bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects on Immune Function and Digestive Health of Consuming the Skin and Flesh of Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruit (Actinidia Chinensis var. Chinensis ‘Zesy002’) in Healthy and IBS-Constipated Individuals
Authors: Eady Sarah L. , Wallace Alison J. , Hedderley Duncan I. , Bentley-Hewitt Kerry L. , Butts Christine A.
Published: May 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that results in constipation (IBS-C) or diarrhoea with abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea and bloating. Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) are nutrient-dense fruit with a number of reported health benefits that include lowering glycaemic response, improving cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers, and enhancing gut comfort and laxation. This study investigated the effect of consuming three whole Zespri® SunGold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’) with or without skin on cytokine production and immune and gut health in healthy people and those with IBS-C symptoms. This study enrolled thirty-eight participants in a 16 week randomized cross-over study (19 healthy and 19 participants with IBS-C). Participants were randomized to consume either three kiwifruit without eating the skin or three kiwifruit including the skin for 4 weeks each, with a 4 week washout in between each intervention. There was a significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, for both the healthy and the IBS-C participants when they consumed whole kiwifruit and skin, and also for the healthy participants when they ate whole kiwifruit without the skin (p < 0.001). The kiwifruit interventions increased bowel frequency and significantly reduced the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale constipation and Birmingham IBS pain scores for both participant groups. We have demonstrated that consuming the skin of SunGold kiwifruit might have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health that are not produced by consuming the flesh alone.
Assessing the Validity of the Past-Month, Online Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II Pre and Post Nutrition Intervention
Authors: Horne Justine R. , Gilliland Jason , Madill Janet
Published: May 2020

Dietary intake tools are used in epidemiological and interventional studies to estimate nutritional intake. The past-month Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II (CDHQII) has not yet been validated. This study aimed to assess the validity of the CDHQII in adults by comparing dietary results from the CDHQII to the same participants’ 24-h recalls consisting of two weekdays and one weekend day. The recalls were collected using the validated multiple-pass method. Participants were asked to complete both tools at baseline, and again at 3-month follow-up. The study further aimed to determine which dietary intake tool was preferred by study participants by comparing completion rates. Data collection occurred at baseline (pre-intervention) and 3-month follow-up (post-intervention). Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare means for the following nutrients (grams and %kcal): calories, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat and sodium. Intraclass correlation coefficients of agreement and coefficients of variation were further calculated. Chi-square tests were used to determine the dietary assessment method with the greatest participant completion rate. At baseline (n = 104), there were no significant differences between the results of the CDHQII and three 24-h recalls (averaged), with overall moderate correlation coefficients. At 3-months (n = 53), there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between dietary intake collection methods for all nutrients assessed in this study, except for saturated fat (%kcal), unsaturated fat (%kcal), protein (%kcal) and sodium (mg). Correlation coefficients were moderate. A significantly greater proportion of participants completed the three 24-h recalls compared to the CDHQII after 3 months (completion rates of 67.2% vs. 50.8% of the sample, respectively). The CDHQII provided estimates of mean nutritional intake (calories, macronutrients and sodium) that were comparable to mean intake established from three 24-h recalls, at baseline and was validated in a sample of primarily middle-aged, college-educated, Caucasian female adults with overweight and obesity for mean baseline or cross-sectional measurement only but not for assessing individual/patient dietary intake in clinical practice (r = 0.30–0.68). This tool was not validated at 3-month follow-up. Additionally, participants preferred the three 24-h recalls to the online, past-month CDHQII.
Effects of Dietary or Supplementary Micronutrients on Sex Hormones and IGF-1 in Middle and Older Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Janjuha Ryan , Bunn Diane , Hayhoe Richard , Hooper Lee , Abdelhamid Asmaa , Mahmood Shaan , Hayden-Case Joseph , Appleyard Will , Morris Sophie , Welch Ailsa
Published: May 2020

Observational research suggests that micronutrients may be protective for sarcopenia, a key health issue during ageing, potentially via effects on hormone synthesis and metabolism. We aimed to carry out a systematic review of RCTs investigating effects of increasing dietary or supplemental micronutrient intake on sex hormones and IGF-1 in individuals aged 45 years or older. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for RCTs reporting the effects of different micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, or E; carotenoids; iron; copper; zinc; magnesium; selenium; and potassium) on sex hormones or IGF-1. Of the 26 RCTs identified, nine examined effects of vitamin D, nine of multi-nutrients, four of carotenoids, two of selenium, one of zinc, and one of vitamin E. For IGF-1 increasing vitamin D (MD: −0.53 nmol/L, 95% CI: −1.58, 0.52), multi-nutrients (MD: 0.60 nmol/L, 95% CI −1.12 to 2.33) and carotenoids (MD −1.32 nmol/L; 95% CI −2.76 to 0.11) had no significant effect on circulating concentrations. No significant effects on sex hormones of other micronutrients were found, but data were very limited. All trials had significant methodological limitations making effects of micronutrient supplementation on sex hormones unclear. Further high quality RCTs with physiological doses of micronutrients in people with low baseline intakes or circulating concentrations, using robust methodology, are required to assess effects of supplementation adequately.
Bromelain Confers Protection Against the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Male C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Hu Po-An , Chen Chia-Hui , Guo Bei-Chia , Kou Yu Ru , Lee Tzong-Shyuan
Published: May 2020

We aimed to investigate the effect of bromelain, the extract from stems of pineapples on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced deregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its underlying mechanism in mice. Mice were daily administrated with HFD with or without bromelain (20 mg/kg) for 12 weeks, and we found that bromelain decreased the HFD-induced increase in body weight by ~30%, organ weight by ~20% in liver weight and ~40% in white adipose tissue weight. Additionally, bromelain attenuated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by decreasing the serum level of total cholesterol by ~15% and triglycerides level by ~25% in mice. Moreover, hepatic lipid accumulation, particularly that of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, and glycerol, was decreased by 15–30% with bromelain treatment. Mechanistically, these beneficial effects of bromelain on HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid accumulation may be attributed to the decreased fatty acid uptake and cholesteryl ester synthesis and the increased lipoprotein internalization, bile acid metabolism, cholesterol clearance, the assembly and secretion of very low-density lipoprotein, and the β-oxidation of fatty acids by regulating the protein expression involved in the above mentioned hepatic metabolic pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that bromelain has therapeutic value for treating NAFLD and metabolic diseases.
Vitamin A Status and Deposition in Neonatal and Weanling Rats Reared by Mothers Consuming Normal and High-Fat Diets with Adequate or Supplemented Vitamin A
Authors: Zhang Yanqi , Crowe-White Kristi M. , Kong Lingyan , Tan Libo
Published: May 2020

The circulating level of vitamin A (VA; retinol) was reported to be lower in obese adults. It is unknown if maternal obesity influences the VA status of offspring. The objective of the study was to determine the VA status and deposition of neonatal and weanling rats reared by mothers consuming a normal or high-fat diet (NFD or HFD) with or without supplemented VA. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to an NFD or HFD with 2.6 mg/kg VA. Upon delivery, half of the rat mothers in the NFD or HFD cohort were switched to an NFD or HFD with supplemented VA at 129 mg/kg (NFD+VA and HFD+VA group). The other half remained on their original diet (NFD and HFD group). At postnatal day 14 (P14), P25, and P35, pups (n = 4 or 3/group/time) were euthanized. The total retinol concentration in the serum, liver, visceral white adipose tissue (WAT), and brown adipose tissue (BAT) was measured. At P14, the HFD+VA group showed a significantly lower serum VA than the NFD+VA group. At P25, both the VA concentration and total mass in the liver, WAT, and BAT were significantly higher in the HFD+VA than the NFD+VA group. At P35, the HFD group exhibited a significantly higher VA concentration and mass in the liver and BAT compared with the NFD group. In conclusion, maternal HFD consumption resulted in more VA accumulation in storage organs in neonatal and/or weanling rats, which potentially compromised the availability of VA in circulation, especially under the VA-supplemented condition.
Toll-Like Receptor-4 Dependent Intestinal and Systemic Sequelae Following Peroral Campylobacter coli Infection of IL10 Deficient Mice Harboring a Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Kløve Sigri , Genger Claudia , Mousavi Soraya , Weschka Dennis , Bereswill Stefan , Heimesaat Markus M.
Published: May 2020

Zoonotic Campylobacter, including C. jejuni and C. coli, are among the most prevalent agents of food-borne enteritis worldwide. The immunopathological sequelae of campylobacteriosis are caused by Toll-like Receptor-4 (TLR4)-dependent host immune responses, induced by bacterial lipooligosaccharide (LOS). In order to investigate C. coli-host interactions, including the roles of the human gut microbiota and TLR4, upon infection, we applied a clinical acute campylobacteriosis model, and subjected secondary abiotic, TLR4-deficient IL10-/- mice and IL10-/- controls to fecal microbiota transplantation derived from human donors by gavage, before peroral C. coli challenge. Until day 21 post-infection, C. coli could stably colonize the gastrointestinal tract of human microbiota-associated (hma) mice of either genotype. TLR4-deficient IL10-/- mice, however, displayed less severe clinical signs of infection, that were accompanied by less distinct apoptotic epithelial cell and innate as well as adaptive immune cell responses in the colon, as compared to IL10-/- counterparts. Furthermore, C. coli infected IL10-/-, as opposed to TLR4-deficient IL10-/-, mice displayed increased pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in intestinal and, strikingly, systemic compartments. We conclude that pathogenic LOS might play an important role in inducing TLR4-dependent host immune responses upon C. coli infection, which needs to be further addressed in more detail.
Predictive Value of Precision-Cut Kidney Slices as an Ex Vivo Screening Platform for Therapeutics in Human Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Bigaeva Emilia , Puerta Cavanzo Nataly , Stribos Elisabeth G. D. , de Jong Amos J. , Biel Carin , Mutsaers Henricus A. M. , Jensen Michael S. , Nørregaard Rikke , Leliveld Anna M. , de Jong Igle J. , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk , van Goor Harry , Boersema Miriam , Bank Ruud A. , Olinga Peter
Published: May 2020

Animal models are a valuable tool in preclinical research. However, limited predictivity of human biological responses in the conventional models has stimulated the search for reliable preclinical tools that show translational robustness. Here, we used precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) as a model of renal fibrosis and investigated its predictive capacity for screening the effects of anti-fibrotics. Murine and human PCKS were exposed to TGFβ or PDGF pathway inhibitors with established anti-fibrotic efficacy. For each treatment modality, we evaluated whether it affected: (1) culture-induced collagen type I gene expression and interstitial accumulation; (2) expression of markers of TGFβ and PDGF signaling; and (3) expression of inflammatory markers. We summarized the outcomes of published in vivo animal and human studies testing the three inhibitors in renal fibrosis, and drew a parallel to the PCKS data. We showed that the responses of murine PCKS to anti-fibrotics highly corresponded with the known in vivo responses observed in various animal models of renal fibrosis. Moreover, our results suggested that human PCKS can be used to predict drug efficacy in clinical trials. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the PCKS model is a powerful predictive tool for ex vivo screening of putative drugs for renal fibrosis.
Enhanced Intestinal Absorption of Insulin by Capryol 90, a Novel Absorption Enhancer in Rats: Implications in Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: Ukai Hiroki , Iwasa Kazuki , Deguchi Takamasa , Morishita Masaki , Katsumi Hidemasa , Yamamoto Akira
Published: May 2020

Labrasol® is a self-emulsifying excipient that contains saturated polyglycolysed C6–C14 glycerides and this additive is known to improve the intestinal absorption of poorly absorbed drugs after oral administration. However, the effects of formulations similar to Labrasol® on the intestinal absorption of poorly absorbed drugs have not been characterized. In this study, we used insulin as a model peptide drug and examined the absorption-enhancing effects of Labrasol® and its related formulations for insulin absorption in rats. The co-administration of Labrasol-related formulations with insulin reduced the blood glucose levels. Among these formulations, Capryol 90 was the most effective additive. Notably, the effect of Capryol 90 was greater at pH 3.0 than at pH 7.0. Additionally, almost no mucosal damage was observed in the presence of these formulations, as these formulations did not affect the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the amount of protein released from the small intestine. In mechanistic studies, Capryol 90 improved the stability of insulin and suppressed the association with insulin under acidic conditions. The loosening of the tight junctions (TJs) could be the underlying mechanism by which Capryol 90 improved intestinal insulin absorption via a paracellular route. These findings suggest that Capryol 90 is an effective absorption enhancer for improving the intestinal absorption of insulin, without inducing serious damage to the intestinal epithelium.
Managing Allergic Rhinitis in the Pharmacy: An ARIA Guide for Implementation in Practice
Authors: Lourenço Olga , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia , Costa Elísio , Fonseca João A. , Menditto Enrica , Cvetkovski Biljana , Kritikos Vicky , Tan Rachel , Bedbrook Anna , Scheire Sophie , Bachert Claus , Białek Sławomir , Briedis Vitalis , Boussery Koen , Canonica G. Walter , Haahtela Tari , Kuna Piotr , Novellino Ettore , Samoliński Bolesław , Schünemann Holger J. , Wallace Dana , Bousquet Jean
Published: May 2020

The paradigm of how we manage allergic rhinitis is shifting with a growing understanding that it is a complex process, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public and allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases managed by pharmacists. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines developed over the past 20 years have improved the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to allergic rhinitis management in community pharmacy following the 2019 ARIA in the pharmacy guidelines.
Medication Complexity among Disadvantaged African American Seniors in Los Angeles
Authors: Adinkrah Edward , Bazargan Mohsen , Wisseh Cheryl , Assari Shervin
Published: May 2020

Background. Several publications highlight data concerning multiple chronic conditions and the medication regimen complexity (MRC) used in managing these conditions as well as MRCs’ association with polypharmacy and medication non-adherence. However, there is a paucity of literature that specifically details the correlates of MRC with multimorbidity, socioeconomic, physical and mental health factors in disadvantaged (medically underserved, low income) African American (AA) seniors. Aims. In a local sample in South Los Angeles, we investigated correlates of MRC in African American older adults with chronic disease(s). Methods. This was a community-based survey in South Los Angeles with 709 African American senior participants (55 years and older). Age, gender, continuity of care, educational attainment, multimorbidity, financial constraints, marital status, and MRC (outcome) were measured. Data were analyzed using linear regression. Results. Higher MRC correlated with female gender, a higher number of healthcare providers, hospitalization events and multimorbidity. However, there were no associations between MRC and age, level of education, financial constraint, living arrangements or health maintenance organization (HMO) membership. Conclusions. Disadvantaged African Americans, particularly female older adults with multimorbidity, who also have multiple healthcare providers and medications, use the most complex medication regimens. It is imperative that MRC is reduced particularly in African American older adults with multimorbidity.
Effect of VUV Radiation on Surface Modification of Polystyrene Exposed to Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet
Authors: Zaplotnik Rok , Vesel Alenka
Published: May 2020

Precise tailoring of surface properties by gaseous plasma treatments remains a key scientific challenge, especially when adequate surface wettability should be laterally distributed, and sharp interfaces between hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas are desirable. The evolution of surface wettability and functional groups on polystyrene (PS) upon treatment with argon plasma jet was monitored by water contact angles and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An array of water droplets was deposited on PS samples treated either directly by the plasma jet or only VUV radiation arising from the plasma. Rather sharp interfaces between the activated and not-affected regions were observed in both cases. The functionalization with highly-oxidized carbon functional groups, as determined by high-resolution C1s XPS spectra, was by far more efficient using the VUV radiation only. In contrast, the optimal wettability was achieved using direct plasma treatment. The results were explained by different mechanisms involved in the interaction of radiation and reactive plasma species with the polymer surface.
Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrogels Based on Gelatinised Collagen with Potential Application in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Perez-Puyana Victor , Jiménez-Rosado Mercedes , Romero Alberto , Guerrero Antonio
Published: May 2020

Regenerative medicine is increasingly focused on the development of biomaterials that facilitate cell adhesion and proliferation through the use of natural polymers, which have better biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this way, the use of hydrogels has been considered as a potential option for tissue engineering due to their physical and chemical characteristics. However, few studies associate the raw materials properties and processing conditions with the final characteristics of hydrogels, which could condition their use as scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this context, the main objective of this work was the evaluation of type I collagen as raw material for the elaboration of hydrogels. In addition, gelation time, pH and temperature were evaluated as the most influential variables in the hydrogel processing method by rheological (time, strain and frequency sweep tests) and microstructural (Cryo-SEM) measurements. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain collagen hydrogels with adequate rheological and microstructural characteristics by selecting optimal processing conditions. However, further studies are necessary to assess their suitability for cell accommodation and growth.
Development of ZnO Nanoflake Type Structures Using Silk Fibres as Template for Water Pollutants Remediation
Authors: Rao K. Jagajjanani , Korumilli Tarangini , KP Akshaykumar , Wacławek Stanisław , Černík Miroslav , Padil Vinod V. T.
Published: May 2020

We have fabricated ZnO nanoflake structures using degummed silk fibers as templates, via soaking and calcining the silk fibers bearing ZnO nanoparticles at 150 °C for 6 h. The obtained ZnO nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The size (~500–700 nm) in length and thicknesses (~60 nm) of ZnO nanoflakes were produced. The catalysis performances of ZnO nanoflakes on silk fibers (ZnSk) via photo-degradation of naphthalene (93% in 256 min), as well as Rose Bengal dye removal (~1.7 mM g−1) through adsorption from aqueous solution, were practically observed. Further, ZnSk displayed superb antibacterial activity against the tested model gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium. The produced ZnSk has huge scope to be used for real-world water contaminants remediation applications.
New Nanohybrid Based on Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide and Silica Nanoparticles: Morphological, Structural and Thermal Properties
Authors: Ruiz-Cañas María C. , Quintero Henderson I. , Corredor Laura M. , Manrique Eduardo , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R.
Published: May 2020

In this study, a set of advanced characterization techniques were used to evaluate the morphological, structural, and thermal properties of a novel molecular hybrid based on silica nanoparticles/hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (CSNH-PC1), which was efficiently obtained using a two-step synthetic pathway. The morphology of the nanohybrid CSNH-PC1 was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and nanotracking analysis (NTA) techniques. The presence of C, N, O, and Si atoms in the nanohybrid structure was verified using electron dispersive scanning (EDS). Moreover, the corresponding structural analysis was complemented using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR). The covalent bond between APTES-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles (nSiO2-APTES), and the hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) chain (MW ≈ 20.106 Da) was confirmed with high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy (XPS). Finally, the thermal properties of the nanohybrid were evaluated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the CSNH-PC1 has a spherical morphology, with sizes between 420–480 nm and higher thermal resistance compared to HPAM polymers without modification, with a glass transition temperature of 360 °C. The integration of these advanced characterization techniques implemented here shows promising results for the study and evaluation of new nanomaterials with multiple applications.
Hydrothermal Aging of an Epoxy Resin Filled with Carbon Nanofillers
Authors: Glaskova-Kuzmina Tatjana , Aniskevich Andrey , Papanicolaou George , Portan Diana , Zotti Aldobenedetto , Borriello Anna , Zarrelli Mauro
Published: May 2020

The effects of temperature and moisture on flexural and thermomechanical properties of neat and filled epoxy with both multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF), and their hybrid components were investigated. Two regimes of environmental aging were applied: Water absorption at 70 °C until equilibrium moisture content and thermal heating at 70 °C for the same time period. Three-point bending and dynamic mechanical tests were carried out for all samples before and after conditioning. The property prediction model (PPM) was successfully applied for the prediction of the modulus of elasticity in bending of manufactured specimens subjected to both water absorption and thermal aging. It was experimentally confirmed that, due to addition of carbon nanofillers to the epoxy resin, the sorption, flexural, and thermomechanical characteristics were slightly improved compared to the neat system. Considering experimental and theoretical results, most of the epoxy composites filled with hybrid carbon nanofiller revealed the lowest effect of temperature and moisture on material properties, along with the lowest sorption characteristics.
Functional Polymers Structures for (Bio)Sensing Application—A Review
Authors: Spychalska Kamila , Zając Dorota , Baluta Sylwia , Halicka Kinga , Cabaj Joanna
Published: May 2020

In this review we present polymeric materials for (bio)sensor technology development. We focused on conductive polymers (conjugated microporous polymer, polymer gels), composites, molecularly imprinted polymers and their influence on the design and fabrication of bio(sensors), which in the future could act as lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. LOC instruments enable us to perform a wide range of analysis away from the stationary laboratory. Characterized polymeric species represent promising candidates in biosensor or sensor technology for LOC development, not only for manufacturing these devices, but also as a surface for biologically active materials’ immobilization. The presence of biological compounds can improve the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical tools, which in the case of medical diagnostics is extremely important. The described materials are biocompatible, cost-effective, flexible and are an excellent platform for the anchoring of specific compounds.
An Improved Artificial Electric Field Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Petwal Hemant , Rani Rinkle
Published: May 2020

Real-world problems such as scientific, engineering, mechanical, etc., are multi-objective optimization problems. In order to achieve an optimum solution to such problems, multi-objective optimization algorithms are used. A solution to a multi-objective problem is to explore a set of candidate solutions, each of which satisfies the required objective without any other solution dominating it. In this paper, a population-based metaheuristic algorithm called an artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA) is proposed to deal with multi-objective optimization problems. The proposed algorithm utilizes the concepts of strength Pareto for fitness assignment and the fine-grained elitism selection mechanism to maintain population diversity. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm utilizes the shift-based density estimation approach integrated with strength Pareto for density estimation, and it implements bounded exponential crossover (BEX) and polynomial mutation operator (PMO) to avoid solutions trapping in local optima and enhance convergence. The proposed algorithm is validated using several standard benchmark functions. The proposed algorithm’s performance is compared with existing multi-objective algorithms. The experimental results obtained in this study reveal that the proposed algorithm is highly competitive and maintains the desired balance between exploration and exploitation to speed up convergence towards the Pareto optimal front.
Measuring the Implications of Sustainable Manufacturing in the Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Ivascu Larisa
Published: May 2020

Sustainability is increasingly being addressed globally. The manufacturing industry faces various constraints and opportunities related to sustainable development. Currently, there are few methodological frameworks for evaluating sustainable organizational development. Assessing and improving organizational capacity is important for producers and researchers in the field and local, national, and international authorities. This research proposes a hierarchical framework for sustainability assessment of manufacturing industry in Romania. The proposed framework integrates performance elements and measures to improve all the processes and activities from the triple perspective of sustainability. Sustainability assessment captures the entire supply chain of the organization, including stakeholder interests and end-of-life directions for products. To establish the elements to be integrated in the development of the proposed framework, market research (online questionnaire-for the characterization of Industry 4.0) and the Delphi method were used to identify the categories of performance indicators that must be measured to identify organizational capacity for sustainable development. The framework was tested by an automotive manufacturing organization. A number of improvements have been identified that relate to Industry 4.0 facilities and the application of the facilities related to recovering the value of the product at the end of its life cycle. This hierarchical framework can be customized in detail for the specific of each organization and can be adapted in other industries, including banking, retail, and other services. It can be observed that waste management and the interests of the stakeholders are major implications that must be measured and properly motivated.
Dynamic Optimization of a Fed-Batch Nosiheptide Reactor
Authors: Rodman Alistair D. , Diab Samir , Gerogiorgis Dimitrios I.
Published: May 2020

Nosiheptide is a sulfur-containing peptide antibiotic, showing exceptional activity against critical pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) with livestock applications that can be synthesized via fed-batch fermentation. A simplified mechanistic fed-batch fermentation model for nosiheptide production considers temperature- and pH-dependence of biomass growth, substrate consumption, nosiheptide production and oxygen mass transfer into the broth. Herein, we perform dynamic simulation over a broad range of possible feeding policies to understand and visualize the region of attainable reactor performances. We then formulate a dynamic optimization problem for maximization of nosiheptide production for different constraints of batch duration and operability limits. A direct method for dynamic optimization (simultaneous strategy) is performed in each case to compute the optimal control trajectories. Orthogonal polynomials on finite elements are used to approximate the control and state trajectories allowing the continuous problem to be converted to a nonlinear program (NLP). The resultant large-scale NLP is solved using IPOPT. Optimal operation requires feedrate to be manipulated in such a way that the inhibitory mechanism of the substrate can be avoided, with significant nosiheptide yield improvement realized.
Landfill GHG Reduction through Different Microbial Methane Oxidation Biocovers
Authors: Pecorini Isabella , Iannelli Renato
Published: May 2020

Emissions from daily and final covers of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills can produce significant impacts on local and global environments. Simplifying, landfills can cause local impacts with odor emissions and global impacts with GHGs. This work focuses on hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4) emissions, with the aim of studying how it is possible to reduce their impacts by means of biofiltration systems. Both field and laboratory investigations have been carried out in Casa Rota Landfill (Tuscany, Italy). In the field trials, four pilot-scale biocovers made of compost from a source-selected organic fraction (SS compost), compost from a mechanical biological treatment plant—the residual fractions of the MSW, a mixed compost (SS-MSW compost) and sand were monitored in the daily cover area of the landfill, where high emissions were detected. Results showed that high CH4 and H2S emissions reductions occurred in the mixed SS-MSW compost plot, given a maximum methane oxidation efficiency of greater than 98% and an average oxidation efficiency of about 75%. To assess the specific oxidation rate, laboratory tests using SS-MSW compost sampled from the biocovers were done.
Cold Sintering as a Cost-Effective Process to Manufacture Porous Zinc Electrodes for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries
Authors: Jayasayee Kaushik , Clark Simon , King Cara , Dahl Paul Inge , Richard Tolchard Julian , Juel Mari
Published: May 2020

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) offer a sustainable and safe pathway to low-cost energy storage. Recent research shows that thermally-sintered porous Zn electrodes with a three-dimensional network structure can enhance the performance and lifetime of ZABs, but they are expensive and energy-intensive to manufacture. In this work, monolithic porous Zn electrodes fabricated through an efficient cold sintering process (CSP) were studied for rechargeable ZABs. Electrochemical studies and extended charge-discharge cycling show good Zn utilization with no observable performance degradation when compared to Zn foil. Post-mortem analysis after 152 h of cycling reveals that the cold-sintered electrodes retain their original structure. A techno-economic assessment of the cold sintering process confirms significant reductions in both the time and energy required to manufacture Zn electrodes compared to a comparable thermal sintering process.
Applying Differential Neural Networks to Characterize Microbial Interactions in an Ex Vivo Gastrointestinal Gut Simulator
Authors: Gradilla-Hernández Misael Sebastián , García-González Alejandro , Gschaedler Anne , Herrera-López Enrique J. , González-Avila Marisela , García-Gamboa Ricardo , Yebra Montes Carlos , Fuentes-Aguilar Rita Q.
Published: May 2020

The structure of mixed microbial cultures—such as the human gut microbiota—is influenced by a complex interplay of interactions among its community members. The objective of this study was to propose a strategy to characterize microbial interactions between particular members of the community occurring in a simulator of the human gastrointestinal tract used as the experimental system. Four runs were carried out separately in the simulator: two of them were fed with a normal diet (control system), and two more had the same diet supplemented with agave fructans (fructan-supplemented system). The growth kinetics of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Salmonella spp., and Clostridium spp. were assessed in the different colon sections of the simulator for a nine-day period. The time series of microbial concentrations were used to estimate specific growth rates and pair-wise interaction coefficients as considered by the generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) model. A differential neural network (DNN) composed of a time-adaptive set of differential equations was applied for the nonparametric identification of the mixed microbial culture, and an optimization technique was used to determine the interaction parameters, considering the DNN identification results and the structure of the gLV model. The assessment of the fructan-supplemented system showed that microbial interactions changed significantly after prebiotics administration, demonstrating their modulating effect on microbial interactions. The strategy proposed here was applied satisfactorily to gain quantitative and qualitative knowledge of a broad spectrum of microbial interactions in the gut community, as described by the gLV model. In the future, it may be utilized to study microbial interactions within mixed cultures using other experimental approaches and other mathematical models (e.g., metabolic models), which will yield crucial information for optimizing mixed microbial cultures to perform certain processes—such as environmental bioremediation or modulation of gut microbiota—and to predict their dynamics.
Distinct and Quantitative Validation for Predictive Process Modelling in Steam Distillation of Caraway Fruits and Lavender Flower Following a Quality-By-Design (QbD) Approach
Authors: Roth Thorsten , Uhlenbrock Lukas , Strube Jochen
Published: May 2020

A quality by design (QbD) approach as part of process development in the regulated, pharmaceutical industry requires many experiments. Due to the large number, process development is time consuming and cost intensive. A key to modern process development to reduce the number of required experiments is a predictive simulation with a validated physico-chemical model. In order to expand the process expertise of steam distillation through maximum information, a model development workflow is used in this paper, which focuses on implementation, verification, parametrization and validation of a physico-chemical model. Process robustness and sensitivity of target values can be determined from the developed general model and design of experiments with statistical evaluations. The model validation is exemplified by two different types of plant systems, caraway fruits (Carum Carvi) and lavender flowers (Lavandula).
Untangling the Potential of Carbon Quantum Dots in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Jung Lindsey , Narayan Prakash , Sreenivasan Sreeprasad T. , Narayan Mahesh
Published: May 2020

The transitioning of carbon quantum dot (cQD) applications from electrochemistry, catalysis and environmental sensing to biomedicine represents an important milestone in its 15-year history; a bellwether for its yet-unrealized potential in interventional biology, imaging, diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy. However, despite the significant advances made over the last decade in several areas of the cQD domain, our knowledge of the exact chemical ipseity of cQDs at the Angstrom level remains either in its infancy or is largely ignored. The imminent crossing over of cQDs into biological systems and into the blood–brain barrier demands attention to the critical, yet unmet, need to resolve the inherent heterogeneity in cQD preparations and their separation into purified conformers, to identify the issues associated with potential cytotoxicity as well as to examine their bioavailability. Perhaps most importantly, and ironically neglected as well, is the compelling urgency to obtain an atomic- and molecular-level understanding of cQD’s interactions with biological receptors; a demand that requires absolute knowledge of its structure, chemistry and aspects therein. The need for the total chemical mapping of cQDs, with Angstrom-level resolution, remains the unrealized cornerstone to tailoring its specificity for its designated use in preclinical and clinical trials.
Monastic Form-of-Life Out of Place: Ritual Practices among Benedictine Oblates
Authors: Quartier Thomas
Published: May 2020

Although ritual participation in Christian churches is decreasing in the Netherlands, one of the most secularised countries in the world, monasteries are increasingly attractive to people not committed to a life in an abbey, but who rather transfer monastic practices to their personal life. Guesthouses are full, reading groups conduct meditative reading, and monastic time management is applied in professional arenas. Obviously, the ritual practices conducted beyond abbey walls have a different character than the ritual repertoire of monks and nuns. The ritual transfer is a challenge, as monasteries are secluded spaces, separated from the world. In its history, monasticism has turned out to be especially capable of this process. What does the transfer from one context to the other imply when people ritualise prayer, reading and everyday practices without being monastic? A specific group of people who conduct this transfer intensively are Benedictine oblates, laypersons affiliated to a particular monastery. This article addresses the following main question: which monastic ritual practices do Benedictine oblates in the Netherlands perform, and how do they transfer these to their personal context? To explore this question, the results of a qualitative research among 53 respondents are presented—oblates of three Benedictine abbeys in the Netherlands. The results demonstrate experiences on a new ritual field, with practices that seem to be ‘out of place’ but are highly vivid to the practitioners.
Testing the Least-Squares Monte Carlo Method for the Evaluation of Capital Requirements in Life Insurance
Authors: Costabile Massimo , Viviano Fabio
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we test the efficiency of least-squares Monte Carlo method to estimate capital requirements in life insurance. We choose a simplified Gaussian evaluation framework where closed-form formulas are available and allow us to obtain solid benchmarks. Extensive numerical experiments were conducted by considering different combinations of simulation runs and basis functions, and the corresponding results are illustrated.
Field Intercomparison of Radiometer Measurements for Ocean Colour Validation
Authors: Tilstone Gavin , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Hieronymi Martin , Ruddick Kevin , Beck Matthew , Ligi Martin , Costa Maycira , D’Alimonte Davide , Vellucci Vincenzo , Vansteenwegen Dieter , Bracher Astrid , Wiegmann Sonja , Kuusk Joel , Vabson Viktor , Ansko Ilmar , Vendt Riho , Donlon Craig , Casal Tânia
Published: May 2020

A field intercomparison was conducted at the Acqua Alta Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) in the northern Adriatic Sea, from 9 to 19 July 2018 to assess differences in the accuracy of in- and above-water radiometer measurements used for the validation of ocean colour products. Ten measurement systems were compared. Prior to the intercomparison, the absolute radiometric calibration of all sensors was carried out using the same standards and methods at the same reference laboratory. Measurements were performed under clear sky conditions, relatively low sun zenith angles, moderately low sea state and on the same deployment platform and frame (except in-water systems). The weighted average of five above-water measurements was used as baseline reference for comparisons. For downwelling irradiance ( E d ), there was generally good agreement between sensors with differences of <6% for most of the sensors over the spectral range 400 nm–665 nm. One sensor exhibited a systematic bias, of up to 11%, due to poor cosine response. For sky radiance ( L s k y ) the spectrally averaged difference between optical systems was <2.5% with a root mean square error (RMS) <0.01 mWm−2 nm−1 sr−1. For total above-water upwelling radiance ( L t ), the difference was <3.5% with an RMS <0.009 mWm−2 nm−1 sr−1. For remote-sensing reflectance ( R r s ), the differences between above-water TriOS RAMSES were <3.5% and <2.5% at 443 and 560 nm, respectively, and were <7.5% for some systems at 665 nm. Seabird-Hyperspectral Surface Acquisition System (HyperSAS) sensors were on average within 3.5% at 443 nm, 1% at 560 nm, and 3% at 665 nm. The differences between the weighted mean of the above-water and in-water systems was <15.8% across visible bands. A sensitivity analysis showed that E d accounted for the largest fraction of the variance in R r s , which suggests that minimizing the errors arising from this measurement is the most important variable in reducing the inter-group differences in R r s . The differences may also be due, in part, to using five of the above-water systems as a reference. To avoid this, in situ normalized water-leaving radiance ( L w n ) was therefore compared to AERONET-OC SeaPRiSM L w n as an alternative reference measurement. For the TriOS-RAMSES and Seabird-HyperSAS sensors the differences were similar across the visible spectra with 4.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The difference between SeaPRiSM L w n and two in-water systems at blue, green and red bands was 11.8%. This was partly due to temporal and spatial differences in sampling between the in-water and above-water systems and possibly due to uncertainties in instrument self-shading for one of the in-water measurements.
Semi-Supervised Deep Metric Learning Networks for Classification of Polarimetric SAR Data
Authors: Liu Hongying , Luo Ruyi , Shang Fanhua , Meng Xuechun , Gou Shuiping , Hou Biao
Published: May 2020

Recently, classification methods based on deep learning have attained sound results for the classification of Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) data. However, they generally require a great deal of labeled data to train their models, which limits their potential real-world applications. This paper proposes a novel semi-supervised deep metric learning network (SSDMLN) for feature learning and classification of PolSAR data. Inspired by distance metric learning, we construct a network, which transforms the linear mapping of metric learning into the non-linear projection in the layer-by-layer learning. With the prior knowledge of the sample categories, the network also learns a distance metric under which all pairs of similarly labeled samples are closer and dissimilar samples have larger relative distances. Moreover, we introduce a new manifold regularization to reduce the distance between neighboring samples since they are more likely to be homogeneous. The categorizing is achieved by using a simple classifier. Several experiments on both synthetic and real-world PolSAR data from different sensors are conducted and they demonstrate the effectiveness of SSDMLN with limited labeled samples, and SSDMLN is superior to state-of-the-art methods.
Improving the Altimeter-Derived Surface Currents Using Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Data: A Sensitivity Study to SST Products
Authors: Ciani Daniele , Rio Marie-Hélène , Nardelli Bruno Buongiorno , Etienne Hélène , Santoleri Rosalia
Published: May 2020

Measurements of ocean surface topography collected by satellite altimeters provide geostrophic estimates of the sea surface currents at relatively low resolution. The effective spatial and temporal resolution of these velocity estimates can be improved by optimally combining altimeter data with sequences of high resolution interpolated (Level 4) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data, improving upon present-day values of approximately 100 km and 15 days at mid-latitudes. However, the combined altimeter/SST currents accuracy depends on the area and input SST data considered. Here, we present a comparative study based on three satellite-derived daily SST products: the Remote Sensing Systems (REMSS, 1/10 ∘ resolution), the UK Met Office OSTIA (1/20 ∘ resolution), and the Multiscale Ultra-High resolution SST (1/100 ∘ resolution). The accuracy of the marine currents computed with our synergistic approach is assessed by comparisons with in-situ estimated currents derived from a global network of drifting buoys. Using REMSS SST, the meridional currents improve up to more than 20% compared to simple altimeter estimates. The maximum global improvements for the zonal currents are obtained using OSTIA SST, and reach 6%. Using the OSTIA SST also results in slight improvements (≃1.3%) in the zonal flow estimated in the Southern Ocean (45 ∘ S to 70 ∘ S). The homogeneity of the input SST effective spatial resolution is identified as a crucial requirement for an accurate surface current reconstruction. In our analyses, this condition was best satisfied by the lower resolution SST products considered.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “High-Precision GNSS: Methods, Open Problems and Geoscience Applications”
Authors: Li Xingxing , Paziewski Jacek , Crespi Mattia
Published: May 2020

In the past two decades, the high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) has significantly increased the range of geoscience applications and their precision [...]