Search Results (4,674)

Periodic visual inspections are currently conducted to maintain the condition of railway bridges. These inspections rely on direct visual assessments by human inspectors, often requiring specialized equipment such as aerial ladders. However, this method is not only time-consuming and costly but also involves significant safety risks. Therefore, there is a growing need for a more efficient and reliable alternative to traditional visual inspections of railway bridges. In this study, we evaluated and compared the performance of damage detection using U-Net-based deep learning models on images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The target damage types include cracks, concrete spalling and delamination, water leakage, exposed reinforcement, and paint peeling. To enable multi-class segmentation, the U-Net model was trained using three different loss functions: Cross-Entropy Loss, Focal Loss, and Intersection over Union (IoU) Loss. We compared these methods to determine their ability to distinguish actual structural damage from environmental factors and surface contamination, particularly under real-world site conditions. The results showed that the U-Net model trained with IoU Loss outperformed the others in terms of detection accuracy. When applied to field inspection scenarios, this approach demonstrates strong potential for objective and precise damage detection. Furthermore, the use of UAVs in the inspection process is expected to significantly reduce both time and cost in railway infrastructure maintenance. Future research will focus on extending the detection capabilities to additional damage types such as efflorescence and corrosion, aiming to ultimately replace manual visual inspections of railway bridge surfaces with deep-learning-based methods. Full article

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

The windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) is common in coastal areas of the Philippines, thriving in brackish waters. Its shells underpin the local craft industries. While its meat is edible, only small amounts are consumed locally, most going to waste. Utilization of this potential nutrient source is hindered by the lack of information concerning its organic and mineral content, the possible presence of heavy metal ions, and the risk of microbial pathogens. We report extensive analysis of the meat from Placuna placenta, harvested during three different seasons to account for potential variations. This comprises proximate analysis, mineral, antioxidant, and microbial analyses. While considerable seasonal variation was observed, the windowpane oyster was found to be a rich source of protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates, comparing well with the meats of other shellfish and land animals. Following pre-cooking (~90 °C, 25–30 min), the standard local method for food preparation, no viable E. coli or Salmonella sp. were detected. Mineral content was broadly similar to that reported in fish, although iron, zinc, and copper were more highly represented, nevertheless, heavy metals were below internationally acceptable levels, with the exception of one of three samples, which was slightly above the only current standard, FSANZ. Whether the arsenic was in the safer organic form, which is commonly the case for shellfish, or the more toxic inorganic form remains to be established. This and the variation of arsenic over time will need to be considered when developing food products. Overall, the meat of the windowpane oyster is a valuable food resource and its current (albeit low-level) use should lower any barriers to its acceptance, making it suitable for commercialization. The present data support its development for high-value food products in urban markets. Full article

Considering the supply chain of new energy vehicles composed of a local manufacturer, an authorized distributor in the domestic market, and a competitive manufacturer in the export market, this paper studies three different cases of parallel export as well as their decisions about prices, sales scale, and the degree of production differentiation. Three game models are constructed and solved under the cases of no parallel exports (CN), authorized distributors’ parallel exports (CR), and third-party parallel exports (CT), respectively, and the equilibrium analysis is carried out, and finally, the influence of relevant parameters is explored through numerical simulation. It is found that (1) the manufacturer’s decisions on production and sales are influenced by the characteristics of consumer preferences in local and export markets, the cost of differentiated production, and the consumer recognition of parallel exports; (2) the manufacturers’ profits will always be damaged by parallel exports; (3) differentiated production can reduce the negative impact of parallel exports under certain conditions, and then improve the profits of manufacturers; (4) manufacturers can increase their profits by improving the purchase intention of consumers in the local market, improve the level of production differentiation in the export market, or reducing the cost of differentiation. Full article

Objectives: Anisakidosis is an emerging, cosmopolitan, and underdiagnosed parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of third-stage anisakid larvae when consuming raw or improperly prepared seafood. Within hours to days of consuming infected raw seafood, patients may develop acute gastrointestinal symptoms including pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation, as live anisakid larvae attach to the gastric, or more rarely, the intestinal mucosa. Cases have been reported in which the nematodes succeed at migrating from the stomach upwards to the esophagus and then the oral cavity. Therefore, the purpose of the present literature review is to collect, analyze, summarize and present the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data concerning anisakidosis localized inside the oral cavity. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases was performed with them being accessed for the last time on 29 March 2025. Results: The present literature review identified 13 individual case reports of oral mucosa anisakidosis, which were published in the period 1971–2022. Conclusions: Our review aims to summarize the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data regarding the oral localization of anisakidosis, a helminthic infection caused by the accidental ingestion of live anisakid larvae and which manifests mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms. Its localization in the oral mucosa appears to be exceptionally rare and, in most cases, occurs with a characteristic clinical picture, defined by the onset of acute mouth or throat pain immediately after the consumption of raw seafood and by the observation of one or more larvae, either lying on or penetrating the oral mucosa. Despite its rarity, dental health professionals and other clinicians should be aware of this disease and the possibility of its intraoral localization, since environmental factors on the one hand, and the adoption of foreign dietary habits on the other, will likely make anisakidosis a much more common disease worldwide in the near future. Full article

The present study focuses on the attractiveness and perceived value of differentiated quality labels, such as the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), for agri-food products from Extremadura (Spain). In doing so, it addresses a gap in the scientific literature concerning consumer behavior toward products bearing these certifications. The results show that awareness of these quality schemes is significantly higher among middle-aged and older individuals, underscoring the need for more modern and targeted communication strategies. The findings highlight the strategic role of agri-food marketing in promoting certified products and emphasize the importance of bridging the generational gap in consumer education. Overall, differentiated quality schemes are perceived as strategic tools to enhance the competitiveness of local products, strengthen cultural identity, and foster sustainable rural economies. Furthermore, this study identifies a negative relationship between the consumption of certified products and the awareness of certification and a positive relationship with the willingness to pay a premium. Consumers with greater awareness tend consume these products less, although they are more willing to pay higher prices for items bearing quality labels. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic, non-communicable spectrum of diseases characterized by lipid accumulation. It is often asymptomatic, and its prevalence varies by region, age, gender, and economic status. It is estimated that 25% of the world’s population currently suffer from MAFLD, and 20 million patients will die from MAFLD-related diseases. In the last 20 years, tea and anti-obesity research have indicated that regularly consuming tea decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MeS). In this review, we aimed to present studies concerning the influence of matcha extracts and epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) supplements on metabolic functions in the context of MAFLD in human and animal studies. The published data show promise. In both human and animal studies, the beneficial effects on body weight, cholesterol levels, and liver metabolism and function were noted, even in short-period experiments. The safety levels for EGCG and green tea extract consumption are marked. More experiments are needed to confirm the results observed in animal studies and to show the mechanisms by which green tea exerts its effects. The preliminary data from research concerning microbiota or epigenetic changes observed after polyphenols and green tea consumption need to be expanded. To improve the efficiency and availability of green tea or supplement consumption as a treatment for MAFLD patients, more research with larger groups and longer study durations is needed. Full article

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made compounds involved in compositions of many industrial processes and consumer products. The largest-volume man-made PFAS are made up of refrigerants and fluoropolymers. Major concerns for our society related to these substances are their contribution to global warming as greenhouse gasses and the potential for adverse effects on living organisms, particularly by long-chain perfluoroalkyl acid derivatives. Restrictions on manufacturing and applications will increase in the near future. The full remediation of historical and current contaminations of air, soil and water remains problematic, especially for ultra-short PFASs, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Future monitoring of PFAS levels and their impact on ecosystems remains important. PFASs have become integrated in the lifestyle and infrastructures of our modern worldwide society and are likely to be part of that society for years to come in essential applications by closing the fluorine loop. Full article

With consumers increasing in environmental awareness, manufacturers have integrated green R&D into their strategies, aiming to grasp the green market. However, manufacturers may be too bullish on the market potential of green products and maintain an optimistic attitude toward green R&D. Despite having an optimistic attitude, manufacturers often have no demand information advantage over downstream retailers due to their position in the supply chain, away from the market. It is worth exploring what impact optimistic green R&D in a sustainable supply chain with demand information asymmetry will have. Previous studies have not managed to reveal this. In this study, a stylized model is introduced to explore this question. The main findings are as follows: (1) optimistic green R&D increases the feasibility of the retailer sharing demand information, which facilitates information communication in the sustainable supply chain; (2) in most cases, optimistic green R&D does not bring higher profits for the manufacturer, yet is likely to allow the retailer to earn more, thereby resulting in a loss–win outcome; and (3) depending on the green R&D efficiency of the manufacturer and the consumer’s environmental awareness, optimistic green R&D may not generate higher environmental benefits. Full article

One concern in the yearly re-formulation of influenza vaccines is the time-consuming manufacturing of vaccine potency reagents, particularly for emergency responses. The continuous evaluation of modern techniques such as reversed-phase (RP) chromatography is an asset for streamlining this process. One challenge with RP methods, however, is the need to re-optimize methods for antigens that show poor separation, which can be highly dependent on analyst experience and available data. In this study, we leveraged a large RP dataset of influenza antigens to explore machine learning (ML) approaches of classifying challenging separations for computer-assisted method re-optimization across years, products, and analysts. Methods: To address recurring chromatographic issues—such as poor resolution, strain co-elution, and signal absence—we applied data augmentation techniques to correct class imbalance and trained multiple supervised ML classifiers to distinguish between these peak profiles. Results: With data augmentation, several ML models demonstrated promising accuracy in classifying chromatographic profiles according to the provided labels. These models effectively distinguished patterns indicative of separation issues in real-world data. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential of ML as a computer assisted tool in the evaluation of vaccine quality, offering a scalable and objective approach to chromatogram classification. By reducing reliance on manual interpretation, ML can expedite the optimization of analytical methods, which is particularly needed for rapid responses. Future research involving larger, inter-laboratory datasets will further elucidate the utility of ML in vaccine analysis. Full article

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High salt intake when consumed with excess fructose enhances hypertension and resultant cardiovascular disease. Usually, the small intestine absorbs dietary fructose, and the proximal tubule of kidney reabsorbs filtered fructose into the circulation with the help of different transporters including SGLT4 and SGLT5. Very recently, SGLT5 mRNA has also been found to be expressed in the heart. High-fructose diet stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) activity, of which both are responsible for endothelial dysfunction and are associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. Few studies exist regarding the effects of SGLT4 and SGLT5 on cardiovascular function and blood pressure. However, SGLT4 gene knockout does not alter fructose-associated impact on blood pressure. In contrast, blood pressure does not increase in SGLT5 knockout rats even during fructose consumption. Given that limiting fructose and salt consumption as a public health strategy has proven challenging, we hope that studies into SGLT4 and SGLT5 transporters will open new research initiatives to address salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights current information about SGLT4 and SGLT5 on fructose absorption, salt-sensitive hypertension, cardiovascular disease and points the way for the development of therapeutic fructose inhibitors that limit adverse effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with an ileoanal pouch change their diet to manage their symptoms and will often resort to the internet for nutrition advice. Currently, no evidence-based dietary guidelines exist to inform online resources. Hence, this study aims to assess the quality of online nutrition information directed towards patients with an ileoanal pouch. Methods: A systematic Google search was conducted to identify consumer websites including information on nutrition for those with ileoanal pouches. Quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, and the readability of written content was assessed using the Flesch–Kincaid score. A summative content analysis was used to identify the frequency of particular topics. Websites were also assessed against standards from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) framework for shared decision-making support tools. Results: A total of 12 websites met the inclusion criteria. Mean total DISCERN scores across all websites are 33 out of 75, indicating that overall, the websites were of poor quality. The mean Flesch–Kincaid score was 57 out of 100, or “fairly difficult” in terms of readability. The main themes according to the content analysis were “general dietary advice for pouch”, “dietary strategies for symptom management”, “addressing risks associated with having a pouch”, and “optimisation of nutritional intake”. Overall, websites did not meet the standards for shared decision-making. Conclusions: Online nutrition information for patients with an ileoanal pouch is of poor quality and difficult to understand. There is a need for higher quality online resources for these patients, ideally co-produced with a multidisciplinary team and patient, to provide patients with good quality, understandable, and accessible nutrition information. Full article

The global food industry is facing growing pressure to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, minimize waste, and adopt environmentally sustainable packaging solution. Nanotechnology offers innovative ways to meet these demands by enabling the creation of smart and sustainable food packaging systems. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials can significantly enhance the functional performance of packaging by boosting mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials used as smart and sustainable food packaging, focusing on their role in active and intelligent packaging systems. By integrating nanomaterials like metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, and nano-biopolymers, packaging can now perform real-time sensing, spoilage detection, and traceability. These systems improve food quality management and supply chain transparency while supporting global sustainability goals. The review also discusses potential risks related to nanomaterials’ migration, environmental impact, and consumer safety, as well as the current regulatory landscape and limitations in industrial scalability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of standardized safety assessments and eco-friendly design to support responsible innovation. Overall, nano-enabled smart packaging represents a promising strategy for advancing food safety and sustainability. Future developments will require collaboration across disciplines and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and practical application of nanotechnology in food systems. Full article

Unbalanced accelerations occurring during tram travel have a significant impact on passenger comfort and safety, as well as on the rate of wear and tear on infrastructure and rolling stock. Ideally, these dynamic forces should be monitored continuously in real-time; however, traditional systems require high-precision accelerometers and proprietary software—investments often beyond the reach of municipally funded tram operators. To this end, as part of the research project “Accelerometer Measurements in Rail Passenger Transport Vehicles”, pilot measurement campaigns were conducted in Poland on tram lines in Gdańsk, Toruń, Bydgoszcz, and Olsztyn. Off-the-shelf smartphones equipped with MEMS accelerometers and GPS modules, running the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite Pro app, were used. Although the research employs widely known methods, this paper addresses part of the gap in affordable real-time monitoring by demonstrating that, in the future, equipment equipped solely with consumer-grade MEMS accelerometers can deliver sufficiently accurate data in applications where high precision is not critical. This paper presents an analysis of a subset of results from the Gdańsk tram network. Lateral (x) and vertical (z) accelerations were recorded at three fixed points inside two tram models (Pesa 128NG Jazz Duo and Düwag N8C), while longitudinal accelerations were deliberately omitted at this stage due to their strong dependence on driver behavior. Raw data were exported as CSV files, processed and analyzed in R version 4.2.2, and then mapped spatially using ArcGIS cartograms. Vehicle speed was calculated both via the haversine formula—accounting for Earth’s curvature—and via a Cartesian approximation. Over the ~7 km route, both methods yielded virtually identical results, validating the simpler approach for short distances. Acceleration histograms approximated Gaussian distributions, with most values between 0.05 and 0.15 m/s², and extreme values approaching 1 m/s². The results demonstrate that low-cost mobile devices, after future calibration against certified accelerometers, can provide sufficiently rich data for ride-comfort assessment and show promise for cost-effective condition monitoring of both track and rolling stock. Future work will focus on optimizing the app’s data collection pipeline, refining standard-based analysis algorithms, and validating smartphone measurements against benchmark sensors. Full article

Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an overview of Italian consumers’ WTP for eight different sustainable certification labels and to collect information about their consumption preferences and perceptions in consumption. Participants were selected by stratified simple random sampling, using regional distribution, gender, and age as stratification criteria, to obtain a representative sample of n = 3600. Eight ordered logit models were estimated to understand how consumer sociodemographic characteristics influence the price premium. The results show important differences in WTP among different certification labels; a higher WTP emerged for ethical certifications than for environmentally focused labels. Younger individuals; women; and those with higher education, income and life satisfaction, as well as consumers in southern regions, were significantly more willing to pay premiums for certified products. However, a key finding for policymakers is that the stated price premium consumers are willing to pay falls significantly short of the actual higher costs of these products in supermarkets. Furthermore, insights into consumer perceptions and preferences revealed that quality and origin are perceived as key price drivers, while method of production holds less importance. It also emerged that consumers primarily seek a balance between quality and price, with only a small segment prioritizing certified products. Full article