bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into Concrete Forming, Reinforcing, and Pouring in Building Construction
Authors: Tierney Liam , Safiuddin Md.
Published: August 2022

The goal of this paper is to yield insights into the forming, reinforcing, and pouring of concrete buildings, focusing on design, functionality, failure, and safety aspects. The concrete construction process has different moving parts along the form–pour–strip cycle, and the authors aimed to analyze the information pertaining to formwork and rebar design, reasons for failures of formwork and hardening concrete, various hazards on jobsites, and safe work practices. The intent of this study was to seek and analyze the experiences of industry professionals on the above-stated aspects. In total, five well-experienced industry professionals working in concrete forming, reinforcing, and pouring were interviewed. Through comparative analysis of the interview results, the authors were able to gather valuable data related to designs of formwork system and rebars, field practices, jobsite hazards, and safety requirements. Interview results revealed that functionality and applied loads are the determining factors in any design considerations when it comes to formwork system and rebars for concrete buildings. Another finding was that a construction project does not wait for a concrete element to reach its full compressive strength at 28 days before proceeding with the work since the element can hold most construction loads after 3 or 4 days. In addition, the failures which occur in concrete buildings are a result of formwork breakdown, defective formwork layout, and concrete damage due to corroded rebars and inadequate curing procedure. Lastly, interview results revealed that the single leading hazard during concrete works is working at heights which can be minimized using fall arrest systems or engineered guardrails for improved safety.
Production of Propanediols through In Situ Glycerol Hydrogenolysis via Aqueous Phase Reforming: A Review
Authors: Md Radzi Mohamad Razlan , Manogaran M. Devendran , Yusoff Mohd Hizami Mohd , Zulqarnain  , Anuar Mohd Razealy , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Rahman Mohd Fikri Ab
Published: August 2022

Production of 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol are identified as methods to reduce glycerol oversupply. Hence, glycerol hydrogenolysis is identified as a thermochemical conversion substitute; however, it requires an expensive, high-pressure pure hydrogen supply. Studies have been performed on other potential thermochemical conversion processes whereby aqueous phase reforming has been identified as an excellent substitute for the conversion process due to its low temperature requirement and high H2 yields, factors which permit the process of in-situ glycerol hydrogenolysis which requires no external H2 supply. Hence, this manuscript emphasizes delving into the possibilities of this concept to produce 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol without “breaking the bank” with expenses. Various heterogenous catalysts of aqueous phase reforming (APR) and glycerol hydrogenolysis were identified, whereby the combination of a noble metal, support, and dopant with a good amount of Brønsted acid sites are identified as the key factors to ensure a high yield of 1,3-propanediol. However, for 1,2-propanediol, a Cu-based catalyst with decent basic support is observed to be the key for good yield and selectivity of product. The findings have shown that it is possible to produce high yields of both 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol via aqueous phase reforming, specifically 1,2-propanediol, for which some of the findings achieve better selectivity compared to direct glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol. This is not the case for 1,3-propanediol, for which further studies need to be conducted to evaluate its feasibility.
Honey Discrimination Using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bunaciu Andrei A. , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: August 2022

Infrared spectroscopy is a widely used method of analysis to monitor various characteristics in the honey products analysis, to highlight these changes and to detect fraudulent modifications. In this way honey products could not be avoided. This article reviews some of the most important applications of these spectroscopic procedures in order to discriminate different types of honey and other products published between 2015–2022.
Effects of Thermal Oxidation on Sensing Properties of Porous Silicon
Authors: Baran Nikola , Renka Sanja , Raić Matea , Ristić Davor , Ivanda Mile
Published: August 2022

We report the effects of thermal oxidation on the sensing properties of porous silicon. Porous silicon substrates were prepared by electrochemical etching and thermally oxidized at different temperatures. A comparative EDS analysis shows that porous surfaces oxidized at higher temperatures have higher oxygen-to-silicon ratios. Our results indicate that the chemoresistive response due to the presence of isopropanol vapors at room temperature also increases with an increasing oxidation temperature. The presence of oxygen atoms in the PS layer could both protect the sensor from further atmospheric oxidation and increase its sensitivity.
Ultra Short Course Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Children
Authors: Schiavello Elisabetta , Spreafico Filippo , Barretta Francesco , Meraviglia Giulia , Biassoni Veronica , Terenziani Monica , Boschetti Luna , Gattuso Giovanna , Chiaravalli Stefano , Bergamaschi Luca , Puma Nadia , Sironi Giovanna , Nigro Olga , Podda Marta , Meazza Cristina , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea , Luksch Roberto , Massimino Maura
Published: August 2022

Early-stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (ES-NHL) are associated with high survival rates. To minimize the risk of long-term sequelae, the duration and intensity of chemotherapy have been progressively reduced. Between 1988 and 2018, children with ES-NHL were treated at a single institute with two subsequent protocols. Protocol I consisted of a 7-week induction phase followed by a maintenance phase alternating 6-mercaptopurine plus MTX, a brief reinduction, and thioguanine plus cytosine arabinoside, for a total duration of 8 months. The subsequent protocol II (applied since 1997) was modified adding etoposide plus a further dose of HD-MTX and omitting maintenance in all histological subtypes except T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL), for a total duration of 9 weeks. Intrathecal prophylaxis was not provided in either protocol. With a median follow-up of 98.4 months, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates in protocol I (n = 21) and II (n = 25) were 76.2% and 96%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 90.5% and 96%, respectively. None of the patients experienced disease progression or relapse within the central nervous system (CNS). Acute toxicity was manageable in both protocols, except for a case of presumed acute cardiotoxic death; no chronic sequelae were evident. Low-intensity chemotherapy for 9 weeks without intrathecal prophylaxis was sufficient for curing children with ES-NHL, without jeopardizing the excellent survival rate of this disease.
Effectiveness of Indirect and Direct Laryngoscopes in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hoshijima Hiroshi , Mihara Takahiro , Kokubu Shinichi , Takeda Sakura , Shiga Toshiya , Mizuta Kentaro
Published: August 2022

This research aimed to produce a coherent ranking of the effectiveness of intubation devices in pediatric patients using network meta-analysis (NMA). We searched the electric databases for prospective randomized studies that compared different tracheal intubation devices in pediatric patients. The primary outcome was intubation failure at the first attempt. Secondary outcomes were glottic visualization and intubation time. The statistical analysis performed used DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted, and network plots and network league tables were produced. Subgroup analysis was performed after excluding rigid-fiberscope-type indirect laryngoscopes. Thirty-four trials comparing 13 devices were included. Most laryngoscopes had the same intubation failure rate as the Macintosh reference device. Only the Truview PCD™ had a significantly higher intubation failure rate than the Macintosh (odds ratio 4.78, 95% confidence interval 1.11–20.6) The highest-ranking laryngoscope was the Airtaq™ (P score, 0.90), and the AirwayScope™, McGrath™, and Truview EVO2™ ranked higher than the Macintosh. The Bullard™ had the lowest ranking (P score, 0.08). All laryngoscopes had the same level of glottic visualization as the Macintosh and only the C-MAC™ had a significantly shorter intubation time. Intubation time was significantly longer when using the GlideScope™, Storz DCI™, Truview PCD™, or Bullard™ compared with the Macintosh. P score and ranking of devices in the subgroup analyses were similar to those in the main analysis. We applied NMA to create a consistent ranking of the effectiveness of intubation devices in pediatric patients. The findings of NMA suggest that there is presently no laryngoscope superior to the Macintosh laryngoscope in terms of tracheal intubation failure rate and glottic visualization in pediatric patients.
A Health Equity Implementation Approach to Child Health Literacy Interventions
Authors: Naccarella Lucio , Guo Shuaijun
Published: August 2022

Health and behavioural inequalities exist in all populations, including children. As a social determinant of health, health literacy is a crucial driver of equitable health outcomes in children. With the increasing calls for more actions on addressing low health literacy and inequalities, health literacy interventions to improve children’s healthy behaviours have emerged as a key strategy to reduce health inequities. However, health literacy interventions face implementation challenges impacting upon potential outcomes, and disparities in the implementation of health literacy interventions also occur. Variation exists in child health literacy intervention target groups, timing, content and formats, and there is a lack of implementation specificity, resulting in a lack of clarity about which intervention strategies are the most effective in improving health literacy, related health behaviours, and associated health outcomes. While actions to facilitate child health intervention implementation exist, to minimise further perpetuation of child health inequities, this perspective calls for a health equity implementation approach to child health literacy interventions.
Effect of Breed on the Fatty Acid Composition of Milk from Dairy Cows Milked Once and Twice a Day in Different Stages of Lactation
Authors: Sanjayaranj Inthujaa , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , Blair Hugh T. , Janssen Patrick W. M. , Holroyd Stephen E. , MacGibbon Alastair K. H.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed on the overall composition and fatty acid composition of milk from cows milked once a day (OAD) and twice a day (TAD) in different stages of lactation. Milk samples were taken from 39 Holstein-Friesian (F), 27 Jersey (J), and 34 Holstein-Friesian × Jersey (F × J) crossbred cows from a OAD milking herd and 104 F and 83 F × J cows from a TAD milking herd in early (49 ± 15 days in milk), mid (129 ± 12 days in milk), and late (229 ± 13 days in milk) lactation. Calibration equations to predict the concentrations of individual fatty acids were developed using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. There was a significant interaction between breed within the milking frequency and stage of lactation for the production traits and composition traits. Holstein-Friesian cows milked OAD produced milk with lower concentrations of C18:0 in early and mid lactations compared to F × J and J cows. Holstein-Friesian cows milked TAD produced lower concentrations of C18:0 in early lactation and lower concentrations of C16:0 and C18:0 in late lactation compared to F × J. Lower concentrations of these fatty acids would reduce the hardness of the butter when the milk is processed. In the OAD milking herd, F cows were superior for daily milk yield compared to J cows, but Jersey cows produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentages of fat and a higher concentration of C18:0 fatty acid. The relative concentrations of C18:0 and C18 cis-9 in F and J cows milked OAD imply there is no breed effect on the activity of delta-9-desaturase, whereas stages of lactation likely have an effect. These results can be used to assist with selecting breeds and cows that are suitable for either OAD or TAD milking, allowing closer alignment with milk processing needs.
Student Dataset from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico to Predict Dropout in Higher Education
Authors: Alvarado-Uribe Joanna , Mejía-Almada Paola , Masetto Herrera Ana Luisa , Molontay Roland , Hilliger Isabel , Hegde Vinayak , Montemayor Gallegos José Enrique , Ramírez Díaz Renato Armando , Ceballos Hector G.
Published: August 2022

High dropout rates and delayed completion in higher education are associated with considerable personal and social costs. In Latin America, 50% of students drop out, and only 50% of the remaining ones graduate on time. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify students at risk and understand the main factors of dropping out. Together with the emergence of efficient computational methods, the rich data accumulated in educational administrative systems have opened novel approaches to promote student persistence. In order to support research related to preventing student dropout, a dataset has been gathered and curated from Tecnologico de Monterrey students, consisting of 50 variables and 143,326 records. The dataset contains non-identifiable information of 121,584 High School and Undergraduate students belonging to the seven admission cohorts from August–December 2014 to 2020, covering two educational models. The variables included in this dataset consider factors mentioned in the literature, such as sociodemographic and academic information related to the student, as well as institution-specific variables, such as student life. This dataset provides researchers with the opportunity to test different types of models for dropout prediction, so as to inform timely interventions to support at-risk students.
Physics Teachers’ Perceptions about Their Judgments within Differentiated Learning Environments: A Case for the Implementation of Technology
Authors: Santoso Purwoko Haryadi , Istiyono Edi , Haryanto
Published: August 2022

There is a national shift in the new Indonesian curriculum towards employing differentiated learning approaches in addressing the diversity of students’ needs and abilities. A teachers’ judgment evidently corresponds to the duty required of physics teachers to monitor their students at an individual level. Within the context of Indonesian physics education research (PER), empirical study addressing this subject is still lacking. To fill this gap, eight Indonesian physics teachers’ experiences and limitations about their judgments within differentiated learning environments have been investigated through phenomenological study. Physics teachers were voluntarily recruited after they declared their endorsement and personal consent to participate in the study. Our participants were distributed over several teaching experiences, geographic regions, and information and communication technology (ICT) experiences. The latter experience might be taken into account since, through this study, upcoming developmental research will be projected on engaging recent technological approaches to address the limitations of teachers’ judgments. Online semi-structured interviews (~50 min) were conducted by the first author to all physics teachers involved. Other authors contributed in reviewing the interview protocol and training the first author’s pilot interview. The model of teachers’ thought and action, from Clark and Peterson, was implemented to uncover physics teachers’ experiences and limitations in making judgments within a diverse group of students. The findings revealed that physics teachers have conceded that they should dynamically adapt the learning process in order to meet heterogeneous students’ performances. Personal observation has mainly informed teachers in identifying students’ differences. After students have been identified, the teachers creatively designed learning transformations to accommodate the wide spectrum of students’ abilities. Nevertheless, several limitations were discovered as being encountered by physics teachers, particularly in terms of judgments’ equity and accuracy, as well as the teachers’ workloads. To overcome this, the teachers indicated various and supportive attitudes about technological implementations that would assist their judgments. Ideas for technological development were provided to address identified obstacles during the teachers’ judgments.
Modelling of Irreversible Homogeneous Reaction on Finite Diffusion Layers
Authors: Sivasundari Singaravel Anandhar Salai , Senthamarai Rathinam , Devi Mohan Chitra , Rajendran Lakshmanan , Lyons Michael E. G.
Published: August 2022

The mathematical model proposed by Chapman and Antano (Electrochimica Acta, 56 (2010), 128–132) for the catalytic electrochemical–chemical (EC’) processes in an irreversible second-order homogeneous reaction in a microelectrode is discussed. The mass-transfer boundary layer neighbouring an electrode can contribute to the electrode’s measured AC impedance. This model can be used to analyse membrane-transport studies and other instances of ionic transport in semiconductors and other materials. Two efficient and easily accessible analytical techniques, AGM and DTM, were used to solve the steady-state non-linear diffusion equation’s infinite layers. Herein, we present the generalized approximate analytical solution for the solute, product, and reactant concentrations and current for the small experimental values of kinetic and diffusion parameters. Using the Matlab/Scilab program, we also derive the numerical solution to this problem. The comparison of the analytical and numerical/computational results reveals a satisfactory level of agreement.
Electrochemical Analysis of Heavy Metal Ions Using Conducting Polymer Interfaces
Authors: Salinas Gerardo , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo A.
Published: August 2022

Conducting polymers (CPs) are highly conjugated organic macromolecules, where the electrical charge is transported in intra- and inter-chain pathways. Polyacetylene, polythiophene and its derivatives, polypyrrole and its derivatives, and polyaniline are among the best-known examples. These compounds have been used as electrode modifiers to gain sensitivity and selectivity in a large variety of analytical applications. This review, after a brief introduction to the electrochemistry of CPs, summarizes the application of CPs’ electrode interfaces towards heavy metals’ detection using potentiometry, pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, and alternative non-classical electrochemical methods.
Evaluation of Signal Quality from a Wearable Phonocardiogram (PCG) Device and Personalized Calibration
Authors: Shyam Kumar Prashanth , Ramasamy Mouli , Varadan Vijay K.
Published: August 2022

Currently, the only clinically utilized Phonocardiogram (PCG) is an electronic stethoscope used in a hospital or clinical environment. The availability of continuously recorded PCGs can provide a new avenue of research into chronic disease management at home. Researchers have proposed such wearable PCG devices. However, limitations exist in evaluating such devices as PCG recording devices in home-like environments. Here, we evaluate a wearable PCG system in a belt-type form factor with an embedded force sensor, accelerometer, and a single lead ECG to study the feasibility of acquiring diagnostic-grade PCGs while the wearer performs daily activities. We describe qualitative and quantitative exploratory analysis methods for cross-subject comparison of PCG signal quality, wearer comfort, and the impact of activities using Signal-to-Noise (SNR) comparisons and cross-spectral coherence between activity and PCG. The analysis of the data suggests that a common user-chosen method of donning a wearable PCG is not applicable across subjects for obtaining optimal PCG recording quality. We propose a method to calibrate wearable PCG devices using an embedded force sensor and by following a protocol involving feedback from the embedded force sensor to determine the optimal method of wearing the device. Following a similar path to precision medicine using genomic data and the extrapolation of risk, wearable devices with healthcare applications should be developed with the ability to be adapted and calibrated to each individual. In the immediate future this may involve calibration procedures such as those followed in this work, using controlled measurements performed with each patient to tune a device for them.
A Gysel Power Divider/Combiner with Enhanced Power-Handling Capability
Authors: Fu Chao , He Tianwei , Fang Wenrao , Huang Wenhua , Fan Ruyu , Wang Lulu , Zhang Yuchuan , Cao Yu
Published: August 2022

By increasing the impedance of the microstrip of the combine port, a new Gysel power combiner/divider (PCD) with enhanced average power-handling capability (APHC) was proposed. This article shows the simulated results of the traditional Gysel PCD and the proposed Gysel PCD at the center frequency of 2.4 GHz and 10 GHz. For verification, one example of the proposed Gysel PCD operating at 2.4 GHz was designed, fabricated, and measured. One traditional Gysel PCD operating at 2.4 GHz was also fabricated to compare the APHC of the proposed Gysel PCD and the traditional Gysel PCD, by means of measuring the temperature variation of the microstrip line at the same power. The measurement result suggests the APHC of the proposed Gysel PCD is nearly twice that of the traditional Gysel PCD.
Torrefaction of Pulp Industry Sludge to Enhance Its Fuel Characteristics
Authors: Doddapaneni Tharaka Rama Krishna C. , Pärn Linnar , Kikas Timo
Published: August 2022

Recently, under COP26, several countries agreed to phase-out coal from their energy systems. The torrefaction industry can take advantage of this, as the fuel characteristics of torrefied biomasses are comparable to those of coal. However, in terms of economic feasibility, torrefied biomass pellets are not yet competitive with coal without subsidies because of the high price of woody biomass. Thus, there is a need to produce torrefied pellets from low-cost feedstock; pulp industry sludge is one such feedstock. In this context, this study was focused on the torrefaction of pulp industry sludge. Torrefaction experiments were carried out using a continuous reactor, at temperatures of 250, 275, and 300 °C. The heating value of the sludge increased from 19 to 22 MJ/kg after torrefaction at 300 °C. The fixed carbon content increased from 16 wt.% for dried pulp sludge to 30 wt.% for torrefied pulp sludge. The fuel ratio was in the range of 0.27 to 0.61. The ash content of the pulp sludge was comparable to that of agricultural waste, i.e., around 12 wt.% (dry basis). The cellulose content in the sludge was reduced from 35 to 12 wt.% at 300 °C. Ash related issues such as slagging, fouling, and bed agglomeration tendency of the sludge were moderate. This study shows that torrefaction treatment can improve the fuel properties of pulp industry sludge to a level comparable to that of low-rank coal.
Analysis and Verification of Leakage Inductance Calculation in DAB Converters Based on High-Frequency Toroidal Transformers under Different Design Scenarios
Authors: Ataullah Haris , Iqbal Taosif , Khalil Ihsan Ullah , Mohammad Al-Sharef , Ullah Nasim , Emad Farrag Mohamed
Published: August 2022

High-frequency transformers are becoming an essential component in the integration of power resources that rely on power electronic converters; their efficiency and performance are influenced by parasitic characteristics in the interface. In this article, the design of a high-frequency toroidal transformer has been explained in detail using the ANSYS Maxwell platform. Various parameters, such as leakage inductance, magnetic flux density, magnetic field strength and uniform magnetic flux line are analyzed using Finite element analysis. High-frequency transformers using a toroidal core with different winding configurations are examined and all parameters obtained through simulation are validated by an analytical approach. Analysis of each design is based on its leakage inductances, which will aid in the appropriate selection of transformers as a function of their operating frequency. This analysis is expected to guide designers to optimize the high-frequency transformer parameters based on practical applications. The optimized parameters are then applied for a dual active bridge (DAB) converter within MATLAB/Simulink to verify the design process. A prototype has been built to validate the simulation and design procedure. The results obtained from both simulation and experiments are compared and show great correlation.
Research on Autonomous Cutting Method of Cantilever Roadheader
Authors: Xu Ziyue , Liang Minfu , Fang Xinqiu , Wu Gang , Chen Ningning , Song Yang
Published: August 2022

Roadway excavation is the leading project in coal mining, and the cantilever roadheader is the main equipment in roadway excavation. Autonomous cutting by cantilever roadheaders is the key to realize safe, efficient and intelligent tunneling for underground roadways. In this paper, the working device of a cantilever roadheader was simplified into a series of translation or rotation joints, and the spatial pose model and spatial pose coordinate system of the roadheader were established. Using the homogeneous transformation matrix and the robot-related theory, the space pose transformation matrix of the roadheader and the space pose equation of the cutting head of the roadheader were derived. The forward kinematics and inverse kinematics of the cutting head were solved by using the D-H parameter method and an inverse transformation method. The location coordinates of the inflection point of the cutting process path for a rectangular roadway were determined, and cutting path planning and control were carried out based on the inflection point coordinates. Finally, MATLAB software was used to simulate the limit cutting area of the cutting head and the cutting process path. The simulation results showed that the limit cutting section had a bulging waist shape, the boundary around the roadway was flat, and the roadway cutting error was controlled within 1mm, which verified the reliability and effectiveness of the autonomous cutting theory of the roadheader. It lays a mathematical model and theoretical foundation for the realization of “autonomous operation of unmanned tunneling equipment”.
Research on Reactive Power Compensation Control Strategy of Flexible On-Load Voltage Regulator
Authors: Han Libo , Yin Jingyuan , Wu Lixin , Sun Longfei , Wei Tongzhen
Published: August 2022

The application of on-load tap-charger (OLTC) transformer technology has become the most direct and effective way to solve the voltage fluctuation of power grid. With the development of active distribution technology, the research focus of on-load voltage regulation technology has gradually turned to the development direction of arc free, fast and intelligent. This paper presents a flexible on-load voltage regulation topology based on power electronic technology. The flexible on-load voltage regulation (flexible OLVR) transformer is a combination of power electronic technology and traditional on-load tap-charger transformer, which can realize fast arcless switching, voltage step-less regulation, power regulation and other functions. In this paper, a new type of flexible on-load voltage regulation transformer is proposed. The OLTC switches of the device adopts the power electronic switch of anti-parallel thyristors, which can realize step, fast and arcless voltage regulation; the power electronic converter (PEC) module is connected to the primary side of the main transformer. At the same time, it proposed a new reactive power compensation control strategy, which could realize the functions of step-less voltage regulation and reactive power compensation. In the end, the rationality and validity of the proposed topology is tested and verified by simulations and experimental tests.
Airports as Sensitive Areas to Mitigate Air Pollution: Evidence from a Case Study in Rome
Authors: Corazza Maria Vittoria , Di Mascio Paola , Esposito Gabriele
Published: August 2022

The environmental concerns are behind urban and regional mobility plans, with one of the goals being to manage surface traffic to reduce emissions. Yet, in sensitive areas such as those around airports, the contribution to the emissions generated by air traffic are commonly not considered. The research goal of this paper is to quantify and compare the magnitude of the emissions generated by both air and surface traffic, taking the second airport in Rome as an example, in the awareness that a proper knowledge of the emission phenomena might help steer local transport policies towards more appropriate and sustainable solutions. The paper describes the case study’s regulatory and land use frameworks both affecting the current traffic patterns around the airport and the emission generation, along with the methodology adopted to quantify the emission magnitude of both air and surface modes; as a result, air traffic emissions are not even comparable in magnitude to those from surface modes. In light of that, implications for surface transport policies are presented, leading to a revision of current mobility plans, and solutions to minimize emissions during land and take-off operations suggested, although problems for their implementations are acknowledged in the conclusions. All within the additional goal to advance the research further afield.
Bacillus cereus in Dairy Products and Production Plants
Authors: Tirloni Erica , Stella Simone , Celandroni Francesco , Mazzantini Diletta , Bernardi Cristian , Ghelardi Emilia
Published: August 2022

Spore-forming Bacillus cereus is a common contaminant of dairy products. As the microorganism is widespread in the environment, it can contaminate milk at the time of milking, but it can also reach the dairy products in each phase of production, storage and ripening. Milk pasteurization treatment is not effective in reducing contamination and can instead act as an activator of spore germination, and a potential associated risk still exists with the consumption of some processed foods. Prevalences and concentrations of B. cereus in milk and dairy products are extremely variable worldwide: in pasteurized milk, prevalences from 2% to 65.3% were reported, with concentrations of up to 3 × 105 cfu/g, whereas prevalences in cheeses ranged from 0 to 95%, with concentrations of up to 4.2 × 106 cfu/g. Bacillus cereus is also well known to produce biofilms, a serious concern for the dairy industry, with up to 90% of spores that are resistant to cleaning and are easily transferred. As the contamination of raw materials is not completely avoidable, and the application of decontamination treatments is only possible for some ingredients and is limited by both commercial and regulatory reasons, it is clear that the correct application of hygienic procedures is extremely important in order to avoid and manage the circulation of B. cereus along the dairy supply chain. Future developments in interventions must consider the synergic application of different mild technologies to prevent biofilm formation and to remove or inactivate the microorganism on the equipment.
Gut Microbiota Modulation as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Mutalub Yahkub Babatunde , Abdulwahab Monsurat , Mohammed Alkali , Yahkub Aishat Mutalib , AL-Mhanna Sameer Badri , Yusof Wardah , Tang Suk Peng , Rasool Aida Hanum Ghulam , Mokhtar Siti Safiah
Published: August 2022

The human gut harbors microbial ecology that is in a symbiotic relationship with its host and has a vital function in keeping host homeostasis. Inimical alterations in the composition of gut microbiota, known as gut dysbiosis, have been associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Studies have revealed the variation in gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals as compared to the composition of those with cardiometabolic diseases. Perturbation of host–microbial interaction attenuates physiological processes and may incite several cardiometabolic disease pathways. This imbalance contributes to cardiometabolic diseases via metabolism-independent and metabolite-dependent pathways. The aim of this review was to elucidate studies that have demonstrated the complex relationship between the intestinal microbiota as well as their metabolites and the development/progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, we systematically itemized the potential therapeutic approaches for cardiometabolic diseases that target gut microbiota and/or their metabolites by following the pathophysiological pathways of disease development. These approaches include the use of diet, prebiotics, and probiotics. With the exposition of the link between gut microbiota and cardiometabolic diseases, the human gut microbiota therefore becomes a potential therapeutic target in the development of novel cardiometabolic agents.
Physicochemical Properties and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds of Dietary Fibre Concentrates from Vegetable By-Products
Authors: A. Vaz Ana , Odriozola-Serrano Isabel , Oms-Oliu Gemma , Martín-Belloso Olga
Published: August 2022

The agro-food industry generates a large volume of by-products, whose revaluation is essential for the circular economy. From these by-products, dietary fibre concentrates (DFCs) can be obtained. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterise (a) the proximal composition by analysing soluble, insoluble and total Dietary Fibre (DF), (b) the physicochemical properties, and (c) the phenolic profile of artichoke, red pepper, carrot, and cucumber DFCs. In addition, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was also evaluated after in vitro gastrointestinal and colonic digestions. The results showed that the DFCs had more than 30 g/100 g dw. The water holding and retention capacity of the DFCs ranges from 9.4 to 18.7 g of water/g. Artichoke DFC presented high concentration of phenolic compounds (8340.7 mg/kg) compared to the red pepper (304.4 mg/kg), carrot (217.4 mg/kg) and cucumber DFCs (195.7 mg/kg). During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, soluble phenolic compounds were released from the food matrix, chlorogenic acid, the principal compound in artichoke and carrot DFCs, and hesperetin-7-rutinoside in red pepper cucumber DFCs. Total phenolic content decreased after in vitro colonic digestion hence the chemical transformation of the phenolic compounds by gut microbiota. Based on the results, DFCs could be good functional ingredients to develop DF-enriched food, reducing food waste.
Membrane Technology for Valorization of Mango Peel Extracts
Authors: Macedo Antónia , Gomes Tânia , Ribeiro Carlos , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Duarte Elizabeth , Alves Vítor D.
Published: August 2022

Mango peel is rich in nutritional and functional compounds, such as carbohydrates, dietary fibers, proteins, and phenolic compounds, with high potential to be applied in the food industry. Most of the investigation about recovery of bioactive compounds from fruit bioproducts involves extraction techniques and further separation of target compounds. There is still a lack of information about the potential of membrane processes to recover the nutritive/functional compounds present in aqueous extracts of those bioproducts. This research is addressed to study the performance of ultrafiltration (UF), followed by nanofiltration (NF) of UF permeates, to fractionate the compounds present in aqueous extracts of mango peel. Both UF and NF concentration processes were carried up to a volume concentration factor of 2.0. Membranes with molecular weight cut-offs of 25 kDa and 130 Da were used in the UF and NF steps, respectively. UF and NF concentrates showed antioxidant activity, attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, with rejections of about 75% and 98.8%, respectively. UF membranes totally rejected the higher molecular weight compounds, and NF membranes almost totally concentrated the fermentable monosaccharides and disaccharides. Therefore, it is envisaged that NF concentrates can be utilized by the food industry or for bioenergy production.
Lipidomics and Transcriptome Reveal the Effects of Feeding Systems on Fatty Acids in Yak’s Meat
Authors: Xiong Lin , Pei Jie , Wang Xingdong , Guo Shaoke , Guo Xian , Yan Ping
Published: August 2022

The differences of fatty acids in yak’s meat under graze feeding (GF) and stall feeding (SF) regimes and the regulation mechanism of the feeding system on the fatty acids content in yak ’s meat was explored in this study. First, the fatty acids in yak’s longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were detected by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Compared with GF yaks, the absolute content of ΣSFAs, ΣMUFAs, ΣUFAs, ΣPUFAs and Σn-6PUFAs in SF yak’s LD were higher, whereas Σn-3PUFAs was lower; the relative content of ΣMUFAs, ΣPUFAs, Σn-3PUFAs and ΣUFAs in SF yak’s LD were lower, whereas ΣSFAs was higher. The GF yak’s meat is healthier for consumers. Further, the transcriptomic and lipidomics profiles in yak’s LD were detected by mRNA-Sequencing (mRNA-Seq) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), respectively. The integrated transcriptomic and lipidomics analysis showed the differences in fatty acids were caused by the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates and phospholipids, and were mainly regulated by the FASN, FABP3, PLIN1, SLC16A13, FASD6 and SCD genes in the PPAR signaling pathway. Moreover, the SCD gene was the candidate gene for the high content of ΣMUFA, and FADS6 was the candidate gene for the high content of Σn-3PUFAs and the healthier ratio of Σn-6/Σn-3PUFAs in yak meat. This study provides a guidance to consumers in the choice of yak’s meat, and also established a theoretical basis for improving yak’s meat quality.
On Non Local p-Laplacian with Right Hand Side Radon Measure
Authors: Kbiri Alaoui Mohammed
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to investigate the following non local p-Laplacian problem with data a bounded Radon measure ϑ∈Mb(Ω): (−Δ)psu=ϑinΩ, with vanishing conditions outside Ω, and where s∈(0,1),2−sN
N−sN, then the limiting regularity u∈W0s1,N(p−1)N−s(Ω) (for all s1<s). 3. If ϑ∈LLogαL(Ω), and α=N−sN with p=N, then we reach the maximal regularity with respect to s and N,u∈W0s,N(Ω).
Fabrication of Thermo-Responsive Controllable Shape-Changing Hydrogel
Authors: Luo Yi , Pauer Werner , Luinstra Gerrit A.
Published: August 2022

Temperature response double network (DN) hydrogels comprising a network formed by polymerization of methacrylic acid (MA) modified PVA, N,N’-methylene bis(acrylamide), N-isopropylacryl amide (NIPAM), and one formed from crystalline polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are prepared in a 3D printed tailor-made mold. The (PVA-MA)-g-PNIPAAm thermoset intermediate is formed in water by a radical, photo-initiated process, and in the presence of dissolved PVA polymers. A subsequent freezing-thawing sequence induces the crystallization of the PVA network, which forms a second network inside the thermoset NIPAM polymer. The prepared hydrogel is thermoresponsive by the phase transition of PNIPAAm segments (T ≈ 32 °C) and has good mechanical properties (tensile strength 1.23 MPa, compressive strength 1.47 MPa). Thermal cycling between room temperature at 40 or 50 °C shows the product converses from a virgin-state to a steady-state, which most likely involves the reorganization of PVA crystals. The swelling-deswelling cycles remain clear at a length change of about 13%.
Peptide-Based Low Molecular Weight Photosensitive Supramolecular Gelators
Authors: Pramanik Bapan , Ahmed Sahnawaz
Published: August 2022

Over the last couple of decades, stimuli-responsive supramolecular gels comprising synthetic short peptides as building blocks have been explored for various biological and material applications. Though a wide range of stimuli has been tested depending on the structure of the peptides, light as a stimulus has attracted extensive attention due to its non-invasive, non-contaminant, and remotely controllable nature, precise spatial and temporal resolution, and wavelength tunability. The integration of molecular photo-switch and low-molecular-weight synthetic peptides may thus provide access to supramolecular self-assembled systems, notably supramolecular gels, which may be used to create dynamic, light-responsive “smart” materials with a variety of structures and functions. This short review summarizes the recent advancement in the area of light-sensitive peptide gelation. At first, a glimpse of commonly used molecular photo-switches is given, followed by a detailed description of their incorporation into peptide sequences to design light-responsive peptide gels and the mechanism of their action. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for developing next-generation photo-responsive gels and materials are outlined.
Effective Automated Procedures for Hydrographic Data Review
Authors: Masetti Giuseppe , Faulkes Tyanne , Wilson Matthew , Wallace Julia
Published: August 2022

Reviewing hydrographic data for nautical charting is still a predominately manual process, performed by experienced analysts and based on directives developed over the years by the hydrographic office of interest. With the primary intent to increase the effectiveness of the review process, a set of automated procedures has been developed over the past few years, translating a significant portion of the NOAA Office of Coast Survey’s specifications for hydrographic data review into code (i.e., the HydrOffice applications called QC Tools and CA Tools). When applied to a large number of hydrographic surveys, it has been confirmed that such procedures improve both the quality and timeliness of the review process. Increased confidence in the reviewed data, especially by personnel in training, has also been observed. As such, the combined effect of applying these procedures is a novel holistic approach to hydrographic data review. Given the similarities of review procedures among hydrographic offices, the described approach has generated interest in the ocean mapping community.
Evaluation of Urine and Vaginal Self-Sampling versus Clinician-Based Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening: A Field Comparison of the Acceptability of Three Sampling Tests in a Rural Community of Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Vega Crespo Bernardo , Neira Vivian Alejandra , Ortíz S José , Maldonado-Rengel Ruth , López Diana , Gómez Andrea , Vicuña María José , Mejía Jorge , Benoy Ina , Carreño Tesifón Parrón , Verhoeven Veronique
Published: August 2022

Self-sampling methods for HPV testing have been demonstrated to be highly sensitive and specific. The implementation of these methods in settings with a lack of infrastructure or medical attention has been shown to increase the coverage of cervical cancer screening and detect cervical abnormalities in the early stages. The aim of this study is to compare the acceptability of urine and vaginal self-sampling methods versus clinician sampling among rural women. A total of 120 women participated. Each participant self-collected urine and vaginal samples and underwent clinician sampling for Pap smear and HPV testing. After the sample collection, a questionnaire to qualify the device, technique, and individual acceptability was applied, and the additional overall preference of three sample tests was evaluated. Results: The characteristics of the participants were as follows: median age of 35 years; 40.8% were married; 46.7% had a primary level of education; median age of sexual onset of 17.6 years. Compared with clinician sampling, both vaginal self-sampling, OR 20.12 (7.67–52.8), and urine sampling, OR 16.63 (6.79–40.72), were more comfortable; granted more privacy: vaginal self-sampling, OR 8.07 (3.44–18.93), and urine sampling, OR 19.5 (5.83–65.21); were less painful: vaginal self-sampling, OR 0.07 (0.03–0.16), and urine sampling, OR 0.01 (0–0.06); were less difficult to apply: vaginal self-sampling, OR 0.16 (0.07–0.34), and urine sampling, OR 0.05 (0.01–0.17). The overall preference has shown an advantage for vaginal self-sampling, OR 4.97 (2.71–9.12). No statistically significant preference was demonstrated with urine self-sampling versus clinician sampling. Conclusions: Self-sampling methods have a high acceptance in rural communities. Doubts on the reliability of self-sampling often appear to be a limitation on its acceptability. However, the training and education of the community could increase the uptake of these methods.
Mortality-to-Incidence Ratio for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Is Associated with Health Expenditure
Authors: Dong Chen , Fu Jing-Tong , Wu Han-Ru , Chao Yu-Chi , Chen Ying-Ching , Sung Wen-Wei , Chen Wen-Jung , Chen Chih-Jung
Published: August 2022

Geographic and gender-specific disparity can be observed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). While screening and more effective therapies, such as induction chemotherapy, could improve survival rates, they are costly. This study aims to explore the correlation between healthcare expenditure and the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) in NPC. Data were obtained from the World Health Organization and the Global Cancer Observatory. The correlation was evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Most new cases and deaths occur in Asia, and more males are affected than females. Our study shows that countries with higher MIRs have lower levels of health expenditure regardless of the NPC’s gender-specific incidence. Correspondingly, MIRs are all significantly negatively associated with current health expenditure (CHE) per capita and CHE as a percentage of gross domestic product (CHE/GDP) in both genders. CHE per capita and CHE/GDP have a significant impact on NPC outcomes. Moreover, economic status is a potential major factor in MIR differences between countries.
How Can the EU Beating Cancer Plan Help in Tackling Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer and Melanoma?
Authors: Horgan Denis , Baird Anne-Marie , Middleton Mark , Mihaylova Zhasmina , Van Meerbeeck Jan P. , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Van Schil Paul E. , Malvehy Josep , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Dube France , Zaiac Michael , Lal Jonathan A. , Kamińska-Winciorek Grażyna , Donia Marco , André Thierry , Kozaric Marta , Osterlund Pia , Dumitrascu Dan Lucian , Bertolaccini Luca
Published: August 2022

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in EU countries, and the needs to tackle cancer are obvious. New scientific understanding, techniques and methodologies are opening up horizons for significant improvements in diagnosis and care. However, take-up is uneven, research needs and potential outstrip currently available resources, manifestly beneficial practices—such as population-level screening for lung cancer—are still not generalised, and the quality of life of patients and survivors is only beginning to be given attention it merits. This paper, mainly based on a series of multistakeholder expert workshops organised by the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM), looks at some of those specifics in the interest of planning a way forward. Part of this exercise also involves taking account of the specific nature of Europe and its constituent countries, where the complexities of planning a way forward are redoubled by the wide variations in national and regional approaches to cancer, local epidemiology and the wide disparities in health systems. Despite all the differences between cancers and national and regional resources and approaches to cancer care, there is a common objective in pursuing broader and more equal access to the best available care for all European citizens.