Preliminary Approach Research Articles

Effects of Water Addition Level on Physical Properties, Rheological Profile and Sensory Evaluation of Gluten-Free Bread: A Preliminary Approach

The amount of water in gluten-free recipes is very important to the quality of the end product. The research aimed to develop an alternative formula for gluten-free bread using different water levels. This research was conducted to determine the physical properties, rheological profile and sensory evaluation of natural gluten-free bread produced by adding different water levels to the recipe without adding hydrocolloid. Five types of bread with different levels of water at (A) 80%; (B) 90%; (C) 100%; (D) and control dough: 105% (control 1); (E) 60% (wheat bread-control 2) of the flour basis were investigated. Control 1 is the standard level of water for making gluten-free bread, while control 2 is the standard level of water for preparing wheat bread. Sample A has a lighter crust and crumbs, as well as a white index value and lower ΔE values comparable to wheat bread, better volume, increased pore size sharply and shows higher G' and G". G' decreased as the amount of water in the dough increased. All dough formulations had higher gelatinisation enthalpy change (ΔH) values than sample A and sample E. The bakery sector could use the findings to design and reformulate the recipes of diabetic and/or reduced calorie and gluten-free bread recipes to better fulfill consumers' expectations.

Generating certification evidence for the certification of collision avoidance in autonomous surface vessels

ABSTRACT The United States Navy plans on fielding autonomous surface vessels in the near future. This paper presents a preliminary approach for certifying an autonomous surface vessel to complete a transoceanic voyage. In particular, this paper will decompose the rules currently outlined by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea for avoiding a collision when two vessels are in sight of one another in international waters. These requirements are the basis for a specification that we examined to ensure it meets the requirements of the convention. We developed a protocol based on the analyzed specification that will ensure what the vehicle will function appropriately while operating autonomously. We then test this protocol using real-world scenarios currently used to certify human operators. Finally, we showed that if the protocol had been in place during a fatal mishap within the naval surface warfare community the collision would have been avoided. This paper describes how this protocol can be used as evidence for certifying an autonomous controller to complete a task reserved for a fully qualified ship’s Commanding Officer in the United States Navy.

A mathematical approach to estimate micro-displacement of a dental implant using electromagnetic Frequency Response Analysis

The aim of this paper is to formulate a mathematical model of dental prosthetic using single degree of freedom (SDOF) to assess the micro-displacement under electromagnetic excitation. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and values from literature, stiffness and damping values of the mathematical model were estimated. For ensuring the successful implantation of dental implant system, monitoring of primary stability in terms of micro-displacement is crucial. One of the most popular techniques for the measurement of stability is the Frequency Response Analysis (FRA). This technique assesses the resonant frequency of vibration corresponding to the maximum micro-displacement (micro-mobility) of the implant. Among the different FRA techniques, the most common method is the Electromagnetic FRA. The subsequent displacement of the implant in the bone is estimated by equations of vibration. A comparison has been made to observe the variation in resonance frequency and micro-displacement due to varying input frequency ranges of 1–40 Hz. The micro-displacement and corresponding resonance frequency were plotted using MATLAB and the variation in resonance frequency is found to be negligible. The present mathematical model is a preliminary approach to understand the variation of micro-displacement with reference to electromagnetic excitation force and to obtain the resonance frequency. The present study validated the use of input frequency ranges (1–30 Hz) with negligible variation in micro-displacement and corresponding resonance frequency. However, input frequency ranges beyond 31–40 Hz is not recommended due to large variation in micromotion and corresponding resonance frequency.

On the role of sustainable buildings in achieving the 2030 UN sustainable development goals

Built environment plays a series of key roles in the society and in everyday life and it is also worldwide recognised to be one of the main contributors to the global energy demand and to the emission of greenhouse gases. Achieving sustainability in the building and construction industry is, therefore, crucial to contribute the global transition to a sustainable carbon-neutral built environment: in this regard, the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the related SDGs would play a strategic role.This paper was set and developed with the aim of identifying the multiple key interactions between buildings and SDGs and, consequently, drawing considerations and points-of-view on a possible, preliminary approach to assess the role of buildings in the achievement of SDGs and their targets.A quantitative evaluation approach focussed on the environmental dimension of sustainability and based on Life Cycle Assessment on the building scale was proposed by the authors. The approach could represent the potential basis for the development of a comprehensive and scientifically-based method for large-scale applications aimed at determining and improving the way buildings affect SDGs. According to this paper's authors' proposal, after the selection of a comprehensive set of indicators and their linkage to the various SDGs, the assessment should be carried out considering reference values for the indicators, specific targets coherent with SDGs (and their targets) for each indicator and key statistical parameters for the built environment, such as the yearly built area.

EDaLI: A Public Domain Dataset for Emotional Analysis Using Brain Computer Interfaces during an Interaction with a Second-Language Learning Platform

In recent years, it has been shown that emotions influence what we learn and retain, and second-language learning is no exception to this phenomenon. Currently, a variety of mobile learning applications offer content for language learners, and a wide range of languages are presented. The analysis of emotional data in learning environments has been implemented through various methods, such as the collection of vital signs. This is where brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) play an important role in capturing emotional metrics from brain activity. Accordingly, this paper presents the Emotional Data L2 Interaction (EDaLI) dataset for emotional analysis based on the collection of emotions, such as engagement, stress, excitement, interest, relaxation, and focus, through Emotiv Insight, during the interaction of 19 participants with 4 initial lessons in Portuguese as a second-language, through the Babbel application. A preliminary visualization approach is proposed from the generated dataset. In accordance with this, it is concluded that visualization techniques can clearly be applied to EDaLI to show the emotional behavior exhibited by the participants during their interactions. Additionally, the spectrum of algorithms to be applied is open and includes possibilities such as the use of clustering techniques for time series of variable lengths.

Adapting rice to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide: A preliminary GMO approach to maintain nutritional integrity

Although there is extensive evidence that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, [CO2] can stimulate rice yields, such increases are also associated with a ubiquitous decline in nutrition, including protein, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). To determine the basis for these declines, we used gmo rice line pairs to test and compare the quantitative and qualitative metrics relative to their non-gmo counterparts at elevated [CO2] in situ. The gmo / non-gmo paired comparisons were associated with two phenological / metabolic characteristics associated with nutritional integrity: (1) an enlarged root system and (2) enhanced nitrate absorption. The two gmo lines showed a significantly higher percent stimulation of seed yield relative to their paired non-gmo cultivar at elevated [CO2]. However, relative to their non-gmo counterparts, leaf nitrogen and brown rice protein were not significantly reduced. In addition, the enlarged root system gmo line showed no decline in Fe and Zn at elevated [CO2]. While these findings are preliminary, they provide insight into specific traits associated with [CO2] induced declines in nutrition and could be fundamental in selecting and breeding qualitative and quantitative responses of global rice to maintain yield increases and nutritional integrity in response to projected increases in atmospheric [CO2].

Reliability and validity of Stroke specific quality of life Urdu version - A preliminary approach

Aim: To measure reliability, validity, and psychometric properties of Urdu version of Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale. Methodology: A longitudinal cross-sectional observational survey was conducted from March 2019 to February 2020. The sample size was calculated by using Rao soft and non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to raise the sample. For translation purpose, the original English version of SSQOL was translated into Urdu by National Language Promotion Department, Govt. of Pakistan.96 stroke survivors filled the final SSQOL Urdu version twice within seven-day period. Data was analyzed by using Spearman and Pearson correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) at their threshold values, independent t-test, and One-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. Results: The SSQOL-U exhibited acceptable to excellent internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha= 0.943 with ICC= 0.84-0.93. In comparison ceilings effects were higher than floor effects. Results also established high test-retest reliability in all domains had Spearman’s rho scores >0.8 except for Energy, family, and Mood. An acceptable item to scale correlation convergent validity with rp values ranged between 0.81–0.97. Practical Implication: The SSQOL-U will be utilized by practitioners and researchers across the country to accurately measure patient reported quality of life in post stroke patients. Conclusion: SS-QOL-U showed adequate psychometric properties. SS-QOL-U was found reliable and valid tool to measure the quality of life in Urdu-speaking patients having subacute and chronic stroke. Key words: Stroke, validity, reliability, Stroke specific quality of life

A preliminary approach to Early Iron Age demography. Testing paleodemographic methodologies on a microspatial scale: The case of Punta de Muros (NW Iberia)

This paper presents an approach to the paleodemography of the Iron Age in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, choosing a microspatial study focused on the settlement of Punta de Muros. This settlement provides an excellent context for paleodemographic analysis, given the extent of its archaeological record, the chronological studies of its occupational dynamics and its condition as a fully excavated settlement. This work aims to review several demographic techniques in order to assess their weaknesses and strengths and their applicability to the case of study. Thus, the data obtained will be analysed from the point of view of their appropriateness and precision for Early Iron Age societies of the northwest, relating the results by means of several demographic markers and the archaeological data known for the settlement.

Transferrin-Grafted Albumin Nanoparticles for the Targeted Delivery of Apocynin and Neuroprotection in an In Vitro Model of the BBB

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting over 10 million people annually, with an estimated cost of $76.5 billion. Although apocynin freely transverses the blood–brain barrier (BBB), its application is limited due to its rapid elimination, low terminal half-life (t1/2 = 6.7 min), narrow dose–response relationship, and cytotoxicity, thereby requiring repeated dosages. With this study, we aimed to develop transferrin-functionalized nanoparticles encapsulating apocynin to treat neuroinflammation for targeted drug delivery to sites of brain injury. As a preliminary approach, we endeavored to optimize the formulation parameters of apocynin-loaded albumin nanoparticles prepared through the desolvation method. The nanoparticles were characterized for their size, polydispersity, surface charge, drug loading and in vitro drug release. In this study, we also investigated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of free apocynin and nanoparticle-loaded apocynin in neuronal cells. We show that the developed formulation displayed monodispersed, nanosized particles with higher entrapment efficiency, loading, stability, and sustained release profiles. The permeability of the nanoparticles across HBMECs reached the maximum at 67%. The in vivo evaluation revealed the enhanced uptake of transferrin-anchored nanoparticles in the brain tissues when compared with unmodified nanoparticles after I.V. administration. In vivo nanoparticle localization studies using a blast TBI (bTBI) model and confocal fluorescence microscopy have shown that tf-apoANPs are successful in delivering relatively high amounts of nanoparticles to the brain parenchyma and glial cells compared to non-targeted nanoparticles. We also establish that targeted nanoparticles accumulate in the brain. In conclusion, tf-apoANPs are efficacious carriers for targeted delivery across the blood–brain barrier to potentially treat neuroinflammation in brain injury and other diseases.

The starch-deficient plastidic PHOSPHOGLUCOMUTASE mutant of the constitutive crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi impacts diel regulation and timing of stomatal CO2 responsiveness.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized type of photosynthesis characterized by a diel pattern of stomatal opening at night and closure during the day, which increases water-use efficiency. Starch degradation is a key regulator of CAM, providing phosphoenolpyruvate as a substrate in the mesophyll for nocturnal assimilation of CO2. Growing recognition of a key role for starch degradation in C3 photosynthesis guard cells for mediating daytime stomatal opening presents the possibility that starch degradation might also impact CAM by regulating the provision of energy and osmolytes to increase guard cell turgor and drive stomatal opening at night. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the timing of diel starch turnover in CAM guard cells has been reprogrammed during evolution to enable nocturnal stomatal opening and daytime closure. Biochemical and genetic characterization of wild-type and starch-deficient RNAi lines of Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi with reduced activity of plastidic phosphoglucomutase (PGM) constituted a preliminary approach for the understanding of starch metabolism and its implications for stomatal regulation in CAM plants. Starch deficiency reduced nocturnal net CO2 uptake but had negligible impact on nocturnal stomatal opening. In contrast, daytime stomatal closure was reduced in magnitude and duration in the starch-deficient rPGM RNAi lines, and their stomata were unable to remain closed in response to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 administered during the day. Curtailed daytime stomatal closure was linked to higher soluble sugar contents in the epidermis and mesophyll. Nocturnal stomatal opening is not reliant upon starch degradation, but starch biosynthesis is an important sink for carbohydrates, ensuring daytime stomatal closure in this CAM species.

A preliminary approach based on numerical simulation modelling and evaluation of permeable reactive barrier for aquifer remediation susceptible to selenium contaminant

In this study, numerical groundwater modelling software (GMS) was applied for a 2D transient state predictive (flow and contaminant fate and transport) conceptual model for heavy metal (Selenium in this research) contaminated groundwater, Imamzadeh-Jafar Aquifer, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. The performances of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in pollutant removal in the contaminated aquifers were studied by helping the MODFLOW-MT3DMS model. The spatiotemporal distribution of Selenium (Se) contaminant over the aquifer was illustrated using the calibrated flow and contaminant model. According to the findings, the downward movement of Se has resulted in an unsafe and undesirable water quality status in the Imamzadeh-Jafar aquifer, which is supported by field data. The sensitivity analysis of PRB layouts, geometric features, and reactant material characteristics was conducted in groundwater remediation. The numerical model results illustrated that the PRB thickness, ranging from 10 to 500 m, manifested the drop in Se concentration approximately from 40 to 46%. The results shed light on the hydraulic conductivity variations of reactant materials have effects less than 0.5% in Se removals. Furthermore, the decay rate variations in the ranges from 0.0001 to 0.01 d−1 could result in Se removal from 5 to 100%. According to studies, if the contaminant sources are prevented, in a) installation of PRB and b) not installation of PRB scenarios, the Imamzadeh-Jafar aquifer remediation will take 6 months and 84 months, respectively.

Investigating the Fidelity of Digital Peer Support: A Preliminary Approach using Natural Language Processing to Scale High-Fidelity Digital Peer Support.

Adults with serious mental illnesses are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions that are linked to inadequately managed medical and psychiatric illnesses and are associated with poor lifestyle behaviors. Emerging intervention models emphasize the value of peer specialists (certified individuals who offer emotional, social, and practical assistance to those with similar lived experiences) in promoting better illness management and meaningful community rehabilitation. Over the last few years, there has been an increasing uptake in the use of digital services and online platforms for the dissemination of various peer services. However, current literature cannot scale current service delivery approaches through audio recording of all interactions to monitor and ensure fidelity at scale. This research aims to understand the individual components of digital peer support to develop a corpus and use natural language processing to classify high-fidelity evidence-based techniques used by peer support specialists in novel datasets. The research hypothesizes that a binary classifier can be developed with an accuracy of 70% through the analysis of digital peer support data.

A boundary value problem of heat transfer within DBD-based plasma jet setups.

We claim an analytical solution for the thermal boundary value problem that arises in DBD-based plasma jet systems as a preliminary and consistent approach to a simplified geometry. This approach involves the outline of a coaxial plasma jet reactor and the consideration of the heat transfer to the reactor solids, namely, the dielectric barrier and the grounded electrode. The non-homogeneous initial and boundary value thermal problem is solved analytically, while a simple cut-off technique is applied to deal with the appearance of infinite series relationships, being the outcome of merging dual expressions. The results are also implemented numerically, supporting the analytical solution, while a Finite Integration Technique (FIT) is used for the validation. Both the analytical and numerical data reveal the temperature pattern at the cross-section of the solids in perfect agreement. This analytical approach could be of importance for the optimization of plasma jet systems employed in tailored applications where temperature-sensitive materials are involved, like in plasma biomedicine.

Effect of global warming on Western Mediterranean seagrasses: a preliminary agent-based modelling approach

The Mediterranean Sea is warming more rapidly than the global average, leading to dire consequences for its inhabiting organisms. Seagrasses are key structural elements in coastal ecosystems, and studying how temperature affects these species is crucial to anticipate the implications of global warming. In this work, we use an empirically based numerical model to study the combined dynamics of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa and their resilience to sea warming. The model is parametrised using seagrass growth rates measured in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Under favourable growth conditions, our simulations predict the emergence of a coexistence region at the front between monospecific meadows. This region can be characterised by its width and local shoot densities, which depend on the coupling parameter between P. oceanica and C. nodosa. Such regions have been empirically observed in Ses Olles de Son Saura (Balearic Islands). A comparison between the field measurements at the study site with the model predictions was used to fit the value of the coupling parameter. Field data also relate the width of the coexistence region to the average length of P. oceanica leaves at the front. Remarkably, a linear relationship was found between the coupling parameter and leaf length. In the presence of sea warming, the model predicts an exponential decay in the population of P. oceanica, which is highly sensitive to temperature. This behaviour is a direct consequence of the clonal nature of the plant and can be characterised by the model parameters. Considering a scenario of high greenhouse emissions, our model forecasts that P. oceanica meadows will experience a 70% population decline by the year 2050. C. nodosa, with higher thermal resilience, acts as an opportunistic species and will colonise the space left by the degraded P. oceanica.

Modelling passing paths trajectories through field measurements

The paper investigates vehicle's passing paths from the road-engineering point of view, with special emphasis on the consecutive reverse curved sections at the beginning and ending phase of the passing maneuver. Field measurements are carried out via GNSS receivers for two distinct posted speed values and, the authors, by examining the curved paths, deliver a geometrical approach in terms of quantifying the vehicle overtaking trajectory based on the azimuth diagram. A theoretical approach regarding the standardization of the overtaking process is also presented, in terms of steering path data through a vehicle's dynamic model. In view of the deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the near future, the results of the research may serve as a preliminary approach for addressing more accurately the overtaking process as well as standardizing vehicle paths.

Un fragmento inédito de la reformación del licenciado Ortiz de Zárate en la isla de Tenerife. Aproximación a la problemática de las datas ignoradas

We publish a hitherto unpublished fragment of the reform carried out in 1506 by the lawyer Ortíz de Zárate of the divisions of the recently conquered island of Tenerife. Using this we make a preliminary approach to the problem of the data for which there is no record in the books of those divisions which are kept in the archive of the Council (Concejo).

Application of the new Italian assessment guidelines to a 1960s prestressed concrete road bridge

AbstractThe Italian road network comprises many bridges that were constructed around the middle of last century and are now close to, or have exceeded, their intended design lives. The advanced state of degradation of many of the bridges has been a contributing factor in a number of collapses in recent years, with the problem being particularly prevalent in prestressed concrete construction. In response to the need for improvements in the reliability of existing Italian bridges, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure published in 2020 a new set of guidelines for assessment and monitoring. This article undertakes a critical review of the guidelines, which are currently in a trial phase, through the multilevel assessment of a case‐study prestressed concrete road bridge. Four key areas for potential improvement in future revisions are identified: refinement of the level 3 preliminary assessment approach, greater emphasis on assessment rather than design thinking, objective Knowledge Levels, and treatment of elements with unknown levels of degradation.

Comparison of the Effects of Plasmapheresis, Hemoperfusion, and Convalescent Plasma Therapy on Inflammatory Factors in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the treatment protocols are continuously updated, based on the evidence gathered all around the world and reported to the World Health Organization. Like many other emerging infectious diseases, using convalescent plasma from those recovered from the disease was a preliminary treatment approach that showed partial effectiveness for severe COVID-19 patients. Besides, blood filtration strategies, such as hemoperfusion and plasmapheresis, are employed to lessen the load of inflammatory molecules. However, few studies compared their effects to conclude which treatment might be more efficacious for COVID-19 patients. We compared the effects of plasmapheresis or plasma exchange, convalescent plasma therapy, and hemoperfusion on O2 saturation and inflammatory factors in COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 50 COVID-19 patients received standard treatments based the international guidelines. Patients were divided into 4 groups: hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, plasma therapy, and control. The control group received only the standard treatments. The mortality rate, O2 saturation, and laboratory factors were compared between the 4 groups. Results: We found a significant decrease in the C-reactive protein level following hemoperfusion (32.75 ± 23.76 vs 13 ± 7.54 mg/dL; p = 0.032) but not plasmapheresis and plasma therapy. Besides, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.327, 0.136, 0.550, for hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, and plasma therapy, respectively) and other inflammatory molecules did not significantly change following treatments. There is also no significant difference in the mortality rate between the treatment groups (p = 0.353). Conclusion: It seems that hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, and plasma therapy did not have considerable effects on decreasing the inflammation and mortality rate compared with standard treatment.

Investigating the effects of explicit instructional approaches on students’ understanding of scientific models and modeling

ABSTRACT Research purposes and design This study aimed to compare the effects of different explicit approaches used in modeling-based instruction on students’ understanding of scientific models and modeling (USMM). In Study 1, a self-study approach was compared to a preliminary explicit approach. In Study 2, preliminary explicit approach and embedded explicit approach were compared. Methods For the data analysis, t tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare students’ USMM under the conditions of using different explicit approaches. Findings Results showed that in the first study, no statistically significant difference was found between self-study approach and the preliminary explicit approach in any of the USMM subscales. In the second study, students who learned with the embedded explicit approach had better understandings in all subscales of USMM, but not in the changing nature of scientific models (CNM) subscale, than those who learned with the preliminary explicit approach. Through qualitative analysis of the data, categories and examples of the teacher’s embedded epistemic guidance were illustrated. Suggestions for future professional development and research instrument design are provided.

On the river barge of 3000 T preliminary seakeeping approach

This study concerns the preliminary seakeeping analysis of a river barge of 3000 T with length of 90 m and two main loading conditions: full cargo and ballast. As environmental conditions the maximum wave heigh is 2 m, with whole range wave-barge heading angle, specific for all the river navigation zone. The maximum speed of the river barge is 15 km/h. The numerical analysis involves a linear seakeeping code by strip-theory method and short-term irregular waves approach, representing a preliminary simplified evalua-tion of the navigation capabilities of the river barge.