For steel–concrete composite bridges, the cracking of concrete in the tensile zone influences the serviceability of bridges and decreases their durability. UHPC, as a high-tensile and -durability material, is used to replace a part of the concrete to enhance the tensile performance. Thus, the steel–normal concrete–UHPC composite slab, as a new composite structure, is formed. This paper investigates the flexural behaviours of steel–normal concrete–UHPC composite slabs through a full-scale experiment, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis. The research results indicate that (1) UHPC enhances the flexural performance of the tensile zone and delays the development of cracks. The initial cracking force of concrete increases from 44 kN to 91 kN. (2) UHPC effectively enhances the carrying capacity of composite slabs. A 50 mm UHPC layer makes the flexural bearing capacity of steel–concrete composite slabs increase by 13.51%. (3) The construction methods influence the initial cracking force of composite slabs. For full-span scaffolding construction, the initial cracking force decreases from 91 kN to 69 kN compared with construction without brackets. (4) The theoretical model considering the tensile contribution of cracking UHPC can accurately predict the bearing capacity of the composite slabs. And the theoretical values of the bearing capacity are lower than the experimental values, which makes the composite slabs safer in service. Full article

Inkjet printing technology offers a unique approach to producing direct-patterned pixels without fine metal masks for active matrix displays. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consisting of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters facilitate efficient light emission without heavy metals, such as platinum and iridium. Multi-resonance TADF molecules, characterized by their small full width at half maxima (FWHM), are highly suitable for the requirements of wide color-gamut displays. Herein, host-free TADF inks with a low concentration of 1 mg/mL were developed and inkjet-printed onto a seeding layer, concurrently serving as the hole-transporting layer. Attributed to the proof-of-concept of host-free inks printed on a mixed seeding layer, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 13.1% (improved by a factor of 21.8) was achieved in the inkjet-printed OLED, with a remarkably narrow FWHM of only 32 nm. Highly efficient energy transfer was facilitated by the effective dispersion of the sensitizer around the terminal emitters. Full article

Several studies have shown an inverse correlation between the likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disorder and cancer. We previously reported that the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), at the center of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology, are regulated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined the effect of Aβ or its fragments on the levels of ACh in A549 (p53 wild-type) and H1299 (p53-null) NSCLC cell media. ACh levels were reduced by cell treatment with Aβ 1–42, Aβ 1–40, Aβ 1–28, and Aβ 25–35. AChE and p53 activities increased upon A549 cell treatment with Aβ, while knockdown of p53 in A549 cells increased ACh levels, decreased AChE activity, and diminished the Aβ effects. Aβ increased the ratio of phospho/total p38 MAPK and decreased the activity of PKC. Inhibiting p38 MAPK reduced the activity of p53 in A549 cells and increased ACh levels in the media of both cell lines, while opposite effects were found upon inhibiting PKC. ACh decreased the activity of p53 in A549 cells, decreased p38 MAPK activity, increased PKC activity, and diminished the effect of Aβ on those activities. Moreover, the negative effect of Aβ on cell viability was diminished by cell co-treatment with ACh. Full article

Assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED allocate points based on prescribed interventions that promote design features or strategies considered to be more sustainable than others. A focus on accumulating numerical scores, however, often fails to address pertinent contextual issues, particularly within developing countries. This paper examines the use of four assessment systems in Kenya—two international systems, LEED-US and Green Star SA-Kenya; and two locally developed systems, Green Mark Kenya and the Safari Green Building Index. The paper compares the relative weighting of different categories under each system, and assesses their appropriateness to a Kenyan context, with reference to the suitability of active technology versus passive design approaches. The paper examines selected examples of ‘green’ buildings in Nairobi, reflecting on the influence of different methods of assessment on the adopted design approaches. The paper argues that international rating systems, such as LEED, often focus on a Western construct of sustainability featuring a systematic bias towards global rather than local perspectives, with an emphasis on physical environmental factors. In pursuit of objectivity, the measurement of non-contextual parameters untailored to local circumstances (e.g., energy performance) is prioritised at the expense of those contingent on local conditions or climate. Full article

Through the analysis of various typical cases, this study examines whether the establishment of an agro-product regional public brand (ARPB) can effectively boost the revenue of farmers and increase their share in the supply chain. The findings suggest that an early-stage ARPB can command a price premium for products, yet its overall contribution to farmers’ revenue remains limited due to scale constraints. The premium ability of an ARPB is influenced by product characteristics and sales strategies, underscoring the need to enhance control over terminal sales. Although the revenue of all operators in an ARPB supply chain shows an increase compared to that of a non-ARPB supply chain, the ratios of revenue allocated to farmers diminish. The Shapley value method was utilized to optimize the revenue-sharing in the supply chain, indicating a need to increase the share of revenue for farmers. This optimization necessitates the formation of a community of interests between farmers, processing enterprises, and sellers to facilitate the upstream movement of brand premiums. Furthermore, enhancing the government’s mediation and regulatory functions can provide farmers with more opportunities to partake in brand benefits. Full article

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of the most important and essential components within an organism. Extensive ongoing research is aimed at harnessing its potential in managing diverse diseases by supplying various forms of NAD in its oxidized state, NAD⁺. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most common environmental exposure factor, but also carries many risks. UVR affects the epidermis and contributes to sunburn, photo-allergy, DNA damage, and certain cancers, notably melanoma. Research has shown that NAD⁺ precursors, including nicotinamide riboside (NR), reduce melanogenesis in aged melanocytes. In this study, we used NR to determine whether melanin hyperpigmentation was suppressed after light stimulation. We found that melanogenesis was inhibited when B16F10 cells treated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone were exposed to specific doses of NR. Additionally, tyrosinase activity (a key step in melanin production) was suppressed. However, there was no difference in the expression level of melanogenic genes. Ultraviolet B light directly stimulated HaCaT cells, inducing the RNA expression of metalloproteinases. Treatment with NR suppressed the corresponding gene expression and reduced cytotoxicity. This study demonstrates the possibility of using NR as a new skin-whitening ingredient due to its inhibitory effect on hyperpigmentation and ability to maintain skin layers affected by UVR. Full article

Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their underutilization of healthcare services garnered attention. The present study explores the experiences of older Chinese cancer patients to improve culturally sensitive cancer care. A total of twenty interviews carried out in Cantonese and Mandarin were conducted with Chinese immigrants, aged 60 or above, diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 GI cancer. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated, and subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis. Among older Chinese immigrant patients, a phenomenon termed “Premature Acceptance: Normalizing Death and Dying” was observed. This involved four key themes: 1. acceptance and letting go, 2. family first, 3. self-sufficiency, and 4. barriers to supportive care. Participants displayed an early acceptance of their own mortality, prioritizing family prosperity over their own quality of life. Older Chinese patients normalize the reality of facing death amidst cancer. They adopt a pragmatic outlook, acknowledging life-saving treatments while willingly sacrificing their own support needs to ease family burdens. Efforts to enhance health literacy require culturally sensitive programs tailored to address language barriers and differing values among this population. A strengths-based approach emphasizing family support and practical aspects of care may help build resilience and improve symptom management, thereby enhancing their engagement with healthcare services. Full article

Detection and characterization of hidden defects, impurities, and damages in homogeneous materials like aluminum die casting materials, as well as composite materials like Fiber–Metal Laminates (FML), is still a challenge. This work discusses methods and challenges in data-driven modeling of automated damage and defect detectors using measured X-ray single- and multi-projection images. Three main issues are identified: Data and feature variance, data feature labeling (for supervised machine learning), and the missing ground truth. It will be shown that simulation of synthetic measuring data can deliver a ground truth dataset and accurate labeling for data-driven modeling, but it cannot be used directly to predict defects in manufacturing processes. Noise has a significant impact on the feature detection and will be discussed. Data-driven feature detectors are implemented with semantic pixel Convolutional Neural Networks. Experimental data are measured with different devices: A low-quality and low-cost (Low-Q) X-ray radiography, a typical industrial mid-quality X-ray radiography and Computed Tomography (CT) system, and a state-of-the-art high-quality μ-CT device. The goals of this work are the training of robust and generalized data-driven ML feature detectors with synthetic data only and the transition from CT to single-projection radiography imaging and analysis. Although, as the title implies, the primary task is pore characterization in aluminum high-pressure die-cast materials, but the methods and results are not limited to this use case. Full article

Scorpion venom peptides are generally classified into two main groups: the disulfide bridged peptides (DBPs), which usually target membrane-associated ion channels, and the non-disulfide bridged peptides (NDBPs), a smaller group with multifunctional properties. In the past decade, these peptides have gained interest because most of them display functions that include antimicrobial, anticancer, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Our current study focuses on the short (9–19 amino acids) antimicrobial linear scorpion peptides. Most of these peptides display a net positive charge of 1 or 2, an isoelectric point at pH 9–10, a broad range of hydrophobicity, and a Grand Average of Hydropathy (GRAVY) Value ranging between −0.05 and 1.7. These features allow these peptides to be attracted toward the negatively charged phospholipid head groups of the lipid membranes of target cells, a force driven by electrostatic interactions. This review outlines the antimicrobial potential of short-chained linear scorpion venom peptides. Additionally, short linear scorpion peptides are in general more attractive for large-scale synthesis from a manufacturing point of view. The structural and functional diversity of these peptides represents a good starting point for the development of new peptide-based therapeutics. Full article

Fish in aquatic ecosystems are often impacted by environmental stressors like temperature fluctuations and exposure to heavy metals. Chromium (Cr⁶⁺) is a known environmental pollutant that poses a threat to aquatic life. Various environmental factors, such as water temperature, have been found to affect the toxicity of dissolved chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. We investigated the toxicity of combinations of different concentrations of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) with high temperatures in fish. Hematological indices demonstrated changes in white blood cells (WBCs), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBCs), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the exposure. The qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of different tissues confirmed that higher concentrations of Cr⁶⁺ caused more significant damage than lower concentrations, with evident alterations observed in circulatory and regressive aspects. Furthermore, brain acetylcholinesterase levels decreased in both single heavy metal exposure and combined exposure at a high temperature. The activity of antioxidant oxidase and immunological parameters increased in all treatment groups compared with the control group following long-term exposure. A significant and increased effect of Cr⁶⁺ in the high-temperature groups was observed on the evaluated biomarkers, suggesting a possible synergistic effect between Cr⁶⁺ and increased temperature. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) reported the highest level of stress at 10 mg/L Cr⁶⁺ combined with high temperature. The IBR analysis revealed that the highest activity of response enzymes, such as acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferases (GST), was observed in the liver, whereas the gills displayed alkaline phosphatase (ALP), GST, and SOD activity, and the kidneys demonstrated SOD, ACP, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to be most active. Through histopathology, antioxidant enzymes, and metabolism- and immunity-related enzymes, we determined that high temperatures enhance the potential toxicity of Cr⁶⁺ in fish. We recommend conducting a thorough assessment of the impact of climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations, when studying the toxic effects of metal pollution, like chromium, in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

The magnetic shielding device, made of high-permeability soft magnetic material, is sensitive to external influences and requires a protective steel enclosure. A steel enclosure, being strongly ferrimagnetic, can alter the surrounding magnetic field distribution, thus impacting the shielding effectiveness. This study proposes a novel analytical approach to quantify this effect, which has not been previously researched. The method develops a simplified finite element simulation model based on the structural symmetry of the steel enclosure. By using this model, this study analyzes the impact of steel structures with varying heights, widths, and remanent magnetization values. The validity of the method is confirmed through experimental tests on steel buildings. The findings offer insights into the optimal placement of magnetic shielding systems and provide theoretical guidance for designing large-scale magnetic shielding devices. Full article

Calcium channels are specialized ion channels exhibiting selective permeability to calcium ions. Calcium channels, comprising voltage-dependent and ligand-gated types, are pivotal in neuronal function, with their dysregulation is implicated in various neurological disorders. This review delves into the significance of the CACNA genes, including CACNA1A, CACNA1B, CACNA1C, CACNA1D, CACNA1E, CACNA1G, and CACNA1H, in the pathogenesis of conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and cerebellar atrophy. Specifically, variants in CACNA1A have been linked to familial hemiplegic migraine and epileptic seizures, underscoring its importance in neurological disease etiology. Furthermore, different genetic variants of CACNA1B have been associated with migraine susceptibility, further highlighting the role of CACNA genes in migraine pathology. The complex relationship between CACNA gene variants and neurological phenotypes, including focal seizures and ataxia, presents a variety of clinical manifestations of impaired calcium channel function. The aim of this article was to explore the role of CACNA genes in various neurological disorders, elucidating their significance in conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, and cerebellar ataxias. Further exploration of CACNA gene variants and their interactions with molecular factors, such as microRNAs, holds promise for advancing our understanding of genetic neurological disorders. Full article

(1) Background: First aid administered during road accidents can save millions of lives. However, the knowledge and attitudes of the Jordanian population towards first aid are lacking. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to performing first aid among the Jordanian population during road accidents. (2) Methods: An online questionnaire was developed and distributed using various Jordanian social media platforms. The questionnaire collected the participants’ sociodemographic details and assessed their first aid knowledge, attitudes toward first aid, and barriers preventing the participants from performing first aid in emergencies. (3) Results: 732 participants participated in this study. The median knowledge score regarding first aid items was 9 (7–10) out of the maximum possible score of 15. The median first aid attitude score was 24 (22–27) out of a maximum possible score of 30. The most commonly reported barrier to performing first aid among the participants was “lack of first aid training” (76.78%), followed by “lack of knowledge about first aid” (75.81%) and “fear of performing first aid” (57.51%). The participants with lower income levels exhibited more negative attitudes towards first aid (4). Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced first aid training and awareness in Jordan. The participants’ first-aid knowledge overall was limited, although positive attitudes toward first-aid delivery were observed. The findings emphasize the need for regular and structured first-aid training courses, addressing barriers such as fear and misinformation and ensuring accessibility across all socioeconomic levels to improve preparedness for road traffic accidents and other emergencies. This comprehensive approach can better equip the Jordanian population to effectively manage emergencies and improve public health outcomes. Full article

To progress towards the “dual carbon” goal and reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells, this study conducts a full life cycle analysis of solid oxide fuel cells, in which the environmental impact caused by the operating devices’ manufacturing, fuel gas catalyst reforming, single-cell manufacturing, cell stack manufacturing, and energy consumption and emissions are systematically analysed. In this study, we establish an assessment model for solid oxide fuel cells by using the cut-off criterion. The results show that 96.5% of the global warming potential in the use of solid oxide fuel cells comes from the stack operating subsystem. The stack manufacturing subsystem, operating device manufacturing subsystem, and waste stack processing subsystem all contribute greatly to acidification, accounting for 32.89%, 44%, and 35.82% of the total acidification, respectively. These three subsystems also contribute significantly to eutrophication, contributing 23.11%, 22.03%, and 42.15%, respectively. Compared with traditional thermal power generation systems, solid oxide fuel cell power generation systems have slightly higher overall environmental benefits, and the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and acidification potential reach 6.22% and 18.52%, respectively. The research results have guiding significance and reference value for subsequent energy-saving and emission reduction design and improvement efforts for solid oxide fuel cells. Full article

Soybean meal (SBM) is a prevailing plant protein supplement in animal diets because of its nutritional value and availability. This review paper explores the significance of SBM and processed soy products, emphasizing their nutritional and bioactive components, such as isoflavones and soyasaponins. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with a reduced prevalence of chronic diseases. However, the presence of antinutritional compounds in SBM presents a significant challenge. The paper evaluates various processing methods, including ethanol/acid wash, enzyme treatment, and fermentation, which are aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of soy products. It highlights the significance to maintain a balance between nutritional enhancement and the preservation of beneficial bioactive compounds, emphasizing the importance of different processing techniques to fully exploit the health benefits of soy-based products. Therefore, this review illuminates the complex balance between nutritional improvement, bioactive compound preservation, and the overall health implications of soy products. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of a severe and highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild swine. The current ASFV pandemic strain has a high mortality rate, severely impacting pig production and, for countries suffering outbreaks, preventing the export of their pig products for international trade. Early detection and diagnosis of ASFV is necessary to control new outbreaks before the disease spreads rapidly. One of the rate-limiting steps to identify ASFV by next-generation sequencing platforms is library preparation. Here, we investigated the capability of the Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ VolTRAX platform for automated DNA library preparation with downstream sequencing on Nanopore sequencing platforms as a proof-of-concept study to rapidly identify the strain of ASFV. Within minutes, DNA libraries prepared using VolTRAX generated near-full genome sequences of ASFV. Thus, our data highlight the use of the VolTRAX as a platform for automated library preparation, coupled with sequencing on the MinION Mk1C for field sequencing or GridION within a laboratory setting. These results suggest a proof-of-concept study that VolTRAX is an effective tool for library preparation that can be used for the rapid and real-time detection of ASFV. Full article

The NR1H2 gene produces the Liver X Receptor Beta (LXRB) protein, which is crucial for brain cholesterol metabolism and neuronal development. However, its involvement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unexplored, aside from animal studies. This study is the first to explore the potential link between autism and rs2695121/rs17373080 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory regions of NR1H2, known for their association with neuropsychiatric functions. Additionally, we assessed levels of oxysterols (24-Hydroxycholesterol, 25-Hydroxycholesterol, 27-Hydroxycholesterol), crucial ligands of LXR, and lipid profiles. Our cohort comprised 107 children with ASD and 103 healthy children aged 2–18 years. Clinical assessment tools included the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autistic Behavior Checklist, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised. Genotyping for SNPs was conducted using PCR-RFLP. Lipid profiles were analyzed with Beckman Coulter kits, while oxysterol levels were determined through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Significantly higher total cholesterol (p = 0.003), LDL (p = 0.008), and triglyceride (p < 0.001) levels were observed in the ASD group. 27-Hydroxycholesterol levels were markedly lower in the ASD group (p ≤ 0.001). ROC analysis indicated the potential of 27-Hydroxycholesterol to discriminate ASD diagnosis. The SNP genotype and allele frequencies were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that disturbances in oxysterol metabolism, previously linked to neurodegeneration, may constitute a risk factor for ASD and contribute to its heterogeneous phenotype. Full article

This study presents a microstructural investigation of the printing parameters of an AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy produced by powder bed fusion (PBF) using laser beam melting (LB/M) technology. The investigation focused on the effects of laser power, exposure velocity, and hatching distance on the microhardness, porosity, and microstructure of the produced alloy. The microstructure was characterized in the plane of printing on a confocal microscope. The results showed that the printing parameters significantly affected the microstructure, whereas the energy density had a major effect. Decreasing the laser power and decreasing the hatching distance resulted in increased porosity and the increased participation of non-melted particles. A mathematical model was created to determine the porosity of a 3D-printed material based on three printing parameters. Microhardness was not affected by the printing parameters. The statistical model created based on the porosity investigation allowed for the illustration of the technological window and showed certain ranges of parameter values at which the porosity of the produced samples was at a possible low level. Full article

Shoulder pain represents the most frequently reported musculoskeletal disorder, often leading to significant functional impairment and pain, impacting quality of life. Home-based rehabilitation programs offer a more accessible and convenient solution for an effective shoulder disorder treatment, addressing logistical and financial constraints associated with traditional physiotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to report the monitoring devices currently proposed and tested for shoulder rehabilitation in home settings. The research question was formulated using the PICO approach, and the PRISMA guidelines were applied to ensure a transparent methodology for the systematic review process. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted, and the results were included from 2014 up to 2023. Three different tools (i.e., the Rob 2 version of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool, and the ROBINS-I tool) were used to assess the risk of bias. Fifteen studies were included as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results showed that wearable systems represent a promising solution as remote monitoring technologies, offering quantitative and clinically meaningful insights into the progress of individuals within a rehabilitation pathway. Recent trends indicate a growing use of low-cost, non-intrusive visual tracking devices, such as camera-based monitoring systems, within the domain of tele-rehabilitation. The integration of home-based monitoring devices alongside traditional rehabilitation methods is acquiring significant attention, offering broader access to high-quality care, and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with in-person therapy. Full article

Emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases can cause significant economic burdens at national and global levels. However, governments often underestimate or ignore these diseases, especially in developed countries. This retrospective, case-oriented study analyzed parasitic diseases reported in Taiwan between 2001 and 2018. One hundred and thirty-two eligible clinical profiles of Taiwanese patients obtained from the NCBI, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and local journals according to age, sex, source of infection, symptoms, risk factors, and geographical regions were analyzed. The analysis results showed that the number/frequency of cases caused by nematodes (46.97%) or protozoa (37.88%) was significantly higher than that of trematodes (9.85%) or cestodes (5.30%) (p < 0.0001). Northern Taiwan (46.97%) had a significantly higher rate than Southern Taiwan (33.33%), Central Taiwan (8.33%), and Eastern Taiwan (5.30%) (p < 0.05). The 15–65 age group (68.94%) had a significantly higher rate than the 65–90 age group (22.73%) and the 0–15 age group (8.33%) (p < 0.0001). Males (70.46%) had a significantly higher number/frequency of cases than females (29.54%) (p < 0.0001). People who acquired the infection through the food/soil route (32.58%) or who had a low immune status (32.58%) had a higher rate than travel-related infections (15.15%) (p < 0.001). The present study showed that emerging/reemerging parasitic infections continue to be of great concern to the lives and health of Taiwanese citizens and, if ignored, will threaten the health of the Taiwanese people; therefore, the delineation of preventive measures by health authorities is urgently warranted. Full article

Track fastener defect detection is an essential component in ensuring railway safety operations. Traditional manual inspection methods no longer meet the requirements of modern railways. The use of deep learning image processing techniques for classifying and recognizing abnormal fasteners is faster, more accurate, and more intelligent. With the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), conducting railway inspections using lightweight, low-power devices carried by UAVs has become a future trend. In this paper, we address the characteristics of track fastener detection tasks by improving the YOLOv4-tiny object detection model. We improved the model to output single-scale features and used the K-means++ algorithm to cluster the dataset, obtaining anchor boxes that were better suited to the dataset. Finally, we developed the FPGA platform and deployed the transformed model on this platform. The experimental results demonstrated that the improved model achieved an mAP of 95.1% and a speed of 295.9 FPS on the FPGA, surpassing the performance of existing object detection models. Moreover, the lightweight and low-powered FPGA platform meets the requirements for UAV deployment. Full article

The emergence of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) in the past decade has challenged our imagination to discover new, innovative and disruptive solutions to problems in domains ranging from finance and healthcare to supply chain and Smart Cities. However, the enormous energy consumption that has been observed in some of the most successful DLT applications raises the question of their long term sustainability. This article reviews the standardization efforts of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to provide guidelines to regulators and policy makers for making informed decisions on the applicability and sustainability of DLT architectures from the point of view of energy consumption. Full article