bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Heterogeneity of Skewness in T2W-Based Radiomics Predicts the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Coppola Francesca , Mottola Margherita , Lo Monaco Silvia , Cattabriga Arrigo , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Yuan Jia Cheng , De Benedittis Caterina , Cuicchi Dajana , Guido Alessandra , Rojas Llimpe Fabiola Lorena , D’Errico Antonietta , Ardizzoni Andrea , Poggioli Gilberto , Strigari Lidia , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Bazzoli Franco , Ricciardiello Luigi , Golfieri Rita , Bevilacqua Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Our study aimed to investigate whether radiomics on MRI sequences can differentiate responder (R) and non-responder (NR) patients based on the tumour regression grade (TRG) assigned after surgical resection in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Eighty-five patients undergoing primary staging with MRI were retrospectively evaluated, and 40 patients were finally selected. The ROIs were manually outlined in the tumour site on T2w sequences in the oblique-axial plane. Based on the TRG, patients were grouped as having either a complete or a partial response (TRG = (0,1), n = 15). NR patients had a minimal or poor nCRT response (TRG = (2,3), n = 25). Eighty-four local first-order radiomic features (RFs) were extracted from tumour ROIs. Only single RFs were investigated. Each feature was selected using univariate analysis guided by a one-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum. ROC curve analysis was performed, using AUC computation and the Youden index (YI) for sensitivity and specificity. The RF measuring the heterogeneity of local skewness of T2w values from tumour ROIs differentiated Rs and NRs with a p-value ≈ 10−5; AUC = 0.90 (95%CI, 0.73–0.96); and YI = 0.68, corresponding to 80% sensitivity and 88% specificity. In conclusion, higher heterogeneity in skewness maps of the baseline tumour correlated with a greater benefit from nCRT.
In Comparison to Pathological Q Waves, Selvester Score Is a Superior Diagnostic Indicator of Increased Long-Term Mortality Risk in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary Coronary Intervention
Authors: Holicka Maria , Cuckova Pavla , Hnatkova Katerina , Koc Lumir , Ondrus Tomas , Lokaj Petr , Parenica Jiri , Novotny Tomas , Kala Petr , Malik Marek
Published: April 2021

The development of pathological Q waves has long been correlated with worsened outcome in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this study, we investigated long-term mortality of STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and compared predictive values of Q waves and of Selvester score for infarct volume estimation. Data of 283 consecutive STEMI patients (103 females) treated by PPCI were analysed. The presence of pathological Q wave was evaluated in pre-discharge electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded ≥72 h after the chest pain onset (72 h Q). The Selvester score was evaluated in acute ECGs (acute Selvester score) and in the pre-discharge ECGs (72 h Selvester score). The results were related to total mortality and to clinical and laboratory variables. A 72 h Q presence and 72 h Selvester score ≥6 was observed in 184 (65.02%) and 143 (50.53%) patients, respectively. During a follow-up of 5.69 ± 0.66 years, 36 (12.7%) patients died. Multivariably, 72 h Selvester score ≥6 was a strong independent predictor of death, while a predictive value of the 72 h Q wave was absent. In high-risk subpopulations defined by clinical and laboratory variables, the differences in total mortality were highly significant (p < 0.01 for all subgroups) when stratified by 72 h Selvester score ≥6. On the contrary, the additional risk-prediction by 72 h Q presence was either absent or only borderline. In contemporarily treated STEMI patients, Selvester score is a strong independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality. On the contrary, the prognostic value of Q-wave presence appears limited in contemporarily treated STEMI patients.
A Simple Transient Poiseuille-Based Approach to Mimic the Womersley Function and to Model Pulsatile Blood Flow
Authors: Impiombato Andrea Natale , La Civita Giorgio , Orlandi Francesco , Franceschini Zinani Flavia Schwarz , Oliveira Rocha Luiz Alberto , Biserni Cesare
Published: April 2021

As it is known, the Womersley function models velocity as a function of radius and time. It has been widely used to simulate the pulsatile blood flow through circular ducts. In this context, the present study is focused on the introduction of a simple function as an approximation of the Womersley function in order to evaluate its accuracy. This approximation consists of a simple quadratic function, suitable to be implemented in most commercial and non-commercial computational fluid dynamics codes, without the aid of external mathematical libraries. The Womersley function and the new function have been implemented here as boundary conditions in OpenFOAM ESI software (v.1906). The discrepancy between the obtained results proved to be within 0.7%, which fully validates the calculation approach implemented here. This approach is valid when a simplified analysis of the system is pointed out, in which flow reversals are not contemplated.
Performance Analysis and Optimization for Irreversible Combined Carnot Heat Engine Working with Ideal Quantum Gases
Authors: Chen Lingen , Meng Zewei , Ge Yanlin , Wu Feng
Published: April 2021

An irreversible combined Carnot cycle model using ideal quantum gases as a working medium was studied by using finite-time thermodynamics. The combined cycle consisted of two Carnot sub-cycles in a cascade mode. Considering thermal resistance, internal irreversibility, and heat leakage losses, the power output and thermal efficiency of the irreversible combined Carnot cycle were derived by utilizing the quantum gas state equation. The temperature effect of the working medium on power output and thermal efficiency is analyzed by numerical method, the optimal relationship between power output and thermal efficiency is solved by the Euler-Lagrange equation, and the effects of different working mediums on the optimal power and thermal efficiency performance are also focused. The results show that there is a set of working medium temperatures that makes the power output of the combined cycle be maximum. When there is no heat leakage loss in the combined cycle, all the characteristic curves of optimal power versus thermal efficiency are parabolic-like ones, and the internal irreversibility makes both power output and efficiency decrease. When there is heat leakage loss in the combined cycle, all the characteristic curves of optimal power versus thermal efficiency are loop-shaped ones, and the heat leakage loss only affects the thermal efficiency of the combined Carnot cycle. Comparing the power output of combined heat engines with four types of working mediums, the two-stage combined Carnot cycle using ideal Fermi-Bose gas as working medium obtains the highest power output.
Soft Interference Cancellation for Random Coding in Massive Gaussian Multiple-Access
Authors: Müller Ralf R.
Published: April 2021

In 2017, Polyanskiy showed that the trade-off between power and bandwidth efficiency for massive Gaussian random access is governed by two fundamentally different regimes: low power and high power. For both regimes, tight performance bounds were found by Zadik et al., in 2019. This work utilizes recent results on the exact block error probability of Gaussian random codes in additive white Gaussian noise to propose practical methods based on iterative soft decoding to closely approach these bounds. In the low power regime, this work finds that orthogonal random codes can be applied directly. In the high power regime, a more sophisticated effort is needed. This work shows that power-profile optimization by means of linear programming, as pioneered by Caire et al. in 2001, is a promising strategy to apply. The proposed combination of orthogonal random coding and iterative soft decoding even outperforms the existence bounds of Zadik et al. in the low power regime and is very close to the non-existence bounds for message lengths around 100 and above. Finally, the approach of power optimization by linear programming proposed for the high power regime is found to benefit from power imbalances due to fading which makes it even more attractive for typical mobile radio channels.
Training Teachers in China to Use the Philosophy for Children Approach and Its Impact on Critical Thinking Skills: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wu Caiwei
Published: April 2021

Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational approach that helps children question, reason, construct arguments, and collaborate with others. This approach to teaching is new to Chinese teachers and students who have traditionally relied on rote learning and dissemination of knowledge. Independent thinking and questioning are rarely encouraged. This article reports on a pilot study aimed at training teachers in one school in mainland China to use P4C to promote thinking skills. Six year 7 classes (age 12–13) and their teachers were randomly assigned to receive P4C training (n = 90 pupils) or to a control group (n = 88). The intervention ran for 4 weeks. The study found that teachers appreciated the P4C methods but were concerned about using the method in their regular curriculum. An impact evaluation shows that students who were taught P4C experienced a small improvement in thinking skills, measured using a composite of validated critical thinking tests.
3D Sound Coding Color for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Lee Yong , Lee Chung-Heon , Cho Jun Dong
Published: April 2021

Contemporary art is evolving beyond simply looking at works, and the development of various sensory technologies has had a great influence on culture and art. Accordingly, opportunities for the visually impaired to appreciate visual artworks through various senses such as auditory and tactile senses are expanding. However, insufficient sound expression and lack of portability make it less understandable and accessible. This paper attempts to convey a color and depth coding scheme to the visually impaired, based on alternative sensory modalities, such as hearing (by encoding the color and depth information with 3D sounds of audio description) and touch (to be used for interface-triggering information such as color and depth). The proposed color-coding scheme represents light, saturated, and dark colors for red, orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, and purple. The paper’s proposed system can be used for both mobile platforms and 2.5D (relief) models.
Multiple Sensor Fault Detection Algorithm for Fault Tolerant Control of BLDC Motor
Authors: Aqil Muhammad , Hur Jin
Published: April 2021

A direct redundancy-based fault tolerant control system (FTCS) is proposed for the operation of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor in the case of multiple sensor failures. The presented method expands on the previously published work that dealt with the failure of a single Hall-effect sensor. In this paper, a novel algorithm is developed along with the new experimental scheme and the FTCS can deal with the failure of up to two Hall-effect sensors. The fault tolerant control (FTC) algorithm is based on three conditions and is designed to deal with any scenario of the sensor faults. Simulation was performed and presented experimental results show effectiveness and validation of the method. The method can be implemented with ease, is fast and does not require high end processors.
On the Performance of UAV-Aided Content Caching in Small-Cell Networks with Joint Transmission
Authors: Wei Menghan , Chen Youjia , Ding Ming
Published: April 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), featured by the high-mobility and high-quality propagation environment, have shown great potential in wireless communication applications. In this paper, a novel UAV-aided small-cell content caching network is proposed and analyzed, where joint transmission (JT) is considered in the dense small-cell networks and mobile UAVs are employed to shorten the serving distance. The system performance is evaluated in terms of the average cache hit probability and the ergodic transmission rate. From the analytical results, we find that (i) the proposed UAV-aided small-cell network shows superior caching performance and, even with a small density of UAVs the system’s cache hit probability, can be improved significantly; (ii) the content’s optimal caching probability to maximize the cache hit probability is proportional to the (K+1)-th root of its request probability, where K is the number of small-cell base stations that serve each user by JT; (iii) caching the most popular content in UAVs may lead to a low transmission rate due to the limited resource offered by the low-density UAVs. Simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical results and the performance gain achieved by the optimal caching strategy.
A Spectral Model of Grid Frequency for Assessing the Impact of Inertia Response on Wind Turbine Dynamics
Authors: Guo Feng , Schlipf David
Published: April 2021

The recent developments in renewable energy have led to a higher proportion of converter-connected power generation sources in the grid. Operating a high renewable energy penetration power system and ensuring the frequency stability could be challenging due to the reduced system inertia, which is usually provided by the conventional synchronous generators. Previous studies have shown the potential of wind turbines to provide an inertia response to the grid based on the measured rate of change of the grid frequency. This is achieved by controlling the kinetic energy extraction from the rotating parts by its converters. In this paper, we derive a spectral-based model of the grid frequency by analyzing historical measurements. The spectral model is then used to generate realistic, generic, and stochastic signals of the grid frequency for typical aero-elastic simulations of wind turbines. The spectral model enables the direct assessment of the additional impact of the inertia response control on wind turbines: the spectra of wind turbine output signals such as generator speed, tower base bending moment, and shaft torsional moment are calculated directly from the developed spectral model of the grid frequency and a commonly used spectral model of the turbulent wind. The calculation of output spectra is verified with non-linear time-domain simulations and spectral estimation. Based on this analysis, a notch filter is designed to significantly alleviate the negative impact on wind turbine’s structural loads due to the inertia response with only a small reduction on the grid support.
Automated Residential Energy Audits Using a Smart WiFi Thermostat-Enabled Data Mining Approach
Authors: Alanezi Abdulrahman , Hallinan Kevin P. , Huang Kefan
Published: April 2021

Smart WiFi thermostats, when they first reached the market, were touted as a means for achieving substantial heating and cooling energy cost savings. These savings did not materialize until additional features, such as geofencing, were added. Today, average savings from these thermostats of 10–12% in heating and 15% in cooling for a single-family residence have been reported. This research aims to demonstrate additional potential benefit of these thermostats, namely as a potential instrument for conducting virtual energy audits on residences. In this study, archived smart WiFi thermostat measured temperature data in the form of a power spectrum, corresponding historical weather and energy consumption data, building geometry characteristics, and occupancy data were integrated in order to train a machine learning model to predict attic and wall R-Values, furnace efficiency, and air conditioning seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), all of which were known for all residences in this study. The developed model was validated on residences not used for model development. Validation R-squared values of 0.9408, 0.9421, 0.9536, and 0.9053 for predicting attic and wall R-values, furnace efficiency, and AC SEER, respectively, were realized. This research demonstrates promise for low-cost data-based energy auditing of residences reliant upon smart WiFi thermostats.
Experimental Evaluation and Modeling of Air Heating in a Ceramic Foam Volumetric Absorber by Effective Parameters
Authors: Arreola-Ramos Carlos E. , Álvarez-Brito Omar , Macías Juan Daniel , Guadarrama-Mendoza Aldo Javier , Ramírez-Cabrera Manuel A. , Rojas-Morin Armando , Valadés-Pelayo Patricio J. , Villafán-Vidales Heidi Isabel , Arancibia-Bulnes Camilo A.
Published: April 2021

Reticulate porous ceramic reactors use foam-type absorbers in their operation which must fulfill two essential functions: favoring the volumetric effect and increasing the mass and heat transfer by acting as a support for the reactive materials. Heating these absorbers with highly inhomogeneous concentrate irradiation induces high thermal gradients that affect their thermal performance. Owing to the critical function of these component in the reactor, it is necessary to define a selection criterion for the foam-type absorbers. In this work, we performed an experimental and numerical thermal analysis of three partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) foam-type absorbers with pore density of 10, 20, and 30 PPI (pores per inch) used as a volumetric absorber. A numerical model and an analytical approximation were developed to reproduce experimental results, and calculate the thermal conductivity, as well as volumetric heat transfer coefficient. The results show that an increase in pore density leads to an increase in the temperature difference between the irradiated face and the rear face of the absorber, this occurs because when pore density increases the concentrated energy no longer penetrates in the deepest space of the absorber and energy is absorbed in areas close to the surface; therefore, temperature gradients are created within the porous medium. The opposite effect occurs when the airflow rate increases; the temperature gradient between the irradiated face and the rear face is reduced. This behavior is more noticeable at low pore densities, but at high pore densities, the effect is less relevant because the internal structure of porous absorbers with high pore density is more complex, which offers obstructions or physical barriers to airflow and thermal barriers to heat transfer. When the steady state is reached, the temperature difference between the two faces of the absorber remains constant if the concentrate irradiation changes slightly, even changing the airflow rate. The results obtained in this work allow us to establish a selection criterion for porous absorbers that operate within solar reactors; this criterion is based on knowledge of the physical properties of the porous absorber, the environment, the working conditions, and the results expected.
Proportional-Integral Controllers Performance of a Grid-Connected Solar PV System with Particle Swarm Optimization and Ziegler–Nichols Tuning Method
Authors: Deželak Klemen , Bracinik Peter , Sredenšek Klemen , Seme Sebastijan
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with photovoltaic (PV) power plant modeling and its integration into the medium-voltage distribution network. Apart from solar cells, a simulation model includes a boost converter, voltage-oriented controller and LCL filter. The main emphasis is given to the comparison of two optimization methods—particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the Ziegler–Nichols (ZN) tuning method, approaches that are used for the parameters of Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers determination. A PI controller is commonly used because of its performance, but it is limited in its effectiveness if there is a change in the parameters of the system. In our case, the aforementioned change is caused by switching the feeders of the distribution network from an open-loop to a closed-loop arrangement. The simulation results have claimed the superiority of the PSO algorithm, while the classical ZN tuning method is acceptable in a limited area of operation.
Analysis of Potential of Raising Forces Acting on Electroadhesive Pads Depending on Polarization and Supply Parameters
Authors: Kalus Wiktoria , Nagi Łukasz , Zygarlicki Jarosław
Published: April 2021

This paper reports the results of a study concerned with use of electroadhesion for investigation of the attraction force of paper (weight of 50 g/m2). For this purpose, a measuring system was developed and built. Next, a dedicated electroadhesive pad coated with copper and copper mesh on the other side was designed. A new supply control algorithm was also developed and a dedicated charger was built for the purpose of this study. The measurements were carried out with a tensiometer to measure the force with which the electroadhesive pad attracted paper. The research was carried out in a series of several experiments and involved shifting the polarity of the pad and depolarizing the entire system.
Valorisation of Agri- and Aquaculture Residues via Biogas Production for Enhanced Industrial Application
Authors: Ximenes Júlio , Siqueira André , Kochańska Ewa , Łukasik Rafał M.
Published: April 2021

Climate changes are nowadays reality and affect all aspects of everyday life. One of the places where these changes influence the society the most is the Brazilian Ceará region and Jaguaribara basin that suffer long-lasting, devastating drought cycles. They have a dramatic negative impact on local economy, forcing change in business models. This work presents the valorisation of wastes and residues from local fish, prawns, and the vegetable-cultivation industry via biogas production forced to adapt to these new circumstances. Along a single year, as much as 189.74 tonnes of wastes and residues can be processed by the biogas production facility, producing as much as 94 GJ of cooling energy and 1 tonne of biofertiliser monthly. Even for such a small biogas production facility, the NPV is positive already after 11 years; its IRR is 6.2%, and accumulated ROI for 20 years of operation is as high as 77.8%. This work demonstrates that a valorisation of industrial wastes and residues via biogas production is a feasible solution for a specific industrial scenario addressing new socio-economic challenges for the particular enterprise.
Hybrid DC-DC Converter with Low Switching Loss, Low Primary Current and Wide Voltage Operation
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren , Lin Yi-Kuan
Published: April 2021

A full-bridge converter with an additional resonant circuit and variable secondary turns is presented and achieved to have soft-switching operation on active devices, wide voltage input operation and low freewheeling current loss. The resonant tank is linked to the lagging-leg of the full bridge pulse-width modulation converter to realize zero-voltage switching (ZVS) characteristic on the power switches. Therefore, the wide ZVS operation can be accomplished in the presented circuit over the whole input voltage range and output load. To overcome the wide voltage variation on renewable energy applications such as DC wind power and solar power conversion, two winding sets are used on the output-side of the proposed converter to obtain the different voltage gains. Therefore, the wide voltage input from 90 to 450 V (Vin,max = 5Vin,min) is implemented in the presented circuit. To further improve the freewheeling current loss issue in the conventional phase-shift pulse-width modulation converter, an auxiliary DC voltage generated from the resonant circuit is adopted to reduce this freewheeling current loss. Compared to the multi-stage DC converters with wide input voltage range operation, the proposed circuit has a low freewheeling current loss, low switching loss and a simple control algorithm. The studied circuit is tested and the experimental results are demonstrated to testify the performance of the resented circuit.
Pyrolysis Characteristics of Undervalued Wood Varieties in the Portuguese Charcoal Sector
Authors: Charvet Felix , Silva Felipe , Ruivo Luís , Tarelho Luís , Matos Arlindo , Figueiredo da Silva José , Neves Daniel
Published: April 2021

Charcoal production in Portugal is mostly based on the valorization of woody residues from cork oak and holm oak, the latter being considered a reference feedstock in the market. Nevertheless, since wildfire prevention became a priority in Portugal, after the recent dramatic wildfires, urgent actions are being conducted to reduce the fuel load in the forests, which is increasing the amount of biomass that is available for valorization. Additionally, biomass residues from agriculture, forest management, control of invasive species, partially burnt wood from post-fire recovery actions, and waste wood from storm devastated forests need also to be considered within the national biomass valorization policies. This has motivated the present work on whether the carbonization process can be used to valorize alternative woody biomasses not currently used on a large scale. For this purpose, slow pyrolysis experiments were carried out with ten types of wood, using a fixed bed reactor allowing the controlled heating of large fuel particles at 0.1 to 5 °C/min and final temperatures within 300–450 °C. Apart from an evaluation of the mass balance of the process, emphasis was given to the properties of the resulting charcoals considering its major market in Portugal—barbecue charcoal for both recreational and professional purposes.
Day-Ahead and Intra-Day Optimal Scheduling of Integrated Energy System Considering Uncertainty of Source & Load Power Forecasting
Authors: Li Zhengjie , Zhang Zhisheng
Published: April 2021

At present, due to the errors of wind power, solar power and various types of load forecasting, the optimal scheduling results of the integrated energy system (IES) will be inaccurate, which will affect the economic and reliable operation of the integrated energy system. In order to solve this problem, a day-ahead and intra-day optimal scheduling model of integrated energy system considering forecasting uncertainty is proposed in this paper, which takes the minimum operation cost of the system as the target, and different processing strategies are adopted for the model. In the day-ahead time scale, according to day-ahead load forecasting, an integrated demand response (IDR) strategy is formulated to adjust the load curve, and an optimal scheduling scheme is obtained. In the intra-day time scale, the predicted value of wind power, solar power and load power are represented by fuzzy parameters to participate in the optimal scheduling of the system, and the output of units is adjusted based on the day-ahead scheduling scheme according to the day-ahead forecasting results. The simulation of specific examples shows that the integrated demand response can effectively adjust the load demand and improve the economy and reliability of the system operation. At the same time, the operation cost of the system is related to the reliability of the accurate prediction of wind power, solar power and load power. Through this model, the optimal scheduling scheme can be determined under an acceptable prediction accuracy and confidence level.
Identification and Transferability of Tetracycline Resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus during Milk Fermentation, Storage, and Gastrointestinal Transit
Authors: Tarrah Armin , Pakroo Shadi , Corich Viviana , Giacomini Alessio
Published: April 2021

The existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food products, particularly those carrying acquired resistance genes, has increased concerns about the transmission of these genes from beneficial microbes to human pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance-susceptibility patterns of 16 antibiotics in eight S. thermophilus strains, whose genome sequence is available, using phenotypic and genomic approaches. The minimal inhibitory concentration values collected revealed intermediate resistance to aminoglycosides, whereas susceptibility was detected for different classes of β-lactams, quinolones, glycopeptide, macrolides, and sulfonamides in all strains. A high tetracycline resistance level has been detected in strain M17PTZA496, whose genome analysis indicated the presence of the tet(S) gene and the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family efflux pump. Moreover, an in-depth genomic analysis revealed genomic islands and an integrative and mobilizable element (IME) in the proximity of the gene tet(S). However, despite the presence of a prophage, genomic islands, and IME, no horizontal gene transfer was detected to Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis DSM 20355 and Lactobacillusrhamnosus GG during 24 h of skim milk fermentation, 2 weeks of refrigerated storage, and 4 h of simulated gastrointestinal transit.
Assessment of the Analytical Performance of Three Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Instruments (Benchtop, Handheld and Portable) through the Investigation of Coriander Seed Authenticity
Authors: McVey Claire , Gordon Una , Haughey Simon A. , Elliott Christopher T.
Published: April 2021

The performance of three near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) instruments was compared through the investigation of coriander seed authenticity. The Thermo Fisher iS50 NIRS benchtop instrument, the portable Ocean Insights Flame-NIR and the Consumer Physics handheld SCiO device were assessed in conjunction with chemometric modelling in order to determine their predictive capabilities and use as quantitative tools through regression analysis. Two hundred authentic coriander seed samples and ninety adulterated samples were analysed on each device. Prediction models were developed and validated using SIMCA 15 chemometric software. All instruments correctly predicted 100% of the adulterated samples. The best models resulted in correct predictions of 100%, 98.5% and 95.6% for authentic coriander samples using spectra from the iS50, Flame-NIR and SCiO, respectively. The development of regression models highlighted the limitations of the Flame-NIR and SCiO for quantitative analysis, compared to the iS50. However, the results indicate their use as screening tools for on-site analysis of food, at various stages of the food supply chain.
Technologies for the Production of Meat Products with a Low Sodium Chloride Content and Improved Quality Characteristics—A Review
Authors: Kim Tae-Kyung , Yong Hae-In , Jung Samooel , Kim Hyun-Wook , Choi Yun-Sang
Published: April 2021

In recent years, consumer concerns regarding high levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) intake have increased, given the associated risk of cardiovascular disease. This has led food industries to consider lowering the use of sodium in food products. However, it is well known that the addition of NaCl to meat products enhances their quality, including water-holding capacity, emulsification capacity, juiciness, and texture. Thus, it is difficult to completely remove salt from meat products; however, it is possible to reduce the salt content using salt substitutes, flavor enhancers, textural enhancers, or other processing technologies. Several recent studies have also suggested that processing technologies, including hot-boning, high pressure, radiation, and pulsed electric fields, can be used to manufacture meat products with reduced salt content. In conclusion, as the complete removal of NaCl from food products is not possible, combined technologies can be used to reduce the NaCl content of meat products, and the appropriate technology should be chosen and studied according to its effects on the quality of the specific meat product.
Loss or Gain of Lipophilic Bioactive Compounds in Vegetables after Domestic Cooking? Effect of Steaming and Boiling
Authors: Fratianni Alessandra , D’Agostino Annacristina , Niro Serena , Bufano Annarita , Paura Bruno , Panfili Gianfranco
Published: April 2021

Lipophilic antioxidants are essential components, which have been pointed as bioactive beneficial for human health. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of domestic cooking (boiling, steaming) on the main carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) and tocols in four different green leafy vegetables: Sonchus asper L. Hill, Sonchus oleraceus L., Spinacia oleracea L. and Cichorium intybus L. The total content of the analyzed compounds was determined following the method of alkaline hydrolysis of the matrix and solvent extraction. The leaching of soluble solids after domestic cooking was found to determine a gain in the investigated bioactive compounds in the cooked vegetables, so to cause an apparent content increase in all leafy vegetables, when expressed as mg/100 g dry matter. Considering solid losses, all lipophilic compounds were not affected by boiling; on the contrary, steaming slightly significantly decreased the contents of lutein and β-carotene (on average 20 and 15%, respectively).
Effect of NaCl Replacement by other Salts on the Quality of Bísaro Pork Sausages (PGI Chouriça de Vinhais)
Authors: Teixeira Alfredo , Domínguez Rubén , Ferreira Iasmin , Pereira Etelvina , Estevinho Leticia , Rodrigues Sandra , Lorenzo José M.
Published: April 2021

Concerned about the trend to reduce salt consumption, the meat industry has been increasing the strategies to produce and commercialize products where the reduction or even the replacement of NaCl is an important goal. The aim of this study was to test the effect of partial NaCl replacement by KCl and Sub4Salt® on the quality of pork sausages. Three different formulations (NaCl + KCl, NaCl + Sub4Salt®, and KCl + Sub4Salt®) were considered and compared to the control (2% NaCl). Physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and microbiological and sensory characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of NaCl did not affect pH, water activity (aw) or its chemical composition after eight or 16 days ripening time, while a significant sodium reduction was achieved. The oxidation index expressed in TBARS was also not affected by the NaCl substitution and varied between 0.01 to 0.04 of malonaldehyde (MDA) per kg of sample. Similarly, the NaCl replacement did not change the microbiological quality of the sausages, and the production of healthier meat sausages had also no significant effect on their sensory characteristics. Therefore, according to the results obtained, it is viable and a good strategy for the meat industry to produce “reduced sodium content” sausages without affecting their traditional quality.
The Relationship between the Browning Index, Total Phenolics, Color, and Antioxidant Activity of Polish-Originated Honey Samples
Authors: Starowicz Małgorzata , Ostaszyk Anita , Zieliński Henryk
Published: April 2021

Honey is a source of sugars, amino acids/proteins, and polyphenols, which are the main substrates and reactants in the Maillard reaction. Several bioactive molecules are formed and sequestered to the brown polymeric melanoidins, resulting in a gain and loss of antioxidant function in honey. Therefore, the relationships between the browning index and total phenolic contents, color, and antioxidant activity of Polish-originated honeys, namely acacia, buckwheat, heather, linden, multiflorous, and rapeseed, obtained from three local beekeepers, were addressed in this study. The Total Phenolic Content data showed the following order: buckwheat > heather > acacia > multiflorous > linden > rapeseed. The buckwheat honey also had the highest ability to scavenge free radicals in the range of 207.1–289.3 and 40.9–52.3 µmol Trolox g−1, provided by Antioxidant Compounds Water-soluble and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assays, respectively. Furthermore, a higher degree of browning was observed in dark-colored honey, such as buckwheat (3.1) and heather (1.35 mAU), than in light ones. Moreover, L* and b* parameters had a greater value in the honey of multiflorous, linden, and rapeseed, and a* was higher in buckwheat and heather. The variables of browning and TPC, ACW, and FRAP were positively correlated with each other. It can be concluded that the browning index strongly contributed to parameters of honey appearance, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity.
Oral Mucosa as a Potential Site for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Gomez-Casado Cristina , Sanchez-Solares Javier , Izquierdo Elena , Díaz-Perales Araceli , Barber Domingo , Escribese María M.
Published: April 2021

Most prevalent food allergies during early childhood are caused by foods with a high allergenic protein content, such as milk, egg, nuts, or fish. In older subjects, some respiratory allergies progressively lead to food-induced allergic reactions, which can be severe, such as urticaria or asthma. Oral mucosa remodeling has been recently proven to be a feature of severe allergic phenotypes and autoimmune diseases. This remodeling process includes epithelial barrier disruption and the release of inflammatory signals. Although little is known about the immune processes taking place in the oral mucosa, there are a few reports describing the oral mucosa-associated immune system. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent knowledge about the role of the oral mucosa in food-induced allergic reactions, as well as in severe respiratory allergies or food-induced autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease.
Effect of Doxycycline Microencapsulation on Buccal Films: Stability, Mucoadhesion and In Vitro Drug Release
Authors: Patlolla Venu Gopal Reddy , Popovic Nikolina , Peter Holbrook William , Kristmundsdottir Thordis , Gizurarson Sveinbjörn
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work was to stabilize doxycycline in mucoadhesive buccal films at room temperature (25 °C). Since doxycycline is susceptible to degradation such as oxidation and epimerization, tablets are currently the only formulation that can keep the drug fully stable at room temperature, while liquid formulations are limited to refrigerated conditions (4 °C). In this study, the aim was to make formulations containing subclinical (antibiotic) doxycycline concentration that can act as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPI) and can be stored at temperatures such as 25 °C. Here, doxycycline was complexed with excipients using three techniques and entrapped into microparticles that were stored at 4 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C. Effect of addition of precomplexed doxycycline microparticles on films: stability mucoadhesion capacity, tensile strength, swelling index and in vitro release was studied. The complexation efficiency between drug-excipients, microparticles and films was studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two of the films were found to be stable at 4 °C but the film containing microparticle composed of precomplexed doxycycline with β-cyclodextrin, MgCl2, sodium thiosulfate, HPMC and Eudragit® RS 12.5 was found to be stable at 25 °C until 26 weeks. The addition of microparticles to the films was found to reduce the mucoadhesive capacity, peak detachment force, tensile strength and elasticity, but improved the stability at room temperature.
Impact-Detection Algorithm That Uses Point Clouds as Topographic Inputs for 3D Rockfall Simulations
Authors: Noël François , Cloutier Catherine , Jaboyedoff Michel , Locat Jacques
Published: April 2021

Numerous 3D rockfall simulation models use coarse gridded digital terrain model (DTM raster) as their topography input. Artificial surface roughness is often added to overcome the loss of details that occurs during the gridding process. Together with the use of sensitive energy damping parameters, they provide great freedom to the user at the expense of the objectivity of the method. To quantify and limit the range of such artificial values, we developed an impact-detection algorithm that can be used to extract the perceived surface roughness from detailed terrain samples in relation to the size of the impacting rocks. The algorithm can also be combined with a rebound model to perform rockfall simulations directly on detailed 3D point clouds. The abilities of the algorithm are demonstrated by objectively extracting different perceived surface roughnesses from detailed terrain samples and by simulating rockfalls on detailed terrain models as proof of concept. The results produced are also compared to that of rockfall simulation software CRSP 4, RocFall 8 and Rockyfor3D 5.2.15 as validation. Although differences were observed, the validation shows that the algorithm can produce similar results. With the presented approach not being limited to coarse terrain models, the need for adding artificial terrain roughness or for adjusting sensitive damping parameters on a per-site basis is reduced, thereby limiting the related biases and subjectivity.
Follow-Up Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV during the Second Semester of the Pandemic
Authors: Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Faria de Moura Villela Edlaine , Van Hees Stijn , Vanholder Pieter , Reyntiens Patrick , Colebunders Robert
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 affects persons living with HIV (PLWH) both directly (via morbidity/mortality) and indirectly (via disruption of HIV care). From July–November 2020, an online survey was conducted to investigate the psychosocial well-being of PLWH and changes in HIV care during the second semester of the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of PLWH, their psychosocial well-being, impact of COVID-19 preventive measures on their daily routines and HIV follow-up. Of the 247 responses analyzed (mean age: 44.5 ± 13.2 years; 73.7% male), 67 (27.1%) and 69 (27.9%) respondents screened positive for anxiety (GAD-2 score ≥ 3) and depression (PHQ-2 score ≥ 3), respectively. HIV care had returned to pre-COVID-19 state for 48.6% PLWH, and 108 (43.7%) had no HIV follow-up during the past month. Over three quarters (76.1%) of respondents expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to previous findings in April 2020, substance use increased from 58.6% to 67.2% (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the well-being and medical follow-up of PLWH are still affected after almost a year into the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote HIV follow-up (telemedicine) with psychosocial support should be envisaged in the medium to long-term. Given that most PLWH accept COVID-19 vaccination, they may be prioritized for this intervention.
Biomarkers of Low-Level Environmental Exposure to Benzene and Oxidative DNA Damage in Primary School Children in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Pilia Ilaria , Campagna Marcello , Marcias Gabriele , Fabbri Daniele , Meloni Federico , Spatari Giovanna , Cottica Danilo , Cocheo Claudio , Grignani Elena , De-Giorgio Fabio , Cocco Pierluigi , d’Aloja Ernesto
Published: April 2021

Background: The main anthropic sources of exposure to airborne benzene include vehicular traffic, cigarette smoke, and industrial emissions. Methods: To detect early genotoxic effects of environmental exposure to benzene, we monitored environmental, personal, and indoor airborne benzene in children living in an urban area and an area near a petrochemical plant. We also used urinary benzene and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) as biomarkers of benzene exposure and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a biomarker of early genotoxic effects. Results: Although always below the European Union limit of 5 μg/m3, airborne benzene levels were more elevated in the indoor, outdoor, and personal samples from the industrial surroundings compared to the urban area (p = 0.026, p = 0.005, and p = 0.001, respectively). Children living in the surroundings of the petrochemical plant had urinary benzene values significantly higher than those from the urban area in both the morning and evening samples (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Results of multiple regression modelling showed that age was a significant predictor of 8-OHdG excretion, independent of the sampling hour. Moreover, at the low exposure level experienced by the children participating in this study, neither personal or indoor airborne benzene level, nor personal monitoring data, affected 8-OHdG excretion. Conclusions: Our results suggest the importance of biological monitoring of low-level environmental exposure and its relation to risk of genotoxic effects among children.
Examination of the Sprinting and Jumping Force-Velocity Profiles in Young Soccer Players at Different Maturational Stages
Authors: Fernández-Galván Luis Miguel , Boullosa Daniel , Jiménez-Reyes Pedro , Cuadrado-Peñafiel Víctor , Casado Arturo
Published: April 2021

The aim was to determine the relationships among components of the force-velocity (F-V) profiles in jumping and sprinting, with both biological and chronological ages in 89 young soccer players belonging to categories from U10 to U18. Participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and 20-m sprint tests. F-V components assessed were associated with both maturity offset and chronological age, using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Horizontal (i.e., maximal theoretical force [F0] and velocity [V0], maximal power [Pmax] and F-V slope) and vertical (i.e., [F0] and [Pmax]) F-V components displayed very large correlations (i.e., 0.79 ≤ r ≤ 0.92) with both chronological age and maturity offset. The combination of sprinting Pmax and training experience and jumping F0 and training experience explained up to 94% of the variances in maturity offset and chronological age. Furthermore, similar correlations were found between sprinting and jumping performances, and components of the F-V profiles, and both maturity offset and chronological age. Identification of vertical jump and sprint mechanical determinants may assist in strengthening those components of the F-V profile which are weaker throughout the training process. Sprinting and jumping capabilities can be indistinctly monitored with respect to their chronological age or maturity offset in young soccer players.
Misreporting of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Parents-to-Be: A Validation Study across Sex
Authors: Deliens Tom , Versele Vickà , Jehin Jasper , D’Hondt Eva , Verhavert Yanni , Clarys Peter , Devlieger Roland , Bogaerts Annick , Aerenhouts Dirk
Published: April 2021

This study validated the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Context-specific Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ) against accelerometry among parents-to-be. Sex-differences in potential misreporting of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) were also investigated. Self-reported total PA (TPA), light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), and SB of 91 parents-to-be (41 men and 50 women) were compared with Actigraph data according to sex. Furthermore, the extent of misreporting was compared between sexes. Strong correlations for TPA and weak-to-moderate correlations for LPA, MPA, VPA, MVPA, and SB were observed. Participants underestimated TPA by 1068 min/week (=17.8 h/week; −50%), LPA by 1593 min/week (=26.6 h/week; −83%), and SB by 428 min/week (=7.1 h/week; −11%) and overestimated MPA by 384 min/week (=6.4 h/week; +176%) and MVPA by 525 min/week (=8.8 h/week; +224%). Males overreported VPA more than females in absolute minutes per week (238 min/week, i.e., 4.0 h/week vs. 62 min/week, i.e., 1.0 h/week), whereas, in relative terms, the opposite (+850% vs. +1033%) was true. The IPAQ and CSBQ can be used with caution to estimate TPA and SB among parents-to-be considering a strong correlation but low agreement for TPA and a weak-to-moderate correlation but acceptable agreement for SB. We disadvise using these self-reports to estimate PA on the distinct intensity levels.