bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Dataset for Radio Frequency-Based Device-Free Crowd Estimation
Authors: Kaya Abdil , Denis Stijn , Bellekens Ben , Weyn Maarten , Berkvens Rafael
Published: June 2020

Organisers of events attracting many people have the important task to ensure the safety of the crowd on their venue premises. Measuring the size of the crowd is a critical first step, but often challenging because of occlusions, noise and the dynamics of the crowd. We have been working on a passive Radio Frequency (RF) sensing technique for crowd size estimation, and we now present three datasets of measurements collected at the Tomorrowland music festival in environments containing thousands of people. All datasets have reference data, either based on payment transactions or an access control system, and we provide an example analysis script. We hope that future analyses can lead to an added value for crowd safety experts.
Arterial Function in Healthy Pregnant Women vs. Non-Pregnant Women—A 10-Year Study
Authors: Turi Vladiana , Dragan Simona , Iurciuc Mircea , Moleriu Lavinia , Bungau Simona , Tit Delia Mirela , Toader Daniela-Oana , Diaconu Camelia Cristina , Behl Tapan , Petre Izabella
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Maternal age for the first pregnancy is increasing and so, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in pregnancy is also increasing. Heart disease is the main reason for maternal death during pregnancy in developed countries. Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The most widespread parameters for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis are augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). The objective of this prospective study was to assess the differences between arterial function in pregnant vs. non-pregnant women of the same age, and its changes throughout the gestation period. Materials and Methods. Between 2010–2019, 887 patients were enrolled into 2 groups: pregnant (N1 = 471) and non-pregnant (N2 = 416). Data about their anthropometric characteristics, arterial function (for group 1 in all three trimesters and 6 weeks post-partum), smoking status and physical activity were collected. Results. There were statistically significant differences (p < α, α = 0.05) between the two groups regarding the body mass index, brachial AIx, systolic, diastolic and central blood pressure, and pulse pressure values. In the first group, there was a decrease of both brachial AIx and PWV in the second and third trimester, followed by a post-partum increase; better outcomes were noticed in physically active women. Conclusions. Arterial function modifies during pregnancy and these alterations differ according to the trimester of gestation. Further research is needed to establish the cut-off values for this category. Pregnant women can have better outcomes through physical activity.
A Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Test for Diagnosing Babesiosis
Authors: Shah Jyotsna S. , Mark Olivia , Caoili Eddie , Poruri Akhila , Horowitz Richard I. , Ashbaugh Alan D. , Ramasamy Ranjan
Published: June 2020

Apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia cause babesiosis in humans and animals. The microscopic examination of stained blood smears, detection of serum antibodies by immunoassays, and PCR-based identification of parasite nucleic acid in blood are common laboratory methods for diagnosing babesiosis. The present study evaluated a commercially available Babesia genus-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test for detecting Babesia parasites in blood smears. The FISH test detected Babesia duncani and Babesia microti, two common species that cause human infections in the USA, and other Babesia species of human and veterinary importance in less than two hours. The Babesia genus-specific FISH test supplements other existing laboratory methods for diagnosing babesiosis and may be particularly useful in resource-limited laboratories.
NS1 Recombinant Proteins Are Efficiently Produced in Pichia pastoris and Have Great Potential for Use in Diagnostic Kits for Dengue Virus Infections
Authors: Xisto Mariana Fonseca , Prates John Willians Oliveira , Dias Ingrid Marques , Dias Roberto Sousa , da Silva Cynthia Canedo , de Paula Sérgio Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Dengue is one of the major diseases causing global public health concerns. Despite technological advances in vaccine production against all its serotypes, it is estimated that the dengue virus is responsible for approximately 390 million infections per year. Laboratory diagnosis has been the key point for the correct treatment and prevention of this disease. Currently, the limiting factor in the manufacture of dengue diagnostic kits is the large-scale production of the non-structural 1 (NS1) antigen used in the capture of the antibody present in the infected patients’ serum. In this work, we demonstrate the production of the non-structural 1 protein of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1–4 (NS1-DENV1, NS1-DENV2, NS1-DENV3, and NS1-DENV4) in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris KM71H. Secreted recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and characterized by SDS-PAGE and ELISA. The objectives of this study were achieved, and the results showed that P. pastoris is a good heterologous host and worked well in the production of NS1DENV 1–4 recombinant proteins. Easy to grow and quick to obtain, this yeast secreted ready-to-use proteins, with a final yield estimated at 2.8–4.6 milligrams per liter of culture. We reached 85–91% sensitivity and 91–93% specificity using IgM as a target, and for anti-dengue IgG, 83–87% sensitivity and 81–93% specificity were achieved. In this work, we conclude that the NS1 recombinant proteins are efficiently produced in P. pastoris and have great potential for use in diagnostic kits for dengue virus infections. The transformed yeast obtained can be used for production in industrial-scale bioreactors.
Investigating Cardiac Morphological Alterations in a Pentylenetetrazol-Kindling Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Akyuz Enes , Polat Kristina , Ates Sukru , Unalmis Demet , Tokpinar Adem , Yilmaz Seher , Kaymak Emin , Doganyigit Zuleyha , Villa Chiara
Published: June 2020

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and recurrent seizures representing the principal clinical manifestation. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the predominant cause of death in young epileptic patients. SUDEP patients displayed an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, probably due to an impaired autonomic control of CV functions, but the underlying mechanisms need to be explored yet. Therefore, we aimed to examine the cardiac morphological alterations in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindled rat model, a well-established tool for studying chronic epilepsy. To complete this, the distance between the atria, between the atrium and ventricle were measured, the heart was weighed, and the pathological morphology of dissected hearts was analyzed by histological assessment with hematoxylin and eosin staining. A significantly decreased distance between atria and a significant increase in heart weight were observed in PTZ-kindled rats which interestingly also displayed increased hemorrhagic content when compared with controls. Our findings provided evidence that changes in cardiac morphology may be related to autonomic CV dysfunctions occurring during SUDEP while also opening up more avenues to better develop novel drugs for the treatment of this disorder.
What Does the Operator Algebra of Quantum Statistics Tell Us about the Objective Causes of Observable Effects?
Authors: Hofmann Holger F.
Published: June 2020

Quantum physics can only make statistical predictions about possible measurement outcomes, and these predictions originate from an operator algebra that is fundamentally different from the conventional definition of probability as a subjective lack of information regarding the physical reality of the system. In the present paper, I explore how the operator formalism accommodates the vast number of possible states and measurements by characterizing its essential function as a description of causality relations between initial conditions and subsequent observations. It is shown that any complete description of causality must involve non-positive statistical elements that cannot be associated with any directly observable effects. The necessity of non-positive elements is demonstrated by the uniquely defined mathematical description of ideal correlations which explains the physics of maximally entangled states, quantum teleportation and quantum cloning. The operator formalism thus modifies the concept of causality by providing a universally valid description of deterministic relations between initial states and subsequent observations that cannot be expressed in terms of directly observable measurement outcomes. Instead, the identifiable elements of causality are necessarily non-positive and hence unobservable. The validity of the operator algebra therefore indicates that a consistent explanation of the various uncertainty limited phenomena associated with physical objects is only possible if we learn to accept the fact that the elements of causality cannot be reconciled with a continuation of observable reality in the physical object.
Spanish Adaptation of Motivational Climate in Education Scale with University Students
Authors: Granero-Gallegos Antonio , Carrasco-Poyatos María
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the validity and reliability of the dimensionality of the Spanish adaptation of two correlated subscales to assess motivational climate in the university education context: Mastery motivational climate and performance motivational climate. Two different studies with cross-sectional design and different samples of university students were used to accomplish this research (Study 1: 181 students, mean age = 20.83, SD = 1.76; Study 2: 354 students, mean age = 21.84; SD = 1.98). In Study 1, Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and reliability analysis of the scale were conducted. In Study 2, CFA, reliability analysis, discriminant validity, temporal stability, factorial invariance across gender, and nomological validity were managed through a regression model measuring the relationships between democratic and autocratic behavior, mastery climate, and performance climate. The final version of the Motivational Climate in Education Scale showed acceptable goodness of fit and values of discriminant validity, reliability, temporal stability, and invariance across gender. According to its nomological validity, democratic behavior was shown to be a statistically significant predictor of mastery climate, and the teacher’s autocratic behavior was shown to be a statistically significant predictor of performance climate. This scale is a valid and reliable instrument to assess mastery climate and performance climate in the Spanish university educational context.
Electric Field-Dependence of Double Layer Capacitances by Current-Controlled Charge-Discharge Steps
Authors: He Ridong , Aoki Koichi Jeremiah , Chen Jingyuan
Published: June 2020

Voltage vs. time curves of double layer capacitances (DLCs) by current-controlled charge and discharge steps have been recognized to be composed of triangular waves. They are deviated slightly from triangles from the viewpoint of the time dependence or the constant phase element of the DLC. In order to evaluate the deviation, we measured DLCs of a platinum (Pt) electrode in KCl solution by current-control. Each time-voltage curve was convex rather a line, and was followed by the power law. Even if the time dependence was subtracted from each curve, the enhancement of the DLC was noticeable with an increase in the time well as the voltage. It can be attributed to the electric field effect, in which dipoles of solvents are oriented on an electrode so strongly that the DLC may be increased. The field dependence can be justified with the kinetic theory of interacting dipoles of solvents on an electrode through the observed linearity of the logarithmic DLC with the net voltage. This concept was applied to a commercially available super-capacitor to demonstrate a significant contribution of the field effect.
A CMOS Data Transfer System Based on Planar RF Coupling for Reinforced Galvanic Isolation with 25-kV Surge Voltage and 250-kV/µs CMTI
Authors: Ragonese Egidio , Spina Nunzio , Parisi Alessandro , Palmisano Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

This paper exploits an effective approach to overcome the breakdown limitations of traditional galvanic isolators based on chip-scale isolation barriers, thus achieving a very high isolation rating (i.e., compliant with the reinforced isolation requirements). Such an approach is based on radio frequency (RF) planar coupling between two side-by-side co-packaged chips. Standard packaging along with proper assembling techniques can be profitably used to go beyond 20-kV surge voltage without using expensive or exotic isolation components. As a proof of concept, a bidirectional data transfer system based on RF planar coupling able to withstand an isolation rating as high as 25 kV has been designed in a low-cost standard 0.35-µm CMOS technology. Experimental measurements demonstrated a maximum data rate of 40 Mbit/s using a carrier frequency of about 1 GHz. The adopted approach also guarantees a common mode transient immunity (CMTI) of 250 kV/µs, which is a first-rate performance in view of next generation galvanic isolators for wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices, such as gallium nitride high-electron mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs) and silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs.
A Human-Guided Machine Learning Approach for 5G Smart Tourism IoT
Authors: Peng Rongqun , Lou Yingxi , Kadoch Michel , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: June 2020

With the continuous development of tourism, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into tourism projects is considered a very promising technology. Smart tourism aims to use the IoT to maximize information communication; that is, the IoT technology will become an important element to meet the needs of a new generation of tourists. Therefore, in this study, we propose a human-guided machine learning classification method based on tourist selection behavior. This classification method can effectively help tourists make a decision in choosing a certain tourist destination. The results obtained from the cross-validation experiments and performance evaluation prove the effectiveness of this method.
Development of an Electromagnetic Actuator for the Hot-Embossing Process
Authors: Yun Dongwon , Kim Myeongjin
Published: June 2020

Hot embossing is in the spotlight due to the development of electronic devices, wearable devices, microfluidic channels, and optical devices. The conventional hot-embossing process creates a pattern on polymer film by using a previously patterned stamp that applied heat and pressure. This method has a disadvantage because it depends on the shape of the patterned stamp. For this reason, this method requires a high cost and a lot of time when replacing the stamp for making a new pattern shape or for modifying the error of the pattern. To solve this problem, the impact print-type hot-embossing method was proposed to create arbitrary patterns, and equipment for this method was assembled. In addition, patterning experiments were conducted to imprint several tens of micrometer-sized patterns in real time. For this method, we proposed an electromagnetic actuator for making the hot-embossing print type and for reducing the size of the actuator compared to previous studies. Through the patterning experiment, we determined that the proposed device could engrave fine dot patterns ranging from 60 μm to 120 μm in diameter. We verified the size of the generated pattern by using a confocal microscope, and we found the proposed hot-embossing technology can realize the desired shape in any position by using the proposed technique.
Automatic ECG Diagnosis Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Avanzato Roberta , Beritelli Francesco
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common class of chronic and life-threatening diseases and, therefore, considered to be one of the main causes of mortality. The proposed new neural architecture based on the recent popularity of convolutional neural networks (CNN) was a solution for the development of automatic heart disease diagnosis systems using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. More specifically, ECG signals were passed directly to a properly trained CNN network. The database consisted of more than 4000 ECG signal instances extracted from outpatient ECG examinations obtained from 47 subjects: 25 males and 22 females. The confusion matrix derived from the testing dataset indicated 99% accuracy for the “normal” class. For the “atrial premature beat” class, ECG segments were correctly classified 100% of the time. Finally, for the “premature ventricular contraction” class, ECG segments were correctly classified 96% of the time. In total, there was an average classification accuracy of 98.33%. The sensitivity (SNS) and the specificity (SPC) were, respectively, 98.33% and 98.35%. The new approach based on deep learning and, in particular, on a CNN network guaranteed excellent performance in automatic recognition and, therefore, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Reduction of Human Interaction with Wireless Power Transfer System Using Shielded Loop Coil
Authors: Kumazawa Akihiko , Diao Yinliang , Hirata Akimasa , Hirayama Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

The impedance variation of wireless power transfer (WPT) coils owing to the presence of the human body may result in mismatches, resulting in a decrease of the transmission efficiency. In addition, one of the decisive factors of the permissible transfer power in WPT systems is a compliance assessment with the guidelines/standards for human protection from electromagnetic fields. In our previous study, we reported that a shielded loop coil can potentially reduce human interaction with WPT coils. In this study, first, the rationale for this reduction is investigated with equivalent circuit models for a WPT system using a shielded loop coil operated in close proximity to the human body. We then conducted an equivalent circuit analysis considering the capacitance between the inner and outer conductors of the shielded loop coil, suggesting the stability of the impedance matching. From computational results, the mitigation capability of the shielded loop coil on impedance matching and transmission efficiency owing to the presence of the human body was verified for 6.78 MHz wireless power transfer. Additionally, the reduction of the specific absorption rate (SAR) with coils comprised of the shielded loop structure was confirmed in the presence of anatomically realistic human body models. The maximum transferable power was increased from 1.5 kW to 2.1 kW for the restrictions of the local SAR limit prescribed in the international safety guidelines/standard.
Symmetric-Key Cryptographic Routine Detection in Anti-Reverse Engineered Binaries Using Hardware Tracing
Authors: Park Juhyun , Park Yongsu
Published: June 2020

Software uses cryptography to provide confidentiality in communication and to provide authentication. Additionally, cryptographic algorithms can be used to protect software against cracking core algorithms in software implementation. Recently, malware and ransomware have begun to use encryption to protect their codes from analysis. As for the detection of cryptographic algorithms, previous works have had demerits in analyzing anti-reverse engineered binaries that can detect differences in analysis environments and normal execution. Here, we present a new symmetric-key cryptographic routine detection scheme using hardware tracing. In our experiments, patterns were successfully generated and detected for nine symmetric-key cryptographic algorithms. Additionally, the experimental results show that the false positive rate of our scheme is extremely low and the prototype implementation successfully bypasses anti-reversing techniques. Our work can be used to detect symmetric-key cryptographic routines in malware/ransomware with anti-reversing techniques.
Frequency Diversity Array for Near-Field Focusing
Authors: Han Xu , Ding Shuai , Huang Yongmao , Zhou Yuliang , Tang Huan , Wang Bingzhong
Published: June 2020

In this study, a numerical optimization method is proposed to achieve the near-field focusing of square arrays and circular arrays. This method introduced the frequency diversity array (FDA) approach to change the initial amplitude and working frequency. By adjusting the working state of each antenna, the field distribution on any plane can be artificially controlled. To analyze the FDA, a mathematical model for the FDA has been built and the model has been optimized by a numerical algorithm. The results of two different kinds of arrays are verified by numerical methods and full-wave simulation.
Polarization-Insensitive Fractal Metamaterial Surface for Energy Harvesting in IoT Applications
Authors: Costanzo Sandra , Venneri Francesca
Published: June 2020

A novel fractal-based metamaterial unit cell, useful for ambient power harvesting, is proposed to operate within the 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi band. The simulated fractal cell offers very high absorption coefficients, a wide-angle and polarization-insensitive behavior, and very small size. A 9 × 9 fractal-based metamaterial harvester is designed and simulated, by demonstrating a very high harvesting efficiency equal to 96.5% at 2.45 GHz. The proposed metamaterial configuration could be very appealing for the implementation of high efficiencies and compact harvesting systems for wireless sensor network applications.
Bifocal Dual-Reflectarray Antenna to Generate a Complete Multiple Spot Beam Coverage for Satellite Communications in Ka-Band
Authors: Martinez-de-Rioja Eduardo , Encinar Jose A. , Toso Giovanni
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a novel multibeam transmitting dual-reflectarray antenna able to generate a complete multiple spot coverage from a geostationary satellite in Ka-band (20 GHz). The bifocal design technique has been exploited for the first time to reduce by 50% the beam deviation factor with respect to the equivalent monofocal antenna, allowing to produce adjacent beams separated by only 0.56° in the antenna offset plane. In order to guarantee an acceptable spillover, the main reflectarray has been oversized in the same plane where the beams are compressed, resulting in an elliptical reflectarray of 3.5 m × 1.8 m. The interleaved beams required to provide the complete multi-spot coverage are produced in the orthogonal polarization, using the same aperture and feeds. The proposed antenna requires a smaller main aperture (about half of the area) and a lower number of feeds than other configurations that use a single oversized reflector to generate a complete multi-spot coverage, showing promising results for communication satellite applications in the Ka-band.
Improving Mispronunciation Detection of Arabic Words for Non-Native Learners Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network Features
Authors: Akhtar Shamila , Hussain Fawad , Raja Fawad Riasat , Ehatisham-ul-haq Muhammad , Baloch Naveed Khan , Ishmanov Farruh , Zikria Yousaf Bin
Published: June 2020

Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) is growing nowadays because learning new languages is essential for communication with people of different linguistic backgrounds. Mispronunciation detection is an integral part of CALL, which is used for automatic pointing of errors for the non-native speaker. In this paper, we investigated the mispronunciation detection of Arabic words using deep Convolution Neural Network (CNN). For automated pronunciation error detection, we proposed CNN features-based model and extracted features from different layers of Alex Net (layers 6, 7, and 8) to train three machine learning classifiers; K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF). We also used a transfer learning-based model in which feature extraction and classification are performed automatically. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, a comprehensive evaluation is provided on these methods with a traditional machine learning-based method using Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) features. We used the same three classifiers KNN, SVM, and RF in the baseline method for mispronunciation detection. Experimental results show that with handcrafted features, transfer learning-based method and classification based on deep features extracted from Alex Net achieved an average accuracy of 73.67, 85 and 93.20 on Arabic words, respectively. Moreover, these results reveal that the proposed method with feature selection achieved the best average accuracy of 93.20% than all other methods.
Role of Biofilm Formation by Bacillus pumilus HR10 in Biocontrol against Pine Seedling Damping-Off Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Zhu Mei-Ling , Wu Xiao-Qin , Wang Ya-Hui , Dai Yun
Published: June 2020

The biocontrol process mediated by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) relies on multiple mechanisms. Biofilm formation plays an important role in the ability of PGPR to control plant diseases. Bacillus pumilus HR10, one such PGPR, promotes the growth of Pinus thunbergii. This study showed that the wild-type strain B. pumilus HR10 produces a stable and mature biofilm in vitro. Biofilm-deficient mutants of B. pumilus HR10 with different phenotypes were screened by mutagenesis. The contents of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and proteins produced by the mutant strains were significantly reduced, and the biofilms of the mutants were weakened to varying degrees. The swarming abilities of the wild-type and mutant strains were positively correlated with biofilm formation. A colonization assay demonstrated that B. pumilus HR10 could colonize the roots of Pinus massoniana seedlings in a large population and persist, while biofilm-deficient mutants showed weak colonization ability. Furthermore, a biocontrol assay showed that biocontrol efficacy of the mutants was reduced to a certain degree. We determined the inhibitory activity of B. pumilus HR10 and its ability to induce systemic resistance against Rhizoctonia solani of plants. The synthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics is probably involved in biofilm formation by B. pumilus HR10. These observations not only provide a reference for further research about the coordinated action between biofilm formation and the multiple biocontrol mechanisms of B. pumilus HR10 but also improve the understanding of the regulatory pathway of biofilm formation by B. pumilus HR10.
US National Maps Attributing Forest Change: 1986–2010
Authors: Schleeweis Karen G. , Moisen Gretchen G. , Schroeder Todd A. , Toney Chris , Freeman Elizabeth A. , Goward Samuel N. , Huang Chengquan , Dungan Jennifer L.
Published: June 2020

National monitoring of forestlands and the processes causing canopy cover loss, be they abrupt or gradual, partial or stand clearing, temporary (disturbance) or persisting (deforestation), are necessary at fine scales to inform management, science and policy. This study utilizes the Landsat archive and an ensemble of disturbance algorithms to produce maps attributing event type and timing to >258 million ha of contiguous Unites States forested ecosystems (1986–2010). Nationally, 75.95 million forest ha (759,531 km2) experienced change, with 80.6% attributed to removals, 12.4% to wildfire, 4.7% to stress and 2.2% to conversion. Between regions, the relative amounts and rates of removals, wildfire, stress and conversion varied substantially. The removal class had 82.3% (0.01 S.E.) user’s and 72.2% (0.02 S.E.) producer’s accuracy. A survey of available national attribution datasets, from the data user’s perspective, of scale, relevant processes and ecological depth suggests knowledge gaps remain.
Wood Productions and Renewable Materials: The Future Is Now
Authors: Blanchet Pierre , Breton Charles
Published: June 2020

The forest sector plays a key role in meeting the climate change challenge. Forest products and renewable materials are masterpieces in achieving this role. This editorial destails the benefits of these forest prodcuts and celebrates the contributions of the authors who submitted their work to this special edition of Forests journal. This edition presents 11 papers, which include the characterization of a new fiber supply, the description of advanced materials and their environmental impact, and an examination of structural products, wood protection, and modifications.
The Staining Effect of Iron (II) Sulfate on Nine Different Wooden Substrates
Authors: Hundhausen Ulrich , Mai Carsten , Slabohm Maik , Gschweidl Florian , Schwarzenbrunner Ronald
Published: June 2020

Leaving wooden façades uncoated has become popular in modern architecture, especially for large buildings like multi-story houses, in order to circumvent frequent maintenance, particularly repainting. To obtain a quick and even artificial graying of the entire façade that gradually turns into natural graying, a one-off treatment with iron (II) sulfate may be applied. Its mode of action is commonly ascribed to a reaction with phenolic wood extractives, especially hydrolyzable tannins. This does not however sufficiently explain iron (II) sulfate’s ability to color wood species containing only marginal amounts of phenolic extractives; moreover, little is known about the influence of the wooden substrate and light conditions on the color development of façades treated with iron (II) sulfate. In the present study, we investigated the influence of wood extractives, exposure conditions, and nine different wooden substrates on iron (II) sulfate’s staining effect. Spruce specimens with and without extractives were treated with a 4% iron (II) sulfate solution and exposed to sunlight behind window glass. Both wood types darkened slowly but significantly during 51 weeks of exposure. This shows that artificial graying with iron (II) sulfate (1) does not require precipitation unlike natural graying, (2) takes place without initial wood extractives, and (3) proceeds at a slow rate. Specimens protected from sunlight changed their color only slightly, suggesting that photo-induced phenoxyl and ketyl radicals from photolysis of lignin’s ether bonds oxidize iron (II) to iron (III). Specimens made of spruce, pine, larch, and western red cedar (WRC) and exposed outdoors decreased strongly in lightness during the first two months of exposure. In contrast, a staining effect of iron (II) sulfate in terms of artificial graying was not seen on acetylated radiata pine, possibly because iron ions are hindered from entering the cell wall. Specimens partly protected by a roof overhang showed an uneven color development; this is due to the protection from radiation and not from precipitation as is known for natural graying.
Volunteer Down: How COVID-19 Created the Largest Idling Supercomputer on Earth
Authors: Kratzke Nane
Published: June 2020

From close to scratch, the COVID-19 pandemic created the largest volunteer supercomputer on earth. Sadly, processing resources assigned to the corresponding Folding@home project cannot be shared with other volunteer computing projects efficiently. Consequently, the largest supercomputer had significant idle times. This perspective paper investigates how the resource sharing of future volunteer computing projects could be improved. Notably, efficient resource sharing has been optimized throughout the last ten years in cloud computing. Therefore, this perspective paper reviews the current state of volunteer and cloud computing to analyze what both domains could learn from each other. It turns out that the disclosed resource sharing shortcomings of volunteer computing could be addressed by technologies that have been invented, optimized, and adapted for entirely different purposes by cloud-native companies like Uber, Airbnb, Google, or Facebook. Promising technologies might be containers, serverless architectures, image registries, distributed service registries, and all have one thing in common: They already exist and are all tried and tested in large web-scale deployments.
Long-Term Effects of Repeated Prescribed Fire and Fire Surrogate Treatments on Forest Soil Chemistry in the Southern Appalachian Mountains (USA)
Authors: Dukes Christopher J. , Coates T. Adam , Hagan Donald L. , Aust W. Michael , Waldrop Thomas A. , Simon Dean M.
Published: June 2020

From 2001–2018, a series of fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration treatments were implemented in the southern Appalachian Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, USA. Treatments consisted of prescribed fire (four burns), mechanical cutting of understory shrubs and mid-story trees (two cuttings), and a combination of both cutting and prescribed fire (two cuts + four burns). Soils were sampled in 2018 to determine potential treatment impacts for O horizon and mineral soil (0–10 cm depth) carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and mineral soil calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and pH. Results suggested that mean changes in O horizon C and N and mineral soil C, N, C:N, Ca, and P from 2001–2018 differed between the treatments, but only mineral soil C, N, C:N, and Ca displayed differences between at least one fuel reduction treatment and the untreated control. One soils-related restoration objective was mineral soil N reduction and the cut + burn treatment best achieved this result. Increased organic matter recalcitrance was another priority, but this was not obtained with any treatment. When paired with previously reported fuels and vegetation results from this site, it appeared that continued use of the cut + burn treatment may best achieve long-term management objectives for this site and other locations being managed for similar long-term restoration and fuels management objectives.
Chemical Markers to Distinguish the Homo- and Heterozygous Bitter Genotype in Sweet Almond Kernels
Authors: Vichi Stefania , Mayer Morgana N. , León-Cárdenas Maria G. , Quintanilla-Casas Beatriz , Tres Alba , Guardiola Francesc , Batlle Ignasi , Romero Agustí
Published: June 2020

Bitterness in almonds is controlled by a single gene (Sk dominant for sweet kernel, sk recessive for bitter kernel) and the proportions of the offspring genotypes (SkSk, Sksk, sksk) depend on the progenitors’ genotype. Currently, the latter is deduced after crossing by recording the phenotype of their descendants through kernel tasting. Chemical markers to early identify parental genotypes related to bitter traits can significantly enhance the efficiency of almond breeding programs. On this basis, volatile metabolites related to almond bitterness were investigated by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry coupled to univariate and multivariate statistics on 244 homo- and heterozygous samples from 42 different cultivars. This study evidenced the association between sweet almonds’ genotype and some volatile metabolites, in particular benzaldehyde, and provided for the first time chemical markers to discriminate between homo- and heterozygous sweet almond genotypes. Furthermore, a multivariate approach based on independent variables was developed to increase the reliability of almond classification. The Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis classification model built with selected volatile metabolites that showed discrimination capacity allowed a 98.0% correct classification. The metabolites identified, in particular benzaldehyde, become suitable markers for the early genotype identification in almonds, while a DNA molecular marker is not yet available.
Comparison of the Novel Thin Film-Solid Phase Microextraction and Sorptive Extraction Methods for Picual and Hojiblanca Olive Oil Volatile Fraction Analysis in Headspace
Authors: Segura-Borrego M. Pilar , Ríos-Reina Rocío , Ubeda Cristina , Callejón Raquel M. , Morales M. Lourdes
Published: June 2020

For first time, the new device named thin film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) has been used to determine the volatile profile of the Picual and Hojiblanca varieties of extra virgin olive oils. To this end, different traditional sampling methods such as headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyethyleneglycol-modified silicone (EG/Silicone) Twisters® have been compared with the TF-SPME devices coated with different extraction polymeric phases. PARADISe software was used as a non-targeting method to process all data. The best results were obtained by HSSE-PDMS and 2TF-SPME. Moreover, the 2TF-SPME extraction method achieved the most adequate results of linearity for most compounds, according to F-values, while the intermediate precision results were similar for both 2TF-SPME and HSSE-PDMS sampling methods. Different sensitivity was observed between both sampling methods depending on the volatile compound, without being clearly influenced by the polarity of them. Although both sampling methods enabled the main active aroma of olive oil to be determined and for them to be differentiated according to olive variety, the 2TF-SPME method appears to be the most suitable for this goal.
Development of Durum Wheat Breads Low in Sodium Using a Natural Low-Sodium Sea Salt
Authors: Arena Elena , Muccilli Serena , Mazzaglia Agata , Giannone Virgilio , Brighina Selina , Rapisarda Paolo , Fallico Biagio , Allegra Maria , Spina Alfio
Published: June 2020

Durum wheat is widespread in the Mediterranean area, mainly in southern Italy, where traditional durum wheat breadmaking is consolidated. Bread is often prepared by adding a lot of salt to the dough. However, evidence suggests that excessive salt in a diet is a disease risk factor. The aim of this work is to study the effect of a natural low-sodium sea salt (Saltwell®) on bread-quality parameters and shelf-life. Bread samples were prepared using different levels of traditional sea salt and Saltwell®. The loaves were packaged in modified atmosphere conditions (MAPs) and monitored over 90 days of storage. No significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in specific volumes and bread yield between the breads and over storage times, regardless of the type and quantity of salt used. Textural data, however, showed some significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between the breads and storage times. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is considered, nowadays, as an emerging ubiquitous processing contaminant; bread with the lowest level of Saltwell® had the lowest HMF content, and during storage, a decrease content was highlighted. Sensory data showed that the loaves had a similar rating (p ≤ 0.05) and differed only in salt content before storage. This study has found that durum wheat bread can make a nutritional claim of being “low in sodium” and “very low in sodium”.
Preparation and Characterization of Emulsion Gels from Whole Faba Bean Flour
Authors: Jiang Zhong-Qing , Wang Jing , Stoddard Frederick , Salovaara Hannu , Sontag-Strohm Tuula
Published: June 2020

Faba bean protein has good functionalities, but it is little used in the food industry. This study identified a challenge from unfavourable starch gelation when utilizing faba bean for producing protein-based emulsion gel foods, and developed processing methods to overcome that. Two types of protein-based emulsion gel foods, namely yogurt and tofu analogue products, were prepared. The processing methods in this study involved steps of thermal pre-treatment of the beans, dehulling, milling, adding plant oil, homogenization, prevention of starch gelation, and inducing protein gelation. Two methods for preventing starch gelation were studied, namely starch removal and hydrolysis. The gel texture, water-holding capacity, and structural properties of the gel products were evaluated. Both starch-gelation prevention methods produced yogurt and tofu analogue products having typical emulsion gel properties. Hydrolysis of starch was favourable for producing the yogurt analogue, because the hydrolysate compounds improved the gel strength and viscosity. Moreover, it utilized the whole flour, meaning all the nutrients from the cotyledon were used and no side-stream was created. In contrast, starch removal was slightly better than hydrolysis for producing the tofu analogue, because the hydrolysate lowered the gel strength and water-holding capacity of the products. It is both possible and ecologically sustainable to utilize whole faba bean flour for making emulsion gel products.
Masking the Perceived Astringency of Proanthocyanidins in Beverages Using Oxidized Starch Hydrogel Microencapsulation
Authors: Zhao Xiaodan , Ai Yingchao , Hu Yulin , Wang Yongtao , Zhao Liang , Yang Dong , Chen Fang , Wu Xiaomeng , Li Yuan , Liao Xiaojun
Published: June 2020

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are responsible for several health benefits of many fruits, but they could cause a generally disliked sensation of astringency. Traditional deastringency methods remove bioactive ingredients, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients and associated health benefits. This work aimed to microencapsulate PAs from grape seeds using oxidized starch hydrogel (OSH) and mask its perceived astringency in beverages while maintaining its bioavailability. The maximum PA uptake capabilities of OSH, as well as the binding site and primary binding force between these two components, were determined. The resulting PA-OSH complex was stable under in vitro digestion, with only 1.6% of PA being released in the salivary digestion, and it has an intestine-specific release property. The reaction of PA with α-amylase in artificial saliva was substantially reduced by OSH microencapsulation, leading to 41.5% less precipitation of the salivary proteins. The sensory evaluation results showed that the microencapsulation was able to mask the astringency of PA-fortified water, as the perceived threshold of astringency increased by 3.85 times. These results proved that OSH could be used as a novel food additive to reduce the astringency of beverage products due to its hydrogel properties and ability to encapsulate phenolic compounds.
Reduction of Salt and Fat in Frankfurter Sausages by Addition of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus Flour
Authors: Cerón-Guevara Magdalena I. , Rangel-Vargas Esmeralda , Lorenzo José M. , Bermúdez Roberto , Pateiro Mirian , Rodríguez Jose A. , Sánchez-Ortega Irais , Santos Eva M.
Published: June 2020

The reduction of fat and salt and the incorporation of fiber-rich compounds in frankfurters is a trend to improve their nutritional profile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the partial replacement of 30 and 50% of pork backfat and 50% of salt by adding edible mushroom flour (2.5 and 5%) from Agaricus bisporus (Ab) and Pleurotus ostreatus (Po) on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of frankfurters sausages during cold storage. The addition of flours increased the moisture, and the dietary fiber contents in frankfurters, keeping the amino acid profile. Lipid oxidation remained under acceptable values despite not antioxidant effect was observed by mushrooms flours. Only spore-forming bacteria were found during cold storage. Color and texture was modified by addition of mushroom, being the Ab samples darker, while Po flour addition resulted in softer and less cohesive sausages. Although lower color, flavor, and taste scores were given to the mushroom samples than the control, they ranked in the acceptable level confirming that the inclusion of 2.5 and 5% of Ab and Po flours in fat- and salt-reduced frankfurter sausages resulted a feasible strategy to enhance the nutritional profile these products.
Corporate Foresight and Dynamic Capabilities: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Semke Lisa-Marie , Tiberius Victor
Published: June 2020

Firms engage in forecasting and foresight activities to predict the future or explore possible future states of the business environment in order to pre-empt and shape it (corporate foresight). Similarly, the dynamic capabilities approach addresses relevant firm capabilities to adapt to fast change in an environment that threatens a firm’s competitiveness and survival. However, despite these conceptual similarities, their relationship remains opaque. To close this gap, we conduct qualitative interviews with foresight experts as an exploratory study. Our results show that foresight and dynamic capabilities aim at an organizational renewal to meet future challenges. Foresight can be regarded as a specific activity that corresponds with the sensing process of dynamic capabilities. The experts disagree about the relationship between foresight and sensing and see no direct links with transformation. However, foresight can better inform post-sensing activities and, therefore, indirectly contribute to the adequate reconfiguration of the resource base, an increased innovativeness, and firm performance.
Intestinal Transcriptome Analysis Highlights Key Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in Nutrient Metabolism and Digestion in Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) Fed Terrestrial Animal and Plant Proteins
Authors: Dam Chinh Thi My , Ventura Tomer , Booth Mark , Pirozzi Igor , Salini Michael , Smullen Richard , Elizur Abigail
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the effects of dietary terrestrial animal and plant proteins on the intestinal transcriptomes of yellowtail kingfish (YTK), Seriola lalandi, an ecologically and economically important marine species in Australia. Five diets containing fish meal (FM), poultry by-product meal (PBM), blood meal (BLM), faba bean meal (FBM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) were formulated and fed over a period of 4 weeks. The Illumina RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) results identified a suite of differentially expressed genes involved in nutrient metabolism and protein digestion pathways, reinforced by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results. These findings provide molecular support to the notion that PBM and FBM are useful raw materials in commercial diets for YTK. Using the same evidence, we have demonstrated that BLM and CGM may be less useful and their incorporation into commercial aquafeeds for this species should be done cautiously. The differentially expressed genes showed a subtle difference and high correlation with apparent nutrient digestibility of raw materials. Further, our results indicate that transcriptome profiling provides a useful tool to evaluate alternative protein sources for use in aquaculture feeds.
Novel Brown Coat Color (Cocoa) in French Bulldogs Results from a Nonsense Variant in HPS3
Authors: Kiener Sarah , Kehl Alexandra , Loechel Robert , Langbein-Detsch Ines , Müller Elisabeth , Bannasch Danika , Jagannathan Vidhya , Leeb Tosso
Published: June 2020

Brown or chocolate coat color in many mammalian species is frequently due to variants at the B locus or TYRP1 gene. In dogs, five different TYRP1 loss-of-function alleles have been described, which explain the vast majority of dogs with brown coat color. Recently, breeders and genetic testing laboratories identified brown French Bulldogs that did not carry any of the known mutant TYRP1 alleles. We sequenced the genome of a TYRP1+/+ brown French Bulldog and compared the data to 655 other canine genomes. A search for private variants revealed a nonsense variant in HPS3, c.2420G>A or p.(Trp807*). The brown dog was homozygous for the mutant allele at this variant. The HPS3 gene encodes a protein required for the correct biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles, including melanosomes. Variants in the human HPS3 gene cause Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome 3, which involves a mild form of oculocutaneous albinism and prolonged bleeding time. A variant in the murine Hps3 gene causes brown coat color in the cocoa mouse mutant. We genotyped a cohort of 373 French Bulldogs and found a strong association of the homozygous mutant HPS3 genotype with the brown coat color. The genotype–phenotype association and the comprehensive knowledge on HPS3 function from other species strongly suggests that HPS3:c.2420G>A is the causative variant for the observed brown coat color in French Bulldogs. In order to clearly distinguish HPS3-related from the TYRP1-related brown coat color, and in line with the murine nomenclature, we propose to designate this dog phenotype as “cocoa”, and the mutant allele as HPS3co.