bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Fiber Sensor with Stable Operating Point for AC Magnetic Field Measurement
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Wu Shengnan , Lin Huaguan , Liu Liu , Forsberg Erik , He Sailing
Published: July 2022

A novel alternating current (AC) magnetic field sensor that has a stable operating point and is insensitive to ambient temperature fluctuations is presented. The sensor is based on a high attenuation fiber Bragg grating (HAFBG) attached to a magnetostrictive rod. A stable operating point is achieved by regulating a heating laser based on a feedback algorithm that compensates the temperature fluctuations of the surrounding environment. Experimental results show that the sensor responds well to dynamic magnetic fields and is able to ensure a stable operating point in the range of at least 15 °C in an ambient temperature disturbance test. The ease of fabrication and excellent performance suggest that the proposed fiber sensor is suitable for practical AC magnetic field sensing applications, such as health monitoring of transformers and fault diagnosis of induction motors.
Global Attractivity of Symbiotic Model of Commensalism in Four Populations with Michaelis–Menten Type Harvesting in the First Commensal Populations
Authors: Xu Lili , Xue Yalong , Lin Qifa , Lei Chaoquan
Published: July 2022

This article revisits the stability property of a symbiotic model of commensalism with Michaelis–Menten type harvesting in the first commensal populations. By constructing some suitable Lyapunov functions, we provide a thorough analysis of the dynamic behaviors of the subsystem composed of the second and third species. After that, by applying the stability results of this subsystem and combining with the differential inequality theory, sufficient conditions which ensure the global attractivity of the equilibria are obtained. The results obtained here essentially improve and generalize some known results.
Milk Reduces Enamel Staining Caused by Black Tea and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
Authors: Pehlivanoğlu Bilgenur Şahin , Ereş Gülden
Published: July 2022

The aim of our study was to determine whether milk diminished the staining effects of Turkish and imported black tea with or without chlorhexidine. Human incisor teeth (n = 36) were incubated with 18 different preparations of steeped or infused black tea plus saliva with or without milk and/or chlorhexidine. Enamel staining was measured using a colorimeter before and after exposure. Independent of the type of tea, the inclusion of milk changed the tooth color toward blue on the yellow–blue spectrum (p < 0.001) and toward black on the black–white spectrum (p < 0.001). The inclusion of chlorhexidine changed the tooth color toward white on the black–white spectrum (p < 0.01) and toward yellow on the yellow–blue spectrum (p < 0.001). The inclusion of both milk and chlorhexidine caused a yellow color difference (Δb*= 0.244); this change was reduced with the addition of chlorhexidine only (Δb* = 0.8224). Tea plus chlorhexidine exerted a substantial color change. Milk reduces the staining caused by tea, and the color change induced by the addition of milk can be interpreted as optical white. Milk also neutralizes some of the yellow staining caused by chlorhexidine.
Myocyte Culture with Decellularized Skeletal Muscle Sheet with Observable Interaction with the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Nakada Satoshi , Yamashita Yuri , Akiba Seiya , Shima Takeru , Arikawa-Hirasawa Eri
Published: July 2022

In skeletal muscles, muscle fibers are highly organized and bundled within the basement membrane. Several microfabricated substrate models have failed to mimic the macrostructure of native muscle, including various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Therefore, we developed and evaluated a system using decellularized muscle tissue and mouse myoblasts C2C12 to analyze the interaction between native ECM and myocytes. Chicken skeletal muscle was sliced into sheets and decellularized to prepare decellularized skeletal muscle sheets (DSMS). C2C12 was then seeded and differentiated on DSMS. Immunostaining for ECM molecules was performed to examine the relationship between myoblast adhesion status, myotube orientation, and collagen IV orientation. Myotube survival in long-term culture was confirmed by calcein staining. C2C12 myoblasts adhered to scaffolds in DSMS and developed adhesion plaques and filopodia. Furthermore, C2C12 myotubes showed orientation along the ECM orientation within DSMS. Compared to plastic dishes, detachment was less likely to occur on DSMS, and long-term incubation was possible. This culture technique reproduces a cell culture environment reflecting the properties of living skeletal muscle, thereby allowing studies on the interaction between the ECM and myocytes.
Confocal Characterization of Intestinal Dendritic Cells from Myxines to Teleosts
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Capillo Gioele , Fumia Angelo , Messina Emmanuele , Albano Marco , Aragona Marialuisa , Lo Cascio Patrizia , Spanò Nunziacarla , Pergolizzi Simona , Lauriano Eugenia Rita
Published: July 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that regulate the beginning of adaptive immune responses. The mechanisms of tolerance to antigens moving through the digestive tract are known to be regulated by intestinal DCs. Agnatha and Gnathostoma are descendants of a common ancestor. The Ostracoderms gave rise to Cyclostomes, whereas the Placoderms gave rise to Chondrichthyes. Sarcopterygii and Actinopterygii are two evolutionary lines of bony fishes. Brachiopterygii and Neopterygii descend from the Actinopterygii. From Neopterygii, Holostei and Teleostei evolved. Using immunohistochemistry with TLR-2, Langerin/CD207, and MHC II, this study aimed to characterize intestinal DCs, from myxines to teleosts. The findings reveal that DCs are positive for the antibodies tested, highlighting the presence of DCs and DC-like cells phylogenetically from myxines, for the first time, to teleosts. These findings may aid in improving the level of knowledge about the immune system’s evolution and these sentinel cells, which are crucial to the body’s defense.
The Glucose Sensitivity of Insulin Secretion-Lessons from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Mice
Authors: Ahrén Bo
Published: July 2022

This study explored the relationship between the glucose dose and insulin response from beta cells in vivo and in vitro in mice. Glucose was administered intravenously at different dose levels (from 0 to 0.75 g/kg) in anesthetized C57BL/6J mice, and the glucose and insulin concentrations were determined in samples taken after 50 min. Furthermore, freshly isolated mouse islets were incubated for 60 min in the presence of different concentrations of glucose (from 2.8 to 22.2 mmol/L) and insulin levels were analyzed in the medium. It was found that insulin levels increased after an intravenous injection of glucose with the maximal increase seen after 0.35 g/kg with no further increase after 0.5 or 0.75 g/kg. The acute increase in insulin levels (during the first 5 min) and the maximum glucose level (achieved after 1 min) showed a curvilinear relation with the half-maximal increase in insulin levels achieved at 11.4 mmol/L glucose and the maximal increase in insulin levels at 22.0 mmol/L glucose. In vitro, there was also a curvilinear relation between glucose concentrations and insulin secretion. Half maximal increase in insulin concentrations was achieved at 12.5 mmol/L glucose and the maximal increase in insulin concentrations was achieved at 21.5 mmol/L. Based on these data, we concluded that the glucose-insulin relation was curvilinear both in vivo and in vitro in mice with similar characteristics in relation to which glucose levels that achieve half-maximal and maximal increases in insulin secretion. Besides the new knowledge of knowing these relations, the results have consequences on how to design studies on insulin secretion to obtain the most information.
The Role of Hsp90 in Retinal Proteostasis and Disease
Authors: Ziaka Kalliopi , van der Spuy Jacqueline
Published: July 2022

Photoreceptors are sensitive neuronal cells with great metabolic demands, as they are responsible for carrying out visual phototransduction, a complex and multistep process that requires the exquisite coordination of a large number of signalling protein components. Therefore, the viability of photoreceptors relies on mechanisms that ensure a well-balanced and functional proteome that maintains the protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, of the cell. This review explores how the different isoforms of Hsp90, including the cytosolic Hsp90α/β, the mitochondrial TRAP1, and the ER-specific GRP94, are involved in the different proteostatic mechanisms of photoreceptors, and elaborates on Hsp90 function when retinal homeostasis is disturbed. In addition, several studies have shown that chemical manipulation of Hsp90 has significant consequences, both in healthy and degenerating retinae, and this can be partially attributed to the fact that Hsp90 interacts with important photoreceptor-associated client proteins. Here, the interaction of Hsp90 with the retina-specific client proteins PDE6 and GRK1 will be further discussed, providing additional insights for the role of Hsp90 in retinal disease.
Review of Drug Therapy for Peripheral Facial Nerve Regeneration That Can Be Used in Actual Clinical Practice
Authors: Choi Soo Young , Kim Jung Min , Jung Junyang , Park Dong Choon , Yoo Myung Chul , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Sang Hoon , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: July 2022

Although facial nerve palsy is not a life-threatening disease, facial asymmetry affects interpersonal relationships, causes psychological stress, and devastates human life. The treatment and rehabilitation of facial paralysis has many socio-economic costs. Therefore, in cases of facial paralysis, it is necessary to identify the cause and provide the best treatment. However, until now, complete recovery has been difficult regardless of the treatment used in cases of complete paralysis of unknown cause and cutting injury of the facial nerve due to disease or accident. Therefore, this article aims to contribute to the future treatment of facial paralysis by reviewing studies on drugs that aid in nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve damage.
Novel Endometrial Cancer Models Using Sensitive Metastasis Tracing for CXCR4-Targeted Therapy in Advanced Disease
Authors: Medina-Gutiérrez Esperanza , Céspedes María Virtudes , Gallardo Alberto , Rioja-Blanco Elisa , Pavón Miquel Àngel , Asensio-Puig Laura , Farré Lourdes , Alba-Castellón Lorena , Unzueta Ugutz , Villaverde Antonio , Vázquez Esther , Casanova Isolda , Mangues Ramon
Published: July 2022

Advanced endometrial cancer (EC) lacks therapy, thus, there is a need for novel treatment targets. CXCR4 overexpression is associated with a poor prognosis in several cancers, whereas its inhibition prevents metastases. We assessed CXCR4 expression in EC in women by using IHC. Orthotopic models were generated with transendometrial implantation of CXCR4-transduced EC cells. After in vitro evaluation of the CXCR4-targeted T22-GFP-H6 nanocarrier, subcutaneous EC models were used to study its uptake in tumor and normal organs. Of the women, 91% overexpressed CXCR4, making them candidates for CXCR4-targeted therapies. Thus, we developed CXCR4+ EC mouse models to improve metastagenesis compared to current models and to use them to develop novel CXCR4-targeted therapies for unresponsive EC. It showed enhanced dissemination, especially in the lungs and liver, and displayed 100% metastasis penetrance at all clinically relevant sites with anti-hVimentin IHC, improving detection sensitivity. Regarding the CXCR4-targeted nanocarrier, 60% accumulated in the SC tumor; therefore, selectively targeting CXCR4+ cancer cells, without toxicity in non-tumor organs. Our CXCR4+ EC models will allow testing of novel CXCR4-targeted drugs and development of nanomedicines derived from T22-GFP-H6 to deliver drugs to CXCR4+ cells in advanced EC. This novel approach provides a therapeutic option for women with metastatic, high risk or recurrent EC that have a dismal prognosis and lack effective therapies.
Differential Refractometric Biosensor for Reliable Human IgG Detection: Proof of Concept
Authors: Mendes João P. , Coelho Luís C. C. , Jorge Pedro A. S. , Pereira Carlos M.
Published: July 2022

A new sensing platform based on long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) for direct, fast, and selective detection of human immunoglobulin G (IgG; Mw = 150 KDa) was developed and characterized. The transducer’s high selectivity is based on the specific interaction of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) design for IgG detection. The sensing scheme is based on differential refractometric measurements, including a correction system based on a non-imprinted polymer (NIP)-coated LPFG, allowing reliable and more sensitive measurements, improving the rejection of false positives in around 30%. The molecular imprinted binding sites were performed on the surface of a LPFG with a sensitivity of about 130 nm/RIU and a FOM of 16 RIU−1. The low-cost and easy to build device was tested in a working range from 1 to 100 nmol/L, revealing a limit of detection (LOD) and a sensitivity of 0.25 nmol/L (0.037 µg/mL) and 0.057 nm.L/nmol, respectively. The sensor also successfully differentiates the target analyte from the other abundant elements that are present in the human blood plasma.
Paper-Based Fluidic Sensing Platforms for β-Adrenergic Agonist Residue Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: Luo Hongzhi , Liu Shan , Shi Lina , Li Zhu , Bai Qianwen , Du Xiaoxin , Wang Lijun , Zha He , Li Chenzhong
Published: July 2022

The illegal use of β-adrenergic agonists during livestock growth poses a threat to public health; the long-term intake of this medication can cause serious physiological side effects and even death. Therefore, rapid detection methods for β-adrenergic agonist residues on-site are required. Traditional detection methods such as liquid chromatography have limitations in terms of expensive instruments and complex operations. In contrast, paper methods are low cost, ubiquitous, and portable, which has led to them becoming the preferred detection method in recent years. Various paper-based fluidic devices have been developed to detect β-adrenergic agonist residues, including lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs) and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). In this review, the application of LFAs for the detection of β-agonists is summarized comprehensively, focusing on the latest advances in novel labeling and detection strategies. The use of μPADs as an analytical platform has attracted interest over the past decade due to their unique advantages and application for detecting β-adrenergic agonists, which are introduced here. Vertical flow immunoassays are also discussed for their shorter assay time and stronger multiplexing capabilities compared with LFAs. Furthermore, the development direction and prospects for the commercialization of paper-based devices are considered, shedding light on the development of point-of-care testing devices for β-adrenergic agonist residue detection.
Assessment of the Perception of Sustainability for Occupants of Residential Buildings: A Case Study in the UAE
Authors: Abuzaid Haneen , Almashhour Raghad , Mohammed Areej , Beheiry Salwa
Published: July 2022

The residential sector is multi-faceted by nature. Although evidence shows that the UAE is among the countries in the world that take sustainability seriously, there is a lack of information about the perception of sustainability by occupants in the residential sector in the UAE. The aim of this paper is to assess the perception of sustainability of the residential sector in the UAE, which is achieved by following a methodological framework using the relevant literature review and experts’ knowledge. An online survey was distributed to the targeted population, followed by a statistical analysis to fulfill the aim of the paper. Results confirm the correlation between social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Additionally, structural equation modeling reveals that the perception of sustainability is significantly influenced by economic and environmental aspects in the residential sector in the UAE. Comparative analysis shows a statistical difference in the perception of sustainability among gender, educational level, employment status, and monthly income. Finally, a predictive classification model is built to classify the perception of occupants based on their attributes using decision tree algorithms. The outcomes of this study would be beneficial to policy and decision makers, developers, contractors, designers, and facility management entities to enhance overall sustainability in the residential sector.
Wearable Sensor for Continuous Sweat Biomarker Monitoring
Authors: Qiao Yuting , Qiao Lijuan , Chen Zhiming , Liu Bingxin , Gao Li , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2022

In recent years, wearable sensors have enabled the unique mode of real-time and noninvasive monitoring to develop rapidly in medical care, sports, and other fields. Sweat contains a wide range of biomarkers such as metabolites, electrolytes, and various hormones. Combined with wearable technology, sweat can reflect human fatigue, disease, mental stress, dehydration, and so on. This paper comprehensively describes the analysis of sweat components such as glucose, lactic acid, electrolytes, pH, cortisol, vitamins, ethanol, and drugs by wearable sensing technology, and the application of sweat wearable devices in glasses, patches, fabrics, tattoos, and paper. The development trend of sweat wearable devices is prospected. It is believed that if the sweat collection, air permeability, biocompatibility, sensing array construction, continuous monitoring, self-healing technology, power consumption, real-time data transmission, specific recognition, and other problems of the wearable sweat sensor are solved, we can provide the wearer with important information about their health level in the true sense.
Investigation of the Atomic Layer Deposition of the Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Film as pH Sensor Using a Switched Capacitor Amplifier
Authors: Nematzadeh Mozhdeh , Nilsen Ola , Häfliger Philipp Dominik , Killi Veronica Anne-Line Kathrine
Published: July 2022

The electrical and chemical properties of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated spirals grown by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique in two different temperatures of 150 °C and 300 °C are studied. The thickness of the TiO2 layers studied are 20, 40, and 80 nm. A switched capacitor amplifier is used to investigate the pH response and the capacitance of the samples. It is found that the performance of the TiO2 samples depends on either the thickness or the deposition temperature due to the differences in the physical properties of the oxide layer such as surface roughness and film density. The high temperature samples are more crystalline, whereas the low temperature samples are more amorphous. Since there is a low pass filter effect in the electrolyte–sample interface, the TiO2 coated samples show the better response to the pH change for the high temperature samples as the sensor surface area for binding the hydrogen ions is larger and the charge transfer resistance is smaller. Furthermore, more roughness on the surface can be obtained by increasing the thickness, which reduces the charge transfer resistance. In this study, the 80 nm sample deposited at 300 °C gives the best pH response of 40 mV/pH.
The Effect of Pandemic-Related Economic Disruption on Young Adolescents in Ireland
Authors: Smyth Emer , Murray Aisling
Published: July 2022

The sudden health and economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic affords an opportunity to examine the impact of economic disruption to children and families. Any negative effects on the well-being of children are important to consider in relation to both short- and long-term outcomes. Using pre-pandemic and mid-pandemic waves of the longitudinal Growing Up in Ireland study, we examined whether the impact of economic disruption was equivalent for families who were (or were not) financially vulnerable pre-pandemic. We then investigated whether economic disruption was associated with a negative effect on the emotional well-being of 12-year-olds, and if there was evidence for such a negative effect being mediated through a lack of material resources or strain on family dynamics. Our results indicated that middle-income rather than lowest-income families experienced the most economic disruption, likely reflecting the sector-specific nature of business closures in the pandemic. Families who were financially vulnerable pre-pandemic were less likely to have had suitable resources for homeschooling. Both falls in income and strain in family relationships, such as arguing more with their parents, were associated with poorer scores on a measure of the child’s emotional well-being. The emergency income support payment introduced at the start of the pandemic appeared to have a protective effect on the association between family income loss and child well-being, which has wider implications for policy on child poverty.
Association between Anemia and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Sertcakacilar Gokhan , Yildiz Gunes Ozlem
Published: July 2022

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although many comorbidities are associated with NOAF, the effect of anemia on the onset of atrial fibrillation is still unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that anemia is associated with an increased risk of developing NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care. We performed a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients who underwent routine hemoglobin and electrocardiography monitoring in the ICU. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined the hemoglobin (Hb) value that triggered NOAF formation. Bivariate correlation was used to determine the relationship between anemia and NOAF. The incidence of NOAF was 9.9% in the total population, and 12.8% in the patient group with anemia. Analysis of 1931 patients revealed a negative association between anemia and the development of NOAF in the ICU. The stimulatory Hb cut-off value for the formation of NOAF was determined as 9.64 g/dL. Anemia is associated with the development of NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care.
Quantitative Characterization of the Interfacial Damage in EB-PVD Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Jing Fulei , Yang Junjie , Tang Shibai , Wen Quan , Zhang Tao , Wu Jian , Fan Xueling
Published: July 2022

Considering the influence of non-equibiaxial stress state and initial residual strain on the compressive buckling of the ceramic layer, a quantitative characterization method of the damage generated at the interface between the top coat and bond coat in thermal barrier coating based on uniaxial compression was developed. It was verified by the axial compression tests of the single crystal specimens with EB-PVD thermal barrier coating after undergoing various isothermal oxidation times and thermal cycles. On this basis, the correlations between the measured interfacial damage and the thermal loads experienced as well as the thickness of thermally grown oxide (TGO) were analyzed. The results show that the critical compressive strain inducing the spallation of thermal barrier coating at room temperature can effectively characterize the accumulation of interfacial damage caused by isothermal oxidation and thermal fatigue. Under the same TGO thickness, the damage caused by thermal fatigue is greater than that caused by isothermal oxidation. The total damage generated in thermal barrier coating can be divided into three parts: oxidatively driven damage related to TGO thickness, mechanically driven damage related to stress–strain cycles in the coating, and their interaction, where the interaction term is negative.
The Mechanism of an Individual’s Internal Process of Work Engagement, Active Learning and Adaptive Performance
Authors: Nandini Widya , Gustomo Aurik , Sushandoyo Dedy
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to investigate the mechanism linking an individual’s internal processes, work engagement, active learning, and adaptive performance in three of Indonesia’s digital technology-based companies. The research uses a mixed-method approach. The first study used a quantitative research method in which the data is based on a survey of 185 employees and the collected survey data is then analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling technique. The second study used a qualitative research method where the data is gathered from 17 managers through semi-structured interviews. We found from the quantitative research that work engagement fully mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and a growth mindset toward active learning. Meanwhile, a partial mediating effect of active learning between work engagement and adaptive performance was also discovered. Based on our literature study, previous research has shown inconsistent findings on the relationship between growth mindset and work engagement. Our findings contribute to the existing literature by clarifying the direct relationship between growth mindset and work engagement. Meanwhile, the qualitative findings emphasized that there are two mechanisms underlies individual adaptive performance (i.e., work engagement and active learning). Additionally, the active learning process promotes continuous new knowledge accumulation to produce new innovation inside an organization.
An Appearance Defect Detection Method for Cigarettes Based on C-CenterNet
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Yuan Guowu , Yang Lei , Liu Kunxiao , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2022

Due to the poor adaptability of traditional methods in the cigarette detection task on the automatic cigarette production line, it is difficult to accurately identify whether a cigarette has defects and the types of defects; thus, a cigarette appearance defect detection method based on C-CenterNet is proposed. This detector uses keypoint estimation to locate center points and regresses all other defect properties. Firstly, Resnet50 is used as the backbone feature extraction network, and the convolutional block attention mechanism (CBAM) is introduced to enhance the network’s ability to extract effective features and reduce the interference of non-target information. At the same time, the feature pyramid network is used to enhance the feature extraction of each layer. Then, deformable convolution is used to replace part of the common convolution to enhance the learning ability of different shape defects. Finally, the activation function ACON (ActivateOrNot) is used instead of the ReLU activation function, and the activation operation of some neurons is adaptively selected to improve the detection accuracy of the network. The experimental results are mainly acquired via the mean Average Precision (mAP). The experimental results show that the mAP of the C-CenterNet model applied in the cigarette appearance defect detection task is 95.01%. Compared with the original CenterNet model, the model’s success rate is increased by 6.14%, so it can meet the requirements of precision and adaptability in cigarette detection tasks on the automatic cigarette production line.
Task Unloading Strategy of Multi UAV for Transmission Line Inspection Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shen Hui , Jiang Yujing , Deng Fangming , Shan Yun
Published: July 2022

Due to the limitation of the computing power and energy resources, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) team usually offloads the inspection task to the cloud for processing when performing emergency fault inspection, which will lead to low efficiency of transmission line inspection. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a task offloading strategy based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL), aiming for the application of a multi-UAV and single-edge server. First, a “device-edge-cloud” collaborative offloading architecture is constructed in the UAV edge environment. Secondly, the problem of offloading power line inspection tasks is classified as an optimization problem to obtain the minimum delay under the constraints of edge server computing and communication resources. Finally, the problem is constructed as a Markov decision, and a deep Q-network (DQN) is used to obtain the minimum delay of the system. In addition, an experience replay mechanism and a greedy algorithm are introduced in the learning process to improve the offloading accuracy. The experimental results show that the proposed offloading strategy in this paper saves 54%, 37% and 26% of the task completion time, respectively, compared with local offloading, cloud offloading and random offloading. It effectively reduces the UAV inspection delay and improves the transmission line inspection efficiency.
An Annual Electric Energy Trade Scheduling Model under the Dual Track Mode
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhang Mingli , Sun Liang , Hu Jingwei , Li Jinqi , Li Weidong
Published: July 2022

The annual electricity trade scheduling is the basis of long-term power generation scheduling. In recent decades, the ratio of new energy generation in China has increased annually, and the electricity market has operated under the “market electricity” and “planned electricity” double track mode in recent years. However, the existing annual electricity trade scheduling methods are extensive and cannot adapt to the new situation of “market electricity” and large-scale new energy generation. The annual scheduled energy of the power units is set as a decision variable, and a novel annual energy scheduling optimization model based on Gini coefficient of fairness is presented in this paper. In this model, “market electricity” capacity is conversed monthly, considering peaking reserve demand and monthly characteristics of new energy generation. The fairness constraint set based on Gini coefficient is introduced into the optimization model to solve various fairness problems. Simulation results show that the introduction of the Gini coefficient and the optimization model considering the monthly conversion of marketing electricity capacity can obtain more accurate and reasonable electricity distribution results, and the peaking demand can be considered more fairly and effectively. The proposed method provides a feasible solution to the annual electric energy scheduling for dual-track operation country such as China.
Development of a Linear Regression Model Based on the Most Influential Predictors for a Research Office Cooling Load
Authors: Mutombo Ntumba Marc-Alain , Numbi Bubele Papy
Published: July 2022

Energy consumption in the building sector is a major concern, particularly in this time of worldwide population and energy demand increases. To reduce energy consumption due to HVAC systems in the building sector, different models based on measured data have been developed to estimate the cooling load. The purpose of this work is to develop a linear regression model for cooling load of a research room based on the radiant time series (RTS) components of the cooling load that consider the building material and the environment. Using the forward step method, linear regression models were developed for both all-seasons and seasonal data from three years of cooling load data obtained from the RTS method for a research room at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), South Africa. The male and female occupants, window cooling load, and roof cooling load were found to be the most influential predictors for the cooling load model. The obtained relative errors between the best all-seasons model and seasonal models built with the same predictors for the respective data subsets are almost zero and are given as 0.0073% (autumn), 0.0016% (spring), 0.0168% (summer), and 0.0162% (winter). This leads to the conclusion that the seasonal models can be represented by the all-seasons model. However, further study can be performed to improve the model by incorporating the occupancy behaviours and other components or parameters intervening in the calculation of cooling load using the radiant time series method.
Comparative Transcriptome and Pigment Analyses Reveal Changes in Gene Expression Associated with Flavonol Metabolism in Yellow Camellia
Authors: Liu Weixin , Yu Suhang , Feng Yi , Mo Runhong , Wang Kaineng , Fan Menglong , Fan Zhengqi , Yin Hengfu , Li Jiyuan , Li Xinlei
Published: July 2022

The accumulation of various pigments leads to the formation of different flower colors in plants. However, the regulation mechanism of yellow flower formation and flower color differences between Camellia nitidssima C.W.Chi (CN) and its hybrids C. ‘Zhenghuangqi’ (ZHQ), C. ‘Huangxuanlv’ (HXL), and C. ‘Xinshiji’ (XSJ), remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that the content of two flavonols, quercetin-7-O-glucoside (Qu7G) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Qu3G), was positively correlated with the yellow degree of petals in CN and its three hybrids. Additionally, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of petals of the four yellow camellia plants, which revealed 322 common upregulated and 866 common downregulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in the CN vs. ZHQ, CN vs. HXL, and CN vs. XSJ comparison groups. Their regulatory pathway analysis showed that flavonol biosynthesis genes (FLSs and GTs) and transcriptional regulatory genes MYBs were all expressed higher in CN than its three hybrids, which corresponded to differences in the flavonol content among the four yellow camellias. Further, two ethylene synthesis genes (ACSs, ACO) and three ethylene signaling genes (EIN2s, EIN3, ERFs) were all upregulated in the yellow petals of CN. In conclusion, the expression of flavonol-related genes and flavonols (Qu7G and Qu3G) accumulation could play a key role in the formation of yellow flowers in camellia, and the ethylene pathway might be involved in the regulation of yellow flower formation of camellias. This work describes the possible regulatory pathway of yellow camellia, thereby laying a foundation for future verification of genes linked to flower coloring and the breeding of yellow camellia.
Characterization of the Protein and Carbohydrate Related Quality Traits of a Large Set of Spelt Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Tóth Viola , Láng László , Vida Gyula , Mikó Péter , Rakszegi Marianna
Published: July 2022

Spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta L.) is an underexploited hexaploid wheat species that has become an increasingly fashionable raw material of bakery products in the last decades, partly because of its ability to grow under organic agricultural conditions and partly because of the growing number of people following the trend of having a healthy diet. However, due to its difficult threshing, most research on spelt seed is based on a very limited number of genotypes. Therefore, we determined the physical, compositional, and breadmaking quality traits of 90 spelt genotypes in order to highlight the variation of these properties and to identify possible genetic resources for spelt improvement. The thousand kernel weight of the spelt genotypes ranged between 23.2 and 49.7 g, the protein content between 12.1% and 22.2%, the gluten index between 0.7 and 98.8, the dough stability between 0.0 and 19.6 min, and the starch damage between 6.3 and 19.4 UCD value. The average values showed that spelt has higher protein and gluten contents but weaker dough strength and stability than common bread wheat. The starch pasting temperature was also higher in spelt, but the starch damage was lower, resulting in lower water absorption. Some genebank accessions (MVGB142, 145, 353, and 525) and internationally available cultivars (Bohemia, Bodensonne, Black-Bearded, and White-Beardless) were identified as good genetic resources for improving the breadmaking-quality traits of spelt.
Benefits and Risks Associated with Meat Consumption during Key Life Processes and in Relation to the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Giromini Carlotta , Givens D. Ian
Published: July 2022

Red meat has been an important part of the diet throughout human evolution. Overall, when included as part of a healthy and varied diet, red meat can provide a rich source of bioavailable essential nutrients and high biological value protein. The present paper discusses the dietary role/impact of red and processed meat, with some reference to the relative effect of white meat, in a range of chronic conditions including iron-deficiency anaemia, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer and dementia. The role of red meat in relation to key physiological conditions such as maintaining skeletal muscle and bone health and during pregnancy is also discussed. The inclusion of lean red meat in a healthy, varied diet may be beneficial during these critical conditions. There is however increasing evidence that red meat and especially processed meat are associated with increased risks of CVD, cancer and dementia whereas white meat is neutral or associated with a lower risk. There now seems little doubt that processed and unprocessed meat should have separate public dietary guidance.
Potential Uses of Spent Coffee Grounds in the Food Industry
Authors: Franca Adriana S. , Oliveira Leandro S.
Published: July 2022

Current estimates place the amount of spent coffee grounds annually generated worldwide in the 6 million ton figure, with the sources of spent coffee grounds being classified as domestic (i.e., household), commercial (i.e., coffee houses, cafeterias and restaurants), and industrial (i.e., soluble and instant coffee industries). The majority of the produced spent coffee grounds are currently being inappropriately destined for landfills or to a form of energy recovery (e.g., incineration) as a refuse-derived fuel. The disposal of spent coffee in landfills allows for its anaerobic degradation with consequent generation and emission of aggressive greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2, and energy recovery processes must be considered an end-of-life stage in the lifecycle of spent coffee grounds, as a way of delaying CO2 emissions and of avoiding emissions of toxic organic volatile compounds generated during combustion of this type of waste. Aside from these environmental issues, an aspect that should be considered is the inappropriate disposal of a product (SCG) that presents unique thermo-mechanical properties and textural characteristics and that is rich in a diversity of classes of compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins, phenolics, lipids and alkaloids, which could be recovered and used in a diversity of applications, including food-related ones. Therefore, researchers worldwide are invested in studying a variety of possible applications for spent coffee grounds and products thereof, including (but not limited to) biofuels, catalysts, cosmetics, composite materials, feed and food ingredients. Hence, the aim of this essay was to present a comprehensive review of the recent literature on the proposals for utilization of spent coffee grounds in food-related applications, with focus on chemical composition of spent coffee, recovery of bioactive compounds, use as food ingredients and as components in the manufacture of composite materials that can be used in food applications, such as packaging.
Protein Sources Alternative to Meat: State of the Art and Involvement of Fermentation
Authors: Molfetta Mariagrazia , Morais Etiele G. , Barreira Luisa , Bruno Giovanni Luigi , Porcelli Francesco , Dugat-Bony Eric , Bonnarme Pascal , Minervini Fabio
Published: July 2022

Meat represents an important protein source, even in developing countries, but its production is scarcely sustainable, and its excessive consumption poses health issues. An increasing number of Western consumers would replace, at least partially, meat with alternative protein sources. This review aims at: (i) depicting nutritional, functional, sensory traits, and critical issues of single-cell proteins (SCP), filamentous fungi, microalgae, vegetables (alone or mixed with milk), and insects and (ii) displaying how fermentation could improve their quality, to facilitate their use as food items/ingredients/supplements. Production of SCP (yeasts, filamentous fungi, microalgae) does not need arable land and potable water and can run continuously, also using wastes and byproducts. Some filamentous fungi are also consumed as edible mushrooms, and others are involved in the fermentation of traditional vegetable-based foods. Cereals, pseudocereals, and legumes may be combined to offer an almost complete amino acid profile. Fermentation of such vegetables, even in combination with milk-based products (e.g., tarhana), could increase nutrient concentrations, including essential amino acids, and improve sensory traits. Different insects could be used, as such or, to increase their acceptability, as ingredient of foods (e.g., pasta). However, insects as a protein source face with safety concerns, cultural constraints, and a lack of international regulatory framework.
Differential Flavonoids and Carotenoids Profiles in Grains of Six Poaceae Crops
Authors: Tang Jiaoyan , Li Xukai , Zhang Yakun , Yang Yulu , Sun Rong , Li Yajun , Gao Jianhua , Han Yuanhuai
Published: July 2022

Poaceae practically dominate staple crops for humans. In addition to the issue of sustenance, there is a growing interest in the secondary metabolites of these staple crops and their functions on health. In this study, metabolomic variations were investigated among six important species of Poaceae with a total of 17 cultivars, including wheat, maize, rice, sorghum, foxtail millet, and broomcorn millet. A total of 201 flavonoid metabolites and 29 carotenoid metabolites were identified based on the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system. Among them, 114, 128, 101, 179, 113, and 92 flavonoids and 12, 22, 17, 15, 21, and 18 carotenoids were found in wheat, maize, rice, sorghum, foxtail millet, and broomcorn millet, respectively. Only 46 flavonoids and 8 carotenoids were shared by the six crops. Crop-specific flavonoids and carotenoids were identified. Flavone, anthocyanins, flavanone and polyphenol were the major metabolite differences, which showed species specificity. The flavonoid content of the grains from 17J1344 (sorghum), QZH and NMB (foxtail millet) and carotenoids from Mo17 (maize) were higher than the other samples. This study provides a better knowledge of the differences in flavonoid and carotenoid metabolites among Poaceae crops, as well as provides a theoretical basis for the identification of functional metabolites in these grains.
Editorial for the Special Issue: Game Meat and Game Meat Products: Safety, Quality and Consumer Perception
Authors: Branciari Raffaella , Ranucci David
Published: July 2022

Consumer interest in game meat has increased in recent years, mainly due to the growing population of some wild species, the “natural sounding” aspect of game meat and its good nutritional value [...]
Effects of Germination and Popping on the Anti-Nutritional Compounds and the Digestibility of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Seeds
Authors: Valadez-Vega Carmen , Lugo-Magaña Olivia , Figueroa-Hernández Claudia , Bautista Mirandeli , Betanzos-Cabrera Gabriel , Bernardino-Nicanor Aurea , González-Amaro Rosa María , Alonso-Villegas Rodrigo , Morales-González José A. , González-Cruz Leopoldo
Published: July 2022

Amaranth seeds, although a valuable food in Mexico, contain anti-nutritional compounds that can affect food quality. As a part of this work, the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, protein digestibility, and the effect of germination and popping of Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds was analyzed with the aim of eliminating anti-nutritional compounds. Untreated seeds comprised of 11.35–18.8% protein and 0.27–13.39% lipids, including omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acid. The main minerals detected were Ca+2, K+1, and Mg+2. Nevertheless in vitro studies indicate that germination significantly improved digestibility, whereby treatments aimed at reducing anti-nutritional compounds decreased lectin concentration, while significantly increasing tannins and completely eliminating trypsins and saponins.
Sensitivity of Cross-Correlation Studies by Using Xmax Information
Authors: Ventura Cynthia V. , de Almeida Rogerio M. , Dos Anjos Rita C. , Coelho Jaziel G.
Published: July 2022

The investigation about cosmic-ray sources through the study of the arrival direction of the particles is completely dependent on primary mass compositions. This is due to heavier particles having an average larger deflection during propagation in galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields. Recent result from the Auger Collaboration made it possible to obtain information on the chemical composition of the cosmic rays on an event-by-event basis in addition to data from the surface detector. Here, we have investigated the gain in detection efficiency of standard cross-correlation using the Landy–Szalay estimator. Our sample contained only events with the highest Xmax values (corresponding to the lightest charged particles, for which the deflections in magnetic fields are smaller on average). We obtained results showing that that gain depends on the proton fraction ranging from a factor of ∼2 to ∼4.
Leukocyte Telomere Length as a Molecular Biomarker of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zimnitskaya Olga V. , Petrova Marina M. , Lareva Natalia V. , Cherniaeva Marina S. , Al-Zamil Mustafa , Ivanova Anastasia E. , Shnayder Natalia A.
Published: July 2022

Background. This work is a review of preclinical and clinical studies of the role of telomeres and telomerase in the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods. A search for full-text publications (articles, reviews, meta-analyses, Cochrane reviews, and clinical cases) in English and Russian was carried out in the databases PubMed, Oxford University Press, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, and E-library electronic library using keywords and their combinations. The search depth is 11 years (2010–2021). Results. The review suggests that the relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with the development of socially significant and widespread cardiovascular diseases such as CHD and essential hypertension. At the same time, the interests of researchers are mainly focused on the study of the relative LTL in CHD. Conclusions. Despite the scientific and clinical significance of the analyzed studies of the relative length of human LTL as a biological marker of cardiovascular diseases, their implementation in real clinical practice is difficult due to differences in the design and methodology of the analyzed studies, as well as differences in the samples by gender, age, race, and ethnicity. The authors believe that clinical studies of the role of the relative length of leukocyte telomeres in adult patients with coronary heart disease are the most promising and require large multicenter studies with a unified design and methodology.