bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential Oil Composition of Ten Species from Sect. Serpyllum of Genus Thymus Growing in Bulgaria
Authors: Trendafilova Antoaneta , Todorova Milka , Ivanova Viktoria , Zhelev Petar , Aneva Ina
Published: June 2023

GC-MS/FID analysis of the essential oils of 10 Thymus species, belonging to Sect. Serpyllum, led to identification of 118 compounds accounting for 97.79–99.69% of the total oil. Thymus moesiacus, T. jankae, T. vandasii, T. longicaulis and T. sibthorpii were characterized by the presence of linalool (19.37–35.21%) as the major or dominant component, but differed significantly in the content of the other prominent components: linalyl acetate, geraniol, geranyl acetate, α-terpinyl acetate, myrcen-8-yl acetate, myrcen-8-ol, etc. α-Terpinyl acetate (66.79%), thymol (63.96%), carvacrol (42.65%) and germacrene D (42.15%) were the principal components of T. pulegioides, T. glabrescens, T. callieri and T. pannonicus, respectively. β-Myrcene (16.53%), cis-sabinene hydrate (13.58%), τ-cadinol (13.24%) and elemol (11.29%) determined the oil from T. thracicus as a mixed mono-/sesquiterpene chemotype. The obtained results revealed the existence of new chemotypes of T. moesiacus, T. thracicus, T. sibthorpii and T. longicaulis. The essential oil content of T. callieri and endemic T. vandasii is reported for the first time. The variations in the essential oils of different Thymus species from Sect. Serpyllum were examined by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA).
Suitability of Wheel Ruts: Characterization of Overlooked Breeding Habitats of Alpine Newts
Authors: Kopecký Oldřich
Published: June 2023

The Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) is sensitive to habitat destruction and alteration, and as a result there has been a decline in their populations across Europe. Due to historical landscape changes, the populations of Alpine newts drawn from lowlands and hilly areas have recently been primarily found in artificial habitats, such as wheel ruts. In some areas inhabited by the Alpine newt range, wheel ruts are the only available habitat for newt breeding, and thus the only one allowing the maintenance of their populations. However, our knowledge about this type of habitat is limited. Therefore, 60 wheel ruts in a hilly forested area in the Czech Republic were checked for the presence of Alpine newt larvae. Their characteristics were measured (conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, depth, water coverage, plants, presence of prey, hydroperiod). The presence of larvae was positively associated with higher values of pH, coverage of water plants, and the presence of prey. The strongest predictor was the hydrological stability of wheel ruts, and newts were found to prefer non-drying ruts. From the conservation point of view, this means that the suitability of wheel ruts for Alpine newts can be estimated quite easily. This can essentially be performed on the basis of visual inspection if it is carried out through the breeding season of newts.
The (–)-Borneol Effect on Addiction/Abstinence by Morphine in Mice
Authors: Amaral Maurício Pires de Moura do , Viana Melquisedeque da Rocha , Osório Altamiro Teixeira , Lopes Luciano da Silva , Amaral Fabrício Pires de Moura do , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Arcanjo Daniel Dias Rufino , Oliveira Rita de Cássia Meneses
Published: June 2023

Opioids such as morphine are the first choice in acute and chronic pain treatment. However, they lead to addiction. Several studies have searched (i) to find a molecule that can replace morphine use or (ii) to reduce its adverse effects. This work aimed to evaluate whether (–)-Borneol [(–)-BOR], a bicyclic monoterpene, in doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg (i.p.), has an antiaddictive effect on morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and reduces its withdrawal symptoms precipitated by naloxone (8 mg/kg, i.p.) in Swiss mice. Furthermore, the (–)-BOR genotoxic potential was also investigated by the comet assay. The antiaddictive effect of (–)-BOR was evaluated by the conditioned preference place (CPP). The CPP was induced by morphine administration during the conditioning phase. The effects of (–)-BOR on the rewarding characteristics of morphine were tested in mice with the administration of (–)-BOR, naloxone, or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%), 30 min before morphine. This work also investigated the (–)-BOR effect on morphine withdrawal symptoms precipitated by naloxone. Morphine withdrawal symptoms were induced by administering morphine twice daily for 5 days, precipitated by naloxone administration on the sixth day. The effect of (–)-BOR on reducing morphine withdrawal symptoms was evaluated in mice that received (–)-BOR before daily morphine administration. Finally, the comet assay was performed to assess the DNA damage degree caused by the (–)-BOR (100 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. The comet assay was performed on peripheral blood taken from the tail of each animal. Cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce DNA damage. After starting the protocol, analyses were performed for 4 h (acute effect) and 24 h (repair effect). The (–)-BOR (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated (*** p < 0.001) the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP and reduced only the jumping behavior in the morphine withdrawal model. The best-studied dose was 100 mg/kg, being evaluated, then, in the comet assay. (–)-BOR at 100 mg/kg did not show the genotoxic effect when compared with the cyclophosphamide group (CYCLO, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) after 4 h or 24 h, a period that corresponded to the repair time of DNA fragmentation. The study showed that (–)-BOR attenuated the acquisition of CPP by morphine and made opioid withdrawal milder. In the comet assay, although (–)-BOR caused DNA damage, this damage was significantly less than the damage by CYCLO, at either 4 h or 24 h after the treatments.
Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Oxymetholone-Induced Testicular Toxicity
Authors: Saba Amal I. , Elbakary Reda H. , Afifi Omayma K. , Sharaf Eldin Heba E. M.
Published: June 2023

Oxymetholone is one of the anabolic steroids that has widely been used among teenagers and athletes to increase their muscle bulk. It has undesirable effects on male health and fertility. In this study, the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity were investigated in adult albino rats. During the experiments, 49 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 main groups: Group 0 (donor group) included 10 rats for the donation of PRP, Group I (control group) included 15 rats, Group II included 8 rats that received 10 mg/kg of oxymetholone orally, once daily, for 30 days, and Group III included 16 rats and was subdivided into 2 subgroups (IIIa and IIIb) that received oxymetholone the same as group II and then received PRP once and twice, respectively. Testicular tissues of all examined rats were obtained for processing and histological examination and sperm smears were stained and examined for sperm morphology. Oxymetholone-treated rats revealed wide spaces in between the tubules, vacuolated cytoplasm, and dark pyknotic nuclei of most cells, as well as deposition of homogenous acidophilic material between the tubules. Electron microscopic examination showed vacuolated cytoplasm of most cells, swollen mitochondria, and perinuclear dilatation. Concerning subgroup IIIa (PRP once), there was a partial improvement in the form of decreased vacuolations and regeneration of spermatogenic cells, as well as a reasonable improvement in sperm morphology. Regarding subgroup IIIb (PRP twice), histological sections revealed restoration of the normal testicular structure to a great extent, regeneration of the spermatogenic cells, and most sperms had normal morphology. Thus, it is recommended to use PRP to minimize structural changes in the testis of adult albino rats caused by oxymetholone.
Dynamic Implant Surgery—An Accurate Alternative to Stereolithographic Guides—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marques-Guasch Jordi , Bofarull-Ballús Anna , Giralt-Hernando Maria , Hernández-Alfaro Federico , Gargallo-Albiol Jordi
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Dynamic guided surgery is a computer-guided freehand technology that allows highly accurate procedures to be carried out in real time through motion-tracking instruments. The aim of this research was to compare the accuracy between dynamic guided surgery (DGS) and alternative implant guidance methods, namely, static guided surgery (SGS) and freehand (FH). (2) Methods: Searches were conducted in the Cochrane and Medline databases to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective and retrospective case series and to answer the following focused question: “What implant guidance tool is more accurate and secure with regard to implant placement surgery?” The implant deviation coefficient was calculated for four different parameters: coronal and apical horizontal, angular, and vertical deviations. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of 0.05 following application of the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Twenty-five publications were included in this systematic review. The results show a non-significant weighted mean difference (WMD) between the DGS and the SGS in all of the assessed parameters: coronal (n = 4 WMD = 0.02 mm; p = 0.903), angular (n = 4 WMD = −0.62°; p = 0.085), and apical (n = 3 WMD = 0.08 mm; p = 0.401). In terms of vertical deviation, not enough data were available for a meta-analysis. However, no significant differences were found among the techniques (p = 0.820). The WMD between DGS and FH demonstrated significant differences favoring DGS in three parameters as follows: coronal (n = 3 WMD = −0.66 mm; p =< 0.001), angular (n = 3 WMD = −3.52°; p < 0.001), and apical (n = 2 WMD = −0.73 mm; p =< 0.001). No WMD was observed regarding the vertical deviation analysis, but significant differences were seen among the different techniques (p = 0.038). (4) Conclusions: DGS is a valid alternative treatment achieving similar accuracy to SGS. DGS is also more accurate, secure, and precise than the FH method when transferring the presurgical virtual implant plan to the patient.
A Covariant Non-Local Model of Bohm’s Quantum Potential
Authors: Mauri Roberto , Giona Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

Assuming that the energy of a gas depends non-locally on the logarithm of its mass density, the body force in the resulting equation of motion consists of the sum of density gradient terms. Truncating this series after the second term, Bohm’s quantum potential and the Madelung equation are obtained, showing explicitly that some of the hypotheses that led to the formulation of quantum mechanics do admit a classical interpretation based on non-locality. Here, we generalize this approach imposing a finite speed of propagation of any perturbation, thus determining a covariant formulation of the Madelung equation.
Predicting the Popularity of Information on Social Platforms without Underlying Network Structure
Authors: Wu Leilei , Yi Lingling , Ren Xiao-Long , Lü Linyuan
Published: June 2023

The ability to predict the size of information cascades in online social networks is crucial for various applications, including decision-making and viral marketing. However, traditional methods either rely on complicated time-varying features that are challenging to extract from multilingual and cross-platform content, or on network structures and properties that are often difficult to obtain. To address these issues, we conducted empirical research using data from two well-known social networking platforms, WeChat and Weibo. Our findings suggest that the information-cascading process is best described as an activate–decay dynamic process. Building on these insights, we developed an activate–decay (AD)-based algorithm that can accurately predict the long-term popularity of online content based solely on its early repost amount. We tested our algorithm using data from WeChat and Weibo, demonstrating that we could fit the evolution trend of content propagation and predict the longer-term dynamics of message forwarding from earlier data. We also discovered a close correlation between the peak forwarding amount of information and the total amount of dissemination. Finding the peak of the amount of information dissemination can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of our model. Our method also outperformed existing baseline methods for predicting the popularity of information.
Book Review: Sanz et al. Elements and Mineral Resources; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2022; ISBN 978-3-030-85888-9
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: June 2023

Mineral resources remain essential to contemporary society and determine the important patterns of its sustainable development [...]
The Moderating Role of Research and Development (R&D) Support in the Relationship between Entrepreneurship and per Capita Output—A Study on the GCC Countries
Authors: Benlaria Houcine , Almawishir Naeimah Fahad S. , Saadaoui Sawssan , Mohammed Sanaa Mostafa Mohammed , Mohamed Ahmed Abdulrahman Badreldin , Ahmed ELamin Eltahir Ibrahhim
Published: June 2023

The current study examines the moderating role of R&D expenditures by the government on the relationship between entrepreneurship and per capita output in GCC countries. Using secondary quantitative data, panel data analysis was conducted for six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE) based on their scores on the Global Entrepreneurship Index, Ease of Doing Business, and R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted using Eviews 12. The study found that a supportive business environment and entrepreneurship ecosystem can lead to higher per capita output and that laboratory force and capital are significant positive contributors to per capita output. However, both Ease of Doing Business and the Global Entrepreneurship Index have a significant negative impact on per capita output. The study did not find significant moderation of the relationship between entrepreneurship and per capita output by R&D expenditures. These findings have important implications for policy-makers and academia, emphasizing the significant labour force and capital for per capita output. Future research should explore the relationship between entrepreneurship and growth further and investigate the role of R&D. Policy recommendations include reducing regulatory burdens and providing tax incentives to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and increasing R&D funding to promote per capita output. Overall, this study contributes to the state of the art through examining the moderating role of R&D expenditures on the relationship between entrepreneurship and per capita output in the context of GCC countries.
FDI and Firm Productivity: A Comprehensive Review of Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Models
Authors: Santos Eleonora
Published: June 2023

This paper reviews the literature on foreign direct investment (FDI), productivity, and technology upgrading, with a focus on macroeconomic and microeconomic models. It compares the performance of various models used to study FDI and its effects on firms’ productivity, via skill and technology upgrading, offshoring, institutional quality, and other related factors. This review highlights the differences and similarities between macroeconomic and microeconomic models, their empirical strategies, and their ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which FDI affects productivity and other variables. The empirical literature on the impact of FDI on the productivity of local firms is derived from association studies, which use a neoclassic production function and an augmented Solow-type equation. These models have been shown to be inadequate in capturing the dynamic and complex nature of FDI and the associated externalities, particularly vertical externalities. This paper identifies three criticisms of the literature on pecuniary externalities, including a lack of models that focus specifically on the mechanism of forward linkages, inadequate measures to assess linkage effects, and the failure to include crucial determinant factors in empirical models. Overall, this paper calls for more comprehensive and nuanced models that incorporate the dynamic and complex nature of FDI and its externalities.
Improving Concentration and Academic Performance of a Mathematically Talented Student with ASD/ADHD: An Enrichment Program
Authors: Lien Kun-Ming , Kuo Ching-Chih , Pan Hung-Lun
Published: June 2023

This study explored whether computer-assisted, project-based learning instruction can help a twice-exceptional (2e) student increase classroom concentration, mathematical concepts, and problem-solving skills. This research used a case study design. The researchers analyzed data collected from student and teacher interviews, behavioral records, and task performances. The result showed that the incidence of misbehaviors decreased from more than ten times to fewer than three times per hour. According to the Flow Short Scale (FSS), reports of his peers, and the case management teacher, the participant with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was highly attentive during the project. As for his academic performances, the rubric and scoring results from the instructors suggested that this participant performed very well in data representation, logical thinking, and mathematical thinking. However, he obtained a low score in flow control because of a lack of experience. His peers noted that he understood the mathematics concept of the tasks, was highly proficient in Scratch, completed a considerable portion of his work, and was willing to share the details of his works thoroughly. His peers in the project praised his learning attitude and the quality of his work highly.
Analysis of Torque Ripple in V-Shape Interior Permanent Magnet Machine Based on General Airgap Field Modulation Theory
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Cheng Ming , Yu Wenfei , Hua Wei
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a novel torque ripple model of V-Shape interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machine based on the general field modulation theory (GAFMT). Firstly, the magnetic field modulation behavior of a 12-stator-slot/8-rotor-pole (12/8) IPM machine is discussed, where the expressions of permanent-magnet-excited (PM-excited) and armature fields are derived. Secondly, the total torque ripple is divided into three components, namely, the PM-excited cogging torque, the armature cogging torque, and the modulation torque ripple. Additionally, the relationship between the field harmonics and the torque ripple is discussed based on the GAFMT. Then, a finite element analysis (FEA)-assisted dual fast Fourier transformation (FFT) method is proposed to obtain the accurate value of the field amplitude for torque ripple calculation. The field analysis results based on the GAFMT and the proposed torque ripple are then validated by comparing their results with those obtained from the FEA simulations, and a good agreement is observed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the field analysis and the proposed torque ripple model. Finally, experiments on a prototype 12/8 IPM machine demonstrate the validity of the torque ripple model, providing an effective method for torque ripple suppression of IPM machines.
Particle Agglomeration of Biomass and Plastic Waste during Their Thermochemical Fixed-Bed Conversion
Authors: Donskoy Igor
Published: June 2023

The article provides state-of-the-art research on agglomeration processes during fixed-bed combustion and gasification of low-grade fuels such as biomass and waste (primarily plastic-containing waste). Such fuels demonstrate complex thermal behaviour: their decomposition and combustion are multistage, accompanied by phase transitions, and may lead to fixed-bed mechanical instability and the non-uniformity of air distribution over the cross-section. To clarify the role of physicochemical factors (fuel composition and properties, reactor conditions), data from different sources are compared. The review shows that the fixed-bed agglomeration regimes can, in a rough approximation, be classified by the sintering mechanism (due to the melting of the mineral part or the organic part), with the following search for each mechanism realisation conditions by comparing the fuel properties and characteristic temperatures. Attempts to theoretically describe and numerically simulate the agglomeration phenomenon as a change in the structure of a reacting dispersed medium are also considered: the main directions in which such approaches can be developed are indicated.
Digital Transformation of Microgrids: A Review of Design, Operation, Optimization, and Cybersecurity
Authors: Irmak Erdal , Kabalci Ersan , Kabalci Yasin
Published: June 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the future digitalization of microgrids to meet the increasing energy demand. It begins with an overview of the background of microgrids, including their components and configurations, control and management strategies, and optimization techniques. It then discusses the key digital technologies that can be used to improve the performance of microgrids, including distributed energy resources management systems, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, digital twin technology, cloud computing, and augmented reality. The paper also highlights the importance of cybersecurity in microgrids, identifying the potential security vulnerabilities and threats to microgrid cybersecurity, as well as strategies for addressing these challenges. Finally, the paper discusses the barriers and challenges regarding the digitalization of microgrids, including technical complexity, high implementation costs, regulatory barriers, data privacy and security concerns, lack of standardization, interoperability issues, limited technical expertise, and integration with the main grid. Overall, this paper demonstrates the significant potential for digital technologies to transform the future of microgrids. By leveraging advanced technologies and implementing effective cybersecurity measures, microgrids can become more efficient, reliable, and resilient, enabling them to meet the growing demand for energy and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
Contribution to Active Thermal Protection Research—Part 2 Verification by Experimental Measurement
Authors: Kalús Daniel , Mučková Veronika , Koudelková Daniela , Kurčová Mária , Straková Zuzana , Sokol Martin , Ingeli Rastislav , Šťastný Patrik , Janík Peter
Published: June 2023

This article is closely related to the oldest article titled Contribution to Active Thermal Protection Research—Part 1 Analysis of Energy Functions by Parametric Study. It is a continuation of research that focuses on verifying the energy potential and functions of so-called active thermal protection (ATP). As mentioned in the first part, the amount of thermal energy consumed for heating buildings is one of the main parameters that determine their future design, especially the technical equipment. The issue of reducing the consumption of this energy is implemented in various ways, such as passive thermal protection, i.e., by increasing the thermal insulation parameters of the individual materials of the building envelope or by optimizing the operation of the technical equipment of the buildings. On the other hand, there are also methods of active thermal protection that aim to reduce heat leakage through nontransparent parts of the building envelope. This methodology is based on the validation of the results of a parametric study of the dynamic thermal resistance (DTR) and the heat fluxes to the interior and exterior from the ATP for the investigated envelope of the experimental house EB2020 made of aerated concrete blocks, presented in the article “Contribution to the research on active thermal protection—Part 1, Analysis of energy functions by the parametric study”, by long-term experimental measurements. The novelty of the research lies in the involvement of variant-peak heat/cooling sources in combination with RES and in creating a new, original way of operating energy systems with the possibility of changing and combining the operating modes of the ATP. We have verified the operation of the experimental house in the energy functions of thermal barrier, heating/cooling with RES, and without RES and ATP. The energy saving when using RES and ATP is approximately 37%. Based on the synthesis and induction of analogous forms of the results of previous research into recommendations for the development of building envelopes with energy-active elements, we present further possible outcomes in the field of ATP, as well as already realized and upcoming prototypes of thermal insulation panels.
Latent Dirichlet Allocation in Public Procurement Documents Analysis for Determining Energy Efficiency Issues in Construction Works at Polish Universities
Authors: Pamula Anna , Gontar Zbigniew , Gontar Beata , Fesenko Tetiana
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of public procurement documents in the domain of university buildings taken from the e-procurement platform, particularly focusing on their transformation towards more efficient energy consumption. Using a corpus of the titles of the public procurement documents from 2020 to 2022, we used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic modeling to understand the key thematic areas of focus. The methodology presented in this study incorporated a bifurcated approach. This two-stage procedure began with preprocessing and dictionary creation from the corpus of titles of procurement documents. Following this, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model was employed for topic extraction and trend analysis, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the thematic progression in procurement practices over time. Our analysis revealed a shift in emphasis from modernization towards the adoption of energy-saving technologies as well as a growing focus on broader sustainability initiatives. However, a less prevalent topic was adherence to cooling & heating systems, suggesting potential areas for improvement in procurement practices. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable procurement in university buildings and offer valuable insight for universities to enhance their energy efficiency strategies.
Electricity Day-Ahead Market Conditions and Their Effect on the Different Supervised Algorithms for Market Price Forecasting
Authors: Loizidis Stylianos , Konstantinidis Georgios , Theocharides Spyros , Kyprianou Andreas , Georghiou George E.
Published: June 2023

Participants in deregulated electricity markets face risks from price volatility due to various factors, including fuel prices, renewable energy production, electricity demand, and crises such as COVID-19 and energy-related issues. Price forecasting is used to mitigate risk in markets trading goods which have high price volatility. Forecasting in electricity markets is difficult and challenging as volatility is attributed to many unpredictable factors. This work studies and reports the performance both in terms of forecasting error and of computational time of forecasting algorithms that are based on Extreme Learning Machine, Artificial Neural Network, XGBoost and random forest. All these machine learning techniques are combined with the Bootstrap technique of creating new samples from the available ones in order to improve the forecasting errors. In order to assess the performance of these methodologies, the Day-Ahead market prices are divided into three classes, namely normal, extremely high and negative, and these algorithms are subsequently used to provide forecasts for the whole year 2020 of the German and Finnish Day-Ahead markets. The average yearly forecasting errors along with the computation time required by each methodology are reported. The findings indicate that the random forest algorithm performs best for the normal and extremely high price categories, while XGBoost demonstrates better results for the negative price category. The methodology based on Extreme Learning Machine requires the least computational time and achieves forecasting errors that are comparable to the best-performing methods.
Moisture-Induced Effects on Lignocellulosic and Humification Fractions in Aerobically Composted Straw and Manure
Authors: Ghanney Philip , Yeboah Stephen , Anning Dominic Kwadwo , Yang Huizhen , Wang Youling , Qiu Huizhen
Published: June 2023

Humic substances affect compost stability and maturation. However, the intricate structure of lignocellulosic materials hinders the biodegradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, often promoting the use of synthetic additives which results in microbial inactivation and death. Therefore, this study examined the effects of optimal moisture levels (MC1 = 45%, MC2 = 55%, and MC3 = 65%) on lignocellulosic and humification fractions in aerobically composted straw and manure. The study showed that 65% moisture content was more efficient in decomposing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with hemicellulose (115.3% w/w ≈ 47.1%) degrading more than cellulose (76.0% w/w ≈ 39.5%) and lignin (39.9% w/w ≈ 25.9%). However, in compost heaps with 45% moisture, the humic acid concentration increased significantly by 12.4% (3.1% w/w) and 17.3% (4.3% w/w) compared with 55% and 65% moisture, respectively. All moisture levels increased the mineralization of humic substances, but the index measured was highest at 65% MC (23.8% w/w) and lowest at 45% MC (18% w/w). In addition, the humification rate showed the trend: 0.083% w/w > 0.087% w/w > 0.100% w/w for MC1, MC2, and MC3, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that an initial moisture content of 65% is aerobically efficient for the conversion of corn straw and cow manure into stable and mature compost.
Development of Fermented Kombucha Tea Beverage Enriched with Inulin and B Vitamins
Authors: Frolova Yuliya , Vorobyeva Valentina , Vorobyeva Irina , Sarkisyan Varuzhan , Malinkin Alexey , Isakov Vasily , Kochetkova Alla
Published: June 2023

Kombucha is a sweet and sour beverage made by fermenting a liquid base with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Different tea substrates, carbohydrate sources, and additional ingredients are used to create beverages with different physical and chemical characteristics. The purpose of this work was to create a recipe and technology to study the properties of the beverage based on kombucha with a given chemical composition. The content of added functional ingredients (vitamins and inulin) in quantities comparable with reference daily intake was the specified parameter characterizing the distinctive features of the enriched beverages. For fermentation using symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast, a black tea infusion sweetened with sucrose was used as a substrate. The changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the fermented tea beverage base were evaluated. The dynamics of changes in pH, acidity, the content of mono- and disaccharides, ethanol, organic acids, polyphenolic compounds, and volatile organic substances were shown. The fermentation conditions were selected (pH up to 3.3 ± 0.3, at T = 25 ± 1 °C, process duration of 14 days) to obtain the beverage base. Strawberry and lime leaves were used as flavor and aroma ingredients, and vitamins with inulin were used as functional ingredients. Since the use of additional ingredients changed the finished beverage’s organoleptic profile and increased its content of organic acids, the final product’s physical–chemical properties, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic indicators were assessed. The content of B vitamins in the beverages ranges from 29 to 44% of RDI, and 100% of RDI for inulin, which allows it to be attributed to the category of enriched products. The DPPH inhibitory activity of the beverages was 82.0 ± 7%, and the ethanol content did not exceed 0.43%. The beverages contained a variety of organic acids: lactic (43.80 ± 4.82 mg/100 mL), acetic (205.00 ± 16.40 mg/100 mL), tartaric (2.00 ± 0.14 mg/100 mL), citric (65.10 ± 5.86 mg/100 mL), and malic (45.50 ± 6.37 mg/100 mL). The technology was developed using pilot equipment to produce fermented kombucha tea enriched with inulin and B vitamins.
Bioconversion Study of Olive Tree Biomass Hemicellulosic Hydrolysates by Candida guilliermondii at Different Scales for Ethanol and Xylitol Production
Authors: Puentes Juan , Mateo Soledad , Sánchez Sebastian , Roberto Inês , Moya Alberto
Published: June 2023

Hemicellulosic biomass from olive-tree pruning (OTPB) was used as a raw material in order to produce a hemicellulosic hydrolysate to be fermented with the non-traditional yeast Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 to obtain ethanol and xylitol. The main objectives of this research were to study the most relevant kinetic parameters involved in the bioconversion process and the correlation between stirred-tank bioreactor and agitated Erlenmeyer flask fermentation. In a first scale-up (using Erlenmeyer flasks) incubated on a rotary shaker at 200 rpm, fermentation assays were performed to determine the most convenient process conditions and the adaptation of the microorganism to the concentrated OTPB and added nutrients culture medium. The best conditions (2.5 kg m−3 of initial yeast cells, pH of 5.5 and 30 °C) were set in a bench bioreactor. A comparative study on ethanol and xylitol production was conducted in two scale scenarios, obtaining different results. In the bioreactor, 100% of D-glucose and partially D-xylose were consumed to produce an ethanol yield of 0.28 kg kg−1 and an ethanol volumetric productivity of 0.84 kg dm−3 h−1 as well as a yield and volumetric productivity in xylitol of 0.37 kg kg−1 and 0.26 kg dm−3 h−1, respectively. The kinetic results allowed increasing the action scale and obtaining more real results than the previous steps to enable mini-plant and industrial scaling.
Preparation of pH-Responsive Films from Polyvinyl Alcohol/Agar Containing Cochineal for Monitoring the Freshness of Pork
Authors: Liu Danfei , Zhong Yunfei , Pu Yumei , Li Xiaoxuan , Chen Siyuan , Zhang Changfan
Published: June 2023

This study reported the production of pH-responsive films based on 8 wt% polyvinyl alcohol solution/0.2 wt% agar solution incorporated with cochineal-loaded starch particles (CSN) (2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% on agar basis) by a casting process. Results revealed that CSN presented obvious color changes over the pH range of 2–12. FTIR, XRD spectra and SEM micrographs presented that the incorporation of CSN formed new hydrogen bonds with a matrix and a tighter network structure. A certain improvement was observed in the color stability, swelling index and functional properties (antimicrobial and antioxidant activities) but water solubility, water vapor permeability and water contact angle of the pH-responsive films were decreased by the addition of CSN. The release of cochineal was a rate-limiting step following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The agar/polyvinyl alcohol film containing 6% CSN (PVA/GG-6) exhibited the best sensitivity for ammonia detection and its limit of detection was 35.4 ppm (part per million) for ammonia. The application trials showed that the PVA/GG-6 film presented different color changes for pork freshness. Hence, these pH-responsive films can be used as potential packaging materials for tracking the freshness of protein-rich fresh food in a non-destructive way.
Pungency Perception and the Interaction with Basic Taste Sensations: An Overview
Authors: He Wei , Liang Li , Zhang Yuyu
Published: June 2023

The perception of pungency can be attributed to the combination of pain and heat, and it has critical impacts on food flavor and food consumption preferences. Many studies have reported a variety of pungent ingredients with different Scoville heat units (SHU), and the mechanism of pungent perception was revealed in vivo and in vitro. The worldwide use of spices containing pungent ingredients has led to an increasing awareness of their effects on basic tastes. However, the interaction between basic tastes and pungency perception based on structure-activity relationship, taste perception mechanism and neurotransmission lacks review and summary, considering its brighter prospects in food flavor. Thus, in this review, common pungency substances and pungency evaluation methods, and the mechanism of pungency perception is presented, and the interaction between basic tastes and pungency perception and the possible factors of their interaction are reviewed in detail. Pungent stimuli are mainly transduced through transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential fixed hormone isoform (TRPA1) activated by stimulants. Using modern detection techniques combined with sensory standards, different substances produce different degrees of pungent stimulation, ranging from 104 to 107 SHU/g. Pungent stimuli can affect taste receptor or channel protein conformation and regulate taste bud cell sensitivity by producing neurotransmission products. The products of neurotransmission and taste receptor cell activation in turn act on taste perception. When there are simultaneous effects of taste perception, pungency stimulation may enhance the perception of salty at a certain concentration, with a mutual inhibition effect with sour, sweet, and bitter taste, while its interaction with umami taste is not obvious. However, due to the complexity of perception and the uncertainty of many perceptual receptors or channels, the current studies of interactions are still controversial. Based on the understanding of the mechanism and influencing factors, the availability of pungency substances is proposed in the perspective of food industry in order to achieve new development.
Chickpeas’ and Lentils’ Soaking and Cooking Wastewaters Repurposed for Growing Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Martins Gonçalo Nuno , Carboni Angela Daniela , Hugo Ayelén Amelia , Castilho Paula Cristina , Gómez-Zavaglia Andrea
Published: June 2023

Legumes processing involves large amounts of water to remove anti-nutrients, reduce uncomfortable effects, and improve organoleptic characteristics. This procedure generates waste and high levels of environmental pollution. This work aims to evaluate the galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and general carbohydrate composition of legume wastewaters and assess their potential for growing lactic acid bacteria. Legume wastewater extracts were produced by soaking and/or cooking the dry seeds of chickpeas and lentils in distilled water and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. GOS were present in all extracts, which was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). C-BW extract, produced by cooking chickpeas without soaking, provided the highest extraction yield of 3% (g/100 g dry seeds). Lentil extracts were the richest source of GOS with degree of polymerization ≥ 5 (0.4%). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114 was able to grow in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth prepared by replacing the glucose naturally present in the medium with chickpeas’ and lentils’ extracts. Bacteria were able to consume the mono and disaccharides present in the media with extracts, as demonstrated by HPLC and FTIR. These results provide support for the revalorisation of chickpeas’ and lentils’ wastewater, being also a sustainable way to purify GOS by removing mono and disaccharides from the mixtures.
Texturing of Soy Yoghurt Alternatives: Pectin Microgel Particles Serve as Inactive Fillers and Weaken the Soy Protein Gel Structure
Authors: Saavedra Isusi Gabriela Itziar , Marburger Johannes , Lohner Nils , van der Schaaf Ulrike S.
Published: June 2023

Soy-based yoghurt alternatives were highly requested by consumers over the last few years. However, their texture does not always fulfil consumers’ demands as such yoghurt alternatives are often perceived as too firm or too soft, sandy, or fibrous. In order to improve the texture, fibres, for example, in the form of microgel particles (MGP), can be added to the soy matrix. MGP are expected to interact with soy proteins, creating different microstructures and, thus, different gel properties after fermentation. In this study, pectin-based MGP were added in different sizes and concentrations, and the soy gel properties after fermentation were characterised. It was found that the addition of 1 wt.% MGP influenced neither the flow behaviour nor the tribological/lubrication properties of the soy matrix, regardless of the MGP size. However, at higher MGP concentrations (3 and 5 wt.%), the viscosity and yield stress were reduced, the gel strength and cross-linking density decreased, and the water-holding capacity was reduced. At 5 wt.%, strong and visible phase separation occurred. Thus, it can be concluded that apple pectin-based MGP serve as inactive fillers in fermented soy protein matrices. They can, therefore, be used to weaken the gel matrix purposely to create novel microstructures.
Exploring the Experience of Breathlessness with the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM)
Authors: Johnston Kylie N. , Burgess Rebecca , Kochovska Slavica , Williams Marie T.
Published: June 2023

Chronic breathlessness is a multidimensional, unpleasant symptom common to many health conditions. The Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) was developed to help understand how individuals make sense of their illness. This model has been underused in the study of breathlessness, especially in considering how information sources are integrated within an individual’s cognitive and emotional representations of breathlessness. This descriptive qualitative study explored breathlessness beliefs, expectations, and language preferences of people experiencing chronic breathlessness using the CSM. Twenty-one community-dwelling individuals living with varying levels of breathlessness-related impairment were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with questions reflecting components of the CSM. Interview transcripts were synthesized using deductive and inductive content analysis. Nineteen analytical categories emerged describing a range of cognitive and emotional breathlessness representations. Representations were developed through participants’ personal experience and information from external sources including health professionals and the internet. Specific words and phrases about breathlessness with helpful or nonhelpful connotations were identified as contributors to breathlessness representations. The CSM aligns with current multidimensional models of breathlessness and provides health professionals with a robust theoretical framework for exploring breathlessness beliefs and expectations.
The Impact of Social Distancing Due to COVID-19 on Activities of Daily Living in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza Patricia , Rodríguez-Pérez M.ª Pilar , Fernández-Gómez Gemma , Bustamante-Palomo Nerea , Serrada-Tejeda Sergio , Obeso-Benítez Paula , Morales-Cabezas Matilde , Martínez-Piédrola Rosa M. , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta
Published: June 2023

Introduction: To explore the impact of the lockdown and social distancing measures, applied for one year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Activities of Daily Living in patients with Parkinson’s disease, as well as to determine the association between daily performance and tasks requiring more manipulative dexterity. Methods: Data collection was carried out between 18 January and 22 March 2021 through telephone interviews. Patients were recruited from associations of patients with Parkinson’s disease in Spain. A questionnaire was designed including items from standardized tools of the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire to measure the level of independence and from the Dexterity Questionnaire for manipulative dexterity. Results: There were 126 participants aged 36–89 years, 58% of whom were male. The results of our study reveal a significant decline in almost all the ADLs assessed. There is a moderate correlation between the degree of dependence in ADLs and the difficulty in performing activities requiring manipulative dexterity. Conclusions: Social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences may have contributed to an increase in the deterioration of manipulative ability, leading to a loss of ability to perform ADLs. These results show specific needs to be considered in the rehabilitation treatment of these patients.
A Review of the Most Recent Clinical and Neuropathological Criteria for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Mavroudis Ioannis , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Ciobica Alin , Luca Alina-Costina , Gorgan Dragos Lucian , Dobrin Irina , Gurzu Irina Luciana
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a complex pathological condition characterized by neurodegeneration, as a result of repeated head traumas. Currently, the diagnosis of CTE can only be assumed postmortem. Thus, the clinical manifestations associated with CTE are referred to as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), for which diagnostic multiple sets of criteria can be used. (2) Objectives: In this study, we aimed to present and discuss the limitations of the clinical and neuropathological diagnostic criteria for TES/CTE and to suggest a diagnostic algorithm enabling a more accurate diagnostic procedure. (3) Results: The most common diagnostic criteria for TES/CTE discriminate between possible, probable, and improbable. However, several key variations between the available diagnostic criteria suggest that the diagnosis of CTE can still only be given with postmortem neurophysiological examination. Thus, a TES/CTE diagnosis during life imposes a different level of certainty. Here, we are proposing a comprehensive algorithm of diagnosis criteria for TES/CTE based on the similarities and differences between the previous criteria. (4) Conclusions: The diagnosis of TES/CTE requires a multidisciplinary approach; thorough investigation for other neurodegenerative disorders, systemic illnesses, and/or psychiatric conditions that can account for the symptoms; and also complex investigations of patient history, psychiatric assessment, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker evaluation.
Pilot and Feasibility Studies of a Lifestyle Modification Program Based on the Health Belief Model to Prevent the Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Patients with Mental Illness
Authors: Tsubata Naomi , Kuroki Akiko , Tsujimura Harumi , Takamasu Masako , IIjima Nariaki , Okamoto Takashi
Published: June 2023

In this study we have examined the feasibility of a program based on the health belief model (HBM), for its effectiveness in improving lifestyle-related diseases in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), which are often complicated with physical conditions. In this model, we attempted to enable patients to identify a “threat” and to find “balance between benefits and disadvantages”. Subjects were carefully selected from among psychiatric patients by excluding any bias. Thus, the enrolled patients were 30 adult men and women with lifestyle-related diseases, or those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 24. Of these 30 subjects, 15 were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 10 the control group, since 5 subjects in the control voluntarily left from the study. Comparison of the intervention and control groups revealed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in HDL cholesterol in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes in other variables. These findings support the usefulness and efficacy of HMB-based nutritional interventions for preventing lifestyle-related disorders among psychiatric patients. Further evaluation is needed with a larger sample size and a longer intervention period. This HMB-based intervention could be useful for the general population as well.