bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications: An Overview
Authors: Sarfraz Jawad , Gulin-Sarfraz Tina , Nilsen-Nygaard Julie , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg
Published: December 2020

There is a strong drive in industry for packaging solutions that contribute to sustainable development by targeting a circular economy, which pivots around the recyclability of the packaging materials. The aim is to reduce traditional plastic consumption and achieve high recycling efficiency while maintaining the desired barrier and mechanical properties. In this domain, packaging materials in the form of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) can offer the desired functionalities and can be a potential replacement for complex multilayered polymer structures. There has been an increasing interest in nanocomposites for food packaging applications, with a five-fold rise in the number of published articles during the period 2010–2019. The barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties of the polymers can be significantly improved by incorporating low concentrations of nanofillers. Furthermore, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties can be introduced, which are very relevant for food packaging applications. In this review, we will present an overview of the nanocomposite materials for food packaging applications. We will briefly discuss different nanofillers, methods to incorporate them in the polymer matrix, and surface treatments, with a special focus on the barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. On the practical side migration issues, consumer acceptability, recyclability, and toxicity aspects will also be discussed.
Micronutrients and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Related to Cardiometabolic Health: Results from the EHES-LUX Study
Authors: Ruiz-Castell Maria , Le Coroller Gwenaëlle , Landrier Jean-Francois , Kerkour Djedgiga , Weber Bernard , Fagherazzi Guy , Appenzeller Brice M. R. , Vaillant Michel , Bohn Torsten
Published: December 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics include chronic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. This study assessed associations between circulating concentrations of micronutrients/phytochemicals and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers with MetS and MetS components. Adults (N = 606) from the European Health Examination Survey in Luxembourg (2013–2015) were randomly selected. We performed a multivariable logistic regression model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to identify MetS-associated variables. Participants with MetS had higher concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, leptin, insulin, and vitamins E/A, but lower concentrations of adiponectin, beta-carotene, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. A one-unit increase in log-CRP was associated with 51% greater odds of MetS (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.98)). Adults with a one-unit increase in log-leptin were 3.1 times more likely to have MetS (3.10 (2.10, 4.72)). Women with a one-unit increase in vitamin A were associated with 3% increased odds of MetS (1.03 (1.01, 1.05)), while those with a one-unit increase in log-adiponectin were associated with 82% decreased odds (0.18 (0.07, 0.46)). Chronic inflammation best characterized adults with MetS, as CRP, adiponectin, and leptin were selected as the main MetS determinants. Micronutrients did not seem to affect MetS, except for vitamin A in women.
Fibre Intake Is Associated with Cardiovascular Health in European Children
Authors: Larrosa Susana , Luque Veronica , Grote Veit , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo , Ferré Natalia , Koletzko Berthold , Verduci Elvira , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Xhonneux Annick , Escribano Joaquin
Published: December 2020

Background: We aimed at analysing the association between dietary fibre intake during childhood and cardiovascular health markers. Methods: We used observational longitudinal analysis and recorded diet using 3-day diaries at the ages of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 years in children from the EU Childhood Obesity Project Trial. At the age of 8, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and biochemical analyses (lipoproteins, triglycerides and homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) were evaluated. Those parameters were combined into a cardiometabolic risk score through the sum of their internal z-scores. Results: Four-hundred children (51.8% girls) attended to the 8-year visit with a 3-day diary. Adjusted linear regression models showed that children who repeatedly stayed in the lowest tertile of fibre intake during childhood had higher HOMA-IR (p = 0.004), higher cardiometabolic risk score (p = 0.02) and a nonsignificant trend toward a higher SBP at 8 years. The higher the dietary intake of soluble fibre (from fruits and vegetables) at 8 years, the lower the HOMA-IR and the cardiometabolic risk score (p = 0.002; p = 0.004). SBP was directly associated with fibre from potatoes and inversely with fibre from nuts and pulses. Conclusion: A diet rich in dietary fibre from fruits, vegetables, pulses and nuts from early childhood was associated to a healthier cardiovascular profile, regardless of children’s weight.
Diet, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Mental Distress among Young and Mature Men and Women: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Begdache Lina , Sadeghzadeh Saloumeh , Derose Gia , Abrams Cassandra
Published: December 2020

Customization of mental health therapies needs to consider the differences in degree of brain maturity between young (18–29 years) and mature (30 years or older) adults as well as brain morphology among men and women. The aim of this study was to identify the significant dietary and lifestyle contributors to mental distress in these sub-populations. Independent repeated cross-sectional sampling was performed for over a 5-year period (2014–2019) to collect data from different populations at different time-points and seasons. A backward stepwise regression analysis was used on 2628 records. Mental distress in young women was associated with high consumption of caffeine and fast-food, and it was negatively correlated with moderate-high levels of exercise as well as frequent breakfast consumption. Mature women shared several common factors with young women; however, high fruit consumption was negatively associated with mental distress. For young men, high exercise, moderate consumption of dairy, and moderate-high intake of meat were negatively associated with mental distress. In addition, high fast-food and caffeine consumption were positively associated with mental distress in young men. For mature men, strong negative associations between higher education, moderate intake of nuts and mental distress surfaced. Our results support the need to customize dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve mental wellbeing.
Protective Effects of Fermented Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) on Sodium Iodate-Induced Retinal Damage
Authors: Kim Ha-Rim , Kim Sol , Lee Sang-Wang , Sin Hong-Sig , Kim Seon-Young
Published: December 2020

Diseases of the outer retina, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are major cause of permanent visual damage. The pathogenesis of AMD involves oxidative stress and damage of the retinal pigment epithelium. Capsicum annuum L. (paprika) fruits have been known as a source of vitamins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and metabolites with a well-known antioxidant activity, which have positive effects on human health and protection against AMD and cataracts. In this study, we investigated whether paprika (fermented (FP), yellow, and orange colored) fermented with Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum could increase the protective effect of retinal degeneration using in vitro and in vivo models. FP significantly increased cell survival and reduced levels of lactate dehydrogenase as well as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase in SI (sodium iodate, NaIO3)-treated human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. We developed a model of retinal damage in C57BL/6 mice using SI (30 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. Seven days after SI administration, deformation and a decrease in thickness were observed in the outer nuclear layer, but improved by FP treatment. FP administration protected the SI-mediated reduction of superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in the serum and ocular tissues of mice. The overproduction of cleaved poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP)1, caspase-3 and -8 proteins were significantly protected by FP in SI-treated cells and ocular tissues. In addition, we evaluated the potentiating effects of FP on antioxidants and their underlying mechanisms in RAW 264.7 cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite increase was markedly blocked by FP treatment in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, FP reduced LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 activation. The FP also enhanced the inhibitory effects on mitogen activated kinase signaling protein activation in ARPE-19 and RAW 264.7 cells and ocular tissues. There was no significant difference in total phenol and flavonoid content in paprika by fermentation, but the vitamin C content was increased in orange colored paprika, and protective effect against oxidative stress-mediated retinal damage was enhanced after fermentation. These results suggest that FP may be a potential candidate to protect against retinal degenerative diseases through the regulation of oxidative stress.
Hypoalbuminemia on Admission as an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Functional Decline after Infection
Authors: Nakano Hidehiko , Hashimoto Hideki , Mochizuki Masaki , Naraba Hiromu , Takahashi Yuji , Sonoo Tomohiro , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: December 2020

The risk of acute functional decline increases with age, and concepts including frailty and post-acute care syndrome have been proposed; however, the effects of the nutritional status currently remain unclear. Patients admitted to the emergency department of Hitachi General Hospital for infectious diseases between April 2018 and May 2019 were included. To identify risk factors for functional decline at discharge, defined as Barthel Index <60, we investigated basic characteristics, such as age, sex, disease severity, the pre-morbid care status, and cognitive impairment, as well as laboratory data on admission, including albumin as a nutritional assessment indicator. In total, 460 surviving patients out of 610 hospitalized for infection were analyzed. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with Barthel Index <60 at discharge were age (adjusted OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.06, p = 0.022), serum albumin (adjusted OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.41–0.99, p = 0.043), and the need for care prior to admission (adjusted OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 3.15–11.15, p < 0.001). Hypoalbuminemia on admission in addition to age and the need for care prior to admission were identified as risk factors for functional decline in patients hospitalized for infection. Functional decline did not correlate with the severity of illness.
Timely Initiation of Breast Feeding and Associated Factors among Caesarian Section Delivered Mothers in Health Facilities of Dessie City Administration, North Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Roza , Tadesse Sisay Eshete , Mekonnen Tefera Chane , Zerga Aregash Abebayehu
Published: December 2020

Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among cesarean section delivered mothers. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 421 systematically selected mothers from February to June, 2017. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi Data and SPSS version 24. Binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. Result: The magnitude of timely initiation of breast feeding (among mothers who gave birth by cesarean section was 57%. Counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.80, 6.13), facility where cesarean section (CS) was performed (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.14), and post-CS counseling (AOR = 6.93; 95% CI: 3.99, 12.02) were factors that contributed for the practice of timely initiation among cesarean section delivered mothers. Conclusions: The magnitude of TIBF was good. Counseling during ANC, the facility where CS was performed and post-natal advice were factors associated with TIBF. Implementation of baby-friendly hospital initiatives should be strengthened in order to promote timely initiation of breast feeding.
Improved Detection Criteria for Detecting Drug-Drug Interaction Signals Using the Proportional Reporting Ratio
Authors: Noguchi Yoshihiro , Aoyama Keisuke , Kubo Satoaki , Tachi Tomoya , Teramachi Hitomi
Published: December 2020

There is a current demand for “safety signal” screening, not only for single drugs but also for drug-drug interactions. The detection of drug-drug interaction signals using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) has been reported, such as through using the combination risk ratio (CRR). However, the CRR does not consider the overlap between the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the PRR of concomitant-use drugs and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the PRR of single drugs. In this study, we proposed the concomitant signal score (CSS), with the improved detection criteria, to overcome the issues associated with the CRR. “Hypothetical” true data were generated through a combination of signals detected using three detection algorithms. The signal detection accuracy of the analytical model under investigation was verified using machine learning indicators. The CSS presented improved signal detection when the number of reports was ≥3, with respect to the following metrics: accuracy (CRR: 0.752 → CSS: 0.817), Youden’s index (CRR: 0.555 → CSS: 0.661), and F-measure (CRR: 0.780 → CSS: 0.820). The proposed model significantly improved the accuracy of signal detection for drug-drug interactions using the PRR.
PD-L1 Targeting Immune-Microbubble Complex Enhances Therapeutic Index in Murine Colon Cancer Models
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Lee Seung Soo , Moon Hyungwon , Park So Yeon , Lee Hak Jong
Published: December 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the way different neoplasms are treated. Among the different variations of cancer immunotherapy, the checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis have been validated and are currently used in the clinics. Nevertheless, these therapeutic antibodies are associated with significant side effects and are known to induce immune-related toxicities. To address these issues, we have developed an immune-microbubble complex (IMC) which not only reduces the toxicities associated with the antibodies but also enhances the therapeutic efficacy when combined with focused ultrasound. The concept of IMCs could be applied to any type of antibody-based treatment regimens to maximize their therapeutic potential.
Formulation and Stability of Ataluren Eye Drop Oily Solution for Aniridia
Authors: Djayet Celia , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Touchard Justine , Secretan Philippe-Henri , Vidal Fabrice , Robert Matthieu P. , Daruich Alejandra , Cisternino Salvatore , Schlatter Joël
Published: December 2020

Congenital aniridia is a rare and severe panocular disease characterized by a complete or partial iris defect clinically detectable at birth. The most common form of aniridia occurring in around 90% of cases is caused by PAX6 haploinsufficiency. The phenotype includes ptosis, nystagmus, corneal limbal insufficiency, glaucoma, cataract, optic nerve, and foveal hypoplasia. Ataluren eye drops aim to restore ocular surface PAX6 haploinsufficiency in aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK). However, there are currently no available forms of the ophthalmic solution. The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological stability of ataluren 1% eye drop in preservative-free low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle with an innovative insert that maintains sterility after opening. Because ataluren is a strongly lipophilic compound, the formulation is complex and involves a strategy based on co-solvents in an aqueous phase or an oily formulation capable of totally dissolving the active ingredient. The visual aspect, ataluren quantification by a stability-indicating chromatographic method, and microbiological sterility were analyzed. The oily formulation in castor oil and DMSO (10%) better protects ataluren hydrolysis and oxidative degradation and permits its complete solubilization. Throughout the 60 days period, the oily solution in the LDPE bottle remained clear without any precipitation or color modification, and no drug loss and no microbial development were detected. The demonstrated physical and microbiological stability of ataluren 1% eye drop formulation at 22–25 °C might facilitate clinical research in aniridia.
UV-Accelerated Photocatalytic Degradation of Pesticide over Magnetite and Cobalt Ferrite Decorated Graphene Oxide Composite
Authors: Tabasum Asma , Alghuthaymi Mousa , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Shahid Imran , Abbas Qamar , Javaid Rahat , Nadeem Nimra , Zahid Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Pesticides are one of the main organic pollutants as they are highly toxic and extensively used worldwide. The reclamation of wastewater containing pesticides is of utmost importance. For this purpose, GO-doped metal ferrites (GO-Fe3O4 and GO-CoFe2O4) were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. Photocatalytic potentials of catalysts were investigated against acetamiprid’s degradation. A detailed review of the parametric study revealed that efficiency of overall Fenton’s process relies on the combined effects of contributing factors, i.e., pH, initial oxidant concentration, catalyst dose, contact time, and acetamiprid load. ~97 and ~90% degradation of the acetamiprid was achieved by GO-CoFe2O4 and GO-Fe3O4, respectively during the first hour under UV radiations at optimized reaction conditions. At optimized conditions (i.e., pH:3, [H2O2]: 14.5 mM (for Fe3O4, GO-Fe3O4, and GO-CoFe2O4) and 21.75 mM (for CoFe2O4), catalysts: 100 mgL−1, time: 60min) the catalysts exhibited excellent performance, with high degradation rate, magnetic power, easy recovery at the end, and efficient reusability (up to 5 cycles without any considerable loss in catalytic activity). A high magnetic character offers its easy separation from aqueous systems using an external magnet. Moreover, the combined effects of experimental variables were assessed simultaneously and justified using response surface methodology (RSM).
Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc: A Source of Phytochemicals with Potential Applications in Industry
Authors: Rojas Romeo , Tafolla-Arellano Julio César , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo C. G.
Published: December 2020

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc, better known as the candelilla plant, is one of the 10 non-timber forest products of greatest economic importance in the desert and semi-desert regions of Mexico. Moreover, it is a potential source of some functional phytochemicals such as polyphenolic compounds, wax and fiber, with potential applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, this review aims to describe these phytochemicals and their functional properties as antimicrobial, antioxidant, reinforcing and barrier agents. In addition, a suitable valorization of the candelilla plant and its byproducts is mandatory in order to avoid negative effects on the environment. This review provides, for the first time, an overview of the alternative methodologies for improving candelilla plant production, pointing out some of the agricultural aspects of the cultivation of this plant.
Genetic and Pharmacological Inhibition of Autophagy Increases the Monoubiquitination of Non-Photosynthetic Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase
Authors: Baena Guillermo , Feria Ana B. , Hernández-Huertas Luis , Gandullo Jacinto , Echevarría Cristina , Monreal José A. , García-Mauriño Sofía
Published: December 2020

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is an enzyme with key roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolisms. The mechanisms that control enzyme stability and turnover are not well known. This paper investigates the degradation of PEPC via selective autophagy, including the role of the monoubiquitination of the enzyme in this process. In Arabidopsis, the genetic inhibition of autophagy increases the amount of monoubiquitinated PEPC in the atg2, atg5, and atg18a lines. The same is observed in nbr1, which is deficient in a protein that recruits monoubiquitinated substrates for selective autophagy. In cultured tobacco cells, the chemical inhibition of the degradation of autophagic substrates increases the quantity of PEPC proteins. When the formation of the autophagosome is blocked with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), monoubiquitinated PEPC accumulates as a result. Finally, pull-down experiments with a truncated version of NBR1 demonstrate the recovery of intact and/or fragmented PEPC in Arabidopsis leaves and roots, as well as cultured tobacco cells. Taken together, the results show that a fraction of PEPC is cleaved via selective autophagy and that the monoubiquitination of the enzyme has a role in its recruitment towards this pathway. Although autophagy seems to be a minor pathway, the results presented here increase the knowledge about the role of monoubiquitination and the regulation of PEPC degradation.
Chitosan Films in Food Applications. Tuning Film Properties by Changing Acidic Dissolution Conditions
Authors: Melro Elodie , Antunes Filipe E. , da Silva Gabriela J. , Cruz Inês , Ramos Philippe E. , Carvalho Fátima , Alves Luís
Published: December 2020

Food contamination due to the presence of microorganisms is a serious problem. New food preservation systems are being studied to kill or inhibit spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms that contaminate food and reduce the shelf life of products. Chitosan films with potential application to food preservation have witnessed great developments during the last years. Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide with the ability to form films and possess antimicrobial properties. It is water-insoluble but can be dissolved in acidic solutions. In the present work, three different acids (acetic, lactic and citric) were used in chitosan dissolution and both, the resultant solutions and formed films were characterized. It was observed that chitosan water-acetic acid systems show the highest antimicrobial activity due to the highest chitosan charge density, compared to the mixtures with lactic and citric acid. This system showed also the higher solution viscosity compared to the other systems. Chitosan–acetic acid films were also the ones presenting better mechanical properties; this can be attributed to the fact that lactic and citric acids remain in the films, changing their properties, which does not happen with acetic acid. Films produced from chitosan dissolved in water/acetic acid system are resistant, while very fragile but elastic films are formed when lactic acid is used. It was demonstrated that a good selection of the type of acid not only facilitates the dissolution of chitosan but also plays a key role in the properties of the formed solutions and films.
Formation of Uni-Lamellar Vesicles in Mixtures of DPPC with PEO-b-PCL Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Pippa Natassa , Demetzos Costas , Pispas Stergios , Radulescu Aurel
Published: December 2020

The ability of mixtures of 1.2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and the amphiphilic diblock copolymers poly (ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) to stabilize uni-lamellar nano-vesicles is reported. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to define their size distribution and bilayer structure and resolve the copresence of aggregates and clusters in solution. The vesicles have a broad size distribution which is compatible with bilayer membranes of relatively low bending stiffness. Their mean diameter increases moderately with temperature and their number density and mass is higher in the case of the diblock copolymer with the larger hydrophobic block. Bayesian analysis is performed in order to justify the use of the particular SANS fitting model and confirm the reliability of the extracted parameters. This study shows that amphiphilic block copolymers can be effectively used to prepare mixed lipid-block copolymer vesicles with controlled lamellarity and a significant potential as nanocarriers for drug delivery.
Progress of Disintegration of Polylactide (PLA)/Poly(Butylene Succinate) (PBS) Blends Containing Talc and Chalk Inorganic Fillers under Industrial Composting Conditions
Authors: Tolga Sengül , Kabasci Stephan , Duhme Mona
Published: December 2020

Biodegradable plastics are experiencing increasing demand, in particular because of said property. This also applies to the two biopolyesters poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) covered in this study. Both are proven to be biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. This study presents the influence of mineral fillers on the disintegration process of PLA/PBS blend systems under such conditions. Chalk and talc were used as fillers in PLA/PBS (7:3) blend systems. In addition, unfilled PLA/PBS (7:3/3:7) blend systems were considered. Microscopic images, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile test measurements were used in addition to measuring mass loss of the specimen to characterize the progress of disintegration. The mineral fillers used influence the disintegration behavior of PLA/PBS blends under industrial composting conditions. In general, talc leads to lower and chalk to higher disintegration rates. This effect is in line with the measured decrease in mechanical properties and melting enthalpies. The degrees of disintegration almost linearly correlate with specimen thickness, while different surface textures showed no clear effects. Thus, we conclude that disintegration in a PLA/PBS system proceeds as a bulk erosion process. Using fillers to control the degradation process is generally regarded as possible.
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Hierarchical Resin Honeycomb by 3D Printing
Authors: Hong Huan , Hu Menglei , Dai Liansong
Published: December 2020

In this paper, surface projection micron stereo-lithography technology (PμSL) by 3D printing was used to prepare two resin honeycomb materials with different levels, and the mechanical behavior of these materials was studied. The quasi-static compression experiment and the dynamic compression experiment were carried out on the samples using the in situ micro-compression testing machine and the Split Hopkinson bar (SHPB) experimental equipment. The stress–strain curves of these materials at different strain rates were obtained, and the energy absorption characteristic of materials with two different levels were analyzed. This article reveals that the collapse strength and energy absorption properties of the materials are related to the hierarchical level of honeycomb. Multi-level hierarchical honeycomb (MHH) has higher collapse strength and better energy absorption properties than single-level hierarchical honeycomb (SHH). It turned out that increasing the hierarchical level of honeycomb could improve the mechanical properties of the materials. In the future development of products, the mechanical properties of hierarchical material by 3D printing can be further optimized through changing the level of the fractal structure.
Reinforced Smart Foams Produced with Time-Profiled Magnetic Fields
Authors: Davino Daniele , D’Auria Marco , Pantani Roberto , Sorrentino Luigi
Published: December 2020

Polymeric smart foams are lightweight and multifunctional porous materials that are sensitive to the magnetic field due to the presence of magnetic particles embedded in the matrix. Recently, a constant magnetic field has been exploited to align the particles along the magnetic field lines during the formation of the porous structure. In this paper, a new field-structuring process was developed that makes use of a time-profiled magnetic field during the foaming process to control the geometrical features of the particles aggregates. The effects of magnetic field strength as well as the switch-on and switch-off times on the magnetoelastic behavior of the smart foams were investigated. It was proven that the alignment of the particles results in both a strong relative sensitivity to the magnetic field and a positive stress change, whose extent depends on the geometrical features of the developed aggregates.
Effect of Furfurylation on Hierarchical Porous Structure of Poplar Wood
Authors: Shen Xiaoshuang , Jiang Pan , Guo Dengkang , Li Gaiyun , Chu Fuxiang , Yang Sheng
Published: December 2020

Some wood properties (such as permeability and acoustic properties) are closely related to its hierarchical porous structure, which is responsible for its potential applications. In this study, the effect of wood impregnation with furfuryl alcohol on its hierarchical porous structure was investigated by microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance cryoporometry. Results indicated decreasing lumina diameters and increasing cell wall thickness of various cells after modification. These alterations became serious with enhancing weight percent gain (WPG). Some perforations and pits were also occluded. Compared with those of untreated wood, the porosity and pore volume of two furfurylated woods decreased at most of the pore diameters, which became more remarkable with raising WPG. The majority of pore sizes (diameters of 1000~100,000 nm and 10~80 nm) of macrospores and micro-mesopores of two furfurylated woods were the same as those of untreated wood. This work could offer thorough knowledge of the hierarchical porous structure of impregnatedly modified wood and pore-related properties, thereby providing guidance for subsequent wood processing and value-added applications.
Optimising Tropical Fruit Juice Quality Using Thermosonication-Assisted Extraction via Blocked Face-Centered Composite Design
Authors: Abdullah Norazlin , Chin Nyuk Ling
Published: December 2020

Extraction of tropical fruit juice using simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies is gaining importance to produce high quality juices. Juice from pink-fleshed guava, pink-fleshed pomelo, and soursop was extracted using direct and indirect thermosonication methods by varying intensity, time, and temperature, and compared to those extracted using water bath incubation. Improvised models of juice yield, ascorbic acid, and total soluble solids responses were generated by eliminating insignificant model terms of the factors in full quadratic model using backward eliminating procedure. Main effects, 3D, or 4D plots for each response were developed based on factors that influenced the response. Results showed that the best extraction method for guava and pomelo juices were within indirect thermosonication method of 1 kW, 55 °C and 30 min, and 2.5 kW, 54 °C and 23 min, respectively. Direct thermosonication method at 10% amplitude, 55 °C for 2 to 10 min was more suitable for soursop juice. Thermosonicated extraction of tropical fruit juice can improve its juice yield, ascorbic acid content, and total soluble solids content.
Relationships between the Number and Power of Hungarian Household-Sized Photovoltaic Power Plants and Selected Indicators of the Settlements: A Case Study
Authors: Baranyai Nóra Hegedűsné , Zsiborács Henrik , Vincze András , Rodek Nóra , Makai Martina , Pintér Gábor
Published: December 2020

In the global transformation of energy systems, solar energy plays a prominent role, since the energy from our star is a limitless and clean resource, which is available practically almost everywhere. In spite of the immense advancements of photovoltaic systems, which utilize this source of energy, no in-depth research has been carried out regarding the present Hungarian status of the small-scale photovoltaic power plants, the most common type of solar power plant in Hungary. The novelty of this study is that it examines the number and power of these small-scale power plants at the settlement level within the service areas of the various distribution companies, by also considering the economic and infrastructural dimensions of the settlements. The paper seeks answers to the questions whether there are any significant relationships between the number and the power of power plants of this type and the indicators of the settlements, and if so, how strong they are. Besides pairwise correlations, the study also involved the analysis of the relationship between the ranking of the settlements based on the settlements’ complex indicators that were created from the settlements’ indicators and the ranking of the settlements according to the number and power of household-sized photovoltaic power plants per 1000 people. In the course of exploring the relationships, a regression model was also devised concerning the number of household-sized photovoltaic power plants and the settlement indicators.
A Model of Transport of Particulate Biomass in a Stream of Fluid
Authors: Reguła Tomasz , Frączek Jarosław , Fitas Jakub
Published: December 2020

The motion of a solid particle introduced into a stream of fluid is a crucial problem in the contexts of pneumatic transport and the purification and separation of non-uniform mixtures. However, the complexity of the underlying equations of motion enforces the creation of semi-empirical models. Therefore, analysis of particle motion in a pneumatic channel was performed. To reduce the number of independent variables, several simplifying assumptions were made in regard to both the particle and the stream. The resulting model provides trajectory equations for a particle introduced into the stream at given values of the initial angle and initial velocity, which are then solved using numerical integration methods. A hodograph function was formulated on the basis of the Runge–Kutta and NDFs methods to test the correctness of the solutions under various initial parameters and to provide a universal method of solving the equations of motion. To verify the model, terminal velocities were measured and particle trajectories recorded using an original experimental stand. The predictions of the model were subsequently compared to these empirical trajectories and were found to fall within the range of uncertainty.
Quantitative Determination of Vitamins A and E in Ointments Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Mazurek Sylwester , Pichlak Kamil , Szostak Roman
Published: December 2020

A quantitative analysis of vitamins A and E in commercial ointments containing 0.044% and 0.8% (w/w) of active pharmaceutical ingredients, respectively, was performed using partial least squares models based on FT Raman spectra. Separate calibration systems were prepared to determine the amount of vitamin A in a petrolatum base ointment and to quantify vitamins A and E in a eucerin base one. Compositions of the laboratory-prepared and commercial samples were controlled through a principal component analysis. Relative standard errors of prediction were calculated to compare the predictive ability of the obtained regression models. For vitamin A determination, these errors were found to be in the 3.8–5.0% and 5.7–5.9% ranges for the calibration and validation data sets, respectively. In the case of vitamin E modeling, these errors amounted to 3.7% and 4.4%. On the basis of elaborated models, vitamins A and E were successfully quantified in two commercial products with recoveries in the 99–104% range. The obtained data indicate that the Raman technique allows for accurate analysis of the composition of semisolid formulations in their native state, including low dose preparations.
Microalgae Biomolecules: Extraction, Separation and Purification Methods
Authors: Corrêa Priscila S. , Morais Júnior Wilson G. , Martins António A. , Caetano Nídia S. , Mata Teresa M.
Published: December 2020

Several microalgae species have been exploited due to their great biotechnological potential for the production of a range of biomolecules that can be applied in a large variety of industrial sectors. However, the major challenge of biotechnological processes is to make them economically viable, through the production of commercially valuable compounds. Most of these compounds are accumulated inside the cells, requiring efficient technologies for their extraction, recovery and purification. Recent improvements approaching physicochemical treatments (e.g., supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric fields, among others) and processes without solvents are seeking to establish sustainable and scalable technologies to obtain target products from microalgae with high efficiency and purity. This article reviews the currently available approaches reported in literature, highlighting some examples covering recent granted patents for the microalgae’s components extraction, recovery and purification, at small and large scales, in accordance with the worldwide trend of transition to bio-based products.
A Smart Production Process for the Optimum Energy Consumption with Maintenance Policy under a Supply Chain Management
Authors: Bhuniya Shaktipada , Pareek Sarla , Sarkar Biswajit , Sett Bimal Kumar
Published: December 2020

In the current socio-economic situation, smart products are essential for daily life. Energy is a very much related matter to smart products. To buy a smart product, people mostly care about that smart product’s energy consumption and the price. There is always a tug-of-war between the price of the product and the energy consumption of that product. An energy-efficient smart production system is described in this study where the production is variable, and in the out-of-control state, it produces defective products. For prevention of the out-of-control state, preventive maintenance and restoration are used within the smart production system. The rework policy helps to profit from the defective products, and the warranty policy helps to motivate the users. This model applies an improved strategy to the production process and develops a new product that needs to be marketed. Finally, this model plays a vital role in creating smart products with moderate energy consumption at a minimal cost. The mathematical model is a non-linear profit maximization problem that is solved both analytically and numerically. The classical optimization technique founds optimum solutions. Different numerical examples and sensitivity analysis with graphs are used to validate the mathematical model.
How Religion, Social Class, and Race Intersect in the Shaping of Young Women’s Understandings of Sex, Reproduction, and Contraception
Authors: Krull Laura M. , Pearce Lisa D. , Jennings Elyse A.
Published: December 2020

Using a complex religion framework, this study examines how and why three dimensions of religiosity—biblical literalism, personal religiosity, and religious service attendance—are related to young women’s reproductive and contraceptive knowledge differently by social class and race. We triangulate the analysis of survey data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study and semi-structured interview data from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) to identify and explain patterns. From the quantitative data, we find that all three dimensions of religiosity link to young women’s understandings of sex, reproduction, and contraception in unique ways according to parental education and racial identity. There is a lack of knowledge about female reproductive biology for young women of higher SES with conservative Christian beliefs (regardless of race), but personal religiosity and religious service attendance are related to more accurate contraceptive knowledge for young black women and less accurate knowledge for young White women. From the qualitative data, we find that class and race differences in the meaning of religion and how it informs sexual behavior help explain results from the quantitative data. Our results demonstrate the importance of taking a complex religion approach to studying religion and sex-related outcomes.
Use of Neural Networks to Accommodate Seasonal Fluctuations When Equalizing Time Series for the CZK/RMB Exchange Rate
Authors: Rowland Zuzana , Lazaroiu George , Podhorská Ivana
Published: December 2020

The global nature of the Czech economy means that quantitative knowledge of the influence of the exchange rate provides useful information for all participants in the international economy. Systematic and academic research show that the issue of estimating the Czech crown/Chinese yuan exchange rate, with consideration for seasonal fluctuations, has yet to be dealt with in detail. The aim of this contribution is to present a methodology based on neural networks that takes into consideration seasonal fluctuations when equalizing time series by using the Czech crown and Chinese yuan as examples. The analysis was conducted using daily information on the Czech crown/Chinese yuan exchange rate over a period of more than nine years. This is the equivalent of 3303 data inputs. Statistica software, version 12 by Dell Inc. was used to process the input data and, subsequently, to generate multi-layer perceptron networks and radial basis function neural networks. Two versions of neural structures were produced for regression purposes, the second of which used seasonal fluctuations as a categorical variable–year, month, day of the month and week—when the value was measured. All the generated and retained networks had the ability to equalize the analyzed time series, although the second variant demonstrated higher efficiency. The results indicate that additional variables help the equalized time series to retain order and precision. Of further interest is the finding that multi-layer perceptron networks are more efficient than radial basis function neural networks.
An Actuarial Approach for Modeling Pandemic Risk
Authors: Hainaut Donatien
Published: December 2020

In this article, a model for pandemic risk and two stochastic extensions is proposed. It is designed for actuarial valuation of insurance plans providing healthcare and death benefits. The core of our approach relies on a deterministic model that is an efficient alternative to the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) method. This model explains the evolution of the first waves of COVID-19 in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain. Furthermore, it is analytically tractable for fair pure premium calculation. In a first extension, we replace the time by a gamma stochastic clock. This approach randomizes the timing of the epidemic peak. A second extension consists of adding a Brownian noise and a jump process to explain the erratic evolution of the population of confirmed cases. The jump component allows for local resurgences of the epidemic.
Deep Learning for RFI Artifact Recognition in Sentinel-1 Data
Authors: Artiemjew Piotr , Chojka Agnieszka , Rapiński Jacek
Published: December 2020

Beyond the variety of unwanted disruptions that appear quite frequently in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements, radio-frequency interference (RFI) is one of the most challenging issues due to its various forms and sources. Unfortunately, over the years, this problem has grown worse. RFI artifacts not only hinder processing of SAR data, but also play a significant role when it comes to the quality, reliability, and accuracy of the final outcomes. To address this issue, a robust, effective, and—importantly—easy-to-implement method for identifying RFI-affected images was developed. The main aim of the proposed solution is the support of the automatic permanent scatters in SAR (PSInSAR) processing workflow through the exclusion of contaminated SAR data that could lead to misinterpretation of the calculation results. The approach presented in this paper for the purpose of recognition of these specific artifacts is based on deep learning. Considering different levels of image damage, we used three variants of a LeNet-type convolutional neural network. The results show the high efficiency of our model used directly on sample data.
Dynamic Differential Reflectivity Calibration Using Vertical Profiles in Rain and Snow
Authors: Ferrone Alfonso , Berne Alexis
Published: December 2020

The accuracy required for a correct interpretation of differential reflectivity (ZDR) is typically estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.2 dB. This is achieved through calibration, defined as the identification of the constant or time-varying offset to be subtracted from the measurements in order to isolate the meteorological signals. We propose two innovative steps: the automated selection of sufficiently homogeneous sections of Plan Position Indicator (PPI) scans at 90∘ elevation, performed in both rain and snow, and the ordinary kriging interpolation of the median ZDR value of the chosen radar volumes. This technique has been successfully applied to five field campaigns in various climatic regions. The availability of overlapping scans from two nearby radars allowed us to evaluate the calibration approach, and demonstrated the benefits of defining a time-varying offset. Even though the method has been designed to work with both solid and liquid precipitation, it particularly benefits radar systems with limited access to rain measurements due to the deployment in mountainous or polar regions or to issues affecting the lowest range gates.
The Use of Saliency in Underwater Computer Vision: A Review
Authors: Reggiannini Marco , Moroni Davide
Published: December 2020

Underwater survey and inspection are tasks of paramount relevance for a variety of applications. They are usually performed through the employment of optical and acoustic sensors installed aboard underwater vehicles, in order to capture details of the surrounding environment. The informative properties of the data are systematically affected by a number of disturbing factors, such as the signal energy absorbed by the propagation medium or diverse noise categories contaminating the resulting imagery. Restoring the signal properties in order to exploit the carried information is typically a tough challenge. Visual saliency refers to the computational modeling of the preliminary perceptual stages of human vision, where the presence of conspicuous targets within a surveyed scene activates neurons of the visual cortex, specifically sensitive to meaningful visual variations. In relatively recent years, visual saliency has been exploited in the field of automated underwater exploration. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the computational methods implemented and applied in underwater computer vision tasks, based on the extraction of visual saliency-related features.