bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ Perceptions of Gained and Lost Value: A Case Study of a Summer School That Had to Suddenly Move Online
Authors: Pina Stranger Alvaro , Varas German , Mobuchon Gaëlle
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 lockdown induced a sudden migration of traditionally presential learning activities to online domains, as was the case of inter-institutional summer schools. This research corresponds to a case study in which our organization had to reformulate, in less than three months, one of its traditional summer schools while trying to keep the original goals. Through qualitative and quantitative surveys, we aimed at identifying the impact of our reformulation through students’ perception of gained or lost value regarding four topics: (a) online teaching, (b) pre-recorded business cases, (c) online social events, and (d) technical solutions. By analyzing these four topics with emphasis on participants’ knowledge and learning experience, we identified some “tensions” leading to loss of value (i.e., belonging, performing, and organizing). These tensions suggest that future reformulations should be conducted considering students’ backgrounds and motivations.
A Speech Recognition Model Building Method Combined Dynamic Convolution and Multi-Head Self-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Liu Wei , Sun Jiaming , Sun Yiming , Chen Chunyi
Published: May 2022

The Conformer enhanced Transformer by using convolution serial connected to the multi-head self-attention (MHSA). The method strengthened the local attention calculation and obtained a better effect in auto speech recognition. This paper proposes a hybrid attention mechanism which combines the dynamic convolution CNNs and multi-head self-attention. This study focuses on generating local attention by embedding DY-CNNs in MHSA, followed by parallel computation of the globe and local attention inside the attention layer. Finally, concatenate the result of global and local attention to the output. In the experiments, we use the Aishell-1 (178 hours) Chinese database for training. In the testing folder dev/test, 4.5%/4.8% CER was obtained. The proposed method shows better performance in computation speed and the number of experimental parameters. The results are extremely close to the best result (4.4%/4.7%) of the Conformer.
Designs of Level-Sensitive T Flip-Flops and Polar Encoders Based on Two XOR/XNOR Gates
Authors: Yan Aibin , Liu Runqi , Huang Zhengfeng , Girard Patrick , Wen Xiaoqing
Published: May 2022

Quantum-dot cellular automata is a novel nanotechnology that has the advantages of low energy dissipation, easy integration, and high computing speed. It is regarded as one of the powerful alternative technologies for the next generation of integrated circuits because of its unique implementation concept. In this paper, two XOR/XNOR gates are proposed. Level-sensitive T flip-flops, negative edge-trigger T flip-flops, two-to-one multiplexers, reversible gates, and (8, 4) polar encoders are implemented based on these two proposed logic gates. Simulation results show that, compared with the existing level-sensitive T flip-flops, the second proposed level-sensitive T flip-flop has fewer cells and lower energy dissipation; compared with the best (8, 4) polar encoder, the cell count and area of the second proposed (8, 4) polar encoder are decreased by 13.67% and 12.05%, respectively. The two XOR/XNOR gates have a stable output and low energy dissipation, which can be flexibly designed into complex quantum-dot cellular automata circuits.
Research on the Effectiveness of Cyber Security Awareness in ICS Risk Assessment Frameworks
Authors: Wang Keyong , Guo Xiaoyue , Yang Dequan
Published: May 2022

Assessing security awareness among users is essential for protecting industrial control systems (ICSs) from social engineering attacks. This research aimed to determine the effect of cyber security awareness on the emergency response to cyber security incidents in the ICS. Additionally, this study has adopted a variety of cyber security emergency response process measures and frameworks and comprehensively proposes a new organizational model of cyber security incident response. The corresponding measures are evaluated based on the MP2DR2 risk control matrix model to assess their practical value in the evaluation stage. This study found that after adding security awareness measures to response control measures, the influential value ranking of other control measures changed. The practical value of security awareness control measures was given a higher priority than that of other control measures. The research results highlight the importance of cyber security awareness and aim to inspire ICSs to place a higher priority on staff cyber security awareness in relation to cyber security incidents, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of cyber security incidents and make the field of industrial control application agency respond to incidents faster to restore the regular progress of all works.
Design of 2.5D Miniaturized Broadband Absorber for Ultrahigh-Frequency Band
Authors: Wang Peipei , Ren Wu , Xue Zhenghui , Li Weiming
Published: May 2022

A broadband metamaterial absorber (MA) structure for Ultrahigh-Frequency (UHF) band was proposed, and the miniaturization of the unit was realized by combining the method of bending metal wires and loading metal vias. The size of the unit cell is 0.040 λL × 0.040 λL × 0.075 λL (λL is the wavelength corresponding to the lowest frequency of 0.5 GHz). The simulation results show that the bandwidth of the MA is from 0.50 GHz to 1.33 GHz, and the relative bandwidth is 90.7%. Polarization insensitivity of the MA was realized through assembling a 2 × 2 orthogonal array. TE and TM polarizations maintain more than 80% of the absorptance in the range of 40° at oblique incidence. The consistency of full-wave simulation, circuit simulation and measured results is high, which verifies the broadband absorption characteristics of the proposed MA.
Electromagnetic Torque Fluctuating Properties under Dynamic RISC Fault in Turbogenerators
Authors: He Yuling , Qiu Minghao , Yuan Xinghua , Wang Haipeng , Jiang Mengya , Gerada Chris , Wan Shuting
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes the electromagnetic torque (EMT) fluctuation characteristics in synchronous generators under rotor interturn short-circuit (DRISC) fault. The novelty of this paper is that the DRISC fault is proposed based on the intermittent interturn short circuit existing in the actual operation and compared with the static rotor interturn short-circuit (SRISC) fault. In the work, by studying the influence of DRISC with different positions and different short-circuit degrees, the fluctuation characteristic of the EMT is analyzed and verified. The results show that when the DRISC5% fails, the location is in slot 3, the amplitude of first harmonic decreases by 7.2%, second harmonic amplitude increases by 33.4%, third harmonic decreases by 4.3%, and fourth harmonic increases by 26.8%. As the degree increased and positioned away from the large tooth of the DRISC, the overall EMT amplitude and reverse pulse increased, first and third harmonics decreased, and second and fourth harmonics increased.
Permanent Magnet Generator for a Gearless Backyard Wind Turbine
Authors: Różowicz Sebastian , Goryca Zbigniew , Różowicz Antoni
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the design of a permanent magnet generator for a gearless backyard wind turbine. The magnetisation characteristics of the rotor steel and the stator at different field strength ranges were considered at the design stage and mathematically described using a model in Matlab. The detailed calculations and the design of the planar model were carried out using FEMM software. The high-quality results obtained from the calculations shown in the paper made it possible to make a real model of the generator. This paper presents views of the stator package, the rotor, the entire generator and selected test results. The parameter of this turbine that distinguishes it from a wide range of manufactured generators is its low, non-standard rotational speed and low breakaway torque, which allows the power plant to start in winds of approximately 2 m/s. Other advantages of this generator is its low weight resulting from the use of a light rotor and light alloys for the generator housing.
Design of a Non-Linear Observer for SOC of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Neural Network
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhao Xu , Chen Jiayao , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Peng , Gui Weihua
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a method for use in estimating the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries which is based on an electrochemical impedance equivalent circuit model with a controlled source. Considering that the open-circuit voltage of a battery varies with the SOC, an equivalent circuit model with a controlled source is proposed which the voltage source and current source interact with each other. On this basis, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network is adopted to estimate the uncertainty in the battery model online, and a non-linear observer based on the radial basis function of the RBF neural network is designed to estimate the SOC of batteries. It is proved that the SOC estimation error is ultimately bounded by Lyapunov stability analysis, and the error bound can be arbitrarily small. The high accuracy and validity of the non-linear observer based on the RBF neural network in SOC estimation are verified with experimental simulation results. The SOC estimation results of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) are compared with the proposed method. It improves convergence speed and accuracy.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Heat Flow at Window-to-Wall Interface
Authors: Pomada Marta , Adamus Janina , Boruszewski Artur
Published: May 2022

External walls have a great influence on the thermal and humidity conditions in buildings as well as on the possibility of reducing energy consumption. While the structural and material aspects of walls and windows are well known, obtaining a tight connection to reduce thermal bridges between the window and walls still poses a significant problem. Therefore, a new window installation system proposed by the authors, eliminating linear and point thermal bridges at the window-to-wall interface, opens a pathway for lowering energy consumption in buildings and increasing thermal comfort and thermal efficiency. To prove the effectiveness of this system, numerical and experimental analyses of heat flow through an outer wall with a window were carried out. The numerical analyses were performed using the TRISCO software package. It was shown that the proposed solution eliminated the occurrence of linear thermal bridges at the window-to-wall interface (a linear heat transmittance coefficient Ψ ≈ 0.007, which meets the requirements of the passive house, was obtained). Thus, heat losses were reduced by nearly eight times compared to conventional installation systems. Numerical calculations were experimentally verified.
Design of Intelligent Solar PV Power Generation Forecasting Mechanism Combined with Weather Information under Lack of Real-Time Power Generation Data
Authors: Wai Rong-Jong , Lai Pin-Xian
Published: May 2022

In order to reduce the cost of data transmission, the meter data management system (MDMS) of the power operator usually delays time to obtain the power generation information of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system. Although this approach solves the problem of data transmission cost, it brings more challenges to the solar PV power generation forecast. Because power operators usually need real-time solar PV power generation as a basis for the power dispatch, but considering the cost of communication, they cannot always provide corresponding historical power generation data in real time. In this study, an intelligent solar PV power generation forecasting mechanism combined with weather information is designed to cope with the issue of the absence of real-time power generation data. Firstly, the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis is used to find major factors with a high correlation in relation to solar PV power generation to reduce the computational burden of data fitting via a deep neural network (DNN). Then, the data preprocessing, including the standardization and the anti-standardization, is adopted for data-fitting or real-time solar PV power generation data to take as the input data of a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). The salient features of the proposed DNN-LSTM model are: (1) only the information of present solar PV power generation is required to forecast the one at the next instant, and (2) an on-line learning mechanism is helpful to adjust the trained model to adapt different solar power plant or environmental conditions. In addition, the effectiveness of the trained model is verified by six actual solar power plants in Taiwan, and the superiority of the proposed DNN-LSTM model is compared with other forecasting models. Experimental verifications show that the proposed forecasting model can achieve a high accuracy of over 97%.
Projecting and Forecasting the Latent Volatility for the Nasdaq OMX Nordic/Baltic Financial Electricity Market Applying Stochastic Volatility Market Characteristics
Authors: Solibakke Per Bjarte
Published: May 2022

In this empirical study, multifactor stochastic volatility models for the financial Nordic/Baltic power markets are developed, implemented, and analyzed. Stochastic volatility projections are the primary aim, followed by volatility forecasts and market repercussions. The research provides a functional variant of the conditional distribution (f(x|y)) based on conditional moments and a long-simulated state vector realization (MCMC-GMM) that is evaluated on observed data (a non-linear Kalman Filter) and applicable for step-forward volatility forecasts. For front year and quarter financial electricity contracts, the SV model creates two mean-reverting factors: one persistent and slowly moving component and one choppy, rapidly moving component. According to these factors, static volatility predictions with optimum and generous lags have a Theil covariance percentage of well over 97 percent for the front year contracts and 86 percent for the front quarter contracts. The volatility visibility and its associated static forecasts improve market transparency and will eventually make diversification and risk management easier to implement.
Study on the Thermomechanical Response of Deep Buried Pipe Energy Piles under Temperature Load
Authors: Wang Jingquan , Chang Chunxia , Chen Zhi , Xiao Henglin , Wang Bo , Tan Jinjia , Hai Di
Published: May 2022

A deep buried pipe energy pile (DBP-EP) is a composite structure that integrates ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems and inside buried pipe energy piles (IBP-EP) to effectively achieve the improvement of heat transfer efficiency and quantity. Utilizing this technology in building a pile foundation can contribute to reducing carbon emissions. This paper studies the variation rules of the thermomechanical response of DBP-EP under temperature load via field testing and numerical simulation. The results show that, under heating and cooling conditions, the DBP-EP temperature variation within the pile is substantial, while there is no significant change in the temperature field at the bottom of the pile. This is different from the internal temperature change of the temperature distribution of IBP-EP. The minimum axial average strain of the DBP-EP under the cooling condition is significantly smaller than that under the heating condition. However, the additional axial average strain under the temperature load is significantly larger than that in the heating condition, resulting in larger additional axial stress when the pile is cooled. The connection between the pile and foundation must considered in design due to the large settlement of the pile top under cooling conditions. When only under the temperature load, the maximum axial average pressure increments of the pile in our test during heating and cooling are −85.3 kN/°C and 99.4 kN/°C, respectively, suggesting that the additional load cannot be ignored.
Benefits Achieved by Energy Suppliers through Cooperation with Individual Recipients and Their Readiness for This Cooperation
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela , Grzesiak Mateusz
Published: May 2022

The aim of this article is to identify the benefits perceived by individual recipients that are achieved by consumer energy suppliers on the market, through multilateral trade cooperation, and to define the structure of these benefits according to the declared readiness of recipients to cooperate with the suppliers. The results of the analysis of the available literature on the subject indicate that there is a cognitive and research gap in relation to the perceived benefits achieved by the suppliers through joint marketing activities. The benefits are not being analyzed; especially from the perspective of individual recipients’ readiness for this cooperation. This gap is noticeable not only in relation to the energy market, but also in other areas of the consumer market. In an effort to reduce the identified gap, an online survey was conducted among 1196 adult individual energy recipients in Poland. The primary data collected was subjected to quantitative analysis using the following research methods: average grade analysis, comparative analysis, and exploratory factor analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis test was also conducted. The results of the quantitative analysis indicate, inter alia, that the majority of the respondents declared their readiness to cooperate with energy suppliers on the preparation of marketing offers. This variable statistically significantly differentiated nine out of twelve analyzed benefits that, according to the respondents, suppliers obtain as a result of cooperation. This differentiation was not found only in the case of three benefits related to the cost-free acquisition of recipient potential. For all respondents, as well as for the respondents willing to cooperate with suppliers and for those who did not express such willingness, three sections were identified, including the respondents who saw the same benefits achieved by suppliers. The conclusions drawn on the basis of the analysis results constitute a significant contribution to the theory of marketing and the theory of market behavior of individual recipients in the energy market. They also bear clear application advantages, making it easier for energy suppliers to effectively initiate cooperation with individual recipients and/or strengthen this cooperation.
Research on Diagenetic Evolution and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Periods of Chang 8 Reservoir in Zhenjing Area of Ordos Basin
Authors: Yang Guilin , Ren Zhanli , Qi Kai
Published: May 2022

The Mesozoic Chang 8 Section in the Zhenjing area is a typical low permeability-tight sand reservoir and is regarded as the most important set of paybeds in the study area. Guided by the principles of basic geological theory, the diagenetic evolution process and hydrocarbon accumulation periods of the Chang 8 reservoir in the study area were determined through various techniques. More specifically, core observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vitrinite reflectance experiments were performed in combination with systematic studies on rock pyrolysis and the thermal evolutionary history of basins, the illite-dating method, and so on. The Chang 8 reservoir is dominated by feldspar lithic and lithic feldspar sandstones. Quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments are the major clastic constituents. In clay minerals, the chlorite content is the highest, followed by illite/smectite formation and kaolinite, while the illite content is the lowest. The major diagenesis effect of the Chang 8 reservoir includes compaction, cementation, dissolution, metasomatism, and rupturing. The assumed diagenetic sequence is the following: mechanical composition → early sedimentation of chlorite clay mineral membrane → early cementation of sparry calcite → authigenic kaolinite precipitation → secondary production and amplification of quartz → dissolution of carbonate cement → dissolution of feldspar → late cementation of minerals such as ferrocalcite. Now, the study area is in Stage A in the middle diagenetic period. Through the inclusion of temperature measurements, in conjunction with illite dating and thermal evolutionary history analysis technology in basins, the Chang 8 reservoir of this study was determined as the phase-I continuous accumulation process and the reservoir formation epoch was 105~125 Ma, which was assigned to the Middle Early Cretaceous Epoch.
Optimization Model for the Integration of the Electric System and Gas Network: Peruvian Case
Authors: Navarro R. , Rojas H. , De Oliveira Izabelly S. , Luyo J. E. , Molina Y. P.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a method for multi-period optimization of natural gas and electric power systems incorporating gas-fired power plants to analyze the impact of the interdependence between those commodities, in terms of cost and energy supply. The proposed method considers electricity network constraints, such as voltage profile, electrical losses, and limits of the transmission lines, as well as the technical restrictions on the gas network, such as the diameter, length, pressure, and limits for those variables. The proposed method was applied to a 12-bus electric network and a 7-node gas network, and several interdependencies between the electricity and the natural gas system network can be observed. The results show how the restrictions cause the behavior of the gas-fired power plants—in a low demand stage, it is restricted even when the gas-fired power generation prices are below the hydraulic generation prices, while in scenarios of higher demand, saturated cargo flows are observed, causing bus bar prices to be affected with higher operating costs. In this sense, the results of the variation in bus bar prices show little price stability in some bus bars in different stages, due to the behavior of the generation supply that is forced to operate by system restrictions.
Creation of Value Chains for the Sustainability of Control and Eradication Actions on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
Authors: Nunes Leonel J. R.
Published: May 2022

Actions to control and eradicate Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle are essential to the prevention of uncontrolled growth and expansion of this species and its competition with native species. This competition leads to biodiversity and productivity losses in forests. The present study evaluated the potential to create value chains to maintain the sustainability of control actions through the energy recovery of collected A. altissima biomass. Other possibilities were also discussed, such as the extraction of allelopathic compounds. For this purpose, and to assess the potential for energy recovery, samples of A. altissima were collected and analyzed in the laboratory to discuss the potential of using extracted compounds in nature-based applications, and a literature review was carried out. It was found that, although there is potential for the use of these biomasses for energy production, the high levels of chlorine and heavy metals pose some obstacles to their large-scale use, mainly due to their corrosive potential. On the other hand, the extraction of allelopathic compounds was shown to be potentially interesting for use in the control of other invasive species. Used in this application, it may be possible to create value chains to sustain, control, and eradicate the actions of this invasive species.
Impact of Oil Sources on In Vitro Fermentation, Microbes, Greenhouse Gas, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen
Authors: Amanullah Sardar Muhammad , Lee Seong-Shin , Paradhipta Dimas Hand Vidya , Joo Young-Hoo , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Seong Pil-Nam , Jeong Seung-Min , Kim Sam-Churl
Published: May 2022

This study estimated the effects of oil sources on fermentation characteristics, greenhouse gas, microbial diversity, and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen. In vitro ruminal incubation was performed with 7 mg of oil source, 15 mL rumen buffer, and 150 mg of synthetic diet at 39 °C for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Oil sources consisted of corn oil (CO; linoleic acid (C18:2n-6)), linseed oil (LSO; linolenic acid (C18:3n-3)), or Ca-salts (protected C18:2n-6). The ruminal gas was collected for CH4 and CO2 analysis. Incubated rumen buffer was sub-sampled for the analysis of microbial quantification, fermentation characteristics, and fatty acid profiles. The results showed that Ca-salt increased acetate (p = 0.013), while CO increased propionate (p = 0.007). Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and R. albus increased (p < 0.05) with Ca-salt after 12 h of incubation, while Streptococcus bovis increased (p < 0.05) by LSO. The CO and Ca-salt resulted in the highest C18:2n-6 (p = 0.002), while LSO resulted in the highest C18:3n-3 (p = 0.001). The Ca-salt had the lowest C18:0 (p = 0.002), but the highest C18:1cis-9 (p = 0.004). In conclusion, Ca-salt supplementation resisted biohydrogenation to some extent, decreased methanogenic archaea and protozoa, and exerted less toxic effects on fibrolytic bacteria.
Novel Analytical Methods in Food Analysis
Authors: Delahaut Philippe , Marega Riccardo
Published: May 2022

Food analysis is a discipline with a huge impact on both economical and medical aspects of modern societies, meaning that it is at the cornerstone between industrial, medical, and regulatory needs [...]
Enhanced Soluble Expression of Linoleic Acid Isomerase by Coordinated Regulation of Promoter and Fusion Tag in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Baixi , Zhu Tong , Huang Xintian
Published: May 2022

PAI is a linoleic acid isomerase from Propionibacterium acnes and is the key enzyme in the synthesis of trans10, cis12-conjugated linoleic acid. However, the majority of the expressed PAI in Escherichia coli occurs in its nonfunctional form in inclusion bodies, limiting the biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid. In an attempt to improve the solubility of recombinant PAI in Escherichia coli, three promoters representing different transcriptional strengths (T7, CspA, and Trc), paired with three fusion tags, (His6, MBP, and Fh8), respectively, were investigated in this study. Among the nine recombinant strains, Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) (pET24a-Mpai), containing the T7 promoter and MBP fusion tag, led to a considerable increase in PAI solubility to 86.2%. MBP-PAI was purified 41-fold using affinity column chromatography. The optimum catalytical conditions of MBP-PAI were 37 °C and pH 7.5 with the addition of 1 mmol/L Tween-20. Most of the tested metal ions inhibited MBP-PAI activity. The apparent kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) were measured with linoleic acid concentrations ranging from 71 μM to 1428 μM. The substrate linoleic acid did not exert any inhibitory effect on MBP-PAI. The Km of MBP-PAI was 253.9 μmol/L, and the Vmax was 2253 nmol/min/mg. This study provided a new method for improving the solubility of the recombinant linoleic acid isomerase in Escherichia coli.
Comparison of Four Oil Extraction Methods for Sinami Fruit (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst): Evaluating Quality, Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Muñoz Ana María , Casimiro-Gonzales Sandra , Gómez-Coca Raquel B. , Moreda Wenceslao , Best Ivan , Cajo-Pinche María Isabel , Loja Juan Francisco , Ibañez Elena , Cifuentes Alejandro , Ramos-Escudero Fernando
Published: May 2022

The sinami palm (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst) is a plant from the South American Amazonia that has great potential for industrial applications in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. In this manuscript, the physicochemical properties, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of sinami oil that was obtained using four extraction systems, namely expeller press extraction (EPE), cold press extraction (CPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), were studied and compared. The oxidative stability (OSI) was statistically non-significant in EPE and SFE. The chromatic properties (CIELab) were influenced by the extraction methods and SFE presented high values of L* and a lower content of plant pigments. Ultrasound-assisted extraction showed a higher content of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity. Different analyses for the evaluation of the physicochemical properties, the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were used to classify sinami oil according to chemometrics using principal component analysis (PCA). For example, the sinami oil that was obtained using each extraction method was in a different part of the plot. In summary, sinami oil is an excellent resource for plant pigments. Additionally, the information that was obtained on the quality parameters in this study provided a good foundation for further studies on the characterization of major and minor compounds.
Dietary Supplements Use among Athletes in Lebanon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Correlates
Authors: Sadek Zahra , Mohsen Hala , Yazbek Saja , Nabulsi Zein Al Abidin , Rifai Sarraj Ahmad , Hoteit Maha
Published: May 2022

Athletes are under the utmost pressure to reach excellence in their performance and achieve the desired outcomes in competitions, prompting them to use dietary supplements. Given the threats to both health and eligibility, it is crucial to observe the prevalence, sources of information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among Lebanese athletes practicing their sports for at least two years. In the present paper, a cross-sectional study is performed using the snowball sampling method, in which a self-administered KAP questionnaire is used to collect data from 455 athletes (mean age: 27.4 ± 7.9 years; men: 73.1%) participating in four sports categories (ball games, combat sports, endurance sports, and weightlifting). Among the Lebanese athletes, the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use was 74%, where half of them had predominately used sports supplements. Athletes in Lebanon heavily rely on coaches (74%) and online sources, including webpages and social media (64%), as key information sources for DSs. The findings suggest that significant proportions of athletes show knowledge deficits and unsatisfactory attitudes towards multiple aspects related to supplementation. Moreover, education and sports type modulate the use of DSs among athletes. Furthermore, 34% reported using supplements without a recommendation from specialists, and 69% admitted to not reading the supplement’s nutrition facts. This study urges the need for the regulation of concerned authorities and education programs to help overcome the existing challenges.
Acceptable Inclusion Levels for Selected Brown and Red Irish Seaweed Species in Pork Sausages
Authors: Mohammed Halimah O. , O’Grady Michael N. , O’Sullivan Maurice G. , Hamill Ruth M. , Kilcawley Kieran N. , Kerry Joseph P.
Published: May 2022

Commercially available Irish edible brown (Himanthalia elongata—sea spaghetti (SS), Alaria esculenta—Irish wakame (IW)) and red (Palmaria palmata—dulse (PP), Porphyra umbilicalis—nori) seaweeds were incorporated into pork sausages at 1%, 2.5%, and 5%. Proximate composition, salt, water-holding (WHC), cook loss, instrumental colour analysis, texture profile analysis (TPA), and sensory analysis were examined. Protein (13.14–15.60%), moisture (52.81–55.71%), and fat (18.79–20.02%) contents of fresh pork sausages were not influenced (p > 0.05) by seaweed type or addition level. The ash content of pork sausages containing PP, SS, and IW at 2.5% and 5%, and nori at 5%, were higher (p < 0.05) than the control sample. In comparison to the control, sausages containing nori, SS, and IW at 5% displayed higher (p < 0.05) WHC. Cook loss was unaffected (p > 0.05) by the addition of seaweeds into sausage formulations, compared to the control and within each seaweed. The addition of seaweeds into sausages had an impact on the surface colour (L* a* b*) and texture profile analysis (TPA) at different inclusion levels. Overall, hedonic sensory acceptability decreased (p < 0.05) in cooked sausages containing PP at 2.5% and 5%, and SS and IW at 5%.
Combination of Chitosan, Tea Polyphenols, and Nisin on the Bacterial Inhibition and Quality Maintenance of Plant-Based Meat
Authors: Dai Zenghui , Han Linna , Li Zhe , Gu Mengqing , Xiao Zhigang , Lu Fei
Published: May 2022

Plant-based meat products have gained attention in the food industry and with consumers. Plant-based meat products primarily comprise plant proteins and are rich in nutrients. However, the products are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination during storage. Biological preservatives are easily degradable alternatives to chemical preservatives and can preserve different kinds of food. In order to investigate the preservation properties of chitosan (CS), tea polyphenols (TPs), and nisin treatments on plant-based meats, the sensory evaluation, color difference, pH, TBARS, and the total plate count of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella, indicators of the biological preservative-treated plant-based meat, were determined in this study. The experiment involved blank control- and biological preservative-treated samples. We found that the total microbial count exceeded the national standard provisions in the control samples stored for 14 days. The colors, tissue structures, and flavors of plant-based meat have gradually deteriorated, with the sensory score dropping from 90 to 52. The sample had a loose tissue structure and an obvious sour taste. However, the shelf life of the plant-based meat samples treated with different combinations of the biological preservatives increased compared to the shelf life of the control samples. After 56 d of storage, 1% chitosan, 2.5% tea polyphenols, and 0.04% nisin sensory reduction to 56, the total number of colonies and S. aureus were 4.91 and 2.95 lg CFU/g, approaching the national standard threshold; E. coli was 2 lg CFU/g, reaching the national standard threshold. Thus, the samples treated with 1% chitosan, 2.5% tea polyphenols, and 0.04% nisin had the longest shelf life (56 days) among all experimental groups. Hence, this study reveals that a combination of biological preservatives may be a non-toxic alternative for the efficient preservation of plant-based meat products.
Assessment of Quality Indices and Their Influence on the Texture Profile in the Dry-Aging Process of Beef
Authors: Bulgaru Viorica , Popescu Liliana , Netreba Natalia , Ghendov-Mosanu Aliona , Sturza Rodica
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the dry-aging method on the sensory properties, chemical composition, and profile parameters of the texture of beef obtained from local farms. The qualitative characteristics of the beef were investigated for five samples, respectively, fresh meat, and dry-aged beef for 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, in aging rooms with controlled parameters: temperature (1 ± 1 °C), relative humidity (80 ± 5%), and air circulation speed (0.5–2 m/s). During the dry-aging period, there was a decrease in humidity by about 6.5% in the first 21 days, which allowed the concentration of fat, protein, and total collagen content. The dry-aging process considerably influenced the pH value of the meat, which, in the second part of the dry-aging process (14–35 days), increased from 5.49 to 5.66. These values favored the increase by 37.33% of the water retention capacity and the activation of the meat’s own enzymes (calpain, cathepsin, collagenase). This influenced the solubilization process of proteins and collagen, thus contributing to the improvement of the texture profile. Because variations in organoleptic and physicochemical parameters occurred simultaneously during dry-aging and storage, the method of analyzing the information was applied. Mutual information on the influence of physicochemical indicators on the texture profile parameters was followed, a factor of major importance in the consumer’s perception. The degree of influence of soluble proteins, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, fats, and soluble collagen content on the texture profile parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness) of the dry-aged beef for 35 days was established. These investigations allowed the optimization of the beef dry-aging technological process in order to obtain a product with a sensory profile preferred by the consumer.
The Impact of Rice Lipid on In Vitro Rice Starch Digestibility
Authors: Khatun Amina , Waters Daniel L. E. , Liu Lei
Published: May 2022

The negative role of lipids in rice starch digestion is well-known; however, the effect of individual native lipids on starch digestibility has not been studied. In this study, native rice lipids, such as triacylglycerols (TAGs), diacylglycerols (DAGs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and lysophospholipids (LPLs), were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and correlated with in vitro rice starch digestibility. Most of the tested lipids exhibited a negative correlation with the in vitro starch digestibility with the correlations being more pronounced for LPLs. Removal of lipids from rice flour increased the in vitro starch digestibility. Conversely, a lipid extract addition to rice flour reduced the starch digestibility. Addition of 1% pure lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)16:0, TAG54:6, DAG36:4 or PC36:2 individually to rice flour reduced starch digestibility by different extents in the order of LPC16:0 > TAG54:6 > PC36:2 > DAG36:4. LPC16:0 was the most abundant lipid among all the assessed lipids in the white rice (milled rice), and addition of 1% LPC 16:0 to rice flour reduced glucose release following three hours of in vitro starch digestion by 7.4%. There may be a scope to breed rice with a lipid composition to reach a desired starch digestibility or simply through addition of certain lipids before cooking the rice.
Memory Recall Bias of Overconfident and Underconfident Individuals after Feedback
Authors: Li King-King
Published: May 2022

We experimentally investigate the memory recall bias of overconfident (underconfident) individuals after receiving feedback on their overconfidence (underconfidence). Our study differs from the literature by identifying the recall pattern conditional on subjects’ overconfidence/underconfidence. We obtain the following results. First, overconfident (underconfident) subjects exhibit overconfident (underconfident) recall despite receiving feedback on their overconfidence (underconfidence). Second, awareness of one’s overconfidence or underconfidence does not eliminate memory recall bias. Third, the primacy effect is stronger than the recency effect. Overall, our results suggest that memory recall bias is mainly due to motivated beliefs of sophisticated decision makers rather than naïve decision-making.
Gravitational Waves from a Core-Collapse Supernova: Perspectives with Detectors in the Late 2020s and Early 2030s
Authors: Szczepańczyk Marek , Zanolin Michele
Published: May 2022

We studied the detectability and reconstruction of gravitational waves from core-collapse supernova multidimensional models using simulated data from detectors predicted to operate in the late 2020s and early 2030s. We found that the detection range will improve by a factor of around two with respect to the second-generation gravitational-wave detectors, and the sky localization will significantly improve. We analyzed the reconstruction accuracy for the lower frequency and higher frequency portion of supernova signals with a 250 Hz cutoff. Since the waveform’s peak frequencies are usually at high frequencies, the gravitational-wave signals in this frequency band were reconstructed more accurately.
The Chloroplast Genome of Wild Saposhnikovia divaricata: Genomic Features, Comparative Analysis, and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Yi Shanyong , Lu Haibo , Wang Wei , Wang Guanglin , Xu Tao , Li Mingzhi , Gu Fangli , Chen Cunwu , Han Bangxing , Liu Dong
Published: May 2022

Saposhnikovia divaricata, a well-known Chinese medicinal herb, is the sole species under the genus Saposhnikovia of the Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae Drude. However, information regarding its genetic diversity and evolution is still limited. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) of wild S. divaricata was generated using de novo sequencing technology. Similar to the characteristics of Ledebouriella seseloides, the 147,834 bp-long S. divaricata cpDNA contained a large single copy, a small single copy, and two inverted repeat regions. A total of 85 protein-coding, 8 ribosomal RNA, and 36 transfer RNA genes were identified. Compared with five other species, the non-coding regions in the S. divaricata cpDNA exhibited greater variation than the coding regions. Several repeat sequences were also discovered, namely, 33 forward, 14 reverse, 3 complement, and 49 microsatellite repeats. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using 47 cpDNA sequences of Apioideae members revealed that L. seseloides and S. divaricata clustered together with a 100% bootstrap value, thereby supporting the validity of renaming L. seseloides to S. divaricata at the genomic level. Notably, S. divaricata was most closely related to Libanotis buchtormensis, which contradicts previous reports. Therefore, these findings provide a valuable foundation for future studies on the genetic diversity and evolution of S. divaricata.
The Sleep of Neoliberal Reason: Denialism, Conspiracies and Storytelling on Crises through Ventajas de viajar en tren
Authors: Castro Picón Natalia
Published: May 2022

Do fictional figurations and their formal characteristics determine our relationship with the world? In a historical moment in which several crises overlap (economic, environmental, health), what cultural imaginaries circulate and with what consequences? One of the effects of this multilevel crisis, resulting from unrestrained neoliberalism, has been the rise of conspiracy theories of all kinds. The narrative of these conspiracies converges in many ways with the discursive structure of storytelling and fiction. Such narratives seem to serve as a model to interpret the present, overflowing the realm of representation. This article will explore commonalities between narrativity and conspiracy theories. In doing so, it will analyze Ventajas de viajar en tren, a novel by Antonio Orejudo and subsequent film adaptation Aritz Moreno. The story consists of a formal exploration of creating writing from a plot that addresses issues, such as conspiracy and mental health. I propose to invert this scheme to analyze how conspiracy theory operates as an act of discursive creation and what effects it has on our experience of the present and our relationship with the present and future in social, political and cultural terms.
Ethical Decision Making in Iot Data Driven Research: A Case Study of a Large-Scale Pilot
Authors: Segkouli Sofia , Fico Giuseppe , Vera-Muñoz Cecilia , Lecumberri Mario , Voulgaridis Antonis , Triantafyllidis Andreas , Sala Pilar , Nunziata Stefano , Campanini Nadia , Montanari Enrico , Morton Suzanne , Duclos Alexandre , Cocchi Francesca , Nava Mario Diaz , de Lorenzo Trinidad , Chalkia Eleni , Loukea Matina , Colomer Juan Bautista Montalvá , Dafoulas George E. , Guillén Sergio , Arredondo Waldmeyer María Teresa , Votis Konstantinos
Published: May 2022

IoT technologies generate intelligence and connectivity and develop knowledge to be used in the decision-making process. However, research that uses big data through global interconnected infrastructures, such as the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA), is fraught with several ethical concerns. A large-scale application of IoT operating in diverse piloting contexts and case studies needs to be orchestrated by a robust framework to guide ethical and sustainable decision making in respect to data management of AHA and IoT based solutions. The main objective of the current article is to present the successful completion of a collaborative multiscale research work, which addressed the complicated exercise of ethical decision making in IoT smart ecosystems for older adults. Our results reveal that among the strong enablers of the proposed ethical decision support model were the participatory and deliberative procedures complemented by a set of regulatory and non-regulatory tools to operationalize core ethical values such as transparency, trust, and fairness in real care settings for older adults and their caregivers.
Factors Affecting Nurses’ Internal Transfer Intentions after the Introduction of COVID-19-Related Family Visiting Restrictions
Authors: Kitamura Yoshiko , Nakai Hisao , Teranishi Keiko
Published: May 2022

Hospitals have established visiting restrictions to block coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) external transmission routes. This study investigated factors associated with nurses’ internal transfer intentions and changes in their workloads, burdens, and daily lives owing to pandemic-related family visiting restrictions. Participants were nurses from three medical institutions designated for infectious diseases in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. An original self-report questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and a web-based survey conducted. Responses were received from 152 nurses and 84 were included in the analysis. Factors influencing internal transfer intentions were age ≥30 years [odds ratio (OR): 6.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–35.83]; ≥11 years of experience (OR: 12.57, 95% CI: 2.32–68.02); and longer working hours (OR: 4.51, 95% CI: 1.48–13.72). The effect of visitation restrictions on daily life and internal transfer intentions was greater in nurses with ≥11 years of experience (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.09–17.04), those with increased night awakening (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.33–10.18), and those who desired to receive counseling (OR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.07–17.91). In conclusion, excessive working hours may affect nurses’ internal transfer intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nocturnal awakening and desire to receive counseling may predict nurses’ internal transfer intentions.
Oral Health Management and Rehabilitation for Patients with Oral Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Matsuda Yuhei , Jayasinghe Ruwan D. , Zhong Hui , Arakawa Shinichi , Kanno Takahiro
Published: May 2022

Surgery is the current first choice for oral cancer treatment. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, molecular targeted drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are still used as adjuvant therapy for advanced cancer. In addition, postoperative rehabilitation and multidisciplinary treatment have also been developed in recent years. Multidisciplinary team approaches and supportive care in oral cancer treatment reportedly shorten the time to treatment and improve outcomes. Although there is enough evidence confirming the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists in supportive care in oral cancer treatment, there are very few systematic studies. In particular, oral health management is a concept that encompasses oral function management, oral hygiene management, and oral care during oral cancer treatment. We provide a narrative review focusing on oral health management from a multidisciplinary and supportive care perspective, applicable in oral cancer treatment.