Excessive Consumption Research Articles

Modelling Eucalyptus globulus spatial distribution in the upper Blue Nile basin using multi spectral Sentinel-2 and environmental data

Eucalyptus plantations are widespread in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. The species has been used for centuries for various purposes. However, there are controversies surrounding the species with excessive soil nutrient and water consumption. Modelling the spatial distribution of the species is fundamental to understand its ecological and hydrological effects in the region for policy inputs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a model for mapping the spatial distribution of Eucalyptus globulus. We used the spectral bands of Sentinel-2 data, vegetation indices, and environmental data as predictor variables and three machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Boosted Regression Trees) to model the current distribution of Eucalyptus globulus. Eleven of the twenty-five predictor variables were filtered using a variance inflation factor (VIF). 419 in situ georeferenced data points were used for training, and validating the models. The area under the curve (AUC), kappa statistic (K), true skill statistic (TSS), Root Mean Squared Error and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to validate the models’ performance. The model validation metrics confirmed the highest performance of Random Forest. The prediction map of Random Forest revealed that Eucalyptus globulus was fairly detected in non-Eucalyptus globulus woody vegetation (R2 = 0.86, P < 0.001; RMSE = 0.31). We found that the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and environmental variables, such as elevation and distance from the road, were the most important predictor variables in explaining the distribution of Eucalyptus globulus. Our findings demonstrate that machine learning algorithms with Sentinel-2 spectral bands and vegetation indices compounded with environmental data can effectively model the spatial distribution of Eucalyptus globulus.

Place attachment, spirituality and residential water conservation behaviour in Australia’s Northern Territory: application of an extended protection motivation theory

ABSTRACT Despite warnings of impending water scarcity concerns, most residents persistently engage in excessive water consumption behaviours, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This has spurred interest in understanding why water demand management strategies fail to foster voluntary residential conservation behaviours. Recent literature indicates a lack of consideration of cultural factors that may influence residential water conservation. Thus, this study draws on and extends the protection motivation theory with place attachment and spirituality to examine how cultural and psychological factors influence residential water conservation intention and behaviour. Analysing 346 survey responses, the study reveals that place attachment amplifies vulnerability and severity perceptions regarding water scarcity concerns and significantly drives perceptions of self and response efficacies for water conservation intention and behaviour. In particular, the study reveals that as a resident’s spirituality increases, the intention for water conservation behaviour reduces. The study highlights theoretical and practical implications for scholars and policymakers.

Source elimination of antibiotic resistance risk in aquaculture water by VUV/sulfite pretreatment

Antibiotic resistance risk in the aquaculture industry is increasing with the excessive consumption of antibiotics. Although various efficient technologies for the degradation of antibiotics are available, the potential risk from antibiotic resistance in treated waters is often overlooked. This study compared the risks of antibiotic resistance in anaerobic sludge fed with pretreated florfenicol (FLO) containing wastewater after four UV or vacuum UV (VUV)-driven ((V)UV-driven) pretreatments, and established the VUV/sulfite recirculating water system to validate the effect of controlling the antibiotic resistance risk in the actual aquaculture water. Metagenomics sequencing revealed that a remarkable decrease in the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was observed in four different pretreated groups, and results among the four pretreated groups were sorted in descending order based on ARG abundance: UV > VUV > UV/sulfite > VUV/sulfite. The low abundance of ARGs from VUV/sulfite group was close to that in the CK group (wastewater without FLO and without any pretreatments), which was 0.41 copies/cell. From the perspective of the temporal changes in the relative abundance of floR, the abundance in VUV/sulfite group remained lower than 11.67 ± 0.73 during the cultivation time. Additionally, microbial diversity analysis found that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were major carriers of ARGs. Two species from Burkholderiaceae and Rhodocyclales were identified as potential co-hosts to spread by the correlation analysis of the abundances between floR or intI1 and the top 50 genera. Finally, the abundances of ARGs and MGEs in the VUV/sulfite recirculating water system with actual aquaculture water were reduced by 39.15% and 46.04%, respectively, compared to that in the blank group without any pretreatment. This study verified that VUV/sulfite pretreatment system could effectively control the antibiotic resistance risk of ARGs proliferation and transfer in aquaculture water. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the reduction of antibiotic antibacterial activity plays an important role in the source control of resistance risk.

Utilisation of Potassium Chloride in the Production of White Brined Cheese: Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Kinetic Models for Predicting Brine and Cheese Properties during Storage

Excessive sodium consumption is a worldwide problem, prompting the industry to develop sodium-reduced products and substitute salts. High sodium consumption is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Excessive sodium intake also impairs the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract. Potassium chloride (KCl) is the most commonly used mineral salt due to its similarity to sodium chloride (NaCl), and its consumption has been shown to lower blood pressure when consumed in adequate amounts. The aim of this study was to partially replace NaCl with KCl at levels of 25%, 50% and 75% in the brine used to make white brined cheese. Parameters such as acidity, total dissolved solids, salinity, conductivity, colour, texture and sensory properties were evaluated during a 28-day refrigerated storage period. KCl can replace NaCl by 50%, and no significant differences in physicochemical and sensory parameters were observed during cheese storage compared to the control sample. In addition, the study investigates the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to predict certain brine and cheese properties. The study successfully developed four different ANN models to accurately predict various properties such as brine pH, cheese colour and hardness over a 28-day storage period.

Fish oil-based bigels with outstanding sensory and antioxidant properties: Application in low-fat mayonnaise

Low-fat mayonnaise has gained widespread popularity as a condiment, driven in part by the global rise in obesity rates, which is partially linked to excessive fat consumption. In this study, the bigel systems were designed by preparing fish oil oleogels and gelatin hydrogels to produce low-fat mayonnaise. As the oleogel content increased in bigels, a phase inversion shifted from oil-in-water (O/W) systems to water-in-oil (W/O) systems. Rheology and mechanical property analysis revealed that the hardness and gel strength of bigels improved as the oleogel content increased. The freeze-thaw stability of bigels was impacted by the ratio of oil and water phases, with O/W systems enduring one additional freeze-thaw cycle compared to W/O systems. The bigel containing 40% oleogel (BG 40) and lemon essential oil significantly enhanced antioxidant properties, as measured by the levels of primary and secondary oxidation products. The antioxidative capacity of the gel, as indicated by the reduced development of primary and secondary oxidation products, was 301.4% and 196.7% greater, respectively, compared to that of the pure oleogel. Based on magnetic resonance imaging and sensory rating analysis, sample BG 40 demonstrated the most homogeneous structure and the best sensory properties. The sample BG 40, used as the fat substitute in preparing low-fat mayonnaise, reduced total oil content compared to full-fat mayonnaise. Our findings contributed to the development of low-fat mayonnaise using fish oil-based bigels, which exhibit exceptional sensory and antioxidant properties.

High-sucrose diet induces abnormalities in lipid metabolism through gut microbiome dysbiosis linked to five metronidazole-suppressed bacteria

Public attention to the correlation between excessive sucrose consumption and metabolic syndrome has facilitated research on its underlying mechanisms. Recent studies have newly identified the intestine, rather than the liver, as the predominant site of dietary fructose metabolism, which corrects the previous concepts and links the promotion of fatty liver and hyperlipidemia to gut microbiota dysbiosis, although the specific mode of action remains unclear. Here, we used microbiota suppression to identify the causative bacteria. Male Wistar rats were fed a starch or high-sucrose diet and orally administered two independent antibiotic treatments for four weeks. Metronidazole, neomycin, ampicillin, vancomycin, and their mixture were used to explore highly sucrose-responsive bacteria. Metronidazole and the mixture decreased or showed a tendency to decrease high-sucrose diet-induced increases in liver weight, plasma triglyceride levels, and fatty acid synthesis-related gene expression (ATP citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase, and malic enzyme). To further investigate the ability of metronidazole to ameliorate high-sucrose diet-induced abnormalities in lipid metabolism, three nitroimidazole antibiotics (metronidazole, tinidazole, and ornidazole) were used. Only metronidazole reduced the liver weight and decreased plasma triglyceride levels on a high-sucrose diet. Among the high-sucrose diet induction effects, five bacteria suppressed by metronidazole were screened, belonging to the family Rikenellaceae, genera Bacteroides, Blautia, and Dorea, and species Eubacterium dolichum. Overall, suppression of the gut microbiota by metronidazole-specific action, rather than the nitroreductase activity of tinidazole and ornidazole, was responsible for the amelioration of high-sucrose diet-induced fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia. Five causative bacteria were identified in this study.

Understanding Digital Dementia and Cognitive Impact in the Current Era of the Internet: A Review.

Dementia encompasses symptoms resulting from brain damage that impairs cognitive functions, surpassing natural aging effects. This condition affects emotional regulation, behavior, and motivation while preserving consciousness. Dr. Manfred Spitzer coined the term 'digital dementia,' highlighting the cognitive decline associated with excessive reliance on digital devices such as smartphones and Google, potentially exacerbating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory loss. This condition mirrors terms like 'digital amnesia' and 'the Google Effect,' highlighting the brain's tendency to offload peripheral information, leading to panic and forgetfulness. Spitzer's book, Digital Dementia, focuses on gaming effects on children and has thus popularized the term. Teenagers are known to use electronic devices regularly, correlating with rising cognitive impairments. The advent of the internet's fifth generation (5G) has transformed technology use, impacting mental health treatments and clinical practices globally. Digital media's influence on the developing brain encompasses motor skills, language, and cognition. Excessive digital media use in young adults correlates with lower cognitive empathy, affecting interpersonal understanding and facial recognition. Studies link heavy reliance on web-based media to decreased white matter integrity, crucial for language skills. Adolescents may be more vulnerable to anxiety and unrealistic expectations due to digital media overuse. Digital media overuse impacts brain development, especially cognitive and inhibitory control, attention, memory, and reasoning, essential for adapting to dynamic environments. Early exposure to fast-paced media can impair motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and language learning. Neuroimaging studies reveal that environmental factors like screen usage affect brain networks controlling social-emotional behavior and executive functions. Overreliance on smartphones diminishes gray matter in key brain regions, affecting cognitive and emotional regulation. The internet generation, characterized by advancements such as Web 3.0, introduces artificial intelligence and semantic web technologies, reshaping digital content processing. The neurobiological basis of digital dementia involves changes in the brain structure and function, with excessive screen exposure linked to cognitive impairments. Neuroplasticity, or the brain's adaptability, plays a role in cognitive decline from digital media overuse. Early childhood and adolescent brain development stages exhibit significant plasticity, influencing cognitive trajectories. Addressing digital dementia requires strategies to reduce screen time, promote cognitive exercises, and enhance awareness. Parents should regulate children's screen usage, encourage digital detox periods, and substitute screen time with other activities. Cognitive training programs such as Cogmed (Neural Assembly Int AB, Stockholm, SWE) and CogniFit (San Francisco, CA, USA) can improve memory and attention in older adults. Promoting balanced technology use and educating on the risks of excessive digital media consumption is crucial for maintaining cognitive health in the digital age.

Awareness of insomnia caused by coffee consumption among adults in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and ranks 61st out of 150 countries in terms of coffee consumption. Excessive coffee consumption is associated with the risk of adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to assess awareness of the effects of coffee consumption and its relationship with insomnia among the adult population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 431 adults in the Jazan region. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the participants using an online survey. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for the Social Sciences, Version 24.0. Of 431 participants, 377 (87.5%) consumed coffee. Females and married women consumed more coffee than their counterparts (91.3%, P < .01; 92.8%, P < .05; respectively), while students consumed coffee (85.2%) less than both the employed and unemployed (P < .05). The proportion of consumption increased from underweight (79.7%) to normal weight (88.5%), and as high as 91.3% among overweight/obese (P < .05). More than one-third of the participants (35.5%) preferred drinking coffee at coffee shops. The most preferred coffee was Arabic coffee (40%), and the major reason for drinking coffee was to change their mood (29.7%). More than half of the participants (54.5%) reported that coffee caused insomnia (P < .01). Awareness-raising initiatives for the negative effects of excessive coffee consumption are important. Longitudinal studies are required in the next stage of research to identify trends such as the motivations and profiles of Saudi coffee drinkers.

Reevaluating the Legal Status of Monosodium Glutamate Consumption: The Indonesian Ulema Council’s Fatwas and Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah

This article examines the consistency of the MUI Fatwa regarding Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) from a Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah standpoint. The legal issue addressed in this research arises from the ongoing debate regarding the consumption of MSG. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa declaring that MSG consumption is permissible (halal), provided that it is produced from halal ingredients and is processed, packaged, marketed, distributed, and served in compliance with Islamic law. However, numerous studies have highlighted the adverse effects associated with MSG consumption. This research employs a normative-empirical approach to Islamic law. The primary normative data consists of the MUI fatwa concerning flavoring products, specifically monosodium glutamate, which contains amino acids, as well as various sources discussing Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah. The primary empirical data is derived from interviews with MUI board members regarding their perspectives on the relevant fatwa. Additionally, non-legal sources, including scientific literature on MSG, are utilized. Through this methodological approach, the research yielded several key findings. Although the MUI has declared MSG consumption as halal, individuals must still adhere to the safety guidelines established by the WHO and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The MUI further advises against excessive or prolonged consumption of MSG due to its harmful effects on one’s well-being, including the soul, mind, reproductive system, beliefs, and property, all of which Islamic law mandates to be safeguarded. Consequently, the research concludes that the MUI fatwa, along with the explanations provided by its members, aligns closely with the principles of Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah, as the prevention of harm takes precedence over the pursuit of benefits.

The Impact of Green Purchase Intention on Compensatory Consumption: The Regulatory Role of Pro-Environmental Behavior

Green purchasing behavior refers to the potential of consumers to reduce the impact on the environment and the excessive loss of natural resources in the procurement process as far as possible under the premise of meeting their own needs. This behavior is not only helpful in alleviating environmental problems but also is an important way to achieve sustainable development. However, whether consumers will increase non-green or excessive compensatory consumption behaviors due to the “moral permission” psychological tendency, present after purchasing green products, is an important question in the current research. This study explores the effect of green purchase intention on compensatory consumption behavior, with special attention to the moderating role of pro-environmental behavior in this relationship. With the increasingly severe global environmental problems, green consumption, as a pro-environmental behavior, has gradually become the focus of social attention. By analyzing the relationship between consumers’ green purchase intention and their subsequent compensatory consumption behavior, this study further reveals the important role of pro-environment behavior in the consumption decision-making process.

Bioethanol production from pineapple fruit waste juice using bakery yeast

The declining oil production stemming from decreasing raw material reserves has clashes with rising demands and has created a supply-demand gap in the overall energy sector. Excessive consumption of fossil fuel oil exacerbates environmental issues, potentially leading to global climate change and increased natural disasters. Consequently, there are efforts in looking for alternate renewable fuel sources. The study included physical pre-treatment, natural hydrolysis, natural fermentation, fermentation of pineapple waste juice using bakery yeast, and subsequent distillation. The pineapple wastes produced juice with 12.67 °Brix and pH range of 3.16–3.18. The present study reports bioethanol production from pineapple waste mixed with bakery yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and pineapple wastes juice without bakery yeast, revealing that the yeast-amended mixture yielded bioethanol with alcohol content of 45 % compared to 36 % from pineapple juice alone. Re-distillation enhanced bioethanol content from 25 % - 45 %–85 % which aligns well with E85 fuel specifications, indicating bioethanol's suitability as fuel. Thus, bioethanol derived from pineapple fruit wastes presents a promising renewable energy solution. This study investigates the production of bioethanol from pineapple waste juice by comparing two methods: one using bakery yeast and the other without yeast. Both methods are conducted at room temperature to evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness in converting pineapple waste juice into bioethanol.

Plant-based diets-impacts of consumption of little or no animal-source foods on human health.

The world, in 2024, faces both climate and biodiversity crises, and the food system does contribute significantly to these crises. For some, the solution is simple - intakes of animal source foods (ASFs) should be considerably reduced, and consumption of plant-source foods (PSFs) should be greatly increased. Advocates for such a dietary transformation express confidence that plant-based diets will not only benefit planetary health, but will provide nutrient adequacy for all, and will also result in considerable protection from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, as described in this perspective, the dramatic reductions in ASFs, entailed by many plant-based diets, will worsen already prevalent micronutrient and protein deficiencies. The protections provided by plant-based diets against NCDs appear to be more strongly associated with reduced intakes of calories and salt, and increased intakes of fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, rather than with reduced intakes of ASFs. Any possible absolute adverse effects of red and processed meat consumption on NCDs are very small and uncertain. Other ASFs either appear to have no impact on NCDs (poultry meat and eggs), or are associated with protections against obesity, cardiovascular events, brain disorders and some cancers (seafood and dairy). Rigorous randomized controlled trials of all newly proposed environmentally-protective plant-based diets are required, so as to provide clear-cut evidence of micronutrient and protein adequacy, with or without, supplementation, fortification and/or biofortification. In the meantime, dietary guidelines should advise moderating excessive consumption, rather than substantially limiting or excluding ASFs from the human diet.

Quantifying Soluble Glucose in Selected Fruits from West Bengal's (India) Local Markets to Enhance Dietary Knowledge

Introduction/Objective: A fruit, the soft, pulpy part of a flowering plant, is abundant in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. It provides macronutrients such as carbohydrates and energy while being low in protein and lipids. Health authorities advocate a minimum daily intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. Fruits contain simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which are essential for regulating blood sugar levels and supporting brain function. However, excessive sugar consumption can be harmful in certain health conditions. This highlights the importance of accurately estimating glucose content in fruits for the field of nutrition science. Methods: In this study, a total of 42 fruit samples from 20 groups were collected from local markets in West Bengal, India, to measure glucose levels using the GOD-POD method. Results: Results revealed the top five fruits highest in glucose: green grapes (54.12 ± 5.82 mg/g), java apple (green jamrul: 47.25 ± 8.23 mg/g), red grapes (44.75 ± 5.23 mg/g), Zahedi dates (43.88 ± 3.25 mg/g), and Medjool dates (43.48 ± 3.87 mg/g). Conversely, the five fruits lowest in glucose were Indian gooseberry (amla: 0.84 ± 0.21 mg/g), Bengal currant (koromcha: 1.24 ± 0.15 mg/g), gondhoraj lemon (2.62 ± 0.25 mg/g), himsagar mango (3.46 ± 0.81 mg/g), and pearafuli mango (5.5 ± 0.52 mg/g). Conclusion: This study aims to contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on fruit glucose content. Fruits with lower glucose levels are beneficial for diabetic patients, obese individuals, and others, whereas those with higher glucose levels are not recommended for dia-betics but are suitable for athletes and malnourished individuals.

An energy efficient leaky integrate and fire neuron using Ge-source TFET for spiking neural network: simulation analysis

The basic building block of neural network is a device, which can mimic the neural behavior. The spiking neural network (SNN) is an efficient methodology in terms of power and area. Due to the excess energy consumption and larger area, various spintronic neural devices are unfit for neuron applications. In this article, we have implemented Ge source based Tunnel FET (TFET) for ultralow energy spike generation using TCAD simulator. It is seen that Ge source TFET has signature spiking frequency in THz range versus input voltage curve of an artificial biological neuron. The simulated device deploy the leaky integrate and fire (LIF) technique for generation of neurons. The simulation result highlights that the energy of device is 1.08 aJ/spike, which is several order less than existing neural based FET devices in literature.

Grouping-maintenance of multi-components production system under ecological background

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose an opportunistic group maintenance model for a multi-component series system considering reducing CO2 emission and increasing system efficiency, which establishes a maintenance policy to minimize the cost rate of the system life cycle.Design/methodology/approach: Structural dependence and economic dependence between the components in a multi-component series system are analyzed to make a condition-based maintenance policy. To minimize the cost rate of the system life cycle, clustering theory and two decision variables, which include the preventative maintenance cycle multiplier and basic preventive maintenance interval of each component, is utilized to make an opportunistic policy for system optimal maintenance under the background of increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.Findings: It can be concluded that the government imposes fines on excessive CO2 emissions and energy consumption indicators, which can influence the maintenance decisions of enterprises, promote enterprises to shorten the cycle of preventive maintenance, and avoid excessive CO2 emissions of various components and exceed the indicators as much as possible, so as to enable enterprises to actively save energy, reduce emissions and control carbon emissions. Furthermore, when the single preparation cost of repair maintenance increases, enterprises need to shorten the maintenance period to avoid frequent component failures. As the cost of a single prep for preventive maintenance rises, organizations need to extend maintenance cycles and avoid frequent parts downtime - minimizing their own repair costs.Practical implications: Considering the high maintenance cost and low energy efficiency of multi-component systems, this model assists production managers to have better maintenance of these systems.Originality/value: 1.Model innovation: comprehensive consideration of two variables in the selection of decision variables for preventive maintenance or opportunistic maintenance; The selection and synthesis of ecological factors when making ecologically conscious maintenance decisions for multi-component systems make up for the gaps of single variables and one-sided indicators in previous studies and models. 2. Methodological innovation: In the identification of opportunity maintenance, the idea of clustering is first combined; In the simulation analysis, genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal parameters quickly and accurately. A blend of management, statistics, biology and computer science.

Influence of different types of dietary sugars on the intestinal mucosa and hepatic lipid metabolism in germ-free mice

The excessive consumption of dietary sugar induces changes in gut microbiota, which is associated with obesity and metabolic dysregulation. This study investigated the effects of monosaccharide and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) intake on metabolic function and intestinal environment in germ-free (GF) mice lacking gut microbiota. GF mice were provided with a chow diet and administered a water solution containing 15 % glucose, fructose, or FOS for 4 weeks. Compared with FOS, glucose, and fructose induced increased hepatic lipid accumulation, increased adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, and upregulated hepatic lipogenic gene expression. FOS exhibited notably higher activation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase compared with those consuming glucose or fructose. Moreover, the number of goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa increased significantly with FOS consumption. Collectively, these findings indicate that while monosaccharides caused metabolic disorders in GF mice, FOS alleviated these disorders and increased the number of goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa. These results provide evidence for the occurrence of these effects independently of the gut microbiota.

Tree Mortality, Biome Shifts, and Living Sustainably to Halt Human-Caused Climate Change

Human-caused climate change has caused extensive tree mortality across West Africa and the western United States and biome shifts around the world. Reducing excessive material consumption by people offers a solution to halt climate change and risks to trees.

Rapid detection of benzoic, sorbic, and dehydroacetic acids in processed foods using surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy

Benzoic acid (BA), sorbic acid (SA), and dehydroacetic acid (DHA) are among the most common food additives that are classified as antimicrobial preservatives. However, their consumption in excess can lead to damage to the human liver and kidneys. At the present time, no rapid method has been developed for the simultaneous detection of these preservatives in processed foods. In this study, an expedited process based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been developed to determine the content of the preservatives in processed seafood, minced fish, and cheese products. The effect of local heating on SERS spectra at the center of the droplet, which was deposited onto silver nanopillar arrays used as the SERS substrate, was examined. A recirculating flow, manifested as twin vortices merging within the droplet, brought the preservative molecules down to the droplet’s center, resulting in an increase in the SERS signals. Furthermore, the screening efficiency of the detection method for the three preservatives was experimentally evaluated in real samples. The experimentally determined Raman bands of the added BA, SA, and DHA were compared with amounts obtained by the conventional method of high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC).

Analysis of operation regulation on delay time in long-distance heating pipe systems for practical engineering

The distribution area of the district heating network (DHN) is extensive, and there are inherent time delays and thermal losses in the process of heat transfer through heating pipes. The delay in heat transfer within long-distance heating pipes may result in inadequate heat supply to end-users or excessive energy consumption at the heat source. Therefore, this paper presents a quasi-dynamic model for calculating the transmission delay time in the long-distance heating pipeline. And the model is validated through the measured values obtained from a heating pipeline. The influencing factors of delay time are further discussed, including operating parameters, pipe structure parameters and thermal insulator thickness. Additionally, the impact of pipe delay time in practical engineering is analyzed. In practical engineering, the transmission delay time varies when the pipe structural or operational parameters differ, even under the same outdoor temperature change. The change in inlet water temperature and mass flow rate can impact the change rate of outlet water temperature, thereby influencing the delay time. Furthermore, the delay time exhibited an increase with pipe length, diameter, and thermal insulator thickness; however, the effect of thermal insulator thickness on it was minimal. When the inlet water temperature rose or dropped by 5℃, the delay time grew by more 70 % per 1 km pipe length, about 40 % per 100 mm diameter and less 2 % per 100 mm thermal insulator thickness, respectively.

Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common global health concern. However, limited studies explored the association between soft drinks intake and PD among female undergraduates in China. To determine the association between soft drinks (carbonated soft drinks, etc.) as well coffee intake and the incidence/severity of PD among female undergraduates in China. We performed a cross-sectional study among 1809 female undergraduates in China from September 29, 2020 to October 22, 2020. The demographic information and menstrual information of the participants were collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. Chi-square test, ANOVA test, and logistic regression test were used to investigate the association between soft drinks intake and the incidence/severity of PD. We also conducted stratification analysis among different locations (rural or urban). The prevalence of PD was 47.1% (n = 852). There were 221 (25.9%) participants suffered from severe pain. In the participants with PD, the OR of carbonated soft drinks intake was 1.244 (95% CI 1.010–1.533). Among the participants with PD from rural areas, the OR of carbonated soft drinks intake was 1.402 (95% CI 1.045–1.881), compared with the non-carbonated soft drink group. In the participants with moderate and severe PD, the OR of coffee intake was 0.451 (95% CI 0.228–0.892), compared with the non-coffee-drinking group. There was a significant association between carbonated soft drinks intake frequency and the severity of PD (P < 0.05). Our study showed that carbonated soft drinks intake is a risk factor for PD, especially in participants from rural areas. Coffee intake is a protective factor for the severity of PD. Periodical awareness programs about adverse effects of excessive soft drink consumption should be introduced to reduce the prevalence and exacerbation of PD. Coffee intake might be helpful to relieve the severity of PD.