From SIR to SEAIRD: A novel data-driven modeling approach based on the Grey-box System Theory to predict the dynamics of COVID-19

Applied Intelligence - Common compartmental modeling for COVID-19 is based on a priori knowledge and numerous assumptions. Additionally, they do not systematically incorporate asymptomatic cases....     

Antioxidant Action of Borage, Rosemary, Oregano, and Ascorbic Acid in Beef Patties Packaged in Modified Atmosphere

ABSTRACT: Beef patties containing either ascorbic acid, rosemary, oregano, or borage were evaluated for storage stability at 2 ± 1 °C, by measuring a* and H* values, surface metmyoglobin, TBARS, psychrotrophic bacteria counts, and sensory off‐odor and discoloration. All of the antioxidants (except ascorbic acid) reduced (p < 0.01) TBARS formation, which was totally inhibited by borage. Myoglobin oxidation and color fading were inhibited (p < 0.01) by rosemary, oregano, and borage. Microbial growth showed insignificant differences among treatments. Sensory results showed that rosemary, oregano, and borage extended beef patties' shelf life from 8 to 12 d, while rosemary plus ascorbic acid extended shelf life an additional 4‐d period.     

The effects of ascorbic acid, taurine, carnosine and rosemary powder on colour and lipid stability of beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere

This research was aimed at evaluating the inhibition of oxidative changes of beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere (70% O₂+20% CO₂+10% N₂) by natural antioxidants: ascorbic acid (500 ppm), taurine (50 mM), carnosine (50 mM), rosemary powder (1000 ppm) and their combinations with the first. Beef patties stored at 2±1°C for 20 days were evaluated for colour (L*, a*, b*, C* and H*), TBARS, metmyoglobin formation (% of total myoglobin), psychrotrophic microbial counts and sensory odour and discolouration. Rosemary, either alone or with ascorbic acid, was highly effective in inhibiting both metmyoglobin formation and lipid oxidation; sensory analysis was in agreement with these results. Ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid+taurine and ascorbic acid+carnosine treatments showed a limited inhibitory effect of myoglobin oxidation, while carnosine and carnosine+ascorbic acid were effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation. Taurine alone failed to exert any antioxidant effect. Principal components analysis confirmed these results.     

Birefringence properties of magneto-optic rib waveguide as a function of refractive index

We report on the theoretical study of magneto optical rib waveguides with two kinds of silica type matrix doped by magnetic nanoparticles and made by sol–gel process (SiO₂/ZrO₂ film or SiO₂/TiO₂). The mode propagation and the light confinement are simulated using software based on a Film Mode Matching method. The modeling is based on geometrical adjustments of the rib waveguide. We propose from those results magneto optical waveguide geometries for optical integrated applications.     

Transport phenomena effect on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)

The aim of this work is to present a two-dimensional transient model, of heat and mass transfer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The model includes various conservation equations such as mass (hydrogen, oxygen, water concentration), Momentum and energy equations this model is combined with the electrochemical model.     

One dimensional transient numerical study of the mass heat and charge transfer in a proton exchange membrane for PEMFC

The objective of our study is to quantify the mass water transferred by various modes: diffusion, convection and migration. For the water transfer, the principal forces considered in the model are, the convection force, the osmotic force (i.e. diffusion) and the electric force (migration). The first of these forces results from a pressure gradient, the second of a concentration gradient and the third of a protons' migration from the anode to the cathode, which has an effect on the dipole of the water molecules (resistance force to the advancement). The numerical tool used to solve the equations' system is the finite element method. The results obtained numerically considering this method are concentration profiles and concentration variation with time and membrane thickness. These results illustrate the contribution of each mass transfer mode.     

Hydroxyapatite growth on multiwall carbon nanotubes grown on titanium fibers from a titanium sheet

Nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) was grown on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) deposited on TiO₂ nanofibers (NFs) that were hydrothermally grown on Ti metal sheets. The HA was electrochemically grown on the MWCNTs/TiO₂ porous layer. It was found that the HA grows on the MWCNTs/TiO₂ NFs in the form of dense coating with nanorice grain-shaped. The incorporation of MWCNTs between HA and TiO₂ NFs has led to higher adhesion strength as measured by micro-scratching test indicating the benefit of MWCNTs on the improving the bonding strength of HA layer. The obtained coatings exhibit excellent corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid. It is expected that this simple route for preparing the new HA/MWCNTs/TiO₂/Ti-layered structure might be used not only in the biomedical field, but also in catalysis and biological sensing among others.