Short Lifespan Research Articles

Vegetable Price Flow

Abstract: The volatility of vegetable prices poses significant challenges to consumers, producers, and policymakers alike. This research paper examines the price fluctuations of three commonly consumed vegetables: tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbages. Through an analysis of empirical data spanning a specified period, we investigate why tomatoes and cabbages exhibit higher price fluctuations compared to potatoes. Our findings suggest that the short life span and susceptibility to rotting inherent in tomatoes and cabbages contribute significantly to their price volatility. Additionally, the need for extra care in handling these vegetables further exacerbates their price instability. By comparing the magnitude and frequency of price fluctuations among the three vegetables, this study sheds light on the economic implications of such volatility. Ultimately, our research underscores the importance of understanding the factors driving price fluctuations in the vegetable market and suggests avenues for mitigating their impact on consumers, producers, and other stakeholders

Unraveling Paradoxical Effects of Large Current Density on Zn Deposition.

Aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBs) have been widely investigated owing to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and simple assembly. However, the actual behavior of Zn deposition under large current density is still a severe issue associated with obscure mechanism interpretation of ZBs under high loading. Here, differing from the conventional understanding that short circuit is induced by dendrite penetrating under large current density (10-100mA cm-2), the separator permeation effect is unraveled to illustrate the paradox between smooth deposition and short lifespan. Generally, a dense plating morphology is achieved under large current density because of intensive nuclei and boosted plane growth. Nevertheless, in the scenes applying separators, the multiplied local current density derived from narrow separator channels leads to rapid Zn2+ exhaustion, converting the Zn deposition mode from nucleation control to concentration control, which eventually results in separator permeation and short circuit. This effect is validated in other aqueous metal anodes (Cu, Sn, Fe) and receives similar results. Based on the understanding, a micro-pore (150µm) sponge foam is proposed as separators for large-current anodes to provide broader Zn2+ path and mitigate the separator permeation effect. This work provides unique perspectives on coordinating fast-charging ability and anode stability of ZBs.

Investigation of Cold Storage Possibilities in Mass Production of Adult Stages of Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae)

In this study, the effect of exposing the adult stages of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) to cold temperatures for varying lengths of time was examined. In the experiment, individuals that reached adultstage on the same day were kept in the dark for 5, 10, and 15 days at 7, 10, and 15°C. Adults kept at low temperatures were fed three times per week with eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and cotton wool soaked in honey water. Individuals of N. tenuis that survived storage were reared at 25°C under long-day conditions (16:8 L:D). The lowest adult survival rate after storage was 65.00% when held at 7°C for 15 days, while the highest survival rates were 94.00% and 98.00% when stored at 7 and 10°C, respectively, for 5 days. The most extended longevity in individuals reared following storage was 14.06 days at 7°C and 14.94 days at 10°C, respectively, while the shortest lifespan was 8.10 days in adults held at 15°C for 15 days. The average number of nymphs produced by adults kepted at 7°C for 15 days was 322.4, while the number produced by adults kept at 15°C for 15 days was 47.6. Except for the nymphs acquired from adults held at 15°C for 15 days, the number of nymphs obtained from adults stored at other dates and temperatures did not differ statistically from the control group. The study concludes that those who intend to mass-produce N. tenuis adults should store them at temperatures between 7 and 10°C for up to 10 days.

Mapping The Worldwide Knowledge of Jack Bean by A Bibliometric Approach

Indonesia's indigenous inhabitants acknowledge the local legume plant known as jack bean. The Jack bean has various advantages, including increased production, a shorter lifespan, upright stems mimicking shrubs, and improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Nonetheless, the jack bean plant is particularly vulnerable due to harmful compounds such as canavaline, choline, hydroziamine acid, trogonelin, and cyanide. A bibliometric study was performed to locate studies on jack beans. The data collection procedure includes executing an extensive search in Scopus-indexed journals using the keywords "Jack Bean." It could limit the search to the article abstract, title, keywords, and country. The articles included in this study were published between 2000 and 2023. The search yielded a total of 999 items. The data was obtained on September 10, 2023; any later alterations are not considered in this research. According to the published literature, over the last 23 years, many studies have been conducted to develop urease inhibition and antioxidants from jack beans. However, little research has been done into the functional benefits of jack bean bioactive components for enhancing bodily health, such as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticancer properties. This article contributes to helping researchers fill jack bean-related research gaps and apply technology to the industrialization process of jack beans in the functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Organizational Resilience: A Key Factor for Business Survival and Value Creation – A Secondary Publication

The lodging and restaurant services sector in the city of Pereira presents complex situations generated by the turbulence of the new business game. Companies that survive the new challenges and those recently established require strategies that allow them to extend their life expectancy. Therefore, the study aims to identify how to apply resilience and management disciplines in a tool that allows companies in the sector under study to sufficiently face situations of high complexity. Achieving this objective requires knowing the causes of the short life span of many companies, identifying how surviving companies articulate management disciplines with their strategic objectives, and analyzing the possibility of formulating an organizational model based on resilience as a value. The methodology applied was mixed. The sample was simply random; 23 companies were analyzed through structured interviews and participant observation. As the most significant results: the deficient application of management disciplines was identified as an important cause of company closures; the level of acceptance to implement the practice of resilience and management disciplines in companies; and the way to apply resilience and management disciplines in an instrument that builds value. It was concluded that an organizational model should be formulated where resilience and management disciplines are applied to face times of crisis.

Sustainable, super-stable thermochromic material by coupling hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a green thermochromic material in energy-saving buildings, anti-counterfeiting, and data security fields. However, the high lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of HPC, around 42 °C (higher than the human thermal comfort temperature), limits its thermochromic sensitivity, poor stability, and short lifespan. Herein, we developed a durable, high-performance cellulose-based thermochromic composite with a lower LCST and easy preparation capability by combining HPC with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In such thermochromic cellulose, CMC constructs a hydrophilic skeleton to enable uniform dispersion of HPC, and functions as a stronger competitor to attract the water molecules compared to HPC, both of which trigger high thermochromic sensitivity and low LCST (just 32.5 °C) of our CMC/HPC. In addition, CMC/HPC shows superior stability, such as 100-day working capability and 60-time recyclability. This advancement marks a significant step forward in creating sustainable, efficient thermochromic materials, offering new opportunities for energy conservation in the building.

Use of remote sensing and image processing for identification of wild orchids

A novel multi-technique approach has been applied for the identification and mapping of wild orchids using a combination of remote sensing and spectral image analysis. The five orchid species identified were the common spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia), heath spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis), heath fragrant-orchid (Gymnadenia borealis), and the dark-red helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens). Field studies have been done using a hand-held spectrometer operating in the 400–700 nm visible spectrum, photogrammetry using a digital camera as well as a multispectral image camera operating at the specific spectral bands of 450 nm (blue), 560 nm (green), 650 nm (red), 730 nm (red edge) and 840 nm (near-infrared) attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle Data analysis, using the hand-held spectrometer, followed by pattern recognition using principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis, have identified the key distinguishing wavelengths for identification of the 5 orchid types as 400, 410, 420 and 560 nm. The use of remote sensing, using the UAV-MSI, and application of a dedicated spectral index has enabled field identification of the orchids. Finally, object-based image analysis of field gathered photogrammetry imagery, has enabled use of shape, size, and color to identify and distinguish orchid species. The developed data analytic tool, using random forest classification, can be used to identify and characterize wild orchids across multiple sites within their short lifespan with an accuracy of 86%. Any longer-term study would provide invaluable information on the diversity and complexity of orchid habitat, population variation both intra- and inter-site location, as well as the impact of climate change.

A Study of Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness in People with Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a shorter lifespan and significantly higher prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases than healthy individuals. Thus, assessing the elements that contribute to their physical fitness is crucial. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the blood pressure and physical fitness of people with intellectual disabilities in South Korea, considering differences across sexes, age groups, physical attributes, and disability levels. It used data from 8502 individuals with intellectual disabilities aged 20-59 years who participated in a survey of a National Fitness Standard Center (NFSC) between 2018 and 2021. A series of t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, logistic regression, and the four-quartile method were used for data analyses. The results showed differences in physical fitness levels between men and women considering all aspects except for BMI (Body Mass Index), with men showing higher blood pressure levels. Lower grip strength, lower PEI (physical efficiency index) scores, and higher BMI were associated with increased blood pressure. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of disability tended to have lower levels of physical fitness, while higher physical fitness levels were associated with lower blood pressure. Therefore, low fitness levels and hypertension risk may be important health indicators for people with intellectual disabilities.

Developing the Common Marmoset as a Translational Geroscience Model to Study the Microbiome and Healthy Aging.

Emerging data support associations between the depletion of the healthy gut microbiome and aging-related physiological decline and disease. In humans, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used successfully to restore gut microbiome structure and function and to treat C. difficile infections, but its application to healthy aging has been scarcely investigated. The marmoset is an excellent model for evaluating microbiome-mediated changes with age and interventional treatments due to their relatively shorter lifespan and many social, behavioral, and physiological functions that mimic human aging. Prior work indicates that FMT is safe in marmosets and may successfully mediate gut microbiome function and host health. This narrative review (1) provides an overview of the rationale for FMT to support healthy aging using the marmoset as a translational geroscience model, (2) summarizes the prior use of FMT in marmosets, (3) outlines a protocol synthesized from prior literature for studying FMT in aging marmosets, and (4) describes limitations, knowledge gaps, and future research needs in this field.

Grainyhead-like 2 Deficiency and Kidney Cyst Growth in a Mouse Model.

The transcription factor Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) plays a crucial role in maintaining the epithelial barrier properties of the renal collecting duct and is essential for osmoregulation. We noticed a reduction in GRHL2 expression in cysts derived from the collecting ducts in kidneys affected by Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). However, the specific role of GRHL2 in cystic kidney disease remains unknown. The functional role of the transcription factor Grhl2 in the context of cystic kidney disease was examined through analysis of its expression pattern in patient samples with ADPKD and generating a transgenic cystic kidney disease (TCKD) mouse model by overexpressing the human proto-oncogene c-MYC in kidney collecting ducts. Next, TCKD mice bred with collecting duct-specific Grhl2 knockout mice (Grhl2KO). The resulting TCKD-Grhl2KO mice and their littermates were examined by various types of histological and biochemical assays and gene profiling analysis via RNA-seq. A comprehensive examination of kidney samples from patients with ADPKD revealed GRHL2 downregulation in collecting duct-derived cyst epithelia. Comparative analysis of TCKD and TCKD-Grhl2KO mice exhibited that the collecting duct-specific deletion of Grhl2 resulted in markedly aggravated cyst growth, worsened kidney dysfunction, and shortened life span. Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses indicated sequential downregulation of kidney epithelial cyst development regulators (Frem2, Muc1, Cdkn2c, Pkd2, and Tsc1) during cyst progression in kidneys of TCKD-Grhl2KO mice which included presumed direct Grhl2 target genes. These results suggest GRHL2 as a potential progression modifier, especially for cysts originating from collecting ducts.

Dual-functional Separators Regulating Ion Transport Enabled by 3D-Reinforced Polyimide Microspheres Protective Layer for Dendrite-Free and High-Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries.

High-energy-density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are confronted with crucial concerns of security and a short cycle lifespan caused by the uncontrollable formation of lithium (Li) dendrites. The poor thermal stability and heterogeneous Li deposition of conventional polyolefin separators often cause battery short circuiting and thermal runaway in LMBs. Herein, a novel dual-functional PE composite separator (PI-COOH/PE) coated by carboxyl polyimide (PI) microspheres is fabricated by an etching-acidification method. The three-dimensional (3D) high-temp PI microsphere with rich carboxyl groups on the surface improve the security of LMBs at extremely high temperatures and facilitate the formation of a stable and uniform SEI layer, which contributes to accelerating the Li+ transport and stabilizing the formation of the SEI layer. Consequently, the Li symmetric cell assembled with the (PI-COOH)/PE separator exhibits stable overpotential over 3000 h, and the corresponding Li//NCM811 full cells also show a high-level discharge capacity of 146.6 mAh g-1 at 5 C. Meanwhile, it also demonstrates outstanding cycling stability and thermal safety, which can survive continuously over 160 min at 140 °C (vs 21 min for PE). The above results indicate the (PI-COOH)/PE separator constructed by a low-cost and industrial-friendly strategy simultaneously addresses high-temperature stability and dendrite resistance.

Weak plasmonic photocatalysis in unsupported colloidal gold nanorods

Metal-semiconductor plasmonic nanosystems have the ability to extract photocarriers generated on colloidal gold nanoparticles efficiently through the Schottky junction. This process leads to effective visible light photocatalysis. However, due to the short lifespan of plasmon carriers, plasmonic loss occurs before extraction by the semiconductor and transfer to the adsorbent. We aim to investigate the direct transfer of plasmonic energy to adsorbed organic pollutants in visible light photocatalysis using unsupported colloidal gold nanorods (Au NRs). Our decision to use gold nanorods is based on their exceptional ability to harness a greater amount of visible light through their longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 765 nm and transverse surface plasmon resonance (TSPR) band at 521 nm. Additionally, we conducted experiments to evaluate the photocatalytic capabilities under specific wavelengths, such as blue (405 nm), green (532 nm), and red (660 nm) lasers, to gain a better understanding of the -d-sp interband transition and the role of surface plasmon in photocatalysis. Surprisingly, unsupported Au NRs showed only weak plasmonic photocatalysis under all these excitations. With the help of supporting characterization tools, we observed that without semiconductor support, the photoexcited carriers over Au nanorods are not well separated, resulting in reduced photocatalysis.

Mild oxidation regulating the surface of Mo2CTx MXene to enhance catalytic activity for low overpotential and long cycle life Li-CO2 batteries

The lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries hold promise for energy storage, given their capacity to capture and convert carbon dioxide (CO2). However, the practical application of Li-CO2 batteries continues to face substantial obstacles caused by sluggish CO2 reduction/evolution kinetics, resulting in high overpotential and short lifespan. This work presents the fabrication of a highly effective MoO2@Mo2C heterostructure hybrid catalyst using a CO2 oxidation strategy. This strategy integrated (in-situ) MoO2 onto the surface of two-dimensional (2D) Mo2C MXene, enhancing catalytic activity while preserving 2D electron/ion pathways. As a result, the MoO2@Mo2C, when used as a catalyst in Li-CO2 battery showcased a discharge capacity of 20790.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1. Notably, it achieved a long cycling life of 230 cycles at a cutoff capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 with a voltage gap as low as 1.85 V, which was significantly superior to that of a pristine Mo2CTx catalyst (3.61 V after twenty cycles). This work provides critical insights into the design of MXenes-based high-performance catalysts for advanced Li-CO2 batteries.

Commutation strategy for reduced output voltage ripple in alternative cascaded boost converter

SummaryWith the rapid penetration of low‐voltage direct current (DC) generators such as photovoltaic panels and storage energy systems, the need for processing energy has propitiated the optimization of power electronics converters. Conventional topologies of power electronics converters have well‐known limitations, mainly due to the parasitic elements and finite commutation times, which do not allow for obtaining a sufficient voltage gain. The literature review has demonstrated that cascade topologies are suited to overcome these limitations. However, to provide a low‐ripple output voltage, they require high values of capacitances. This paper presents an alternative boost converter developed by cascading two power cells. The conventional configuration is slightly modified, producing an alternative power cell. Even though the number of elements is increased, following the suggested commutation strategy, the derived converter can substantially reduce the output voltage ripple. Therefore, capacitors of small value can be employed, avoiding using electrolytic capacitors with shorter life spans than their film counterparts. Besides, given the cascaded connection, the converter possesses a quadratic‐type gain since two independent commanding signals are applied. The different states of commutation are analyzed in depth, allowing the selection of an adequate commutation strategy, which gives the advantage of canceling the output voltage ripple. The mathematical model of the converter is presented and then validated via a scale‐lab prototype. The simulation results evidence the good dynamic performance of the control‐loop design by means of the frequency response analysis.

Environmental performance analysis of textile envelope integrated flexible photovoltaic using life cycle assessment approach

The textile envelope integrated flexible photovoltaic (TE-FPV) system is an emerging technology to promote building sustainability due to its lightweight structure, textile recovery easily, and renewable energy production. We develop six novel TE-FPV prototypes to determine their advantages of environmental performance. Especially, the systems with the solar cells directly printed on the textile are designed to show the promising sustainability prospect. Their environmental performances are conducted by a cradle-to-cradle life cycle assessment, and the results are compared to traditional building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technologies. The life cycle inventories of some textiles and solar cells are the first time to be developed. Based on the inventories, life cycle impact assessment is implemented to figure out environmental impacts in various categories. Furthermore, uncertainty analyses and sensitivity analyses are performed to unmask the effects of parameters on the fluctuation of environmental indicators. The results present that most of TE-FPV systems perform more sustainable and more recyclable over the traditional BIPV systems. The organic solar cell is unfavorable for the TE-FPV systems due to its low power conversion efficiency and short lifespan. ETFE facade integrated perovskite solar cell systems can refund the investment of greenhouse gas emission even on the north orientation, showing vast prospective potential in environmental performances. This work contributes significantly required environmental quantifications to promote the advancement of TE-FPV systems.

Lamellar Nanoporous Metal/Intermetallic Compound Heterostructure Regulating Dendrite-Free Zinc Electrodeposition for Wide-Temperature Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are attractive post-lithium battery technologies for grid-scale energy storage because of their inherent safety, low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, their practical implementation in wide-temperature surroundings persistently confronts irregular zinc electrodeposits and parasitic side reactions on metal anode, which leads to poor rechargeability, low Coulombic efficiency and short lifespan. Here, this work reports lamellar nanoporous Cu/Al2Cu heterostructure electrode as a promising anode host material to regulate high-efficiency and dendrite-free zinc electrodeposition and stripping for wide-temperatures aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In this unique electrode, the interconnective Cu/Al2Cu heterostructure ligaments not only facilitate fast electron transfer but work as highly zincophilic sites for zinc nucleation and deposition by virtue of local galvanic couples while the interpenetrative lamellar channels serving as mass transport pathways. As a result, it exhibits exceptional zinc plating/stripping behaviors in aqueous hybrid electrolyte of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate at wide temperatures ranging from 25 to -30°C, with ultralow voltage polarizations at various current densities and ultralong lifespan of >4000 h. The outstanding electrochemical properties enlist full cell of zinc-ion batteries constructed with nanoporous Cu/Al2Cu and ZnxV2O5/C to maintain high capacity and excellent stability for >5000 cycles at 25 and -30°C.

Tailoring Li2CO3 configuration and orbital structure of CoS to improve catalytic activity and stability for Li‐CO2 batteries

AbstractThe sluggish reaction kinetics has greatly hampered the development of reversible Li‐CO2 batteries. Especially during charge, high charge voltage and possible side reactions during Li2CO3 decomposition require both high activity and strong durability of catalysts. Herein, a strategy of introducing rich sulfur vacancies is proposed, which tailors the configuration of Li2CO3 and the orbital structure of CoS to realize the dual enhancement. The calculation results show that charge redistribution by sulfur vacancies on the catalyst stretches the adsorbed Li2CO3 and consequently facilitates its decomposition. Moreover, the induced vacancies lower the S 2p band center, promoting the electrochemical stability of sulfides. Therefore, Li‐CO2 batteries with sulfur vacancy‐rich CoS exhibit a low overpotential of 1.07 V after 400 h cycling, while batteries with pristine CoS have a short lifespan that the overpotential exceeds 1.75 V after cycling for 200 h. This study not only proposes a strategy to improve both catalytic activity and stability but also paves new avenues for designing advanced catalysts for Li‐CO2 batteries and beyond.image

Genetic predisposition, modifiable lifestyles, and their joint effects on human lifespan: evidence from multiple cohort studies

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations across genetic and lifestyle factors with lifespan.DesignA longitudinal cohort study.SettingUK Biobank.Participants353 742 adults of European ancestry, who were recruited from 2006 to 2010 and were followed...

Usage factors influencing e-scooter energy consumption: An empirical investigation

Shared e-scooters are considered a sustainable urban travel solution, yet their environmental impact is notable, primarily due to a short lifespan and the use of Li-ion batteries. The objective of this paper is to explore the possible factors with an influence on e-scooter energy consumption. These influential factors include trip and rider attributes, built environment characteristics, road geometry, surface materials, light and meteorological conditions. This study empirically investigates factors influencing e-scooter battery energy consumption, utilizing real usage data from GPS-equipped free-floating e-scooters in four European cities at the individual trip level. GPS positions allowed for the specification of local road characteristics and ambient conditions. For this purpose Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Open Street Maps and the Meteostat application were used. Energy consumption was explained with the use of linear regression models as a function of those parameters, while controlling user experience and battery usage intensity. An extensive dataset covering over 150,000 trips in Bordeaux, Hamburg, Malaga, and Paris and two months of observations was used to estimate the models. Results indicate that, while travel distance is the most influential factor, other usage aspects play a role. Cold weather, rain, wind, as well as stone-paved streets increase energy consumption. In addition there seems to be a battery age threshold beyond which energy consumption rises.

UAV-based solution for extending the lifetime of IoT devices: efficiency, design and sustainability

Internet of Things technology is named as a key ingredient in the evolution towards digitization of many applications and services. A deployment based on battery-powered remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices enables easy installation and operation, yet the autonomy of these devices poses a crucial challenge. A too short lifespan is undesirable from a functional, economical, and ecological point of view. This paper presents a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based approach to recharge remote Internet of Things (IoT) nodes. An in-depth study of the charging efficiency and optimization of key parameters, and measurements-based verification, is reported on. An actual corresponding design and implementation of the full UAV-based charging system and its proof-of-concept validation are presented. Finally, the sustainability of the proposed solution is discussed. The results presented in this paper hence confirm that the proposed UAV-based approach and design are functionally successful and efficient charging can be achieved, provided the constraints and challenges coming with the approach are adequately dealt with. Moreover, it comes with an overall reduction in ecological footprint for IoT applications relying on battery-powered nodes in need of medium energy and/or considerable lifetime expectation (5 years or more).