Search Results (4,869)

This paper presents a study on open energy data in Spain and its contribution to sustainability, analyzing its content and its reuse potential. Since energy plays an important role in the sustainability and economic development of a country or region, energy strategies must be managed through public policies that promote the development of this sector. In this sense, open data is relevant for decision-making in the energy sector, especially in areas such as energy consumption and renewable energy policies. Our research aims to analyze the work of Spain’s autonomous communities in the field of energy information by conducting a population analysis of all datasets tagged in the energy category. After compiling the information and eliminating irrelevant datasets (those that are mislabeled, obsolete, or have a scope less than the level of the autonomous community), it can be seen that the supply is very scarce and that this category is one of the least populated among all existing categories. The typological analysis indicates that information on consumption is the one offering the most datasets, followed, at a short distance, by heterogeneous and difficult-to-classify information and by the set related to energy certificates or audits (the most recurrent, as it is offered only once by the autonomous communities). One of the main findings of the research is the heterogeneity of the initiatives and the significant differences in scores on an indicator created for this purpose. The ranking has taken into account both the existence of information and the quality of reuse, with Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Cantabria being the leaders (with Castilla y León, the performance reaches 60%, so the three remaining communities do not reach 40%). The research concludes with recommendations based on the gaps detected: more data should be published that can drive economic development and environmental sustainability, reduce heterogeneity, and facilitate the use of these data for greater applicability, which will increase the chances that open energy data can contribute more to sustainability. Full article

This study extends our prior blockchain-based traceability framework, WEave, for application to a furniture supply chain scenario, while using the original multi-tier apparel supply chain as an anchoring use case. We integrate circular economy principles such as product reuse, recycling traceability, and full lifecycle transparency to bolster sustainability and resilience in supply chains by enabling data-driven accountability and tracking for closed-loop resource flows. The enhanced approach can track post-consumer returns, use of recycled materials, and second-life goods, all represented using a closed-loop supply chain topology. We describe the extended network architecture and smart contract logic needed to capture circular lifecycle events, while proposing new metrics for evaluating lifecycle traceability and reuse auditability. To validate the extended framework, we outline simulation experiments that incorporate circular flows and cross-industry scenarios. Results from these simulations indicate improved transparency on recycled content, audit trails for returned products, and acceptable performance overhead when scaling to different product domains. Finally, we offer conclusions and recommendations for implementing WEave functionality into real-world settings consistent with the goals of digital, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Full article

This study examines food safety and waste behaviours depicted in the televised cooking competition MasterChef, a globally franchised series that showcases diverse culinary traditions and influences viewers’ practices. The research focuses on the MasterChef editions aired in Turkey and the United Kingdom, two countries with distinctly different social and cultural contexts. Video content analysis, based on predefined criteria, was employed to assess observable behaviours related to food safety and waste. Additionally, content analysis of episode transcripts identified verbal references to these themes. Principal Component Analysis was employed to categorise patterns in the observed behaviours. The findings revealed frequent lapses in food safety, with personal hygiene breaches more commonly observed in MasterChef UK, while cross-contamination issues were more prevalent in MasterChef Turkey. In both versions, the use of disposable materials and the discarding of edible food parts emerged as the most common waste-related practices. These behaviours appeared to be shaped by the cultural and culinary norms specific to each country. The study highlights the importance of cooking shows in promoting improved food safety and waste management practices. It recommends involving relevant experts during production and clearly communicating food safety and sustainability messages to increase viewer awareness and encourage positive behaviour change. Full article

Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects 3% of people over 65 years of age. People are living longer, thanks in large part to improvements in global health technology and health access for non-neurological diseases. Consequently, neurological diseases of senescence, such as PD, are representing an ever-increasing share of global disease burden. There is an intensifying research focus on the processes that underlie these conditions in the hope that neurological decay may be arrested at the earliest time point. The concept of neuronal death linked to ageing- neural senescence- first emerged in the 1800s. By the late 20th century, it was recognized that neurodegeneration was common to all ageing human brains, but in most cases, this process did not lead to clinical disease during life. Conditions such as PD are the result of accelerated neurodegeneration in particular brain foci. In the case of PD, degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) is especially implicated. Why neural degeneration accelerates in these particular regions remains a point of contention, though current evidence implicates a complex interplay between a vast array of neuronal cell functions, bioenergetic failure, and a dysfunctional brain immunological response. Their complexity is a considerable barrier to disease modification trials, which seek to intercept these maladaptive cell processes. This paper reviews current evidence in the domain of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, focusing on alpha-synuclein accumulation and deposition and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in progressive brain changes. Recent approaches to disease modification are discussed, including the prevention or reversal of alpha-synuclein accumulation and deposition, modification of oxidative stress, alteration of maladaptive innate immune processes and reactive cascades, and regeneration of lost neurons using stem cells and growth factors. The limitations of past research methodologies are interrogated, including the difficulty of recruiting patients in the clinically quiescent prodromal phase of sporadic Parkinson’s disease. Recommendations are provided for future studies seeking to identify novel therapeutics with disease-modifying properties. Full article

To address the limitations of traditional hardened concrete road surfaces in coal mine tunnels, which are prone to damage and entail high maintenance costs, this study proposes using modular concrete blocks composed of fly ash and coal gangue as an alternative to conventional materials. These blocks offer advantages including ease of construction and rapid, straightforward maintenance, while also facilitating the reuse of substantial quantities of solid waste, thereby mitigating resource wastage and environmental pollution. Initially, the mineral composition of the raw materials was analyzed, confirming that although the physical and chemical properties of Liangshui Well coal gangue are slightly inferior to those of natural crushed stone, they still meet the criteria for use as concrete aggregate. For concrete blocks incorporating 20% fly ash, the steam curing process was optimized with a recommended static curing period of 16–24 h, a temperature ramp-up rate of 20 °C/h, and a constant temperature of 50 °C maintained for 24 h to ensure optimal performance. Orthogonal experimental analysis revealed that fly ash content exerted the greatest influence on the compressive strength of concrete, followed by the additional water content, whereas the aggregate particle size had a comparatively minor effect. The optimal mix proportion was identified as 20% fly ash content, a maximum aggregate size of 20 mm, and an additional water content of 70%. Performance testing indicated that the fabricated blocks exhibited a compressive strength of 32.1 MPa and a tensile strength of 2.93 MPa, with strong resistance to hydrolysis and sulfate attack, rendering them suitable for deployment in weakly alkaline underground environments. Considering the site-specific conditions of the Liangshuijing coal mine, ANSYS 2020 was employed to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of the blocks under varying loads, thicknesses, and dynamic conditions. The findings suggest that hexagonal coal gangue blocks with a side length of 20 cm and a thickness of 16 cm meet the structural requirements of most underground mine tunnels, offering a reference model for cost-effective paving and efficient roadway maintenance in coal mines. Full article

Beetroot peel, an underutilised by-product of the food industry, has significant potential for valorisation due to its high content of bioactive compounds and natural pigments. This study aimed to sustainably reintroduce beetroot peel into the food chain by enriching the nutritional value of dehydrated apple snacks. Five experimental formulations of apple slices were developed: dipped in 5% RBPP in water, dipped in 10% RBPP in water, dipped in 5% RBPP in 50% lemon juice, dipped in 10% RBPP in 50% lemon juice all seasoned with cinnamon powder, and a control formulation. The biochemical analysis showed that the total phenolic content (2780.01 ± 68.38 mg GAE/100 g DM) and antioxidant activity of apple snacks significantly increased (503.96 ± 1.83 µmol TE/g DM). Sensory evaluation indicated that snacks with beetroot peel powder and lemon juice achieved the highest scores in colour, flavour, and acceptability. These results demonstrate that the valorisation of beetroot peel has the potential to reduce agro-industrial waste and also enhance the nutritional and functional quality of apple snacks. It is recommended that beetroot peel be further explored as a cost-effective natural ingredient to develop healthier, value-added snack products within a circular economy framework. Full article

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in tea cultivation threatens soil health, environmental sustainability, and long-term crop productivity. This study explores the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. A bacterial consortium was developed using selected rhizobacterial isolates—Lysinibacillus fusiformis, five strains of Serratia marcescens, and two Bacillus spp.—based on their phosphate and zinc solubilization abilities and production of ACC deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid, and siderophores. The consortium was tested in both pot and field conditions using two tea clones, S3A3 and TS491, and compared with a chemical fertilizer treatment. Plants treated with the consortium showed enhanced growth, biomass, and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic contents increased to 1643.6 mg GAE/mL (S3A3) and 1646.93 mg GAE/mL (TS491), with higher catalase (458.17–458.74 U/g/min), glutathione (34.67–42.67 µmol/gfw), and superoxide dismutase (679.85–552.28 units/gfw/s) activities. A soil metagenomic analysis revealed increased microbial diversity and the enrichment of phyla, including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes. Functional gene analysis showed the increased abundance of genes for siderophore biosynthesis, glutathione and nitrogen metabolism, and indole alkaloid biosynthesis. This study recommends the potential of a PGPB consortium as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enhancing both the tea plant performance and soil microbial health. Full article

Climate change disrupts lives globally and poses significant challenges to mental health. Although several scales assess climate anxiety, many either conflate symptoms with coping responses or fail to adequately capture the core symptomatology of anxiety. Hence, this study aimed to develop and validate the Brief Anxiety Scale for Climate Change (BACC), a self-report measure designed to assess symptoms of climate anxiety. A preliminary pool of 21 items was generated based on the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and climate-related stress. Study 1 (n = 300) explored the factor structure via an exploratory factor analysis while Study 2 (n = 400) independently validated the structure via a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Analyses of the internal consistency, content validity, and discriminant validity helped refine the scale to a final 13-item version with two factors: cognitive and functional impairment. The CFA results indicated that all the fit indices met the recommended thresholds, and the final version demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92). Additionally, latent correlations revealed that climate anxiety was moderately associated with generalized anxiety and depression. The BACC was developed to identify individuals in the community who experience climate anxiety beyond an adaptive level, thereby promoting sustainable mental health in the context of climate change. These findings suggest that the BACC is a promising tool for assessing climate anxiety. With better identification, mental health professionals, community practitioners, and policymakers can utilize the scale to develop climate-sensitive public health programs and tailored intervention strategies. Full article

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the processing and analysis of video sensor data, driving advancements in areas such as surveillance, autonomous driving, and personalized content recommendations. However, leveraging video data presents unique challenges, particularly in the time-intensive feature extraction process required for model training. This challenge is intensified in research environments lacking advanced hardware resources like GPUs. We propose a new method called the multimodal latent representation learning framework (MLRL) to address these limitations. MLRL enhances the performance of downstream tasks by conducting additional representation learning on pre-extracted features. By integrating and augmenting multimodal data, our method effectively predicts latent representations, leveraging pre-extracted features to reduce model training time and improve task performance. We validate the efficacy of MLRL on the video moment retrieval task using the QVHighlight dataset, benchmarking against the QD-DETR model. Our results demonstrate significant improvements, highlighting the potential of MLRL to streamline video data processing by leveraging pre-extracted features to bypass the time-consuming extraction process of raw sensor data and enhance model accuracy in various sensor-based applications. Full article

Capturing CO₂ emitted by coal chemical enterprises and injecting it into oil reservoirs not only effectively improves the recovery rate and development efficiency of tight oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin but also addresses the carbon emission problem constraining the development of the region. Since initiating field experiments in 2012, the Ordos Basin has become a significant base for CCUS (Carbon capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology application and demonstration in China. However, over the years, projects have primarily focused on enhancing the recovery rate of CO₂ flooding, while issues such as potential reservoir damage and its extent have received insufficient attention. This oversight hinder the long-term development and promotion of CO₂ flooding technology in the region. Experimental results were comprehensively analyzed using techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and ion chromography (IG). The findings indicate that under current reservoir temperature and pressure conditions, significant asphaltene deposition and calcium carbonate precipitation do not occur during CO₂ flooding. The reservoir’s characteristics-high feldspar content, low carbon mineral content, and low clay mineral content determine that the primary mechanism affecting physical properties under CO₂ flooding in the Chang 4 + 5 tight sandstone reservoir is not, as traditional understand, carbon mineral dissolution or primary clay mineral expansion and migration. Instead, feldspar corrosion and secondary particles migration are the fundamental reasons for the changes in reservoir properties. As permeability increases, micro pore blockage decreases, and the damaging effect of CO₂ flooding on reservoir permeability diminishes. Permeability and micro pore structure are therefore significant factors determining the damage degree of CO₂ flooding inflicts on tight reservoirs. In addition, temperature and pressure have a significant impact on the extent of reservoir damage caused by CO₂ flooding in the study region. At a given reservoir temperature, increasing CO₂ injection pressure can mitigate reservoir damage. It is recommended to avoid conducting CO₂ flooding projects in reservoirs with severe pressure attenuation, low permeability, and narrow pore throats as much as possible to prevent serious damage to the reservoir. At the same time, the production pressure difference should be reasonably controlled during the production process to reduce the risk and degree of calcium carbonate precipitation near oil production wells. Full article

The nutritional and quality characteristics of improved vegetable soybean genotypes were evaluated and compared with those of a grain-type soybean at the R6 (green maturity) and R8 (physiological maturity) stages. Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed among genotypes for all measured traits. The overall quality parameters increased from the R6 (green maturity) stage to the R8 (physiological maturity) stage. Among the R6-stage genotypes, AVSB2001 recorded the highest contents of protein (15.30 ± 0.57 g/100 g), ash (2.31 ± 0.06 g/100 g), fat (8.05 ± 0.17 g/100 g), and calcium (140.78 ± 0.97 mg/100 g). The genotype Karune exhibited significantly higher levels of total sugars, non-reducing sugars, iron, and magnesium than the other entries. At the R8 stage, Swarna Vasundhara showed the highest protein content (39.23%), while AGS 447 recorded the highest values for fat, total sugars, in vitro protein digestibility, iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Notably, in vitro protein digestibility was lower across all genotypes at the R8 stage compared to the R6 stage. These findings suggest that selected vegetable soybean genotypes possess substantial nutritional value and can contribute meaningfully to meeting the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) across different age and occupational groups, underscoring this research’s potential public health impact. Based on stage-specific quality profiles, R6-stage genotypes may be better suited for fresh vegetables, whereas R8-stage genotypes can be utilized similarly to grain-type soybean for processing into products such as dhal, oil, flour, and other value-added foods. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and productive effects of the foliar application of bioregulators, based on auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellic acid, on yellow melon, cultivar DALI^®, plants subjected to different salinity levels in a protected environment to simulate Brazil’s semi-arid conditions. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design, in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with four salinity levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 dS m⁻¹) and three doses of the bioregulator, Stimulate^® (0%, 100%, and 150% of the recommended dose), with six weekly applications. The physiological variables (chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange) and biochemical parameters (antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation) were evaluated at 28 and 42 days after transplanting, and the agronomic traits (fresh fruit mass, physical attributes, and post-harvest quality) were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that salinity impaired the physiological and productive performance of the plants, especially at higher levels (4 and 6 dS m⁻¹), causing oxidative stress, reduced photosynthesis, and decreased yield. However, the application of the bioregulator at the 100% dose mitigated the effects of salt stress under moderate salinity (2 dS m⁻¹), promoting higher CO₂ assimilation rates of up to 31.5%, better water-use efficiency, and reduced lipid peroxidation. In addition, the fruits showed a greater mass of up to 66%, thicker pulp, and higher soluble solids (> 10 °Brix) content, making them suitable for sale in the market. The 150% dose did not provide additional benefits and, in some cases, resulted in inhibitory effects. It is concluded that the application of Stimulate^® at the recommended dose is effective in mitigating the effects of moderate salinity, up to ~3 dS m⁻¹, in yellow melon crops; however, its effectiveness is limited under high salinity conditions, requiring the use of complementary strategies. Full article

Consumer requirements for confectionery products have changed significantly over the past decade. These changes are evident in the growing demand for products that are high in protein but lower in energy content and, as a result, the market for these types of products is expanding. This study compared the chemical composition and functional properties of pork meat protein (MP) and blood plasma protein (BP) and evaluated their incorporation into cocoa cream formulations. Functional properties, such as water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil-holding capacity (OHC), were determined. Essential amino acid profiles were determined using HPLC analysis, and protein digestibility was evaluated both in the native form and after incorporation into the cocoa cream matrix via in vitro enzymatic digestion assays. Additionally, antioxidant activity of the enriched cocoa creams was assessed using the established ABTS assay. Results showed that BP contained a higher proportion of essential amino acids (26.44% of total amino acids), meeting the FAO/WHO recommendations, and exhibited superior digestibility compared to MP. Both proteins demonstrated high WHC and OHC values. The antioxidant potential of BP-enriched cocoa cream further supported its functional benefits. These findings indicate that blood plasma protein is a promising ingredient for enhancing the nutritional and functional quality of cocoa cream products. Full article

Objective: This cross-sectional content analysis aimed to investigate how oil pulling is portrayed on YouTube Shorts, focusing on the types of speakers, claims made, and alignment with scientific evidence. The study further explored how the content may influence viewer perception, health behaviors, and the potential spread of misinformation. Methods: On 28 January 2025, a systematic search of YouTube Shorts was performed using the term “oil pulling” in incognito mode to reduce algorithmic bias. English language videos with at least 1000 views were included through purposive sampling. A total of 47 Shorts met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured coding framework that recorded speaker type (e.g., dentist, hygienist, influencer), engagement metrics, stated benefits, oil type and regimen, the use of disclaimers or citations, and stance toward oil pulling rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Speaker background and nationality were determined through publicly available channel descriptions or linked websites, with user identities anonymized and ethical approval deemed unnecessary due to the use of publicly available content. In total, 47 videos met the inclusion criteria. Results: Of the 47 YouTube Shorts that met the inclusion criteria, most were posted by influencers rather than dental professionals. These videos predominantly encouraged oil pulling, often recommending coconut oil for 10–15 min daily and citing benefits such as reduced halitosis and improved gum health. However, a smaller subset advanced more extreme claims, including reversing cavities and remineralizing enamel. Notably, US-licensed dentists and dental hygienists tended to discourage or express skepticism toward oil pulling, assigning lower Likert scores (1 or 2) to influencers and alternative health practitioners (often 4 or 5). Conclusions: YouTube Shorts largely promote oil pulling through anecdotal and testimonial-driven content, often diverging from evidence-based dental recommendations. The findings reveal a disconnect between professional dental guidance and popular social media narratives. While some benefits like halitosis reduction may have limited support, exaggerated or misleading claims may result in improper oral hygiene practices. Greater engagement from dental professionals and improved health communication strategies are needed to counteract misinformation and reinforce oil pulling’s role, if any, as an adjunct—not a replacement—for standard oral care. Future studies should explore viewer interpretation, behavioral influence, and cross-platform content patterns to better understand the impact of short-form health videos. Full article

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis is a cornerstone of ecosystem health, facilitating nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and biodiversity maintenance in trees. Optimizing Pinus armandii–Tuber indicum mycorrhizal synthesis enhances the ecological stability of coniferous forests while supporting high-value truffle cultivation. This study conducted a pot experiment to compare the effects of three root nutrient regulations—Aolu 318S (containing N-P₂O₅-K₂O in a ratio of 15-9-11 (w/w%)), Aolu 328S (11-11-18), and Youguduo (19-19-19)—on the mycorrhizal synthesis of P. armandii–T. indicum. The results showed that root nutrient supplementation significantly improved the seedling crown, plant height, ground diameter, biomass dry weight, and mycorrhizal infection rate of both the control and mycorrhizal seedlings, with the slow-release fertilizers Aolu 318S and 328S outperforming the quick-release fertilizer Youguduo. The suitable substrate composition in this experiment was as follows: pH 6.53–6.86, organic matter content 43.25–43.49 g/kg, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen 89.25–90.3 mg/kg, available phosphorus 83.69–87.32 mg/kg, available potassium 361.5–364.65 mg/kg, exchangeable magnesium 1.17–1.57 mg/kg, and available iron 33.06–37.3 mg/kg. It is recommended to mix the Aolu 318S and 328S solid fertilizers evenly into the substrate, with a recommended dosage of 2 g per plant. These results shed light on the pivotal role of a precise N-P-K ratio regulation in fostering sustainable ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, offering a novel paradigm for integrating nutrient management with mycorrhizal biotechnology to enhance forest restoration efficiency in arid ecosystems. Full article