Search Results (68)

One of the fundamental goals of contemporary mobility is to optimize transport processes in urban areas. The solution in this area seems to be the implementation of the idea of sustainable transport systems based on the Smart City concept. The article presents a case study—an assessment of the possibilities of changing mobility habits based on the idea of sustainable urban transport, taking into account the criterion of energy consumption of individual means of transport. The analyses are based on a comparison of selected means of transport occurring in the urban environment according to several key parameters for the optimization and efficiency of transport processes, i.e., cost, time, travel comfort, and impact on the natural environment, while simultaneously linking them to the criterion of energy consumption of individual means of transport. The analyzed parameters currently constitute the most important group of challenges in the area of shaping and planning optimal and sustainable urban transport. The presented research was used to indicate the connections between various areas of optimization of the transport process and the energy efficiency of individual modes of transport. Analyses have shown that the least time-consuming process of urban mobility is associated with the highest level of CO₂ emissions and, at the same time, the highest level of energy efficiency. However, combining public transport with other means of transport can meet most of the transport expectations of city residents, also in terms of energy optimization. The research results presented in the article can contribute to the creation of a strategy for the development of the transport network based on the postulates of increasing the optimization and efficiency of individual means of transport in urban areas. At the same time, recognizing the criterion of energy intensity of means of transport as leading in the development of sustainable urban mobility. Thus, confirming the important role of existing transport systems in the process of shaping and planning sustainable urban mobility in accordance with the idea of Smart City. Full article

Seafood processing byproducts (SB) such as bones and skin can be safely used as food ingredients to increase profitability for the seafood sector and provide nutritional value. An online survey of 716 US adult seafood consumers was conducted to explore SB trial intent, responsiveness to health and safety information, and associated elicited emotions (nine-point Likert scale). Consumers’ SB-elicited emotions were defined as those changing in reported intensity (from a baseline condition) after the delivery of SB-related information (dependent t-tests). As criteria for practical significance, a raw mean difference of >0.2 units was used, and Cohen’s d values were used to classify effect sizes as small, medium, or large. Differences in willingness-to-try, responsiveness to safety and health information, and SB-elicited emotions were found based on self-reported gender and race, with males and Hispanics expressing more openness to SB consumption. SB-elicited emotions were then used to model consumers’ willingness-to-try foods containing SB via logistic regression modeling. Traditional stepwise variable selection was compared to variable selection using raw mean difference > 0.2 units and Cohen’s d > 0.50 constraints for SB-elicited emotions. Resulting models indicated that extrinsic information considered at the point of decision-making determined which emotions were relevant to the response. These new approaches yielded models with increased Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) values (lower values indicate better model fit) but could provide simpler and more practically meaningful models for understanding which emotions drive consumption decisions. Full article

Consumer preferences in interior design are increasingly shaped by sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. Wood flooring, valued for its natural appeal and durability, remains a preferred option, yet little research has explored perceptions specific to the Croatian market. This study investigates consumer behavior and preferences for wood flooring in Croatia, focusing on decision-making drivers, preferred materials and attributes, and differences between consumer and expert perspectives. Data were collected from 157 respondents via structured questionnaires using snowball sampling, focusing on their preferences, purchasing behavior, and evaluation of wood flooring attributes. The results were analyzed using the AHP and CRITIC methods to assess and compare the relative importance of nine selected product attributes from both consumer and expert perspectives. By integrating subjective and objective evaluations, the study offers insights into how both consumers and professionals assess wood flooring. The findings indicate a strong preference for classic, natural wood flooring, especially massive and multilayer parquet, driven by aesthetic appeal, quality, and durability. Although sustainability was positively viewed, it was not a top purchasing criterion. Notable differences in attribute prioritization were found between consumers and experts, particularly regarding price and prestige. The combined weights, which integrate consumer and expert evaluations, indicate that product quality, liability for damages, and durability are the most valued attributes, while price, ease of installation, and prestige are the least influential. Additionally, the findings aim to support manufacturers and retailers in aligning their strategies with market needs and advancing sustainable consumption practices. Full article

Enhancing the performance of aged water distribution networks (WDNs) has become a significant global challenge. Many of these networks face issues such as deteriorated pipes, insufficient pumping heads, and increased water demands. Upgrading existing WDNs is often performed using optimization techniques, characterized by numerous decision variables, resulting in computationally intensive and time-consuming simulations. This paper proposes a novel optimal upgrading methodology for WDNs, leveraging clustering principles from graph theory. The proposed methodology involves adding a new storage tank and rehabilitating selected pipes of an existing WDN. The methodology begins with dividing the WDN into smaller subsystems based on its communication properties. The parameter ranges for adding a new storage tank are determined using a sensitivity analysis, assessing their values and impact on network resilience and water quality. Critical pipes that directly impact the WDN performance are identified and replaced for rehabilitation through three proposed scenarios, each with a distinct selection criterion. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective problem, aiming to minimize total annual costs while maximizing network resilience. The proposed methodology has proven effective in reducing the search space size and computational effort, outperforming the traditional full search space optimization approach. Full article

Colour plays an important role among the quality traits of durum wheat, attracting consumer attention for the pasta market. The traits involved in colour expression are affected by genotype, environment, and processing. In the present study, based on eighteen durum wheat genotypes grown in eight environments, the effects of different traits related to colour expression were evaluated. Carotenoid pigments, such as lutein and β-carotene content; yellow and brown indices; and lipoxygenase, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase activities were analysed in semolina. The effects of processing were evaluated by measuring both the content of carotenoid pigments and colorimetric indices in pasta. The genotype, the environment, and their interaction were significant for all traits, although with a strong prevalence of genotypic effects, except for the brown index. After processing, a decrease in carotenoid content and the yellow index (86.7% and 16.0%, respectively) was observed, while the brown index increased (8.2%). A multiple regression analysis was performed on semolina traits, and the yellow index emerged as the main predictor for pasta colour, strengthening this trait as a fast and reliable criterion of selection. A High-Performance Index tool was also used to identify the genotype and environment that better combine all traits, positively influencing colour expression. All this information can be used in durum wheat breeding programmes for the prediction of pasta colour. Full article

N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) is an efficient and multifunctional delivery tool in the development and synthesis of chemically modified oligonucleotide therapeutics (conjugates). Such therapeutics demonstrate improved potency in vivo due to the selective and efficient delivery to hepatocytes in the liver via receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is what drives the high interest in this molecule. The ways to synthesize such structures are relatively new and have not been optimized in terms of the yields and stages both in lab and large-scale synthesis. Another significant criterion, especially in large-scale synthesis, is to match ecological norms and perform the synthesis in accordance with the Green Chemistry approach, i.e., to control and minimize the amounts of reagents and resources consumed and the waste generated. Here, we provide a robust and resource effective pot-economy method for the synthesis of triantennary GalNAc and GalNAc phosphoramidite/CPG optimized for laboratory scales. Full article

This study presents the results of an original study on the influence of selected parameters on the thermal efficiency of a vertical ground heat exchanger (VGHE) in a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system. The research objective was an analysis of the specific thermal efficiency of a vertical ground heat exchanger q, received by a U-shaped element made of plastic pipes placed in a borehole, depending on seven direct influencing factors: the ground temperature T_g; the soil thermal conductivity coefficient λ_g; the thermal conductivity coefficient of the well material λ_m; the temperature of the heating medium (glycol) T_w at the feed to the ground heat exchanger and its flow rate M; the internal diameter of the pipes of the ground heat exchanger d_w; and the distances between the external walls of the pipes of the ground heat exchanger L. The analysis was carried out for the climatic conditions of the Podlasie Voivodeship (Poland). Based on the results of the computational experiment obtained using the TRNSYS numerical environment, a deterministic mathematical model of this relationship was developed, and the effects of the influence of selected factors on the specific thermal efficiency q of the vertical ground heat exchanger, received by the U-shaped element, were analysed. Based on the model, the contribution of each parameter to the efficiency of the heat exchanger was determined. It turned out that changes in the values of the factors T_g (X₁), λ_g (X₂), λ_m (X₃), M (X₅), d_w (X₆) and L (X₇) from the lower to the upper level caused an increase in the specific efficiency q of the heat exchanger by 34.04, 7.90, 15.20, 55.42, 6.58 and 24.26%. Only factor T_w (X₄), with such a change, caused a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the tested heat exchanger by 44.22%. The parameters of the tested element of the geothermal heating system were also optimized according to the energy criterion using a numerical method in the Matlab environment. The information may be useful for scientists, designers, producers and consumers of heating systems based on heat pumps with a vertical ground heat exchanger as the lower heat source. Full article

Background: Over the last decade, while studies on the detrimental effects of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption have increased, methodological limitations on the quality of available evidence have emerged. Starting from a critical reassessment of the NOVA classification, this project will aim to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which is based on the processing of consumed foods and specifically designed to estimate the UPF consumption and total dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients in the Italian adult population. Methods: This study will take place in selected workplaces and include healthy males and females aged ≥18 years, residing in Italy and with Italian citizenship. The FFQ will be online, voluntary, self-administered, semi-quantitative, and designed to assess food intake over the past year and distinguish between industrial, artisanal, and home-made products. This project will consist of two phases. First, a pilot study will be conducted to obtain the final version of the FFQ. The current food consumption of the target population will be investigated, through a 24 h dietary recall, and the face validity of the new tool will be tested. The second phase will involve at least 436 participants. To assess reproducibility, the FFQ will be administered twice (at an interval of 3–10 months), and the test–retest method will be used. A 7-day weighed dietary record (WDR) will also be completed after each FFQ administration. To evaluate criterion validity, data from the two WDRs will be compared against those from the first FFQ administration. Conclusions: The results will provide a new valid tool focused on food processing, potentially useful for future studies. Full article

This article presents an overall examination of how small temperature fluctuations affect P-wave velocity (V_p) measurements and their uncertainties in concrete using embedded piezoelectric transducers. This study highlights the fabrication of custom transducers tailored for long-term concrete monitoring. Accurate and reliable estimation of ultrasonic wave velocities is challenging, since they can be impacted by multiple experimental and environmental factors. In this work, a reliable methodology incorporating correction models is introduced for the quantification of uncertainties in ultrasonic absolute and relative velocity measurements. The study identifies significant influence quantities and suggests uncertainty estimation laws, enhancing measurement accuracy. Determining the onset time of the signal is very time-consuming if the onset is picked manually. After testing various methods to pinpoint the onset time, we selected the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) due to its ability to produce sufficiently reliable results. Then, signal correlation was used to determine the influence of temperature (20 °C to 40 °C) on V_p in different concrete samples. This technique proved effective in evaluating velocity changes, revealing a persistent velocity decrease with temperature increases for various concrete compositions. The study demonstrated the capability of ultrasonic measurements to detect small variations in the state of concrete under the influence of environmental variables like temperature, underlining the importance of incorporating all influencing factors. Full article

This study estimates the relative contribution of different factors to the wide variation in agricultural economic water productivity (EWP) across Colorado River Basin counties. It updates EWP measures for Basin counties using more detailed, localized data for the Colorado River mainstem. Using the Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion for variable selection, regression analysis and productivity accounting methods identified factors contributing to EWP differences. The EWP was USD 1033 (USD 2023)/acre foot (af) for Lower Basin Counties on the U.S.–Mexico Border, USD 729 (USD 2023)/af for other Lower Basin Counties, and USD 168 (USD 2023)/af for Upper Basin Counties. Adoption rates for improved irrigation technologies showed little inter-county variation and so did not have a statistically significant impact on EWP. Counties with the lowest EWP consumed 25% of the Basin’s agricultural water (>2.3 million af) to generate 3% of the Basin’s crop revenue. Low populations/remoteness and more irrigated acreage per farm were negatively associated with EWP. Warmer winter temperatures and greater July humidity were positively associated with EWP. When controlling for other factors, being on the Border increased a county’s EWP by USD 570 (2023 USD)/af. Border Counties have greater access to labor from Mexico, enabling greater production of high-value, labor-intensive specialty crops. Full article

The high-quality development of energy is the basis for and premise of achieving the high-quality development of the economy, and energy enterprises, as the main body of the microeconomy, are the “carrier” of its success. The national strategy of dual carbon and energy security requires energy enterprises to achieve sustainable development. In the context of global sustainable development, ESG is an evaluation technology that comprehensively measures the environmental sustainability, social value and governance ability of enterprises and improves the sustainable development ability of enterprises by focusing on the non-financial performance of enterprises and the co-creation and sharing of stakeholder value. As an important energy producer and consumer, China has not yet established an ESG evaluation system for energy enterprises that is in line with international standards and national conditions. Therefore, this paper constructs an ESG evaluation model framework of energy enterprises and studies the high-quality development performance evaluation of energy enterprises under the sustainable development strategy from the two dimensions of theoretical enrichment and empirical analysis. The model framework includes a factor structure model, performance evaluation index system, index weight model and performance evaluation model. First, integrating the new development concept and the safe development concept, the ESG connotation of China’s energy enterprises was defined by localization. Second, using the Delphi method, an ESG evaluation system with 3 sub-target layers, 14 criteria layers and 40 index layers was constructed. Third, the weights of each index in the ESG evaluation system were established by using an AHP–entropy combination weighting method. Fourth, based on the statistical data of 2021, 79 key pollutant energy enterprises listed in China were selected. The TOPSIS method was used to establish an evaluation model to empirically evaluate the comprehensive level of ESG and the performance of the E, S and G dimensions of the sample companies, and the evaluation results were analyzed. The results show that the weight ratio of E, S and G is relatively balanced; and the weight of social responsibility ranks first at the target level, environmental response ranks first at the criterion level and energy supply guarantee ranks first at the index level. The overall ESG performance of the sample companies is average, and the G performance is not ideal. The ESG synthesis and the performance of all dimensions are significantly polarized, and the development of different dimensions of E, S and G is mostly unbalanced and uncoordinated. The results demonstrate the following: (1) Using the Delphi method, the ESG structural dimension model of energy enterprises is constructed by selecting evaluation indicators reflecting the concepts of innovation, coordination, green, open, sharing and safety, which enriches the connotation and extension theory of ESG. (2) The AHP–entropy combination weighting method model can scientifically obtain the weights of indicators at each level in the ESG evaluation system. (3) The proposed ESG evaluation index system can effectively measure the high-quality development level of energy enterprises. This research can provide regulatory authorities with sustainable development policy suggestions for strengthening the top-level design of ESG; building an ESG-healthy ecosystem; and integrating ESG investment with energy security, carbon-neutral goals and corporate strategies to promote the high-quality development of enterprises. Full article

For many years, coffee has maintained its place in Turkey as Turkish coffee (i.e., boiled, finely ground, unfiltered), and has become globally recognized. However, in recent years, especially for young people, filter coffee has become more popular, instead of Turkish coffee. As is generally known today, climatic conditions and processing techniques have an impact on the constituents of coffee. It is also thought that the finer grinding of Turkish coffee may affect the variability of the coffee contents. The mentioned popularity of the coffee beverage is also causing an increased interest in its nutritional and functional properties as well as its chemical constituents. Therefore, an analytical determination of the coffee ingredients is essential. Taste may be the most important criterion for coffee consumption for most consumers, but the health benefits should not be underestimated. Coffee has an antioxidant effect due to the phenolic compounds present, such as chlorogenic acid. It is also known to prevent cellular damage, which has led to increased interest in its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the total chlorogenic acids (CQAs), caffeine and antioxidant capacities of coffees commonly consumed in Turkey. For this purpose, three green and three roasted coffee samples of the Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora and Coffea liberica varieties were selected for this study and characterized. Different targeted mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods were developed to encompass the above-mentioned ingredients. The roasting process significantly increased the caffeine content in three roasted samples compared to green coffees. These values ranged from 1.2 g per 100 g dry mass (DM) in green coffees to 2.6 g per 100 g DM in roasted coffees. It could be shown that the most dominant CQA contained was 5-CQA. While the amount of CQA in green coffees is approximately 49–64%, it decreases down to 33–41%, by isomer conversion partly, to 4-CQA and 3-CQA in the roasting process. The highest value was found at 3.5 g/100 g DM. The highest value for the antioxidation capacity was 4.4 g ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g DM roasted coffee and the lowest value was 2.4 g/100 g DM in green coffee. This study was the first attempt to demonstrate the presence of different CQAs, caffeine and antioxidation capacity in coffee beans from the market in Turkey and needs to be followed up further with a larger sample size in future studies. Full article

Red wine is a beverage consumed worldwide and contains suspended solids that cause turbidity. The study’s purpose was to mathematically model estimated turbidity in artisanal wines concerning the dosage and types of fining agents based on previous studies presenting positive results. Burgundy grape wine (Vitis lambrusca) was made and clarified with ‘yausabara’ (Pavonia sepium) and bentonite at different concentrations. The system was modelled using several machine learning models, including MATLAB’s Neural Net Fitting and Regression Learner applications. The results showed that the validation of the neural network trained with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm obtained significant statistical indicators, such as the coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.985, mean square error (MSE) of 0.004, normalized root mean square error (NRSME) of 6.01 and Akaike information criterion (AIC) of −160.12, selecting it as the representative model of the system. It presents an objective and simple alternative for measuring wine turbidity that is useful for artisanal winemakers who can improve quality and consistency. Full article

Fruit color is an intuitive quality of horticultural crops that can be used as an evaluation criterion for fruit ripening and is an important factor affecting consumers’ purchase choices. In this study, a genetic population from the cross of green peel ‘Qidong’ and purple peel ‘8 guo’ revealed that the purple to green color of eggplant peel is dominant and controlled by a pair of alleles. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA), SNP haplotyping, and fine genetic mapping delimited candidate genes to a 350 kb region of eggplant chromosome 10 flanked by markers KA2381 and CA8828. One ANS gene (EGP22363) was predicted to be a candidate gene based on gene annotation and sequence alignment of the 350-kb region. Sequence analysis revealed that a single base mutation of ‘T’ to ‘C’ on the exon green peel, which caused hydrophobicity to become hydrophilic serine, led to a change in the three-level spatial structure. Additionally, EGP22363 was more highly expressed in purple peels than in green peels. Collectively, EGP22363 is a strong candidate gene for anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple eggplant peels. These results provide important information for molecular marker-assisted selection in eggplants, and a basis for analyzing the regulatory pathways responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis in eggplants. Full article

The surging demand for electricity, propelled by the widespread adoption of intelligent grids and heightened consumer interaction with electricity demand and pricing, underscores the imperative for precise prognostication of optimal power plant utilization. To confront this challenge, a dataset centered on issue-centric power plans is meticulously crafted. This dataset encapsulates pivotal facets indispensable for attaining sustainable power generation, including meager gas emissions, installation cost, low maintenance cost, elevated power generation, and copious resource availability. The selection of an optimal power plant entails a multifaceted decision-making process, demanding a systematic approach. Our research advocates the amalgamation of multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models with self-organizing maps to gauge the efficacy of diverse sustainable energy systems. The examination discerns solar energy as the preeminent MCDM criterion, securing the apex position with a score of 83.4%, attributable to its ample resource availability, considerable energy generation, nil greenhouse gas emissions, and commendable efficiency. Wind and hydroelectric power closely trail, registering scores of 75.3% and 74.5%, respectively, along with other energy sources. The analysis underscores the supremacy of the renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, in fulfilling sustainability objectives and scrutinizing factors such as cost, resource availability, and the environmental impact. The proposed methodology empowers stakeholders to make judicious decisions, accentuating facets that are required for more sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. Full article