bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company: A Key Chip in the Global Political Economy
Authors: CHIANG Min-Hua
Published: April 2023

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has become the world’s most important semiconductor chip manufacturer, thanks to greater trade and investment liberalisation, Taiwan’s pool of high-quality engineers and TSMC’s unique and dedicated model of chipmaking. As TSMC’s dominance is unlikely to be replaced anytime soon, the world’s heavy reliance on “Made in Taiwan” chips will continue to place the democratic island at the centre of the global political economy in the foreseeable future.
Japanese Semiconductor Industry’s Collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Authors: LIM Tai Wei
Published: April 2023

On 17 December 2021, Japan granted administrative approval to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) to build a US$7 billion semiconductor chip-manufacturing foundry in Japan. The collaboration between the Sony Group and the world’s No. 1 Taiwanese chipmaker is named Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, Inc. and will provide foundry service with 22/28-nanometre capability. This joint venture has taken off due to mutual commercial interest and support from the Japanese and Taiwanese authorities.
Automatic Detection of Out-of-Body Frames in Surgical Videos for Privacy Protection Using Self-Supervised Learning and Minimal Labels
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Liu Xi , Perreault Conor , Jarc Anthony
Published: April 2023

Endoscopic video recordings are widely used in minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery, but when the endoscope is outside the patient’s body, it can capture irrelevant segments that may contain sensitive information. To address this, we propose a framework that accurately detects out-of-body frames in surgical videos by leveraging self-supervision with minimal data labels. We use a massive amount of unlabeled endoscopic images to learn meaningful representations in a self-supervised manner. Our approach, which involves pre-training on an auxiliary task and fine-tuning with limited supervision, outperforms previous methods for detecting out-of-body frames in surgical videos captured from da Vinci X and Xi surgical systems. The average F1 scores range from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. Remarkably, using only [Formula: see text] of the training labels, our approach still maintains an average F1 score performance above 97, outperforming fully-supervised methods with [Formula: see text] fewer labels. These results demonstrate the potential of our framework to facilitate the safe handling of surgical video recordings and enhance data privacy protection in minimally invasive surgery.
The Rossano–San Nicola Fault Zone evolution impacts the burial and maturation histories of the Crotone Basin, Calabrian Arc, Italy
Authors: Mangano Giacomo , Alves Tiago M. , Zecchin Massimo , Civile Dario , Critelli Salvatore
Published: April 2023

This work addresses the tectonic significance of a NW–SE-trending strike-slip fault zone in the Calabrian Arc of southern Italy, the Rossano–San Nicola Fault Zone (RSFZ). High-quality seismic reflection and 1D forward models of exploration boreholes and pseudo-wells show that the RSFZ experienced multiple Miocene phases of contractional/transpressional tectonics. These were followed by crustal extension during the Pliocene, which occurred in association with the oceanization of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Apennine orogenesis, and collision between the Calabrian Arc and adjacent tectonic plates. Such a setting had a profound influence on the Crotone Basin and its economic potential: (1) tectonic reactivation allowed reservoir units of the Crotone Basin to be charged by gas derived from Triassic/Lower Jurassic source rocks; and (2) source rocks reached their maximum depth and remained in the gas generation window after the emplacement of a large mass-transport complex in the Pliocene. In the surrounding areas, tectonic activity near the RSFZ contributed to source-rock maturation by enhancing local sedimentation rates, particularly during Langhian (Middle Miocene) and Zanclean (early Pliocene) tectonics. This work is important as it demonstrates that the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Crotone Basin was closely related to the structural evolution of the RSFZ. Crucially, the study area reveals the first example of a gas field fully sealed by a large mass-transport complex. As a corollary, we tie the Late Cenozoic geological history of the Crotone Basin to the geodynamic evolution of the central Mediterranean region, namely the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. We identify new prospects in the Crotone Basin, and provide a time frame for gas generation and accumulation in southern Italy.
DNN Is Not All You Need: Parallelizing Non-neural ML Algorithms on Ultra-low-power IoT Processors
Authors: Tabanelli Enrico , Tagliavini Giuseppe , Benini Luca
Published: April 2023

Machine Learning (ML) functions are becoming ubiquitous in latency- and privacy-sensitive IoT applications, prompting a shift toward near-sensor processing at the extreme edge and the consequent increasing adoption of Parallel Ultra-low-power (PULP) IoT processors. These compute- and memory-constrained parallel architectures need to run efficiently a wide range of algorithms, including key Non-neural ML kernels that compete favorably with Deep Neural Networks in terms of accuracy under severe resource constraints. In this article, we focus on enabling efficient parallel execution of Non-neural ML algorithms on two RISCV-based PULP platforms, namely, GAP8, a commercial chip, and PULP-OPEN, a research platform running on an FPGA emulator. We optimized the parallel algorithms through a fine-grained analysis and intensive optimization to maximize the speedup, considering two alternative Floating-point (FP) emulation libraries on GAP8 and the native FPU support on PULP-OPEN. Experimental results show that a target-optimized emulation library can lead to an average 1.61× runtime improvement and 37% energy reduction compared to a standard emulation library, while the native FPU support reaches up to 32.09× and 99%, respectively. In terms of parallel speedup, our design improves the sequential execution by 7.04× on average on the targeted octa-core platforms leading to energy and latency decrease up to 87%. Last, we present a comparison with the ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller, a widely adopted commercial solution for edge deployments, which is 12.87× slower than PULP-OPEN.
Correlation of coagulation states with prognosis of sudden deafness
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Wang Weijuan , Yang Zhichao , Han Haixia , Bian Yanrui
Published: April 2023

Our retrospective study indicated that lower serum APTT and PT levels and higher fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer levels are characteristics associated with poor treatment responses among patients with sudden deafness. A combination of these levels had a high accuracy in identifying the nonresponders. APTT, PT, and serum levels of FIB and D-dimer could serve as strong predictors of sudden deafness, potentiating the use of these tests to identify patients who respond poorly to treatments.
Series resistance errors in whole cell voltage clamp measured directly with dual patch-clamp recordings: not as bad as you think
Authors: Gray Michael , Santin Joseph M.
Published: April 2023

Voltage errors occur in whole cell voltage clamp. We make, to our knowledge, the first direct measurements of these errors and find that voltage errors are far smaller than standard calculations would predict. Since voltage errors were often minimal during the measurement of large ion channel currents, this technique may be applied to large neurons of adults to gain insight into ion channel function across the life span and progression of disease.
Membrane and Soluble CD137 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Role as Biomarkers for Disease Activity
Authors: Ceccarelli Fulvia , Natalucci Francesco , Di Filippo Alessandra , Olivieri Giulio , Napoletano Chiara , Rughetti Aurelia , Nuti Marianna , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Conti Fabrizio
Published: April 2023

Objective. The role of T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has recently gained attention. Costimulatory molecules are membrane proteins strictly associated with T-cell receptor (TCR), acting by activating or inhibiting T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APC) through direct and reverse signaling, thus becoming responsible for the development of effector T cells or regulatory T cells. The primary objective of the present case–control study was to evaluate the cell membrane expression of CD137 on T cells and the serum concentration of CD137 (sCD137) in a SLE cohort. Materials. We enrolled SLE patients and sex/age-matched healthy subjects (HS). Disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI-2K. By application of flow cytometry, we evaluated the expression of CD137 on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. ELISA test was performed to evaluate serum levels of sCD137. Results. Twenty-one SLE patients (M/F 1/20; median age 48 years (IQR 17); median disease duration 144 months (IQR 204)) were evaluated. SLE patients showed %CD3+CD137+ cells significantly higher compared to HS (median 5.32 (IQR 6.11) versus 3.3 (IQR 1.8),

p
=
0.001

). In SLE patients, %CD4+CD137+ cells positively correlated with SLEDAI-2K (

p
=
0.0082

, r = 0.58, CI (0.15–0.82); indeed, %CD4+CD137+ cells were significantly lower in SLE patients with a remission status compared to those not reaching this condition (median 1.07 (IQR 0.91) versus 1.58 (IQR 2.42),

p
=
0.013

). Accordingly, sCD137 levels were significantly lower in remission status (31.30 pg/mL (IQR 102.2 versus median 122.8 pg/mL (IQR 536);

p
=
0.03

) and correlated with %CD4+CD137+ cells (

p
=
0.012

, r = 0.60, CI (0.15–0.84)). Conclusion. Our results suggest a possible involvement of CD137-CD137L axis in SLE pathogenesis, as demonstrated by higher expression of CD137 on CD4+ cells in SLE compared with HS. Furthermore, the positive correlation between SLEDAI-2K and membrane CD137 expression on CD4+ cells, as well as soluble CD137, indicates a possible use as biomarkers for disease activity.
The Ultraviolet-Visible Luminescence of Ce3+ in Ca2Mg(BO3)2 Phosphors with Potential Applications
Authors: Zhang Jing-Xiang , Lin Yanru , Lin Huihong
Published: April 2023

New phosphors Ca2Mg(BO3)2: Ce3+ were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method at a high temperature. The phase purity was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) optical properties of Ce3+ have been investigated, and the lowest 5d levels, the emission, and the Stokes shifts of Ce3+ in the host lattice were identified. In addition, its concentration quenching process was also studied. The results show that Ce3+ ions enter Ca2+ sites with only one emission in a UV-Vis range and that the optimum doping concentration is x = 0.05. The excitation and emission spectra were evaluated to clearly reveal luminescence features.
Study on the Effects of Processes on Aroma Compounds in Rizhao Green Tea Based on the Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Sun Ao , Li Chun , Lv Suyuan , Gao Jianhua , Xia Yuanzhi , Geng Yue
Published: April 2023

Tea processing plays an important role in the formation of tea aroma. In order to explore the composition and variation in aroma during Rizhao green tea processing, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry was employed to investigate the formation and changes of tea aroma in four processing stages. A total of 62 volatile compounds were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenes, and oxygen compounds. Relative odor activity value was used to identify 17 characteristic aroma compounds. The main aromatic compounds of chestnut-like aroma were linalool, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, 3-methylthiopropanal, and methyl 2-methylbutanoate. There were significant changes in the volatile components at different processing stages. Samples of tea leaves and green tea had special aroma characteristics, while samples of fixated and rolled leaves had similar aroma compounds. The results are beneficial for the improvement of the flavor and quality of Rizhao green tea. Practical Application. Tea is the world’s most consumed nonalcoholic beverage, with a multitude of health-promoting benefits, such as antioxidant, antiobesity, and antiallergic activities. At present, the research on the aroma compounds of Rizhao green tea mainly focuses on the aroma characteristics of finished tea and the aroma differences of different kinds of commercial tea. This study explored the effects of the processes on aroma compounds, and the results provide a theoretical reference for the improvement of tea processing technology, tea quality control, and evaluation methods.
Infrared and Terahertz Spectra of Pu’er White Tea with Different Degrees of Oxidation
Authors: Wu Dong-Mei , Guo Jie , Sun Ming-Ming , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2023

In this work, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Terahertz time domain spectra (THz-TDS) were employed to study Pu’er white tea with different oxidation levels by changing the withering time. The strongest absorption peak of 3359 cm-1 in FTIR spectra comes from the proteins and polysaccharides. Several intensity ratios of the characteristic absorption peaks with different oxidation levels were analyzed. The white tea with different oxidation levels can be distinguished from the absorbance of THz-TDS in the range of 0.5–1.5 THz. The refractive index calculated from THz-TDS was between 1.42 and 1.44. Principal component analysis (PCA) using FTIR absorbance data showed that the scattered points of PC1 and PC2 can be well distributed in different districts. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) helped to carry out the clustering results of different white tea samples. The sample with overoxidation level can be distinguished by PCA and HCA using THz-TDS absorbance data. Therefore, FTIR might be a convenient, fast, and nondestructive strategy for identifying white tea with different oxidation levels. THz-TDS combined with some software algorithms can be applied to distinguish the different oxidation-processed tea.
Evaluation of Surface Damage of Strawberry Grasped by Manipulator Based on Vision and Hyperspectral Data Analysis
Authors: Ning Meng , Zhou Zhenyong , Liao Jinnong , Yang Qi , Zhang Ziqiang
Published: April 2023

In the current study, an accurate strategy was developed to detect the surface damage of the strawberries, because the existing indicators for evaluating surface damage are single, resulting in low accuracy of judgment for damage detection. Strawberry surface damage can be divided into three specific categories: outline depression, surface oxidation, and surface damage. The methodologies employed in this study are experimental analysis and comparative validation. The outline, area of surface damage, and surface reflectance of strawberries were analyzed using visual and hyperspectral data. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the damage characteristics comprehensively. A four-finger rigid manipulator having one degree of freedom was selected, and 280 samples were analyzed (the manipulator grasped 85% of them, and 15% were not treated). The accuracy of damage detection based on the outlines, area of surface damage, and surface reflectance of strawberries was 88.75%, 91.25%, and 75%, respectively. The evaluation method proposed in this paper improved detection accuracy by 10.79%, 7.76%, and 31.1%, respectively. Therefore, this method could contribute to the design of manipulators to further improve fruit production efficiency.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Ecoenzyme Solution Prepared from Papaya, Pineapple, and Kasturi Orange Fruits: Experimental and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Tallei Trina Ekawati , Fatimawali  , Niode Nurdjannah Jane , Alsaihati Wadiah M. , Salaki Christina Leta , Alissa Mohammed , Kamagi Marlon , Rabaan Ali A.
Published: April 2023

Organic waste, particularly from fruits, remains an environmental issue if not properly managed. These wastes have the potential to be reprocessed into products, one of which is beneficial for human health. The trend of recycling fruit scraps into ecoenzyme (EE), a fermented product, has increased in recent years. Several health advantages of EE have been highlighted. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the potential antibacterial and antioxidant activity of ecoenzyme solutions derived from papaya, pineapple, and Kasturi orange. In this study, pieces of papaya, pineapple, and Kasturi orange were fermented with brown sugar for 10 days and 3 months. The 10-day- and 3-month-old fermented solutions were used as samples to evaluate their inhibitory abilities against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the well diffusion method. In addition, the fermentation solutions were tested for their antioxidant capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the compounds found in these three fruits for their ability to interact with the DNA gyrase of the two indicator bacteria. The enzyme, which is a well-established antimicrobial target, is involved in bacterial DNA replication, repair, and decatenation. The in vitro results revealed that EE, both fermented for 10 days and 3 months, had strong inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus. The 3-month-old fermentation solution showed stronger inhibitory activity than the 10-day-old fermentation solution. Despite a slight decline in antioxidant activity with increasing fermentation time, both of these samples exhibited extremely potent antioxidant activities. Molecular docking studies revealed that hesperidin and ciprofloxacin interacted more strongly with the DNA gyrase of S. aureus than with E. coli. Hesperidin can therefore function as a potent antimicrobial. The present study concluded that EE solution fermented from papaya, pineapple, and Kasturi orange exhibits the potential to serve as a source of both antibacterial and antioxidant compounds.
Financial Big Data Intelligent Service System Based on Cloud Computing of Internet of Things
Authors: Gao Meiping , He Qingfang , Ruan Xiaoping
Published: April 2023

The financial big data intelligent service system belongs to the technical field of financial data management. It is an innovation of the client and server of the financial service system, which promotes the electronic office of the financial system. This paper aimed to analyze the cloud computing means of the Internet of things (IoT), select a more suitable specific algorithm, and conduct an in-depth study of the financial big data intelligent service system so that it can better serve the current financial situation. This paper gave a general introduction to the cloud computing of the Internet of things, researched and analyzed the financial big data intelligent service system machine, and applied the cloud computing of the Internet of things to the research of the financial big data intelligent service system. Based on the experiments in this paper, it can be seen that among the students in the three colleges and universities in place A, 567 people thought that they can adapt to the intelligent financial system better than the already employed salesmen, and 245 people held a negative attitude. It showed that the intelligent development of financial systems is a trend, but at the same time, it is also a development trend to strengthen the business training capabilities of professionals. The experimental results of this paper showed that the process of studying the financial big data intelligent service system based on the cloud computing of the IoT is more scientific and effective than using other means to analyze the experimental data, and it has greater reference significance for the intelligent development of the financial system.
Study on the Effect of Oxidative Jet and Vortex Structure in Fluidic Throat Combined with Thrust Vector Control
Authors: Yan Dongfeng , Xiao Yi , Ye Lu , Zhao Ganchao , Wang Liang
Published: April 2023

To examine the impact of oxidative jets on the thrust vector angle, secondary combustion efficiency, and combustion chamber pressure, inert gas (nitrogen) and pure oxygen are injected into the primary flow, which includes combustible components, at various locations in the divergence section and throat using different injection techniques. The simulations utilize Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the SST

k

-

ω

turbulence model in two-dimensional numerical simulations and large-eddy simulation in three-dimensional studies. The numerical method is validated through schlieren experiments, and the vortex is identified using the Liutex-Omega method. The vortex structures and flow characteristics are analyzed. The results indicate that, at the same flow rate, the vector control effect of pure oxygen is superior to nitrogen only in the divergence section, but inferior to nitrogen in both the divergence section and throat. However, with improved vector control, the peak of the vector angle is achieved at a lower flow rate in the case of pure oxygen. When the secondary flow is introduced only in the divergence section, the flow ratio corresponding to the peak point in the pure oxygen case is approximately 14.3% earlier than that in the nitrogen case. The introduction of the pure oxygen jet enhances the secondary combustion efficiency of the primary flow, but to a limited extent. Additionally, when the jet is introduced at the throat, the effect of the pure oxygen case on adjusting the combustion chamber pressure is inferior to that of the nitrogen case. Concerning flow details, the trailing lower vortex replaces the trailing major vortex to become the highest magnitude vortex when the momentum flux ratio is small.
Improving Properties of Whey-Less Cheese Fortified with Acylated Anthocyanin from Purple Carrot Powder during the Storage Period
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Eskandari Mohammad-Hadi , Golmakani Mohammad-Taghi , Niakousari Mehrdad
Published: April 2023

Whey-less cheese (WLC) containing different concentrations (1% and 2%) of purple carrot powder (PCP) was produced, then its physical, chemical, and sensorial characteristics were investigated during a six-week storage period (SP). The PCP-2% sample showed the highest total phenolic content at the beginning of the SP (163.58 mg gallic acid/100 g) and achieved the highest overall acceptance (3.95). Total anthocyanin content and

a

∗

value were statistically stable during the SP. The antioxidant activity for PCP-2% was enhanced. Fortified WLC samples showed less hardness compared to the control. The results indicated that fortification of WLC with PCP could improve properties, and due to the acylated anthocyanins provided by PCP, the color remained constant during the SP. Furthermore, bioactive components of milk are preserved in WLC. Also, it is more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. In conclusion, WLC fortified with PCP can be suggested as a dairy product with significant improved properties.
Vacuum Impregnation of Ascorbic Acid and Calcium Lactate Improves Quality Attributes and Functionality of White Button Mushrooms
Authors: Wagh Muktabai Dinesh , Alam Mohammed Shafiq , Aslam Raouf
Published: April 2023

Ascorbic acid (1% w/w) and calcium lactate (1% w/w) were vacuum impregnated into mushrooms to improve their physicochemical quality. Experiments were carried out using central composite design under response surface methodology with four independent variables, viz., solution temperature (ST) (35-55°C), salt concentration (SC) (4-12%), vacuum pressure (VP) (50-170 mbar), and immersion time (IT) (30-90 min) with constant solution to sample ratio (4 : 1). The ascorbic acid content of mushroom increased with vacuum pressure with a maximum content of 30.68 mg/100 g. The results also suggested that calcium lactate allowed a better maintenance of texture during storage. The optimum conditions obtained for vacuum impregnation (VI) were 41°C, 10%, 140 mbar, and 75 min of solution temperature, salt concentration, vacuum pressure, and immersion time, respectively. Under these conditions, the corresponding responses were 22.14%, 2.31%, 28.74 mg/100 g, 0.28%, 4.61, 9.85 N, and 5.37 of water loss, solute gain, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, colour change, texture, and pH, respectively. The vacuum impregnated mushrooms had more firmness, soluble solids, and ascorbic acid content than the control group. Therefore, the result suggested that vacuum impregnation could be used as an effective and simple technique to improve the quality of mushroom.
SR2APT: A Detection and Strategic Alert Response Model against Multistage APT Attacks
Authors: Shen Fan , Perigo Levi , Curry James H.
Published: April 2023

Advanced persistent threats are an emerging cyber threat to cyber-physical systems (CPS), especially those comprising mission-critical physical assets. However, defense against such attacks is challenging, due to their sophistication, stealthiness, and zero-day exploitation. Existing works in this area mainly focus on the detection of APT, but it might be too late or too costly to impede APT when it is detected with high confidence. Therefore, this work focuses on CPS intrusion detection and prevention against APT attacks and aims at preventing such attacks in earlier stages through a strategic response policy to imperfect APT alerts by leveraging the multistage characteristic of APT and a deep reinforcement learning formulation. A novel host-based APT detection and response model called SR2APT is proposed, which consists of a detection engine and a decision engine. The detection engine is based on graph convolutional network, which classifies a stream of system log provenance subgraphs as an APT stage or benign. Then, the detection results are transmitted to the decision engine sequentially, which is trained based on deep reinforcement learning and outputs the optimal response actions to APT alerts. Experimental results show that the GCN-based detection engine obtains 94% classification accuracy on a semisynthetic dataset of system logs and outperforms classification models based on SVM, CNN, and LSTM. The strategic alert response policy from the decision engine is compared with two baseline fixed response policies, and it achieves the best trade-off between preventing APT attacks and minimizing the impediments of mistaken active defense actions to benign activities that generate false alerts, thus obtaining the highest total rewards in the defense against APT attacks.
Collaborative Optimization Model for the Design and Operation of Feeder Bus Routes Based on Urban Metro
Authors: Lai Yuanwen , Chen Yansheng
Published: April 2023

The collaborative development of conventional buses and urban metro has become an important research topic for the priority development of urban public transport. The topic of collaborative optimization of feeder bus route design and operation is studied in this study. The objective function is to minimize the total travel time of passengers and the operation cost of feeder buses. The improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to solve the collaborative optimization model, and the effectiveness of the model and algorithm is verified through the case study. The research shows that it is feasible in model construction and algorithm to carry out collaborative optimization of feeder bus route design and operation. Compared with the multiple-to-one (M to 1) mode, the multiple-to-multiple (M to M) mode can better satisfy the needs of passengers from different places of departure and destinations to achieve a more reasonable and realistic goal. The case study is based on two metro stations and 16 feeder bus stops on Fuzhou Metro line 2 to obtain two bus routes and a corresponding operation scheme. Under the same topology road network, the operation time of the improved PSO algorithm is much shorter than the DFS algorithm, the total cost error of the feeder bus is 0.04%, and the departure frequency error is 4.6%, which is within the reasonable error range. Therefore, the collaborative optimization model proposed in this study is feasible and effective in optimizing the feeder bus routes and operation.
Thermal Stability and Fat Uptake of Fried Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) Cuttings Coated with Apricot Gum
Authors: Abdollahi Azin , Vazifedoost Mohsen , Didar Zohreh , Karazhyan Reza , Armin Mohammad
Published: April 2023

The effect of apricot gum-based edible coating at different concentrations (0, 8, 10, and 12%, w/w) during deep-fat frying of zucchini cuttings were evaluated. Physicochemical properties such as moisture, oil uptake, frying yield, coating pick-up, color, vitamin C, shrinkage, oxidation parameters, and sensory properties were determined. The results showed that coating with apricot gum had a significant effect on moisture and oil contents and the frying yield of zucchini cuttings (

P
<
0.05

). The highest coating pick-up was observed in the coated sample with 12% gum (S12). Coating with apricot gum resulted in more preservation of vitamin C in fried zucchini cuttings. The lowest shrinkage and

Δ
E

was also observed in the coated samples. The fried coated samples had lower hydrolysis and oxidation rate (acid, peroxide, and anisidine values) during storage. The coated samples had a good overall acceptability similar to the control treatment. In conclusion, apricot gum due to thermal stability, good properties, and its facility to use, suggested for coating and usage in industrial fried zucchini cuttings production.
Monitoring of Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems
Authors: Castro-Scholten Sabrina , Caballero-Gómez Javier , Rivero-Juarez Antonio , Cano-Terriza David , Gómez-Guillamón Félix , Jiménez-Martín Débora , Rivero Antonio , García-Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen in Europe. Even though swine species are considered the main host of the zoonotic HEV-3 genotype, rabbits are recognized as the main reservoir of the divergent HEV-3ra subtype. However, the role of wild lagomorphs in the epidemiology of this virus in Mediterranean ecosystems is under debate. The aims of this study were to assess exposure of HEV in wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations in southern Spain and to determine potential risk factors associated with HEV exposure in these species. Between 2018 and 2021, blood and fecal samples from 370 wild rabbits and 60 Iberian hares were collected. A total of 29 (6.7%; 95%CI: 4.4–9.1) out of 430 sampled animals showed anti-HEV antibodies. By species, the seroprevalences in wild rabbit and Iberian hare were 6.8% (29/370; 95%CI: 4.2–9.3) and 6.7% (4/60; 95%CI: 0.4–13.0), respectively. Seropositive animals were detected on 17 (26.2%; 95%CI: 15.4–36.8) of the 65 sampled hunting estates. The generalized estimating equations model showed that geographical area was a risk factor potentially associated with HEV exposure in wild lagomorphs in the study region. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the 242 (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0–1.5) fecal samples tested. This is the first large-scale serosurvey performed in wild rabbits in the Iberian Peninsula and in Iberian hares worldwide. Our results provide evidence of low, widespread, and heterogeneous distribution of HEV among wild rabbit and Iberian hare populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems, which indicates a limited role of wild lagomorphs in the maintenance of the virus and a low risk of transmission of HEV to other species, including humans.
Changes of Fatty Acid Compositions, Volatile Compounds, and Microbial Flora of Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) Heads during the Simulated Fresh Logistics Transportation
Authors: Peng Bin , Xie Yawen , Zhang Lu , Sha Xiaomei , Li Jinlin , Tu Zongcai
Published: April 2023

The changes of fatty acid compositions, volatile components, and microbial flora of bighead carp heads during fresh transportation were investigated. The brain, eye muscle, muscle near the incision (on the abdomen 5 cm away from the gills), and jaw muscle of bighead carp heads at ambient temperature (25°C) for 6 h and simulated fresh transportation (underwent ice storage and vibration) for 36 h and 72 h were evaluated. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids (38.98%) in four parts of bighead carp heads was the highest followed with saturated fatty acids (30.92%) band polyunsaturated fatty acids (24.50%), and their contents as well as the sensory quality were decreased significantly with the prolongation of fresh transportation time. There were significant differences in the composition and contents of volatile flavor compounds in the bighead carp heads during fresh transportation, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, and other compounds, especially ketones and amines. In addition, the species richness of bighead carp heads decreased gradually with the extension of transportation time. The flora was mainly composed of Firmicutes and Proteus at the phylum level and Streptococcus and Lactococcus at the genus level. Conclusively, ketone and amine compounds in volatile substances as well as the dominant spoilage bacteria (Streptococcus) in the flora could be used as spoilage markers during the fresh transportation of bighead carp heads. Practical Application. Bighead carp head has gradually become a hot online product in China due to its rich nutrition and delicious taste. Fresh transportation is one of the most common methods for preserving fish to improve its nutrition, flavor, and taste. This paper is aimed at investigating the changes in quality, fatty acid content, volatile compounds, and microbial flora of bighead carp heads during fresh transportation. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the spoilage volatiles and bacteria for bighead carp heads during fresh transportation. It could provide a guiding and theoretical basis for the routine fresh-keeping transportation of bighead carp heads and offer a security assessment for their nutritional value.
The Role of Surveillance Inspections in Reducing False-Positives of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variants during the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Zheng Yu-Hong , Zhang You-Quan , Lin Jin-Piao , Luo Zhi-Lin , Yu Liu-Min , Gao Shi-Hua , Chen Falin
Published: April 2023

Objective. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of surveillance inspections conducted by the provincial health committee in Quanzhou city during a COVID-19 outbreak in reducing false-positive results in SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assays. Method. The team conducted on-site inspections of laboratories that participated in mass screening, recording any violations of rules. Results. The positive cases in five rounds of mass screening were 23, 173, and 4 in Licheng District, Fengze District, and Luojang District, respectively. The false-positive rates in the five rounds of mass screening were 0.0099%, 0.0063%, 0.0018%, 0.0006%, and 0%, respectively. The study also recorded that the number of violations in the seven selected laboratories was 36, 68, 69, 42, 60, 54 and 47. The corresponding false-positive rates were 0.0012%, 0.0060%, 0.0082%, 0.0032%, 0.0060%, 0.0027%, and 0.0021%, respectively. The study found a positive correlation between false-positive rates and the number of violations (r = 0.905,

P
=
0.005

), and an inverse correlation between false-positive rates and the frequency of surveillance inspections (r = −0.950,

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Daily surveillance inspection in laboratories can remind laboratories to strictly comply with standard procedures, focus on laboratory quality control, and reduce the occurrence of false-positive cases in SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests to some extent. This study recommends that government decision-making departments establish policies and arrange experts to conduct daily surveillance inspections to improve laboratory quality control.
Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing Polymer Technology: A Review Based on Optimization Perspective
Authors: Raja S. , John Rajan A.
Published: April 2023

In the emerging modern technology of additive manufacturing, the need for optimization can be found in literature in many places. Additive manufacturing (AM) is making an object layer by layer directly from digital data. Previous works of literature have classified additive manufacturing processes into seven types. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review describing the optimization challenges and opportunities in the material extrusion process (polymer technology) and also the need for FDM polymer materials application in impeller making. In this review paper, a specific optimization method called multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) from the mathematical programming technique used in additive manufacturing polymer technology (AMPT) is discussed. The other topics such as different types of optimization techniques, applications of different MCDM tools and their applications in different fields including AM, and the optimization challenges and opportunities in AMPT particularly impeller application are discussed.
Phytochemical-Mediated Synthesis of Nanozinc Oxide Particles and Its Antibacterial, Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Sana Siva Sankar , Vadde Ramakrishna , Arla Sai Kumar , Boya Vijaya Kumar Naidu , Velmurugan Palanivel , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Sivakumar Subpiramaniyam , Kunwar Vijay Singh
Published: April 2023

Using aqueous leaf extract of Givotia moluccana, we offer a bioreduction technique for phytochemical-mediated production of nanozinc oxide (N-ZnOPs) particles. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins were discovered in the water extract. UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are as follows. The UV–visible spectra of synthesized N-ZnOPs revealed absorption peaks at 370 nm. The crystalline nature of ZnO was confirmed by X-RD pattern analyses. Furthermore, TEM pictures demonstrate the creation of hexagonal-shaped N-ZnOPs with diameters ranging from 20 to 50 nm, which is also confirmed by the particle size analyzer, DLS. The synthesized N-ZnOPs displayed antibacterial action as well as photocatalytic destruction of methylene blue (MB) dye, in contrast to gram +ve and gram–ve bacteria. Using the biosynthesis pathway, the current study presents a simple, ecofriendly, and uncomplicated route for the creation of N-ZnOPs. N-ZnOPs are utilized in rubber, paint, coating, and cosmetics. N-ZnOPs are attractive in biological applications due to their biocompatibility, cost, and low toxicity.
Effect of Mushroom Extract on Storage Stability of Chevon Nuggets at Refrigerated Temperature
Authors: Verma Akhilesh K. , Umaraw Pramila , Singh V. P.
Published: April 2023

In quest of phytopreservatives, the present experiment was designed to explore potential of edible mushroom extract for storage stability of chevon nuggets. Mushroom extract was added in the formulation at the rate of 0% (control), 5% (T1), 7.5% (T2), and 10% (T3). The shelf-life of products were compared with a control without extract. Physicochemical, antioxidant potential, oxidative changes, microbial quality, and sensory characteristics of these nuggets under refrigeration were assessed for 15 days. The results revealed that incorporation of mushroom extract significantly enhanced the total phenolic and DPPH radical scavenging efficacy of nuggets. Peroxide and TBARS values were also significantly (

P
<
0.05

) lower in treatments. Incorporation of extract did not affect the pH, water activity, and sensory characteristics. The microbial proliferation was also significantly (

P
<
0.05

) restricted during storage in treatments. Significant differences were evident at 7.5% level of incorporation (T2) which did not differ from that of 10% incorporation (T3). It can be concluded that incorporation of mushroom extract at 7.5% in chevon nuggets efficiently controls deteriorative changes up to 15 days of storage at refrigeration without affecting its sensory quality.
Formative Development of a Weight Management Intervention for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity
Authors: Warnick Jennifer , Darling Katherine E. , Swartz Topor Lisa , Jelalian Elissa
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) now exceeds that of youth without T1D. Comorbid T1D and excess adiposity are associated with multiple serious negative health outcomes. Unfortunately, youth with T1D are often excluded from and/or not referred to standard behavioral lifestyle interventions. This is often attributed to the complexities of managing T1D and an effort not to overburden persons who have T1D. Furthermore, standard behavioral weight management intervention recommendations can be perceived as contradicting T1D disease management (e.g., removing sugar-sweetened beverages from diet, energy balance with exercise, and caloric restriction). A weight management intervention specifically designed for youth with T1D is needed to provide treatment to youth with comorbid T1D and overweight/obesity. The current study interviewed adolescents with T1D and overweight/obesity (n = 12), their caregivers (n = 12), and pediatric endocrinologists (n = 9) to understand (a) whether they would be interested in a weight management intervention adapted for youth with T1D and (b) specific adaptations they would want and need. Five central themes emerged following applied thematic analysis: (1) program content, (2) programmatic messaging, (3) program structure, (4) social support, and (5) eating disorder risk. Results provide detailed recommendations for the adaptation of a behavioral weight management intervention for youth with T1D.
Application of Optimal Network Reconfiguration for Loss Minimization and Voltage Profile Enhancement of Distribution System Using Heap-Based Optimizer
Authors: Otuo-Acheampong Duku , Rashed Ghamgeen Izat , Akwasi Amoh Mensah , Haider Hussain
Published: April 2023

A distribution system’s network reconfiguration (NR) is the process of changing the status of the switches to change the topology of the feeders. Using optimal NR at various network load levels, this research proposed an economical way for improving the voltage profile and reducing power loss in distribution systems. A new metaheuristic Heap-based optimizer based on the corporate rank hierarchy is used to solve the optimization problem in order to find the optimal radial distribution network. The objective functions used in this article include voltage profile improvement, power loss reduction, reduction of operation cost, and minimization of gas emissions. This novel technique provides accurate results while avoiding the issue of premature convergence and requires fewer control parameter settings. The proposed method is evaluated at three different load levels on a standard IEEE 33-bus test system, and the simulation results are compared to those of other optimization methods published in the literature, demonstrating that the proposed method improves the system voltage profile while minimizing losses and power costs, establishing that this technique is effective in finding the best result. The Wilcoxon and Friedman tests are also used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Supplemental Table 3 from Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Nitro-PAH) Signatures and Somatic Mutations in Diesel Exhaust-Exposed Bladder Tumors
Authors: Gonzalez Nicole , Rao Nina , Dean Michael , Lee Donghyuk , Hurson Amber N. , Baris Dalsu , Schwenn Molly , Johnson Alison , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Friesen Melissa C. , Zhu Bin , Rothman Nathaniel , Silverman Debra T. , Koutros Stella
Published: April 2023

Case-case associations between REC and TP53 mutation, NEBCS
Supplementary Table 6 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table 6: Cox regression analyses evaluating the effect of mosaic chromosomal alterations on the risk of death of cardiovascular disease causes, coronary artery disease causes, from cancer, and any cause of death by chemotherapy status
Supplementary Table 5 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table 5: Cox regression analyses evaluating the effect of mosaic chromosomal alterations on the risk of death of cardiovascular disease causes, coronary artery disease causes, from cancer, and any cause of death stratified by smoking status groups
Supplementary Table 2 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table 2: ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic and procedure codes for inpatient cardiovascular-related endpoints and for the primary endpoints
Supplementary Table 14 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table 14: Cox regression analyses of the effect of mosaic chromosomal alterations on the risk of death from cancer according to cancer type
Supplementary Table 11 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Table 11: The effect of mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCA) on death of cardiovascular disease causes, coronary artery disease causes, from cancer, and any-cause death with a mCA-by-cancer status interaction term in all patients
Table S5 from Exploring the Complex Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia Using Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Li Wanxin , Zhou Xuan , Yuan Shuai , Wang Lijuan , Yu Lili , Sun Jing , Chen Jie , Xiao Qian , Wan Zhongxiao , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Zhang Cai-Xia , Larsson Susanna C. , Farrington Susan M. , Law Philip , Houlston Richard S. , Tomlinson Ian , Ding Ke-Feng , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Theodoratou Evropi , Li Xue
Published: April 2023

Table S5 shows the SNPs for adenoma and polyps.
Table S3 from Exploring the Complex Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia Using Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Li Wanxin , Zhou Xuan , Yuan Shuai , Wang Lijuan , Yu Lili , Sun Jing , Chen Jie , Xiao Qian , Wan Zhongxiao , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Zhang Cai-Xia , Larsson Susanna C. , Farrington Susan M. , Law Philip , Houlston Richard S. , Tomlinson Ian , Ding Ke-Feng , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Theodoratou Evropi , Li Xue
Published: April 2023

Table S3 shows the SNPs that associated with six gut microbial metabolites.