bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress-driven surface swell and exfoliation of copper as the plasma-facing materials in NBI ICP source
Authors: Cui Yunqiu , Fan Hongyu , Niu Chunjie , Liu Weifeng , Zhao Zilu , Wang Qiang , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Yang , Mei Xianxiu , Lei Guangjiu , Lu Na , Liu Dongping
Published: November 2021

Neutral beam injection (NBI) heating is a significant auxiliary heating method used in Tokamak fusion devices. The material of faraday shield (FS) and accelerator grids in the NBI inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source can be damaged during operation by the high-density hydrogen plasma irradiation, and thus affecting the stability of the NBI system. In this paper, a series of hydrogen plasma exposure experiments are performed on oxygen-free copper (OFC) specimens at 400 K–850 K with ion energy of 20–200 eV and irradiation fluence up to 1.0 × 1025 m−2. Meanwhile, the rate equation model is adopted for numerical simulation of the bubble growth and hydrogen retention. The influence of OFC surface temperature, hydrogen ion energy and fluence on OFC damage are experimentally and numerically investigated. Surface observations show that swell and exfoliation are formed on the OFC samples at 400 K and 600 K by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogen ion energy varying from 20 to 200 eV at 400 K is observed to have little effect on OFC surface microstructure. The simulative results show that there exist different critical temperatures when the initial bubble radius changes. The bubble surface density rises and the bubble size decreases with increasing temperature (below the critical temperature). In addition, adjacent bubbles get closer to each other with the growth of hydrogen bubbles, and the strong tensile stress is produced inside the surrounding material of hydrogen bubbles. Some cracks caused by hydrogen bubbles appear on the surface of the OFC to relax the pressure-induced stress, ultimately leading to OFC FS/grids material damage. This investigation helps to understand hydrogen retention and failure mechanisms of OFC materials under extreme operation conditions in the NBI devices.
DFT based studies on the structural, electronic and optical properties of LiNbO3 using some hybrid techniques
Authors: Kar Jayanta Kumar , Dharmale Neerja , Chaudhury Saurabh
Published: November 2021

Structural, electronic, and optical properties of ferroelectric material, Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) are explored and studied using two different techniques namely, OLCAO-MGGA-TB09+c and OLCAO-GGA-PBES + U under the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The electronic properties such as band diagram, the effective mass of charge carriers, the total density of state (TDOS), and partial density of state (PDOS) are investigated in depth. Band gap values obtained using MGGA-TB09+c is 3.79 eV whereas, it is 3.78 eV for GGA-PBES + U. Furthermore, several optical properties such as dielectric constant, reflectivity, refractive index, optical conductivity, loss function, and absorption coefficient have also been extracted. It is seen that the results so obtained are consistent with experimental data which shows the soundness of our calculations. From the statistical analysis, it is found that both the techniques provide very good results on electronic and optical properties of LiNbO3 compared to existing computational work as both give an approximation of experimental data. The methods presented here will be useful for researchers to get accurate results on structural, electronic, and optical properties of other materials.
Interaction of Airy beams modeled by the fractional nonlinear cubic-quintic Schrödinger equation
Authors: Chen Weijun , Lian Cheng , Luo Yuang
Published: November 2021

We investigate theoretically and numerically the interaction of Airy beams modeled by fractional nonlinear cubic-quintic Schrödinger equation. By considering fractional diffraction effect, when the initial beam interval between the two Airy beams is large enough, it is found that two in-phase Airy beams attract and repel each other, and two out-of-phase beams repel each other. This is different from the interaction of two Airy beams with large interval in standard nonlinear Schrödinger equation, where the two beams display a weak interaction. For smaller interval, single breathing soliton and symmetric breathing soliton pairs are formed in the in-phase and out-of-phase cases, respectively. As the Lévy index decreases, for the single breathing soliton, the oscillation becomes stronger, the mean peak intensity increases, and the soliton width decreases, for the symmetric breathing soliton pair, the width becomes narrower, and the repulsion between the two Airy components becomes stronger. Besides, the quintic defocusing strength will modulate the interaction of Airy beams. When the strength coefficient increases, the width of the breathing soliton formed in the in-phase case becomes wider, the repulsion between the two beams in the out-of-phase case increases, as well as the width of the soliton pair becomes wider. The work may provide new control methods on the interaction of Airy beams.
Role of electronegativity to induce magnetism in ZnX1−x
Y
x
(X = S/Se/Te and Y = Li/Be/B) chalcogenides
Authors: Elahi I , Akbar W , Nazir S
Published: November 2021

Ab-initio calculations were performed to investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic characteristics of the selected first row (Y = Li, Be, and B) doped zinc-blende ZnX (X = S, Se, and Te) chalcogenides. Firstly, the structural stability of the doped materials is analyzed by computing the formation energies, which substantially depends on the dopant atomic numbers and Y-doped ZnSe systems are energetically more stable. It is established that when the electronegativity of the dopant is less than that of the host atom, magnetism is induced. Our results revealed that selected intrinsically non-magnetic dopants (Y = Li, Be, and B) induce magnetic characteristics in all the studied ZnX chalcogenides structures except the B-doped ZnTe system due to a very small electronegativity difference between B and Te ions. The most striking feature of the present study is that Be-doped ZnX materials display the half-metallic ferromagnetism, and Be 2p non-degenerate orbitals are playing a major role in inducing magnetism and metallicity. Hence, the present work proposed that doping engineering with suitable impurity elements having electronegativity larger than that of the host atom could be an effective way to tune the physical properties of chalcogenides for their technological potential applications in advanced-spin-based devices.
Quantification of a concentrated point mass by Haar wavelets and machine learning
Authors: Jaanuska Ljubov , Hein Helle
Published: November 2021

The inverse problem of determining location and mass ratio of a concentrated point mass attached to the homogeneous Euler – Bernoulli beam was considered in this article. Under the assumption that the size of the point mass was small compared to the total mass of the beam, it was shown that the problem could be solved in terms of point-mass-induced changes in the natural frequencies or mode shapes. Predictions of the point mass location and its mass ratio were made by the artificial neural networks or the random forests. The dimensionless natural frequency parameters or the first mode shape transformed into the Haar wavelet coefficients were used at the inputs of the machine learning methods. The simulation studies indicated that the combined approach of the natural frequencies, Haar wavelets and neural networks produced accurate predictions. The results presented in this article could help in understanding the behaviour of more complex structures under similar conditions and provide apparent influence on design of beams.
Ultrasonic flaw detection spectrogram characterization of vermicular graphite cast iron engine cylinder head
Authors: Guo Changliang , Fang Duo , Wang Chengzong , Qin Tao , Liu Zenghua , Liu Zehua , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2021

The defects formed in the manufacture of the vermicular graphite cast iron engine cylinder head seriously affect the operation of the engine, which is necessary to detect. Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive testing method that has the advantages of quick response, high resolution, and high security. In this paper, various types of specimens are prepared corresponding to different types of actual defects in the vermicular iron cylinder head. An ultrasonic A-scan system was built to test the specimens. The short-time Fourier transform, the continuous wavelet transform, the empirical wavelet transform, and the empirical modal decomposition were adopted to transform the signals into spectrograms which were further analyzed to reveal the inherent features of defects. The results show that the short-time Fourier transform can be used to distinguish all the common defects comparing to other methods. Comparing to the time-domain waveforms, the transformed spectrograms provide clear time-frequency distribution and highlight the inherent characteristics of the signal.
Numerical study of fragments from cylindrical casing with one of end caps fully constrained
Authors: Gao Yue-guang , Feng Shun-shan , Chen Yun , Xiao Xiang , Zhang Bo , Huang Qi
Published: November 2021

In order to study the process and characteristic of the fragments in the warhead with one end cap under full constraint condition, we established a cylindrical casing with two end caps which one of them was fully constrained using the simulation analysis. The result showed that the fragmentation of cylindrical casing with one end full constrained has its own characteristic. The Mach stem was generated when the detonation wave propagated to the fully constrained end cap under the condition of one end detonation, working on unreactive explosives and causing the nearby fragment subjected to nearly 2.5 times the normal pressure to obtain a higher speed. The cylindrical casing first ruptured at the contact surface with the fully constrained end, and then at the end cover of the initiating end, and then the rupture extends to the whole cylindrical casing. The detonation products started to leak out from the rupture. driving fragments to fly, and forming two dense flying areas. The analysis of this paper can provide a reference for the optimal design of this kind of warhead.
A New Design of Battery Swapping Station
Authors: Wu Shangchen
Published: November 2021

Electric vehicles have developed rapidly in recent years, and have made tremendous contributions to energy conservation, emission reduction, and green travel. However, the long charging time limits the further promotion of electric vehicles. Based on the idea of power exchange instead of charging, this paper puts forward the design plan of the power station and the battery design program suitable for the power exchange mode. A verification analysis was conducted.
A Numerical Study on the Control of Horizontal Cracking at the Ends of BS22 Hollow-type PC-girders Utilizing Midas FEA
Authors: Karimi Abdul Khaliq , Aasim Bashir Ahmad , Tomiyama Jun
Published: November 2021

When the prestressing forces transfer from PC-strands to concrete, a region of stress concentration develops at the ends of pretensioned girders, which often results in horizontal cracking during or just after the detensioning process. In this study, a hollow PC-girder was modeled utilizing a Finite Element Analysis software Midas FEA to identify the horizontal cracking locations in terms of the principal stresses at the end-zone of the hollow PC-girder. Strand-debonding and placing end-zone reinforcements were hired in this work by introducing four cases. The only strand-debonding method could not prevent horizontal end crack penetration. Though the end-zone reinforcements were placed alongside the strand-debonding, this combination could reduce principal stresses to a level that could bring the crack size to a negligible range.
Possibility of partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride and ammonium chloride in chicken ćevapčići (kebabs)
Authors: Borovic B , Lilic S , Milijasevic J , Baltic T , Jovanovic J , Geric T , Milijasevic M
Published: November 2021

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of reducing sodium chloride content in chicken ćevapčići (kebabs) by partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride and ammonium chloride, with the target of achieving the optimal salty taste. The trial consisted of five groups. In the control group of chicken ćevapčići, only sodium chloride was added. In group 1, one third of sodium chloride was replaced with potassium chloride; in group 2 one half of the sodium chloride was replaced with potassium chloride; in group 3, one third of sodium chloride was replaced with ammonium chloride. In group 4, sodium chloride was half reduced and one quarter of ammonium chloride in the relation to control group was added. Sensory evaluation was performed by ten trained assessors using numeric scales. Evaluations of colour acceptability and consistency showed there were no statistical differences (P>0.05) between the ćevapčići. The most expressed saltiness was evaluated in the control ćevapčići group due to it having the largest amount of added sodium chloride, as well in group 3 ćevapčići, wherein one third of the sodium chloride was replaced with ammonium chloride.
Arugula and pre-converted arugula extract as natural Nitrate/Nitrite sources for heat-treated sausages
Authors: Can H , Sarı B , Kavuşan H S , Serdaroğlu M
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate using arugula or pre-converted extracts as nitrite alternatives in heat-treated fermented sausages. Sausages with nitrite, 150 mg/kg of NaNO2, 1.2% arugula extract, and 1.5% pre-converted arugula extract were formulated. Natural nitrate sources added resulted in significantly lower oxidation content compared to negative control groups at initial storage. The addition of natural nitrate sources influenced colour, pigments, and conversion rate of sausages. Pre-converted arugula extract showed little effect on the residual nitrite content. The result of colour, oxidation, and nitrite analysis suggest pre-converted arugula is a potential nitrite replacer, but arugula as a nitrate source is limited to provide the functions of nitrite.
Biofilms in the food industry – impact on human health
Authors: Cirkovic I
Published: November 2021

Biofilms are complex microbial communities formed by one and more species embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix of different compositions depending on the attached microbial species and the type of food manufacturing. Attachment of bacteria to food contact surfaces and the subsequent formation of biofilms can cause equipment damage, food spoilage and even human diseases. Foodborne diseases associated with biofilms in the food industry can be intoxications or infections and can have great impact on human health. Foodborne pathogens that express capacity for biofilm formation under different conditions in the food industry, and that are in the scope of our investigations, are Salmonella (which, on contaminating a food pipeline biofilm, could induce massive outbreaks and even death in children and elderly) and Listeria monocytogenes (a ubiquitous bacterium that can cause abortion in pregnant women and other serious complications in children and the elderly).
Coccidiostats in table eggs, liver and poultry meat on the market in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Clanjak-Kudra E , Alagic D , Smajlovic M , Smajlovic A , Mujezinović I , Magoda A , Jankovic S
Published: November 2021

Poultry meat production is one of the most dynamic sectors in agriculture, recording the quickest growth in the food industry, while egg production has shown strong growth in the last twenty years. Combined with meat production, it is achieving the highest growth when it comes to meeting protein needs for the global population. In economic terms, coccidiosis is one of the most significant poultry diseases. Effective application of coccidiostats in poultry feed has been playing a key role in development of commercial poultry production for more than 50 years. The aim of this research was to estimate occurrence and residue concentrations of coccidiostats in table eggs, poultry liver and meat, available on the market in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Residues of lasalocid were found in table eggs, while residues of nicarbazin, maduramicin and diclazuril were detected in broiler meat and liver.
Meat quality of poultry fed with diets supplemented with insects: A review
Authors: Dalle Zotte Antonella
Published: November 2021

The development of sustainable feed ingredients for monogastric livestock is now also considering insect products. Although the regulation on the use of insect products differs among countries, resulting in restrictions on use in poultry diets, global research is exploring all the strengths and weaknesses of their inclusion. The scientific literature has extensively studied the relationship between insect-containing diet and effects onante-mortemfactors in fish and poultry, however the relationship between insect-containing diet and meat quality has only recently been considered. This review aims to collect the results of the studies that have related the dietary use of some insect species, such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and the silkworm (Bombyx mori), on the physicochemical and sensory traits of poultry meat. The insect source in poultry diets rarely changed the related physicochemical variables or the sensory profile of the meat, whereas the fatty acid (FA) profile was the variable that was most affected, and inclusion of black soldier fly always resulted in meats with a more saturated FA profile, yellow mealworm in a more monounsaturated FA profile, whereas silkworm produced meat with a more unsaturated FA profile, rich in valuable omega-3 FA.
The possibilities of alternative protein use in animal nutrition
Authors: Djuragic O , Rakita S , Dragojlovic D
Published: November 2021

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts there will not be enough food for human and animal nutrition until 2050. Global demand for animal protein for human consumption is increasing, and this consequently increases the price of these ingredients. This will open several challenges to provide enough animal feed. In the European Union, the use of processed animal proteins in pig and poultry diets is prohibited due to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) legislation, while globally, the land availability for soy cultivation is limited. The European food market is dependent on huge import of soybean, which is the main source of valuable proteins and one of the main ingredients in feeds. Feed ingredients must not contain antinutritive factors that would adversely affect animal production and must have an acceptable price. Some of the alternative plant sources of protein are fava beans, peas, lentils, hemp, different grain seeds, etc. To find alternative sources of protein of animal origin scientists are increasingly investigating the use of worm, snail or grasshopper meals and also marine organisms, usually algae, shells or starfish. Single cell proteins are a specific kind of protein from different microbial sources, including microalgae, yeast, fungi, and bacteria.
Pesticide monitoring in food in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019
Authors: Tomovic Dragan , Colakovic Armin , Hajric Dzemil , Dojcinovic Slobodan
Published: November 2021

Abstract Pesticide residues in or on foods of plant/animal origin occur as a result of the use of chemical agents in plant protection, biocide preparations and veterinary medicine and may pose a risk to public health. For this reason, a comprehensive legal framework has been adopted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, defining rules for the approval of active substances used in plant protection products, the use of plant protection products and the regulation of maximum permitted quantities of pesticide residues in and on food. In 2019, 195 samples were analysed as part of pesticide monitoring. The control programme carried out the monitoring of residues/remains of 180 active substances in 155 products of plant origin, 30 products of animal origin and 10 products from the category of food for infants and young children. In total, of the 195 samples analysed, 141 samples did not contain pesticide residues at the quantification level, but 54 samples (27.7%) contained pesticide residues in/above the quantification level.
Consumer awareness of meat hazards with special reference to sources of meat contamination and microbiological hazards
Authors: Janjic J , Mirilovic M , Nedic D , Djuric S , Vejnovic B , Grbic S , Lovrenovic M , Baltic M Z
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the results of consumer opinion testing (n=1000) on hazards in meat (biological, chemical), as well as consumer opinion about causes of meat contamination from farm to retail. Consumer opinion on sources of meat contamination in households is also presented.
Salmonella - foodborne pathogen and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Kureljušić J , Žutić J , Kureljušić B , Rokvić N , Tasić A , Ljubojević Pelić D , Vesković Moračanin S
Published: November 2021

Foodborne diseases encompass a wide spectrum of illnesses and are a growing public health problem worldwide. They are caused by consumption of food or water contaminated by pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The contamination of food can occur at any stage in the process from food production to consumption (“farm to fork”) and can result from environmental contamination (water, soil or air). They enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract where the first symptoms often occur like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. However, symptoms differ among the different types of foodborne diseases and the patient’s immune status. Symptoms can sometimes be severe and some foodborne illnesses can even be fatal. Commonly recognized foodborne infections are: campylobacteriosis,Escherichia coliO157:H7 infection and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, listeriosis, giardiasis. norovirus infection, scombroid fish poisoning, shigellosis, toxoplasmosis,Vibrioinfection and yersiniosis. One of the top three germs that cause illnesses from food eaten in EU isSalmonella.
From designing diets for animals to designing food of animal origin – overview
Authors: Markovic R , Baltic M Z , Radulovic S , Peric D , Jovanovic D , Starcevic M , Sefer D
Published: November 2021

In recent times, food is not only observed from the point of view of the required intake for growth, development and regeneration of the body, but also has a leading role in the quality of human life. Therefore, the diet focuses on optimizing the daily intake of both nutrients and non-nutritive ingredients of food, all in order to preserve health and, above all, reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Functional food can be considered food that has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on certain body functions (in addition to the usual nutritional value) that contribute to human health and reduce the risk of disease. At the same time, it is important that the food has a standard form and that the positive effect on health is manifested by consuming the usual amount of food. The functionality of food is achieved by the presence in it of bioactive components (one or more) which have been scientifically proven to have positive effects on human health in the quantities in which they are present in food. The nutritional value of foods of animal origin depends on many factors, but certainly animal diet has the greatest impact. In human nutrition the so-called designed products of animal origin (meat, milk, eggs) are used, which are due to the specific animal diets enriched with n-3 fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids or trace elements. Today, there are nutritional strategies by which we can access functional foods for the purpose of health promotion.
The intake of phosphorus through meat products: a health risk assessment
Authors: Milicevic D , Vranic D , Koricanac V , Petrovic Z , Bajcic A , Betic N , Zagorac S
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the dietary exposure of phosphorus in the Serbian adult population by combining individual consumption data with available data for analysed meat products. During a three years period of investigation (2018 to 2020), a total of 682 samples consisting of 425 cooked sausages and 257 smoked meat products were collected from different local retail markets across the Serbia to examine phosphorus concentrations. The mean phosphorus concentration, expressed as P2O5, varied from 4.68±0.88 g/kg to 6.05±1.30 g/kg in finely minced cooked sausages and smoked meat products, respectively. The average estimated daily dietary intake (exposure) (EDI) of phosphorus ranged from 1.115 mg/kg BW (body weight)/day (finely minced cooked sausages) to 1.441 mg/kg BW/day (smoked meat products). Phosphorus dietary intake (exposure) averaged 3.08% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI: 40 mg/kg BW/day). According to our results, the average phosphorus exposure in the Serbian adult population from consumption of these meat products is far below the European ADI.
The influence of modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life of ćevapčići
Authors: Milijasevic M , Babic Milijasevic J
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological, sensory and chemical changes of modified atmosphere packaged ćevapčići in a gas mixture consisting of 70% O2 and 30% CO2. Packaged ćevapčići were stored for 10 days at 3ºC. Microbiological examination comprised determination of pathogenic microorganisms (Salmonella spp., coagulase positive staphylococci, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes) as well as indicators of hygiene and spoilage (total viable count, psychrotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria and Brochothrix thermosphacta). Using quantitative-descriptive test with grading scales from one to five, sensory properties of ćevapčići were assessed (color and odor in raw condition and odor, texture and taste after roasting) on the 1st, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th days of storage. Regarding the chemical parameters, every day during the storage, pH was examined and on 4th and 8th days, acid value and peroxide number were established. On the basis of the results obtained and the recommended total viable count, which should not be higher than 7 log cfu/g, and taking into consideration sensory properties, we can conclude that ćevapčići packed in the modified atmosphere containing 70 % O2 and 30% CO2 had a shelf life of seven days.
Effects of regular control of food colours content in meat products in Serbia
Authors: Petronijevic R B , Trbovic D , Sefer M
Published: November 2021

Research of added food colours presence in meat products was carried out for a period of almost six years, as a continuance of previous study on market in Serbia. Improved method of high performance liquid chromatography was applied for identification and quantification od added colours in meat products. The colours were determined in variety of meat products, smoked meat and bacon, fermented sausages and heat-treated dry sausages, boiled sausages, cooked sausages, canned meat and meat meals, meat semiproducts and mechanically separated meat and, as a separated category, sea fish pastes, both from domestic market and from import. Over the 1400 products were analysed. The research results showed great improvement both in content of colours and labelling of products of meat products in Serbia.
Restrictive nutrition and compensatory growth of broilers: Impact on growth production results and carcass characteristics
Authors: Radulovic Stamen , Sefer Dragan , Jokic Zivan , Markovic Radmila , Peric Dejan , Lukic Mirjana
Published: November 2021

Increase in growth rate through genetic selection and improved nutrition in broiler chickens has been associated with high body fat deposition. This is particularly evident under ad libitum feeding that is normally practiced. Excessive fat deposition in the body of broilers is a common problem for poultry producers and consumers. Studies have shown that feed restriction could decrease fat content and increase protein deposition in carcasses, thus resulting in their improved composition. In addition to determining the optimal time to start and the duration of the restrictive nutrition, the success of the given programs largely depends on the intensity of the restriction, as well as the type of applied technique. Considering that in a large number of studies, the application of restrictive programs resulted in a reduction of body fat in broilers, but at the same time the desired body weight was not achieved at the slaughter (market) age, these programs should not be a priori rejected as ineffective. It is necessary to determine whether the market price of the obtained product (poultry meat) with its reduced fat content justifies the lower body weight of broilers achieved at the end of the fattening period.
Health monitoring of wild bears in the Nature Park Skakavac, Canton Sarajevo
Authors: Omeragic J , Skapur V , Goletic T , Kapo N , Seric-Haracic S , Klaric Soldo D , Colakovic H , Kovcic I , Saljic E , Obhodzas M , Fejzic N , Smajlovic M
Published: November 2021

Many wild animal populations are considered endangered due to anthropogenic activities. Wildlife and nature habitat preservation requires holistic and science based approaches supported by adequate regulations. One of the means for wildlife preservation is undoubtedly heath monitoring and investigation of infectious diseases of the wild animal populations, particularly if spillover effects are considered. Even though the theoretical background is well researched, implementation of disease prevention and control measures in wildlife populations entails more challenges than in domestic animal populations. Immediate signs of health disorders in wildlife often become evident when the infectious agent is well established in an area. Additionally, due to unrestricted and often long-range movement of wildlife, diseases are easily spread across borders. Brown bears, indigenous in Europe, are classified by EU regulations as endangered, almost extinct and rare. The wild bear population in Bosnia and Herzegovina shares a genetic lineage with bear populations of neighbouring Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro and is one of the few remaining fragments of bear populations in Europe. The aim of this paper is to describe implemented activities for health and telemetric monitoring of wild bears in the Nature Park Skakavac, Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Elimination of phosphate in restructured turkey steaks by the addition of eggshell calcium powder and low methoxyl pectin
Authors: Kavuşan H S , Yüncü Ö , Can Hilal , Serdaroğlu M
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to assess the effects of eggshell calcium powder (ESCP) and/or low methoxyl pectin (LMP) as phosphate replacers on the quality parameters of restructured turkey steaks. ESCP, 0.25% or 0.50%, was added to formulation alone or in combination with 0.25% LMP in powder and gel forms. The pH increased with the addition of ESCP. Soluble protein content, water holding capacity, and cooking yield were higher in steaks formulated with ESCP+LMP gel compared to control steaks containing phosphate. Hardness of steaks was decreased by the addition of ESCP and pectin. Pectin in powder form negatively affected the preference of panelists. Oxidation in phosphate-free steaks was more pronounced than in other treatments. The results showed that the binding properties of phosphate could be achieved by using ESCP or ESCP+LMP gel.
Goat meat products
Authors: Stajic S , Pisinov B
Published: November 2021

In general, goat meat is not inferior to other meat types regarding nutritional and biological value–it has a high protein content (up to 29%), and it is a good source of minerals, vitamin B-complex, and essential amino acids. However, the meat of older and culled goats is less juicy, less tender, has a characteristically different odour and taste compared to kids’ goat meat (and meat of other animals), and thus tends to be less desirable. Different meat products could be produced using goat meat (including culled goat meat): dry-fermented sausages (e.g. sucuk), dry-cured meats (Violino di capra–goat prosciutto), frankfurters, mortadella, etc. without adverse effects on products' technological properties. The negative impact of goat meat on the properties of meat products is mainly associated with the use of goat fatty tissue. However, this could be overcome by using fatty tissue of other animals (e.g. pork back fat or beef fatty tissue).
The dry aged beef paradox: Why dry aging is sometimes not better than wet aging
Authors: Terjung N , Witte F , Bisschoff G , Gibis M , Heinz V
Published: November 2021

An increasing consumer demand for a higher quality and eating experience has led to a revisit to the dry aging process. Therefore, research also focuses on the effects of different dry aging methods and aims to improve the dry aging process. However, an optimal process cannot be defined and, unfortunately, most of the dry aging results only hold true for the individual experiment. If one repeats a dry aging process in a different facility, the result might differ. The paradox is that the same dry aging process in two different ripening chambers does not inevitably contribute to equal tenderness and flavor. Since this paradox has still not been understood well, this review presents results of the most relevant dry aging studies by illustrating different process parameters and cuts. Some conclusions which may be useful to explain the paradox are derived from the literature in order to understand the crucial factors and commonalities in the dry aging process.
Traditional meat preparations in the Balkans region
Authors: Trbovic D. , Petronijevic R. , Lakicevic B. , Nikolic A. , Bajcic A. , Sefer M. , Parunovic N.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid (FA) profile and trans fatty acid (TFA) content of the Balkan’s traditional meat preparations. Twenty-four meat preparations were examined: fresh sausages, ćevapčići, pljeskavica and hamburger. Gas chromatography of FA and TFA was used. Trans fat was higher than the recommended value of 0.5% in ćevapčići, pljeskavica and hamburger (0.54-0.62%) and lower in fresh sausages (0.26%). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the atherogenicity index (AI), which was lower in fresh sausages (0.58) and ćevapčići (0.64) and pljeskavica (0.64) and highest in hamburger (0.77). Concerning thrombogenicity indices (TI), there was a significant difference (P < 0.05), being the lowest in fresh sausages (1.42), ćevapčići (1.28) and pljeskavica (1.40) and the highest in hamburger (1.82). AI and TI of traditional meat preparations were higher than recommended indices, 0.5 and 1.0, respectively, and so are not desirable for health protection. The n-6/n-3 ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pljeskavica (10.76) and hamburger (7.30) compared with ćevapčići (22.25) and fresh sausages (28.41). Promotion of the Mediterranean diet requires changes in the food systems and public health policies to improve overall diet quality of individuals, communities, and populations.
The significance of Enterobacteriaceae as a process hygiene criterion in yogurt production
Authors: Vidakovic Knezevic S , Vranesevic J , Pelic M , Knezevic S , Kureljusic J , Milanov D , Ljubojevic Pelic D
Published: November 2021

Yogurt is one of the most popular fermented dairy products with a worldwide acceptance. There are many types of yogurt differing in flavor, physical and chemical properties. Yogurt is produced by adding bacterial culture of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus to milk and cream products. During the period from January 2017 to December 2020, a total of 202 yogurts from different small and medium sized dairy plants were analyzed as part of HACCP self-control programs. The determination of Enterobacteriaceae was performed as an alternative indicator of good hygiene practice. The results showed that 21.29% of analyzed yogurts contained more than 10 CFU/g Enterobacteriaceae, which is the evidence of poor hygiene or inadequate processing, process failure and post-process contamination. Generally, dairy products are potential vehicles for microorganisms from the Enterobacteriaceae family. Good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices must be followed throughout the production line thoroughly. The absence of classic foodborne pathogens does not indicate that the yogurt is fit for consumption, since other potentially pathogenic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family could be present. Thus, rather than pathogen testing, using Enterobacteriaceae to monitor the effectiveness of implemented preventive prerequisite measures could offer a better view of the quality, sanitary conditions, and safety of yogurt products.
Nitrite content in meat products from the Serbian market and estimated intake
Authors: Vranic D , Koricanac V , Milicevic D , Djinovic-Stojanovic J , Geric T , Lilic S , Petrovic Z
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine levels of nitrites in some meat products sold on the Serbian market over a period of 3 years (2018-2020) and to compare results with maximum residue levels as well to discuss dietary exposure of the Serbian adult population to nitrites.A total of 1291 meat product samples, produced by the Serbian meat industry or imported (509 dry fermented sausages, 37 semi-dry fermented sausages, 451 finely minced cooked sausages and 294 coarsely minced cooked sausages), were obtained from the Serbian retail market during 2018-2020.Higher mean levels of nitrite content, expressed as NaNO2, were found in cooked sausages (40.35 mg kg-1, finely minced and 33.75 mg kg-1, coarsely minced) compared to fermented sausages (1.86 mg kg-1 dry fermented and 1.83 mg kg-1, semi-dry fermented).The average dietary exposure to nitrites, expressed as nitrite ion, for the Serbian adult population varies from 0.001 to 0.015 mg kg-1body weight (BW) day-1 and was far below the European acceptable daily intake (0.07 mg kg-1 BW day-1). In conclusion, the concentrations of nitrite in all meat products were below established maximum permitted levels (national and European), indicating that the use of nitrite as a food additive in Serbia is generally in line with existing regulations.
Optimization of acetylated starch films from purple sweet potato: effect of glycerol, carboxymethylcellulose, and stearic acid
Authors: Contreras-Chávez Rafael , Garnica-Romo Ma Guadalupe , Martínez-Flores Héctor Eduardo , de Dios Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan , Anjos Carlos Alberto Rodrigues , Topete-Betancourt Alfonso
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to ascertain the optimal additive conditions to develop a film from an alternative source of modified starch, using the response surface methodology. The central composite design + points used factors to evaluate the effect of the independent variables (glycerol concentration: 0.3, 0.35, and 0.40 g g−1 starch; carboxymethylcellulose: 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/5 g starch; stearic acid 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075 g/5 g starch) on the response variables (solubility, swelling, opacity, luminosity, tensile strength, elongation, water vapor permeability, and water activity). A simultaneous optimization was achieved using concentrations of glycerol 0.30 g g−1 starch, CMC 0.32 g/5 g starch, and stearic acid 0.007 g/5 g starch, which generated interesting properties validated through experimentation. Therefore, an ecological film was obtained that can be considered for food coating because it presented a low permeability to water vapor (0.0055 g ms−1MPa−1), a high percentage of elongation (91%), and a decrease in solubility (23%). This will also allow the incorporation of other compounds such as antioxidants, reinforcements, and sensors with favorable results, and with a positive perspective on the use of alternative sources of starch.
Inverse Dirichlet weighting enables reliable training of physics informed neural networks
Authors: Maddu Suryanarayana , Sturm Dominik , Müller Christian L , Sbalzarini Ivo F
Published: November 2021

We characterize and remedy a failure mode that may arise from multi-scale dynamics with scale imbalances during training of deep neural networks, such as physics informed neural networks (PINNs). PINNs are popular machine-learning templates that allow for seamless integration of physical equation models with data. Their training amounts to solving an optimization problem over a weighted sum of data-fidelity and equation-fidelity objectives. Conflicts between objectives can arise from scale imbalances, heteroscedasticity in the data, stiffness of the physical equation, or from catastrophic interference during sequential training. We explain the training pathology arising from this and propose a simple yet effective inverse Dirichlet weighting strategy to alleviate the issue. We compare with Sobolev training of neural networks, providing the baseline of analytically ε-optimal training. We demonstrate the effectiveness of inverse Dirichlet weighting in various applications, including a multi-scale model of active turbulence, where we show orders of magnitude improvement in accuracy and convergence over conventional PINN training. For inverse modeling using sequential training, we find that inverse Dirichlet weighting protects a PINN against catastrophic forgetting.
Morphologic Markers of Acute and Chronic Stress in Child Abuse
Authors: Flomenbaum Mark A , Warner Ryan C
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To elucidate pathologic markers of acute and chronic stress found but rarely reported in chronic child abuse.

Methods

Autopsies of 3 cases of fatal child abuse with well-documented chronic maltreatment are reported, with an emphasis on the nontraumatic findings of acute and chronic stress.

Results

Besides the overwhelming physical injuries, all 3 children and 1 additional case obtained for consultation had telogen effluvium, a form of alopecia well known to be associated with stress in adults and some children but never reported in chronic abuse. All 3 had the microscopic findings of markedly involuted thymus, a well-known marker of physiologic stress in children but only occasionally referred to in child abuse. All 3 also had microscopic findings of myocardial necrosis associated with supraphysiologic levels of catecholamine, a well-documented finding associated with stress but rarely reported in fatalities associated with child abuse. Two of the 3 children also had Anitschkow-like nuclear changes in cardiac tissue, markers associated with prior, nonischemic myocardial pathologies that may be associated with prior episodes of acute stress.

Conclusions

Pathologists are urged to explore these markers as supportive evidence in their own investigations of possible child abuse fatalities, especially when associated with stress.
Evaluating the Impact of Meningococcal Vaccines With Synthetic Controls
Authors: Prunas Ottavia , Weinberger Daniel M , Medini Duccio , Tizzoni Michele , Argante Lorenzo
Published: November 2021

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has a low and unpredictable incidence, presenting challenges for real-world evaluations of meningococcal vaccines. Traditionally, meningococcal vaccine impact is evaluated by predicting counterfactuals from pre-immunization IMD incidences, possibly controlling for IMD in unvaccinated age groups, but the selection of controls can influence results. We retrospectively applied a synthetic control (SC) method, previously used for pneumococcal disease, to data from 2 programs for immunization of infants against serogroups B and C IMD in England and Brazil. Time series of infectious/noninfectious diseases in infants and IMD cases in older unvaccinated age groups were used as candidate controls, automatically combined in a SC through Bayesian variable selection. SC closely predicted IMD in absence of vaccination, adjusting for nontrivial changes in IMD incidence. Vaccine impact estimates were in line with previous assessments. IMD cases in unvaccinated age groups were the most frequent SC-selected controls. Similar results were obtained when excluding IMD from control sets and using other diseases only, particularly respiratory diseases and measles. Using non-IMD controls may be important where there are herd immunity effects. SC is a robust and flexible method that addresses uncertainty introduced when equally plausible controls exhibit different post-immunization behaviors, allowing objective comparisons of IMD programs between countries.
Deep graph representations embed network information for robust disease marker identification
Authors: Maddouri Omar , Qian Xiaoning , Yoon Byung-Jun
Published: November 2021

Motivation

Accurate disease diagnosis and prognosis based on omics data rely on the effective identification of robust prognostic and diagnostic markers that reflect the states of the biological processes underlying the disease pathogenesis and progression. In this article, we present GCNCC, a Graph Convolutional Network-based approach for Clustering and Classification, that can identify highly effective and robust network-based disease markers. Based on a geometric deep learning framework, GCNCC learns deep network representations by integrating gene expression data with protein interaction data to identify highly reproducible markers with consistently accurate prediction performance across independent datasets possibly from different platforms. GCNCC identifies these markers by clustering the nodes in the protein interaction network based on latent similarity measures learned by the deep architecture of a graph convolutional network, followed by a supervised feature selection procedure that extracts clusters that are highly predictive of the disease state.

Results

By benchmarking GCNCC based on independent datasets from different diseases (psychiatric disorder and cancer) and different platforms (microarray and RNA-seq), we show that GCNCC outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and reproducibility.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/omarmaddouri/GCNCC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Latent space models for multiplex networks with shared structure
Authors: MacDonald P W , Levina E , Zhu J
Published: November 2021

Latent space models are frequently used for modelling single-layer networks and include many popular special cases, such as the stochastic block model and the random dot product graph. However, they are not well developed for more complex network structures, which are becoming increasingly common in practice. In this article we propose a new latent space model for multiplex networks, i.e., multiple heterogeneous networks observed on a shared node set. Multiplex networks can represent a network sample with shared node labels, a network evolving over time, or a network with multiple types of edges. The key feature of the proposed model is that it learns from data how much of the network structure is shared between layers and pools information across layers as appropriate. We establish identifiability, develop a fitting procedure using convex optimization in combination with a nuclear-norm penalty, and prove a guarantee of recovery for the latent positions provided there is sufficient separation between the shared and the individual latent subspaces. We compare the model with competing methods in the literature on simulated networks and on a multiplex network describing the worldwide trade of agricultural products.