bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Synthesis Parameters on the Crystallization Profile and Morphological Properties of SAPO-5 Templated by 1-Benzyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Hydroxide
Authors: Auwal Ismail Alhassan , Khoerunnisa Fitri , Dubray Florent , Mintova Svetlana , Ling Tau Chuan , Wong Ka-Lun , Ng Eng-Poh
Published: March 2021

The formation of SAPO-5 molecular sieves is studied under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of a new templating agent, 1-benzyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hydroxide ([bzmIm]OH). The syntheses were carried out by varying the synthesis parameters, viz. crystallization temperature, heating time and reactants molar composition (SiO2, Al2O3, P2O5, [bzmIm]+, H2O) in order to investigate the role of each synthesis parameter on the formation of SAPO-5. The results showed that these synthesis parameters had significant influences on the entire crystallization process (induction, nucleation, crystal growth, and Ostwald ripening) and physicochemical properties of SAPO-5 (morphology and crystal size). Moreover, this study also demonstrated a fast hydrothermal synthesis approach where a SAPO-5 molecular sieve with hexagonal prism morphology could be crystallized within 10 h instead of days using a novel [bzmIm]OH heterocyclic template, thus offering an alternative route for synthesizing zeolite-like materials for advanced applications.
From Rényi Entropy Power to Information Scan of Quantum States
Authors: Jizba Petr , Dunningham Jacob , Prokš Martin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we generalize the notion of Shannon’s entropy power to the Rényi-entropy setting. With this, we propose generalizations of the de Bruijn identity, isoperimetric inequality, or Stam inequality. This framework not only allows for finding new estimation inequalities, but it also provides a convenient technical framework for the derivation of a one-parameter family of Rényi-entropy-power-based quantum-mechanical uncertainty relations. To illustrate the usefulness of the Rényi entropy power obtained, we show how the information probability distribution associated with a quantum state can be reconstructed in a process that is akin to quantum-state tomography. We illustrate the inner workings of this with the so-called “cat states”, which are of fundamental interest and practical use in schemes such as quantum metrology. Salient issues, including the extension of the notion of entropy power to Tsallis entropy and ensuing implications in estimation theory, are also briefly discussed.
Unveiling Informational Properties of the Chen-Ouillon-Sornette Seismo-Electrical Model
Authors: Chen Hong-Jia , Telesca Luciano , Lovallo Michele , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: March 2021

The seismo-electrical coupling is critical to understand the mechanism of geoelectrical precursors to earthquakes. A novel seismo-electrical model, called Chen–Ouillon–Sornette (COS) model, has been developed by combining the Burridge–Knopoff spring-block system with the mechanisms of stress-activated charge carriers (i.e., electrons and holes) and pressure-stimulated currents. Such a model, thus, can simulate fracture-induced electrical signals at a laboratory scale or earthquake-related geoelectrical signals at a geological scale. In this study, by using information measures of time series analysis, we attempt to understand the influence of diverse electrical conditions on the characteristics of the simulated electrical signals with the COS model. We employ the Fisher–Shannon method to investigate the temporal dynamics of the COS model. The result showed that the electrical parameters of the COS model, particularly for the capacitance and inductance, affect the levels of the order/disorder in the electrical time series. Compared to the field observations, we infer that the underground electrical condition has become larger capacitance or smaller inductance in seismogenic processes. Accordingly, this study may provide a better understanding of the mechanical–electrical coupling of the earth’s crust.
Cancer Research Trend Analysis Based on Fusion Feature Representation
Authors: Wu Jingqiao , Feng Xiaoyue , Guan Renchu , Liang Yanchun
Published: March 2021

Machine learning models can automatically discover biomedical research trends and promote the dissemination of information and knowledge. Text feature representation is a critical and challenging task in natural language processing. Most methods of text feature representation are based on word representation. A good representation can capture semantic and structural information. In this paper, two fusion algorithms are proposed, namely, the Tr-W2v and Ti-W2v algorithms. They are based on the classical text feature representation model and consider the importance of words. The results show that the effectiveness of the two fusion text representation models is better than the classical text representation model, and the results based on the Tr-W2v algorithm are the best. Furthermore, based on the Tr-W2v algorithm, trend analyses of cancer research are conducted, including correlation analysis, keyword trend analysis, and improved keyword trend analysis. The discovery of the research trends and the evolution of hotspots for cancers can help doctors and biological researchers collect information and provide guidance for further research.
A Markov-Switching Model of Inflation in Bolivia
Authors: Bojanic Antonio N.
Published: March 2021

The Bolivian inflation process is analyzed utilizing a time-varying univariate and multivariate Markov-switching model (TMS). With monthly data and, beginning in the late 1930s, inflation is accurately described by a univariate TMS. The intercept for the high-inflation regime is significantly higher than for the low-inflation regime and the actual inflation rate mirrors the smoothing probabilities of the Markov process. Additionally, the predicted duration of each regime closely fits the periods when the country experienced low and inordinate high inflation rates. From a long-run perspective and utilizing a multivariate TMS, the results generally fall in line with what the quantity theory of money predicts. In the high-inflation regime, money growth increases inflation (almost) one-for-one, as classical economics contends. From a short-run perspective and in the high-inflation regime, inflation is almost exclusively explained by a negative output gap. In the low-inflation regime, lagged inflation is the most important determinant of inflation, in line with price stickiness expectations. Partitioning the sources of inflation demonstrate that, from a long-run perspective and in the high inflation regime, differences in inflation are mostly explained by GDP growth; in the low-inflation regime, money growth and velocity growth are the principal factors explaining the variance of inflation. From a short-run perspective, the output gap explains almost all regression variance in the high-inflation regime, and past inflation does the same during times of low inflation, though in both cases the R2 is low which precludes making definite statements about the sources of variability in inflation.
Optimized Modeling and Design of a PCM-Enhanced H2 Storage
Authors: Facci Andrea Luigi , Lauricella Marco , Succi Sauro , Villani Vittorio , Falcucci Giacomo
Published: March 2021

Thermal and mechanical energy storage is pivotal for the effective exploitation of renewable energy sources, thus fostering the transition to a sustainable economy. Hydrogen-based systems are among the most promising solutions for electrical energy storage. However, several technical and economic barriers (e.g., high costs, low energy and power density, advanced material requirements) still hinder the diffusion of such solutions. Similarly, the realization of latent heat storages through phase change materials is particularly attractive because it provides high energy density in addition to allowing for the storage of the heat of fusion at a (nearly) constant temperature. In this paper, we posit the challenge to couple a metal hydride H2 canister with a latent heat storage, in order to improve the overall power density and realize a passive control of the system temperature. A highly flexible numerical solver based on a hybrid Lattice Boltzmann Phase-Field (LB-PF) algorithm is developed to assist the design of the hybrid PCM-MH tank by studying the melting and solidification processes of paraffin-like materials. The present approach is used to model the storage of the heat released by the hydride during the H2 loading process in a phase change material (PCM). The results in terms of Nusselt numbers are used to design an enhanced metal-hydride storage for H2-based energy systems, relevant for a reliable and cost-effective “Hydrogen Economy”. The application of the developed numerical model to the case study demonstrates the feasibility of the posited design. Specifically, the phase change material application significantly increases the heat flux at the metal hydride surface, thus improving the overall system power density.
Using EMPHASIS for the Thermography-Based Fault Detection in Photovoltaic Plants
Authors: Catalano Antonio , Scognamillo Ciro , Guerriero Pierluigi , Daliento Santolo , d’Alessandro Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

In this paper, an Efficient Method for PHotovoltaic Arrays Study through Infrared Scanning (EMPHASIS) is presented; it is a fast, simple, and trustworthy cell-level diagnosis method for commercial photovoltaic (PV) panels. EMPHASIS processes temperature maps experimentally obtained through IR cameras and is based on a power balance equation. Along with the identification of malfunction events, EMPHASIS offers an innovative feature, i.e., it estimates the electrical powers generated (or dissipated) by the individual cells. A procedure to evaluate the accuracy of the EMPHASIS predictions is proposed, which relies on detailed three-dimensional (3-D) numerical simulations to emulate realistic temperature maps of PV panels under any working condition. Malfunctioning panels were replicated in the numerical environment and the corresponding temperature maps were fed to EMPHASIS. Excellent results were achieved in both the cell- and panel-level power predictions. More specifically, the estimation of the power production of a PV panel with a shunted cell demonstrated an error lower than 1%. In cases of strong nonuniformities as a PV panel in hotspot, an estimation error in the range of 9–16% was quantified.
Development of Hankel Singular-Hypergraph Feature Extraction Technique for Acoustic Partial Discharge Pattern Classification
Authors: Govindarajan Suganya , Ragavan Venkateshwar , El-Hag Ayman , Krithivasan Kannan , Subbaiah Jayalalitha
Published: March 2021

Different types of classifiers for acoustic partial discharge (PD) pattern classification have been widely discussed in the literature. The classifier performance mainly depends on the measurement conditions (location and type of the PD, acoustic sensor position and frequency response) as well as extracted features. Recent research posits that features extracted by singular value decomposition (SVD) can exhibit the natural characteristics and energy contained in the signal. Though the technique by itself is not novel, in this paper, SVD is employed for PD classification in a revised way starting from data arrangement in Hankel form, to embedding the hypergraph-based features and finally to extracting the required set of optimal features. The algorithm is tested for various measurement conditions that include the influences of various PD locations and oil temperatures. The robustness of the algorithm is also tested using noisy PD signals. Experimental results show the proposed feature extraction method supremacy.
Changes in Energy Consumption in Agriculture in the EU Countries
Authors: Rokicki Tomasz , Perkowska Aleksandra , Klepacki Bogdan , Bórawski Piotr , Bełdycka-Bórawska Aneta , Michalski Konrad
Published: March 2021

The paper’s main purpose was to identify and present the current situation and changes in energy consumption in agriculture in the European Union (EU) countries. The specific objectives were the determination of the degree of concentration of energy consumption in agriculture in the EU countries, showing the directions of their changes, types of energy used, and changes in this respect, establishing the correlation between energy consumption and changes in the economic and agricultural situation in the EU countries. All member states of the European Union were deliberately selected for research on 31 December 2018 (28 countries). The research period covered the years 2005–2018. The sources of materials were the literature on the subject, and data from Eurostat. Descriptive, tabular, and graphical methods were used to analyze and present materials, dynamics indicators with a stable base, Gini concentration coefficient, concentration analysis using the Lorenz curve, coefficient of variation, Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. A high concentration of energy consumption in agriculture was found in several EU countries, the largest in countries with the largest agricultural sector, i.e., France and Poland. There were practically no changes in the concentration level. Only in the case of renewable energy, a gradual decrease in concentration was visible. More and more countries developed technologies that allow the use of this type of energy. However, the EU countries differed in terms of the structure of the energy sources used. The majority of the basis was liquid fuels, while stable and gaseous fuels were abandoned in favor of electricity and renewable sources—according to which, in the EU countries, the research hypothesis was confirmed: a gradual diversification of energy sources used in agriculture, with a systematic increase in the importance of renewable energy sources. The second research hypothesis was also confirmed, according to which the increase in the consumption of renewable energy in agriculture is closely related to the economy’s parameters. The use of renewable energy is necessary and results from concern for the natural environment. Therefore, economic factors may have a smaller impact.
Integrative Scenario Assessment as a Tool to Support Decisions in Energy Transition
Authors: Kopfmüller Jürgen , Weimer-Jehle Wolfgang , Naegler Tobias , Buchgeister Jens , Bräutigam Klaus-Rainer , Stelzer Volker
Published: March 2021

Energy scenarios represent a prominent tool to support energy system transitions towards sustainability. In order to better fulfil this role, two elements are widely missing in previous work on designing, analyzing, and using scenarios: First, a more systematic integration of social and socio-technical characteristics of energy systems in scenario design, and, second, a method to apply an accordingly enhanced set of indicators in scenario assessment. In this article, an integrative scenario assessment methodology is introduced that combines these two requirements. It consists of: (i) A model-based scenario analysis using techno-economic and ecological indicators; (ii) a non-model-based analysis using socio-technical indicators; (iii) an assessment of scenario performances with respect to pre-determined indicator targets; (iv) a normalization method to make the two types of results (model-based and non-model-based) comparable; (v) an approach to classify results to facilitate structured interpretation. The combination of these elements represents the added-value of this methodology. It is illustrated for selected indicators, and exemplary results are presented. Methodological challenges and remaining questions, e.g., regarding the analysis of non-model-based indicators, resource requirements, or the robustness of the methodology are pointed out and discussed. We consider this integrative methodology being a substantial improvement of previous scenario assessment methodologies.
Optimization of a Small Wind Power Plant for Annual Wind Speed Distribution
Authors: Wrobel Krzysztof , Tomczewski Krzysztof , Sliwinski Artur , Tomczewski Andrzej
Published: March 2021

This article presents a method to adjust the elements of a small wind power plant to the wind speed characterized by the highest annual level of energy. Tests were carried out on the basis of annual wind distributions at three locations. The standard range of wind speeds was reduced to that resulting from the annual wind speed distributions in these locations. The construction of the generators and the method of their excitation were adapted to the characteristics of the turbines. The results obtained for the designed power plants were compared with those obtained for a power plant with a commercial turbine adapted to a wind speed of 10 mps. The generator structure and control method were optimized using a genetic algorithm in the MATLAB program (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA); magnetostatic calculations were carried out using the FEMM program; the simulations were conducted using a proprietary simulation program. The simulation results were verified by measurement for a switched reluctance machine of the same voltage, power, and design. Finally, the yields of the designed generators in various locations were determined.
Transition Dates from Earlywood to Latewood and Early Phloem to Late Phloem in Norway Spruce
Authors: Gričar Jožica , Čufar Katarina , Eler Klemen , Gryc Vladimír , Vavrčík Hanuš , de Luis Martin , Prislan Peter
Published: March 2021

Climate change will affect radial growth patterns of trees, which will result in different forest productivity, wood properties, and timber quality. While many studies have been published on xylem phenology and anatomy lately, little is known about the phenology of earlywood and latewood formation, also in relation to cambial phenology. Even less information is available for phloem. Here, we examined year-to-year variability of the transition dates from earlywood to latewood and from early phloem to late phloem in Norway spruce (Picea abies) from three temperate sites, two in Slovenia and one in the Czech Republic. Data on xylem and phloem formation were collected during 2009–2011. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the specific contribution of growth rate and duration on wood and phloem production, separately for early and late formed parts. We found significant differences in the transition date from earlywood to latewood between the selected sites, but not between growth seasons in trees from the same site. It occurred in the first week of July at PAN and MEN and more than two weeks later at RAJ. The duration of earlywood formation was longer than that of latewood formation; from 31.4 days at PAN to 61.3 days at RAJ. In phloem, we found differences in transition date from early phloem to late phloem also between the analysed growth seasons; from 2.5 weeks at PAN to 4 weeks at RAJ Compared to the transition from earlywood to latewood the transition from early phloem to late phloem occurred 25–64 days earlier. There was no significant relationship between the onset of cambial cell production and the transition dates. The findings are important to better understand the inter-annual variability of these phenological events in spruce from three contrasting temperate sites, and how it is reflected in xylem and phloem anatomy.
Geostatistical Tools to Assess Existing Monitoring Network of Forest Soils in a Mountainous National Park
Authors: Jezierski Pawel , Kabala Cezary
Published: March 2021

Environmental changes in national parks are generally subject to constant observation. A particular case is parks located in mountains, which are more vulnerable to climate change and the binding of pollutants in mountain ranges as orographic barriers. The effectiveness of forest soil monitoring networks based on a systematic grid with a predetermined density has not been analysed so far. This study’s analysis was conducted in the Stolowe Mountains National Park (SMNP), SW Poland, using total Pb concentration data obtained from an initial network of 403 circle plots with centroids arranged in a regular 400 × 400 m square grid. The number and distribution of monitoring plots were analysed using geostatistical tools in terms of the accuracy and correctness of soil parameters obtained from spatial distribution imaging. The analysis also aimed at reducing the number of monitoring plots taking into account the economic and logistic aspects of the monitoring investigations in order to improve sampling efficiency in subsequent studies in the SMNP. The concept of the evaluation and modification of the monitoring network presented in this paper is an original solution and included first the reduction and then the extension of plot numbers. Two variants of reduced monitoring networks, constructed using the proposed procedure, allowed us to develop the correct geostatistical models, which were characterised by a slightly worse mean standardised error (MSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) compared to errors from the original, regular monitoring network. Based on the new geostatistical models, the prediction of Pb concentration in soils in the reduced grids changed the spatial proportions of areas in different pollution classes to a limited extent compared to the original network.
Effects of Transport Network Slicing on 5G Applications
Authors: Lin Yi-Bing , Tseng Chien-Chao , Wang Ming-Hung
Published: March 2021

Network slicing is considered a key technology in enabling the underlying 5G mobile network infrastructure to meet diverse service requirements. In this article, we demonstrate how transport network slicing accommodates the various network service requirements of Massive IoT (MIoT), Critical IoT (CIoT), and Mobile Broadband (MBB) applications. Given that most of the research conducted previously to measure 5G network slicing is done through simulations, we utilized SimTalk, an IoT application traffic emulator, to emulate large amounts of realistic traffic patterns in order to study the effects of transport network slicing on IoT and MBB applications. Furthermore, we developed several MIoT, CIoT, and MBB applications that operate sustainably on several campuses and directed both real and emulated traffic into a Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors (P4)-based 5G testbed. We then examined the performance in terms of throughput, packet loss, and latency. Our study indicates that applications with different traffic characteristics need different corresponding Committed Information Rate (CIR) ratios. The CIR ratio is the CIR setting for a P4 meter in physical switch hardware over the aggregated data rate of applications of the same type. A low CIR ratio adversely affects the application’s performance because P4 switches will dispatch application packets to the low-priority queue if the packet arrival rate exceeds the CIR setting for the same type of applications. In our testbed, both exemplar MBB applications required a CIR ratio of 140% to achieve, respectively, a near 100% throughput percentage with a 0.0035% loss rate and an approximate 100% throughput percentage with a 0.0017% loss rate. However, the exemplar CIoT and MIoT applications required a CIR ratio of 120% and 100%, respectively, to reach a 100% throughput percentage without any packet loss. With the proper CIR settings for the P4 meters, the proposed transport network slicing mechanism can enforce the committed rates and fulfill the latency and reliability requirements for 5G MIoT, CIoT, and MBB applications in both TCP and UDP.
Toxicological Evaluation of Piceatannol, Pterostilbene, and ε-Viniferin for Their Potential Use in the Food Industry: A Review
Authors: Medrano-Padial Concepción , Prieto Ana Isabel , Puerto María , Pichardo Silvia
Published: March 2021

The application of stilbenes in the food industry is being considered because of their biological activities. Piceatannol, pterostilbene and ε-viniferin have awakened the industry’s interest. However, before they can be commercialized, we must first guarantee their safety for consumers. The present work reviews the toxicological studies performed with these stilbenes. A wide variety of studies has demonstrated their cytotoxic effects in both cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. In contrast, although DNA damage was detected by some authors, in vitro genotoxic studies on the effects of piceatannol, pterostilbene, and ε-viniferin remain scarce. None of the three reviewed substances have been evaluated using the in vitro tests required by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as the first step in genotoxicity testing. We did not find any study on the toxic effects of these stilbenes in vivo. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm their safe use before they can be authorized as additive in the food industry.
Comparative Study of Oxidative Structural Modifications of Unadsorbed and Adsorbed Proteins in Whey Protein Isolate-Stabilized Oil-in-Water Emulsions under the Stress of Primary and Secondary Lipid Oxidation Products
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Zhao Jinhai , Kong Baohua , Chen Qian , Liu Qian , Liu Chengguo
Published: March 2021

The impact of typical primary or secondary lipid oxidation (LPO) products, selected as linoleic acid 13-hydroperoxide (13-HPODE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), on the structural modification of unadsorbed or adsorbed proteins in whey protein isolate (WPI)-stabilized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions during storage up to 48 h at 37 °C in the dark was investigated. The results showed that either 13-HPODE and MDA could lead to structural modifications of unadsorbed or adsorbed proteins with a concentration-dependent manner and time relationship, respectively. Moreover, higher levels of MDA rendered a higher degree of oxidative modifications of WPI than 13-HPODE, indicated by the higher protein carbonyl contents and N’-formyl-L-kynurenine (NFK) and lower fluorescence intensity. Additionally, adsorbed proteins were more easily oxidized by LPO products than unadsorbed proteins. Overall, our results indicated that the formation of secondary LPO products and the protein position were crucial factors to increase the degree of oxidative modifications of WPI in O/W emulsion systems.
Extending Shelf-Life and Quality of Minimally Processed Golden Delicious Apples with Three Bioactive Coatings Combined with Cinnamon Essential Oil
Authors: Solís-Contreras Gisselle Anahí , Rodríguez-Guillermo María Consuelo , de la Luz Reyes-Vega María , Aguilar Cristobal N. , Rebolloso-Padilla Oscar Noé , Corona-Flores José , de Abril Alexandra Soriano-Melgar Lluvia , Ruelas-Chacon Xochitl
Published: March 2021

The application of coatings with essential oils for food preservation is an alternative way to keep minimally processed apple slices fresh, nutritious, safe, sensory palatable, and accessible for consumers. In the present study, the effect of three bioactive coatings on quality variables of minimally processed Golden Delicious apple slices for 25-days at 4 °C was evaluated. The coatings were CT1-chitosan-based, CT2-guar gum-based, and CT3-composite guar gum-starch-based; all three coatings contained cinnamon essential oil and were compared with UCT0-uncoated apple slices. The quality variables evaluated were weight-loss, firmness, browning index, total phenolic content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, respiration rate, microbial analysis, and sensory evaluation. All coatings improved the preservation and sensorial quality variables of Golden Delicious apples; however, although the CT1-chitosan-based coating was capable of extending the shelf-life of minimally processed apple, it demonstrated less sensorially favorable scores for flavor, odor, and overall acceptance attributes.
Flavor Profiling by Consumers Segmented According to Product Involvement and Food Neophobia
Authors: Lee Yun-Mi , Chung Seo-Jin , Prescott John , Kim Kwang-Ok
Published: March 2021

The relationship between food-related individual characteristics and performance in sensory evaluation was investigated. The study focused on differences in discriminative ability and perceptual sensitivity according to levels of product involvement or food neophobia during the intensity rating of sensory attributes in consumer profiling. Consumers (N = 247) rated the intensity of attributes for seven flavored black tea drinks and completed the Food Neophobia Scale and the Personal Involvement Inventory measuring product involvement with the flavored black tea drink. In the higher product involvement (IH) group and the lower food neophobia (NL) group, the number of sensory attributes representing the sample effect and of subsets discriminating the samples were greater, and more total variance of the samples was explained. The higher the product involvement or the lower the food neophobia, the greater the differentiation in characterizing samples with more attributes in the intensity ratings. Interestingly, the high food neophobia (NH) group showed less active performance compared to the NL group during the sensory evaluation overall, but the NH group was more concerned about unfamiliar attributes and samples. The results implied that the positive attitude resulting from high product involvement and low food neophobia may induce more active behavior and better performance during the sensory evaluation.
Simultaneously Mitigation of Acrylamide, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, and Oil Content in Fried Dough Twist via Different Ingredients Combination and Infrared-Assisted Deep-Frying
Authors: Han Zhonghui , Gao Jianxin , Zhang Shunyang , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2021

The effect of main ingredients (wheat flours, polyol sweeteners, and frying oil) and infrared-assisted deep-frying on the acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), oil content, and physicochemical characteristics of fried dough twist (FDT) were investigated. The amount of acrylamide and HMF produced in FDT made with low-gluten flour is significantly lower than that of flour with high gluten content. Among polyol sweeteners, maltitol causes the greatest reduction in acrylamide and HMF in FDT. Moreover, the oil content of FDT was significantly reduced by optimizing the infrared-assisted deep-frying process. At last, compared with deep-frying FDT made of sucrose, infrared-assisted deep-frying FDT made of maltitol reduced acrylamide, HMF, and oil content by 61.8%, 63.4%, and 27.5%, respectively. This study clearly showed that the ingredients, flour and polyol sweeteners used to process FDT are the two major determinants of the formation of acrylamide and HMF in FDT, and infrared-assisted deep-frying can significantly affect the oil content in FDT. Simultaneously, the mitigation of the acrylamide, HMF, and oil content in FDT can be achieved by using low-gluten flour and maltitol in the ingredients, combined with infrared-assisted deep-frying.
Effect of Pre-Fermentative Maceration and Fining Agents on Protein Stability, Macromolecular, and Phenolic Composition of Albariño White Wines: Comparative Efficiency of Chitosan, k-Carrageenan and Bentonite as Heat Stabilisers
Authors: Arenas Inma , Ribeiro Miguel , Filipe-Ribeiro Luís , Vilamarim Rafael , Costa Elisa , Siopa João , Cosme Fernanda , Nunes Fernando M.
Published: March 2021

In this work, the effect of pre-fermentative skin maceration (PFSM) on the chemical composition of the macromolecular fraction, polysaccharides and proteins, phenolic compounds, chromatic characteristics, and protein stability of Albariño monovarietal white wines was studied. PFSM increased the extraction of phenolic compounds and polysaccharides and reduced the extraction of pathogenesis-related proteins (PRPs). PFSM wine showed significantly higher protein instability. Sodium and calcium bentonites were used for protein stabilisation of wines obtained with PFSM (+PFSM) and without PFSM (−PFSM), and their efficiencies compared to fungal chitosan (FCH) and k-carrageenan. k-Carrageenan reduced the content of PRPs and the protein instability in both wines, and it was more efficient than sodium and calcium bentonites. FCH was unable to heat stabilise both wines, and PRPs levels remained unaltered. On the other hand, FCH decreased the levels of wine polysaccharides by 60%. Sodium and calcium bentonite also decreased the levels of wine polysaccharides although to a lower extent (16% to 59%). k-Carrageenan did not affect the wine polysaccharide levels. Overall, k-carrageenan is suitable for white wine protein stabilisation, having a more desirable impact on the wine macromolecular fraction than the other fining agents, reducing the levels of the wine PRPs without impacting polysaccharide composition.
Optical Genome Mapping as a Next-Generation Cytogenomic Tool for Detection of Structural and Copy Number Variations for Prenatal Genomic Analyses
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil Shri , Barseghyan Hayk , Kolhe Ravindra , Hastie Alex , Chaubey Alka
Published: March 2021

Global medical associations (ACOG, ISUOG, ACMG) recommend diagnostic prenatal testing for the detection and prevention of genetic disorders. Historically, cytogenetic methods such as karyotype analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microarray (CMA) are utilized worldwide to diagnose common syndromes. However, the limitations of each of these methods, either performed in tandem or simultaneously, demonstrates the need of a revolutionary technology that can alleviate the need for multiple technologies. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel method that fills this void by being able to detect all classes of structural variations (SVs), including copy number variations (CNVs). OGM is being adopted by laboratories as a tool for both postnatal constitutional genetic disorders and hematological malignancies. This commentary highlights the potential for OGM to become a standard of care in prenatal genetic testing based on its capability to comprehensively identify large balanced and unbalanced SVs (currently the strength of karyotyping and metaphase FISH), CNVs (by CMA), repeat contraction disorders (by Southern blotting) and multiple repeat expansion disorders (by PCR-based methods or Southern blotting). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are excellent at detecting sequence variants, but they are unable to accurately resolve repeat regions of the genome, which limits their ability to detect all classes of SVs. Notably, multiple molecular methods are used to identify repeat expansion and contraction disorders in routine clinical laboratories around the world. With non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) becoming the standard of care screening assay for all global pregnancies, we anticipate that OGM can provide a high-resolution, cytogenomic assay to be employed following a positive NIPT screen or for high-risk pregnancies with an abnormal ultrasound. Accurate detection of all types of genetic disorders by OGM, such as liveborn aneuploidies, sex chromosome anomalies, microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, repeat expansion/contraction disorders is key to reducing the global burden of genetic disorders.
A Survey of Transposon Landscapes in the Putative Ancient Asexual Ostracod Darwinula stevensoni
Authors: Schön Isa , Rodriguez Fernando , Dunn Matthew , Martens Koen , Shribak Michael , Arkhipova Irina R.
Published: March 2021

How asexual reproduction shapes transposable element (TE) content and diversity in eukaryotic genomes remains debated. We performed an initial survey of TE load and diversity in the putative ancient asexual ostracod Darwinula stevensoni. We examined long contiguous stretches of DNA in clones from a genomic fosmid library, totaling about 2.5 Mb, and supplemented these data with results on TE abundance and diversity from an Illumina draft genome. In contrast to other TE studies in putatively ancient asexuals, which revealed relatively low TE content, we found that at least 19% of the fosmid dataset and 26% of the genome assembly corresponded to known transposons. We observed a high diversity of transposon families, including LINE, gypsy, PLE, mariner/Tc, hAT, CMC, Sola2, Ginger, Merlin, Harbinger, MITEs and helitrons, with the prevalence of DNA transposons. The predominantly low levels of sequence diversity indicate that many TEs are or have recently been active. In the fosmid data, no correlation was found between telomeric repeats and non-LTR retrotransposons, which are present near telomeres in other taxa. Most TEs in the fosmid data were located outside of introns and almost none were found in exons. We also report an N-terminal Myb/SANT-like DNA-binding domain in site-specific R4/Dong non-LTR retrotransposons. Although initial results on transposable loads need to be verified with high quality draft genomes, this study provides important first insights into TE dynamics in putative ancient asexual ostracods.
Non-Target Effects of dsRNA Molecules in Hemipteran Insects
Authors: Arora Arinder K. , Chung Seung Ho , Douglas Angela E.
Published: March 2021

Insect pest control by RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene expression knockdown can be undermined by many factors, including small sequence differences between double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and the target gene. It can also be compromised by effects that are independent of the dsRNA sequence on non-target organisms (known as sequence-non-specific effects). This study investigated the species-specificity of RNAi in plant sap-feeding hemipteran pests. We first demonstrated sequence-non-specific suppression of aphid feeding by dsRNA at dietary concentrations ≥0.5 µg µL−1. Then we quantified the expression of NUC (nuclease) genes in insects administered homologous dsRNA (with perfect sequence identity to the target species) or heterologous dsRNA (generated against a related gene of non-identical sequence in a different insect species). For the aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum and Myzus persicae, significantly reduced NUC expression was obtained with the homologous but not heterologous dsRNA at 0.2 µg µL−1, despite high dsNUC sequence identity. Follow-up experiments demonstrated significantly reduced expression of NUC genes in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and mealybug Planococcus maritimus administered homologous dsNUCs, but not heterologous aphid dsNUCs. Our demonstration of inefficient expression knockdown by heterologous dsRNA in these insects suggests that maximal dsRNA sequence identity is required for RNAi targeting of related pest species, and that heterologous dsRNAs at appropriate concentrations may not be a major risk to non-target sap-feeding hemipterans.
Did Amino Acid Side Chain Reactivity Dictate the Composition and Timing of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Evolution?
Authors: Hendrickson Tamara L. , Wood Whitney N. , Rathnayake Udumbara M.
Published: March 2021

The twenty amino acids in the standard genetic code were fixed prior to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Factors that guided this selection included establishment of pathways for their metabolic synthesis and the concomitant fixation of substrate specificities in the emerging aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). In this conceptual paper, we propose that the chemical reactivity of some amino acid side chains (e.g., lysine, cysteine, homocysteine, ornithine, homoserine, and selenocysteine) delayed or prohibited the emergence of the corresponding aaRSs and helped define the amino acids in the standard genetic code. We also consider the possibility that amino acid chemistry delayed the emergence of the glutaminyl- and asparaginyl-tRNA synthetases, neither of which are ubiquitous in extant organisms. We argue that fundamental chemical principles played critical roles in fixation of some aspects of the genetic code pre- and post-LUCA.
Traces of Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Mongolian Horse Mitochondrial Lineages in Modern Populations
Authors: Kusliy Mariya A. , Vorobieva Nadezhda V. , Tishkin Alexey A. , Makunin Alexey I. , Druzhkova Anna S. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Iderkhangai Tumur-O. , Graphodatsky Alexander S.
Published: March 2021

The Mongolian horse is one of the most ancient and relatively unmanaged horse breeds. The population history of the Mongolian horse remains poorly understood due to a lack of information on ancient and modern DNA. Here, we report nearly complete mitochondrial genome data obtained from five ancient Mongolian horse samples of the Khereksur and Deer Stone culture (late 2nd to 1st third of the 1st millennium BC) and one ancient horse specimen from the Xiongnu culture (1st century BC to 1st century AD) using target enrichment and high-throughput sequencing methods. Phylogenetic analysis involving ancient, historical, and modern mitogenomes of horses from Mongolia and other regions showed the presence of three mitochondrial haplogroups in the ancient Mongolian horse populations studied here and similar haplotype composition of ancient and modern horse populations of Mongolia. Our results revealed genetic continuity between the Mongolian horse populations of the Khereksur and Deer Stone culture and those of the Xiongnu culture owing to the presence of related mitotypes. Besides, we report close phylogenetic relationships between haplotypes of the Khereksur and Deer Stone horses and the horses of indigenous breeds of the Middle East (Caspian and Iranian), China (Naqu, Yunnan, and Jinjiang), and Italy (Giara) as well as genetic similarity between the Xiongnu Mongolian horses and those of the most ancient breeds of the Middle East (Arabian) and Central Asia (Akhal-Teke). Despite all the migrations of the Mongolian peoples over the past 3000 years, mitochondrial haplogroup composition of Mongolian horse populations remains almost unchanged.
Effect of Integrated Neuromuscular Exercise in Physical Education Class on Health-Related Fitness in Female Children
Authors: Sinđić Marijana , Mačak Draženka , Todorović Nikola , Purda Bianka , Batez Maja
Published: March 2021

Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) showed benefits for improving fundamental movement skills (FMS). However, the INT health-related fitness (HRF) effects are lacking. The current study aimed to determine the effects of INT implemented during physical education (PE) in a primary school in the Republic of Serbia on HRF in female children. The sample consisted of 72 healthy girls who were divided into the intervention (EG: n = 37; mean ± SD: age = 8.17 ± 0.31) and control (CG: n = 35; age = 8.11 ± 0.31) groups. The EG and CG performed the INT program and traditional PE activities two times per week within the first ~15 min of PE class, respectively. The Fitnessgram battery tests assessed the HRF (body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular fitness, and flexibility) before and after the program. After eight weeks, the EG significantly reduced all fat measures, while the CG decreased only triceps skinfold but to a smaller extent (F = 5.92, p < 0.02, ŋ2 = 0.09). Both groups significantly improved the performance of almost all muscular fitness tests (curl-ups, trunk lift, push-ups); however, the EG increased the push-ups more than the CG (F = 9.01, p < 0.01, ŋ2 = 0.14). The EG additionally improved the modified pull-ups (F = 14.09, p < 0.01, ŋ2 = 0.19) and flexed arm hang (F = 28.82, p < 0.01, ŋ2 = 0.33) tests. The flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance of both groups did not significantly change after eight weeks. This approach of exercise showed positive acceptance and relatively good results after only eight weeks.
Nurses Working in Nursing Homes: A Mediation Model for Work Engagement Based on Job Demands-Resources Theory
Authors: Hara Yukari , Asakura Kyoko , Sugiyama Shoko , Takada Nozomu , Ito Yoshimi , Nihei Yoko
Published: March 2021

This study examined the impact that the attractiveness of working in nursing homes and autonomous clinical judgment have on affective occupational commitment, and whether work engagement mediates these relationships. This analysis was based on the job demands-resources theory. The study setting was 1200 nursing homes (including long-term care welfare facilities and long-term care health facilities) in eastern Japan. An anonymous, self-report questionnaire survey was administered to two nurses from each facility, resulting in a prospective sample of 2400 participants. Overall, 552 questionnaires were analyzed, in which structural equation modeling and mediation analysis using the bootstrap method were performed. The results showed that the attractiveness of working in nursing homes does not directly affect affective occupational commitment; work engagement fully mediates the impact of attractiveness of working in nursing homes on affective occupational commitment. Additionally, autonomous clinical judgment showed a direct impact on both work engagement and affective occupational commitment, indicating that work engagement partially mediates the impact on affective occupational commitment. To increase the affective occupational commitment of nurses working in nursing homes, managers should help nurses recognize the attractiveness of working in nursing homes, and then provide appropriate support to help such nurses work in a motivated manner.
A Review of Coupled Hydrologic-Hydraulic Models for Floodplain Assessments in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges for Floodplain Wetland Management
Authors: Chomba Innocent C. , Banda Kawawa E. , Winsemius Hessel C. , Chomba Machaya J. , Mataa Mulema , Ngwenya Victoria , Sichingabula Henry M. , Nyambe Imasiku A. , Ellender Bruce
Published: March 2021

Floodplain wetlands are a fundamental part of the African continent’s ecosystem and serve as habitat for fish and wildlife species, biodiversity, and micro-organisms that support life. It is generally recognised that wetlands are and remain fragile ecosystems that should be subject to sustainable conservation and management through the use of sustainable tools. In this paper, we propose a synthesis of the state of art concerning coupled hydrologic and hydraulic models for floodplains assessments in Africa. Case studies reviewed in this paper have pointed out the potential of applying coupled hydrologic and hydraulic models and the opportunities present to be used in Africa especially for data scarce and large basin for floodplain assessments through the use of available open access models, coupling frameworks and remotely sensed datasets. To our knowledge this is the first case study review of this kind on this topic. A Hydrological model coupled with Hydraulic Model of the floodplain provides improvements in floodplain model simulations and hence better information for floodplain management. Consequently, this would lead to improved decision-making and planning of adaption and mitigation measures for sound floodplain wetland management plans and programmes especially with the advent of climate change and variability.