Search Results (11,819)

The assembly building M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) system is a vital part of the transformation of China’s construction industry, featuring intelligent control, high efficiency, and high safety. The article provides a comprehensive review of research related to assembly M&E systems from the perspective of the whole life cycle of assembly, containing 125 journal articles from 1993 to 2024. The article analyzes some policies with updated iterations in the United States, Japan, Germany, Denmark, France, and the European Union. The literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts identified significant constraints limiting the various stages of the entire life cycle of assembled MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems. The absence of uniform design standards, personnel collaboration, prefabricated component testing, transportation, information utilization, intelligent testing, and recycling of disassemblability that can occur in the entire life cycle of assembled MEP systems are summarized. Finally, the article suggests that assembly M&E systems can be shared and marketed to improve the economic viability of assembly M&E systems and their wide application in the areas of technology, platform, and demand. Full article

Modeling is a crucial tool in the biomanufacturing industry, namely in fermentation processes. This work discusses both mechanistic and data-driven models, each with unique benefits and application potential. It discusses semi-parametric hybrid modeling, a growing field that combines these two types of models for more accurate and easy result extrapolation. The characteristics and structure of such hybrid models will be examined. Moreover, its versatility will be highlighted, showing its usefulness in various stages of process development, including real-time monitoring and optimization. Scale-up remains one of the most relevant topics in fermentation processes, as it is important to have reproducible critical quality attributes, such as titer and yield, on larger scales. Furthermore, the process still relies on empirical correlations and iterative optimization. For these reasons, it is important to improve scale-up predictions, through e.g., the use of digital tools. Perspectives will be presented on the potential that hybrid modeling has by predicting performance across different process scales. This could provide more efficient and reliable biomanufacturing processes that require less resource consumption through experimentation. Full article

This qualitative study investigates technology readiness, i.e., self-management, social support, and digital health literacy, in people with dementia (PwD). PwD are difficult to recruit; therefore, we used an empathic approach to recruit and conduct interviews. The interviews with seven participants with dementia and two informal caregivers, guided by the READHY framework, reveal nuanced insights into their experiences. Participants demonstrate varying degrees of self-management, with informal caregivers playing pivotal roles in facilitating activities and supporting overall well-being. Cognitive challenges, such as concentration and communication difficulties, are prevalent, highlighting the importance of robust support systems. Internal and external support networks significantly influence social integration, yet societal misconceptions impede inclusion, exacerbating feelings of isolation for both participants and caregivers. Limited interaction with technology is observed, primarily reliant on caregivers for assistance. Technology may hold potential for enhancing independence and alleviating caregiver burden. As an empathetic approach eased recruitment and communication with PwD, we recommend using this approach for future studies to include participants who otherwise would not be recruited. Given that the number of participants in this study is limited to only seven PwD with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, further investigation using mixed methods, including the READHY framework, and a larger number of participants is needed to examine the generalizability of the findings. Full article

In-store grocery shopping is still widely preferred by consumers despite the rising popularity of online grocery shopping. Moreover, hardware-based in-store navigation systems and shopping list applications such as Walmart’s Store Map, Kroger’s Kroger Edge, and Amazon Go have been developed by supermarkets to address the inefficiencies in shopping. But even so, the current systems’ cost-effectiveness, optimization capability, and scalability are still an issue. In order to address the existing problems, this study investigates the optimization of grocery shopping by proposing a proximity-driven dynamic sorting algorithm with the assistance of machine learning. This research method provides us with an analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the two machine learning models or ML-DProSA variants—agglomerative hierarchical and affinity propagation clustering algorithms—in different setups and configurations on the performance of the grocery shoppers in a simulation environment patterned from the actual supermarket. The unique shopping patterns of a grocery shopper and the proximity of items based on timestamps are utilized in sorting grocery items, consequently reducing the distance traveled. Our findings reveal that both algorithms reduce dwell times for grocery shoppers compared to having an unsorted grocery shopping list. Ultimately, this research with the ML-DProSA’s optimization capabilities aims to be the foundation in providing a mobile application for grocery shopping in any grocery stores. Full article

Melanin is a crucial pigment in melanomagenesis. Its fluorescence in human tissue is exceedingly weak but can be detected through advanced laser spectroscopy techniques. The spectral profile of melanin fluorescence distinctively varies among melanocytes, nevomelanocytes, and melanoma cells, with melanoma cells exhibiting a notably “red” fluorescence spectrum. This characteristic enables the diagnosis of melanoma both in vivo and in histological samples. Neuromelanin, a brain pigment akin to melanin, shares similar fluorescence properties. Its fluorescence can also be quantified with high spectral resolution using the same laser spectroscopic methods. Documented fluorescence spectra of neuromelanin in histological samples from the substantia nigra substantiate these findings. Our research reveals that the spectral behavior of neuromelanin fluorescence mirrors that of melanin in melanomas. This indicates that the typical red fluorescence is likely influenced by the microenvironment around (neuro)melanin, rather than by direct pigment interactions. Our ongoing studies aim to further explore this distinctive “red” fluorescence. We have observed this red fluorescence spectrum in post-mortem measurements of melanin in benign nevus. The characteristic red spectrum is also evident here (unlike the benign nevus in vivo), suggesting that hypoxia may contribute to this phenomenon. Given the central role of hypoxia in both melanoma development and treatment, as well as in fundamental Parkinson’s disease mechanisms, this study discusses strategies aimed at reinforcing the hypothesis that red fluorescence from (neuro)melanin serves as an indicator of hypoxia. Full article

Diets, but also overall food environments, comprise a variety of significant factors with direct and indirect impacts on human health. Eco-Regions are geographical areas with a territorial approach to rural development, utilizing organic food and farming practices, and principles and promoting sustainable communities and food systems. However, so far, little attention has been given to quantifying aspects of the health of citizens living in these sustainable transition territories. The project “Indicators for Assessment of Health Effects of Consumption of Sustainable, Organic School Meals in Eco-Regions” (INSUM) aims to identify and discuss research approaches and indicators that could be applied to effectively measure the somatic, mental, and social health dimensions of citizens in Eco-Regions, linked to the intake of organic foods in their diets. In this paper, we focus on the somatic (physical) health dimension. A two-day workshop was held to discuss suitable methodology with an interdisciplinary, international group of experts. The results showed the limitations of commonly used tools for measuring dietary intake (e.g., relying on the memory of participants), and nutritional biomarkers (e.g., variations in correlations with specific intakes) for research understanding dietary intake and the health effects of diets. To investigate the complexity of this issue, the most suitable approach seems to be the combination of traditional markers of physical and mental health alongside emerging indicators such as the microbiome, nutrigenomics, metabolomics, or inflammatory biomarkers. Using new, digital, non-invasive, and wearable technologies to monitor indicators could complement future research. We conclude that future studies should adopt systemic, multidisciplinary approaches by combining not only indicators of somatic and mental health and social wellbeing (MHSW) but also considering the potential benefits of organic diets for health as well as aspects of sustainability connected to food environments. Full article

The global energy transition requires efficient seasonal energy storage systems (SESSs) to manage fluctuations in renewable energy supply and demand. This review focuses on advancements in SESSs, particularly their integration into solar district heating systems, highlighting their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Tanks are the most suitable solutions for seasonal storage, as they can be implemented regardless of location for volumes up to 100,000 m³. However, pits are the most optimal solutions in terms of cost and size, as they can be constructed for volumes up to 200,000 m³. This review analyses key performance indicators such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, drawing on case studies from countries like Denmark and Germany. Notable findings include Denmark’s Silkeborg system, which supplies 22,000 households and reduces CO₂ emissions by 15,000 tons annually. Challenges such as high initial costs and system maintenance remain, but coupling SESSs with heat pumps enhances thermal stratification within SESSs. This approach can reduce the annual cost by up to 9% and the purchase cost of energy by 23%. Future research should focus on innovative materials, system design optimization, and supportive policies to enhance adoption. In conclusion, advancing SESS technologies and integrating them into renewable energy systems is necessary for achieving sustainable energy solutions and mitigating climate change impacts. Full article

Reuse in new buildings of structural concrete components from demolitions holds the potential for avoiding the use of raw materials to produce new components, including cement for new castings. Reuse rates are high in the circular economy; however, reusing structural components requires documentation of the properties to equate the safety of using reused and new components. Yet, there is no structured or recognized way to perform the documentation. This paper discusses a framework for the documentation requirements for structural concrete, stating the need for documenting the mechanical properties, concrete heterogeneity, and corrosion status of the reinforcement. The possibility is explored for documenting the required properties while the components are in the donor building by use of non-destructive test (NDT) methods. Such use of NDT methods is new. A comprehensive literature survey on the indirect literature, where NDT methods are used to demonstrate similar concrete properties though related to other purposes, is conducted. The overall conclusion is that the use of NDT methods has the potential to document the requested properties before reuse. The next steps towards implementation of NDT for documenting the properties of structural concrete components for reuse involve research in combined NDT methods and the development of AI systems for data interpretation. Full article

Induction motors dominate industrial applications due to their unwavering reliability. However, optimal vector control, critical for maximizing dynamic performance, hinges on accurate parameter estimation. This control strategy necessitates precise knowledge of the motor’s parameters, obtainable through experimentation or calculation based on its design specifications. Numerous methods, ranging from traditional to computational, have been proposed by various researchers, often relying on specific assumptions that might compromise the performance of modern motor control techniques. This paper meticulously reviews the most frequently utilized methods and presents experimental results from a single motor. We rigorously compare these results against established benchmark methods, including IEEE Standard 112-2017, and subsequently identify the superior approach, boasting a maximum error of only 6.5% compared to 19.65% for competing methods. Our study investigates the parameter estimation of induction motor. The methodology primarily utilizes RMS values for measurement tasks. Moreover, the impact of harmonics, particularly when an induction motor is supplied by an inverter is briefly addressed. The pioneering contribution of this work lies in pinpointing a more accurate parameter estimation method for enhanced vector control performance. These findings pave the way for exceptional vector control, particularly at lower speeds, ultimately elevating both vector control and drive performance. Full article

A relationship has been recognized between social media use and health issues. However, no studies have explored the potential link between social media use and consumption of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. We examined social media use, self-reported anxiety, depression, sleep problems, pain, and OTC medications use among Norwegian university students. The goal was to gain insights that would guide preventive health strategies for this target group. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with an online questionnaire distributed to university student Facebook groups in Norway. A total of 132 completed surveys were analyzed. Among the respondents, 28% experienced anxiety, 35% depression, 64% sleep problems, 71% headaches, and 78% musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, 56% reported using OTC analgesics or sleep aids, mostly purchased from community pharmacies. No statistically significant correlation was found between social media use and headache, musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, or consumption of OTC medications among university students in Norway. The findings, however, demonstrated a positive trend, highlighting the need for further research with larger, more diverse samples, and potentially employing a qualitative or longitudinal design. We propose increased awareness of the potential negative effects of social media among university students, the inclusion of social media and health topics in study curricula, and the more proactive engagement of community pharmacists with young clients concerning the consumption of OTC medications. Full article

China, as the world’s largest producer, trader, and consumer of aquatic foods, lacks comprehensive research on consumption patterns and willingness to pay for sustainable aquatic food. This study addressed this gap through an online survey of 3403 participants across Chinese provinces. A majority of consumers (34.7% of the participants) consume aquatic food twice or more per week, mainly from traditional markets (26%). Most prefer fresh or live products (76%), with 42% seeing no difference between farmed and wild options. Consumption is higher among older, affluent, urban, and coastal residents. Crustaceans, especially shrimp, are frequently consumed species, with growing interest in luxury species like salmon and abalone. Taste and quality emerge as the primary factors motivating consumer choices in aquatic food purchases. Food safety is the primary concern, followed by environmental impact. Notably, 92.4% of participants would pay extra for certified products. Factors influencing a higher willingness to pay include higher income, inland residence, price sensitivity, origin consciousness, and concerns about food safety and the environment. The findings highlight that China’s aquatic food industry and consumption can become more sustainable by aligning with consumer preferences for high-quality and diverse aquatic food through both production and import, while also addressing concerns related to food safety and environmental impact. This research provides valuable insights into China’s rapidly transforming aquatic food market landscape, offering implications for industry innovation and the promotion of sustainable consumption patterns. Full article

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is the most prevalent form of oral cavity cancer, with surgical intervention as the preferred method of treatment. Achieving negative or free resection margins of at least 5 mm is associated with improved local control and prolonged survival. Nonetheless, margins that are close (1–5 mm) or positive (less than 1 mm) are often observed in practice, especially for the deep margins. Ultrasound is a promising tool for assessing the depth of invasion, providing non-invasive, real-time imaging for accurate evaluation. We conducted a clinical trial using a novel portable 3D ultrasound imaging technique to assess ex vivo surgical margin assessment in the operating room. During the operation, resected surgical specimens underwent 3D ultrasound scanning. Four head and neck surgeons measured the surgical margins (deep, medial, and lateral) and tumor area on the 3D ultrasound volume. These results were then compared with the histopathology findings evaluated by two head and neck pathologists. Six patients diagnosed with tongue SCC (three T1 stage and three T2 stage) were enrolled for a consecutive cohort. The margin status was correctly categorized as free by 3D ultrasound in five cases, and one case with a “free” margin status was incorrectly categorized by 3D ultrasound as a “close” margin. The Pearson correlation between ultrasound and histopathology was 0.7 (p < 0.001), 0.6 (p < 0.001), and 0.3 (p < 0.05) for deep, medial, and lateral margin measurements, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis compared the mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for deep margin measurement by 3D ultrasound and histopathology, with a mean difference of 0.7 mm (SD 1.15 mm). This clinical trial found that 3D ultrasound is accurate in deep margin measurements. The implementation of intraoperative 3D ultrasound imaging of surgical specimens may improve the number of free margins after tongue cancer treatment. Full article

Universities play a pivotal role in modern society and must lead the way in achieving energy efficiency, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Like small towns in resource consumption and population mobility, many universities and research centers face significant challenges transitioning to renewable electricity systems. This study aims to (i) map the current scientific literature on renewable energy sources used by universities; (ii) discuss the drivers, barriers, and trends of implementing renewable energy; and (iii) establish a connection with the SDGs. More specifically, the authors conducted a systematic literature review based on three stages: (i) data collection, (ii) bibliometric analysis, and (iii) content analysis. Forty-two articles were obtained and defined as the studied sample. The findings of this review illuminate critical research themes, leading countries in renewable energy adoption, and the prevalent electricity sources, shedding light on the primary authors shaping the discourse. Wind and solar energy exhibit a notable growth trajectory, offering environmentally friendly alternatives compared to conventional sources. Furthermore, it is essential to highlight that the distribution of research documents in the sample is uneven, with a predominant concentration in European countries. Additionally, the study identifies the field’s key drivers, barriers, and emergent trends. The theoretical contributions encompass a comprehensive compilation of renewable energy sources, discernible research trajectories, and strategies to navigate obstacles. In practical terms, this work offers valuable insights for the selection of energy sources and stakeholder engagement, facilitating informed decision-making processes. This article’s novelty lies in its holistic examination of renewable energy adoption in university settings, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and actionable insights for stakeholders seeking sustainable energy solutions within these institutions. This aligns with multiple SDGs, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), underscoring the critical role of universities in driving sustainable development. Full article

The Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) Registry (NCT01990040) is a multinational real-world study evaluating the long-term safety of teduglutide in patients with SBS and intestinal failure (SBS-IF) in routine clinical practice. This paper describes the study methodology and baseline characteristics of adult patients who have (ever-treated) or have never (never-treated) received teduglutide. A total of 1411 adult patients (679 ever-treated; 732 never-treated) were enrolled at 124 sites across 17 countries. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at enrollment was 55.4 (15.46) years, and 60.2% of patients were women. Crohn’s disease was the most common cause of major intestinal resection in both ever-treated (34.1%) and never-treated patients (20.4%). A similar proportion of ever-treated and never-treated patients had a prior history of colorectal polyps (2.7% vs. 3.6%), whereas proportionally fewer ever-treated patients reported a history of colorectal cancer (1.8% vs. 6.2%) or any malignancy (17.7% vs. 30.0%) than never-treated patients. Never-treated patients received a numerically greater mean (SD) volume of parenteral nutrition and/or intravenous fluids than ever-treated patients (12.4 [8.02] vs. 10.1 [6.64] L/week). Ever-treated patients received a mean teduglutide dosage of 0.05 mg/kg/day. This is the first report of patient baseline characteristics from the SBS Registry, and the largest cohort of patients with SBS-IF to date. Overall, ever-treated and never-treated patients had similar baseline characteristics. Differences between treatment groups may reflect variations in patient selection and degree of monitoring. Full article

This paper aims to evaluate price cannibalization effects in forecasts of long-term electricity prices and substantiate their relevance on the profitability of renewables in the Baltic States from 2024 to 2033. Statistical data analysis, literature review, scenario method, and PLEXOS modeling were applied. Five scenarios were analyzed for developing renewable energy sources (RES) and load in Lithuania. In contrast, scenarios for Estonia and Latvia were based on assumptions derived from the countries’ national RES strategies. The results showed that the increase in RES capacities will halve electricity market prices from around 130 EUR/MWh in 2024 to 58 EUR/MWh in Latvia, 60 EUR/MWh in Estonia, and 60–77 EUR/MWh in Lithuania in 2033. In time-waving, the absolute and relative price cannibalization effects of renewables were found. In 2033, the loss of revenue from solar photovoltaic (PV) generators was estimated to be 5.5–17.0 EUR/MWh in Lithuania, 7.1 EUR/MWh in Latvia, and 5.6 EUR in Estonia. The case of onshore wind demonstrated revenue losses of 10.5–22.0 EUR/MWh in Lithuania, 12.0 EUR/MWh in Latvia, and 10.0 EUR/MWh in Estonia. After 2029, revenues received by RES electricity generators could not guarantee project profitability; therefore, market flexibility options will be required. The key innovative strategy to mitigate the price cannibalization effect is the demand-side response when leveraging demand flexibility. Typically, this is achieved by sending price signals to the consumers who, if they have any, shift their demand to lower price periods. This is easily applied within HVAC systems, smart electric vehicle charging, and smart home appliance usage. Such behavior would allow the price cannibalization effect to be decreased. Full article