Liquor Research Articles

The impact of matrix stiffness on hepatic cell function, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma—Based on quantitative data

Over the past few decades, extensive research has explored the development of supportive scaffold materials for in vitro hepatic cell culture, to effectively mimic in vivo microenvironments. It is crucial for hepatic disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic evaluations, considering the ethical concerns and practical challenges associated with in vivo experiments. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on hepatic cell culture using bioscaffolds by encompassing all stages of hepatic diseases—from a healthy liver to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—with a specific focus on matrix stiffness. This review begins by providing physiological and functional overviews of the liver. Subsequently, it explores hepatic cellular behaviors dependent on matrix stiffness from previous reports. For hepatic cell activities, softer matrices showed significant advantages over stiffer ones in terms of cell proliferation, migration, and hepatic functions. Conversely, stiffer matrices induced myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells, contributing to the further progression of fibrosis. Elevated matrix stiffness also correlates with HCC by increasing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance of HCC cells. In addition, we provide quantitative information on available data to offer valuable perspectives for refining the preparation and development of matrices for hepatic tissue engineering. We also suggest directions for further research on this topic.

Dual-drive energy conversion plasmonic Ag@MXene thermal management textiles inspired by bearing structure

Multifunctional wearable textiles can simulate human perception and convert it into visual data, which has advanced application prospects. As an important branch, thermal management wearable textiles have been widely concerned in the aspects of thermal insulation, flame retardant, photothermal anti-icing, electrothermal deicing and even water evaporation. Here, inspired by the bearing structure, we simply soaked the PET textile in Ag@MXene hybrid solution several times to form a Ag@MXene conductive network with Ag NPs as the connection point on the textile fiber, and finally carry out hydrophobic modification. Based on plasma effect, the synergistic action of Ag NPs and MXene enhances the photothermal response of the material. In addition, the addition of Ag NPs effectively reduces the stacking between MXene layers and forms a Ag@MXene conductive network with Ag NPs as the connection point on the textile fibers. The stable temperature range of PDMS/Ag@MXene PET textile is 70–80 °C under one solar illumination intensity, and the stable temperature of PDMS/Ag@MXene PET textile can reach 117 °C at a constant voltage of 3 V. Based on the excellent thermal effect, this textile achieves photothermal anti-icing, electric thermal de-icing, keeping warm and removing sweat. The textile has a water evaporation efficiency of about 0.58 g h−1, which can achieve excellent anti-sweat function. Finally, the textile also achieved rapid flame retardant within 7 s. PDMS/Ag@MXene PET textile processes excellent photothermal and electrothermal conversion ability, acid/water stability and flame retardant ability, and has promising application prospects in thermal management textiles such as deicing and anti-icing, fire prevention, warmth and water evaporation.

FIRE FIGHTING ROBOT WITH ALERT SMS

The Arduino-based Fire Fighting Robot with SMS Alert System is a robotic system designed to detect and extinguish fires in indoor environments. The robot uses flame sensors to detect the presence of a fire. Once a fire is detected, the robot moves towards the source of the fire and sprays water to extinguish the flames. The robot is equipped with a GSM module that can send SMS messages to alert the user when a fire is detected. This allows for prompt action to be taken to minimize damage and save lives. The components of the robot include an Arduino board, motor drivers, sensors, and a GSM module. The software code is written in the Arduino IDE and controls the motors, reads sensor data, and communicates with the GSM module. The robot is tested and debugged to ensure that it functions correctly and safely in different scenarios. Overall, the Arduino-based Fire Fighting Robot with SMS Alert provides a reliable and efficient solution for fire detection and suppression with the added benefit of remote communication and control.

Application of essential oils as natural antimicrobials in lactic acid bacteria contaminating fermentation for the production of organic cachaça

Sugarcane-based fermentation is an essential process for different sectors of economic importance, such as the food industry with fermented and distilled beverages. However, this process can suffer from high contamination by wild yeasts and bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This makes it necessary to use decontamination strategies and search for new methods that have a low environmental impact and contribute to the production of organic products. Among the options, oregano and thyme essential oils stand out for their antibacterial compounds. The aim of this study was to use oregano and thyme essential oils as natural antimicrobials in the alcoholic fermentation of sugar cane juice. Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the essential oils in the fermentation was assessed through turbidity in the sensitivity test, which allowed us to determine which concentrations of essential oils would inhibit the contaminants, 3 morphologically selected LAB strains, as well as assessing the viability of CA-11. For LAB, 3 concentrations of each essential oil were tested, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 μl/mL, while for CA-11 it was 0.06, to 0.1 μl/mL. The results indicated a maximum total value of essential oils per ml of 0.06 μl. Based on this result, a 24-1 fractional factorial was established, with 8 conditions +3 central points, with 4 variables, oregano essential oil (0, 0.03 and 0.06 μl/ml), thyme (0, 0.03 and 0.06 μl/ml), initial soluble solids (14, 16 and 18°Brix) and initial yeast concentration (2.5, 3 and 3.5 g/l), with the temperature set at 32 °C for a period of 12 h. The results showed that the center point condition with 0.03 μl/ml of oregano EO, 0.03 μl/ml of thyme controlled the proliferation of contaminating bacteria compared to the control condition. In the experimental validation, the treatment with essential oils had a lower final population of LAB (5.95 log) than the final population of the control treatment (6.53 log), and it was also observed that the treatment with EOs had an alcohol production around 3 % higher than the treatment without antimicrobials. The experimental validation phase confirmed the synergistic action of oregano and thyme essential oils in controlling the proliferation of contaminating bacteria. In conclusion, it was possible to determine the synergistic antimicrobial action of essential oils against LAB during alcoholic fermentation based on organic sugar cane.

Evaluation of Thermal Radiation Blocking Effect of Water Mist Curtain in Fire of Hazardous Material Storage Tank

In this study, the thermal radiation blocking effect of a water mist curtain in a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire was numerically simulated. A fire dynamics simulator (FDS) was used for the numerical simulation, and the accuracy of the heat flux prediction of the FDS was verified using an earlier experimental study on a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire. Subsequently, a water mist curtain system was installed in a full-scale hazardous material storage tank, and the effects of fire source conditions and water mist curtain characteristics on the heat flux and thermal radiation blocking rate of the water mist curtain were examined. The results of the numerical simulation showed that the water mist curtain decreased the heat flux and increased the thermal radiation blocking rate when the fire source was a tank and dike and when the nozzle had a large spray angle and a small droplet size. Near the adjacent protected tank (in the height of 2∼14 m from the ground at the nozzle installation position), the thermal radiation blocking rate of the water mist curtain was measured to be 62.5∼72.4% and 33.5∼67.4% for the tank and dike fire and the tank fire, respectively, 62.5∼72.4% and 54.4∼65.3% for the spray angles of 180° and 90°, respectively, and 62.5∼72.4% and 71.2∼83.0% for the droplet sizes of 400 and 200 µm, respectively. This study confirmed that the water mist curtain could effectively block the thermal radiation from the fire tank to the adjacent tanks during a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire.

The Value of Indigenous <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> Strains as Useful Enzymes Producers: A Systematic Review

This systematic review has focused on the selection and characterization of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for enzymes' production obtained from the fermentation process. The primary studies assessed have demonstrated that indigenous S. cerevisiae strains produce a wide range of enzymes during fermentation. These strains have shown different characteristics and were isolated from various locations, including those belonging to the main components of the wine production chain. The research methodology applied to find primary studies about the optimal conditions for enzyme production was effective and identified a wide range of enzyme classes. Cultivation media amended with natural or synthetic inducer substrates were found to be suitable carbon and/or nitrogen sources for producing enzymes of interest in plate-based screening. In submerged fermentation studies, the use of agro-industrial residues has been identified as a relevant carbon source for microbe development and metabolism. For the indigenous S. cerevisiae strains, the majority of the enzymes found belong to the glucosidases and hydrolases classes. Due to the activity of these enzymes, yeasts have been traditionally used in classic biotechnological applications, particularly in the process of alcoholic fermentations. Those enzymes are responsible for producing metabolites (such as aromatic compounds) that contribute to the desirable aroma and/or taste during the fermentation of wine, as well as other fermented or distilled beverages. The methods used for enzyme screening were of quantitative and/or qualitative nature and were carried out under acidic pH conditions (3.5-6.5) and at temperatures of 28-35 ℃. The results of this systematic review have shown that the enzymes from indigenous S. cerevisiae are highly relevant in various biotechnological applications, particularly in the food industry. Conclusions and future perspectives of our findings were discussed in terms of potential developments of novel application methods of the indigenous yeasts and their enzymes in agriculture and industry.

Vegetation changes through recurrent fire affect soil water behavior and enhance landslides in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state, southeast Brazil

The role of fire in vegetation-soil–water interactions and its implications for soil stability and slope failures is poorly documented in humid tropical regions. This paper focuses on the relationships between vegetation change through recurrent fire and its effects on hydraulic conductivity and soil suction. Two monitoring sites were chosen on steep slopes in the mountainous domain of the Atlantic rainforest: the first is representative of degraded secondary rainforest (DRf) 25–30 years after slash and burn agriculture; the other represents herbaceous-shrubby vegetation (HS) resulting from wildfires in short-time intervals (<5 years). Two fires had previously occurred on the HS slope, one in December 2014 and the other in September 2019. Continuous records of rainfall and soil suction at depths of 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, and 220 cm provided a 6-year data collection from January 2015 to December 2020. Hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) field tests were conducted around the two monitoring sites before and after the September 2019 fire. The main results include: a) soil suction in the topsoil of both vegetation covers follow the rainfall inputs with high values of Ksat (DRf = 195 mm/h; HS = 203 mm/h); b) while quick rainfall-suction responses prevail within the DRf soil profile, soil suction at HS maintains a mean suction value around -27 kPa below 100 cm deep; c) field observations attest to the occurrence of hydrophobicity after the 2019 fire; d) Ksat tests just after this fire indicated a decreasing mean value from 203 mm/h to 46 mm/h; and e) by the end of the dry season after fire, there is a delayed increase in soil suction reaching -143 kPa at a depth of 100 cm and in smaller proportions at 220 cm deep. These results indicate that post-fire soil changes tend to favor the sudden loss of soil stability and slope failure during extreme rainfall events.

Comparison between Conventional Ageing Process in Barrels and a New Rapid Aging Process Based on RSLDE: Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Spirit Drinks

“Aging” is a practice that allows alcoholic beverages to mature and gives them particular flavors and colors. In this context, oak or durmast wooden barrels are used in this process, thus providing different types of aging. This conventional process produces a slow enrichment of organic compounds in the spirit inside the barrels. Organic substances present in the internal part of the barrels slowly undergo the phenomenon of extraction by the liquid phase (solid–liquid extraction). In this work, a new procedure based on rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) was used to evaluate the potential of obtaining the effects of aging in spirits in shorter times than conventional methods. For this purpose, a comparison between two solid–liquid extraction techniques, RSLDE and conventional maceration, was made. Four water/ethanol 60:40 (v/v) model solutions were prepared and put in contact with medium-toasted chips using the two extraction procedures (conventional and non-conventional) and determining dry residue and total polyphenol content. Reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analyses allowed the identification and quantification of furfural, ellagic acid and phenolic aldehydes (vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde). The aging procedure with medium-toasted chips was tested on a young commercial grappa using maceration and RLSDE.

Effect of graphene on properties of acrylic emulsion intumescent fire retardant coating

Nowadays, intumescent paint is one of the most popular fireproof paint products and is widely used in buildings. They can be applied to steel, wood, concrete, etc. This study aimed to enhance the properties of intumescent coating by graphene addition. The effect of graphene (GR) content on fire resistance, thermal and mechanical properties of water-based intumescent coatings were studied. Intumescent coating formulations include acrylic emulsion binder (R4152), flame retardant additives (Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) - acid source, pentaerythritol (PER) - carbon source, melamine (MEL) - foaming source), fire retardant fillers (TiO2, Al(OH)3) were prepared by mixing different graphene content (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.% GR). The investigated coating properties were examined by fire protection test, furnace test, static water immersion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical properties (adhesion, pendulum hardness). The results showed that the GR could effectively enhance the fire resistance performance (from 13.6 % to 23.4 %), thermal stability (from 2.9 % to 5.2 %), water resistance (from 5.0 % to 11.9 %), and mechanical properties (from 5 % to 12 %) of the coating.

Guidelines to optimise the sensory detection of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in neutral spirit and whisky

Why was the work done: Guidelines are required to optimise the sensory detection of musty/stale taints in alcoholic spirits caused by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole. Early detection of the taint is necessary as the low sensory threshold can result in significant quality issues and masking the musty/stale off-note through blending is difficult. How was the work done: The standard industry practice for ‘nosing’ is to dilute samples of spirit to 20% ABV to prevent sensory fatigue. It is not known if 20% ABV is the optimal concentration for detecting 2,4,6-trichloroanisole. In this study, the effects of ethanol concentration on the detection of the taint were evaluated using a sensory panel and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The efficacy of nosing versus tasting to detect 2,4,6-trichloroanisole was investigated at different dilutions of distilled spirits. Further, the stability of this off-note at 20% ABV was determined to assess if the taint could be detected by nosing over a working day. Finally, the serving temperature of the sample was assessed in the sensory perception of the taint. What are the main findings: The recommendations to optimise the sensory detection of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in spirit samples are (i) nose samples at 20% ABV, (ii) as soon as possible after dilution conduct sensory tests and (iii) chill the sample. Why is the work important: The limits of detection for conventional solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy are typically above the threshold of human perception. Therefore, the industry needs to maximise the detection by sensory panellists of contaminated whisky samples to ensure the product does not go to market so as to avoid any reputational damage.

Effects of biomaterial on the properties of waterborne intumescent fireproof coatings

AbstractSilk fibroin was used to enhance the properties of the fireproof coating, ensuring the safe evacuation of occupants in a fire accident. The effects of biomaterial on the properties of the coatings were investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric analysis, limited oxygen index, vertical flame test, water resistance test, and mechanical properties test. The carbon layers were characterized after the fire protection test by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition. The results show that the coating with 6% SF demonstrated the best fire protection, thermal stability, and water resistance. The temperature on the backside is only 255.9°C, and the residual weight is 37.52%. However, the coating with 4% SF exhibits good mechanical properties.

Advancements towards the development artificial intelligence for sensory analysis: Integrating pattern recognition and signal processing in ATR-FTIR analysis of spirits

Spirits have been gaining acceptance by international consumers due to its distinct organoleptic profile, which provide each beverage with a characteristic sensation of the product (taste, smell, and color). However, it is important to establish differences by an analytical technique supported by artificial intelligence to demonstrate with mathematical solutions rather of being subjective such as human senses. To reduce the uncertainty associated to the sensory analysis, the present study shows as strategy the recognition of patterns of ATR-FTIR spectra of a variety of distilled beverages: Tequila 100% agave (n = 20), Mezcal (n = 20), Raicilla (n = 20), Aguardiente (n = 20), and Vodka (n = 20). All ATR-FTIR spectra present seven characteristic bands associated with methanol, ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, butanol, ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, and furfural in beverages. Based on the analysis of the peak signals obtained from the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra, the implementation of an Artificial Neural Network was proposed with the objective to classify each alcoholic beverage in its corresponding groups. Results showed that the artificial intelligence algorithm proposed permits to correct classify 100% of the samples being a great alternative strategy being innovative, fast, and of low-cost strengthening food quality analyses by machine learning decision-making.

Screening of a High Ethanol-Producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain and Its Effects on the Dynamics of the Microbial Community and Flavor During Baijiu Solid-State Fermentation

Saccharomyces cerevisiae can metabolize sugars to produce ethanol and secondary metabolites that contribute to the complex flavor profile of Baijiu, a traditional Chinese distilled beverage. The yeasts that contribute to Baijiu fermentation are mostly adventitious strains that show low ethanol production and stress resistance, which results in lower Baijiu yields and quality. Here, we screened S. cerevisiae strains for ethanol production and stress resistance. The best selected strain, SW4, produced a final ethanol titer of 148.1 g/L, which was 113.8% higher than the initial 69.6 g/L. Additionally, the solid-state fermentation of Baijiu with the addition of S. cerevisiae SW4 (QH) resulted in a significant increase in the relative abundance of Pediococcus and Saccharomyces at days 0–14 compared to the control (KB), which may be the main reason for the alteration of Baijiu flavor. Analysis of flavor compounds revealed that QH increased the concentration of alcohols by 44.82% relative to KB after 7 days of fermentation, as well as increasing the concentration of alcohols and esters by 13.06% and 7.11% after 28 days of fermentation. Measurement of 15 differential flavor compounds revealed that 8 were positively correlated with Saccharomyces (p ≤ 0.05), all of which are important flavor compounds contributing to the quality to Baijiu. The Baijiu yield of QH was 25.18%, which was 11.47% higher than that of KB. Overall, this study confirms the positive effects of exogenously added S. cerevisiae on the microbial community structure and flavor of Baijiu at different stages of solid-state fermentation, providing novel opportunities for improving the yield and quality of this important traditional beverage.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa.

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol "Puntas", silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G') and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population.

CGA mitigates HMGB1 mediated TLR4 activated hepatic cancer in urethane primed mice

BackgroundLiver cancer is fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Urethane presents in herbicides, pesticides and food beverages as preservatives upregulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues for the genesis of cancer. It also naturally formed in fermented food products and distilled beverages. Study designBalb/c mice of approx same age and body weight were selected and divided into four groups G-I (PBS treated), G-II (urethane of 500 mg/kgb.w.), G-III (CGA of 50 mg/kg b.w.) and G-IV (urethane & CGA). Treatments were given on alternate day upto eight consecutive weeks and 3-12 month of latency period. Blood sample collected was used for counting of inflammatory immune cells by automated cell counter. Total RNA and protein samples isolated from dissected liver of sacrificed mice were used for molecular analysis at transcriptional and translational level. MethodsGene expression is assessed by RT-PCR at transcriptional level and by western blot at translational level. Immunological effects are evaluated by counting inflammatory immue cells and histopathology is done to examine hepatic tissues injury by carcinogen urethane. Hypothesis and purposeInflammatory cytokines create microenvironment for tumor initiation and development which is mediated through TLR-4 pathway activation via HMGB1 upon carcinogen exposure. Here aimed to find out the role of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) a phenolic compound naturally present in plants as anti-cancerous properties to prevent and cure cancer by acting upon HMGB1 & TLR4 pathway. ResultsAt transcriptional level up-regulated expression of HMGB1, TLR-4 pathway genes, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-18 in urethane treated mice is observed. Western blot results showed up-regulated expression of HMGB1 and NF-κB protein at translational level. CGA treated mice liver showed down-regulated expression of these inflammatory molecules. Increased number of inflammatory immune cells and presence of hepatic tissues injury in histopathological slides is observed in urethane treated mice that is mitigated by CGA. ConclusionCGA is an important anti-cancerous bioactive compound targets inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1 at molecular level to prevent, cure and mitigate liver cancer. Down regulated expression of HMGB1 and TLR-4 activation pathway in cancerous Balb/c mice liver proved its anti-cancerous properties to become a potential future drug.

Interacting effects of fire and hydroclimate on oak and beech community prevalence in the southern Great Lakes region

Abstract Rising temperatures, increasing hydroclimate variability and intensifying disturbance regimes increase the risk of rapid ecosystem conversions. We can leverage multi‐proxy records of past ecosystem transformations to understand their causes and ecosystem vulnerability to rapid change. Prior to Euro‐American settlement, northern Indiana was a mosaic of prairie, oak‐dominated forests/woodlands and beech‐dominated hardwood forests. This heterogeneity, combined with well‐documented but poorly understood past beech population declines, make this region ideal for studying the drivers of ecosystem transformations. Here, we present a new record from Story Lake, IN, with proxies for vegetation composition (pollen), fire (charcoal) and beech intrinsic water use efficiency (δ13C of beech pollen; δ13Cbeech). Multiple proxies from the same core enable clear establishment of lead–lag relationships. Additionally, δ13Cbeech enables direct comparisons between beech population abundance and physiological responses to changing environments. We compare Story Lake to a nearby lake‐level reconstruction and to pollen records from nearby Pretty and Appleman Lakes and the distal Spicer Lake, to test hypotheses about synchrony and the spatial scale of governing processes. The 11.7 ka sediment record from Story Lake indicates multiple conversions between beech‐hardwood forest and oak forest/woodland. Beech pollen abundances rapidly increased between 7.5 and 7.1 ka, while oak declined. Oak abundances increased after 4.6 ka and remained high until 2.8 ka, indicating replacement of mesic forests by oak forest/woodland. At 2.8 ka, beech abundances rapidly increased, indicating mesic forest reestablishment. Beech and oak abundances correlate with charcoal accumulation rates but beech abundance is not correlated with δ13Cbeech. Fluctuations in beech abundances are synchronous among Story, Appleman and Pretty Lakes, but asynchronous between Story and Spicer Lakes, suggesting regulation by local‐scale vegetation‐fire‐climate feedbacks and secondarily by regional‐scale drivers. Holocene forest composition and fire dynamics appear to be closely co‐regulated and may be affected by local to regional climate variations. The importance of extrinsic drivers and positive/negative feedbacks changes over time, with higher ecoclimate sensitivity before 2.8 ka and greater resilience afterwards. Synthesis: Overall, oak‐ and beech‐dominated ecosystems were highly dynamic over the Holocene, with multiple ecosystem conversions driven by shifting interactions among vegetation, hydroclimate and fire regime.

Sipping a sustainable life: Exploring drivers and barriers in consumer attitudes toward non or low alcoholic spirits

Alcohol consumption continues to be prevalent and is on the rise in many countries, posing a grave risk for the health and wellbeing of millions and creating a strain on health services worldwide. A hopeful trend has emerged, however, as consumers' growing preference for healthier, sustainable lifestyles has led traditional alcoholic brands to innovate, launching reduced or non-alcoholic (NoLo) options. This aligns with the SDGs and is reflected in NoLo spirits representing four of Spain's top ten disruptive innovations of 2022. This paper uses a mixed methodology in a qualitative-quantitative sequential approach to gain insight into this phenomenon. The study involved 13 in-depth interviews with HoReCa (an acronym for Hotels, Restaurants, and Caterings) professionals and four focus groups among consumers. Second, behavioral reasoning theory (BRT) was used in a quantitative study aiming to explore motivations for and against consuming NoLo spirits. Data from a survey of 620 participants was conducted and analyzed using SEM-PLS to measure the antecedents of consumer's behavioral intention towards NoLo spirits and to gauge the potential for marketing opportunities. The research reveals that the purchase intention of NoLo spirits is strongly related to health consciousness, while enjoying the effects of alcohol for fun and entertainment, and the social pressure to drink hinders its consumption. In addition, it was found that “reasons for” are more substantial than “reasons against” the consumption of those beverages, differing significantly by age group. Results offer implications for theory and practice, including recommendations for practitioners and regulators willing to improve sustainability in the industry. Further, this paper helps augment the innovation adoption literature by using BRT in the paradoxical context of consumers' increasing alcohol abuse despite their professed attempts to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Identification of the Beverage Sotol Adulterated with Ethylene Glycol Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Artificial Neural Networks

Sotol is a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage produced in Mexico and the United States. Unfortunately, local authorities have detected that these beverages are sometimes adulterated with toxic substances such as ethylene glycol. This illegal practice of adulteration is dangerous and can cause serious health problems for the end consumers. In this work, an alternative, reliable, and rapid method is presented for identifying the presence of ethylene glycol in sotol samples using UV-Vis spectroscopy and neural networks with an accuracy of up to 100%.

A Dual-Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficiently Harvesting Droplet Energy.

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising solution to harvest the low-frequency, low-actuation-force, and high-entropy droplet energy. Conventional attempts mainly focus on maximizing electrostatic energy harvest on the liquid-solid surface, but enormous kinetic energy of droplet hitting the substrate is directly dissipated, limiting the output performance. Here, a dual-mode TENG (DM-TENG) is proposed to efficiently harvest both electrostatic energy at liquid-solid surface from a droplet TENG (D-TENG) and elastic potential energy of the vibrated cantilever from a contact-separation TENG (CS-TENG). Triggered by small droplets, the flexible cantilever beam, rather than conventional stiff ones, can easily vibrate multiple times with large amplitude, enabling frequency multiplication of CS-TENG and producing amplified output charges. Combining with the top electrode design to sufficiently utilize charges at liquid-solid interface, a record-high output charge of 158 nC is realized by single droplet. The energy conversion efficiency of DM-TENG is 2.66-fold of D-TENG. An array system with the specially designed power management circuit is also demonstrated for building self-powered system, offering promising applications for efficiently harvesting raindrop energy.

A Novel IoT-Based Performance Testing Method and System for Fire Pumps

Fire pumps are the key components of water supply in a firefighting system. At present, there is a lack of fire water pump testing methods that intelligently detect faulty states. Existing testing approaches require manual operation, which leads to low efficiency and accuracy. To solve the issue, this paper presents an automatic and smart testing approach that acquires measurements of the flow, pressure, shaft power and efficiency from smart sensors via an IoT network, so that performance curves are obtained in the testing processes. An IoT platform is developed for data conversion, transmission and storage. The Discrete Fréchet Distance is applied to evaluate the similarities between the acquired performance curves and metric performance curves, to determine the working condition of the fire pump. The weights of the measurement dimensions for distance computation are optimized by the Genetic Algorithm to improve the distinction between normal and faulty performance curves. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method can completely detect faulty states and prove its high practicality for real firefighting systems.