bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Biology of Young versus Old Age Estrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer through Gene and Protein Expression Analyses
Authors: Siddig Alaa , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Faiziah , Mohd Nafi Siti Norasikin , Sulong Sarina , Yahya Maya Mazuwin , Al-Astani Tengku Din Tengku Ahmad Damitri , Razali Rozaimi , Musa Kamarul Imran
Published: January 2023

Background: Breast cancer developed at a young age (≤45 years) is hypothesized to have unique biology; however, findings in this field are controversial. Methods: We compared the whole transcriptomic profile of young vs. old-age breast cancer using DNA microarray. RNA was extracted from 13 fresh estrogen receptor (ER)-positive primary breast cancer tissues of untreated patients (7 = young age ≤45 years and 6 = old age ≥55 years). In silico validation for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by young-age patients was conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we analyzed the protein expression encoded by two of the significantly down-regulated genes by young-age patients, Glycine N-acyltransferase-like 1 (GLYATL-1) and Ran-binding protein 3 like (RANBP3L), using immunohistochemical analysis in an independent cohort of 56 and 74 ER-positive pre-therapeutic primary breast cancer tissues, respectively. Results: 12 genes were significantly differentially expressed by young-age breast cancers (fold change >2 or <2- with FDR p-value < 0.05). TCGA data confirmed the differential expression of six genes. Protein expression analysis of GLYATL-1 and RANBP3L did not show heterogeneous expression between young and old-age breast cancer tissues. Loss of expression of GLYATL-1 was significantly (p-value 0.005) associated with positive lymph node status. Higher expression of RANBP3L was significantly associated with breast cancers with lower histopathological grades (p-value 0.038). Conclusions: At the transcriptomic level, breast cancer developed in young and old age patients seems homogenous. The variation in the transcriptomic profiles can be attributed to the other clinicopathological characteristics rather than the age of the patient.
High-Performance Nitric Oxide Gas Sensors Based on an Ultrathin Nanoporous Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Film
Authors: Jeong Ganghoon , Shin Seo Young , Kyokunzire Proscovia , Cheon Hyeong Jun , Wi Eunsol , Woo Minhong , Chang Mincheol
Published: January 2023

Conjugated polymer (CP)-based organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have been considered a potential sensor platform for detecting gas molecules because they can amplify sensing signals by controlling the gate voltage. However, these sensors exhibit significantly poorer oxidizing gas sensing performance than their inorganic counterparts. This paper presents a high-performance nitric oxide (NO) OFET sensor consisting of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) film with an ultrathin nanoporous structure. The ultrathin nonporous structure of the P3HT film was created via deposition through the shear-coating-assisted phase separation of polymer blends and selective solvent etching. The ultrathin nonporous structure of the P3HT film enhanced NO gas diffusion, adsorption, and desorption, resulting in the ultrathin nanoporous P3HT-film-based OFET gas sensor exhibiting significantly better sensing performance than pristine P3HT-film-based OFET sensors. Additionally, upon exposure to 10 ppm NO at room temperature, the nanoporous P3HT-film-based OFET gas sensor exhibited significantly better sensing performance (i.e., responsivity ≈ 42%, sensitivity ≈ 4.7% ppm−1, limit of detection ≈ 0.5 ppm, and response/recovery times ≈ 6.6/8.0 min) than the pristine P3HT-film-based OFET sensors.
Influence of Healthy Brand and Diagnosticity of Brand Name on Subjective Ratings of High- and Low-Calorie Food
Authors: Zhang Chengchen , Han Jiayi , Guo Xiyu , Huang Jianping
Published: January 2023

Brand names on food packaging and the diagnosticity of brand names have notable effects on consumer preferences. However, their effects on healthy food consumption are not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of healthy brands and the diagnosticity of brand names on consumers’ subjective ratings of different calorie foods. In two studies, participants viewed 32 pictures of high- and low-calorie food product packaging from healthy and unhealthy brands and rated their feelings and willingness to pay online. Study 1 used real brand names, and Study 2 used fictional brand names and added press releases to manipulate diagnosticity. The present study demonstrated that participants perceived foods from healthy brands as healthier but less delicious and were more willing to buy low-calorie foods from healthy brands. Moreover, only when the brand name was of high diagnosticity were high-calorie foods rated as more likable, and did the willingness to pay for low-calorie foods increase. Collectively, these findings highlight the influence of the healthy brand on consumers’ subjective ratings of food. It is also inspiring for healthy food marketing.
A Beam Finite Element Model Considering the Slip, Shear Lag, and Time-Dependent Effects of Steel–Concrete Composite Box Beams
Authors: Zhao Guan-Yuan , Liu Wei , Su Rui , Zhao Jia-Cheng
Published: January 2023

A beam finite element model considering the slip, shear lag, and time-dependent effects of steel–concrete composite box beams have been proposed in this study. The element is employed to a one-dimensional analytical method that is solved involving an expression of spatial and time-dependent variables. A step-by-step method that does not involve storing the stress and strain histories, which is more accurate than the single-step algebraic method, is employed to solve the time variables. A recursive method was elaborated to determine spatial and time-dependent variables through the above method. The validity of the proposed method in instantaneous analysis is attested by the numerical data of the elaborate finite element model established in a commercial software, ANSYS, and that of the time-dependent analysis is verified by the existing test results on the long-term performance of composite beams. The proposed beam finite element model is applied to predict the time-related behavior of simply supported composite beams after validation. The results show that concrete shrinkage and creep significantly influence the structural responses of the composite box beams. From the initial load on the 28th day to that in the 3rd year, the vertical deflection at the cross-section of the mid-span increased by 47.01%. The interface slip at the end increased by −10.99%. The warping intensity function of the concrete slab and the steel beam at the end caused by shear lag increased by 111.64% and 7.01%, respectively. The maximum compressive stress on the concrete slab and the maximum tensile stress at the steel bottom flange increased by −6.75% and 4.56%, respectively.
Conceptual Architectural Design at Scale: A Case Study of Community Participation Using Crowdsourcing
Authors: Dortheimer Jonathan , Yang Stephen , Yang Qian , Sprecher Aaron
Published: January 2023

Architectural design decisions are primarily made through an interaction between an architect and a client during the conceptual design phase. However, in larger-scale public architecture projects, the client is frequently represented by a community that embraces numerous stakeholders. The scale, social diversity, and political layers of such collective clients make their interaction with architects challenging. A solution to address this challenge is using new information technologies that automate design interactions on an urban scale through crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence technologies. However, since such technologies have not yet been applied and tested in field conditions, it remains unknown how communities interact with such systems and whether useful concept designs can be produced in this way. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper reports the results of a case study architecture project where a novel crowdsourcing system was used to automate interactions with a community. The results of both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed the effectiveness of our approach, which resulted in high-level stakeholder satisfaction and yielded conceptual designs that better reflect stakeholders’ preferences. Along with identifying opportunities for using advanced technologies to automate design interactions in the concept design phase, we also highlight the challenges of such technologies, thus warranting future research.
Analytical Investigation of the Effects of Secondary Structural Members on the Structural Behaviors of Transmission Towers
Authors: Kim Pyounghwa , Han Whi Seok , Kim Jeong Hun , Lee Jeonghwa , Kang Young Jong , Kim Seungjun
Published: January 2023

High-voltage transmission towers consist of structures that are designed to avoid the risk of electric shock and prevent the risk of collapse. Hence, for efficiency, they are generally designed as high-rise towers. The main tower posts are the primary structural members that resist loads under various load conditions. Therefore, the contribution of the secondary members to securing the stiffness and strength of the main posts by reducing the effective buckling length is an important one. However, we lack detailed secondary member design criteria. In this study, we observed the structural effects of the horizontal members and braces on the torsional stiffness, elastic buckling strength, and load-carrying capacity of a transmission tower using various structural analysis methods, including linear elastic, eigenvalue, and geometric nonlinear and inelastic analyses, under governing load combinations. According to the analytical results, it is the brace spacing rather than the horizontal members that substantially affects the structural performance. Therefore, we can minimize the number of horizontal members if we erect sufficient brace members. If the brace spacing is wide, then the horizontal members should be erected to create K bracing, thereby enhancing the buckling resistance of the main posts.
Synthesis of Vinyl–Trivinyl Acidic Resins for Application in Catalysis: Statistical Study and Site Accessibility Assessment
Authors: Godoy William M. , Aguiar Leandro G. , Graça Nuno A. B. S. , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to synthesize sulfonated polymer resins based on styrene and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and evaluate their catalytic efficiency in glycerol acetylation. A factorial design was used, with two factors, three levels, and three replicates of the center point. The factors were cross-linker percentage (YTMPTA) and cross-linker feed time (TTMPTA). Ion-exchange capacity, swelling index, and catalytic efficiency were analyzed to characterize each resin. Lower cross-linker percentages resulted in higher catalytic efficiencies, as expected. Resins synthesized with 2, 6, and 10% TMPTA had mean catalytic efficiencies of 215, 176, and 121, respectively. A linear correlation was observed between catalytic efficiency and cross-linker percentage, with R2 = 0.9971. Statistical and kinetic models were developed to represent the experimental results and support the development of strategies to improve resin formulation and synthesis conditions. TMPTA feed time at low and high levels positively influenced catalytic efficiency; the result is attributed to the micro- and macrostructure of resins. This finding was corroborated by the kinetic constants provided by the model.
Lewis Acidic Zinc(II) Complexes of Tetradentate Ligands as Building Blocks for Responsive Assembled Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Oliveri Ivan Pietro , Di Bella Santo
Published: January 2023

This review presents representative examples illustrating how the Lewis acidic character of the Zn(II) metal center in Zn(salen)-type complexes, as well as in complexes of other tetradentate ligands, and the nature of the medium govern their supramolecular aggregation, leading to the formation of a variety of supramolecular structures, either in solution or in the solid state. Stabilization of these Lewis acidic complexes is almost always reached through an axial coordination of a Lewis base, leading to a penta-coordinated square-pyramidal geometry around the metal center. The coverage is not exhaustive, mainly focused on their crystallographic structures, but also on their aggregation and sensing properties in solution, and on their self-assembled and responsive nanostructures, summarizing their salient aspects. The axial ligands can easily be displaced, either in solution or in the solid state, with suitable Lewis bases, thus being responsive supramolecular structures useful for sensing. This contribution represents the first attempt to relate some common features of the chemistry of different families of Zn(II) complexes of tetradentate ligands to their intrinsic Lewis acidic character.
Distinct Roles of Additives in the Improved Sensitivity to CO of Ag- and Pd-Modified Nanosized LaFeO3
Authors: Chumakova Valentina , Marikutsa Artem , Platonov Vadim , Khmelevsky Nikolay , Rumyantseva Marina
Published: January 2023

Perovskite-type mixed-metal oxides are of particular interest as semiconductor gas sensors due to the variability in the material composition and the stability of sensing parameters. LaFeO3 is a p-type semiconductor with relatively high conductivity and gas sensitivity. However, less is known about the sensitivity and sensing mechanisms of LaFeO3 modified by catalytic noble metals. In this work, we used a microwave-assisted sol–gel method to synthesize perovskite LaFeO3 nanoparticles with an average size of 20–30 nm and a specific surface area of 6–8 m2/g. LaFeO3 was modified by 2–5 wt.% Ag and Pd nanoparticles via the impregnation route. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the additives were observed in the partially oxidized states Ag2O/Ag and PdO/Pd, respectively. Electric conduction and sensitivity to noxious gases were characterized by electrophysical measurements. It was shown that LaFeO3 modified by Ag and Pd had improved sensitivity and selectivity to CO, and the sensing behavior persisted in a wide range of relative humidity. Pristine and Ag-modified LaFeO3 had the maximum sensitivity to CO at a temperature of 200 °C, while modification with Pd resulted in a decreased optimal operating temperature of 150 °C. In situ infrared spectroscopy revealed that supported Pd nanoparticles specifically catalyzed CO oxidation at the surface of LaFeO3 at room temperature, which was the likely reason for the improved sensitivity and decreased optimal operating temperature of LaFeO3/Pd sensors. On the other hand, Ag nanoparticles were deduced to activate CO oxidation by lattice oxygen at the surface of LaFeO3, providing enhanced CO sensitivity at a higher temperature.
A Comparison between Different Machine Learning Approaches Combined with Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Copper Ions and pH Detection in Cell Culture Media
Authors: Biscaglia Francesco , Caroppo Andrea , Prontera Carmela Tania , Sciurti Elisa , Signore Maria Assunta , Kuznetsova Iren , Leone Alessandro , Siciliano Pietro , Francioso Luca
Published: January 2023

Recently, the scientific community has shown a great interest about the Organ-on-Chip (OoC) devices, a special kind of micro-fabricated platforms capable of recapitulating the human physiology implementing the traditional cell culture methods and the concept of in vivo studies. Copper ions represent a cellular micronutrient that must be monitored for its potential hazardous effects. The application of electrochemical analysis for heavy metal ions detection and quantification in commercial cell culture media presents several issues due to electrolyte complexity and interferents. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of applications and OoC devices that implement the Anodic Stripping Voltammetry as an ion dosing technique due to the reasons reported above. In fact, considering just the peak intensity value from the measurement, it turns out to be challenging to quantify ion concentration since other ions or molecules in the media may interfere with the measurement. With the aim to overcome these issues, the present work aims to develop an automated system based on machine learning algorithms and demonstrate the possibility to build a reliable forecasting model for copper ion concentration on three different commercial cell culture media (MEM, DMEM, F12). Effectively, combining electrochemical measurements with a multivariate machine learning algorithm leads to a higher classification accuracy. Two different pH media conditions, i.e., physiological (pH 7.4) and acidic (pH 4), were considered to establish how the electrolyte influences the measurement. The experimental datasets were obtained using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) and were used to carry out a machine learning trained model. The proposed method led to a significant improvement in Cu2+ concentration detection accuracy (96.6% for the SVM model and 93.1% for the NB model in MEM) as well as being able to monitor the pH solution.
Bulk Modification of Sonogel–Carbon with Polyaniline: A Suitable Redox Mediator for Chlorophenols Detection
Authors: Calatayud-Macías Paloma , López-Iglesias David , Sierra-Padilla Alfonso , Cubillana-Aguilera Laura , Palacios-Santander José María , García-Guzmán Juan José
Published: January 2023

In this work, the development and characterization of a new ceramic material modified with polyaniline powder obtained by a high-power ultrasound sol-gel route is presented. A preliminary screening of the conducting polymer electroactivity was performed by means of cyclic voltammetry in free analyte solution. Remarkable figures of merit for 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC) determination, selected as the model organic analyte, was obtained with the developed material: the sensitivity and the limit of detection were 2.40 μA/μM·cm2 and 0.69 μM, respectively. The developed device was also successfully applied in the electrochemical determination of PCMC in water samples collected from different sources, obtaining recovery values ranging from 92% to 105%. The electrochemical performance of the device for the detection of other chlorophenols of interest was better in comparison with the bare electrode in all cases, due to the presence of the bulk modifier in the material. Therefore, the electrode material can be promoted for electrochemical assays of different chlorophenols in buffer and real water media for environmental monitoring.
Common Errors in the Management of Idiopathic Clubfeet Using the Ponseti Method: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Youn Sean B. , Ranade Ashish S. , Agarwal Anil , Belthur Mohan V.
Published: January 2023

Congenital talipes equinovarus is one of the most prevalent birth defects, affecting approximately 0.6 to 1.5 children per 1000 live births. Currently, the Ponseti method is the gold-standard treatment for idiopathic clubfeet, with good results reported globally. This literature review focuses on common errors encountered during different stages of the management of idiopathic clubfeet, namely diagnosis, manipulation, serial casting, Achilles tenotomy, and bracing. The purpose is to update clinicians and provide broad guidelines that can be followed to avoid and manage these errors to optimize short- and long-term outcomes of treatment of idiopathic clubfeet using the Ponseti method. A literature search was performed using the following keywords: “Idiopathic Clubfoot” (All Fields) AND “Management” OR “Outcomes” (All Fields). Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS (age range: 0–12 months). A full-text review of these articles was then performed looking for “complications” or “errors” reported during the treatment process. A total of 61 articles were included in the final review: 28 from PubMed, 8 from EMBASE, 17 from Google Scholar, 2 from Cochrane Library, and 6 from SCOPUS. We then grouped the errors encountered during the treatment process under the different stages of the treatment protocol (diagnosis, manipulation and casting, tenotomy, and bracing) to facilitate discussion and highlight solutions. While the Ponseti method is currently the gold standard in clubfoot treatment, its precise and intensive nature can present clinicians, health care providers, and patients with potential problems if proper diligence and attention to detail is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to highlight common mistakes made throughout the Ponseti treatment protocol from diagnosis to bracing to optimize care for these patients.
Green Governance and Sustainability Report Quality: The Moderating Role of Sustainability Commitment in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Chairina Chairina , Tjahjadi Bambang
Published: January 2023

This study aims to examine the role of green governance in the quality of sustainability reports. We also examine the moderating role of sustainability commitment between green governance and the quality of sustainability reports. This research is a quantitative study by using unbalanced data panels. The study retrieves the samples from the companies listed on the ASEAN Stock Exchange that published sustainability reports from 2015 to 2019. The research finding shows that the board’s independence, board diversity, and sustainability commitment are significantly associated with the quality sustainability reports. Moreover, the board size indicates a low effect on the reliability and the chief sustainability officer on the conciseness of sustainability reports. Meanwhile, it has not been possible to prove that the presence of sustainability committee can lead effect on the report quality. The sustainability commitment also moderates female directors and the quality of sustainability reports. Other findings are obtained from the company’s characteristics where company size and type of industry are positively correlated with the quality of sustainability reports. This study has several limitations. First, some companies that are under observation spend money on social costs, but the amounts are not clearly disclosed. Second, this research only focuses on three quality aspects: conciseness, clarity, and reliability. These research findings contribute to the following scopes. First, how green governance and commitment to sustainability help improve the quality of corporate reporting. Second, the investors should invest in companies that apply good green governance and sustainability commitment. Third, companies with strong commitments to sustainability and good corporate governance are competitive resources that support businesses in growing, attracting more investment, and earning stakeholders’ trust. Lastly, this research also contributes to the agency and the resource-based view theories related to the green governance and the sustainability reports’ quality of ASEAN countries.
Digital Learning and Digital Institution in Higher Education
Authors: Alenezi Mamdouh
Published: January 2023

Higher education institutions are going through major changes in their education and operations. Several influences are driving these major changes. Digital transformation, online courses, digital-navy students, operational costs, and micro and nano degrees are just some examples of these influences. Digital technologies show a range of tools selected to include formalized learning environments in teaching in higher education, and students utilize these tools to promote their learning. The Industrial Revolution 4.0’s technological growth has penetrated higher education institutions (HEIs), forcing them to deal with the digital transformation (DT) in all of its dimensions. As they enable us to characterize the various interrelationships among stakeholders in a digitally enabled context of teaching and learning, applying digital transformation techniques to the education sector is an emerging field that has attracted attention recently. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the distinguishing features of the digital transformation implementation process that has occurred at higher education institutions. In addition, how digital learning can be seen as part of the ecosystem of modern higher education. Further study is necessary to determine how higher education institutions can comprehend digital transformation and meet the demands imposed by the fourth Industrial Revolution.
Development and Validation of the Gay-Specific Intraminority Stigma Inventory (G-SISI): Initial Evidence Underpinned by Intraminority Stress Theory
Authors: Shepherd Benjamin F. , Maki Justin L. , Zelaya David G. , Warner Şeniz , Wilson Adriana , Brochu Paula M.
Published: January 2023

There is currently a lack of measures testing intraminority stress within gay men. Therefore, the current study sought to develop and psychometrically test the Gay-Specific Intraminority Stigma Inventory (G-SISI). Based on a content review of the literature and a panel of experts, a pool of items assessing gay men’s perceived exposure to a range of discriminatory attitudes from other gay men was generated. Utilizing a randomly split sample of 1723 gay men between the ages of 19 and 79 years, an exploratory factor analysis was first performed (n = 861). The remaining unexamined data were then used to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (n = 862). The results support a six-factor model: (1) Age Stigma, (2) Socioeconomic Stigma, (3) Gay Non-Conformity Stigma, (4) Racial Stigma, (5) Gender Expression Stigma, and (6) Body Stigma. Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0.90 and for the subscales ranged from 0.60 to 0.85. Sociodemographic factors and measures of community involvement were differentially associated with the G-SISI subscales, providing evidence of construct validity. The findings demonstrate initial support for the dimensionality and validity of the G-SISI, which targets modifiable factors (e.g., identity-based stigma) that may increase stress and reduce community coping resources among gay men with diverse identities.
Fine-Grained CPU Power Management Based on Digital Frequency Divider
Authors: Jia Fan , Zhang Longbing
Published: January 2023

Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is a widely used method to improve the energy efficiency of the CPU. Reducing the voltage and frequency during memory-intensive workloads can minimize power consumption without affecting performance, thereby improving overall energy efficiency. A finer-grained DVFS strategy leads to better energy efficiency. However, due to the limitation of voltage regulators, the implementation granularity of the current DVFS strategies is 100 μs or more. This paper proposes that managing the CPU’s power through a more fine-grained load-aware approach can improve CPU energy efficiency, even with limitations of the voltage regulators. This paper adds a more fine-grained dynamic frequency divider to the DVFS system. This mechanism can improve the processor’s energy efficiency in scenarios where DVFS does not take effect. This paper also proposes a DVFS management strategy based on finer-grained sampling. In order to improve the accuracy of performance estimation, we enhanced the state-of-the-art CRIT method to complete accurate memory time estimation in a shorter interval. The power management strategy was verified on the ChampSim and McPAT simulating platforms. In the SPEC CPU 2017 benchmark, this work saves an average of 16.36% energy consumption and improves energy efficiency by 13.57%. Compared with the state-of-the-art CRIT of 9.77% and 6.79%, this work improved energy consumption and efficiency by 6.20% and 6.35%, respectively. This method brings a 2.04% performance reduction, only a 0.16% drop in performance compared to CRIT.
Mask Detection Method Based on YOLO-GBC Network
Authors: Wang Changqing , Zhang Bei , Cao Yuan , Sun Maoxuan , He Kunyu , Cao Zhonghao , Wang Meng
Published: January 2023

For the problems of inaccurate recognition and the high missed detection rate of existing mask detection algorithms in actual scenes, a novel mask detection algorithm based on the YOLO-GBC network is proposed. Specifically, in the backbone network part, the global attention mechanism (GAM) is integrated to improve the ability to extract key information through cross-latitude information interaction. The cross-layer cascade method is adopted to improve the feature pyramid structure to achieve effective bidirectional cross-scale connection and weighted feature fusion. The sampling method of content-aware reassembly of features (CARAFE) is integrated into the feature pyramid network to fully retain the semantic information and global features of the feature map. NMS is replaced with Soft-NMS to improve model prediction frame accuracy by confidence decay method. The experimental results show that the average accuracy (mAP) of the YOLO-GBC reached 91.2% in the mask detection data set, which is 2.3% higher than the baseline YOLOv5, and the detection speed reached 64FPS. The accuracy and recall have also been improved to varying degrees, increasing the detection task of correctly wearing masks.
Fragile Watermarking for Tamper Localization and Self-Recovery Based on AMBTC and VQ
Authors: Lin Chia-Chen , Lee Ting-Lin , Chang Ya-Fen , Shiu Pei-Feng , Zhang Bohan
Published: January 2023

Digital images have unique features that include being both easily transmittable over the Internet and being easy to tamper. With the advancement of digital processing techniques and an increasing number of valuable digital images being transmitted via the Internet, image authentication has been made more crucial than ever. In this paper, we present an image authentication scheme with tamper localization and self-recovery using fragile watermarking. We embed the fragile watermarks consisting of the authentication code and the recovery information onto the image to verify its integrity. The proposed fragile watermarking scheme can authenticate the image without accessing the original image, localizing the modifications as well as verifying the integrity, and even reconstructing the tampered regions. We use an AMBTC compressed code as the authentication code to minimize the distortion introduced by embedding. To reduce the blocking effect that occurs in the reconstructed image, a VQ compressed code is applied instead of the average intensity as the recovery information. Several representative test images and 200 different test images were randomly selected from BOWS to examine the performance of the proposed scheme. Experimental results confirm that the proposed scheme can effectively resist a cutting attack and a copy-paste attack while retaining the high accuracy of tamper localization. The average TPR and average FTP rate were around 97% and 0.12%, respectively, while maintaining the image quality of the watermarked image and restoring the image at up to 48 dB and 39.28 dB, respectively.
Thermodynamic Equilibrium Study of Anaerobic Digestion through Helmholtz Equation of State
Authors: Giudici Fabio , Moretta Federico , Bozzano Giulia
Published: January 2023

The growing attention regarding a more sustainable future, and thus into energy recovery and waste reduction technologies, has intensified the interest towards processes which allow to exploit waste and biomasses to generate energy, such as the anaerobic digestion. Improving the efficiency of this industrial application is crucial to increase methane production, and is essential from the economic, environmental and safety point of view. This study focuses on the thermodynamic modelling of a steady-state reactor as a flash unit, in order to determine the best operating conditions to produce the maximum amount of pure bio-methane. To this purpose, a new hybrid approach based on the Peng–Robinson cubic equation of state and on the Multi-Parameter Helmholtz-Energy EoS has been proposed. The simulations, performed using the developed algorithm at temperatures between 20 and 55 °C and at pressure values between 0.3 atm and 1.5 atm, point out that the fugacity of the mixture evaluated with the proposed technique is much more accurate and reliable than the one calculated with the PR EoS. In addition, this research has shown not only that the purity and the production of the biogas can be optimised by working at mesophilic conditions and at pressure between 1 atm and 1.5 atm, but also that it is not convenient to operate in a temperature range of 42 °C–45 °C, since about 20 % more H2S goes into the exiting biogas, reducing the CH4 amount and raising the post-treatment costs. Lastly, it has been seen that there is a significant water content in the vapour phase (∼5 %wt.), and this is a factor to be taken into account in order to improve the process.
A Model for Fire Departments’ Performance Assessment in Portugal
Authors: Eslamzadeh Milad K. , Grilo António , Espadinha-Cruz Pedro
Published: January 2023

Fire departments’ performance assessment (FDPA) is an important task for fire protection service (FPS) authorities to evaluate fire departments’ (FDs) efficiencies, identify the efficient FDs, and identify areas for improvement of the inefficient units. Therefore, many countries all around the world conducted FDPA research and published its results. Although Portugal is a country with many old cities and buildings, to the best of our knowledge, no FDPA study has been conducted. Hence, the objective of this paper is to conduct a FDPA on Portuguese (PT) FDs using the general FDPA framework and slack-based data envelopment analysis. The results of analyzing the 376 PT-FDs’ data in 2020 showed that only 22 out of 376 FDs were efficient; in addition, in most districts in Portugal, less than 10% of FDs were efficient, and a high percentage of FDs had less than 50% efficiency. Further details and findings are discussed, and some recommendations are provided throughout the paper. The paper’s findings could help the FPS decision maker have a better view of the FDs’ performances and take corrective actions to improve efficiencies. It can also help the FDPA evaluator to have a better understanding of how a FDPA can be conducted and discussed.
Development of Stable Pickering Emulsions with TEMPO-Oxidized Chitin Nanocrystals for Encapsulation of Quercetin
Authors: Jia Xiaoxue , Ma Peihua , Taylor Kim Shi-Yun , Tarwa Kevin , Mao Yimin , Wang Qin
Published: January 2023

Pickering emulsions stabilized by TEMPO-oxidized chitin nanocrystals (T-ChNCs) were developed for quercetin delivery. T-ChNCs were synthesized by TEMPO oxidation chitin and systematically characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties. T-ChNCs were rod-like with a length of 279.7 ± 11.5 nm and zeta potential around −56.1 ± 1.6 mV. The Pickering emulsions were analyzed through an optical microscope and CLSM. The results showed that the emulsion had a small droplet size (972.9 ± 86.0 to 1322.3 ± 447.7 nm), a high absolute zeta potential value (−48.2 ± 0.8 to −52.9 ± 1.9 mV) and a high encapsulation efficiency (quercetin: 79.6%). The emulsion stability was measured at different levels of T-ChNCs and pH values. The droplet size and zeta potential decreased with longer storage periods. The emulsions formed by T-ChNCs retarded the release of quercetin at half rate of that of the quercetin ethanol solution. These findings indicated that T-ChNCs are a promising candidate for effectively stabilizing Pickering emulsions and controlling release of quercetin.
Plant Protein versus Dairy Proteins: A pH-Dependency Investigation on Their Structure and Functional Properties
Authors: Tang Qi , Roos Yrjö H. , Miao Song
Published: January 2023

Plant proteins are constantly gaining attention as potential substitutes for dairy proteins, due to their suitable functionality and nutritional value. This study was designed to compare the structural and functional responses of different plant protein isolates (soy, pea, lentil, and chickpea) with two commonly used dairy protein (whey protein isolates and sodium caseinate) under different pH treatments (pH 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0). The results showed that pH had a different alteration on the structural, surface properties and functional properties of plant and dairy proteins. Plant protein generally possessed a darker color, lower solubility, emulsifying properties, and foaming capacity, whereas their foaming stability and water holding capacity were higher than those of dairy proteins. Soy protein isolates were characterized by its comparable proportion of β-turn and random coils, zeta-potential, emulsifying (30.37 m2/g), and water-holding capacity (9.03 g/g) at alkaline conditions and chickpea protein isolates showed good oil-holding capacity (3.33 g/g at pH 9) among plant proteins. Further analysis confirmed that pH had a greater influence on the structural and functional properties of proteins as compared to protein sources, particularly at acidic conditions. Overall, this study might help processors select the appropriate plant protein as dairy alternatives for their target application in plant-based food products.
Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Raw Graviera Cheese and Evaluation of Their Most Important Technological Properties
Authors: Psomas Evdoxios , Sakaridis Ioannis , Boukouvala Evridiki , Karatzia Maria-Anastasia , Ekateriniadou Loukia V. , Samouris Georgios
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study was to characterize LAB isolates from raw-milk cheeses, to evaluate some of their technological properties and to select a few ‘wild’ LAB strains that could potentially be used as starter cultures. LAB strains were isolated and identified from raw milk, curd, and cheese at 30, 60, and 90 days of ripening. A total of 100 strains were isolated, 20 from each phase of ripening. All isolates were tested for acidification ability, curd formation, and aroma production at 32 °C and 42 °C after 24 and 48 h. Following the acidification test, 42 strains were selected for identification and characterization of their technological properties. A high proportion of lactic acid bacteria and Gram + cocci were found throughout the cheese-making process. Enterococci reached their maximum proportion on the 7th day of ripening while Lactobacilli increased significantly during the first month of ripening. Forty-two strains were identified by phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Lactococci were predominant in raw milk and curd while Lactobacilli in the ripening of the cheese. Four LAB strains including one Leuconostoc pseudomenteroides, two Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei and one Enterococcus hirae, were proposed for their potential use as starters or secondary cultures.
Identification of Immune-Active Peptides in Casein Hydrolysates and Its Transport Mechanism on a Caco-2 Monolayer
Authors: Xue Haiyan , Han Jingjing , Ma Jun , Song Hongxin , He Baoyuan , Liu Xiaofeng , Yi Meixia , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated the transport mechanism of immune-active peptide fragments isolated from casein gastrointestinal hydrolysates via a Caco-2 monolayer. The casein gastrointestinal hydrolysates could stimulate B-lymphocyte proliferation and reduce the TNF-α level. Then, we identified the bioactive peptide fragments derived from casein gastrointestinal hydrolysis using LC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that the transport mechanism of five immune-active peptides at the cell level was bypass transport. In addition, the majority of peptide RYPLGYL was transported through the monolayer cell membrane as an intact form for playing immune-active functions. The KHPIK and FFSDK were mainly degraded into small fragments, except for a small amount passing through Caco-2 cells in an entire form. Overall, these results suggested that casein or its immune-active peptides might play a role in regulation of the intestinal immune system.
Thorough Characterization of ETHQB3.5, a QTL Involved in Melon Fruit Climacteric Behavior and Aroma Volatile Composition
Authors: Dos-Santos Noelia , Bueso María C. , Díaz Aurora , Moreno Eduard , Garcia-Mas Jordi , Monforte Antonio J. , Fernández-Trujillo Juan Pablo
Published: January 2023

The effect of the QTL involved in climacteric ripening ETHQB3.5 on the fruit VOC composition was studied using a set of Near-Isogenic Lines (NILs) containing overlapping introgressions from the Korean accession PI 16375 on the chromosome 3 in the climacteric ‘Piel de Sapo’ (PS) genetic background. ETHQB3.5 was mapped in an interval of 1.24 Mb that contained a NAC transcription factor. NIL fruits also showed differences in VOC composition belonging to acetate esters, non-acetate esters, and sulfur-derived families. Cosegregation of VOC composition (23 out of 48 total QTLs were mapped) and climacteric ripening was observed, suggesting a pleiotropic effect of ETHQB3.5. On the other hand, other VOCs (mainly alkanes, aldehydes, and ketones) showed a pattern of variation independent of ETHQB3.5 effects, indicating the presence of other genes controlling non-climacteric ripening VOCs. Network correlation analysis and hierarchical clustering found groups of highly correlated compounds and confirmed the involvement of the climacteric differences in compound classes and VOC differences. The modification of melon VOCs may be achieved with or without interfering with its physiological behavior, but it is likely that high relative concentrations of some type of ethylene-dependent esters could be achieved in climacteric cultivars.
Organic Juice Processing Quality from the Processors’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Borghoff Lisa Marie , Strassner Carola , Herzig Christian
Published: January 2023

Organic food quality is based on processing. While the EU organic production regulation focuses on agricultural production, private standards provide more detailed information about further processing. For the development of organic processing, practitioner perspectives can provide valuable input. To get insight into practitioner perspectives, we conducted semi-structured expert interviews with nine employees of seven partly organic juice processing companies from Germany and Austria. Interview topics were (i) quality of organic juice processing in general, (ii) assessment of specific processing techniques, (iii) product quality of organic juice and (iv) flow of information between producer and consumer. We conducted a thematic analysis. We found that the experts’ understanding of process quality mostly includes more aspects than the EU organic production regulation. It covers the whole food chain plus aspects of social and environmental sustainability. The experts prefer directly bottled juice of local raw materials but chiefly accept juice made from concentrate of exotic raw materials because of environmental concerns. Organic juice is preferred when it is cloudy and natural fluctuations are interpreted as an indicator of natural quality. The experts report that consumer information is challenging because of low food literacy. Raising this might help reduce the number of processed juices on the market.
Initial Formulation of Novel Peanut Butter-like Products from Glandless Cottonseed
Authors: He Zhongqi , Cheng Huai N. , He Jibao
Published: January 2023

Glandless (Gl) cottonseed is a unique cotton variety with only a trace content of toxic gossypol present. This new cottonseed raises the potential of its enhanced utilization as an agro-food for human consumption. In this work, Gl cottonseed kernels were used with additional cottonseed oil to produce novel peanut butter-like products. Kernels roasted at two temperatures (140 or 150 °C) for a given time (15 or 30 min) were first ground with different ratios of cottonseed oil and two other ingredients (i.e., salt and sugar) with a food blender, and then passed through a meat grinder with a 4-mm-hole grinding plate. Per the preliminary result, the butter-like products with Gl kernels roasted at 150 °C were subject to further structural and textural evaluation. The color of the two butter-like products was comparable to a commercial peanut butter, but the formers’ textural properties were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) from the latter. Morphologic examination by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and cryo-SEM revealed that the butter product with a longer (30 min) roasting time possessed a smoother surface than the products with a shorter (15 min) roasting time. Oil stability test showed no substantial oil separation (<3%) from the butter products over 7 weeks at ambient temperature (22 °C). This work provides the basic information and parameters for lab cottonseed butter making so that optimization and characterization of cottonseed butter formation can be designed and performed in future research.
Effects of Atmospheric Plasma Corona Discharge on Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Viability, Permeability, and Morphology
Authors: Dubrovin Irina Amar , Emanuel Efrat , Lazra Yulia , Cahan Rivka
Published: January 2023

Food spoilage is a routine challenge in food production. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a major contaminating microorganism associated with fruit pulps and juices. Our study demonstrated the effect of a plasma corona discharge on S. cerevisiae viability, membrane permeability, and morphology when the cells were prepared in both dry and wet modes. The S. cerevisiae viability was examined as a function of the duration of plasma exposure, the sample’s distance from the treating head, initial cell concentration, and yeast suspension volume. The results showed a linear correlation between the exposure duration and the CFU/mL in both dry and wet modes. When the initial yeast concentration was 106 CFU/mL, complete eradication in the dry and wet modes occurred after 45 and 240 s, respectively. Exposure of different initial concentrations of S. cerevisiae to plasma in dry (20 s) or wet (90 s) mode led to 2 to 3 orders of magnitude reduction. In both modes, there was total eradication when the initial cell concentration was about 103 CFU/mL. The cell-membrane permeability was examined using a flow cytometer and the fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI). Plasma treatment in the dry mode for 30 and 45 s led to 51% and 76% PI-positive cells. Similar results were obtained in the wet mode but with a longer exposure for 120 and 240 s, respectively. Atmospheric plasma may provide disinfection technology for the food industry in a short process without heating.
Lipidomic Profiling of Rice Bran after Green Solid–Liquid Extractions for the Development of Circular Economy Approaches
Authors: Guazzotti Silvia , Pagliano Cristina , Dondero Francesco , Manfredi Marcello
Published: January 2023

Rice bran is a rather underutilized by-product of the rice industry that nowadays is far from being valorized. In this study, the lipidomic profile of bran of the Italian rice variety, Roma, has been evaluated through ultra performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. Crude lipid extracts were obtained from rice bran treated with different green solvents (1-butanol, ethanol and methyl tert-butyl ether/methanol mixture) in combination with an ultrasonic pre-treatment, and then compared with extracts obtained with standard solvents (chloroform/methanol mixture). Lipid yield, number and type of lipids and composition of prevalent lipid classes extracted were evaluated in order to provide an exhaustive lipid profile of the rice bran and to identify the most efficient green solvent for solid–liquid extractions. Twelve different lipid classes and a maximum of 276 lipids were identified. Ethanol and methyl tert-butyl ether/methanol solvents provided higher lipid extraction yields, the former being the most effective solvent for the extraction of triglycerides and N-acylethanolamines and the latter the most effective for the extraction of diglycerides, phospholipids and ceramides at 4 °C. Moreover, extraction with ethanol at 20 °C gave similar results as at 4 °C in terms of lipid yield and for most of the classes of lipids extracted. Taken together, our results indicate ethanol and methyl tert-butyl ether/methanol as excellent solvents for lipid extraction from rice bran, with the aim to further valorize this food by-product in the perspective of a circular economy.