A note on the properties of power-transformed returns in long-memory stochastic volatility models with leverage effect

The autocorrelation function (acf) of powered absolute returns and their cross-correlations with original returns are derived, for any value of the power parameter, in the context of long-memory stochastic volatility models with leverage effect and Gaussian noises. These autocorrelations and cross-correlations generalize and correct recent results on the acf of squared and absolute returns.     

Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Leaves: Nutrient Composition and Physiological Effects on Healthy Rats

Several studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contribute to protect against degenerative pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, mainly due to the presence of dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols. Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an edible aroid widely grown in many parts of Africa, America, and Asia. The tubers portions of taioba are widely consumed; however, the leafy portions are generally discarded, despite their high nutritive value. In this study, we have partly characterized the DF of lyophiized taioba leaf (LTL), and assessed the possible protective effects on biochemical parameters and on bile acid (BA) production in colon and cecum, when fed to healthy rats for 4 wk. Forty‐five Wistar rats were assigned to either of 5 groups: group 1 received AIN 93G diet (CG: Control); group 2 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% inulin (CEIN_5%); group 3 received AIN 93G containing 2.5% of cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_5%); group 4 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% taioba fiber (CETA_7.5%); group 5 received AIN 93G containing 5% cellulose + 2.5% of inulin (CEIN_7.5%). LTL showed high contents of total fiber, predominantly comprising insoluble DF with glucose as the major monomer. Rats receiving LTL had increased fecal mass and fat excretion, and improved BA profiles by diminishing the proportion of secondary acids, thus suggesting that consumption of taioba leaf may have the property of lowering the risk of colon cancer.     

Survival analysis methodology to predict the shelf-life of probiotic flavored yogurt

The feasibility of survival analysis methodology was used to determine the shelf-life of probiotic strawberry flavored yogurt supplemented with Bifidobacteirum animalis DN 173010 W was investigated. The quality parameters of probiotic yogurts were related to storage conditions which they are submitted. The consumers were shown sensitive to changes towards sensory characteristics introduced into the products. Using the survival analysis and considering 25% and 50% probability of consumer rejection, the shelf-life of the probiotic yogurt was estimated at 38 and 53 days, respectively. The findings of this research highlighted the feasibility this technique to determine the shelf-life of foods, in particular, functional foods, as probiotic yogurts.     

NiMo/C Used as Magnetic Support for SILP Catalysts

In this work, supported ionic liquid (IL) phases catalysts were prepared based on Pd dispersed in IL phases supported on magnetic particles of nickel/molybdenum covered with carbon (NiMo/C). The magnetic support was prepared via CVD method at 800 °C. XRD analysis showed the phases of metallic nickel and molybdenum carbide. The presence of carbon in these materials was confirmed by TEM/EDS and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) analysis. Pd particles were dispersed in 1 and 2.5 wt% of the IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIm·BF₄), which were immobilized on the support surface via impregnation method. TG analysis shows a weight loss between 300 and 420 °C attributed to the BMIm·BF₄, confirming the existence of IL on the support surface. The prepared materials were investigated in hydrogenations reactions of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and nitrobenzene, and the influence of IL on the activity and selectivity of these catalysts were observed. These materials have great potential for catalysis applications, because they bring together the advantages of the IL in the catalyst surface and the facility of magnetic materials separation.     

Colour assays: An inside look into Alentejo traditional limewash paintings and coloured lime mortars

A series of colour assays were conducted taking into account old bibliographic recommendations and oral testimony regarding traditional lime painting technology from the Alentejo (South Portugal) region. The main objectives were: (a) the colorimetric analysis of paintings made with different limewash preparation methods; (b) the comparison between natural processed red and yellows ochre pigments (“home made” and from industrial origin) and synthetic iron oxides in different concentrations and lime proportions; (c) the evaluation of the colorimetric CIELAB coordinates during the lime carbonation process in coloured mortars and limewashes. The results shows that the evolution of L*, a*, and b* during the carbonation process is independent of pigment concentration and paint thickness but dependent of pigment composition and finishing technique (lime painting or coloured mortar). They also emphasize the importance of surface appearance attributes and its influence on the colorimetric parameters. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 36, 61–71, 2011     

Activation of timber surfaces by flame and corona treatments to improve adhesion

Long-term durability of a structural adhesive joint is an important requirement, because it has to be able to support the required design loads, under service conditions, for the planed lifetime of the structure. One way of improving bond durability is through the use of surface treatments prior to bonding, which will activate the adherends’ surface, making it more receptive to the adhesive. In this study, the effects of two surface pre-treatments (corona discharge and flame ionization) on three timbers (maritime pine, iroko, and European oak) were evaluated quantitatively through contact angle measurements. These measurements allowed the determination of the changes in the timber surface thermodynamic characteristics, thus indicating which pre-treatment performed better. The results showed that both techniques increased each timber's surface free energy, which could translate into a durability enhancement of bonded joints. Overall, the corona-discharge treatment looks more promising, since this treatment leads to a bigger increase in the timber's surface energy, especially in its polar component, whilst also tended to be less species specific, less susceptible to variation, and the treatment effects lasted longer for this type of treatment.     

A tandem mass spectrometer for improved transmission and analysis of large macromolecular assemblies

We report the design and first applications of a tandem mass spectrometer (a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer) optimized for the transmission and analysis of large macromolecular assemblies. Careful control of the pressure gradient in the different pumping stages of the instrument has been found to be essential for the detection of macromolecular particles. Such assemblies are, however, difficult to analyze by tandem-MS approaches, because they give rise to signals above m/z 3,000-4,000, the limit for commercial quadrupoles. By reducing the frequency of the quadrupole to 300 kHz and using it as a narrow-band mass filter, we show that it is possible to isolate ions from a single peak at m/z 22,000 in a window as narrow as 22 m/z units. Using cesium iodide cluster signals, we show that the mass range in the time-of-flight (TOF) analyzer extends beyond m/z 90,000, in theory to more than m/z 150,000. We also demonstrate that the resolution of the instrument is greater than 3,000 at m/z 44,500. Tandem-MS capabilities are illustrated by separating components from heterooligomeric assemblies formed between tetrameric transthyretin, thyroxine, retinol-binding protein, and retinol. Isolation of a single charge state at m/z 5,340 in the quadrupole and subsequent collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the gas-filled collision cell leads to the formation of ions from individual subunits and subcomplexes, identified by their mass and charge in the TOF analyzer.     

Agile Practices Reduce Distance in Global Software Development

This article explores how agile practices can reduce three kinds of “distance” - temporal, geographical, and sociocultural - in global software development (GSD). On the basis of two in-depth case studies, specific Scrum and eXtreme Programming (XP) practices are found to be useful for reducing communication, coordination, and control problems that have been associated with GSD.     

Impact of understory vegetation on forest canopy reflectance and remotely sensed LAI estimates

Forest leaf area index (LAI), is an important variable in carbon balance models. However, understory vegetation is a recognized problem that limits the accuracy of satellite-estimated forest LAI. A canopy reflectance model was used to investigate the impact of the understory vegetation on LAI estimated from reflectance values estimated from satellite sensor data. Reflectance spectra were produced by the model using detailed field data as input, i.e. forest LAI, tree structural parameters, and the composition, distribution and reflectance of the forest floor. Common deciduous and coniferous forest types in southern Sweden were investigated. A negative linear relationship (r² = 0.6) was observed between field estimated LAI and the degree of understory vegetation, and the results indicated better agreement when coniferous and deciduous stands were analysed separately. The simulated spectra verified that the impact of the understory on the reflected signal from the top of the canopy is important; the reflectance values varying by up to ± 18% in the red and up to ± 10% in the near infra-red region of the spectra due to the understory. In order to predict the variation in LAI due to the understory vegetation, model inversions were performed where the input spectra were changed between the minimum, average and maximum reflectance values obtained from the forward runs. The resulting variation in LAI was found to be 1.6 units on average. The LAI of the understory could be predicted indirectly from simple stand data on forest characteristics, i.e. from allometric estimates, as an initial step in the process of estimating LAI. It is suggested here that compensation for the effect of the understory would improve the accuracy in the estimates of canopy LAI considerably.