bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Eight Novel Loci for Susceptibility of Scrub Typhus and Highlights Immune-Related Signaling Pathways in Its Pathogenesis
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Kim Soriul , Kim Hee-Kwon , Lee Yi , Shin Chol , Lee Chang-Seop , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: March 2021

Scrub typhus is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This disease is accompanied by systemic vasculitis, lymphadenopathy, headache, myalgia, and eschar. In recent studies, a novel strain that is resistant to current medical treatment was identified in Thailand. Thus, the development of new specific drugs for scrub typhus is needed. However, the exact molecular mechanism governing the progression of scrub typhus has not been fully elucidated. To understand disease-related genetic factors and mechanisms associated with the progression of scrub typhus, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in scrub typhus-infected patients and found a scrub typhus-related signaling pathway by molecular interaction search tool (MIST) and PANTHER. We identified eight potent scrub typhus-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on the PRMT6, PLGLB2, DTWD2, BATF, JDP2, ONECUT1, WDR72, KLK, MAP3K7, and TGFBR2 genes using a GWAS. We also identified 224 genes by analyzing protein-protein interactions among candidate genes of scrub typhus and identified 15 signaling pathways associated with over 10 genes by classifying these genes according to signaling pathways. The signaling pathway with the largest number of associated genes was the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway, followed by the TGF-beta signaling pathway and the apoptosis signaling pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first GWAS in scrub typhus.
Rapid Identification of New Biomarkers for the Classification of GM1 Type 2 Gangliosidosis Using an Unbiased 1H NMR-Linked Metabolomics Strategy
Authors: Percival Benita C. , Latour Yvonne L. , Tifft Cynthia J. , Grootveld Martin
Published: March 2021

Biomarkers currently available for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of GM1 gangliosidosis type 2 (GM1T2) disease are mainly limited to those discovered in targeted proteomic-based studies. In order to identify and establish new, predominantly low-molecular-mass biomarkers for this disorder, we employed an untargeted, multi-analyte approach involving high-resolution 1H NMR analysis coupled to a range of multivariate analysis and computational intelligence technique (CIT) strategies to explore biomolecular distinctions between blood plasma samples collected from GM1T2 and healthy control (HC) participants (n = 10 and 28, respectively). The relationship of these differences to metabolic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of GM1T2 disorder was also investigated. 1H NMR-linked metabolomics analyses revealed significant GM1T2-mediated dysregulations in ≥13 blood plasma metabolites (corrected p < 0.04), and these included significant upregulations in 7 amino acids, and downregulations in lipoprotein-associated triacylglycerols and alanine. Indeed, results acquired demonstrated a profound distinctiveness between the GM1T2 and HC profiles. Additionally, employment of a genome-scale network model of human metabolism provided evidence that perturbations to propanoate, ethanol, amino-sugar, aspartate, seleno-amino acid, glutathione and alanine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and most especially branched-chain amino acid degradation (p = 10−12−10−5) were the most important topologically-highlighted dysregulated pathways contributing towards GM1T2 disease pathology. Quantitative metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed that pathological locations associated with these dysfunctions were in the order fibroblasts > Golgi apparatus > mitochondria > spleen ≈ skeletal muscle ≈ muscle in general. In conclusion, results acquired demonstrated marked metabolic imbalances and alterations to energy demand, which are consistent with GM1T2 disease pathogenesis mechanisms.
Gas Sensors Based on Copper Oxide Nanomaterials: A Review
Authors: Steinhauer Stephan
Published: March 2021

Metal oxide semiconductors have found widespread applications in chemical sensors based on electrical transduction principles, in particular for the detection of a large variety of gaseous analytes, including environmental pollutants and hazardous gases. This review recapitulates the progress in copper oxide nanomaterial-based devices, while discussing decisive factors influencing gas sensing properties and performance. Literature reports on the highly sensitive detection of several target molecules, including volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and nitrogen oxide from parts-per-million down to parts-per-billion concentrations are compared. Physico-chemical mechanisms for sensing and transduction are summarized and prospects for future developments are outlined.
High Acceptability of an Orally Dispersible Tablet Formulation by Children
Authors: Wagner-Hattler Leonie , Kiene Klara , Bielicki Julia , Pfister Marc , Puchkov Maxim , Huwyler Jörg
Published: March 2021

There is a high unmet medical need for child-appropriate oral dosage forms. The acceptability of a novel placebo orally dispersible tablet formulation (pODT) was therefore evaluated. Monolithic tablets contain an inorganic calcium carbonate/calcium phosphate carrier material as the main excipient. They were assessed in a cross-sectional acceptability study. The 40 child participants were between 2 to 5 years and 6 to 10 years old. One pODT with 5 mm diameter was administered to each participating child by placement on the tongue or into the buccal cavity. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire together with the study personnel. The spontaneous reactions of the children were recorded. The ease of administration and children’s acceptance of the tablet was rated by research staff on a 4-point acceptability scale and by parents on a 5-point Likert scale. The older subjects answered how they had liked the pODT by pointing to the appropriate face of a Facial Hedonic Scale. pODT had very high acceptability as 93% of parents, and all questioned children reported the formulation to be acceptable or very acceptable. Staff reported administering pODT in these children without problems. None of the children showed distress on receipt of pODT. We conclude that the proposed child-friendly dosage form provides a convenient option for oral drug administration and is expected to enhance drug-adherence in pediatric patients.
Synoptic Climatology of Lake-Effect Snow Events off the Western Great Lakes
Authors: Wiley Jake , Mercer Andrew
Published: March 2021

As the mesoscale dynamics of lake-effect snow (LES) are becoming better understood, recent and ongoing research is beginning to focus on the large-scale environments conducive to LES. Synoptic-scale composites are constructed for Lake Michigan and Lake Superior LES events by employing an LES case repository for these regions within the U.S. North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data for each LES event were used to construct synoptic maps of dominant LES patterns for each lake. These maps were formulated using a previously implemented composite technique that blends principal component analysis with a k-means cluster analysis. A sample case from each resulting cluster was also selected and simulated using the Advanced Weather Research and Forecast model to obtain an example mesoscale depiction of the LES environment. The study revealed four synoptic setups for Lake Michigan and three for Lake Superior whose primary differences were discrepancies in a surface pressure dipole structure previously linked with Great Lakes LES. These subtle synoptic-scale differences suggested that while overall LES impacts were driven more by the mesoscale conditions for these lakes, synoptic-scale conditions still provided important insight into the character of LES forcing mechanisms, primarily the steering flow and air–lake thermodynamics.
Changes in Frequency and Location of East Coast Low Pressure Systems Affecting Southeast Australia
Authors: Speer Milton , Leslie Lance , Hartigan Joshua , MacNamara Shev
Published: March 2021

Low pressure systems off the southeast coast of Australia can generate intense rainfall and associated flooding, destructive winds, and coastal erosion, particularly during the cool season (April–September). Impacts depend on coastal proximity, strength and latitude. Therefore, it is important to investigate changes in frequency, duration, location, and intensity of these systems. First, an existing observation-based database of these low pressure systems, for 1970–2006, is extended to 2019, focusing on April–September and using archived Australian Bureau of Meteorology MSLP charts. Second, data consistency between 1970 and 2006 and 2007 and 2019 is confirmed. Third, permutation testing is performed on differences in means and variances between the two 25-year intervals 1970–1994 and 1995–2019. Additionally, trends in positions, durations and central pressures of the systems are investigated. p-values from permutation tests reveal statistically significant increases in mean low pressure system frequencies. Specifically, a greater frequency of both total days and initial development days only, occurred in the latter period. Statistically significant lower variance for both latitude and longitude in systems that developed in both subtropical easterly and mid-latitude westerly wind regimes indicate a shift south and east in the latter period. Furthermore, statistically significant differences in variance of development location of explosive low pressure systems that develop in a low level easterly wind regime indicate a shift further south and east. These changes are consistent with fewer systems projected to impact the east coast. Finally, important changes are suggested in the large scale atmospheric dynamics of the eastern Australian/Tasman Sea region.
Improved Heat Stability of Whey Protein Isolate by Glycation with Inulin
Authors: He Yue , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: March 2021

Glycation between proteins and sugars via the Maillard reaction has been shown to improve the heat stability of proteins. In this study, inulin, a healthy dietary fiber, was glycated with whey protein isolate (WPI), and the effects of reaction conditions were investigated. Conjugates were prepared by freeze-drying mixed WPI and inulin solutions at 1:1 to 6:1 WPI-to-inulin weight ratios followed by dry heating at 70, 75, or 80 °C for 12 to 72 h under uncontrolled, 44%, or 80% relative humidity. Heat stability was evaluated by turbidity, particle size, and rheological measurements. Degree of glycation was assessed by quantifying the loss of amino groups and the formation of the Amadori compounds. Results showed that conjugation led to improved heat stability, as shown by decreased turbidity and particle size as well as the ability to maintain the viscosity compared to control samples. Based on the loss of amino groups, the optimum glycation conditions were achieved with WPI–inulin mixtures at 2:1, 4:1, and 6:1 weight ratios and 80 °C temperature for 12 to 72 h without controlling the relative humidity. The improved heat stability could be due to an increase in negative charge as well as increased structural stabilization of the proteins. Under a limited degree of glycation, glycated WPI–inulin conjugates have great potential to be utilized as food ingredients, especially in the beverage industry.
Solvable Model for the Linear Separability of Structured Data
Authors: Gherardi Marco
Published: March 2021

Linear separability, a core concept in supervised machine learning, refers to whether the labels of a data set can be captured by the simplest possible machine: a linear classifier. In order to quantify linear separability beyond this single bit of information, one needs models of data structure parameterized by interpretable quantities, and tractable analytically. Here, I address one class of models with these properties, and show how a combinatorial method allows for the computation, in a mean field approximation, of two useful descriptors of linear separability, one of which is closely related to the popular concept of storage capacity. I motivate the need for multiple metrics by quantifying linear separability in a simple synthetic data set with controlled correlations between the points and their labels, as well as in the benchmark data set MNIST, where the capacity alone paints an incomplete picture. The analytical results indicate a high degree of “universality”, or robustness with respect to the microscopic parameters controlling data structure.
Goodness–of–Fit Tests for Bivariate Time Series of Counts
Authors: Hudecová Šárka , Hušková Marie , Meintanis Simos G.
Published: March 2021

This article considers goodness-of-fit tests for bivariate INAR and bivariate Poisson autoregression models. The test statistics are based on an L2-type distance between two estimators of the probability generating function of the observations: one being entirely nonparametric and the second one being semiparametric computed under the corresponding null hypothesis. The asymptotic distribution of the proposed tests statistics both under the null hypotheses as well as under alternatives is derived and consistency is proved. The case of testing bivariate generalized Poisson autoregression and extension of the methods to dimension higher than two are also discussed. The finite-sample performance of a parametric bootstrap version of the tests is illustrated via a series of Monte Carlo experiments. The article concludes with applications on real data sets and discussion.
The Optimization of Bayesian Extreme Value: Empirical Evidence for the Agricultural Commodities in the US
Authors: Singvejsakul Jittima , Chaiboonsri Chukiat , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: March 2021

Bayesian extreme value analysis was used to forecast the optimal point in agricultural commodity futures prices in the United States for cocoa, coffee, corn, soybeans and wheat. Data were collected daily between 2000 and 2020. The estimation of extreme value can be empirically interpreted as representing crises or unusual time series trends, while the extreme optimal point is useful for investors and agriculturists to make decisions and better understand agricultural commodities future prices warning levels. Results from the Non-stationary Extreme Value Analysis (NEVA) software package using Bayesian inference and the Newton-optimal methods provided optimal interval values. These indicated extreme maximum points of future prices to inform investors and agriculturists to sell the contract and product before the commodity prices dropped to the next local minimum values. Thus, agriculturists can use this information as an advanced warming of alarming points of agricultural commodity prices to predict the efficient quantity of their agricultural product to sell, with better ways to manage this risk.
Supporting Teachers on Their STEAM Journey: A Collaborative STEAM Teacher Training Program
Authors: Boice Katherine L. , Jackson Justina R. , Alemdar Meltem , Rao Analía E. , Grossman Sabrina , Usselman Marion
Published: March 2021

There is growing enthusiasm for STEAM education in preparing students for an increasingly complex world. However, implementing STEAM in the classroom can be challenging for educators, as it may require collaboration across disciplines, increased workload, and understanding the nature of STEAM integration. This paper details a mixed-methods evaluation of a year-long STEAM teacher training program, in which a STEM teacher and an arts teacher collaborated to design and implement integrated STEAM lessons at each of the nine participating schools (n = 17). The training program consisted of a 5-week summer professional development experience, followed by ongoing financial, material, and pedagogical support during the school year, made possible by the partnership of the schools, a university, and community organizations. Findings from surveys, focus groups, and written reflections suggest that, despite certain challenges, aspects of the training program supported teacher implementation of STEAM. Participation in the program impacted teachers’ collaboration, pedagogy, self-efficacy, and arts integration practices. The findings offer insight into the forms of support that teachers deem important in STEAM teacher training programs and the benefits of such a program for teachers’ professional development.
A Millimeter-Wave CMOS Injection-Locked BPSK Transmitter in 65-nm CMOS
Authors: Lin Jiafu , Peng He , Yang Qichao , Berenguer Roc , Liu Gui
Published: March 2021

In order to provide gigabit per second wireless communication, various standards have been proposed and implemented in recent years. Since the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) communication enables uncompressed high-speed data transfer with a minimum delay, it is considered to be the most promising technology to alleviate the pressure of the increasing demand of the spectrum resource. In this paper, a compact and highly efficient mm-wave transmitter is presented. The proposed injection-locked binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) transmitter can deliver a 10.2 dBm output with an efficiency over 10%. The proposed transmitter occupies 0.105 mm2 chip area in 65 nm CMOS process.
A Flexible and Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna with Small Dimensions and Simple Layout for Wireless Communication Systems Operating over 1.65–2.51 GHz
Authors: Ghaffar Adnan , Li Xue Jun , Awan Wahaj Abbas , Naqvi Aqeel Hussain , Hussain Niamat , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Limiti Ernesto
Published: March 2021

This research article proposes a compact frequency and pattern reconfigurable flexible antenna for heterogeneous applications. A triangular monopole antenna with a semicircular stub is made frequency and pattern tunable by connecting and disconnecting two inverted L-shaped stubs utilizing diodes. When either of the stubs is connected to the radiator, a relative phase difference happens at both ends of the radiator that changes the direction of the electromagnetic radiations, consequently pattern reconfigurability can be obtain. Besides that, because of the reactive load introduced by the stubs, the antenna’s effective length has changed and, as a result, the frequency reconfigurability can be attained. The antenna features a compact size of 40 × 50 × 0.254 mm3 corresponding to 0.22λo × 0.27λo × 0.001λo, where λo is free-space wavelength at 1.65 GHz, while its operational bandwidth is from 1.65 GHz to 2.51 GHz, with an average gain and radiation efficiency of better than 2.2 dBi and 80%, exhibiting a pattern reconfigurability of 180° in the E-plane. The frequency of the proposed antenna can be switched from 2.1 GHz to 1.8 GHz by switching the state of both diodes in OFF and ON-state, respectively. The fabricated prototype of the antenna is tested to verify its performance parameters. In addition, to validate the proposed design, it has been compared with prior arts in terms of the overall size, reconfigurability type, flexibility, radio frequency (RF) switch type used for reconfigurability, and frequency bandwidth. The proposed antenna provides smaller size with a large bandwidth coverage alongside with discrete RF switch type with the advantages of flexibility and both frequency and pattern reconfigurability. As a result, the proposed compact flexible and pattern reconfigurable antenna is a promising candidate for heterogeneous applications, including the global system for mobile (GSM) band (1800 and 1900 MHz) and industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band (2.4 GHz) along with well-known cellular communication bands of 3G, 4G, and long term evolution (LTE) bands ranging from 1700–2300 MHz around the globe.
Area-Time Efficient Two-Dimensional Reconfigurable Integer DCT Architecture for HEVC
Authors: Meher Pramod Kumar , Lam Siew-Kei , Srikanthan Thambipillai , Kim Dong Hwan , Park Sang Yoon
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present area-time efficient reconfigurable architectures for the implementation of the integer discrete cosine transform (DCT), which supports all the transform lengths to be used in High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). We propose three 1D reconfigurable architectures that can be configured for the computation of the DCT of any of the prescribed lengths such as 4, 8, 16, and 32. It is shown that matrix multiplication schemes involving fewer adders can be used to derive parallel architectures for 1D integer DCT of different lengths. A novel transposition buffer is designed to be used for the proposed 2D DCT architecture, which offers double the throughput without increasing the size of the transposition buffer. We determine the optimal pipeline locations in the proposed design through the precise estimation of propagation delays and the critical path so that the area-delay-product is optimized and all the output samples are obtained in the same cycle in spite of the recursive nature of the structure. Implementation results show that the proposed 2D integer DCT architectures provide significantly higher throughput per unit area than the existing designs for HEVC.
A Computer Tool for Modelling CO2 Emissions in Driving Cycles for Spark Ignition Engines Powered by Biofuels
Authors: Tucki Karol
Published: March 2021

A driving cycle is a record intended to reflect the regular use of a given type of vehicle, presented as a speed profile recorded over a certain period of time. It is used for the assessment of engine pollutant emissions, fuel consumption analysis and environmental certification procedures. Different driving cycles are used, depending on the region of the world. In addition, drive cycles are used by car manufacturers to optimize vehicle drivelines. The basis of the work presented in the manuscript was a developed computer tool using tests on the Toyota Camry LE 2018 chassis dynamometer, the results of the optimization process of neural network structures and the properties of fuels and biofuels. As a result of the work of the computer tool, the consumption of petrol 95, ethanol, methanol, DME, CNG, LPG and CO2 emissions for the vehicle in question were analyzed in the following driving tests: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA US06 and EPA USSC03); Supplemental Federal Test Procedure (SFTP); Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET); Federal Test Procedure (FTP-75–EPA); New European Driving Cycle (NEDC); Random Cycle Low (×05); Random Cycle High (×95); Mobile Air Conditioning Test Procedure (MAC TP); Common Artemis Driving Cycles (CADC–Artemis); Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
Complex Valuation of Energy from Agricultural Crops including Local Conditions
Authors: Voltr Václav , Hruška Martin , Nobilis Luboš
Published: March 2021

This paper provides values of economic, energy and environmental assessments of 20 crops and assesses the relationships of soil-climatic conditions in the example of the Czech Republic. The comparison of main soil quality indicators according to the configuration of land and climate regions is performed on the basis of energy and economic efficiency as well as a comparison of the level of environmental impacts. The environmental impacts are identified based on the assessment of emissions from production and also in the form of soil compaction as an indicator of the relationship to soil quality. As concerns soil properties, of major importance is soil skeleton, slope of land and the depth of soil, which cause an increase in emissions from the energy produced. Substantially better emission parameters per 1 MJ through energy crops, the cultivation of perennial crops and silage maize has been supported. Among energy crops, a positive relationship with the quality of soil is seen in alfalfa, with a significant reduction in soil penetrometric resistance; energy crops are also politically justifiable in competition with other crops intended for nutrition of population. The main advantage of energy crops for the low-carbon economy is their CO2 production to MJ, which is almost half, especially in marginal areas with lower soil depths, slopes and stoniness, which can be included in the new agricultural policy.
Impact Identification of Carbon-Containing Carboniferous Clays on Surfaces of Friction Nodes
Authors: Jonczy Iwona , Wieczorek Andrzej , Filipowicz Krzysztof , Mucha Kamil , Kuczaj Mariusz , Pawlikowski Arkadiusz , Nuckowski Paweł , Pieczora Edward
Published: March 2021

The article deals with issues related to the processes occurring in the wear result of steel surfaces of machine components in the presence of mineral grains. This type of destruction of cooperating surfaces usually takes place during the development of roadways or during mining of coal with use of longwall methods. Wear tests were carried out using the author’s ring-on-ring test stand, on which the conditions of real wear of machine components in the presence of rocks were simulated. An abrasive material based on clayey rocks with an admixture of carbonaceous substance was used in the tests. Based on the analyses, it was found that the obtained results related to the damages are typical for wear mechanisms: microcracking and low-cycle fatigue. On the surface of the steel samples, numerous effects of micro-cutting and chipping could be observed, which were the result of the clayey impact of wear products and grains of the mineral substance. Under friction, a part of the abrasive and the carbon substance were pressed into generated microcracks, which is directly related to their plastic properties. The remaining, unpressed part of the abrasive material was subjected to further friction effects caused by the pressure of the tester pocket load and the relative movement of both steel rings surfaces. After the friction tests, the mixture of silty carbon abrasive material was in the form of flat aggregates on the samples’ surfaces.
Hybrid Output Voltage Modulation (PWM-FSHE) for a Modular Battery System Based on a Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter for Electric Vehicles Reducing Drivetrain Losses and Current Ripple
Authors: Kersten Anton , Kuder Manuel , Thiringer Torbjörn
Published: March 2021

This paper shows a preliminary study about the output voltage modulation of a modular battery system based on a seven-level cascaded H-bridge inverter used for vehicle propulsion. Two generally known modulation techniques, pulse width modulation (PWM) and fundamental selective harmonic elimination (FSHE), are extensively compared for such an innovative modular battery system inverter considering EVs’ broad torque-speed range. The inverter and the battery losses, as well as the inverter-induced current THD, are modeled and quantified using simulations. At low speeds, if the modulation index M is below 0.3, FSHE induces a high current THD (>>5%) and, thus, cannot be used. At medium speeds, FSHE reduces the drivetrain losses (including the battery losses), while operating at higher speeds, it even reduces the current THD. Thus, an individual boundary between multilevel PWM and FSHE can be determined using weightings for efficiency and current quality. Based on this, a simple hybrid modulation technique is suggested for modular battery system inverters, improving the simulated drive cycle efficiency by a maximum of 0.29% to 0.42% for a modeled small passenger vehicle. Furthermore, FSHE’s high speed dominance is demonstrated using a simple experimental setup with an inductive load.
Flavor Changes of Tricholoma matsutake Singer under Different Processing Conditions by Using HS-GC-IMS
Authors: Li Mengqi , Du Hanting , Lin Songyi
Published: March 2021

Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) was used to analyze the changes to volatile compounds in fried Tricholoma matsutake Singer under different heating temperatures and times. A total of 40 signals that corresponded to 24 compounds were identified through this approach. Differences in volatile compounds of T. matsutake samples were shown in topographic plots and fingerprints. The heating temperatures were more important than the heating times in affecting the volatile compounds. Moreover, changes to the main volatile compounds in T. matsutake under different processing conditions were based on the thermal decomposition and a series of chemical reactions of C8 compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that samples under different processing conditions could be effectively distinguished. Hence, the combination of HS-GC-IMS and PCA can identify and classify the volatile compounds of T. matsutake quickly and sensitively. This study provides a new supplementary analytical method for the rapid identification of T. matsutake. The above results can provide a theoretical basis for the quality control and change mechanism of flavor in the processing of traditional edible fungi products.
Chitosan Films Functionalized with Different Hydroxycinnamic Acids: Preparation, Characterization and Application for Pork Preservation
Authors: Yong Huimin , Liu Yunpeng , Yun Dawei , Zong Shuai , Jin Changhai , Liu Jun
Published: March 2021

Hydroxycinnamic acids are one category of bioactive phenolic acids that are widely distributed in plants. In this study, chitosan (CS) was functionalized with three kinds of hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid) through the carbodiimide-mediated grafting method. The obtained hydroxycinnamic-acid-grafted CSs (hydroxycinnamic acid-g-CSs) were further fabricated into food packaging films through solvent casting. For the first time, the functionalities of the different hydroxycinnamic acid-g-CS films were compared. Results showed the grafting ratio of p-coumaric acid-g-CS, caffeic acid-g-CS and ferulic acid-g-CS was 73.68, 129.42 and 91.75 mg/g, respectively. Instrumental analyses confirmed hydroxycinnamic acids conjugated with CS through amide and ester bonds. The functionalization of CS film with hydroxycinnamic acids produced a more compact microstructure and higher UV light barrier ability, mechanical strength, water vapor barrier ability, thermal stability and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the different hydroxycinnamic acid-g-CS films, caffeic acid-g-CS film presented the strongest barrier, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, caffeic acid-g-CS film packaging effectively extended the shelf life of pork to 10 days at 4 °C. Our results suggest caffeic acid-g-CS film can be used in the active food packaging field.
Consumer Perceptions of Meat Redness Were Strongly Influenced by Storage and Display Times
Authors: Corlett Maddison T. , Pethick David W. , Kelman Khama R. , Jacob Robin H. , Gardner Graham E.
Published: March 2021

Lamb (n = 79) meat colour was scored by 879 untrained consumers using a scale of 0 (brown) to 100 (red). This consumer colour score (CCS) was obtained on m. longissimus lumborum (loin) and m. semimembranosus (topside), stored for short (5–7 days), medium (33–35 days), and long periods (110–112 days) and a retail display time of up to 4 days. Consumers perceived topside to be less red initially and changed from red to brown more rapidly when stored for the long-storage period (p < 0.01). Whereas, the initial CCS of loin samples were similar across the storage periods (p > 0.05). CCS and the instrument measure oxy/met (reflectance of light at wavelengths 630 nm and 580 nm) had a low correlation coefficient of 0.33 (p < 0.01). The propensity for lamb growth and leanness indicated by sire breeding values for lamb weight, eye muscle depth, eye muscle fat depth, and loin intramuscular fat had varied and inconsistent effects on CCS. Therefore, even the selection on CCS.
Polyphenolic Characterization of Merlot, Tannat and Syrah Skin Extracts at Different Degrees of Maturity and Anti-Inflammatory Potential in RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Benbouguerra Nawel , Valls-Fonayet Josep , Krisa Stephanie , Garcia François , Saucier Cédric , Richard Tristan , Hornedo-Ortega Ruth
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Both sensory quality and healthy attributes of Vitis vinifera grapes used for winemaking are closely related with the polyphenolic composition of their skins. (2) Methods: In this study, the polyphenolic characterization (flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, flavonols, stilbenes, anthocyanins) was investigated by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-QqQ-MS). Skins from Vitis vinifera Merlot, Tannat, and Syrah red grape varieties cultivated in the south of France at different stages of ripening in 2018 were used. The anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant potential of the extracts were evaluated by the measure of nitric oxide (NO) and the intracellular reactive oxygen species production (ROS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. (3) Results: 41 polyphenols were quantified in all samples. Generally, the flavan-3-ol and procyanidin content decreased during ripening whereas the anthocyanins and stilbenes increased. In addition, as a novelty of this work, a wide identification and characterization of monomeric and oligomeric stilbenes was assessed by using authentic standards isolated in our laboratory, some of them (parthenocissin A and miyabenol C) reported for the first time in Merlot, Tannat and Syrah cultivars. The before-veraison skin extracts of all studied varieties, exhibited higher NO and ROS productions inhibition (>50%) proving both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Analysis of Biofilm Formation on the Surface of Organic Mung Bean Seeds, Sprouts and in the Germination Environment
Authors: Kruk Marcin , Trząskowska Monika
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to analyse the impact of sanitation methods on the formation of bacterial biofilms after disinfection and during the germination process of mung bean on seeds and in the germination environment. Moreover, the influence of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on the growth of the tested pathogenic bacteria was evaluated. Three strains of Salmonella and E. coli were used for the study. The colony forming units (CFU), the crystal violet (CV), the LIVE/DEAD and the gram fluorescent staining, the light and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used. The tested microorganisms survive in a small number. During germination after disinfection D2 (20 min H2O at 60 °C, then 15 min in a disinfecting mixture consisting of H2O, H2O2 and CH₃COOH), the biofilms grew most after day 2, but with the DP2 method (D2 + L. plantarum 299v during germination) after the fourth day. Depending on the method used, the second or fourth day could be a time for the introduction of an additional growth-limiting factor. Moreover, despite the use of seed disinfection, their germination environment could be favourable for the development of bacteria and, consequently, the formation of biofilms. The appropriate combination of seed disinfection methods and growth inhibition methods at the germination stage will lead to the complete elimination of the development of unwanted microflora and their biofilms.
Differences in Health Behavior Profiles of Adolescents in Urban and Rural Areas in a Korean City
Authors: Chae Myungah , Han Kihye
Published: March 2021

Through a latent class analysis approach, we can classify individuals and identify subgroups according to health behavior patterns, and find evidence for the development of customized intervention programs to target high-risk groups. Our study aimed to explore differences in latent classes of health behaviors in adolescents by region (urban vs. rural areas) in a Korean city. This cross-sectional secondary analysis utilized data collected from all first graders’ student health checkups in middle school and high school in a city of the largest island in Korea in 2016 (n = 1807). Health behavior indicators included both healthy (consuming breakfast regularly, consuming vegetables daily, consuming milk daily, consuming fast food on a limited basis, engaging in vigorous physical activities, brushing teeth, and practicing hand hygiene) and unhealthy (drinking, smoking, and overusing the internet) behaviors. Nutritional and diet behaviors were important factors for classifying healthy and unhealthy adolescents in both regions. Approximately 11% of rural students belonged to the risky group, which was characterized by a high level of drinking alcohol and smoking. These results suggest that when developing health policies for adolescents, customized policy-making and education based on the targeted groups’ behavioral patterns could be more effective than a uniform approach.
Marital Stability and Quality of Couple Relationships after Acquired Brain Injury: A Two-Year Follow-Up Clinical Study
Authors: Laratta Stefania , Giannotti Lucia , Tonin Paolo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Cerasa Antonio
Published: March 2021

Couple relationships after acquired brain injury (ABI) could be vulnerable to emotional distress. Previous evidence has demonstrated significant marital dissatisfaction in the first period after a traumatic event, while long-term evaluations are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the impact of a series of demographic and clinical factors on marital stability after two years from the injury. Thirty-five patients (29% female) with mild/moderate ABI (57% vascular, 43% traumatic) and their partners were enrolled. The couples completed a series of psychological questionnaires assessing marital adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, DAS) and family functioning (Family Relationship Index, FRI) at discharge from the intensive rehabilitation unit and after 2 years. Demographics (i.e., educational level, job employment and religion commitment) and clinical variables (i.e., the Barthel index, aetiology and brain lesion localization) were considered as predictive factors. Regression analyses revealed that the DAS and FRI values are differently influenced by demographic and clinical factors in patients and caregivers. Indeed, the highest educational level corresponds to better DAS and FRI values for patients. In the spouses, the variability of the DAS values was explained by aetiology (the spouses of traumatic ABI patients had worse DAS values), whereas the variability in the FRI values was explained by religious commitment (spending much time on religious activities was associated with better FRI values). Our data suggest that some clinical and demographic variables might be important for protecting against marital dissatisfaction after an ABI.
Review of Current Healthcare Waste Management Methods and Their Effect on Global Health
Authors: Kenny Christina , Priyadarshini Anushree
Published: March 2021

Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry as medical treatments become more sophisticated, more in demand due to increasing incidence of chronic disease and more widely available worldwide. This booming industry is also creating more waste than ever before and, as such, there is a growing need to treat and dispose of this waste. Healthcare waste (HCW) disposal includes a multitude of disposal methods, including incineration, landfilling and chemical treatments. These rudimentary methods and their growing use present their own problems that negatively impact both the environment and, in turn, damage public health, thus contributing to a global healthcare crisis. The aim of this review was to examine the current HCW disposal methods in place and the harmful effects they have on the environment and on public health. The findings accumulated in this review demonstrate a heavy reliance on basic, low tech HCW disposal techniques and uncovered the negative impacts of these methods. There is a notable lack of employment of “greener” HCW disposal methods on a largescale due to cost, access and feasibility. Despite innovations in HCW disposal, there is no scalable, global green solution at present. Further, the review highlights that global health consequences of HCW disposal methods often differ depending on how developed the country is.
Evaluation of Current Symptoms in Postoperative Achilles Tendons: A Multimodal Ultrasound Study
Authors: Nunes Priscila , Betsch Marcel , Fuss Bernhard , Dirrichs Timm , Tingart Markus , Quack Valentin , Gatz Matthias
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: It is unknown which imaging parameters are associated with clinical persistent symptoms in postoperative Achilles tendons. This study used B-Mode, Power Doppler (PD-US), Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC) and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) to investigate which imaging parameters are associated with persistent symptoms in postoperative Achilles tendon tissue. (2) Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, multimodal imaging study. Based on the VISA-A score, postoperative tendons were assigned to two groups: 1. asymptomatic (VISA-A ≥ 90, n = 18); 2. symptomatic (VISA-A < 90, n = 10). The following imaging parameters were analyzed: UTC (echo type I, II, III, IV), B-Mode (diameter, cross sectional area, calcification, fiber irregularity), PD-US (Öhberg score) and SWE (SWE 3 mm, SWE area) using a t-test and a Mann–Whitney U test. (3) Results: SWE and PD-US showed significantly reduced elasticity and increased neovascularization in symptomatic tendons (SWE 3 mm p = 0.031, SWE area p = 0.046, Öhberg score p < 0.001). The only significant correlation between imaging parameters and the VISA-A score was assessed for SWE 3 mm (r = 0.378; p = 0.047) and the Öhberg score (r = −0.737; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Symptomatic postoperative Achilles tendons showed increased neovascularization and lower SWE values than asymptomatic ones. Future studies should examine the diagnostic accuracy of PD-US and SWE in detecting current symptoms in postoperative Achilles tendons.
Role of ICT Investment and Diffusion in the Economic Growth: A Threshold Approach for the Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Rahman Habib Ur , Ali Ghulam , Zaman Umer , Pugnetti Carlo
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) investment and diffusion on Pakistan’s economic growth by proposing the threshold level of ICT investment. At our proposed level, the ICT imports significantly enhance the intermediate inputs to capital goods, ultimately enhancing economic growth. For this empirical investigation, we use the maximum available data on technological innovation and investment, ranging from 2003 to 2018. Incorporating the structural breaks, the results of regression analysis reveal that Pakistan’s economic growth is unaffected by ICT development. However, we observe the mixed shreds of evidence on the ICT investment. Following existing literature, we use ICT goods exports and imports as a proxy for ICT investment. Interestingly, the economic growth of Pakistan is again unaffected by the ICT goods exports. However, we observe that a one percent increase in ICT goods imports enhances economic growth by 1.73 percent. Then, we extend this analysis to the threshold approach, which reveals that ICT imports affect the overall economic growth when the ICT goods imports reach the level of 4.13 percent of the total imports. At this threshold, the ICT goods import significantly enhances the intermediate input to the capital goods, leading to higher economic growth. Therefore, the policymakers should ensure that the ICT goods import must be greater than the 4.13 percent of Pakistani imports.
Near Real-Time Semantic View Analysis of 3D City Models in Web Browser
Authors: Virtanen Juho-Pekka , Jaalama Kaisa , Puustinen Tuulia , Julin Arttu , Hyyppä Juha , Hyyppä Hannu
Published: March 2021

3D city models and their browser-based applications have become an increasingly applied tool in the cities. One of their applications is the analysis views and visibility, applicable to property valuation and evaluation of urban green infrastructure. We present a near real-time semantic view analysis relying on a 3D city model, implemented in a web browser. The analysis is tested in two alternative use cases: property valuation and evaluation of the urban green infrastructure. The results describe the elements visible from a given location, and can also be applied to object type specific analysis, such as green view index estimation, with the main benefit being the freedom of choosing the point-of-view obtained with the 3D model. Several promising development directions can be identified based on the current implementation and experiment results, including the integration of the semantic view analysis with virtual reality immersive visualization or 3D city model application development platforms.
Toxicity Induced by Cytokines, Glucose, and Lipids Increase Apoptosis and Hamper Insulin Secretion in the 1.1E7 Beta Cell-Line
Authors: Diaz-Ganete Antonia , Quiroga-de-Castro Aranzazu , Mateos Rosa M. , Medina Francisco , Segundo Carmen , Lechuga-Sancho Alfonso M.
Published: March 2021

Basic research on types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus require early stage studies using beta cells or cell lines, ideally of human origin and with preserved insulin secretion in response to glucose. The 1.1E7 cells are a hybrid cell line resulting from the electrofusion of dispersed human islets and PANC-1 cells, capable of secreting insulin in response to glucose, but their survival and function under toxic conditions remains untested. This characterization is the purpose of the present study. We treated these cells with a cytokine mix, high glucose, palmitate, and the latter two combined. Under these conditions, we measured cell viability and apoptosis (MTT, Caspase Glo and TUNEL assays, as well as caspase-8 and -9 levels by Western blotting), endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (EIF2AK3, HSPA4, EIF2a, and HSPA5) by real-time PCR, and insulin secretion with a glucose challenge. All of these stimuli (i) induce apoptosis and ER stress markers expression, (ii) reduce mRNA amounts of 2–5 components of genes involved in the insulin secretory pathway, and (iii) abrogate the insulin release capability of 1.1E7 cells in response to glucose. The most pronounced effects were observed with cytokines and with palmitate and high glucose combined. This characterization may well serve as the starting point for those choosing this cell line for future basic research on certain aspects of diabetes.