24762 research outputs found
Sort by
A comprehensive analysis of non-thermal ultrasonic-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from citrus peel waste through a one-factor-at-a-time approach
No full textFood waste presents a critical environmental and economic challenge across Europe. In the Mediterranean region, the agricultural industry generates considerable quantities of citrus fruits, leading to significant byproduct waste, which remains underutilized. To help address this, this study explored the valorization of orange peel waste using non-thermal ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and a one-factor-at-a-time experimental design to investigate the effects of nine chemical and physical UAE parameters. The goal was to identify ideal operational ranges for each parameter using several responses (bioactive compound recovery, antioxidant activity, and radical scavenging activity), thus elucidating the most influential UAE factors and their role in co-extracting various classes of natural compounds. The key findings revealed that the polarity and ionic potential of the extraction medium, tuned through ethanol:water or pH, significantly influenced both the chemical profile and bioactivity of the extracts. Notably, citric acid and citrates appeared to stabilize co-extracted compounds. Lower solid-to-liquid ratios increased yields, while particle sizes between 1400 and 710 µm enhanced phenolic recovery by approximately 150 mg/L GAE. In contrast, increases in pulse, probe diameter, immersion depth, and extraction time led to degradation of bioactive compounds, whereas the maximal amplitude improved phenolic acid recovery by up to 2-fold. Collectively, these insights provide a foundation for optimizing non-thermal UAE to valorize orange peel waste.peer-reviewe
Artificial intelligence and digital rights, opportunities and challenges
No full textThis study stems from a concern to understand the implementation, knowledge,
regulation and scope of artificial intelligence, in various countries. The investigation is
contextualized within a European project, Cost Action EU/CA19143 Global digital
rights network, leaded by the authors belonging to the Spanish team.
The European Law proposal (European Parliament and Commission, 2021) has been
under discussion previously. The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step
by establishing clear rules for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world’s first
Artificial Intelligence Regulation was agreed upon by the Council and the European
Parliament last December 2023 (European Commission, 2024). This law has two fundamental
objectives:
• Ensuring the safety and rights of citizens: The regulation aims to ensure that AI
systems used in the EU are secure and respect the fundamental rights of individuals.
• Promoting investment and innovation in AI in Europe: The regulation encourages
research and development in the field of AI within the European continent.
Some key aspects of this regulation include:
• Definition of AI systems: The definition proposed by the OECD is used to clearly
distinguish AI systems from other simpler software programs.
• Scope of application: The regulation does not apply to areas outside EU law or
affect the competencies of Member States in matters of national security. Additionally,
it does not apply to systems used exclusively for military or defense purposes, nor those
used for research and innovation.
• High-risk AI systems: AI systems presenting significant risks will be subject to
specific requirements and obligations to access the EU market. In cases of unacceptable
risks, their use will be prohibited. Examples include behavioral cognitive manipulation
and indiscriminate tracking of facial images obtained from the internet.
• Impact assessment on fundamental rights: Before introducing a new AI system to
the market, its impact on fundamental rights will be assessed.peer-reviewe
Innovative mortar applications for the retrofitting of modern heritage buildings
No full textThe conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings present critical challenges in balancing historical preservation with modern energy and structural requirements. This research presents a comparative study of five pilot interventions from the EU-funded SINCERE project, each employing innovative mortar technologies tailored to the climatic, structural, and regulatory contexts of heritage structures in Israel, Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, and Malta. The case studies include mock-ups at Demo Park in Madrid as a testbed, a brutalist-style university building in Holon, an industrial steel-framed building in Ostrava, a neoclassical Ottoman school in Rhodes, and an early 20th century coastal searchlight post in Malta. Across the sites, mortars incorporating hempcrete, textile reinforcement, and phase-change materials among other constituents are evaluated for their performance in thermal retrofitting, environmental resilience, and heritage compatibility. For the data on thermal performance, the network of sensors is applied. The Madrid pilot offers a controlled experimental setup through four full-scale mock-ups, allowing side-by-side performance comparison of different mortar formulations under real climatic conditions. In the Rhodes and Ostrava pilot pro, materials are integrated within conservation frameworks sensitive to national heritage regulations. Holon site tests the feasibility of retrofitting inhabited structures without altering their heritage value or disrupting daily use. The Malta pilot, situated in an aggressive marine environment, offers valuable insight into the performance of repair mortars on concrete surfaces, exposed to salt crystallization, and thermal renders on limestone masonry. This research highlights how advanced mortars can enhance energy efficiency and material resilience while maintaining architectural authenticity. The results are intended to underscore the importance of specific material design, passive energy strategies, and scalable monitoring tools in achieving sustainable heritage retrofitting, contributing to a toolkit for conservation.peer-reviewe
Implementing chapter 8 of Amoris laetitia throughout the world : a critical reading of episcopal pastoral guidelines
No full textThe authors critically analyze the numerous pastoral guidelines issued by several bishops’ conferences and individual bishops as a response to the publication of Pope Francis’s exhortation AL in 2016. While all bishops value AL as a significant and perceptive contribution to their local communities, they differ in the interpretation of the exhortation. The article focuses on their main areas of disagreement: first, from a methodological point of view, the role and function of pastoral care in church teachings for which AL has required a fundamental reorientation, where some bishops insist on placing doctrine systematically and structurally above the pastoral approach; second, from a moral theological perspective, the way in which some bishops override the weight of mitigating factors in the course of pastoral discernment by subordinating the conscience of the individual to the objectivity of moral law, contrary to the call of AL; third, with regard to sexual morality, the emphasis which certain bishops put on complete sexual abstinence, in contrast to the statement of AL that irregular situations can be accompanied in other ways. The article concludes by addressing the question of whether the bishops’ guidelines will lead to a positive reception in the local communities and to what extent the pastoral directives will help the church promote a better understanding of the faith.peer-reviewe
Cyber-creativity : a decalogue of research challenges
No full textCreativity is the primary driver of our cultural evolution. The astonishing potential of
artificial intelligence (AI) and its possible application in the creative process poses an
urgent and dramatic challenge for humanity; how can we maximize the benefits of AI
while minimizing the associated risks? In this article, we identify all forms of human–AI
collaboration in this realm as cyber-creativity. We introduce the following two forward-looking scenarios: a utopian vision for cyber-creativity, in which AI serves to enhance and
not replace human creativity, and a dystopian view associated with the pre-emption of
all human creative agency caused by the rise of AI. In our view, the scientific community
is called to bring its contribution, however small, to help humanity make steps towards
the utopian scenario, while avoiding the dystopian one. Here, we present a decalogue of
research challenges identified for this purpose, touching upon the following dimensions:
(1) the theoretical framework for cyber-creativity; (2) sociocultural perspectives; (3) the
cyber-creative process; (4) the creative agent; (5) the co-creative team; (6) cyber-creative
products; (7) cyber-creative domains; (8) cyber-creative education; (9) ethical aspects; and
(10) the dark side of cyber-creativity. For each dimension, a brief review of the state-of-the-art is provided, followed by the identification of a main research challenge, then specified
into a list of research questions. Whereas there is no claim that this decalogue of research
challenges represents an exhaustive classification, which would be an impossible objective,
it still should serve as a valid starting point for future (but urgent) research endeavors, with
the ambition to provide a significant contribution to the understanding, development, and
alignment of AI to human values the realm of creativity.peer-reviewe
Evaluating the competitiveness of Poland’s egg sector : trends and insights from 2019 to 2023
No full textPURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the competitiveness of the Polish egg sector in
2019-2023.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research used a descriptive analysis of statistical data,
the import-export coverage index (trade coverage), the revealed comparative advantage
index (RCA), Widodo matrix, correlation coefficient.FINDINGS: In 2019-2023, Poland had a comparative advantage in the export of table eggs on
the world market. Having a comparative advantage in export does not guarantee its
maintenance in the future. In the analysed period, in 2022, various statistical measures
(mean, standard error, median, standard deviation, variance, kurtosis, skewness, range, sum,
largest value, least value) characterizing the RCA for the European countries under review
were the highest. This may indicate that this indicator is very price sensitive. At that time,
there were increases in various egg prices in the EU, including export prices. The
transformation from cage to cage-free systems of laying hens in many countries requires
systematic multidisciplinary research.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the period under review, Poland's comparative advantage has
improved periodically. This was probably related, among other things, to the outbreak of the
war in Ukraine. In the long term, Poland may lose the comparative advantage. This may be
related to Ukraine's accession to the European Union and improving its access to the single
European market.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Analysis of changes in the competitiveness of foreign trade is of great
importance in the context of strategic decision-making by sector participants.peer-reviewe
Unravelling the link between financialisation and economic growth : evidence from Croatia
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between financialisation and economic growth in Croatia, focusing on the period from 1995 to 2021. Using time series econometric models, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test for stationarity, Johansen’s cointegration test for long-term relationships, and the Granger causality test within the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) framework, the research reveals a sustained long-term equilibrium relationship between financialisation and economic growth in Croatia. However, the Granger causality test does not indicate a definitive causal direction between these variables. While the study is limited to the Croatian context and the specified period, its findings have significant implications for policymakers in Croatia and similar emerging markets. These results suggest that while financialisation can enhance economic growth through better resource allocation and increased investment, it may also pose risks such as financial instability. Such measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with financialisation while promoting sustainable economic growth. To address these challenges, we recommend the implementation of robust regulatory frameworks, financial literacy initiatives, and economic diversification strategies. Such measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with financialisation while promoting sustainable economic growth. The study fills an important research gap on financialisation in emerging markets, particularly in Croatia, providing empirical evidence on the long-term relationship between financialisation and economic growth and highlighting the need for context-specific policy interventions.peer-reviewe
Analysing the effect of the introduction of the PCV10 into the National Immunisation Schedule on the number of pneumococcal infections
No full textBACKGROUND: Vaccinating children with the 10- valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV10) was introduced to the Maltese National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) in 2020. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the introduction of the PCV10 on the number of paediatric pneumococcal infections that needed hospitalisation.METHOD: A retrospective analysis of the cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae in paediatric patients admitted to Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) during the winter months of January to March during the years 2017, 2018 (prior to introduction of the PCV10 vaccination) and 2022, 2023 (following the introduction of the PCV10 vaccination) was performed. Both respiratory screens and invasive samples (e.g., CSF, blood) which tested positive for S. pneumoniae were included in this study.RESULTS: The mean percentage of cases of S. pneumoniae detected from the total number of admissions to MDH prior to the introduction of the PCV10 into the NIS was 64.8% (n=6, SD=27.0) as compared to 56.8% (n=6, SD=33.5) following the introduction of the PCV10 into the NIS.CONCLUSION: This audit has demonstrated that a statistically significant reduction has been achieved in the percentage of pneumococcal admissions among the paediatric population following the introduction of PCV10 into the Maltese NIS. The p value for the mean percentage of cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae detected from the total number of admissions to MDH was 0.03, while the p value for the total cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae was 0.049.peer-reviewe
Mitigation of reverse power flows in a distribution network by power-to-hydrogen plant
Get PDFThe increase in power generation facilities from nonprogrammable renewable sources is
posing several challenges for the management of electrical systems, due to phenomena
such as congestion and reverse power flows. In mitigating these phenomena, Power-to-Gas
plants can make an important contribution. In this paper, a linear optimisation study is
presented for the sizing of a Power-to-Hydrogen plant consisting of a PEM electrolyser, a
hydrogen storage system composed of multiple compressed hydrogen tanks, and a fuel
cell for the eventual reconversion of hydrogen to electricity. The plant was sized with the
objective of minimising reverse power flows in a medium-voltage distribution network
characterised by a high presence of photovoltaic systems, considering economic aspects
such as investment costs and the revenue obtainable from the sale of hydrogen and excess
energy generated by the photovoltaic systems. The study also assessed the impact that
the electrolysis plant has on the power grid in terms of power losses. The results obtained
showed that by installing a 737 kW electrolyser, the annual reverse power flows are reduced
by 81.61%, while also reducing losses in the transformer and feeders supplying the ring
network in question by 17.32% and 29.25%, respectively, on the day with the highest reverse
power flows.peer-reviewe
Engineering concept of the VNS - a beam-driven tokamak for component testing
Get PDFThe qualification of in-vessel components for a fusion power plant requires a test environment with a high flux of 14 MeV neutrons over a sufficiently large surface and volume. Performance testing and qualification of the complex design and technologies of fusion nuclear components is needed, in particular that of the tritium breeding blanket (BB). Testing in relevant conditions over a relevant time will also allow gaining the necessary confidence regarding the build-up and control of tritium inventories inside the BB, which will be an important radioactive source. An option of such a volumetric neutron source (VNS) is a beam-driven tokamak. A feasibility study of the main machine components and associated plant systems is described in this article.The machine has a major radius of 2.53 m, a single-null divertor configuration, and four tangential 120 keV beamlines that generate a fusion power of approximately 30 MW and provide current drive for a steady-state plasma scenario. The plasma is small with a minor radius of a = 0.55 m to maximize the neutron wall load, up to 0.5 MW/m², similar to what is targeted in ITER. Approximately 25 m² are available for blanket testing including 4 port plugs, which offer flexibility regarding the test module operating conditions and the implementation of instrumentation. Given the small plasma, much of the tokamak's volume is made up by the neutron shielding structures that are similarly sized as in ITER. To reduce the construction risk, ITER-like concepts were adopted for many components. In some cases, however, lessons learned from ITER led to the development of customized or innovative concepts. Due to the modest fusion power the plasma will burn <1 kg of tritium per year, which can be provided from external sources.peer-reviewe