Search Results (3,751)

Background: Little is known about the relation between total alcohol intake and beverage types with the risk of heart failure (HF) and its subtypes in the veteran population. This study aims to examine the associations between total and type of alcohol consumption and risk of HF and its subtypes, namely HF with reduced [HFrEF] and preserved [HFpEF] ejection fraction, in a large cohort of US veterans. Methods: The study cohort included 401,348 Million Veteran Program participants with complete alcohol information collected through a survey and no HF at baseline. HF events were defined as 1 inpatient or 1 outpatient diagnosis code together with at least two ejection fraction (EF) measurements. We defined HFrEF as HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40% and HFpEF as heart failure with LVEF ≥ 50%. The associations between alcohol intake, type of beverage consumed (i.e., beer, wine, or liquor), and incidence of HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to assess for a dose–response association between alcohol consumption and the risk of HF. Results: Mean age was 65 years, and 91% were men. With a mean follow-up of 6.4 years, we observed 38,420 incident HF events (15,356 HFrEF, 19,047 HFpEF, and 4017 HF with an EF value of 41–49%). Compared to never drinkers, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for HF were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86, 0.94), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.93), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.91), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86, 0.98), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.06), and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.15) for current drinkers of 0.1–0.5, 0.6–1, 1.1–2, 2.1–3, 3.1–4 drinks/day, and heavy drinkers (i.e., >4 drinks/day and/or those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder), respectively. We found a similar association between alcohol intake and risk of HFpEF and HFrEF, except heavy drinking was significantly associated with HFrEF (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.24), not HFpEF (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.13). Types of alcoholic beverage preference did not influence the alcohol-HF relation. Conclusions: Our data are consistent with a J-shaped relation between alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure, irrespective of subtypes. Full article

The rapid expansion of new energy vehicles (NEVs) has intensified concerns over power battery safety, making consumer safety preferences an important driver of firms’ innovation and supply chain decisions. From the perspective of structural symmetry and structural asymmetry in supply chains, this study examines how consumer safety preferences shape innovation incentives and supply mode selection in the power battery supply chain. A game-theoretic framework is developed to analyze four representative supply modes characterized by different degrees of decision power and structural asymmetry, including in-house production, sourcing from a dominant supplier, sourcing from a non-dominant supplier, and equity-based cooperation. Stackelberg and Nash game models are employed to derive equilibrium pricing, innovation effort, recycling decisions, and profit allocation outcomes. Numerical simulations further explore the interaction effects between consumer safety preferences and key cost factors. The results show that stronger consumer safety preferences consistently promote battery innovation and enhance overall supply chain profitability, while the distribution of innovation gains depends critically on the underlying supply structure. Supply mode selection exhibits threshold effects as safety preferences increase, and innovation and recycling decisions respond asymmetrically. Moreover, innovation costs significantly moderate the impact of safety preferences on innovation effort, with the strength of this interaction varying across symmetric and asymmetric supply modes. These findings highlight the role of structural asymmetry in shaping innovation incentives and provide insights for firms and policymakers seeking to design effective supply chain governance mechanisms under rising safety concerns. Full article

Apple aroma is an important factor influencing consumers’ preferences. To understand the overall flavor characteristics of apples (Ruixue, Liangzhi, Grystal Fuji, and Guifei), volatile compounds and aroma profiles were investigated by headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that a total of 56 aroma compounds were identified by SBSE-GC-MS, and 39 aroma-active compounds were screened out using aroma intensity (AI) and odor activity value (OAV). Aroma recombination experiments showed enhanced ‘fruity’ and ‘sweet’ notes, whereas ‘floral’, ‘woody’, and ‘green’ aromas were weaker compared to the Crystal Fuji sample. Additionally, GC-IMS coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the apple samples, and partial least squares regression (PLSR) was applied to explore the correlation between sensory attributes and characteristic aroma compounds. The results indicated that Crystal Fuji exhibited the greatest correlation with the “woody” attribute, and Ruixue was highly correlated with “fruity”, “green”, and “sour” attributes, while butanoic acid, β-damascenone, butyl acetate, pentyl acetate, furfuryl alcohol, γ-decalactone, and vanillin had a significant impact on the “flower” and “sweet” attributes of Guifei. This study clarified the characteristic aroma composition of the four apple cultivars, providing data support for apple flavor quality evaluation and cultivar optimization. Full article

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a crucial determinant of pork quality, influencing tenderness, flavor, and consumer preferences, yet selective breeding has reduced its levels in modern pigs. This review explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms of IMF deposition, including progenitor cell differentiation via pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and PPARγ, and advances in non-invasive detection methods such as hyperspectral imaging and Raman spectroscopy. It highlights correlations and causal links between the gut microbiota composition and IMF, established through omics analyses, fecal microbiota transplantation, and germ-free models. Key microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids, modulate lipid metabolism bidirectionally via signaling receptors like GPR43, FXR, and TGR5. Future research should integrate multi-omics and develop probiotics to enhance IMF efficiency for sustainable pork production. Full article

The increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, driven by veganism, lactose intolerance, and greater health consciousness, has intensified research into dairy-free frozen desserts. This study investigates the development of a plant-based ice cream alternative utilizing oleosomes extracted from sunflower seed kernels as natural emulsifiers, eliminating the need for synthetic additives. Oleosomes were obtained through aqueous extraction from raw kernels, incorporated into emulsions in three levels (0, 12, and 24%), and combined with sunflower seed oil, tahini, date paste, and water to create the ice cream (IC) formulations. The physicochemical properties of three formulations of a sugar-free frozen dessert were studied. Physicochemical analyses assessed nutritional value, color (CIELab), melting time, stability, overrun, viscosity, and texture profile (TPA). Sensory evaluation was conducted using a hedonic test to assess the impact of tahini type (sunflower seed tahini or pumpkin seed kernel tahini) on the product acceptance. Results showed that higher oleosome content improved emulsion stability and melting resistance, while also producing a softer (30.74 ± 0.28 N), less adhesive (1.87 ± 0.20 mJ) texture, suitable for plant-based ice cream. Sensory analysis revealed a clear preference for the pumpkin tahini formulation, which scored 8.21 ± 0.62 for overall appreciation. The findings demonstrate that the addition of oleosome might improve textural attributes of the products, while the consumer preference could also be influenced by the type of tahini involved in the formulation. However, further studies are necessary to corroborate the proposed interaction mechanisms of ingredients. Full article

The demand for ready-to-eat salads made from leafy vegetables such as wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) continues to increase, driven by consumer preference for convenience foods with high levels of bioactive compounds. However, reducing the environmental impact of wild rocket production requires both organically enriched growing substrates and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. This study assessed the effects of three cultivation substrates and three biodegradable packaging materials (polylactic acid (PL), cellulose kraft (CK), and kraft-reinforced polylactic acid (PLK)) on the postharvest performance of wild rocket stored at 4 °C for 7 and 14 days. Plants were grown in coco peat (CP), coco peat supplemented with livestock compost (90:10; CP+LC), and coco peat mixed with mushroom compost (50:50; CP+MC). Yield and key pre- and postharvest quality attributes, including nitrate accumulation, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, colour, and weight loss, were evaluated. The CP+LC substrate resulted in the highest harvest yield, whereas CP promoted higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Among the packaging materials, PLK provided the most balanced internal atmosphere, effectively reducing dehydration and condensation while preserving superior sensory quality after 14 days of storage. Overall, the combination of organic compost amendments, particularly CP+LC, with PLK bio-based packaging represents a promising and sustainable strategy for maintaining postharvest quality and reduce the environmental footprint of minimally processed wild rocket within short food supply chains. Full article

The identification and monitoring of pavement pathologies are critical for maintaining road infrastructure and ensuring transportation safety. As traditional inspection methods are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, in recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a promising tool for pavement condition assessment due to their mobility, efficiency, and ability to capture high-resolution imagery and multi-sensor data. This Systematic Literature Review aims to synthesize and evaluate existing research on the use of UAV for identifying pavement pathologies, such as cracks, potholes, rutting, and surface degradation. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology, publications were screened and selected across major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 361 relevant articles published from 2020 to July 2025 were identified and analyzed using bibliometric overview. And a full-text synthesis and qualitative analysis was performed on a subset of 108 studies, which met the quality assessment criteria. The review categorizes the UAV systems, computer vision approaches, pathology types, and pavement materials examined in the studies. The findings indicate a growing trend in the use of UAV and computer vision techniques for pavement pathology detection, along with evolving preferences for UAV platforms, analytical approaches, and targeted pathology categories over time. This review highlights current gaps and outlines future research directions to advance UAV-based pavement pathology identification as a viable and reliable alternative to conventional inspection methods. Full article

Tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) films deposited on fused silica substrates are critical components of high-power laser systems. Ion-assisted electron beam evaporation (IAD-EBE) is the mainstream technique for fabricating Ta₂O₅ films. However, it commonly requires extensive experimental efforts for deposition quality optimization, while each coating cycle is extremely time-consuming. To solve this issue, this work establishes a dataset targeting the surface roughness (Rq) and refractive index (n) of Ta₂O₅ films using atomic force microscopy, as well as ellipsometer and deposition experiments. Influence of assisting ion source beam voltage (V)/current (I) and Ar (Q₁)/O₂ (Q₂) flow rate on the n and Rq of Ta₂O₅ films are analyzed. Combining energy-field mechanism analysis with a Bayesian optimization approach (PI-BO), both deposition quality prediction and feature analysis of process parameters are achieved. The determination coefficient/mean absolute error for the prediction models of n and Rq reach 0.927/0.013 nm and 0.821/0.049 nm, respectively. Based on sensitivity analysis, the weight factors of V, I, Q₁, and Q₂ affecting n/Rq of Ta₂O₅ films are determined to be 0.616/0.274, 0.199/0.144, 0.113/0.582, and 0.072/0.000. V and Q₂ are identified as the core factors for regulating deposition quality. The optimal ranges for V and Q₂ are 600~700 V and 70~80 sccm, respectively. This study proposes a PI-BO method for predicting Rq and n of Ta₂O₅ films under small-data conditions, while determining the preferred parameter ranges and their sensitivity weight factors. These findings provide effective theoretical support and technical guidance for IAD-EBE strategy design and optimization of optical films in high-power laser systems. Full article

The e-commerce market is rapidly growing, driven by increased non-face-to-face services and digital convenience. However, the expansion of parcel deliveries has substantially increased packaging waste, raising environmental concerns. As ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations become critical for sustained competitiveness, eco-friendly packaging has emerged as an important issue in e-commerce logistics. While prior studies have examined consumer attitudes toward eco-friendly packaging, limited attention has been paid to how consumers evaluate and trade off delivery-related eco-friendly packaging attributes at the attribute level. To address this gap, this study applies Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling to news articles to identify socially salient eco-friendly packaging attributes and subsequently employs conjoint analysis to examine their relative importance based on consumer-stated preferences. The results indicate that delivery speed (27.2%), ease of recycling (20.2%), and price (19.4%) are the most influential attributes, suggesting that traditional delivery factors and eco-friendly considerations jointly shape consumer preferences in e-commerce delivery contexts. By disaggregating eco-friendly packaging into delivery-related attributes and empirically analyzing their relative importance and trade-offs, this study provides data-driven insights into consumer preference structures, contributing to the literature on sustainable consumption and e-commerce logistics. Full article

Hot fresh pork is highly preferred by Chinese consumers for its desirable flavor and color. However, its quality deteriorates rapidly during ambient-temperature transportation, leading to unappealing meat color and shortened shelf life. This study investigated the effects of different transportation temperature setpoints (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C Setpoint groups, and ambient temperature) on pork carcass quality. Transportation at the lower setpoints (5 °C, 10 °C) reduced carcass center temperature, attenuated pH decline, minimized cooking and drip losses, suppressed microbial proliferation, and curtailed TVB-N accumulation (p < 0.05). These conditions also shortened the duration of high temperatures in vehicles, decelerated glycogenolysis, and moderated energy metabolism, collectively preserving meat quality. Regarding color, 5 °C Setpoint group inhibited myoglobin oxidation, yielding lower oxygenated myoglobin content and reduced a* values compared with 10 °C Setpoint group over 150 km (p < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed that temperature setpoint transportation significantly influenced bacterial community succession, with highly similar profiles between the 5 °C and 10 °C Setpoint groups, yet clear divergence from the ambient control. Therefore, transportation at 10 °C Setpoint represents a balanced approach to preserving color, delaying spoilage, and extending shelf life. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to design and clinically evaluate a bespoke cosmetic formulation tailored to individual skin characteristics and user preferences, focusing on hydration and barrier recovery in mature, therapy-affected skin. In addition, this study aimed to explore the feasibility and short-term outcomes of a structured, biometry-driven personalization approach applied within a single-subject case study design. Materials and Methods: A personalized dermato-cosmetic formulation incorporating melatonin, astaxanthin, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, allantoin, yarrow oil (Achillea millefolium), lecithin, cholesterol, and arginine was developed based on objective biophysical assessment of the skin. A clinical case evaluation was conducted in a male subject over 55 years of age (Fitzpatrick phototype III) presenting persistent xerosis and dehydration following completed oncologic therapy. Quantitative skin biometry was performed at baseline and after 28 days of daily application, assessing hydration at six anatomical sites, sebum secretion, pigmentation and erythema indices, elasticity, and stratum corneum turnover and scaling. Results: After 28 days, sebum secretion increased by more than 100%, indicating partial restoration of the lipid barrier. Hyperpigmented areas decreased from 7.2% to 2.3%, while skin elasticity improved from 25% to 44%. A reduction of 8% in the erythema index suggested decreased vascular reactivity. Hydration levels improved consistently across all evaluated sites, and epidermal renewal was enhanced, as evidenced by reduced scaling and smoother skin surface. The melanin index remained stable throughout the study period. Conclusions: This pilot evaluation shows that bespoke cosmetic formulations, customized to individual skin biometry and preferences, can yield measurable improvements in hydration, barrier repair, elasticity, pigmentation uniformity, and epidermal renewal within 28 days, even in skin compromised by previous oncologic therapy. Given the single-subject nature of this pilot evaluation, these findings cannot be generalized to broader populations but rather highlight the importance of personalization and objective skin assessment in guiding individualized dermato-cosmetic formulation strategies. Personalized dermato-cosmetology using objective biophysical assessment may be a promising future strategy for effective, consumer-centered skincare. Full article

This article examines public preferences for a proposed West Coast submarine high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission network in South Korea, installed by trenching and burying the cables in the seabed, which is essential for facilitating renewable energy integration and ensuring a stable electricity supply to the Seoul Metropolitan Area. The purpose of this study is to estimate South Korean households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the proposed West Coast submarine HVDC network using contingent valuation (CV), thereby assessing its social acceptability amid renewable energy integration challenges. Employing a CV survey with a nationally representative sample of 1000 households conducted from late May to late June 2025, the research applies the one-and-one-half-bound spike model to address zero WTP responses and incorporates socio-demographic covariates to account for preference heterogeneity. The analysis estimates an average monthly WTP of KRW 1832 (USD 1.33) per household for the HVDC infrastructure. Results demonstrate statistically significant public support for the submarine HVDC project despite its high capital investment and potential electricity rate increases. These findings underscore notable consumer acceptance and provide valuable welfare insights for policymakers, reinforcing the prioritization of this project within South Korea’s energy transition framework. This paper contributes to the field of energy infrastructure valuation by advancing methodological approaches and offering policy-relevant recommendations for sustainable grid expansion. Full article

The demand for healthier and more sustainable meat products is increasing, and hybrid meat products have garnered consumer interest due to their nutritional and environmental benefits. This study aimed to formulate hybrid patties using chicken boneless meat and isolated soy protein (ISP), with varying concentrations of microbial transglutaminase (mTG) and methyl cellulose (CL), to improve physicochemical, textural, and sensory attributes. A secondary objective was to identify an effective mTG–CL combination as a bioadhesive for hybrid and plant-based meat analogs. A two-factor factorial design with mTG (0–3%) and CL (0–3%) was employed to evaluate their individual and combined effects on hybrid patties. The combination of 3% mTG and 2% CL produced the most desirable balance of textural and sensory properties, significantly increasing hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and springiness, while maintaining TBARS values within acceptable sensory limits (≈1.10 mg MDA/kg). Increasing CL levels slightly reduced pH and increased lightness and yellowness, whereas redness remained stable across treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed the highest preference for patties containing 3% mTG and 2% CL in terms of texture, surface moisture, and overall quality (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that enzymatic–hydrocolloid synergy between mTG and CL effectively enhances textural integrity, while color attributes and oxidative stability are primarily governed by additive effects. Full article

The rise of “Internet + Recycling” platforms is transforming the domestic waste management landscape, creating dual-channel reverse supply chains where new platforms interact with traditional recyclers. However, these platforms face critical strategic decisions regarding their service portfolios (convenient but costly door-to-door vs. economical fixed-point drop-off) and their relationship with incumbents (cooperation vs. competition). This study aims to determine the optimal pricing, service level, and relationship strategies for an “Internet + Recycling” center to maximize profitability under the influence of consumer channel preferences and government subsidies. We developed four Stackelberg game-theoretic models representing different scenarios of service modes (fixed-point only vs. fixed-point with door-to-door) and relationship structures (cooperation vs. competition). We derived equilibrium solutions for recycling prices, service levels, and profits. Our results reveal that while cooperation generally leads to higher systemic profits, the addition of a door-to-door service significantly alters the strategic landscape. We find that a higher consumer preference for the platform channel allows the center to lower prices while increasing profits, and that government subsidies are the most effective at enhancing service levels in cooperative models. Crucially, intense competition incentivizes recycling centers to reduce rather than increase their service levels to cut costs. This research provides a decision-making framework for recycling enterprises to select optimal service and competitive strategies. It also offers insights for policymakers on how to design subsidies to effectively promote high-convenience recycling services and foster a more efficient circular economy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent public and scientific discussions have raised concerns about a possible link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, pharmacovigilance-based evidence remains scarce, and the role of reporting bias has not been systematically assessed. This study aimed to characterize ASD-related adverse event reports involving paracetamol in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and to evaluate potential disproportionality signals, considering demographic, temporal, and geographic patterns. Methods: FAERS data from January 2010 to September 2025 were screened for reports listing paracetamol as the suspect drug and ASD-related Preferred Terms. After excluding duplicates and concomitant drugs, 1776 unique cases were analyzed. Patient demographics, reporter type, and country of origin were summarized descriptively. Disproportionality was calculated using four algorithms: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Information Component (IC), and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM). Results: Among 172,129 paracetamol-associated reports, 1776 (1.03%) included ASD-related terms. All were classified as serious and mostly submitted by consumers (98.6%). Gender was available in 47.7% of cases, showing male predominance (68.8%). Most reports referred to fetal exposure during pregnancy. Nearly all originated from the United States (98.4%). A marked rise was observed after 2022, with 562 reports in 2023 and 1051 in 2025. Disproportionality analyses revealed consistently elevated signals (ROR = 69.8, PRR = 69.2, IC025 = 5.60, EB05 = 48.3). Conclusions: The strong disproportionality signal likely reflects increased public attention and reporting dynamics rather than a causal association. Further integration of pharmacovigilance and epidemiologic data is warranted to clarify the clinical significance of these findings. Full article