Search Results (165)

Due to their nutritional value and sustainability, edible insect-based foods are gaining popularity in Europe. Their use is regulated by EU legislation, which defines authorised species and sets labelling requirements. Molecular tools are being developed to authenticate such products. In this study, yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae authorised for human consumption were fed wheat flour-based diets containing varying proportions of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour for 21 days. This was followed by a 48 h starvation period to assess the persistence of insect DNA in the digestive tract. Two novel, species-specific, single-copy markers were designed: ampd gene for the Acheta domesticus and MyD88 gene for the Tenebrio molitor. These were applied using qPCR and ddPCR. Both methods successfully detected cricket DNA in the guts of starved larvae. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong, statistically significant correlation between the proportion of Acheta domesticus flour in the diet and the normalised relative quantity of DNA. ddPCR proved to be more sensitive than qPCR, particularly in the detection of low DNA levels. These results suggest that the presence of DNA from undeclared insect species in edible insects may be indicative of their diet rather than contamination or adulteration. This highlights the importance of contextual interpretation in food authenticity testing. Full article

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, the increasing demand and insufficient supply of public service facilities for children have become urgent problems requiring resolution. This study employs the Shannon diversity index, the location entropy, spatial autocorrelation, and the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of children’s public service facilities in the central urban area of Shenyang. The findings of the study are as follows: (1) There are significant differences in the spatial distribution of children’s public service facilities. Higher quantity distribution and diversity index are observed in the core area and Hunnan District compared to the peripheral areas. The Gini coefficient of various facilities is below the fair threshold of 0.4, but 90.32% of the study units have location entropy values below 1, indicating a supply–demand imbalance. (2) The spatial distribution of various facilities exhibits significant clustering characteristics, with distinct differences between high-value and low-value cluster patterns. (3) The spatial distribution of facilities is shaped by four factors: population, transportation, economy, and environmental quality. Residential area density and commercial service facility density emerge as the primary positive drivers, whereas road density and average housing price act as the main negative inhibitors. (4) The mechanisms of influencing factors exhibit spatial heterogeneity. Positive driving factors exert significant effects on new urban areas and peripheral zones, while negative factors demonstrate pronounced inhibitory effects on old urban areas. Non-linear threshold effects are observed in factors such as subway station density and public transport station density. Full article

(1) Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) remains a prevalent zoonosis in Eurasia. Orthohantavirus puumalaense (PUUV), carried by bank voles (Myodes glareolus), is the principal zoonotic pathogen of HFRS in this region. Despite ongoing efforts to develop effective drugs and vaccines against PUUV, this challenge remains. (2) Aim: In this study, we aimed to express a large quantity of the PUUV recombinant N (rN) protein using E. coli. We also sought to develop a protocol for extracting the rN protein from pellets, solubilizing, and refolding it to restore its native form. This protocol is crucial for producing a large quantity of rN protein to develop vaccines and diagnostic tools for HFRS. (3) Methods; PUUV S segment open reading frame (ORF) coding for N protein was synthesized and cloned into the plasmid vector pET-28 (A+). The ORF was transformed, expressed and induced in BL21(DE3) pLysS E. coli strain. Subsequently, rN protein was purified using immobilized metal affinity and ion chromatography. Immune reactivity of rN protein was tested by employing in house and commercial VektoHanta-IgG kit ELISA methods (both in vitro and in vivo). (4) Results: The best conditions for scaling up the expression of the PUUV rN protein were an incubation temperature of 20 °C during a 20 h incubation period, followed by induction with 0.5 mM IPTG. The most significant protein yield was achieved when the pellets were incubated in denaturing buffer with 8M urea. The highest yield of refolded proteins was attained using non-denaturing buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl) supplemented with arginine. A final 50 μL of PUUV rN protein solution with a concentration of 7 mg/mL was recovered from 1 L of culture. The rN protein elicited an antibody response in vivo and reacted with serum taken from patients with HFRS by ELISA in vitro. (5) Conclusion: Therefore, the orthohantavirus N protein’s ability to elicit immune response in vivo suggests that it can be used to develop vaccines against PUUV after conducting in vitro and in vivo studies to ascertain neutralising antibodies. Full article

The building sector significantly contributes to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, primarily due to the extensive use of carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel. Mass timber construction, particularly using cross-laminated timber (CLT), offers a promising low-carbon alternative. This study aims to calculate the embodied carbon emissions and biogenic carbon storage of a CLT-based affordable housing project, 340+ Dixwell in New Haven, Connecticut. This project was designed using a honeycomb structural system, where mass timber floors and roofs are supported by mass timber-bearing walls. The authors are not aware of a prior study that has evaluated the life cycle impacts of honeycomb mass timber construction while considering Timber Use Intensity (TUI). Unlike traditional post-and-beam systems, the honeycomb design uses nearly twice the amount of timber, resulting in higher carbon sequestration. This makes the study significant from a sustainability perspective. This study follows International Standard Organization (ISO) standards 14044, 21930, and 21931 and reports the results for both lifecycle stages A1–A3 and A1–A5. The analysis covers key building components, including the substructure, superstructure, and enclosure, with timber, concrete, metals, glass, and insulation as the materials assessed. Material quantities were extracted using Autodesk Revit^®, and the life cycle assessment (LCA) was evaluated using One Click LCA (2015)^®. The A1 to A3 stage results of this honeycomb building revealed that, compared to conventional mass timber housing structures such as Adohi Hall and Heartwood, it demonstrates the lowest embodiedf carbon emissions and the highest biogenic carbon storage per square foot. This outcome is largely influenced by its higher Timber Use Intensity (TUI). Similarly, the A1-A5 findings indicate that the embodied carbon emissions of this honeycomb construction are 40% lower than the median value for other multi-family residential buildings, as assessed using the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) Embodied Carbon Emissions Benchmark Study of various buildings. Moreover, the biogenic carbon storage per square foot of this building is 60% higher than the average biogenic carbon storage of reference mass timber construction types. Full article

To reduce environmental contamination following the release of various radionuclides during the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the Japanese government has continued decontamination work and decided to use interim storage facilities (ISFs) in the towns of Okuma and Futaba to house large quantities of contaminated soil and waste until their final disposal. This study aims to clarify whether there are differences in the acceptance of removed soil for recycling between people who provided land for ISFs and those who do not. Furthermore, we analyzed the risk perception of the radiation effects on offspring, trust in information from public authorities, and intention to return to their hometown. A questionnaire survey was conducted at Okuma and Futaba town homes in the ISF area. Compared with those who did not provide land to the ISFs (n = 538, 68.0%), people who provided land (n = 141, 77.9%) responded that they were accepting the building of the ISFs (p = 0.018). Meanwhile, approximately half of the respondents were “unable to decide” concerning the recycling of removed soil in their current region of residence regardless of whether the land provided or not. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding radiation risk perceptions of the offspring effects on residents and intention to return, or whether to provide land to the ISFs. The study suggests that it is important to continue radiation risk communication to determine whether people have provided land to the ISFs. Full article

The composition of the gut microbiome, defined by environmental factors, significantly affects research outcomes, with variations observed across animal facilities. Efforts to standardize led to the definition of the ‘Altered Schaedler flora’ (ASF), comprising eight bacterial groups. Our data highlights the variability of ASF under pathogen contact. Feces from two wild-type strains (C57Bl/6J and Balb/c mice) with and without proven infection was collected in two different animal facilities and analyzed. The data show a significant difference in the quantity (either reduction or increase) of the eight ASF bacterial groups when comparing infected and non-infected mice across different housing areas (SPF-specific pathogen-free, quarantine, and conventional-experimental areas) within a facility, as well as in comparison to another facility. Furthermore, strain-specific differences are also evident, with certain ASF groups showing a reduction in quantity at one facility but an increase at the other, comparing the same housing area. Comparative studies across facilities confirmed the necessity of baseline determination for accurate ASF analysis. Performing ASF analysis, facilitated by in-house qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) kits, offers prompt and precise microbiome profiling, enhancing experimental accuracy and health monitoring in animal research settings. Full article

The tropical house cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) can convert organic diets formulated from weeds and agro by-products into high-quality biomass. This study assessed the potential of diets developed from weeds and agro by-products as a feed source for G. sigillatus. We compared the development and nutritional value of crickets fed these alternative diets with control crickets fed chicken feed. Ten different diets with varying protein contents were used, including chicken feed (Control) with a protein content of 215 g/Kg dry matter (DM) basis), Cassava–Sugar Diet (250 g/Kg DM protein) Desmodium–Bran Diet (245 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Bean Diet (240 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Cassava Diet (235 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Cowpea Diet (225 g/Kg DM protein), Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) (215 g/Kg DM protein) Cassava–Gallant Soldier Diet (200 g/Kg DM protein), Wheat–Bran Diet (145 g/Kg DM protein), and Maize–Cassava Diet (135 g/Kg DM protein). The weight and length of the crickets were measured for 9 weeks from day 1 after hatching to day 56. Then, the crickets were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, fiber, minerals, and fatty acid composition. Cricket developmental time, survival rate, weight and length, yield, proximate components, and mineral and fatty acids differed depending on the diet provided. The Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) resulted in the crickets developing faster (48.8 days), with a higher survival rate (88.1%), greater adult length (19.2 cm) and weight (0.44 g), and a nutrition content richer in minerals and unsaturated fatty acids when compared to other treatments. Oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids. The highest protein content (64.4 g/100 g) was observed in the Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) and Morning Glory–Cassava Diet treatments, while the Maize–Cassava Diet treatment crickets possessed the highest quantities of fats (19.1 g/100 g) and ash (15.4 g/100 g). The fatty acid profile of G. sigillatus revealed the cricket to have high unsaturated fatty acids except in crickets fed Morning Glory–Cowpea Diet and Wheat–Bran Diet. Generally, G. sigillatus grew best and had the most nutritious body composition on the Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal). The findings indicate that diets developed from weeds and agro by-products have great potential to be used as an alternative feed source for crickets and are capable of replacing expensive chicken feed, enhancing the circular farming potential of insect farming. Full article

Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is a capsulated yeast that enters the body through inhalation and migrates via the bloodstream to the central nervous system, causing cryptococcal meningitis. Diagnosis methods are culture, serology, and India ink staining, which require cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or whole blood. Molecular methods are used for epidemiological studies and require expensive commercial DNA extraction kits. This study aimed to develop an economical in-house method for extracting C. neoformans DNA from whole blood. C. neoformans cells of varying McFarland standards were spiked into expired blood, then lysed using laboratory-prepared lysis buffer and ox-bile solution, followed by organic DNA extraction. Ordinary PCR targeting the CNAG 04922 gene was performed. To determine the limit of detection, serial dilutions of C. neoformans were made, and DNA extraction was performed on other parts cultured on yeast extract peptone dextrose agar to determine colony-forming units (CFU). The lysis buffer method successfully extracted DNA from as low as the average of 62 CFU in 0.9 mL of expired blood with superior quality and high yield compared to ox-bile. The lysis buffer method yielded higher DNA quality and quantity than ox-bile and detected low concentrations of C. neoformans in expired blood. This method presents a cost-effective alternative for molecular diagnosis in resource-limited settings. Full article

Despite its advantages, conventional soil-cement has limitations in terms of mechanical strength and durability, especially in environments with high humidity or high structural demands. The development of high-performance soil-cement (HPSC) presents significantly superior mechanical properties. The decentralized production of these panels has resulted in a cost reduction of more than 40%, making them an affordable alternative for low-income communities. Even so, providing technical support for the popularization of HPSC is crucial for the advancement of civil construction and to enable the expansion of affordable and sustainable housing for vulnerable communities. This study focuses on the development of a high-performance soil-cement panel, including its manufacturing process and the materials used. The panel was produced using Yellow Argisol soil, found locally in abundant quantities, modified with sand. Measurements of flexural strength and water absorption were carried out, together with a comparison of the strength of high-performance concrete (HPC) found in the literature. The developed panels present an average flexural strength of 6.71 MPa. Additionally, water absorption reached 5.99%, indicating the high performance of this material, which is comparable to high-performance concrete but more economical and sustainable. This contribution confirms the viability of transferring HPSC technology and highlights its social impact on civil construction. Full article

This research focuses on developing an intelligent irrigation solution for agricultural systems utilising solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) energy applications. This solution integrates PVT applications, prediction, modelling and forecasting as well as plants’ physiological characteristics. The primary objective is to enhance water management and irrigation efficiency through innovative digital techniques tailored to different climate zones. In the initial phase, the performance of PVT solutions was evaluated using ANSYS Fluent software R19.2, revealing that scaled PVT systems offer optimal efficiency for PV systems, thereby optimising electrical production. Subsequently, a comprehensive approach combining integral feature selection (IFS) with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models was applied for reference evapotranspiration (ETo) prediction and water needs forecasting. Through this process, 301 optimal combinations of predictors and best-performing linear models for ETo prediction were identified. Achieving R² values exceeding 0.97, alongside minimal indicators of dispersion, the results indicate the effectiveness and accuracy of the elaborated models in predicting the ETo. In addition, by employing a hybrid deep learning approach, 28 best models were developed for forecasting the next periods of ETo. Finally, an interface application was developed to house the identified models for predicting and forecasting the optimal water quantity required for specific plant or crop irrigation. This application serves as a user-friendly platform where users can input relevant predictors and obtain accurate predictions and forecasts based on the established models. Full article

Field observations provide valuable information for rockfall assessments, but estimating physical and statistical quantities related to rockfall propagation directly is challenging. Simulations are commonly used to infer these quantities, but their subjectivity can result in varying hazard land use zonation extents for different projects. This paper focuses on the application of simulated trajectories for rockfall hazard assessments, with an emphasis on reducing subjectivity. A quantitative guiding rockfall hazard methodology based on earlier concepts is presented and put in the context of legislated requirements. It details how the temporal hazard component, related to the likelihood of failure, can be distributed spatially using simulated trajectories. The method can be applied with results from any process-based software and combined with various prediction methods of the temporal aspect, although this aspect is not the primary focus. Applied examples for static objects and moving objects, such as houses and vehicles, are shown to illustrate the important effect of the object size. For that purpose, the methodology was applied at an indicative level over Norway utilizing its 1 m detailed digital terrain model (DTM) acquired from airborne LiDAR. Potential rockfall sources were distributed in 3D where slopes are steeper than 50°, as most rockfall events in the national landslide database (NSDB) occurred in such areas. This threshold considerably shifts toward gentler slopes when repeating the analysis with coarser DTMs. Simulated trajectories were produced with an adapted version of the simulation model stnParabel. Comparing the number of trajectories reaching the road network to the numerous related registered rockfall events of the NSDB, an indicative averaged yearly frequency of released rock fragments of 1/25 per 10,000 m² of cliff was obtained for Norway. This average frequency can serve as a starting point for hazard assessments and should be adjusted to better match local conditions. Full article

Sustainable construction and demolition waste (CDW) management have been widely discussed. For a city seeking urban renewal or transformation, aging houses are remodeled, which creates a large amount of CDW. Taiwan is located in an earthquake-prone area with many aging houses. Sustainable CDW management is extremely urgent for such cities or countries. This study presented the current CDW state in Taiwan and suggested possible management strategies. Material flow analysis was conducted to understand the use and distribution of the construction materials. This shows that 100% of the raw material of concrete is imported, whereas 100% of the raw material of brick is domestic. Half of recycled steel is used as a raw material in steel products. The predicted CDW from aging houses was calculated and could be a sustainable source for these materials. However, waste concrete and brick are currently mostly used as subgrade filling materials but are not recycled to produce new construction materials. There are three obvious challenges in CDW management: the lack of cost-effective recycling technology, the increasing quantity of CDW, and the limits of refilled land and landfill volume. However, three opportunities have also emerged: the high potential for reducing carbon emissions from CDW, improved recycling technology, and increasing awareness of the circular economy. This study concludes that reducing the amount of CDW, increasing the lifespan of buildings, increasing the use of reuse or recycled CDW, and proper management of final waste disposal help reduce waste and build a nearly zero-carbon-emission construction industry. Full article

One of the major challenges of studying biomarkers in tumor samples is the low quantity and quality of isolated RNA, DNA, and proteins. Additionally, the extraction methods ideally should obtain macromolecules from the same tumor biopsy, allowing better-integrated data interpretation. In this work, an in-house, low-cost, mixed-type tissue crusher combining blade and beating principles was made and the simultaneous isolation of macromolecules from human cells and tissues was achieved using TRIzol. RT-qPCR, genotyping, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot analysis were used to validate the approach. For tissue samples, RNA, DNA, and proteins resulted in an average yield of 677 ng/mg, 225 ng/mg, and 1.4 µg/mg, respectively. The same approach was validated using cell lines. The isolated macromolecule validation included the detection of mRNA levels of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters through RT-qPCR, genotyping of TNFR1 (rs767455), and protein visualization through SDS-PAGE following Coomassie blue staining and Western blot. This work contributed to filling a gap in knowledge about TRIzol efficiency for the simultaneous extraction of RNA, DNA, and proteins from a single human tissue sample. A low-cost, high yield, and quality method was validated using target biomarkers of multidrug resistance mechanisms. This approach might be advantageous for future biomarker studies using different tissue specimens. Full article

Durian, often regarded as the “king of fruits”, plays a significant role in Thailand’s economy, with durian production expanding rapidly due to its profitability and high demand in both domestic and international markets. This growth has introduced challenges, particularly for geographic indication (GI)-certified durians like those from Pak Chong, where the unique soil, climate, and cultivation practices contribute to the fruit’s distinctive quality. Maintaining these standards is crucial to preserving GI certification, but farmers face increasing risks related to pests, diseases, climate variability, and cultivation practices. Effective risk management is essential to ensure the quality and sustainability of GI-certified durian production. This study analyzes risks in Pak Chong GI durian cultivation and proposes strategies to mitigate these risks. The House of Risk (HOR) method was used to identify potential risks at various stages of durian cultivation, including planting, maintenance, pre-harvest, harvest, and postharvest, and to recommend proactive mitigation strategies. This case study focuses on Pak Chong GI durian farmers. Thirty-one risk events driven by 17 risk agents were identified throughout the durian cultivation process. Key risk agents included observation of durian tree behavior, physical characteristics of the planting area, irrigation quantity, understanding of nutrient management, soil nutrients, and soil pH. The three most significant mitigation strategies identified were the implementation of targeted training and learning programs, improved data collection and plating progress tracking ability, and investment in advanced cultivation technology. This study analyzes the critical risks in Pak Chong GI-certified durian cultivation and proposes targeted mitigation strategies using the House of Risk (HOR) method. By identifying risks (HOR1) and developing proactive solutions (HOR2) across key cultivation stages, this research offers practical insights to enhance the quality and sustainability of GI-certified durian production. The findings aim to support farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders in preserving the economic and cultural value of Pak Chong durians. Full article

This study analyzed the effects of changes in the inter-floor noise assessment system in multi-family housing in Korea on heavy-weight impact sound performance assessment. By comparing the existing pre-approval system with the newly introduced post-verification system, we focused on the effects of the evaluation criteria, impact sources, and frequency band considerations on the single numerical evaluation quantities (L′_i,Fmax,AW and L′_iA,Fmax) and contribution rates by frequency band. For the analysis, impact sounds were measured using a bang machine used in the existing pre-approval system and a rubber ball used in the post-verification system, and the performance of the floor structure was evaluated in the 1/1 and 1/3 octave bands. As a result, the pre-approval system showed a high contribution rate mainly in the 63 Hz band, but the post-verification system expanded the contribution rate to the mid-low frequency band of 63–160 Hz. In particular, the evaluation method using the A-weighted maximum floor impact sound level (L′_iA,Fmax) of the post-verification system was found to reflect the performance in the mid- and high-frequency band of 125–250 Hz more effectively. The post-verification system enables a more accurate evaluation of the performance of high-frequency bands that were overlooked in the existing system, thereby enabling a realistic response to the mitigation of inter-floor noise. Accordingly, construction companies must meet stricter performance standards in floor structure design and resilient materials development, in accordance with the new regulations. For example, designs utilizing sound-absorbing ceiling structures and high-performance resilient materials are expected to be effective in reducing heavy-impact noise. This study provides important basic data for tracking the performance of floor structures according to changes in the system, and selecting key frequency bands for reducing heavy-impact noise. In addition, it emphasizes the need to continuously monitor the performance of multi-family housing constructed under the new system and to derive effective design strategies for solving inter-floor noise problems. In the future, it will be necessary to expand the usability of the results of this study through additional studies targeting more diverse floor plans and floor structures. Full article