: Mayrhofer Elisa , Prielinger Lukas , Sharp Victor , Rainer Bernhard , Kirchnawy Christian , Rung Christian , Gruner Anita , Juric Mladen , Springer Arielle
Published: November 2023

European circular economy goals require the use of recycled polymers in sensitive applications such as food packaging. As plastic recyclates can contain unknown post-consumer substances, the European Food Safety Authority evaluates recycling processes using a worst-case assumption: all contaminants are DNA-reactive mutagens/carcinogens with extremely low safety thresholds. The current data are insufficient to estimate whether this assumption is justified. To provide scientific evidence on the presence of DNA-reactive mutagens in recycled plastics, 119 input and output samples from plastic recycling were tested with a miniaturized Ames test. DNA-reactive mutagens were not detected in recycled polyethylene terephthalate, which is already approved for food contact. However, other types of recycled plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), which are currently unauthorized for food contact, showed DNA-reactive, mutagenic effects in a total of 51 samples. The DNA-reactive substances that are responsible for the detected mutagenic activity could not be identified by comparison of the bioassay data with analytical results from a chromatographical screening. The data from the Ames test analysis of different independent batches and a comparison of input and output material indicate that the DNA-reactive contaminants are not randomly introduced through the misuse of recycled packaging by consumers, but are systematically formed during the recycling process from precursors in the input. This publication highlights the need to identify the source for this critical contaminant to enable the future use of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene in sensitive applications.
The Use of a Droplet Collar Accessory Attached to a Portable near Infrared Instrument to Identify Methanol Contamination in Whisky
Authors: Kolobaric Adam , Orrell-Trigg Rebecca , Orloff Seth , Fraser Vanessa , Chapman James , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a droplet collar accessory attached to a portable near-infrared (NIR) instrument to characterize the artificial contamination of methanol in commercial whisky samples. Unadulterated samples (n = 12) were purchased from local bottle shops where adulterated samples were created by adding methanol (99% pure methanol) at six levels (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% v/v) to the commercial whisky samples (controls). Samples were analyzed using a drop collar accessory attached to a MicroNIR Onsite instrument (900–1650 nm). Partial least squares (PLS) cross-validation statistics obtained for the prediction of all levels of methanol (from 0 to 5%) addition were considered adequate when the whole adulteration range was used, coefficient of determination in cross-validation (R2cv: 0.95) and standard error in cross of validation (SECV: 0.35% v/v). The cross-validation statistics were R2cv: 0.97, SECV: 0.28% v/v after the 0.5% and 1% v/v methanol addition was removed. These results showed the ability of using a new sample presentation attachment to a portable NIR instrument to analyze the adulteration of whisky with methanol. However, the low levels of methanol adulteration (0.5 and 1%) were not well predicted using the NIR method evaluated.
Hybrid Deep Learning Techniques for Securing Bioluminescent Interfaces in Internet of Bio Nano Things
Authors: Bakhshi Taimur , Zafar Sidra
Published: November 2023

The Internet of bio-nano things (IoBNT) is an emerging paradigm employing nanoscale (~1–100 nm) biological transceivers to collect in vivo signaling information from the human body and communicate it to healthcare providers over the Internet. Bio-nano-things (BNT) offer external actuation of in-body molecular communication (MC) for targeted drug delivery to otherwise inaccessible parts of the human tissue. BNTs are inter-connected using chemical diffusion channels, forming an in vivo bio-nano network, connected to an external ex vivo environment such as the Internet using bio-cyber interfaces. Bio-luminescent bio-cyber interfacing (BBI) has proven to be promising in realizing IoBNT systems due to their non-obtrusive and low-cost implementation. BBI security, however, is a key concern during practical implementation since Internet connectivity exposes the interfaces to external threat vectors, and accurate classification of anomalous BBI traffic patterns is required to offer mitigation. However, parameter complexity and underlying intricate correlations among BBI traffic characteristics limit the use of existing machine-learning (ML) based anomaly detection methods typically requiring hand-crafted feature designing. To this end, the present work investigates the employment of deep learning (DL) algorithms allowing dynamic and scalable feature engineering to discriminate between normal and anomalous BBI traffic. During extensive validation using singular and multi-dimensional models on the generated dataset, our hybrid convolutional and recurrent ensemble (CNN + LSTM) reported an accuracy of approximately ~93.51% over other deep and shallow structures. Furthermore, employing a hybrid DL network allowed automated extraction of normal as well as temporal features in BBI data, eliminating manual selection and crafting of input features for accurate prediction. Finally, we recommend deployment primitives of the extracted optimal classifier in conventional intrusion detection systems as well as evolving non-Von Neumann architectures for real-time anomaly detection.
Optimal Conditions for a Multimode Laser Diode with Delayed Optical Feedback in Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Wada Kenji , Kitagawa Tokihiro , Matsuyama Tetsuya , Okamoto Koichi , Kuwashima Fumiyoshi
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have indicated that terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) can stably and efficiently acquire output spectra using an affordable and compact multimode laser diode (MMLD) with delayed optical feedback as the light source. This research focused on a numerical analysis of the optimal conditions for employing an MMLD with delayed optical feedback (a chaotic oscillating laser diode) in THz-TDS utilizing multimode rate equations. The findings revealed that the intermittent chaotic output generated by the MMLD, characterized by concurrent picosecond pulse oscillations lasting several tens of picoseconds, proved to be highly effective for THz-TDS. By appropriately setting the amounts for the injection current and optical feedback and the delay time for the optical feedback, intermittent chaotic oscillation could be attained within a considerably broad parameter range. The generation of intermittent chaotic oscillations was confirmed by observing their characteristic asymmetric spectral shapes. Moreover, both the MMLD output spectrum and the THz-TDS output spectrum exhibited consistently stable shapes at the microsecond scale, demonstrating the attractor properties inherent in an MMLD with delayed optical feedback.
Interpretation and Spatiotemporal Analysis of Terraces in the Yellow River Basin Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Li Zishuo , Tian Jia , Ya Qian , Feng Xuejuan , Wang Yingxuan , Ren Yi , Wu Guowei
Published: November 2023

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is a crucial ecological zone and an environmentally vulnerable region in China. Understanding the temporal and spatial trends of terraced-field areas (TRAs) and the factors underlying them in the YRB is essential for improving land use, conserving water resources, promoting biodiversity, and preserving cultural heritage. In this study, we employed machine learning on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to obtain spatial distribution images of TRAs from 1990 to 2020 using Landsat 5 (1990–2010) and Landsat 8 (2015–2020) remote sensing data. The GeoDa software (software version number is 1.20.0.) platform was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis, revealing distinct spatial clustering patterns. Mixed linear and random forest models were constructed to identify the driving force factors behind TRA changes. The research findings reveal that TRAs were primarily concentrated in the upper and middle reaches of the YRB, encompassing provinces such as Shaanxi, Shanxi, Qinghai, and Gansu, with areas exceeding 40,000 km2, whereas other provinces had TRAs of less than 30,000 km2 in total. The TRAs exhibited a relatively stable trend, with provinces such as Gansu, Qinghai, and Shaanxi showing an overall upward trajectory. Conversely, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia demonstrated an overall declining trend. When compared with other provinces, the variations in TRAs in Ningxia, Shandong, Sichuan, and Henan appeared to be more stable. The linear mixed model (LMM) revealed that farmland, shrubs, and grassland had significant positive effects on the TRAs, explaining 41.6% of the variance. The random forest model also indicated positive effects for these factors, with high R2 values of 0.984 and 0.864 for the training and testing sets, respectively, thus outperforming the LMM. The findings of this study can contribute to the restoration of the YRB’s ecosystem and support sustainable development. The insights gained will be valuable for policymaking and decision support in soil and water conservation, agricultural planning, and environmental protection in the region.
The Quantification of Carbon Footprints in the Agri-Food Sector and Future Trends for Carbon Sequestration: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cammarata Mariarita , Timpanaro Giuseppe , Incardona Salvatore , La Via Giovanni , Scuderi Alessandro
Published: November 2023

The growing need for mitigation of GHG emissions generated by the agri-food sector and the production of sufficient, quality food for the growing population, play a prominent role in the planning of global policies and economies. The determination of damaging practices to be reviewed or avoided is achieved by quantifying their Carbon Footprint (CF). With respect to these needs, our research area is the available literature analysing the CF of agri-food products from a life cycle perspective. The reduced availability of studies using this approach results in the lack of a solid basis for the agri-food sector to make a change from in production processes. Quantifying CFs offers the opportunity to act at the most impactful stages of a product’s life cycle. In addition to producing products sustainably, it would allow operators in the sector to integrate additional sources of income, through, for instance, participation in the voluntary carbon market or simply by obtaining a premium price for environmental friendly products. The main objective of the study is therefore to understand how the literature deals with the quantification of food CFs, which methodologies it adopts and what insights it provides for future studies that can help policy makers and the sector in question. The review was conducted by applying the PRISMA methodology, which offers guidelines for proper data collection in a literature review. For this purpose, the search was conducted on the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The literature considered highlighted an important historical path in the world of international CF standards with the transition from the ISO/TS 14067 technical specification to the ISO 14067 international standard. However, the range of products analysed is small and no comparative studies on the results obtained by different standards were found. Again, the literature on the subject does not take into account consumer perceptions of low-carbon products nor the economic perspectives of operators. The information we have obtained from our study provides a solid basis for future research, which should focus on increasing the number of agri-food products analysed and examining which parts of the production cycle need improvement. This also opens the door to future research scenarios concerning possible alternative sources of income for those who produce in a carbon-neutral manner and the benefits for consumers willing to buy them.
The Influence of Gamification on High School Students’ Motivation in Geometry Lessons
Authors: Fuentes-Riffo Karina , Salcedo-Lagos Pedro , Sanhueza-Campos Cristian , Pinacho-Davidson Pedro , Friz-Carrillo Miguel , Kotz-Grabole Gabriela , Espejo-Burkart Fabiola
Published: November 2023

The primary aim of this study is to introduce a didactic programme that incorporates gamification in geometry classes for high school students. The purpose of this programme is to boost students’ motivation towards learning. In the present educational scenario, the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) is paramount. Gamification has the potential to enhance the learning process by integrating game elements into non-game environments. This approach is deemed necessary as emotional factors in teaching may not lead to meaningful learning and improved academic performance. The research methodology employed a mixed approach and a pre-experimental design with pre- and post-test measurements. The sample comprised 45 10th grade students from a subsidised private high school in the Biobío Region of Chile. The study took 10 months and evaluated the factors of motivation, academic achievement, and lexical availability. Results showed a 23% increment in students’ knowledge, as proven by pre- and post-tests. The findings suggest an improvement in students’ perception regarding geometry and a significant improvement in academic performance. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that there is a noteworthy correlation between the group’s overall motivation and their academic performance, supporting gamification as an effective pedagogical strategy.
In Vitro Cytocompatibility Assessment of Novel 3D Chitin/Glucan- and Cellulose-Based Decellularized Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering
Authors: Narayanan Kannan Badri , Bhaskar Rakesh , Kim Hyunjin , Han Sung Soo
Published: November 2023

Background: Naturally derived sustainable biomaterials with high flexibility, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and the ability to manipulate surface chemistry, providing a natural cellular environment, can be used for tissue engineering applications. However, only a few researchers have demonstrated the exploitation of natural architectures for constructing three-dimensional scaffolds. The chemical decellularization technique for fabricating natural scaffolds and their cytocompatibility assessment for tissue engineering applications need to be thoroughly explored and evaluated. Methods: Decellularization of natural scaffolds has been performed via a chemical method using anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) which was used for the in vitro culturing of murine embryonic NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Techniques such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), compressive testing and swelling ratio, and biodegradation were performed to characterize the properties of fabricated decellularized natural scaffolds. Nucleic acid quantification, DAPI, and H&E staining were performed to confirm the removal of nuclear components. In vitro cytocompatibility and live/dead staining assays were performed to evaluate cultured fibroblasts’ metabolic activity and qualitative visualization. Results: 3D chitin/glucan- and cellulose-based scaffolds from edible mushroom (stem) (DMS) and unripe jujube fruit tissue (DUJF) were fabricated using the chemical decellularization technique. FE-SEM shows anisotropic microchannels of highly microporous structures for DMS and isotropic and uniformly arranged microporous structures with shallow cell cavities for DUJF. Both scaffolds exhibited good mechanical properties for skin tissue engineering and DUJF showed a higher compressive strength (200 kPa) than DMS (88.3 kPa). It was shown that the DUJF scaffold had a greater swelling capacity than the DMS scaffold under physiological conditions. At 28 days of incubation, DUJF and DMS displayed approximately 14.97 and 15.06% biodegradation, respectively. In addition, DUJF had greater compressive strength than DMS. Compared to DMS scaffolds, which had a compressive stress of 0.088 MPa at a 74.2% strain, the DUJF scaffolds had a greater compressive strength of 0.203 MPa at a 73.6% strain. The removal of nuclear DNA in the decellularized scaffolds was confirmed via nucleic acid quantification, DAPI, and H&E staining. Furthermore, both of these scaffolds showed good adherence, proliferation, and migration of fibroblasts. DMS showed better biocompatibility and high viability of cells than DUJF. Conclusions: This sustainable scaffold fabrication strategy is an alternative to conventional synthetic approaches for the in vitro 3D culture of mammalian cells for various tissue engineering and cultured meat applications.
Protected Natural Areas and Ecotourism—Priority Strategies for Future Development in Selected Serbian Case Studies
Authors: Cvetković Milena , Brankov Jovana , Ćurčić Nevena , Pavlović Sanja , Dobričić Milica , Tretiakova Tatiana N.
Published: November 2023

This research deals with the evaluation of tourist attractions in selected protected areas (PAs) in Serbia for the purpose of developing ecotourism. Using the integral AHP-SWOT method, two authentic mountain areas were analyzed—Stara Planina Nature Park and Suva Planina Special Nature Reserve. The results confirmed the presence of numerous natural and, to a lesser extent, anthropogenic resources that represent the basis for the future ecotourism activities. However, significant weaknesses were also registered, which are reflected in overall poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure and depopulation. The analysis also showed that the highest rated factors for the development of ecotourism are local products that should be offered on the regional market, as well as the use of the geographical position of both areas (near the state border) through the use of donor funds (IPA funds). The application of the AHP-SWOT method enabled the definition and prioritization of several development strategies, of which the ones with the greatest weight are based on the use of the variegated biodiversity of both PAs. This research advances knowledge about strategic decision-making in PAs and could be beneficial to destination managers for the creation of successful strategic plans. Results suggest that future actions should be aimed at maximizing the detected advantages, which means creating an appropriate development policy, drafting legislation, encouraging social mobilization activities and determining the institutional elements for the development and management of ecotourism.
Two-Objective Optimization of a Cogeneration System Based on a Gas Turbine Integrated with Solar-Assisted Rankine and Absorption Refrigeration Cycles
Authors: Javaherian Amirreza , Ghasemi Sadaf , Seyed Mahmoudi Seyed Mohammad , Rosen Marc A. , Sadeghi Mohsen
Published: November 2023

The current study investigates a cogeneration system based on a gas turbine, integrated with a Rankine cycle and an absorption refrigeration cycle, considering energy and exergy perspectives. The fuel used in the gas turbine’s combustion chamber is obtained through biomass gasification, specifically using wood as the biomass fuel. To enhance the system’s performance, solar energy is utilized to preheat the working fluid in the Rankine cycle, reducing the energy required in the heat recovery steam generator. Additionally, an absorption refrigeration cycle is incorporated to recover waste heat from exhaust gases and improve the plant’s exergy efficiency. A two-objective optimization is conducted to determine the optimal operating conditions of the proposed system, considering exergy efficiency and carbon dioxide emission index as criteria. The case study reveals that the gasifier and combustion chamber contribute the most to system irreversibility, accounting for 46.7% and 22.9% of the total exergy destruction rate, respectively. A parametric study is performed to assess the impact of compression ratio, turbine bleed steam pressure, gas turbine inlet temperature, and solar share (the ratio of energy received by solar collectors to biomass fuel input energy) on system performance. The findings demonstrate that maximum energy and exergy efficiencies of the power generation system are achieved at a pressure ratio of 10. Furthermore, a 1% reduction in the gas turbine’s compression pressure ratio can be compensated by a 9.3% increase in the solar share within the steam Rankine cycle.
Viability of Living Moss for Indoor Green Walls: A Study on Temperature, Humidity, and Irrigation
Authors: Zechmeister Harald G. , Möslinger Leonie , Korjenic Azra , Streit Erich , Sulejmanovski Abdulah , Frank Patrick Niklas , Hummel Esther
Published: November 2023

There is an increasing demand for green plant walls in indoor environments because of their multifaced benefits, such as aesthetic appeal, indoor air quality improvement, or psychological well-being. Mosses are believed to be excellent for these walls due to their easy application and maintenance. However, so far there is no evidence for their indoor survival. In this study, we tested the moss species Hypnum cupressiforme, Bryachythecium rutabulum, Eurrhynchium angustirete, Thuidium tamariscinum, Streblotrichum convolutum, Syntrichia ruralis, and Ceratodon purpureus for indoor use in living moss walls. We evaluated their vitality through the monitoring of leaf coloration over a twelve month period, subjecting them to varying temperature ranges (14–20 °C), humidity levels (60–100%), and diverse irrigation methods (drip and spray irrigation, 300–1500 mL per day) within controlled climate chambers. Depending on the combination of these variables, mosses survived up to six months. Hypnum cupressiforme and Ceratodon purpureus performed best. However, as the time span of survival was limited, the use of living mosses for indoor purposes at the current stage cannot be recommended. An additional problem is that the requisition of living material such as in the culturing of moss under horticultural conditions is difficult and harvesting from natural environments is detrimental to most habitats.
Strategies and Actions for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Portuguese Residential Buildings by 2050
Authors: Reis Daniel Costa , De Domenico Anita Tan , Lopes Lucas , Almeida Manuela
Published: November 2023

As a crucial step in addressing the climate emergency and enhancing energy security, the European Union has set ambitious targets to decarbonise its economy by 2050. While the building sector plays a pivotal role in this transition, being accountable for 36% of the EU’s total carbon emissions, it shows a renovation rate below 1% per year, which is clearly insufficient. To address this challenge, this study uses the cost-optimal methodology from private and social perspectives to assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of five renovation packages with passive and active solutions currently available on the Portuguese market. The results demonstrated that from both perspectives, optimal combinations of market solutions were generally cost-effective and could lead to a 90–99% reduction in energy needs and even to zero carbon levels. Nevertheless, beyond cost-effectiveness, consideration of co-benefits, e.g., social and health improvements, is also crucial, requiring government action. To drive these essential changes, effective policy measures are imperative. Recommendations encompass robust regulatory frameworks, financial support mechanisms, knowledge dissemination, and a shift towards broader-scale renovation. For carbon reduction to be economically attractive, fostering innovative business models and leveraging legal instruments to tackle complex scenarios are needed.
The Relationship between AI Adoption Intensity and Internal Control System and Accounting Information Quality
Authors: Monteiro Albertina , Cepêda Catarina , Da Silva Amélia Cristina Ferreira , Vale Joana
Published: November 2023

This study develops an empirical model for accounting information systems’ quality. The paper identifies the manufacturing industry, intensity of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and internal control system quality as critical factors for the accounting information system quality. It empirically tests their relative importance, as well as the interrelationships between each variable. We use technology domain theory as a theoretical lens because it encompasses key interrelationships between technology, organization science and cognitive processes necessary to explain the complex relationship between different organizational artifacts. A survey was conducted using managers of 381 firms from different economic sectors. The findings demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between the intensity of AI adoption and the manufacturing industry and the internal control system quality, which in turn contributes to the accounting information system quality.