bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Speech Intervention Implemented with a Virtual Reality System in Children with Developmental Language Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Cappadona Irene , Ielo Augusto , La Fauci Margherita , Tresoldi Maria , Settimo Carmela , De Cola Maria Cristina , Muratore Rosalia , De Domenico Carmela , Di Cara Marcella , Corallo Francesco , Tripodi Emanuela , Impallomeni Caterina , Quartarone Angelo , Cucinotta Francesca
Published: August 2023

Language disorders are characterized by impairments in verbal expression/understanding, including difficulties with one or more language components. The Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) is a bioelectromedical device equipped with exercise sections aimed at improving cognitive and language deficits. It also increases patient motivation and engagement. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of VRRS intervention to improve speech therapy treatment for children with speech disorders. Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the experimental (EG) or control group (CG). The CG underwent conventional speech therapy, while EG underwent VRRS-implemented speech therapy. Both groups were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention using the Language Assessment Test. The results showed improvements in both groups. However, the EG group showed greater improvement in various areas, including comprehension of total words, repetition, naming of body parts, naming of everyday objects, total naming, morphosyntactic accuracy, sentence construction, average length of utterance, and spontaneous word production. This study demonstrated that VRRS can be a valuable tool for implementing effective speech rehabilitation. Further studies are needed, as the use of VRRS is still in its early stages, requiring larger samples sizes and long-term follow-up.
Building Connections with Families: Implementation of a Video-Messaging Service in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Bott Stephanie , Dantas Fernandez Nicole , Narciso Janet , MacAlpine Janet , Quain Nicole , Rettie Julia , Sharpe Lia , Diambomba Yenge , Al Bizri Ayah , O’Brien Karel , Shah Vibhuti
Published: August 2023

Background: Family involvement is vital to optimize the care of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Various technologies have been used to support communication with parents in the NICU. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the parent and staff experience and perception of the use of a cloud-based video-messaging service in our NICU. Methods: This study was a single center observational study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Following the implementation of a video-messaging service, parent and staff surveys were distributed to evaluate their experience and perception. Results: Parent responses were positive with respect to how the service helped them feel: closer to their infant (100%) and reassured about their infant’s care (100%). Nursing staff responses indicated that they perceived a benefit to parents (100%) and to their building a relationship with families (79%). However, they also identified time constraints (85%) and the use of the technology hardware (24%) as challenges. Conclusions: The use of an asynchronous video-messaging service was perceived as beneficial to both parents and staff in the NICU. Complaints pertained to the impact of the technology on nursing workflow and the difficulty using the hardware provided for use of the service.
Assessment of Precipitation and Hydrological Droughts in South America through Statistically Downscaled CMIP6 Projections
Authors: Ferreira Glauber Willian de Souza , Reboita Michelle Simões , Ribeiro João Gabriel Martins , de Souza Christie André
Published: August 2023

Drought events are critical environmental threats that yield several socioeconomic impacts. Such effects are even more relevant for South America (SA) since different activities essential for the continent, such as agriculture and energy generation, depend highly on water resources. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate future changes in precipitation and hydrological drought occurrence in SA through climate projections from eight global climate models (GCMs) of CMIP6. To this end, statistical downscaling was applied to the projections obtained using the quantile delta mapping technique, and the method proved to be efficient in reducing systematic biases and preserving GCMs’ trends. For the following decades, the results show considerable and statistically significant reductions in precipitation over most of SA, especially during the austral spring, with the most intense signal under the SSP5-8.5 forcing scenario. Furthermore, GCMs showed mixed signals about projections of the frequency and intensity of drought events. Still, they indicated agreement regarding the increased duration and severity of events over the continent and a substantial proportion of moderate and severe events over most of Brazil during the 21st century. These results can be helpful for better management of water resources by decision-makers and energy planners.
Finite Element Analysis of ACL Reconstruction-Compatible Knee Implant Design with Bone Graft Component
Authors: Carpena Ferdinand Lauren F. , Tayo Lemmuel L.
Published: August 2023

Knee osteoarthritis is a musculoskeletal defect specific to the soft tissues in the knee joint and is a degenerative disease that affects millions of people. Although drug intake can slow down progression, total knee arthroplasty has been the gold standard for the treatment of this disease. This surgical procedure involves replacing the tibiofemoral joint with an implant. The most common implants used for this require the removal of either the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) alone or both cruciate ligaments which alters the native knee joint mechanics. Bi-cruciate-retaining implants have been developed but not frequently used due to the complexity of the procedure and the occurrences of intraoperative failures such as ACL and tibial eminence rupture. In this study, a knee joint implant was modified to have a bone graft that should aid in ACL reconstruction. The mechanical behavior of the bone graft was studied through finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the peak Christensen safety factor for cortical bone is 0.021 while the maximum shear stress of the cancellous bone is 3 MPa which signifies that the cancellous bone could fail when subjected to the ACL loads, depending on the graft shear strength which could vary depending on the graft source, while cortical bone could withstand the walking load. It would be necessary to optimize the bone graft geometry for stress distribution as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of bone healing prior to implementation.
Insights into Bioactive Peptides in Cosmetics
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Nhu , Moon Ju-Young , Lee Young-Chul
Published: August 2023

Bioactive peptides have gained significant attention in the cosmetic industry due to their potential in enhancing skin health and beauty. These small protein fragments exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, making them ideal ingredients for cosmetic formulations. These bioactive peptides are classified into four categories: signal, carrier, neurotransmitter-inhibitory, and enzyme-inhibitory peptides. This review provides insight into applying bioactive peptides in cosmetics and their mechanisms of action (e.g., downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, radical scavenging, inhibiting collagen, tyrosinase, and elastase synthesis). The abundant natural origins (e.g., animals, plants, and marine sources) have been identified as primary sources for extractions of cosmetic peptides through various techniques (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, fermentation, and high-performance liquid chromatography). Furthermore, the safety and regulatory aspects of using peptides in cosmetics are examined, including potential allergic reactions and regulatory guidelines. Finally, the challenges of peptides in cosmetics are discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to fully harness their potential in enhancing skin health. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the application of peptides in cosmetics, shedding light on their transformative role in developing innovative and effective skincare products.
Boosting Quantum Key Distribution via the End-to-End Loss Control
Authors: Kodukhov Aleksei D. , Pastushenko Valeria A. , Kirsanov Nikita S. , Kronberg Dmitry A. , Pflitsch Markus , Vinokur Valerii M.
Published: August 2023

With the rise of quantum technologies, data security increasingly relies on quantum cryptography and its most notable application, quantum key distribution (QKD). Yet, current technological limitations, in particular, the unavailability of quantum repeaters, cause relatively low key distribution rates in practical QKD implementations. Here, we demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the QKD performance using end-to-end line tomography for the wide class of relevant protocols. Our approach is based on the real-time detection of interventions in the transmission channel, enabling an adaptive response that modifies the QKD setup and post-processing parameters, leading, thereby, to a substantial increase in the key distribution rates. Our findings provide everlastingly secure efficient quantum cryptography deployment potentially overcoming the repeaterless rate-distance limit.
Crystal Packing Differences as a Key Factor for Stabilization of the N-Terminal Fragment of the Human HINT1 Protein
Authors: Dolot Rafał , Mikołajczyk Aleksandra , Nawrot Barbara
Published: August 2023

Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) is the oldest and most widely distributed branch of the histidine triad superfamily of proteins. The HINT1 protein plays an important role in various biological processes and has been found in many species. Here we report the first nearly complete structure of the human HINT1 protein at 1.43 Å resolution obtained from a crystal of the P212121 orthorhombic space group. The final structure has an Rcryst = 22.4% (Rfree = 27.7%) and contains a fragment of the N-terminal part that was not determined in the previously deposited structures. In addition, selective binding of the L-malate ion was detected, which had not been observed previously.
Features of the Phase Formation of Cr/Mn/Fe/Co/Ni/Cu Codoped Bismuth Niobate Pyrochlore
Authors: Zhuk Nadezhda A. , Makeev Boris A. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Sivkov Danil V. , Badanina Ksenia A.
Published: August 2023

The phase formation process of Bi2Cr1/6Mn1/6Fe1/6Co1/6Ni1/6Cu1/6Nb2O9+Δ containing 3d-ions of transition elements in equimolar quantities was studied in a wide temperature range (400–1050 °C). The complex oxide crystallizes in the structural type of pyrochlore (sp. gr. Fd-3m:2, a = 10.4937(2) Å). The investigation of the multi-element pyrochlore phase formation process showed that the synthesis goes through a series of successive stages, during which the transition from Bi-rich to Bi-depleted compounds takes place. The predecessor of the pyrochlore phase is bismuth orthorhombic modification orthoniobate (α-BiNbO4) with an equimolar ratio of Bi(III)/Nb(V) ions. The pyrochlore phase is formed as a result of bismuth orthoniobate doping with transition element ions. The complex oxides Bi14CrO24, Bi25FeO40, BiNbO4, and Bi5Nb3O15 appeared as intermediate phases during the synthesis. The interaction between the initial oxide precursors is fixed at temperatures above 500 °C. The phase transition of α-Bi2O3 into β-Bi2O3 near 500 °C is observed. Varying the heat treatment duration at each synthesis step did not qualitatively change the phase composition of the sample but had an effect on the quantitative phase ratio. Phase-pure pyrochlore of the given composition by solid-phase synthesis method can be obtained at a temperature no lower than 1050 °C. Ceramics are characterized by low-porous dense microstructure with blurred outlines of grain boundaries.
Acute Oncologic Complications: Clinical–Therapeutic Management in Critical Care and Emergency Departments
Authors: Gri Nicole , Longhitano Yaroslava , Zanza Christian , Monticone Valentina , Fuschi Damiano , Piccioni Andrea , Bellou Abdelouahab , Esposito Ciro , Ceresa Iride Francesca , Savioli Gabriele
Published: August 2023

Introduction. It is now known that cancer is a major public health problem; on the other hand, it is less known, or rather, often underestimated, that a significant percentage of cancer patients will experience a cancer-related emergency. These conditions, depending on the severity, may require treatment in intensive care or in the emergency departments. In addition, it is not uncommon for a tumor pathology to manifest itself directly, in the first instance, with a related emergency. The emergency unit proves to be a fundamental and central unit in the management of cancer patients. Many cancer cases are diagnosed in the first instance as a result of symptoms that lead the patient’s admittance into the emergency room. Materials and Methods. This narrative review aims to analyze the impact of acute oncological cases in the emergency setting and the role of the emergency physician in their management. A search was conducted over the period January 1981–April 2023 using the main scientific platforms, including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase and Google scholar, and 156 papers were analyzed. Results. To probe into the main oncological emergencies and their management in increasingly overcrowded emergency departments, we analyzed the following acute pathologies: neurological emergencies, metabolic and endocrinological emergencies, vascular emergencies, malignant effusions, neutropenic fever and anemia. Discussion/Conclusions. Our analysis found that a redefinition of the emergency department connected with the treatment of oncology patients is necessary, considering not only the treatment of the oncological disease in the strict sense, but also the comorbidities, the oncological emergencies and the palliative care setting. The need to redesign an emergency department that is able to manage acute oncological cases and end of life appears clear, especially when this turns out to be related to severe effects that cannot be managed at home with integrated home care. In conclusion, a redefinition of the paradigm appears mandatory, such as the integration between the various specialists belonging to oncological medicine and the emergency department. Therefore, our work aims to provide what can be a handbook to detect, diagnose and treat oncological emergencies, hoping for patient management in a multidisciplinary perspective, which could also lead to the regular presence of an oncologist in the emergency room.
Target Localization for Autonomous Landing Site Detection: A Review and Preliminary Result with Static Image Photogrammetry
Authors: Subramanian Jayasurya Arasur , Asirvadam Vijanth Sagayan , Zulkifli Saiful Azrin B. M. , Sawaran Singh Narinderjit Singh , Shanthi N. , Lagisetty Ravi Kumar
Published: August 2023

The advancement of autonomous technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has piloted a new era in aviation. While UAVs were initially utilized only for the military, rescue, and disaster response, they are now being utilized for domestic and civilian purposes as well. In order to deal with its expanded applications and to increase autonomy, the ability for UAVs to perform autonomous landing will be a crucial component. Autonomous landing capability is greatly dependent on computer vision, which offers several advantages such as low cost, self-sufficiency, strong anti-interference capability, and accurate localization when combined with an Inertial Navigation System (INS). Another significant benefit of this technology is its compatibility with LiDAR technology, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and the ability to seamlessly integrate these components. The landing area for UAVs can vary, ranging from static to dynamic or complex, depending on their environment. By comprehending these characteristics and the behavior of UAVs, this paper serves as a valuable reference for autonomous landing guided by computer vision and provides promising preliminary results with static image photogrammetry.
Multi-Party Quantum Private Comparison Based on Bell States
Authors: Wu Wanqing , Wu Jiahui , Guo Lingna
Published: August 2023

Multi-party quantum private comparison (MQPC) assumes responsibility for overseeing the flow of data and communication among diverse entities, wherein it boasts powerful security capabilities that have garnered substantial attention. Most current MQPC protocols rely on difficult-to-prepare quantum states and are inefficient in their use of resources. In this paper, we propose a novel MQPC protocol without entanglement swapping, thereby building upon the assumption of an ideal channel. This protocol is based on Bell states, which simplifies implementation and addresses the challenges associated with using complex quantum states; it also enables the comparison of secret information by having a trusted party prepare and transmit encoded quantum sequences to participants, thereby facilitating efficient equality comparison among all parties. Our MQPC protocol showcased remarkable efficiency in comparison to existing protocols for quantum private comparison. Furthermore, the incorporation of decoy photon and shared key technologies made external and internal attacks ineffective, thereby ensuring the utmost security and integrity of the protocol.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Decentralized Safety Control for Constrained Interconnected Nonlinear Safety-Critical Systems
Authors: Qin Chunbin , Wu Yinliang , Zhang Jishi , Zhu Tianzeng
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the problem of decentralized safety control (DSC) of constrained interconnected nonlinear safety-critical systems under reinforcement learning strategies, where asymmetric input constraints and security constraints are considered. To begin with, improved performance functions associated with the actuator estimates for each auxiliary subsystem are constructed. Then, the decentralized control problem with security constraints and asymmetric input constraints is transformed into an equivalent decentralized control problem with asymmetric input constraints using the barrier function. This approach ensures that safety-critical systems operate and learn optimal DSC policies within their safe global domains. Then, the optimal control strategy is shown to ensure that the entire system is uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). In addition, all signals in the closed-loop auxiliary subsystem, based on Lyapunov theory, are uniformly ultimately bounded, and the effectiveness of the designed method is verified by practical simulation.
CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Flat-Plate Solar Collector/Evaporator with Different Geometric Variations in the Cross Section
Authors: Quitiaquez William , Estupiñán-Campos José , Nieto-Londoño César , Quitiaquez Patricio
Published: August 2023

There is a growing demand from the industrial sector and the population to cover the need for water temperature increases that can be covered with systems such as heat pumps. The present research aims to increase the heat transfer to the working fluid in a collector/evaporator, part of a solar-assisted direct expansion heat pump. This research was developed using a numerical analysis and by applying computational fluid dynamics; different simulations were performed to compare the performances of collector/evaporators with models exhibiting variations in the cross-section profile under similar conditions. An average incident solar radiation of 464.1 W·m−2 was considered during the analysis. For the comparison, profiles with hexagon-, four-leaf clover-, and circular-shaped sections with floral shapes, among others, were analysed, resulting in a temperature increase at the outlet of the working fluid of 1.3 °C. In comparison, the collector/evaporator surface temperature varied between 4 and 13.8 °C, while the internal temperature of the fluid reached 11.21 °C. Finally, it is indicated that the best results were presented by analysing the profile corresponding to the circular section with the flower shape.
Pedagogical Perspectives of Interdisciplinary Teaching and Research: An Energy System Modelling Outlook in Relation to Energy Informatics
Authors: Bordin Chiara , Mishra Sambeet , Benth Fred Espen
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss pedagogical frameworks and approaches to developing, delivering, and evaluating a new interdisciplinary course within the domain of energy informatics at both Master’s and PhD levels. This study is needed because many papers on sustainable energy engineering education concentrate on course content but provide very little information on the pedagogical methods employed to deliver that content. The proposed new course is called “smart energy and power systems modelling” and is aimed at discussing how mathematical optimization, in the context of computer science, can contribute to more effectively managing smart energy and power systems. Different pedagogical frameworks are discussed and adapted for the specific domain of energy informatics. An ASSURE model coupled with Bloom’s taxonomy is presented for the design of the course and identification of learning objectives; self-regulated learning strategies are discussed to enhance the learning process; a novel model called GPD (Gaussian Progression of Difficulty) for lecture planning was proposed; a teaching-research nexus is discussed for the course planning and enhancement. Adopting qualitative analyses and an inductive approach, this paper offers a thorough reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the new course, together with improvement possibilities based on fieldwork and direct experience with the students and colleagues. Opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary teaching are presented in light of real-world experience, with a particular focus on the interaction between mathematics and computer science to study the specific application of energy and power systems.
Electromagnetic Performance Investigation of Rectangular-Structured Linear Actuator with End Ferromagnetic Poles
Authors: Ahmad Zahoor , Ullah Basharat , Khan Faisal , Ullah Shafaat , Sami Irfan
Published: August 2023

Saving energy from domestic appliances is a focus in the effort to combat energy challenges. Linear compressors are a more efficient alternative to the traditional compressors used in refrigerators, which account for 20–40% of all residential electricity use. This article investigates the new topology of the moving magnet (MM), dual-stator single-mover linear oscillating actuator (DSSM-LOA) for linear compressor application. Both the stators were C-shaped, with coils looped across their end sides. Two permanent magnets (PMs) that were axially magnetized were housed on the mover. The PM structural shape significantly affected its fabrication cost and magnitude of magnetic flux density (B). The DSSM-LOA makes use of axially magnetized rectangular-shaped PMs because they are inexpensive and generate high electromagnetic (EM) force density. End ferromagnetic core materials were used to improve the magnetic flux, linking from the stator to the mover. All the design parameters were optimized through parametric analysis using the finite parametric sweep method. Parameters present within the three primary parameters (length, height, and depth) that were assumed constants were optimized, and the optimal dimensions were selected based on the EM force. The investigated DSSM-LOA was contrasted with traditional LOA designs, and they showed significant improvement in EM force per ampere, generally named motor constant (MC), MC per PM mass, MC density, cogging force, and stroke. Additionally, the proposed DSSM-LOA had a simple structure and low cost, and it operated in a feasible range of strokes for linear compressor application.
Electricity Correlation Evaluation Based on Improved Logistic Algorithm Integrating Periodic Characteristics of Load and Temperature
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Hou Kaiyuan , Yang Junjie , Hu Jiyun , Yao Guangzhi , Zhang Jiannan
Published: August 2023

The power system (abbreviated as PS for convenience) is one of the indispensable infrastructures in modern society, and its stable operation is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of the national economy and society. With the continuous expansion and complexity of the power grid, power correlation analysis has become increasingly important in the operation, planning, and management of the power system. Temperature is one of the main factors affecting power load (abbreviated as PL for convenience), and how to integrate the periodic characteristics of temperature with load analysis has become a top priority. This article improved the logistic algorithm and applied it to the power correlation analysis of combined load and temperature periodic characteristics and collected four seasonal PL parameters and temperature parameters from January to December 2022. The study analyzed the correlation between PL and temperature periodic characteristics, and also compared the accuracy of PS correlation analysis using the logistic algorithm and improved logistic algorithm. According to the experimental results, it could be concluded that at 1 and 2 o’clock on 1 January 2022, the temperature was at the lowest, both of which were −3 °C, while the PS load was 1000 MW and 1100 MW, respectively. It could be seen that in winter, as the temperature was lower the PL increased. In July 2022, the load and temperature of the PS were continuously increasing, reaching their maximum at 10 o’clock and it could be observed that as the temperature increased, the PL also increased. This was because both low and high temperatures increased the operation of the power equipment, thereby increasing the PL. It was also confirmed that fusing multiple features and adopting an improved logistic algorithm could improve the accuracy of the prediction results. The improved logistic algorithm could be applied to related fields such as PL forecasting and provide a scientific decision-making basis for the power industry. This could also provide a reference for data analysis and prediction in other fields.
Integrating a Solar PV System with Pumped Hydroelectric Storage at the Mutah University of Jordan
Authors: Zeidan Mahmoud , Al-soud Mohammed , Dmour Mothana , Alakayleh Zuhier , Al-qawabah Safwan
Published: August 2023

This paper focuses on designing and assessing Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage Systems (PHESs) connected to the grid and a PV system for self-consumption constructed at Mutah University in an area of high solar potential. By focusing on the PHES and PV literature, data in the field were acquired based on the grid code needed in Jordan. Next, a search to find a suitable location for installation was conducted. Afterwards, a load profile was added to calculate the energy demand of the university. Then the productivity of the solar power plant of Mutah University was included. Finally, MATLAB software was used to realize the amount of energy to be stored; these data were used to implement the system that was chosen and dimensioned. A PHES layout was created to find the most accurate values for parameters to optimize system performance and to investigate loss analysis. The main finding is that the system attains 9230.89 MWh/year. An annual load yields 4430 MWh/year, which covers the Mutah University demand with an estimated saving of USD 287,607,993.
Anaerobic Fermentation of Slaughterhouse Waste—Codigestion with Wheat Straw to Determine Methane Biochemical Potential and Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Meneses Quelal Orlando , Pilamunga Hurtado David
Published: August 2023

Slaughterhouse solid waste is one of the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) today. Crop residue decomposition or incineration has a great impact on global warming. Therefore, it is urgent to study the possibility of better environmentally friendly approaches to solid waste management and its safe disposal. The digestion of this type of solid waste in a decomposing process from organic content allows the recovery of valuable resources (such as biogas) and the use of the digestate in various fertilizer industries. In this study, two substrates were studied to determine their biomethane (BMP) potential in anaerobic digestion. The substrates were fermented and digested anaerobically and biogas production was measured. Methane yield of the slaughterhouse substrates had a lower methane yield between 232.2 and 250.8 mL/gVS and 53.6 to 57.9% biodegradability. Harvest substrates produce between 167.1 and 274.9 mL/gVS with a biodegradability of 39.1 to 64.3%. Co-digestion of both substrates at a ratio of IS 1:2 (RR:WS 3:1) generated a higher yield 289.1 ml/gVS and 66.9%. biodegradability of A kinetic analysis was carried out using Gompertz models, transfer and logistic function for methane production biodegradation.
Quality of Commercially Available Manuka Honey Expressed by Pollen Composition, Diastase Activity, and Hydroxymethylfurfural Content
Authors: Sęk Alicja , Porębska Aneta , Szczęsna Teresa
Published: August 2023

Manuka honey plays a significant role in modern medical applications as an antibacterial, antiviral, and antibiotic agent. However, although the importance of manuka honey is well documented in the literature, information regarding its physicochemical characteristics remains limited. Moreover, so far, only a few papers address this issue in conjunction with the examination of the pollen composition of manuka honey samples. Therefore, in this study, two parameters crucial for honey quality control—the diastase number (DN) and the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content—as well as the melissopalynological analysis of manuka honey, were examined. The research found a large variation in the percentage of Leptospermum scoparium pollen in honeys labeled and sold as manuka honeys. Furthermore, a significant proportion of these honeys was characterized by a low DN. However, since low diastase activity was not associated with low HMF content, manuka honey should not be considered as a honey with naturally low enzymatic activity. Overall, the DN and HMF content results indicate that the quality of commercially available manuka honey is questionable.
Trypsin from Pyloric Caeca of Asian Seabass: Purification, Characterization, and Its Use in the Hydrolysis of Acid-Soluble Collagen
Authors: Patil Umesh , Baloch Khurshid Ahmed , Nile Shivraj Hariram , Kim Jun Tae , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to purify trypsin from the pyloric caeca of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), and investigate its proteolytic capability toward acid-soluble collagen (ASC) in comparison with commercial porcine trypsin (CPT). Trypsin was purified from pyloric caeca, a leftover from the evisceration process, via ammonium sulphate (40–60% saturation) precipitation, and a soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI)–Sepharose 4B column. A 18.5-fold purification and a yield of 15.2% were obtained. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed a single band of trypsin with a molecular weight of 23.5 kDa. Purified trypsin also showed the single band in native-PAGE. The optimal pH and temperature of trypsin for BAPNA (the specific substrate for amidase) hydrolysis were 8.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The trypsin was stable within the pH range of 7.0–9.5 and temperature range of 25–55 °C. Protease inhibition study confirmed that the purified enzyme was trypsin. The purified trypsin had a Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and catalytic constant (kcat) of 0.078 mM and 5.4 s−1, respectively, when BAPNA was used. For the hydrolysis of TAME (the specific substrate for esterase), the Km and Kcat were 0.09 mM and 4.8 s−1, respectively. Partially purified seabass trypsin (PPST) had a slightly lower hydrolysis capacity toward ASC than CPT, as evidenced by the lower degree of hydrolysis and protein degradation when the former was used. Both the α-chain and β-chain became more degraded as the hydrolysis time increased. Based on MALDI-TOP, peptides with MW of 2992-2970 Da were dominant in the hydrolysates. Therefore, seabass trypsin could be used in the production of hydrolyzed collagen. It could have economic importance to the market, by replacing some commercial proteases, which have religious constraints.
Improvement of Temperature Distribution Uniformity of Ready-to-Eat Rice during Microwave Reheating via Optimizing Packaging Structure
Authors: Liu Chai , Shen Liuyang , Liu Huiran , Gong Xue , Liu Chenghai , Zheng Xianzhe , Zhang Shuo , Yang Chen
Published: August 2023

The taste quality of ready-to-eat rice is influenced by the uniformity of temperature distribution during microwave reheating. The temperature distribution uniformity of ready-to-eat rice loaded in a rectangular lunch box is investigated under microwave reheating. The results show that with a 10–80 °C temperature increase in the ready-to-eat rice, the thermal conductivity increases, dielectric constant, and specific heat increase and then decrease, while the dielectric loss factor decreases and then slightly increases. The microwave-heating process of ready-to-eat rice exhibits a clear ‘corner effect’, and the observed ‘hot spot’ results in poor temperature uniformity in ready-to-eat rice. A metalized packaging structure design is subsequently proposed to ameliorate the temperature non-uniformity. According to comparative results of four metalized packaging forms, the spray film volume and film thickness corresponding to film volume are developed as 3.5×10−4 mL/mm2, 0.30 mm, respectively, which levels off the difference in temperature to improve the temperature distribution uniformity of ready-to-eat rice by microwave reheating.
Rapid Determination of Nutmeg Shell Content in Ground Nutmeg Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Drees Alissa , Bockmayr Bernadette , Bockmayr Michael , Fischer Markus
Published: August 2023

Nutmeg is a popular spice often used in ground form, which makes it highly susceptible to food fraud. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to detect adulteration of ground nutmeg with nutmeg shell via Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. For this purpose, 36 authentic nutmeg samples and 10 nutmeg shell samples were analyzed pure and in mixtures with up to 50% shell content. The spectra plot as well as a principal component analysis showed a clear separation trend as a function of shell content. A support vector machine regression used for shell content prediction achieved an R2 of 0.944 in the range of 0–10%. The limit of detection of the prediction model was estimated to be 1.5% nutmeg shell. Based on random sub-sampling, the likelihood was found to be 2% that a pure nutmeg sample is predicted with a nutmeg shell content of >1%. The results confirm the suitability of FT-NIR spectroscopy for rapid detection and quantitation of the shell content in ground nutmeg.
Mesoporous Starch Cryoaerogel Material as an Emerging Platform for Oral Drug Delivery: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Jafari Samira , Khodaensaf Farzaneh , Delattre Cédric , Bazargan Vahid , Lukova Paolina
Published: August 2023

In this study, a starch cryoaerogel formulation was developed as a carrier for poorly water-soluble drugs, like atorvastatin. Cryoaerogels were generated through a sol–gel method combined with a freeze-drying technique, and atorvastatin was incorporated into the obtained mesoporous systems during the solvent exchange stage. The formulated drug-loaded polymer structures were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, solid-state behavior, and cytotoxicity. They had a pore size of 27.56 nm and a drug loading size of 38.60%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated that atorvastatin was successfully incorporated into the cryoaerogel pores. The amorphous nature of the loaded drug was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, after the atorvastatin incorporation into the cryogel, the volume of nitrogen adsorbed on one gram of cryoaerogel (Vm), as well as the specific surface area (aBET) were reduced. The comparison between the drug release profiles of crystalline atorvastatin and the loaded formulation of atorvastatin showed that by including the drug into the pores of the developed cryoaerogel matrix its solubility was significantly improved—the time for the dissolution of 30% pure atorvastatin (t30%) was approximately 4 h, whereas the determined t30% for the formulated cryoaerogels was only 1 h. Moreover, the data from the MTT assay illustrated that the designed cryoaerogel could be used as a safe oral atorvastatin delivery system. According to obtained results, it could be concluded that the starch cryoaerogel formulation is a promising candidate for oral delivery of poorly water-soluble therapeutic agents.
Estimation of Low-Velocity Landfill Thickness with Multi-Method Seismic Surveys
Authors: Darvasi Yaniv , Agnon Amotz
Published: August 2023

Conventional geophysical methods are suitable for estimating the thicknesses of subsoil layers. By combining several geophysical methods, the uncertainties can be assessed. Hence, the reliability of the results increases with a more accurate engineering solution. To estimate the base of an abandoned landfill, we collected data using classical approaches: high-resolution seismic reflection and refraction, with more modern methods including passive surface wave analysis and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) measurements. To evaluate the thickness of the landfill, three different datasets were acquired along each of the two seismic lines, and five different processing methods were applied for each of the two arrays. The results of all the classical methods indicate very consistent correlations and mostly converge to clear outcomes. However, since the shear wave velocity of the landfill is relatively low (<150 (m/s)), the uncertainty of the HVSR results is significant. All these methods are engineering-oriented, environmentally friendly, and relatively low-cost. They may be jointly interpreted to better assess uncertainties and therefore enable an efficient solution for environmental or engineering purposes.
Palestine in the Cloud: The Construction of a Digital Floating Homeland
Authors: Shehadeh Hanine
Published: August 2023

A widespread revolt during the months of April and May 2021 in the Palestinian city of Jerusalem, also known as Habbet Ayyar, responded to Israeli actions aiming to ethnically cleanse and force out residents from the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, where approximately 3000 people reside, and to limit the movement and entry of Palestinians to Al-Aqsa Mosque. These measures were met with an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests against the Israeli army, police, security agencies, and settlers. Habbet Ayyar stands out not only for its innovative and effective use of new media to amplify the protests beyond Israel’s sphere of influence and control, but also for the unity displayed by fragmented Palestinians as they confronted Israel. By exploring the larger historical and geographical context of the movement that led to Habbet Ayyar, this article aims to understand how Palestinians have utilized, for the past 20 years, new media as a battleground—despite enforced digital colonialism—and how these media served to articulate and create what I call a digital “floating homeland”. The concept of a “floating homeland” is useful for exploring how the Palestinian virtual social movement has redefined and reconnected with Palestine beyond Israel’s control and fragmentation. This digital homeland is constructed through new technologies that have reshaped Palestinian self-identification and allowed for a virtual and digital reconceptualization of a borderless Palestine.
Evaluation of a Webinar to Increase Health Professionals’ Knowledge about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Froehlich Laura , Niedrich Jasmin , Hattesohl Daniel B. R. , Behrends Uta , Kedor Claudia , Haas Johannes-Peter , Stingl Michael , Scheibenbogen Carmen
Published: August 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe chronic illness and patients with ME/CFS are often medically underserved in Germany and other countries. One contributing factor is health professionals’ lack of knowledge about epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of ME/CFS. Opportunities are scarce for health professionals to receive continuing medical education on ME/CFS. The current research addressed this need for further education and investigated the gain of knowledge from a webinar for German-speaking health professionals. In two studies (total sample: N = 378), participants in the intervention condition completed a knowledge test twice (before and after webinar participation). Study 2 also included a waiting-list control condition with repeated response to the knowledge test without webinar participation between measurements. Results showed that at baseline, most participants had seen patients with ME/CFS, but confidence in diagnosing and treating ME/CFS was only moderate-to-low. In the intervention condition, but not in the control condition, knowledge about ME/CFS increased between the first and the second knowledge test. These results indicate that the webinar was successful in increasing health professionals’ knowledge about ME/CFS. We concluded that webinars can be a cost-efficient and effective tool in providing health professionals with large-scale continuing medical education about ME/CFS.
A Mixed Methods Study to Implement the Synergy Tool and Evaluate Its Impact on Long-Term Care Residents
Authors: Havaei Farinaz , Kobekyaa Francis , Ma Andy , MacPhee Maura , Zhang Wei , Kaulius Megan , Ahmadi Bahar , Boamah Sheila , Easterbrook Adam , Salmon Amy
Published: August 2023

Background: There are ongoing workforce challenges with the delivery of long-term care (LTC), such as staffing decisions based on arbitrary standards. The Synergy tool, a resident-centered approach to staffing, provides objective, real-time acuity and dependency scores (Synergy scores) for residents. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate the impact of the Synergy tool on LTC delivery. Methods: A longitudinal mixed methods study took place within two publicly funded LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada. Quantitative data included weekly Synergy scores for residents (24 weeks), monthly aggregated resident falls data (18 months) and a six-month economic evaluation. Qualitative data were gathered from family caregivers and thematically analyzed. Results: Quantitative findings from Synergy scores revealed considerable variability for resident acuity/dependency needs within and across units; and falls decreased during implementation. The six-month economic evaluation demonstrated some cost savings by comparing Synergy tool training and implementation costs with savings from resident fall rate reductions. Qualitative analyses yielded three positive impact themes (improved care delivery, better communication, and improved resident-family-staff relationships), and two negative structural themes (language barrier and staff shortages). Conclusions: The Synergy tool provides useful data for enhancing a ‘fit’ between resident needs and available staff.
Specialist and Primary Physicians’ Experiences and Perspectives of Collaboration While Caring for Palliative Patients—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Devik Siri Andreassen , Lersveen Gunhild Lein
Published: August 2023

Increasing numbers of people living with chronic and life-limiting diseases are actualising a greater need for palliative care. Physicians are an important provider for identifying the need for palliation, and effective follow-up requires physician collaboration across different service levels. This study aimed to explore and describe how physicians in hospitals and municipalities experience their roles and interactions in the care of palliative patients. Pair interviews were performed with seven physicians working in hospitals, primary care and nursing homes in Mid-Norway. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data, resulting in three main themes: The boundaries of palliative care, Alternating understandings of roles and Absence of planning. The physicians’ interactions with palliative patients appeared as a fragmented distribution of tasks rather than a real collaboration with shared responsibility. At both levels, the physicians seemed to assume withdrawn roles as a reaction to unclear and unspoken expectations and to avoid interfering with others’ responsibilities. Moreover, their understanding of palliative care and which groups should be included varied. Realising a collaboration between physicians that is beneficial for both patients and physicians, greater openness and real arenas for discussion and decision-making support are required.
Patient Assessment of Care with Chronic Cardiovascular Disorders and Its Relationship with Self-Efficacy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alqarni Aidah Sanad , Pasay-An Eddieson , Alshammari Awad Eid , Gonzales Ferdinand , Estadilla Lorraine , Ahmed Kawther Eltayeb , Benjamin Lizy Sonia , Ngo Andrew , Elmashad Hanan Awad Moawad , Gharib Dawlat Ahmed mahmoud , Alshammari Salman Amish
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Patients’ assessment of care navigating cardiovascular disorders is imperative in improving the quality of care provided. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of people living with cardiovascular disorders on the care they received and its relationship with general self-efficacy. Methods: This investigation employed a cross-sectional correlational approach. The study sample was comprised of patients with cardiovascular disorders from both the King Khalid Hospital and the King Salman Specialist Hospital, in Hail City, Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was used, resulting in 104 participants. A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect the data, which ran from 10 March to 20 May 2023. Results: The participants perceived that they occasionally (2.75 ± 1.053) received care, and they perceived themselves to have better self-efficacy (25.28/40). Of note, the age (0.062), years of being diagnosed with having the disease (−0.174), sex (0.180), educational attainment (0.125), and occupation (0.206) were found to have no significant relationship with the patient assessment of care with chronic cardiovascular disease (PACIC). However, civil status (0.867) was found to have a strong positive correlation to the PACIC. No significant relationship was found between age and GSE (0.070) and PACIC (0.62), civil status with GSE (0.013), years being diagnosed with having the disease with GSE (0.095), and PACIC (0.174) educational attainment with GSE (0.088) and PACIC (0.125) or occupation (0.115) with GSE. However, sex (0.795) was found to have a strong correlation with general self-efficacy (GSE). Of note, patient activation (0.390) and goal setting (0.360) had a moderate positive correlation while problem solving (0.228) and follow-up (0.278) had a weak positive correlation to GSE. Meanwhile, the delivery system (0.507) had a strong positive correlation to GSE. This study illuminates the value of self-efficacy and patient involvement as self-management techniques for cardiovascular illnesses. Future cardiovascular illness self-management initiatives should concentrate on enhancing patient self-efficacy by adopting the PACIC.