Search Results (30)

Design and use of wearable technology have grown exponentially, particularly in consumer products and service sectors, e.g., healthcare. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of wearable technology in consumer acceptance. This systematic review utilized a PRISMA on peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024 and collected on WoS, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. A total of 38 full-text articles were systematically reviewed and analyzed using bibliometric, thematic, and descriptive analysis to understand the technical functions of digital wearable products (DWPs) in consumer acceptance. The findings revealed four key functions: (i) wearable technology, (ii) appearance and design, (iii) biomimetic innovation, and (iv) security and privacy, found in eight types of DWPs, among them smartwatches, medical robotics, fitness devices, and wearable fashions, significantly predicted the customers’ acceptance moderated by the behavioral factors. The review also identified five key outcomes: health and fitness, enjoyment, social value, biomimicry, and market growth. The review proposed a comprehensive acceptance model that combines biomimetic principles and AI-driven features into the technical functions of the technical function model (TAM) while addressing security and privacy concerns. This approach contributes to the extended definition of TAM in wearable technology, offering new pathways for biomimetic research in smart devices and robotics. Full article

The use of extended light spectra, including UV-A, green, and far-red, has been scarcely explored in vertical farming. This study evaluated the effects of full spectra under two intensities (90 and 180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) on the growth and antioxidant properties of green and purple leaf lettuce. Three light spectra were tested: Blue-White (BW), Red-White (RW), and Red-Blue (RB). Fresh weight (FW), dry weight percentage (DWP), chlorophyll concentration (NDVI), and antioxidant parameters (total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP and total flavonoid content (TFC)) were assessed. Spectrum-intensity interactions significantly influenced FW, with RW-180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ yielding the highest FW (78.2 g plant⁻¹ in green and 48.5 g plant⁻¹ in purple lettuce). BW-90 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ maximized DWP in green lettuce, while PAR intensity of 180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ favored DWP in purple lettuce. Chlorophyll concentration increased under PAR intensity of 180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and leaf color varied with spectrum, with RW producing lighter leaves. Antioxidant parameters declined over time, but a PAR intensity of 180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, particularly under RW, boosted TPC and TFC contents in both lettuce cultivars during early stages (days 0 and 15). Conversely, a lower PAR intensity of 90 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, mainly under RW, enhanced antioxidant capacity by FRAP at 15 days and by the end of the cycle for both cultivars. Overall, RW-180 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ interactions promoted the best characteristics in lettuce. Nonetheless, the findings emphasize the significance of fine-tuning both light spectrum and intensity to enhance lettuce growth and quality in vertical farming systems considering the cultivar, time and variable to be evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Driving abilities require the synchronized activity of cerebral networks associated with sensorimotor integration, motricity, and executive functions. Drivers with Parkinson’s disease (DwP) have impaired driving ability, but little is known about the impact of “wearing-off” and therapies in addition to L-DOPA on driving capacities. This study aimed to (i) compare driving performance between DwP during different motor states and healthy controls and (ii) assess the impact of add-on therapies on driving abilities. Methods: DwP (n = 26) were enrolled as individuals experiencing wearing-off symptoms and treated (within 6 months before the enrollment) with add-on therapies to L-DOPA, including MAO inhibitors for DwP-A (n = 12) or opicapone for DwP-B (n = 14). Age- and sex-matched controls (CON, n = 12) were also enrolled. DwP received two driving assessments in a driving simulator during their “best-on” time and during their wearing-off time on different days. An anamnestic driving questionnaire was collected with the assistance of partners. A Virtual Driving Rating Scale (VDRS) was calculated, as well as learning curves (LCs) for driving items calculated in minutes. Results: DwP reported worse driving performance than CON at the driving questionnaire. In line with this, DwP showed worse VDRS (p < 0.01) and LC (p = 0.021) than CON. Lower VDRS was associated with wearing-off (p < 0.01), but DwP-B had better driving performance while in their “best-on” time (p = 0.037) and more items improving with LCs (7 vs. 3) than DwP-A. Conclusions: DwP demonstrated impaired driving compared to controls. Wearing-off symptoms can also affect driving ability, but therapies (opicapone more so than MAO inhibitors) may play a role in preserving specific driving skills, possibly through maintaining learning abilities. Full article

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to report and investigate the characteristics and longitudinal changes in dark-without-pressure (DWP) fundus lesions in patients with autoimmune diseases using multimodal imaging techniques. Methods: In this retrospective observational case series, five patients affected by ocular and systemic autoimmune disorders and DWP were examined. DWP was assessed by multimodal imaging, including color fundus photography (CFP), near-infrared reflectance (NIR), blue reflectance (BR), blue autofluorescence (BAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCT-A), fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and functional testing, including standard automated perimetry (SAP) and electroretinography (ERG). Follow-up examinations were performed for four out of five patients (range: 6 months–7 years). Results: DWP fundus lesions were found in the retinal mid-periphery and were characterized by the hypo-reflectivity of the ellipsoid zone on OCT. DWP appeared hypo-reflective in NIR, BR and BAF, and exhibited hypo-fluorescence in FA in two patients while showing no signs in one patient. ICGA showed hypo-fluorescent margins in one patient. SAP and ERG testing did not show alterations attributable to the DWP lesion. Follow-up examinations documented rapid dimensional changes in DWP even in the short term (1 month). Conclusions: This study suggests a possible association between autoimmune diseases and DWP. New FA and ICGA features were described. The proposed pathogenesis hypotheses may operate as a basis for further investigation of a lesion that is still largely unknown. Large population studies would be necessary to confirm whether there is a higher incidence of DWP in this patient category. Full article

The growth and development of green lettuce plants can be modulated by the prevailing light conditions around them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ambient light enrichment with different LED light spectra on agronomic characteristics, polyphenol concentration and relative gene expression of enzymes associated with polyphenol formation in ‘Levistro’ lettuce grown hydroponically in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system for 28 days in a greenhouse. The spectra (blue:green:red:far-red) and red:blue (R:B) ratios obtained by enriching ambient light with Blue (B), White (W), Blue-Red (BR) and Red (R) LED light were B: 47:22:21:10, 0.5:1; W: 30:38:23:9, 0.8:1; BR: 33:15:44:8, 1.3:1 and R: 16:16:60:8, 3.8:1, respectively, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under the different treatments, measured at midday, ranged from 328 to 336 µmoles m⁻² s⁻¹. The resulting daily light integral (DLI) was between 9.1 and 9.6 mol m⁻² day⁻¹. The photoperiod for all enrichment treatments was 12 h of light. The control was ambient greenhouse light (25:30:30:15; R:B = 1.2:1; PAR = 702 µmoles m⁻² s⁻¹; DLI = 16.9 mol m⁻² day⁻¹; photoperiod = 14.2 h of light). Fresh weight (FW) and dried weight percentage (DWP) were similar among the enrichment treatments and the control. The leaf number increased significantly under BR and R compared to B lights. The relative index of chlorophyll concentration (RIC) increased as plants grew and was similar among the enrichment treatments and the control. On the other hand, the concentration of chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid increased under BR and B lights, which was consistent with the higher relative expression of the coumarate 3-hydroxylase enzyme gene. In view of the results, it is inferred that half of the PAR or DLI is sufficient to achieve normal growth and development of ‘Levistro’ lettuce plants, suggesting a more efficient use of light energy under the light enrichment treatments. On the other hand, the blue and combined blue-red lights promoted the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the leaves of ‘Levistro’ lettuce plants. Full article

Watermelon suffers substantial post-harvest losses owing to strict quality standards, resulting in 20–30% of the crop being left unharvested. This study investigated the potential of valorizing dried watermelon pomace (DWP), a byproduct of watermelon juice extraction, focusing on its lycopene content—a potent antioxidant. This study assessed lycopene stability in DWP from four watermelon cultivars (Perla Nera^®, Gavina^®, Crimson Sweet, and Asahi Miyako) under different storage conditions (vial-sealed and vacuum-sealed). The lycopene content in freshly prepared DWP samples ranged from 0.734 to 1.572 mg/g db. The results indicated that vacuum-sealed samples exhibited significantly slower lycopene degradation than vial-sealed samples, highlighting the impact of air exposure on lycopene stability. After 90 days of storage, lycopene content in vacuum-sealed samples ranged from 0.214 to 1.234 mg/g db, while that in vial-sealed samples ranged from 0.013 to 0.731 mg/g db. Furthermore, this study assessed the effect of pretreatments with ascorbic acid (pretreatment A) and a mixture of ascorbic and citric acids (pretreatment B) on lycopene stability. Pretreatment B showed superior effectiveness, yielding higher lycopene levels than pretreatment A (p < 0.05). The stabilizing effects of ascorbic acid and citric acid were attributed to their antioxidant properties and their roles as pH regulators and chelators. Full article

Purpose: Decent work promotes decent and productive work opportunities for all genders under conditions of freedom, equality, safety, and human dignity. Despite the growing body of literature on this concept, decent work perception (DWP) measurement still needs to be improved. Although the literature provides several measurement tools for DWP, only some studies focus on knowledge works. This study aims to provide an original, valid, and reliable measure of DWP reflecting the knowledge workers’ perception of decent work. Problem: Based on a proposed conceptual framework of DWP, a scale was developed through a systematic scale development process. Methodology: In this study, an exploratory survey is conducted to generate codes using in-depth interviews. A pilot study is used to generate and select items for the DWP scale. An exploratory factor analysis is conducted to determine the underlying factor structure of the scale. Data are collected from 869 knowledge workers in China in the formal survey. Results: The analysis provides a five-dimensional structure of DWP with 15 items, including security, support, self-value, skills, and self-esteem. Implications: Our work expands research on decent work and adds to the broader area of knowledge workers. By developing a scale of DWP, our research has practical implications in theory and practice. Full article

In livestock houses, particulate matter (PM) is a critical factor not only for disease and odor spread but also for the work environment. In particular, workers are exposed to high concentrations of organic particulate matter and harmful gases while performing their tasks, and, as they age, they become more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. This study analyzed the PM concentrations in commercial broiler houses, focusing on the differences in ventilation rates according to the season and the type of work, categorized into a static work period (SWP) and dynamic work period (DWP). In the regional monitoring using gravimetric methods, the average PM concentrations were found to be within acceptable limits, with TSP at 1042 µg/m³, PM-10 at 718 µg/m³, and PM-2.5 at 137 µg/m³. These values did not exceed the recommended exposure limits for inhalable dust at 2400 µg/m³ and respirable dust at 160 µg/m³ in chicken farmers. However, in the personal monitoring using a real-time aerosol spectrometer, it was revealed that the aerosol concentrations during DWP exceeded the standards by up to 214%. Specifically, during DWP, the concentrations were 1.74 times higher for TSP, 1.40 times higher for PM-10, and 1.22 times higher for PM-2.5 compared to SWP. It was observed that during the movement of workers, the physical generation of particles around 10 µm, such as feed and bedding, occurred due to the movement of chickens, which influenced the aerosol concentration. Full article

A novel channel-modulated static birefringent Fourier transform imaging spectropolarimeter (CSBFTIS) is introduced, which is based on a double Wollaston prism (DWP). With an adjustable air gap (AG), the spectral resolution can be adjusted by changing the AG. The CSBFTIS combines the channel-modulated imaging spectropolarimeter and the slit-free static birefringent Fourier transform imaging spectrometer technology with adjustable spectral resolution. The device is compact and robust, with a wide spectral range and a large luminous flux. Compared with various previous spectropolarimeters, it can greatly reduce the size of the spectral image data to adapt to different application requirements. A prototype is built, and simulation and experiments are carried out, and the results prove the effectiveness of the method. Full article

Enavogliflozin is a sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved for clinical use in South Korea. As SGLT2 inhibitors are a treatment option for patients with diabetes, enavogliflozin is expected to be prescribed in various populations. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling can rationally predict the concentration–time profiles under altered physiological conditions. In previous studies, one of the metabolites (M1) appeared to have a metabolic ratio between 0.20 and 0.25. In this study, PBPK models for enavogliflozin and M1 were developed using published clinical trial data. The PBPK model for enavogliflozin incorporated a non-linear urinary excretion in a mechanistically arranged kidney model and a non-linear formation of M1 in the liver. The PBPK model was evaluated, and the simulated pharmacokinetic characteristics were in a two-fold range from those of the observations. The pharmacokinetic parameters of enavogliflozin were predicted using the PBPK model under pathophysiological conditions. PBPK models for enavogliflozin and M1 were developed and validated, and they seemed useful for logical prediction. Full article

The viability of probiotics is strictly influenced by the production, storage, and digestion, while microencapsulation is a technology that can protect them against harsh environments. In this study, the impact of different core-to-wall ratios and wall material formulations on physical properties and the cell number of the microcapsules were investigated. The samples with core-to-wall ratio 1:1 have a significantly higher cell number, encapsulation efficiency, and bulk density than samples with core-to-wall ratio 1:1.5. The yields of the encapsulation method were changes in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, core-to-wall ratios and formulation have a significant effect on the cell number of the microcapsules during the in vitro SGJ test, whereas time, core-to-wall ratios, and formulation have a similar influence in the in vitro SIJ test. Moreover, probiotic apple juices stored at 4 °C for 6 weeks kept the highest cell number at the end. Furthermore, probiotic apple juices fortified by microcapsules coated with WP:DWP 1:1 in core-to-wall ratio 1:1 and stored at 4 °C for 4–8 weeks exhibited a significantly lower pH value. In summary, both whey proteins and denatured whey proteins are as good as coating material for microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strains. These microcapsules have high potential in the production of probiotic apple juice even by fermentation or fortification methods. Full article

Early seedling developmental morphology influences plant growth and development and ultimately crop biomass and grain yields. We used six half-sibling plants of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) (Thinopyrum intermedium, (Host), Barkworth and Dewey) to develop an obligate outcrossing species, to develop six maternal lines. Thousand seed weights (TSW) were consistently different amongst plants, averaging from 6.28 to 9.62 g over the three harvest years. Seedlings from the largest seed of each line were studied for early plant development under controlled conditions (22 °C/18 °C, 16/8 h day/night) with destructive harvests at 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after imbibition (DAI) through six grow-outs. Haun stage, and tiller umber and origin, were noted daily, and dry weight plant⁻¹ (DWP) measured at the dates noted above. Leaf-blade length and width were measured in four grow-outs and leaf area estimated. Seedling development data showed some differences between lines and was similar in all lines studied. Data was combined to garner an understanding of early IWG development. Tillering began as the third leaf completed emergence. Coleoptile tillers and rhizomes were infrequent. DWP was best estimated using the main stem leaf area. A large-, a medium- and a small-seeded line were statistically identical for many characteristics including DWP indicating that TSW did not influence seedling vigor. The main stem leaf area may be used non-destructively to improve plant populations for early DWP selection. Full article

This study focuses on understanding the effect of ionic strength on the mechanical and microstructural properties of novel composite gels containing 13% whey protein isolate (WPI) and 4% de-structured waxy potato starch (DWPS). The DWPS is a physically modified waxy potato starch treated at 140 °C for 30 min under constant shear. Thermodynamic incompatibility between WPI and DWPS was observed upon the addition of NaCl (~75 mM) or CaCl₂ (10–75 mM). The combined effects of such thermodynamic incompatibility with the changes in protein connectivity induced by varied ionic strength led to the formation of distinctive gel structures (inhomogeneous self-supporting gels with a liquid centre and weak gels with paste-like consistency) that were different from thermodynamic compatible homogeneous self-supporting gels (pure WPI and WPI + maltodextrin gels). At ≥ 250 mM NaCl, instead of a paste-like texture, a recovered soft and creamy self-supporting gel structure was observed when using DWPS. The ability to generate a range of textures in WPI gelation-based foods by using DWPS under different ionic conditions, is a feasible strategy for formulating high-protein foods for dysphagia—aimed to be either thickened fluids or soft solids. Additionally, this acquired knowledge is also relevant when formulating food gels for 3-D printing. Full article

Fexuprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB). The compounds in this newly developed drug family suppress intragastric acidity. As there are already other acid-suppressing drugs on the market, such as H₂ antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), it would be informative to compare the biological effects of fexuprazan against another approved drug with the same indication. The drug concentration predicted by the pharmacokinetic (PK) model could serve as an input function for a pharmacodynamic (PD) model. The apparent pharmacokinetics of fexuprazan could be described by a simpler model. However, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed in a previous study. A one-compartment model was also proposed in the present study. Both the newly suggested model and the previously validated PBPK model were used as input functions of the PD models. Our simulation revealed that the effects of fexuprazan could be effectively simulated by the proposed PK–PD models. A PK–PD model was also proposed for the oral administration of the PPI reference drug esomeprazole. A model-based analysis was then performed for intragastric pH using several dosing methods. The expected pH could be predicted for both drugs under several dosing regimens using the proposed PK–PD models. Full article

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of six forage traits using whole-genome sequencing data generated from 301 ramie accessions found that traits were continuously distributed; the maximum variant coefficient was fresh weight per clump (FWPC) (2019) and individual plant height (IPH) (2019) minimum. Correlation analysis demonstrated that 2019 and 2020 results were similar; all traits were correlated. GWAS analysis demonstrated that six traits exhibited consistent and precise association signals. Of the latter, 104 were significant and detected in 43 genomic regions. By screening forage trait-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms and combining Manhattan map with genome annotation, signals were categorized according to functional annotations. One loci associated with fresh weight per plant (FWP) (chromosome 5; Bnt05G007759), two associated with FWPC (chromosome 13; Bnt13G018582, and Bnt13G018583), and two associated with leaf dry weight per plant (LDWP) and dry weight per plant (DWP) (chromosome 4; Bnt04G005779 and Bnt04G005780), were identified. We describe forage trait candidate genes that are highly correlated with FWP and FWPC; Bnt05G007759 may be involved in nitrogen metabolism, while Bnt13G018582 and Bnt13G018583 may encode TEOSINTE branch 1/CYCLOIDEA/proliferating cytokine 1 (TCP) domains. Bnt04G005779 and Bnt04G005780, which may regulate growth and development, are highly related to LDWP and DWP. These genomic resources will provide a basis for breeding varieties. Full article