Panel Evaluation Research Articles

Performance evaluation of an in-house panel containing 59 autosomal InDels for forensic identification in Chinese Hui and Mongolian groups

In recent years, a novel multiplex system containing two mini-short tandem repeats, 59 autosomal InDels, two Y-chromosomal InDels, and the Amelogenin gene with all amplicons less than 200 bp has been constructed and validated by ourselves for forensic degration sample, and its forensic application efficiency has been studied in Chinese some populations. Herein, the population genetic polymorphisms of these loci were investigated in Chinese Hui (n = 249) and Mongolian (n = 222) ethnic groups using direct multiplex amplification and capillary electrophoresis platform. The forensic identification efficiencies of this self-developed system were further evaluated in these two groups. And the results showed that the values of the combined power of discrimination were 0.9999999999999999999999999999006 (Hui) and 0.999999999999999999999999999738 (Mongolian), respectively. Moreover, the combined power of exclusion values were 0.99999817 (Hui) and 0.99999779 (Mongolian). The 59 autosomal InDels used in this study exhibited high forensic identification efficiencies in 10 East Asian populations, which was also expected to be a new powerful tool for identifying degraded biological materials in East Asian populations.

Evaluation of the Biofire Filmarray pneumonia panel for the detection of bacterial respiratory pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in endotracheal aspirate specimens

Background: Rapid detection of the causative agents is essential for determining the appropriate treatment for patients with lower respiratory tract infections. We evaluated the performance of the Biofire FilmArray pneumonia panel (FA-PE; BioFire Diagnostics, USA) in the identification of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in endotracheal aspirate specimens. Methods: A total of 43 non-duplicated endotracheal aspirates were included in this study. The performance of the FA-PE was assessed using the routine culture method as the reference standard. Results: The FA-PE demonstrated 92.9% sensitivity and 79.3% specificity for the identification of 15 bacterial targets compared to routine bacterial culture. Four antimicrobial resistance genes in 43 specimens were detected by the FA-PE. The most frequently detected resistance genes were mecA/C and SCCmec in three specimens, followed by CTX-M in one specimen. Conclusion: The FA-PE offers a rapid diagnostic method for lower respiratory tract infections. It may be useful at the early stage of pneumonia, before routine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility results are available.

520. Development of Cefepime-taniborbactam MIC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) for Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on MicroScan Dried Gram-negative MIC Panels

Abstract Background Automated AST devices are critical to inform appropriate care of patients with bacterial infections. Cefepime-taniborbactam is an investigational agent under development to treat infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Development of a cefepime-taniborbactam antimicrobial susceptibility test was completed for the MicroScan Dried Gram-negative MIC (MSDGN) Panel when compared to CLSI broth microdilution reference panels. Methods Development was conducted by comparing MICs obtained using the MSDGN panel to MICs using a CLSI broth microdilution reference panel. The concentration range of cefepime-taniborbactam evaluated was 0.12/4-64/4 µg/mL. A total of 1376 isolates (1256 Enterobacterales and 120 P. aeruginosa) were tested at 16, 18, and 20 hours incubation times (for visual read and autoSCAN-4). A total of 917 isolates (837 Enterobacterales and 80 P. aeruginosa) were tested at 16 and 18 hours incubation time for the WalkAway System. All isolates were tested using turbidity and Prompt® methods of inoculation. MSDGN panels were incubated at 35 ± 1°C. Reference panels, prepared according to ISO methodology, were inoculated using the turbidity inoculation method. All frozen reference panels were incubated at 35 ± 2°C and read visually. Rates of essential agreement (MicroScan MIC within ± 1 doubling dilution of reference MIC) were determined for each combination of inoculation method and read method. Results Essential agreement rates ranged from 93.0% to 98.8% for all isolates tested during development. Essential agreement rates for each inoculation and read method are presented in Table 1. Table 1- Results Conclusion Cefepime-taniborbactam MIC results obtained with the MSDGN panel correlated well with MIC results obtained using reference panels. Rates of essential agreement were ≥93.0% for all inoculation and read methods. These development data support the continued evaluation of MSDGN panel with cefepime-taniborbactam in a multicenter trial. Pending submission and clearance by the United States Food and Drug Administration; not yet available for in vitro diagnostic use in the US. For Investigational Use Only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established. Disclosures Enrique J. Fernandez, BS, Beckman Coulter, Inc.: Employee of Beckman Coulter Robert L. Williams, PhD, Beckman Coulter, Inc.: Employee of Beckman Coulter Vasna Carr, BS, Beckman Coulter, Inc.: Employee of Beckman Coulter Vasna Carr, BS, Beckman Coulter, Inc.: Employee of Beckman Coulter Miller Renae, BS, Beckman Coulter, Inc.: Employee of Beckman Coulter.

Life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation of a PV panel integrated with phase change material

Many studies focus on the application of phase change materials (PCMs) to a photovoltaic (PV) panel. It has been proved that these materials provide a good thermal management for the PV panel, increasing the electrical conversion efficiency and recovering useful heat. This paper investigates these innovative systems from an environmental sustainability perspective. A PV-PCM prototype, built and tested over a reference year, has been taken as case study. The recovered heat by the PCM is intended as peak shaving for the domestic hot water (DHW) energy demand of a typical residential building. The analysis involves both the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), basing on the ISO standard 14040, and the circularity of the proposed system, proposing an alternative calculation procedure to the new Italian standard UNI 1608856. Results show that the proposed system allows the reduction of impact on climate change of around 11%, reaching a potential circularity performance of around 45%.

Development and Evaluation of a Next-Generation Sequencing Panel for the Multiple Detection and Identification of Pathogens in Fermented Foods.

These days, bacterial detection methods have some limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and multiple detection. To overcome these, novel detection and identification method is necessary to be developed. Recently, NGS panel method has been suggested to screen, detect, and even identify specific foodborne pathogens in one reaction. In this study, new NGS panel primer sets were developed to target 13 specific virulence factor genes from five types of pathogenic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, respectively. Evaluation of the primer sets using singleplex PCR, crosscheck PCR and multiplex PCR revealed high specificity and selectivity without interference of primers or genomic DNAs. Subsequent NGS panel analysis with six artificially contaminated food samples using those primer sets showed that all target genes were multi-detected in one reaction at 108-105 CFU of target strains. However, a few false-positive results were shown at 106-105 CFU. To validate this NGS panel analysis, three sets of qPCR analyses were independently performed with the same contaminated food samples, showing the similar specificity and selectivity for detection and identification. While this NGS panel still has some issues for detection and identification of specific foodborne pathogens, it has much more advantages, especially multiple detection and identification in one reaction, and it could be improved by further optimized NGS panel primer sets and even by application of a new real-time NGS sequencing technology. Therefore, this study suggests the efficiency and usability of NGS panel for rapid determination of origin strain in various foodborne outbreaks in one reaction.

Evaluation of panel of neutralising murine monoclonal antibodies and a humanised bispecific antibody against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in a mouse model

The influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus attracted public attention because of its high prevalence. The annual global morbidity and mortality rates of influenza remain high despite the application of influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs, which indicates the urgent need to identify a more effective strategy for controlling and treating A(H1N1) pdm09 influenza infection. To produce a highly effective therapeutic with broad specificity for A(H1N1) pdm09 influenza viruses, we generated 15 murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) via hybridoma technology: 11 mAbs demonstrated 20–100% therapeutic protection in a mouse model of A(H1N1) pdm09 infection at a single dose of 10 mg/kg. A humanised bispecific antibody (Bis-Hu11-1) generated based on the mAbs 3D2 and 3D11, combining the specificities of the two mAbs, was also effective in preventing and treating A(H1N1) pdm09 infection in a mouse model. Bis-Hu11-1 demonstrated hemagglutination inhibition (HI) activity against the escape mutants generated by its parental mAbs that resulted in the obvious reduction in the HI activity of the parental mAbs. In summary, we generated a panel of neutralising mAbs against A(H1N1) pdm09 influenza virus. This study presents a promising method for developing neutralising antibodies that potentially target a series of antigenically diverse influenza viruses.

Danish translation and cultural adaptation of the ‘What do you think of hospital’ patient reported experience measure for children and adolescents in outpatient settings

PurposeThe aim of this study was to translate the patient reported experience measure (PREM) questionnaire”What do you think of the hospital? Help us to get better!” into Danish used in outpatient clinics and to explore its face and content validity. Design and methodsThe translation process followed WHO recommendations and included forward translation, expert panel evaluation, back translation, pre-testing and cognitive interviews with 23 children and adolescents. ResultsChildren and adolescents were positive to using PREM as a way to express their experiences. The layout of the questionnaire was important as use of colours was more appealing and the topics of the questionnaire were better visualised. The concepts in the original questionnaire related to distinguishing between different rooms for examination and conversation are not used in a Danish context. Otherwise, only minor translation adjustments were needed to match the Danish target group. ConclusionChildren and adolescents found that the Danish version of the PREM questionnaire tool was easy to read and understand, and the layout emphasised that they are the target group. After pre-testing among 23 children and adolescents, the questionnaire is now ready for pilottest in a larger group. Practice implicationsThe present study provides a tool to generate knowledge and evaluate the experiences of children and adolescents in an outpatient clinic. Using the questionnaire, healthcare staff may monitor the quality of the experiences of children and adolescents and collect data for research purposes. Likewise, it will be possible to compare hospitals and organizations nationally.

Accuracy of point-of-care HIV and CD4 field testing by lay healthcare workers in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project

Accurate HIV and CD4 testing are critical in program implementation, with HIV misdiagnosis having serious consequences at both the client and/or community level. We implemented a comprehensive training and Quality Assurance (QA) program to ensure accuracy of point-of-care HIV and CD4 count testing by lay counsellors during the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP). We compared the performance of field testing by lay counsellors to results from an accredited laboratory to ascertain accuracy of testing. All trained lay counsellors passed competency assessments and performed satisfactorily in proficiency testing panel evaluations in 2013, 2014, and 2015. There was excellent agreement (99.6 %) between field and laboratory-based HIV test results; of the 3002 samples tested, 960 and 2030 were concordantly positive and negative respectively, with 12 misclassifications (kappa score 0.99, p < 0.0001). Of the 149 HIV-positive samples enumerated for CD4 count in the field using PIMA at a threshold of ≤ 350 cells/µl; there was 86 % agreement with laboratory testing, with only 21 misclassified. The mean difference between field and lab CD4 testing was − 16.16 cells/µl (95 % CI −5.4 to 26.9). Overall, there was excellent agreement between field and laboratory results for both HIV rapid test and PIMA CD4 results. A standard training package to train lay counsellors to accurately perform HIV and CD4 point-of-care testing in field settings was feasible, with point-of-care results obtained by lay counsellors comparable to laboratory-based testing.

Menopausal Voice-Related Work Limitation Scale (MenoVWL): Development and Validation

Menopause has been reported to affect the voice of female professional voice users (FPVUs). The present study aims at the development and validation of a scale to measure self-perceived menopausal voice-related limitation to work in FPVUs, henceforth the Menopausal Voice-Related Work Limitation Scale (MenoVWL). Items were drawn from previous studies on impacts of sex steroid hormones on voice, available validated scales, and in-depth interviews with post-menopausal FPVUs. A preliminary version with 16 items was evaluated by a panel of 15 voice experts. The resulting revised version was filled in online, together with questions on current endocrinological reproductive status and related symptoms, history of amenorrhea, professional occupation, and demographic information. Responses concerning only professional voice users were selected and inclusive and exclusive criteria were applied for correct allocation of participants into pre- and post-menopausal stages within a restrict age range;192 responses were subject to factorial analysis for MenoVWL validation. Cronbach's alpha measured internal reliability. The scale was tested by comparing MenoVWL scores between pre- and post-menopausal FPVUs (98 and 94, respectively). Thirteen items were retained from the expert panel evaluation. Items presented a high Content Validity Index (.94 out of 1) and high Item Acceptance Ratio (86.25 %). Both exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis rendered one dimension scale with an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.9). The results of a Mann-Whitney test showed a higher MenoVWL score for post- as compared to pre-menopausal FPVUs (Z=- 2.818; P=.005). MenoVWL is a comprehensive and validated scale with a known factor structure. It constitutes a health care and safety outcome self-perceived measure of value to the early detection of voice-related limitations to work in FPVUs during menopause.

An Exploration of Pepino (Solanum muricatum) Flavor Compounds Using Machine Learning Combined with Metabolomics and Sensory Evaluation

Flavor is one of the most important characteristics that directly determines the popularity of a food. Moreover, the flavor of fruits is determined by the interaction of multiple metabolic components. Pepino, an emerging horticultural crop, is popular for its unique melon-like flavor. We analyzed metabolomics data from three different pepino growing regions in Haidong, Wuwei, and Jiuquan and counted the status of sweetness, acidity, flavor, and overall liking ratings of pepino fruit in these three regions by sensory panels. The metabolomics and flavor ratings were also integrated and analyzed using statistical and machine learning models, which in turn predicted the sensory panel ratings of consumers based on the chemical composition of the fruit. The results showed that pepino fruit produced in the Jiuquan region received the highest ratings in sweetness, flavor intensity, and liking, and the results with the highest contribution based on sensory evaluation showed that nucleotides and derivatives, phenolic acids, amino acids and derivatives, saccharides, and alcohols were rated in sweetness (74.40%), acidity (51.57%), flavor (56.41%), and likability (33.73%) dominated. We employed 14 machine learning strategies trained on the discovery samples to accurately predict the outcome of sweetness, sourness, flavor, and liking in the replication samples. The Radial Sigma SVM model predicted with better accuracy than the other machine learning models. Then we used the machine learning models to determine which metabolites influenced both pepino flavor and consumer preference. A total of 27 metabolites most important for pepino flavor attributes to distinguish pepino originating from three regions were screened. Substances such as N-acetylhistamine, arginine, and caffeic acid can enhance pepino‘s flavor intensity, and metabolites such as glycerol 3-phosphate, aconitic acid, and sucrose all acted as important variables in explaining the liking preference. While glycolic acid and orthophosphate inhibit sweetness and enhance sourness, sucrose has the opposite effect. Machine learning can identify the types of metabolites that influence fruit flavor by linking metabolomics of fruit with sensory evaluation among consumers, which conduces breeders to incorporate fruit flavor as a trait earlier in the breeding process, making it possible to select and release fruit with more flavor.

Early cost-utility analysis of genetically guided therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Existing gene panels were developed to understand the etiology of epilepsy, and further benefits will arise from an effective pharmacogenomics panel for personalizing therapy and achieving seizure control. Our study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a pharmacogenomics panel for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, compared with usual care. A cost-utility analysis was employed using a discrete event simulation model. The microsimulation model aggregated the costs and benefits of genetically guided treatment versus usual care for 5000 simulated patients. The 10-year model combined data from various sources including genomic databases on prevalence of variants, population-level pharmaceutical claims on antiseizure medications, published long-term therapy retention rates, patient-level cost data, and systematic reviews. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was computed. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to address uncertainty in model parameters. The mean cost of the genetically guided treatment option was AU$98 199 compared with AU$95 386 for usual care. Corresponding mean QALYs were 4.67 compared with 4.28 for genetically guided and usual care strategies, respectively. The incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$7381. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$6321 (95% uncertainty interval=AU$3604-AU$9621), with a 100% likelihood of being cost-effective in the Australian health care system. The most influential drivers of the findings were the monthly health care costs associated with reduced seizures, costs when seizures continued, and the quality-of-life estimates under genetically guided and usual care strategies. This early economic evaluation of a pharmacogenomics panel to guide treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy could potentially be cost-effective in the Australian health care system. Clinical trial evidence is necessary to confirm these findings.

Study of Ultrasonic-Guided Wave Interaction With Core Crush Damage for Nondestructive Evaluation of a Honeycomb Composite Sandwich Panel

AbstractHoneycomb composite sandwich structures are extensively used for the manufacturing of many different components of aerospace, automobiles, wind turbine blades, and marine ship hull structures. Despite its widespread use and advantages, the honeycomb core is frequently damaged during production and operation, even if the damage is not visible on the face-sheet. In this study, an ultrasonic-guided wave (GW) propagation technique is utilized for robust and reliable nondestructive evaluation of a honeycomb composite sandwich panel (HCSP) in the presence of core crush damage. A 2D semi-analytical model was developed to understand the dispersion characteristics in the HCSP and to identify various modes of GW propagation in the signals. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out using abaqus to study the guided wave interaction with core crush damage. For this purpose, two numerical models were considered (a realistic model with both crushed core and cavity, and a simplified model that only comprises the cavity) and experimentally validated using a contact-type transducer. The presence of core crush damage in an HCSP increases the amplitude and group velocity of the primary antisymmetric mode, and this characteristic has been used for localization of the core crush region in the HCSP. Finally, a damage detection algorithm using signal difference coefficient is presented for successful localization of the core crush region within a square monitoring area. Unlike other studies reported in the literature, we demonstrate the utility of the simplified numerical model for studying GW interactions with core crush defect and experimentally validate the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique to localize core crush defect on an HCSP.

Empirical formulations for estimation of the ultimate strength of the perforated stiffened panels under the combined lateral pressure and in-plane compression

The holes artificially cut for a certain purpose can greatly reduce the ultimate strength of the perforated stiffened panels. In this paper, the ABAQUS finite element analysis program is used to investigate the effect of the position and size of the circular holes, the slenderness ratio, the aspect ratio, and the loading ratio on the ultimate strength of the perforated stiffened panels. Periodic and symmetric boundary conditions are applied to the (1/2 + 1+1/2) span model to consider the continuity of the stiffened panel in modeling. The results show that the ultimate strength of the perforated stiffened panel is highly dependent on the location and size of the hole. An empirical formula to primarily predict the ultimate strength reduction rate of perforated stiffened panel is proposed, and its accuracy is evaluated.

Development of an imaging station and scoring model for automatic dishwashing evaluation

Abstract Dow Home and Personal Care has developed a protocol using a custom imaging station and software suite to standardize data collection and automated analysis in automatic dishwashing. Previously, a panel rating based on ASTM D3556-14 was used to provide a score for filming and spotting on glassware. Progress has been made toward a standardized and semi-automated method utilizing a combination of a custom imaging station built in house, image analysis techniques, and a statistical model. The statistical model was built using a series of panel ratings from an array of glasses, giving computed ratings which agree closely with experimental scores assigned by human raters.

Spanish Translation, Transcultural Adaptation, Validation and Clinical Applicability of Female Genital-Self Image Scale (FGSIS).

BackgroundAs female genital cosmetic surgeries have significantly increased, appropriate tools to evaluate self-esteem about women's own genitalia are necessary.Aimto translate, culturally adapt to Spanish women and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS).MethodsFGSIS was forward and backward translated, culturally adapted into Spanish and its content evaluated through Delphi consensus. One item from the original scale was discarded after expert panel evaluation, developing the final Spanish scale (FGSIS-S) consisting of 6 items. Its psychometric properties were evaluated among 202 women attending gynecological consults through an online survey. The survey included socio-demographic data and FGSIS-S.Main Outcome MeasureSocio-demographic items, psychometric characteristics of the FGSIS-S (construct evaluation, internal consistency and test-retest reliability) were assessed.ResultsFGSIS-S proved to relate appropriately with the proposed construct (sum-content validity index 0.9, and significant inverse correlation with women concerned about their genital appearance or considering cosmetic surgery) with a 1-factor solution on exploratory factor analysis. The test proved good internal consistency (McDonald's omega 0.86) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation 0.86, P < .001). In 41.1% of cases, women referred concern about their genital's self-image and in 12.4% had considered undergoing cosmetic surgery.Clinical TranslationThe validated version of FGSIS-S can help both professionals and patients, and its implementation can be easily made in gynecological consults.Strengths and LimitationsThe main limitation is a self-selection bias in women attending gynecological consults, who may be more worried about their gynecological/sexual health. The sample is also a relatively homogeneous Caucasian population, with medium-high educational level, coming from gynecological consults. Strengths include the large sample size and the demographic survey that permitted evaluating the performance of FGSIS-S in the context of concern about genitals or consideration of cosmetic surgery.ConclusionFGSIS-S is an adequate scale to measure women's genital image self-perception in Spanish-speaking population of Spain.Bartolomé A, Villalaín C, Bermejo R, et al. Spanish Translation, Transcultural Adaptation, Validation and Clinical Applicability of Female Genital-Self Image Scale (FGSIS). Sex Med 2022;10:100558.

Development of Korea Airport Pavement Condition Index for Panel Rating

Airports strive to prevent safety issues, such as foreign object debris (FOD), by pavement management using the pavement condition index (PCI). The index is used in decision-making processes for overall pavement maintenance and repair, such as the prevention of additional damage due to cracks and the like. However, considering the current situation in Korea where mostly mid-sized and large commercial airports exist, problems regarding direct applications of the existing PCI deduct value have been consistently pointed out. In addition, as the relationship between the PCI and whether maintenance and repair are required is unrealistic, there have been difficulties in communication between maintenance and repair staff and decision makers. Therefore, to resolve these problems, this study first analyzed the calculation procedure of the existing PCI and then redefined the main distress type of Korean airport pavements. In addition, a deduct value curve (DVC) in terms of the severity level for six main distress factors of asphalt pavements and eight main distress factors of concrete pavements and a corrected deduct value curve (CDVC) for multiple distresses in terms of the pavement form were developed using panel rating, which is an engineering approach, by forming an airport pavement expert panel. Finally, a Korea airport pavement condition index (KPCI) was proposed using the curves, and the field application results were compared against the existing PCI to examine the adequacy of the KPCI. As a result, the developed criteria showed an overall trend lower than existing PCI. Moreover, it was verified that this trend increases with worsening pavement condition. It appears that a more discriminating evaluation may be possible when determining pavement conditions by PCI results of the developed criteria.

The Effect of SiGe/PTAA Thin Film Thickness as An Active Layer for Solar Cell Application

This paper presents the results of electrical simulations at different active thickness layers of hybrid photovoltaic devices using GPVDM software. A combination of inorganic n-type semiconductor SiGe and organic p-type semiconductor PTAA has been chosen to be simulated in this research work. The thickness of SiGe and PTAA varies from 100 nm – 500 nm and 1000 rpm – 5000 rpm. The results show that the thickness of both semiconductor affects the electrical properties. Higher current density, Jsc, can be obtained as the thickness of SiGe increases. PTAA as an active layer had affected the value of open-circuit voltage, Voc. The SiGe combination with lower rpm depicted a higher value of Voc than the other combinations. The FF and efficiency rate of the solar panel is also presented in this work. This research focuses on the thickness combination of both semiconductors layer on the performance of its electrical characteristics.

Engage, understand, listen and act: evaluation of Community Panels to privilege First Nations voices in pandemic planning and response in Australia

IntroductionFirst Nations Peoples of Australia have not been included in the development nor prioritised in pre-2009 pandemic plans despite being a priority population in Australian health policy. Marginalised groups experience...

Comprehensive model for characterizing skin translucency by expert grading, panel evaluation and image analysis in a Chinese population.

Translucent skin is an attribute widely appreciated by people in East Asian countries. There have been studies in the literature to describe the phenomenon by means of clinical grading, instrumental measurement and image analysis. However, due to its subjective and complex nature, skin translucency has not been comprehensively and rigorously characterized and modelled, particularly in the Chinese population. This study is to develop a mathematical model that quantitatively describes skin translucency from visual cues objectively measured from the skin. The study was designed to characterize and model skin translucency by incorporating expert evaluation, panel perception and image analysis of multiple skin visual attributes in one analysis. Faces of 36 Chinese females aged 18-65 years old were evaluated by a dermatologist to obtain clinical translucency scores. Subject pairs were formed with a relatively high and low translucency score in each pair. Their faces were judged in person by 9 panellists in paired-comparison (2-AFC) fashion to pick a 'more translucent skin' from each subject pair. Front-view facial images of the subjects were taken, and multiple colour and other visually perceivable skin attributes were measured using image analysis. Bradley-Terry analysis and multiple regressions were performed to correlate the panel choices of 'more translucent skin' with the objectively measured skin parameters. Multiple skin colour properties affected the panel choices towards translucent skin. Among them skin tone lightness and skin glossiness had positive effects on skin translucency while the hue, colour unevenness, severity of red and dark spots affected it negatively. Subsurface light reflection and skin visual smoothness had some effect but were not statistically significant. A mathematical model was constructed to predict a person's skin translucency from objectively measured skin attributes. The subjective property of skin translucency can be characterized and quantified via a comprehensive modelling process involving clinical grading, panel evaluation, image-based measurement of skin attributes and statistical analysis. A novel skin parameter, Skin Translucency Index (STI) was established, which provides a way to measure skin translucency, making it possible to assess treatment efficacy before and after product application.

Chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of ‘Tsalafouti’ traditional Greek dairy product

Tsalafouti is a traditional dairy product made from sheep’s milk at the end of the lactation period. It is mainly manufactured as a farmhouse product, in high altitude mountainous areas of Southern Pindos. It has a high moisture content, creamy texture and mildly sour flavour. Its production process included the addition of salt to the milk, heating of milk to 90oC with continuous stirring, cooling and transfer to containers placed in caves under running water (around 10oC) and daily stirring for 10 to 20 days until thickening of the milk without the aid of starter cultures (i.e., natural acidification) occurred. The present work presents the physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics throughout the ageing of artisanal Tsalafouti. The acid-curd product had a pH of about 4.3 and an approximate moisture content of 79%, fat 10%, fat in dry matter 45-48%, salt 0.4% and protein 7%. Proteolysis increased during ripening at 10oC for 20 days and storage at 4 oC for additional 70 days. Ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, hexanal and heptanal were the most abundant volatile compounds. The indigenous microbiota was dominated by mesophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) whose numbers exceeded 8 Log CFU/g on day-10 of ripening. Enterococci also increased at an approximate level of 6.5 Log CFU/g, whereas thermophilic dairy lactobacilli were not found. Growth of aerobic spoilage yeasts and moulds was suppressed below 4.5 Log CFU/g for 45 to 60 days, but afterwards, yeasts and moulds outgrew on the product surface causing spoilage. Based on the microbiological results and primarily on sensory panel evaluations, Tsalafouti can have a shelf life of 45 days when stored aerobically under refrigeration.