bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost Wireless Wearable System for Posture Monitoring
Authors: Ardito Marilda , Mascolo Fabiana , Valentini Martina , Dell’Olio Francesco
Published: October 2021

Posture monitoring aiming at preventing many of the pathologies affecting the spine is becoming more and more essential in many contexts, including telemedicine. The market pushes towards the development of new technical solutions that are comfortable for the user and that are increasingly becoming lower in terms of cost. Some systems at the state of the art level are effective and sometimes quite comfortable, but they have a degree of complexity that is not compatible with some market segments. Here, we report on the development, at a prototype level, a simple, low-cost, and potentially very comfortable microcontroller-based system capable of signaling incorrect postures with great sensitivity. The prototype, which has been tested also using video analysis, has shown its capacity to be easily integrated into a garment. Experimental activity has proven the prototype’s functionality. The wearable embedded system is able to detect flections in the back region monitored by the flex sensor with an accuracy of <3°. The achievement represents a further demonstration of the potential of wearable electronics in the context of cyber-physical systems for healthcare.
Diffusive Representation: A Powerful Method to Analyze Temporal Signals from Metal-Oxide Gas Sensors Used in Pulsed Mode
Authors: Tropis Cyril , Dufour Nicolas , Garcia Germain , Montseny Gerard , Talhi Chaabane , Blanc Frédéric , Franc Bernard , Menini Philippe
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this work was to find the most efficient method to interpolate metal oxide gas sensor used in a pulsed-temperature operating mode. This pulsed thermal profile is obtained by applying 6 power steps of 2 s each on the heater resistor. The experimental values of the sensing layer resistance, with a sampling time of 4ms, were interpolated by using two different static methods: a polynomial modelling and a neural network modelling, and one dynamic method: the diffusive representation. Then, the results have been compared in terms of precision and number of useful output data, as minimum as possible for high performance and rapid data treatment which is great of interest in embedded systems. The best results are obtained with the diffusive representation; it allows converting 500 measurements into 11 output coefficients.
Risk of Using Capillary Active Interior Insulation in a Cold Climate
Authors: Antolinc David , Černe Katarina , Jagličić Zvonko
Published: October 2021

The retrofitting of cultural heritage buildings for energy efficiency often requires the internal thermal insulation of external walls. Most of the in situ studies of capillary active interior insulation were performed in mild oceanic climate regions, and they showed an excellent performance. However, as a large part of Central–Eastern Europe belongs to a continental climate with cold winters and long periods of temperatures below the freezing temperature, the applicability of the capillary active interior insulation in cold climate was studied. The hydrothermal behaviour of the three walls was determined—each consists of one of three different interior insulations—and the original wall is made of historic regular solid bricks. Two interior thermal insulations were capillary active (aerated cellular concrete, calcium silicate) and one vapour-tight (glass foam). A hot box–cold box experiment and a steady-state model were used to demonstrate an increase in the original wall mass due to the water condensation only when the capillary active interior insulation is used. The combination of the water condensation and the low sub-zero temperature may lead to a risk of freeze–thaw damage to the original wall. The numerical simulation of the water vapour condensation for the considered walls for the Slovenian town Bled with sub-zero average winter temperatures was performed to obtain the whole temperature and moisture profile. It showed good agreement between an experimentally and numerically obtained amount of water condensation. The capillary active interior insulation proved to be unsuitable for improving the thermal insulation of buildings in cold continental climate, and only a vapour-tight system can be recommended.
Pore-Scale Characterization and PNM Simulations of Multiphase Flow in Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Abderrahmane Hamid , Al Kobaisi Mohammed , Sassi Mohamed
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with pore-scale two-phase flow simulations in carbonate rock using the pore network method (PNM). This method was used to determine the rock and flow properties of three different rock samples, such as porosity, capillary pressure, absolute permeabilities, and oil–water relative permeabilities. The pore network method was further used to determine the properties of rock matrices, such as pore size distribution, topological structure, aspect ratio, pore throat shape factor, connected porosity, total porosity, and absolute permeability. The predicted simulation for the network-connected porosity, total porosity, and absolute permeability agree well with those measured experimentally when the image resolution is appropriate to resolve the relevant pore and throat sizes. This paper also explores the effect of the wettability and fraction of oil-wet pores on relative permeabilities, both in uniform and mixed wet systems.
Influences of Roughness Sampling Interval and Anisotropy on Shear Failure Mechanism of Rock Joint Surface
Authors: Chen Fan , Yu Hongming , Yang Yilin , Wu Daoyong
Published: October 2021

Roughness is an important factor affecting the engineering stability of jointed rock masses. The existing roughness evaluation methods are all based on a uniform sampling interval, which changes the geometrical morphology of the original profile and inevitably ignores the influence of secondary fluctuations on the roughness. Based on the point cloud data obtained by 3D laser scanning, a non-equal interval sampling method and an equation for determining the sampling frequency on the roughness profile are proposed. The results show that the non-equal interval sampling method can successfully maintain the morphological characteristics of the original profile and reduce the data processing cost. Additionally, direct shear tests under constant normal load (CNL) conditions are carried out to study the influence of roughness anisotropy on the shear failure mechanism of joint surfaces. It is found that with the increase in shear displacement, the variations in the shear stress are related to the failure mechanisms of dilatancy and shear fracture of the joint. Finally, the distributions of shear stress, dilatancy and fracture areas on the rough joint in different shear directions are calculated theoretically. Results show that the anisotropy and failure mechanism of rough joint can be well characterized by the modified root mean square parameter Z2′.
Solar Radiation Prediction Using a Novel Hybrid Model of ARMA and NARX
Authors: Sansa Ines , Boussaada Zina , Bellaaj Najiba Mrabet
Published: October 2021

The prediction of solar radiation has a significant role in several fields such as photovoltaic (PV) power production and micro grid management. The interest in solar radiation prediction is increasing nowadays so efficient prediction can greatly improve the performance of these different applications. This paper presents a novel solar radiation prediction approach which combines two models, the Auto Regressive Moving Average (ARMA) and the Nonlinear Auto Regressive with eXogenous input (NARX). This choice has been carried out in order to take the advantages of both models to produce better prediction results. The performance of the proposed hybrid model has been validated using a real database corresponding to a company located in Barcelona north. Simulation results have proven the effectiveness of this hybrid model to predict the weekly solar radiation averages. The ARMA model is suitable for small variations of solar radiation while the NARX model is appropriate for large solar radiation fluctuations.
Shaft Voltage Reduction Method Using Carrier Wave Phase Shift in IPMSM
Authors: Im Jun-Hyuk , Lee Yeol-Kyeong , Park Jun-Kyu , Hur Jin
Published: October 2021

Common-Mode Voltage (CMV) induces shaft voltage and bearing current due to the electrical interaction with the parasitic capacitance of the motor. CMV, shaft voltage, and bearing current are considered the major causes of bearing fault. Motor fault in a traction system poses a risk of accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the CMV and the shaft voltage to ensure the reliability of the bearing. However, some existing CMV reduction methods are based on asynchronized space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM), which will cause unacceptable harmonic distortion at a low switching frequency. Alternatively, some CMV reduction methods based on synchronized SVPWM burden the processor because they require a lot of calculation. In this paper, the method to reduce CMV and shaft voltage is proposed using carrier wave phase shift in SVPWM. CMV is explained in traditional SVPWM, and CMV is reduced by shifting the carrier wave phase of one phase. The simulation model is constructed through MATLAB/SIMULINK and Maxwell 2D/Twin Builder. Considering the proposed method, CMV, shaft voltage, and bearing current are analyzed by an equivalent circuit model. Moreover, the output torque behaviors with different input currents are analyzed through the simulation.
Degradation of Soft Epoxy Resin for Cable Penetrations Induced by Simulated Severe Accidents
Authors: Ohki Yoshimichi , Ishii Hiroyuki , Hirai Naoshi
Published: October 2021

To obtain the knowledge that contributes to the safer operation of nuclear power plants and their prompt recovery and termination in the event of an accident, soft epoxy resins with rubber-based additives—used as insulators and airtight sealants in electrical penetrations in nuclear power plants—were aged under several simulated severe accident environments with different conditions of heat, gamma rays, and exposure to superheated steam containing no oxygen. Then, changes in structural, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, and dielectric properties were examined. It has been found that this resin becomes hard as a result of cross-linking if aged by irradiation with gamma rays. Since the cross-linking slows down the molecular motions, the glass transition temperature increases, whereas the dielectric permittivity and the dielectric loss factor decrease unless the steam penetrates the sample. Although the sample melts and disappears if directly exposed to superheated steam at 171 °C or 200 °C, the irradiation with gamma rays conducted prior to the steam exposure can mitigate the hydrolysis induced by the steam. Although the soft epoxy resin shows drastic changes in various properties, its properties after the aging approach or exceed the corresponding ones of the non-degraded ordinary hard epoxy resin. Therefore, it seems that using soft epoxy resin according to its purposes would not be a problem.
Numerical Investigation of Performance Enhancement of the S809 Airfoil and Phase VI Wind Turbine Blade Using Co-Flow Jet Technology
Authors: Zhang Shunlei , Yang Xudong , Song Bifeng
Published: October 2021

Making full use of wind energy can effectively alleviate the global energy shortage and environment contamination problems. Nevertheless, how to significantly improve the performance of the wind turbine airfoil and blade is a crucial issue. As the novel flow control method, the co-flow jet (CFJ) technology is one of the most potential methods to solve this problem. Thus, the effects of the CFJ technology on the performance enhancement of the S809 airfoil and Phase VI wind turbine blade are explored in this study. Furthermore, the effects of the injection location and jet momentum coefficient are studied, and an adaptive jet momentum coefficient strategy of the CFJ technology is proposed. Results demonstrate that the CFJ technology can significantly improve the maximum lift coefficient and maximum corrected lift-to-drag ratio of the S809 airfoil. Moreover, the power coefficient of the Phase VI wind turbine blade at the low tip speed ratio is greatly enhanced as well. In particular, the maximum lift coefficient and maximum corrected lift-to-drag ratio of the typical S809 CFJ airfoil with adaptive Cμ are improved by 119.7% and 36.2%, respectively. The maximum power coefficient of CFJ blade can be increased by 4.5%, and the power coefficient of CFJ blade can be boosted by 226.7% when the tip speed ratio is 1.52.
The SERL Observatory Dataset: Longitudinal Smart Meter Electricity and Gas Data, Survey, EPC and Climate Data for over 13,000 Households in Great Britain
Authors: Webborn Ellen , Few Jessica , McKenna Eoghan , Elam Simon , Pullinger Martin , Anderson Ben , Shipworth David , Oreszczyn Tadj
Published: October 2021

The Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL) Observatory dataset described here comprises half-hourly and daily electricity and gas data, SERL survey data, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) input data and 24 local hourly climate reanalysis variables from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for over 13,000 households in Great Britain (GB). Participants were recruited in September 2019, September 2020 and January 2021 and their smart meter data are collected from up to one year prior to sign up. Data collection will continue until at least August 2022, and longer if funding allows. Survey data relating to the dwelling, appliances, household demographics and attitudes were collected at sign up. Data are linked at the household level and UK-based academic researchers can apply for access within a secure virtual environment for research projects in the public interest. This is a data descriptor paper describing how the data were collected, the variables available and the representativeness of the sample compared to national estimates. It is intended to be a guide for researchers working with or considering using the SERL Observatory dataset, or simply looking to learn more about it.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using a Biosurfactant from Bacillus cereus UCP 1615 as Stabilizing Agent and Its Application as an Antifungal Agent
Authors: Durval Italo José Batista , Meira Hugo Morais , de Veras Bruno Oliveira , Rufino Raquel Diniz , Converti Attilio , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora
Published: October 2021

Silver nanoparticles have great potential in a wide range of applications. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to synthesize, in a simple and green way, via the Tollens method, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using as a stabilizer the biosurfactant produced by Bacillus cereus UCP 1615 cultivated in a low-cost medium, with waste frying oil as a substrate. The obtained nanoparticles were identified and morphologically characterized using ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zeta potential. The maximum UV/vis absorption was observed at 400 nm for newly formed silver nanoparticles, while, for silver nanoparticles stored for 120 days, the peak was observed at 430 nm. SEM micrographs confirmed the formation of nanoparticles, with predominantly spherical structures. The average size of the formed nanoparticles was estimated to be 20 nm. The presence of the biosurfactant promoted stability, as a zeta potential of −23.4 mV was observed. The antimicrobial potential of AgNPs was evaluated at different concentrations against three pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium fellutanum, and Cladosporium cladosporioides). No less than 100% and 85% inhibitions of P. fellutanum and A. niger growth were observed, respectively, at the AgNP concentration of 16.50 µg/mL in potato dextrose agar medium. These results suggest the potential use of the biosurfactant as a stabilizer for silver nanoparticles and its application as an antimicrobial agent.
Enhancing the Quality of Total Mixed Ration Containing Cottonseed or Rapeseed Meal by Optimization of Fermentation Conditions
Authors: Yusuf Hassan Ali , Piao Minyu , Ma Tao , Huo Ruiying , Tu Yan
Published: October 2021

Cottonseed meal (CSM) and rapeseed meal (RSM) are protein sources in livestock feed. However, the applications of both ingredients are limited in diets due to the existence of anti-nutritional factors such as free gossypol and glucosinolate. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal fermentation conditions for reducing anti-nutritional factors and increasing the nutritional value of fermented total mixed rations containing cottonseed or rapeseed meal. An orthogonal design L9 (34) was performed to optimize the fermentation conditions, including fermentation time, temperature, moisture content and microbial strain. Optimum fermentation conditions were performed using different fermentation times (48, 60, 72 h), fermentation temperatures (28 °C, 32 °C, 36 °C), moisture content (40%, 50%, 60%) and microbial inoculations (1 = Bacillus clausii with 1 × 109 CFU/kg DM for CSM or 1 × 1010 CFU/kg DM for RSM; 2 = Saccharomyces cariocanus with 5 × 109 CFU/kg DM; 3 = mixed strain (B. clausii:S. cariocanus ratio 1:1). The results show that the concentration of free gossypol content was reduced (p < 0.05), while the crude protein content was increased (p < 0.05) in CSM through optimum fermentation conditions: time 60 h; temperature 32 °C; moisture content 50% and inoculated with B. clausii (1 × 109 CFU/kg DM) as well as S. cariocanus (5 × 109 CFU/kg DM). Likewise, the concentration of glucosinolate was lowered (p < 0.05) and the crude protein was increased (p < 0.05) in RSM through optimum fermentation conditions: time 60 h; temperature 28 °C; moisture 50% and inoculated with B. clausii (1 × 1010 CFU/kg DM) as well as S. cariocanus (5 × 109 CFU/kg DM). Our findings indicate that the optimal fermentation conditions of total mixed rations with cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal enhance the nutritional value, thereby making them viable and usable feedstuffs for potential use in livestock industries.
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Sheep Manure and Waste from a Potato Processing Factory: Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: González Rubén , Blanco Daniel , Cascallana José García , Carrillo-Peña Daniela , Gómez Xiomar
Published: October 2021

Anaerobic co-digestion of sheep manure and potato waste was studied under batch and semi-continuous conditions. Biochemical methane potential tests were carried out for the different substrates before evaluating co-digestion at high-solid content. The reactors presented stable performance under mesophilic conditions, at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.5–4.0 kg VS/m3 and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of approximately 20 days. Increasing the OLR of semi-continuous reactors decreased the methane yield and degradation efficiency of the digestion. Methane-specific production was in the range of 196 and 467 mL CH4/g vs. (sheep manure system and co-digestion, respectively). Based on the experimental data obtained, a techno-economic study was performed for wet and solid-state fermentation systems, with the first configuration presenting better results. The economic feasibility of the hypothetical plant was analyzed considering the variability in electricity and compost selling prices. The economic feasibility of the plant was determined with an electricity selling price of EUR 0.25/kWh, and assuming a centralized plant serving several farmers. Still, this price was considered excessive, given the current electricity market values.
Effects of Pressure Level and Time Treatment of High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) on Inulin Gelation and Properties of Obtained Hydrogels
Authors: Florowska Anna , Florowski Tomasz , Sokołowska Barbara , Adamczak Lech , Szymańska Iwona
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the influence of different HHP levels (150 and 300 MPa) and time treatment (5, 10, 20 min) on the gelation and properties of hydrogels with different inulin concentration (15, 20, 25 g/100 g). High-pressure treatment, in tested ranges, induces inulin gels and allows obtaining gel structures even at a lowest tested inulin content (i.e., 15 g/100 g). Selecting the pressure parameters, it is possible to modify the characteristics of the created hydrogels. The use of higher pressure (i.e., 300 MPa) allows to increase the stability of the hydrogels and change their structure to more compressed, which results in higher yield stress, lower spreadability, harder and more adhesive structure. For example, increasing the inulin gelling induction pressure (concentration 20 g/100 g) from 150 to 300 MPa with a time treatment of 10 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 38.1 to 711.7 Pa, spreadability force from 0.59 to 4.59 N, firmness from 0.11 to 1.46 N, and adhesiveness from −0.06 to −0.65 N. Extending the time treatment of HHP increases this effect, but mainly when higher pressure and a higher concentration of inulin are being used. For example, extension of time treatment at 300 MPa pressure from 5 to 20 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 774.8 to 1273.8 Pa, spreadability force from 6.28 to 8.43 N, firmness from 1.87 to 2.98 N, and adhesiveness from −0.94 to −1.27 N. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using HHP to create inulin hydrogels tailored to the characteristics in a specific food product.
Integrated Metabolomics and Volatolomics for Comparative Evaluation of Fermented Soy Products
Authors: Lee Sang-Hee , Lee Sunmin , Lee Seung-Hwa , Kim Hae-Jin , Singh Digar , Lee Choong-Hwan
Published: October 2021

Though varying metabolomes are believed to influence distinctive characteristics of different soy foods, an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of both soluble and volatile metabolites is largely unreported. The metabolite profiles of different soy products, including cheonggukjang, meju, doenjang, and raw soybean, were characterized using LC-MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry), GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) GC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the datasets for the cheonggukjang, meju, and doenjang extracts were distinguished from the non-fermented soybean across PC1, while those for cheonggukjang and doenjang were separated across PC2. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles were clearly distinct among doenjang and soybean, cheonggukjang, and meju samples. Notably, the relative contents of the isoflavone glycosides and DDMP (2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one) conjugated soyasaponins were higher in soybean and cheonggukjang, compared to doenjang, while the isoflavone aglycones, non-DDMP conjugated soyasaponins, and amino acids were significantly higher in doenjang. Most VOCs, including the sulfur containing compounds aldehydes, esters, and furans, were relatively abundant in doenjang. However, pyrazines, 3-methylbutanoic acid, maltol, and methoxyphenol were higher in cheonggukjang, which contributed to the characteristic aroma of soy foods. We believe that this study provides the fundamental insights on soy food metabolomes, which determine their nutritional, functional, organoleptic, and aroma characteristics.
Effect of the Manufacturing Process on the Microbiota, Organoleptic Properties and Volatilome of Three Salmon-Based Products
Authors: Wiernasz Norman , Gigout Frédérique , Cardinal Mireille , Cornet Josiane , Rohloff Jens , Courcoux Philippe , Vigneau Evelyne , Skírnisdottír Sigurlaug , Passerini Delphine , Pilet Marie-France , Leroi Françoise
Published: October 2021

Lightly preserved seafood products, such as cold-smoked fish and fish gravlax, are traditionally consumed in Europe and are of considerable economic importance. This work aimed to compare three products that were obtained from the same batch of fish: cold-smoked salmon (CSS) stored under vacuum packaging (VP) or a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and VP salmon dill gravlax (SG). Classical microbiological analyses and 16S rRNA metabarcoding, biochemical analyses (trimethylamine, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), biogenic amines, pH, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) and sensory analyses (quantitative descriptive analysis) were performed on each product throughout their storage at a chilled temperature. The three products shared the same initial microbiota, which were mainly dominated by Photobacterium, Lactococcus and Lactobacillus genera. On day 28, the VP CSS ecosystem was mainly composed of Photobacterium and, to a lesser extent, Lactococcus and Lactobacillus genera, while Lactobacillus was dominant in the MAP CSS. The diversity was higher in the SG, which was mainly dominated by Enterobacteriaceae, Photobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus. Although the sensory spoilage was generally weak, gravlax was the most perishable product (slight increase in amine and acidic off-odors and flavors, fatty appearance, slight discoloration and drop in firmness), followed by the VP CSS, while the MAP CSS did not spoil. Spoilage was associated with an increase in the TVBN, biogenic amines and spoilage associated VOCs, such as decanal, nonanal, hexadecanal, benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2,3-butanediol, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-butanone and 1-octen-3-one. This study showed that the processing and packaging conditions both had an effect on the microbial composition and the quality of the final product.
Rheological and Pipe Flow Properties of Chocolate Masses at Different Temperatures
Authors: Kumbár Vojtěch , Kouřilová Veronika , Dufková Renáta , Votava Jiří , Hřivna Luděk
Published: October 2021

Chocolate masses are one of the basic raw materials for the production of confectionery. Knowledge of their rheological and flow behaviour at different temperatures is absolutely necessary for the selection of a suitable technological process in their production and subsequent processing. In this article, the rheological properties (the effect of the shear strain rate on the shear stress or viscosity) of five different chocolate masses were determined—extra dark chocolate (EDC), dark chocolate (DC), milk chocolate (MC), white chocolate (WC), and ruby chocolate (RC). These chocolate masses showed thixotropic and plastic behaviour in the selected range of shear rates from 1 to 500 s−1 and at the specified temperatures of 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 °C. The degree of thixotropic behaviour was evaluated by the size of the hysteresis area, and flow curves were constructed using the Bingham, Herschel–Bulkley and Casson models with respect to the plastic behaviour of the chocolate masses. According to the values of the coefficients of determination R2 and the sum of the squared estimate of errors (SSE), the models were chosen appropriately. The most suitable models are the Herschel–Bulkley and Casson models, which also model the shear thinning property of the liquids (pseudoplastic with a yield stress value). Using the coefficients of the rheological models and modified equations for the flow velocity of technical and biological fluids in standard piping, the 2D and 3D velocity profiles of the chocolate masses were further successfully modelled. The obtained values of coefficients and models can be used in conventional technical practice in the design of technological equipment structures and in current trends in the food industry, such as 3D food printing.
Sensory Traits and Consumer’s Perceived Quality of Traditional and Modern Fresh Market Tomato Varieties: A Study in Three European Countries
Authors: Sinesio Fiorella , Cammareri Maria , Cottet Valentine , Fontanet Lilian , Jost Michel , Moneta Elisabetta , Palombieri Samuela , Peparaio Marina , Romero del Castillo Roser , Saggia Civitelli Eleonora , Spigno Patrizia , Vitiello Antonella , Navez Brigitte , Casals Joan , Causse Mathilde , Granell Antonio , Grandillo Silvana
Published: October 2021

Consumer dissatisfaction with the flavor quality of many modern fresh market tomato varieties has fostered breeders’ interest in sensory quality improvement, and the demand for traditional varieties, which are generally associated with better flavor. To achieve further knowledge on the factors influencing the sensory quality and consumers’ preferences and perception, European traditional and modern fresh market tomato varieties were grown and evaluated in France, Italy, and Spain. Different growing conditions were tested in France (soilless vs. soil) and in Spain (open field vs. greenhouse), while in Italy fruits were evaluated at two ripening stages. Fruit quality was assessed by integrating physicochemical analyses, sensory profiles, and consumer tests. In all three countries, overall modern varieties were perceived as having more intense “tomato flavor” and “overall flavor” than traditional ones. In France and Spain, consumers’ preferences were more oriented towards modern varieties than traditional ones. Significant growing condition effects were found on sensory and physicochemical traits, while the effect on consumers’ overall liking was not significant, largely depending on the genotype. A fair agreement between product configurations from descriptive analysis by trained assessors and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questions by consumers was observed. Penalty-lift analysis based on CATA allowed identifying positive and negative drivers of liking.
Extrusion Processing Modifications of a Dog Kibble at Large Scale Alter Levels of Starch Available to Animal Enzymatic Digestion
Authors: Corsato Alvarenga Isabella , Keller Lewis C. , Waldy Christopher , Aldrich Charles G.
Published: October 2021

The objective of the present work was to produce dog foods from a single recipe at three levels of resistant starch (RS). The low (LS), medium (MS), and high shear (HS) foods were produced on a single-screw extruder at target screw speeds of 250, 375 and 460 rpm, respectively, and with increasing in-barrel moisture as shear decreased. Post-production, kibble measurements and starch analyses were conducted. Kibble parameters were compared by ANOVA with significance noted at p < 0.05 with a single degree of freedom orthogonal contrasts for extrusion outputs, starch analyses, and viscosity (RVA). The MS and LS kibbles exiting the extruder were denser and less expanded (p < 0.05) than the HS treatment. Resistant starch, starch cook, and raw:cooked starch RVA AUC increased linearly as shear decreased. These results confirmed that lower mechanical energy processes led to decreased starch gelatinization and greater retention of in vitro RS.
Nutritional Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile of Shortcrust Cookies Supplemented by Edible Flowers
Authors: Šťastná Kristýna , Sumczynski Daniela , Yalcin Erkan
Published: October 2021

In this study, the changes in nutritional composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in free and bound fractions of shortcrust cookies were investigated. By incorporating ingredients such as kamut, matcha tea, dried mango and jasmine flowers, the contents of crude and neutral-detergent fibre reached up to 2.0% and 5.0%, respectively. Similar increments were observed in phenolic compound contents and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity values. Concerning cookies supplemented with matcha tea, the total phenolic compound content raised from 1.0 to 4.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and the antioxidant activity value increased from 0.5 to 5.7 mg trolox equivalent/g on a dry weight basis. For determining the antioxidant activity values in water-soluble and insoluble phenolic fractions of the cookies, a photochemiluminiscence assay was separately applied, and they were found up to 0.8 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g and 3.2 mg trolox equivalent/g, respectively. The main phenolic compounds in all supplemented cookies were neochlorogenic, gallic and vanillic acids.
Effect of Microbial Fermentation on the Fishy-Odor Compounds in Kelp (Laminaria japonica)
Authors: Zhu Wenyang , Jiang Bo , Zhong Fang , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2021

Kelp (Laminaria japonica) is an important marine resource with low cost and rich nutrition. However, its fishy odor has compromised consumer acceptance. In this study, the effects of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum FSB7, Pediococcus pentosaceus CICC 21862 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SK1.008 on fishy notes in kelp was studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and odor activity values (OAVs). Forty-four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in unfermented kelp, most of which were aldehydes, followed by alkanes, alcohols and ketones. Among them were 19 volatile compounds with OAV greater than one. Substances containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyl structure (1-Octen-3-one, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, etc.) are the main contributors to kelp fishy odor. The number of VOCs in kelp samples fermented by L. plantarum, P. pentosaceus and S. cerevisiae were decreased to 22, 24 and 34, respectively. GC-IMS shows that the fingerprint of the S. cerevisiae fermented sample had the most obvious changes. The disappearance of 1-octen-3-one and a 91% decrease in unsaturated aldehydes indicate that S. cerevisiae was the most effective, while L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus only reached 43–55%. The decrease in kelp fishy notes was related to the decrease in α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups. The experimental results show that odor reduction with fermentation is feasible.
Progenitors of Long-Duration Gamma-ray Bursts
Authors: Roy Arpita
Published: October 2021

We review the current scenario of long-duration Gamma-ray burst (LGRB) progenitors, and in addition, present models of massive stars for a mass range of 10–150M⊙ with ΔM=10M⊙ and rotation rate v/vcrit=0 to 0.6 with a velocity resolution Δv/vcrit=0.1. We further discuss possible metallicity and rotation rate distribution from our models that might be preferable for the creation of successful LGRB candidates given the observed LGRB rates and their metallicity evolution. In the current understanding, LGRBs are associated with Type-Ic supernovae (SNe). To establish LGRB-SN correlation, we discuss three observational paths: (i) space-time coincidence, (ii) evidence from photometric light curves of LGRB afterglows and SN Type-Ic, (iii) spectroscopic study of both LGRB afterglow and SN. Superluminous SNe are also believed to have the same origin as LGRBs. Therefore, we discuss constraints on the progenitor parameters that can possibly dissociate these two events from a theoretical perspective. We further discuss the scenario of single star versus binary star as a more probable pathway to create LGRBs. Given the limited parameter space in the mass, mass ratio and separation between the two components in a binary, binary channel is less likely to create LGRBs to match the observed LGRB rate. Despite effectively-single massive stars are fewer in number compared to interacting binaries, their chemically homogeneous evolution (CHE) might be the major channel for LGRB production.
Evaluating Spatial Regression-Informed Cokriging of Metals in Soils near Abandoned Mines in Bumpus Cove, Tennessee, USA
Authors: Magno Melissa , Luffman Ingrid , Nandi Arpita
Published: October 2021

Inorganic contaminants, including potentially toxic metals (PTMs), originating from un-reclaimed abandoned mine areas may accumulate in soils and present significant distress to environmental and public health. The ability to generate realistic spatial distribution models of such contamination is important for risk assessment and remedial planning of sites where this has occurred. This study evaluated the prediction accuracy of optimized ordinary kriging compared to spatial regression-informed cokriging for PTMs (Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in soils near abandoned mines in Bumpus Cove, Tennessee, USA. Cokriging variables and neighborhood sizes were systematically selected from prior statistical analyses based on the association with PTM transport and soil physico-chemical properties (soil texture, moisture content, bulk density, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total organic carbon (TOC)). A log transform was applied to fit the frequency histograms to a normal distribution. Superior models were chosen based on six diagnostics (ME, RMS, MES, RMSS, ASE, and ASE-RMS), which produced mixed results. Cokriging models were preferred for Mn, Zn, Cu, and Cd, whereas ordinary kriging yielded better model results for Pb. This study determined that the preliminary process of developing spatial regression models, thus enabling the selection of contributing soil properties, can improve the interpolation accuracy of PTMs in abandoned mine sites.
Can Empathy Help Individuals and Society? Through the Lens of Volunteering and Mental Health
Authors: Chung Yang Woon , Im Seunghee , Kim Jung Eun
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Empathy affects an individual’s decision to participate in volunteering, and volunteering, in turn, influences mental health. Intriguingly, studies have been limited in exploring underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions for the relationship between empathy and mental health. Furthermore, volunteering studies have overlooked the multi-dimensionality of empathy. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute to extant literature by investigating the mediating effect of volunteering for the relationships between cognitive and affective empathy and mental health and the moderating effect of gender for the relationship between empathy and volunteering. (2) Methods; Data were collected using a survey in South Korea and consisted of 301 full-time employees who voluntarily engaged in their corporate volunteer programs. Furthermore, they voluntarily participated in the study. The hypotheses were tested with path analysis and a group comparison was also conducted. (3) Results: Volunteering was found to mediate the relationships between cognitive empathy and affective empathy with mental health. In addition, gender moderated the relationship between empathy and volunteering. (4) Conclusions: As the study found empathy to increase individuals’ engaging in volunteering activities which then improved mental health, the study supports extant theoretical frameworks on empathy and volunteering. Moreover, the study found gender differences on empathy and volunteering; thereby supporting and contributing to extant literature.
Telehealth and COVID-19: Empowering Standards of Management for Patients Affected by Phenylketonuria and Hyperphenylalaninemia
Authors: Rovelli Valentina , Zuvadelli Juri , Paci Sabrina , Ercoli Vittoria , Re Dionigi Alice , Selmi Raed , Salvatici Elisabetta , Cefalo Graziella , Banderali Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) are inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) due to mutations in the PAH gene resulting in increased blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations. Depending on the Phe levels, a lifelong dietary intervention may be needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new strategies to ensure follow-up and metabolic control for such patients became mandatory and telehealth was identified as the most eligible tool to provide care and assistance beyond barriers. The aim of this study was to evaluate how telehealth use may have impacted disease follow-ups. Seven hundred and fifty-five patients affected by PKU/HPA in follow-ups at the Clinical Department of Pediatrics (San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Italy) were included in this study. The data regarding the used telehealth model, type of performed consultations and patients’ perspectives were retrospectively collected and analyzed after a one-year experience of implemented follow-ups. The results demonstrated that telehealth seemed to be a useful tool to improve the adherence to treatment and that it could guarantee continuous assistance and care beyond the surrounding epidemiological status. Patients expressed great satisfaction with the offered services and requested that they were implemented in standards of care on a long-term basis. Our results suggested the implementation of telehealth in the management guidelines for PKU/HPA patients.
Social Media Usage among Dental Undergraduate Students—A Comparative Study
Authors: Uma Eswara , Nieminen Pentti , Mani Shani Ann , John Jacob , Haapanen Emilia , Laitala Marja-Liisa , Lappalainen Olli-Pekka , Varghase Eby , Arora Ankita , Kaur Kanwardeep
Published: October 2021

Social media use among students has infiltrated into dental education and offers benefits but may also cause problems. The aim of this study was to explore and compare current social media usage among dental undergraduate students from two countries—Malaysia and Finland. A self-administered structured online questionnaire was used. WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat were the services that were most familiar to the respondents from both countries. There were differences between the students from the two countries among the most preferred platforms. The most frequently used applications were WhatsApp (91.1% of students in Malaysia and 96.1% in Finland used it very frequently) and Instagram (74.3% of students in Malaysia and 70.0% in Finland used it very frequently). Students in Malaysia spent significantly more hours per week using the platforms as study tools than students in Finland. Over 80% of the Finnish dental students reported that lack of knowledge was not an issue in social media usage, while 85% of Malaysian students felt that lack of knowledge prevented them from using social media platforms frequently. The findings offer evidence that dental students used social media extensively.
A New Tool for an Awareness Plan Concerning Critical Issues, Needs and Attitudes of Citizens on the Use of Medicines
Authors: Pittau Barbara , Palla Piergiorgio , Pettinau Francesca , Mastino Antonio
Published: October 2021

This article describes a pilot study to test the adequacy of a newly developed tool for an awareness plan on the importance of properly using pharmaceuticals. The new tool consists of face-to-face interviews with adult citizens on their approach to the use of medicines and of the following data analysis with a dedicated software application. The pilot study was carried out in a sample area of Sardinia, in Italy. The data from the interviews collected anonymously and analysed in aggregate actually emphasised the critical issues and needs in the use of pharmaceuticals in the sample area involved, also encouraging communication among different actors. The pilot study revealed that the designed tool could represent a novel strategy to stimulate interchanges of information on the proper use of pharmaceuticals with a potential impact on people’s health.
The Ottomans and the Greek Landscape: The Perception of Landscape in Greece by the Ottomans and Its Impact on the Architectural and Landscape Design
Authors: Moraitis Konstantinos , Kontolaimos Panagiotis , Iliopoulou Filio
Published: October 2021

The current research examines the transformation of the rural and urban landscape during the Ottoman Period across modern Greek territory and the relationship between those changes and the cultural as well as political perceptions of the Ottoman elites, from roughly 1400 to 1800. The study embraces the view of the importance of the landscape as a crucial factor in the birth and development of civilizations and it attempts to confirm this view by projecting it in intentional examples of organization of the built space in Greece, focusing, as already mentioned, on the Ottoman period. Those aforementioned examples highlight the influence of the political and cultural trends in the Ottoman court on specific landscape formations, which reflect the social structure of the Ottoman Empire and constitute at the same time, the spatial inscription of all political decisions. The methodology adopted in this research with regards to the exploration of the relationship between the building units and the natural surroundings in the selected case studies is based on the theoretical investigation of the cultural background of the Ottomans and their association to the Byzantine heritage, supplemented by in situ research in thoroughly selected case studies across Greece. The results of this combined methodological toolset attested to the fact that the Ottomans, through the use of spatial and cultural elements deriving either from their oriental background or from the local established ones, altered the spatial qualities of their surroundings in a way that the emerging political ideologies, the financial power, and the imperial glory of the Ottomans were manifested into the landscape.
Phytochemicals and Volatiles in Developing Pelargonium ‘Endsleigh’ Flowers
Authors: Negro Carmine , Dimita Rosanna , Min Allah Samar , Miceli Antonio , Luvisi Andrea , Blando Federica , De Bellis Luigi , Accogli Rita
Published: October 2021

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) have been the subject of many studies concerning essential oil, unlike the edible flowers of scent Pelargonium despite the beneficial properties of chemical compounds present in such organ and the fragrances produced. Therefore, we investigated organic compounds, total phenols and the antioxidant activity of the flowers with particular attention to the volatile compounds emitted by flowers of Pelargonium ‘Endsleigh’ at three stages of development. We identified several major phenols and organic compounds that revealed significative difference compared with other Pelargonium flowers, and employing the solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) methodology we determined that the production of volatile compounds decreases during the flower development. In addition, the emission of volatiles is accomplished mainly by the sepals. In conclusion, to use Pelargonium ‘Endsleigh’ flowers, it is important in ensuring that they have not yet opened and that the sepals are in place.
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Field-Grown and In Vitro Leaves, and Calluses in Blackberry and Blueberry
Authors: Kolarević Tijana , Milinčić Danijel D. , Vujović Tatjana , Gašić Uroš M. , Prokić Ljiljana , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Cerović Radosav , Stanojevic Sladjana P. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and profile of the phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant properties of field-grown leaves, in vitro leaves and in vitro callus cultures of the blackberry ‘Čačanska Bestrna’ and blueberry ‘Toro’. In vitro shoots of the selected genotypes were grown either on original Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L IBA and 0.1 mg/L GA3 (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or on MS medium with macroelements reduced to ½, 2 mg/L zeatin and 0.2 mg/L IAA (‘Toro’). Callus cultures were induced from in vitro leaves and established on MS medium with 2 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L 2,4-D (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or MS medium with half strength macroelements, 2 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L NAA (‘Toro’). Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were the highest in blueberry leaves, whereas low TPC and TFC values were obtained in callus cultures of both cultivars. A higher content of PCs in blueberry leaves compared to blackberry leaves was determined by the UHPLC-DAD MS/MS technique. Quercetin derivatives and phenolic acids were the dominant PCs in the leaves of both berries, whereas gallocatechin was present in a significant amount in blueberry leaves. Callus cultures of both berries had a specific PC profile, with none detected in the leaves except quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Blackberry leaves showed the best antioxidant properties as estimated by ferric reducing power (FRP), ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity assays. Callus cultures of both berries exhibited three to five times lower ABTS•+ and ten to seventeen times lower DPPH• scavenging activity compared to corresponding leaves. The analyzed leaves and callus cultures can be a good source of PCs with good antioxidant properties and specific phenolics, respectively, for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.