Evaluation of microbial toxins,trace elements and sensory properties of a high-theabrownins instant Pu-erh tea produced using Aspergillus tubingensis via submerged fermentation

Theabrownins (TB) are polymeric phenolic compounds associated with the multiple bioactivities of Pu-erh tea, a post-fermented Chinese dark tea. High-TB instant Pu-erh tea was produced via a novel submerged fermentation (SF) using Aspergillus tubingensis and compared with samples produced commercially via the conventional solid-state fermentation (SSF). Viable microorganisms and microbial toxins, especially aflatoxins B₁, G₁, B₂, G₂, cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins B₁, B₂, B₃ and ochratoxin A, were below the detection limit in all samples. Fewer microbial metabolites were found in SF instant tea compared with the SSF teas. Based on an adult consuming 1 g of instant Pu-erh tea daily, the dietary intake of investigated elements was below the safe limits recommended by various authorities. Tasters viewed the instant tea infusions as very mild, smooth, mellow and full. This suggested that submerged fermentation using A. tubingensis offers a speedy and safe alternative to commercial production of instant Pu-erh tea.     

Influence of HMTA ligand in MMA AGET ATRP emulsion polymerization

Interactions of hexamethylenetetramine ligand in atom transfer radical polymerization initiated by activator generated by electron transfer were studied. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate was done using two-step experimental procedure in 2 L emulsion batch reactor at 50, 60, and 80°C. The selection of reactant ratios was quite challenging for a reactor of this size. Replicate runs were conducted for data reproducibility purpose. Gravimetry method and gel permeation chromatography were used to determine monomer conversion, Mn, and PDI of polymer samples. PMMA produced was also characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Results showed high monomer conversion up to 93% and Mn ranging 243–274 kg/mol with PDI from 1.45 to 1.60. Besides, combining HMTA with sodium dodecyl sulfate, an anionic surfactant, a well-controlled polymer with a lower Mn of 201 kg/mol and PDI of 1.56 was obtained in 3 hr reaction time.     

Relevance feedback for CBIR: a new approach based on probabilistic feature weighting with positive and negative examples.

In content-based image retrieval, understanding the user's needs is a challenging task that requires integrating him in the process of retrieval. Relevance feedback (RF) has proven to be an effective tool for taking the user's judgement into account. In this paper, we present a new RF framework based on a feature selection algorithm that nicely combines the advantages of a probabilistic formulation with those of using both the positive example (PE) and the negative example (NE). Through interaction with the user, our algorithm learns the importance he assigns to image features, and then applies the results obtained to define similarity measures that correspond better to his judgement. The use of the NE allows images undesired by the user to be discarded, thereby improving retrieval accuracy. As for the probabilistic formulation of the problem, it presents a multitude of advantages and opens the door to more modeling possibilities that achieve a good feature selection. It makes it possible to cluster the query data into classes, choose the probability law that best models each class, model missing data, and support queries with multiple PE and/or NE classes. The basic principle of our algorithm is to assign more importance to features with a high likelihood and those which distinguish well between PE classes and NE classes. The proposed algorithm was validated separately and in image retrieval context, and the experiments show that it performs a good feature selection and contributes to improving retrieval effectiveness.     

Improving Short-Circuit Current Capacity, Resistance, and Breaking Load of OPGW Constructions by Modifying Aluminium Alloy With AlB2

This article presents a method that can be applied to molten AA-6101 alloy to improve electrical properties of the aluminium part of the optical ground wire (OPGW) used in overhead transmission lines to protect phase conductors from lightning strike and to transmit signals and data. AA-6101 alloy in casting of the log as 6 m length and 178 mm diameter for extrusion has been inoculated by AlB₂ to decrease detrimental effects of Cr, Ti, V, and Zr on the conductivity of the material. After inoculation, improved billets were extruded as 9.5 mm diameter feedstock. Required wires drawn from the feedstock according to the construction types of OPGW to be tested were exposed to aging at 175°C, 6 h (T-8). Upon completion of the back-twist and performing-type stranding process, resistance, and short-circuit current capacity and breaking load of the OPGW 88/44 constructions with other metal combinations have been examined and tested to show improvement. Results are summarized in tables and graphically.     

A new approach to modelling of single droplet drying

A model was developed to predict the change in droplet mass and temperature when it is exposed to hot air, as in spray drying of droplets containing solids. The droplet was assumed first to undergo sensible rapid heating with no mass change. Then the droplet experiences some shrinkage, with no temperature change but rapid mass losses, followed by a period of crust formation with a significant change in droplet mass and temperature and finally a short period of sensible heating of the dried particle. The model, unlike previous models, accounts for shrinkage and for the temperature distribution in the droplet. It provided a good prediction for the change in droplet temperature and mass for some of the experimental measurements available in the literatures.     

Technology transfer projects in developing countries—furthering the Project Management perspectives

This paper attempts to broaden the analysis of the technology transfer phenomenon by refocusing research attention on the level of performance assessment of technology transfer projects. An holistic evaluation framework based on the considerations of an extended Project Life Cycle model is proposed to overcome some of the shortcomings of conventional approaches to project evaluation. This also reinforces the need for open systems thinking in assessing and managing risk of technology transfer projects. The discussion is based on two case studies which articulate the experiences with two integrated mechanisms of technology transfer used in Algeria from 1965 to 1990: turnkey and “product-in-hand”. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the processes of technology transfer and to contribute to the improvement of associated managerial practices in developing economies.     

Gastric ECL-cell hyperplasia produces enhanced basal and stimulated gastric acid output but not gastric erosion formation in the rat

Cervical involvement is one of the major prognostic factors in carcinoma of the endometrium confined to the uterus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intrauterine ultrasound with a high-frequency miniature probe can depict the degree of cervical involvement of the disease. Thirty-two women with endometrial carcinoma underwent preoperative transvaginal and intrauterine sonography. By both scans, the degree of cervical involvement was prospectively evaluated. Sonograms were compared with the findings from histologic examination. Intrauterine sonography was completed in 30 of the 32 patients. In these 30 patients, the degree of cervical involvement (none, endocervical gland, or cervical stroma) based on transvaginal scan was correct in 23 cases (77%), and that based on intrauterine scan was correct in 26 cases (87%). Three tumors with endocervical glandular involvement were correctly diagnosed by intrauterine sonography, whereas they were incorrectly diagnosed by transvaginal scan. The specificity and positive predictive value of intrauterine sonography for the assessment of the presence of cervical stromal invasion are 100% (26/26 and 3/3, respectively). Although this study is preliminary, our experience with intrauterine sonography shows that it has potential for assessing cervical stromal invasion in endometrial carcinoma.