bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Predicting the Intention of Eating an Insect-Based Product
Authors: Mancini Simone , Sogari Giovanni , Menozzi Davide , Nuvoloni Roberta , Torracca Beatrice , Moruzzo Roberta , Paci Gisella
Published: July 2019

This study provides a framework of the factors predicting the intention of eating an insect-based product. As part of the study, a seminar was carried out to explore how the provision of information about ecological, health, and gastronomic aspects of entomophagy would modify consumer beliefs regarding insects as food. Before and after the informative seminar, two questionnaires about sociodemographic attributes and beliefs about the consumption of insects as food were given. Participants were then asked to carry out a sensory evaluation of two identical bread samples, but one was claimed to be supplemented with insect powder. Results showed that perceived behavioral control is the main predictor of the intention, followed by neophobia and personal insect food rejection. The disgust factor significantly decreased after the participants attended the informative seminar. Sensory scores highlighted that participants gave “insect-labelled” samples higher scores for flavor, texture, and overall liking, nevertheless, participants indicated that they were less likely to use the “insect-labelled” bread in the future. Our findings provide a better understanding of insect food rejection behavior and help to predict the willingness to try insect-based products based on some important individual traits and information.
Improved Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Blueberries by High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing
Authors: Paciulli Maria , Medina Meza Ilce Gabriela , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Ganino Tommaso , Pugliese Alessandro , Rodolfi Margherita , Barbanti Davide , Morbarigazzi Michele , Chiavaro Emma
Published: July 2019

The use of high pressure on fruits and vegetables is today widely studied as an alternative to the traditional thermal preservation techniques, with the aim of better preserving nutritional and organoleptic properties. The use of high hydrostatic pressures (400–600 MPa; 1–5 min; room temperature) was tested on the physicochemical and structural properties of blueberries, in comparison to raw and blanched samples. High hydrostatic pressures led to higher tissue damages than blanching, related to the intensity of the treatment. The cellular damages resulted in leakage of intracellular components, such as bioactive molecules and enzymes. As a consequence, among the high pressure treatments, the resulting antioxidant activity was higher for samples treated for longer times (5 min). Pectinmethyl esterase (PME), deactivated by blanching, but strongly barotolerant, was more active in blueberries treated with the more intense high pressure conditions. Blueberry texture was better retained after high pressure than blanching, probably because of the PME effect. Blueberry color shifted towards purple tones after all of the treatments, which was more affected by blanching. Principal component analysis revealed the mild impact of high pressure treatments on the organoleptic properties of blueberries.
Beef Tenderness Prediction by a Combination of Statistical Methods: Chemometrics and Supervised Learning to Manage Integrative Farm-To-Meat Continuum Data
Authors: Gagaoua Mohammed , Monteils Valérie , Couvreur Sébastien , Picard Brigitte
Published: July 2019

This trial aimed to integrate metadata that spread over farm-to-fork continuum of 110 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)Maine-Anjou cows and combine two statistical approaches that are chemometrics and supervised learning; to identify the potential predictors of beef tenderness analyzed using the instrumental Warner-Bratzler Shear force (WBSF). Accordingly, 60 variables including WBSF and belonging to 4 levels of the continuum that are farm-slaughterhouse-muscle-meat were analyzed by Partial Least Squares (PLS) and three decision tree methods (C&RT: classification and regression tree; QUEST: quick, unbiased, efficient regression tree and CHAID: Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) to select the driving factors of beef tenderness and propose predictive decision tools. The former method retained 24 variables from 59 to explain 75% of WBSF. Among the 24 variables, six were from farm level, four from slaughterhouse level, 11 were from muscle level which are mostly protein biomarkers, and three were from meat level. The decision trees applied on the variables retained by the PLS model, allowed identifying three WBSF classes (Tender (WBSF ≤ 40 N/cm2), Medium (40 N/cm2 < WBSF < 45 N/cm2), and Tough (WBSF ≥ 45 N/cm2)) using CHAID as the best decision tree method. The resultant model yielded an overall predictive accuracy of 69.4% by five splitting variables (total collagen, µ-calpain, fiber area, age of weaning and ultimate pH). Therefore, two decision model rules allow achieving tender meat on PDO Maine-Anjou cows: (i) IF (total collagen < 3.6 μg OH-proline/mg) AND (µ-calpain ≥ 169 arbitrary units (AU)) AND (ultimate pH < 5.55) THEN meat was very tender (mean WBSF values = 36.2 N/cm2, n = 12); or (ii) IF (total collagen < 3.6 μg OH-proline/mg) AND (µ-calpain < 169 AU) AND (age of weaning < 7.75 months) AND (fiber area < 3100 µm2) THEN meat was tender (mean WBSF values = 39.4 N/cm2, n = 30).
When Two Become One: How Group Mergers Affect Solidarity
Authors: Schmitz Jan
Published: July 2019

Solidarity in teamwork situations is important for the success and longevity of teams. This paper studies how helping group members is affected when groups are randomly merged and increase in size. Group mergers put social norms that are prevailing in previously small groups to the test as new team members may not share the same norms and values. I present results from an experiment in which subjects interact in groups and face the decision to help a group member who is in need of help due to an exogenous shock. Subjects interact in small groups in the first part of the experiment and groups are randomly merged to form big groups in the second part of the experiment. Helping rates are higher in merged groups compared with big groups that stay in the same constellation throughout the experiment. Moreover, in merged groups, high helping norms are more influential compared with low helping norms.
A Review of Brittleness Index Correlations for Unconventional Tight and Ultra-Tight Reservoirs
Authors: Mews Kim S. , Alhubail Mustafa M. , Barati Reza Gh.
Published: July 2019

Rock brittleness is pivotal in the development of the unconventional reservoirs. However, the existence of various methods of calculating the brittleness index (BI) such as the mineral-based brittleness index (MBI), the log-based brittleness index (LBI), and the elastic-based brittleness index (EBI) lead to inconclusive estimations of the brittleness index. Hence, in this work, the existing correlations are applied on prolific unconventional plays in the U.S. such as the Marcellus, Bakken, Niobrara, and Chattanooga Formation to examine the various BI methods. A detailed comparison between the MBI, LBI, and EBI has also been conducted. The results show that a universal correlation cannot be derived in order to define brittleness since it is a function of lithology. Correlation parameters vary significantly from one shale play to another. Nevertheless, an overall trend shows that abundant quartz and carbonates content yield high brittleness values, while the high clay content and porosity lower the rock brittleness.
Autonomy-Supportive Teaching and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction among School Students: The Role of Mindfulness
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Kee Ying Hwa , Kong Leng Chee , Zou Liye , Ng Ka Lok , Li Hong
Published: July 2019

Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between autonomy-supportive teaching, mindfulness, and basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration. Secondary school students (n = 390, Mage = 15) responded to a survey form measuring psychological constructs pertaining to the research purpose. A series of multiple regression analysis showed that autonomy-supportive teaching and mindfulness positively predicted need satisfaction and negatively predicted need frustration. In addition, the associations between autonomy-supportive teaching and need satisfaction/frustration were moderated by mindfulness. Students higher in mindfulness were more likely to feel need satisfaction and less likely to experience need frustration, even in a low autonomy-supportive teaching environment. These results speak to the relevance of creating autonomy-supportive teaching environments and highlight mindfulness as a potential pathway to basic psychological need satisfaction in educational settings.
Harmful Compounds and Willingness to Buy for Reduced-Additives Salami. An Outlook on Italian Consumers
Authors: Di Vita Giuseppe , Blanc Simone , Mancuso Teresina , Massaglia Stefano , La Via Giovanni , D’Amico Mario
Published: July 2019

The consumption pattern of salami has been subjected to relatively widespread attention by academician, but few studies concerning the health implications of salami consumption have been published. Since additives and product origins represent important attributes for salami, the objective of this paper is twofold: (i) to explore the role of two additives, salt and nitrates, in addition to the Italian origin, in relation to consumer attitudes and preferences towards salami, (ii) to segment consumer behaviour by assessing their willingness-to-buy salami, in order to verify whether different purchasing patterns can be identified within the different social groups. The analysis was conducted on two different levels. The first was developed through a conjoint analysis, while the second implemented a frequency analysis based on a bivariate analysis. Results show the price as one of the most important variables in identifying the quality level of salami, in addition, certain socio-economic segments of consumers show a significant propensity to pay an additional price for salami with a low salt content and is nitrate-free.
Impact of Exclusion Netting Row Covers on ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple Trees Grown under Northeastern North American Conditions: Effects on Photosynthesis and Fruit Quality
Authors: Chouinard Gérald , Veilleux Jonathan , Pelletier Francine , Larose Mikael , Philion Vincent , Joubert Valentin , Cormier Daniel
Published: July 2019

Exclusion nets have been used successfully to protect fruit from insect pests of apples under various conditions, but the effect of each particular netting system on the plant itself has rarely been investigated. In this study, a complete exclusion system—in which the soil is also excluded—was used to grow ‘Honeycrisp’ apples for six years in southern Quebec, Canada. Abiotic conditions, as well as plant photosynthesis and fruit quality characteristics (colour, firmness, size, sugar content, number of seeds, ripeness and skin integrity) and yield were estimated yearly and compared in netted (either with or without a rainproof top) and unnetted row units. Although annual variations were high and results showed little or no difference between netted and unnetted rows for all measured variables, with the following exceptions; colour (increased red surface on fruits from unnetted rows some years), size (fruits from unnetted rows were smaller) and maturity (fruits from unnetted rows matured slightly faster). Fruits produced under nets had fewer microcracks at the surface than fruits produced without nets. Reduced cracking possibly helped decrease sooty blotch and flyspeck incidence and severity. Impacts for pest control and prospects for pesticide-free production are discussed.
Development of a Fuzzy Economic Order Quantity Model of Deteriorating Items with Promotional Effort and Learning in Fuzziness with a Finite Time Horizon
Authors: Mahapatra Amalendu Singha , Sarkar Biswajit , Mahapatra Maheswar Singha , Soni Hardik N , Mazumder Sanat Kumar
Published: July 2019

This study investigates an economic order quantity model of deteriorating items, where demand is fuzzy in nature and depends on promotional effort with full backorder for a given time horizon. The learning effect in the fuzzy environment is added in this model. A constant deterioration rate is assumed. Under these circumstances, a mathematical model is developed to curtail the total cost over a finite time horizon by determining the replenishment order quantity, number of replenishments, and the fraction of the replenishment cycle when inventory is positive. A solution algorithm is developed to find the optimal solutions. The applicability of the proposed model is illustrated through numerical examples. To get further insights, sensitivity analysis is carried out for the main parameters in crisp, fuzzy, and fuzzy-learning environments.
Caregiver Burden and Sleep Quality in Dependent People’s Family Caregivers
Authors: Simón Miguel A. , Bueno Ana M. , Otero Patricia , Blanco Vanessa , Vázquez Fernando L.
Published: July 2019

This study examined the relationship between caregiver burden and sleep quality in dependent people’s family caregivers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 201 dependent people’s family caregivers and 92 non-caregivers controls. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and an ad-hoc questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data. Based on CBI scores, subjects were categorized into three groups: family caregivers with high levels of perceived burden, family caregivers with low and medium levels of perceived burden and non-caregiver controls. There were significant differences among the groups in the PSQI total (F = 40.39; p < 0.001), subjective sleep quality (F = 25.55; p < 0.001), sleep latency (F = 16.99; p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (F = 14.90; p < 0.001), use of sleep medications (F = 6.94; p < 0.01) and daytime dysfunction (F = 20.12; p < 0.001). These differences were found only between the caregivers with high levels of perceived burden and the other two groups (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences between the groups in sleep duration (F = 18.34; p < 0.001) and habitual sleep efficiency (F = 24.24; p < 0.001). In these dependent measures, the differences were found in all the pairs examined (p < 0.05). These results suggest that caregiver burden is related to sleep quality, so that caregivers with greater perceived burden have a worse sleep quality.
Invasive Validation of Antares, a New Algorithm to Calculate Central Blood Pressure from Oscillometric Upper Arm Pulse Waves
Authors: Dörr Marcus , Richter Stefan , Eckert Siegfried , Ohlow Marc-Alexander , Hammer Fabian , Hummel Astrid , Dornberger Vivien , Genzel Elisabeth , Baulmann Johannes
Published: July 2019

Background: Antares is an algorithm for pulse wave analysis (PWA) by oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitors in order to estimate central (aortic) blood pressure (cBP). Antares aims to enable brachial cuff-based BP monitors to be type II-devices, determining absolute cBP values independently of potential peripheral BP inaccuracies. The present study is an invasive validation of the Antares algorithm in the custo screen 400. Methods: We followed entirely the 2017 ARTERY protocol for validation of non-invasive cBP devices, the 2013 American National Standards Institute, Inc./Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) 81060-2 and 2018 AAMI/European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/ISO validation standard protocols. In total, 191 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were included, of which 145 patients entered analysis. Invasive cBP recordings were compared to simultaneous non-invasive cBP estimations using the Antares algorithm, integrated into an oscillometric BP monitor. Results: Mean difference between invasive and non-invasively estimated systolic cBP was 0.71 mmHg with standard deviation of 5.95 mmHg, fulfilling highest validation criteria. Conclusion: Antares is the first algorithm for estimation of cBP that entirely fulfills the 2017 ARTERY and AAMI/ESH/ISO validation protocols. The Antares algorithm turns the custo screen 400 BP monitor into a type II-device. Integration of Antares into commercially available BP monitors could make it possible to measure PWA parameters in virtually every practice in future.
Correlations between Malocclusion and Postural Anomalies in Children with Mixed Dentition
Authors: Sambataro Sergio , Bocchieri Salvatore , Cervino Gabriele , La Bruna Rosario , Cicciù Alessandra , Innorta Marcella , Torrisi Benedetto , Cicciù Marco
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between malocclusion and body posture anomalies. The original sample involved 127 children (45 males and 82 females) with mixed dentition. Clinical examination of oral cavity was performed by an orthodontist, who recorded molar and canine relationship, cross-bite, lower middle-line deviation, and centric relation (CR) considering mono or bilateral contacts in CR. Orthopedic examination of the body posture was clinically carried out by an orthopedist who detected anomalies such as scoliosis, false scoliosis or paramorphism, kyphosis and lordosis. Of the 127 subjects of the sample, 18 children were orthopedically normal, 80 patients had false scoliosis, 22 scoliosis and 7 showed kyphosis. In our study, we don’t consider the 7 patients with kyphosis for the exiguity of the sample; so, our analysis was performed on 120 children (42 males and 78 females). The results obtained revealed that the cross-bite was more frequent when scoliosis became worse. We also found that the relationship between left cross-bite and contralateral side of deviation of the curve of the spine in subjects with scoliosis is statistically significant (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the relationship between lower midline and contralateral side of deviation of the curve of the spine in patients with false scoliosis is statistically significant (p = 0.003). In conclusion, it seems that posture anomalies are correlated to cross-bite and mandible abnormal position.
Hot Extrusion of ZnSb-Based Thermoelectric Materials; A Novel Approach for Scale-Up Production
Authors: Keshavarz Mohsen K. , Lo Chun-Wan Timothy , Turenne Sylvain , Mozharivskyj Yurij , Quitoriano Nathaniel J.
Published: July 2019

Hot extrusion is employed to produce bulk ZnSb and Zn13Sb10 thermoelectric materials. The extrusion parameters are optimized to achieve high purity products with high density and acceptable mechanical strength for further fabrication processing. Microstructural analysis is performed to investigate the products. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry show high stability of the ZnSb phase during the extrusion that lead to high purity products. However, the Zn13Sb10 compound decomposes during the extrusion, yielding a bulk sample consisting of several other phases. Hot extrusion shows a great potential for scaled up production of high quality ZnSb thermoelectric materials.
A Method for Reducing Cogging Torque of Integrated Propulsion Motor
Authors: Ou Huanyu , Hu Yuli , Mao Zhaoyong , Li Yukai
Published: July 2019

How to reduce the cogging torque of the integrated propeller motor is an important means to improve its noise performance because cogging torque is one of the key factors causing torque ripple. We proposed a method to reduce the cogging torque by optimizing the size of the Halbach array’s auxiliary pole. First, an analytical model for the airgap magnetic field of Halbach array based on different dimensions (including the circumference ratio and the radial thickness) of the auxiliary pole is given. Then the finite element method is used to verify the analytical model. On the basis, we calculated the cogging torque of different size of auxiliary poles as sample data by combining different circumference ratio and radial thickness. Furthermore, using the two-variable single-objective neural network genetic optimization algorithm based on Backpropagation (BP), we obtain the optimal size of the auxiliary pole. Finally, comparing the motor cogging torque and torque ripple before and after optimization indicated that the cogging torque and torque ripple are effectively reduced after optimizing the size of the auxiliary pole.
4-[(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole
Authors: Hajib Sara , Alami Anouar , Faraj Hassane , Aouine Younas
Published: July 2019

The compound, 4-[(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole 2 was prepared in high yield, through nucleophilic substitution reaction of the O-tosyl oxazoline derivative 1, by heating in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and in presence of KOH as base. The structure of the synthesized compound was established on the basis of NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C), MS data and elemental analysis.
Design of Lightweight CFRP Automotive Part as an Alternative for Steel Part by Thickness and Lay-Up Optimization
Authors: Lee Jeong-Min , Min Byeong-Jin , Park Joon-Hong , Kim Dong-Hwan , Kim Byung-Min , Ko Dae-Cheol
Published: July 2019

Mechanical properties, such as strength and stiffness, of laminated carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) are generally affected by the lay-up method. However, no precise design rules to replace steel products with CFRP have been established that satisfy these properties. Therefore, this study proposes a set of rules to design automotive parts with equivalent bending stiffness through structural analysis and genetic algorithms (GAs). First, the thickness of the CFRP product was determined by comparing the bending deformation of steel products by structural analysis. To minimize the orthotropic characteristics of CFRP, the quasi-isotropic lay-up method was implemented to determine the thickness. Next, the lay-up angle was determined using GAs. The optimized lay-up angle of the CFRP product with minimum bending deformation was determined by population generation, cross-over, mutation, and fitness evaluation. CFRP B-pillar reinforcement was fabricated using the determined conditions and the bending deformation of the single component was evaluated. Finally, the B-pillar assembled with CFRP reinforcement was investigated by the drop tower test.
Effect of Cu F Co-doping on the Properties of AgSnO2 Contact
Authors: Wang Jing-qin , Liu Zhou , Chen Ling , Yu Shuang-miao , Zhu Yan-cai
Published: July 2019

The crystal structures, mechanical properties, and electrical properties of Cu doped SnO2, F doped SnO2, and Cu F co-doped SnO2 were studied by using the first-principles method. Meanwhile, AgSnO2, AgSnO2-F, AgSnO2-Cu, and AgSnO2-Cu-F contacts were prepared by using the sol-gel method for a series of experiments to verify the theoretical analysis. According to the XRD patterns, the doping does not change the structure of SnO2, but increases its lattice constant and volume. Compared with the single-doped system, the doping formation energy of Cu F co-doped system is the smallest and the structure is more stable. Among the three groups of doping systems, the Cu F co-doped system has the highest shear modulus, Young’s modulus, hardness, and Debye temperature, and its mechanical properties and wear resistance are relatively best, and the melting point is also the highest. Cu F co-doping can further narrow the band gap of SnO2, reduce the electron effective mass and donor ionization energy, increase the electron mobility, and further enhance the conductivity of SnO2. The wetting angle of SnO2-Cu-F sample with Ag liquid is 1.15°, which indicates that Cu and F co-doping can significantly improve the wettability of SnO2 and Ag liquid. AgSnO2-Cu-F contact has a hardness of 82.03 HV, an electrical conductivity of 31.20 mS⋅m−1, and a contact resistance of 1.048 mΩ. Cu F co-doping can improve the shortcomings of AgSnO2 contact properties.
Morphological Discrepancy of Various Basic Oxygen Furnace Steel Slags and Road Performance of Corresponding Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Ye Yong , Wu Shaopeng , Li Chao , Kong Dezhi , Shu Benan
Published: July 2019

Due to the difference of cooling and treatment processes (rolling method, hot braised method, layer pouring method), basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel slag can be mainly classified as roller steel slag (RSS), hot braised steel slag (HBSS) and layer pouring steel slag (LPSS). Treatment difference directly results in the performance variations of different BOF steel slag and corresponding asphalt mixtures. The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of different cooling and treatment processes on the morphological discrepancy of different BOF steel slag. Also, the road performances of corresponding asphalt mixtures, and mechanism between steel slag performance and road performance were studied. The results show that LPSS owns the largest variability of angular index and texture index, and RSS has the most balanced morphological parameters. The structure of RSS asphalt mixture is advantageous for improving the ability of the asphalt mixture to resist the deformation and enhancing the stability of structure. Higher content of CaO and lower content of SiO2 make the acid-base reaction of RSS asphalt mixture most intense, which contribute to the best road performance of it.
Hydration Resistance of CaO Material Prepared by Ca(OH)2 Calcination with Chelating Compound
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Wei Yaowu , Li Nan , Chen Junfeng
Published: July 2019

The hydration resistance of CaO materials prepared by Ca(OH)2 calcination with chelating compounds are investigated in this paper. The crystalline phases and microstructure characteristics of sintered specimens were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM, EDS). The bulk density, apparent porosity, and hydration resistance of samples were also tested. The results showed that chelating compounds improved the hydration resistance of the treated CaO specimens significantly. The surface-pretreated specimens showed an increase in bulk density and a decrease in apparent porosity after heating. The surface pretreatment of the Ti chelating compound promoted the solid phase sintering and grain growth of CaO specimens, which increased the density of the heated CaO sample. The Al chelating compound promoted the liquid-phase sintering of CaO specimens, which led to the grain growth and increased density of the sample. CaO grains were bonded by the formed tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and the apparent porosity of the sample was reduced, reducing the contact area of CaO with water vapor. The Al chelating compound was more effective in improving the hydration resistance of the CaO material in the situation of this study.
In Silico Optimization of Femoral Fixator Position and Configuration by Parametric CAD Model
Authors: Korunovic Nikola , Marinkovic Dragan , Trajanovic Miroslav , Zehn Manfred , Mitkovic Milorad , Affatato Saverio
Published: July 2019

Structural analysis, based on the finite element method, and structural optimization, can help surgery planning or decrease the probability of fixator failure during bone healing. Structural optimization implies the creation of many finite element model instances, usually built using a computer-aided design (CAD) model of the bone-fixator assembly. The three most important features of such CAD models are: parameterization, robustness and bidirectional associativity with finite elements (FE) models. Their significance increases with the increase in the complexity of the modeled fixator. The aim of this study was to define an automated procedure for the configuration and placement of fixators used in the treatment of long bone fractures. Automated and robust positioning of the selfdynamisable internal fixator on the femur was achieved and sensitivity analysis of fixator stress on the change of major design parameters was performed. The application of the proposed methodology is considered to be beneficial in the preparation of CAD models for automated structural optimization procedures used in long bone fixation.
Investigation on the Solar Absorption Property of the Nanoporous Alumina Sheet for Solar Application
Authors: He Song , Zhang Yanmei , Yang Wansheng , Wang Zhangyuan , Zhao Xudong , Wang Pingnuo
Published: July 2019

In order to improve the absorption performance of the aluminum sheet for solar application, the nanoporous alumina sheets with the pore diameters of 30 nm and 400 nm were prepared by the anodic oxidation method. The absorption properties of the nanoporous alumina sheets under different solar radiation intensity were studied and compared with the conventional polished aluminum sheet. The results showed that the average absorptivity of the aluminum sheets decreased with the increase of the radiation intensity. When the radiation intensity was 100 W/m2, the nanoporous alumina sheet with the 30 nm pore diameter had the highest average solar absorptivity of 0.39, which was 18% higher than that of the nanoporous alumina sheet with 400 nm pore diameter, and 50% higher than that of the polished aluminum sheet. The maximum instantaneous absorption efficiency of the nanoporous alumina sheet with 30 nm pore diameter was found at 0.92 when the radiation intensity was 100 W/m2. The testing results indicated that the nanoporous alumina sheet with the 30 nm pore diameter performed the best compared with the other two aluminum sheets. By error propagation analysis, the relative error of the average amount of heat absorption and the average absorptivity were acceptable.
Evaluation of Oxasqualenoids from the Red Alga Laurencia viridis against Acanthamoeba
Authors: Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Díaz-Marrero Ana R. , Cen-Pacheco Francisco , Sifaoui Ines , Reyes-Batlle María , Souto María L. , Hernández Daranas Antonio , Piñero José E. , Fernández José J.
Published: July 2019

Acanthamoeba genus is a widely distributed and opportunistic parasite with increasing importance worldwide as an emerging pathogen in the past decades. This protozoan has an active trophozoite stage, a cyst stage, and is dormant and very resistant. It can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, an ocular sight-threatening disease, and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, a chronic, very fatal brain pathology. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of sixteen Laurencia oxasqualenoid metabolites and semisynthetic derivatives were tested against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. The results obtained point out that iubol (3) and dehydrothyrsiferol (1) possess potent activities, with IC50 values of 5.30 and 12.83 µM, respectively. The hydroxylated congeners thyrsiferol (2) and 22-hydroxydehydrothyrsiferol (4), active in the same value range at IC50 13.97 and 17.00 µM, are not toxic against murine macrophages; thus, they are solid candidates for the development of new amoebicidal therapies.
Arthonia ulleungdoensis, a New Lichenized Fungus from Ulleung Island, South Korea
Authors: Lee Beeyoung Gun , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: July 2019

Arthonia ulleungdoensis Lee & Hur is described as a new lichen species from South Korea. The new species is distinguishable from Arthonia ruana A. Massal. by its large, rounded and non-punctiform apothecia, taller apothecial section, asci with fewer spores, and larger and permanently colorless spores. Molecular analyses employing mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) and RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) sequences strongly support Arthonia ulleungdoensis as a distinct species in the genus Arthonia. Overall, 22 Arthonia species are currently recorded in South Korea. A surrogate key is provided to assist in the identification of all 10 taxa of Arthonia/Arthothelium with muriform spores in Northeast Asia.
Betulin Promotes Differentiation of Human Osteoblasts In Vitro and Exerts an Osteoinductive Effect on the hFOB 1.19 Cell Line Through Activation of JNK, ERK1/2, and mTOR Kinases
Authors: Mizerska-Kowalska Magdalena , Sławińska-Brych Adrianna , Kaławaj Katarzyna , Żurek Aleksandra , Pawińska Beata , Rzeski Wojciech , Zdzisińska Barbara
Published: July 2019

Although betulin (BET), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene, has a variety of biological activities, its osteogenic potential has not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of BET on differentiation of human osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 cells) in vitro in osteogenic (with ascorbic acid as an osteogenic supplement) and osteoinductive (without an additional osteogenic supplement) conditions. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated based on the mRNA expression (RT-qPCR) of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen-α1 (COL1A1), and osteopontin (OPN). Additionally, ALP activity and production of COL1A1 (western blot analysis) and OPN (ELISA) were evaluated. The level of mineralization (calcium accumulation) was determined with Alizarin red S staining. BET upregulated the mRNA level of RUNX2 and the expression of other osteoblast differentiation markers in both cell lines (except the influence of BET on ALP expression/activity in the Saos-2 cells). Moreover, it increased mineralization in both cell lines in the osteogenic conditions. BET also increased the mRNA level of osteoblast differentiation markers in both cell lines (except for ALP in the Saos-2 cells) in the osteoinductive conditions, which was accompanied with increased matrix mineralization. The osteoinductive activity of BET in the hFOB 1.19 cells was probably mediated via activation of MAPKs (JNK and ERK1/2) and mTOR, as the specific inhibitors of these kinases abolished the BET-induced osteoblast differentiation. Our results suggest that BET has the potential to enhance osteogenesis.
Analysis of Proteins Associated with Quality Deterioration of Grouper Fillets Based on TMT Quantitative Proteomics during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Zhang Xicai , Xie Jing
Published: July 2019

A TMT (Tandem Mass Tag)-based strategy was applied to elucidate proteins that change in proteomes of grouper fillets during refrigerated storage. In addition, quality analyses on pH, centrifugal loss, color (L *, a *, b *) and texture (hardness, chewiness, and gumminess) for grouper fillets were performed. A total of 64 differentially significant expressed proteins (DSEPs) were found in the results in the Day 0 vs. Day 6 group comparison and the Day 0 vs. Day 12 group comparison. It is worth mentioning that more proteome changes were found in the Day 0 vs. Day 12 comparisons. Bioinformatics was utilized to analyze the DSEP. UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB), Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein interaction network analysis were adopted. All DSEPs were classified into seven areas by function: binding proteins, calcium handling, enzymes, heat shock protein, protein turnover, structural proteins and miscellaneous. The numbers of proteins that correlated closely with pH, centrifugal loss, color (L *, a *, b *) and texture (hardness, chewiness, and gumminess) were 4, 3, 6 and 8, respectively.
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones via Multicomponent Reactions and In Vitro–In Silico Studies Against SiHa, HeLa, and CaSki Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Segura-Olvera Daniel , García-González Ailyn N. , Morales-Salazar Ivette , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , Rojas-Aguirre Yareli , Ibarra Ilich A. , Díaz-Cervantes Erik , Alcaraz-Estrada Sofía Lizeth , González-Zamora Eduardo
Published: July 2019

A series of 12 polysubstituted pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones were synthesized via a one-pot cascade process (Ugi–3CR/aza Diels-Alder/N-acylation/decarboxylation/dehydration) and studied in vitro using human epithelial cervical carcinoma SiHa, HeLa, and CaSki cell line cultures. Three compounds of the series exhibited significative cytotoxicity against the three cell lines, with HeLa being the most sensitive one. Then, based on these results, in silico studies by docking techniques were performed using Paclitaxel as a reference and αβ-tubulin as the selected biological target. Worth highlighting is that strong hydrophobic interactions were observed between the three active molecules and the reference drug Paclitaxel, to the αβ-tubulin. In consequence, it was determined that hydrophobic–aromatic moieties of bioactive compounds and Paclitaxel play a key role in making stronger interactions to the ligand–target complex. A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) study revealed that the six membered rings are the most significant molecular frameworks, being present in all proposed models for the in vitro-studied cell lines. Finally, also from the docking interpretation, a ligand-based pharmacophore model is proposed in order to find further potential polyheterocyclic candidates to bind stronger to the αβ-tubulin.
Metadevices with Potential Practical Applications
Authors: Li Yafei , Lv Jiangtao , Gu Qiongchan , Hu Sheng , Li Zhigang , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Ying Yu , Si Guangyuan
Published: July 2019

Metamaterials are “new materials” with different superior physical properties, which have generated great interest and become popular in scientific research. Various designs and functional devices using metamaterials have formed a new academic world. The application concept of metamaterial is based on designing diverse physical structures that can break through the limitations of traditional optical materials and composites to achieve extraordinary material functions. Therefore, metadevices have been widely studied by the academic community recently. Using the properties of metamaterials, many functional metadevices have been well investigated and further optimized. In this article, different metamaterial structures with varying functions are reviewed, and their working mechanisms and applications are summarized, which are near-field energy transfer devices, metamaterial mirrors, metamaterial biosensors, and quantum-cascade detectors. The development of metamaterials indicates that new materials will become an important breakthrough point and building blocks for new research domains, and therefore they will trigger more practical and wide applications in the future.
Development and Validation of an HPLC-ESI/MS/MS Method for the Determination of Amoxicillin, Its Major Metabolites, and Ampicillin Residues in Chicken Tissues
Authors: Chen Lan , Wang Bo , Diao Zhixiang , Zhao Min , Xie Kaizhou , Zhang Peiyang , Wang Xutang , Zhang Tao , Wang Jinyu
Published: July 2019

A method for the simultaneous analysis of amoxicillin (AMO), amoxicillin metabolites, and ampicillin residues in edible chicken muscle, liver, and kidney samples via high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS/MS) was developed and verified. The extraction and purification procedures involved the extraction of the sample using a liquid-liquid extraction method with acetonitrile to eliminate the proteins. The chicken tissue extract was then injected directly onto an HPLC column coupled to a mass spectrometer with an ESI(+) source. The HPLC-ESI/MS/MS method was validated according to specificity, sensitivity, linearity, matrix effects, precision, accuracy, decision limit, detection capability, and stability, as defined by the European Union and Food and Drug Administration. The linearity was desirable, and the determination coefficients (r2 values) ranged from 0.9968 and 0.9999. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were 0.10–2.20 μg/kg and 0.30–8.50 μg/kg, respectively. The decision limits were 57.71–61.25 μg/kg, and the detection capabilities were 65.41–72.50 μg/kg, and the recoveries of the four target analytes exceeded 75% at the limits of quantification and exceeded 83% at 25, 50, and 100 μg/kg (n = 6 at each level), confirming the reliability of this method for determining these analytes and providing a new detection technology. For real sample analysis, this experiment tested 30 chicken tissue samples, only one chicken muscle, liver, and kidney sample were contaminated with 5.20, 17.45, and 7.33 μg/kg of AMO values, respectively, while other target compounds were not detected in the 30 tested chicken tissue samples.
Promoting Sustainable Energy Consumption Behavior through Interactive Data Visualizations
Authors: Rist Thomas , Masoodian Masood
Published: July 2019

With an increasing worldwide need for energy and the ever-decreasing availability of energy resources, a wide range of interactive visualizations are being developed to allow people to use energy more efficiently by monitoring their consumption patterns and changing their energy usage behavior. For these visualizations to achieve their aim, they must not only target people’s energy saving objectives but also support the necessary factors that help people to change their underlying energy consumption behavior. In this paper, we survey several categories of existing interactive energy visualizations and through a number of selected examples in each case, identify possible potentials for supporting any user behavior changes. For this survey, we have used the behavior change model originally proposed by B. J. Fogg, which defines three factors of motivation, trigger and ability. Our survey has shown that most existing interactive visualizations target the motivation factor, with some supporting trigger or ability and only a few dealing with all the three factors of the behavior change model.
Special Issue “Synthesis and Applications of Functionalized Gold Nanosystems”
Authors: Scrimin Paolo
Published: July 2019

When I launched this Special Issue, I wrote: “Gold-based nanosystems are among the most interesting systems in the nanoworld because of their broad spectrum of applications, ranging from analyte detection to nanomedicine and the mimicry of enzymes, just to mention a few examples [...]
Nanophosphors-Based White Light Sources
Authors: Cesaria Maura , Di Bartolo Baldassare
Published: July 2019

Miniaturization requests and progress in nanofabrication are prompting worldwide interest in nanophosphors as white-emission mercury-free lighting sources. By comparison with their bulk counterparts, nanophosphors exhibit reduced concentration quenching effects and a great potential to enhance luminescence efficiency and tunability. In this paper, the physics of the nanophoshors is overviewed with a focus on the impact of spatial confinement and surface-to-volume ratio on the luminescence issue, as well as rare earth-activated multicolor emission for white light (WL) output. In this respect, the prominently practiced strategies to achieve WL emission are single nanophosphors directly yielding WL by means of co-doping and superposition of the individual red, green, and blue emissions from different nanophosphors. Recently, a new class of efficient broadband WL emitting nanophosphors has been proposed, i.e., nominally un-doped rare earth free oxide (yttrium oxide, Y2O3) nanopowders and Cr transition metal-doped garnet nanocrystals. In regard to this unconventional WL emission, the main points are: it is strictly a nanoscale phenomenon, the presence of an emitting center may favor WL emission without being necessary for observing it, and, its inherent origin is still unknown. A comparison between such an unconventional WL emission and the existing literature is presented to point out its novelty and superior lighting performances.
Root Plasticity in the Pursuit of Water
Authors: Fromm Hillel
Published: July 2019

One of the greatest challenges of terrestrial vegetation is to acquire water through soil-grown roots. Owing to the scarcity of high-quality water in the soil and the environment’s spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability, ranging from extreme flooding to drought, roots have evolutionarily acquired tremendous plasticity regarding their geometric arrangement of individual roots and their three-dimensional organization within the soil. Water deficiency has also become an increasing threat to agriculture and dryland ecosystems due to climate change. As a result, roots have become important targets for genetic selection and modification in an effort to improve crop resilience under water-limiting conditions. This review addresses root plasticity from different angles: Their structures and geometry in response to the environment, potential genetic control of root traits suitable for water-limiting conditions, and contemporary and future studies of the principles underlying root plasticity post-Darwin’s ‘root-brain’ hypothesis. Our increasing knowledge of different disciplines of plant sciences and agriculture should contribute to a sustainable management of natural and agricultural ecosystems for the future of mankind.
Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate Propionate Films Functionalized with Reactive Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kujawa Joanna , Rynkowska Edyta , Fatyeyeva Kateryna , Knozowska Katarzyna , Wolan Andrzej , Dzieszkowski Krzysztof , Li Guoqiang , Kujawski Wojciech
Published: July 2019

1-(1,3-diethoxy-1,3-dioxopropan-2-ylo)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (RIL1_Br), 1-(2-etoxy-2-oxoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (RIL2_Br), 1-(2-etoxy-2-oxoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (RIL3_BF4) ionic liquids were synthesized. Subsequently, the dense cellulose acetate propionate (CAP)-based materials containing from 9 to 28.6 wt % of these reactive ionic liquids were elaborated. Reactive ionic liquids (RILs) were immobilized in CAP as a result of the transesterification reaction. The yield of this reaction was over 90% with respect to the used RIL. The physicochemical properties of resultant films were studied using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The RIL incorporation influenced the morphology of films by increasing their surface roughness with the rise of RIL content. The thermal stability of CAP-based membranes was dependent on the nature of the ionic liquid. Nevertheless, it was proven that CAP films containing RILs were stable up to 120–150 °C. Transport properties were characterized by water permeation tests. It was found that the type and the amount of the ionic liquid in the CAP matrix substantially influenced the transport properties of the prepared hybrid materials.
Neutral Polysaccharide from the Leaves of Pseuderanthemum carruthersii: Presence of 3-O-Methyl Galactose and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Bac Vo Hoai , Paulsen Berit Smestad , Truong Le Van , Koschella Andreas , Trinh Tat Cuong , Wold Christian Winther , Yogarajah Suthajini , Heinze Thomas
Published: July 2019

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guillaumin is a native tree in Vietnam. The water extract of the leaves from this tree gives a highly viscous product that has been used to heal wounds and treat inflammations. Our previous studies showed that the leaves of P. carruthersii have a high content of polysaccharides. In this study, the structure and influence of the neutral polysaccharide from Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (PCA1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were investigated. The PCA1 isolated from P. carruthersii is a galactan-type polysaccharide, containing galactose (77.0%), 3-O-methyl galactose (20.0%), and arabinose (3.0%). Linkage analysis of PCA1 showed that both the 3-O-methyl galactose and galactose were 1,4-linked. The presence of 3-O-methyl galactose units as part of the polysaccharide is important and can be used as a chemotaxonomic marker. The molecular weight of the PCA1 was 170 kDa. A PCA1 concentration of 30–40 μg/mL strongly inhibited TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 inflammatory cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. PCA1 had inhibitory activities on pro-inflammatory cytokine and ROS release in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages in vitro through MAPK signaling.