bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color adjusting compositions of meat systems with low content of hemoglobin-containing raw materials
Authors: Zhuk V. O. , Shevchenko I. I. , Polichuk G. E. , Paska M. Z.
Published: June 2019

The development of technologies for new types of salty meat products with a high level of safety requires the improvement of the basic technological processes of their production, using intensive methods of influence on the raw materials processed, especially in the conditions of the work of domestic enterprises on defective and marked signs of PSE and DFD raw materials (DFD – drу , firm, dark; PSE – pale, soft, exudative). The purpose of the research is the scientific substantiation of the directed use of multicomponent bristles in the technology of salty meat products, in particular, the study of the mechanism of forming the coloring of meat systems with different levels of content of immiglobin raw materials at the stage of its salting with the inclusion in the composition of the brine of nitrite salt instead of sodium nitrite and natural dyes Apro Red and Vepro 70 Col R. According to research results, the replacement of sodium nitrite with nitrite salt leads to an increase in the content of nitrosopigments, which enables to receive a finished product with a lower content of residual nitrite and better color characteristics than equivalent intake and sodium nitrite. Based on theoretical and experimental researches, the analysis of the compatibility of the constituent components, their synergistic influence, the specifics of the functional and technological properties and the results of the influence on the organoleptic, functional-technological and biochemical parameters of the model meat systems, the composition of the multicomponent color-correcting brines is substantiated and developed. The rational concentration of hemoglobin preparations Vepro 70 Col R and AproRed for the coloring of meat systems with the content of glucose-free glycogen up to 15% and the level of injection of more than 140% (respectively, 0.5 and 0.7%) with simultaneous use of 0.05% isoascorbate Na and 0.006% sodium nitrite. It was established that the combined use of nitrate salt and preparations of hemoglobin of blood reduces the residual amount of sodium nitrite twice from the norm established in State Standart of Ukraine due to a more complete transformation of nitrite in nitro compounds. The results of spectrophotometric studies allowed to conclude that the most effective color-correction effect in the formation of pinkish-red shades of model emulsions is Vepro 70 Col R. The possibility of adjusting the color of salted meat products by using multicomponent brines, enhances the efficiency of utilization of raw material resources of the meat processing industry
Sanastontutkimusta Volgan alueella
Authors: Saarinen Sirkka
Published: June 2019

Yrjö Jooseppi Wichmann (1868–1932) tempaistiin itsenäisten tutkijoiden ja Suomalais-Ugrilaisen Seuran stipendiaattien joukkoon suoraan yliopistonpenkiltä: Seura myönsi hänelle stipendin udmurttien eli (silloisen terminologian mukaan) votjakkien pariin tehtävää tutkimusmatkaa varten 16.5.1891; samana päivänä hän sai valmiiksi filosofian kandidaatin tutkintonsa. Myöntö ei kuitenkaan ollut odottamaton, sillä Wichmann oli jo  opiskeluaikanaan  saanut  opettajaltaan,  virkaatekevältä  suomen  kielen  ja  kirjallisuuden professori Kaarle Krohnilta tehtäväkseen tarkistaa ja saksantaa G. S. Lytkinin komilaisia  tekstejä.  (Korhonen  1983:  80;  Wichmann  1893:  8.)  Kirjoitus  perustuu  Suomalais-Ugrilaisen Seuran 19.10.2018 järjestämässä Yrjö Wichmann -seminaarissa pidettyyn esitelmään.
Optimization and Mathematical Modelling of Gallic Acid Extraction and Determination of Diffusion Coefficients
Authors: HESAP Emirhan , BULUT Diclecan , YİĞİTARSLAN Sibel
Published: June 2019

Polyphenols, which have attracted attention with their anti-carcinogenic
properties in recent years, are used in many fields and are found in many
fruits, vegetables and cereals. It has also started to be used industrially in
food and pharmaceutical industries. The researches conducting on the kinetics,
diffusion constants and their relations with temperature, which make the
process industrially more efficient, were scarcely available. In this study,
total polyphenol extraction from Cinnamonumzeylaniccum with the help of
methanol solvent was investigated within this concept. Different parameters
were examined including temperature (25-60°C), time of extraction (10-90
minutes), mixing rate (0-250 rpm), and solid-to-liquid ratio (0.3-1.5 g/40 mL)
in the single-optimization method. Multiple optimization parameters were
examined and three-dimensional respose surfaces were plotted by Design Expert
program according to the optimum results of the single optimization. In the
light of this data, it was concluded that the most effective single parameter
was the temperature, and the most effective binary parameters were the
time-temperature. Diffusion kinetics data were obtained by performing
experiments at different temperatures in a stirred and unmixed media. These data
were used to determine the molecular, convective and effective diffusion
coefficients and to calculate the activation energies. The values of diffusion
coefficients were calculated by using Peleg and Mass transfer models, and
Arhenius rule was used for determination of activation energies. As a result of
the study, molecular, effective and convective diffusion coefficients were
determined for three different temperatures, and the activation energies of
molecular and convective diffusion were found as 54643.77 J/mole and 6326.12
J/mole, respectively.
Biostimulants Application in Horticultural Crops under Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Bulgari Roberta , Franzoni Giulia , Ferrante Antonio
Published: June 2019

Abiotic stresses strongly affect plant growth, development, and quality of production; final crop yield can be really compromised if stress occurs in plants’ most sensitive phenological phases. Additionally, the increase of crop stress tolerance through genetic improvements requires long breeding programmes and different cultivation environments for crop performance validation. Biostimulants have been proposed as agronomic tools to counteract abiotic stress. Indeed, these products containing bioactive molecules have a beneficial effect on plants and improve their capability to face adverse environmental conditions, acting on primary or secondary metabolism. Many companies are investing in new biostimulant products development and in the identification of the most effective bioactive molecules contained in different kinds of extracts, able to elicit specific plant responses against abiotic stresses. Most of these compounds are unknown and their characterization in term of composition is almost impossible; therefore, they could be classified on the basis of their role in plants. Biostimulants have been generally applied to high-value crops like fruits and vegetables; thus, in this review, we examine and summarise literature on their use on vegetable crops, focusing on their application to counteract the most common environmental stresses.
Nutritive Value of Tomato Pomace for Ruminants and Its Influence on In Vitro Methane Production
Authors: Marcos Carlos N. , de Evan Trinidad , Molina-Alcaide Eduarda , Carro M. D.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the variability in nutritive value for ruminants of tomato pomace (TP) samples and analyze its effect on in vitro fermentation when it was included in a high-concentrate diet. Twelve TP samples were obtained from two processing plants at weekly intervals and analyzed for chemical composition, in vitro rumen fermentation, and intestinal digestibility. The chemical composition of TP did not differ between processing plants and only slight variations were observed among sampling times. Tomato pomace had a low dry matter content (<300 g/kg), a high content of neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, and ether extract (572, 160, and 82.7 g/kg dry matter on average, respectively), and was rapidly fermented in the rumen. Protein degradability at 16 h in situ incubation was 510 g/kg and in vitro intestinal digestibility of protein was low (430–475 g/kg). Replacing soybean meal and barley straw by dried TP increased the in vitro fermentation rate and the production of volatile fatty acids and reduced NH3-N concentrations without affecting CH4. In summary, TP samples showed little variability in nutritive value over sampling time and TP of up to 180 g/kg could be included in high-concentrate diets without negatively affecting rumen fermentation.
Marjoram Relaxes Rat Thoracic Aorta Via a PI3-K/eNOS/cGMP Pathway
Authors: Badran Adnan , Baydoun Elias , Samaha Ali , Pintus Gianfranco , Mesmar Joelle , Iratni Rabah , Issa Khodr , Eid Ali H.
Published: June 2019

Despite pharmacotherapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global mortality. Alternative approaches, such as herbal medicine, continue to be sought to reduce this burden. Origanum majorana is recognized for many medicinal values, yet its vasculoprotective effects remain poorly investigated. Here, we subjected rat thoracic aortae to increasing doses of an ethanolic extract of Origanum majorana (OME). OME induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in endothelium-intact rings. This relaxation was significantly blunted in denuded rings. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly reduced the OME-induced vasorelaxation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also increased by OME. Moreover, wortmannin or LY294002 significantly reduced OME-induced vasorelaxation. Blockers of ATP-sensitive or Ca2+-activated potassium channels such as glibenclamide or tetraethylamonium (TEA), respectively, did not significantly affect OME-induced relaxation. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and pyrilamine, a H1 histamine receptor blocker, did not significantly modulate the observed relaxation. Taken together, our results show that OME induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/ endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/cGMP pathway. Our findings further support the medicinal value of marjoram and provide a basis for its beneficial intake. Although consuming marjoram may have an antihypertensive effect, further studies are needed to better determine its effects in different vascular beds.
Co-precipitation Synthesized MnOx-CeO2 Mixed Oxides for NO Oxidation and Enhanced Resistance to Low Concentration of SO2 by Metal Addition
Authors: Shao Jiaming , Lin Fawei , Li Yan , Tang Hairong , Wang Zhihua , Liu Peixi , Chen Guanyi
Published: June 2019

NO oxidation was conducted over MnOx-CeO2 catalysts, which were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The calcination temperature and third metal doping were the main considerations. MnCe catalysts calcined at 350 °C and 450 °C attained the highest NO conversion efficiency, compared to 550 °C. XRD results suggested that the higher the calcination temperature, the higher the crystallization degree, which led to a negative effect on catalytic activity. Subsequently, Sn, Fe, Co, Cr, and Cu were separately doped into MnCe composites, but no improvement was observed for these trimetallic catalysts in NO conversion. Nevertheless, MnCeSn, MnCeFe, and MnCeCo still exhibited a desirable NO conversion efficiency, so they were tested under SO2 addition together with MnCe catalyst. Among them, MnCeFe exhibited the highest NO conversion after whole poisoning testing. XPS results indicated that Fe could protect Mn and Ce metal oxides from being reduced during SO2 poisoning process. Furthermore, in in-situ DRIFTS measurement, part of nitrate species maintained undestroyed on the MnCeFe catalyst surface after SO2 poisoning. These characteristics reinforced that Fe dropping would achieve better performance under SO2 atmosphere.
Contribution of the Gut Microbiota in P28GST-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Experimental and Clinical Insights
Authors: Foligné Benoît , Plé Coline , Titécat Marie , Dendooven Arnaud , Pagny Aurélien , Daniel Catherine , Singer Elisabeth , Pottier Muriel , Bertin Benjamin , Neut Christel , Deplanque Dominique , Dubuquoy Laurent , Desreumaux Pierre , Capron Monique , Standaert Annie
Published: June 2019

An original immuno-regulatory strategy against inflammatory bowel diseases based on the use of 28 kDa glutathione S-transferase (P28GST), a unique schistosome protein, was recently proposed. Improvement of intestinal inflammation occurs through restoration of the immunological balance between pro-inflammatory T-helper 1 (Th1) responses and both T-helper 2 (Th2) and regulatory responses. However, detailed mechanisms explaining how P28GST prevents colitis and promotes gut homeostasis remain unknown. Considering the complex interplay between the adaptive and innate immune system and the intestinal microbiota, we raised the question of the possible role of the microbial ecosystem in the anti-inflammatory effects mediated by the helminth-derived P28GST protein. We first analyzed, by 16S rRNA sequencing, the bacterial profiles of mice fecal microbiota at several time points of the P28GST-immunomodulation period prior to trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-colitis. The influence of gut microbiota in the P28GST-mediated anti-inflammatory effects was then assessed by fecal microbiota transplantation experiments from P28GST-immunized mice to either conventional or microbiota depleted naïve recipient mice. Finally, the experimental data were supplemented by the temporal fecal microbiota compositions of P28GST-treated Crohn’s disease patients from a pilot clinical study (NCT02281916). The P28GST administration slightly modulated the diversity and composition of mouse fecal microbiota while it significantly reduced experimental colitis in mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments failed to restore the P28GST-induced anti-inflammatory effects. In Crohn’s disease patients, P28GST also induced slight changes in their overall fecal bacterial composition. Collectively, these results provide key elements in both the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and the safe therapeutic use of immunomodulation with such promising helminth-derived molecules.
A High-Resolution Terahertz Electric Field Sensor Using a Corrugated Liquid Crystal Waveguide
Authors: Xu Lan-Lan , Gong Yi , Fan Ya-Xian , Tao Zhi-Yong
Published: June 2019

Liquid crystals (LCs) can always reflect variable optical properties in a broad terahertz (THz) band under external electric or magnetic fields. Based on the measurements of these varying properties, we can realize electric and magnetic field sensing with very high sensitivity. Here, we theoretically and numerically demonstrate a type of electric field sensor in the THz frequency range based on the defect mode arising in a periodically corrugated waveguide with liquid crystals. The Bragg defect structure consisting of periodically corrugated metallic walls and a defect in the middle can provide a narrow transmitted peak with controllable bandwidth, which can be used for external field sensing when it is filled with LCs. The molecular orientation of nematic LCs (E7) is not only very sensitive to the applied DC electric field but also very crucial to the effective refractive index of E7. Changing the effective index can efficiently shift the frequency of the transmitted peak in the THz spectrum. The simulated results show that the sensitivity can reach as high as 9.164 MHz/(V/m) and the smallest resolution is 0.1115 V/m. The proposed sensor and its significant performance could benefit electric field sensing and extend the applications of THz technology.
A Review of Binarized Neural Networks
Authors: Simons Taylor , Lee Dah-Jye
Published: June 2019

In this work, we review Binarized Neural Networks (BNNs). BNNs are deep neural networks that use binary values for activations and weights, instead of full precision values. With binary values, BNNs can execute computations using bitwise operations, which reduces execution time. Model sizes of BNNs are much smaller than their full precision counterparts. While the accuracy of a BNN model is generally less than full precision models, BNNs have been closing accuracy gap and are becoming more accurate on larger datasets like ImageNet. BNNs are also good candidates for deep learning implementations on FPGAs and ASICs due to their bitwise efficiency. We give a tutorial of the general BNN methodology and review various contributions, implementations and applications of BNNs.
Improved Heart-Rate Measurement from Mobile Face Videos
Authors: Lomaliza Jean-Pierre , Park Hanhoon
Published: June 2019

Newtonian reaction to blood influx into the head at each heartbeat causes subtle head motion at the same frequency as the heartbeats. Thus, this head motion can be used to estimate the heart rate. Several studies have shown that heart rates can be measured accurately by tracking head motion using a desktop computer with a static camera. However, implementation of vision-based head motion tracking on smartphones demonstrated limited accuracy due to the hand-shaking problem caused by the non-static camera. The hand-shaking problem could not be handled effectively with only the frontal camera images. It also required a more accurate method to measure the periodicity of noisy signals. Therefore, this study proposes an improved head-motion-based heart-rate monitoring system using smartphones. To address the hand-shaking problem, the proposed system leverages the front and rear cameras available in most smartphones and dedicates each camera to tracking facial features that correspond to head motion and background features that correspond to hand-shaking. Then, the locations of facial features are adjusted using the average point of the background features. In addition, a correlation-based signal periodicity computation method is proposed to accurately separate the true heart-rate-related component from the head motion signal. The proposed system demonstrates improved accuracy (i.e., lower mean errors in heart-rate measurement) compared to conventional head-motion-based systems, and the accuracy is sufficient for daily heart-rate monitoring.
Optimization of a Series Converter for Low-Frequency Ripple Cancellation of an LED Driver
Authors: Garcia Jorge , Saeed Sarah , Quintana Pablo , Cardesin Jesus , Georgious Ramy , Dalla Costa Marco A. , Camponogara Douglas
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the optimization of the power and control stages of a previously proposed topology for an off-line LED electronic driver is presented. The full system avoids the use of electrolytic capacitors at the D C link, therefore increasing the lifespan and reliability of the driver. As a consequence of having a relatively small capacitance, the D C link operates with a large Low-Frequency ( L F ) voltage ripple. This work presents a design optimization for the power and control stages of a current-fed bidirectional buck converter, operating as the LED current control stage. As this block processes only the A C power arising from the L F voltage ripple, it can increase the system efficiency against the typical two-stage solution. In the original proposal, the main drawback was the high inductor losses due to the resulting large inductor currents and large inductance value. The proposed optimization ensures an enhanced design of the inductor while keeping a constant current through the LEDs. A new optimization methodology is proposed and the theoretical results have been validated in a built prototype for a 40 W LED lamp.
Nonlinear Control of a Doubly Fed Generator Supplied by a Current Source Inverter
Authors: Blecharz Krzysztof , Morawiec Marcin
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, wind turbines based on a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) are a commonly used solution in the wind industry. The standard converter topology used in these systems is the voltage source inverter (VSI). The use of reverse-blocking insulated gate bipolar transistor (RB-IGBT) in the current source inverter topology (CSI), which is an alternative topology, opens new possibilities of control methods. This paper presents a novel power control system for a DFIG supplied by a CSI. The authors propose to use multi-scalar DFIG state variables. A nonlinear control method realized by feedback linearization was used to control the active and reactive powers of the generator. In the feedback linearization controls, the nonlinear DFIG model was taken into account. In the control system structure, classical proportional–integral controllers were used. The control variables were the output current vector components of the CSI. Such approach was named the “current control”. The proposed control method is characterized by good dynamic properties which, combined with the inverter properties in the rotor circuit, allow to increase the quality of the energy transferred to the grid by the generator. In the simulation tests, the correctness of the decoupling of the active and reactive power control loops, the dynamics of controlled power changes, and the change of the machine operating range resulting from the increase of the rotational speed of the generator shaft were controlled. The simulation studies also evaluated the impact of changes in the value of the passive elements of the system on the operation of the generator system. Characteristic operating states of the generator system were analyzed using computer simulations.
The Northern White-Cedar Recruitment Bottleneck: Understanding the Effects of Substrate, Competition, and Deer Browsing
Authors: Reuling Laura F. , Kern Christel C. , Kenefic Laura S. , Bronson Dustin R.
Published: June 2019

Research Highlights: Regenerating northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) is challenging throughout much of its range. This study attempts to relate differences in natural regeneration to stand- and seedbed-level factors. Background and Objectives: Lack of regeneration of northern white-cedar is often attributed to overbrowsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) because white-cedar is a preferred winter browse species. However, there are many other factors that may contribute to regeneration failure for white-cedar including its specific seedbed requirements and competition from other, often faster-growing trees and shrubs. Materials and Methods: We surveyed five mature white-cedar stands in Wisconsin, USA that have had little to no management in the past 50+ years to find stem densities of natural white-cedar regeneration in three height classes. We also collected data at each stand on potential predictor variables including overstory attributes, competitive environment, seedbed, and browsing by deer. We used model selection to create separate models to predict stem density of each white-cedar regeneration height class. Results: None of the measures of deer browsing used in this study were found to be associated with white-cedar regeneration. Soil pH, competition from other seedlings and saplings, and stem density of white-cedar in the overstory were found to be potentially associated with white-cedar regeneration. Conclusions: While browsing by deer is likely a factor affecting white-cedar regeneration in many areas, this study highlights the challenge of quantifying deer browse effects, as well as showing that other factors likely contribute to the difficulty of regenerating white-cedar.
Variability and Trends in Dust Storm Frequency on Decadal Timescales: Climatic Drivers and Human Impacts
Authors: Middleton Nick
Published: June 2019

Dust storms present numerous hazards to human society and are particularly significant to people living in the Dust Belt which stretches from the Sahara across the Middle East to northeast Asia. This paper presents a review of dust storm variability and trends in frequency on decadal timescales from three Dust Belt settlements with long-term (>50 years) meteorological records: Nouakchott, Mauritania; Zabol, Iran, and Minqin, China. The inhabitants of each of these settlements have experienced a decline in dust storms in recent decades, since the late 1980s at Nouakchott, since 2004 at Zabol, and since the late 1970s at Minqin. The roles of climatic variables and human activities are assessed in each case, as drivers of periods of high dust storm frequency and subsequent declines in dust emissions. Both climatic and human variables have been important but overall the balance of research conclusions indicates natural processes (precipitation totals, wind strength) have had greater impact than human action, in the latter case both in the form of mismanagement (abandoned farmland, water management schemes) and attempts to reduce wind erosion (afforestation projects). Understanding the drivers of change in dust storm dynamics at the local scale is increasingly important for efforts to mitigate dust storm hazards as climate change projections suggest that the global dryland area is likely to expand in the twenty-first century, along with an associated increase in the risk of drought and dust emissions.
Community Empowerment and Community Partnerships in Nursing Decision-Making
Authors: Melo Pedro , Alves Odete
Published: June 2019

Community empowerment has been studied as a process and result phenomenon throughout the last 40 years. Community partnership, which has been studied during the last 20 years, has been identified as a key process to promote intervention and research within communities. In this paper, we introduce the relation between these two concepts, from the research that is being developed at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Health Research (CIIS) in Universidade Católica Portuguesa. We comment on the available evidence regarding community partnership and community empowerment within the Nursing Decision-Making process. There is a particular focus on Community Health Nursing Specialists (CHNS) and the aim to promote the identification of CHNS as potential community partnership developers within society. It is also important to analyze how community partnership processes are intentionally integrated as a nursing intervention within the nursing process. This analysis should occur from the nursing diagnosis to the evaluation of health gains in communities sensitive to CHNS care in a Nursing Theoretical Model developed from a Nursing PhD process—the Community Assessment, Intervention, and Empowerment Model.
Electronic Identification for Universities: Building Cross-Border Services Based on the eIDAS Infrastructure
Authors: Berbecaru Diana , Lioy Antonio , Cameroni Cesare
Published: June 2019

The European Union (EU) Regulation 910/2014 on electronic IDentification, Authentication, and trust Services (eIDAS) for electronic transactions in the internal market went into effect on 29 September 2018, meaning that EU Member States are required to recognize the electronic identities issued in the countries that have notified their eID schemes. Technically speaking, a unified interoperability platform—named eIDAS infrastructure—has been set up to connect the EU countries’ national eID schemes to allow a person to authenticate in their home EU country when getting access to services provided by an eIDAS-enabled Service Provider (SP) in another EU country. The eIDAS infrastructure allows the transfer of authentication requests and responses back and forth between its nodes, transporting basic attributes about a person, e.g., name, surname, date of birth, and a so-called eIDAS identifier. However, to build new eIDAS-enabled services in specific domains, additional attributes are needed. We describe our approach to retrieve and transport new attributes through the eIDAS infrastructure, and we detail their exploitation in a selected set of academic services. First, we describe the definition and the support for the additional attributes in the eIDAS nodes. We then present a solution for their retrieval from our university. Finally, we detail the design, implementation, and installation of two eIDAS-enabled academic services at our university: the eRegistration in the Erasmus student exchange program and the Login facility with national eIDs on the university portal.
Effects of Imagery as Visual Stimuli on the Physiological and Emotional Responses
Authors: Gunaratne Nadeesha , Viejo Claudia , Gunaratne Thejani , Torrico Damir , Ashman Hollis , Dunshea Frank , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: June 2019

Study of emotions has gained interest in the field of sensory and consumer research. Accurate information can be obtained by studying physiological behavior along with self-reported-responses. The aim was to identify physiological and self-reported-responses towards visual stimuli and predict self-reported-responses using biometrics. Panelists (N = 63) were exposed to 12 images (ten from Geneva Affective PicturE Database (GAPED), two based on common fears) and a questionnaire (Face scale and EsSense). Emotions from facial expressions (FaceReaderTM), heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SP), diastolic pressure (DP), and skin temperature (ST) were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict self-reported-responses based on biometrics. Results showed that physiological along with self-reported responses were able to separate images based on cluster analysis as positive, neutral, or negative according to GAPED classification. Emotional terms with high or low valence were predicted by a general linear regression model using biometrics, while calm, which is in the center of emotion dimensional model, was not predicted. After separating images, positive and neutral categories could predict all emotional terms, while negative predicted Happy, Sad, and Scared. Heart Rate predicted emotions in positive (R2 = 0.52 for Scared) and neutral (R2 = 0.55 for Sad) categories while ST in positive images (R2 = 0.55 for Sad, R2 = 0.45 for Calm).
Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Porro Benedetta , Songia Paola , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Valerio Vincenza , Moschetta Donato , Gripari Paola , Fusini Laura , Cavallotti Laura , Canzano Paola , Turnu Linda , Alamanni Francesco , Camera Marina , Cavalca Viviana , Poggio Paolo
Published: June 2019

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common cause of severe mitral regurgitation. It has been reported that MVP patients—candidates for mitral valve repair (MVRep)—showed an alteration in the antioxidant defense systems as well as in the L-arginine metabolic pathway. In this study, we investigate if oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are an MVP consequence or driving factors. Forty-five patients undergoing MVRep were evaluated before and 6 months post surgery and compared to 29 controls. Oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) forms of glutathione, and L-arginine metabolic pathway were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods while osteoprotegerin (OPG) through the ELISA kit and circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP) by flow cytometry. Six-month post surgery, in MVP patients, the GSSG/GSH ratio decreased while symmetric and asymmetric dimethylarginines levels remained comparable to the baseline. Conversely, OPG levels significantly increased when compared to their baseline. Finally, pre-MVRep EMP levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls and did not change post surgery. Overall, these results highlight that MVRep completely restores the increased oxidative stress levels, as evidenced in MVP patients. Conversely, no amelioration of endothelial dysfunction was evidenced after surgery. Thus, therapies aimed to restore a proper endothelial function before and after surgical repair could benefit MVP patients.
Occurrence of Antithrombotic Related Adverse Events in Hospitalized Patients: Incidence and Clinical Context between 2008 and 2016
Authors: Moesker Marco J. , Schutijser Bernadette C.F.M. , de Groot Janke F. , Langelaan Maaike , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Huisman Menno V. , de Bruijne Martine C. , Wagner Cordula
Published: June 2019

Antithrombotic drugs are consistently involved in medication-related adverse events (MRAEs) in hospitalized patients. We aimed to estimate the antithrombotic-related adverse event (ARAE) incidence between 2008 and 2016 and analyse their clinical context in hospitalized patients in The Netherlands. A post-hoc analysis of three national studies, aimed at adverse event (AE) identification, was performed. Previously identified AEs were screened for antithrombotic involvement. Crude and multi-level, case-mix adjusted ARAE and MRAE incidences were calculated. Various contextual ARAE characteristics were analysed. ARAE incidence between 2008 and 2016 decreased significantly in in-hospital deceased patients from 1.20% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–2.27%) in 2008 to 0.54% (95% CI: 0.27–1.11%) in 2015/2016 (p = 0.02). In discharged patients ARAE incidence remained stable. By comparison, overall MRAE incidence remained stable for both deceased and discharged patients. Most ARAEs involved Vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs). Preventable ARAEs occurred more during weekends and with increasing multidisciplinary involvement. Antiplatelet and combined antithrombotic use seemed to be increasingly involved in ARAEs over time. ARAE incidence declined by 55% in deceased patients between 2008 and 2016. Opportunities for improving antithrombotic safety should target INR monitoring and care delivery aspects such as multidisciplinary involvement and weekend care. Future ARAE monitoring for the involvement of antiplatelet, combined antithrombotic and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use is recommended.
Risk Assessment for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Using the Bonferroni Mean and TODIM Method
Authors: Zhu Jianghong , Shuai Bin , Wang Rui , Chin Kwai-Sang
Published: June 2019

As a safety and reliability analysis technique, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) has been used extensively in several industries for the identification and elimination of known and potential failures. However, some shortcomings associated with the FMEA method have limited its applicability. This study aims at presenting a comprehensive FMEA model that could efficiently handle the preference interdependence and psychological behavior of experts in the process of failure modes ranking. In this model, a linguistic variable expressed by the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy number (IVPFN) is utilized by experts to provide preference information with regard to failure modes’ evaluation and risk factors’ weight. Then, to depict the interdependent relationships between experts’ preferences, the Bonferroni mean operator is extended to IVPFN to aggregate the experts’ preference. Subsequently, an extended TODIM approach in which the dominance degree of failure modes is calculated by grey relational analysis is utilized to determine the risk priority of failure modes. Finally, a practical example concerning the risk assessment of a nuclear reheat valve system is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the presented method. In addition, a sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis are conducted, and the results show that the preference interdependence and psychological behavior of experts have an important effect on the risk priority of failure modes.
Provenance of Heavy Minerals: A Case Study from the WNW Portuguese Continental Margin
Authors: Cascalho João
Published: June 2019

This work describes and interprets the presence of heavy minerals in the WNW Portuguese continental margin using a set of 78 bottom samples collected from three distinct areas of this margin: the Porto, Aveiro, and Nazaré canyon head areas. The main transparent heavy mineral assemblage (mineral grains with frequencies ≥1% identified under a petrographic microscope) is composed of amphibole, andalusite, tourmaline, biotite, garnet, staurolite, pyroxene, zircon, and apatite. The felsic igneous and metamorphic rock outcrops in the main Northern Portuguese river basins and the relict sedimentary continental shelf deposits explained the presence of most of these mineral grains (both considered as distal sources). However, the presence of pargasite, augite, diopside-hedenbergite, enstatite-ferrosilite, and forsterite in the Porto and Aveiro areas (minerals identified by electronic microprobe analysis) is probably related to the presence of an igneous basic source next to dolomitic limestones affected by thermal metamorphism. These geological formations are considered as local sources. The high concentration of biotite observed in the Nazaré area is the result of the selective transport of the most lamellar sand particles of this mineral.
Nano-Scale Pore Structure and Fractal Dimension of Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze Region, South China: A Case Study of the Laifeng–Xianfeng Block Using HIM and N2 Adsorption
Authors: Huang Cheng , Ju Yiwen , Zhu Hongjian , Qi Yu , Yu Kun , Sun Ying , Ju Liting
Published: June 2019

This paper tries to determine the key evaluation parameters of shale reservoirs in the complex tectonic provinces outside the Sichuan Basin in South China, and also to target the sweet spots of shale reservoirs accurately. The pore-structure characteristics of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale gas reservoirs in Well LD1 of the Laifeng–Xianfeng Block, Upper Yangtze region, were evaluated. N2 adsorption and helium ion microscope (HIM) were used to investigate the pore features including pore volume, pore surface area, and pore size distribution. The calculated results show good hydrocarbon storage capacity and development potential of the shale samples. Meanwhile, the reservoir space and migration pathways may be affected by the small pore size. As the main carrier of pores in shale, organic matter contributes significantly to the pore volume and surface area. Samples with higher total organic carbon (TOC) content generally have higher porosity. Based on the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill equation (FHH model), two different fractal dimensions, D1 and D2, were observed through the N2 adsorption experiment. By analyzing the data, we found that large pores usually have large values of fractal dimension, owing to their complex pore structure and rough surface. In addition, there exists a good positive correlation between fractal dimension and pore volume as well as pore surface area. The fractal dimension can be taken as a visual indicator that represents the degree of development of the pore structure in shale.
Polypyrrole-Modified Nylon 6 Nanofibers as Adsorbent for the Extraction of Two β-Lactam Antibiotics in Water Followed by Determination with Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Li Xinghua , Miao Junjie , Yin Zhendong , Xu Xiangdong , Shi Hongmei
Published: June 2019

A solid phase membrane adsorbent—a nylon 6 nanofibers membrane coated by polypyrrole (PPy-PA6-NFsM)—was firstly synthesized and used for extraction of two β-lactam antibiotics (oxacillin and cloxacillin) in urban river water. Then the analytes were detected by capillary electrophoresis with a diode array detector (CE-DAD). The synthesized nanofibers membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The experimental conditions were optimized, including the amount used of PPy-PA6-NFsM, pH of the sample solutions, adsorption volume, and desorption conditions. Under the optimal extraction and separation conditions, the detection limits were found to be 2.0 ng/mL for both oxacillin and cloxacillin. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the two β-lactams in water samples of an urban river. The recoveries of these two β-lactams were found to be in the range 84.2–96.4%, demonstrating that PPy-PA6-NFsM has a high extraction capability for these two antibiotics. The relative standard deviations, ranging from 2.26% to 5.29% for intraday measurements and from 2.38% to 7.02% for inter-day determinations, were derived respectively.
Recovery of Polyphenols from Grape Pomace Using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-Grafted Silica Particles and PEG-Assisted Cosolvent Elution
Authors: Seker Ayca , Arslan Baran , Chen Shulin
Published: June 2019

Adsorption on a functionalized surface can be an effective way of purifying polyphenols from complex plant extracts. Polymeric resins that rely on hydrophobic interactions suffer from low selectivity, weak affinity towards polyphenols, and lack tunability therefore making the purification of polyphenols less efficient. In this study, a purification process for the recovery of polyphenols from grape pomace extract was successfully developed using hydrogen bonding affinity ligands grafted on silica particles and PEG-assisted elution solvents. Bare silica (SiO2) and polyethylene glycol (mPEG)-grafted silica microparticles with molecular weights of 2000 and 5000 were tested to determine their polyphenol binding and release characteristics. Functionalizing the surface of bare silica with mPEG ligands increased the adsorption capacity by 7.1- and 11.4-fold for mPEG-2000 and mPEG-5000 compared to bare silica particles, respectively. This was likely due to the introduction of more polyphenol binding sites with mPEG functionalization. Altering the molecular weight (MW) of mPEG grafted on silica surfaces provided tunability in the adsorption capacity. A complete recovery of polyphenols (~99.9%) from mPEG-grafted silica particles was achieved by utilizing PEG–ethanol or PEG–water cosolvent systems. Recovered polyphenols showed up to ~12-fold antioxidant activity compared to grape pomace extract. This study demonstrates that mPEG-grafted silica particles and elution of polyphenols with PEG cosolvents can potentially be used for large-scale purification of polyphenols from complex plant extracts and simplify the use of polyphenols, as PEG facilitates remarkable solvation and is an ideal medium for the final formulation of polyphenols.
An Advanced in Silico Modelling of the Interaction between FSCPX, an Irreversible A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist, and NBTI, a Nucleoside Transport Inhibitor, in the Guinea Pig Atrium
Authors: Szabo Adrienn Monika , Erdei Tamas , Viczjan Gabor , Kiss Rita , Zsuga Judit , Papp Csaba , Pinter Akos , Juhasz Bela , Szilvassy Zoltan , Gesztelyi Rudolf
Published: June 2019

In earlier studies, we generated concentration-response (E/c) curves with CPA (N6-cyclopentyladenosine; a selective A1 adenosine receptor agonist) or adenosine, in the presence or absence of S-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI, a selective nucleoside transport inhibitor), and with or without a pretreatment with 8-cyclopentyl-N3-[3-(4-(fluorosulfonyl)-benzoyloxy)propyl]-N1-propylxanthine (FSCPX, a chemical known as a selective, irreversible A1 adenosine receptor antagonist), in isolated, paced guinea pig left atria. Meanwhile, we observed a paradoxical phenomenon, i.e., the co-treatment with FSCPX and NBTI appeared to enhance the direct negative inotropic response to adenosine. In the present in silico study, we aimed to reproduce eight of these E/c curves. Four models (and two additional variants of the last model) were constructed, each one representing a set of assumptions, in order to find the model exhibiting the best fit to the ex vivo data, and to gain insight into the paradoxical phenomenon in question. We have obtained in silico evidence for an interference between effects of FSCPX and NBTI upon our ex vivo experimental setting. Regarding the mechanism of this interference, in silico evidence has been gained for the assumption that FSCPX inhibits the effect of NBTI on the level of endogenous (but not exogenous) adenosine. As an explanation, it may be hypothesized that FSCPX inhibits an enzyme participating in the interstitial adenosine formation. In addition, our results suggest that NBTI does not stop the inward adenosine flux in the guinea pig atrium completely.
Guest Editors’ Introduction: Multimodal Technologies and Interaction in the Era of Automated Driving
Authors: Riener Andreas , Jeon Myounghoon
Published: June 2019

Recent advancements in automated vehicle technologies pose numerous opportunities and challenges to support the diverse facets of user needs [...]
Integral Balance Methods for Stokes’ First Equation Described by the Left Generalized Fractional Derivative
Authors: Sene Ndolane
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the integral balance methods of the Stokes’ first equation have been presented. The approximate solution of the fractional Stokes’ first equation using the heat balance integral method has been proposed. The approximate solution of the fractional Stokes’ first equation using the double integral methods has been proposed. The generalized fractional time derivative operator has been used. The graphical representations of the cubic profile and the quadratic profile for the Stokes’ first problem have been provided. The impacts of the orders of the generalized fractional derivative in the Stokes’ first problem have been investigated. The exponent of the assumed profile for the Stokes’ first equation has been discussed.
In-Plane Behavior of Auxetic Non-Woven Fabric Based on Rotating Square Unit Geometry under Tensile Load
Authors: Dobnik Dubrovski Polona , Novak Nejc , Borovinšek Matej , Vesenjak Matej , Ren Zoran
Published: June 2019

This paper reports the auxetic behavior of modified conventional non-woven fabric. The auxetic behavior of fabric was achieved by forming rotating square unit geometry with a highly ordered pattern of slits by laser cutting. Two commercial needle-punched non-woven fabric used as lining and the reinforcement fabric for the footwear industry were investigated. The influence of two rotating square unit sizes was analyzed for each fabric. The original and modified fabric samples were subjected to quasi-static tensile load by using the Tinius Olsen testing machine to observe the in-plane mechanical properties and deformation behavior of tested samples. The tests were recorded with a full high-definition (HD) digital camera and the video recognition technique was applied to determine the Poisson’s ratio evolution during testing. The results show that the modified samples exhibit a much lower breaking force due to induced slits, which in turn limits the application of such modified fabric to low tensile loads. The samples with smaller rotating cell sizes exhibit the highest negative Poisson’s ratio during tensile loading through the entire longitudinal strain range until rupture. Non-woven fabric with equal distribution and orientation of fibers in both directions offer better auxetic response with a smaller out-of-plane rotation of rotating unit cells. The out-of-plane rotation of unit cells in non-homogenous samples is higher in machine direction.