bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Research on the Impact Test of Light Steel Keel and Lightweight Concrete of Composite Wall
Authors: Yang Jianyu , Zou Jiaming , Yang Weijun
Published: March 2022

In order to study the impact resistance of light steel keel and lightweight concrete of composite walls (LSKLCW) under low-velocity impact, four composite wall specimens were designed to conduct dynamic simulation impact tests, and the failure mode, time-history curves of strain and displacement were analyzed and studied using test equipment and a loading system. The results show that the failure characteristics of the composite wall sample were elastic–plastic. Moreover, the vertical displacement and strain at the most unfavorable collision point were linearly related to the impingement height. Furthermore, the capacity of the composite wall (such as crack resistance, elastic–plastic deformation and energy dissipation) was affected by the concrete strength and the arrangement of the light steel netting. In addition, the impact resistance of the wall was significantly improved when the concrete strength was enhanced and the light steel netting was installed. Lastly, the test results were fitted and verified through the impact force calculation model of the composite wall, and then the accuracy of the test model was analyzed. The certain experimental basis and theoretical analysis basis for the impact resistance research of the composite wall can be provided by these research results.
sEMG Signals Characterization and Identification of Hand Movements by Machine Learning Considering Sex Differences
Authors: Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Xushu , He Dongdong , Wang Ruixue , Guo Yuan
Published: March 2022

Developing a robust machine-learning algorithm to detect hand motion is one of the most challenging aspects of prosthetic hands and exoskeleton design. Machine-learning methods that considered sex differences were used to identify and describe hand movement patterns in healthy individuals. To this purpose, surface Electromyographic (sEMG) signals have been acquired from muscles in the forearm and hand. The results of statistical analysis indicated that most of the same muscle pairs in the right hand (females and males) showed significant differences during the six hand movements. Time features were used an as input to machine-learning algorithms for the recognition of six gestures. Specifically, two types of hand-gesture recognition methods that considered sex differences(differentiating sex datasets and adding a sex label)were proposed and applied to the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms for comparison. In addition, a t-test statistical analysis approach and 5-fold cross validation were used as complements to verify whether considering sex differences could significantly improve classification performance. It was demonstrated that considering sex differences can significantly improve classification performance. The ANN algorithm with the addition of a sex label performed best in movement classification (98.4% accuracy). In the future, hand movement recognition algorithms considering sex differences could be applied to control systems for prosthetic hands or exoskeletons.
The Impact of Incorporated Nonwovens on the Surface Roughness of Sport Pitches
Authors: Stürmer-Stephan Bastian , Morhard Jörg , Griepentrog Hans W.
Published: March 2022

Sport pitches have to meet high requirements and are highly maintained. To reduce the costs, vertically incorporated biodegradable nonwoven should raise water from the drainage layer to the root zone. To incorporate the nonwoven in existing sport pitches, a device was developed. In the present study, the variation of the roughness after the incorporation of the nonwoven was evaluated. Different measurement methods for the roughness of sport pitches were evaluated. A low roughness is important for the players to avoid injuries to the athletes. A point laser, an ultrasonic sensor and a feeler wheel were tested for their suitability for measuring the surface roughness of turf sport pitches. The sensors were fixed to a measurement frame and pulled over the test plots before and after the incorporation. The feeler wheel showed the lowest standard deviation and a significant difference after incorporating the nonwoven. These results indicate that the feeler wheel is best suited to determine the effects of the incorporation device in relation to the surface. Comparing the results of the feeler wheel indicates that the developed device increases the roughness of the surface, but the effects are minor.
Oral Microbiome: Getting to Know and Befriend Neighbors, a Biological Approach
Authors: Bacali Cecilia , Vulturar Romana , Buduru Smaranda , Cozma Angela , Fodor Adriana , Chiș Adina , Lucaciu Ondine , Damian Laura , Moldovan Mirela Liliana
Published: March 2022

The oral microbiome, forming a biofilm that covers the oral structures, contains a high number of microorganisms. Biofilm formation starts from the salivary pellicle that allows bacterial adhesion–colonization–proliferation, co-aggregation and biofilm maturation in a complex microbial community. There is a constant bidirectional crosstalk between human host and its oral microbiome. The paper presents the fundamentals regarding the oral microbiome and its relationship to modulator factors, oral and systemic health. The modern studies of oral microorganisms and relationships with the host benefits are based on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Pharmaceuticals such as antimicrobials, prebiotics, probiotics, surface active or abrasive agents and plant-derived ingredients may influence the oral microbiome. Many studies found associations between oral dysbiosis and systemic disorders, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular, diabetes, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. We outline the general and individual factors influencing the host–microbial balance and the possibility to use the analysis of the oral microbiome in prevention, diagnosis and treatment in personalized medicine. Future therapies should take in account the restoration of the normal symbiotic relation with the oral microbiome.
Changes in the Serum Levels of Cytokines: IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 in Depression with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ogłodek Ewa
Published: March 2022

Background: Both depressive disorders (DD) and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are caused by immune system dysfunction. Affected individuals show increased proinflammatory cytokine concentration levels. Also, it has been hypothesized that DD and PTSD might be associated with a generalized proinflammatory cytokine signature. The study assessed the concentration of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 in depression alone and with PTSD. Methods: The study involved 460 participants. Out of them, 420 subjects comprised a study group and 40 subjects comprised a control group. Each study group consisted of 60 patients with mild depression (MD), moderate depression (MOD), severe depression (SeD), MD and PTSD (MD + PTSD), MOD and PTSD (MOD + PTSD), SeD and PTSD (SeD + PTSD), and with PTSD alone. All patients had serum concentration of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 measured with ELISA. Results: DD and PTSD are reflected in IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 concentration levels. It was reported that mean levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 increase as depression became more severe. A regular decrease in IL-10 concentration levels was noted with the onset and exacerbation of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings might be useful when considering chronic inflammation as a potential target or biomarker in depression and PTSD treatment.
Managing the Consequences of Oncological Major Surgery: A Short- and Medium-Term Skills Assessment Proposal for Patient and Caregiver through M.A.D.I.T. Methodology
Authors: Turchi Gian Piero , Fabbian Alessandro , Alfieri Rita , Da Roit Anna , Marano Salvatore , Mattara Genny , Pilati Pierluigi , Castoro Carlo , Bassi Davide , Dalla Riva Marta Silvia , Orrù Luisa , Pinto Eleonora
Published: March 2022

The effects of cancer surgery and treatment harm patients’ life and working ability: major causes of this can be intensified by the postoperative symptoms. This study, the first part of the HEAGIS project (Health and Employment after Gastrointestinal Surgery), proposes a method to assess patients and caregivers’ competences in dealing with postoperative course and the related needs to improve the adequate competences. In this observational study, an ad hoc structured interview was conducted with 47 patients and 15 caregivers between the third and fifteenth postoperative day. Oesophageal (38%), esophagogastric junction (13%), gastric (30%), colon (8%) and rectum (11%) cancer patients were considered. Computerized textual data analysis methodology was used to identify levels of competences. Text analysis highlighted three different levels (low, medium and high) of four specific types of patients and caregivers’ competences. In particular, the overall trend of the preview of future scenarios and use of resource competences was low. Less critical were situation evaluation and preview repercussion of own actions’ competences. Caregivers’ trends were similar. The Kruskal–Wallis test did not distinguish any differences in the level of competences related to the characteristics of the participants. Patients and caregivers are not accurate in planning the future after surgery, using personal beliefs rather than referring to physicians, and not recognizing adequate resources. The medium-low competences’ trend leads to unexpected critical situations, and patients could not deal with them in a maximally effective way. Both patients and caregivers should be taken over by healthcare professionals to improve patients’ competences and make the curative surgery effective in daily life.
Carbon Dioxide Reactivity of Brain Tissue Oxygenation after Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hanalioglu Damla , Oh Ann , Temkit M’Hamed , Adelson P. David , Appavu Brian
Published: March 2022

Background: We investigated how changes in partial pressure of brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) relate to end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) was used to investigate associations between EtCO2 and PbtO2, with positive associations indicating intact CO2 reactivity of PbtO2, and negative associations indicating impaired reactivity. Sub-analyses were performed to investigate associations of PbtO2 to intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral regional oximetry (rSO2). Results: Among 14 patients, a positive association between PbtO2 and EtCO2 was demonstrated (SRC 0.05, 95% CI [0.04, 0.06]), with 9 patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity and 5 patients demonstrating impaired reactivity. Patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity had positive associations between PbtO2 and ICP (0.22 [0.21, 0.23]), whereas patients with impaired reactivity had negative associations (−0.28 [−0.29, −0.28]). Patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity had negative associations between PbtO2 and rSO2 (−0.08 [−0.09, −0.08]), whereas patients with impaired reactivity had positive associations (−0.15 [0.14, 0.16]). Compared to patients with intact CO2 reactivity, those with impaired reactivity had increased ICP (p < 0.0000), lower PbtO2 (p < 0.0000) and higher PRx (p = 0.0134). Conclusion: After TBI, CO2 reactivity of PbtO2 can be heterogenous, necessitating further work investigating factors contributing toward impaired reactivity.
Periodic DFTB for Supported Clusters: Implementation and Application on Benzene Dimers Deposited on Graphene
Authors: Rapacioli Mathias , Tarrat Nathalie
Published: March 2022

The interest for properties of clusters deposited on surfaces has grown in recent years. In this framework, the Density Functional based Tight Binding (DFTB) method appears as a promising tool due to its ability to treat extended systems at the quantum level with a low computational cost. We report the implementation of periodic boundary conditions for DFTB within the deMonNano code with k-points formalism and corrections for intermolecular interactions. The quality of DFTB results is evaluated by comparison with dispersion-corrected DFT calculations. Optimized lattice properties for a graphene sheet and graphite bulk are in agreement with reference data. The deposition of both benzene monomer and dimers on graphene are investigated and the observed trends are similar at the DFT and DFTB levels. Moreover, interaction energies are of similar orders of magnitude for these two levels of calculation. This study has evidenced the high stability of a structure made of two benzene molecules deposited close to each other on the graphene sheet. This work demonstrates the ability of the new implementation to investigate surface-deposited molecular clusters properties.
DC Drive Adaptive Speed Controller Based on Hyperstability Theory
Authors: Glushchenko Anton , Lastochkin Konstantin , Petrov Vladislav
Published: March 2022

The scope of this research is to develop a hyperstable adaptive control system of a direct current (DC) drive speed for effective load torque attenuation. The proposed speed controller is based on the model reference adaptive control framework and integrated into the conventional DC drive cascade control system. Its main features are as follows: (1) the boundedness of the control action signal, as well as the armature current control loop non-stationarities, are taken into consideration with the help of the reference model hedging technique; (2) its inputs include only measurable signals, thus there is no need to use any kind of state estimators; (3) it attenuates the disturbances, which are matched with its control action signal, particularly, the inertia moment non-stationarity and load torque. The asymptotic hyperstability of the obtained DC drive control system is proven with the help of Lyapunov’s theorems and Popov’s criterion. The numerical experiments corroborate the obtained results. They include the demonstration of disadvantages of the conventional cascade control system under conditions of the drive parameters’ non-stationarity and advantages of the proposed solution for different disturbance types and amplitudes.
A Secure Blockchain Framework for Storing Historical Text: A Case Study of the Holy Hadith
Authors: Awad Khaled M. , ElNainay Mustafa , Abdeen Mohammad , Torki Marwan , Saif Omar , Nabil Emad
Published: March 2022

Historical texts are one of the main pillars for understanding current civilization and are used to reference different aspects. Hadiths are an example of one of the historical texts that should be securely preserved. Due to the expansion of the online resources, fabrications and alterations of fake Hadiths are easily feasible. Therefore, it has become more challenging to authenticate the online available Hadith contents and much harder to keep these authenticated results secure and unmanipulated. In this research, we are using the capabilities of the distributed blockchain technology to securely archive the Hadith and its level of authenticity in a blockchain. We selected a permissioned blockchain customized model in which the main entities approving the level of authenticity of the Hadith are well-established and specialized institutions in the main Islamic countries that can apply their own Hadith validation model. The proposed solution guarantees its integrity using the crowd wisdom represented in the selected nodes in the blockchain, which uses voting algorithms to decide the insertion of any new Hadiths into the database. This technique secures data integrity at any given time. If any organization’s credentials are compromised and used to update the data maliciously, 50% + 1 approval from the whole network nodes will be required. In case of any malicious or misguided information during the state of reaching consensus, the system will self-heal using practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (pBFT). We evaluated the proposed framework’s read/write performance and found it adequate for the operational requirements.
Transport Properties of the Two-Dimensional Hole Gas for H-Terminated Diamond with an Al2O3 Passivation Layer
Authors: Yu Cui , Zhou Chuangjie , Guo Jianchao , He Zezhao , Ma Mengyu , Wang Hongxing , Bu Aimin , Feng Zhihong
Published: March 2022

Diamonds are thought to be excellent candidates of next-generation semiconductor materials for high power and high frequency devices. A two-dimensional hole gas in a hydrogen-terminated diamond shows promising properties for microwave power devices. However, high sheet resistance and low carrier mobility are still limiting factors for the performance improvement of hydrogen-terminated diamond field effect transistors. In this work, the carrier scattering mechanisms of a two-dimensional hole gas in a hydrogen-terminated diamond are studied. Surface roughness scattering and ionic impurity scattering are found to be the dominant scattering sources. Impurity scattering enhancement was found for the samples after a high-temperature Al2O3 deposition process. This work gives some insight into the carrier transport of hydrogen-terminated diamonds and should be helpful for the development of diamond field effect transistors.
Experimental Study of the Thermophysical Properties of the Red Earth Composite Stabilized with Cement Containing Waste Glass Powder
Authors: Nasry Oumaima , Samaouali Abderrahim , El Idrissi Hanane Sghiouri , Bouhaddour Nora , Alaoui Adil Hafidi
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to measure the thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, volumetric thermal capacity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal effusivity) of red earth stabilized with cement and substituted with waste glass powder. Several samples (red earth) were stabilized with 6% and 12% cement and incorporated with different percentages of waste glass powder, which varied from 10% to 30%. The bulk density of the 12 samples was measured in the dry state and at room temperature. All samples were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal conductivity and specific heat of the composite materials were measured experimentally with a thermal conductivity device (CT meter) in the dry state and at ambient temperature. The experimental results showed a decrease in the thermophysical parameters of stabilized red earth containing 12% cement and substituted by 30% glass powder. The following results were obtained: 53.97% for thermal conductivity, 45.42% for volumetric specific heat, 15.66% for thermal diffusivity, and 49.88% for thermal effusivity. The bulk density of the red earth also decreased by 13.66% in the dry state at ambient temperature. Stabilization with 6% and 12% cement played an important role in the compactness of the material and, consequently, improved its thermophysical performance. The composition of this new ternary material significantly affected the thermophysical properties of the red earth.
Impact of Postoperative Chemotherapy in Patients with Gastric/Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma Treated with Perioperative Chemotherapy
Authors: Ballhausen Alexej , Bartels Prisca , Iacovella Ines , Hoegner Anica , Lorusso Alessandro , Bichev Dmitry , Daum Severin , Thuss-Patience Peter
Published: March 2022

Perioperative chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients undergoing curative resection for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, less than 50% of patients complete postoperative chemotherapy, and the added benefit to preoperative chemotherapy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS) in patients with perioperative chemotherapy to those who received preoperative chemotherapy only. In addition, a current literature overview is included. This multicenter, retrospective case series included 124 patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing potentially curative resection and receiving pre- or perioperative chemotherapy between 2006 and 2010. Histopathological, demographic, clinical, and survival data were used to identify the impact of perioperative vs. preoperative chemotherapy on DFS and OS. Patients with perioperative chemotherapy had significantly improved DFS and OS (median DFS 28.0 months; 95%CI 0–62.4 vs. 19.0 months; 95%CI 10.5–27.5; p = 0.008 and median OS 35.7 months; 95%CI 0–73.6 vs. 19.2 months; 95%CI 7.8–30.4; p = 0.002). However, in contrast to patients with tumor-free lymph nodes at the time of resection, patients with positive lymph node status did not significantly benefit from additional postoperative chemotherapy in subgroup analysis. Further studies are encouraged to investigate optimal adjuvant treatment strategies for primary chemotherapy-resistant patients.
Imaging Evaluation of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Painful Discs—Advances and Challenges in Quantitative MRI
Authors: Tamagawa Shota , Sakai Daisuke , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Sato Masato , Ishijima Muneaki , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: March 2022

In recent years, various quantitative and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have been developed and used in clinical practice for the diagnosis of patients with low back pain (LBP). Until now, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), a visual qualitative evaluation method, has been used to diagnose intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, this method has limitations in terms of reproducibility and inter-observer agreement. Moreover, T2WI observations do not directly relate with LBP. Therefore, new sequences such as T2 mapping, T1ρ mapping, and MR spectroscopy have been developed as alternative quantitative evaluation methods. These new quantitative MRIs can evaluate the anatomical and physiological changes of IVD degeneration in more detail than conventional T2WI. However, the values obtained from these quantitative MRIs still do not directly correlate with LBP, and there is a need for more widespread use of techniques that are more specific to clinical symptoms such as pain. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art methodologies and future challenges of quantitative MRI as an imaging diagnostic tool for IVD degeneration and painful discs.
Online Formative Assessment in Higher Education: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Sudakova Natalia E. , Savina Tatyana N. , Masalimova Alfiya R. , Mikhaylovsky Mikhail N. , Karandeeva Lyudmila G. , Zhdanov Sergei P.
Published: March 2022

Assessment is critical in postsecondary education, as it is at all levels. Assessments are classified into four types: diagnostic, summative, evaluative, and formative. Recent trends in assessment have migrated away from summative to formative evaluations. Formative evaluations help students develop expertise and concentrate their schedules, ease student anxiety, instill a feeling of ownership in students as they go, and confirm the module’s subject notion. Online formative assessment (OFA) emerged as a result of the convergence of formative and computer-assisted assessment research. Bibliometric analyses provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of a study topic across a particular time period. We used a PRISMA-compliant bibliometric method. The Scopus database was searched for BibTex-formatted publication data. In total, 898 studies were analyzed. According to the results, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education and Computers & Education are the most influential sources. RWTH Aachen University and Universitat Oberta De Catalunya are the most effective institutions. The red cluster includes terms associated with higher education and evaluation. The word “e-assessment, e-learning, assessment, moodle” appears in the green cluster. This group is quite influential yet has a low centrality. The highest percentage is 79.2 for “online assessment”. The subject is comprised of three components: “distance learning”, “accessibility”, and “assessment design”. The most important topics were “e-assessment”, “higher education”, and “online learning”. According to the country participation network, the USA and UK were the two main centers.
Majority and Minority Charge Carrier Traps in n-Type 4H-SiC Studied by Junction Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Capan Ivana , Brodar Tomislav
Published: March 2022

In this review, we provide an overview of the most common majority and minority charge carrier traps in n-type 4H-SiC materials. We focus on the results obtained by different applications of junction spectroscopy techniques. The basic principles behind the most common junction spectroscopy techniques are given. These techniques, namely, deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), Laplace DLTS (L-DLTS), and minority carrier transient spectroscopy (MCTS), have led to recent progress in identifying and better understanding the charge carrier traps in n-type 4H-SiC materials.
Correction: Lee et al. Optimal Operation Scheduling Considering Cycle Aging of Battery Energy Storage Systems on Stochastic Unit Commitments in Microgrids. Energies 2021, 14, 470
Authors: Lee Yong-Rae , Kim Hyung-Joon , Kim Mun-Kyeom
Published: March 2022

In the original publication [...]
Recycling of Plastic Waste, with Particular Emphasis on Thermal Methods—Review
Authors: Kijo-Kleczkowska Agnieszka , Gnatowski Adam
Published: March 2022

The civilization development requires improvement of technologies and satisfaction of people’s needs on the one side, but on the other one it is directly connected with the increasing production of waste. In this paper, the authors dealt with the second of these aspects, reviewing the recycling of plastic waste, which can be processed without changing its chemical structure (mechanical recycling), and with changing its chemical structure (chemical recycling, of which thermal recycling). Mechanical recycling involves shredding the waste in order to obtain recyclate or regranulate that meets specific quality requirements. Chemical recycling consists of the degradation of the material into low-molecular compounds, and it can take place in the processes of hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis by means of chemical solvents, and during thermal processes of hydrocracking, gasification, pyrolysis, combustion, enabling the recovery of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons foundings in application as a fuel in the energy and cement-lime industry and enabling the recovery of thermal energy contained in plastics. The paper focuses on thermal methods of plastics recycling that become more important due to legal regulations limiting the landfilling of waste. The authors also took up the properties of plastics and their production in European conditions.
A Distributed Ledger-Based Automated Marketplace for the Decentralized Trading of Renewable Energy in Smart Grids
Authors: Gajić Dušan B. , Petrović Veljko B. , Horvat Nebojša , Dragan Dinu , Stanisavljević Aleksandar , Katić Vladimir , Popović Jelena
Published: March 2022

We present a prototype of a decentralized power trading system based on the use of distributed ledger technology. This sort of efficient, decentralized marketplace is needed to empower prosumers and make them first-class members of a smart, decentralized power grid in order to drive further renewable energy adoption. Unlike the bulk of previous work in this field, we focus on private permissioned distributed ledgers rather than conventional blockchains. The proposed solution is entirely independent of cryptocurrency, with an explicit design capability of being adapted piecemeal without any fundamental changes to the present regulatory environment. To be economical, efficient, and scalable, our prototype is based on a lean, Corda-based private permissioned distributed ledger. It allows for instant, automatic bidding on and trading of ‘power promises’ and the robust implementation of short-term, small-scale liquid electrical power futures. We demonstrate that the prototype performs well and presents several clear advantages over existing solutions based on conventional blockchains. Therefore, the proposed approach represents a promising, robust solution to the smart grid decentralized power trading problem.
Wastewater Treatment and Biogas Production: Innovative Technologies, Research and Development Directions
Authors: Dębowski Marcin , Zieliński Marcin
Published: March 2022

The development of wastewater treatment methods and the processing of sewage sludge is associated with the search for new, efficient and technologically justified solutions, the use of which will be an alternative to the systems used thus far [...]
On-Chip Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Tsunoda Makoto
Published: March 2022

On-chip liquid chromatography (LC) refers to LC technology that is miniaturized to fit on a microchip to enable fast, high-throughput analysis, with small sample volumes and low reagent consumption. Four different on-chip LC approaches have been developed to date: use of open-tubular, packed-particle, monolithic, and pillar array columns. These methods have been applied to proteomics as well as the analysis of small molecules and drugs in various biological samples. Recent advances in on-chip LC are summarized herein.
A Review on the Synthesis and Current and Prospective Applications of Zirconium and Titanium Phosphates
Authors: Amghouz Zakariae , García José R. , Adawy Alaa
Published: March 2022

Metal phosphates represent an important group of materials with established industrial applications that are still attracting special scientific interest, owing to their outstanding physical and chemical properties. In this review, we account on the different synthetic routes and applications of zirconium and titanium phosphates, with a special focus on their application in the medicinal field. While zirconium phosphate has been extensively studied and explored with several reported industrial and medicinal applications, especially for drug delivery applications, titanium phosphates have not yet attracted the deserved attention regarding their established applications. However, titanium phosphates have been the focus of several structural studies with their different polymorphic forms, varied chemical structures, and morphologies. These variations introduce titanium phosphates as a strong candidate for technological and, particularly, biomedical applications.
Can Supplemented Skim Milk (SKM) Boost Your Gut Health?
Authors: de Carvalho Nelson Mota , Oliveira Diana Luazi , Costa Célia Maria , Pintado Manuela , Madureira Ana Raquel
Published: March 2022

The incorporation of functional ingredients, such as prebiotics and probiotics in food matrices, became a common practice in the human diet to improve the nutritional value of the food product itself. Worldwide, skim milk (SKM) is one of the most consumed food matrices, comprising all the essential nutrients desired for a balanced diet. Thus, the modulation of the human gut microbiota by SKM supplemented with different well-known functional ingredients was evaluated. Four well-studied prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and inulin, and one probiotic product, UL-250® (Saccharomyces boulardii) were added at 1% (w/v) to SKM and subjected to a gastrointestinal in vitro model. The impact of each combination on gut microbiota profile and their fermentation metabolites (i.e., short-chain fatty acids–SCFA) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The addition of FOS to SKM had promising results, showing prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium cluster IV. Moreover, the increment of SCFA levels and the decrease of total ammonia nitrogen were observed throughout colonic fermentation. Overall, these results demonstrate that the combination SKM + FOS was the most beneficial to the host’s health by positively modulating the gut microbiota.
Development of Desiccation-Tolerant Probiotic Biofilms Inhibitory for Growth of Foodborne Pathogens on Stainless Steel Surfaces
Authors: Kim Jong-Hui , Lee Eun-Seon , Song Kyoung-Ja , Kim Bu-Min , Ham Jun-Sang , Oh Mi-Hwa
Published: March 2022

Lactic acid bacteria biofilms can be used to reduce foodborne pathogen contamination in the food industry. However, studies on growth inhibition of foodborne pathogens by inducing biofilm formation of antagonistic microorganisms on abiotic surfaces are rare. We developed a desiccation-tolerant antimicrobial probiotic biofilm. Lactobacillus sakei M129-1 and Pediococcus pentosaceus M132-2 isolated from fermented Korean foods were found to exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. Their biofilm levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher on stainless steel than on polyethylene or ceramic. Biofilms of both isolates showed significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced resistance against desiccation (exposure to 43% atmospheric relative humidity) as compared with the isolates not in the biofilm form. The antimicrobial activity of the isolates was sustained in dried biofilms on stainless steel surface; the initial number of foodborne pathogens (average 7.0 log CFU/mL), inoculated on stainless steel chips containing L. sakei M129-1 or P. pentosaceus M132-2 biofilm decreased to less than 1.0 log CFU within 48 h. The lactic acid bacteria antibacterial biofilms developed in this study may be applied to desiccated environmental surfaces in food-related environments to improve microbiological food safety.
Innovative Process Coupling Short Steam Blanching with Vacuum Flash-Expansion Produces in One Single Stage High-Quality Purple Passion Fruit Smoothies
Authors: Arias Claudia , Rodríguez Pablo , Cortés Misael , Soto Iris , Quintero Julián , Vaillant Fabrice
Published: March 2022

Short steam blanching coupled with flash-vacuum expansion (FVE) and de-pulping was used to obtain purée from purple passion fruits discarded from the export chain. Different steam blanching holding times (80, 95, 110 s) were tested at pressure of 130 kPa. After FVE and vacuum de-pulping, fibers, anthocyanins, carotenoids, rheological properties, and microbial reduction were evaluated in the purées. Fruit purées are obtained with a much higher content of cell-wall and bioactive compounds compared to the fresh arils since part of the fruit shell is incorporated into the purée (approximately 20%), which greatly increases the yield of production. Purées exhibited increasing shear-thinning flow behavior with blanching holding time, resulting in a smoothie-like beverage. A reduction greater than 5 log10 CFU/mL was obtained for molds, yeasts, aerobic mesophilic, and coliforms for all the treatments. The shelf life of smoothies based on nutritional and sensorial quality was extended up to 90 days at refrigeration temperature.
Assessing Impacts of Additives on Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Produced from the Grilling of Meat
Authors: Liu Xingyun , Xing Wei , Xu Zhaoyang , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhou Hui , Cai Kezhou , Xu Baocai , Chen Conggui
Published: March 2022

Cooking fumes are an important source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and carbonyl compounds. The additive is wildly applied in grilling meat for flavor improvement. However, the effects of additives on cooking fumes emissions, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and carbonyl compounds, in meat grilling have not been studied. The impact of four additives, including white pepper, salt, garlic powder, and compound marinade, on the emission characteristics of cooking fumes from the grilling meat was investigated. The concentrations of VOCs and carbonyl compounds in the cooking fumes were analyzed by TD-GC/MS and HPLC, respectively. The PM emission characteristics (mass concentration and size distribution) were measured by DustTrak DRX aerosol monitor in real-time. Results showed that the application of white pepper, salt, garlic powder, and mixed spices could significantly reduce the total particles mass concentration (TPM) emissions during meat-grilling by 65.07%, 47.86%, 32.87%, and 56.01%, respectively. The mass concentration of PM during meat-grilling reached maximum values ranging from 350 to 390 s and gradually fell at the final stages of grilling. The total concentration of 22 representative VOCs emitted from the grilling was significantly increased in grilling meat marinated with compound additives. Aromatic hydrocarbons were the predominant VOCs species, followed by ketone compounds. During the grilling process, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and acetone were major carbonyl compounds. The low molecular weight carbonyl compounds (C1–C3) in cooking fumes were dominant carbonyl compounds.
Assessment of Pumpkin Seed Oil Adulteration Supported by Multivariate Analysis: Comparison of GC-MS, Colourimetry and NIR Spectroscopy Data
Authors: Balbino Sandra , Vincek Dragutin , Trtanj Iva , Egređija Dunja , Gajdoš-Kljusurić Jasenka , Kraljić Klara , Obranović Marko , Škevin Dubravka
Published: March 2022

Because of its high market value, pumpkin seed oil is occasionally adulterated by cheaper refined oils, usually sunflower oil. The standard method for detecting its authenticity is based on expensive and laborious determination of the sterol composition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the sterol content and authenticity of retail oils labelled as pumpkin seed oil and also to investigate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and colourimetry in detecting adulteration. The results show that due to the significant decrease in Δ7-sterols and increase in Δ5-sterols, 48% of the analysed oils can be declared as adulterated blends of pumpkin seed and sunflower oil. Significant differences in NIR spectroscopy data, in the range of 904–922 nm and 1675–1699 nm, and colourimetric data were found between the control pumpkin seed oil and sunflower oil, but only the NIR method had the potential to detect the authenticity of pumpkin seed oil, which was confirmed by principal component analysis. Orthogonal projection on latent structures (OPLS) discriminant analysis, resulted in working classification models that were able to discriminate pure and adulterated oil. OPLS models based on NIR spectra were also able to successfully predict the content of β-sitosterol and Δ7,22-stigmastadienol in the analysed oils.
Freeze-Thawing Treatment as a Simple Way to Tune the Gel Property and Digestibility of Minced Meat from Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkiix)
Authors: Ye Tao , Chen Xing , Zhu Yajun , Chen Zhina , Wang Yun , Lin Lin , Zheng Zhi , Lu Jianfeng
Published: March 2022

The effects of freezing methods, including rapid freezing (RF) or slow freezing (SF), combined with thawing methods, e.g., water immersing thawing (WT) or cold thawing (CT), on the meat yield, drip loss, gel properties, and digestive properties of meat detached from red swamp crayfish were investigated. RF greatly reduced the freezing time compared to SF, and the thawing time of frozen crayfish was obviously shortened by WT in comparison to CT. RF and CT improved the meat yield but increased the drip loss, probably as a result of the greater protein denaturation or degradation. A soft and flexible gel was obtained by SF-CT, while a hard one was achieved by RF-WT. An SEM analysis showed that SF resulted in rough and irregular microstructures with larger pore sizes. Freeze-thawing led to an increase in the β-sheet content at the expense of α-helix and variations in the microenvironment of tyrosine and tryptophan residues in protein molecules of the gels, which was more pronounced in the SF-CT group. Moreover, freeze-thawing could cause enhanced protein digestibility but reduce the antioxidant activity of gels. These findings underline the promise of the freezing-thawing treatment in tuning the gel-based meat products of crayfish.
On the Stability of Incommensurate h-Nabla Fractional-Order Difference Systems
Authors: Djenina Noureddine , Ouannas Adel , Oussaeif Taki-Eddine , Grassi Giuseppe , Batiha Iqbal M. , Momani Shaher , Albadarneh Ramzi B.
Published: March 2022

This work aims to present a study on the stability analysis of linear and nonlinear incommensurate h-nabla fractional-order difference systems. Several theoretical results are inferred with the help of using some theoretical schemes, such as the Z-transform method, Cauchy–Hadamard theorem, Taylor development approach, final-value theorem and Banach fixed point theorem. These results are verified numerically via two illustrative numerical examples that show the stabilities of the solutions of systems at hand.
Weyl Conformal Symmetry Model of the Dark Galactic Halo
Authors: Nesbet R. K.
Published: March 2022

The postulate of universal conformal (local Weyl scaling) symmetry modifies both general relativity and the Higgs scalar field model. The conformal Higgs model (CHM) generates an effective cosmological constant that fits the observed accelerating Hubble expansion for redshifts z≤1 (7.33 Gyr) accurately with only one free parameter. Growth of a galaxy is modeled by the central accumulation of matter from an enclosing empty spherical halo whose radius expands with depletion. Details of this process account for the nonclassical, radial centripetal acceleration observed at excessive orbital velocities in galactic haloes. There is no need for dark matter.
Radiometal-Labeled Chitosan Microspheres as Transarterial Radioembolization Agents against Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Hui-Wen , Lo Yi-Hsuan , Chang Deng-Yuan , Li Jia-Je , Chang Wen-Yi , Chen Chih-Hao , Chang Chih-Hsien , Chen Chuan-Lin , Wang Hsin-Ell , Liu Ren-Shyan , Wu Chun-Yi
Published: March 2022

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is an emerging treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study successfully developed radiometal-labeled chitosan microspheres (111In/177Lu-DTPA-CMS) with a diameter of 36.5 ± 5.3 μm for TARE. The radiochemical yields of 111In/177Lu-DTPA-CMS were greater than 90% with high radiochemical purities (>98%). Most of the 111In/177Lu-DTPA-CMS were retained in the hepatoma and liver at 1 h after intraarterial (i.a.) administration. Except for liver accumulation, radioactivity in each normal organ was less than 1% of the injected radioactivity (%IA) at 72 h after injection. At 10 days after injection of 177Lu-DTPA-CMS (18.6 ± 1.3 MBq), the size of the hepatoma was significantly reduced by around 81%, while that of the rats in the control group continued to grow. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of 177Lu-DTPA-CMS in the treatment of N1-S1 hepatoma. 111In/177Lu-DTPA-CMS have the potential to be a superior theranostic pair for the treatment of clinical hepatoma.
Palaeoecological Implications of Lower-Middle Triassic Stromatolites and Microbe-Metazoan Build-Ups in the Germanic Basin: Insights into the Aftermath of the Permian–Triassic Crisis
Authors: Pei Yu , Hagdorn Hans , Voigt Thomas , Duda Jan-Peter , Reitner Joachim
Published: March 2022

Following the end-Permian crisis, microbialites were ubiquitous worldwide. For instance, Triassic deposits in the Germanic Basin provide a rich record of stromatolites as well as of microbe-metazoan build-ups with nonspicular demosponges. Despite their palaeoecological significance, however, all of these microbialites have only rarely been studied. This study aims to fill this gap by examining and comparing microbialites from the Upper Buntsandstein (Olenekian, Lower Triassic) and the lower Middle Muschelkalk (Anisian, Middle Triassic) in Germany. By combining analytical petrography (optical microscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy) and geochemistry (δ13Ccarb, δ18Ocarb), we show that all the studied microbialites formed in slightly evaporitic environments. Olenekian deposits in the Jena area and Anisian strata at Werbach contain stromatolites. Anisian successions at Hardheim, in contrast, host microbe-metazoan build-ups. Thus, the key difference is the absence or presence of nonspicular demosponges in microbialites. It is plausible that microbes and nonspicular demosponges had a mutualistic relationship, and it is tempting to speculate that the investigated microbial-metazoan build-ups reflect an ancient evolutionary and ecological association. The widespread occurrence of microbialites (e.g., stromatolites/microbe-metazoan build-ups) after the catastrophe may have resulted from suppressed ecological competition and the presence of vacant ecological niches. The distribution of stromatolites and/or microbe-metazoan build-ups might have been controlled by subtle differences in salinity and water depth, the latter influencing hydrodynamic processes and nutrient supply down to the microscale. To obtain a more complete picture of the distribution of such build-ups in the earth’s history, more fossil records need to be (re)investigated. For the time being, environmental and taphonomic studies of modern nonspicular demosponges are urgently required.
Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pain Assessment and Management in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Sayaghi Khaled M. , Fadlalmola Hammad A. , Aljohani Wael A. , Alenezi Ali M. , Aljohani Dalal T. , Aljohani Thana A. , Alsaleh Sameer A. , Aljohani Khalid A. , Aljohani Mohammed S. , Alzahrani Naif S. , Alamri Ayman A. , Alhousah Amraa H. , Khan Mumtaz F.
Published: March 2022

Inadequate pain management affects the patient outcome. Pain assessment and management are fundamental in nursing care, and nurses must be equipped with adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward pain assessment and management. This study aims to evaluate nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pain assessment and management at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted from January to February 2020 with 660 registered nurses working in the Emergency Department, critical care units, inpatient and outpatient departments at King Fahad Hospital in Al-Medinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 660 nurses, 291 responded, resulting in a response rate of 44.09%. The participants’ scores ranged from 17.7% to 100%, with a mean score 45.29%. The majority of the participants (70.1%) had a poor level of knowledge and attitudes (score < 50%). Nurses working in the outpatient department scored significantly higher than the group working in the Emergency Department and inpatient wards. Deficient knowledge and negative attitudes were found and nurses continue to underassess and undertreat pain. Nursing school curricula and in-service continuous education must equip nurses with the required knowledge and attitudes to enable them to manage pain effectively.