bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Attachment and Biofilm Formation on Antimicrobial Sealants and Stainless Steel Surfaces
Authors: Ciolacu Luminita , Zand Elena , Negrau Carmen , Jaeger Henry
Published: October 2022

Biofilms are highly resistant to external forces, especially chemicals. Hence, alternative control strategies, like antimicrobial substances, are forced. Antimicrobial surfaces can inhibit and reduce microbial adhesion to surfaces, preventing biofilm formation. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on different sealants and stainless steel (SS) surfaces with or without antimicrobials on two Gram-positive biofilm forming bacterial strains. Antimicrobial surfaces were either incorporated or coated with anti-microbial, -fungal or/and bactericidal agents. Attachment (after 3 h) and early-stage biofilm formation (after 48 h) of Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) and Microbacterium lacticum (M. lacticum) onto different surfaces were assessed using the plate count method. In general, bacterial adhesion on sealants was lower compared to adhesion on SS, for surfaces with and without antimicrobials. Antimicrobial coatings on SS surfaces played a role in reducing early-stage biofilm formation for S. capitis, however, no effects were observed for M. lacticum. S. capitis adhesion and biofilm formation were reduced by 8% and 25%, respectively, on SS coated with an antimicrobial substance (SS_4_M), compared to the same surface without the antimicrobial coating (SS_4_control). Incorporation of both antifungicidal and bactericidal agents (S_5_FB) significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) early-stage biofilm formation of M. lacticum, compared to the other sealants incoportating either solely antifungal agents (S_2_F) or no active compound (S_control). Furthermore, the thickness of the coating layer correlated weakly with the antimicrobial effect. Hence, equipment manufacturers and food producers should carefully select antimicrobial surfaces as their effects on bacterial adhesion and early-stage biofilm formation depend on the active agent and bacterial species.
Consumer-Related Antecedents of Waste Behavior in Online Food Ordering: A Study among Young Adults in China
Authors: Jia Li , Zhang Yaoqi , Qiao Guanghua
Published: October 2022

Food waste in the catering industry currently accounts for almost half of the total food waste in China and entails a large amount of land, water, and labor costs, in addition to the carbon footprint’s impacts on climate change. Under the background of increasing food consumption and waste from online catering, this study investigates the factors influencing the food waste behaviors (FW) of online food ordering in China and provides policy recommendations for food waste reduction. Using survey data from 482 consumers, we constructed a theoretical framework and examined the influence path of each factor using structural equation modeling (SEM) and a bootstrap test. The results showed that young consumers without farming experience and females wasted more on ordering food online. The more frequently the consumer ordered, the more they wasted. The level of consumers’ perceived behavioral control (PBC) was found to be lower than other factors, indicating that it was difficult for consumers to reduce food waste. Attitudes toward behavior (ATT), subjective norm (SN), PBC, and price consciousness (PC) were all positively related to behavioral intention to reduce food waste (BI). PBC and BI were negatively related to FW, and over-consumption behavior (OC) was positively related to FW. BI had a mediating effect on the paths of ATT, PBC, and PC to FW, but the pathway through which PC influenced FW was primarily through BI or PBC, not OC. In our research, BI had no mediating effect between SN and FW. Ultimately, our findings inform some policy recommendations to help nations, restaurants, food-ordering platforms, and consumers reduce waste.
Effect of Cationic Modified Microcrystalline Cellulose on the Emulsifying Properties and Water/Oil Interface Behavior of Soybean Protein Isolate
Authors: Guo Yunsi , Feng Sirui , Li Zhangpeng , Jiang Minghao , Xiao Zile , Chen Lichun , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2022

Stabilizing emulsion using complex biopolymers is a common strategy. It would be very interesting to characterize the impact of charge density on the emulsifying properties of complex polyelectrolytes carrying opposite charges. In this study, cationic modified microcrystalline celluloses (CMCC) of different charge densities were prepared and mixed with soy protein isolate (SPI) for emulsion applications. CMCC-1 to 3 with various cationic charge values were successfully prepared as characterized by zeta-potential and FTIR. The positive charge density’s effects on solubility, thermogravimetric properties, and rheological properties were studied. Complexes of SPI-CMCC with various zeta-potential values were then obtained and used to stabilize soybean oil emulsions. The results show that emulsions stabilized by complexes of SPI and CMCC-3 at a ratio of 1:3 had the best emulsification ability and stability. However, the interfacial tension-reducing ability of complexes decreased continuously with increasing cationic charge value, while the rheological results show that complexes of SPI-CMCC-3 at a ratio of 1:3 formed a stronger viscoelastic network than other complexes. Our results indicate that this SPI-CMCC complex formula showed excellent emulsification performance, which could be adjusted and promoted by changing the charge density. This complex formula is promising for fabrication of emulsion-based food and cosmetic products.
Hypoglycemic Effects of Novel Panax notoginseng Polysaccharide in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Hao , Yang Hui-Rong , Zeng Ying-Jie
Published: October 2022

In the study, the structural features and hypoglycemic effects of a polysaccharide Pan from the root of Panax notoginseng were investigated. The molecular weight of Pan was 8.27 kDa. Structural analysis indicated that Pan mainly consisted of →3)-β-L-Rhap-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Galf-(1→ and →6)-β-D-Galf-(1→ residues with acetyl groups. Pan exhibited good antioxidant activity. Pan could slow down the body weight and the content of blood glucose in the high-fat diet-induced mice, further suppress GLUT-2 and SGLT-1 expression in the intestines, and enhance p-IRS and p-AMPK expression in the livers, finally exhibiting hypoglycemic effects. The results could supply a direction for further research on polysaccharides as components for the control of hyperglycemia induced by obesity and diabetes.
Understanding the Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies of Indigenous Households during COVID-19 Crisis in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sohel Md. Salman , Shi Guoqing , Zaman Noshin Tasnim , Hossain Babul , Halimuzzaman Md. , Akintunde Tosin Yinka , Liu Huicong
Published: October 2022

This study examined the food insecurity and coping mechanisms among the indigenous Bangladeshi population of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region to extract empirical evidence on the ongoing discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic-exacerbated food-insecurity situation. The study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing 60 indigenous households. Data were collected in two phases between 15 June 2020, and 30 July 2021 in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. Thematic data analyses were performed using the Granheim approach and NVivo-12 software. The authors used Huston’s social–ecological theory to explain the indigenous coping mechanisms. The research evidence revealed that most households experienced challenges over daily foods, manifesting in the decreasing consumption of them, the increased price of food items, a food crisis due to an income shock, malnutrition, the shifting to unhealthy food consumption, starvation and hunger, and food insufficiency, thereby leading to mental stress. This study further revealed that the indigenous population took crucial coping strategies to survive the pandemic. In response to COVID-19, they took loans and borrowed foods, reduced expenses, changed their food habits, avoided nutritional foods, relied on vegetables, sold domestic animals and properties, collected forest and hill foods, and depended on governmental and societal relief. This study also provides the in-depth policy actions for the urgent intervention of government, stakeholders, policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners to take necessary initiatives to enhance the quality of life of the people that were affected by the post-pandemic recovery period.
Classification of Beef longissimus thoracis Muscle Tenderness Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Chemometrics
Authors: León-Ecay Sara , López-Maestresalas Ainara , Murillo-Arbizu María Teresa , Beriain María José , Mendizabal José Antonio , Arazuri Silvia , Jarén Carmen , Bass Phillip D. , Colle Michael J. , García David , Romano-Moreno Miguel , Insausti Kizkitza
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, the meat industry requires non-destructive, sustainable, and rapid methods that can provide objective and accurate quality assessment with little human intervention. Therefore, the present research aimed to create a model that can classify beef samples from longissimus thoracis muscle according to their tenderness degree based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI). In order to obtain different textures, two main strategies were used: (a) aging type (wet and dry aging with or without starters) and (b) aging times (0, 7, 13, 21, and 27 days). Categorization into two groups was carried out for further chemometric analysis, encompassing group 1 (ngroup1 = 30) with samples with WBSF ˂ 53 N whereas group 2 (ngroup2 = 28) comprised samples with WBSF values ≥ 53 N. Then, classification models were created by applying the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) method. The best results were achieved by combining the following pre-processing algorithms: 1st derivative + mean center, reaching 70.83% of correctly classified (CC) samples and 67.14% for cross validation (CV) and prediction, respectively. In general, it can be concluded that HSI technology combined with chemometrics has the potential to differentiate and classify meat samples according to their textural characteristics.
Tailoring the Optimized Fermentation Conditions of SCOBY-Based Membranes and Milk Kefir Grains to Promote Various Functional Properties
Authors: Pihurov Marina , Păcularu-Burada Bogdan , Cotârleț Mihaela , Bahrim Gabriela Elena
Published: October 2022

Kombucha culture (named SCOBY-Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts) and milk kefir grains represent multiple consortia of wild microorganisms that include lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeasts with valuable functional properties. Their fermentative potential provides a wide range of derivate metabiotics (prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and paraprobiotics) with valuable in vitro and in vivo benefits. This study targeted the evaluation of the functionality of a co-culture of SCOBY-based membranes and milk kefir grains, used as freeze-dried starter cultures, for the fermentation of a newly formulated medium based on black tea infusion, supplemented with bovine colostrum and sugar, in order to produce bioactive compounds with functional properties. The design and optimization of the biotechnological process were achieved by using the Plackett–Burman experimental design (six factorial points, three center points) and the response surface methodology and central composite design (three factorial points, six axial points and two center points in axial) tools. The statistical analysis and the mathematical modelling of the responses such as the pH, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity (against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger) were investigated. Further, the composition of organic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids of the fermented product obtained under the optimized fermentation conditions was also analyzed. The fermentation of the medium containing 6.27% (w/v) bovine colostrum powder, 1.64% (w/v) black tea, 7.5% (w/w) sugar, pH 6.7, with an inoculum based of 0.36% (w/v) milk kefir grains powder and 0.5% (w/v) SCOBY-based membrane (both as freeze-dried culture), at 30 °C, for 5 days, in an aerobic stationary system, revealed an antifungal activity between 80 and 100% against Aspergillus niger, an antibacterial activity of 8–22 mm against Escherichia coli and Bacillus spp. And a titratable acidity of 445 °Th. The chemical composition of the obtained product had a positive impact on the functional properties of the fermented products in terms of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Investigation of the Phenolic Component Bioavailability Using the In Vitro Digestion/Caco-2 Cell Model, as well as the Antioxidant Activity in Chinese Red Wine
Authors: Xu Chunming , Kong Lingqiang , Tian Yuan
Published: October 2022

Red wine is a well-known alcoholic beverage, and is known to have phenolic compounds (PCs), which contribute to its antioxidant activity and have other beneficial advantages for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simulated gastro-intestinal digestion and the Caco-2 transepithelial transport assay on the PCs, bioavailability, and the antioxidant capacity of red wines. The contents of PCs in red wine were significantly reduced during most of the digestion phases. Phenolic acid had the greatest permeability, while the flavonols had the weakest. The bioavailability of PCs ranged from 2.08 to 24.01%. The result of the partial least squares structural equation model showed that the three phenols were positively correlated with the antioxidant activity of red wine. The contribution of anthocyanins was the largest (0.8667).
Integrated Strategy for Informative Profiling and Accurate Quantification of Key-Volatiles in Dried Fruits and Nuts: An Industrial Quality Control Perspective
Authors: Caratti Andrea , Squara Simone , Stilo Federico , Battaglino Sonia , Liberto Erica , Cincera Irene , Genova Giuseppe , Spigolon Nicola , Bicchi Carlo , Cordero Chiara
Published: October 2022

Edible nuts and dried fruits, usually traded together in the global market, are one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet representing a source of essential nutrients and bioactives. The food industry has an interest in the selection of high-quality materials for new product development while also matching consumers’ expectations in terms of sensory quality. In this study, walnuts (Juglans regia), almonds (Prunus dulcis), and dried pineapples (Ananas comosus) are selected as food models to develop an integrated analytical strategy for the informative volatile organic compounds (VOCs) quali- and quantitative profiling. The study deals with VOCs monitoring over time (12 months) and in the function of storage conditions (temperature and atmosphere).VOCs are targeted within those: (i) with a role in the product’s aroma blueprint (i.e., key-aromas and potent odorants); (ii) responsible for sensory degradation (i.e., rancidity); and/or (iii) formed by lipid autoxidation process. By accurate quantitative determination of volatile lipid oxidation markers (i.e., hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, decanal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal) product quality benchmarking is achieved. The combination of detailed VOCs profiling by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and accurate quantification of rancidity markers by multiple headspace-SPME (MHS-SPME) answers many different questions about shelf-life (i.e., aroma, storage stability, impact of temperature and storage atmosphere, rancidity level), while providing reliable and robust data for long-range studies and quality controls. The quantification associated with HS-SPME profiling is demonstrated and critically commented on to help the industrial research in a better understanding of the most suitable analytical strategies for supporting primary materials selection and new product development.
Convivial Connection between Staff and Customer Is Key to Maximising Profitable Experiences: An Australian Cellar Door Perspective
Authors: d’Ament Genevieve , Nayeem Tahmid , Saliba Anthony J.
Published: October 2022

Cellar doors provide retail sales for wineries, providing higher returns than wholesale to domestic and export markets. Customer-based research has established enjoyable cellar door experiences are essential to building brand attachment, creating enduring customers, and increasing on-site and post-visit sales. However, customers co-create cellar door experiences with staff, as each approach the experience with unique realities guiding their expectations. Scarce literature includes experiences from staff perspectives. Constructivist grounded theory and adopting Charmaz’s approach to analysis were used to explore data from semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 33 wine consumers ranging in wine involvement, from wine novices to highly involved enthusiasts and winemakers. Twenty-two of the consumers were cellar door staff with experiences ranging from a few months to owners of long-established family wineries. Cognitive dissonance theory helped us to understand how tensions may arise for individuals approaching each experience and where to avert perceived risks. Findings show convivial connection respecting all actors creates enjoyable experiences. The warmth of greeting, further strengthened by staff–customer rapport, developed via knowledgeable conversation throughout the experience, increases brand attachment. Co-created connection becomes the conduit through which positive experiences are created and where brand attachment is forged. A framework based on emerging categories guides professional development models and human resources strategies for wineries, thereby maximizing profitability through cellar door sales.
Evaluation of Nano-Wall Material for Production of Novel Lyophilized-Probiotic Product
Authors: Swe Zin Myo , Chumphon Thapakorn , Panya Marutpong , Pangjit Kanjana , Promsai Saran
Published: October 2022

Lyophilization is one of the most used methods for bacterial preservation. In this process, the cryoprotectant not only largely decreases cellular damage but also plays an important part in the conservation of viability during freeze-drying. This study investigated using cryoprotectant and a mixture of the cryoprotectant to maintain probiotic activity. Seven probiotic strains were considered: (Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUKPS6103; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus KUKPS6007; Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KUKPS6201; Lactobacillus acidophilus KUKPS6107; Ligilactobacillus salivarius KUKPS6202; Bacillus coagulans KPSTF02; Saccharomyces cerevisiae subsp. boulardii KUKPS6005) for the production of a multi-strain probiotic and the complex medium for the lyophilized synbiotic production. Cholesterol removal, antioxidant activity, biofilm formation and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) production of the probiotic strains were analyzed. The most biofilm formation occurred in L. reuteri KUKPS6103 and the least in B. coagulans KPSTF02. The multi-strain probiotic had the highest cholesterol removal. All the probiotic strains had GABA production that matched the standard of γ-aminobutyric acid. The lyophilized synbiotic product containing complex medium as a cryoprotectant and wall material retained a high viability of 7.53 × 108 CFU/g (8.89 log CFU/g) after 8 weeks of storage. We found that the survival rate of the multi-strain probiotic after freeze-drying was 15.37% in the presence of complex medium that was used as high performing wall material. Our findings provided a new type of wall material that is safer and more effective and, can be extensively applied in relevant food applications.
Effects of Potato Protein Isolated Using Ethanol on the Gelation and Anti-Proteolytic Properties in Pacific Whiting Surimi
Authors: Yoon Won Byong , Park Jae Won , Jung Hwabin
Published: October 2022

Pacific whiting is a primary species utilized for surimi processing in the Pacific Northwest of the US. However, endogenous protease in Pacific whiting surimi deteriorates the quality during slow cooking. The demand for clean-labeled and economically competitive protease inhibitors has been increasing. In the present study, the anti-proteolytic effect of potato protein isolate (PPI), a by-product from the potato starch industry, prepared using 20% ethanol on the endogenous protease activity of Pacific whiting (PW) surimi was investigated. The ohmic heating method was carried out for a better assessment of the anti-proteolytic activity of inhibitors. A factorial design was carried out in which the independent variables were the four types of inhibitors and their concentration (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3% w/w) at two heating conditions. The heating condition was used as a blocking factor. All experiments were randomized within each block. The addition of 2% PPI which demonstrated the highest anti-proteolytic activity among five different concentrations significantly increased the breaking force, penetration distance, and water retention ability of PW surimi gel as the endogenous proteases were effectively inhibited when heated ohmically at 60 °C for 30 min prior to heating up to 90 °C. In addition, SDS-PAGE disclosed that PPI successfully retained the intensity of myofibrillar heavy chain (MHC) protein of PW surimi gels even under the condition at which proteases could be activated at 60 °C. The whiteness of gels was not negatively affected by the addition of PPI. Comparing all samples, a denser and more ordered microstructure was obtained when PPI was added. A similar trend was found from the fractal dimension (Df) of the PPI-added gel’s microstructure. Therefore, PPI could be an effective and non-allergenic protease inhibitor in PW surimi leading to retaining the integrity of high gel quality.
The Chemical, Microbiological and Volatile Composition of Kefir-like Beverages Produced from Red Table Grape Juice in Repeated 24-h Fed-Batch Subcultures
Authors: Bazán Delicia L. , del Río Pablo G. , Domínguez José Manuel , Cortés-Diéguez Sandra , Mejuto Juan C. , Pérez-Guerra Nelson
Published: October 2022

The aim of this work was to study the production of kefir-like beverages via the fed-batch fermentation of red table grape juice at initial pHs of 3.99 (fermentation A) and 5.99 (fermentation B) with kefir grains during 4 repeated 24-h fed-batch subcultures. All kefir-like beverages (KLB) were characterized by low alcoholic grade (≤3.6%, v/v) and lactic and acetic acid concentrations. The beverages obtained from fermentation B had lower concentrations of sugars and higher microbial counts than the KLB obtained in fermentation A. Additionally, the KLB samples from fermentation B were the most aromatic and had the highest contents of alcohols, esters, aldehydes and organic acids, in contrast with the nonfermented juice and KLB from fermentation A. These results indicate the possibility of obtaining red table grape KLB with their own distinctive aromatic characteristics and high content in probiotic viable cells, contributing to the valorization of this fruit.
Enhancement of the Antioxidant Capacity of Thyme and Chestnut Honey by Addition of Bee Products
Authors: Sánchez-Martín Vanesa , Morales Paloma , González-Porto Amelia V. , Iriondo-DeHond Amaia , López-Parra Marta B. , Del Castillo María Dolores , Hospital Xavier F. , Fernández Manuela , Hierro Eva , Haza Ana I.
Published: October 2022

Honey consumption and imports have increased in recent years, and it is considered by consumers to be a healthy alternative to more commonly used sweeteners. Honey contains a mixture of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds, and the botanical origin and geographical area of collection play an important role on its chemical composition. The present study investigated the physicochemical properties, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Spanish thyme honey and chestnut honey, and their mixtures with royal jelly (2% and 10%) and propolis (2% and 10%). The analysis of the physicochemical parameters of both honey samples showed values within the established limits. Propolis showed the highest value of total phenolic content (17.21–266.83 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ORAC and ABTS assays; 0.63–24.10 µg eq. Tx/g, 1.61–40.82 µg eq. Tx/g and 1.89–68.54 µg eq. Tx/g, respectively), and significantly reduced ROS production in human hepatoma cells. In addition, mixtures of honey with 10% of propolis improved the results obtained with natural honey, increasing the value of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. A significant positive correlation was observed between total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the antioxidant capacity could be attributed to the phenolic compounds present in the samples, at least partially. In conclusion, our results indicated that thyme and chestnut honey supplemented with propolis can be an excellent natural source of antioxidants and could be incorporated as a potential food ingredient with biological properties of technological interest, added as a preservative. Moreover, these mixtures could be used as natural sweeteners enriched in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.
Phosphoproteome Analysis Using Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis Coupled with Chemical Dephosphorylation
Authors: Rodríguez-Vázquez Raquel , Mouzo Daniel , Zapata Carlos
Published: October 2022

Protein phosphorylation is a reversible post-translational modification (PTM) with major regulatory roles in many cellular processes. However, the analysis of phosphoproteins remains the most challenging barrier in the prevailing proteome research. Recent technological advances in two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) have enabled the identification, characterization, and quantification of protein phosphorylation on a global scale. Most research on phosphoproteins with 2-DE has been conducted using phosphostains. Nevertheless, low-abundant and low-phosphorylated phosphoproteins are not necessarily detected using phosphostains and/or MS. In this study, we report a comparative analysis of 2-DE phosphoproteome profiles using Pro-Q Diamond phosphoprotein stain (Pro-Q DPS) and chemical dephosphorylation of proteins with HF-P from longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle samples of the Rubia Gallega cattle breed. We found statistically significant differences in the number of identified phosphoproteins between methods. More specifically, we found a three-fold increase in phosphoprotein detection with the HF-P method. Unlike Pro-Q DPS, phosphoprotein spots with low volume and phosphorylation rate were identified by HF-P technique. This is the first approach to assess meat phosphoproteome maps using HF-P at a global scale. The results open a new window for 2-DE gel-based phosphoproteome analysis.
Results for Fuzzy Mappings and Stability of Fuzzy Sets with Applications
Authors: Shahzad Aqeel , Shoaib Abdullah , Mlaiki Nabil , Subhi Aiadi Suhad
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this paper is to develop some fuzzy fixed point results for the sequence of locally fuzzy mappings satisfying rational type almost contractions in complete dislocated metric spaces. We apply our results to obtain new results for set-valued and single-valued mappings. We also study the stability of fuzzy fixed point γ-level sets. An example is presented in favor of these results.
Fractional-Order Gas Film Model
Authors: Tang Xu , Luo Ying , Han Bin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a fractional-order model of the gas film is proposed for the dynamic characteristics of an air bearing. Based on the dynamic characteristics common between gas film and viscoelastic body, the idea of the fractional-order equivalent modeling of the dynamic characteristics of the gas film is presented to improve the modeling accuracy. Four fractional-order gas film (FOGF) models are introduced based on generalization of traditional viscoelastic models. The analysis of the characteristics of the FOGF models shows that the FOGF model can capture more complex dynamic characteristics and fit the real dynamic data of the gas film better than traditional models. A genetic algorithm particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) method is used for parameter identification of the proposed models. The experimental results tested on the air bearing motion platform show that the FOGF models are superior in accuracy to the traditional equivalent models for the gas film. In particular, the fractional-order Maxwell gas film (FOMGF) model has the best capture accuracy compared to the other FOGF models and traditional models.
Analysis of the Romanian Capital Market Using the Fractal Dimension
Authors: Radu Valentin , Dumitrescu Catalin , Vasile Emilia , Tanase Loredana Cristina , Stefan Maria Cristina , Radu Florin
Published: October 2022

The surrounding reality can be analyzed due to the interaction of complex nonlinear dynamic systems. The article’s main objective is to develop and analyze the models that best describe the efficient behavior of the Romanian capital market that generated the analyzed time series. The empirical analysis carried out in this paper does not aim to classify the Romanian market capital as efficient or ineffective but rather to identify the degree of deviation from efficiency relative to other markets, namely, an analysis of the dynamics of the degree of deviation over time. To describe the distribution of returns, we focused on the family of generalized hyperbolic distributions, which have statistical properties similar to financial returns. The presence of wide tails in the distributions (of extreme values) suggests using statistical tests and measures to detect dependencies, which take this behavior into account. Statistical methods and efficiency indicators are used, such as the Hurst exponent, Taken’s theorem, and the fractal dimension, which facilitate the detection of the main types of dependencies that could be present in the return series; measures that are robust to the heteroscedastic behavior of the returns. These statistical measures are applied to the entire period and sliding windows.
Some General Fractional Integral Inequalities Involving LR–Bi-Convex Fuzzy Interval-Valued Functions
Authors: Bin-Mohsin Bandar , Rafique Sehrish , Cesarano Clemente , Javed Muhammad Zakria , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Kashuri Artion , Noor Muhammad Aslam
Published: October 2022

The main objective of this paper is to introduce a new class of convexity called left-right–bi-convex fuzzy interval-valued functions. We study this class from the perspective of fractional Hermite–Hadamard inequalities, involving a new fractional integral called the left-right–AB fractional integral. We discuss several special cases that demonstrate that our results are quite unifying. We provide non-trivial numerical examples regarding special means for positive real numbers in order to check the validity of our outcomes.
An Adaptive Projection Gradient Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Programming
Authors: Prangprakhon Mootta , Feesantia Thipagon , Nimana Nimit
Published: October 2022

In this study, we focus on solving the nonlinear fractional optimization problem in which the numerator is smooth convex and the denominator is smooth concave. To achieve this goal, we develop an algorithm called the adaptive projection gradient method. The main advantage of this method is that it allows the computations for the gradients of the considered functions and the metric projection to take place separately. Moreover, an interesting property that distinguishes the proposed method from some of the existing methods is the nonincreasing property of its step-size sequence. In this study, we also prove that the sequence of iterates that is generated by the method converges to a solution for the considered problem and we derive the rate of convergence. To illustrate the performance and efficiency of our algorithm, some numerical experiments are performed.
Exponential Enclosures for the Verified Simulation of Fractional-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Rauh Andreas
Published: October 2022

Fractional-order differential equations are powerful tools for the representation of dynamic systems that exhibit long-term memory effects. The verified simulation of such system models with the help of interval tools allows for the computation of guaranteed enclosures of the domains of reachable pseudo states over a certain finite time horizon. In the previous work of the author, an iteration scheme—derived on the basis of the Picard iteration—was published that makes use of Mittag-Leffler functions to determine guaranteed pseudo-state enclosures. In this paper, the corresponding iteration is generalized toward the use of exponential functions during the evaluation of the iteration scheme. Such exponential functions are well-known from a verified solution of integer-order sets of differential equations. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that the use of exponential functions instead of pure box-type interval enclosures for Mittag-Leffler functions does not only improve the tightness of the computed pseudo-state enclosures but also reduces the required computational effort. These statements are demonstrated with the help of a close-to-life simulation model for the charging/discharging dynamics of Lithium-ion batteries.
Nontrivial Solutions of a Class of Fourth-Order Elliptic Problems with Potentials
Authors: Zuo Jiabin , El Allali Zakaria , Taarabti Said
Published: October 2022

This paper deals with a fourth-order elliptic equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Using a variant form of the mountain pass theorem, we prove the existence of nontrivial solutions to this problem. Furthermore, we discuss the fundamental properties of the representation of the solution by considering two cases. Our results not only make previous results more general but also show new insights into fourth-order elliptic problems.
Implications and Practical Applications of the Chemical Speciation of Iodine in the Biological Context
Authors: Espino-Vázquez Astrid N. , Rojas-Castro Flor C. , Fajardo-Yamamoto Liria Mitzuko
Published: October 2022

Iodine is a highly reactive element with a single natural and stable isotopic form (127I). In the biosphere, it is one of the 30 essential elements for life, and its chemical speciation defines its availability and biological activities. The most relevant chemical species are iodate (IO3−) and iodide (I−) as the major sources of iodine, with molecular iodine (I2) and hypoiodous acid (HIO) as the most reactive species, and thyroid hormones (THs) as the representative organic compounds. In human biology, THs are master regulators of metabolism, while inorganic species serve for the iodination of organic molecules and contribute to the innate immune system and the antioxidant cellular defense. Additionally, I−, I2, δ-lactone (6-IL), and α-iodohexadecanal (α-IHDA) have shown therapeutic potential in counteracting oxidative stress, cancer, and inflammation. Both inorganic and organic species have applications in the health science industry, from the manufacturing of disinfection and wound care products to supplements, medicines, and contrast media for radiography. Even after nuclear disasters, intake of high doses of iodine prevents the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the body. Conversely, the controlled production of iodine radioisotopes such as 123I, 124I, 125I, and 131I is exploited in nuclear medicine for radiotherapy and diagnostics.
Evaluating Real Time Ramp Meter Queue Length and Wait Time Estimation
Authors: Daines Tanner J. , Schultz Grant G. , Macfarlane Gregory S.
Published: October 2022

Models to predict ramp meter queue length from traffic detector data are potentially useful tools in improving traffic operations and safety. Existing research, however, has been based on microscopic simulation or relied on extensive calibration of Kalman filter and related models to produce reliable queue length estimates. This research seeks to develop methodologies for improving and simplifying the calibration process of existing queue length models by applying loop detector data including volume, occupancy, and the metering rate data for ramp meters along I-15 in Utah. A conservation model and several variations of a Kalman filter model generated estimated queues that were compared to observed queue lengths in 60 s bins. A modified Kalman filter model and a new heuristic model derived from cluster analysis—the models that yielded the best results—provided queue length estimates that were generally within approximately eight vehicles of the observed queue length. Using the ramp metering rate, the queue length estimates were converted into wait times that were generally within approximately 30 s of the actual wait time, producing a viable method to predict wait time from up-to-the-minute traffic detection information with relatively little required calibration. The implementation of the ramp meter queue length and wait time estimation algorithms presented in this research will allow departments of transportation to better assess freeway and ramp conditions, which can then aid in reducing congestion throughout the freeway network.
Diverticular Disease—An Updated Management Review
Authors: Kishnani Sujata , Ottaviano Kathryn , Rosenberg Lisa , Arker Soe Htet , Lee Hwajeong , Schuster Michael , Tadros Micheal , Valerian Brian
Published: October 2022

Diverticular disease is highly prevalent in the Western world, placing an increased burden on healthcare systems. This review clarifies the consensus in the literature on the disease’s classification, etiology, and management. Diverticular disease, caused by sac-like protrusions of colonic mucosa through the muscular colonic wall, has a varied disease course. Multiple theories contribute to our understanding of the etiology of the disease, with pathogenesis affected by age, diet, environmental conditions, lifestyle, the microbiome, genetics, and motility. The subtypes of diverticular disease in this review include symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis, and uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis. We discuss emerging treatments and outline management options, such as supportive care, conservative management with or without antibiotics, and surgical intervention.
Physicomechanical and Morphological Characterization of Multi-Structured Potassium-Acrylate-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Gradilla-Orozco José Luis , Hernández-Jiménez José Ángel , Robles-Vásquez Oscar , Cortes-Ortega Jorge Alberto , Renteria-Urquiza Maite , Lomelí-Ramírez María Guadalupe , Rendón José Guillermo Torres , Jiménez-Amezcua Rosa María , García-Enriquez Salvador
Published: October 2022

In this work, a photo-polymerization route was used to obtain potassium acrylate-co-acrylamide hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties, well-defined microstructures in the dry state, and unique meso- and macrostructures in the hydrated state. The properties of the hydrogels depended on the concentration of the crosslinking agent. Mechanical properties, swelling capacity, and morphology were analyzed, showing a well-defined transition at a critical concentration of the crosslinker. In terms of morphology, shape-evolving surface patterns appeared at different scales during swelling. These surface structures had a noticeable influence on the mechanical properties. Hydrogels with structures exhibited better mechanical properties compared to unstructured hydrogels. The critical crosslinking concentration reported in this work (using glycerol diacrylate) is a reference point for the future preparation of multistructured acrylic hydrogel with enhanced properties.
The Impact of Temporal Changes in Irradiated nMAG Polymer Gels on Their Applicability in Small Field Dosimetry in Radiotherapy
Authors: Krauleidis Aurimas , Adliene Diana , Rutkuniene Zivile
Published: October 2022

As advanced radiotherapy techniques progress to deliver a high absorbed dose to the target volume while minimizing the dose to normal tissues using intensity-modulated beams, arcs or stereotactic radiosurgery, new challenges occur to assure that the high treatment dose is delivered homogeneously to the tumor. Small irradiation field sizes (≤1 cm2) that tightly conform to precise target regions and allow for the deliverance of doses with a high therapeutic ratio, are of particular interest. However, the small field dosimetry using conventional dosimeters is limited by the relative large size of the detector. Radiation-sensitive polymer gels have the potential to meet this dosimetry challenge due to their almost unlimited ability in resolving three-dimensional dose distributions of any shape and makes them unique and suitable for the evaluation of dose profiles and the verification of complex doses. In this work, dose distributions in nMAG gels that have been irradiated to different doses by applying a 6 MV FFF photon beam collimated to 1 cm2, were analyzed and the dose profiles were evaluated by applying a gamma passing rate criteria of 3%/3 mm and considering different post-irradiation time intervals between the irradiation and the gels read out process. X-ray CT and NMR imaging procedures were used for the dose evaluation. It was found that the shape and uniformity of the dose profiles were changing due to post-irradiation polymerization and gelation processes, indicating time dependent growing uniformity which was better expressed for the higher delivered doses. It was estimated that in order to obtain acceptably symmetric small field dose profiles, a longer post-irradiation time is needed for getting the full scope of the polymerization as compared with the recently recommended 24 h period between irradiation and the read out processes of the dose gels. An estimated overall uncertainty (double standard deviation, 95% confidence level) of 3.66% was achieved by applying R2 measurements (NMR read out), and a 3.81–applying X-ray CT read out for 12 Gy irradiated gels 56 h post-irradiation. An increasing tendency for the uncertainty was observed with a decreasing post-irradiation time. A gamma passing rate of 90.3% was estimated for the 12 Gy irradiated gels and, 56 h post-irradiation, the X-ray CT evaluated gels as well as a gamma passing rate of 92.7% was obtained for the NMR evaluated gels applying a 3%/3 mm passing criteria.
Improving the Weak Gel Structure of an Oil-Based Drilling Fluid by Using a Polyamide Wax
Authors: Huang Xianbin , Meng Xu , Li Mao , Sun Jinsheng , Lv Kaihe , Gao Chongyang
Published: October 2022

Oil-based drilling fluids (OBDFs) are widely used, but there are common problems associated with them, such as low yield point and poor cutting–carrying and hole cleaning ability. In this paper, a polyamide wax (TQ-1) was synthesized from dimeric acid and 1,6-hexanediamine to improve the weak gel structure of OBDFs. The TQ-1 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Then the effect of the TQ-1 on the stability of the water-in-oil emulsion was studied by sedimentation observation, stability analysis, an electrical stability test, and particle size measurement. The effect of the TQ-1 on the rheological properties of the water-in-oil emulsion was analyzed by viscosity vs. shear rate test and the three-interval thixotropic test. Finally, the performance of the TQ-1 in OBDFs was comprehensively evaluated. The experimental results showed that the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the TQ-1 was 195 °C, indicating that the TQ-1 had good thermal stability. After adding the TQ-1, the emulsion became more stable since the emulsion stability index (TSI) value decreased when the emulsions were placed for a period of time and the demulsification voltage was increased. The TQ-1 could form a weak gel structure in the water-in-oil emulsions, which made the emulsions show excellent shear thinning and thixotropy. TQ-1 can improve the demulsification voltage of OBDFs, greatly improve the yield point and gel strength, and largely reduce the sedimentation factor (SF). In addition, TQ-1 has good compatibility with OBDFs, and in our study the high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) filtration decreased slightly after adding the TQ-1. According to theoretical analysis, the mechanism of TQ-1 of improving the weak gel structure of OBDFs is that the polar amide group can form a spatial network structure in nonpolar solvents through hydrogen bonding.
Biocompatible Semi-Interpenetrating Materials Based on Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s and Poly(ethyleneglycol) Diacrylate
Authors: Brelle Laura , Rios de Anda Agustin , Ozturk Teoman , Didier Nathalie , Renard Estelle , Langlois Valérie
Published: October 2022

Biocompatible gels based on poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) were developed by radical polymerization in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). In order to elaborate cross-linked networks based on PEGDA and PHAs, several PHAs were tested; saturated PHAs, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) or poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO), and an unsaturated PHA, poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate-co-3-hydroxyundecenoate) PHOU. The PHAxPEGDA1−x networks obtained in this work were studied by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, TGA and NMR. The microscopic structure varied according to the mass proportions between the two polymers. Time Domain 1H DQ NMR measurements demonstrated that in the case of the unsaturated PHA, it was chemically crosslinked with PEGDA, due to the presence of double bonds in the lateral groups. The organogels were able to swell in organic solvents, such as THF, up to 2000% and in water up to 86%. It was observed by rheological analysis that the stiffness of the networks was dependent on the content of PHA and on the degree of cross-linking. The biocompatible characters of PHOU and PEGDA were not affected by the formation of the networks and these networks had the advantage of being non-cytotoxic to immortalized C2C12 myoblast cells.
Effect of Malondialdehyde-Induced Oxidation Modification on Physicochemical Changes and Gel Characteristics of Duck Myofibrillar Proteins
Authors: Zhu Xueshen , Ma Zhenghao , Zhang Xinyu , Huang Xuefang , Liu Junya , Zhuang Xinbo
Published: October 2022

This paper focuses on the effect of malondialdehyde-induced oxidative modification (MiOM) on the gel properties of duck myofibrillar proteins (DMPs). DMPs were first prepared and treated with oxidative modification at different concentrations of malondialdehyde (0, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mmol/L). The physicochemical changes (carbonyl content and free thiol content) and gel properties (gel whiteness, gel strength, water holding capacity, rheological properties, and microstructural properties) were then investigated. The results showed that the content of protein carbonyl content increased with increasing MDA oxidation (p < 0.05), while the free thiol content decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease in gel whiteness; the gel strength and water-holding capacity of protein gels increased significantly under a low oxidation concentration of MDA (0–5 mmol/L); however, the gel strength decreased under a high oxidation concentration (10 mmol/L) compared with other groups (0.5–5 mmol/L). The storage modulus and loss modulus of oxidized DMPs also increased with increasing concentrations at a low concentration of MDA (0–5 mmol/L); moreover, microstructural analysis confirmed that the gels oxidized at low concentrations (0.5–5 mmol/L) were more compact and homogeneous in terms of pore size compared to the high concentration or blank group. In conclusion, moderate oxidation of malondialdehyde was beneficial to improve the gel properties of duck; however, excessive oxidation was detrimental to the formation of dense structured gels.