bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Advances in Phenol Removals: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Saputera Wibawa Hendra , Putrie Amellia Setyani , Esmailpour Ali Asghar , Sasongko Dwiwahju , Suendo Veinardi , Mukti Rino R.
Published: August 2021

Phenol acts as a pollutant even at very low concentrations in water. It is classified as one of the main priority pollutants that need to be treated before being discharged into the environment. If phenolic-based compounds are discharged into the environment without any treatments, they pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and aquatic systems. This review emphasizes the development of advanced technologies for phenol removal. Several technologies have been developed to remove phenol to prevent environmental pollution, such as biological treatment, conventional technologies, and advanced technologies. Among these technologies, heterogeneous catalytic ozonation has received great attention as an effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable process for the degradation of phenolic-based compounds, which can overcome some of the disadvantages of other technologies. Recently, zeolites have been widely used as one of the most promising catalysts in the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation process to degrade phenol and its derivatives because they provide a large specific surface area, high active site density, and excellent shape-selective properties as a catalyst. Rational design of zeolite-based catalysts with various synthesis methods and pre-defined physiochemical properties including framework, ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3), specific surface area, size, and porosity, must be considered to understand the reaction mechanism of phenol removal. Ultimately, recommendations for future research related to the application of catalytic ozonation technology using a zeolite-based catalyst for phenol removal are also described.
Phenolic Compounds from Irradiated Olive Wastes: Optimization of the Heat-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Madureira Joana , Melgar Bruno , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Margaça Fernanda M. A. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian , Cabo Verde Sandra
Published: August 2021

Olive pomace, an environmentally detrimental residue generated during olive oil extraction, contains bioactive compounds in demand by the food industry. To valorize this waste product a suitable yield for the extraction process is required. Heat-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from olive pomace was optimized by a circumscribed central composite design and response surface methodology. Our previous studies indicated that irradiation could improve 2.4-fold the extractability of the main phenolic compounds from olive pomace. The effect of extraction time, temperature and solvent concentration on the yield of polyphenols from irradiated olive pomace at 5 kGy was tested. Hydroxytyrosol-1-β-glucoside, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and caffeic acid were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography to calculate the total polyphenol content. The optimal general conditions by RSM modeling were extraction time of 120 min, temperature of 85 °C, and 76% of ethanol in water. Using these selected conditions, 19.04 ± 1.50 mg/g dry weight, 148.88 ± 8.73 mg/g extract of total polyphenols were obtained, representing a yield of 13.7%, which was consistent with the value predicted by the model. This work demonstrated the potential of residues from the olive oil industry as a suitable alternative to obtain compounds that could be used as ingredients for the food industry.
MIS-C-Implications for the Pediatric Surgeon: An Algorithm for Differential Diagnostic Considerations
Authors: Manz Nora , Höfele-Behrendt Claudia , Bielicki Julia , Schmid Hanna , Matter Matthias S. , Bielicki Isabella , Holland-Cunz Stefan , Gros Stephanie J.
Published: August 2021

Background: multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new disease associated with a recent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Affected children can present predominantly with abdominal symptoms, fever and high inflammatory parameters that might lead to a consult by the pediatric surgeon and an indication for surgery. Methods: clinical data of three patients with MIS-C that underwent surgery were collected. Histopathological analysis of the appendix was performed. Results: we present the clinical course of three children with fever, abdominal pain and vomiting for several days. Clinical examination and highly elevated inflammation markers led to indication for laparoscopy; appendectomy was performed in two patients. Because of intraoperative findings or due to lack of postoperative improvement, all patients were reevaluated and tested positive for MIS-C associated laboratory parameters and were subsequently treated with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, acetyl salicylic acid and/or light molecular weight heparin. Conclusions: we discuss the implications of MIS-C as a new differential diagnosis and stress the importance of assessing the previous medical history, identifying patterns of symptoms and critically surveilling the clinical course. We implemented an algorithm for pediatric surgeons to consider MIS-C as a differential diagnosis for acute abdomen that can be integrated into the surgical workflow.
Stress and Strain Prediction of Zirconium Nitride under Oxygen Doping and Vacancy Introduction
Authors: Cai Junfei , Wu Sicheng , Li Jinjin
Published: August 2021

Zirconium nitride (ZrN) is an important material for the mechanical industries due to its excellent properties such as excellent wear resistance, high hardness, etc. In practical applications, it is necessary to study how to regulate the mechanical properties of materials to meet the needs of different applications. To better understand the influence of vacancies and oxygen on the mechanical property of ZrN, we studied the tensile strength of the ZrN with oxygen atom doping and zirconium vacancy introduction by ab initio density functional theory. The mechanical property changes of modified ZrN in three crystallographic directions (<001>, <110>, and <111>) were calculated. The results show that the tensile strength of ZrN can be increased by oxygen doping at a certain concentration, while that of ZrN can be decreased by the introduction of zirconium vacancy.
Magnesium Insertion and Related Structural Changes in Spinel-Type Manganese Oxides
Authors: Robba Ana , Tchernychova Elena , Bitenc Jan , Randon-Vitanova Anna , Dominko Robert
Published: August 2021

Commercial LiMn2O4 powder was used as the base material for probing magnesiation, cycling behavior, and structural stability/changes in (MgxLi1-x)Mn2O4 spinel cathodes in aqueous Mg(NO3)2 and non-aqueous Mg(TFSI)2/diglyme and Mg(Mg(HFIP)2 − 2Al(HFIP)3/diglyme electrolytes. Each of the samples was delithiated and, then, magnesiated electrochemically in the corresponding electrolyte. The electrochemical activity of the cathode cycled in aqueous electrolyte showed high reversibility during the oxidation process; however, large polarization and a relatively fast capacity fading were the culprits of the system. Cycling in Mg(TFSI)2/diglyme electrolyte solution resulted in much lower initial specific capacity compared to an aqueous counterpart, as well as a much faster failure. On the other hand, cycling in Mg(HFIP)2 − 2Al(HFIP)3/diglyme electrolyte solution demonstrated excellent cycling performance with very low polarization in the first cycles. The observed voltages for this system were near theoretical values for the Mg insertion. Although the electrochemical measurements suggest reversible magnesiation, detailed structural and analytical STEM investigation revealed the differences in the atomic structure and Mn valence of all three cathode samples upon cycling. The electrolytes’ influence on the structural rearrangement during Mg insertion is discussed for each of the three systems.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Copepods in a Small Mesotidal Inlet and Estuary
Authors: Seo Min-Ho , Kim Hyeon-Jung , Lee Seok-Ju , Kim So-Yeon , Yoon Yang-Ho , Han Kyeong-Ho , Choi Sang-Duck , Kwak Myeong-Taek , Jeong Man-Ki , Soh Ho-Young
Published: August 2021

To understand the environmental factors affecting the spatiotemporal distribution of copepods, sampling was conducted seasonally in a small mesotidal inlet and estuary located in Doam Bay of southwestern Korea. The study area was divided seasonally into two or three station groups (estuarine, mixed, and coastal) by a cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling based on copepod abundance. Acartia forticrusa, A. hudsonica, A. ohtsukai, Paracalanus parvus s. l., Pseudodiaptomus marinus, Tortanus derjugini, T. dextrilobatus, T. forcipatus, Oithona spp., and harpacticoids were important species for grouping the stations. The spatiotemporal distribution of the first two species was restricted to the estuarine area in summer and significantly correlated with temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration. The distribution of other brackish species, such as T. derjugini and T. dextrilobatus, significantly correlated with temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration. In contrast, A. hudsonica significantly correlated with dinoflagellate density and turbidity in winter, in addition to the abovementioned environmental factors. Acartia hudsonica also maintained a large population in the estuarine area in fall and winter, and its distribution extended across the entire bay in spring. Other coastal species occurred in all areas and did not significantly correlate with environmental factors. Therefore, brackish species in the study area may have developed seasonally different behaviors to sustain their populations.
The Role of Tourism in Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Naseem Sana
Published: August 2021

Tourism is vital to the success of many economies worldwide and has been a widely researched area for many years. Unfortunately, an insufficient number of studies have been conducted on this subject in the context of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this research investigates the role of tourism in promoting economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using annual time series data from 2003 to 2019. The study uses basic statistics, correlation coefficients, the unit root test, the Johansen co-integration test, the co-integration regression test and the Granger causality test to check the relationship between tourism and economic growth. The results show that economic growth has a long-run relationship with tourism receipts, tourism expenditures and the number of tourist arrivals; the number of tourist arrivals has a strong relationship with economic growth, compared to other parameters. The empirical results validate the concept that tourism promotes economic growth in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Is Electronic Health Literacy Associated with Learning Outcomes among Medical Students in the First Clinical Year?: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tanasombatkul Krittai , Pinyopornpanish Kanokporn , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Buawangpong Nida , Rojanasumapong Auswin , Jiraporncharoen Wichuda
Published: August 2021

Medical students tend to use the internet as a primary resource when seeking health information. This study aims to assess the patterns of internet use, eHL level, and learning outcomes with eHL among medical students at Chiang Mai University. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 88 medical students in the first clinical year. The eHL level was determined using the Thai version of the electronic Health Literacy Scale or eHEALS. The patient case report scores were obtained representing the learning outcome. Linear regression was used to identify factors influencing their eHL level and case report scores. Students recognized the importance and usefulness of the internet. The mean eHEALS score was 33.45. There was a lower degree of agreement on questions regarding internet usage, having skills to evaluate the resources, and confidence in using health information to make health decisions. The eHEALS score had no statistically significant association with most variables and case report scores, but with the longer time of internet use (p-value = 0.014). Although medical students perceived that they have high eHL levels, they report lower confidence in using the information. Including critical thinking skills for electronic health information in the medical curriculum could be useful.
Encouraging Undergraduate Marketing Students to Reflect on Critical Thinking and the Digital Gender Divide
Authors: González-Gascón Elena , De-Juan-Vigaray María D.
Published: August 2021

In today’s society where there is an abundance of accessible, complex, and often false information, critical thinking (CT) is an essential skill so that citizens in general and students in particular can make complex decisions based on scientific evidence, rather than on prejudices, biases, and pre-established beliefs. In this context, the purpose of this study is to discover whether Active Learning (AL) methodology, using different technologies, contributes to improving the CT of the student body, applying it to the Digital Gender Divide (DGD). Three questionnaires were used to collect information, using both a quantitative and a qualitative approach. Open-ended questions are included for fuller answers, which are complemented by content analysis of the recordings and virtual presentations made. The results show that the AL methodology favours the development of CT in the DGD in a remarkable way. Likewise, the various technologies implemented in the methodology (e.g., the Google Applications Site, online round table discussions, role-plays, virtual presentations, and forms) are relevant to improving CT in DGD. It concludes by recommending the implementation of AL with CT as in the one carried out, to help prepare better professionals and raise awareness of how to reduce the DGD.
Deep Learning Based on Fourier Convolutional Neural Network Incorporating Random Kernels
Authors: Han Yuna , Hong Byung-Woo
Published: August 2021

In recent years, convolutional neural networks have been studied in the Fourier domain for a limited environment, where competitive results can be expected for conventional image classification tasks in the spatial domain. We present a novel efficient Fourier convolutional neural network, where a new activation function is used, the additional shift Fourier transformation process is eliminated, and the number of learnable parameters is reduced. First, the Phase Rectified Linear Unit (PhaseReLU) is proposed, which is equivalent to the Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) in the spatial domain. Second, in the proposed Fourier network, the shift Fourier transform is removed since the process is inessential for training. Lastly, we introduce two ways of reducing the number of weight parameters in the Fourier network. The basic method is to use a three-by-three sized kernel instead of five-by-five in our proposed Fourier convolutional neural network. We use the random kernel in our efficient Fourier convolutional neural network, whose standard deviation of the Gaussian distribution is used as a weight parameter. In other words, since only two scalars for each imaginary and real component per channel are required, a very small number of parameters is applied compressively. Therefore, as a result of experimenting in shallow networks, such as LeNet-3 and LeNet-5, our method achieves competitive accuracy with conventional convolutional neural networks while dramatically reducing the number of parameters. Furthermore, our proposed Fourier network, using a basic three-by-three kernel, mostly performs with higher accuracy than traditional convolutional neural networks in shallow and deep neural networks. Our experiments represent that presented kernel methods have the potential to be applied in all architecture based on convolutional neural networks.
A Task Execution Scheme for Dew Computing with State-of-the-Art Smartphones
Authors: Hirsch Matías , Mateos Cristian , Zunino Alejandro , Majchrzak Tim A. , Grønli Tor-Morten , Kaindl Hermann
Published: August 2021

The computing resources of today’s smartphones are underutilized most of the time. Using these resources could be highly beneficial in edge computing and fog computing contexts, for example, to support urban services for citizens. However, new challenges, especially regarding job scheduling, arise. Smartphones may form ad hoc networks, but individual devices highly differ in computational capabilities and (tolerable) energy usage. We take into account these particularities to validate a task execution scheme that relies on the computing power that clusters of mobile devices could provide. In this paper, we expand the study of several practical heuristics for job scheduling including execution scenarios with state-of-the-art smartphones. With the results of new simulated scenarios, we confirm previous findings and better comprehend the baseline approaches already proposed for the problem. This study also sheds some light on the capabilities of small-sized clusters comprising mid-range and low-end smartphones when the objective is to achieve real-time stream processing using Tensorflow object recognition models as edge jobs. Ultimately, we strive for industry applications to improve task scheduling for dew computing contexts. Heuristics such as ours plus supporting dew middleware could improve citizen participation by allowing a much wider use of dew computing resources, especially in urban contexts in order to help build smart cities.
Electromechanical-Mode Coupling Model and Failure Prediction of CFRP under Three-Point Bending
Authors: Zhang Ronghua , Zhang Lifu , Fang Hongying , Yin Wuliang
Published: August 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials (CFRP) cause CFRP to bend or fail when subjected to external loads or impacts. In the case of static three-point bending, using the conductive properties of the carbon fiber inside the CFRP, the overall damage detection and failure prediction can be carried out by electromagnetic methods. The eddy current coil is used to realize real-time monitoring of damage, and the measured voltage value can be mapped to obtain the load of the sample. This paper conducts theoretical analysis and experimental verification, and obtains the relationship between CFRP stress damage and spatial conductivity change, and proposes a CFRP electromechanical coupling model under quasistatic three-point bending. Combined with the theory of electrically ineffective length, the CFRP three-point bending electromechanical coupling model was revised. Experimental results prove that the revised model can describe the load-conductivity change trend of three-dimensional braided CFRP more accurately, which provides a theoretical basis for monitoring the structural health of CFRP through electromagnetic methods.
LDPC Decoder Design Using Compensation Scheme of Group Comparison for 5G Communication Systems
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hung , Wang Chen-Xuan , Lu Cheng-Kai
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a dual-mode low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding architecture that has excellent error-correcting capability and a high parallelism design for fifth-generation (5G) new-radio (NR) applications. We adopted a high parallelism design using a layered decoding schedule to meet the high throughput requirement of 5G NR systems. Although the increase in parallelism can efficiently enhance the throughput, the hardware implementation required to support high parallelism is a significant hardware burden. To efficiently reduce the hardware burden, we used a grouping search rather than a sorter, which was used in the minimum finder with decoding performance loss. Additionally, we proposed a compensation scheme to improve the decoding performance loss by revising the probabilistic second minimum of a grouping search. The post-layout implementation of the proposed dual-mode LDPC decoder is based on the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 40 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, using a compensation scheme of grouping comparison for 5G communication systems with a working frequency of 294.1 MHz. The decoding throughput achieved was at least 10.86 Gb/s without evaluating early termination, and the decoding power consumption was 313.3 mW.
Multiple-Searching Genetic Algorithm for Whole Test Suites
Authors: Khamprapai Wanida , Tsai Cheng-Fa , Wang Paohsi , Tsai Chi-En
Published: August 2021

A test suite is a set of test cases that evaluate the quality of software. The aim of whole test suite generation is to create test cases with the highest coverage scores possible. This study investigated the efficiency of a multiple-searching genetic algorithm (MSGA) for whole test suite generation. In previous works, the MSGA has been effectively used in multicast routing of a network system and in the generation of test cases on individual coverage criteria for small- to medium-sized programs. The performance of the algorithms varies depending on the problem instances. In this experiment were generated whole test suites for complex programs. The MSGA was expanded in the EvoSuite test generation tool and compared with the available algorithms on EvoSuite in terms of the number of test cases, the number of statements, mutation score, and coverage score. All algorithms were evaluated on 14 problem instances with different corpus to satisfy multiple coverage criteria. The problem instances were Java open-source projects. Findings demonstrate that the MSGA generated test cases reached greater coverage scores and detected a larger number of faults in the test class when compared with the others.
Improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control of Dual-Axis Servo Tracking Turntable with Friction Observer
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Xu , Wang Qunjing , Chen Dijiang , Ye Chao
Published: August 2021

Friction nonlinear disturbance is one of the main factors affecting the control performance of servo tracking system. In this paper, an improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) scheme of dual-axis servo turntable is researched to achieve accurate tracking. Firstly, the mathematical dynamics model of dual-axis servo tracking turntable system is established. The Elastoplastic model is used to describe nonlinear friction, in which the immeasurable part is extended to be a new state. Secondly, considering the smooth and monotonic increasing property of hyperbolic tangent function, an improved tracking differentiator is introduced, which can provide better noise attenuation performance. Thirdly, based on adjustable parameter systematic pole placement method, the fuzzy control algorithm is applied to realize the intelligent tuning of the improved Extended State Observer (ESO) gains, in which the input of the fuzzy controller is the estimation error, while the output is the observer bandwidth. Finally, the improved ADRC system is transformed into a Lurie system, then the extended circle criteria are adopted to analyze the absolute stability of the proposed system. Simulation and experimental verification of the improved ADRC method for the dual-axis turntable tracking servo system are conducted. Results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.
β-Glucans
Authors: Murphy Emma J. , Rezoagli Emanuele , Major Ian , Rowan Neil , Laffey John G.
Published: August 2021

β-glucans are complex polysaccharides that are found in several plants and foods, including mushrooms. β-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties.
Phenolic Compounds in Whole Grain Sorghum and Their Health Benefits
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Wang Weiqun , Zhao Yong
Published: August 2021

Sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a staple food grown across the globe, and is mainly cultivated in the semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Recently, sorghum grain is increasingly utilized for human consumption, due to the gluten-free nature and potential phenolic-induced health benefits. Sorghum grain is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (3-DXA), which are known to provide many health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-diabetic, and anti-atherogenic activities. Given an increasing trend of sorghum consumption for humans, this article reviews the content and profile of phenolics in sorghum. It covers aspects of their health benefits and explores their mechanisms of action. The impact of thermal processing, such as boiling, steaming, roasting, and extrusion on sorghum phenolics is also discussed. Compelling data suggest the biological functions of sorghum phenolics, however, further investigations appear warrant to clarify the gap in the current research, and identify promising research topics in future.
Impact of Packaging Film and Beef Trimmings on Ground Beef Shelf Life
Authors: Smith Hunter R. , Wilborn Barney S. , Parnell Anna Grace , Reyes Tristan M. , Wagoner Madison P. , Yoder Laura E. , Blythe Eugene , Mulvaney Don R. , Rodning Soren P. , Mullenix Mary K. , Bonner Tom , Sawyer Jason T.
Published: August 2021

Fresh beef storage in the retail setting can be presented in a variety of packaging methods, and identifying an alternative such as vacuum packaging to current traditional methods could potentially increase shelf life and reduce meat waste. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of packaging film and lean trimming sources on fresh ground beef surface color during a simulated retail display period. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in surface color redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma, or hue angle regardless of packaging film or lean trimmings. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were greater (p < 0.05) for packages containing a greater percentage of CULL beef trimmings regardless of packaging film. In addition, pH values of ground beef packages did not differ (p > 0.05) among packaging film or lean trimming blends. Visual color did not differ (p > 0.05) throughout the simulated retail display period regardless of beef trimmings or packaging film. Microbial spoilage organisms were greater (p < 0.05) after the simulated display period. These results suggest that ground beef presented in a simulated retail setting using an alternative packaging platform, such as vacuum packaging, is plausible.
Sensory Quality Evaluation of Superheated Steam-Treated Chicken Leg and Breast Meats with a Combination of Marination and Hot Smoking
Authors: Cho Woo-Hee , Choi Jae-Suk
Published: August 2021

As the sensory qualities of meat processed using methods such as superheated steam, marination, and hot smoking have not been examined, this study analyzed the sensory quality of chicken meats (leg, breast) and its chemical correlation by determining optimal processing conditions (superheated steam treatment, marination, and hot smoking). Chicken meats were defrosted using room temperature, running tap water, or high-frequency defroster. Marinated meats with herbal extract solution were treated with superheated steam and then hot smoked with wood sawdust; sensory evaluations were performed at each processing step. The products were analyzed for fatty acids and nutrients, along with storage tests under different conditions. High-frequency defrosting showed the lowest drip loss and thawing time compared to other methods. Bay leaves and oak wood were selected as the best sub-materials for higher sensory scores. Optimal superheated steam conditions showed higher overall acceptance (8.86, 8.71) and were set as follows; leg meat (225 °C; 12 min 20 s), breast meat (223 °C; 8 min 40 s). The final meat products possessed good nutritional composition and no severe sensory spoilages were detected during storage despite microbial and chemical degradations. Thus, regular sensory evaluations at each processing step and storage condition were effective for developing superior chicken meat products.
Purification of Ethyl Linoleate from Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Bran Oil via Urea Complexation and Molecular Distillation
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Zhao Yuehan , Hou Zhaohua
Published: August 2021

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) bran oil is rich in linoleic acid, which accounts for more than 60% of its lipids. Ethyl linoleate (ELA) is a commercially valuable compound with many positive health effects. Here, we optimized two ELA processing steps, urea complexation (UC) and molecular distillation (MD), using single-factor and response surface analyses. We aimed to obtain a highly concentrated ELA at levels that are permitted by current regulations. We identified the optimal conditions as follows: 95% ethanol-to-urea ratio = 15:1 (w/w), urea-to-fatty acid ratio = 2.5:1 (w/w), crystallization time = 15 h, and crystallization temperature = −6 °C. Under these optimal UC conditions, ELA concentration reached 45.06%. The optimal MD purification conditions were established as follows: distillation temperature = 145 °C and vacuum pressure = 1.0–5.0 × 10−2 mbar. Under these conditions, ELA purity increased to 60.45%. Together, UC and MD were effective in improving the total concentration of ELA in the final product. This work shows the best conditions for separating and purifying ELA from foxtail millet bran oil by UC and MD.
A Binary Logistic Regression Model as a Tool to Predict Craft Beer Susceptibility to Microbial Spoilage
Authors: Rodríguez-Saavedra Magaly , Pérez-Revelo Karla , Valero Antonio , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria , González de Llano Dolores
Published: August 2021

Beer spoilage caused by microorganisms, which is a major concern for brewers, produces undesirable aromas and flavors in the final product and substantial financial losses. To address this problem, brewers need easy-to-apply tools that inform them of beer susceptibility to the microbial spoilage. In this study, a growth/no growth (G/NG) binary logistic regression model to predict this susceptibility was developed. Values of beer physicochemical parameters such as pH, alcohol content (% ABV), bitterness units (IBU), and yeast-fermentable extract (% YFE) obtained from the analysis of twenty commercially available craft beers were used to prepare 22 adjusted beers at different levels of each parameter studied. These preparations were assigned as a first group of samples, while 17 commercially available beers samples as a second group. The results of G/NG from both groups, after artificially inoculating with one wild yeast and different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) previously adapted to grow in a beer-type beverage, were used to design the model. The developed G/NG model correctly classified 276 of 331 analyzed cases and its predictive ability was 100% in external validation. This G/NG model has good sensitivity and goodness of fit (87% and 83.4%, respectively) and provides the potential to predict craft beer susceptibility to microbial spoilage.
Application of Polymer Based Nanocomposites for Water Shutoff—A Review
Authors: Obino Velima , Yadav Upendra
Published: August 2021

One highly undesirable characteristic of mature assets that inhibits oil recovery is high water production. Polymer gel treatment is a popular conformance improvement technique applied in this regard due to its cost effectiveness and proved efficiency. Despite this popularity, optimum performance of polymer hydrogels in water shut off is inhibited by excessive aggregation, difficulty in controlling gelation, and their instability at high temperature and high salinity reservoir conditions. To address these shortcomings, research on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer hydrogels to manage thermal stability and salinity sensitivity has significantly increased in the recent past. By incorporating metal-based NPs, silica or graphene at nanoscale; the gel strength, storage modulus, salinity tolerance and thermal stability of commonly used polymers have been greatly enhanced. In this paper, the advances in experimental studies on polymer-based nanocomposites are discussed and field experiences from adoption of polymer composites reviewed.
Categorization and Stigmatization of Families Whose Children Are Institutionalized. A Danish Case Study
Authors: Acosta-Jiménez María Alejandra , Antonios Anna Maria , Meijer Veerle , Di Matteo Claudia
Published: August 2021

Stigmatization and labeling in society is one of the challenges that families of institutionalized children face. This research aims to investigate how professionals categorize the children and their families, and how, in turn, the categorization process impacts their daily practice and the relationship with families. The case study was conducted in a local children’s institution in Aalborg, Denmark, following an ethnographic approach that included day-time participant observations, semi-structured interviews with a pedagogue and a family therapist, and a “discovery” exercise with pedagogues. The data were analyzed using the two main concepts of categorization and stigmatization. The results show how professionals categorized parents as “resourceful” and “non-resourceful,” causing barriers in their work with the families. Categorization based on “resourceful parent” is a co-constitutive process influenced by the interactions between the Danish system (macro level), the institutional field in which public and private actors operate (meso level), and the everyday interventions of practitioners (micro level). Overall, the process of categorization and labeling shapes the collaboration between professionals and parents, which leads to an overemphasis of particular family traits, with a direct link to the “myth of meritocracy.”
Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis: Current Concepts of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations
Authors: Huang Chu-Hsuan , Yang Chung-May , Yang Chang-Hao , Hou Yu-Chih , Chen Ta-Ching
Published: August 2021

Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA), one of the most severe inherited retinal dystrophies, is typically associated with extremely early onset of visual loss, nystagmus, and amaurotic pupils, and is responsible for 20% of childhood blindness. With advances in molecular diagnostic technology, the knowledge about the genetic background of LCA has expanded widely, while disease-causing variants have been identified in 38 genes. Different pathogenetic mechanisms have been found among these varieties of genetic mutations, all of which result in the dysfunction or absence of their encoded proteins participating in the visual cycle. Hence, the clinical phenotypes also exhibit extensive heterogenicity, including the course of visual impairment, involvement of the macular area, alteration in retinal structure, and residual function of the diseased photoreceptor. By reviewing the clinical course, fundoscopic images, optical coherent tomography examination, and electroretinogram, genotype-phenotype correlations could be established for common genetic mutations in LCA, which would benefit the timing of the diagnosis and thus promote early intervention. Gene therapy is promising in the management of LCA, while several clinical trials are ongoing and preliminary success has been announced, focusing on RPE65 and other common disease-causing genes. This review provides an update on the genetics, clinical examination findings, and genotype-phenotype correlations in the most well-established causative genetic mutations of LCA.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Improves the Diagnosis of DFNB1 Monoallelic Patients
Authors: Le Nabec Anaïs , Collobert Mégane , Le Maréchal Cédric , Marianowski Rémi , Férec Claude , Moisan Stéphanie
Published: August 2021

Hearing loss is the most common sensory defect, due in most cases to a genetic origin. Variants in the GJB2 gene are responsible for up to 30% of non-syndromic hearing loss. Today, several deafness genotypes remain incomplete, confronting us with a diagnostic deadlock. In this study, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 10 DFNB1 patients with incomplete genotypes. New variations on GJB2 were identified for four patients. Functional assays were realized to explore the function of one of them in the GJB2 promoter and confirm its impact on GJB2 expression. Thus, in this study WGS resolved patient genotypes, thus unlocking diagnosis. WGS afforded progress and bridged some gaps in our research.
Speleothem Records of the Hydroclimate Variability throughout the Last Glacial Cycle from Manita peć Cave (Velebit Mountain, Croatia)
Authors: Surić Maša , Bajo Petra , Lončarić Robert , Lončar Nina , Drysdale Russell N. , Hellstrom John C. , Hua Quan
Published: August 2021

We present stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope records from two partially coeval speleothems from Manita peć Cave, Croatia. The cave is located close to the Adriatic coast (3.7 km) at an elevation of 570 m a.s.l. The site experienced competing Mediterranean and continental climate influences throughout the last glacial cycle and was situated close to the ice limit during the glacial phases. U-Th dating constrains the growth history from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 to MIS 3 and the transition from MIS 2 to MIS 1. 14C dating was used to estimate the age of the youngest part of one stalagmite found to be rich in detrital thorium and thus undatable by U-Th. On a millennial scale, δ18O variations partly mimic the Dansgaard–Oeschger interstadials recorded in Greenland ice cores (Greenland Interstadials, GI) from GI 22 to GI 13. We interpret our δ18O record as a proxy for variations in precipitation amount and/or moisture sources, and the δ13C record is interpreted as a proxy for changes in soil bioproductivity. The latter indicates a generally reduced vegetation cover towards MIS 3–MIS 4, with shifts of ~8‰ and approaching values close to those of the host rock. However, even during the coldest phases, when a periglacial setting and enhanced aridity sustained long-residence-time groundwater, carbonic-acid dissolution remains the driving force of the karstification processes. Speleothem morphology follows changes in environmental conditions and complements regional results of submerged speleothems findings. Specifically, narrow sections of light porous spelaean calcite precipitated during the glacial/stadial sea-level lowstands, while the warmer and wetter conditions were marked with compact calcite and hiatuses in submerged speleothems due to sea-level highstands. Presumably, the transformation of this littoral site to a continental one with somewhat higher amounts of orographic precipitation was a site-specific effect that masked regional environmental changes.
Combined Effects of Metabolic Abnormalities and Obesity on Cardiovascular Diseases among Korean Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ra Jin Suk
Published: August 2021

Combined effects of metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome and obesity, should be identified to screen postmenopausal women at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the combined effects of metabolic abnormalities and obesity on cardiovascular diseases among postmenopausal Korean women (aged 40–83 years). Data of 5959 postmenopausal women from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2018) were secondarily analyzed. Using complex simple analysis procedures, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the combined effect of metabolic abnormalities and obesity on cardiovascular diseases among postmenopausal Korean women. In combination, metabolic syndrome (more than three metabolic abnormalities) and obesity (overweight [≥23 kg/m2 and <25 kg/m2 in body mass index] and obese [>25 kg/m2 in body mass index]) increased the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases but combining more than one metabolic abnormality and obesity did not. Combining metabolic syndrome and non-obesity (underweight and normal weight) increased the likelihood of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases but combining more than one metabolic abnormality and non-obesity did not. Increased cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women may be more commonly associated with metabolic syndrome having multiple metabolic abnormalities, but not obesity. Thus, instead of simple weight control, early management of metabolic syndrome is recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal Korean women.
Aerial Photogrammetry in the American West: Documenting the Construction of Cattle Water Tanks by Texas Cowboys
Authors: Hurst Stance , Johnson Eileen , Cunningham Doug , Fernandez-Cespedes Glenn
Published: August 2021

Aerial photogrammetry is increasingly being used to discover, document, and interpret the cultural heritage of landscapes. Information on the constructed cultural heritage left behind by the first cattle ranchers in the American West is being lost as the land is transformed and modified, and stewardship of the land changes across generations. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been used in this research to record and interpret two surface water cattle tanks constructed by Texas cowboys in the mid-1880s. Similar size rocks have been used and placed in a similar pattern across the walls of both tanks. This similarity suggests both tanks were constructed at the same time. This research also demonstrates that UAV photogrammetry can be used to rapidly record and analyze the constructed cultural heritage of American West cowboys.
Spatial Variability of Production and Quality in Table Grapes ‘Flame Seedless’ Growing on a Flat Terrain and Slope Site
Authors: Verdugo-Vásquez Nicolás , Villalobos-Soublett Emilio , Gutiérrez-Gamboa Gastón , Araya-Alman Miguel
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: Precision agriculture has been used mostly to study spatial variability in vineyards for winemaking. Nevertheless, there is little available information on the impacts of its use on table grape vineyards under different slope conditions. (2) Methods: The aim was to study the spatial variability of production and berry quality in ‘Flame Seedless’ vines established on a flat (3% slope) and sloping (23% slope) terrain in the Chilean hyper-arid northern region. (3) Results: The results showed that in both vineyards, the measured variables presented a high spatial variability according to their coefficient of variation, being higher in slope than in the flat vineyard. The geostatistical analysis showed that 82% of the measured variables presented a strong spatial dependence in the slope vineyard, whereas 45% and 55% of the variables measured in the flat vineyard presented strong and moderate spatial dependence, respectively. Elevation was related to berry quality parameters in both vineyards, while trunk vine circumference was related to berry quality for the slope vineyard and to yield for the flat vineyard. (4) Conclusions: There is an important spatial variability in table grape vineyards mostly those cultivated on slope sites. Therefore, precision agriculture tools can be useful for zoning table grape vineyards, and thus improving both economic returns of viticulturists and sustainability.
Reliability of a Handheld Bluetooth Colourimeter and Its Application to Measuring the Effects of Time from Harvest, Row Orientation and Training System on Nectarine Skin Colour
Authors: Scalisi Alessio , O’Connell Mark G. , Pelliccia Daniele , Plozza Tim , Frisina Christine , Chandra Subhash , Goodwin Ian
Published: August 2021

This work aimed to (i) determine the reliability of a portable Bluetooth colourimeter for fruit colour measurements; (ii) characterise the changes in quantitative skin colour attributes in a nectarine cultivar in response to time from harvest; and (iii) determine the influence of row orientation and training system on nectarine skin colour. The skin colour attributes measured with the colourimeter, namely L*, a* and b*, were calibrated and validated against a reference spectrophotometer. C* and h° were obtained from a* and b*. Skin colour was measured in situ from 42 days before to 6 days after harvest on ‘Majestic Pearl’ nectarines subjected to different row orientations and training systems. Validation models showed high reliability of colour estimations. The trends of colour attributes over time were characterised by cubic regression models, with h° proving to be the best parameter to describe changes of colour over time, with a clear link to the maturation process. No significant effects of row orientation and training system on skin colour were observed at harvest. Overall, the device proved reliable for fruit colour detection. Results of this study highlight the potential of h° as a quantitative index to monitor ripening prior to harvest in ‘Majestic Pearl’ nectarines.
Snow Water Equivalent Accumulation Patterns from a Trajectory Approach over the U.S. Southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Schrock Isaac J. Y. , Fassnacht Steven R. , Collados-Lara Antonio-Juan , Sanford William E. , Pfohl Anna K. D. , Morán-Tejeda Enrique
Published: August 2021

The spatial characteristics and patterns of snow accumulation and ablation inform the amount of water stored and subsequently available for runoff and the timing of snowmelt. This paper characterizes the snow accumulation phase to investigate the spatiotemporal snow water equivalent (SWE) distribution by fitting a function to the trajectory plot of the standard deviation versus mean SWE across a domain. Data were used from 90 snow stations for a 34-year period across the Southern Rocky Mountains in the western United States. The stations were divided into sub-sets based on elevation, latitude, and the mean annual maximum SWE. The best function was a linear fit, excluding the first 35 mm of SWE. There was less variability with SWE data compared to snow depth data. The trajectory of the accumulation phase was consistent for most years, with limited correlation to the amount of accumulation. These trajectories are more similar for the northern portion of the domain and for below average snow years. This work could inform where to locate new stations, or be applied to other earth system variables.
Impact of Parental Education and Physical Activity on the Long-Term Development of the Physical Fitness of Primary School Children: An Observational Study
Authors: Ruedl Gerhard , Niedermeier Martin , Wimmer Lukas , Ploner Vivien , Pocecco Elena , Cocca Armando , Greier Klaus
Published: August 2021

Low physical fitness (PF) has been associated with higher risk of suffering from different diseases. The importance of PF is evident already in early ages, as children’s PF appears to be a key factor of their future PF and physical activity level. Among the variables that may have an influence on children’s PF, the importance of parent’s socioeconomic status and active/inactive behaviors has been stressed in several previous studies. However, previous literature has mostly reported this association through cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of parental education and self-reported parental physical activity (PA) on their children’s development of PF during the 4-year duration of primary education. Using German Motor Test 6-18, the major components of PF (sprint velocity, coordination, flexibility, strength endurance, power, and endurance) were measured on a total of 371 children (46.9% girls, 30.6% migration background, 19.6% overweight/obese at the fourth test time point, compliance 70.1%) from 20 primary schools in Tyrol, Austria. Results showed that children with at least one parent with upper secondary education or above obtained significantly higher PF scores at all time points compared to children with both parents with lower secondary education and below. However, PF in both groups developed over time in a comparable manner irrespective of parental education. From the age of 9 years old, children with regularly physically active parents showed a stronger development of PF over the time compared to their peers with parents reporting irregular/no PA. Our results suggest that low-educated parents’ children might be considered a special target group for interventions aiming at increasing PF. More research is needed in order to delve into the potential underdevelopment of PF in 9-year-old children whose parents have low PA levels.