bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
M2 Macrophages Infiltrating Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Express MDR1: A Feature That May Account for the Poor Prognosis
Authors: Badmann Susann , Heublein Sabine , Mayr Doris , Reischer Anna , Liao Yue , Kolben Thomas , Beyer Susanne , Hester Anna , Zeder-Goess Christine , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Trillsch Fabian , Czogalla Bastian
Published: May 2020

Multi drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) expression on tumor cells has been widely investigated in context of drug resistance. However, the role of MDR1 on the immune cell infiltrate of solid tumors remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of a MDR1+ immune cell infiltrate in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to identify the MDR1+ leucocyte subpopulation. MDR1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 156 EOC samples. In addition to MDR1+ cancer cells, we detected a MDR1+ leucocyte infiltrate (high infiltrate >4 leucocytes per field of view). Correlations and survival analyses were calculated. To identify immune cell subpopulations immunofluorescence double staining was performed. The MDR1+ leucocyte infiltrate was associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (cc = 0.258, p = 0.005) and tumor-associated mucin 1 (TA-MUC1) (cc = 0.202, p = 0.022) expression on cancer cells. A high MDR1+ leucocyte infiltrate was associated with impaired survival, especially in patients whose carcinoma showed either serous histology (median OS 28.80 vs. 50.64 months, p = 0.027, n = 91) or TA-MUC1 expression (median OS 30.60 vs. 63.36 months, p = 0.015, n = 110). Similar findings for PFS suggest an influence of MDR1+ immune cells on the development of chemoresistance. A Cox regression analysis confirmed the independency of a high MDR1+ leucocyte infiltrate as prognostic factor. M2 macrophages were identified as main part of the MDR1+ leucocyte infiltrate expressing MDR1 as well as the M2 marker CD163 and the pan-macrophage marker CD68. Infiltration of MDR1+ leucocytes, mostly M2 macrophages, is associated with poor prognosis of EOC patients. Further understanding of the interaction of M2 macrophages, MDR1 and TA-MUC1 appears to be a key aspect to overcome chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
Current Challenges in Providing Good Leukapheresis Products for Manufacturing of CAR-T Cells for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory NHL or ALL
Authors: Korell Felix , Laier Sascha , Sauer Sandra , Veelken Kaya , Hennemann Hannah , Schubert Maria-Luisa , Sauer Tim , Pavel Petra , Mueller-Tidow Carsten , Dreger Peter , Schmitt Michael , Schmitt Anita
Published: May 2020

Background: T lymphocyte collection through leukapheresis is an essential step for chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Timing of apheresis is challenging in heavily pretreated patients who suffer from rapid progressive disease and receive T cell impairing medication. Methods: A total of 75 unstimulated leukaphereses were analyzed including 45 aphereses in patients and 30 in healthy donors. Thereof, 41 adult patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (85%) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (15%) underwent leukapheresis for CAR-T cell production. Results: Sufficient lymphocytes were harvested from all patients even from those with low peripheral lymphocyte counts of 0.18/nL. Only four patients required a second leukapheresis session. Leukapheresis products contained a median of 98 × 108 (9 - 341 × 108) total nucleated cells (TNC) with 38 × 108 (4 - 232 × 108) CD3+ T cells. Leukapheresis products from healthy donors as well as from patients in complete remission were characterized by high TNC and CD3+ T lymphocyte counts. CAR-T cell products could be manufactured for all but one patient. Conclusions: Sufficient yield of lymphocytes for CAR-T cell production is feasible also for patients with low peripheral blood counts. Up to 12–15 L blood volume should be processed in patients with absolute lymphocyte counts ≤ 1.0/nL.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Contribute to Hepatic Antigen-Presenting Cell Function and Th17 Expansion in Cirrhosis
Authors: Caparrós Esther , Juanola Oriol , Gómez-Hurtado Isabel , Puig-Kroger Amaya , Piñero Paula , Zapater Pedro , Linares Raquel , Tarín Fabián , Martínez-López Sebastián , Gracia-Sancho Jordi , González-Navajas José M. , Francés Rubén
Published: May 2020

Hepatic immune function is compromised during cirrhosis. This study investigated the immune features of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in two experimental models of cirrhosis. Dendritic cells, hepatic macrophages, and LSECs were isolated from carbon tetrachloride and bile duct-ligated rats. Gene expression of innate receptors, bacterial internalization, co-stimulatory molecules induction, and CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation were evaluated. Induced bacterial peritonitis and norfloxacin protocols on cirrhotic rats were also carried out. LSECs demonstrated an active immunosurveillance profile, as shown by transcriptional modulation of different scavenger and cell-adhesion genes, and their contribution to bacterial internalization. LSECs significantly increased their expression of CD40 and CD80 and stimulated CD4+ T cell activation marker CD71 in both models. The pro-inflammatory Th17 subset was expanded in CCl4-derived LSECs co-cultures. In the bile duct ligation (BDL) model, CD4+ T cell differentiation only occurred under induced bacterial peritonitis conditions. Differentiated pro-inflammatory Th cells by LSECs in both experimental models were significantly reduced with norfloxacin treatment, whereas Foxp3 tolerogenic Th CD4+ cells were expanded. Conclusion: LSECs’ participation in the innate-adaptive immune progression, their ability to stimulate pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cells expansion during liver damage, and their target role in norfloxacin-induced immunomodulation granted a specific competence to this cell population in cirrhosis.
Poor Subjective Sleep Quality Is Associated with Poor Occupational Outcomes in Elite Soldiers
Authors: Mantua Janna , Bessey Alexxa F. , Sowden Walter J.
Published: May 2020

We aimed to assess the relationship between subjective sleep quality and occupationally-relevant outcomes in military personnel. Participants were from an elite unit of US Army soldiers who worked extended (~30 h) shifts (with minimal recovery time between shifts) during 3-week work sessions. Questionnaires assessing subjective sleep quality during the month prior (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) were administered at the beginning of the session. Occupational outcomes (emotional exhaustion, functional impairment, role overload, daytime sleepiness) were assessed on the final day of the session. Regression analyses were conducted to link sleep quality and occupational outcomes. The study sample participants had relatively poor sleep prior to the exercise (PSQI Global score average = 6.3 ± 3.1). Higher PSQI Global Scores prior to the work session longitudinally predicted daytime sleepiness (f2: 0.56) after the work session. PSQI component 7, which queries daytime dysfunction attributed to poor sleep quality, longitudinally predicted emotional exhaustion, functional impairment, and role overload (f2 range: 0.19–0.70). In conclusion, poor sleep quality—in aggregation with occupationally-mandated sleep loss—is predictive of poorer subsequent occupational outcomes. Future work should aim to increase sleep opportunities prior to occupationally-mandated sleep loss in order to build resilience when sleep loss is unavoidable.
Luminescence Behavior of GdVO4: Tb Nanocrystals in Silica Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Han Shuai , Tao Yiting , Du Ying , Yan Sasa , Chen Yanping , Chen Danping
Published: May 2020

Glass ceramics with GdVO4: Tb nanocrystals impregnated in the highly transparent silica glass were prepared by the porous glass and sintering process and confirmed by XRD, Raman spectrum, and TEM. Spectral analysis shows that there are multifarious energy transfer processes in GdVO4: Tb nanocrystals, such as VO43− → Tb3+, Gd3+ → VO43−, Gd3+ → VO43− → Tb3+, and Gd3+ → Tb3+, and the main one is VO43− → Tb3+. In this process, 3T1,2 → 1A1 transition of VO43− transfers the energy to Tb3+ and generates 5D3 → 7F6,5,4,3,2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions of Tb3+. The energy transfer efficiency is 29.5%, and the excitation wavelength range of Tb3+ ions can be shifted from 230–260 nm to 280–365 nm. This shows that GdVO4 can effectively change the excitation wavelength of Tb3+, which is conducive to the application of Tb3+ ions excited by LED light sources.
Patterns of Co-occurrence of Rare and Threatened Species in Winter Arable Plant Communities of Italy
Authors: Fanfarillo Emanuele , Latini Marta , Abbate Giovanna
Published: May 2020

Detecting patterns of species co-occurrence is among the main tasks of plant community ecology. Arable plant communities are important elements of agroecosystems, because they support plant and animal biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. These plant communities are shaped by both agricultural and environmental drivers. The pressure of intensive agriculture worldwide has caused the decline of many characteristic arable species and communities. Italy is the European country where arable plant biodiversity is the best preserved. In this study, we assessed the patterns of co-occurrence of rare and threatened arable plants in 106 plots of winter arable vegetation located from Piedmont to Calabria, in the mainland part of the country. For this purpose, we based our investigation on the analysis of a recently acquired dataset and on the European list of rare and threatened arable plants. We highlight how different species of conservation interest tend to occur in the same community. On the other hand, generalist and more competitive taxa show similar patterns of co-occurrence. We suggest that single species of conservation value could be suitable indicators of a well-preserved community. On the other hand, to be effective, conservation strategies should target the whole community, rather than single species.
Sporolithon franciscanum sp. nov. (Sporolithales, Rhodophyta), a New Rhodolith-Forming Species from Northeast Brazil
Authors: Leão Luis Alfredo S. , Bahia Ricardo G. , Jesionek Michel B. , Adey Walter H. , Johnson Gabriel , Salgado Leonardo T. , Pereira Renato C.
Published: May 2020

This paper describes Sporolithon franciscanum, a new rhodolith-forming species of non-geniculate coralline algae found at depths between 47–52 m near the São Francisco river mouth, the second largest and the most extensive drainage basin in Brazil, and also at the Abrolhos Bank, in the world´s largest rhodolith beds. DNA sequences from plastidial psbA and rbcL markers indicate that the species is unique compared to all other Sporolithon species that have thus far been sequenced. Since morpho-anatomical features of the new species are shared with some other Sporolithon species, its identification was only confirmed by DNA sequences.
Biomarkers for Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Zwiri Abdalwhab , Al-Hatamleh Mohammad A. I. , W. Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir , Ahmed Asif Jawaad , Khoo Suan Phaik , Husein Adam , Ab-Ghani Zuryati , Kassim Nur Karyatee
Published: May 2020

Numerous studies have been conducted in the previous years with an objective to determine the ideal biomarker or set of biomarkers in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). It was recorded that tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-6, and IL-1 were the most common biomarkers of TMDs. As of recently, although the research on TMDs biomarkers still aims to find more diagnostic agents, no recent study employs the biomarker as a targeting point of pharmacotherapy to suppress the inflammatory responses. This article represents an explicit review on the biomarkers of TMDs that have been discovered so far and provides possible future directions towards further research on these biomarkers. The potential implementation of the interactions of TNF with its receptor 2 (TNFR2) in the inflammatory process has been interpreted, and thus, this review presents a new hypothesis towards suppression of the inflammatory response using TNFR2-agonist. Subsequently, this hypothesis could be explored as a potential pain elimination approach in patients with TMDs.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Bacteremia in Febrile Children Presented to the Emergency Department
Authors: Tsai Chih-Min , Lin Chun-Hung Richard , Zhang Huan , Chiu I-Min , Cheng Chi-Yung , Yu Hong-Ren , Huang Ying-Hsien
Published: May 2020

Blood culture is frequently used to detect bacteremia in febrile children. However, a high rate of negative or false-positive blood culture results is common at the pediatric emergency department (PED). The aim of this study was to use machine learning to build a model that could predict bacteremia in febrile children. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of febrile children who presented to the PED from 2008 to 2015. We adopted machine learning methods and cost-sensitive learning to establish a predictive model of bacteremia. We enrolled 16,967 febrile children with blood culture tests during the eight-year study period. Only 146 febrile children had true bacteremia, and more than 99% of febrile children had a contaminant or negative blood culture result. The maximum area under the curve of logistic regression and support vector machines to predict bacteremia were 0.768 and 0.832, respectively. Using the predictive model, we can categorize febrile children by risk value into five classes. Class 5 had the highest probability of having bacteremia, while class 1 had no risk. Obtaining blood cultures in febrile children at the PED rarely identifies a causative pathogen. Prediction models can help physicians determine whether patients have bacteremia and may reduce unnecessary expenses.
Scanning Signatures: A Graph Theoretical Model to Represent Visual Scanning Processes and A Proof of Concept Study in Biology Education
Authors: Garcia Moreno-Esteva Enrique , Kervinen Anttoni , Hannula Markku S. , Uitto Anna
Published: May 2020

In this article we discuss, as a proof of concept, how a network model can be used to analyse gaze tracking data coming from a preliminary experiment carried out in a biodiversity education research project. We discuss the network model, a simple directed graph, used to represent the gaze tracking data in a way that is meaningful for the study of students’ biodiversity observations. Our network model can be thought of as a scanning signature of how a subject visually scans a scene. We provide a couple of examples of how it can be used to investigate the personal identification processes of a biologist and non-biologist when they are carrying out a task concerning the observation of species-specific characteristics of two bird species in the context of biology education research. We suggest that a scanning signature can be effectively used to compare the competencies of different persons and groups of people when they are making observations on specific areas of interests.
MEDUSA: A Low-Cost, 16-Channel Neuromodulation Platform with Arbitrary Waveform Generation
Authors: Tala Fnu , Johnson Benjamin C.
Published: May 2020

Neural stimulation systems are used to modulate electrically excitable tissue to interrogate neural circuit function or provide therapeutic benefit. Conventional stimulation systems are expensive and limited in functionality to standard stimulation waveforms, and they are bad for high frequency stimulation. We present MEDUSA, a system that enables new research applications that can leverage multi-channel, arbitrary stimulation waveforms. MEDUSA is low cost and uses commercially available components for widespread adoption. MEDUSA is comprised of a PC interface, an FPGA for precise timing control, and eight bipolar current sources that can each address up to 16 electrodes. The current sources have a resolution of 15.3 nA and can provide ±5 mA with ±5 V compliance. We demonstrate charge-balancing techniques in vitro using a custom microelectrode. An in vivo strength-duration curve for earthworm nerve activation is also constructed using MEDUSA. MEDUSA is a multi-functional neuroscience research tool for electroplating microelectrodes, performing electrical impedance spectroscopy, and examining novel neural stimulation protocols.
Lightweight Modeling Attack-Resistant Multiplexer-Based Multi-PUF (MMPUF) Design on FPGA
Authors: Cui Yijun , Gu Chongyan , Ma Qingqing , Fang Yue , Wang Chenghua , O’Neill Máire , Liu Weiqiang
Published: May 2020

Physical unclonable function (PUF) is a primary hardware security primitive that is suitable for lightweight applications. However, it is found to be vulnerable to modeling attacks using machine learning algorithms. In this paper, multiplexer (MUX)-based Multi-PUF (MMPUF) design is proposed to thwart modeling attacks. The proposed design uses a weak PUF to obfuscate the challenge of a strong PUF. A mathematical model of the proposed design is presented and analyzed. The three most widely used modeling attack techniques are used to evaluate the resistance of the proposed design. Experimental results show that the proposed MMPUF design is more resistant to the machine learning attack than the previously proposed XOR-based Multi-PUF (XMPUF) design. For a large sample size, the prediction rate of the proposed MMPUF is less than the conventional Arbiter PUF (APUF). Compared with existing attack-resistant PUF designs, the proposed MMPUF design demonstrates high resistance. To verify the proposed design, a hardware implementation on Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs is presented. The hardware experimental results show that the proposed MMPUF designs present good results of uniqueness and reliability.
A Compact Thermally Driven Cooling System Based on Metal Hydrides
Authors: Weckerle Christoph , Dörr Marius , Linder Marc , Bürger Inga
Published: May 2020

Independent of the actual power train, efficiency and a high driving range in any weather conditions are two key requirements for future vehicles. Especially during summertime, thermally driven air conditioning systems can contribute to this goal as they can turn the exhaust heat of internal combustion engines, fuel cells or of any additional fuel-based heating system into a cooling effect. Amongst these, metal hydride cooling systems (MHCSs) promise very high specific power densities due to the short reaction times as well as high reaction enthalpies. Additionally, the working fluid hydrogen has a very low global warming potential. In this study, the experimental results of a compact and modular MHCS with a specific cooling power of up to 585 W kg MH − 1 referred to one cold generating MH are presented, while reactor and MH weight in total is less than 30 kg and require a volume < 20 dm3. The system is driven by an auxiliary fuel heating system and its performance is evaluated for different operating conditions, e.g., temperature levels and half-cycle times. Additionally, a novel operation optimization of time-shifted valve switching to increase the cooling power is implemented and investigated in detail.
Exploring the Potentials of Artificial Neural Network Trained with Differential Evolution for Estimating Global Solar Radiation
Authors: Babatunde Olubayo M. , Munda Josiah L. , Hamam Yskandar
Published: May 2020

The use of solar powered systems is gradually getting more attention due to technological advances as well as cost effectiveness. Thus, solar powered systems like photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, concentrator photovoltaics, as well as hydrogen production systems are now commercially available for electricity generation. A major input to these systems is solar radiation data which is either partially available or not available in many remote communities. Predictive models can be used in estimating the amount and pattern of solar radiation in any location. This paper presents the use of evolutionary algorithm in improving the generalization capabilities and efficiency of multilayer feed-forward artificial neural network for the prediction of solar radiation using meteorological parameters as input. Meteorological parameters which included monthly average daily of: sunshine hour, solar radiation, maximum temperature and minimum temperature were used in the evaluation. Results show that the proposed model returned a RMSE of 1.1967, NSE of 0.8137 and R 2 of 0.8254.
Evaluation of School Building Energy Performance and Classroom Indoor Environment
Authors: Mohelníková Jitka , Novotný Miloslav , Mocová Pavla
Published: May 2020

Existing building stock represents potential for energy saving renovations. Energy savings and indoor climate comfort are key demands for sustainable building refurbishment. Especially in schools, indoor comfort is an extremely important issue. A case study of energy consumption in selected school buildings in temperate climatic conditions of Central Europe region was performed. The studied buildings are representatives of various school premises constructed throughout the last century. The evaluation was based on data analysis of energy audits. The goal was aimed at assessment of the school building envelopes and their influence on energy consumption. One of the studied schools was selected for detailed evaluation. The school classroom was monitored for indoor thermal and visual environments. The monitoring was performed to compare the current state and renovation scenarios. Results of the evaluation show that the school buildings are highly inefficient even if renovated. Indoor climate in classrooms is largely influenced by windows. Solar gains affect interior thermal stability and daylighting. Thermal insulation quality of building envelopes and efficient solar shading systems appear to be fundamental tasks of school renovation strategies.
Durability and Reliability of EV Batteries under Electric Utility Grid Operations: Impact of Frequency Regulation Usage on Cell Degradation
Authors: Baure George , Dubarry Matthieu
Published: May 2020

The usage of electric vehicle batteries to assist the main electric grid for the storage of energy provided by intermittent sources should become an essential tool to increase the penetration of green energies. However, this service induces additional usage on the cells and, therefore, could degrade them further. Since degradation is path-dependent, it is of paramount importance to test the impact of all the different grid applications on the batteries. In this work, we tested the additional usage induced by using electric vehicle batteries for frequency regulation at moderate rates during rest or charge and found no detrimental effect after around 2000 cycles on the cells.
Short-Term Electricity Demand Forecasting: Impact Analysis of Temperature for Thailand
Authors: Chapagain Kamal , Kittipiyakul Somsak , Kulthanavit Pisut
Published: May 2020

Accurate electricity demand forecasting for a short horizon is very important for day-to-day control, scheduling, operation, planning, and stability of the power system. The main factors that affect the forecasting accuracy are deterministic variables and weather variables such as types of days and temperature. Due to the tropical climate of Thailand, the marginal impact of weather variables on electricity demand is worth analyzing. Therefore, this paper primarily focuses on the impact of temperature and other deterministic variables on Thai electricity demand. Accuracy improvement is also considered during model design. Based on the characteristics of demand, the overall dataset is divided into four different subgroups and models are developed for each subgroup. The regression models are estimated using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) methods for uncorrelated errors, and General Least Square (GLS) methods for correlated errors, respectively. While Feed Forward Artificial Neural Network (FF-ANN) as a simple Deep Neural Network (DNN) is estimated to compare the accuracy with regression methods, several experiments conducted for determination of training length, selection of variables, and the number of neurons show some major findings. The first finding is that regression methods can have better forecasting accuracy than FF-ANN for Thailand’s dataset. Unlike much existing literature, the temperature effect on Thai electricity demand is very interesting because of their linear relationship. The marginal impacts of temperature on electricity demand are also maximal at night hours. The maximum impact of temperature during night hours happens at 11 p.m., is 300 MW/ ° C, about 4 % rise in demand while during day hours, the temperature impact is only 10 MW/ ° C to 200 MW/ ° C about 1.4 % to 2.6 % rise.
Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Offshore Turbulent Wind Inflow on the Response of a Spar Wind Turbine
Authors: Putri Rieska Mawarni , Obhrai Charlotte , Jakobsen Jasna Bogunovic , Ong Muk Chen
Published: May 2020

Turbulent wind at offshore sites is known as the main cause for fatigue on offshore wind turbine components. Numerical simulations are commonly used to predict the loads and motions of floating offshore wind turbines; however, the definition of representative wind input conditions is necessary. In this study, the load and motion responses of a spar-type Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration (OC3) wind turbine under different turbulent wind conditions is studied and investigated by using SIMO-Riflex in Simulation Workbench for Marine Applications (SIMA) workbench. Using the two spectral models given in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, it is found that a lower wind lateral coherence under neutral atmospheric stability conditions results in an up to 27% higher tower base side–side bending moment and a 20% higher tower top torsional moment. Comparing different atmospheric stability conditions simulated using a spectral model based on FINO1 wind data measurement, the highest turbulent energy content under very unstable conditions yields a 26% higher tower base side–side bending moment and a 27% higher tower top torsional moment than neutral conditions, which have the lowest turbulent energy content and turbulent intensity. The yaw-mode of the OC3 wind turbine is found to be the most influenced component by assessing variations in both the lateral coherence and the atmospheric stability conditions.
A Two-Stage Algorithm of Locational Marginal Price Calculation Subject to Carbon Emission Allowance
Authors: Wu Mingxing , Lu Zhilin , Chen Qing , Zhu Tao , Lu En , Lu Wentian , Liu Mingbo
Published: May 2020

To analyze the effect of carbon emission quota allocation on the locational marginal price (LMP) of day-ahead electricity markets, this paper proposes a two-stage algorithm. For the first stage of the algorithm, a multi-objective optimization model is established to simultaneously minimize the total costs and carbon emission costs of power systems. Hence, an evenly distributed Pareto optimal solution can be solved effectively by means of the normalized normal constraint method. For the second stage, a tracing model is built with the goal of minimizing the total costs of power systems and satisfying the constraints generated based on the Pareto optimal solution obtained from the first stage. Furthermore, the influence of carbon emission quota allocation on the LMP of electricity markets is analyzed, and different schemes to allocate carbon emission quotas are evaluated on a real 1560-bus and 52-unit system.
Bridging Tools to Better Understand Environmental Performances and Raw Materials Supply of Traction Batteries in the Future EU Fleet
Authors: Bobba Silvia , Bianco Isabella , Eynard Umberto , Carrara Samuel , Mathieux Fabrice , Blengini Gian Andrea
Published: May 2020

Sustainable and smart mobility and associated energy systems are key to decarbonise the EU and develop a clean, resource efficient, circular and carbon-neutral future. To achieve the 2030 and 2050 targets, technological and societal changes are needed. This transition will inevitably change the composition of the future EU fleet, with an increasing share of electric vehicles (xEVs). To assess the potential contribution of lithium-ion traction batteries (LIBs) in decreasing the environmental burdens of EU mobility, several aspects should be included. Even though environmental assessments of batteries along their life-cycle have been already conducted using life-cycle assessment, a single tool does not likely provide a complete overview of such a complex system. Complementary information is provided by material flow analysis and criticality assessment, with emphasis on supply risk. Bridging complementary aspects can better support decision-making, especially when different strategies are simultaneously tackled. The results point out that the future life-cycle GWP of traction LIBs will likely improve, mainly due to more environmental-friendly energy mix and improved recycling. Even though second-use will postpone available materials for recycling, both these end-of-life strategies allow keeping the values of materials in the circular economy, with recycling also contributing to mitigate the supply risk of Lithium and Nickel.
New High-Efficiency Resonant O-Type Devices as the Promising Sources of Microwave Power
Authors: Baikov Andrei , Baikova Olga
Published: May 2020

New O-type high-power vacuum resonant microwave devices are considered in this study: COM klystrons, CSM klystrons and resotrodes. All these devices can output a large amount of power (up to units of MW and higher) with an efficiency of up to 90%. Such devices are promising microwave sources for industrial microwave technologies as well as for microwave energy. The principle of GSP-equivalence for klystrons is described herein, allowing a complete physical analog of this device with other parameters to be created. The existing mathematical and computer models of klystrons are analyzed. The processes of stage-by-stage optimization and the embedding procedure, which leads to COM and to CSM klystrons, are considered. Resotrodes, IOT-type devices with energy regeneration in the input circuit, are also considered. It is shown that these devices can combine high power with an efficiency of up to 90% and a gain of more than 30 dB. Resotrodes with 0-regeneration can be effective sources of radio frequency (RF) power in the range of 20 to 200 MHz. Resotrodes with 2π-regeneration are an effective source of RF/microwave energy in the range of 200 MHz to 1000 MHz.
Influence of Site Conditions and Quality of Birch Wood on Its Properties and Utilization after Heat Treatment. Part II—Surface Properties and Marketing Evaluation of the Effect of the Treatment on Final Usage of Such Wood
Authors: Dudík Roman , Borůvka Vlastimil , Zeidler Aleš , Holeček Tomáš , Riedl Marcel
Published: May 2020

This work is a follow-up contribution to the characteristics of Betula pendula (silver birch) wood from different habitats and the impact of the subsequent heat treatment. Specifically, it focuses on the surface properties of birch wood in the form of veneers, namely color, hardness, roughness and wetting, and in particular on the marketing evaluation of the attractiveness of colored birch wood and, thus, its possible use in practice in the Czech Republic. Three heat treatment steps at 170, 190 and 200 °C were used. The resulting values of the properties of the treated birch veneers were compared with the untreated reference veneers and also with beech veneers. These properties were the wood density, the colorimetric parameters, the roughness parameters, the wetting parameters, the hardness and density, and none of the parameters studied showed negative changes due to the temperature adjustment. Overall, both in terms of properties and in terms of marketing appraisal, there is the potential for birch to replace, for example, beech, especially in the furniture industry, by application in the form of heat-treated veneers after suitable heat treatment. The conclusions of the marketing analysis resulting from the questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of respondents show the significant preference for the heat-treated birch wood compared to reference birch samples without heat treatment.
Antioxidant Properties of Green Coffee Extract
Authors: Masek Anna , Latos-Brozio Malgorzata , Kałużna-Czaplińska Joanna , Rosiak Angelina , Chrzescijanska Ewa
Published: May 2020

An infusion of green coffee is a commonly consumed beverage, famous for its health-promoting properties. Green coffee owes its properties to the richness of active phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to determine the components of green coffee bean extracts and their properties. The scope of research included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) spectroscopy; the electrochemical determination of the behavior of green coffee extract; and the determination of antioxidant properties by colorimetric spectroscopic methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC). Water and ethanol extracts from green coffee were characterized by significant antioxidant properties and a high capacity to reduce transition metal ions. Voltammetric tests showed that the solution has good antioxidant properties in view of it contains many polyphenolic compounds that oxidize in the potential range tested.
RE-examining the Effect of Online Social Support on Subjective Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Experience
Authors: Hsu Meng-Hsiang , Chang Chun-Ming , Wu Shing-Ling
Published: May 2020

Building upon the perspectives of social capital theory, social support, and experience, this study developed a theoretical model to investigate the determinants of subjective well-being on social media. This study also examined the moderating role of experience on the relationship between subjective well-being and social support. Data collected from 267 social media users in Taiwan were used to test the proposed model. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to test the measurement model and the structural model. The findings reveal that receiving online support and providing online support are the key predictors of subjective well-being. Furthermore, social capital positively influences the reception and provision of online support. Finally, providing online support has a significant effect on the subjective well-being of users with low levels of use experience, while receiving online support exerts a stronger influence on the subjective well-being of users with high levels of use experience.
Chemical Biopreservative Effects of Red Seaweed on the Shelf Life of Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Arulkumar Abimannan , Satheeshkumar Kumar , Paramasivam Sadayan , Rameshthangam Palanivel , Miranda Jose M.
Published: May 2020

Hypnea musciformis (HM) and Acanthophora muscoides (AM) red seaweeds were evaluated for their antioxidant properties and efficacy to extend the chemical shelf life of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) during 14-daystorage. Treated shrimp were soaked in five percent ethanolic solution with 500 µg/mL of AM or HM powder for 30 min. HM had more phenols and flavonoids, increased radical scavenging activity, and greater H2O2 reducing power than AM in vitro. Biochemical quality indicators were significantly higher in the control group, followed by HM- and AM-treated samples during storage. On day 14 of storage, controls contained significantly higher amounts of biogenic amines than HM- or AM-treated samples. The shelf life of chilled stored shrimp increased due to the presence of compounds of butylated hydroxytoluene, sulfurous acid, heptadecane, mono (2-ethylhexyl), and 1,2-propanediol found in AM extract and sulfurous acid and 1,2-propanediol found in HM extract. A control group was soaked in the same ethanolic solution as treated samples without algae powder for 30 min. Each group was kept ice-cold during the soaking period. The results obtained demonstrate the usefulness of two seaweed extracts, Hypnea musciformis and Acanthophora muscoides, combined with ice by decreasing the formation of toxic biogenic amines in shrimp, enhancing its shelf life during ice storage.
Optimization of the Emulsifying Properties of Food Protein Hydrolysates for the Production of Fish Oil-in-Water Emulsions
Authors: Padial-Domínguez Marta , Espejo-Carpio F. Javier , Pérez-Gálvez Raúl , Guadix Antonio , Guadix Emilia M.
Published: May 2020

The incorporation of lipid ingredients into food matrices presents a main drawback—their susceptibility to oxidation—which is associated with the loss of nutritional properties and the generation of undesirable flavors and odors. Oil-in-water emulsions are able to stabilize and protect lipid compounds from oxidation. Driven by consumers’ demand, the search for natural emulsifiers, such as proteins, is gaining much interest in food industries. This paper evaluates the in vitro emulsifying properties of protein hydrolysates from animal (whey protein concentrate) and vegetal origin (a soy protein isolate). By means of statistical modelling and bi-objective optimization, the experimental variables, namely, the protein source, enzyme (i.e., subtilisin, trypsin), degree of hydrolysis (2–14%) and emulsion pH (2–8), were optimized to obtain their maximal in vitro emulsifying properties. This procedure concluded that the emulsion prepared from the soy protein hydrolysate (degree of hydrolysis (DH) 6.5%, trypsin) at pH 8 presented an optimal combination of emulsifying properties (i.e., the emulsifying activity index and emulsifying stability index). For validation purposes, a fish oil-in-water emulsion was prepared under optimal conditions, evaluating its physical and oxidative stability for ten days of storage. This study confirmed that the use of soy protein hydrolysate as an emulsifier stabilized the droplet size distribution and retarded lipid oxidation within the storage period, compared to the use of a non-hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.
Characterization of Key Aroma-Active Compounds Isolated from Omija Fruit Treated Differently Based on Odor Activity Values and Descriptive Sensory Analysis
Authors: Kim Mina K. , Jang Hae won , Lee Kwang-Geun
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to characterize the key aroma-active compounds isolated from omija fruits using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), orthonasal threshold testing, and descriptive sensory analysis techniques. Omija fruits were prepared using four different methods: raw, pureed, freeze-dried, and hot-air dried. The aromatic compounds were extracted with ethanol. Flavor compounds were further isolated using distillation under reduced pressure, followed by liquid–liquid extraction, and were then identified using GC-MS. A total of 40 volatile compounds were identified in omija fruits; nine were further identified as key aroma-active compounds found in omija fruits. The odor-active values for key flavor compounds were calculated, and aroma descriptions perceived by humans were determined using a highly trained panel. This study found that compounds high in omija fruit extracts were not necessarily the odor active compounds and 4-terpineol (1.84) and α-terpineol (2.58) were high odor-active compounds in omija fruits. Samples with high levels of the two compounds (hot air- and freeze-dried omija fruit) had high intensities of “spicy” and “wet-wood” aromatics.
Antioxidant Properties of Sourdoughs Made with Whole Grain Flours of Hull-Less Barley or Conventional and Pigmented Wheat and by Selected Lactobacilli Strains
Authors: Galli Viola , Venturi Manuel , Guerrini Simona , Blandino Massimo , Luti Simone , Pazzagli Luigia , Granchi Lisa
Published: May 2020

The use of sourdough fermentation and whole grain flours in baked goods manufacturing are known to enhance their functional and nutritional features. In this context, it is necessary to select the most suitable lactic acid bacteria strains and flour combination to achieve this goal. A characterization of 70 lactobacilli strains based on pro-technological and nutritional properties was carried out. The screening allowed the selection of 10 strains that were used to ferment sourdoughs made with two varieties of common wheat, the conventional red-grained cv Aubusson, a blue-grained variety rich in anthocyanins cv Skorpion, and a hull-less barley variety, cv Rondo. From each fermented sourdough, a water soluble extract was obtained and evaluated for its antioxidant activity performed on cultured cells (RAW 264.7 murine macrophage) by assaying Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) content. Sourdoughs made with pigmented wheat and barley, had an antioxidant activity greater than that recovered in those made with conventional wheat flour, in spite they have been inoculated with the same LAB strains. Results highlighted the interdependence between flour and the inoculated lactic acid bacteria that has to be taken into account for the development of healthy breads exploiting high functional value cereals through biotechnological processes.
Profile of Back Bacon Produced From the Common Warthog
Authors: Hoffman Louwrens C. , Rudman Monlee , Leslie Alison J.
Published: May 2020

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has historically been hunted and consumed by rural communities throughout its distribution range in Africa. This study aims to develop a processed product from warthog meat in the form of back bacon (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) as a healthy alternative meat product and to determine its chemical and sensory characteristics derived from adult and juvenile boars and sows. The highest scored attributes included typical bacon and smoky aroma and flavor, and salty flavor, as well as tenderness and juiciness. Neither sex nor age influenced the bacon’s chemical composition; the bacon was high in protein (~29%) and low in total fat (<2%). Palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), linoleic (C18:2ω6), oleic (C18:1ω9c), and arachidonic (C20:4ω6) were the dominant fatty acids. There was an interaction between sex and age for the PUFA:SFA ratio (p = 0.01). The differences between sex and age class are considered negligible regarding the overall profile and healthiness of the bacon.
Pyrene-Based Co-Assembled Supramolecular Gel; Morphology Changes and Macroscale Mechanical Property
Authors: Kim Ka Young , Ok Mirae , Kim Jaehyeong , Jung Sung Ho , Seo Moo Lyong , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: May 2020

Two pyrene derivatives having the perylenediimide (1) or the alky chain (2) in the middle of molecules were synthesized. Co-assembled supramolecular gels were prepared at different molar ratios of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 equiv. of 2 to 1. By SEM observation, the morphology of co-assembled supramolecular gels changed from spherical nanoparticles to three-dimensional network nanofibers as the ratio of 2 increased. In addition, the pyrene-excimer emission of co-assembled gels increased with increasing concentration of 2, and was stronger when compared with the condition without 1 or 2, indicating the formation of pyrene interaction between 1 and 2. In addition, the sol-gel transition was found to be reversible over repeated measurement by tube inversion method. The rheological properties of co-assembled supramolecular gels were also improved by increasing the ratio of 2, due to the increased nanoscale flexibility of supramolecular packing by introducing alkyl chain groups through heterogeneous pyrene interaction. These findings suggest that macroscale mechanical strength of co-assembled supramolecular gel was strongly influenced by nanoscale flexibility of the supramolecular packing.
Natural Gas Liberations around Production Wells at Russian Arctic Gas Fields
Authors: Yakushev Vladimir S.
Published: May 2020

Gas samples from gas liberations around wellheads on two giant natural gas fields in West Siberia (Bovanenkovo and Yamburg) have been tested for their carbon isotopic and molecular compositions. Results have shown local, microbial genesis of gas and that its source is permafrost at both gas fields. Gas liberation is caused by permafrost rock massif thawing around working well. Gas liberations can appear at different distances from the casing inside the radius of thawing. Two gas samples taken from gas liberations at casing border have shown thermogenic origin, which was explained by deep gas leakage through the casing. Gas liberations from deep production horizons are few, and they concentrate around the casing. Permafrost gas liberations are numerous, and they are spread at different distances from the wellhead.
Recent Advances in Geomathematics in Croatia: Examples from Subsurface Geological Mapping and Biostatistics
Authors: Malvić Tomislav , Bošnjak Marija , Velić Josipa , Sremac Jasenka , Ivšinović Josip , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Barudžija Uroš
Published: May 2020

Geomathematics is extremely important in geosciences, particularly in the geology. The key for any geomathematical analysis is the definition of a typical model to be applied for further prognosis, either through deterministic or stochastic approaches. The selection of the appropriate procedure is presented in this paper. Two different geomathematical subfield datasets were used in subsurface geological mapping and palaeontology and different biostatistics applications, representing important geomathematical subfields in the Croatian geology. The different subsurface interpolation methods tested, validated and recommended for application were used to obtain the best possible outcome in reservoir modelling, in the cases with small datasets. Cross-validation may be chosen as the main selection criteria, applied to the Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin System (CPBS). Recent advances in biostatistics applied in palaeontology and case studies from Croatia are also presented, where biometric studies are of significant importance in fossil biota. Data, methods and problems in geosciences are vast subjects, and address a wide spectrum of fundamental science. Because geology includes subsurface and surface geology, and very different datasets regarding variable and number of data, we have chosen here two representative case study groups with original samples from Northern Croatia. Subsurface mapping has been presented on limited petrophysical datasets from the Northern Croatian, Miocene, hydrocarbon reservoirs. Biostatistics have been presented on very different samples, allowing us to achieve paleoenvironmental reconstructions of the size of relevant fossils, such as dinosaurs or other species and their paleoenvironments. All examples highlight examples of the valuable application of geomathematical tools in geology. The results, cautiously validated and correlated with other, non-numerical (indicator, categorical) geological knowledge, are of enormous assistance in creating better geological models.