Global Level Research Articles

Prevalence and Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in China, 1990-2019: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of neurologic disability in young adults, but the burden caused by MS in China is lacking. We aimed to comprehensively describe the prevalence and health loss due to MS by demographic and geographical variables from 1990 to 2019 across China. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019). We used GBD methodology to systematically analyze the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to MS by age, sex, and location from 1990 to 2019 in mainland China and its provinces. We also compared the MS burden in China with the world and other Group of 20 (G20) countries. In 2019, 42,571 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 33,001-53,329) individuals in China had MS, which doubled from 1990. The age-standardized prevalence rate of MS was 2.32 per 100,000 (95% UI 1.78-2.91), which increased by 23.31% (95% UI 20.50-25.89) from 1990, with most of the growth occurring after 2010. There was a positive latitudinal gradient with the increasing prevalence from south to north across China. The total DALYs caused by MS were 71,439 (95% UI 58,360-92,254) in 2019, ranking China third among G20 countries. Most of the MS burden in China derived from premature mortality, with the higher fraction of YLLs than that at the global level and most other G20 countries. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized DALY and YLL rate had nonsignificant changes; however, the age-standardized YLD rate substantially increased by 23.33% (95% UI 20.50-25.89). The geographic distribution of MS burden varied at the provincial level in China, with a slight downward trend in the age-standardized DALY rates along with increasing Socio-Demographic Index over the study period. Although China has a low risk of MS, the substantial and increasing prevalent cases should not be underestimated. The high burden due to premature death and geographic disparity of MS burden reveals insufficient management of MS in China, highlighting the needs for increased awareness and effective intervention.

Maternal non-compliance with recommended folic acid supplement use alters global DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns: A cohort study

Background & aimsPrenatal folate exposure may alter epigenetic marks in the offspring. We aimed to evaluate associations between prenatal exposure to folic acid (FA) in preconception and in utero with cord blood DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) as markers of global DNA methylation levels. MethodsData come from 325 mother-child pairs participating in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015-2018). Pregnant women were asked about supplement use, including brand name and dose, one month before pregnancy (preconception) and through the trimesters of pregnancy. Maternal dietary folate intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire with additional questions for FA supplement use. Folate serum levels were measured in mothers at 24 weeks of gestation and in cord blood of newborns. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing on 5 LINE-1 and 3 Alu different elements. Associations were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. ResultsA reduction in methylation levels of LINE-1 in newborns was associated with the use of FA supplements below the recommended doses (<400 ug/day) during preconception (-0.50; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.09; P=0.016), and from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation (-0.48; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.08; P=0.018). Maternal use of FA supplements above the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 ug/day from preconception until 12 weeks of gestation was also related to lower methylation in LINE-1 at birth (-0.77; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.02; P=0.044). Neither FA supplement use after 12 weeks of gestation nor maternal total folate intake (diet plus supplements) were associated with global DNA methylation levels at birth. ConclusionsMaternal non-compliance with the use of FA supplement recommendations from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation reduces offspring global DNA methylation levels at birth.

Botanical Extracts and Compounds of Castanea Plants and Methods of Use: US20190125818A1 - The United States Patent Evaluation.

Bacterial infections are increasingly difficult to combat, which makes them a threat to public health on a global level. Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the main causes of infections in hospitals, as it has a variety of virulence factors, as well as is able to produce bacterial biofilms, which, consequently, bring numerous damages to public health as a result of increased resistance to conventional antibiotics and a longer hospital stay. Therefore, the use of compounds extracted from medicinal plants is a potential pharmaceutically acceptable target, as they do not have toxicity and the potential to disrupt biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus already evidenced, thus revealing their relevance to our study. The objective of this work was to perform a critical analysis of a patent with natural extracts against bacterial biofilms found in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, to map the possible bioactive compounds that may serve as potential future antimicrobial drugs. A technological survey was carried out to verify existing patents using natural extracts with anti-biofilm potential. For this, it was searched with the keywords: Botanical extracts AND biofilms; which were performed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Thus, the selected patent used a non-aqueous extract partitioned and vacuum-contracted, subsequently lyophilized for assays with antimicrobial potential. Because of this, a patent was analyzed regarding its chemistry, and biological activity, followed by a critical analysis of the technology proposed in the invention. When using the keywords Botanical extracts AND biofilms in the USPTO, it was possible to find twenty-two inventions; however, only four patents in the USPTO were in agreement with the proposal of the natural extract having antimicrobial activity and an anti-biofilm potential, of which two belonged to the same applicant with similar proposals. The key point of this invention was to enable the compounds of the Castanea sativa plant and its methods of obtaining the extract to present a significant antimicrobial action associated or not with antibiotics, promoting the development of new therapies against bacterial infections capable of disrupting biofilms. The invention developed a methodology for extracting Castanea sativa, in which pentacyclic triterpene compounds were found mostly in its leaves. Whereas for the extraction, the crude methanol extracts called extracts 224 from the ground leaves were made by maceration, filtered, combined, concentrated under pressure in rotary evaporators, and lyophilized. After that, they were resuspended in water and partitioned in succession with hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The most active refined partition was the 224C extract with the solvent ethyl acetate, which was subjected to further fractionation using silica column chromatography. Resulting in the most refined extract, which was 224C-F2, capable of acting directly on the quorum sensing of bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, blocking the translation of RNAIII, including a series of exotoxins. Regarding the antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus, it presented Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 1.56 μg/mL-1 and > 100 μg/mL -1, respectively. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms, which causes damage to industries in general and to health. From this, the invention analyzed has a promising proposal with antimicrobial potential focusing on the great impact of bacterial biofilms. Therefore, natural extracts with antibiofilmic potential can help to minimize the economic losses caused to health due to these multidrug-resistant microorganisms with different virulence mechanisms.

Talent Acquisition: A Win-Win Situation for Recruiters and Employees

Abstract: The objective of drafting this research paper was to give a glimpse of how technology and talent acquisition have intertwined. It also covers the procedure of talent acquisition. The research has been done till depth about the topic to study about its impact on organizations, cognitive assessments, and incorporated technology in realm with human resources. The research methodology includes in depth secondary research related to the topic. It also gives a clear picture of how it is a winwin situation for the recruiters and employees at the global level.

Cloud Computing and Mobile Technologies as a Marketing Strategy towards Innovation and Business Growth among Small Tourism Enterprises

This study examined the impact of Cloud Computing and Mobile Technologies as marketing strategy towards innovation, business growth among small tourism enterprises (STEs). Mobile commerce is viewed as next generation, e-commerce refers to any transactions, either direct or indirect, via mobile devices, such as phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Most significant features of mobile technology are mobility and portability. Ability to access services ubiquitously, on the move, through wireless networks, various devices. The study highlights business risk of being left behind and gives a contemporary research gap, how frequent businesses are engaging with mobile technologies and innovation marketing strategies. Positivist Paradigm- Targeted population were Southern African border countries players in STEs. Data analysis utilised SMARTPLS, Tested CFA, Model Fit, Reliability and Validity, Path Modelling and hypothesis. Raosoft calculator was used to calculate sample size. Calculation considered population of approximately 350 STEs officially registered with Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), a 5% margin of error, 90% confidence interval &amp; recommended 50% distribution, and returned a minimum sample size of 184 respondents. Findings revealed transactions can be business to business applications (targeted to other firms, business to consumer applications (targeted to final customers, e.g. advertisements based on SMS/ MMS) e- catalogues on what the small tourism enterprise offers and networking regionally and at global level. Keywords: cloud computing, innovation, mobile technology, tourism enterprise, marketing strategy, business growth

MiRNAs in Follicular and Oviductal Fluids Support Global DNA Demethylation in Early-Stage Embryos

Global methylation levels differ in in vitro- and in vivo-developed embryos. Follicular fluid (FF) contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing miRNAs that affect embryonic development. Here, we examined our hypothesis that components in FF affect global DNA methylation and embryonic development. Oocytes and FF were collected from bovine ovaries. Treatment of zygotes with a low concentration of FF induced global DNA demethylation, improved embryonic development, and reduced DNMT1/3A levels. We show that embryos take up EVs containing labeled miRNA secreted from granulosa cells and the treatment of zygotes with EVs derived from FF reduces global DNA methylation in embryos. Furthermore, the methylation levels of in vitro-developed blastocysts were higher than those of in their vivo counterparts. Based on small RNA-sequencing and in silico analysis, we predicted miR-29b, -199a-3p, and -148a to target DNMTs and to induce DNA demethylation, thereby improving embryonic development. Moreover, among FF from 30 cows, FF with a high content of these miRNAs demethylated more DNA in the embryos than FF with a lower miRNA content. Thus, miRNAs in FF play a role in early embryonic development.

Global burden of disease study analysis of thyroid cancer burden across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to assess the burden of thyroid cancer over the course of 30 years in 204 countries and territories.MethodsData from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database was analyzed to extract information on prevalence, deaths, DALYs(disability-adjusted life-years), YLL(years of life los), YLD(years lived with disability), and their corresponding age-standardized rates at global, regional, and national levels. The primary focus of the study was to examine trends in thyroid cancer from 1990 to 2019, specifically looking at the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) for ASPR, ASDR, and ASDR. Additionally, the study investigated the relationship between cancer burden and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).ResultsGlobally, there will be approximately 18.3 million thyroid cancer (TC) cases in 2019; China and the USA are projected to be the most significant with 310,327 and 220,711 cases (16.17 and 14.82 cases per 100,000 people, respectively).Over the period from 1990 to 2019, age-standardized prevalence rates exhibited a global rise, whereas deaths and DALYs saw a decrease(EAPC:1.63, –0.15- –0.14, respectively). Significantly, the age-standardized prevalence rate increased in 21 GBD regions, affecting 195 out of 204 countries or territories. Over the studied period, thyroid cancer cases, deaths, and DALYs were consistently higher among females than males. Furthermore, a higher Socio-demographic Index was associated with increased age-standardized prevalence rates.

Is the True Jesus Church a Chinese Indigenous/Independent Pentecostal Denomination? With Special Reference to the Orientalism of Western Scholars toward “Pentecostalism” in the Global South

The True Jesus Church has been regarded as a Chinese Indigenous/Independent Pente-costal denomination by scholarship specifically in the area of Global Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies and World Christianity irrespective of those scholar's definitions---inclusive or exclusive. This paper argues that it might be inappropriate for scholarship to define the True Jesus Church as Pentecostals at least for three factors: 1. The refusal from the True Jesus Church to be regarded as Pentecostalism due to its' providential and exclusive self-identity; 2. The primary intent of the establishment of the True Jesus Church was to seek church independence and religious reformation rather than promote Pentecostal spirituality; 3. There is a lack of synchronous network between the True Jesus Church and Pentecostalism both at global and local levels. Also, this paper indicates a latent Orientalism among Western scholars of Pentecostalism based on an exotic imagination and representation of Non-Western Christianity enhanced by the complicity of Orients and native informants.

Assessment of Polygenic Traits Association with Yield in Soybean Genotypes

Soybean is one of the important oilseed crop at global level with special concern to India. Despite its global dominance, India's contribution to the soybean scene remains relatively modest, with a production ranking of fourth but only a 5% share of the world's output. For this concern, the analysis of the relationships among yield attributing characters and their associations with seed yield is essential to establish selection criteria. The experimental material used in the present study comprised of fourteen lines (8 F1s and 6 parental lines). The characters viz., number of pods/plant, primary branches/plant, harvest index, plant height, secondary branch/plant, biological yield, 100-seed weight and days-to-50% flowering recorded significant positive correlation coefficient with seed yield both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis further pinpointed 100-seed weight, harvest index, and pods per plant as the traits with the most direct positive impact on seed yield. Additionally, the study identified plant height, pods/plant, primary branches/plant, 100-seed weight, and the harvest index as the key contributors to soybean yield, suggesting these traits as primary targets for manipulation in breeding programs aimed at yield improvement.

What is the Space for “Place” in Social Studies of Astronomy?

AbstractAll large-scale telescope facilities are constructed within a geographical, social, historical, and political context that includes nested layers at the global, national, and local levels. However, discussions about the geographic siting of astronomy facilities, for example, the communities in which they are embedded or the interactions between the facility and its locale, are uncommon in social science studies of astronomy, and no extant review focused on this gap in the literature. In this literature review and discourse analysis, we explore the ways in which research about astronomy facilities and their local communities has emerged, and the extent to which it focuses on the Global South. We find that literature addressing the social and policy aspects of astronomy facilities has an emphasis on the Global North. However, literature addressing host communities has an emphasis on the Global South. Broadly, the discourses related to host communities in the Global South have emerged from reflections on the controversies related to large-scale telescopes in Hawai’i, Chile, and South Africa. One common theme linking these discourses is that a focus on benefits at the national and international levels obscures a range of problematic power dynamics and outcomes at the local level. The notion of the Global South as an ‘empty space’ in which astronomical observation does not constitute impactful action amongst local communities, is challenged by discourses that centre local contexts, and challenged by discourses that employ conceptual frameworks with a focus on revealing power dynamics.

Climate Change and Global Agriculture: Addressing Challenges and Adaptation Strategies

Climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, affecting crop production, food security, and the livelihoods of millions worldwide. This paper reviews the current understanding of the impact of climate change on agriculture and explores adaptation strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Climate change-induced phenomena such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in pest and disease dynamics threaten crop yields and agricultural productivity. To address these challenges, various adaptation measures are being implemented, including the development and adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, improved water management techniques, agroforestry practices, and enhanced early warning systems. Furthermore, policy interventions and international collaborations are crucial for building resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. This review highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels to safeguard agricultural systems and ensure food security in a changing climate.

The transformative potential of textbooks

Education is recognized as crucial in addressing unsustainable practices, such as food waste. One of the aims of interdisciplinary food education in basic education is to promote sustainable food waste behavior, which can be promoted by transformative learning. This study examined how food waste is addressed in nine Finnish basic education textbooks. The content related to food waste and the pedagogical style of the texts were analyzed from home economics, biology, and geography textbooks designed for secondary level education (grades 7–9, age 13–16). The results were analysed to assess their potential to promote transformative learning. All of the textbooks approached the topic of food waste from the perspective of their own subject, and none presented it as an interdisciplinary phenomenon. Home economics textbooks focused on students' perspectives, emphasizing food waste reduction and waste sorting. Geography textbooks frequently explored the topic in the context of the food supply chain or at a global level, while biology textbooks primarily addressed the sorting of food waste. The textbooks primarily used a neutral text style focusing on information transmission. In some contexts, a persuasive style was employed to encourage critical thinking and action. The participative style, which encourages active student engagement, was utilized the least in all textbooks, and primarily for exercises. By integrating learning-supportive text styles (such as participative and persuasive), including student tasks related to food waste, and fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of food waste, textbooks have the potential to transform student learning and engagement in sustainable food practices.

Queering the Global Governance of Transitional Justice: Tensions and (Im)Possibilities

ABSTRACT∞ In recent years, scholars and activists have been asking queer questions about transitional justice. Queer perspectives advocate for the recognition of anti-queer violence within transitional justice; the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in transitional justice processes; and the development of queer decolonial critiques of transitional justice. Informed by this research agenda, I develop a queer perspective to the global governance of transitional justice. I analyse documents from the UN, the International Center for Transitional Justice and the International Criminal Court. Representing mechanisms from across global transitional justice, I trace the (cis-heteronormative, colonial, carceral) violence of transitional justice and its institutionalization at the global level. I reflect on the queer tensions and (im)possibilities of global transitional justice, a site that is violent but holds transformative potential. The global governance of transitional justice must be queered to expand its social, political and conceptual remit, and to seek more radical, liberatory worlds within and beyond formal justice mechanisms.

Multidimensional influencing factors of postpartum depression based on the perspective of the entire reproductive cycle: evidence from western province of China.

China has a serious burden of Postpartum depression (PPD). In order to improve the current situation of high burden of PPD, this study explores the factors affecting PPD from the multidimensional perspectives with physiology, family support and social support covering the full-time chain of pre-pregnancy-pregnancy-postpartum. A follow-up survey was conducted in the Qujing First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2022, and a total of 4838 pregnant women who underwent antenatal checkups in the hospital were enrolled as study subjects. Mothers were assessed for PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and logistic regression was used to analyse the level of mothers' postnatal depression and identify vulnerability characteristics. The prevalence of mothers' PPD was 46.05%, with a higher prevalence among those who had poor pre-pregnancy health, had sleep problems during pregnancy, and only had a single female fetus. In the family support dimension, only family care (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.64) and only other people care(OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.96) were the protective factors of PPD. The experience risk of PPD was higher among mothers who did not work or use internet. The PPD level in Yunnan Province was significantly higher than the global and Chinese average levels. Factors affecting mothers' PPD exist in all time stages throughout pregnancy, and the influence of family support and social support on PPD shouldn't be ignored. There is an urgent need to extend the time chain of PPD, move its prevention and treatment forward and broaden the dimensions of its intervention.

Net zero vs. carbon neutrality: supply chain management challenges and future research agenda

ABSTRACT Climate change endangers human survival, causing heat waves, floods, storms, polar ice loss, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. These effects harm the food supply and living environments and contribute to chronic diseases. Climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol set net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality targets. However, their definitions, differences and challenges need clarification. This paper reviews net zero and carbon neutrality initiatives in supply chain management. CiteSpace analysis of 61 articles on net zero and 44 on carbon neutrality highlights their differences, challenges, practices and research gaps. Net-zero emissions cover more greenhouse gases and emission stages, fitting supply chain management through life-cycle assessment. A life-cycle perspective and strategies like bio-based materials, optimised transportation and electric vehicles are recommended for effective mitigation. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps at global, country, industry and company levels, suggesting research questions for future exploration.

#1786 Correlation of electrolyte disturbances in community-acquired acute kidney injury

Abstract Background and Aims Acute renal injury can cause electrolyte disorders that increase patient morbidity and mortality. There are few data in the literature describing these alterations and the possible correlation between them in patients with community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI). The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between electrolyte disorders in a cohort of patients with CA-AKI admitted to the nephrology service of a tertiary level hospital. Method This is a single-center, observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study based on a cohort of patients with CA-AKI admitted to the Nephology Service of a third level hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. We analyzed the incidence of changes in sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorus in these patients and their correlations. Results A total of 639 patients were included in the final analyses. The mean age was 72.93 ± 13.38 years. 61.7% were men. Charlson comorbidity index was 5.87 ± 2.4 points. The length of stay was 11.63 ± 10.14 days. In view of the Etiology of AKI, 72.1% had prerenal AKI and 27.9% non-prerenal. 436 patients had a history of previous chronic kidney disease (CKD) (68.23%). AKI KDIGO stages were: stage I, 105 cases (16.4%); stage II, 67 cases (10.5%); stage III 467 cases (63.1%). Hemodialysis (HD) was required in 114 patients (17.8%). 62 patients (9.7%) died during hospital stay. The most frequent ionic alterations at a global level were low bicarbonate (78.3%), hyperkalemia (53.05%), hypocalcemia (49.6%) and hyponatremia (41.5%). When analyzing whether electrolyte alterations occurred simultaneously: 2.2% of cases did not present any, 6.3% only one, 18.2% two, 26.4% three, 26.1% four, 14.9% five and 5.9% six simultaneous alterations. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on mortality during admission. Higher mortality at discharge has been found in patients with a greater number of ionic alterations (p = 0.046). In our sample, positive correlations were found between sodium-bicarbonate (r = 0.184; p &amp;lt; 0.001), peak creatinine-potassium (r = 0.182; p &amp;lt; 0.001), potassium-chloride (r = 0.167 p &amp;lt; 0.001), sodium-chloride (r = 0.614; p &amp;lt; 0.001), phosphorus-peak creatinine (r = 0.394; p &amp;lt; 0.001), pH-bicarbonate (r = 0.747, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and phosphorus–PTH (r = 0.330; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Negative correlations were found between sodium–potassium (r = −0,123; p = 0.002), bicarbonate-potassium (r = −0.354; p &amp;lt; 0.001), potassium-pH (r = −0.390; p &amp;lt; 0.001), peak creatinine–chlorine (r = −0.013; p = 0.004), bicarbonate–chlorine (r = −0.236; p &amp;lt; 0.001), calcium–phosphorus (r = −0.174; p &amp;lt; 0.001), calcium–peak creatinine (r = −0.138; p = 0.001) and bicarbonate–peak creatinine (r = −0.274; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion In our series of patients with CA-AKI, many statistically significant correlations were found between altered electrolytes in acute renal failure. Most of these associations can be explained by the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury. However, it should be noted that not all cases have such a clear explanation. It is important to consider that all patients in our study had already developed acute renal failure upon admission. Therefore, these results should be interpreted with caution and confirmed through further evaluations. We suggest that additional research in this area is necessary to improve the management and prognosis of this condition.

The Convergence of Power: Exploring the Intersection between Politics, Communication, and Religion

In the intricate fabric of our modern societies, the intersection between politics, communication, and religion emerges as an essential field of study for understanding the dynamics of power. This work analyzes the use of communication by politics and religion as a fundamental tool to shape opinions, legitimize authority, and manage cultural and social identity. Through an exhaustive examination of both historical and contemporary theories and practices, this paper illustrates the manipulation of media and messages in various contexts to influence public opinion and guide political and religious decisions. Additionally, it assesses the ability of religious communication to affect public policy and, reciprocally, how these interactions impact social cohesion, policy formulation, and governance at a global level. This interdisciplinary analysis exposes the complexity of power dynamics at the confluence of communication, politics, and religion, providing crucial insights into their influence on the shaping of contemporary societies.

Decoding the Nexus: A Bibliometric Review on Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Consumer Food Waste

One of the issues that has gained importance within the scope of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the issue of food waste. These goals, which represent very important and urgent problems to be solved at the global level, are extremely critical in terms of sustainability. Food waste, by its nature at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals, has become a global problem linked to key challenges in the global environment in terms of food security, climate change, malnutrition, and economic sustainability. The fact that consumers are one of the most important factors affecting food waste in the transition to a circular economy increases the importance of this study once again. Due to the lack of systematic, chronological studies showing how food waste develops over time, this study will examine the development and evolution of food waste research using a bibliometric analysis. In this way, it aims to gain a comprehensive insight into the field’s current state and shed light on this highly important area of study. In addition to informing policymakers, practitioners, and consumers with the results of this research, it is also aimed to support all relevant individuals, institutions, and organizations in the efforts to combat food waste. One of the main objectives of this study is to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this reason, it can be stated that the research has objectives in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

PET and polyolefin plastics supply chains in Michigan: present and future systems analysis of environmental and socio-economic impacts

Many actions are underway at global, national, and local levels to increase plastics circularity. However, studies evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of such a transition are lacking at regional levels in the United States. In this work, the existing polyethylene terephthalate and polyolefin plastics supply chains in Michigan were compared to a potential future (‘NextCycle’) scenario that looks at increasing Michigan’s overall recycling rate to 45%. Material flow analysis data was combined with environmental and socio-economic metrics to evaluate the sustainability of these supply chains for the modeled scenarios. Overall, the NextCycle scenario for these supply chains achieved a net 14% and 34% savings of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts, when compared with their respective baseline values. Additionally, the NextCycle scenario showed a net gain in employment and wages, however, it showed a net loss of revenue generation outside of Michigan due to the avoided use of virgin resins in Michigan.

Effect of Argo Salinity Drift since 2016 on the Estimation of Regional Steric Sea Level Change Rates

Since 2016, the Argo (Array for Real-Time Geostrophic Oceanography) ocean salinity data has exhibited significant drift, directly affecting the accurate quantification of the global steric sea level (SSL) rates. To further investigate how salinity drift affects the estimation of SSL rates in different depths and regions, we divide the 0–2000 m into three layers (0–300 m, 300–1000 m and 1000–2000 m) and select five open oceans (the South and North Pacific, the South and North Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean) for discussion. By comparing the SSL rates between the periods of 2005–2015 and 2005–2019, we can evaluate the impact of salinity drift. Taking the estimated results from the IPRC (provided by the International Pacific Research Center at the University of Hawaii) and BOA (provided by the Second Institute of Oceanography, China) data as examples, we find that the effect of salinity drift is the largest at the depth of 1000–2000 m, about 29% for IPRC data and about 18% for BOA data. Moreover, the South Atlantic is susceptible to the effects of salinity drift, with an approximately 13% impact for IPRC data and 21% for BOA data.