bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Relevance and Advantages of Intradermal Test Results in 371 Patients with Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma and/or Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Hurst David S. , McDaniel Alan B.
Published: November 2021

Background: We evaluated the value of positive intradermal dilution testing (IDT) after negative skin prick tests (SPT) by retrospectively determining allergy immunotherapy (AIT) outcomes. Methods: This private practice, cohort study compared the relative value of SPT vs. IDT in 371 adults and children with suspected manifestations of allergy: chronic allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma and/or chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). The primary outcome measure was symptom resolution following immunotherapy, as determined by symptom severity questionnaires completed by patients before and after AIT. Results: Positive IDT identified 193 (52%) patients who would not otherwise have been diagnosed. IDT detected 3.7-fold more allergens per patient than SPT (8.56 vs. 2.3; p < 0.01). Patients positive only on IDT responded to AIT equally well as those identifiable by SPT, independent of allergen sensitivity (67% by SPT vs. 62% by IDT; p = 0.69, not significantly different). Conclusion: Intradermal titration can identify patients who will benefit from allergy immunotherapy more accurately than SPT. Outcomes analysis in 371 patients shows that IDT doubled their chance of successful treatment with no greater risk of therapeutic failure. Positive IDT, following negative SPT, is clinically relevant and offers superior sensitivity over SPT for detecting allergens clinically relevant to diagnosis of AIT-responsive atopic disease.
A Review of the Effect of Irradiation on the Corrosion of Copper-Coated Used Fuel Containers
Authors: King Fraser , Behazin Mehran
Published: November 2021

Radiation induced corrosion is one of the possible modes of materials degradation in the concept of long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Depending on the environmental conditions surrounding the used fuel container, a range of radiolysis products are expected to form that could impact the corrosion of the copper coating. For instance, γ-radiolysis of pure water produces molecular oxidants such as H2O2 and the radiolysis of humid air produces compounds such as NOx and HNO3. This review is confined to a discussion of the effect of γ-radiation on the corrosion of copper-coated containers. A simplified mixed-potential model is also presented to calculate the extent of copper corrosion by using the steady-state concentration of H2O2 generated during the first 300 years of emplacement, when the radiation field is significant.
An Atomization Model of Air Spraying Using the Volume-of-Fluid Method and Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Chen Yan , Chen Shiming , Chen Wenzhuo , Hu Jun , Jiang Junze
Published: November 2021

When painting complex surfaces, such as large-curvature surfaces, poor coating quality is often obtained, which may be caused by lack of an appropriate atomization model, insufficient understanding of atomization mechanisms and laws, and improper painting parameters. This paper presents a numerical model of paint atomization of air spraying using the volume-of-fluid method and large eddy simulation. The interface capture and the turbulent flow were mainly considered in the model: the former was tracked by the volume-of-fluid method and the latter was predicted by the large eddy simulation. After the computational domain being meshed by the staggered-grid method, the governing equations were discretized by the finite volume method and were solved by the SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations) Consistent algorithm. The results of numerical simulations show that the characteristics of atomization flow field, such as velocity variation, pressure distribution, and paint volume fraction are in agreement with the regularities of atomization. Moreover, the primary and secondary atomization phenomena can be clearly observed: as soon as the paint issues from the nozzle, the paint flow begins to distort and the paint fragments continuously eject from the main paint flow and then these paint fragments distort and disintegrate into smaller elements. A comparison with the experimental data from the literature proves that the model of the whole atomization process of air spray is effective. The model is suitable for simulating the whole atomization process and easy to obtain initial conditions, which can be applied to set the appropriate painting parameters and study paint atomization mechanisms and laws in depth.
Paramecium bursaria—A Complex of Five Cryptic Species: Mitochondrial DNA COI Haplotype Variation and Biogeographic Distribution
Authors: Greczek-Stachura Magdalena , Rautian Maria , Tarcz Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Ciliates are a diverse protistan group and many consist of cryptic species complexes whose members may be restricted to particular biogeographic locations. Mitochondrial genes, characterized by a high resolution for closely related species, were applied to identify new species and to distinguish closely related morphospecies. In the current study, we analyzed 132 sequences of COI mtDNA fragments obtained from P. bursaria species collected worldwide. The results allowed, for the first time, to generate a network of COI haplotypes and demonstrate the relationships between P. bursaria strains, as well as to confirm the existence of five reproductively isolated haplogroups. The P. bursaria haplogroups identified in the present study correspond to previously reported syngens (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5), thus we decided to propose the following binominal names for each of them: P. primabursaria, P. bibursaria, P. tribursaria, P. tetrabursaria, and P. pentabursaria, respectively. The phylogeographic distribution of P. bursaria species showed that P. primabursaria and P. bibursaria were strictly Eurasian, except for two South Australian P. bibursaria strains. P. tribursaria was found mainly in Eastern Asia, in two stands in Europe and in North America. In turn, P. tetrabursaria was restricted to the USA territory, whereas P. pentabursaria was found in two European localities.
Accuracy of Two CE-Marked Blood Glucose Monitoring System Based on EN ISO 15197:2015
Authors: Kim Jung-Hee , Garo Maria Luisa , Guerra Antonio , Paparo Maria Teresa , Russo Antonio
Published: November 2021

Blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) are essential for the management of diabetic patients. Although International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2015 criteria require rigorous monitoring of BGMS devices before commercialization, manufacturing quality standards may decline after FDA or EU approval. This work aimed to demonstrate the accuracy and precision of two BGMS devices currently available on the market. A laboratory study was conducted from June to August 2021 using two BGMS devices. One hundred samples were collected and evaluated according to ISO 15197:2015 guidelines. Over 95% accuracy was achieved by both devices using stricter ISO criteria (at least 95% of values within ±10 mg/dL or ±10% of the results of the reference measurement procedure). Analysis of the error grid showed that 99.5% of the results were in zone A. Surveillance of the accuracy and precision of BGMS devices after FDA and EU approval is an essential procedure to help patients and physicians manage glycemia and determine an appropriate outcome and personalized approach to diabetes treatment.
Variation in Sagittal Alignment Parameters in Adult Patients before Spine Surgery: A Serial Imaging Study Using Antero-Posterior and Latero-Lateral Projections
Authors: Lim Hunjong , Lee Eugene , Lee Joon-Woo , Kim Bo-Ram , Kang Yusuhn , Ahn Joong-Mo
Published: November 2021

Sagittal parameters of the spine are closely related to the evaluation and treatment of spine disease. However, there has been little research on variations in preoperative sagittal spinal alignment. This study was conducted to assess the variation in sagittal spinal alignment on serial antero-posterior and latero-lateral projections (EOS imaging) in adult patients before spine surgery. The sagittal parameters of 66 patients were collected from two serial images. Comparison between the first and second sagittal parameters was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the time interval between radiographs, patient’s age, and type of surgery. The sagittal vertical axis (SVA) exhibited statistically significant changes (p = 0.023), with the mean SVA increasing statistically (61.7 mm vs. 73.6 mm) and standard deviation increasing (51.5 mm vs. 61.6 mm) in the second image. Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in SVA (p = 0.034) in patients with an interval of >3 months; statistical differences in borderline levels in the SVA (p = 0.049) were observed in patients aged >65 years. Other parameters did not show statistically significant differences, except for SVA. Furthermore, SVA differences were statistically significant with increases in the EOS interval (>3 months) and patient age (>65 years).
Advancing Access to Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability in the United States
Authors: Grigal Meg , Dukes Lyman L. , Walker Zachary
Published: November 2021

Due to changes in legislation and policy in the United States, higher education has become more available to people with intellectual disability (ID). Currently, over 6000 students with ID are enrolled in 310 colleges and universities. In the past decade, the federal government has invested over 100 million dollars in a model demonstration program aimed at institutions of higher education to create, expand, or enhance high-quality, inclusive higher education experiences to support positive outcomes for individuals with ID. This article will describe the impetus and impact of this funding as well as related changes in policy and practice. With the emergence of these opportunities, a field of research has emerged, offering new knowledge about what higher education can offer to students with ID as well as the positive impact these students have on their peers, professors, and campus communities. We have also begun to see documentation of more long-term impacts of higher education on students’ employment, independent living outcomes, and life satisfaction. By describing these policy, practice, and research developments, this article will provide readers with a better understanding of the background, current status, and future needs of the field of inclusive higher education for people with ID in the United States and potential takeaways for similar stakeholders in other countries.
Constructal Optimization of Rectangular Microchannel Heat Sink with Porous Medium for Entropy Generation Minimization
Authors: Li Wenlong , Xie Zhihui , Xi Kun , Xia Shaojun , Ge Yanlin
Published: November 2021

A model of rectangular microchannel heat sink (MCHS) with porous medium (PM) is developed. Aspect ratio of heat sink (HS) cell and length-width ratio of HS are optimized by numerical simulation method for entropy generation minimization (EGM) according to constructal theory. The effects of inlet Reynolds number (Re) of coolant, heat flux on bottom, porosity and volume proportion of PM on dimensionless entropy generation rate (DEGR) are analyzed. From the results, there are optimal aspect ratios to minimize DEGR. Given the initial condition, DEGR is 33.10% lower than its initial value after the aspect ratio is optimized. With the increase of Re, the optimal aspect ratio declines, and the minimum DEGR drops as well. DEGR gets larger and the optimal aspect ratio remains constant with the increasing of heat flux on bottom. For the different volume proportion of PM, the optimal aspect ratios are diverse, but the minimum DEGR almost stays unchanged. The twice minimized DEGR, which results from aspect ratio and length-width ratio optimized simultaneously, is 10.70% lower than the once minimized DEGR. For a rectangular bottom, a lower DEGR can be reached by choosing the proper direction of fluid flow.
Still No Free Lunches: The Price to Pay for Tighter PAC-Bayes Bounds
Authors: Guedj Benjamin , Pujol Louis
Published: November 2021

“No free lunch” results state the impossibility of obtaining meaningful bounds on the error of a learning algorithm without prior assumptions and modelling, which is more or less realistic for a given problem. Some models are “expensive” (strong assumptions, such as sub-Gaussian tails), others are “cheap” (simply finite variance). As it is well known, the more you pay, the more you get: in other words, the most expensive models yield the more interesting bounds. Recent advances in robust statistics have investigated procedures to obtain tight bounds while keeping the cost of assumptions minimal. The present paper explores and exhibits what the limits are for obtaining tight probably approximately correct (PAC)-Bayes bounds in a robust setting for cheap models.
Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Change Human Mobility Equally Worldwide? Cross-Country Cluster Analysis
Authors: Czech Katarzyna , Davy Anna , Wielechowski Michał
Published: November 2021

The paper aims to identify groups of countries characterised by a similar human mobility reaction to COVID-19 and investigate whether the differences between distinguished clusters result from the stringency of government anti-COVID-19 policy or are linked to another macroeconomic factor. We study how COVID-19 affects human mobility patterns, employing daily data of 124 countries. The analysis is conducted for the first and second waves of the novel coronavirus pandemic separately. We group the countries into four clusters in terms of stringency level of government anti-COVID-19 policy and six mobility categories, using k-means clustering. Moreover, by applying the Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank-sum pairwise comparison test, we assess the existence of significant differences between the distinguished clusters. We confirm that the pandemic has caused significant human mobility changes. The study shows that a more stringent anti-COVID-19 policy is related to the greater decline in mobility. Moreover, we reveal that COVID-19-driven mobility changes are also triggered by other factors not related to the pandemic. We find the Human Development Index (HDI) and its components as driving factors of the magnitude of mobility changes during COVID-19. The greater human mobility reaction to COVID-19 refers to the country groups representing higher HDI levels.
Grid Operation Assessment under a Specific EV Chargers Deployment Plan in the City of Heraklion
Authors: Karapidakis Emmanuel , Tsikalakis Antonis , Paspatis Alexandros , Fotakis Emmanuel , Stavrakakis George , Chatzipoulka Christina , Zervas Panagiotis
Published: November 2021

The development of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the electrification of the transportation sector plays a significant role in energy transition to a low-carbon and highly renewable society. The use of EVs has been promoted through the development of inclusive strategies for electromobility in the recent years. Apart from actions directed and funded by the European Union, national strategies have also been employed to support electromobility. Such a strategic plan has already been enacted by the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy, funding municipalities to prepare siting and sizing plans for electric vehicle chargers. In this paper, the final study of this strategic plan for the municipality of Heraklion in Crete is used as a case study to investigate the effect of EV chargers on the operation of the Cretan power system. Their selected siting points are evaluated by performing a power flow analysis at the level of 150 kV. Thus, they are aggregated in each 20 kV/150 kV distribution substation of the electrical grid with the aim of investigating their effect on substation loading and transmission line losses. Generally, extensive fast charging should be avoided to minimize the risk of sudden stress of the existing cities’ grids and control strategies should be implemented to mitigate the need for upscale substation equipment or even postpone reinforcements.
Optimal Power Dispatch of Distributed Generators in Direct Current Networks Using a Master–Slave Methodology That Combines the Salp Swarm Algorithm and the Successive Approximation Method
Authors: Rosales Muñoz Andrés Alfonso , Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Montano Jhon , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Giral-Ramírez Diego Armando
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem in Direct Current (DC) networks by considering the integration of Distributed Generators (DGs). In order to model said problem, this study employs a mathematical formulation that has, as the objective function, the reduction in power losses associated with energy transport and that considers the set of constraints that compose DC networks in an environment of distributed generation. To solve this mathematical formulation, a master–slave methodology that combines the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and the Successive Approximations (SA) method was used here. The effectiveness, repeatability, and robustness of the proposed solution methodology was validated using two test systems (the 21- and 69-node systems), five other optimization methods reported in the specialized literature, and three different penetration levels of distributed generation: 20%, 40%, and 60% of the power provided by the slack node in the test systems in an environment with no DGs (base case). All simulations were executed 100 times for each solution methodology in the different test scenarios. The purpose of this was to evaluate the repeatability of the solutions provided by each technique by analyzing their minimum and average power losses and required processing times. The results show that the proposed solution methodology achieved the best trade-off between (minimum and average) power loss reduction and processing time for networks of any size.
Optimal Control of Centralized Thermoelectric Generation System under Nonuniform Temperature Distribution Using Barnacles Mating Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Tariq Mirza Imran , Mansoor Majad , Feroz Mirza Adeel , Khan Nouman Mujeeb , Zafar Muhammad Hamza , Z. Kouzani Abbas , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: November 2021

The need for renewable energy resources is ever-increasing due to the concern for environmental issues associated with fossil fuels. Low-cost high-power-density manufacturing techniques for the thermoelectric generators (TEG) have added to the technoeconomic feasibility of the TEG systems as an effective power generation system in heat recovery, cooling, electricity, and engine-efficiency applications. The environment-dependent factors such as the nonuniform distribution of heat, damage to the heat-transfer coating between sinks and sources, and mechanical faults create nonuniform current generation and impedance mismatch causing power loss. As a solution to this nonlinear multisolution problem, an improved MPPT control is presented, which utilizes the improvised barnacle mating optimization (BMO). The case studies are formulated to gauge the performance of the proposed BMP MPPT control under nonuniform temperature distribution. The results are compared to the grey wolf optimization (GWO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and cuckoo search (CS) algorithm. Faster global maximum power point tracking (GMPP) within 381 ms, higher power tracking efficiency of up to 99.93%, and least oscillation ≈0.8 W are achieved by the proposed BMO with the highest energy harvest on average. The statistical analysis further solidifies the better performance of the proposed controller with the least root mean square error (RMSE), RE, and highest SR.
The Energy Mix Dilemma and Environmental Sustainability: Interaction among Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nuclear Energy, Urban Agglomeration, and Economic Growth
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Ma Hengyun , Radulescu Magdalena , Sinisi Crenguta Ileana , Paunescu Loredana Maria , Alam MD Shabbir , Alvarado Rafael
Published: November 2021

In this paper we examined the interaction between greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy, coal energy, urban agglomeration, and economic growth in Pakistan by utilizing time series data during 1972–2019. The stationarity of the variables was tested through unit root tests, while the ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) method with long and short-run estimations was applied to reveal the linkages between variables. A unidirectional association between all variables was revealed by performing a Granger causality test under the vector error correction model (VECM) that was extracted during the short-run estimate. Furthermore, the stepwise least squares technique was also utilized to check the robustness of the variables. The findings of long-run estimations showed that GHG emissions, coal energy, and urban agglomeration have an adversative association with economic growth in Pakistan, while nuclear energy showed a dynamic association with the economic growth. The outcomes of short-run estimations also show that nuclear energy has a constructive association with economic growth, while the remaining variables exposed an adversative linkage to economic growth in Pakistan. Similarly, the Granger causality test under the vector error correction model (VECM) outcomes exposes that all variables have unidirectional association. Furthermore, the outcomes of the stepwise least squares technique reveals that GHG emissions and coal energy have an adverse association with economic growth, and variables nuclear energy and urban agglomeration have a productive linkage to the economic growth in Pakistan. GHG emissions are no doubt an emerging issue globally; therefore, conservative policies and financial support are needed to tackle this issue. Despite the fact that Pakistan contributes less to greenhouse gas emissions than industrialized countries, the government must implement new policies to address this problem in order to contribute to environmental sustainability while also enhancing economic development.
A Novel Generator Design Utilised for Conventional Ejector Refrigeration Systems
Authors: Elbarghthi Anas F. A. , Hdaib Mohammad Yousef , Dvořák Václav
Published: November 2021

Ejector refrigeration systems are rapidly evolving and are poised to become one of the most preferred cooling systems in the near future. CO2 transcritical refrigeration systems have inherently high working pressures and discharge temperatures, providing a large volumetric heating capacity. In the current research, the heat ejected from the CO2 gas cooler was proposed as a driving heating source for the compression ejector system, representing the energy supply for the generator in a combined cycle. The local design approach was investigated for the combined plate-type heat exchanger (PHE) via Matlab code integrated with the NIST real gas database. HFO refrigerants (1234ze(E) and 1234yf) were selected to serve as the cold fluid on the generator flowing through three different phases: subcooled liquid, a two-phase mixture, and superheated vapour. The study examines the following: the effectiveness, the heat transfer coefficients, and the pressure drop of the PHE working fluids under variable hot stream pressures, cold stream flow fluxes, and superheated temperatures. The integration revealed that the cold fluid mixture phase dominates the heat transfer coefficients and the pressure drop of the heat exchanger. By increasing the hot stream inlet pressure from 9 MPa to 12 MPa, the cold stream two-phase convection coefficient can be enhanced by 50% and 200% for R1234yf and R1234ze(E), respectively. Conversely, the cold stream two-phase convection coefficient dropped by 17% and 37% for R1234yf and R1234ze(E), respectively. The overall result supports utilising the ejected heat from the CO2 transcritical system, especially at high CO2 inlet pressures and low cold channel flow fluxes. Moreover, R1234ze(E) could be a more suitable working fluid because it possesses a lower pressure drop and bond number.
Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Wierzbicki Sławomir , Duda Kamil , Mikulski Maciej
Published: November 2021

The continuous need for systematization and open dissemination of knowledge on Renewable Fuels intended for use in Internal Combustion Engines forms the premise of the presented Special Issue titled “Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion”. Experts in the field were encouraged to share their latest findings in the form of original research papers, case studies, or short reviews. Works targeting all aspects of the value chain were considered necessary, including the following: (liquid and gaseous) fuel production process, upgrading (catalytic and fractional blending), up to end, valorization in combustion engines (conventional and advanced concepts). Finally, techno-economic analyses aiming to valorize the value chain holistically were warmly encouraged to submit papers in this Special Issue of the Energies Journal. In this book, the reader will find successful submissions that present the latest findings from the discussed research field, encapsulated into nine chapters.
Characterization of MOCVD-Prepared CIS Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Gyu Hyun , Lee Hae-Seok , Kim Donghwan , Kang Yoonmook
Published: November 2021

Chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells prepared via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are one of the candidates for highly advanced photovoltaic devices. This is because of their effectiveness and potential for reducing production costs through large-scale production. However, research on MOCVD-prepared solar cells is progressing slower than that on other types of solar cells, primarily because the preparation of CuInSe2 (CIS)-based films via MOCVD is relatively more sophisticated. In this study, we analyzed CIS solar cells prepared via three-stage MOCVD and processed with relatively simple precursors and techniques. We achieved an energy-conversion efficiency of 7.39% without applying a buffer layer. Instead, we applied a Cu-deficient layer to create a buried pn junction. Ultimately, we demonstrated that the fabrication of fully-MOCVD-processed CIS photovoltaic devices is feasible.
Thermodynamics-Informed Neural Network (TINN) for Phase Equilibrium Calculations Considering Capillary Pressure
Authors: Zhang Tao , Sun Shuyu
Published: November 2021

The thermodynamic properties of fluid mixtures play a crucial role in designing physically meaningful models and robust algorithms for simulating multi-component multi-phase flow in subsurface, which is needed for many subsurface applications. In this context, the equation-of-state-based flash calculation used to predict the equilibrium properties of each phase for a given fluid mixture going through phase splitting is a crucial component, and often a bottleneck, of multi-phase flow simulations. In this paper, a capillarity-wise Thermodynamics-Informed Neural Network is developed for the first time to propose a fast, accurate and robust approach calculating phase equilibrium properties for unconventional reservoirs. The trained model performs well in both phase stability tests and phase splitting calculations in a large range of reservoir conditions, which enables further multi-component multi-phase flow simulations with a strong thermodynamic basis.
Carbon-Negative Hydrogen Production (HyBECCS) from Organic Waste Materials in Germany: How to Estimate Bioenergy and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential
Authors: Full Johannes , Trauner Mathias , Miehe Robert , Sauer Alexander
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen derived from biomass feedstock (biohydrogen) can play a significant role in Germany’s hydrogen economy. However, the bioenergy potential and environmental benefits of biohydrogen production are still largely unknown. Additionally, there are no uniform evaluation methods present for these emerging technologies. Therefore, this paper presents a methodological approach for the evaluation of bioenergy potentials and the attainable environmental impacts of these processes in terms of their carbon footprints. A procedure for determining bioenergy potentials is presented, which provides information on the amount of usable energy after conversion when applied. Therefore, it elaborates a four-step methodical conduct, dealing with available waste materials, uncertainties of early-stage processes, and calculation aspects. The bioenergy to be generated can result in carbon emission savings by substituting fossil energy carriers as well as in negative emissions by applying biohydrogen production with carbon capture and storage (HyBECCS). Hence, a procedure for determining the negative emissions potential is also presented. Moreover, the developed approach can also serve as a guideline for decision makers in research, industry, and politics and might also serve as a basis for further investigations such as implementation strategies or quantification of the benefits of biohydrogen production from organic waste material in Germany.
The Influence of Microplastics from Ground Tyres on the Acute, Subchronical Toxicity and Microbial Respiration of Soil
Authors: Šourková Markéta , Adamcová Dana , Vaverková Magdalena Daria
Published: November 2021

As a rubber annular coat of rim wheels, tyres are inevitable parts of all vehicles in modern times. As to their composition, however, they represent a risk for the environment. During the use of tyres, tyre tread patterns become abraded, which results in its gradual wear and necessary re- placement. These micro and nano particles are then gradually extracted into the environment, namely soils and waters. Our research study was focused on the assessment of subchronical phytotoxicity (pot trial with a mixture of substrate and predetermined ratio of abrasion products lasting 28 days) and biological tests (testing phytotoxicity of leaches with predetermined ratio of abrasion products on Petri dishes). The biological tests were comprised two plant species—seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). In the mixtures of substrate with determined shares of abrasion products (5%, 25%, 50% and 75%), respiration of CO2 was also established by means of soil microbial respiration (Solvita CO2-Burst). Substrates with 5% and 25% abrasion proportions showed increased biological activity as well as increased CO2-C emissions. The increasing share of abrasion products resulted in decreasing biological activity and decreasing CO2-C emissions. The results of subchronical phytotoxicity ranged from 62% to 94% with values below 90% indicating substrate phytotoxicity. The results of biological tests focused on the phytotoxicity of tested samples exhibiting values from 35% to 70% with respect to the germination index with values below 66% indicating the phytotoxicity of tyre abrasion products.
Anthropogenic Disturbances Shape Soil Capillary and Saturated Water Retention Indirectly via Plant Functional Traits and Soil Organic Carbon in Temperate Forests
Authors: Liu Shufang , Yuan Zuoqiang , Ali Arshad , Sanaei Anvar , Mao Zikun , Ding Fan , Zheng Di , Fang Shuai , Jia Zhaojie , Tao Zhao , Lin Fei , Ye Ji , Wang Xugao , Hao Zhanqing
Published: November 2021

Soil’s water-physical properties support essential soil water retention functions for driving water distribution and availability, which is vital for plant growth and biogeochemical cycling. However, the question concerning how tree compositions and their interactions with other abiotic factors modulate soil’s water-physical properties in disturbed forests remains poorly understood. Based on observational data from nine permanent forest sites (18,747 trees and 210 plots) in the northeast of China, where forests once undergone three different levels of anthropogenic logging disturbance, we evaluated how multiple biotic (i.e., tree diversity and functional trait composition) and abiotic (soil texture and soil organic carbon) factors influence water-physical properties (i.e., in terms of soil capillary water retention (WC) and soil saturated water retention (WS)) in temperate forests. We found that the impacts of logging disturbance on soil water-physical properties were associated with improved tree diversity, acquisitive functional traits, and SOC. These associated attributes were also positively related to WC and WS, while there was no significant effect from soil texture. Moreover, disturbance indirectly affected soil water-physical properties mainly by functional traits and SOC, as acquisitive functional traits significantly mediate the effect from disturbance on WC and SOC mediates the influence from disturbance on WS. Finally, our results emphasize the potential relationships of tree composition with SOC and soil water retention as compared with soil texture and hence suggest that plants can actively modulate their abiotic contexts after disturbance, which is meaningful for understanding forest health and resistance.
Chemical Components of Fungus Comb from Indo-Malayan Termite Macrotermes gilvus Hagen Mound and Its Bioactivity against Wood-Staining Fungi
Authors: Nandika Dodi , Karlinasari Lina , Arinana Arinana , Batubara Irmanida , Sitanggang Putri Sari , Santoso Djoko , Witasari Lucia Dhiantika , Rachmayanti Yanti , Firmansyah Dikhi , Sudiana I Ketut , Hertanto Desca Medika
Published: November 2021

Recently, the architectural and physical properties of the fungus comb from subterranean termite Macrotermes gilvus Hagen (Isoptera: Termitidae) mounds had been studied and it is important to determine its chemical profile as well as to evaluate its anti-staining-fungi activity. The results showed that fungus comb of M. gilvus has a high crude ash (30.57%), fiber (25.46%), starch (7.76%), protein (5.80%, 5.53% amino acid), acid-insoluble ash (3.45%), and fat (0.73%). It also contained phenol hydroquinone, steroids, terpenoids, and saponin compounds. Seventeen amino acids were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, of which arginine, leucine, glutamate, and aspartic acid were the majority. According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the n-hexane extract consists of several types of fatty acid derivatives. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts were primarily phenol groups with 1,2,3-propanetriol (glycerol) at the highest relative concentration. Four fungus-comb extracts (n-hexane, EtOAc, MeOH, and water) inhibited the Aspergillus foetidus fungus, with inhibition rates ranging from 24.17% to 100% and EtOAc extract as the most active extract. It appears that EtOAc extracts from the M. gilvus fungus comb can be considered an active ingredient source of novel organic fungicide in preventing wood-staining fungi attacks on susceptible wood.
A Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Combined Black Pepper and Cinnamon Essential Oils against Escherichia fergusonii in Traditional African Yoghurt
Authors: Ogwaro Betty A. , O’Gara Elizabeth A. , Hill David J. , Gibson Hazel
Published: November 2021

The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of black pepper (BPE) and cinnamon bark (CE) extracts against E. fergusonii was assessed in pasteurized full cream milk during and post-fermentation. The milk was fermented with 1% (v/v) of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus (NCIMB 11778) and Streptococcus thermophilus (NCIMB 10387) (approx. 106 cfu/mL each) and incubated and stored at 25 °C for 5 days (144 h) or at 43 °C for 24 h and then stored at 25 °C for 120 h. The milk was spiked with E. fergusonii at the start of fermentation by the lactic acid bacteria (pre-fermentation contamination) for after fermentation (post fermentation contamination). BPE and CE were applied at concentrations based on their minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5% and 0.25% respectively as follows: 0.5% BPE alone; 0.125% BPE with 0.1875% CE; 0.25% BPE with 0.125% CE; 0.375% BPE with 0.0625% CE; 0.25% CE alone. Results showed that during fermentation at 25 °C, E. fergusonii grew to a similar level (approx. 109 CFU/mL) in control samples and 108 CFU/mL when BPE or CE were added alone. Whereas, in the samples with the combined essential oils, the bacterium grew to 106–107 CFU/mL only. During the milk fermentation at 43 °C, E. fergusonii grew to approx. 109 CFU/mL in samples without treatment. However, it was not detected in samples containing mixed BPE with CE after 8, 10 and 12 h of fermentation. Subsequent storage at 25 °C resulted in undetectable levels of the bacterium in all the samples treated with BPE or CE after 24 h of storage. These results indicated that BPE in combination with CE reduced growth during fermentation and was bactericidal during storage.
Survey on Methods for Investigating Protein Functionality and Related Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Sharan Siddharth , Rinnan Åsmund , Orlien Vibeke
Published: November 2021

Proteins from various sources are widely used in the food industry due to their unique functional performances in food products. The functional properties of proteins are somehow dictated by their molecular characteristics, but the exact relationship is not fully understood. This review gives a tangible overview of the methods currently available for determining protein functionality and related molecular characteristics in order to support further research on protein ingredients. The measurements of protein functionality include solubility, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, emulsion property, foam property, and gelation. This review also provides a description of different methods of molecular characteristics including electrophoresis, surface hydrophobicity and charge, molecular interaction, and thermal property measurement. Additionally, we have put significant emphasis on spectroscopic methods (ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, circular dichroism, fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance). In conclusion, first and foremost, there is a need to agree on a standardization of the analytical methods for assessing functional properties. Moreover, it is mandatory to couple different analyses of molecular characteristics to measure and monitor the structural changes obtained by different processing methods in order to gain knowledge about the relationship with functionality. Ideally, a toolbox of protein analytical methods to measure molecular characteristics and functionality should be established to be used in a strategic design of protein ingredients.
The Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Bilberry Extract on Transintestinal Cholesterol Excretion
Authors: Hong Jimin , Kim Minji , Kim Bohkyung
Published: November 2021

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the modifiable and primary risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Emerging evidence suggests the stimulation of transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE), the nonbiliary cholesterol excretion, using natural products can be an effective way to reduce CVD. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has been reported to have cardioprotective effects by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. However, the role of bilberry in intestinal cholesterol metabolism is not well understood. To examine the effects of bilberry in intestinal cholesterol metabolism, we measured the genes for cholesterol flux and de novo synthesis in anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (BE)-treated Caco-2 cells. BE significantly decreased the genes for cholesterol absorption, i.e., Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). In contrast, BE significantly upregulated ABCG8, the apical transporter for cholesterol. There was a significant induction of low-density lipoprotein receptors, with a concomitant increase in cellular uptake of cholesterol in BE-treated cells. The expression of genes for lipogenesis and sirtuins was altered by BE treatment. In the present study, BE altered the genes for cholesterol flux from basolateral to the apical membrane of enterocytes, potentially stimulating TICE. These results support the potential of BE in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia.
Effects of Different Pilot-Scale Milling Methods on Bioactive Components and End-Use Properties of Whole Wheat Flour
Authors: Tian Wenfei , Tong Jingyang , Zhu Xiaoyue , Martin Philipp Fritschi , Li Yonghui , He Zhonghu , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2021

The health benefits from consumption of whole wheat products are widely recognized. This study investigated the effects of different pilot-scale milling methods on physicochemical properties, bioactive components, Chinese steamed bread (CSB), and Chinese leavened pancakes (CLP) qualities of whole wheat flour (WWF). The results indicated that WWF-1 from the reconstitution of brans processed by a hammer mill had the best CSB and CLP quality overall. WWF from entire grain grinding by a jet mill (65 Hz) contained the highest concentration of bioactive components including dietary fibers (DF) and phenolic acids. A finer particle size did not necessarily result in a higher content of phenolic antioxidants in WWF. DF contents and damaged starch were negatively correlated with CSB and CLP quality. Compromised reduced quality observed in CLP made from WWF indicated its potentially higher acceptance as a whole-grain product.
Food and Nutrition Related Concerns Post Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Zhao Ai , Li Jufang , Ke Yalei , Huo Shanshan , Ma Yidi
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to explore food and nutrition related concerns during the post-lockdown period and their impacts on food shopping, preparation, and eating behaviors. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted through online questionnaire. We collected data on food and nutrition related concerns, socio-demographic characteristics, and changes in dietary behaviors. Participants: A total of 2267 responses were received from people living in 31 provinces across mainland China and 1994 participants were included in the final analysis. Analysis: Linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association among food and nutrition related concerns, socio-demographic factors, and dietary behaviors Results: About 56% of participants reported moderate to high levels of concerns related to food and nutrition. Contracting the virus when dining out or through contaminated foods were the top two concerns, followed by overnutrition. Higher levels of concerns were found among people who were older, overweight, or obese, having lower income and education, and living in urban areas, or whose family contained vulnerable individuals. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, people who were more concerned about food and nutrition were more likely to report changes in their food purchases and consumption; they were also more likely to eat from individual plates, using serving chopsticks, and separating plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods during the post COVID-19 lockdown period. Conclusion and Implication: Food and nutrition related concerns during the post-lockdown period were prevalent and associated with changes in dietary behaviors. Preventative policies and nutritional guidance should be developed to address these concerns in order to reduce inappropriate dietary behaviors amid public health crises.
Maturation Process, Nutritional Profile, Bioactivities and Utilisation in Food Products of Red Pitaya Fruits: A Review
Authors: Huang Yanyi , Brennan Margaret Anne , Kasapis Stefan , Richardson Samantha J. , Brennan Charles Stephen
Published: November 2021

Red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus, red pulp with pink peel), also known as dragon fruit, is a well-known species of pitaya fruit. Pitaya seeds and peels have been reported to exhibit higher concentrations of total polyphenols, beta-cyanins and amino acid than pulp, while anthocyanins (i.e., cyanidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside and pelargonidin 3-glucoside) were only detected in the pulp extracts. Beta-cyanins, phenolics and flavonoids were found to increase gradually during fruit maturation and pigmentation appeared earlier in the pulp than peel. The phytochemicals were extracted and purified by various techniques and broadly used as natural, low-cost, and beneficial healthy compounds in foods, including bakery, wine, dairy, meat and confectionery products. These bioactive components also exhibit regulative influences on the human gut microbiota, glycaemic response, lipid accumulation, inflammation, growth of microbials and mutagenicity, but the mechanisms are yet to be understood. The objective of this study was to systematically summarise the effect of red pitaya’s maturation process on the nutritional profile and techno-functionality in a variety of food products. The findings of this review provide valuable suggestions for the red pitaya fruit processing industry, leading to novel formulations supported by molecular research.
Nutritional Characteristics of Black Lentil from Soleto: A Single-Flower Vetch Landrace of Apulia Region (Southern Italy)
Authors: Piergiovanni Angela Rosa
Published: November 2021

Archaeological remains and historical documents demonstrate that a single-flower vetch has been cultivated in Italy from the early stages of agriculture. Some Italian communities have perpetuated the custom to eat its seeds still to the present. This is the case of people living in some villages of the southern Apulia region. In consequence of the high resemblance of the single-flower vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.) seeds with those of lentils, the Apulian landrace is locally named “lenticchia nera di Soleto” (black lentil from Soleto). The evaluation of seed nutritional traits of this landrace revealed good macronutrient contents (proteins and starch, 28.4 and 42.4 g/100 g respectively), low trypsin inhibitor levels (4.08 TIU/mg), short cooking times after soaking (24–25 min) and a lack of broken seeds at the end of cooking. The coat content of total phenolic compounds (TPC) of the Apulian black lentil was comparable with that of the lentil cv. Beluga (68.23 vs. 66.14 mg GAE/g, respectively).
Self-Healing Mechanism and Conductivity of the Hydrogel Flexible Sensors: A Review
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Yanen , Wei Qinghua , Wang Yanmei , Lei Mingju , Li Mingyang , Li Dinghao , Zhang Longyu , Wu Yu
Published: November 2021

Sensors are devices that can capture changes in environmental parameters and convert them into electrical signals to output, which are widely used in all aspects of life. Flexible sensors, sensors made of flexible materials, not only overcome the limitations of the environment on detection devices but also expand the application of sensors in human health and biomedicine. Conductivity and flexibility are the most important parameters for flexible sensors, and hydrogels are currently considered to be an ideal matrix material due to their excellent flexibility and biocompatibility. In particular, compared with flexible sensors based on elastomers with a high modulus, the hydrogel sensor has better stretchability and can be tightly attached to the surface of objects. However, for hydrogel sensors, a poor mechanical lifetime is always an issue. To address this challenge, a self-healing hydrogel has been proposed. Currently, a large number of studies on the self-healing property have been performed, and numerous exciting results have been obtained, but there are few detailed reviews focusing on the self-healing mechanism and conductivity of hydrogel flexible sensors. This paper presents an overview of self-healing hydrogel flexible sensors, focusing on their self-healing mechanism and conductivity. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sensors have been summarized and discussed. Finally, the key issues and challenges for self-healing flexible sensors are also identified and discussed along with recommendations for the future.