Deterioration Index Research Articles

Characterization of fish collagen from blue shark skin and its application for chitosan- collagen composite coating to preserve red porgy (Pagrus major) meat.

Pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) was extracted from blue shark (Prionace glauca) skin and was used for chitosan-collagen composite coating to investigate coating effects on fresh red porgy (Pagrus major) fillet quality during storage at 4°C. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), pH, K value, drip loss, and sensory evaluation scores were measured as deterioration indexes. Results show that coating by 1% of chitosan solutions containing 0.0%-0.8% of PSC significantly improved most deterioration indexes. Coating by 1% of chitosan solution containing 0.8% of PSC yielded the best results for K value, drip loss, and sensory evaluation, although the other indexes show no clear PSC concentration dependence. These results indicate 1% of chitosan solution containing 0.8% of PSC as the best coating formulation examined in this study. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Aquatic products have high contents of water and protein. Their qualities are likely to decline because of endogenous chemical and enzyme reactions, and also because of the role of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms during storage. The edible collagen and chitosan coating suggested by this research is biodegradable, biocompatible, cost effective, and is able to meet the requirements for food quality and storage duration. Pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) is an aquatic product processing by-product that makes the maximum use of resources. As described herein, a composite formulation comprising collagen and chitosan improves preservation effects of different types of coatings. A more high-quality and effective edible coating formulation was obtained, thereby extending the red porgy fillet shelf life.

Analysis of Insulation Diagnosis for Generator-Motor Stator Winding in Pumped Storage Power Plant

In this study, insulation diagnostic tests were conducted on pumped storage power plant (PSPP) generator-motor stator bars with artificially simulated defects in order to improve solutions to perform preventive maintenance and track insulation diagnostic data for generator-motors by proving the effectiveness of insulation indices. Moreover, ozone (O3) concentration was estimated in order to relate it to partial discharge (PD) in laboratory to ensure the effectiveness of ozone as another index for insulation deterioration. By performing an offline PD test and ultraviolet (UV) observation on one of the generator-motors during overhaul, and an ozone concentration measurement for the identical machine after the overhaul, it was concluded that ozone estimation could be a powerful index for insulation diagnosis under actual operational conditions. It was further developed that ozone measurement is useful to detect not only discharges in slots as mentioned in some studies but also discharges at the end-winding as proven in this study. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to more reliable maintenance of generator-motors in PSPPs by achieving elaborate insulation diagnosis via multiple diagnostic indices.

Detecting Suspected Pump Thrombosis in Left Ventricular Assist Devices via Acoustic Analysis.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) fail in up to 10% of patients due to the development of pump thrombosis. Remote monitoring of patients with LVADs can enable early detection and, subsequently, treatment and prevention of pump thrombosis. We assessed whether acoustical signals measured on the chest of patients with LVADs, combined with machine learning algorithms, can be used for detecting pump thrombosis. 13 centrifugal pump (HVAD) recipients were enrolled in the study. When hospitalized for suspected pump thrombosis, clinical data and acoustical recordings were obtained at admission, prior to and after administration of thrombolytic therapy, and every 24 hours until laboratory and pump parameters normalized. First, we selected the most important features among our feature set using LDH-based correlation analysis. Then using these features, we trained a logistic regression model and determined our decision threshold to differentiate between thrombosis and non-thrombosis episodes. Accuracy, sensitivity and precision were calculated to be 88.9%, 90.9% and 83.3%, respectively. When tested on the post-thrombolysis data, our algorithm suggested possible pump abnormalities that were not identified by the reference pump power or biomarker abnormalities. We showed that the acoustical signatures of LVADs can be an index of mechanical deterioration and, when combined with machine learning algorithms, provide clinical decision support regarding the presence of pump thrombosis.

Evaluation of cognitive function in systemic sclerosis patients: a pilot study

To investigate cognitive dysfunction in adult patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who had no known clinical neurological manifestations and to relate it with other disease severity parameters. In the present study, 20 SSc consecutive female patients, who met the 2013 American College of Rheumatology SSc criteria, were compared with 20 healthy age-, gender-, and educational status-matched volunteer hospital workers. Mean age and duration of illness were 41.8 ± 12.52 and 6.9 ± 5.4years respectively. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale (WAIS-III), and P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to evaluate cognitive function in SS subjectively and objectively respectively. Sixty-five percent (13 out of 20) of SSc patients had MMSE score < 25, and cognitive impairment. Despite the lack of clinically apparent neurological manifestations, SSc patients had significantly low MMSE score, high Deterioration Index (DI), and prolonged P300 latency compared with that of the control group (P = 0.0001; 0.010 and 0.008 respectively). A significant positive association was found between (DI) and the Medsger severity vascular score (r = 0.518; P = 0.012).There were few differences between limited and diffuse SSc. To our knowledge, few studies highlighted that subclinical cognitive impairment can occur in the course of SSc disease. Early diagnosis of cognitive impairment should be investigated either subjectively (using psychometrics tests as MMSE or WAIS-III) or objectively using P300 evoked related potentials. Medsger severity vascular score seems to be closely related to cognitive impairment.Key points• Cognitive impairment can be associated with Medsger Vascular severity score and the duration of illness.• Further larger studies will be needed to estimate the effect of disease activity on cognitive function, to further delineate the differences between limited and diffuse SSc in this area, and to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing cognitive impairment in patients with SSc.• To investigate impaired cognitive function in patients with SSc, even in the absence of clinically apparent neurological and vascular disease.

Effect of the thermal modification and nano-ZnO impregnation on the deterioration of Caribbean pine wood

This study aimed to investigate the effect of thermal modification and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) particle impregnation on the deterioration of Caribbean pine wood under field conditions. Samples were thermally-modified at various temperature levels (control, 180 °C, 200°C, and 220 °C). Nano-ZnO impregnation was done with an aqueous solution at 1,5 % in an autoclave under two-steps of pressure and vacuum. Unmodified and thermally-modified, non-impregnated and nano-ZnO impregnated samples were exposed to deterioration for five months in field tests. A deterioration index was used to evaluate the health condition of the samples. The mass loss and occurrence of termite tunnels in percentage were also determined. The nano-ZnO impregnation improved the resistance of unmodified wood to field-deterioration. The thermal modification at 180oC, and 200oC increased the wood deterioration and nano-ZnO impregnation did not improve their resistance. Unmodified and 220 oC modified samples had a lower mass loss by xylophages than other thermal treatments regardless of the nanoparticle impregnation. The nano-ZnO impregnation decreases the occurrence of termite tunnels in unmodified, 200 oC and 220 oC-modified samples

Impacto de la actividad antropogénica en el suelo de la reserva de la biosfera “el triunfo”, Chiapas (México)

Se estudió el impacto de la actividad humana en el suelo de la Reserva de la Biosfera “El Triunfo”, Chiapas. Para ello se determinaron, a lo largo de un año, los valores de 14 parámetros, seis físico-químicos y ocho bioquímicos, en suelos de bosque, cafetal, pastizal y milpa. Los valores de los parámetros en el suelo del bosque fueron diferentes significativamente a los de cafetal, pastizal y milpa. Tomando como base el suelo de bosque se consideró que la actividad humana alteró negativamente la calidad del suelo. Para tener claridad del nivel de impacto se propuso una escala, de 0.0 a 5.0, identificada como Índice de Deterioro del Suelo (IDS), y se desarrolló el procedimiento para determinarlo en los suelos con alteración humana. El suelo de milpa tuvo el mayor valor de IDS, ubicándose en el rango de alta degradación. Los suelos de cafetal y de pastizal se ubicaron en el rango de mediana degradación. El procedimiento y escala de IDS se reforzó a través del análisis discriminante.

Deterioration Index of Acrylic Top Coat by Raman Spectroscopy

Deterioration Index of Acrylic Top Coat by Raman Spectroscopy

Evaluation of the long-term performance of flexible pavements with respect to production and construction quality control indicators

This paper details the process to develop a framework for connecting pavement construction quality control indicators to long-term performance at the network level. The framework relies on creating a relational database using geo-referencing of individual quality data points collected from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation highway construction projects. This paper demonstrates the ability of the developed system to define the statistical correlation between quality during asphalt mix production and surface construction to in-service performance. The different sources of data relating to pavement design, mix production, asphalt concrete placement, quality control measurements, performance surveys were connected to build a holistic geo-relational database. Four types of distresses (transverse, longitudinal, alligator cracking and rutting) were isolated from the performance surveys to be used as performance indicators. The impact of these distresses on the pavement was calculated in the form of a Deterioration Index (DI). The statistical information in this paper showed that the proposed system could identify changes in the mix properties and assess their impacts on the existence and intensity of distresses. The potential correlations of quality indicators and the four distresses were investigated using linear regression analysis. Based on the results, rutting and alligator cracking are found to be sensitive to quality deviation in air voids (Va), voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), and in-place density. More importantly, the approach detailed in this paper provides the needed foundation for quantifying the dependency of pavement performance on quality control indicators.

Development of network-level pavement deterioration curves using the linear empirical Bayes approach

ABSTRACT Modelling the pavement deterioration process is essential for a successful pavement management system (PMS). The pavement deterioration process is highly influenced by uncertainties related to data acquisition and condition assessment. This paper presents a novel approach for predicting a pavement deterioration index. The model builds on a negative binomial (NB) regression used to predict pavement deterioration as a function of the pavement age. Network-level pavement condition models were developed for interstate, primary, and secondary pavement road families and were compared with traditional non-linear regression models. The linear empirical Bayesian (LEB) approach was then used to improve the predictions by combining the deterioration estimated by the fitted model and the observed/measured condition recorded in the PMS. The proposed approach can improve the mean square error prediction of the next-year pavement condition by 33%, 36% and 41% for Interstate, Primary, and Secondary roads, respectively, compared with the measured pavement condition without further modelling of the pavement deterioration.

Development and testing of a multivariable accelerated abrasion machine to characterize the polishing wear of pavement by tires

Road surface texture affects tire-pavement noise, skid resistance, splash and spray, rolling resistance, tire wear and traveler discomfort. Traditionally, accelerated wear and abrasion machines do not account for slip rates and variable motion directions. Therefore, a laboratory-scale, multi-variable accelerated abrasion machine (MAAM) was developed to address these two limitations. In order to verify the device’s capabilities and determine the appropriate test duration, an investigation of pavement texture deterioration was conducted. The indexes of deterioration (polishing wear) for representative road surfaces included Mean Profile Depth (MPD) and variances in both macro-texture and micro-texture. Results indicated that MPD and elevation variances of both macro-texture and micro-texture decreased significantly at first and then decreased slowly to reach a stable value by the end of the test. Results also suggest that the polishing effect was significant on the basis of MPD statistical analysis, texture appearance and tactile feel of the worn surfaces. As a result of this investigation, the MAAM is proposed for use as a practical laboratory tool to obtain information on pavement texture disintegration.

Dynamics of Selected Soil Quality Indicators in Response to Land Use/Cover and Elevation Variations in Wanka Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopian Highlands

Abstract Soil quality (SQ) dynamics assessment vis-à-vis land use/land cover (LULC) and elevation variations in Ethiopia is desirable as elevation impact on land use is highly pronounced. This study examined SQ indicators dynamics across LULC and elevation variations. For this, surface soil samples (0−20 cm) were collected from the recognized LULC categories of different elevations in Wanka watershed, northwestern Ethiopian highlands. Both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples that were taken from three adjacent LULC (natural forest, grazing and cultivated lands) and elevation (2238–2300, 2400–2600, and 2700–2800) classes analysed for the selected physico-chemical SQ indicators. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparison test and SQ deterioration index were computed. The impact of LULC and elevation was found significant on key SQ indicators. In cultivated and grazing lands, soil organic matter (SOM) and soil nutrients like total nitrogen declined significantly (p &lt; 0.01). Conversely, bulk density increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01). The divalent basic cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+), cation exchange capacity and pH significantly (p &lt; 0.01) decreased in upper elevation. Synergetic effect of LULC and elevation variations was found significant (p &lt; 0.01) on SOM, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, water content at field capacity and soil particle distribution (silt and clay). Thus, elevation specific land management strategies that improve these SQ indicators need to be emphasized.

B-type natriuretic peptide predicts deterioration in functional capacity following lung resection.

Following lung resection, there is a decrease in the functional capacity and quality of life, which is not fully explained by changes in pulmonary function. Previous work demonstrates that B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is associated with short- and long-term complications following lung resection, leading to the suggestion that cardiac dysfunction may contribute to functional deterioration. Our aim was to investigate any relationship between BNP and subjective and objective indices of functional deterioration following lung resection surgery. Twenty-seven patients undergoing lung resection had serum BNP measured preoperatively, on postoperative day (POD)1 and POD2, and at 2 months postoperatively. The functional deterioration was assessed using 6-min walk tests and the Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale. 'Deterioration in functional capacity' was defined as either an increase in the Medical Research Council dyspnoea score or a significant decrease in the 6-min walk test distance. BNP increased over time (P < 0.01) and was significantly elevated on POD1 and POD2 (P < 0.02 for both). Seventeen patients demonstrated functional deterioration 2 months postoperatively. At all perioperative time points, BNP was significantly higher in patients showing deterioration (P < 0.05 for all). Preoperative BNP was predictive of functional deterioration at 2 months with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (P = 0.01, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.99). This study has demonstrated, using subjective and objective measures, that preoperative BNP is a predictor of functional deterioration following lung resection. BNP may have a role in preoperative risk stratification in this population, allowing therapy in future to be targeted towards high-risk patients with the aim of preventing postoperative cardiac dysfunction. NCT01892800.

Сравнительные исследования эффективности антиокислителей

Due to their role in preserving the quality and safety of food products having a long shelf life, a study into the effectiveness of food additives with antimicrobial properties appears to be an urgent task. The purpose of the present work is to carry out a comparative assessment of the antioxidant activity of ascorbyl palmitate, alpha-tocopherol, lecithin and dihydroquercetin (taxifolin). Antioxidants were added to a sample of chopped pork fat. After the introduction of the antioxidant, the raw fat was packaged in polymer bags. Then, the sampled raw fat was stored at a temperature of 4±2 °С for 12 days. During the entire shelf life (0, 4, 6, 12 days), studies were conducted to determine the organoleptic characteristics and indicators of hydrolytic (acid number) and oxidative deterioration (peroxide and thiobarbituric number). The organoleptic test on the 6th day revealed the appearance of a yellowish tint in the raw fat admixed with ascorbyl palmitate and lecithin. Moreover, all samples corresponded to the established normalised oxidative deterioration indicator values for the 6-day period. By the end of the storage period (12 days), the samples, with exception of those prepared with the addition of alpha-tocopherol and dihydroquercetin, had a noticeable odour and greenish tinge. Obtained data agreed with the results of physical chemistry studies. Over the period of 6 days of storage, a significant increase was observed in the indices of oxiditative deterioration in all pork fat samples with exception of those admixed with alpha-tocopherol and dihydroquercetin. The most effective action of tocopherol and digidrokvertsetin was applied to the reduction in the accumulation of the second fat oxidation products, which was expressed in a reduction in the thiobarbituric number on the 12th day of storage by 37% and 70%, respectively, in comparison with the control samples. On the basis of the experimental results, it can be concluded that alpha-tocopherol and dihydroquercetin are effective antioxidants for the preservation of animal fat.

Quality assessment of packaged fried foods during storage based on oven storage test

SummaryPackaged fried foods have been appreciated worldwide, so monitoring quality deterioration during storage is very crucial. Twelve types of commercial packaged fried foods were selected to determine quality parameters such as moisture content (MC), hardness (HN), acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), carbonyl value (CV), dielectric constant (DC), fatty acid compositions (FAC) and acrylamide (AA) every 3 days by Schaal oven tests. MC and HN showed a linear relationship with high correlation coefficient (R ≥ 0.821). PV increased from 2.65–8.51 meq/kg to 5.97–59.90 meq/kg. DC was highly correlated with MC, HN, PV, CV and AV (p ≤ 0.05). The content of unsaturated fatty acids slightly decreased, whereas that of saturated fatty acids marginally increased. AA content increased slightly during storage and varied from 43.07 to 226.82 μg/kg. These results revealed that DC can be used as an evaluation index of the quality deterioration of packaged fried foods during storage.

To Predict Visual Deterioration According to the Degree of Intracranial Hypertension in Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Background: Visual damage is one of the most common complications of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)-associated intracranial hypertension (IH). This study is aimed at stratifying the risk of IH-induced visual damage in an attempt to predict its deterioration and prevent high-risk patients from irreversible eyesight impairment promptly. Methods: A total of 94 patients with confirmed diagnosis of CVST were eligible for enrollment in this study. According to cerebrospinal fluid pressure at admission, the involved patients were classified into mild IH (< 250 mmH₂O), moderate IH (250–330 mmH₂O), and severe IH (≥330 mmH₂O) groups. Results: The ratio of visual deterioration in the severe IH group was 75%, which was significantly higher than in either the moderate (44.4%) or the mild groups (14.3%). As regards subjects without visual symptoms at admission, visual deterioration occurred in 9.4 ± 4.5 days after admission in the severe group while it occurred in 30.5 ± 16.8 days in the moderate group (p = 0.024). The conditional inference tree and random forest revealed that severe IH might be considered as an index of visual deterioration. Visual field defect, fading eyesight, and papilledema were significantly worse in patients with severe IH as compared to patients with mild or moderate IH, all p < 0.01. Conclusions: IH ≥330 mmH₂O may be a cut-off value to predict the deterioration of visual damage in CVST, revealing that ophthalmologic interventions should be considered in a timely manner in this condition, particularly when recanalization of cerebral venous sinus cannot be achieved within a short time.

Elastic modulus deterioration index to identify the loosened zone around underground openings

In order to effectively identify the loosened zone around underground openings by using continuum modeling, this paper proposes an index called elastic modulus deterioration index based on the following two steps. First, the response of surrounding rock mass in underground openings as obtained from ultrasonic tests before and after excavation is investigated. Based on the attenuation of the P-wave velocities of the rock mass after excavation compared to the P-wave velocities before excavation obtained from ultrasonic tests, an index (χ) is defined to assess the excavation-induced rock mass damage. Second, by introducing an empirical relationship between the static and dynamic elastic moduli, the index χ is modified to represent the static elastic modulus evolution, volume change, and stress redistribution of the rock mass based on an elasto-plastic numerical model. Furthermore, this study verifies the performance of the elastic modulus deterioration index to identify the loosened zone around underground openings by comparing its predictions with the results from ultrasonic testing of the loosened zones around two tunnels in the Jinping II hydropower station. The comparisons show that the loosened zones as identified by the elastic modulus deterioration index agree well to those from ultrasonic testing. Analysis of the effects of key input parameters and initial shear strength parameters on the elastic modulus deterioration index in identifying the loosened zone demonstrate that: (1) the sensitivity of the index to the key input parameters except the residual static elastic modulus is not significant; and (2) the index has better fault tolerance performance compared to the indices based on plastic zone in terms of the selection of initial shear strength parameters.

Evaluation of deterioration index in soil nutrients due to cultivation of different cocoa species in southwest Nigeria

The study uses the index of soil deterioration to evaluate the soil nutrient status as a result of cultivating different species of cocoa in Idanre, Odigbo and Owo areas of Southwest Nigeria. Soil samples were randomly taken and analyzed using standard methods. The results indicated variation in soil properties under both species due to the difference in nutrient uptake. Results also show that soil properties deteriorate more under hybrid than on indigenous cocoa plantations. Amongst the nutrients, phosphorus had the highest rate of increase for indigenous than hybrid cocoa plantations. Average weight of cocoa pod ranges from 0.50 to 0.60kg in indigenous and 0.56 to 0.85kg in hybrid species. Removal of the nutrients is directly linked to the rapid development of the hybrid species, their weight and size as opposed to the indigenous species. The study recommends seasonal relocation of podhusk deposit sites and spread of accumulated podhusk across the farm, application of chemical and podhusk fertilizer, and development of cocoa variety with low soil fertility tolerance. Keywords: Cocoa, hybrid, indigenous, species

Knowledge and management of soil fertility by farmers in western Cameroon

This study was conducted to assess farmers' perceptions of soil fertility, identify major soil fertility management (SFM) practices and to evaluate the effects of dominant SFM practices on soil quality. Field data were obtained using semi-structured questionnaires in seven localities: Nyassosso, Mbabe, Mbule, Nsuke, Ngab, Tombel and Kupe. The impact of dominant SFM practices on soil quality in various land use types was evaluated using the deterioration index (DI). Soil sampling and laboratory analysis were performed following standard procedures. Soil properties considered were bulk density (BD), organic carbon (OC), available P, total N, exchangeable bases (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Farmers make use of at least seven indicators to differentiate between fertile and infertile soils. Out of 256 farmers surveyed, 91.4% use minimum tillage as a technique for maintaining soil fertility, while 18.8% use chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Compared to reference sites, overall DI values were: +224.4% (Tombel) < +133.7% (Nsuke) < +62.6% (Nyassosso) < −26.0% (Kupe) < −57.8% (Mbule) < −99.6% (Ngab) < −124.9% (Mbabe). The variations in soil attributes observed at the different sites is indicative of the complexity of nutrient dynamics following land use changes, coupled with farmer-specific SFM practices. For effective and sustainable SFM, site specific soil fertility investigations are imperative for efficient management of soil nutrients.

Characteristics of Patients with Decreased Cognitive Function Undergoing Treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure—Basic Survey for Standardization of Nursing to Prevent Discontinuation of Treatment

The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of patients with decreased cognitive function undergoing treatment for acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure as a basic survey with a view to the standardization of nursing to prevent discontinuation of treatment of patients with declining cognitive function in the acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure. As the first stage of the research, using the interview guide created based on the background of discontinuation of treatment and symptomatic monitoring from 33 target literature sources, seven certified chronic heart failure nurses and 15 certified dementia nurses were given semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the interviews was analyzed by qualitative induction. As a result, we obtained opinions/views on 8 situations namely, “cognitive function at hospitalization”, “characteristics at hospitalization, “characteristics when receiving examinations, procedures or treatment”, “characteristics of course of treatment”, “characteristics related to difficulties in grasping the symptoms of chronic heart failure and indices of deterioration”, “characteristics when using diuretics”, “characteristics concerning compliance with dietary restrictions” and “support required for discharge from hospital” concerning patients with declining cognitive function. In the future, it is necessary to prepare nursing protocols incorporating these contents for standardization of nursing.

Investigating the Effect of Using a Workshop Based On Emergency Deterioration Index Instrument on the Status of Indicators of Emergency Department

Investigating the Effect of Using a Workshop Based On Emergency Deterioration Index Instrument on the Status of Indicators of Emergency Department