Search Results (79)

This study examines the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war on crude oil tail risk using the Conditional Autoregressive Value at Risk (CAViaR) framework. We analyzed 2364 daily observations of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures spanning 1 January 2015 to 11 December 2023, thereby capturing both the pre-war period and the conflict regime. To operationalize the geopolitical shock, we identify four theoretically grounded event dates (21 February, 24 February, 11 May, and 15 June 2022) associated with military escalation and energy-supply disruptions, and incorporate them as exogenous dummy variables. Methodologically, we implement a two-step approach. First, we estimate 1-day Value at Risk (VaR) at the 5% and 1% levels using four alternative CAViaR specifications (Adaptive, Symmetric, Asymmetric, and Indirect GARCH(1,1)) within a rolling-window framework to capture the dynamic evolution of tail risk. Second, we regress the resulting VaR series on geopolitical-event indicators to quantify the marginal effect of war-related developments on downside risk. The empirical results show tail risk increases in oil-market after the most important geopolitical events in all the model specifications across the market characteristics. The Indirect GARCH(1,1) CAViaR model exhibited the highest sensitivity, producing event coefficients of 0.795 (5% VaR) and 0.710 (1% VaR), both significant at the 1% level. Our adaptive specification has magnitudes that are even higher at the extreme tail (2.002 at 1% VaR), further supporting increased vulnerability during periods of escalation in conflict. Evidence from the asymmetric model would also indicate stronger market response to unfavorable news, in line with loss-sensitive investor behavior. In sum, the outcomes indicate that the Russia–Ukraine war considerably elevated the downside risk of crude oil markets and that geopolitical events have economically and statistically significant effects on the tail dynamics. Incorporating event-based geopolitical indicators in the framework of CAViaR, contributes to the literature in energy-market risk modeling and applies practical information to investors, risk managers, and policymakers operating under a dynamic environment characterized by geopolitical uncertainty. Full article

Fish roe is consumed in different forms, e.g., caviar. The large and firm spherical roe from giant sea catfish (GSC, Arius thalassinus), which have a high price, are popular in some countries, like Thailand. However, the information on their nutrition and properties is scarce. Roe of different sizes from GSC, including medium (GSC-M), large (GSC-L), and extra-large (GSC-XL) sizes, were rich in protein (29.52–32.70%), fat (4.07–5.65%), and essential amino acids, particularly leucine and lysine. Vitelline was the major protein in GSC roe. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were abundant, although GSC-M showed lower PUFA content (21.91%) than GSC-L and GSC-XL (25.56–25.94%). No significant differences in texture property were found between sizes, despite the microstructural and histological differences. Larger voids and strands were found with augmenting size, while GSC-L showed greater membrane thickness (133.55 µm). FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of peptide and ester bonds associated with proteins and triacylglycerols, respectively. GSC-L had the highest cholesterol content (651.2 mg/100 g), whereas GSC-M showed the highest α-tocopherol level (1.64 mg/kg). Phosphorus was the dominant mineral (3473–3894 mg/kg), followed by calcium and other minerals. Hence, the roe from GSC, regardless of size, possess high nutritive value and could be used as a wholesome marine food or functional ingredient. Full article

While the sturgeon farming industry is renowned for its valuable caviar, sturgeon muscle tissue remains an underutilized byproduct. The present investigation evaluated the physiological profiles and meat quality attributes of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × Acipenser schrenckii ♂) cultivated in freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW) in terms of conventional nutritional components, color, amino acid, texture, fatty acid, as well as volatile flavor substances. Results revealed that the SW group demonstrated significantly higher muscle whiteness and hardness. The SW group showed significantly higher contents of crude protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in the total hydrolyzed amino acids between the SW and FW groups (p > 0.05), the SW group exhibited significantly higher levels of umami free amino acids, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid (p < 0.01). Flavor profiling indicated that the SW group exhibited lower levels of several off-flavor compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, and 3,5-octadien-2-one. Notably, the contents of geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), responsible for earthy off-flavors, were significantly lower in the SW group (p < 0.05). Overall, seawater-cultured hybrid sturgeons offer superior nutritional value and sensory characteristics compared to their freshwater counterparts. These findings provide important scientific insights for enhancing the value-added processing of sturgeon products and the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Full article

Wolffia globosa (W. globosa), an edible aquatic plant of the Lemnaceae family, has gained increasing attention as a potential alternative protein and functional food ingredient due to its rapid biomass production, favorable amino acid profile, and micronutrient content. This review critically evaluates the current evidence on the nutritional composition, protein quality, reported bioactive properties, safety considerations, and regulatory status of W. globosa, focusing on its suitability for food applications. Literature data indicate that W. globosa biomass can contain substantial protein levels on a dry-weight basis, with reported protein quality metrics approaching those of some conventional plant proteins under specific processing conditions. In addition, studies have explored the high antioxidant, antihypertensive, and metabolism-related bioactivities of W. globosa, primarily based on in vitro and animal studies. However, human clinical evidence remains limited, and reported functional effects should be interpreted with caution. Regulatory assessments, including novel food authorization in certain jurisdictions, support its use as a food ingredient under defined conditions but do not substantiate health claims. Overall, W. globosa represents a promising plant-based food resource; nevertheless, further standardized compositional analyses, bioavailability studies, and well-designed human trials are required to substantiate its functional and nutritional properties. Full article

The construction sector accounts for 39% of GHG emissions, being the main contributor to embodied carbon emissions of building materials, and operational energy consumption for indoor thermal comfort. Cereal straw, an agricultural by-product, is emerging as a low-carbon alternative due to its thermal performance and negative embodied carbon. This paper aims to review recent advances of cereal straw as a building material for decarbonization of construction, analyzing its thermal properties, embodied carbon, and large-scale applications. A literature review focused on European-certified straw-based materials, grouped into four categories: straw bales, blown-in insulation, modular systems, and bio-composites. Twelve Product Environmental Declarations (EPDs) and technical specifications were examined to evaluate manufacturing processes, material properties, and Global Warming Potential (GWP) for cradle-to-gate stages (A1–A3), as well as their use in large-scale projects over the past five years. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.043 to 0.068 W/m·K, while embodied carbon varied between –101.2 and –146.5 kg CO₂ eq/m³. Straw bales remain prevalent in small-scale housing, blown-in insulation supports retrofitting, and modular systems offer the most balanced performance, enabling high-rise or extensive built surfaces. The study concludes that straw products have the potential to decarbonize opaque elements of the envelope, reducing operational and embodied energy of buildings. Full article

In sturgeon aquaculture, all-female production is desirable due to the high value of caviar. Genetic sexing and the production of WW superfemales are important steps toward achieving this. In this study, we identified the WSR and ZSR primers for amplification of W- and Z-specific regions, respectively. WSR primers were designed on the gene W-linked RT RNase H-like domain containing protein (rnhW). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) bands were obtained with the WSR primer only in phenotypic female sturgeons, indicating that stable genetic sexing was achieved in most species, including those captured around Hokkaido. Moreover, rnhW showed female-specific expression in the gonads during early sex differentiation in kaluga and Amur sturgeon. ZSR primers were developed from the orofacial cleft 1 candidate gene 1 protein homolog. Clear and distinct gel band patterns for ZZ, ZW, and WW genotypes were obtained using WSR and ZSR primers, consistent with genotypic estimations by quantitative PCR. This consistency confirmed the presence of WW superfemales among offspring produced by fertilizing ZW females with ZW pseudomales masculinized using 17α-methyltestosterone. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation in sturgeons, bringing the establishment of an all-female production system within reach. Full article

Understanding how different population groups interact with urban environments is essential for analyzing spatial dynamics and informing urban planning, especially in cities experiencing high visitor pressure. This study presents a methodological framework for the spatial and temporal delineation of urban areas based on user-generated location-based data. By collecting nearly 1 million Google Maps reviews in the municipality of Donostia-San Sebastián, we identify and classify user profiles based on their spatiotemporal behavior. First, we collect points of interest (POIs) and associated reviews, including profile identifiers and timestamps. Then, we perform user-level webscraping to reconstruct review histories, enabling us to infer the predominant geographical origin of each user. Users are classified as residents or tourists using both spatial prevalence and temporal activity patterns. The resulting data is aggregated onto a hexagonal grid for geostatistical analysis. Using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic and Mann-Kendall trend tests, we identify hotspots and long-term trends of activity for different population segments. Additionally, we propose novel indicators such as predominant periods of activity and diversity of geographical origin per cell to characterize heterogeneous patterns of urban use. Our results reveal distinct behavioral patterns, highlighting a more evenly distributed use of urban space by residents, with spatially overlapping yet temporally offset activities across central areas where tourists tend to concentrate their interactions. This spatiotemporal concentration is intensified as the tourists’ origin becomes more distant, suggesting that proximity shapes urban engagement. The proposed methodology offers a replicable strategy for urban analysis using publicly accessible user-generated data and contributes to the understanding of sociospatial dynamics in tourism-intensive cities. Full article

This study is the first to encapsulate chicken broth into caviar-like hydrogel beads (CBHBs) using ionic gelation, aiming to explore their potential in molecular gastronomy and functional food design. The effects of calcium lactate concentration (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) and post-gelation holding time (0, 30, and 60 min) on the physicochemical, morphological, mechanical, and sensory properties of chicken broth hydrogel beads were evaluated. The beads were produced by dropping a 1% sodium alginate–chicken broth mixture into calcium lactate solutions, followed by analysis of diameter, bulk density, pH, color, shape, texture, and consumer acceptance. Results revealed that higher calcium concentrations and extended holding times significantly decreased bead diameter and increased bulk density and hardness, indicating denser and more compact structures. Morphologically, increased calcium levels resulted in irregular, droplet-like shapes, with reduced sphericity. Instrumental color analysis showed higher a*, b*, and chroma values at higher calcium levels. Sensory evaluations demonstrated that samples with lower calcium concentrations and no post-gelation holding were significantly preferred by panelists in terms of softness and overall liking. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing calcium concentration and holding time in the design of alginate-based hydrogel beads and suggest that CBHBs have potential applications in molecular gastronomy and functional food product development. Full article

The challenges posed by aging populations and increasing rates of social isolation necessitate a rethinking of the manner in which housing and urban environments can support elderly well-being. This study explores the role of interdisciplinary educational research in addressing two key challenges faced by older adults living alone: thermal comfort and loneliness. The research, which was conducted in the Basque Country, Spain, involved six Final Degree Projects (FDPs) developed within a Research-Based Learning (RBL) framework by undergraduate students in architecture and engineering. These projects were embedded in two applied research initiatives, Etxelagun and Kalelagun, which monitored private dwellings and public spaces to evaluate environmental comfort and social inclusion. The student teams conducted fieldwork, interviews, environmental audits, and co-design processes with elderly participants and stakeholders from public administration, social services, and health sectors. The results demonstrate how the physical and social characteristics of the built environment influence autonomy, thermal comfort, and opportunities for interaction. The proposals developed address accessibility, climate-adaptive design, and age-friendly urban strategies. Survey results demonstrate that the RBL approach enhances students’ sensitivity and commitment to social challenges. The study concludes that interdisciplinary, context-sensitive educational research can produce actionable design solutions while cultivating future professionals equipped to respond to the complex needs of aging societies. Full article

Genomic prediction has emerged as a powerful tool in aquaculture breeding, but its effectiveness depends on the careful selection of informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the application of appropriate prediction models. This study aimed to enhance genomic prediction accuracy in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) by optimizing SNP selection strategies and exploring the performance of linear and machine learning models. Three economically important traits—caviar yield, caviar color, and body weight—were selected due to their direct relevance to breeding goals and market value. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were obtained from 971 individuals with an average sequencing depth of 13.52×. To reduce marker density and eliminate redundancy, three SNP selection strategies were applied: (1) genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based prioritization to select trait-associated SNPs; (2) linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning to retain independent markers; and (3) random sampling as a control. Genomic prediction was conducted using both linear (e.g., GBLUP) and machine learning models (e.g., random forest) across varying SNP densities (1 K to 50 K). Results showed that GWAS-based SNP selection consistently outperformed other strategies, especially at moderate densities (≥10 K), improving prediction accuracy by up to 3.4% compared to the full WGS dataset. LD-based selection at higher densities (30 K and 50 K) achieved comparable performance to full WGS. Notably, machine learning models, particularly random forest, exceeded the performance of linear models, yielding an additional 2.0% increase in accuracy when combined with GWAS-selected SNPs. In conclusion, integrating WGS data with GWAS-informed SNP selection and advanced machine learning models offers a promising framework for improving genomic prediction in sturgeon and holds promise for broader applications in aquaculture breeding programs. Full article

This study investigates the impact of heatwaves on the thermal comfort and well-being of elderly individuals living alone during heatwaves, focusing on two contrasting residential typologies in the Atlantic climate of Spain: a dense urban area and low-density peri-urban setting. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining in situ environmental monitoring, adaptive comfort modelling, and user-centred data from surveys and interviews based on the De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. The results show that both dwellings exceeded recommended indoor temperature thresholds during heatwaves, especially at night, contributing to sleep disturbance, cardiovascular stress, and emotional discomfort. Despite 85% of participants indicating that outdoor activities help them to mitigate not-wanted loneliness, architectural barriers often hinder such engagement. Over half reported having no balcony or terrace, which may have further intensified social isolation. Field data collected during 2022 summer heatwaves recorded maximum daytime temperatures of 30 °C and night-time peaks of 28.7 °C, exceeding the 25 °C threshold. The adaptive comfort evaluation classified both cases as Class 4 (severe discomfort). The urban dwelling showed consistent moderate discomfort (Category 3), likely due to poor ventilation and urban heat island effects. The peri-urban case, despite lacking the heat island influence, showed worse thermal conditions, especially during the day. Architectural barriers, poor thermal performance, and the lack of semi-outdoor spaces may exacerbate isolation among elderly people during extreme heat events. Full article

Extensive scientific evidence underscores the importance of identifying spatiotemporal patterns for investigating urban dynamics. The recent proliferation of location-based social networks (LBSNs) facilitates the measurement of urban rhythms through geotemporal information, providing deeper insights into the underlying causes of urban vibrancy. This study presents a methodology for analyzing the spatiotemporal use of cities and identifying occupancy patterns taking into consideration urban form and function. The analysis relies on data obtained from Google Popular Times (GPT), transforming the relative occupancy of a large number of points of interest (POI) classified into five categories, for estimating the number of people aggregated within urban nodes during a typical day. As a result, this research assesses the utility of this data source for evaluating the changing dynamics of a city across both space and time. The methodology employs geographic information system (GIS) tools and artificial intelligence techniques. The results demonstrate that by analyzing geotemporal data, we can classify urban nodes according to their hourly activity patterns. These patterns, in turn, relate to city form and urban activities, showing a certain spatial concentration. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on machine learning (ML) methods for spatiotemporal modeling, laying the groundwork for future studies that can further explore the complexity of urban phenomena. Full article

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components of the innate immune system in fish, responsible for recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), an endangered sturgeon species valued for its meat and caviar, is a promising model for studying the effects of polyploidy on immune gene regulation. This study examined the expression of Toll-like receptor type 2 (TLR2) and type 13 (TLR13) in the heart, liver, gills, spleen, and kidney of diploid and triploid healthy sterlets using real-time PCR. TLR2 and TLR13 were expressed in all tissues of both diploids and triploids. In diploids, TLR2 expression was the highest in the kidney and the lowest in the liver (p < 0.05). Similarly, TLR13 expression in diploids was highest in the kidney and gills, and lowest in the liver (p < 0.05). In triploids, no significant tissue-specific variation in TLR expression was observed (p > 0.05). Comparisons between diploid and triploid sterlets revealed higher TLR2 expression in the kidney and higher TLR13 expression in the heart and kidney of diploids (p < 0.05). These molecular findings were supported by leukocyte analysis, which showed a significantly lower percentage of lymphocytes and a higher proportion of neutrophils in triploids compared to diploids. Additionally, the proportion of thrombocytes was significantly elevated in triploids (p < 0.05). This study provides the first report of TLR expression in polyploid fish, offering new insights into immune modulation associated with polyploidy in sturgeons. Full article

This study addresses daylighting to enhance the quality of indoor atmospheres, considering building skins. In the hotel industry, lighting accounts for more than 10% of energy consumption. Many highly glazed façades create visual comfort problems, resulting in increased electric lighting consumption. Ninety-four restaurants were studied in Spain; almost all cases have a window with outside views, and more than half of the cases have tables adjacent to the outside views. However, it is difficult to balance daylight use, a shading system, and the outside view. A virtual restaurant prototype is built by Rhinoceros to simulate the daylight glare index by Evalglare and daylight autonomy of a highly glazed façade with three different shading systems by Radiance through a screen and an overhang with and without a complex fenestration system. The results show that the screen system reduces the daylight glare index value to imperceptible glare (15%), while the daylight glare index for the overhang with and without a complex fenestration system increases to acceptable glare (21%). However, the daylight autonomy for the screen system is almost half (52%) the daylight autonomy for the overhang systems (95%). Although the daylight glare index for the overhang with a complex fenestration system is slightly higher, the illuminance level and its distribution performance are better without obstructing the outdoor view. Full article

Due to the current climate situation, it is necessary to apply new methods that support environmental, social, and energy challenges to respond to global emergencies. In this regard, Living Labs have increased their popularity as a strategic tool to promote innovation from the local level and proximity. This study aims to detect the patterns, trends, and coherence of the so-called Living Labs. For this purpose, a characterisation of Living Labs has been undertaken that focuses on energy, environmental, and social issues in Europe to support urban transition. It concludes that Living Labs do not have a single solution. They are highly influenced by the current European trends and promoted topics. They can be multi-dimensional (digital and physical), multi-scale (from small, such as the product, to large, such as the territory) and multi-purpose. It is determined that there is an absence of working in real-life environments and some of the Living Lab’s principles. Among the topics, the most common ones are social inclusion, environment, energy, health, and IoT. The implemented scale in a building and the product on the application scale are the most frequent ones. Urban Living Labs are identified as a niche opportunity because of their low current development. Full article