bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory evaluation of meat and meat products: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Mörlein Daniel
Published: October 2019

Sensory analysis is widely applied to both fresh and processed meat. Herein, the frequently used sensory evaluation techniques are briefly characterised; some critical aspects, such as assessor selection, attribute generation, and context effects, are detailed. Without aiming to be exhaustive, some examples of previous research are show-cased to demonstrate what types of research questions can be answered by utilising sensory evaluation.
Antilisterial effect of juniper (Juniperus communis) and its mixed application with winter savory (Satureja montana) in beef protection
Authors: Nikolic B , Vasilijevic B , Mitic-Culafic D
Published: October 2019

Juniperus communis essential oil and post-distillation waste were tested for their antibacterial potential against common food contaminants. Results of microdilution assay directed further study of Listeria monocytogenes. Checkerboard assay showed synergistic antilisterial effect of both substances with conventional antibiotics. By evaluating of their cytotoxicity on human colon cells, post-distillation waste was denoted as selective against L. monocytogenes, being able to interfere with its in vitro adhesion on colon cells. On the other hand, the food preservative potential of J. communis essential oil was studied and compared with the activity of Satureja montana essential oil. In a microdilution assay, both substances induced antilisterial effect against reference ATCC 19111 strain and three wild isolates. A checkerboard assay showed synergism against isolates. An in vitro time-kill assay was used to confirm the types of interaction, and to estimate curve MIC values. Finally, in situ antilisterial efficacies of the individual essential oils and their mixture on red wine-marinated beef, previously inoculated with ATCC 19111 strain or primoisolate from beef carcass, were determined. All treatments enhanced the antilisterial potential of wine marinade. In conclusion, derivatives of J. communis possess significant antilisterial potential both in in vitro and in situ conditions, so further research is advised.
Food safety aspects of common carp produced in wastewaterfed fish ponds
Authors: Ljubojevic Pelic D , Pelic M , Djordjevic V , Cirkovic M
Published: October 2019

There is an increasing trend in the use of wastewater in fish production because wastewater-based aquaculture is a sustainable, biological way to treat and recycle wastewater. Different fish species including common carp have been reared in wastewater-fed ponds. However, untreated wastewater contains many kinds of contaminants that have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Thus, the health risks arising from fish produced in wastewater-filled fish ponds seem undeniable. On the other hand, the appropriate use of wastewater in aquaculture has important environmental and economic significance, including recycling nutrients and reuse of water. The main objective of the present review is verification of rearing fish in purified wastewater-fed fishponds through revision of available data related to fish meat safety. Wastewater could be an excellent source of nutrients for fish, but proper purification of this waste stream is necessary. Fish also have a role as bioindicators of the effectiveness of wastewater purification. Continuous monitoring of the presence and concentration of different contaminants in common carp and other fish species reared in purified wastewater is very important.
Modified atmosphere packaging of fish – an impact on shelf life
Authors: Babic Milijasevic J , Milijasevic M , Djordjevic V
Published: October 2019

The shelf life of fresh fish is short. Therefore, the fishing industry has always been willing to explore new technologies for shelf life extension. This paper will focus on one such technique, i.e., changing the nature of the gas surrounding the fish. The main purposes of modified atmosphere packaging of fish and fish products, but also other foodstuffs, are two-fold: to ensure the microbiological shelf life and the sensory quality of the product, including the colour, odour and palatability. During the last two decades, modified atmosphere packaging has become a dominant retail fish packaging technology. The main reasons for the development of modified atmosphere packaging are the continuous increase in fresh fish consumption, increases of urban populations and exhaustion of natural food resources. Developments in packaging materials and technologies have made the application of modified atmosphere packaging on a larger scale for fish and fish products feasible. In this paper, we present the basic principles of modified atmosphere packaging of fish, and the microbiological, sensory, chemical and physicochemical parameters that are important for the shelf life of fish packaged using this technology.
Household food waste in Belgrade - sin and unconcern
Authors: Janjic J , Popovic M , Radosavac A , Sarcevic D , Grbic S , Starcevic M , Baltic M Z
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the actual procedures with food in households and consumer attitudes about food waste. The survey was conducted in 83 households in Belgrade, Serbia. All participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The results obtained show that awareness of food waste is at a satisfactory level, but the actual situation is that food is discarded in large quantities, even though people are aware of what a global problem this is. Large contradictions were observed among the respondents’ answers in this study. Respondents who stated that they never discard food, in further responses, declared they throw away significant amounts of food for various reasons (too long storage, overconsumption, improper preparation, etc.). We conclude that people are either unaware of how much food they discard, or they do not want to admit it to themselves. However, participants largely have a sense of guilt about discarding food. This indicates consumer awareness of food waste, and is an encouraging sign that further education could be effective in consumers taking into account their food waste habits, starting from procurement planning, through storage and preparation.
Physical properties (pH and aw value) of fermented sausages inoculated with Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Mitrovic R R , Jankovic V V , Ciric J S , Djordjevic V Z , Juric Z Lj , Mitrovic-Stanivuk M R , Baltic B M
Published: October 2019

Fermented sausages are produced without heat treatment, and the conservative effect is achieved by a combination of three factors: pH, lowering the water activity (aw) and the creation of lactic acid. Here, we summarize the results of the production of fermented sausages inoculated with Y. enterocolitica, with the added starter culture. Number of Y.enterocolitica declined during ripening, as did pH and aw value. During the ripening process, the aw of fermented sausages of narrower and wider diameters significantly decreased and was lower in sausages in which starter culture was used. At the end of the production process, there were no significant differences between the physical parameters of sausage quality (pH and aw) among fermented sausages with and without added starter culture, and between sausages with narrower and wider diameters.
Examination of meat preparations in order to control process hygiene in retail
Authors: Mrdovic B , Nastasijevic I , Brankovic Lazic I , Jovanovic J , Nikolic A , Petrovic Z , Raseta M
Published: October 2019

The production and trade of meat preparations (minced meat and semi-finished meat products, including fresh sausages) are registering significant annual increases in Serbia. There is an increasing number of specialized plants, as well as suppliers who directly supply consumers with this type of meat preparation. The aim of this paper is to determine the microbiological risks in the meat preparations production process by taking samples from retail facilities in order to verify HACCP compliance. HACCP systems and good hygiene practices as their pre-requisite programs, require food business operators to identify potential hazards that threaten product safety in order to eliminate or control them. Over 27 months, 297 samples of meat preparations were taken from nine retail stores. Escherichia coli was detected in 5% (16/297) of the meat preparations, and Salmonella spp. were found in 1.6% (5/297). The results obtained are signals for initiating corrective measures in the production processes and improving current sanitary procedures.
Artificial neural network technologies as a tool to histological preparation analysis
Authors: Nikitina M A , Chernukha I M , Pchelkina V A
Published: October 2019

Food fraud has become one of the great internal and external threats nowadays. For effective and objective detection of adulterated products, real-time control systems are used.Microstructural analysis is one of these methods. It allows rapid quality and composition assessment of food’s raw materials and the finished products. Human skills and expertise/involvement in interpreting the resultsof microstructural analysis is still absolutely necessary, despite the possibility this is subjective. Modern hardware/software systems for histological analysis with neural network technologies will exclude the subjectivity of that result interpretation. For convolutional neural network operating, the “learning with the teacher” model is used. With this training method, a set of data is prepared, whichacts as a series of observations, and for which the values of the input and output variables are indicated, such as: histological analysis data > conclusion about the sample composition > adulteration definition. The network learns to establish connections between them. This paper presents the classification parameters for vegetable food component identification as a part of meat raw materials and finished products. A unified database structure has been developedfor structuring and summarizing the main microstructural characteristics of histological sections for various types of meat raw materials. The production-rule systems of “If… then …else” are given, and vegetable protein components were chosen as an example. Based on these rules, training of convolutional neural network occurs.
Characterizations of lignocellulose waxes and study of their effects on enzymatic saccharification for biofuel production
Authors: Kitsubthawee K , Cheenkachorn K , Chuetor S , Rattanaporn K , Sriariyanun M
Published: October 2019

Wax is considered to be by-products of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass and agricultural processing plants. Although, attempts to find applications of waxes obtained from these sources have been made, yet, little proportions of cases were successfully practical in industrial applications due to lacking of wax characterization data. This research aims to characterize wax properties of three types of lignocellulose biomass; Rice straw (RS), Sugarcane bagasse (SB) and Napier grass (NG); obtained from Soxhlet extraction technique with hexane solvent. The chemical and physical properties of waxes were analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FT-IR) analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) suggesting the similarity of properties between NG and SB waxes. To test the effect of wax on biofuel production, both dewaxed and non-dewaxed biomass were pretreated with diluted alkali and enzymatically hydrolysed by cellulase. The results showed that the combination of dewaxing and alkali pretreatment increased the cellulose proportions in biomass compared to alkali pretreatment for 21.8%, 10.1% and 16.1% in RS, NG and SB, respectively. Additionally, the combined dewaxing and pretreatment improved the saccharification yields of RS, NG and SB for 5.84%, 35.03% and 26.10%, respectively. Altogether, the existence of wax clearly showed the negative effect on biofuel production, thus dewaxing process should be further considered to be included to improve the biorefining process.
First record of Lyophyllum shimeji mashrooms in Dazhou
Authors: Xu D , Sun C Q , Li B , Xu J J , Zhao H , Wang Z D , Ma J
Published: October 2019

a new record of Lyophyllum shimeji was collected during field trip to masson pine at Dazhou (31.35° N, 107.72° E; 1100 m altitude) district in 16th of October 2017. It was identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Complete description was performed for the collected fresh fruiting bodies and isolated pure culture. Radial growth rate of culture was estimated on media1, media 2, media 3, media 4, media 5 and media 6 (0.196, 0.192, 0.122, 0.092, 0.200, 0.160 cm/day, respectively). Lyophyllum are very close in morphological characters; hence, the identification was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the ribosomal 5.8S rRNA gene including the flanking internal transcribed spacers (ITS). The results showed that it was Lyophyllum shimeji and this is the first record in other parts of China. The suitable culture medium component was potato 200g, MgSO4-7H2O 0.5g, glucose 20 g, KHM2PO4 0.3 g, tryptone 0.5 g, VB1 20 mg, ager 20 g, ddH2O 1000ml, PH5-6. These results could provide a new reference for its artificial domestication and cultivation studies.
Efficacy of herbicides on crabgrass in Golf Course, Southern China
Authors: Fei L , Jiang P
Published: October 2019

Crabgrass, a malignant weed on golf turf, affects the hitting effect and golf course landscape. In this study, three herbicides were used for crabgrass in driving range of the golf course in Southern China. Metsulfuron-Methyl, Flazasulfuron and Quinclorac were sprayed at three concentration gradients of 1, 2 and 3 times respectively. Results showed that three times the recommended amount of quinclorac had the best killing effect on crabgrass and the other two herbicides were still unsatisfactory even if the concentration reached three times of the recommended amount. The efficacy of quinclorac at recommended dose is 2.2 times higher than that of metsulfuron-methyl, and 1.3 times higher at three times recommended dose. Because this experiment was carried out in November, the leaf and sheath of crabgrass is old, cellulose content is high, lignification is serious, and it has high resistance to chemical herbicides. Manual removal is more environmentally friendly and efficient method.
Digital transformation of agricultural industry
Authors: Shamin A , Frolova O , Makarychev V , Yashkova N , Kornilova L , Akimov A
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Until recently, in our country, agriculture as a sector of the economy had low automation of business processes. At the present stage, digitalization and automation of the maximum number of agricultural processes is a conscious necessity. The task of it is the maximum automation of all stages of the production cycle to reduce losses, increase the productivity of agricultural business, optimal resource management. Materials and methods: This article use abstract logic and calculation and constructive methods. The historical experience of the formation of a multi-structure is considered, the digital stage is allocated. The system of comprehensive indicators of efficiency of agricultural production of various forms of management by types of efficiency is offered. Discussion: At the first stage agricultural producers on the basis of developed indicators of digital efficiency determine the level of digitalization for its further increase. At the second stage of implementation of elements of digitalization it is necessary for agricultural organizations to participate in the developed business model for the introduction of digital technologies, which will contribute to the development of agricultural production, growth of entrepreneurial activity and increase the sustainability of rural areas. Results: Based on the analysis of economic literature, foreign digital technologies used in advanced agricultural organizations of various forms of ownership in Russia are highlighted. It is concluded that the intensive introduction of digitalization and the Internet of things in agriculture will turn the industry less affected by it into a high-tech business due to the explosive growth of productivity and reduce unproductive costs and ensure food security of the regions and the country as a whole.
Removal of cyfluthrin by fine bubble technology in oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Authors: Vuthijumnonk J T , Shimbhanao W
Published: October 2019

Cyfluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is used widely for orange cultivation. Prolong exposure to cyfluthrin causes several human health issues such as kidney inflammation, weight loss and diarrhoea. This study aimed to investigate the fate of cyfluthrin residue in oranges after treatment with fine bubble produced with air or ozone. Micro-bubbles produced from different types of gas (air, oxygen and ozone) were used to treat oranges contaminated with cyfluthrin. Cyfluthrin residue was tested using GPO-TM kit. The pesticide residue was not detected after micro-bubble treatments. An air micro-bubble technology was chosen for further analysis by HPLC. HPLC analysis confirmed that more than 90% of contaminated cyfluthrin was removed by air micro-bubble treatment. Moreover, the insecticide residue was not detected in washing water.
The efficiency of the use of “Biostrong 510” additive in the technology of broiler chicken meat production
Authors: Lavrentyev A Y , Nikolaeva A I , Evdokimov N V , Semenov V G , Sherne V S , Nemtseva E Y , Danilova N V , Petrov N S , Toboyev G M
Published: October 2019

Growing chickens for meat is the main link in the technological chain of broiler production. Broilers – the final hybrid obtained as a result of interbreeding of different chicken breeds lines (meat parent forms), tested for compatibility. Because of this, the bird has an intense growth rate, high taste of meat. Consumer demand for broiler meat has been increasing steadily in recent decades. Biostrong 510 (BIOSTRONG 510) herbal feed supplement to improve palatability and increase consumption or feed for farm poultry. The mechanism of action is based on the joint action of several plant substances, in which there are active substances, which, when combined, affect a certain category of animals. Four groups of broiler chickens (1 control and 3 experimental) of the Cobb 500 cross at the daily age of 50 heads each were formed to conduct the experiment by the method of analogues. The experiments were carried out with the daily up to 40 days of age. Expenses of feeds in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group by 0.07, 0.13, 0.12 kg, respectively. The purpose of this work was to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of enrichment of animal feed with vegetable feed additive "Biostrong 510" used in the production of meat broiler chickens. Assessing the results of scientific and economic experience, we can safely say that in all the experimental groups in which "Biostrong 510" was used as an additive, the gain in the live weight of broiler chickens was increased compared to the control group. In total, 4020 g of compound feed was spent for the period of an experiment for each experimental group of broiler chickens. Due to the improved taste of feed, the palatability in the experimental groups was higher than in the control group by 0.3 %; 0.9 %; 0.8 %. The cost of feed in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group. For example, in the control – 1, 87 kg per 1 kg of body weight gain. In experimental – below 0.07; 0.13; 0,12 kg, respectively. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the viability of experimental broiler chickens was almost 100%. The natural loss of livestock was only due to technological injuries. The obtained data on the productivity of broiler chickens indicate a favorable effect of plant feed additive on the live weight of broiler chickens. Based on the results of the research, we recommend to introduce a plant feed additive based on essential oils and plant substances "Biostrong 510" in the composition of complete feed in the amount of 150 g/t to increase live weight, growth intensity, preservation, meat productivity, reduce feed costs per unit of broiler chickens of the cross "Cobb 500".
Ion-exchange substrates as the basis for growing seedlings of potato in tube culture
Authors: Filippova S V , Eliseeva L V , Mefodev G A , Makushev A A , Shashkarov L G
Published: October 2019

Studies had been carried out to study the possibility of using ionite substrates for growing potato seedlings in tube culture, to analyze the variability of hybrid potato populations by morphobiological and economically valuable characteristics depending on the substrate, to analyze the effectiveness of the selection of high-yielding forms at the early stage of the breeding process. The experiment included 7 different modifications of the nutrient medium composition. Seed germination, seedling survival rate, tuber formation rate, percentage of tuber-forming seedlings, number of tubers per seedling, size, and shape of tubers were taken into account. Quantitative assessment of factors in phenotypic manifestation of signs was carried out by the method of dispersion analysis. Sterile microtubers were stored at 2-4°C in the dark before planting. As a result of the research, a different tuber-forming ability was found in seedlings of populations of different variants. The tube culture of seedlings ensures full survival of seedlings. For the growth and development of seedlings in a tube culture, the best of those studied was the nutrient medium based on the ion-exchange substrate IS-2V, containing 1% sucrose and 500 mg / 1 CCC. Two-stage cultivation of seedlings (the initial increase in the above-ground mass, then the induction of tuberization) had a positive effect on the pace and quality of tuberization. 30–40 days after induction, tuberization was observed in 90–100% of seedlings, regardless of their origin, and the size of microtubers was on average 6.7–8.7 mm.
Activization of adaptogenesis and realization of meat qualities of Aberdeen-Angus bulls by biological products
Authors: Kochish I I , Tyurin V G , Kuznetsov A F , Semenov V G , Lavrentiev A Y , Yakimov A V , Kosyaev N I , Tsarevsky I V
Published: October 2019

The feasibility of using Prevention-N-E, a newly developed and tested biological product, in comparison with the previously tested PS-6 preparation in the adaptive technology of keeping specialized beef cattle of imported breeding, had been scientifically substantiated and experimentally proved. Under the conditions of production tests, biopreparations PS-6 and Prevention-N-E stimulated the production of red blood cells and increased the hemoglobin concentration in the blood of bulls, that is, improved hematopoiesis; they caused physiological eosinophilia, moderate neutrophilopenia with a shift of the neutrophilic nucleus to the right and lymphocytosis; increased protein metabolism, mainly due to the synthesis of albumin and γ-globulin fractions; intensified nonspecific resistance of an organism. Against the background of the use of drugs in animals of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, the incidence of the digestive and respiratory organs decreased by 1.4 and 2.3 times, the recovery time reduced by 3.36 and 4.88 days. accordingly, compared with the control (P <0.05). By the end of the growing period, the animals of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups exceeded in live weight control subjects by 6.6 and 9.2 kg, rearing by 10.4 and 14.8 kg, and fattening by 14.2 and 22.2 kg respectively (P <0.05-0.01). In the cuts of the carcasses of bulls of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, there was a bigger amount of the highest grade flesh: in spin-breast - by 1.0 and 1.0 kg, in the lumbar - by 0.2 and 0.4 kg, and in the hip - by 2.3 and 4.2 kg (P <0.05-0.001), rather than in the control.
Analyzing the possible sources of heavy metals in farmland soil around Weihe coal-fired plant based on multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Zhang X L , Ding X , Lu X W
Published: October 2019

Contents of heavy metals Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Ni, Mn, V, Co and Cr in farmland soil around Weihe coal-fired plant were surveyed by applying X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to estimate the impact of coal-fired industrial activity on the surrounding soil environment. The possible sources of heavy metals analyzed in the soil were discriminated by utilizing multivariate statistical analysis methods, including principal component analysis, correlation analysis and cluster analysis, and the contribution of each source was apportioned applying principal component analysis subsequently multiple linear regression method. The results revealed that the content ranges of Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Ni, Mn, V, Co, and Cr were 18.1 to 45.9, 20.1 to 64.5, 38.7 to 69.7, 6.0 to 17.9, 23.9 to 39.1, 218.6 to 681.6, 64.5 to 104.2, 18.9 to 61.0, and 94.7 to 128.1 mg/kg with the average of 23.3, 28.3, 48.7, 9.4, 31.2, 564.7, 78.3, 29.1, and 110.7 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the element background value of Shaanxi soil, the mean contents of Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni and V were larger than their background values, while the mean contents of As, Zn and Mn were less than or close to their background values. Three main sources were discriminated for heavy metals investigated in the surrounding farmland soil of Weihe coal-fired plant. Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni and V derived from traffic and natural source. Co and Cr primarily derived from coal-fired plant discharge. Mn and As primarily came from natural source. The contributions of traffic and nature mixing source, natural source and coal-fired source to heavy metals in farmland soil around Weihe thermal power plant were 21.7%, 49.9% and 28.4%, respectively.
Light interception and yield of some maize varieties grown in a double-row pattern under different urea applications
Authors: Jaya I K D , Sudirman S , Sudika I W
Published: October 2019

To increase light interception in maize by improving the population density using a double-row pattern planting often causes difficulty in applying fertilizers. This study aimed to assess the light interception and yield of some maize hybrid varieties treated with and without a third application of urea fertilizer. The varieties tested were NK7328, BISI18, BISI2, and P35. The first application of urea was performed at planting, the second at 35 days after planting (DAP), and the third at 56 DAP. The experiment was conducted in an arid area with a sandy loam soil in the North Lombok region. Spacing for the double-row pattern was 35 × 20 cm2 within a double row and 70 cm between double rows, resulting in approximately 98,000 plants/ha. The results showed that light interception was significantly affected by the variety of maize but not by the third-time application of urea, being the highest (96.7%) in NK7328 and the lowest (92.0%) in BISI18. The yield was significantly affected by both the variety and the third application of urea. The highest yielding variety was P35 (9.7 ton/ha), followed by NK 7328 (9.5 ton/ha), BISI18 (8.8 ton/ha), and BISI2 (8.2 ton/ha). The third-time application of urea in a high maize population density improved the yield by 21%.
Optimization of process conditions for the development of rice milk by using response surface methodology
Authors: Plengsaengsri P , Pimsuwan T , Wiriya-Aree T , Luecha J , Nualkaekul S , Deetae P
Published: October 2019

Rice milk is a dairy product alternative for who are allergenic milk protein, lactose and concern about cholesterol. Unlike cow’s milk, rice milk contains little protein but has a higher carbohydrate content. The purpose of this research was to study the optimal condition to develop rice milk nutritionally equivalent to cow milk with consumer acceptability. In this study, we used rice protein concentrate, rice flour, rice bran oil, sugar and calcium lactate as ingredients. Firstly, the selection of enzymes for rice protein hydrolysis was carried out and neutrase had high degree of hydrolysis with the highest consumer acceptability (p<0.05). Response surface methodology (RSM) base on central composite design was then employed to investigate the optimum condition with three independent variables: enzyme: protein ratios, speeds and times of homogenization. Our results reveal that the experimental variables significantly affected the color and sensory attributes. The optimum condition for rice milk production was found to be 16000 rpm,20 minutes of homogenization and 1:40 (w/w). The milk produced from this condition had protein 3.14 %, fat 3.28%, fiber 0.45%, ash 0.44% moisture 86.85% and carbohydrate 5.84%, which was similar to the nutritional value of cow’s milk. The developed product showed good nutritional and sensory characteristics and this could be used for the development of commercial rice milk beverage after conducting appropriate scale up and pilot plant study.
Research on dynamic monitoring of cultivated land quality in mountainous regions around the Sichuan Basin
Authors: He J H
Published: October 2019

The mountainous regions around the Sichuan Basin are characterized by complicated topography, large population and little land, and the per capita cultivated land resources are seriously insufficient. In order to realize the goal of protecting cultivated land from quantity to quality, dynamic monitoring of cultivated land quality was carried out to accurately understand the cultivated land quality. By establishing the cultivated land quality monitoring system and forming the regional monitoring network in the form of coordinate grid, the monitoring indexes are measured regularly. It is found that the change of cultivated land quality in the region can be divided into five types and their causes are analyzed thoroughly. The dynamic monitoring of cultivated land quality is conducive to the timely improvement and correction of the control measures, so as to improve the quality of cultivated land at the source and achieve the purpose of protecting cultivated land.
Effects of w/b ratio, fly ash, and chloride content on corrosion of reinforcing steel
Authors: Phuong D T V , Sancharoen P , Klomjit P , Tangtermsirikul S
Published: October 2019

To predict the corrosion of reinforcing steel, the electrochemical properties of reinforcing steel with different concrete mix proportions and chloride content were studied. The water to binder ratio of concrete was varied (0.45 and 0.60). Coal fly ash was used to replace OPC (0 and 30% by weight of the total binder). The initial chloride was 0, 2, and 4% by weight of concrete. Potentiodynamic polarization testing was conducted by controlling the moisture of specimens. The Tafel slope, corrosion potential, and corrosion rate were analyzed from the testing results. Results show that chloride content significantly affects the electrochemical properties of reinforcing steel. The anodic Tafel slope decreased as chloride content increased. The cathodic Tafel slope increased when the water to binder ratio decreased, or when the fly ash content increased due to a denser concrete pore structure, limiting oxygen diffusion. Results from this study can be used to simulate the corrosion of reinforcing steel and predict the service life of reinforced concrete structures. Also, the electrochemical compatibility between existing and repaired sections can be evaluated to ensure the durability of repaired RC structures.
Composites with graphene as reinforcement
Authors: Surendranathan A O
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the developments in the area of graphene-reinforced composite have been reviewed. It also depicts the work guided by the author. In the work, WC powder with 6% cobalt (Co) and graphene (0.2%) in the form of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) was prepared by high energy rate ball milling and ultrasonification. The mixture was sintered using spark plasma sintering at 1250ºC for 10 min. To study the effects of graphene reinforcement, the sample was analyzed for the physical (density), magnetic (coercivity, and magnetic saturation), microstructural (porosity) and mechanical properties (hardness, fracture toughness). Under Visual Inspection of the Spark Plasma Sintered (SPS) sample, the top surface showed more homogeneous distribution of the constituents than the bottom surface. The results of the surface measurements showed that the top and bottom surfaces have almost the same roughness. It was found that the SPS sample exceeded liquid phase sintered (LPS) specimens with respect to hardness and fracture toughness values. The coercive force was found to be higher for the LPS sample whereas the saturation magnetization value was found to be higher for the SPS sintered specimen. The density value is higher for the LPS sintered specimen. The presence of pores is seen in the back scattered electron (BSE) image. There was certain amount carbon pick up from the graphite die used in SPS. There was uniform distribution of the cobalt binder. The x-ray diffraction pattern for the SPS sintered sample indicates the presence of WC, Co and GNP.
Metastable states of graphene Dirac fermion in potential barrier
Authors: Kuwata S , Takehisa D
Published: October 2019

Weak quantization of the Dirac equation under a potential barrier (with height V0) indicates that while the bound state of Dirac fermion (with energy E0
∈ ℝ and mass m) is allowed for |E
0| < m, the Dirac fermion is metastable for |E
0| > m. Under the condition V0
» m, which is well satisfied for typical graphene, it is found that the tunneling time Δt and the lifetime τ for the metastable state are related as Δt ≳ 2τ. As m decreases, it follows that Δt/τ tends to increase and behaves as log(l/m) up to higher order logarithmic correction.
Preparation and application of a novel high temperature resistant filtration reducer in water-based drilling fluids
Authors: Chang X F , Sun J S , Zhang F , Lv K H
Published: October 2019

4-vinylpyridine (VP), N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) were synthesized to a novel filtrate reducer in aqueous solution by free radical copolymerization using ammonium persulfate and sodium bisulfite as redox systems. The structure of copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of the copolymer was higher than 310°C, which indicated that the copolymer had excellent high temperature resistance. At the same time, the rheological and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) were further evaluated by adding copolymer as a filtrate reducer. The results showed that the fluid loss (FLAPI) of WBDFs was only 5.0 mL when the copolymer content is 2.0 wt%, Even after hot rolling at 260°C for 16 hours, the FLAPI of WBDFs was 8.2 mL. The FLAPI of fresh water mud was 25.2 mL, and that of aged fresh water mud was 48 mL. In addition, WBDFs with copolymer effectively resists salt and calcium intrusion before and after hot rolling at high temperature for 16 hours, which indicates that the copolymer can be used as an efficient filtration reducer in ultra-deep well drilling operations.
Prediction of parameters of microscale coating-metal interface phase based on finite element method
Authors: Jia Z K , Zhang Y , Xin J H , Cheng Q
Published: October 2019

The coating-metal transition interface can form a stable gradient interface phase composite. In this paper, a finite element model of gradient interface phase is established based on Tyson Polygon Method (TPM), and the microstructure equivalent parameters of interface material of the element are obtained by means of average method. By analyzing the functional relationship between the equivalent elastic parameters of the gradient interface element and the metal volume ratio, the functional expression of the microstructure parameter distribution of the interface phase is obtained. The results show that the equivalent elastic modulus and equivalent shear modulus of the interface satisfy the distribution of exponential function, linear function and power function in the local scope. The change rule of equivalent Poisson’s ratio with metal phase volume fraction in local scope can be expressed by logistic function. It is found that the global parameter distribution of interface phase is different from that of local material. The equivalent elastic modulus and equivalent shear modulus of the global interface satisfy the double exponential function distribution, while the distribution law of the equivalent Poisson’s ratio can be piecewise expressed by the logistic function and the exponential function.
Computational design of dummy molecularly imprinted polymers via hydrogen bonding investigation for oxytetracycline determination
Authors: Reyes N B D , Pajarito B B
Published: October 2019

Oxytetracycline (OTC), a banned broad-spectrum antibiotic, currently requires highly selective and specific determination methods to measure its concentration below 200 ppb in foods of animal origin. Molecular imprinting technology could be utilized to construct a highly selective and cost-effective synthetic receptor for OTC. In this work, we investigated different monomers in designing a dummy MIP for OTC detection using TC as the dummy template. Template-monomer complexes of pre-polymerization mixtures were modeled using density functional theory for geometry optimization, intermolecular hydrogen-bonding situation, and interaction energies. O-phenylenediamine (OPD) at TC:OPD molar ratio = 1:7 was shown to be the optimum monomer, forming 11 stable intermolecular hydrogen bonds with TC and having the lowest interaction energy among the complexes. We also presented indole, pyrrole, and carbazole to be plausible monomers for imprinting TC; however, they are energetically less-favored than OPD. This study provides aid in dummy MIP design for OTC concentration measurement using the molecular level interaction of different monomers with the template TC.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/SiC surface composite with different volume fractions using friction stir process
Authors: El-Mahallawy N A , Zoalfakar S H , Maboud A A G A
Published: October 2019

Friction stir processing (FSP) was used to produce Al/SiC composites on the surface of Al 1050 sheets. SiC particles of 1 µm size were added on the Al sheet surface inside grooves with different sizes in order to obtain different composite volume fractions. FSP was applied with a square shape tool rotating at 1500 rpm and with a feed rate of 116 mm/min. The effect of SiC volume fraction on microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated and the results were compared with samples treated by FSP but without SiC reinforcement. Different SiC volume fractions were obtained ranging from 7% to 16% depending on the groove size. Optical microscopic analysis (OM) in collaboration with scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to fully discuss the microstructural changes within each sample. Mechanical properties were investigated through microhardness and tension test (including yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation). The results show significant improvement in microstructure changes in the FSPed composites, where equiaxed and refined grains structure were obtained due to the effect of the severe plastic deformation and continuous dynamic recrystallization caused by FSP compared to the elongated and coarse grains of the base metal. Microhardness and strength of the FSPed composites improved up to 112% and 9.7%, respectively compared to the as-received material.
LGBT+ scientists consider leaving work due to discrimination
Authors: Tesh Sarah
Published: October 2019

Almost a third of LGBT+ physical scientists in the UK have considered leaving their jobs because of discrimination and toxic workplace climates.
Diversity matters
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: October 2019

Making the physics community more diverse is an ongoing challenge
The invisibility of length contraction
Authors: Appell David
Published: October 2019

The idea that objects contract in length when they travel near the speed of light is a widely accepted consequence of Einstein’s special relativity. But if you could observe such an object, it wouldn’t look shorter at all – bizarrely, it would seem to have been rotated, as David Appell explains
Reality check
Authors: Reynolds Hugh D
Published: October 2019

Donald D Hoffman, cognitive psychologist from the University of California, Irvine, suggests in his latest book The Case Against Reality: How Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes that every single thing, from a neuron to the Sun, is a mere 'icon' upon our mental desktop.
From actinium to zinc
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: October 2019

Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev's creation of the periodic table, Elementary: the Periodic Table Explained by James M Russell offers readers a potted account of all 118 known elements.
A relative revolution
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: October 2019

It is difficult to imagine the modern world without the life and work of Albert Einstein. There exist some 1750 books about him. In this review I look at four that have been recently published: No Shadow of a Doubt by Daneil Kennefick; Einstein's War by Matthew Stanley; Proving Einstein Right by S James Gates Jr and Cathie Pelletier; and Einstein's Wife by Allen Esterson and David C Cassidy with contribution by Ruth Lewin Sime.
Cross-validation of the Invalid Forgetting Frequency Index (IFFI) from the Test of Memory Malingering
Authors: Olsen Daniel H , Schroeder Ryan W , Martin Phillip K
Published: October 2019

Objective

To increase sensitivity of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), adjustments have been proposed, including adding consistency indices. The Invalid Forgetting Frequency Index (IFFI) is the most recently developed consistency index. While strong classification accuracy rates were originally reported, it currently lacks cross-validation.

Method

A sample of 184 outpatients was utilized. Valid performers passed all criterion performance validity tests (PVTs) and invalid performers failed two or more PVTs. Classification accuracy statistics were calculated.

Results

AUC for the IFFI was 0.80, demonstrating adequate discrimination between valid and invalid groups. A score of 3 or more inconsistent responses resulted in sensitivity and specificity rates of 63% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first article to cross-validate the IFFI. In both the original IFFI study and the current study, the same cut-off was found to maintain at least 90% specificity while producing higher sensitivity rates than those achieved by traditional TOMM indices.
Mitochondrial miR-181a-5p promotes glucose metabolism reprogramming in liver cancer by regulating the electron transport chain
Authors: Zhuang Xiang , Chen Yuwei , Wu Zhenru , Xu Qing , Chen Menglin , Shao Mingyang , Cao Xiaoyue , Zhou Yongjie , Xie Mingjun , Shi Yujun , Zeng Yong , Bu Hong
Published: October 2019

Liver cancer and other malignant tumor cells rely on the glycolytic pathway to obtain energy (i.e. the Warburg effect); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Mitochondria are sites of oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The 13 constituent respiratory chain proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome (namely, mtDNA) play essential roles. We found that in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, 11 out of the 13 mtDNA-encoded genes exhibited decreased mRNA levels and 5 genes displayed decreased protein levels, including the cytochrome B (mt-CYB) and cytochrome C oxidase II (mt-CO2) genes. Mitochondrial gene sequencing revealed abnormalities in the levels of a large number of mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs). MicroRNA-181a-5p (mir-181a-5p), which potentially targets genes encoding mt-CYB and mt-CO2 protein, was screened out from 549 downregulated mitomiRs via bioinformatic analysis. After overexpression of mitomiR-181a-5p, mt-CYB and mt-CO2 levels were reduced in HCC cells, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) maintained by the electron transport chain (ETC) was decreased. Furthermore, the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) was upregulated, accompanied by elevated glucose, lactic acid release, and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In vivo experiments confirmed that constitutive mitomiR-181a-5p expression caused reprogramming of glucose metabolism and promoted tumor growth and early lung metastasis in liver cancer. In summary, the present study reveals the important role of mitomiRs in glucose metabolism reprogramming in liver cancer, which is of considerable value in exploring new therapeutic targets for HCC.
Antiretroviral Therapy–Induced Bone Loss Is Durably Suppressed by a Single Dose of Zoledronic Acid in Treatment-Naive Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Phase IIB Trial
Authors: Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Collins Lauren F , Titanji Kehmia , Foster Antonina , Moran Caitlin A , Sheth Anandi N , Lahiri Cecile D , Lennox Jeffrey L , Ward Laura , Easley Kirk A , Weitzmann M Neale
Published: October 2019

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with bone loss leading to increased fracture rate among persons with HIV (PWH). We previously showed long-acting antiresorptive zoledronic acid (ZOL) prevented ART-induced bone loss through 48 weeks of therapy and here investigate whether protection persisted.

Methods

We randomized 63 nonosteoporotic, treatment-naive adult PWH initiating ART to ZOL (5 mg) versus placebo in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase IIb trial. Here we analyzed the long-term outcome data (144 weeks). Plasma bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) were quantified at weeks 0, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144. Primary outcome was change in bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of collagen (CTx). Repeated-measures analyses using mixed linear models were used to estimate and compare study endpoints.

Results

At 96 weeks, mean CTx was 62% lower with ZOL relative to placebo (n = 46; CTx = 0.123 vs 0.324 ng/mL; P < .001); at 144 weeks a 25% difference between arms was not statistically significant. At 48 weeks, lumbar spine BMD with ZOL was 11% higher than placebo (n = 60; P < .001) and remained 9–11% higher at 96 (n = 46) and 144 (n = 41; P < .001) weeks. 144 weeks after ZOL infusion, BMD did not change at the lumbar spine (P = .22) but declined at the hip (P = .04) and femoral neck (P = .02).

Conclusions

A single dose of ZOL administered at ART initiation blunts bone resorption and BMD loss at key fracture-prone anatomical sites in treatment-naive PWH for 3 years. A multicenter randomized phase III clinical trial validating these results in a larger population is needed.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01228318.
Carbon/nitrogen homeostasis control in cyanobacteria
Authors: Forchhammer Karl , Selim Khaled A
Published: October 2019

Carbon/nitrogen (C/N) balance sensing is a key requirement for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Therefore, cyanobacteria have evolved a sophisticated signal transduction network targeting the metabolite 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG), the carbon skeleton for nitrogen assimilation. It serves as a status reporter for the cellular C/N balance that is sensed by transcription factors NtcA and NdhR and the versatile PII-signaling protein. The PII protein acts as a multitasking signal-integrating regulator, combining the 2-OG signal with the energy state of the cell through adenyl-nucleotide binding. Depending on these integrated signals, PII orchestrates metabolic activities in response to environmental changes through binding to various targets. In addition to 2-OG, other status reporter metabolites have recently been discovered, mainly indicating the carbon status of the cells. One of them is cAMP, which is sensed by the PII-like protein SbtB. The present review focuses, with a main emphasis on unicellular model strains Synechoccus elongatus and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, on the physiological framework of these complex regulatory loops, the tight linkage to metabolism and the molecular mechanisms governing the signaling processes.