Gruppo CLAS (Italy)

This study investigates the effectiveness of analytical techniques-electronic nose (e-nose), headspace (HS) analysis by solid phase micro extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and Fourier-transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy-in detecting quality changes in ground coffee exposed to accelerated conditions, including elevated oxygen levels, relative humidity, and temperature. The goal is to assess how these techniques could be complementary to sensory analysis to provide a comprehensive evaluation of coffee aging and quality deterioration. Sensory analysis revealed a decline in attributes such as body, odor intensity, aftertaste, and aroma intensity over time and at higher temperatures, while oxidative notes and astringency increased. Bitterness and acidity were also intensified under accelerated aging. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis showed a reduction in volatile compounds during storage, with high temperatures accelerating this loss. E-nose data reflected a rapid decline in sensor signals for aromatic and sulphur-containing compounds, indicating significant aroma degradation. FT-NIR analysis identified variations in moisture, carbohydrate, and lipid content between fresh and aged samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) of combined sensory and instrumental data revealed that fresh samples were associated with higher volatile levels and more favourable sensory characteristics, whereas aged samples exhibited greater bitterness, acidity, and oxidation. Mid-level data fusion confirmed consistent trends across techniques, enhancing the interpretation of quality changes. These findings underscore the complementarity of instrumental and sensory methods to monitor the aging process of ground coffee and ensure product quality over time.

Abstract In this article, we present the study for the reclassification of the variability of the star CzeV961 by SSV-UAI-GRAV, classified by Variable Star Index as an EW eclipsing binary. In the same field of observation, there were two variable stars already discovered by Gaia but of an undefined type. In examining the comparison stars for our study, we then discovered a new variable star that had not yet been classified. The star CzeV961 turned out to be a Gamma Doradus variable star, like the two Gaia stars, while the newly discovered variable turned out to be an RS Canum Venaticorum type star.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) are crucial for the practical application of Digital Twins (DT) in industrial environments. DT facilitate enhanced modelling, forecasting, and optimisation of assets and processes, while MLOps ensure resilient, reliable, and continuously updated models. This paper proposes an industrial-grade DT example for the manufacturing industry, utilising cloud/edge-based AI technologies from the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. Data handling and ML model training are performed at the cloud layer, while models are deployed and maintained at the edge. To enhance interoperability and portability, trained ML models are converted into lightweight and portable models using the Open Neural Network Exchange format (ONNX) standard. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) are performed on an industrial edge device using GitHub Actions. REST APIs are implemented using standard HTTP methods to manage the IoT Central edge manifest. In-the-field experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our DT prototype in a specific industrial use case.

ABSTRACT Space use and movement are fundamental aspects of organisms' ecology, mirroring individual fitness, behavior, and life‐history strategies. These mechanisms are shaped by environmental heterogeneity, which often makes it difficult to understand these dynamics. Subterranean habitats are simplified and understudied environments, potentially ideal for evaluating the fine‐scale spatial ecology of organisms. Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods allow us to investigate animal space use and movement, including spatially explicit observation data on individuals, to assess the relationship between population dynamics and landscape ecology. In this context, we assessed individual interactions, movement ecology, and activity patterns of a subterranean population of the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii , applying SCR modeling to a photographic capture–recapture dataset of 104 identified individuals (43 males, 35 females and 26 subadults). Analysis of overlap indices showed that the proportion of males' home range (HR) was more covered by females' HR than vice versa ( U = 25, p = 0.038). During the monitoring, females traveled longer distances in less time than males (0.60 vs. 0.22 m/day). Finally, salamanders tended to be more active during summer periods, showing a preference for the inner sectors of the cave and rougher cave walls. Combining the analysis of spatially explicit capture history (overlap and movement estimates) and SCR (activity pattern, sex‐specific density and space use), we enlightened new features and confirmed previous knowledge of the spatial ecology of S. strinatii . Our study demonstrates how structured capture–recapture data can be used to infer individual interactions and movement in low‐complexity habitats and is open to the application of SCR methods in more complex environments for revealing finer‐scale ecological variation with important conservation implications.

Abstract We study a market with non-iid returns linked to an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and a market factor. Motivated by empirical evidence, we assume that the investor does not know which part of the return is due to the ESG component, unless he pays a cost. The approach is consistent with risk premia on green assets greater or lower than the ones on market-only related assets. We provide conditions on the persistence, weight and estimation error in the ESG factor, to optimally invest in ESG-assets. By calibrating the model to the German twin Govies 2020–2024, we separate the ESG from the market risk factor and provide conditions for the greenium to be negative. We show that it is rational to invest in green bonds if information costs are below 0.07 bps per day, to abstain if they are greater. Investing in the green German bond without getting informed is always suboptimal.

To evaluate (1) Audiological and surgical outcomes in patients with otosclerosis following cochlear implantation. (2) surgical difficulties and outcomes between both groups. (3) Audiological outcomes between both groups. Retrospective study conducted at Otology and Skull Base Surgery Center. Data were analyzed from 111 patients with otosclerosis (114 ears) who underwent cochlear implant surgery using the cochlear implant database. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, and operated ear), auditory outcomes, and operative details (extent of cochlear ossification, surgical approach [posterior tympanotomy or subtotal petrosectomy], electrode insertion [partial/complete, scala tympani or vestibuli], and complications) were analyzed Auditory outcomes were assessed over at least one year follow-up period using pure tone audiometry and speech discrimination scores. Patients were divided into two groups (with and without cochlear ossification) to compare auditory outcomes and surgical outcomes. The mean age of patients with ossified and non-ossified cochlea was 60.04 and 62.22years respectively. Sixty-five of 114 ears had cochlear ossification, with complete round window involvement in 75.4% of these patients, while the rest had partial or complete basal turn ossification. Subtotal petrosectomy was performed in 63.1% and 28.6% of ossified and non-ossified cochlea respectively while the rest underwent cochlear implantation through posterior tympanotomy. Only one case had scala vestibuli insertion and four had incomplete electrode insertion. Six patients underwent re-implantation due to infection, device failure, and erosion of the posterior canal wall. Auditory outcomes among patients with ossified otosclerosis were slightly better than those without ossification but this difference was not statistically significant. Cochlear implantation for otosclerosis yields excellent auditory outcomes with a low rate of surgical complications, despite the high incidence of cochlear ossification.

The most important factor in determining coffee quality and consumer choice is the flavour. During roasting, hundreds of simultaneous chemical reactions take place that contribute to the formation of the basic flavour of the coffee drink, imparting bitterness, astringency and acidity. The main chemical compounds responsible for these qualitative sensory properties are chlorogenic acids (CQAs), hydroxycinnamic acids and alkaloids. However, during storage, roasted and ground coffee can undergo several chemical and physical reactions that alter its flavour. This study focuses on LC-DAD analysis to investigate the effects of storing commercial coffee blends in different packaging, namely standard (multilayer film with aluminium barrier) and Eco-capsules. The results show relative stability of the phenolic and alkaloid fractions, although the CQA isomers behave differently and a decrease in caffeine and caffeic acid is observed during prolonged storage under 75% relative humidity compared to 65%, especially in Eco-friendly packaging.