Scientific Research Research Articles

Why is therapeutic exercise the best treatment for knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joints (KJ) has a high social significance and is therefore a relevant pathology for scientific research. The authors have proposed an original hydraulic theory for the pathogenesis of OA in KJ. This approach is based on the notion of primary mechanical damage to the internal ligamentous structures and synovial membrane accompanied by posttraumatic edema, synovial hypervolemia, and hypertension. The authors demonstrated that regular physical activity at all stages of the disease is pathogenetically justified and allows the patient to improve lymphatic and venous outflow and thus resist increasing fibrosis. Improved arterial blood flow will reduce tissue hypoxia. Any type of symptom-modifying therapy can be harmful because it reduces the protective role of pain reflexes in protecting the KJ from excessive loads, leading to injury. The necessity of maintaining a walking speed of more than 4.3 km/h with an increase in cadence is emphasized from the perspective of reducing static stress during walking and extending life expectancy.

The Experience Using of Freeze-Dried Mulberry Leafs’ as Composition of Artificial Diet for Feeding Silkworm Caterpillars

Aims: Due to changes in the global climate and the recent increase in spring frosts, which lead to the death of silkworm caterpillars of the first ages due to lack of food, there is an urgent need to find effective and cheap means to replace natural food - mulberry leaf. One of the promising methods is the preservation of mulberry leaf. One of the new and progressive methods of preservation is the method of freeze-dried of mulberry leaf, for the basis of artificial diet. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Scientific Research Institute of Sericulture in 2024y. Methodology: After hatching, the caterpillars were fed artificial food based on freeze-dried mulberry leaf, the food was given once a day, the room temperature was 25-26 ° C, humidity 65-70%. When the caterpillars reached the third age, some of the caterpillars of each breed and hybrid were selected and continued to be fed with artificial diet. The remaining caterpillars were transferred to natural leaf feeding according to a generally accepted method. Results: The drying time of the mulberry leaf in the freeze-dried mode was 14-18 hours, depending on the uniformity of the leaf layer in the chamber. A recipe for artificial diet was created, in which the content of mulberry leaf powder was 72%. All breeds and hybrids equally well received the developed artificial diet. In breeds and hybrids, the viability of caterpillars was 82-100%. And when switching from artificial diet to a natural leaf, the viability of caterpillars was 63-93%. Conclusion: All breeds and hybrids equally well accepted the developed artificial food based on freeze-dried mulberry leaf. According to the totality of the results shown, the studied breeds and hybrids are promising for feeding them on artificial feed and breeding appropriate lines and breeds from them.

THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING ON DECISION-MAKING: FIELD STUDY ON SUDANESE INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES

The article's goal is to explore how the economic, social, and environmental sustainability accounting components affect decision-making (DM) in the industrial sector of Sudan. This can assist companies in understanding and disclosing the benefits and drawbacks of their activities. The practical significance of scientific research is found in the way that the research conclusions will help to clarify sustainability-related concerns and reinforce Sudanese industrial businesses' dedication to them. Furthermore, there aren't many studies that address this subject in the context of Sudan.The results of the research show that the economic dimension has a positive impact on decision-making in the Sudanese industrial sector. It was also found that the social dimension plays a part in DM. On the other hand, DM Sudanese industrial businesses lack an environmental dimension. According to the study's recommendations, accounting regulators must develop guidelines and frameworks to help accountants measure and disclose sustainability information. Future research should continue to examine the impacts of sustainability development issues on Sudanese manufacturing firms to raise awareness of sustainability issues among accountants and management.

FOOD RESILIENCE IN UKRAINE DURING MARTIAL LAW

The assessment of a country's food security level is a crucial task due to the need to ensure a stable supply of food during periods of economic and social upheaval, particularly during military conflicts or other emergencies. For Ukraine, amid ongoing hostilities, issues of food security and mitigating the negative effects of disruptions in agricultural production are of particular importance. As of today, there is no universally accepted scientific approach to assessing the level of food resilience that takes into account the specifics of each region and the country as a whole, allowing for analytical comparisons and providing scientifically grounded data for the formation of effective policies in this area. The aim of this study is to justify methodological recommendations for determining the level of food resilience using Ukraine as a case study. Accordingly, the proposed methodological recommendations include a set of indicators based on the selection of those that most comprehensively characterize the country’s food security in structural and cyclical aspects. It has been determined that the level of a country's food resilience is the degree of stability, adaptation, and recovery from external and internal shocks that affect the food system's ability to provide the population with sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. The results of the assessment of Ukraine's food resilience level using the Integrated Food Resilience Index in 2022 indicate an adequate level. The country has favourable conditions for food supply, although there are some issues in certain cyclical and structural aspects. The food system is developed despite the war, but there are opportunities for improvement.

APPLICATION OF EUROPEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES IN THE PLANNING ACTIVITIES OF POST-WAR UKRAINE'S MULTI-LEVEL CONSUMER CO-OPERATION SYSTEM

The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU requires Ukraine to consider the adoption of a European model of corporate governance. The EU has a wealth of experience in the effective management of consumer co-operation, which can inform the development of best practices for Ukraine. The subject of the study is the adaptation and substantiation of the current specifics of the application of European principles of corporate governance in the process of planning the activities of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. This study employs a range of general scientific methods, including modelling, economic analysis, forecasting, a system approach and synthesis. These methods have been used to develop generalisations and conclusions related to the object of research as a whole, namely the multi-level and multi-sectoral system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The objective of this study is to justify the implementation of European principles, mechanisms and tools of corporate governance, based on a comprehensive analysis, with the aim of optimising the planning processes and the development of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The fundamental characteristics of co-operative systems have been elucidated, and the principal distinctions between them and corporations have been identified. The functions of the corporate governance system are examined and a conclusion is reached regarding their alignment with the responsibilities and principles of consumer co-operation. The factors that contributed to the success of the development of the consumer co-operation trade sphere in the Soviet period are identified. This study considers the information base for planning the retail turnover of consumer co-operatives in the context of a planned economy. It identifies the main shortcomings and weaknesses of this approach. The principal indicators of activity for consumer co-operatives in Ukraine are examined in the context of their statutory mission. In light of the application of the substitution method, potential indicators of trade turnover for consumer co-operatives, contingent upon collaboration up to the level of 1990, are modelled. It can be concluded that the system of consumer co-operation has not yet fully adapted to the new economic conditions, new legislation and processes of increasing competition in the market, despite the transition to a market economy. In light of the aforementioned circumstances, it is imperative to implement European principles of corporate governance and contemporary international principles governing the advancement of the co-operative movement within the framework of consumer co-operation. The principles of corporate governance, developed by such international organisations as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Confederation of Shareholder Associations, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, have been subjected to detailed analysis. The evolution of the corporate governance system has been delineated with respect to the consumer co-operation. This trend coincides with the imperative necessity for the consumer co-operation of Ukraine to reform its planned system, which represents a key component of its commitment to more effective management. The necessity for additional harmonisation of Ukrainian co-operative legislation with European legislation has been established. The composition of the information base for the development of indicators of the plan of retail turnover of the consumer society in the modern context is justified. The article's primary conclusions are that the negative trends and the quantitative and qualitative indicators of consumer co-operatives in Ukraine can be halted and improved through the implementation and advancement of institutional co-operative advantages, which are codified by legislation and validated by both domestic and European experience. Consequently, members of consumer societies and potential shareholders must be regarded as a central object and subject of planning, regulation, operational activities and the development of consumer co-operatives. In the context of the implementation of the decentralisation policy in Ukraine, in order to optimise the relations between co-operative enterprises and organisations at the horizontal and vertical levels, it is necessary to plan the development of the co-operative system as a component of regional development. The use of IT technologies will allow automating all operational processes, using the full range of planning forms and methods, and at the same time preserving the scientifically sound principles of consumer co-operation development as a system with the possibility of medium- and long-term planning.

Organizational environment and management skills in small and medium-sized enterprises

At present, managers need to acquire and master various management skills that contribute to a positive organizational environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between management skills and the organizational environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Karachi, Pakistan. The primary objective is to determine how various management skills — negotiation, decision-making, leadership, communication, and teamwork — affect the organizational environment within SMEs. Scientific methods for research adopt a descriptive and quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire administered to managers of 253 SMEs. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) via the partial least squares (PLS) method, employing SmartPLS 4 software. Findings of the study reveal that the latent variables of negotiation and leadership significantly impact the organizational environment, with an R-square value of 0.854. The effect size (F-square) indicates a high impact of negotiation (F-square = 0.720) on the organizational environment, while leadership has a lower but still significant effect (F-square = 0.103). Other management skills, such as decision-making, communication, and teamwork, also show positive associations with the organizational environment, although to lower degrees. Conclusions. The study emphasizes the significance of management skills, particularly effective negotiation and leadership, in fostering a productive organizational environment in SMEs. Also, it suggests that training and development in these areas could significantly improve performance.

Public transport across models and scales: A case study of the munich network

Abstract The use of public transport systems is a striking example of complex human behavior. Modeling, planning, and managing public transport is a major future challenge considering the drastically accelerated population growth in many urban areas. The desire to design sustainable cities that can cope with a dynamically increasing demand requires models for transport networks since we are not able to perform real-life experiments before constructing additional infrastructure. Yet, there is a fundamental challenge in the modeling process: we have to understand which basic principles apply to the design of transit networks. In this work, we are going to compare three scientific methods to understand human behavior in public transport modeling: agent-based models, centralized optimization-based models, and minimal physicsbased models. As a case study, we focus on the transport network in Munich, Germany. We show that there are certain universal macroscopic emergent features of public transport that arise regardless of the model chosen. In particular, we can obtain with minimal basic assumptions a common and robust distribution for the individual passenger in-vehicle time as well as for several other distributions. Yet, there are other more microscopic features that differ between the individual and centralized organization and/or that cannot be reproduced by a minimal non-local random-walk type model. Finally, we cross-validate our results with observed public transport data. In summary, our results provide a key understanding of the basic assumptions that have to underlie transport modeling for human behavior in future sustainable cities.

APPLICATION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL LINES IN ARTICULAR CARTILAGE TISSUE ENGINEERING

The restoration of hyaline cartilage poses a complex clinical and scientific challenge due to its low regenerative potential. Joint cartilage injuries contribute to the development of osteoarthritis and, as a consequence, loss of joint function, and subsequent disability. Surgical approaches such as mosaic chondroplasty and microfracture are applicable only to relatively small defects and are unsuitable for patients with degenerative cartilage conditions. Developing of cell therapies using chondrocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is a promising direction for joint cartilage tissue reconstruction. iPSCs have high proliferative activity, allowing the generation of autologous cells in the amount required to restore an individual’s articular defect. The CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology, based on the bacterial adaptive immune system, enables genetic modification of iPSCs to produce progenitor cells with specific characteristics and properties. This review contains scientific studies of highly specialized focus on combining iPSC and CRISPR-Cas technologies for research in cartilage regenerative medicine. We have compiled articles over the past twelve years, since CRISPR-Cas became available to the world community. Currently, for the field of regenerative medicine of articular cartilage CRISPR-Cas is used to increase the effectiveness of chondrogenic differentiation of iPSCs and to obtain a chondroprogenitor population with a high homogeneity. Additionally, deletion of a sequence of pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors is conducted to produce inflammation-resistant tissue. Finally, knockout of major histocompatibility complex components allows the creation of hypoimmunogenic chondrocytes. These approaches contribute to the development of personalized medicine and may, in the long term, lead to improved quality of life for the global population.

FITOCOSMÉTICOS: BENEFÍCIOS DE COSMÉTICOS DE ORIGEM NATURAL NA ESTÉTICA

The introduction of this article presents the current context of the cosmetic market, highlighting the growing demand for products that are both effective and sustainable. The aim of this literature review is to compile and critically analyze existing scientific studies on the pharmacological, therapeutic, and chemical properties of three specific medicinal plants. The review seeks to identify the main applications of these plants, highlight the bioactive compounds present in each, and discuss advances related to their potential use, emphasizing the key properties of each plant. The cosmetic benefits were categorized into properties such as hydration, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions. The results indicated that phytocosmetics show similar efficacy to synthetic cosmetics in terms of skin hydration and treatment, with the added advantage of being less aggressive and causing fewer allergic reactions. Furthermore, phytocosmetics demonstrated a significantly lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of biodegradability and the absence of toxic substances. The conclusion emphasizes that, although both types of cosmetics are effective, the growing trend towards the use of phytocosmetics is justified by their health and sustainability benefits.

Reinforcement of Core Foundational Science Concepts during Clinical Rotations: A Strategy to Enhance Medical Student Learning and Diagnostic Reasoning.

Cognitive science principles can facilitate integrating and retaining basic science concepts during the clinical years of undergraduate medical education. We hypothesized that reinforcing foundational science concepts during the core clerkship experiences fosters the development of clinical reasoning in medical students. A patient simulation session on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the pediatric clerkship was chosen to pilot the program. We introduced an intervention in which a team of clinical and foundational science faculty facilitates student discussions, helping them connect important physiological and pathophysiological concepts to the disorder's clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. The student survey reported that 87% strongly agreed that it helped them reinforce their understanding of foundational science concepts related to clinical cases. The NBME subject exam results of the pediatric clerkships from the corresponding years were subjected to a cognitive diagnostic assessment called the DINA model analysis. The student content mastery in acid-base disorders was improved following the intervention (student mastery of skills, 0.73 vs 0.80, P=0.035). Similarly, analysis of the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) skills from the NBME subject exam item analysis reports showed improvement in the skill "diagnosis" on the topic of diabetes (probability value- before and after the intervention, respectively, 0.73 and 0.85, p=0.04) following implementation. Our study shows the impact of foundational science reinforcement during clinical clerkships in developing undergraduate medical students' clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.

Robust Evidence in Integrative Medicine: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

Integrative Medicine (IM), which includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, and meditation, is gaining attention for managing chronic pain conditions. However, concerns about the quality of evidence supporting the use of these interventions persist. The 5th Annual Jaseng Academic conference 2024, in Seoul, South Korea, themed "Robust Evidence in Integrative Medicine: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions," addressed these concerns by focusing on advancements in study design, evidence synthesis, and open science practices. This conference proceeding summarizes key insights from the conference, emphasizing the role of pragmatic randomized controlled trials (pRCTs) in evaluating real-world effectiveness, and addressing the complexities involved in IM research such as sham controls. The integration of IM therapies into comprehensive pain management strategies (particularly in Korea), supported by government-backed research and policy initiatives was also discussed. Advancements in methodologies were addressed, such as bibliometric analysis, evidence mapping, and the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for integrative therapies. These methodologies offer valuable insights but face challenges due to the heterogeneity of IM interventions, and potential synergistic or antagonistic effects when combined with conventional medicine. Finally, the potential of open science to enhance transparency, reporting, and reproducibility in IM was explored, emphasizing the increased role of adherence to reporting guidelines (CONSORT and PRISMA). The future of IM research is built upon the continued efforts of refined study designs, rigorous evidence synthesis, and the integration of open science principles, for a robust and more credible evidence base.

Participatory science methods to monitor water quality and ground truth remote sensing of the Chesapeake Bay.

Measurements by volunteer scientists using participatory science methods in combination with high resolution remote sensing can improve our ability to monitor water quality changes in highly vulnerable and economically valuable nearshore and estuarine habitats. In the Chesapeake Bay (USA), tidal tributaries are a focus of watershed and shoreline management efforts to improve water quality. The Chesapeake Water Watch program seeks to enhance the monitoring of tributaries by developing and testing methods for volunteer scientists to easily measure chlorophyll, turbidity, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to inform Bay stakeholders and improve algorithms for analogous remote sensing (RS) products. In the program, trained volunteers have measured surface turbidity using a smartphone app, HydroColor, calibrated with a photographer's gray card. In vivo chlorophyll and CDOM fluorescence were assessed in surface samples with hand-held fluorometers (Aquafluor) located at sample processing "hubs" where volunteers drop off samples for same day processing. In validation samples, HydroColor turbidity and Aquafluor in vivo chlorophyll and CDOM fluorescence were linear estimators of standard analytical measures of turbidity, chlorophyll and CDOM, respectively, with R2 values ranging from 0.65 to 0.85. Updates implemented in a new version (v2) of HydroColor improved the precision of estimates. These methods are being used for both repeat sampling at fixed sites of interest and ad-hoc "blitzes" to synoptically sample tributaries all around the Bay in coordination with satellite overpasses. All data is accessible on a public database (serc.fieldscope.org) and can be a resource to monitor long-term trends in the tidal tributaries as well as detect and diagnose causes of events of concern such as algal blooms and storm-induced reductions in water clarity.

Air quality in Bulgaria—Monitoring data, perspectives, scientific research

<p class="1">This paper addresses air quality in Bulgaria, a pressing environmental issue with monitoring data indicating persistent challenges in urban areas due to pollutants like PM10 and NO<sub>2</sub>. Bulgaria’s government operates a comprehensive air quality monitoring network, offering real-time data to track pollutants across multiple regions. Scientific research in this area focuses on identifying pollution sources, assessing public health impacts, and developing models for pollution control. Efforts to improve air quality include implementing stricter regulations, investing in green technologies, and conducting public awareness campaigns. Future research emphasizes sustainable urban planning, the adoption of renewable energy, and advanced monitoring technologies to strengthen air quality management in Bulgaria.</p>

Generalization error guaranteed auto-encoder-based nonlinear model reduction for operator learning

Many physical processes in science and engineering are naturally represented by operators between infinite-dimensional function spaces. The problem of operator learning, in this context, seeks to extract these physical processes from empirical data, which is challenging due to the infinite or high dimensionality of data. An integral component in addressing this challenge is model reduction, which reduces both the data dimensionality and problem size. In this paper, we utilize low-dimensional nonlinear structures in model reduction by investigating Auto-Encoder-based Neural Network (AENet). AENet first learns the latent variables of the input data and then learns the transformation from these latent variables to corresponding output data. Our numerical experiments validate the ability of AENet to accurately learn the solution operator of nonlinear partial differential equations. Furthermore, we establish a mathematical and statistical estimation theory that analyzes the generalization error of AENet. Our theoretical framework shows that the sample complexity of training AENet is intricately tied to the intrinsic dimension of the modeled process, while also demonstrating the robustness of AENet to noise.

Workshop on Compiling Scientific Articles and Processing Quantitative Data for Publication in Reputable Journals at the Indonesian Students Association in Thailand (PERMITHA)

The purpose of Community Service to improve the skills and knowledge of Indonesian students who are members of PERMITHA in compiling scientific articles and processing quantitative data, so that they can produce scientific works that are worthy of being published in reputable international journals such as Scopus. This activity was carried out on May 15, 2024 which was attended by around 20 participants held at SEA JUNCTION Bangkok Thailand. The results of the respondent data analysis found an increase in the understanding and motivation of training participants. Participant responses were dominated by positive responses to the quality of the Trainer, the quality of the training material, the quality of the facilities and accommodation provided in the training activities

Accurate and efficient AI-assisted paradigm for adding granularity to ERA5 precipitation reanalysis

Scientific inquiry has long relied on deterministic algorithms for systematic problem-solving and predictability. However, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized data analysis, allowing us to uncover complex patterns in large datasets. In this study, we combine these two approaches by using AI to improve the reconstruction of past precipitation events, which is crucial for understanding climate change. Our objective is to leverage AI to map large-scale atmospheric proxies from the ERA5 climate reanalysis and multi-satellite historical precipitation data from the NASA-IMERG GPM constellation to observed precipitation, enhancing the accuracy and the resolution of climate reanalysis. Accurate climate reanalyses are essential, as they provide the most realistic representations of past atmospheric conditions, serving as benchmarks against which climate models are validated. Our AI-enhanced method offers a more accurate and computationally efficient solution compared to deterministic high-resolution precipitation downscaling methods. Additionally, it shows the capability to generalize predictions to new, previously unobserved locations, making it applicable across various regions. By integrating AI with traditional reanalysis techniques, we open up new opportunities for climate science and geosciences, with the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of climate data, contributing to a better understanding of climate dynamics.

MECHANICAL MARVELS: INNOVATIONS IN ENGINEERING DURING THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE

The most impressive episode of technological and scientific progress is the Islamic Golden Age, which took place from the 8th to the 14th century. Particular attention is given to engineering. Therein, this paper will closely consider the works of such brilliant Muslim engineers as Al-Jazari and the Banu Musa brothers in their designing sophisticated mechanical devices that represented complex automata, advanced water clocks, and complex irrigation systems. Indeed, these inventions showed great knowledge in mechanics and hydraulics; detailed manuscripts recording them made their influence felt in the engineering practices of both Islam and Europe. Thus, it is this embedding of practical engineering solutions with scientific inquiry that enabled the era to further the development not only of mechanical devices, but also laid the bedrock for modern engineering principles. The paper threads through the historical contributions of engineers in the Golden Age of Islam and their legacy in terms of shaping the course of technology advancement and human knowledge.

Investigating Teachers’ Use of an AI-Enabled System and Their Perceptions of AI Integration in Science Classrooms: A Case Study

Recent research indicates the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing teachers’ instructional practices in areas such as lesson planning, personalized teacher intervention and feedback, and performance assessment. To fully realize the potential of AI in teaching, it is crucial to understand how teachers innovatively apply and critically evaluate AI applications in their teaching practices. However, there is a research gap in investigating how teachers use various features of an AI-enabled system and their perceptions of AI integration in teaching to promote teachers’ effective AI integration practices. Employing an exploratory case study design, we investigated how six science teachers utilized an AI-enabled inquiry intelligent tutoring system (Inq-ITS) within their teaching and examined their perceptions of AI integration. Classroom observations and teacher interview data were collected. When using Inq-ITS functionalities, two teachers with a pedagogical orientation of teacher-guided scientific inquiry mainly engaged with its virtual tutor and teacher report summary features. Conversely, four teachers, practicing the pedagogical orientation of AI-guided scientific inquiry, relied on the AI system to guide student learning, interacting intensively with its features, particularly real-time teacher alerts and teacher inquiry practice support. Regardless of the differences in using Inq-ITS features, all teachers recognized the potential benefits of pedagogical change and encountered various challenges. This analysis also revealed that teachers exhibited distinct perceptions regarding the role of Inq-ITS integration in their teaching. Teachers who adopted a teacher-guided pedagogical orientation perceived the Inq-ITS as a supporting tool that enhanced traditional teaching methods. In contrast, those with an AI-guided pedagogical orientation viewed the Inq-ITS as akin to a teaching assistant and a pedagogical collaborator. The findings underscored the importance of enhancing teachers’ realization of the pedagogical affordance of AI in teaching through their use of AI functionalities. It is essential to consider teachers’ diverse perceptions of AI integration when promoting their integration of AI into teaching practices.

Multidimensional strategies for sustainable management of cocoa by-products

IntroductionThe limited understanding of the potential applications of cocoa by-products, due to the scarcity of studies that integrate scientific research and patent analysis, hinders the proper use of these by-products and compromises their role in promoting sustainability in the food industry.MethodologyIn this study, a multidimensional review encompassing scientific and patentometric analyses of cocoa by-products was conducted. Databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline/PubMed) were utilized with search terms (Cocoa* OR Theobroma cacao AND by-product*) to identify scientific articles (144). Additionally, we explored earch databases [Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI)], employing a combination of earch terms and international classification codes (Cocoa* OR Theobroma cacao AND by-product* AND A23G), to identify the generated technologies (73).Results and discussionThe results revealed a significant concentration of scientific research in the agricultural and biological sciences (68%), focusing on the bioactive and biofunctional composition of the cocoa by-products. Additionally, interest in technological innovation related to these by-products was identified, as evidenced by the increased number of patent registrations after 2020. These findings suggest a significant potential for growth in this sector and provide valuable insights for future research and product development within the food industry.

Occupational epidemiological characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss and the impact of combined exposure to noise and dust on workers’ hearing—a retrospective study

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to investigate the occupational epidemiological characteristics of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers through a cross-sectional study and to explore the impact of combined noise and dust exposure on workers’ hearing loss through a longitudinal study.ResultsThis cross-sectional study revealed that the risk of speech-frequency hearing loss increases with age (OR = 1.096, 95%CI = 1.081–1.111). Independent factors influencing high-frequency hearing loss include sex, age, hazardous factors, industry category, and enterprise size. Scientific research and technical services (OR = 1.607, 95%CI = 1.111–2.324), wholesale and retail (OR = 2.144, 95%CI = 1.479–3.107), manufacturing (OR = 1.907, 95%CI = 1.429–2.545), and other industries (OR = 1.583, 95%CI = 1.002–2.502) are risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.297, 95%CI = 0.236–0.373) is a protective factor against high-frequency hearing loss. Independent factors influencing occupational noise-induced hearing loss include sex, working age, hazardous factors, industry category, smoking, and drinking, with the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss increasing with working age (OR = 1.045, 95%CI = 1.031–1.058). Noise and dust work (OR = 1.271, 95%CI = 1.011–1.597), other work (OR = 0.619, 95%CI = 0.479–0.800), manufacturing (OR = 2.085, 95%CI = 1.336–3.254), other industries (OR = 2.063, 95%CI = 1.060–4.012), occasional smokers (OR = 0.863, 95%CI = 0.652–1.142), regular smokers (OR = 1.216, 95% CI = 0.987–1.497), and excessive drinkers (OR = 2.171, 95%CI = 1.476–3.193) are risk factors for occupational noise-induced hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.496, 95%CI = 0.347–0.709) is a protective factor against occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The longitudinal study revealed differences in pure-tone hearing threshold test results at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, and 6,000 Hz in both ears before and after enrollment among noise-exposed workers (p < 0.05). Combined noise and dust exposure (OR = 4.660, 95%CI = 1.584–13.711), 1st year (OR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.128–2.103), 2nd year (OR = 1.994, 95%CI = 1.409–2.821), and 3rd year (OR = 1.628, 95%CI = 1.170–2.264) were risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss.DiscussionCombined noise and dust exposure is a risk factor for occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, occupational noise-induced hearing loss is influenced by gender, working age, enterprise industry category, smoking, and drinking. Employers should enhance occupational health management and improve workers’ occupational health literacy, with a particular focus on older male workers of long working age, and those with unhealthy habits. Combined exposure to noise and dust may have a synergistic effect on causing high-frequency hearing loss, and comprehensive protective measures should be implemented for workers exposed to both.