bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Charging Prioritisation and Optimisation of Solar PV-Powered Portable Electronic Devices
Authors: Kunatsa Tawanda , Myburgh Herman C. , De Freitas Allan
Published: December 2024

Efficiently managing and prioritising the charging of portable electronic devices powered by solar photovoltaic sources in off-grid and resource-limited environments is a huge problem. Ensuring that critical devices maintain operational uptime, especially when energy resources are scarce and in instances where multiple devices compete for charging from the limited solar power available is crucial. This paper introduces an optimisation framework designed to prioritise the charging of portable electronic devices powered by solar photovoltaic sources. The approach aims to maximise operational uptime for critical loads before addressing less essential ones. By strategically allocating charging priorities based on comprehensive evaluations of battery capacities, usage patterns, and operational requirements, the optimisation process seeks to enhance overall efficiency and readiness of portable electronic devices in dynamic, austere and resource-constrained settings. The charging prioritisation problem was solved using MATLAB’s (version number 9.13.0.2193358 (R2022b)) OPTI toolbox in conjuction with the SCIP solver. A case study, involving three portable electronic devices—a cellphone, GPS and radio, demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in maximising satisfaction by aggregating device priorities over time. The model prioritised charging of the GPS due to its critical operational role, followed by the radio for its essential communication function, while the cellphone, with lower usage demands, was assigned the lowest priority. The model developed in this study is versatile and applicable to diverse demand profiles and any number of portable electronic devices. Furthermore, it can be customised to operate effectively in various geographic locations, irrespective of solar radiation levels.
Thermal and Mechanical Fields Analysis of Superconducting Magnet and Dewar System for Double-Stator Superconducting Brushless Machines
Authors: Qiu Zhiyu , Zhang Zhiheng , Li Xianglin , Wang Yubin , Hua Wei
Published: December 2024

The double-stator superconducting brushless machine (DS-SCBM) combines high torque density and excellent static sealing characteristics, as well as advantages in reliability and cost-effectiveness. To ensure the long-term stability of the superconducting magnet and Dewar (SCMD) system, this study evaluates the pressure-bearing capacity and heat leakage from the support frame, selecting appropriate materials and dimensions. Furthermore, a model of the thermal and mechanical fields for the SCMD system is developed using finite element analysis which assesses the impact of various reinforcement structures on the mechanical and thermal properties of the superconducting (SC) magnet. Based on this analysis, the dimensions of the reinforcement structures, Dewars, and vacuum interlayer are optimized. Subsequently, efforts are made to manufacture the designed system and its performance is tested.
Advances and Applications of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in Civil Engineering: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vijayan Dhanasingh Sivalinga , Gopalaswamy Selvakumar , Sivasuriyan Arvindan , Koda Eugeniusz , Sitek Wiktor , Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Podlasek Anna
Published: December 2024

This paper thoroughly examines the latest developments and diverse applications of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in civil engineering. It provides a critical analysis of the technology’s potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. Initially, a comprehensive outline of CCUS technologies is presented, emphasising their vital function in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission capture, conversion, and sequestration. Subsequent sections provide an in-depth analysis of carbon capture technologies, utilisation processes, and storage solutions. These serve as the foundation for an architectural framework that facilitates the design and integration of efficient systems. Significant attention is given to the inventive application of CCUS in the building and construction industry. Notable examples of such applications include using carbon (C) in cement and promoting sustainable cement production. Economic analyses and financing mechanisms are reviewed to assess the commercial feasibility and scalability of CCUS projects. In addition, this review examines the technological advances and innovations that have occurred, providing insight into the potential future course of CCUS progress. A comprehensive analysis of the environmental and regulatory environments is conducted to evaluate the feasibility and compliance with the policies of CCUS technology deployment. Case studies from the real world are provided to illustrate effectiveness and practical applications. It concludes by emphasising the importance of continued research, policy support, and innovation in developing CCUS technologies as a fundamental component of sustainable civil engineering practices. A tenacious stride toward carbon neutrality is underscored.
Life Cycle and Water Footprint Assessment in the Geothermal Energy Sector
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Michał , Sowiżdżał Anna , Tomaszewska Barbara
Published: December 2024

The transformation of energy systems toward renewable energy sources necessitates a responsible approach to understanding and mitigating their impact on the natural environment. While previous research has primarily focused on operational aspects, a more holistic approach—such as life cycle assessment (LCA)—is crucial, as it encompasses energy installations’ production, operation, and disposal phases. This review article aims to fill this gap by comprehensively analysing the geothermal energy sector, covering electricity generation, central heating, and hot water preparation. This study emphasises the need for rigorous life cycle and water footprint assessments to understand geothermal systems’ sustainability better. Key conclusions are drawn from an extensive literature review, highlighting the sector’s challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this article identifies innovations and research directions essential for advancing geothermal energy as an integral component of the renewable energy industry, underscoring its potential to contribute to global sustainability goals.
Domain-Specific Large Language Model for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Deployment Strategies
Authors: Gabber Hossam A. , Hemied Omar S.
Published: December 2024

Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) have shown promise in specialized fields, yet their effectiveness is often constrained by limited domain expertise. We present a renewable and hydrogen energy-focused LLM developed by fine-tuning LLaMA 3.1 8B on a curated renewable energy corpus (RE-LLaMA). Through continued pretraining on domain-specific data, we enhanced the model’s capabilities in renewable energy contexts. Extensive evaluation using zero-shot and few-shot prompting demonstrated that our fine-tuned model significantly outperformed the base model across renewable and hydrogen energy tasks. This work establishes the viability of specialized, smaller-scale LLMs and provides a framework for developing domain-specific models that can support advanced research and decision-making in the renewable energy sector. Our approach represents a significant step forward in applying LLMs to the renewable and hydrogen energy sector, offering potential applications in advanced research and decision-making processes.
An Investigation of the Stiffness Characteristics of a PWR Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grid by a 3D Shell Model
Authors: Kim Minhee , Namgung Ihn
Published: December 2024

The structural integrity of fuel assemblies hinges significantly on the effectiveness of spacer grids. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to assess the structural robustness of the mid-spacer grid (SG) of the PLUS7 fuel assembly (FA) using 3D shell elements. Any excessive external load from seismic activity can be broken down into two perpendicular components, namely normal load and shear load. The decomposition enables easy assessment of the structural integrity of the fuel spacer grid for any external loads. From the analysis, the reaction force of normal input displacement is around 440 times greater than that for shear input displacement for the same amount of displacement. This result highlights how vulnerable the spacer grid is to shear load and this should be considered in studies of fuel assembly integrity assessment. This study also highlights the need for improved and more robust spacer grids for safer operation of NPPs.
The Levenberg–Marquardt Procedure for Modeling Accelerometers Used in the Energy Industry
Authors: Tomczyk Krzysztof , Ostrowska Ksenia , Sładek Jerzy , Konieczny Jarosław
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an effective Levenberg–Marquardt procedure for modeling accelerometers used in the energy industry. The proposed procedure applies the results of accelerometer calibration methods commonly used in engineering practice using stationary or portable calibrators. These methods are extended here to more advanced solutions, which will constitute the basis for further research (both practical and theoretical) for improving the accuracy of accelerometers, which play an extremely important diagnostic function in the operation of machines, devices, and the wide range of components used in the energy industry. The research results presented in this article were obtained using MathCad 15 and MATLAB R2024a software.
RETRACTED: Li et al. A Kalman Filter-Based Distributed Cyber-Attack Mitigation Strategy for Distributed Generator Units in Meshed DC Microgrids. Energies 2023, 16, 7959
Authors: Li Wenpei , Fu Han , Wu Shun , Yang Bin , Liu Zhixiong
Published: December 2024

The journal retracts the article titled “A Kalman Filter-Based Distributed Cyber-Attack Mitigation Strategy for Distributed Generator Units in Meshed DC Microgrids” [...]
Gasification of Chlorella vulgaris for Syngas Production and Energy Generation Through Gas Turbine
Authors: Scopel Lucrezia , Marcantonio Vera
Published: December 2024

The increasing need for sustainable energy sources has driven research toward innovative solutions, including biomass gasification for syngas production, with applications in the chemical industry and energy generation. This study explores the application of Chlorella vulgaris in the gasification process to produce syngas intended for gas turbine operation. Using Aspen Plus V11 (academic version) simulations, the study evaluates optimal process conditions and syngas yields, focusing on operational parameters such as the S/B ratio and gasifier temperature. Results show that a higher S/B ratio increases H2 and CO2 concentrations while reducing CO and CH4, with final syngas composition in dry conditions reaching 0.42 CO, 0.52 H2, and 0.036 H2O. Contaminants like H2S and HCl were effectively reduced below critical thresholds, with H2S levels under 20 ppm and HCl under 1 ppm to meet GT requirements. The system achieved a cold gas efficiency of 55% and an overall turbine cycle efficiency of 25%, with CO2 emissions of 0.198 kg per kWh produced. In conclusion, the gasification of C. vulgaris offers a promising and sustainable solution for syngas production and energy generation, with reduced environmental impacts. However, economic feasibility and certain technical challenges will require further advancements to fully realize this technology’s potential.
A Study on Electric Vehicle Footprint in South Africa
Authors: Oni Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Longe Omowunmi Mary
Published: December 2024

There has been a progressive global increase in the usage of electric vehicles in this dispensation. This is mostly due to the need to decarbonise the transport sector and mitigate the concerns of climate change and depleting oil reserves of which South Africa is not an exception. In fact, South Africa is the country with the highest CO2 emissions in Africa and can reduce its carbon footprint by embracing green mobility. Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) market, the electric vehicle (EV) market in South Africa is still in its early stages, with limited local production and usage since its introduction to the country’s automotive sector in 2013. Therefore, in this study, the usage of EVs in South Africa, along with adoption rates and challenges were carried out to make a stronger case that would offer a better pathway for increased EV adoption in the country. It has been discovered that the slow adoption rate of EVs is due to factors such as EV procurement, ownership costs, vehicle parts, safety issues, battery technology, tax and import duties, load shedding, and availability of charging stations. This paper also provides insights into government policies, funding, and other efforts that can support EV adoption in the country through the analyses of primary and secondary data. The proposed strategies include the introduction of tax rebates on imported EVs, local production of EVs and their vehicle parts, retrofitting ICE vehicles to EVs, and science-informed strategies to transition from ICE to electric vehicles. Furthermore, more renewable energy grid integration and renewable energy-powered EV charging stations would also provide support for the energy required to power EVs even during load shedding. Preliminary findings from the survey also suggest that the local production of EV components and government-sponsored training programmes on various EV skills are crucial for increasing the adoption rate of EVs in the country.
Bioconversion of Agro-Industrial Byproducts Using Bacillus sp. CL18: Production of Feather Hydrolysates for Development of Bioactive Polymeric Nanofibers
Authors: Clerici Naiara Jacinta , Daroit Daniel Joner , Vencato Aline Aniele , Brandelli Adriano
Published: December 2024

Microbial fermentation represents an interesting strategy for the management and valorization of agro-industrial byproducts. In this study, the proteolytic strain Bacillus sp. CL18 was used to produce bioactive hydrolysates during submerged cultivation with various protein-containing substrates, including byproducts from the poultry (feathers), cheese (whey), fish (scales), and vegetable oil (soybean meal) industries. The bioactive feather hydrolysates (BFHs) showing high antioxidant activity were incorporated in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibers by the electrospinning technique. The PVA nanofibers containing 5% BFH reached antioxidant activities of 38.7% and 76.3% for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Otherwise, the PCL nanofibers showed 49.6% and 55.0% scavenging activity for DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that PVA and PCL nanofibers containing BFH had an average diameter of 282 and 960 nm, respectively. Moreover, the results from thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy showed that the incorporation of BFH caused no significant modification in the properties of the polymeric matrix. The bioconversion of feathers represents an interesting strategy for the management and valorization of this byproduct. Furthermore, the effective incorporation of BFH in polymeric nanofibers and validation of the biological activity suggest the application of these materials as antioxidant coatings and packaging.
Combination of Essential Oils and Extracts Enriched with Tocopherols in Diet of Holstein Steers and Its Effect on Ruminal Fermentation, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Response, Feed Efficiency and Fatty Acid Profile in Meat
Authors: Wandscheer João Gustavo Weschenfelder , Turcatto Natalia , Deolindo Guilherme Luiz , Signor Mateus Henrique , Fritzen Alexandro , Vedovatto Marcelo , Jung Camila Ten Kathen , Kozloski Gilberto Vilmar , Xavier Ana Carolina Hadlich , Wagner Roger , Bissacotti Bianca Fagan , Copetti Priscila Marquezan , da Silva Aleksandro Schafer
Published: December 2024

Background: This experiment evaluated whether the combination of essential oils (thyme, rosemary, orange) with extracts of Cinnamomum and Quillaja saponaria (enriched with tocopherols) in steers’ diet has positive effects on the health, digestibility, growth, oxidative stress, and fatty acid profile of meat. Methods: The experiment included 24 Holstein steers, divided into two groups, randomly divided (treated = phytogenic mixture (n = 12); control = monensin (n = 12)), undergoing a growth phase of 120 days and 90 days of finishing in individual pens, with a monthly collection of blood, rumen fluid, feces, and feed. Results: In the finishing phase (days 150 to 210), there was a tendency (p = 0.07) toward more significant average daily weight gain when cattle consumed a phytogenic mixture than monensin. The use of the phytogenic product showed greater feed efficiency in the period from 150 to 240 days (p < 0.05), with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), without differences in the composition of these SCFAs between the control and treated groups, with a reduction in apparent digestibility in the treated group. In blood parameters, the treated group showed higher erythrocyte counts (p < 0.05) without changes in leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets. The phytogenic treatment demonstrated higher total protein and globulin levels, with increased glucose levels on days 30 and 210 (p < 0.05). Ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels increased in the treated group without changes in ferritin, transferrin, C-reactive protein, IgA, and heavy-chain immunoglobulins (p < 0.05). A reduction in oxidative stress was observed using the phytogenic agent, with a marked decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and carbonyl proteins, with a tendency to increase glutathione S-transferase (p < 0.05). In meat, the phytogenic reduced saturated fatty acids with increased polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased the omega 6/omega 3 ratio. Lower levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and ROS were detected in the meat combined with a higher concentration of total thiols in the treated group than in the control group. Conclusions: The use of the phytogenic in steers’ diets has shown to be a viable candidate for replacing monensin, presenting equal or superior performance results with systemic modulating effects on oxidative stress, meat quality, and serum and biochemical parameters that contribute to more substantial health and efficiency.
Machine Learning Based Localization of LoRa Mobile Wireless Nodes Using a Novel Sectorization Method
Authors: Nurgaliyev Madiyar , Bolatbek Askhat , Zholamanov Batyrbek , Saymbetov Ahmet , Kopbay Kymbat , Yershov Evan , Orynbassar Sayat , Dosymbetova Gulbakhar , Kapparova Ainur , Kuttybay Nurzhigit , Koshkarbay Nursultan
Published: December 2024

Indoor localization of wireless nodes is a relevant task for wireless sensor networks with mobile nodes using mobile robots. Despite the fact that outdoor localization is successfully performed by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, indoor environments face several challenges due to multipath signal propagation, reflections from walls and objects, along with noise and interference. This results in the need for the development of new localization techniques. In this paper, Long-Range Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology is employed to address localization problems. A novel approach is proposed, based on the preliminary division of the room into sectors using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) fingerprinting technique combined with machine learning (ML). Among various ML methods, the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model reached the most accurate results, achieving localization accuracies of 94.54%, 91.02%, and 85.12% across three scenarios with a division into 256 sectors. Analysis of the cumulative error distribution function revealed the average localization error of 0.384 m, while the mean absolute error reached 0.246 m. These results demonstrate that the proposed sectorization method effectively mitigates the effects of noise and nonlinear signal propagation, ensuring precise localization of mobile nodes indoors.
Mapping Variable Wildfire Source Areas Through Inverse Modeling
Authors: Taylor Stephen W. , Walsworth Nicholas , Anderson Kerry
Published: December 2024

Global climate change is leading to increased wildfire activity in many parts of the world, and with increasing development, a heightened threat to communities in the wildland urban interface. Evaluating the potential for fire to affect communities and critical infrastructure is essential for effective response decision-making and resource prioritization, including evacuation planning, with changing weather conditions during the fire season. Using a receptor–pathway–source assessment framework, we estimate the potential source area from which a wildfire could spread to a community in British Columbia by projecting fire growth outward from the community’s perimeter. The outer perimeter of the source area is effectively an evacuation trigger line for the forecast period. The novel aspects of our method are inverting fire growth in both space and time by reversing the wind direction, the time course of hourly weather, and slope and aspect inputs to a time-evolving fire growth simulation model Prometheus. We also ran a forward simulation from the perimeter of a large fire that was threatening the community to the community edge and back. In addition, we conducted a series of experiments to examine the influence of varying environmental conditions and ignition patterns on the invertibility of fire growth simulations. These cases demonstrate that time-evolving fire growth simulations can be inverted for practical purposes, although caution is needed when interpreting results in areas with extensive non-fuel cover or complex community perimeters. The advantages of this method over conventional simulation from a fire source are that it can be used for pre-attack planning before fire arrival, and following fire arrival, it does not require having an up-to-the-minute map of the fire location. The advantage over the use of minimum travel time methods for inverse modeling is that it allows for changing weather during the forecast period. This procedure provides a practical tool to inform real-time wildfire response decisions around communities, including resource allocation and evacuation planning, that could be implemented with several time-evolving fire growth models.
Importance Sampling for Cost-Optimized Estimation of Burn Probability Maps in Wildfire Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Waeselynck Valentin , Saah David
Published: December 2024

Background: Wildfire modelers rely on Monte Carlo simulations of wildland fire to produce burn probability maps. These simulations are computationally expensive. Methods: We study the application of importance sampling to accelerate the estimation of burn probability maps, using L2 distance as the metric of deviation. Results: Assuming a large area of interest, we prove that the optimal proposal distribution reweights the probability of ignitions by the square root of the expected burned area divided by the expected computational cost and then generalize these results to the assets-weighted L2 distance. We also propose a practical approach to searching for a good proposal distribution. Conclusions: These findings contribute quantitative methods for optimizing the precision/computation ratio of wildfire Monte Carlo simulations without biasing the results, offer a principled conceptual framework for justifying and reasoning about other computational shortcuts, and can be readily generalized to a broader spectrum of simulation-based risk modeling.
Mathematical Modeling of Salmonella Inactivation During Apple Drying and Pre-Drying Heating in Closed Environments
Authors: Yang Ren , Zhang Shuang , Tang Juming
Published: December 2024

Drying is one of the most effective preservation methods for extending the shelf-life of perishable foods. The microbial safety of low-moisture food products had not been recognized as a concern until outbreaks reported over the past decade in products contaminated with bacterial pathogens, in particular Salmonella. There is now an urgent need to understand the influence of process conditions on the thermal inactivation of pathogens in various drying operations. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for Salmonella inactivation in diced apples during hot air drying and in high-humidity heating in closed environments. Fresh-cut apple cubes (6 mm) inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella enterica strains (Enteritidis PT30, Montevideo 488275, and Agona 447967) were placed in a customized box inside an oven for three different treatments: (1) open-box drying at oven temperature 90 °C (Drying-90); (2) close-box pre-drying heating at 90 °C (PD heating-90); and (3) close-box pre-drying heating at 70 °C (PD heating-70). Air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and sample temperatures were monitored, and Salmonella survival was measured at multiple time intervals. After 10 min, the air RH reached 66% in PD heating-90 and 74% in PD heating-70, versus 30% in Drying-90. A 5-log reduction in Salmonella was achieved in 8.5 min in PD heating-90, and 14 min in PD heating-70, compared to 28.7 min in Drying-90. A mathematical model using sample surface RH and sample temperature profiles accurately predicted Salmonella inactivation across all treatments (RMSE = 0.92 log CFU/g, R2 = 0.86), with thermal death parameters comparable to isothermal studies. This study underscores the role of humidity in enhancing microbial reduction during drying and proposes high-humidity pre-drying heating as an effective control step. The developed model shows promise for real-time prediction of microbial inactivation in complex drying environments with dynamic temperature and humidity conditions.
Pot-Pollen Volatiles, Bioactivity, Synergism with Antibiotics, and Bibliometrics Overview, Including Direct Injection in Food Flavor
Authors: Vit Patricia , Araque Maria , Chuttong Bajaree , Moreno Enrique , Contreras Ricardo R. , Wang Qibi , Wang Zhengwei , Betta Emanuela , Bankova Vassya
Published: December 2024

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera; Apidae; Meliponini), with a biodiversity of 605 species, harvest and transport corbicula pollen to the nest, like Apis mellifera, but process and store the pollen in cerumen pots instead of beeswax combs. Therefore, the meliponine pollen processed in the nest was named pot-pollen instead of bee bread. Pot-pollen has nutraceutical properties for bees and humans; it is a natural medicinal food supplement with applications in health, food science, and technology, and pharmaceutical developments are promising. Demonstrated synergism between Tetragonisca angustula pot-pollen ethanolic extracts, and antibiotics against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria revealed potential to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reviewed pot-pollen VOC richness was compared between Australian Austroplebeia australis (27), Tetragonula carbonaria (31), and Tetragonula hogkingsi (28), as well as the Venezuelan Tetragonisca angustula (95). Bioactivity and olfactory attributes of the most abundant VOCs were revisited. Bibliometric analyses with the Scopus database were planned for two unrelated topics in the literature for potential scientific advances. The top ten most prolific authors, institutions, countries, funding sponsors, and sources engaged to disseminate original research and reviews on pot-pollen (2014–2023) and direct injection food flavor (1976–2023) were ranked. Selected metrics and plots were visualized using the Bibliometrix-R package. A scholarly approach gained scientific insight into the interaction between an ancient fermented medicinal pot-pollen and a powerful bioanalytical technique for fermented products, which should attract interest from research teams for joint projects on direct injection in pot-pollen flavor, and proposals on stingless bee nest materials. Novel anti-antimicrobial-resistant agents and synergism with conventional antibiotics can fill the gap in the emerging potential to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Activity of Floccularia luteovirens Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effect on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Intestinal Injury in Mice
Authors: Ma He , Mueed Abdul , Ma Yanxu , Ibrahim Muhammad , Su Ling , Wang Qi
Published: December 2024

Floccularia luteovirens polysaccharides (FLP1s) have potential biological activities. Our previous study showed that FLP1s positively regulated gut immunity and microbiota. However, it is still unclear whether FLP1s mediate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice. This research aims to explore the relationship between FLP1-mediated gut microbes and intestinal immunity in immunosuppressed mice through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The results demonstrated that FLP1s exhibited prebiotic and anti-immunosuppressive effects on CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. FFLP1 treatment (microbiota transplantation from the fecal sample) remarkably elevated the production of sIgA and secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the intestine of CTX-treated mice, inducing activation of the MAPK pathway. Moreover, FFLP1s mitigated oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and strengthened the intestinal barrier function by upregulating the expression level of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, MUC-2, and ZO-1). Furthermore, FFPL1s restored gut dysbiosis in CTX-treated immunosuppressed mice by increasing the abundance of Alloprevotella, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroides. They also modified the composition of fecal metabolites, leading to enhanced regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, the cGMP-PKG pathway, the Rap1 signaling pathway, and ovarian steroidogenesis, as indicated by KEGG pathway analysis. These findings indicate that FLP1s could modulate the response of the intestinal immune system through regulation of the gut microbiota, thus promoting immune activation in CTX-treated immunosuppressed mice. FLP1s can serve as a natural protective agent against CTX-induced immune injury.
The Influence and Mechanisms of Natural Plant Polysaccharides on Intestinal Microbiota-Mediated Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Hui , Lai Furao , Min Tian , Wu Hui , Zhan Qiping
Published: December 2024

Natural plant polysaccharides are renowned for their broad spectrum of biological activities, making them invaluable in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. Their safety, characterized by low toxicity and minimal side effects, coupled with their potential therapeutic properties, positions them as crucial elements in health-related applications. The functional effectiveness of these polysaccharides is deeply connected to their structural attributes, including molecular weight, monosaccharide components, and types of glycosidic bonds. These structural elements influence how polysaccharides interact with the gut microbiota, potentially alleviating various metabolic and inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, liver-associated pathologies, obesity, and kidney diseases. The polysaccharides operate through a range of biological mechanisms. They enhance the formation of short-chain fatty acids, which are pivotal in keeping intestinal health and metabolic balance. Additionally, they strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier, crucial for deterring the ingress of pathogens and toxins into the host system. By modulating the immune responses within the gut, they help in managing immune-mediated disorders, and their role in activating specific cellular signaling pathways further underscores their therapeutic potential. The review delves into the intricate structure–activity relationships of various natural polysaccharides and their interactions with the intestinal flora. By understanding these relationships, the scientific community can develop targeted strategies for the use of polysaccharides in therapeutics, potentially leading to innovative treatments for a range of diseases. Furthermore, the insights gained can drive the advancement of research in natural polysaccharide applications, providing direction for novel dietary supplements and functional foods designed to support gut health and overall well-being.
Convective Drying with the Application of Ultrasonic Pre-Treatment: The Effect of Applied Conditions on the Selected Properties of Dried Apples
Authors: Jakubczyk Ewa , Rybak Katarzyna , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota , Wiktor Artur , Rąbkowski Rafał , Nowacka Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound used as a preliminary treatment and drying temperature on the properties of dried apples (var. Golden Delicious). The aim of the work was also to optimise the process in terms of reducing the drying time and obtaining a product with specific properties. The apple tissue was sonicated for various times from 30 to 60 min. Then, the tissue was air-dried with a constant air flow of 55 to 85 °C. The work determined the dry substance content, water activity, colour parameters, content, antioxidant activity, and hygroscopicity of the dried material. The drying kinetics were also analysed. The results showed that the decrease in sonification time increased the dry matter content and reduced water activity. Also, the decrease in drying temperature caused a smaller intake of water and led to a lower hygroscopicity of dried apples. The selected parameters of the process had a positive effect on the preservation of bioactive compounds and led to an increase in antioxidant activity. Experimental results were adapted by a second-order polynomial model, where analysis of variance was utilized to define optimal drying conditions. Therefore, considering the shortest drying time, the lowest colour difference, ΔE, and the highest antioxidant activity, the best condition for the drying of apple tissue can be obtained with the application of 30 min of samples sonication and drying of apples at a temperature of 80.9 °C.
Polysaccharide-Based Packaging Coatings and Films with Phenolic Compounds in Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables—A Review
Authors: Pan Junkun , Li Chengheng , Liu Jiechao , Jiao Zhonggao , Zhang Qiang , Lv Zhenzhen , Yang Wenbo , Chen Dalei , Liu Hui
Published: December 2024

Considerable interest has emerged in developing biodegradable food packaging materials derived from polysaccharides. Phenolic compounds serve as natural bioactive substances with a range of functional properties. Various phenolic compounds have been incorporated into polysaccharide-based films and coatings for food packaging, thereby enhancing product shelf life by mitigating quality degradation due to oxidation and microbial growth. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of polysaccharide-based active films and coatings enriched with phenolic compounds for preserving fruits and vegetables. The different approaches for the addition of phenols to polysaccharides-based packaging materials are discussed. The modifications in film properties resulting from incorporating polyphenols are systematically characterized. Then, the application of these composite materials as protectants and intelligent packaging in fruit and vegetables preservation is highlighted. In future, several points, such as the preservative mechanism, safety evaluation, and combination with other techniques along the whole supply chain could be considered to design polyphenol–polysaccharides packaging more in line with actual production needs.
Optimizing Green Extraction Methods for Maximizing the Biological Potential of Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Chamomile Seed Extracts
Authors: Milovanovic Stoja , Tyśkiewicz Katarzyna , Konkol Marcin , Grzegorczyk Agnieszka , Salwa Kinga , Świątek Łukasz
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the underutilized potential of agri-crops from the Asteraceae family by employing sustainable and green technologies (supercritical fluid, ultrasound, and Soxhlet extractions) to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds. A total of 21 extracts from native and waste seeds of dandelion, milk thistle, and chamomile were systematically compared utilizing a combination of solvents (supercritical CO2 and absolute or aqueous ethanol). Supercritical CO2 extraction yielded up to 281 mg/g of oils from native seeds, while conventional techniques with ethanol recovered an additional 142 mg/g of extracts from waste seeds. Notably, waste seed extracts exhibited superior biological activity, including potent antioxidant properties (IC50 values as low as 0.3 mg/mL in the DPPH assay) and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against 32 microbial strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast strains. Phenolic compounds were abundant, with up to 2126 mg GAE/g, alongside 25.9 mg QE/g flavonoids, and 805.5 mg/kg chlorophyll A. A selective anticancer activity of waste milk thistle extracts was observed, with a selectivity index of 1.9 to 2.7. The oils recovered from native seeds demonstrated lower bioactivity and are well-suited for applications in food. The potent bioactivity of the smaller quantities of waste seed extracts positions them as valuable candidates for pharmaceutical use.
Experimental Study: Stress Path Coefficient in Unconsolidated Sands: Effects of Re-Pressurization and Depletion Hysteresis
Authors: Prakash Sabyasachi , Myers Michael , Wong George , Hathon Lori , Mikulencak Duane
Published: December 2024

Accurate estimation of in-situ stresses is a critical parameter for geo-mechanical modelling. In-situ stresses are estimated in the field from logs and frac tests. Laboratory tests are performed with cored material to estimate horizontal stress changes under defined boundary conditions to complement field data. Horizontal stress path coefficient is used to estimate a change in in-situ stresses as the reservoir undergoes depletion or injection. Uniaxial Strain boundary conditions are representative of far field stress state. The laboratory data provides the change in horizontal stress with a change in pore pressure. It is used to complement the field data acquisition of absolute stress values to predict the value of total stresses. This experimental study provides a novel method of simulating geological compaction for fabricating representative samples from unconsolidated sands. It investigates the variability of horizontal stress path coefficient as a function of changing pore pressure (depressurization and re-pressurization) in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs. Synthetic sandstones samples were made from sand packs by consolidating them under an isostatic stress path at ambient pore pressure. After getting to initial reservoir conditions, a series of pore pressure depletion and injection tests with varying magnitudes (injection and depletion) were performed to study the effects of stress path direction and associated hysteresis. The magnitude of the stress path coefficient under depletion is lower than that under injection for the first load-unload cycle. In subsequent load-unload cycles, the stress path coefficient values remain constant until the sample is depleted to a new level of pore pressure. A Modified Cam Clay model is fit to the data to map the expansion of the yield surface and quantify the model parameters. Application of this research includes accurate prediction of changes in-situ stresses during depletion and injection stress paths for simulating unconsolidated reservoirs behavior under fluid injection or further depletion.
Cultural Competence and Nursing Work Environment: Impact on Culturally Congruent Care in Portuguese Multicultural Healthcare Units
Authors: Teixeira Gisela , Picoito Ricardo , Gaspar Filomena , Lucas Pedro
Published: December 2024

Background: Cultural competence is central to ensuring effective culturally congruent care to patients and fostering positive work environments, particularly in multicultural settings. Objective: This study aimed to analyse the relationship between cultural competence, the nursing work environment, and the delivery of culturally congruent care in multicultural units of a healthcare organisation in Portugal. Method: This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, targeting nurses from multicultural units. Data were collected using both online and paper-based questionnaires, which included the Cultural Competence Questionnaire for Help Professionals, the Nursing Work Index—Revised Scale (NWI-R-PT), and a single question assessing nurses’ perceptions of the adequacy of the culturally congruent care they provide. Results: A moderate, positive correlation was identified between cultural competence and the Fundamentals for Nursing, while the nursing work environment was influenced by organisational support, professional category, and unit type. Discussion: The findings suggest that enhancing cultural knowledge and technical skills and reinforcing management support may positively impact culturally congruent care delivery in multicultural settings. Conclusion: This study contributes to nursing knowledge by highlighting the complex interactions between cultural competence and the work environment in Portuguese multicultural healthcare units. Future research should explore the impact of transcultural nursing leadership on multicultural work environments and in the delivery of culturally congruent care.
Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Health Parameters in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maicas-Pérez Luis , Hernández-Lougedo Juan , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Villagra-Astudillo Ariel , García-Fernández Pablo , Suárez-Villadat Borja , Jiménez-Rojo Blanca
Published: December 2024

Intellectual disability (ID) encompasses diverse challenges that affect daily life and health. Sedentary behaviors, prevalent in this population, contribute to alarming health concerns, notably obesity and musculoskeletal issues. This review examines the role of physical activity (PA) interventions in addressing these health challenges among children and adolescents with ID. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases, using specific keywords aligned with the PICO framework (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome). From January 2013 to October 2024, a total of 5236 studies were identified, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria for this review according to PRISMA procedures. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the impact of PA on body composition, physical fitness, bone health, metabolic indicators, and overall quality of life were included. The study cohort consisted of individuals aged 13–24 diagnosed with ID. The findings consistently highlight the positive relationship between PA interventions and improved health markers in individuals with ID. Diverse PA interventions, ranging from strength training to high-intensity exercises, demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, physical fitness, and bone mineral density. Notably, higher-frequency PA programs (minimum three sessions per week) yielded more substantial benefits. This review underscores the potential of adapted PA interventions to address health concerns and enhance the quality of life for individuals with ID. Further comprehensive research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for effective PA interventions in this population.
Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Community Suicide Database and Prevention Program in Diverse Tribal Communities
Authors: Stifter Meredith , Goklish Novalene , Watchman Charity , Mitchell Kristin , Duncan Jennifer , Miller Michelle , HorseChief Mary , Kemp Christopher G. , Cwik Mary , Haroz Emily E.
Published: December 2024

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American Indian youth, far surpassing the rates of suicide experienced by other races. The White Mountain Apache Tribe has made significant impacts on suicide risk by implementing a robust suicide prevention program which includes a community-led database and case management follow-ups. Due to the success of the program in preventing suicides, the White Mountain Apache team has worked with other tribal communities to adapt the program. We wanted to understand the factors that are most important to implementing and sustaining this model and how these factors compare with existing implementation science frameworks. We employed an adapted nominal group technique to compile facilitators and barriers to implementation of the suicide prevention model across settings with five partner teams. Two researchers independently coded the resulting list of facilitators and barriers using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (version 1.0) codebook. The final list of cross-site prioritized facilitators and barriers included 41 factors. Some factors did not match easily with the framework’s constructs. The White Mountain Apache suicide prevention team noted that seven of the top prioritized factors are considerations they most try to emphasize to new communities working in suicide prevention. The factors fall into two key themes: staffing and tribal engagement. This finding affirms their focus when they conduct suicide prevention trainings with new communities and provides an opportunity for more structure and in-depth training in those two areas. Several factors could not be easily coded to the framework, especially around the sociocultural characteristics of suicide prevention work in Native communities. This contributes to the larger discussion in implementation science concerning the ways in which Indigenous approaches to public health differ from Western models.
MiRNA-34a, miRNA-145, and miRNA-222 Expression, Matrix Metalloproteinases, TNF-α and VEGF in Patients with Different Phenotypes of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Iusupova Alfiya Oskarovna , Pakhtusov Nikolay Nikolaevich , Slepova Olga Alexandrovna , Khabarova Natalia Vladimirovna , Privalova Elena Vitalievna , Bure Irina Vladimirovna , Nemtsova Marina Vyacheslavovna , Belenkov Yuri Nikitich
Published: December 2024

The development of different phenotypes of coronary artery (CA) lesions is regulated via many various factors, such as pro-inflammatory agents, zinc-dependent endopeptidases, growth factors and circulating microRNAs (miRs). To evaluate the expression levels of miR-34a, miR-145 and miR-222, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -9, -13 and -14) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with different phenotypes of coronary artery disease (CAD): ischemia/angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA/ANOCA) and obstructive CAD (oCAD) compared with a control group. This cross-sectional observational study included 157 subjects with a verified CAD diagnosis (51 patients with INOCA, 76 patients with oCAD and 30 healthy volunteers). The expression of miR-34a, miR-145 and miR-222 (RT-PCR) and the levels of VEGF, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-13 and MMP-14 (ELISA) were estimated in plasma samples. A higher concentration of MMP-9 was found in oCAD-group samples compared to the INOCA/ANOCA group. The INOCA/ANOCA group was characterized by higher levels of TNF-α. Based on multivariate regression analysis, a mathematical model predicting the type of CA lesion was constructed. MiR-145 was the independent predictor of INOCA/ANOCA (p = 0.006). Changes in concentrations of MMP-9 and MMP-14 were found in both investigated CAD groups, with MMP-9 levels being significantly higher in obstructive CAD samples than in INOCA/ANOCA, which confirms the role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis. A multivariate regression analysis allowed us to achieve a model that can predict the phenotype of stable CAD, and MiR-145 can be assumed as an independent predictor of INOCA/ANOCA.