bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could Systemic Inflammatory Index Predict Diabetic Kidney Injury in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Taslamacioglu Duman Tuba , Ozkul Feyza Nihal , Balci Buse
Published: June 2023

Background: The systemic inflammatory index (SII) is a new inflammatory marker that has been the subject of various studies in diseases with chronic inflammation. Diabetic nephropathy is a disease associated with chronic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between SII and diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Patients with diabetes who applied to our outpatient clinic were included in the study. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups: those with diabetic nephropathy and those without. In addition, healthy individuals who applied to our clinic for general check-ups during these dates were included as the control group. The SII values and other characteristics of the three study groups were compared. Results: The median SII value for those with DKI was 584 (178–4819); for those without DKI, it was 282 (64–618); and for the control group, it was 236 (77.5–617) (p < 0.001). SII was significantly and positively correlated with BMI, weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, CRP, and creatinine, and negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value. SII values higher than 336 have 75% sensitivity and 70% specificity in detecting DKI. Conclusion: The SII value can predict diabetic kidney injury in diabetics, and it can be used as an adjunctive diagnostic tool.
Fog-Based Smart Cardiovascular Disease Prediction System Powered by Modified Gated Recurrent Unit
Authors: Nancy A Angel , Ravindran Dakshanamoorthy , Vincent Durai Raj , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Chang Chuan-Yu
Published: June 2023

The ongoing fast-paced technology trend has brought forth ceaseless transformation. In this regard, cloud computing has long proven to be the paramount deliverer of services such as computing power, software, networking, storage, and databases on a pay-per-use basis. The cloud is a big proponent of the internet of things (IoT), furnishing the computation and storage requisite to address internet-of-things applications. With the proliferating IoT devices triggering a continual data upsurge, the cloud–IoT interaction encounters latency, bandwidth, and connectivity restraints. The inclusion of the decentralized and distributed fog computing layer amidst the cloud and IoT layer extends the cloud’s processing, storage, and networking services close to end users. This hierarchical edge–fog–cloud model distributes computation and intelligence, yielding optimal solutions while tackling constraints like massive data volume, latency, delay, and security vulnerability. The healthcare domain, warranting time-critical functionalities, can reap benefits from the cloud–fog–IoT interplay. This research paper propounded a fog-assisted smart healthcare system to diagnose heart or cardiovascular disease. It combined a fuzzy inference system (FIS) with the recurrent neural network model’s variant of the gated recurrent unit (GRU) for pre-processing and predictive analytics tasks. The proposed system showcases substantially improved performance results, with classification accuracy at 99.125%. With major processing of healthcare data analytics happening at the fog layer, it is observed that the proposed work reveals optimized results concerning delays in terms of latency, response time, and jitter, compared to the cloud. Deep learning models are adept at handling sophisticated tasks, particularly predictive analytics. Time-critical healthcare applications reap benefits from deep learning’s exclusive potential to furnish near-perfect results, coupled with the merits of the decentralized fog model, as revealed by the experimental results.
Graph Convolution Network over Dependency Structure Improve Knowledge Base Question Answering
Authors: Zhang Chenggong , Zha Daren , Wang Lei , Mu Nan , Yang Chengwei , Wang Bin , Xu Fuyong
Published: June 2023

Knowledge base question answering (KBQA) can be divided into two types according to the type of complexity: questions with constraints and questions with multiple hops of relationships. Previous work on knowledge base question answering have mostly focused on entities and relations. In a multihop question, it is insufficient to focus solely on topic entities and their relations since the relation between words also contains some important information. In addition, because the question contains constraints or multiple relationships, the information is difficult to capture, or the constraints are missed. In this paper, we applied a dependency structure to questions that capture relation information (e.g., constraint) between the words in question through a graph convolution network. The captured relation information is integrated into the question for re-encoding, and the information is used to generate and rank query graphs. Compared with existing sequence models and query graph generation models, our approach achieves a 0.8–3% improvement on two benchmark datasets.
A Review on Direct Digital Conversion Techniques for Biomedical Signal Acquisition
Authors: Zhou Yizhao , Song Shuang , Wang Shiwei , Wan Yalong , Yang Tian , Yu Xiaopeng , Zhao Menglian
Published: June 2023

Biomedical signals such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), Electroencephalogram (EEG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) are recorded routinely to provide helpful information for early diagnosis of disease. Low power consumption is very important to allow long-term ambulatory monitoring with battery-powered systems. A direct digital conversion (DDC) technique has been proposed in recent years, which employs preamplifier and data converters, reducing the complexity of the readout chain and thus its power consumption. This paper provides a review on DDC for biopotential signals and bio-optical signal acquisition. The state-of-the-art DDC-based readout architectures together with circuit implementations are provided.
Comprehensive Properties of Grafted Polypropylene Insulation Materials for AC/DC Distribution Power Cables
Authors: Huang Shangshi , Zhou Yuxiao , Hu Shixun , Yuan Hao , Yuan Jun , Yang Changlong , Hu Jun , Li Qi , He Jinliang
Published: June 2023

Polypropylene (PP) exhibits excellent insulation properties, high thermo-stability, and recyclable nature, thus expected to be the next-generation insulation material for HV cable application. Chemical grafting modification is an effective technology to improve the electrical properties of polypropylene. In this paper, we develop and report a new-type grafted PP insulation material by water-phase grafting technology. The comprehensive properties including electrical, thermal, and mechanical of it are tested and compared with traditional cable insulation material—crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE). The results show that the grafted PP holds superior thermal properties and enough mechanical flexibility. The electrical properties are of significant advantages, including resistivity enhanced by nearly two degrees of magnitudes, AC/DC breakdown strength raised by over 20%, and obviously suppressed space charge accumulation. These results indicate that grafted PP is very suitable for application in HV cable systems, either AC or DC. This research lays a foundation for the research and development of the next-generation recyclable polypropylene cables at higher voltage levels.
Key Aspects and Challenges in the Implementation of Energy Communities
Authors: Yiasoumas Georgios , Berbakov Lazar , Janev Valentina , Asmundo Alessandro , Olabarrieta Eneko , Vinci Andrea , Baglietto Giovanni , Georghiou George E.
Published: June 2023

Energy communities (ECs) are an important tool towards a fair energy transition. Hence, the European Union (EU) has positioned ECs at the centre of its energy strategy and the foreseen transformation of its energy system. This paper aims to give an overview of key aspects and challenges for the implementation of the EC concept. Firstly, the regulatory framework is examined with a focus on the new definitions for ECs introduced by the EU, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Citizen Energy Communities (CECs). Secondly, examples of established ECs and their main objectives are mentioned. Additionally, based on the identified challenges and requirements of establishing ECs, the key technologies that are implemented or have the potential to be deployed in an EC are examined, as well as innovative cross-cutting services that are optimally suited to be integrated in an EC. Moreover, the data management challenges linked to some of these technologies are considered. Finally, an overview of actual or potential financing schemes to support the EC development is given. Overall, the analysis highlighted the regulatory, technical and financial aspects and challenges that ECs are facing and the need to address them so that the EC concept is effective and successful. The main challenges identified for each of these aspects are the regulatory compliance with the legal framework, the data management dimension when innovative technological concepts are adopted and the financing of new projects.
Rethinking Notions of Energy Efficiency in a Global Context
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Honnery Damon
Published: June 2023

Energy efficiency is, in principle, a simple idea: an output of human value, for example, vehicle-km traveled, divided by the needed input energy. Efficiency improvements are regarded as an important means of mitigating not only climate change, but also other environmental problems. Despite the vast number of articles published on energy efficiency, a few people question whether it is a useful or accurate measure in its present form; nearly all papers are either engineering studies, or address barriers to efficiency improvements. This review addresses this issue via a critical review of the literature, including not only papers on energy efficiency, but those on adjacent areas of research that can help broaden the scope, both geographically and conceptually. These shortcomings are illustrated in case studies of buildings/cities and road passenger transport. The main findings of this review are that (1) energy efficiency inevitably has an ethical dimension, as well as a technical one, in that feedbacks are more widespread than they have generally considered to be, and (2) that conventional efficiency measures omit important energy input items, particularly those concerned with the mining the materials needed for renewable energy plants. The key conclusions are that present efficiency measures are not adequate, and future research is needed to overcome these shortcomings.
Reconstruction of 3D Reservoir Lithological Model Using 2D Facies Profiles in SU 36-11 Area of Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Cheng Lihua , Pang Xueqian , Yin Yanshu
Published: June 2023

In the middle and late stages of gas field development, the establishment of a fine reservoir lithological model is an important basis for drilling well pattern adjustment and potential exploitation. The SU 36-11 area of the Ordos basin in China is developing braided channel sediment with rich gas resources. However, the success rate of drilling wells is low due to the complex reservoir heterogeneity and the lack of a fine reservoir lithological model. In this paper, the complex internal structure of the reservoir sand body is revealed using the architectural element analysis method. Three sand body models, that is, isolated channel, superimposed channel, and cut superimposed channel, can be recognized. The effective sand body is mainly the channel bar deposit with a thickness of 2–5 m, a width of 200–500 m, a length of 400–700 m, a width ratio of 50–120, and a length-to-width ratio of 1.5–2. The 2D maps of the lithofacies (architectural elements) were then digitized to create 2D training images (TI) for the construction of the 3D model. The 2D data template was selected to scan the TI to obtain the 2D multi-point probability. The 3D multi-point probability was then generated using the probability fusion theory. The Monte Carlo sampling was used to predict the lithological type between wells. Finally, the 3D reservoir lithological model was built directly using the 2D lithological profiles. From the model, the geometry of the braided channel, channel bar, and flood plain was well revealed, and the spatial distribution of effective reservoir sand bodies was accurately predicted. The cross-validation test shows that the error of the channel bar is 6.5% on average, which improves the accuracy of the prediction of lithology in the sub-surface and can be used to guide the subsequent development of residual gas.
Study on the Vulnerability of Municipal Solid Waste Resource Symbiosis Network—A Case Study Based on the Construction of Zero Waste City in Panjin
Authors: Wang Qiufei , Cao Menghan , Yang Ye
Published: June 2023

Building zero-waste cities is an important initiative. It helps China to meet the challenges of climate change, build an ecological civilization, and build a beautiful and high-quality China. Through the recycling and safe disposal of waste, the ultimate goal of the construction of zero-waste cities is to minimize the amount of solid waste. Municipal Solid Waste Resource Symbiosis Network (MSWRSN) is the best way to achieve zero-waste cities. However, this system is vulnerable to many factors. These factors will restrict the construction and development of zero-waste cities. This study proposes a vulnerability measurement method of MSWRSN based on energy exchange. Panjin, a city in Liaoning Province, is used as an example to simulate it. The vulnerability measurement method of MSWRSN is composed of three parts. First, the study adopts a directional weighting approach to design the topologic structure of MSWRSN. Second, Dijkstra’s algorithm is used to analyze two topological parameters, node mesonumber and edge mesonumber. It also focuses on single-node failure mode and edge failure mode. Finally, the study uses a functional measure function to calculate the vulnerability of each node and each edge in symbiotic networks. The results of the study show that (1) MSWRSN in Panjin has not yet formed a nested pattern. The symbiotic patterns of different industrial chains are also different. (2) Node failure has a greater impact on MSWRSN. (3) There are differences in the vulnerability of the industry chain in the network. Based on the findings of the study, this study advises managing the vulnerability of MSWRSN from the following aspects. It includes increasing the diversity of symbiotic units, promoting the development of symbiotic networks to nested types, and strengthening risk monitoring and management of core enterprises.
Improved Current and MTPA Control Characteristics Using FEM-Based Inductance Maps for Vector-Controlled IPM Motor
Authors: Husnayain Faiz , Noguchi Toshihiko , Akaki Ryosuke , Yusivar Feri
Published: June 2023

Some major problems in the motor drive are the overshoot or undershoot of transient response characteristics and a parameter mismatch due to magnetic saturation. This study proposed a 3D inductance map combined with a maximum-torque-per-ampere (MTPA) map based on a finite-element (FE) motor model considering a cross-coupling magnetic saturation impact to overcome this problem. The proposed FE motor model has a high accuracy of no-load back electromotive force (e.m.f.) around 98.3% compared to the measurement results. Then, nine scenarios of vector control combinations of inductance maps and current supply variations of β 0°, 45°, and MTPA were investigated. As a result, the transient response improvement for β 0°, 45°, and MTPA without the map and with Ld and Lq maps is 63%, 10%, and 15%, respectively. Moreover, for the steady-state response, the average torque improvement between MTPA and Idref 0 A control is 9.21%, 8.97%, and 8.98% for the no-map, ave-map, and 3D-inductance-map conditions, respectively. The MTPA trajectory characteristic was also updated to illustrate the actual MTPA condition compared to the conventional MTPA control. In detail, the proposed method has reduced the parameter mismatch for the current control loop in the transient state and improved the MTPA control trajectory for the steady-state response. Finally, the improvement of vector control characteristics of the proposed method was verified by an FE simulation and experimental measurement results.
Two-Layer Robust Distributed Predictive Control for Load Frequency Control of a Power System under Wind Power Fluctuation
Authors: Wang Ce , Liu Xiangjie , Lee Kwang Y.
Published: June 2023

The frequency stability of interconnected power systems becomes quite challenging when incorporating renewable energy sources (mostly wind power). Distributed model predictive control (DMPC) is an effective method to maintain stable grid frequency and realize power system load frequency control (LFC). This paper proposes a two-layer robust DMPC for the LFC of an interconnected power system. In the scheme, the wind power penetrating the power grid is largely affected by the environment condition, and it is taken as an uncertain disturbance to the power system. The two-layer robust DMPC consists of a nominal DMPC controller and an ancillary DMPC controller. The nominal DMPCs coordinate with each other in achieving the systemwide LFC objective, where the systemwide objective is a strict convex combination of the local LFC objectives. The nominal optimization problems are solved supposing the wind power fluctuation is zero. The ancillary DMPC generates the actual control signal for each generation unit based on signals which are transmitted from the nominal DMPC controller. The simulation on a four-area interconnected power system demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in alleviating the frequency deviation caused by varying the load and uncertain wind power fluctuation.
Thermal Characterization of Binary Calcium-Lithium Chloride Salts for Thermal Energy Storage at High Temperature
Authors: Hassan Naveed , Minakshi Manickam , Liew Willey Yun Hsien , Amri Amun , Jiang Zhong-Tao
Published: June 2023

Due to their excellent thermophysical properties and high stability, inorganic salts and Forsalt mixtures are considered promising thermal energy storage materials for applications operating at high temperatures. A mixture of binary salts, such as CaCl2 (58 wt.%)-LiCl (42 wt.%), was investigated in this work to understand their thermal properties and stability for use in TES systems. Thermophysical properties, such as onset melting and crystallization temperature, enthalpy of fusion, and crystallization enthalpy, were all investigated experimentally via the use of a simultaneous thermal analyzer. The experimental findings demonstrated a suitable onset melting temperature of 488 °C and a solidification temperature of 480 °C. The heat of fusion was observed as 206 J/g, whereas the heat of crystallization was recorded as 180 J/g. Thermal repeatability tests indicated little variations in melting temperature; however, fusion enthalpies changed significantly over the course of 30 heating-cooling cycles. Additionally, the results obtained from the thermogravimetric analysis showed relatively weak thermal stability with considerable mass changes. This might be caused by the salts decomposing at elevated temperatures. In order to validate this, a high-temperature in-situ X-ray diffraction technique was used to verify the thermal instability of the binary salt mixture with and without thermal cycling. The thermal decomposition of parent salts and the subsequent formation of new phases with the formation of voids were shown to be the cause of thermal instability. It is concluded that the binary mixture of chloride salt showed suitable thermal properties but relatively weak thermal stability, which may limit its use in practical applications.
Air Conditioning Systems Fault Detection and Diagnosis-Based Sensing and Data-Driven Approaches
Authors: Elmouatamid Abdellatif , Fricke Brian , Sun Jian , Pong Philip W. T.
Published: June 2023

The air conditioning (AC) system is the primary building end-use contributor to the peak demand for energy. The energy consumed by this system has grown as fast as it has in the last few decades, not only in the residential section but also in the industry and transport sectors. Therefore, to combat energy crises, urgent actions on energy efficiency should be taken to support energy security. Consequently, the faults in AC system components increase energy consumption due to the degradation of the system’s performance and the losses in the energy conversion procedure. In this work, AC system fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods are investigated to propose analytic tools to identify faults and provide solutions to those problems. The analysis of existing work shows that data-driven approaches are more accurate for both soft and hard fault detection and diagnosis in AC systems. Therefore, the proposed methods are not accurate for simultaneous fault detection, while in some works, authors tested the method with several faults separately without investigating scenarios that combine more than one fault. Moreover, this study shows that integrating data-driven approaches requires deploying an optimal sensing and measurement architecture that can detect a maximum number of faults with minimally deployed sensors. The new sensing, information, and communication technologies are discussed for their integration in AC system monitoring in order to optimize system operation and detect faults.
A Review: Assessment of Domestic Solid Fuel Sources in Nigeria
Authors: Łaska Grażyna , Ige Ayodeji
Published: June 2023

Nigeria has the potential to generate 12,522 MW of electricity, but can only dispatch 4000 MW, which is insufficient for a population of over 200 million people as of 2022. Therefore, Nigerians use solid fuels including firewood and charcoal as an alternative to insufficient electricity for domestic use. The consumption of firewood and charcoal in Nigeria is estimated at 23,745,458 tons and 4,828,689 tons, respectively in 2021, by far the most consumed domestic solid fuel sources in Nigeria. Although there are domestic solid fuel alternatives, such as dung, agricultural residues and coal, to firewood and wood charcoal, their sustainable adoption has been slow in Nigeria, indicating that there is insufficient knowledge of domestic solid fuel sources. This requires a review focused on assessing Nigeria’s national sources of solid fuels. This article presents an overview of the sources of domestic solid fuels in Nigeria, an exploration of different types of firewood and charcoal studies, the impact of solid fuels on climate change and the environment, health risks associated with solid fuel and biomass briquettes and pellets as domestic solid fuel alternatives to charcoal and firewood. The continued production and use of firewood and wood charcoal as domestic solid fuel sources encourage deforestation, desertification and greenhouse gas emission, which in turn pose a threat to a sustainable environment and good health. It is necessary to limit the felling of trees for firewood and charcoal production to curtail their negative impacts on the health of users and the environment. This review covered the thermal, mechanical and physical properties of briquette and pellet fuels as substitutions for firewood and charcoal. It was shown that employing briquettes and pellets as a source of solid fuel in the home will lessen the negative impacts that these fuels have on users’ health, the climate and the environment.
Effects of the Bamboo Communities on Microclimate and Thermal Comfort in Subtropical Climates
Authors: Wu Renwu , Wu Na , Nan Xinge , Yan Hai , Wang Ke , Ma Tingting , She Juan , Bao Zhiyi
Published: June 2023

Urban greening is the most effective way to regulate the microclimate environment and thermal discomfort. However, despite being an important type of vegetation, relatively few studies have investigated the effect of bamboo on microclimate characteristics and thermal comfort. In this study, the microclimate characteristics and the differences in the thermal comfort provided by common bamboo communities in East China were investigated in summer and winter, and the effects of canopy structure characteristics on microclimate and thermal comfort were analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in microclimate between bamboo communities and the control check in summer, but the differences in air temperature in winter were not obvious. In the daytime during summer, the maximum daily average temperature of the bamboo community decreased by 2.6 °C, and the maximum temperature–humidity index (THI) decreased by 1.1 °C. In the daytime during winter, the maximum daily average temperature increased by 0.5 °C and the maximum THI increased by 0.8 °C. Among the different bamboo communities, Sinobambusa tootsik var. laeta and Pseudosasa amabilis had better effects on improving microclimate and thermal comfort, while the effects of Phyllostachys nigra and Phyllostachys heterocycla ‘Pubescens’ were relatively small. Aspects of canopy structure, especially leaf area index and canopy coverage, had the greatest influence on the microclimate environment, while air temperature made the greatest contribution to thermal comfort. The goal of our study is to quantify the data to confirm the role of bamboo in improving urban climate problems and human comfort and to further select the appropriate bamboo species for urban green spaces and to utilize the ecological benefits of bamboo to optimize the human living environment.
A Novel Batched Four-Stage–Two-Phase Anaerobic Digestion System to Facilitate Methane Production from Rice Straw and Cow Manure with Low Inoculum/Substrate Ratios
Authors: Yin Zhao , Zhou Siqi , Zhang Xingyun , Li Xuemei , Wang Zeming , Wang Juan , Cao Weixing , Sun Chen
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the performance of methane production from agro-waste, a batched four-stage–two-phase anaerobic digestion (4S2P-AD) system was designed to combine the advantages of both anaerobic co-digestion (co-AD) and two-phase AD. The initial separation of two phases was performed using rice straw (RS) as a feedstock in acidogenic phase and cow manure (CM) in methanogenic phase at low inoculum/substrate (I/S) ratios of 0.5 and 0.2 and a high organic loading of 60 g volatile solid (VS)/L. The periodic round-trip reflux of leachate during the 4S2P-AD process facilitated re-inoculation throughout the four stages. The results showed that this round-trip reflux also dispersed toxic ammonia, balanced the carbon/nitrogen ratio, unified the microbial community structure, and led to the selection of Methanosarcina (relative abundance > 80%) as the dominant methanogens. With the abilities to overcome volatile fatty acid accumulation, shorten lag times, improve biodegradability, and foster synergistic effects, it was verified that the 4S2P-AD process can maintain efficient and stable methanogenesis from high-solid lignocellulosic feedstock. The averaged methane production throughout the four stages of 4S2P-AD was 234 mL/g VS. This result is 96% higher than the averaged methane production obtained from the four one-step AD groups using mono-feedstock, and 91% higher than that obtained using co-feedstock. This study provides a scientific reference for the development of new processes of bio-methane production from agro-waste with a high fermentation capacity and stability in the future.
Failure Mode Prediction of Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Walls Retrofitted with Cementitious Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM)
Authors: Thomoglou Athanasia K. , Karabini Martha A. , Achillopoulou Dimitra V. , Rousakis Theodoros C. , Chalioris Constantin E.
Published: June 2023

The brittle failure of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls when subjected to in-plane loads present low shear strength remains a critical issue. The investigation presented in this paper touches on the retrofitting of URM structures with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM), which enables shifting the shear failure mode from a brittle to a pseudo-ductile mode. Despite many guidelines for applying composite materials for retrofitting and predicting the performance of strengthened structures, the application of TRM systems in masonry walls is not extensively described. A thorough retrospect of the literature is presented, containing research results relating to different masonry walls, e.g., bricks, cement, and stone blocks strengthened with TRM jackets and subjected to diagonal compression loads. The critical issue of this study is the failure mode of the retrofitted masonry walls. Available prediction models are presented, and their predictions are compared to the experimental results based on their failure modes. The novelty of this study is the more accurate failure mode prediction of reinforced masonry with TRM and also of the shear strength with the proposed model, Thomoglou et al., 2020, at an optimal level compared to existing regulations and models. The novel prediction model estimates the shear failure mode of the strengthened wall while considering the contribution of all components, e.g., block, render mortar, strengthening textile, and cementitious matrix, by modifying the expressions of the Eurocode 8 provisions. The results have shown that the proposed model presents an optimum accuracy in predicting the failure mode of all different masonry walls strengthened with various TRM jackets and could be taken into account in the regulations for reliable forecasting.
Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by β-Cyclodextrin and Cinnamaldehyde/β-Cyclodextrin Composite
Authors: Liu Caihua , Tian Yachao , Ma Zihan , Zhou Linyi
Published: June 2023

A Pickering emulsion was prepared using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and a cinnamaldehyde (CA)/β-CD composite as emulsifiers and corn oil, camellia oil, lard oil, and fish oil as oil phases. It was confirmed that Pickering emulsions prepared with β-CD and CA/β-CD had good storage stability. The rheological experiments showed that all emulsions had G′ values higher than G″, thus confirming their gel properties. The results of temperature scanning rheology experiments revealed that the Pickering emulsion prepared with β-CD and CA/β-CD composites had high stability, in the range of 20–65 °C. The chewing properties of Pickering emulsions prepared by β-CD and corn oil, camellia oil, lard, and herring oil were 8.02 ± 0.24 N, 7.94 ± 0.16 N, 36.41 ± 1.25 N, and 5.17 ± 0.13 N, respectively. The chewing properties of Pickering emulsions made with the CA/β-CD composite and corn oil, camellia oil, lard, and herring oil were 2.51 ± 0.05 N, 2.56 ± 0.05 N, 22.67 ± 1.70 N, 3.83 ± 0.29 N, respectively. The texture properties confirmed that the CA/β-CD-composite-stabilized-emulsion had superior palatability. After 28 days at 50 °C, malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected in the emulsion. Compared with the β-CD and CA + β-CD emulsion, the CA/β-CD composite emulsion had the lowest content of MDA (182.23 ± 8.93 nmol/kg). The in vitro digestion results showed that the free fatty acid (FFA) release rates of the CA/β-CD composite emulsion (87.49 ± 3.40%) were higher than those of the β-CD emulsion (74.32 ± 2.11%). This strategy provides ideas for expanding the application range of emulsifier particles and developing food-grade Pickering emulsions with antioxidant capacity.
Effects of Sex and Hunting Season on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of the Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Authors: Razmaitė Violeta , Šiukščius Artūras
Published: June 2023

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of sex and hunting season on the carcass, meat and fat quality of hunted brown hares (Lepus europaeus). Twenty-two hares of both sexes hunted in winter (December) during two hunting seasons in accordance with the law on hunting in Lithuania were evaluated using reference methods The data were subjected to two-factor analysis of variance in the general linear (GLM) procedure. No significant differences in carcass measurements and muscularity or internal organs between the sexes of brown hares were found; however, the hunting season appeared to affect the size of hares. The biceps femoris (BF) thigh muscle of males had lower (p < 0.05) dry matter content and higher (p < 0.05) drip loss compared with females. The hunting season demonstrated an effect (p < 0.001) on protein and hydroxyproline contents in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and affected dry matter, protein and hydroxyproline contents (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) in BF muscles, and differences in the colour of muscles were also observed. The shear force in the Warner–Bratzler (WB) test was higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) for LTL and BF muscles during the first hunting season. The hunting season did not affect the total SFA in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of all the tissues, but it affected levels of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in the muscles. No differences were found in the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) of both muscles between the sexes, but females demonstrated lower (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and more favourable n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios in the muscles and fat and a lower (p < 0.05) thrombogenic (TI) index in the LTL compared with males.
Major Active Metabolite Characteristics of Dendrobium officinale Rice Wine Fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Wickerhamomyces anomalus Cofermentation
Authors: Yao Li , Shi Xueqin , Chen Hang , Zhang Lin , Cen Lanyan , Li Lian , Lv Yiyi , Qiu Shuyi , Zeng Xiangyong , Wei Chaoyang
Published: June 2023

Rice, supplemented with Dendrobium officinale, was subjected to cofermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae FBKL2.8022 (Sc) and Wickerhamomyces anomalus FBKL2.8023 (Wa). The alcohol content was determined with a biosensor, total sugars with the phenol–sulfuric acid method, reducing sugars with the DNS method, total acids and total phenols with the colorimetric method, and metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS/MS combined with multivariate statistics, while metabolic pathways were constructed using metaboAnalyst 5.0. It was found that the quality of rice wine was higher with the addition of D. officinale. A total of 127 major active substances, mainly phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids, were identified. Among them, 26 substances might have been mainly metabolized by the mixed-yeasts fermentation itself, and 10 substances might have originated either from D. officinale itself or from microbial metabolism on the newly supplemented substrate. In addition, significant differences in metabolite could be attributed to amino acid metabolic pathways, such as phenylalanine metabolism and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. The characteristic microbial metabolism of D. officinale produces metabolites, which are α-dihydroartemisinin, alantolactone, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and occidentoside. This study showed that mixed-yeasts cofermentation and fermentation with D. officinale both could increase the content of active substances in rice wine and significantly improve the quality of rice wine. The results of this study provide a reference for the mixed fermentation of brewer’s yeast and non-yeast yeasts in rice wine brewing.
Nano- and Micro-Encapsulation of Long-Chain-Fatty-Acid-Rich Melon Seed Oil and Its Release Attributes under In Vitro Digestion Model
Authors: Karaaslan Asliye
Published: June 2023

Melon seed oil (MSO) possesses plenty of long-chain fatty acids (LFCAs, oleic–linoleic acid 90%), remarkable antioxidant activity (DPPH (0.37 ± 0.40 µmol TE/g), ABTS (4.98 ± 0.18 µmol TE/g), FRAP (0.99 ± 0.02 µmol TE/g), and CUPRAC (4.94 ± 0.11 µmol TE/g)), and phenolic content (70.14 ± 0.53 mg GAE/100 g). Encapsulation is a sound technology to provide thermal stability and controlled release attributes to functional compounds such as plant seed oil. Nano-sized and micro-sized capsules harboring MSO were generated by utilizing thin film dispersion, spray drying, and lyophilization strategies. Fourier infrared transform analysis (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size analyses were used for the authentication and morphological characterization of the samples. Spray drying and lyophilization effectuated the formation of microscale capsules (2660 ± 14 nm, 3140 ± 12 nm, respectively), while liposomal encapsulation brought about the development of nano-capsules (282.30 ± 2.35 nm). Nano-liposomal systems displayed significant thermal stability compared to microcapsules. According to in vitro release studies, microcapsules started to release MSO in simulated salivary fluid (SSF) and this continued in gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) environments. There was no oil release for nano-liposomes in SSF, while limited release was observed in SGF and the highest release was observed in SIF. The results showed that nano-liposomal systems featured MSO thermal stability and controlled the release attributes in the gastrointestinal system (GIS) tract.
Anticorrosion and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Sol-Gel Hybrid Coatings Containing Clitoria ternatea Modified Clay
Authors: Sheydaei Milad , Edraki Milad , Radeghi Mehrjou Seyyed Mehdi
Published: June 2023

In this study, Clitoria ternatea (CT) was incorporated into the structure of sodium montmorillonite (Na+-MMT), then these new nanoparticles (CT-MMT) were added to sol-gel-based hybrid silanol coatings (SGC). The results of the CT-MMT investigation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed the presence of CT in the structure. The results of polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests showed that the presence of CT-MMT in the matrix improves corrosion resistance. The EIS results showed that the coating resistance (Rf) of the sample containing 3 wt.% CT-MMT after immersion was 687 Ω·cm2, while this value was 218 Ω·cm2 for pure coating. CT and MMT compounds improve corrosion resistance by blocking anodic and cathodic regions, respectively. Additionally, the presence of CT in the structure created antimicrobial properties. CT contains phenolic compounds that have the ability to suppress by membrane perturbation, reduction of host ligands adhesion, and neutralizing bacterial toxins. Therefore, CT-MMT showed inhibitory effects and killing of Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) and Salmonella paratyphi-A serotype (gram-negative bacteria), and also improved corrosion resistance.
Predictors of Nursing Home Entry within 36 Months after Hospitalization via the Emergency Department among Persons Aged 75 Years or Older
Authors: Dramé Moustapha , Volberg Alison , Kanagaratnam Lukshe , Coutureau Claire , Godaert Lidvine
Published: June 2023

Objective: We aimed to identify risk factors for nursing home (NH) entry 36 months after hospitalization via the emergency department (ED) in a population of patients aged 75 years or older. Methods: This was a prospective multicentre cohort. Patients were recruited from the emergency departments (EDs) of nine hospitals. Subjects had been hospitalised in a medical ward in the same hospital as the ED to which they were initially admitted. Subjects who experienced NH entry prior to ED admission were excluded. NH entry has been defined as the incident admission either into an NH or other long-term care facility within the follow-up period. Variables from a comprehensive geriatric assessment of patients were entered into a Cox model with competing risks to predict NH entry during 3 years of follow-up. Results: Among 1306 patients included in the SAFES cohort, 218 (16.7%) who were already in an NH were excluded. The remaining 1088 patients included in the analysis were aged 84 ± 6 years on average. During 3 years of follow-up, 340 (31.3%) entered an NH. The independent risk factors for NH entry were that they: living alone (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.00, had a 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59–2.54, p < 0.0001), could not independently perform activities of daily living (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.24–2.64, p = 0.002), and had balance disorders (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.73, p = 0.007), dementia syndrome (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.42–2.29, p < 0.0001) and a risk of pressure ulcers (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.82, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The majority of the risk factors for NH entry within 3 years after emergency hospitalization are amenable to intervention strategies. It is therefore reasonable to imagine that targeting these features of frailty could delay or prevent NH entry and improve the quality of life of these individuals before and after NH entry.
Household Polluting Fuel Use and Frailty among Older Adults in Rural China: The Moderating Role of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Chen Huiying , Xu Xinpeng , Jia Cangcang , Gu Hai , Zhang Lu , Yi Yang
Published: June 2023

This study worked to investigate the effect of household polluting fuel use (HPFU), as an indicator of household air pollution exposure, on frailty among older adults in rural China. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the moderating effect of healthy lifestyle behaviors on the aforementioned association. This study employed cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which conducted nationally representative sampling of older adults from 23 provinces in mainland China. The frailty index was calculated using 38 baseline variables that assessed health deficits through questionnaire surveys and health examinations. A total of 4535 older adults aged 65 years and above were included in our study, among whom, 1780 reported using polluting fuels as their primary household cooking fuel. The results of regression analyses and multiple robustness checks indicated a significant increase in the frailty index due to HPFU. This environmental health threat was more profound among women, illiterate individuals, and low-economic-status groups. Moreover, healthy dietary and social activities had significant moderating effects on the association between HPFU and frailty. HPFU can be regarded as a risk factor for frailty among older adults in rural China, with its effects exhibiting socio-economic disparities. The adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors can alleviate the frailty associated with HPFU. Our findings underscore the significance of using clean fuels and improving household air quality for healthy aging in rural China.
Quality of Life in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The Congruency Effect between Reports
Authors: Jacinto Miguel , Rodrigues Filipe , Monteiro Diogo , Antunes Raul , Ferreira José Pedro , Matos Rui , Campos Maria João
Published: June 2023

Assessing quality of life (QoL) is important to provide personalized and individualized support plans with the purpose of improving personal outcomes. Based on the conceptual model of QoL, the aim of this study was to assess the congruence between the perceptions of institutionalized individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the perception of a third party, regarding QoL. Forty-two individuals participated in this study, including twenty-one with mild to severe IDD and their family members/caregiver/reference technician, who responded to the Personal Outcomes Scale (Portuguese version). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between reports in the personal development (t = −2.26; p = 0.024), emotional well-being (t = −2.263; p = 0.024), physical well-being (t = −2.491; p = 0.013) and total QoL (t = −2.331; p = 0.02). The results further show that most third-party reports tend to undervalue the QoL of the individual with IDD, and that there is no congruence in any of the QoL domains. The inclusion of self-reports in the QoL assessment is important. In addition to the assessment of third-party reports, the process of making decisions appropriate to the context and individual characteristics is equally important. On the other hand, the inclusion of third-party reports is an opportunity to promote communication among all stakeholders, recognize and discuss differences, and promote QoL, not only of individuals with IDD, but also of families.
Czech Women’s Point of Views on Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy due to BRCA Gene Mutation or Breast Cancer
Authors: Ventruba Tomáš , Ješeta Michal , Minář Luboš , Vomela Jindřich , Brančíková Dagmar , Žáková Jana , Ventruba Pavel
Published: June 2023

(1) Objective: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the incidence of the disease continues to increase. The issue of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) in women with BRCA mutations and breast cancer is highly topical. This study is based on the long-term experience of our workplace with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in women. We use the possibilities of oncoplastic surgery, including IBR. Our effort involves learning about women’s awareness of IBR with a mastectomy at the same time. (2) Methods: The method of quantitative research of women’s awareness using a structured anonymous questionnaire was chosen. Out of the total number of 84 respondents who already underwent IBR, 36.9% were due to BRCA mutations, and 63.1% were due to breast cancer. (3) Results: All of the respondents learned about the possibility of IBR before treatment or during treatment planning. The information was first obtained mainly from an oncologist. Women obtained the most information regarding IBR from a plastic surgeon. Before the mastectomy, all of the respondents already knew what IBR meant, as well as about the payment of IBR by the health insurance company. All of the respondents would choose the IBR option again. A total of 94.0% of women cited preservation of body integrity as a reason for undergoing IBR, and 88.1% of women knew about the possibility of performing IBR with their own tissues. (4) Conclusions: There are few specialized centers with a team of experts in reconstructive breast surgery in the Czech Republic, especially those that perform IBR. Research has shown that all of the patients were well informed about IBR, but the vast majority only learned about IBR before the surgical procedure was planned. All of the women wished to maintain body integrity. Our study results in the recommendations for patients and for healthcare management.
De Quervain Tenosynovitis as a Risk Factor of New-Onset Adhesive Capsulitis: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Pao , Hong Ching-I , Liang Chung-Chao , Wu Wen-Tien , Wang Jen-Hung , Yeh Kuang-Ting
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the association of de Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT) with subsequent adhesive capsulitis (AC) development. Patients with DQT between 2001 and 2017 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were the DQT cohort. The 1:1 propensity score matching method was applied for creating control cohort. The primary outcome was defined as new-onset of AC at least 1 year after the date of confirmed diagnosis of DQT. In total, 32,048 patients with mean age 45.3 years were included. DQT was significantly positively associated with risk of new-onset AC after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Furthermore, severe DQT requiring rehabilitation was positively associated with risk of new-onset AC. In addition, male gender and age under 40 may be additional risk factors for new-onset AC, compared to female gender and age over 40. Cumulative incidence of AC after 17 years was 24.1% among patients with severe DQT requiring rehabilitation and was 20.8% among patients with DQT without rehabilitation. This is the first population-based study to demonstrate an association between DQT and new-onset AC. The findings recommend that preventive occupational therapy, including active modification for the shoulder joint and adjustments to daily activities, may be necessary for patients with DQT to reduce their risk of developing AC.