bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Surface Properties of Nanoalumina-Filled Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites
Authors: Pinto Deesy , Amaro Ana M. , Bernardo Luís
Published: January 2020

This article presents an experimental study on the surface properties of epoxy resin nanocomposites (EPNCs) manufactured with a thermosetting epoxy resin (EP)–bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE)–2-[[4-[2-[4-(Oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]propan-2-yl]phenoxy]methyl]oxirane) and filled with alumina nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs consist of pretreated (with a silane agent) alpha alumina with irregular shapes and a 100 nm maximum size. Three weight fractions of NPs were studied: 1, 3, and 5 wt. (%). Two different epoxy (EP) resins were manufactured, one cured and postcured with bis (4-aminophenyl) methane (DDM); and another one cured with 3-dodec-2-enyloxolane-2,5-dione (DDSA) + 8-methyl-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methano-2-benzofuran-1,3-dione (MNA). The wettability and the surface roughness of the obtained EPNCs were studied through the measurement of contact angles and topographic images obtained with atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Significant influence of both the loading of NPs and used curing agents was observed. EPNCs cured with DDM were shown to be hydrophobic for 0, 1, and 3 wt. (%) and hydrophilic for 5 wt. (%). Maximum surface roughness was observed for 5 wt. (%). EPNCs cured with DDSA+MNA were shown to be hydrophilic for 0 and 1 wt. (%) and hydrophobic for 3 and 5 wt. (%). The surface roughness decreased as the weight fraction of NPs increased until 3 wt. (%), and then increased for 5 wt. (%).
Immunochromatographic System for Serodiagnostics of Cattle Brucellosis Using Gold Nanoparticles and Signal Amplification with Quantum Dots
Authors: Sotnikov Dmitriy V. , Barshevskaya Lyubov V. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Eskendirova Saule Z. , Mukanov Kassym K. , Mukantayev Kanatbek K. , Ramankulov Yerlan M. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: January 2020

In this article, we describe an immunochromatographic test system developed for rapid serodiagnostics of cattle brucellosis using two markers: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and quantum dots (QDs). The test system was compared with immunochromatographic serodiagnostics systems that use only one marker. The approbation of the test system was conducted on samples of cattle sera with low, but diagnostically significant titers of specific antibodies. We show that when two conjugates are used, the intensity of the detectable signal increases by 2–3 times compared with the test system using the QD conjugate and by more than nine times compared with the system using the GNP conjugate.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Wind Characteristics over Mountainous Valley Bridge Site Considering Improved Boundary Transition Sections
Authors: Chen Xiangyan , Liu Zhiwen , Wang Xinguo , Chen Zhengqing , Xiao Han , Zhou Ji
Published: January 2020

To study wind characteristics over mountainous terrain, the Xiangjiang Bridge site was employed in this paper. The improved boundary transition sections (BTS) were adopted to reduce the influence of “artificial cliffs” of the terrain model on the wind characteristics at the bridge site over the mountainous terrain. Numerical simulation and experimental investigations on wind characteristics over mountainous terrain with/without BTS were conducted for different cases, respectively. The research results show that the cross-bridge wind speed ratios and wind attack angles at the main deck level vary greatly along the bridge axis, which can be roughly divided into three parts, namely the mountain (I, III) and central canyon areas (II). The cross-bridge wind speed ratios at the main deck level with BTS is generally larger than that without BTS in the central canyon area (II) for most cases, while the opposite trend can be found in wind attack angles. The longitudinal wind speed ratios of the terrain model with BTS at L/4, L/2, and 3L/4 of the bridge length are larger than that of the terrain model without BTS for most cases. In general, the maximum relative error between numerical results and experimental results is about 30% for most cases.
Real-Time Guitar Amplifier Emulation with Deep Learning
Authors: Wright Alec , Damskägg Eero-Pekka , Juvela Lauri , Välimäki Vesa
Published: January 2020

This article investigates the use of deep neural networks for black-box modelling of audio distortion circuits, such as guitar amplifiers and distortion pedals. Both a feedforward network, based on the WaveNet model, and a recurrent neural network model are compared. To determine a suitable hyperparameter configuration for the WaveNet, models of three popular audio distortion pedals were created: the Ibanez Tube Screamer, the Boss DS-1, and the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi. It is also shown that three minutes of audio data is sufficient for training the neural network models. Real-time implementations of the neural networks were used to measure their computational load. To further validate the results, models of two valve amplifiers, the Blackstar HT-5 Metal and the Mesa Boogie 5:50 Plus, were created, and subjective tests were conducted. The listening test results show that the models of the first amplifier could be identified as different from the reference, but the sound quality of the best models was judged to be excellent. In the case of the second guitar amplifier, many listeners were unable to hear the difference between the reference signal and the signals produced with the two largest neural network models. This study demonstrates that the neural network models can convincingly emulate highly nonlinear audio distortion circuits, whilst running in real-time, with some models requiring only a relatively small amount of processing power to run on a modern desktop computer.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Batteries in 2019
Authors:   Batteries Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
The Association of Matrix Metalloproteinases with Chronic Kidney Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Provenzano Michele , Andreucci Michele , Garofalo Carlo , Faga Teresa , Michael Ashour , Ielapi Nicola , Grande Raffaele , Sapienza Paolo , de Franciscis Stefano , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Serra Raffaele
Published: January 2020

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a risk factor for fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular (CV) events, including peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This occurs because CKD encompasses several factors that lead to poor prognoses, mainly due to a reduction of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the presence of proteinuria, and the uremic inflammatory milieu. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-containing endopeptidases implicated in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, a systemic process in tissue homeostasis. MMPs play an important role in cell differentiation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascular damage. Our aim was to review the published evidence regarding the association between MMPs, PVD, and CKD to find possible common pathophysiological mechanisms. MMPs favor ECM deposition through the glomeruli, and start the shedding of cellular junctions and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the renal tubules. MMP-2 and -9 have also been associated with the presence of systemic vascular damage, since they exert a pro-inflammatory and proatherosclerotic actions. An imbalance of MMPs was found in the context of PVD, where MMPs are predictors of poor prognoses in patients who underwent lower extremity revascularization. MMP circulating levels are increased in both conditions, i.e., that of CKD and PVD. A possible pathogenic link between these conditions is represented by the enhanced production of transforming growth factor-β that worsens vascular calcifications and atherosclerosis and the development of proteinuria in patients with increased levels of MMPs. Proteinuria has been recognized as a marker of systemic vascular damage, and this may explain in part the increase in CV risk that is manifest in patients with CKD and PVD. In conclusion, MMPs can be considered a useful tool by which to stratify CV risk in patients with CKD and PVD. Further studies are needed to investigate the causal-relationships between MMPs, CKD, and PVD, and to optimize their prognostic and predictive (in response to treatments) roles.
Rheopectic Behavior for Aqueous Solutions of Megamolecular Polysaccharide Sacran
Authors: Amat Yusof Fitri , Yamaki Miho , Kawai Mika , Okajima Maiko , Kaneko Tatsuo , Mitsumata Tetsu
Published: January 2020

The rheopectic behavior of sacran aqueous solutions, a natural giant molecular polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 1.6 × 107 g/mol, was investigated. When a low shear was applied to 1.0 wt.% sacran solution, the shear viscosity increased from 7.2 to 34 Pa·s. The increment in the viscosity was enhanced as the shear rate decreased. The shear viscosity was independent of the time at a shear rate of 0.8 s−1; simultaneously, thixotropic behavior was observed at shear rates higher than 1.0 s−1. A crossover was observed at 0.15 wt.% for the concentration dependence of both the viscosity increase and zeta potential, which was the vicinity of the helix transition concentration or gelation concentration. It was clear that the molecular mechanism for the rheopexy was different at lower and higher regions of the crossover concentration.
Preparation, Characterization, and Immuno-Enhancing Activity of Polysaccharides from Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Authors: Aipire Adila , Yuan Pengfei , Aimaier Alimu , Cai Shanshan , Mahabati Mahepali , Lu Jun , Ying Tianlei , Zhang Baohong , Li Jinyao
Published: January 2020

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a Chinese herbal medicine with various bioactivities. Three fractions (GUPS-I, GUPS-II and GUPS-III) of G. uralensis polysaccharides (GUPS) were obtained with molecular weights of 1.06, 29.1, and 14.9 kDa, respectively. The monosaccharide compositions of GUPS-II and GUPS-III were similar, while that of GUPS-I was distinctively different. The results of scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR, and NMR suggested that GUPS-II and GUPS-III were flaky with a smooth surface and contained α- and β-glycosidic linkages, while GUPS-I was granulated and contained only α-glycosidic linkages. Moreover, GUPS-II and GUPS-III exhibited better bioactivities on the maturation and cytokine production of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro than that of GUPS-I. An in vivo experiment showed that only GUPS-II significantly enhanced the maturation of DCs. These results indicate that GUPS-II has the potential to be used in combination with cancer immunotherapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Structural Analyses on the Deamidation of N-Terminal Asn in the Human N-Degron Pathway
Authors: Park Joon Sung , Lee Jae-Young , Nguyen Yen Thi Kim , Kang Nae-Won , Oh Eun Kyung , Jang Dong Man , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Dae-Duk , Han Byung Woo
Published: January 2020

The N-degron pathway is a proteolytic system in which a single N-terminal amino acid acts as a determinant of protein degradation. Especially, degradation signaling of N-terminal asparagine (Nt-Asn) in eukaryotes is initiated from its deamidation by N-terminal asparagine amidohydrolase 1 (NTAN1) into aspartate. Here, we have elucidated structural principles of deamidation by human NTAN1. NTAN1 adopts the characteristic scaffold of CNF1/YfiH-like cysteine hydrolases that features an α-β-β sandwich structure and a catalytic triad comprising Cys, His, and Ser. In vitro deamidation assays using model peptide substrates with varying lengths and sequences showed that NTAN1 prefers hydrophobic residues at the second-position. The structures of NTAN1-peptide complexes further revealed that the recognition of Nt-Asn is sufficiently organized to produce high specificity, and the side chain of the second-position residue is accommodated in a hydrophobic pocket adjacent to the active site of NTAN1. Collectively, our structural and biochemical analyses of the substrate specificity of NTAN1 contribute to understanding the structural basis of all three amidases in the eukaryotic N-degron pathway.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Buildings in 2019
Authors:   Buildings Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Oxygen Adsorption and Activation on Cobalt Center in Modified Keggin Anion-DFT Calculations
Authors: Tokarz-Sobieraj Renata , Niemiec Piotr
Published: January 2020

The influence of the cobalt cation geometric environment on catalytic activity, namely, oxygen adsorption and its activation, was investigated by exploring two groups of systems. The first group was formed by cobalt cation complexes, in which the Co2+ was surrounded by water-H2O or acetonitrile-CH3CN solvent molecules. This represents heteropolyacids salts (ConH3-nPW(Mo)12O40), where the Co2+ acts as a cation that compensates for the negative charge of the Keggin anion and is typically surrounded by solvent molecules in that system. The second group consisted of tungsten or molybdenum Keggin anions (H5PW11CoO39 and H5PMo11CoO39), having the Co2+ cation incorporated into the anion framework, in the position of one addenda atom. Detailed NOCV (Natural Orbitals for Chemical Valence) analysis showed that, for all studied systems, the σ-donation and σ-backdonation active channels of the electron transfer were responsible for the creation of a single Co-OO bond. Depending on the chemical/geometrical environment of the Co2+ cation, the different quantities of electrons were flown from the Co2+ 3d orbital to the π* antibonding molecular orbitals of the oxygen ligand, as well as in the opposite direction. In molybdenum and tungsten heteropolyacids, modified by Co2+ in the position of the addenda atom, activation of O2 was supported by a π-polarization process. Calculated data show that the oxygen molecule activation changed in the following order: H5PMo11CoO39 = H5PW11CoO39 > Co(CH3CN)52+ > Co(H2O)52+.
Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Algae and Upgrading of Algal Oil for the Production of High-Grade Liquid Fuel: A Review
Authors: Zhou Yingdong , Hu Changwei
Published: January 2020

The depletion of fossil fuel has drawn growing attention towards the utilization of renewable biomass for sustainable energy production. Technologies for the production of algae derived biofuel has attracted wide attention in recent years. Direct thermochemical conversion of algae obtained biocrude oil with poor fuel quality due to the complex composition of algae. Thus, catalysts are required in such process to remove the heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. This article reviews the recent advances in catalytic systems for the direct catalytic conversion of algae, as well as catalytic upgrading of algae-derived oil or biocrude into liquid fuels with high quality. Heterogeneous catalysts with high activity in deoxygenation and denitrogenation are preferable for the conversion of algae oil to high-grade liquid fuel. The paper summarized the influence of reaction parameters and reaction routes for the catalytic conversion process of algae from critical literature. The development of new catalysts, conversion conditions, and efficiency indicators (yields and selectivity) from different literature are presented and compared. The future prospect and challenges in general utilization of algae are also proposed.
Dynamical Detection of Level Repulsion in the One-Particle Aubry-André Model
Authors: Torres-Herrera Eduardo Jonathan , Santos Lea F.
Published: January 2020

The analysis of level statistics provides a primary method to detect signatures of chaos in the quantum domain. However, for experiments with ion traps and cold atoms, the energy levels are not as easily accessible as the dynamics. In this work, we discuss how properties of the spectrum that are usually associated with chaos can be directly detected from the evolution of the number operator in the one-dimensional, noninteracting Aubry-André model. Both the quantity and the model are studied in experiments with cold atoms. We consider a single-particle and system sizes experimentally reachable. By varying the disorder strength within values below the critical point of the model, level statistics similar to those found in random matrix theory are obtained. Dynamically, these properties of the spectrum are manifested in the form of a dip below the equilibration point of the number operator. This feature emerges at times that are experimentally accessible. This work is a contribution to a special issue dedicated to Shmuel Fishman.
The TeraFERMI Electro-Optic Sampling Set-Up for Fluence-Dependent Spectroscopic Measurements
Authors: Adhlakha Nidhi , Di Pietro Paola , Piccirilli Federica , Cinquegrana Paolo , Di Mitri Simone , Sigalotti Paolo , Spampinati Simone , Veronese Marco , Lupi Stefano , Perucchi Andrea
Published: January 2020

TeraFERMI is the THz beamline at the FERMI free-electron-laser facility in Trieste (Italy). It uses superradiant Coherent Transition Radiation emission to produce THz pulses of 10 to 100 μ J intensity over a spectral range which can extend up to 12 THz. TeraFERMI can be used to perform non-linear, fluence-dependent THz spectroscopy and THz-pump/IR-probe measurements. We describe in this paper the optical set-up based on electro-optic-sampling, which is presently in use in our facility and discuss the properties of a representative THz electric field profile measured from our source. The measured electric field profile can be understood as the superimposed emission from two electron bunches of different length, as predicted by electron beam dynamics simulations.
Type I Kounis Syndrome after Protracted Anaphylaxis and Myocardial Bridge—Brief Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Ghilencea Liviu , Popescu Mihaela Roxana , Ghiordanescu Ileana Maria , Conea Cristina , Melnic Mihai , Popescu Andreea Catarina
Published: January 2020

The term allergic angina, introduced for the first time by Nicholas Kounis in 1991, initially referred to the coexistence of acute coronary syndromes with allergy or hypersensitivity. At present, it is believed that Kounis syndrome is a particular case of systemic disease, with multiorgan arterial involvement generated during immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Myocardial bridging (MB), a condition that can induce coronary artery spasm, has long been regarded as a benign condition. Since both pathologies are associated with arterial spasm, Kounis syndrome and MB are considered to be confounding pathologies for acute coronary syndromes, and their association is quite a rare finding. To date, there are no precise data on the epidemiology, and the population affected by Kounis syndrome seems to be highly heterogeneous. Since this is a rare disease, even less is known about possible different phenotypes, including MB overlap. We report a case of type I variant Kounis syndrome associated with MB with no evidence of coronary artery disease, occurring as late presentation, following a severe systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) induced by a Hymenoptera sting. At present, only two other cases of type I and one case of type II Kounis syndrome occurring in patients with myocardial bridging have been described.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Econometrics in 2019
Authors:   Econometrics Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Optimized Distributed Subgraph Matching Algorithm Based on Partition Replication
Authors: Yuan Ling , Bin Jiali , Pan Peng
Published: January 2020

At present, with the explosive growth of data scale, subgraph matching for massive graph data is difficult to satisfy with efficiency. Meanwhile, the graph index used in existing subgraph matching algorithm is difficult to update and maintain when facing dynamic graphs. We propose a distributed subgraph matching algorithm based on Partition Replica (noted as PR-Match) to process the partition and storage of large-scale data graphs. The PR-Match algorithm first splits the query graph into sub-queries, then assigns the sub-query to each node for sub-graph matching, and finally merges the matching results. In the PR-Match algorithm, we propose a heuristic rule based on prediction cost to select the optimal merging plan, which greatly reduces the cost of merging. In order to accelerate the matching speed of the sub-query graph, a vertex code based on the vertex neighbor label signature is proposed, which greatly reduces the search space for the subquery. As the vertex code is based on the increment, the problem that the feature-based graph index is difficult to maintain in the face of the dynamic graph is solved. An abundance of experiments on real and synthetic datasets demonstrate the high efficiency and strong scalability of the PR-Match algorithm when handling large-scale data graphs.
From Hotel Reviews to City Similarities: A Unified Latent-Space Model
Authors: Cagliero Luca , La Quatra Moreno , Apiletti Daniele
Published: January 2020

A large portion of user-generated content published on the Web consists of opinions and reviews on products, services, and places in textual form. Many travellers and tourists routinely rely on such content to drive their choices, shaping trips and visits to any place on earth, and specifically to select hotels in large cities. In the context of hospitality management, a challenging research problem is to identify effective strategies to explain hotel reviews and ratings and their correlation with the urban context. Under this umbrella, the paper investigates the use of sentence-based embedding models to deeply explore the similarities and dissimilarities between cities in terms of the corresponding hotel reviews and the surrounding points of interests. Reviews and point of interest (POI) descriptions are jointly modelled in a unified latent space, allowing us to deeply investigate the dependencies between guest feedbacks and the hotel neighborhood at different aggregation levels. The experiments performed on public TripAdvisor hotel-review datasets confirm the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
EEG Feature Extraction Based on a Bilevel Network: Minimum Spanning Tree and Regional Network
Authors: Luo Zhizeng , Lu Xianju , Xi Xugang
Published: January 2020

Feature extraction is essential for classifying different motor imagery (MI) tasks in a brain–computer interface (BCI). Although the methods of brain network analysis have been widely studied in the BCI field, these methods are limited by differences in network size, density, and standardization. To address this issue and improve classification accuracy, we propose a novel method, in which the hybrid features of the brain function based on the bilevel network are extracted. Minimum spanning tree (MST) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signal nodes in different MIs is constructed as the first network layer to solve the global network connectivity problem. In addition, the regional network in different movement patterns is constructed as the second network layer to determine the network characteristics, which is consistent with the correspondence between limb movement patterns and cerebral cortex in neurophysiology. We attempt to apply MST to the classification of the MI EEG signals, and the bilevel network has better interpretability. Thereafter, a vector is formed by combining the MST fundamental features with the directional features of the regional network. Our method is validated using the BCI Competition IV Dataset I. Experimental results verify the feasibility of the bilevel network framework. Furthermore, the average classification performance of the proposed method reaches 89.50%, which is higher than that of other competing methods, thereby indicating that the bilevel network is effective for MI classification.
A CMOS Programmable Fourth-Order Butterworth Active-RC Low-Pass Filter
Authors: Zhang Changchun , Shang Long , Wang Yongkai , Tang Lu
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a low-pass filter (LPF) for an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) reader transmitter in standard SMIC 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The active-RC topology and Butterworth approximation function are employed mainly for high linearity and high flatness respectively. Two cascaded fully-differential Tow-Thomas biquads are chosen for low sensitivity to process errors and strong resistance to the imperfection of the involved two-stage fully-differential operational amplifiers. Besides, the LPF is programmable in order to adapt to the multiple data rate standards. Measurement results show that the LPF has the programmable bandwidths of 605/870/1020/1330/1530/2150 kHz, the optimum input 1dB compression point of −7.81 dBm, and the attenuation of 50 dB at 10 times cutoff frequency, with the overall power consumption of 12.6 mW from a single supply voltage of 1.8 V. The silicon area of the LPF core is 0.17 mm2.
Image Data Acquisition for Estimating Individual Trees Metrics: Closer Is Better
Authors: Akpo Hospice A. , Atindogbé Gilbert , Obiakara Maxwell C. , Adjinanoukon Arios B. , Gbedolo Madaï , Lejeune Philippe , Fonton Noël H.
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives: The recent use of Structure-from-Motion with Multi-View Stereo photogrammetry (SfM-MVS) in forestry has underscored its robustness in tree mensuration. This study evaluated the differences in tree metrics resulting from various related SfM-MVS photogrammetric image acquisition scenarios. Materials and Methods: Scaled tri-dimensional models of 30 savanna trees belonging to five species were built from photographs acquired in a factorial design with shooting distance (d = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 m away from tree) and angular shift (α = 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°; nested in d). Tree stem circumference at 1.3 m and bole volume were estimated using models resulting from each of the 20 scenarios/tree. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was computed for both metrics in order to compare the performance of each scenario in relation to reference data collected using a measuring tape. Results: An assessment of the effect of species identity (s), shooting distance and angular shift showed that photographic point cloud density was dependent on α and s, and optimal for 15° and 30°. MAPEs calculated on stem circumferences and volumes significantly differed with d and α, respectively. There was a significant interaction between α and s for both circumference and volume MAPEs, which varied widely (1.6 ± 0.4%–20.8 ± 23.7% and 2.0 ± 0.6%–36.5 ± 48.7% respectively), and were consistently lower for smaller values of d and α. Conclusion: The accuracy of photogrammetric estimation of individual tree attributes depended on image-capture approach. Acquiring images 2 m away and with 30° intervals around trees produced reliable estimates of stem circumference and bole volume. Research Highlights: This study indicates that the accuracy of photogrammetric estimations of individual tree attributes is species-dependent. Camera positions in relation to the subject substantially influence the level of uncertainty in measurements.
Sensory, Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterisation of Functional Manuka Honey Yogurts Containing Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DPC16
Authors: Mohan Anand , Hadi Joshua , Gutierrez-Maddox Noemi , Li Yu , Leung Ivanhoe K. H. , Gao Yihuai , Shu Quan , Quek Siew-Young
Published: January 2020

Consumer acceptance of synbiotics, which are synergistic combinations of probiotics and their prebiotic substrates, continues to expand in the functional food category. This research aimed at evaluating the effect of antibacterial manuka honey on the probiotic growth and sensory characteristics of potentially synbiotic yogurts manufactured with Lactobacillus reuteri DPC16. Probiotic viable count in yogurts with 5% w/v Manuka honey (Blend, UMFTM 18+, AMFTM 15+ and AMFTM 20+) was evaluated by the spread plate method over the refrigerated storage period of three weeks. A panel of 102 consumers preferred the yogurt made with invert syrup over the manuka honey variants, and the unsweetened control was least liked overall. Invert syrup yogurt was also the most effective in promoting the growth of the probiotic lactobacilli. However, the honey-sweetened yogurts had a more favourable fermentation metabolite profile, especially the lactic and propionic acids, as estimated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The probiotic counts in AMFTM 15+ manuka honey yogurt (7 log cfu/mL) were significantly higher than the other honey yogurt types (Manuka Blend and UMFTM 18+) and above the recommended threshold levels. The combination thus can be developed as a synbiotic functional food by further improving the sensory and physicochemical properties such as texture, apparent viscosity and water holding capacity.
Effect of Vacuum Impregnation with Apple-Pear Juice on Content of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Dried Chokeberry Fruit
Authors: Nawirska-Olszańska Agnieszka , Pasławska Marta , Stępień Bogdan , Oziembłowski Maciej , Sala Kinga , Smorowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2020

Food technology seeks ways to preserve products while maintaining high bioactive properties. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the effect of the process of impregnation with apple-pear juice and the drying process on the content of bioactive compounds in chokeberry fruit. Chokeberry fruits were subjected to impregnation with apple-pear juice at three levels of vacuum pressure, 4, 6, and 8 kPa; then, they were dried using microwave-vacuum technology. The water activity of the obtained products, the content of fructose, glucose, sorbitol, and polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were determined. A total of 20 polyphenolic compounds were identified in the fruits and the obtained products (seven anthocyanins, six flavonols, four phenolic acids, and three flavan-3-ols). Preliminary processing, which consisted of introducing the juice ingredients into tissue of the chokeberry fruit, resulted in increased content of bioactive compounds. Moreover, a positive effect of impregnation on the antioxidant stability of the fruit after drying was noted. Water activity in the obtained products showed their microbiological safety. Impregnation at 4 kPa vacuum pressure proved to be the most desirable; in such conditions, the best product in terms of the content of bioactive compounds was obtained.
Work Hours and Difficulty in Leaving Work on Time in Relation to Work-to-Family Conflict and Burnout Among Female Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shu-Ling , Li Ren-Hau , Fang Shu-Yi , Tang Feng-Cheng
Published: January 2020

The present study explores the relations between work hours and the difficulty in leaving work on time to both work-to-family conflict (WFC) and burnout among female workers in Taiwan. A cross-sectional research design and questionnaire were employed to obtain the research data. In total, 738 full-time female workers took part in the study. The results of regression analyses showed that when age, marital status, economic status, occupation, parental status, and housework responsibilities were controlled, more work hours were positively associated with WFC and burnout. When the difficulty in leaving work on time was also considered in the analysis, long working hours were still significantly associated with burnout; however, the significant relation with WFC disappeared. It is surmised that if female employees work overtime voluntarily, the perception of WFC diminishes; nevertheless, the adverse effect of long working hours on health remains unabated. This study concludes that female employees who work overtime on a voluntary basis are at risk of health problems, which should be a focus of concern.
Travel-Related Typhoid Fever: Narrative Review of the Scientific Literature
Authors: Muresu Narcisa , Sotgiu Giovanni , Are Bianca Maria , Cossu Andrea , Cocuzza Clementina , Martinelli Marianna , Babudieri Sergio , Are Riccardo , Dettori Marco , Azara Antonio , Saderi Laura , Piana Andrea
Published: January 2020

Enteric fever is a foodborne infectious disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi A, B and C. The high incidence in low income countries can increase the risk of disease in travelers coming from high income countries. Pre-travel health advice on hygiene and sanitation practices and vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring infections. Although the majority of the cases are self-limiting, life-threatening complications can occur. Delayed diagnosis and cases of infections caused by multi-drug resistant strains can complicate the clinical management and affect the prognosis. More international efforts are needed to reduce the burden of disease in low income countries, indirectly reducing the risk of travelers in endemic settings. Surveillance activities can help monitor the epidemiology of cases caused by drug-susceptible and resistant strains.
Validation of the Scale of Basic Psychological Needs towards Physical Exercise, with the Inclusion of Novelty
Authors: Trigueros Ruben , Álvarez Joaquín F. , Cangas Adolfo J. , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Méndez-Aguado Cristina , Rocamora Patricia , López-Liria Remedios
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to validate and adapt to the Spanish context of Physical Education, the Spanish version of the Scale of Basic Psychological Needs in the context of physical exercise, with the incorporation of novelty to the scale. The sample that took part in the study was 2372 people from 16 to 48 years old from the province of Almeria. In order to analyze the psychometric properties of the scale, several analyses have been carried out. The results have offered support both for the eight-factor structure and for the higher-order double model where the eight subscales are joined into two constructs called frustration and satisfaction. The structure of both models was invariant with respect to gender and age. Cronbach’s alpha values were above 0.70 in the subscales and scales; and adequate levels of temporal stability. In addition, the subfactors pertaining to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively predicted the intrinsic motivation for physical activity, while each of the subfactors of the frustration of psychological needs predicted it negatively. The results of this study provide evidence of the reliability and validity of the BPNS in the Spanish context of physical activity.
Environmental Contamination Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Staphylococcus Epidermidis Isolated from Secondary Schools in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yingying , Lin Jialing , Zhang Ting , He Suiping , Li Ying , Zhang Wencui , Ye Xiaohua , Yao Zhenjiang
Published: January 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), the most prevalent causes of hospital-associated and community-associated infections, could exist on frequently touched surfaces. This study aims to determine the contamination prevalence and the characteristics of MRSA and MRSE isolated from secondary school environments. Methods: We collected environmental samples from ten secondary schools in Guangzhou city between October 2016 and January 2017. The samples were confirmed for MRSA and MRSE isolates by using biochemical tests and polymerase chain reactions. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, toxin gene screening, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to further characterize the isolates. Data were analyzed by two-sample proportion tests. Results: A total of 1830 environmental samples were collected. The prevalence of MRSA and MRSE contamination were 1.86% (34/1830) and 5.14% (94/1830), respectively. The proportions of multidrug resistance in both MRSA (58.82%) and MRSE (63.83%) isolates were high. Seven clonal complexes (CC) and 12 sequence types (ST) were identified, with the CC5 (35.29%) and ST45 (25.53%) being the most prevalent. We found that 44.12% of the MRSA isolates were community-acquired and the main type was ST45-SCCmec IV. We found that 5.88% and 32.35% of MRSA isolates were positive to Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tst) gene, respectively. No MRSE isolate was positive to the toxin genes. Conclusion: Our findings raise potential public health concerns for environmental contamination of MRSA and MRSE in school environments. Surfaces of school environments may potentially provide a source for cross-contamination with these bacteria into the wider community.
Identification of the H&S (Health and Safety Factors) Involved in Infrastructure Projects in Developing Countries-A Sequential Mixed Method Approach of OLMT-Project
Authors: Nawaz Ahsan , Su Xing , Din Qaiser Mohi Ud , Khalid Muhammad Irslan , Bilal Muhammad , Shah Syyed Adnan Raheel
Published: January 2020

Urbanization is playing a key role in big cities of developing countries, which, in effect, is increasing the population. This study takes care of the mega infrastructure project (Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT)) to explore and identify the H&S (Health and Safety) factors that affect the local residents and the main key stakeholders working on the project. A Sequential Mixed-Method approach of the OLMT-project includes qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. The data have been collected from the targeted population working on the OLMT-project through a questionnaire. The main key finding of the study indicates that poor planning and a lack of communication between the public and government led to frustration. The most significant factors that identified in the study were unsafe to work practice, project scope constraints, lack in technical and material support, unsafe/bad condition, health/environment degradation, declination and loss of resources and time, no proper emergency system, and negligence in adopting safety rules and laws. The study also revealed that the consensus should also be noticed between the key stakeholders (e.g., contractors, clients, safety officials, academia) in the second round of the Delphi survey of the project. The study findings will help the key stakeholders to prioritize their energies towards attaining zero levels of inadequate health and safety practices in infrastructure projects. The study outcomes can also be generalized for the other developing countries having a similar work scenario.
Dietary Folate Intake and Folic Acid Supplements among Pregnant Women from Southern Italy: Evidence from the “Mamma & Bambino” Cohort
Authors: Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea , Magnano San Lio Roberta , Favara Giuliana , La Mastra Claudia , La Rosa Maria Clara , Agodi Antonella
Published: January 2020

Folate requirement among women who plan to become pregnant should be raised to 600 μg/day during the periconceptional period. To meet this need, several countries began to promote the use of folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Here, we investigated prevalence and determinants of dietary folate intake and folic acid supplement use among 397 pregnant women (aged 15–50 years old, median = 37 years old). We also investigated their effects on neonatal outcomes in a subgroup of women who completed pregnancy. For doing that, we used data from the “Mamma & Bambino” project, an ongoing mother-child cohort settled in Catania (Italy). Inadequate folate intake was evaluated using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and defined as an intake < 600 μg/day. Women were also classified as non-users (i.e., women who did not use folic acid supplements), insufficient users (i.e., women who did not take folic acid supplements as recommended), and recommended users of folic acid supplements. Neonatal outcomes of interest were preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA). Nearly 65% of women (n = 257) reported inadequate folate intake, while 74.8% and 22.4% were respectively classified as insufficient or recommended users of supplements. We demonstrated higher odds of inadequate folate intake among smoking women (OR = 1.457; 95%CI = 1.046–2.030; p = 0.026), those who followed dietary restrictions (OR = 2.180; 95%CI = 1.085–4.378; p = 0.029), and those with low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (OR = 3.194; 95%CI = 1.958–5.210; p < 0.001). In a subsample of 282 women who completed pregnancy, we also noted a higher percentage of SGA among those with inadequate folate intake (p < 0.001). Among 257 women with inadequate folate intake, those with low educational level were more likely to not take folic acid supplements than their more educated counterpart (OR = 5.574; 95%CI = 1.487–21.435; p = 0.012). In a subsample of 184 women with inadequate folate intake and complete pregnancy, we observed a higher proportion of SGA newborns among women who did not take supplement before pregnancy and those who did not take at all (p = 0.009). We also noted that the proportion of PTB was higher among non-users and insufficient users of folic acid supplements, but difference was not statistically significant. Our study underlined the need for improving the adherence of pregnant women with recommendations for dietary folate intake and supplement use. Although we proposed a protective effect of folic acid supplement use on risk of SGA, further research is encouraged to corroborate our findings and to investigate other factors involved.
Experiences and Attitudes of People with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Arias-Colmenero Tomás , Pérez-Morente Mª Ángeles , Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Capilla-Díaz Concepción , Ruzafa-Martínez María , Hueso-Montoro César
Published: January 2020

The aim of this article was to explore the experiences and attitudes of people with HIV/AIDS. A systematic review of qualitative studies was carried out. Twenty-seven articles were included, with sample sizes ranging from 3 to 78. Articles from North America, South America, Central America, Europe, and Africa were included. Five topics emerged from the synthesis: feelings about the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; stigma and HIV/AIDS; changes in sexual behavior after becoming infected; living with the virus; and pregnancy and motherhood in seropositive women. The moment of diagnosis is of vital importance for these people due to feelings such as disappointment, sadness, fear, despair, lack of awareness, and pain. Social support is highly valued among these people and is linked to an improvement in these peoples’ quality of life. Different kinds of stigma accompany people with HIV/AIDS throughout their life, like social stigma, self-stigma, and health professionals’ stigma. Seropositive women who decide to become mothers can feel frustration because they cannot breastfeed. Spirituality helps some people to deal with the fact of being a virus or disease carrier.
Hydrophobic and Anti-Fouling Performance of Surface on Parabolic Morphology
Authors: Li Yu , Yang Shengke , Chen Yangyang , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2020

The hydrophobicity and anti-fouling properties of materials have important application value in industrial and agricultural production and people’s daily life. To study the relationship between the unit width L0 of the parabolic hydrophobic material and the hydrophobicity and anti-fouling properties, the rough surface structure of the parabolic with different widths was prepared by grinding with different SiC sandpapers, and further, to obtain hydrophobic materials through chemical oxidation and chemical etching, and modification with stearic acid (SA). The morphology, surface wetting and anti-fouling properties of the modified materials were characterized by SEM and contact angle measurement. The oil–water separation performance and self-cleaning performance of the materials were explored. The surface of the modified copper sheet forms a rough structure similar to a paraboloid. When ground with 1500 grit SiC sandpaper, it is more conducive to increase the hydrophobicity of the copper sheet surface and increase the contact angle of water droplets on the copper surface. Additionally, the self-cleaning and anti-fouling experiments showed that as L0 decreases, copper sheets were less able to stick to foreign things such as soil, and the better the self-cleaning and anti-fouling performance was. Based on the oil–water separation experiment of copper mesh, the lower L0 has a higher oil–water separation efficiency. The results showed that material with parabolic morphology has great self-cleaning, anti-fouling, and oil–water separation performance. The smaller the L0 was, the larger the contact angle and the better hydrophobic performance and self-cleaning performance were.
City Centrality, Migrants and Green Inovation Efficiency: Evidence from 106 Cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China
Authors: Wang Haisen , Yang Gangqiang , Qin Jiaying
Published: January 2020

Based on the panel data of 106 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China from 2007 to 2016, this paper explores the impact of city centrality on the green innovation efficiency and proves the mediation effect of migrants by using spatial econometric model. The results show that there are more and more innovation contacts between cities, and the innovation network is becoming more and more dense. The core cities of the downstream innovation network are mainly Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou and Hangzhou; the core cities in the midstream are mainly Wuhan, Changsha and Yichun; the core cities in the upstream are Chengdu and Bazhong. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between city centrality and green innovation efficiency. In addition, the influence curve of city centrality on the green innovation efficiency of surrounding cities is also inverted U-shaped. Cities with high city centrality attract a large number of migrants that come from cities with lower centrality to improve the green innovation efficiency, but the green innovation efficiency of cities with low city centrality will decline due to lack of talents.