bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Daily Routines for Early Detection of Cool Executive Delays: Validating the EFORTS Questionnaire
Authors: Frisch Carmit , Rosenblum Sara
Published: October 2024

Bakground: The early identification of executive function (EF) delays should involve parental reports on children’s executive control in daily activities, capturing both “hot” and “cool” executive functions. This study aimed to revalidate the reliability and validity of the Executive Functions and Occupational Routines Scale (EFORTS) and examine whether it represents both hot and cool EFs Methods: Parents of 971 children (469 boys) aged 3 to 11 years (M = 6.08, SD = 1.8) completed the EFORTS and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions/Preschool version (BRIEF/P). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis led to re–reestablishing the EFORTS daily functional routines with high internal consistency values (0.82–0.93). Results: Significant correlations were revealed between the EFORTS daily function subscales and various BRIEF/P “hot” and “cool” executive scales. Again, divided into three executive subscales, the EFORTS items showed medium-high internal reliability (α = 0.79–0.93). Significant age-related differences were demonstrated in the children’s EFs in three age groups: 3.0–5.11, 6.0–7.11, 8.0–11.11. Conclusions: The results suggest that EFORTS effectively assesses children’s executive control over daily functions, capturing both “cool” and “hot” EFs, making it a reliable tool for early detection of executive delays prior to formal schooling.
Motor and Cognitive Trajectories in Infants and Toddlers with and at Risk of Cerebral Palsy Following a Community-Based Intervention
Authors: Baduni Kanishka , McIntyre Allison , Kjeldsen Caitlin P. , Marra Larken R. , Kjeldsen William C. , Murphy Melissa M. , Khan Owais A. , He Zhulin , Limpose Kristin , Maitre Nathalie L.
Published: October 2024

Background: Early motor development is fundamental in driving cognitive skill acquisition. Motor delays in children with cerebral palsy (CP) often limit exploratory behaviors, decreasing opportunities or the quality of cognitive development, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. This study aimed to assess immediate and 5-month motor and cognitive changes in infants and toddlers at risk of or with CP after participation in a community-based program. Methods: Twenty-two children (mean age: 22 ± 7 months) classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and mini-Manual Ability Classification System (mini-MACS) participated in a 6-day community-based activity program, with outcomes assessed using the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC-2). Results: Participants who met their motor goals post-participation had significantly higher cognitive scores (p = 0.006) 5 months after the program. Participants with higher functional motor abilities (GMFCS levels I–II, p = 0.052; mini-MACS levels I–II, p = 0.004) demonstrated better cognitive scores at 5 months, adjusted for baseline scores, than those with lower functional motor abilities. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of motor improvements following an evidence-based community program on later cognitive development. Prospective studies investigating the mechanisms and mediation of cognitive progress in children with CP should investigate the effects of early motor interventions on long-term developmental trajectories.
Bowel Function Score in Long-Term Follow-Up for Children with Hirschsprung Disease: OASIS-Holistic Care in Hirschsprung Disease Network Position Paper
Authors: Lindert Judith , Hoel Anders Telle , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Curry Joe I. , Loukogeorgakis Stavros , Amerstorfer Eva
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The assessment of bowel function in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) remains controversial, as several different bowel function scores are used in the literature and are therefore not suitable for reliable comparison. Conference Section: The OASIS-Holistic Care in Hirschsprung Disease Network Group addressed this issue and evaluated the most commonly used scores for their utility in HD patients. Scoping Review and Expert Group Consensus were performed. It was agreed that the ideal score for patients with Hirschsprung disease should be a comprehensive, validated score that allows reliable assessment of bowel function and continence, depicts changes according to management and natural history, and quantifies baseline parameters. This score should also enable comparisons of bowel function in patients born with HD worldwide. Concluding Remarks: The OASIS-Holistic Care in Hirschsprung Disease Network Group agreed that this ideal score does not yet exist and is therefore a future goal of the group. Meanwhile, clinicians should use a score for comparable, standardized, objective assessment, and the Rintala Score is suggested. Future developments may also lead to easily accessible patient-reported outcome measures and semi-automated dashboards that allow automated data extraction from electronic health records.
Evaluation Indexes of Skid Resistance of Epoxy Chip Seal Based on Texture Features at Different Scales
Authors: Li Kaiyi , Wang Min , Wang Jie , Lv Hui , Deng Yongzhou
Published: October 2024

Epoxy chip seals are widely used to improve the skid resistance of cement concrete pavements, which is significantly affected by surface texture. However, current methods for characterizing the surface texture structure are not precise, and the standard is not uniform. Therefore, a high-toughness modified epoxy resin chip seal structure was developed to conduct an indoor accelerated abrasion test. The elevation data of the epoxy chip seal under different abrasion times and different abrasion loads were obtained using laser scanning, and the Density/Sharpness combination parameters were obtained using the Hilbert–Huang transform and spectral analysis. The correlation between the texture parameters and the dynamic friction coefficient was analyzed using a stepwise multivariate quadratic polynomial method. The results showed that the texture structure of the epoxy chip seal surface is positively distributed, and the macroscopic texture occupies 49.45%, while the probability of the microscopic texture is only 4.55%. Meanwhile, the correlation coefficient between the texture parameters and the dynamic friction coefficient is 0.9307, which demonstrates that the selected texture parameters discard the texture components unrelated to skid resistance performance and reflect the distribution of the pavement texture and the skid resistance performance well.
Cutting Through History: The Evolution of Glioblastoma Surgery
Authors: Ishaque Abdullah H. , Das Sunit
Published: October 2024

Despite significant advancements in neuro-oncology, management of glioblastoma remains a formidable challenge. Over the last century, the role and goals of surgery for patients with glioblastoma have evolved dramatically, with surgical intervention maintaining a central role in patient care. To understand the future role of surgery in the management of glioblastoma, we must review and appreciate the historical journey that has led us to this juncture. Here, we provide an overview of this evolution and speak about anticipated changes in the future. “Certainly we cannot hope to solve the glioblastoma problem by throwing up our hands and saying there is nothing we can do. On the contrary, the solution lies in our constantly pressing on, making more and more strenuous efforts to remove these tumors, and not allowing ourselves to be deterred by any obstacles that lie in our path.”—Ernest Sachs, 1950.
Predicting Breast Cancer Relapse from Histopathological Images with Ensemble Machine Learning Models
Authors: Sahoo Ghanashyam , Nayak Ajit Kumar , Tripathy Pradyumna Kumar , Panigrahi Amrutanshu , Pati Abhilash , Sahu Bibhuprasad , Mahanty Chandrakanta , Mallik Saurav
Published: October 2024

Relapse and metastasis occur in 30–40% of breast cancer patients, even after targeted treatments like trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer. Accurate individual prognosis is essential for determining appropriate adjuvant treatment and early intervention. This study aims to enhance relapse and metastasis prediction using an innovative framework with machine learning (ML) and ensemble learning (EL) techniques. The developed framework is analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, which has 123 HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Our two-stage experimental approach first applied six basic ML models (support vector machine, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, adaptive boosting, and extreme gradient boosting) and then ensembled these models using weighted averaging, soft voting, and hard voting techniques. The weighted averaging ensemble approach achieved enhanced performances of 88.46% accuracy, 89.74% precision, 94.59% sensitivity, 73.33% specificity, 92.11% F-Value, 71.07% Mathew’s correlation coefficient, and an AUC of 0.903. This framework enables the accurate prediction of relapse and metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer patients using H&E images and clinical data, thereby assisting in better treatment decision-making.
The Efficacy of MRI-Based ADC Measurements in Detecting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis: Evaluation of a Prospective Study
Authors: Türkeş Faruk , Dere Özcan , Dinç Funda , Yazkan Cenk , Özcan Önder , Nazlı Okay
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MRI-based Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) measurements in detecting axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. By comparing preoperative MRI findings with intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and postoperative pathological results, we sought to explore the potential of ADC values as a non-invasive alternative to axillary interventions. Methods: A total of 104 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2019 and 2021 were included in this prospective study. ADC values of axillary lymph nodes, tumors, and muscle tissues were measured using a 3T MRI system. The correlation between these measurements and pathological outcomes was analyzed. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and ROC curve analysis, were employed to assess the diagnostic performance of ADC values. Results: The results indicated that, while the mean ADC values of metastatic lymph nodes were lower than those of benign nodes, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI-based ADC measurements were inferior to the expected standards. The tumor ADC value and the tumor-to-lymph node ADC ratio were found to be more reliable indicators of metastasis than the lymph node ADC value alone. The diagnostic power of the tumor ADC value was significant, with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 73%. Conclusions: MRI-based ADC measurements, particularly the tumor ADC value and the tumor-to-lymph node ADC ratio, show promise as potential non-invasive markers for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. However, the current results suggest that ADC measurements cannot yet replace SLNB in clinical practice.
The Impact of Tube Type, Centrifugation Conditions, and Hemolysis on Plasma Circulating MicroRNAs
Authors: Pastor-Navarro Belén , Ramírez-Calvo Marta , Gil-Aldea Isabel , Cortell-Granero Isabel , López-Guerrero José A.
Published: October 2024

Background: In recent years, liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of numerous diseases, including cancer. Among the biomolecules analyzed in liquid biopsies are plasma circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that have proven to be crucial in the regulation of gene expression and the pathobiology of different health conditions, making them useful as biomarkers. However, variations in preanalytical conditions during biospecimen collection and processing can affect the analytical results. Objectives: Herein, we determined how the type of collection tube, the number of centrifugations, and the degree of hemolysis can affect plasma circulating miRNA levels. Methods: A cohort of 11 healthy donors was included. Whole blood was collected and handled in three different conditions, and miRNAs levels were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Our results show that the differences in the type of preservative tubes influence hemolysis, measured as OD at 414 nm. Moreover, the number of centrifugations performed also altered miRNAs levels, increasing or decreasing them depending on the miRNA analyzed. Hence, our study shows that alterations in preanalytical conditions affect miRNAs levels, particularly the number of centrifugations and the type of collection tubes. Conclusions: In our work, we highlight the importance of registering the preanalytical conditions in a standardized way that might be considered when analytical results are obtained.
Fetal Cortical Abnormalities Identified on Ultrasound
Authors: Rosner Mara , Reed Casey , Tekes Aylin , Goodman Lindsey N. , Jelin Angie C. , Miller Jena L. , Kush Michelle L. , Baschat Ahmet A. , Sun Lisa R. , DeMay Jessica M. , Baranano Kristin
Published: October 2024

Normal neuronal cell differentiation and migration is critical to brain formation, is rapidly occurring as the fetal brain develops, and peaks at the time of the routine ultrasound anatomic survey. Abnormalities in cortical migration can signify an underlying genetic abnormality or other fetal injury that can have a profound impact on future development. Although cortical migration peaks at 20–22 weeks, cortical migration abnormalities are rarely diagnosed at the time of the anatomic survey. We describe three cases of fetal cortical abnormalities in which prenatal ultrasound imaging was instrumental to making a prompt and accurate diagnosis in the mid-trimester and for guiding clinical counseling.
Relationship Between Altered Plasma-Free Amino Acid Levels and Hyperuricemia in Dyslipidemia Without and With Hypertension
Authors: Watanabe Rie , Mahbub M. H. , Yamaguchi Natsu , Hase Ryosuke , Wada Sunao , Tanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2024

Background: Investigating the association between plasma-free amino acids (PFAAs) and hyperuricemia (HU) in dyslipidemia (DL) and dyslipidemia with hypertension (DH) is crucial, as it could provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of these conditions and contribute to the development of targeted prevention and management strategies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the associations between PFAAs and HU in individuals with DL and DH. Methods: We quantified PFAAs and uric acid levels among Japanese healthy subjects (n = 1311; HU, n = 57), subjects with DL (n = 1483; HU, n = 219), and subjects with DH (n = 1159; HU, n = 237). Results: The concentrations of most PFAAs showed significant differences between subjects without and with HU across all groups (p < 0.05 to 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression analyses revealed that certain PFAAs were consistently positively or negatively associated with HU across all groups. Specifically, in the DL group, alanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine showed significant positive associations with HU, while in the DH group, citrulline and glutamate exhibited similar positive associations (p < 0.05 to 0.001). Conversely, threonine in the healthy group (p < 0.05) and glutamine in the DL group (p < 0.05) demonstrated significant inverse associations with HU. Conclusions: This study revealed a potential close relationship between alterations in PFAA profiles and HU in dyslipidemia, without and with hypertension. The findings warrant further research to elucidate the role of altered amino acid and uric acid levels as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
YOLO-DroneMS: Multi-Scale Object Detection Network for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Images
Authors: Zhao Xueqiang , Chen Yangbo
Published: October 2024

In recent years, research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has developed rapidly. Compared to traditional remote-sensing images, UAV images exhibit complex backgrounds, high resolution, and large differences in object scales. Therefore, UAV object detection is an essential yet challenging task. This paper proposes a multi-scale object detection network, namely YOLO-DroneMS (You Only Look Once for Drone Multi-Scale Object), for UAV images. Targeting the pivotal connection between the backbone and neck, the Large Separable Kernel Attention (LSKA) mechanism is adopted with the Spatial Pyramid Pooling Factor (SPPF), where weighted processing of multi-scale feature maps is performed to focus more on features. And Attentional Scale Sequence Fusion DySample (ASF-DySample) is introduced to perform attention scale sequence fusion and dynamic upsampling to conserve resources. Then, the faster cross-stage partial network bottleneck with two convolutions (named C2f) in the backbone is optimized using the Inverted Residual Mobile Block and Dilated Reparam Block (iRMB-DRB), which balances the advantages of dynamic global modeling and static local information fusion. This optimization effectively increases the model’s receptive field, enhancing its capability for downstream tasks. By replacing the original CIoU with WIoUv3, the model prioritizes anchoring boxes of superior quality, dynamically adjusting weights to enhance detection performance for small objects. Experimental findings on the VisDrone2019 dataset demonstrate that at an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.5, YOLO-DroneMS achieves a 3.6% increase in mAP@50 compared to the YOLOv8n model. Moreover, YOLO-DroneMS exhibits improved detection speed, increasing the number of frames per second (FPS) from 78.7 to 83.3. The enhanced model supports diverse target scales and achieves high recognition rates, making it well-suited for drone-based object detection tasks, particularly in scenarios involving multiple object clusters.
Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
Authors: Petchamé Josep , Iriondo Ignasi , Torné Odalys , Solanellas Francesc
Published: October 2024

This article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that facilitates knowledge acquisition in addition to enhancing diverse learning outcomes such as teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis, or communication skills. This study aims to present the students’ perceptions once they have undertaken the whole subject, to better understand the different positive and negative elements associated with PjBL implementation according to their opinions. Students’ perceptions of PjBL were obtained through a survey utilizing the Bipolar Laddering (BLA) technique, which allows them to identify their experiences in terms of both beneficial and challenging aspects, as well as potential improvements to their experiences. On one hand, the most relevant findings on their PjBL experience assessed as positive are presented as follows: to work by themselves on a real project related to the working world; to be able to apply the theoretical topics explained during the class sessions; to have highly talented instructors; to experience a very dynamic and effective way of learning; to give a final presentation to their classmates and the instructors; and to work in groups. On the other hand, when analyzing the core negative perceptions, the following ones were highlighted by the surveyed students: undertaking just a single project; having an overly theoretical context; and having too much freedom, which could lead to confusion.
Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Teaching–Learning Sequence on Heat Conduction
Authors: Valkanou Eleni-Maria , Starakis Ioannis , Zoupidis Anastasios
Published: October 2024

A review of the literature on students’ ideas about thermal concepts and phenomena indicates that primary students tend to associate material properties with the concept of heat and perceive water and air as good heat conductors. These ideas appear to represent a significant obstacle to the conceptual understanding of heat conduction. In this study, a Teaching–Learning Sequence on heat conduction was designed and implemented in order to capture students’ learning pathways while they were taught the phenomenon in question. This study was carried out using the Teaching Experiment method on twelve fifth graders. Qualitative methods were used for the data analysis. The results indicated specific learning pathways through which students could construct elements of the scientifically accepted view of heat conduction. Although, initially, all the students attributed material properties to the concept of heat, at the end of the sequence, the majority were able to provide explanations of the phenomenon that were more aligned with the scientific perspective. The major obstacles encountered by students in their learning pathways and strategies for overcoming them were identified. Additionally, significant findings emerged that could inform the enrichment of the sequence in a potential re-implementation.
Rethinking Data Democratization: Holistic Approaches Versus Universal Frameworks
Authors: Džanko Ena , Kozina Katarina , Cero Lamia , Marijić Antonijo , Horvat Marko
Published: October 2024

Data democratization (DD) is a new concept rapidly becoming a game-changer, enabling companies to innovate and maintain a competitive edge in a data-driven world. This paper explores the evolution of data accessibility, from the early days of manual record-keeping to the sophisticated data management systems of today. The evolution from transactional databases to data warehouses marked a shift toward centralized data management and specialized teams, supporting the standard principles of DD contexts such as data governance (DG), privacy, management, usability, accessibility, and literacy. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of data access, from manual record-keeping to the modern data management systems of today, focusing on the challenges related to data privacy and security, integration of legacy systems, and the cultural shift required to embrace a data-driven mindset. This paper also explores both universal and holistic approaches to DD, assessing the challenges, benefits, and possibilities of their applications. An overview of industry-specific cases is included in the paper to provide practical insights that would contribute to understanding the most effective approach to data democratization.
Short-Term Power Load Forecasting Method Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm, Variational Mode Decomposition, and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Wen Ming , Liu Bo , Zhong Hao , Yu Zongchao , Chen Changqing , Yang Xian , Dai Xueying , Chen Lisi
Published: October 2024

A short-term power load forecasting method is proposed based on an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA), Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), and Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory (BiLSTM) neural network. First, the SSA is optimized by combining Tent chaotic mapping, reverse learning, and dynamic step adjustment strategy, and the VMD mode number and penalty factor are optimized by ISSA. Secondly, the initial load sequence is decomposed into several Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) components using ISSA-VMD. The effective modal components are screened by Wasserstein Distance (WD) between IMF and the original signal probability density. Then, the effective modal components are reconstructed by the Improved Multi-scale Fast Sample Entropy (IMFSE) algorithm. Finally, the extracted features and IMF were input into the ISSA-BiLSTM model as input vectors for prediction.
Surface Passivation to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Hayeon , Li Dawen
Published: October 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from a quick efficiency drop after fabrication, partly due to surface defects, and efficiency can be further enhanced with the passivation of surface defects. Herein, surface passivation is reviewed as a method to improve both the stability and efficiency of PSCs, with an emphasis on the chemical mechanism of surface passivation. Various molecules are utilized as surface passivants, such as halides, Lewis acids and bases, amines (some result in low-dimensional perovskite), and polymers. Multifunctional molecules are a promising group of passivants, as they are capable of passivating multiple defects with various functional groups. This review categorizes these passivants, in addition to considering the potential and limitations of each type of passivant. Additionally, surface passivants for Sn-based PSCs are discussed since this group of PSCs has poor photovoltaic performance compared to their lead-based counterpart due to their severe surface defects. Lastly, future perspectives on the usage of surface passivation as a method to improve the photovoltaic performance of PSCs are addressed to provide a direction for upcoming research and practical applications.
Supply Chain Management in Smart City Manufacturing Clusters: An Alternative Approach to Urban Freight Mobility with Electric Vehicles
Authors: Deja Agnieszka , Ślączka Wojciech , Kaup Magdalena , Szołtysek Jacek , Dzhuguryan Lyudmyla , Dzhuguryan Tygran
Published: October 2024

The development of green production types such as personalized production and shared manufacturing, which use additive technologies in city multifloor manufacturing clusters (CMFMCs), has led to an increase in last-mile parcel delivery (LMPD) activity. This study investigates the integration of electric vehicles and crowdshipping systems into smart CMMCs to improve urban logistics operations related to the distribution of products to consumers. The aim of this study is to improve the LMPD performance of these integrated systems and to provide alternative solutions for sustainable city logistics using the potential of crowdshipping and vehicle sharing fleets (VSFs) in the city logistics nodes (CLNs) of CMFMCs. The issues presented by the loading–unloading operations and sustainable crowdshipping scenarios for LMPD in CMFMCs are considered. This paper presents a new performance evaluation model for crowdshipping LMPD in CMFMCs using VSFs. The case study shows that the proposed model enables the analysis of LMPD performance in CMFMCs, taking into account their finite production capacity, and that it facilitates the planning of cargo turnover and the structure of VSFs consisting of e-bicycles, e-cars, and e-light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs). The model is verified based on a case study for sustainable LMPD scenarios using VSFs. The proposed model enables the planning of both short- and long-term logistics operations with the specified performance indicator of VSF usage in CMFMCs. The validity of using the integrated potential of crowdshipping and vehicle sharing services for LMPD under demand uncertainty in CMFMCs is discussed. This study should prove useful for decision-making and planning processes related to LMPD in CMFMCs and large cities.
A Mini-Review on Recent Developments and Improvements in CO2 Catalytic Conversion to Methanol: Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry
Authors: Marques Luísa , Vieira Maria , Condeço José , Henriques Carlos , Mateus Maria
Published: October 2024

The cement industry significantly impacts the environment due to natural resource extraction and fossil fuel combustion, with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions being a major concern. The industry emits 0.6 tons of CO2 per ton of cement, accounting for about 8% of global CO2 emissions. To meet the 13th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, cement plants aim for carbon neutrality by 2050 through reducing CO2 emissions and adopting Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies. A promising approach is converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, such as methanol (MeOH), using Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies. This process involves capturing CO2 from cement plant flue gas and using hydrogen from renewable sources to produce renewable methanol (e-MeOH). Advancing the development of novel, efficient catalysts for direct CO2 hydrogenation is crucial. This comprehensive mini-review presents a holistic view of recent advancements in CO2 catalytic conversion to MeOH, focusing on catalyst performance, selectivity, and stability. It outlines a long-term strategy for utilizing captured CO2 emissions from cement plants to produce MeOH, offering an experimental roadmap for the decarbonization of the cement industry.
Step-Up DC-DC Converter Supplied by a Thermoelectric Generator for IoT Applications
Authors: Almeida José , Mendonça dos Santos P. , Caldinhas Vaz João , Marques Lameirinhas Ricardo A. , Pinho Correia Valério Bernardo Catarina , Torres João Paulo N.
Published: October 2024

This research work aims to design and prototype a DC-DC converter to step up the low voltage of a small, low-power thermoelectric generator (TEG). The system is based on an inductive boost converter and attains a regulated output voltage of 1.2 V. The design’s optimisation was based on simulation and experimental validation and it was implemented with only ten low-cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. To reduce complexity, the low-side switch MOSFET of the boost converter is directly driven by an LC oscillator, switching at 1.25 MHz. For loads above 20 kΩ, the converter ensures voltages higher than 1.2 V, supplied by the TEG voltage of 0.5 V, while registering identical efficiency values to those of more complex and expensive CMOS-integrated solutions. These designed features suggest applications in remote IoT nodes and portable devices, delivering sufficient power to backup the supply of corresponding sensing and communication low-power circuits, reducing the necessity of battery replacements or increasing their lifetime.
A Method to Quantify the Drainage Basin Contributions to Transitional Water Bodies: Numerical Modeling Applied to the Case Study of Venice Lagoon
Authors: Feola Alessandra , Bonometto Andrea , Canesso Devis , Pedroncini Andrea , Cacciatore Federica , Novello Marta , Girolimetto Alessandra , Zorzi Massimo , Boscolo Brusà Rossella
Published: October 2024

The trophic, chemical and ecological state of a lagoon is strongly influenced by numerous aspects, among which the quantity and quality of the water coming from its drainage basin are a priority. The Source-to-Sea approach directly addresses the linkages between land, water, delta, estuary, coast, nearshore and ocean ecosystems to identify appropriate courses of action to address alterations of key flows, resulting in economic, social and environmental benefits. Hydrodynamic modeling has become a fundamental tool for describing the dynamics of marine environments, and a specific field of development of ongoing research is a detailed representation of the land–coastal–sea fluxes. In the present study, a numerical modeling tool was used in the Venice Lagoon to assess and quantify dominant contributions from the river basin within specific areas of the lagoon. An advective–diffusive model was used to reproduce the transport of passive tracers. The results were analyzed using an automated computational tool, obtaining the average percentage contribution of each input from the drainage basin and mean concentrations of tracer in the different water bodies. Through the proposed methodology, it is possible to support the planning of specific measures, identifying priorities of management intervention and preliminarily exploring different scenarios.
Comparison of Aroma and Taste Profiles Between Two Fermented Pea Pastes Using Intelligent Sensory Analysis and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Tianyang , Yang Lian , Tang Wanting , Yuan Haibin , Zeng Chuantao , Dong Ping , Yi Yuwen , Deng Jing , Wu Huachang , Guan Ju
Published: October 2024

The traditionally produced pea paste (PP) suffers from suboptimal flavor and inferior quality. Based on the study of single-strain fermentation, we further selected S. cerevisiae, Z. rouxii, and L. paracasei for PP production by dual-strain fermentation (SL, ZL). By combining intelligent sensory technology, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technology, the aroma and taste characteristics of SL- and ZL-fermented PP were compared. The electronic nose and tongue revealed the differences in the aroma and taste characteristics between the two fermentation methods for fermenting PP. In total, 74 volatile compounds (VOCs) in PP were identified through GC-MS analysis. In contrast, the number of VOCs and the concentrations of alcohols and acids compounds in SL were higher than in ZL. Among the 15 VOCs that were common to both and had significant differences, the concentrations of ethanol, 1-pentanol, and ethyl acetate were higher in SL. For taste characteristics, SL demonstrated significantly higher levels of sweet and bitter amino acids, as well as tartaric acid, compared with ZL. These results elucidate the flavor differences of dual-strain fermented PP, providing a theoretical basis for selecting suitable strains for fermenting PP.
Smoke and Hot Gas Removal in Underground Parking Through Computational Fluid Dynamics: A State of the Art and Future Challenges
Authors: Stan Claudiu , Năstase Ilinca , Bode Florin , Calotă Răzvan
Published: October 2024

The proper design and installation of systems that enable the efficient control and removal of smoke and hot gases in underground parking facilities are necessary for protecting the public and property in the event of a fire. This paper discusses how studies using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) related to smoke venting have contributed to improving fire safety in underground parking facilities. As vehicle fire incidents continue to rise globally, particularly in regions with a high density of underground parking, the need for comprehensive measures to mitigate these incidents has become increasingly urgent. This paper examines the applicability of CFD as a tool to address the challenges of smoke control in underground car parks, including those caused by fires involving electric vehicles. CFD application under various fire scenarios and ventilation strategies allows for identifying more effective smoke removal solutions, improving the protection of occupants and property. However, despite the potential of CFD simulations to enhance fire safety and smoke exhaust efficiency in underground parking, it is important to recognize the limitations of these simulations, particularly in dealing with the complex challenges posed by electric vehicle fires.
Factors Influencing Consumers’ Purchases of Snook (Centropomus viridis) and Red Snapper (Lutjanus peru) from Artisanal Aquaculture Cooperatives in Mexico
Authors: Almendarez-Hernández Marco Antonio , Sánchez-Brito Ismael , Kachok-Gavarain René Arturo , Maldonado-García Deneb , Sánchez-Verdugo Carolina , Maldonado-García Minerva Concepción
Published: October 2024

Aquaculture in developing countries, including Mexico, primarily consists of artisanal activities characterized by low-scale production. No studies in these regions has analyzed consumer preferences regarding aquaculture products, specifically for snook and red snapper. Consequently, to explore consumer preferences, the primary objective of this study is to estimate a measure of welfare in the form of willingness to pay (WTP) for fish cultivated under small-scale production conditions in floating cages. To examine the variables impacting WTP, we employed the random utility model (RUM) theoretical framework and a grouping of econometric models belonging to the discrete choice framework. The results strongly suggest that product attributes, such as presentation, purchasing location, consumption-related characteristics, and certain socioeconomic variables, significantly influence the decision to select farmed products. Developing productive aquaculture projects in Mexico and other developing countries can enhance community development by providing producers with accurate information for decision-making and by expanding the fish supply in response to the growing consumer demand.
Enhanced Labeling to Promote Consumption of Nutrient Dense Foods and Healthier Diets
Authors: Benbrook Charles , Mesnage Robin
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Efforts are underway worldwide to design and deploy food labeling systems that provide consumers with the information needed to shift dietary patterns toward nutrient dense, healthier foods. Despite a compelling need for progress, worrisome public health trends persist that are rooted in the popularity of unhealthy, heavily processed foods. Methods: The nutrition and health-related content on the packaging of nine common foods sold in the US and Europe is analyzed and compared. The current scope of nutrient-specific messaging is characterized, including messages highlighting health-related benefits stemming from the mix and levels of mostly macronutrients in food products. Results: An average of 6.9 unique nutrition-related messages appear on the packaging of nine US food products, while EU food products contain an average of 5.0. Messaging around the ingredients in food products accounts for the largest share, e.g., “100% whole grain”, “Vegan”, and “No artificial preservatives”. The macronutrients of fat, fiber, cholesterol, salt, sugar, and protein are the focus of most messaging around health benefits. The degree of food processing and essential vitamin, mineral, and phytochemical micronutrients receive little or no attention, despite their importance in positive health outcomes. Conclusions: Current nutrition-related labeling fails to inform consumers of the enormous differences in the contribution of food products in meeting nutritional needs. Existing metrics and rating systems do not effectively account for the critical relationship between nutrient density and caloric content. Existing metrics and systems do not reflect the impacts of processing on food nutritional quality in ways that provide consumers meaningful information. New concepts, metrics, and label elements are described that could promote healthier dietary patterns. Clear and mandatory nutrition labeling could begin shifting market share toward healthier options, and this could trigger and guide changes in manufactured food recipes that make brand-name products healthier, benefiting all consumers.
Effects of Different Marinades and Types of Grills on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content in Grilled Chicken Breast Tenderloins
Authors: Ciecierska Marta , Komorowska Urszula
Published: October 2024

Grilling has become a widespread method of thermal food processing. However, food prepared in this way may be a source of carcinogenic organic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of different marinades and grilling tools on PAH contamination of chicken breast tenderloins. Together with the determination of PAHs carried out using the QuEChERS–HPLC–FLD/DAD method, the meat’s weight loss after the thermal process and the color of raw and grilled samples were analyzed. Statistically, the highest levels of PAH contamination were found in samples prepared on a charcoal grill without a tray, whereas the lowest were seen using the ceramic contact grill. Meat marination showed that universal and chicken marinades can be barriers against PAHs. Following requirements set in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 915/2023, none of the analyzed samples exceeded the maximum allowable level for B[a]P (5.0 µg/kg) and the sum of four marker-heavy PAHs (30.0 µg/kg). Thus, preparing meat before the thermal process, including marinades rich in phenolic compounds, and selecting a grilling method with appropriate grilling tools can ensure food safety and effectively reduce PAH contamination in grilled poultry meat.
Lactobacillus Kefir M20 Adaptation to Bile Salts: A Novel Pathway for Cholesterol Reduction
Authors: Ma Changlu , Liu Qichen , Zhang Shuwen , Qu Ailing , Liu Qing , Lv Jiaping , Pang Xiaoyang
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: This study investigated the impact of in vitro adaptations to acid and bile stress on the cholesterol-lowering activity of the probiotic Lactobacillus kefir M20. (2) Methods: Lactobacillus kefir M20 was extracted from fermented dairy products in Xinjiang, China, and isolated using MRS medium. The lactic acid bacteria were cultured for stress resistance to acid and bile salts and then gavaged into mice for animal experiments. (3) Results: The adaptation to bile stress treatment resulted in a notable enhancement of the cholesterol-lowering capacity of Lactobacillus kefir M20, with reductions of 16.5% and 33.1% in total and non-HDL cholesterol, respectively, compared to the untreated strain. Furthermore, the daily fecal total bile acid excretion was 9.2, 5.4 and 5.0 times higher in the M20-BSA group compared to the HC, M20 and M20-ASA groups, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that targeted probiotics have the potential for application in the next generation of functional foods and probiotic formulations aimed at combating hypercholesterolemia.
Wheat Flour Pasta Combining Bacillus coagulans and Arthrospira platensis as a Novel Probiotic Food with Antioxidants
Authors: García-Moncayo Aldo Iván , Ochoa-Reyes Emilio , Sáenz-Hidalgo Hilda Karina , González-Pérez Pedro , Muñoz-Castellanos Laila N. , Sepúlveda-Ahumada David Roberto , Buenrostro-Figueroa José Juan , Alvarado-González Mónica
Published: October 2024

Arthrospira platensis (Ap) and Bacillus coagulans (Bc) have been successfully used to develop functional foods, but a combination of both regarding functional implications in nutritional value and antioxidant capacity has not been explored. This work aimed to develop an artisanal wheat flour pasta with egg using 5% A. platensis and 1% B. coagulans GBI 6068 (labeled as Bc+Ap). Uncooked pasta was characterized regarding nutritional value; furthermore, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), pigment content, colorimetry assay, textural profile analysis, buffering capacity, and probiotic viability were carried out on uncooked and cooked pasta to assess the changes induced by cooking. The Bc+Ap pasta showed enhanced nutritional value with a significant increase in protein content (30.61%). After cooking, the pasta showed increased phenolic content (14.22% mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (55.59% µmol Trolox equivalents/g and 10.88% µmol Fe+2/g) for ABTS and FRAP, respectively, as well as pigment content (6.72 and 1.17 mg/100 g) for chlorophyll a+b and total carotenoids, respectively, but relative impacts on colorimetric parameters in contrast to control (wheat flour pasta). Furthermore, Bc+Ap showed improved firmness (59%, measured in g), buffer capacity (87.80% μmol H+(g × ΔpH)−1), and good probiotic viability (7.2 ± 0.17 log CFU/g) after the cooking process.
Mesona chinensis Benth. Extract Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice and Rats by Regulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Yang Huilin , Song Xiaojuan , Huang Xiaofang , Yu Bilian , Lin Cuiqing , Du Jialin , Yang Jiehui , Luo Qing , Li Jingwen , Feng Yinshan , Zhan Ruoting , Yan Ping
Published: October 2024

Mesona chinensis Benth. (or Platostoma palustre (Blume) A. J. Paton), an edible and medicinal plant, is the main ingredient in black jelly, Hsian-tsao tea, and beverages, and its processed products are popular in China as well as in Southeast Asian countries. Previous studies have shown that the alcohol extract of Mesona chinensis Benth. (MC) can reduce the accumulation of oleic acid and ameliorate hyperlipidemia. However, researchers have not yet determined whether it could improve intestinal permeability and metabolic dysfunction by controlling gut microbial dysbiosis and thus reducing hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism by which MC regulates metabolic function disorders in hyperlipidemic high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats and mice from the perspective of gut microbiota. This study analyzed the effects of MC on metabolic indices related to hyperlipidemia in HFD-fed rats and the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA V3–4 region pyrosequencing to investigate the regulation of the gut microbiota by MC. We further confirmed that MC ameliorates hyperlipidemia by regulating the gut microbiota by simultaneously administering antibiotics and MC to C57BL/6 mice and measuring their metabolic indices. These results indicate that MC reduces the lipid concentration in the serum of HFD-fed rats, thereby significantly alleviating hyperlipidemia, and regulates the abundance ratio and diversity of the gut microbiota, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on hyperlipidemia. Our further antibiotic experiments in mice revealed that the administration of MC was unable to reduce body weight or serum and organ lipid concentrations in the antibiotic-treated group of hyperlipidemic mice. This study provides evidence that the microbiota is an alternative target for the antihyperlipidemic effect of MC.
A Comprehensive Study on the Amino Acids and Tryptophan-Derived Molecules in Iberian Wine Vinegar
Authors: Marques Catarina , Correia Elisete , Aires Alfredo , Dinis Lia-Tânia , Vilela Alice
Published: October 2024

Wine vinegar, valued for its ancient origins and culinary versatility, has garnered scientific interest due to its complex composition and potential health benefits. This study aims to explore the nutritional and bioactive properties of different wine vinegars, focusing on their amino acid content, particularly tryptophan-derived molecules such as serotonin and melatonin. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, port wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar from the Douro and Rioja regions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and solid-phase extraction (HPLC-SPE). The study examined the amino acid profiles and the presence of serotonin and melatonin across the samples. The analysis revealed the presence of significant bioactive amino acids, including arginine (found in sample 059 at 61.21 mmol/L), alanine (in a concentration of 30.33 mmol/L in sample 209), and threonine (sample 336 presented the highest concentration—71.47 mmol/L), which have been linked to cardiovascular health, immune system support, and mucosal regulation. The amino acid content varied among the vinegar types, with slower acetification and prolonged aging reducing their concentrations. Tryptophan was mainly found in sample 059 (30.54 mmol/L). These findings, with their potential to influence the scientific community’s understanding of the health-promoting properties of wine vinegar, particularly its amino acid content and the potential influence of production processes on bioactive molecules, are of great interest.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions to Non-Local Problems of Brézis–Oswald Type and Its Application
Authors: Kim Yun-Ho
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions to non-local problems involving a discontinuous Kirchhoff-type function via a global minimum principle of Ricceri. More precisely, we first obtain the uniqueness result of weak solutions to nonlinear fractional Laplacian problems of Brézis–Oswald type. We then demonstrate the existence of a unique positive solution to Kirchhoff-type problems driven by the non-local fractional Laplacian as its application. The main features of the present paper are the lack of the continuity of the Kirchhoff function in [0,∞) and the localization of a positive solution.