bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Vesicles and Their Current Role in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Giacobino Carla , Canta Marta , Fornaguera Cristina , Borrós Salvador , Cauda Valentina
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural particles formed by the lipid bilayer and released from almost all cell types to the extracellular environment both under physiological conditions and in presence of a disease. EVs are involved in many biological processes including intercellular communication, acting as natural carriers in the transfer of various biomolecules such as DNA, various RNA types, proteins and different phospholipids. Thanks to their transfer and targeting abilities, they can be employed in drug and gene delivery and have been proposed for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. Recently, the use of EVs as biological carriers has also been extended to cancer immunotherapy. This new technique of cancer treatment involves the use of EVs to transport molecules capable of triggering an immune response to damage cancer cells. Several studies have analyzed the possibility of using EVs in new cancer vaccines, which represent a particular form of immunotherapy. In the literature there are only few publications that systematically group and collectively discuss these studies. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to illustrate and give a partial reorganization to what has been produced in the literature so far. We provide basic notions on cancer immunotherapy and describe some clinical trials in which therapeutic cancer vaccines are tested. We thus focus attention on the potential of EV-based therapeutic vaccines in the treatment of cancer patients, overviewing the clinically relevant trials, completed or still in progress, which open up new perspectives in the fight against cancer.
Predicting Treatment Outcomes Using Explainable Machine Learning in Children with Asthma
Authors: Lovrić Mario , Banić Ivana , Lacić Emanuel , Pavlović Kristina , Kern Roman , Turkalj Mirjana
Published: May 2021

Asthma in children is a heterogeneous disease manifested by various phenotypes and endotypes. The level of disease control, as well as the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatment, is variable and inadequate in a significant portion of patients. By applying machine learning algorithms, we aimed to predict the treatment success in a pediatric asthma cohort and to identify the key variables for understanding the underlying mechanisms. We predicted the treatment outcomes in children with mild to severe asthma (N = 365), according to changes in asthma control, lung function (FEV1 and MEF50) and FENO values after 6 months of controller medication use, using Random Forest and AdaBoost classifiers. The highest prediction power is achieved for control- and, to a lower extent, for FENO-related treatment outcomes, especially in younger children. The most predictive variables for asthma control are related to asthma severity and the total IgE, which were also predictive for FENO-based outcomes. MEF50-related treatment outcomes were better predicted than the FEV1-based response, and one of the best predictive variables for this response was hsCRP, emphasizing the involvement of the distal airways in childhood asthma. Our results suggest that asthma control- and FENO-based outcomes can be more accurately predicted using machine learning than the outcomes according to FEV1 and MEF50. This supports the symptom control-based asthma management approach and its complementary FENO-guided tool in children. T2-high asthma seemed to respond best to the anti-inflammatory treatment. The results of this study in predicting the treatment success will help to enable treatment optimization and to implement the concept of precision medicine in pediatric asthma treatment.
Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Freehand Implant Placement: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Schnutenhaus Sigmar , Wagner Marie , Edelmann Cornelia , Luthardt Ralph G. , Rudolph Heike
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: The objective of implant prosthetic restoration is to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of function and esthetics. Optimal positioning of the implant with regard to the bone availability, surrounding soft tissue, and prosthetic sustainability should be strived for during implant placement. The factors influencing freehand implant placement and the accuracy achieved with this procedure are investigated in this prospective clinical study. (2) Methods: Implants were placed in the single-tooth edentulous sites of the premolar and molar areas in 52 patients. Three-dimensional (3D)-planning was performed virtually prior to the freehand implant operation, and the desired position of the implant was provided to the surgeon. (3) Results: The deviations between the planned and the actually achieved position with freehand implant placement showed the following mean values and standard deviations: angle 8.7 ± 4.8°, 3D deviation at the implant shoulder 1.62 ± 0.87 mm, mesiodistal deviation 0.87 ± 0.75 mm, buccolingual deviation 0.70 ± 0.66 mm, and apiocoronal deviation 0.95 ± 0.61 mm. The type of jaw had a significant influence on accuracy. Major deviations were observed in the lower jaw. Furthermore, the timing of implant placement influenced the mesiodistal deviation and angular deviation; (4) Conclusions: Freehand implant placement demonstrated a higher level of deviation between the planned and actually achieved implant positions. In particular, the ranges showed a large spread. From a prosthetic point of view, there may be complications during the restoration of the prosthetic crown if the implant exit point is not optimally located or if the implants show a high angular deviation.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching Mathematics and Students’ Knowledge, Skills, and Grades
Authors: Pócsová Jana , Mojžišová Andrea , Takáč Michal , Klein Daniel
Published: May 2021

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to secure public health, many processes have moved to the online space. The educational process is not an exception. Our main goal, which is presented in this article, was to re-design the educational process from face-to-face to distance learning in the Mathematics 1 course at the Technical University of Košice. This article describes our approach to teaching, observations, and experience. This case study examines three factors: Firstly, the impact of distance education on overall assessments of students. Using descriptive statistics, the results of student evaluations were compared from the overall assessments for the last six academic years. It was found that distance learning does not affect excellent students and eliminates the number of students who do not pass. Secondly, the participation of students during online lessons, and thirdly, the use of electronic materials. The questionnaire survey and the data from the learning management system Moodle were used to examine the second and third factors. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the questionnaire survey data (frequencies, percentages and averages). An exploratory factor analysis was performed in order to assess the underlying key concepts regarding student evaluation of the teaching process. The exploratory factor analysis confirmed that this questionnaire followed the four key concepts.
Flickering-Free Distance-Independent Modulation Scheme for OCC
Authors: Chavez-Burbano Patricia , Rabadan Jose , Guerra Victor , Perez-Jimenez Rafael
Published: May 2021

Communications for IoT sensor networks in Smart City applications are demanding new technologies to avoid the radio frequency spectrum saturation and support the massive nodes situation required in this kind of network. Visible Light Communications are gaining interest as an alternative scheme for solving this problem. In particular, Optical Camera Communication (OCC) takes advantage of the presence of cameras in a wide range of devices (smartphones, surveillance systems). Several transmission and modulation schemes, specifically developed for OCC, have been proposed but they present different problems as the communication range, the flickering effects in the transmitted signal, or the system complexity. In this work, an Optical Camera Communication modulation scheme that addresses the considerable variability of the transmitter–receiver distance is proposed. As will be shown, the modulation scheme works properly independently of this separation for a wide range of distances. Additionally, it performs a flickering free transmission to avoid undesired blinking effects for humans and uses a simplified transmission and reception scheme, reducing the system complexity and cost. Results of the modulation’s performance for short (<20 m), medium (20–60 m), and long (>60 m) ranges are presented in the paper, showing a 16 bps transmission rate with Bit Error Rate below the Forward Error Correction (FEC) limit (3.8 · 10−3).
Memory-Efficient Deep Learning for Botnet Attack Detection in IoT Networks
Authors: Popoola Segun I. , Adebisi Bamidele , Ande Ruth , Hammoudeh Mohammad , Atayero Aderemi A.
Published: May 2021

Cyber attackers exploit a network of compromised computing devices, known as a botnet, to attack Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. Recent research works have recommended the use of Deep Recurrent Neural Network (DRNN) for botnet attack detection in IoT networks. However, for high feature dimensionality in the training data, high network bandwidth and a large memory space will be needed to transmit and store the data, respectively in IoT back-end server or cloud platform for Deep Learning (DL). Furthermore, given highly imbalanced network traffic data, the DRNN model produces low classification performance in minority classes. In this paper, we exploit the joint advantages of Long Short-Term Memory Autoencoder (LAE), Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), and DRNN to develop a memory-efficient DL method, named LS-DRNN. The effectiveness of this method is evaluated with the Bot-IoT dataset. Results show that the LAE method reduced the dimensionality of network traffic features in the training set from 37 to 10, and this consequently reduced the memory space required for data storage by 86.49%. SMOTE method helped the LS-DRNN model to achieve high classification performance in minority classes, and the overall detection rate increased by 10.94%. Furthermore, the LS-DRNN model outperformed state-of-the-art models.
Improving Security of Future Networks Using Enhanced Customer Edge Switching and Risk-Based Analysis
Authors: Nowaczewski Slawomir , Mazurczyk Wojciech
Published: May 2021

Customer Edge Switching (CES) is an extension of the already known classical firewall that is often described and used in future networks like 5G. It extends its functionality by enabling information exchange with other firewalls to decide whether the inspected network traffic should be considered malicious or legitimate. In this paper, we show how the Passive DNS can be used to further improve security of this solution. First, we discuss CES solution and its internals. We also determine how it uses DNS and CETP protocols. Secondly, we describe the basics of the Passive DNS and how it impacts the DNS protocol. Thirdly, we evaluate how the Passive DNS can be extended to collect also CETP information. Finally, we integrate the solutions and present obtained experimental results.
On Performance of Sparse Fast Fourier Transform Algorithms Using the Aliasing Filter
Authors: Li Bin , Jiang Zhikang , Chen Jie
Published: May 2021

Computing the sparse fast Fourier transform (sFFT) has emerged as a critical topic for a long time because of its high efficiency and wide practicability. More than twenty different sFFT algorithms compute discrete Fourier transform (DFT) by their unique methods so far. In order to use them properly, the urgent topic of great concern is how to analyze and evaluate the performance of these algorithms in theory and practice. This paper mainly discusses the technology and performance of sFFT algorithms using the aliasing filter. In the first part, the paper introduces the three frameworks: the one-shot framework based on the compressed sensing (CS) solver, the peeling framework based on the bipartite graph and the iterative framework based on the binary tree search. Then, we obtain the conclusion of the performance of six corresponding algorithms: the sFFT-DT1.0, sFFT-DT2.0, sFFT-DT3.0, FFAST, R-FFAST, and DSFFT algorithms in theory. In the second part, we make two categories of experiments for computing the signals of different SNRs, different lengths, and different sparsities by a standard testing platform and record the run time, the percentage of the signal sampled, and the L0, L1, and L2 errors both in the exactly sparse case and the general sparse case. The results of these performance analyses are our guide to optimize these algorithms and use them selectively.
High-Q Slot Resonator Used in Chipless Tag Design
Authors: Huang Nengyu , Chen Jiaxiang , Ma Zhonghua
Published: May 2021

A retransmission chipless tag with multiple U-shaped slot resonators is proposed to cut down the cost of traditional tags with chips. Multiple side-by-side U-shaped slot structures of different lengths are printed on the microstrip line, and the two terminals of the microstrip line are connected correspondingly with two orthogonal ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver antennas to form the retransmission chipless tag. The U-shaped slot resonator has high Q values and narrow impedance bandwidth. The bandwidth that each resonator adds to the protection bandwidth is 300 MHz. Several 6-bit coding U-shaped slot resonator chipless tags are designed and fabricated for comparison and measurement. Results show that the simulation and the measurement are in agreement. The slot width of the U-shaped slot resonator and the distance between the resonators are reduced, resulting in deepened spectrum notch depth of the resonator. Decreasing the dielectric constant of the substrate or increasing the thickness of the substrate increases the spectrum notch depth of the resonator.
Antenna on Chip (AoC) Design Using Metasurface and SIW Technologies for THz Wireless Applications
Authors: Althuwayb Ayman A. , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Benetatos Harry , Falcone Francisco , Limiti Ernesto
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the design of a high-performance 0.45–0.50 THz antenna on chip (AoC) for fabrication on a 100-micron GaAs substrate. The antenna is based on metasurface and substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) technologies. It is constituted from seven stacked layers consisting of copper patch–silicon oxide–feedline–silicon oxide–aluminium–GaAs–copper ground. The top layer consists of a 2 × 4 array of rectangular metallic patches with a row of subwavelength circular slots to transform the array into a metasurface. This essentially enlarges the effective aperture area of the antenna. The antenna is excited using a coplanar waveguide feedline that is sandwiched between the two silicon oxide layers below the patch layer. The proposed antenna structure reduces substrate loss and surface waves. The AoC has dimensions of 0.8 × 0.8 × 0.13 mm3. The results show that the proposed structure greatly enhances the antenna’s gain and radiation efficiency, and this is achieved without compromising its physical size. The antenna exhibits an average gain and efficiency of 6.5 dBi and 65%, respectively, which makes it a promising candidate for emerging terahertz applications.
Reconfigurable Distributed Power Electronics Technique for Solar PV Systems
Authors: Niazi Kamran Ali Khan , Yang Yongheng , Kerekes Tamas , Sera Dezso
Published: May 2021

A reconfiguration technique using a switched-capacitor (SC)-based voltage equalizer differential power processing (DPP) concept is proposed in this paper for photovoltaic (PV) systems at a cell/subpanel/panel-level. The proposed active diffusion charge redistribution (ADCR) architecture increases the energy yield during mismatch and adds a voltage boosting capability to the PV system under no mismatch by connected the available PV cells/panels in series. The technique performs a reconfiguration by measuring the PV cell/panel voltages and their irradiances. The power balancing is achieved by charge redistribution through SC under mismatch conditions, e.g., partial shading. Moreover, PV cells/panels remain in series under no mismatch. Overall, this paper analyzes, simulates, and evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed DPP architecture through a simulation-based model prepared in PSIM. Additionally, the effectiveness is also demonstrated by comparing it with existing conventional DPP and traditional bypass diode architecture.
A 17.8–34.8 GHz (64.6%) Locking Range Current-Reuse Injection-Locked Frequency Multiplier with Dual Injection Technique
Authors: Oh Kwang-Il , Ko Goo-Han , Kim Gwang-Sub , Kim Jeong-Geun , Baek Donghyun
Published: May 2021

A 17.8–34.8 GHz (64.6%) locking range current-reuse injection-locked frequency multiplier (CR-ILFM) with dual injection technique is presented in this paper. A dual injection technique is applied to generate differential signal and increase the power of the second-order harmonic component. The CR core is proposed to reduce the power consumption and compatibility with NMOS and PMOS injectors. The inductor-capacitor (LC) tank of the proposed CR-ILFM is designed with a fourth-order resonator using a transformer with distributed inductor to extend the locking range. The self-oscillated frequency of the proposed CR-ILFM is 23.82 GHz. The output frequency locking range is 17.8–34.8 GHz (64.6%) at a 0-dBm injection power without any additional control including supply voltage, varactor, and capacitor bank. The power consumption of the proposed CR-ILFM is 7.48 mW from a 1-V supply voltage and the die size is 0.75 mm × 0.45 mm. The CR-ILFM is implemented in a 65-nm CMOS technology.
Deflated Restarting of Exponential Integrator Method with an Implicit Regularization for Efficient Transient Circuit Simulation
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Jiaxin , Yang Chengcheng , Chen Quan
Published: May 2021

Exponential integrator (EI) method based on Krylov subspace approximation is a promising method for large-scale transient circuit simulation. However, it suffers from the singularity problem and consumes large subspace dimensions for stiff circuits when using the ordinary Krylov subspace. Restarting schemes are commonly applied to reduce the subspace dimension, but they also slow down the convergence and degrade the overall computational efficiency. In this paper, we first devise an implicit and sparsity-preserving regularization technique to tackle the singularity problem facing EI in the ordinary Krylov subspace framework. Next, we analyze the root cause of the slow convergence of the ordinary Krylov subspace methods when applied to stiff circuits. Based on the analysis, we propose a deflated restarting scheme, compatible with the above regularization technique, to accelerate the convergence of restarted Krylov subspace approximation for EI methods. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed regularization technique, and up to 50% convergence improvements for Krylov subspace approximation compared to the non-deflated version.
A Data Transmission Algorithm Based on Triangle Link Structure Prediction in Opportunistic Social Networks
Authors: Fang Zhiyuan , Chang Liu , Luo Jingwen , Wu Jia
Published: May 2021

With the popularization of 5G communications, the scale of social networks has grown rapidly, and the types of messages have become increasingly complex. The rapid increases in the number of access nodes and the amount of data have put a greater burden on the transmission of information in the networks. However, when transferring data from a large number of users, the performance of traditional opportunistic network routing algorithms is insufficient, which often leads to problems such as high energy consumption, network congestion, and data packet loss. The way in which to improve this transmission environment has become a difficult task. Therefore, in order to ensure the effective transmission of data and reduce network congestion, this paper proposed a link prediction model based on triangular relationships in opportunistic social networks (LPMBT). In the topological structure of the social network, the algorithm scores links based on the frequency of use and selects the optimal relay node based on the score. It can also efficiently track the target node and reconstruct the sub-community. The simulation experimental results showed that the algorithm had excellent performance, effectively reduced overhead, reduced the end-to-end delay, and greatly improved the data transfer rate in the opportunistic network.
Estimating the Service Life of Timber Structures Concerning Risk and Influence of Fungal Decay—A Review of Existing Theory and Modelling Approaches
Authors: van Niekerk Philip Bester , Brischke Christian , Niklewski Jonas
Published: May 2021

Wood is a renewable resource and a promising construction material for the growing bio-based economy. Efficiently utilising wood in the built environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics regarding its usability. Durability is an essential property to consider, as various types of exposure create conditions for the deterioration of wood through biotic and abiotic agents. Biodegradable materials introduce increased complexity to construction and design processes, as material decomposition during a structure’s lifetime presents a physical risk to human health and safety and costs related to repairs and maintenance. Construction professionals are thus tasked with utilising wooden elements to accentuate the material’s beneficial properties while reducing the risk of in-service decomposition. In this paper, only the cause and effect of fungal induced decay on the service life of wooden buildings and other wood-based construction assets are reviewed. The service life of wood components can thus be extended if suitable growing conditions are controlled. Multiple existing modelling approaches are described throughout the text, with special attention given to the two most comprehensive ones; TimberLife and the WoodExter. In choosing an appropriate model for a specific application, the authors recommend evaluating the model’s regional specificity, complexity, practicality, longevity and adaptability.
Modelling the Material Resistance of Wood—Part 3: Relative Resistance in above- and in-Ground Situations—Results of a Global Survey
Authors: Brischke Christian , Alfredsen Gry , Humar Miha , Conti Elena , Cookson Laurie , Emmerich Lukas , Flæte Per Otto , Fortino Stefania , Francis Lesley , Hundhausen Ulrich , Irbe Ilze , Jacobs Kordula , Klamer Morten , Kržišnik Davor , Lesar Boštjan , Melcher Eckhard , Meyer-Veltrup Linda , Morrell Jeffrey J. , Norton Jack , Palanti Sabrina , Presley Gerald , Reinprecht Ladislav , Singh Tripti , Stirling Rod , Venäläinen Martti , Westin Mats , Wong Andrew H. H. , Suttie Ed
Published: May 2021

Durability-based designs with timber require reliable information about the wood properties and how they affect its performance under variable exposure conditions. This study aimed at utilizing a material resistance model (Part 2 of this publication) based on a dose–response approach for predicting the relative decay rates in above-ground situations. Laboratory and field test data were, for the first time, surveyed globally and used to determine material-specific resistance dose values, which were correlated to decay rates. In addition, laboratory indicators were used to adapt the material resistance model to in-ground exposure. The relationship between decay rates in- and above-ground, the predictive power of laboratory indicators to predict such decay rates, and a method for implementing both in a service life prediction tool, were established based on 195 hardwoods, 29 softwoods, 19 modified timbers, and 41 preservative-treated timbers.
Phylogenetic and Functional Traits Verify the Combined Effect of Deterministic and Stochastic Processes in the Community Assembly of Temperate Forests along an Elevational Gradient
Authors: Zhou Wensong , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Shuang , Yakimov Basil N. , Ma Keming
Published: May 2021

Explaining community assembly mechanisms along elevational gradients dominated by deterministic processes or stochastic processes is a pressing challenge. Many studies suggest that phylogenetic and functional diversity are significant indicators of the process. In this study, we analyzed the structure and beta diversity of phylogenetic and functional traits along an elevational gradient and discussed the effects of environmental and spatial factors. We found that the phylogenetic and functional traits showed inconsistent changes, and their variations were closely related to the abiotic environment. The results suggested that the community assembly of woody plants was obviously affected by the combined effect of deterministic processes and the stochastic hypothesis (primarily by the latter). Phylogenetic and functional traits had a certain relationship but changed according to different rules. These results enhance our understanding of the assembly mechanism of forest communities by considering both phylogenetic and functional traits.
Optimization and Mechanical Properties of Fabricated 2D Wood Pyramid Lattice Sandwich Structure
Authors: Yang Dongxia , Fan Changsheng , Hu Yingcheng
Published: May 2021

In order to obtain a lightweight, high strength, and large design space wooden sandwich structure to meet the needs of modern wooden buildings, the mechanical properties of a fabricated 2D wooden pyramid lattice sandwich structure were studied. In this paper, the mechanical and compressive properties of the specimens with different arrangement of Lattice Sandwich unit cells are studied. The upper and lower panels and core materials are made into a single unit cell by inserting glue, and the prefabricated 2D wooden pyramid lattice truss core sandwich structure is prepared by the mortise tenon splicing method. The results show that the arrangement of the unit cells in the specimen has a significant effect on the bearing capacity, energy absorption, and failure mode of the specimen, and the flat compression performance of the panel-reinforced specimen is better than that of the specimen with unreinforced veneer. The results of finite element analysis are consistent with the test results. The main failure modes are core fracture and panel cracking. These results provide a theoretical basis for the system design of wood-based lattice sandwich structure in the future.
Screening and Evaluation of Purine-Nucleoside-Degrading Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Winemaking Byproducts In Vitro and Their Uric Acid-Lowering Effects In Vivo
Authors: Hsieh Min-Wei , Chen Huey-Yueh , Tsai Cheng-Chih
Published: May 2021

In Taiwan, adult hyperuricemia affects as many as 1 in 4 males and 1 in 6 females, who are predominantly young adults aged 19–45. In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance and high affinity to intestinal cells were extracted from the side products of alcohol fermentation (distillers’ grains). These bacteria were evaluated for their ability to lower uric acid levels. Qualitative identification and quantitative analysis were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on the purine-degrading enzymes to select purine-decomposing LAB for animal testing. When the final concentration of purine compounds reached 0.1% and 1%, seven strains of LAB showed potential in degrading purine compounds. HPLC was used to analyze their purine-degrading abilities, and the three best performing LAB strains, (107) 8–16, (107) tau 1–3, and (107) 6–10 were screened for further animal testing with Wistar rats. By the third week, the results showed that strain (107) 6–10 could prevent formation and reduce the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in yeast extract/potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia. The multi-strain lactic acid bacteria (MLAB) performed best for uric acid reduction in the serum and down regulated BUN. Yeast extract/potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia had no impact on serum creatinine, while LAB did not affect the creatinine concentration. In summary, MLAB not only protects kidney function but is also effective in regulating uric acid concentration in the body. Hence, MLAB can be used as a functional food supplement that prevents or aids the treatment of hyperuricemia in a rodent model.
Using the Landsat Burned Area Products to Derive Fire History Relevant for Fire Management and Conservation in the State of Florida, Southeastern USA
Authors: Teske Casey , Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Hawbaker Todd J. , Noble Joe , Hiers John Kevin
Published: May 2021

Development of comprehensive spatially explicit fire occurrence data remains one of the most critical needs for fire managers globally, and especially for conservation across the southeastern United States. Not only are many endangered species and ecosystems in that region reliant on frequent fire, but fire risk analysis, prescribed fire planning, and fire behavior modeling are sensitive to fire history due to the long growing season and high vegetation productivity. Spatial data that map burned areas over time provide critical information for evaluating management successes. However, existing fire data have undocumented shortcomings that limit their use when detailing the effectiveness of fire management at state and regional scales. Here, we assessed information in existing fire datasets for Florida and the Landsat Burned Area products based on input from the fire management community. We considered the potential of different datasets to track the spatial extents of fires and derive fire history metrics (e.g., time since last burn, fire frequency, and seasonality). We found that burned areas generated by applying a 90% threshold to the Landsat burn probability product matched patterns recorded and observed by fire managers at three pilot areas. We then created fire history metrics for the entire state from the modified Landsat Burned Area product. Finally, to show their potential application for conservation management, we compared fire history metrics across ownerships for natural pinelands, where prescribed fire is frequently applied. Implications of this effort include increased awareness around conservation and fire management planning efforts and an extension of derivative products regionally or globally.
Effects of Extraction Conditions on Banana Peel Polyphenol Oxidase Activity and Insights into Inactivation Kinetics Using Thermal and Cold Plasma Treatment
Authors: Wohlt Daria , Schwarz Elena , Schieber Andreas , Bader-Mittermaier Stephanie
Published: May 2021

The objective of this work was to characterize banana peel polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and to study the inactivation kinetics during thermal and cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. Since varietal differences in enzyme characteristics are a well-known phenomenon, ‘Prata’ banana peel PPO was characterized, and PPO activity and thermal stability of the peel PPO of the two dessert banana cultivars ‘Cavendish’ and ‘Prata’ were compared to identify the cultivar better suited for industrial food applications. A crude extract obtained from the peels of the Brazilian banana variety ‘Prata’ revealed highest PPO activities (46.0–55.2 nkat/mL) at 30–40 °C in a range of pH 6.0–6.5 after addition of 0.5 g/gsample polyvinylpyrrolidone and 0.5% (v/v) Triton X-100 during extraction. ‘Cavendish’ PPO activity was four times higher. Banana peel PPO exhibited the highest affinity towards dopamine (KM = 0.94 mM). Thermal inactivation of ‘Prata’ and ‘Cavendish’ PPO was achieved at 90 °C after 5 and 15 min, respectively, whereas cold plasma treatment did not decrease PPO activity below 46% of the initial enzyme activity. The inactivation behavior of PPO could successfully be described by a two-fraction model indicating at least two types of isoenzymes with different thermal stability. The overall high thermal stability was mainly attributed to membrane-bound PPO. The results may help to prevent enzymatic browning of banana peels and thereby facilitate their valorization as food ingredients.
Oral Sensitivity to Flowability and Food Neophobia Drive Food Preferences and Choice
Authors: Puleo Sharon , Masi Paolo , Cavella Silvana , Di Monaco Rossella
Published: May 2021

The study aimed to investigate the role of sensitivity to flowability on food liking and choice, the relationship between sensitivity to flowability and food neophobia, and its role in food liking. Five chocolate creams were prepared with different levels of flowability, and rheological measurements were performed to characterise them. One hundred seventy-six subjects filled in the Food Neophobia Scale and a food choice questionnaire (FCq). The FCq was developed to evaluate preferences within a pair of food items similar in flavour but different in texture. Secondly, the subjects evaluated their liking for creams (labelled affective magnitude (LAM) scale) and the flowability intensity (generalised labelled magnitude (gLM) scale). The subjects were clustered into three groups of sensitivity and two groups of choice preference. The effect of individual flowability sensitivity on food choice was investigated. Finally, the subjects were clustered into two groups according to their food neophobia level. The sensitivity to flowability significantly affected the liking of chocolate creams and the solid food choice. The liking of chocolate creams was also affected by the individual level of neophobia (p = 0.01), which, in turn, was not correlated to flowability sensitivity. These results confirm that texture sensitivity and food neophobia affect what a person likes and drives what a person chooses to eat.
Effects of the Reactive Moiety of Phenolipids on Their Antioxidant Efficiency in Model Emulsified Systems
Authors: Costa Marlene , Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Magalhães Júlia , Monteiro Luís S. , Bravo-Díaz Carlos , Paiva-Martins Fátima
Published: May 2021

Our previous research was focused on the effects of hydrophobicity on the antioxidant (AO) efficiency of series of homologous antioxidants with the same reactive moieties. In this work we evaluate the antioxidant efficiency of hydrophobic phenolipids in 4:6 olive oil-in-water emulsions, with different phenolic moieties (derived from caffeic, 4-hydroxycinnamic, dihydrocaffeic acids, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol), with alkyl chains of 8 and 16 carbons, and compare the antioxidant efficiency with that of the parent compounds. All catecholic phenolipids, in particular the C8 derivatives, have proven to be better antioxidants for the oxidative protection of emulsions than their parental compounds with octyl dihydrocafffeate being the most efficient (16-fold increase in relation to the control). To understand the importance of some factors on the antioxidant efficiency of compounds in emulsions, Pearson’s correlation analysis was carried out between antioxidant activity and the first anodic potential (Epa), reducing capacity (FRAP value), DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50) and the concentration of antioxidants in each region of the emulsified system. Results confirm the importance of the effective concentration of AOs in the interfacial region (AOI) (ρ = 0.820) and of the Epa (ρ = −0.677) in predicting their antioxidant efficiency in olive oil-in-water emulsions.
Comparative Study of Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Capacities of Oils Obtained from 15 Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) Cultivars in China
Authors: Shuai Xixiang , Dai Taotao , Chen Mingshun , Liang Ruihong , Du Liqing , Chen Jun , Liu Chengmei
Published: May 2021

The planting area of macadamia in China accounted for more than one third of the world’s planted area. The lipid compositions, minor components, and antioxidant capacities of fifteen varieties of macadamia oil (MO) in China were comparatively investigated. All varieties of MO were rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly including oleic acid (61.74–66.47%) and palmitoleic acid (13.22–17.63%). The main triacylglycerols of MO were first time reported, including 19.2–26.1% of triolein, 16.4–18.2% of 1-palmitoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-glycerol, and 11.9–13.7% of 1-palmitoleoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol, etc. The polyphenol, α-tocotrienol and squalene content varied among the cultivars, while Fuji (791) contained the highest polyphenols and squalene content. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated the polyphenols and squalene content positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. This study can provide a crucial directive for the breeding of macadamia and offer an insight into industrial application of MO in China.
Discriminant Analysis of the Geographical Origin of Asian Red Pepper Powders Using Second-Derivative FT-IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Miso , Hong Junyoung , Lee Dongwon , Kim Sohyun , Chun Hyang Sook , Cho Yoon-Ho , Kim Byung Hee , Ahn Sangdoo
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to discriminate between the geographical origins of Asian red pepper powders distributed in Korea using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. Second-derivative spectral data were obtained from a total of 105 red pepper powder samples, 86 of which were used for statistical analysis, and the remaining 19 were used for blind testing. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test confirmed that eight peak variables exhibited significant origin-dependent differences, and the canonical discriminant functions derived from these variables were used to correctly classify all the red pepper powder samples based on their origins. The applicability of the canonical discriminant functions was examined by performing a blind test wherein the origins of 19 new red pepper powder samples were correctly classified. For simplicity, the four most significant variables were selected as discriminant indicator variables, and the applicable range for each indicator variable was set for each geographical origin. By applying the indicator variable ranges, the origins of the red pepper powders of all the statistical and blind samples were correctly identified. The study findings indicate the feasibility of using FT-IR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis for identifying the geographical origins of red pepper powders.
Sustainable Paper-Based Packaging: A Consumer’s Perspective
Authors: Oloyede Omobolanle O. , Lignou Stella
Published: May 2021

Over the last two decades, there has been growing interest from all stakeholders (government, manufacturers, and consumers) to make packaging more sustainable. Paper is considered one of the most environmentally friendly materials available. A qualitative study investigating consumers’ expectations and opinions of sustainable paper-based packaging materials was conducted where 60 participants took part in focus group sessions organized in two stages. In the first stage, participants expressed their opinions about currently available packages in the market and their expectations about a sustainable packaging material. In the second stage of the study, they evaluated five paper-based prototype packages for two product categories (biscuits and meat). Too much plastic and over-packaging were the key issues raised for current packages. Price and quality were the main driving forces for consumers’ purchase intent. While participants were impressed by the sustainable nature of the prototypes, the design did not necessarily meet their expectations, and they were not willing to pay more for a sustainable package. The key message that emerged from the discussions was the “3Rs”—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”—which should be the main points to consider when designing a sustainable packaging.
New Insights in Therapy for Food Allergy
Authors: Mayorga Cristobalina , Palomares Francisca , Cañas José A. , Pérez-Sánchez Natalia , Núñez Rafael , Torres María José , Gómez Francisca
Published: May 2021

Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide, with strict avoidance being classically the only available reliable treatment. The main objective of this review is to cover the latest information about the tools available for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. In recent years, many efforts have been made to better understand the humoral and cellular mechanisms involved in food allergy and to improve the strategies for diagnosis and treatment. This review illustrates IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity and provides a current description of the diagnostic strategies and advances in different treatments. Specific immunotherapy, including different routes of administration and new therapeutic approaches, such as hypoallergens and nanoparticles, are discussed in detail. Other treatments, such as biologics and microbiota, are also described. Therefore, we conclude that although important efforts have been made in improving therapies for food allergies, including innovative approaches mainly focusing on efficacy and safety, there is an urgent need to develop a set of basic and clinical results to help in the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies.
Supporting the Regional Network for Children with Burn Injuries in a Pediatric Referral Hospital for COVID-19
Authors: Pelizzo Gloria , Vestri Elettra , del Re Giulia , Filisetti Claudia , Osti Monica , Camporesi Anna , Rizzo Dario , De Angelis Armando , Zoia Elena , Tommasi Paola , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Calcaterra Valeria
Published: May 2021

Considerable reorganization of the regional network for pediatric burn treatment during the pandemic was required to cope with severe burn injuries in small children. In support of the emergency network for burns during the COVID-19 pandemic, we referred to regional indications for centralization in our hospital for all children aged less than 5 years who presented with severe burns, >15% of total body surface area (TBSA), or who necessitated admittance to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A new service with a dedicated management protocol was set up to treat pediatric burns in our SARS-CoV-2 pediatric hospital during the lockdown period. A multidisciplinary burn treatment team was set up to offer compassionate and comprehensive burn care. Patient’s clinical data, burn features, treatment and follow up were recorded. A higher number of admissions was recorded from February to December 2020 compared with the same period in 2019 (52 vs. 32 admissions). Eighteen patients were admitted to the COVID-19 Service (10 M/8 F; 3.10 ± 2.6 yrs); ten children (55.5%) were hospitalized in the ward and eight in the ICU (44.5%). Fifty percent of the cases presented with lesions extending over >15% TBSA; in one case, TBSA was 35%. All patients suffered 2nd-degree burns; while five patients also had 3rd degree lesions covering more than 15% TBSA. All of the injuries occurred at home. No major secondary infections were recorded. Successful treatment was achieved in 94.4% of cases. The average length of stay was 15.2 ± 12.6 days. A proactive, carefully planned service, involving a multidisciplinary team, was created to ensure appropriate care in a pediatric hospital during the COVID-19 period, despite the effective pandemic associated challenges. Better health promotion in pediatric burn cases should also include dedicated TBSA assessment and a database of children’s burn characteristics.
Nocturia at the Population Level in Poland: Prevalence, Bother, Quality of Life, and Treatment-Related Behavior
Authors: Przydacz Mikolaj , Chlosta Piotr
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure at the population level the prevalence, bother, effect on quality of life, and behavior associated with treatment for nocturia in a large representative cohort of Polish adults aged ≥40 years. Materials and Methods: Data were derived from LUTS POLAND, a computer-assisted telephone survey of urological health that mirrored the entire Polish population in urban and rural areas. Results: Six thousand persons completed the survey. The respondents were representative for age, sex, and place of residence. Nocturia was highly prevalent because 73.7% of all participants reported ≥1 nocturia episode, and 36.1% reported ≥2 nocturia episodes. We did not identify differences between urban and rural areas. Women were more often affected than men, and the prevalence of nocturia increased with age. More than one-third (29.7–45.3%) of respondents who reported nocturia were bothered by the symptom and, thereby, concerned about their urinary-specific quality of life. Notably, we found a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of nocturia and intensification of its bother (p < 0.001 for men and women). However, only about one-fourth (22.2–29.2%) of respondents with nocturia sought treatment, most of whom received treatment. Conclusions: Nocturia was highly prevalent and often bothersome with negative effects on quality of life of Polish adults aged ≥40 years. However, the percentage of treatment seeking was low. Combined with the fact that nocturia has multiple causes and consequences, including high morbidity and mortality, our findings revealed that nocturia was a significant public health issue. We need to develop strategies to specifically increase awareness about nocturia and provide greater healthcare and financial resources for persons with nocturia in Poland.
Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation of Pinus koraiensis in China
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Minghui , Xu Yujin , Li Yan , Tigabu Mulualem , Zhao Xiyang
Published: May 2021

Pinus koraiensis is a well-known precious tree species in East Asia with high economic, ornamental and ecological value. More than fifty percent of the P. koraiensis forests in the world are distributed in northeast China, a region with abundant germplasm resources. However, these natural P. koraiensis sources are in danger of genetic erosion caused by continuous climate changes, natural disturbances such as wildfire and frequent human activity. Little work has been conducted on the population genetic structure and genetic differentiation of P. koraiensis in China because of the lack of genetic information. In this study, 480 P. koraiensis individuals from 16 natural populations were sampled and genotyped. Fifteen polymorphic expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure and differentiation in P. koraiensis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of the EST-SSR marker data showed that 33% of the total genetic variation was among populations and 67% was within populations. A high level of genetic diversity was found across the P. koraiensis populations, and the highest levels of genetic diversity were found in HH, ZH, LS and TL populations. Moreover, pairwise Fst values revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations (mean Fst = 0.177). According to the results of the STRUCTURE and Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree analyses and principal component analysis (PCA), the studied geographical populations cluster into two genetic clusters: cluster 1 from Xiaoxinganling Mountains and cluster 2 from Changbaishan Mountains. These results are consistent with the geographical distributions of the populations. The results provide new genetic information for future genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in natural P. koraiensis breeding programs and can aid the development of conservation and management strategies for this valuable conifer species.