bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Evaluation of the Multifunctional DPP-IV and ACE Inhibitory Effect of Soybean and Pea Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Bollati Carlotta , Xu Ruoxian , Boschin Giovanna , Bartolomei Martina , Rivardo Fabrizio , Li Jianqiang , Arnoldi Anna , Lammi Carmen
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, notwithstanding their nutritional and technological properties, food bioactive peptides from plant sources garner increasing attention for their ability to impart more than one beneficial effect on human health. Legumes, which stand out thanks to their high protein content, represent valuable sources of bioactive peptides. In this context, this study focused on the characterization of the potential pleotropic activity of two commercially available soybean (SH) and pea (PH) protein hydrolysates, respectively. Since the biological activity of a specific protein hydrolysate is strictly correlated with its chemical composition, the first aim of the study was to identify the compositions of the SH and PH peptides. Peptidomic analysis revealed that most of the identified peptides within both mixtures belong to storage proteins. Interestingly, according to the BIOPEP-UWM database, all the peptides contain more than one active motive with known inhibitory angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl-dipeptidases (DPP)-IV sequences. Indeed, the results indicated that both SH and PH inhibit DPP-IV and ACE activity with a dose-response trend and IC50 values equal to 1.15 ± 0.004 and 1.33 ± 0.004 mg/mL, and 0.33 ± 0.01 and 0.61 ± 0.05 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, both hydrolysates reduced the activity of DPP-IV and ACE enzymes which are expressed on the surface of human intestinal Caco-2 cells. These findings clearly support that notion that SH and PH may represent new ingredients with anti-diabetic and hypotensive effects for the development of innovative multifunctional foods and/or nutraceuticals for the prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Malnutrition Screening and Assessment
Authors: Serón-Arbeloa Carlos , Labarta-Monzón Lorenzo , Puzo-Foncillas José , Mallor-Bonet Tomas , Lafita-López Alberto , Bueno-Vidales Néstor , Montoro-Huguet Miguel
Published: June 2022

Malnutrition is a serious problem with a negative impact on the quality of life and the evolution of patients, contributing to an increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay, mortality, and health spending. Early identification is fundamental to implement the necessary therapeutic actions, involving adequate nutritional support to prevent or reverse malnutrition. This review presents two complementary methods of fighting malnutrition: nutritional screening and nutritional assessment. Nutritional risk screening is conducted using simple, quick-to-perform tools, and is the first line of action in detecting at-risk patients. It should be implemented systematically and periodically on admission to hospital or residential care, as well as on an outpatient basis for patients with chronic conditions. Once patients with a nutritional risk are detected, they should undergo a more detailed nutritional assessment to identify and quantify the type and degree of malnutrition. This should include health history and clinical examination, dietary history, anthropometric measurements, evaluation of the degree of aggression determined by the disease, functional assessment, and, whenever possible, some method of measuring body composition.
Improving Dietary Intake of Essential Nutrients Can Ameliorate Inflammation in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Basiri Raedeh , Spicer Maria , Levenson Cathy , Ledermann Thomas , Akhavan Neda , Arjmandi Bahram
Published: June 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are classified as chronic wounds and are one of the most common complications of diabetes. In chronic wounds, management of inflammation is a key step in treatment. Nutrition plays an important role in managing and controlling inflammation. This study evaluated the effects of nutrition supplementation and education on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with DFUs. Eligible patients with foot ulcers were randomly assigned to either a treatment (n = 15) or control group (n = 14). Both groups received standard care for wound treatment from the clinic; however, the treatment group was also provided with nutritional supplementation and education. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), and tristetraprolin (TTP), were evaluated at baseline and every four weeks, until complete wound closure had occurred or up to 12 weeks. The mean plasma concentration of IL6 significantly decreased in the treatment group (p = 0.001). The interaction between time and group was not statistically significant for the mean plasma concentrations of CRP, IL10, and TTP during the 12 weeks of the study. The results of this study showed the positive effects of nutritional intervention on controlling inflammation in DFU patients. More clinical trials with a larger population and longer duration of time are needed to confirm our results.
Dipeptide Extract Modulates the Oxi-Antioxidant Response to Intense Physical Exercise
Authors: Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka , Wawrzyniak-Gramacka Edyta , Książek Anna , Zagrodna Aleksandra , Kopeć Wiesław , Słowińska-Lisowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2022

Exposure to intense physical exercise increases reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. The process can be modulated by dipeptide bioavailability with antioxidant scavenger properties. The effects of dipeptide intake in combination with physical exercise on the oxi-antioxidant response were examined in a randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Blood samples were collected from 20 males aged 21.2 ± 1.8 years before and after 14-day intake of chicken breast extract (4 g/day), which is a good source of bioactive dipeptides. A significant increase in the NO/H2O2 ratio was observed in the 1st and 30th minute after intense incremental exercise in dipeptides compared to the placebo group. Total antioxidant and thiol redox status were significantly higher in the dipeptide group both before and after exercise; η2 ≥ 0.64 showed a large effect of dipeptides on antioxidant and glutathione status. The level of 8-isoprostanes, markers of oxidative damage, did not change under the influence of dipeptides. By contrast, reduced C-reactive protein levels were found during the post-exercise period in the dipeptide group, which indicates the anti-inflammatory properties of dipeptides. High pre-exercise dipeptide intake enhances antioxidant status and thus reduces the oxi-inflammatory response to intense exercise. Therefore, the application of dipeptides seems to have favourable potential for modulating oxidative stress and inflammation in physically active individuals following a strenuous exercise schedule.
Swimming Suppresses Cognitive Decline of HFD-Induced Obese Mice through Reversing Hippocampal Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and BDNF Level
Authors: Zhang Hu , Liang Ji-Ling , Wu Qiu-Yue , Li Jin-Xiu , Liu Ya , Wu Liang-Wen , Huang Jie-Lun , Wu Xiao-Wen , Wang Ming-Hui , Chen Ning
Published: June 2022

Obesity is an important public health problem nowadays. Long-term obesity can trigger a series of chronic diseases and impair the learning and memory function of the brain. Current studies show that scientific exercise can effectively improve learning and memory capacity, which also can provide benefits for obese people. However, the underlying mechanisms for the improvement of cognitive capacity under the status of obesity still need to be further explored. In the present study, the obesity-induced cognition-declined model was established using 4-week-old mice continuously fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, and then the model mice were subjected to an 8-week swimming intervention and corresponding evaluation of relevant indicators, including cognitive capacity, inflammation, insulin signal pathway, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), and apoptosis, for exploring potential regulatory mechanisms. Compared with the mice fed with regular diets, the obese mice revealed the impairment of cognitive capacity; in contrast, swimming intervention ameliorated the decline in cognitive capacity of obese mice by reducing inflammatory factors, inhibiting the JNK/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signal pathway, and activating the PGC-1α/BDNF signal pathway, thereby suppressing the apoptosis of neurons. Therefore, swimming may be an important interventional strategy to compensate for obesity-induced cognitive impairment.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Taenia multiceps Infection (Cerebral Coenurosis) in Small Ruminants in Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kibona Tito , Buza Joram , Shirima Gabriel , Lankester Felix , Ngongolo Kelvin , Hughes Ellen , Cleaveland Sarah , Allan Kathryn J.
Published: June 2022

Cerebral coenurosis is a fatal parasitic neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of goats and sheep. Despite the large population of sheep and goats in Africa, there is very little awareness about the scale or effects of the disease. A systematic review was conducted to bridge the gap in the current understanding of the epidemiology of Taenia multiceps coenurosis in Africa. A detailed literature search was conducted in EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Research4life (AGORA), and PubMed for studies in T. multiceps coenurosis in goats and sheep in Africa for the period spanning January 2000 to December 2019. The search identified 574 publications, of which only 11 studies were eligible, highlighting major gaps in reporting of this disease in Africa. Data were extracted and evidence synthesized in relation to prevalence and determinants for T. multiceps coenurosis. The descriptive summary statistics revealed a median (IQR) prevalence of coenurosis of 22.3% (range: 18.3–26.4 percent) for community based and 14.8% (range: 3.8–45.6) for abattoir-based studies. This high prevalence indicates that Taenia multiceps coenurosis is an important disease for small ruminant productivity in Africa. Knowledge of the determinants of prevalence could be used to inform preventive measures, including behaviour change among livestock keepers and those involved in livestock slaughter to break cycles of transmission between small ruminants and dogs.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Iron-Chelator, DIBI, against Multidrug-Resistant Canine Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: A Preliminary Study of Four Clinical Strains
Authors: Nocera Francesca Paola , Iovane Giuseppe , De Martino Luisa , Holbein Bruce E.
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important opportunistic pathogen causing various infections in dogs. Furthermore, it is an emerging zoonotic agent and both multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) as well as methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains represent an important therapeutic challenge to veterinary medicine and pose a potential threat to human health. We tested representative S. pseudintermedius clinical strains from dogs suffering from otitis externa for their susceptibilities to a panel of 17 antimicrobials compared to DIBI. DIBI, unlike antibiotics, is a novel water-soluble hydroxypyridinone-containing iron-chelating agent that deprives microbes of growth-essential iron and has been previously shown to inhibit methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also characterised the strains according to whether they harbour key antibiotic resistance genes. The strains each displayed multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns; all were negative for the mecA gene and possessed the tetK and tetM genes, but they varied as to their possession of the ermB gene. However, all the isolates had similar susceptibility to DIBI with low MICs (2 µg/mL or 0.2 µM). Because the four MSSPs were equally susceptible to DIBI, subject to confirmation with additional strains, this could provide a potential non-antibiotic, anti-infective alternative approach for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant canine S. pseudintermedius otitis.
A Whole Genome Sequencing-Based Epidemiological Investigation of a Pregnancy-Related Invasive Listeriosis Case in Central Italy
Authors: Russini Valeria , Spaziante Martina , Varcasia Bianca Maria , Diaconu Elena Lavinia , Paolillo Piermichele , Picone Simonetta , Brunetti Grazia , Mattia Daniela , De Carolis Angela , Vairo Francesco , Bossù Teresa , Bilei Stefano , De Marchis Maria Laura
Published: June 2022

Listeriosis is currently the fifth most common foodborne disease in Europe. Most cases are sporadic; however, outbreaks have also been reported. Compared to other foodborne infections, listeriosis has a modest incidence but can cause life-threatening complications, especially in elderly or immunocompromised people and pregnant women. In the latter case, the pathology can be the cause of premature birth or spontaneous abortion, especially if the fetus is affected during the first months of gestation. The causative agent of listeriosis, Listeria monocytogenes, is characterized by the innate ability to survive in the environment and in food, even in adverse conditions and for long periods. Ready-to-eat food represents the category most at risk for contracting listeriosis. This study presents the result of an investigation carried out on a case of maternal-fetal transmission of listeriosis which occurred in 2020 in central Italy and which was linked, with a retrospective approach, to other cases residing in the same city of the pregnant woman. Thanks to the use of next-generation sequencing methodologies, it was possible to identify an outbreak of infection, linked to the consumption of ready-to-eat sliced products sold in a supermarket in the investigated city.
Identification of the Causal Agent of Brown Leaf Spot on Kiwifruit and Its Sensitivity to Different Active Ingredients of Biological Fungicides
Authors: Chen Jia , Ran Fei , Shi Jinqiao , Chen Tingting , Zhao Zhibo , Zhang Zhuzhu , He Linan , Li Wenzhi , Wang Bingce , Chen Xuetang , Wang Weizhen , Long Youhua
Published: June 2022

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) is an important commercial crop in China, and the occurrence of diseases may cause significant economic loss in its production. In the present study, a new pathogen that causes brown leaf spot disease on kiwifruit was reported. The fungus was isolated from an infected sample and identified as Fusarium graminearum based on morphological and molecular evaluation. Koch’s postulates were confirmed when the pathogen was re-isolated from plants with artificially induced symptoms and identified as F. graminearum. Based on the biological characteristics of the pathogen, it was determined that: its optimal growth temperature was 25 °C; optimal pH was 7; most suitable carbon source was soluble starch; most suitable nitrogen source was yeast powder; and best photoperiod was 12 h light/12 h dark. Further investigations were conducted by determining 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of several active ingredients of biological fungicides against F. graminearum. The results showed that among the studied fungicides, tetramycin and honokiol had the highest antifungal activity against this pathogen. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of brown leaf spot disease on kiwifruit.
Phylogenetic Characterization and Genome Sequence Analysis of Burkholderia glumae Strains Isolated in Thailand as the Causal Agent of Rice Bacterial Panicle Blight
Authors: Jungkhun Nootjarin , Gomes de Farias Antonio Roberto , Watcharachaiyakup Jutatape , Kositcharoenkul Nuttima , Ham Jong Hyun , Patarapuwadol Sujin
Published: June 2022

Burkholderia glumae is one of the most critical rice-pathogenic bacteria, and it causes bacterial panicle blight (BPB) in rice plants. In 2017, BPB symptoms were observed from rice fields in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. Sixty-one isolates obtained from the symptomatic panicles of rice were initially identified as B. glumae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers. Among them, six selected strains isolated from the susceptible japonica rice cultivar DOA2 were characterized in terms of morpho-physiology, pathology, phylogenetics, and genomics. Our genome sequence analysis of the six selected strains revealed the presence of multiple prophages, which may reflect the high level of diversity in this bacterial species through dynamic horizontal gene transfer processes, including phage infection. This notion was supported by the results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, which showed the formation of several subgroups not related to the years of isolation or the geographical origins. This study reports the isolation of B. glumae as the causal pathogen of BPB disease in japonica rice in Thailand and provides genomic resources to better understand the biology and diversity of this plant pathogenic bacterium. Further studies with a vast collection of B. glumae strains from various rice-growing regions around the world are needed to elucidate the evolution, variability, and lifestyle of the pathogen.
Will the Use of Pharmacogenetics Improve Treatment Efficiency in COVID-19?
Authors: Franczyk Beata , Rysz Jacek , Miłoński Jarosław , Konecki Tomasz , Rysz-Górzyńska Magdalena , Gluba-Brzózka Anna
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a global health crisis and the greatest challenge for scientists and doctors. The virus causes severe acute respiratory syndrome with an outcome that is fatal in more vulnerable populations. Due to the need to find an efficient treatment in a short time, there were several drugs that were repurposed or repositioned for COVID-19. There are many types of available COVID-19 therapies, including antiviral agents (remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, oseltamivir), antibiotics (azithromycin), antiparasitics (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone). A combination of antivirals with various mechanisms of action may be more efficient. However, the use of some of these medicines can be related to the occurrence of adverse effects. Some promising drug candidates have been found to be ineffective in clinical trials. The knowledge of pharmacogenetic issues, which translate into variability in drug conversion from prodrug into drug, metabolism as well as transport, could help to predict treatment efficiency and the occurrence of adverse effects in patients. However, many drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19 have not undergone pharmacogenetic studies, perhaps as a result of the lack of time.
Comparative Evaluation of Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge and Skills in Maternal and Child Health: Traditional versus Integrated Curriculum
Authors: Egieyeh Elizabeth Oyebola , Bheekie Angeni , van Huyssteen Mea , Coetzee Renier
Published: June 2022

Reducing maternal and child mortality is a health priority in South Africa. Therefore, health professional education should produce graduates that can meet these needs. This study compared the maternal and child health (MCH) knowledge and skills of cohorts of final-year students exposed to a traditional (in 2017 and 2018) and integrated (2019) curriculum using a 34-item questionnaire. Between the 2019 and 2017 cohorts, ANOVA and post hoc analysis showed significant differences in the reproductive and sexual health component which was dispersed in the second and final years of study (p = 0.007, Mean Difference (MD) = 8.3) andneonatal and child care (p = 0.000, MD = 15). while it was only in maternal and antenatal care (p = 0.009, MD = 10.0) for the 2019 and 2018 cohorts. Significant differences were observed in participants’ average mean scores (p = 0.000 for 2018 and 2017). The highest mean scores were recorded by the 2019 cohort in the three assessments. A one-sample t-test showed the highest mean differences in the reproductive and sexual health components (p = 0.000; MD 2017 = 12.4, MD 2018 = 14.8, MD 2019 = 20.7). Overall, the integrated MCH curriculum and the longitudinal dispersion of content enhanced students’ knowledge and skills.
A Relational Perspective on Collective Agency
Authors: Wang Yiyan , Stokhof Martin
Published: June 2022

The discussion of collective agency involves the reduction problem of the concept of a collective. Individualism and Cartesian internalism have long restricted orthodox theories and made them face the tension between an irreducible concept of a collective and ontological reductionism. Heterodox theories as functionalism and interpretationism reinterpret the concept of agency and accept it as realized on the level of a collective. In order to adequately explain social phenomena that have relations as their essence, in this paper we propose a relational, holistic account of collective agency and argue that functionalism and interpretationism can be integrated into such an account.
Photonic Bandgaps of One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals Containing Anisotropic Chiral Metamaterials
Authors: Wei Qian , Wu Jiaju , Guo Zhiwei , Xu Xiaotian , Xu Ke , Sun Yong , Li Yunhui , Jiang Haitao , Chen Hong
Published: June 2022

Conventional photonic bandgaps (PBGs) for linear polarization waves strongly depend on the incident angle. Usually, PBGs will shift toward short wavelengths (i.e., blue-shifted gaps) as the incident angle increases, which limits their applications. In some practices, the manipulation of PBGs for circular polarization waves is also important. Here, the manipulation of PBGs for circular polarization waves is theoretically investigated. We propose one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) containing anisotropic chiral metamaterials which exhibit hyperbolic dispersion for left circular polarization (LCP) wave and elliptical dispersion for right circular polarization (RCP) wave. Based on the phase variation compensation effect between anisotropic chiral metamaterials and dielectrics, we can design arbitrary PBGs including zero-shifted and red-shifted PBGs for LCP wave. However, the PBGs remain blue-shifted for RCP wave. Therefore, we can design a high-efficiency wide-angle polarization selector based on the chiral PBGs. Our work extends the manipulation of PBGs for circular polarization waves, which has a broad range of potential applications, including omnidirectional reflection, splitting wave and enhancing photonic spin Hall effect.
A 60 μm-Long Fiber-to-Chip Edge Coupler Assisted by Subwavelength Grating Structure with Ultralow Loss and Large Bandwidth
Authors: Xiao Yan , Xu Yin , Dong Yue , Zhang Bo , Ni Yi
Published: June 2022

Efficient fiber-to-chip coupling is a key issue in the field of integrated optics and photonics due to the lack of on-chip silicon light source at present. Here, we propose a silicon-based fiber-to-chip edge coupler by use of subwavelength grating (SWG)-assisted structure. The key conversion region is composed of a trident-shaped SWG in the center and two matched strip waveguides on both sides. To achieve high mode match between fiber mode and silicon waveguide mode and to realize low-loss transmission on-chip, we have divided the conversion region into three parts and determined their optimum dimensions. From results, the total device length is only 60 μm from input fiber to output silicon waveguide, and the insertion loss (IL) is as low as 0.23 dB at the wavelength of 1.55 μm. For the working bandwidth, its value can be enlarged to 240 nm (or 390 nm) by keeping IL < 1 dB (or 1.5 dB), which is quite promising for on-chip broadband devices. Based upon these advantages, we hope such a device could be applied in light coupling between optical fiber and on-chip silicon waveguide.
Comparative Evaluation of Biomedical Applications of Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized by Using Withania somnifera Plant Extracts
Authors: Kiani Bushra Hafeez , Haq Ihsan-ul- , Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Basheer Samra , Fatima Humaira , Naz Iffat , Ur-Rehman Tofeeq
Published: June 2022

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance in the modern health care system. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using leaf and root extracts of Withania somnifera using four different solvents. ZnONPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer with a range between 350–400 nm. Scanning electron microscope revealed spherical morphology with an overall size of 70–90 nm and XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline structure. The total flavonoids, phenolic, and alkaloid contents were significantly greater in the crude extracts as compared to ZnONPs. The highest scavenging activity was observed in ZnONPs from n-hexane and ethyl-acetate extracts of roots with IC50 values of 27.36 µg/mL and 39.44 µg/mL, respectively. ZnONPs from methanol and aqueous extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis while none of the extracts were found to have significant antifungal activity. Maximum cytotoxic activity was observed in ZnONPs synthesized from aqueous and n-hexane root extracts with LC50 values of 9.36 µg/mL and 18.84 µg/mL, respectively. The highest antidiabetic potential was exhibited by ZnONPs from n-hexane leaf extracts, i.e., 47.67 ± 0.25%. Maximum protein kinase inhibitory potential was observed in ZnONPs of ethyl-acetate extract of roots with a bald zone of 12 mm. These results indicated that Withania somnifera-based ZnONPs showed significant biological activities compared to crude extracts. These findings can further be utilized for in-vivo analysis of nano-directed drug delivery systems.
Evolutionary and Gene Expression Analyses Reveal New Insights into the Role of LSU Gene-Family in Plant Responses to Sulfate-Deficiency
Authors: Uribe Felipe , Henríquez-Valencia Carlos , Arenas-M Anita , Medina Joaquín , Vidal Elena A. , Canales Javier
Published: June 2022

LSU proteins belong to a plant-specific gene family initially characterized by their strong induction in response to sulfate (S) deficiency. In the last few years, LSUs have arisen as relevant hubs in protein–protein interaction networks, in which they play relevant roles in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Most of our knowledge on LSU genomic organization, expression and function comes from studies in Arabidopsis and tobacco, while little is known about the LSU gene repertoire and evolution of this family in land plants. In this work, a total of 270 LSU family members were identified using 134 land plant species with whole-genome sequences available. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LSU genes belong to a Spermatophyta-specific gene family, and their homologs are distributed in three major groups, two for dicotyledons and one group for monocotyledons. Protein sequence analyses showed four new motifs that further support the subgroup classification by phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of LSU genes in one representative species of each phylogenetic group (wheat, tomato and Arabidopsis) and found a conserved response to S deficiency, suggesting that these genes might play a key role in S stress responses. In summary, our results indicate that LSU genes belong to the Spermatophyta-specific gene family and their response to S deficiency is conserved in angiosperms.
Microwave-Assisted Water Extraction of Aspen (Populus tremula) and Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Barks as a Tool for Their Valorization
Authors: Pals Matiss , Lauberte Liga , Ponomarenko Jevgenija , Lauberts Maris , Arshanitsa Alexander
Published: June 2022

The barks of aspen (Populus tremula) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) are byproducts of wood processing, characterized by their low economic value. In the present study, microwave-assisted one-cycle water extraction was explored as a tool for the valorization of this biomass as a source of biologically active compounds. The microwave extractor of the original construction equipped with a pressurized extraction chamber and a condenser section was used. The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), specially including dynamic dielectric heating up to 70 °C followed by 30 min of isothermal heating, promoted the isolation of salicin from aspen bark, allowing for the obtention of a two-times-higher free salicin concentration in water extracts (−14% vs. 7%) reached by multi-cycle accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), which is an advanced technique used as a reference. The MAE of pine bark with dynamic heating up to 90–130 °C, avoiding the isothermal heating step, allowed for the obtention of a 1.7-times-higher concentration of proantocyanidin dimers-tetramers, a 1.3-times-higher concentration of catechin and a 1.2-times-higher concentration of quinic acid in water extracts in comparison to a more time- and solvent-consuming ASE performed at the same temperature. The biological activity of the obtained extracts was characterized in terms of their ability to inhibit xahntine oxidase enzyme, which is a validated target for the therapeutic treatment of hyperuricemia.
Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Agronomic Parameters of Three Plum Cultivars (Prunus salicina L.) under Semi-Arid Climate Conditions
Authors: Hajlaoui Hichem , Maatallah Samira , Guizani Monia , Boughattas Nour El Houda , Guesmi Anis , Ennajeh Mustapha , Dabbou Samia , Lopez-Lauri Félicie
Published: June 2022

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies may greatly contribute to save irrigation water, especially in low water availability conditions. The effects of RDI on the growth process, photosynthesis, fruit yield, and some quality traits were assessed for two years on three plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars (‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Gold’ and ‘Black Star’) grown in Midwest Tunisia. The experiment was conducted during two successive seasons (2011–2012). Two water regimes were applied per cultivar during the phase of fruit growth until fruit ripening. Stressed trees receive 50% of the amount of irrigation compared to controls (CI). Several eco-physiological parameters and some pomological criteria were measured, based on the climatic condition (ETo, ETc, and VDP). Results showed that the three cultivars had an aptitude for tolerance for moderate stress with varying degrees of response time to drought stress. Globally, a slight decrease in the gas exchange rate (AN and gs) and the water status (RWC, Ψmin, and Ψos) was registered. Tree yields, size and weight show a slight decrease under water stress. Nevertheless, there was an improvement in the total soluble solid content (SSC) and firmness in same cultivars. Our results proved that the Black Star cultivar was the most tolerant to deficit irrigation, in reason that it maintains a good water status and a high photosynthetic activity.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Common and Developmental Stage-Specific Genes That Respond to Low Nitrogen in Maize Leaves
Authors: Guo Song , Arshad Adnan , Yang Lan , Qin Yusheng , Mu Xiaohuan , Mi Guohua
Published: June 2022

A growing leaf can be divided into three sections: division zone, elongation zone, and maturation zone. In previous studies, low nitrogen (LN) inhibited maize growth and development, especially leaf growth; however, the gene expression in response to LN in different regions in leaf were not clear. Here, using hydroponics and a transcriptome approach, we systematically analyzed the molecular responses of those zones and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in response to LN supply. Developmental stage-specific genes (SGs) were highly stage-specific and involved in distinct biological processes. SGs from division (SGs–DZ) and elongation zones (SGs–EZ) were more related to developmentally dependent processes, whereas SGs of the maturation zone (SGs–MZ) were more related to metabolic processes. The common genes (CGs) were overrepresented in carbon and N metabolism, suggesting that rebalancing carbon and N metabolism in maize leaves under LN condition was independent of developmental stage. Coexpression modules (CMs) were also constructed in our experiment and a total of eight CMs were detected. Most of SGs–DZ and SGs–EZ were classified into a set termed CM turquoise, which was mainly enriched in ribosome and DNA replication, whereas several genes from SGs–MZ and CGs were clustered into CM blue, which mainly focused on photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Finally, a comprehensive coexpression network was extracted from CM blue, and several maize CONSTANS-LIKE(ZmCOL) genes seemed to participate in regulating photosynthesis in maize leaves under LN condition in a developmental stage-specific manner. With this study, we uncovered the LN-responsive CGs and SGs that are important for promoting plant growth and development under insufficient nitrogen supply.
Thermochemical Analysis of a Packed-Bed Reactor Using Finite Elements with FlexPDE and COMSOL Multiphysics
Authors: Taco-Vasquez Sebastian , Ron César A. , Murillo Herman A. , Chico Andrés , Arauz Paul G.
Published: June 2022

This work presents the thermochemical analysis of a packed-bed reactor via multi-dimensional CFD modeling using FlexPDE and COMSOL Multiphysics. The temperature, concentration, and reaction rate profiles for methane production following the Fischer–Tropsch (F-T) synthesis were studied. To this end, stationary and dynamic differential equations for mass and heat transfer were solved via the finite element technique. The transport equations for 1-D and 2-D models using FlexPDE consider dispersion models, where the fluid and the catalyst can be treated as either homogeneous or heterogenous systems depending on the gradient extents. On the other hand, the 3-D model obtained in COMSOL deems the transport equations incorporated in the Porous Media module. The aim was to compare the FlexPDE and COMSOL models, and to validate them with experimental data from literature. As a result, all models were in good agreement with experimental data, especially for the 2-D and 3-D dynamic models. In terms of kinetics, the predicted reaction rate profiles from the COMSOL model and the 2-D dynamic model followed the temperature trend, thus reflecting the temperature dependence of the reaction. Based on these findings, it was demonstrated that applying different approaches for the CFD modeling of F-T processes conducts reliable results.
Assessing the Risk of Hazards with Multidimensional Consequences for Industrial Processes
Authors: Ji Zuzhen , Su Hongxin , Wang Yuchen , Cao Yi , Yang Shuanghua
Published: June 2022

Risk assessment plays an important role in process safety. The result of the assessment is used to determine risk priorities and then develop preventions to reduce risks. A hazard may have multidimensional consequences, including loss of health and safety, asset loss, and environmental damage. Traditionally, these multidimensional consequences are often measured disjointedly. A comprehensive risk assessment would be conducted by many professionals from multiple areas. Each of these professionals uses different indicators to evaluate risks. The poor integration among risk indicators further confuses managers in the risk resilience and prevention development. In addition, this lacks a solid method for assessing the risk of hazards that with multidimensional consequences. The aim of the work is to develop a risk-measuring instrument using a newly proposed approach, the Risk Assessment for Hazards with Multidimensional Consequences (RAMC), which is developed based on the theory of quality of life (QOL), a theory from health management. RAMC uses the ‘diminished quality of life in organization safety’ (DQLOS) as a risk indicator to represent the level of risk exposure. The main results of the work show that the method of RAMC and the indicator ‘DQLOS’ are able to support practitioners to assess the risk of a hazard with multidimensional consequences and could be used to deliver reasonable risk control priorities. A case study associated with the coal-to-methanol gasification process is discussed for RAMC’s application and validation. The case study result also indicates that the DQLOS has the potential to assist the industry to design safe process systems and develop ongoing improvements in safety.
Process Study and Simulation for the Recovery of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4−heptafluorocyclopentane by Reactive Distillation
Authors: Mo Yue , Dong Li , Zhang Chengping , Quan Hengdao
Published: June 2022

In view of the problem that 1,1,2,2,3,3,4−heptafluorocyclopentane (F7A) is difficult to separate and recover when mixed with tert−amyl alcohol (TAA) for further application, leading to high cost, we designed a reactive distillation process, and conducted experimental research on the recycle effect of F7A, aiming to recycle F7A with high purity and yield from the used compound cleaning agents, thereby greatly reducing the cost. With zinc chloride as the catalyst, the dehydration reaction of TAA was carried out and the reaction kinetics were measured. Besides, the reaction kinetic equation was obtained by the correlation of experimental data. Investigations were also conducted on the effects of catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and reflux ratio on the conversion of TAA and the recovery of F7A. Based on the reaction kinetics and process optimization, the reactive distillation process for recovery of F7A was simulated to analyze the effects of stage number, feed stage, reflux ratio, and heat duty on the reactive distillation column. Under the optimized operating conditions, F7A with purity of 99.4% and recovery of 73.1% was obtained by the reactive distillation process.
Numerical Study on Primary Breakup of Disturbed Liquid Jet Sprays Using a VOF Model and LES Method
Authors: Liu Zhenming , Li Ziming , Liu Jingbin , Wu Jiechang , Yu Yusong , Ding Jiawei
Published: June 2022

In this study, the primary breakup of a high-speed diesel jet is investigated using a CFD methodology that combines an LES model with a VOF technique for free surface capture. Inner-nozzle turbulence and cavitation are simplified as the sinusoidal radial velocity with a given amplitude and frequency. The ligament and droplet formation process are captured, the liquid jet is disturbed by the radial velocity, and umbrella-shaped crests are created. Meanwhile, ligaments are formed from the edges of crests because of shear stress and surface tension. We investigate the effect on the characteristics of the surface wave and the liquid structure of different disturbance frequencies and amplitudes. The variation in the disturbance amplitude and frequency facilitates the formation of a variety of liquid structures, such as waves, upstream/downstream-directed bells, and droplet chains. Increasing the disturbance frequency reduces the growth rate of the surface waves of the liquid jet. With an increase in disturbance amplitude, the amplitude of surface waves evidently increases. Furthermore, as the disturbance frequency and amplitude increase, the thickness and Weber number of the radial liquid sheet decrease, and this causes the ligament diameter of the primary breakup to become small. Finally, the primary breakup time is investigated, and the time scale of the liquid jet primary breakup decreases as the disturbance amplitude increases, which indicates that an increase in the disturbance amplitude promotes the atomization of a disturbed liquid jet.
Spray Cooling Schemes and Temperature Field Analysis of Ultra-High-Temperature Production Wells in Underground Coal Gasification
Authors: Tang Yang , Xiong Haoyu , He Yin , Huang Shunxiao , Wang Yuan
Published: June 2022

In underground coal gasification (UCG), it is essential for UCG production to accurately control the temperature of the gas produced at the wellhead of the production well and correctly calculate the variation law of the temperature field in the whole wellbore. UCG wellbore structures use three wellbore sprayed water cooling schemes. These schemes consider the heat exchange mechanism between the wellbore and the formation, the division of the production wellbore into the spray chamber section and the non-spray section, and the established temperature field model of the whole wellbore. The research shows that, due to the large temperature gradient formed in the wellbore heat transfer route under the spray tubing water injection cooling scheme, the temperature of the produced gas drops the most. The annular water injection cooling scheme can protect the cement sheath to a certain extent and is easier to implement; therefore, it is more suitable to use this scheme to cool the production well. It is feasible to control the temperature of the production wellhead by controlling the temperature of the spray chamber. The greater the daily output of produced gas or the thermal conductivity of the tubing, the smaller the temperature change between the bottom hole and the wellhead, and the more the spray water temperature rises.
Shallow Fully Connected Neural Network Training by Forcing Linearization into Valid Region and Balancing Training Rates
Authors: Heo Jea Pil , Im Chang Gyu , Ryu Kyung Hwan , Sung Su Whan , Yoo Changkyoo , Yang Dae Ryook
Published: June 2022

A new supervisory training rule for a shallow fully connected neural network (SFCNN) is proposed in this present study. The proposed training rule is developed based on local linearization and analytical optimal solutions for linearized SFCNN. The cause of nonlinearity in neural network training is analyzed, and it is removed by local linearization. The optimal solution for the linearized SFCNN, which minimizes the cost function for the training, is analytically derived. Additionally, the training efficiency and model accuracy of the trained SFCNN are improved by keeping estimates within a valid range of the linearization. The superiority of the proposed approach is demonstrated by applying the proposed training rule to the modeling of a typical nonlinear pH process, Boston housing prices dataset, and automobile mileage per gallon dataset. The proposed training rule shows the smallest modeling error and the smallest iteration number required for convergence compared with several previous approaches from the literature for the case study.
Accurate Estimation of Tensile Strength of 3D Printed Parts Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jayasudha Murugan , Elangovan Muniyandy , Mahdal Miroslav , Priyadarshini Jayaraju
Published: June 2022

Manufacturing processes need optimization. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is not an exception. Consequently, 3D printing process parameters must be accurately calibrated to fabricate objects with desired properties irrespective of their field of application. One of the desired properties of a 3D printed object is its tensile strength. Without predictive models, optimizing the 3D printing process for achieving the desired tensile strength can be a tedious and expensive exercise. This study compares the effectiveness of the following five predictive models (i.e., machine learning algorithms) used to estimate the tensile strength of 3D printed objects: (1) linear regression, (2) random forest regression, (3) AdaBoost regression, (4) gradient boosting regression, and (5) XGBoost regression. First, all the machine learning models are tuned for optimal hyperparameters, which control the learning process of the algorithms. Then, the results from each machine learning model are compared using several statistical metrics such as 𝑅2, mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), maximum error, and median error. The XGBoost regression model is the most effective among the tested algorithms. It is observed that the five tested algorithms can be ranked as XG boost > gradient boost > AdaBoost > random forest > linear regression.
Improved Employee Safety Behavior Risk Assessment of the Train Operation Department Based on Grids
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Qi Changmao , Ma Mingyuan
Published: June 2022

In the train operation department, humans are the most important and dynamic element, and their safe behavior is directly related to the safety of railway transportation. How to accurately assess the safety behavior risk of on-site workers is an urgent problem to be solved. In risk practice, some scholars directly use the accident potential data to calculate the risk parameters, and the accuracy of the risk magnitude is greatly affected by the data quality. Second, the traditional two-dimensional matrix only considers two external factors, probability and severity, without an in-depth analysis of the inherent vulnerability of risk, resulting in low accuracy of risk assessment. With a focus on the hazard factor, this study proposes a three-dimensional risk assessment approach based on grid management to carry out a personalized risk assessment of grid events. Through the grid division, the method can accurately identify the risk events of employees in any cell grid at a certain moment in the “grids-events-time” three-dimensional coordinate system, providing modeling support for personalized risk assessment. Then, a “probability-severity-vulnerability” three-dimensional risk assessment model is constructed. In this model, the probability is obtained by the induced intensity assignment function of the hazard factor, the vulnerability is obtained by the coupling strength assignment function of the hazard factor, and the severity of a single risk event is given a constant value. On this basis, the risk magnitude is determined by the “sum” algorithm of the three risk parameters. This methodology solves the problems of incomplete consideration of risk parameters and insufficient accuracy of quantitative analysis of risk magnitude in the previous risk assessment process and realizes the personalized and dynamic assessment of risk events of the train operation department. Finally, the methodology is applied to the risk event assessment of “the assistant watchman does not appear as required” at Huangyangcheng station of the Shenshuo Railway, and the evaluation results show that the risk magnitude of different elements in the same cell grid has an obvious individual difference, which fully embodies the advantages of grid risk assessment.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of a Pharmaceutical Full-Scale Hydrogenation Reactor
Authors: Fernandes del Pozo David , Mc Namara Mairtin , Vitória Pessanha Bernardo J. , Baldwin Peter , Lauwaert Jeroen , Thybaut Joris W. , Nopens Ingmar
Published: June 2022

The pharmaceutical industry has been quite successful in developing new hydrogenation processes, and the chemistry of hydrogenation is currently well understood. However, it is a complex process to scale and optimize due to its high exothermicity, use of expensive catalysts and solvents, and its mass transfer requirements. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a CFD model to be able to describe the mass transfer, hydrodynamics, and mixing with respect to changes in rotational speed for a full-scale pharmaceutical hydrogenation reactor. In the first stage, a simple CFD model is used to predict the development of the surface vortex, and it is validated against literature data. In the second stage, the CFD model is tested on a full-scale configuration equipped with a Rushton turbine and a bottom kicker to study the formation of the surface vortex. Simulation results show the ability to predict the development of the surface vortex. These results are used to estimate the liquid height and mixing time as a function of several rotational speeds, allowing us to propose novel process correlations for this particular configuration. Although modelling the complete hydrogenation process would be challenging, this work is seen as a first step towards developing models that demonstrate the use of CFD at such large reactor scales.