Analysis of the Effect of Drying Methods on Volatile Components of Toona sinensis Based on GC-IMS and GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics

To investigate the effect of drying methods on the volatile flavor substances of Toona sinensis, the volatile components of vacuum freeze-dried, heat pump-dried, hot air-dried, and microwave vacuum-dried Toona sinensis samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled with relative odor activity values, and the differences of volatile components among samples were further explored by combining the stoichiometric principal component analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis. The results showed that 78 peaks were detected and 59 compounds were identified by GC-IMS. 94 kinds of volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS, and the main volatile components were sulfides, olefins and aldehydes. The content of total volatile compounds was significantly reduced after drying. The key aroma compounds in Toona sinensis samples were identified by ROAV method, such as (E,Z)-di-1-propenyldisulfide, 2-mercapto-3,4-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrothiophene, hexanal, 2-hexenal and eugenol. The PCA and PLS-DA results showed that the samples with different drying methods were not only clearly separated from the raw samples, but also significantly different from each other. The raw samples and vacuum freeze-dried samples were grouped, and the other three dried Toona sinensis samples were grouped. According to the variable importance in projection score, a total of 10 (VIP>1) labeled volatile compounds were selected. The drying method had significant effect on the flavor characteristics of Toona sinensis, and the vacuum freeze-dried group was the closest to the raw sample, while heat pump-drying was the most suitable dehydration method for Toona sinensis, considering the practical application. This study provides some theoretical references for flavor quality control in the thermal processing process

Controllable Synthesis of Na3V2(PO4)3/C Nanofibers as Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries by Electrostatic Spinning

Na3V2(PO4)3/C nanofibers are prepared by a pre-reduction assisted electrospinning method. In order to maintain the perfect fibrous architecture of the Na3V2(PO4)3/C samples after calcining, a series of heat treatment parameters are studied in detail. It is found that the heat treatment process shows important influence on the morphology and electrochemical performance of Na3V2(PO4)3/C composite nanofibers. Under the calcining conditions of 800°C for 10 h with a heating rate of 2.5°C min−1, the well-crystallized uniform Na3V2(PO4)3/C nanofibers with excellent electrochemical performances are successfully obtained. The initial discharge specific capacities of the nanofibers at 0.05, 1, and 10C are 114.0, 106.0, and 77.9 mAh g−1, respectively. The capacity retention still remains 97.0% after 100 cycles at 0.05C. This smooth, uniform, and continuous Na3V2(PO4)3/C composite nanofibers prepared by simple electrospinning method, is expected to be a superior cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

Impact of family integrated care on infants’ clinical outcomes in two children’s hospitals in China: a pre-post intervention study

© 2018 The Author(s). Background: Most Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in China have restricted visiting policies for parents. This also implicates that parents are not involved in the care of their infant. Family Integrated Care (FIC), empowering parents in direct care delivery and decisions, is becoming the standard in NICUs in many countries and can improve quality-of-life and health outcomes of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a FIC intervention on the clinical outcomes of preterm infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). Methods: A pre-post intervention study was conducted at NICUs in two Chinese children's hospitals. Infants with BPD were included: pre-intervention group (n = 134) from December 2015 to September 2016, post-intervention (FIC) group (n = 115) and their parents from October 2016 to June 2017. NICU nurses were trained between July and September 2016 to deliver the FIC intervention, including parent education and support. Parents had to be present and care for their infant minimal three hours a day. The infants' outcome measures were length-of-stay, breastfeeding, weight gain, respiratory and oxygen support, and parent hospital expenses. Results: Compared with control group (n = 134), the FIC group (n = 115) had significantly increased breastfeeding rates (83% versus 71%, p = 0.030), breastfeeding time (31 days versus 19 days, p < 0.001), enteral nutrition time (50 days versus 34 days, p < 0.001), weight gain (29 g/day versus 23 g/day, p = 0.002), and significantly lower respiratory support time (16 days versus 25 days, p < 0.001). Oxygen Exposure Time decreased but not significant (39 days versus 41 days p = 0.393). Parents hospital expenses in local Chinese RMB currency was not significant (84 K versus 88 K, p = 0.391). Conclusion: The results of our study suggests that FIC is feasible in two Chinese NICUs and might improve clinical outcomes of preterm infants with BPD. Further research is needed to include all infants admitted to NICUs and should include parent reported outcome measures. Our study may help other NICUs with limited parental access to implement FIC to enhance parental empowerment and involvement in the care of their infant

Research on the Establishment and Stability of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region Air Pollution Cooperative Control Alliance: An Evolutionary Game Approach

Air pollution control refers to a vital issue in the integrated and coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. As impacted by the fluidity of air pollution, air pollution control cannot be achieved independently by a single local government in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and a long-term mechanism should be established for regional coordination and cooperative control. However, in the pursuit of maximising benefits by the participating parties, difficulties in effective coordination between the various control bodies occurred and a dilemma was created in the cooperative control of air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Based on the existing research, this study first builds an evolutionary game model to analyse the evolutionary path and stability of cooperative alliance of air pollution control behaviour in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Second, this study explores the core elements of reaching alliances and consolidating cooperative control among cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Last, in combination with the simulation results, this study compares the feasibility of cooperative control among cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with and without central government constraints. As indicated from the results, without the constraints of the central government, intergovernmental cooperative control is correlated with intercity public benefits, cities’ own benefits, and air pollution losses, whereas it is not effective since it cannot control the phenomenon of “free-riding” by cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Under the control of the central government, a stable strategy among cities can evolve toward a fast and efficient cooperative management. To achieve air pollution control effectively, the air pollution control alliance should be formed in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and the benefits of cooperation lay the basis for reaching cooperative control. The mentioned findings highlight that (1) the benefits of cooperation lay the basis for cooperative control, (2) punitive policies of central government increase the evolutionary rate of cooperative control, and (3) cooperation costs determine the long-term stability of the alliance

Efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:In Parkinson's disease (PD), wearing off and side effects of long-term medication and complications pose challenges for neurologists. Although Tai Chi is beneficial for many illnesses, its efficacy for PD remains uncertain. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for PD. METHODS:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tai Chi for PD were electronically searched by the end of December 2013 and identified by two independent reviewers. The tool from the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 was used to assess the risk of bias. A standard meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS:Ten trials with PD of mild-to-moderate severity were included in the review, and nine trials (n = 409) were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of bias was generally high in the blinding of participants and personnel. Improvements in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (mean difference (MD) -4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.67--2.01), Berg Balance Scale (MD: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.83-5.66), functional reach test (MD: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.73-6.04), Timed Up and Go test (MD: -0.75, 95% CI: -1.30--0.21), stride length (standardized MD: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.03-1.09), health-related quality of life (standardized MD: -1.10, 95% CI: -1.81--0.39) and reduction of falls were greater after interventions with Tai Chi plus medication. Satisfaction and safety were high. Intervention with Tai Chi alone was more effective for only a few balance and mobility outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:Tai Chi performed with medication resulted in promising gains in mobility and balance, and it was safe and popular among PD patients at an early stage of the disease. This provides a new evidence for PD management. More RCTs with larger sample size that carefully address blinding and prudently select outcomes are needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42013004989

Influence of Sludge Initial pH on Bioleaching of Excess Sludge to Improve Dewatering Performance

pH has an important effect on the physiological activity of eosinophilic microorganisms. Therefore, this study used excess sludge produced by the mixed treatment of leachate and municipal sewage to explore the impact of different sludge initial pH on microbial biochemical reactions associated with the performance of excess sludge dehydration. Shake-flask tests were performed using inoculated microorganisms and fresh excess sludge in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks at a ratio of 1:4, with the addition of 2 g/L S0 and 6 g/L FeS2 as energy sources. Erlenmeyer flasks were shaken for 72 h at 180 rpm and 28 °C, in a reciprocating constant homeothermic oscillating water-bath. Results show that the specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of the bioleached excess sludge decreased from (1.45~6.68) × 1012 m/kg to (1.21~14.30) × 1011 m/kg and the sedimentation rate increased from 69.00~73.00% to 81.70~85.50%. The SRF decreased from 1.45 × 1012 m/kg to 1.21 × 1011 m/kg and the sedimentation rate increased from 69.00% to 85.00%, which both reached the highest level when the initial pH of the excess sludge was 5 and the bioleaching duration was 48 h. At this time, the rates of pH reduction and oxidative redox potential (ORP) reached the highest values (69.67% and 515 mV, respectively). Illumina HiSeq PE250 sequencing results show that the dominate microbial community members were Thiomonas (relative abundance 4.59~5.44%), which oxidize sulfur and ferrous iron, and Halothiobacillus (2.56~3.41%), which oxidizes sulfur. Thus, the acidic environment can promote microbial acidification and oxidation, which can help sludge dewatering. The presence of dominant sulfur oxidation bacteria is the essential reason for the deep dehydration of the bioleached sludge

Size-Dependent Buckling and Post-Buckling Analysis of the Functionally Graded Thin Plate Al–Cu Material Based on a Modified Couple Stress Theory

Size-dependent functionally graded material thin plate buckling and post-buckling problems are considered using the framework of the MCST (Modified Couple Stress Theory). Based on modified couple stress theory and power law, the post-buckling deflection and critical buckling load of simply supported functionally graded material thin plate are derived using Hamilton’s minimum potential energy principle. The analysis compares the simulation results of linear buckling and nonlinear buckling. Innovatively, a power-law distribution with scale effects is considered. The influences of scale effect parameters l and power-law index parameters k on buckling displacement, load, and strain energy of plates have been investigated. In this article, it is found that the critical buckling displacement, critical buckling load, and buckling strain energy increase with increases in the power-law index parameters k. The membrane energy decreases as the power-law index parameter increases. If the upper and lower layers are swapped, the opposite result is obtained. In comparison, the scale effect parameter is more influential than the power-law exponent. The critical buckling displacement in the x-direction is not affected by scale effects. The critical buckling load, the membrane energy, and buckling strain energy increase as the scale effect parameter increases. Scale effects increase material stiffness compared with traditional theory, and the power-law index parameters affect FGM properties such as elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, density, etc. Both scale effects parameters and power-law index parameters have important effects on the mechanical behavior of materials

Analysis of Size-Dependent Linear Static Bending, Buckling, and Free Vibration Based on a Modified Couple Stress Theory

The purposes of this paper are to study bending, buckling, and vibration by considering micro-scale effects using the Kirchhoff thin-plate theory and to consider small deflections, neglecting higher-order nonlinear terms. The governing equations for the bending, buckling, and vibration of the system are obtained using the equilibrium method coupled with the Kirchhoff thin-plate theory and a modified couple stress theory (MCST). The concept of the equivalent bending stiffness (EBS) of micro-thin plates is proposed to describe the scale effect. The Navier method is used to obtain analytical solutions for the bending, buckling, and free vibration of thin plates under simply supported boundary conditions with scale effects. The numerical results are presented to investigate the influence of scale effects on deflection, critical buckling load, buckling topography, and thin-plate natural frequency. The results show that the scale effect increases the equivalent stiffness of the thin plate, which leads to a decrease in deflection, a larger critical buckling load, and an increase in natural frequency, but does not affect the buckling topography. The MSCT is invalid when the thickness is greater than 10 times the scale effect parameter, thus defining the scope of application of the scale effect. This research study may contribute to the design of micro-scale devices such as MEMSs/NEMSs

Theoretical Studies of the Formation Mechanisms, Thermodynamic Stabilities, and Water-Exchange Reactivities of Aluminum-Salicylate Complexes in Aqueous Solution

The formation mechanisms, thermodynamic stabilities, and water-exchange reactivities of 1:1 monomer aluminum–salicylate (Al–salicylate) complexes in acidic aqueous solution are investigated using the density functional theory-quantum chemical cluster model (DFT-CM) method. (1) The formation pathways for possible monodentate and bidentate Al–salicylate configurations are modeled with the gas phase-supermolecule-polarizable continuum model (GP-SM-PCM). It shows that the formation pathways for the Al–salicylate complexes follow the Eigen-Wilkins mechanism, where the dissociation of an inner-shell coordinated water of Al³⁺ is the rate-determining step. (2) The formation constants <i>K</i>_aq for different Al–salicylate configurations are estimated based on the total Gibbs free energy changes Δ<i>G</i>° for their overall formation pathways. It is indicated that in the acidic aqueous solution at pH ∼ 3, the main existence form of the 1:1 monomer Al–salicylate complex is the phenol-deprotonated bidentate Al­(Sal)­(H₂O)₄⁺ with six-membered ring. Its log <i>K</i>_aq is calculated as 13.8, in good agreement with the literature values of 12.9–14.5. (3) The water-exchange reactions are modeled for different Al–salicylate configurations. The water-exchange rate constant for Al­(Sal)­(H₂O)₄⁺ is estimated as log <i>k</i>_H2O = 3.9 s^–1, close to the experimental value of 3.7 s^–1. It proves again that this configuration is the dominant form under experimental conditions

A large dataset of semantic ratings and its computational extension (vol 10, 106, 2023)

Evidence from psychology and cognitive neuroscience indicates that the human brain&#39;s semantic system contains several specific subsystems, each representing a particular dimension of semantic information. Word ratings on these different semantic dimensions can help investigate the behavioral and neural impacts of semantic dimensions on language processes and build computational representations of language meaning according to the semantic space of the human cognitive system. Existing semantic rating databases provide ratings for hundreds to thousands of words, which can hardly support a comprehensive semantic analysis of natural texts or speech. This article reports a large database, the Six Semantic Dimension Database (SSDD), which contains subjective ratings for 17,940 commonly used Chinese words on six major semantic dimensions: vision, motor, socialness, emotion, time, and space. Furthermore, using computational models to learn the mapping relations between subjective ratings and word embeddings, we include the estimated semantic ratings for 1,427,992 Chinese and 1,515,633 English words in the SSDD. The SSDD will aid studies on natural language processing, text analysis, and semantic representation in the brain.</p