bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonization in Artificial Seaweed Substrates: Two Locations, One Year
Authors: Carreira-Flores Diego , Neto Regina , Ferreira Hugo R. S. , Cabecinha Edna , Díaz-Agras Guillermo , Rubal Marcos , Gomes Pedro T.
Published: June 2023

Artificial substrates have been implemented to overcome the problems associated with quantitative sampling of marine epifaunal assemblages. These substrates provide artificial habitats that mimic natural habitat features, thereby standardizing the sampling effort and enabling direct comparisons among different sites and studies. This paper explores the potential of the “Artificial Seaweed Monitoring System” (ASMS) sampling methodology to evaluate the natural variability of assemblages along a coastline of more than 200 km, by describing the succession of the ASMS’ associated macrofauna at two Rías of the Galician Coast (NW Iberian Peninsula) after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after deployment. The results show that macrofauna assemblages harbored by ASMS differ between locations for every type of data. The results also support the hypothesis that succession in benthic communities is not a linear process, but rather a mixture of different successional stages. The use of the ASMS is proved to be a successful standard monitoring methodology, as it is sensitive to scale-dependent patterns and captures the temporal variability of macrobenthic assemblages. Hence, the ASMS can serve as a replicable approach contributing to the “Good Environmental Status” assessment through non-destructive monitoring programs based on benthic marine macrofauna monitoring, capturing the variability in representative assemblages as long as sampling deployment periods are standard.
Open Systems, Quantum Probability, and Logic for Quantum-like Modeling in Biology, Cognition, and Decision-Making
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: June 2023

The aim of this review is to highlight the possibility of applying the mathematical formalism and methodology of quantum theory to model behavior of complex biosystems, from genomes and proteins to animals, humans, and ecological and social systems. Such models are known as quantum-like, and they should be distinguished from genuine quantum physical modeling of biological phenomena. One of the distinguishing features of quantum-like models is their applicability to macroscopic biosystems or, to be more precise, to information processing in them. Quantum-like modeling has its basis in quantum information theory, and it can be considered one of the fruits of the quantum information revolution. Since any isolated biosystem is dead, modeling of biological as well as mental processes should be based on the theory of open systems in its most general form—the theory of open quantum systems. In this review, we explain its applications to biology and cognition, especially theory of quantum instruments and the quantum master equation. We mention the possible interpretations of the basic entities of quantum-like models with special interest given to QBism, as it may be the most useful interpretation.
Natural Language Generation and Understanding of Big Code for AI-Assisted Programming: A Review
Authors: Wong Man-Fai , Guo Shangxin , Hang Ching-Nam , Ho Siu-Wai , Tan Chee-Wei
Published: June 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the utilization of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, with a particular focus on transformer-based large language models (LLMs) trained using Big Code, within the domain of AI-assisted programming tasks. LLMs, augmented with software naturalness, have played a crucial role in facilitating AI-assisted programming applications, including code generation, code completion, code translation, code refinement, code summarization, defect detection, and clone detection. Notable examples of such applications include the GitHub Copilot powered by OpenAI’s Codex and DeepMind AlphaCode. This paper presents an overview of the major LLMs and their applications in downstream tasks related to AI-assisted programming. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and opportunities associated with incorporating NLP techniques with software naturalness in these applications, with a discussion on extending AI-assisted programming capabilities to Apple’s Xcode for mobile software development. This paper also presents the challenges of and opportunities for incorporating NLP techniques with software naturalness, empowering developers with advanced coding assistance and streamlining the software development process.
A Framework for Analyzing Fraud Risk Warning and Interference Effects by Fusing Multivariate Heterogeneous Data: A Bayesian Belief Network
Authors: Hu Mianning , Li Xin , Li Mingfeng , Zhu Rongchen , Si Binzhou
Published: June 2023

In the construction of a telecom-fraud risk warning and intervention-effect prediction model, how to apply multivariate heterogeneous data to the front-end prevention and management of telecommunication network fraud has become one of the focuses of this research. The Bayesian network-based fraud risk warning and intervention model was designed by taking into account existing data accumulation, the related literature, and expert knowledge. The initial structure of the model was improved by utilizing City S as an application example, and a telecom-fraud analysis and warning framework was proposed by incorporating telecom-fraud mapping. After the evaluation in this paper, the model shows that age has a maximum sensitivity of 13.5% to telecom-fraud losses; anti-fraud propaganda can reduce the probability of losses above 300,000 yuan by 2%; and the overall telecom-fraud losses show that more occur in the summer and less occur in the autumn, and that the Double 11 period and other special time points are prominent. The model in this paper has good application value in the real-world field, and the analysis of the early warning framework can provide decision support for the police and the community to identify the groups, locations, and spatial and temporal environments prone to fraud, to combat propaganda and provide a timely warning to stop losses.
Integration of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Methodology in the Course “Bioprocesses Applied to the Environment”
Authors: Bes-Piá María-Amparo , Mendoza-Roca José-Antonio , Ferrer-Polonio Eva , Iborra-Clar Alicia , Zuriaga-Agustí Elena , Luján-Facundo María-José
Published: June 2023

This paper explains the steps carried out for the design of an educational innovation and the outcomes of its implementation. The innovation consists of integrating the contents of two courses (‘biological wastewater treatment’ and ‘bioprocesses applied to the treatment of wastes’) for the same academic year using project-based learning methodology to connect knowledge between subjects and to utilize transversal competences. Students from the second year of a chemical engineering master’s degree worked on an open-ended project based on a current environmental problem. This methodology lets the students properly acquire several transversal competences, such as ‘Design and project’, ‘Teamwork and leadership’, and ‘Effective communication’, which were evaluated with rubrics. However, according to the students’ perception, other skills, such as ‘Comprehension and integration, analysis and problem solving’, ‘Knowledge of contemporary problems’, and ‘Planning and time management’, were also worked on and improved. Based on the results from the matrix analysis and the Likert questionnaire, the organization and development of the activity were positively assessed, highlighting the importance of the lecturers’ feedback. The learning outcome in terms of knowledge integration was accomplished, reaching project marks 8.5–10 on a 0–10 scale.
Public Investment in Short-Cycle Tertiary Vocational Education: Historical, Longitudinal, and Fixed-Effects Analyses of Developed and Less-Developed Countries
Authors: Yang Lijing , St. John Edward Patrick
Published: June 2023

We use three analytic steps to examine public investment in short-cycle tertiary education. First, reviewing the historical development, the literature reveals that national and regional policies on educational development emphasized bachelor’s programs in vocational education in the early twenty-first century, especially in the EU. This historical background informs the longitudinal trend analysis in the second step of the educational and public investment variables (2000–2018) in our econometric analysis. The combined descriptive studies illuminate competitive advantages for EU and ASEAN nations in networks emphasizing open economic and academic exchange. Third, the fixed-effects analysis indicates a higher level of investment in general tertiary education per student, associated with a lower enrollment level in short-cycle vocational and technical tertiary programs. Using insights from this three-step process, we explore the implications of a nation’s capacity to invest in short-cycle tertiary programs as part of economic development and the pursuit of social equity within and across countries. Specifically, we conclude that short-cycle programs are a step toward integrating vocational education into programs in polytechnics and other higher education institutions.
Immersive Virtual Reality Enabled Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Chen , Belter Meike , Liu Jing , Lukosch Heide
Published: June 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, which can have significant impacts on daily life, education, and work. Limited performance in learning and working, as well as exclusion from social activities, are common challenges faced by individuals with ASD. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising medium for delivering interventions for ASD. To address five major research questions and understand the latest trends and challenges in this area, a systematic review of 21 journal articles published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2022 was conducted using the PRISMA approach. A meta-analysis of 15 articles was further conducted to assess interventional effectiveness. The results showed that most studies focused on social and affective skill training and relied on existing theories and practices with limited adaptations for VR. Furthermore, the enabling technologies’ affordances for the interventional needs of individuals with ASD were not thoroughly investigated. We suggest that future studies should propose and design interventions with solid theoretical foundations, explore more interventional areas besides social and affective skill training, and employ more rigorous experimental designs to investigate the effectiveness of VR-enabled ASD interventions.
Design Methodology and Experimental Study of a Lower Extremity Soft Exosuit
Authors: He Long , Xu Cheng , Guan Xiaorong
Published: June 2023

Flexibility and light weight have become the development trends in the field of exoskeleton research. With high movement flexibility, low movable inertia and excellent wearable comfort, such a type of system is gradually becoming an exclusive candidate for applications such as military defense, rehabilitation training and industrial production. In this paper, aiming at assisting the walking of human lower limbs, a soft exosuit is investigated and developed based on the considerations of fabric structure, sensing system, cable-driven module, and control strategy, etc. Evaluation experiments are also conducted to verify its effectiveness. A fabric optimization of the flexible suit is performed to realize the tight bond between human and machine. Through the configuration of sensor nodes, the motion intention perception system is constructed for the lower limb exosuit. A flexible actuation unit with a Bowden cable is designed to improve the efficiency of force transmission. In addition, a position control strategy based on division of the gait phase is applied to achieve active assistance during plantar flexion of the ankle joint. Finally, to verify the assistive effectiveness of the proposed lower extremity exosuit, experiments including a physiological metabolic test and a muscle activation test are conducted. The experiment results show that the exosuit proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the metabolic consumption and muscle output of the human body. The design and methodology proposed in this paper can be extended to similar application scenarios.
Preliminary Design and Construction Database for Laboratory Accidents
Authors: Zheng Xuying , Miao Fang , Yuan Jiaqi , Xia Huasong , Udomwong Piyachat , Chakpitak Nopasit
Published: June 2023

With the growth of university chemistry experiment projects, the corresponding laboratory safety risks are increasing year by year for scientific research personnel, and specialized equipment. However, accident data are not stored systematically for lack of a safety platform to collect accident information, share the causes of accidents, and predict safety risks. To solve these problems, we designed a laboratory accident system to store and share related data, and predict risk levels. In this paper, the majority of chemistry laboratory accidents were manually collected by Python software (version 3.10.11) and were categorized based on their risk level. Moreover, the variable factors that generated risk were analyzed using Spsspro, which facilitates the construction of a meaningful forecasting model of laboratory safety via Stata. It is worth noting that the registered laboratory accident data in the proposed chemistry accident system were based on the data ownership safety architecture. The chemistry accident system can break through data barriers using confirmation and authorization key algorithms to trace non-tampered data sources in a timely manner when an emergency accident happens. Meanwhile, the proposed system can use our designed accident risk model to predict the risk level of any experimental project. It can also be recommended as an appropriate safety education module.
Relation between Scale-Up and Life Cycle Assessment for Wet Grinding Process of Pumice
Authors: Mannheim Viktoria , Kruszelnicka Weronika
Published: June 2023

This study examines the grinding process of pumice based on the dry and wet laboratory measurements, scale-up method, and life cycle assessment. This research’s main goal was to set up the relation between scale-up and life cycle assessment results for the wet grinding process with the help of mathematical equations. Within the first research works, basic grinding testing in a laboratory dry Bond mill was accomplished. This step allowed the description of the estimated particle size distribution, median particle size, specific grinding work, and grindability index number of pumice. The second step was the determination of power consumption and scale-up in a laboratory stirred media mill, and it involved the assessment of resources, primary energies, and environmental impacts of wet grinding using GaBi 8.0 software. According to the results, we obtain life cycle emission factors by introducing five coefficients for grinding in laboratory and industrial conditions. These constants depend on the external dimensions of the mill and can be expressed by a derived scale constant from the scale-up. Research results enable the industry to make a prognosis for industrial plants based on the integration between life cycle assessment and scale-up of the pilot grinding processes.
Analysis of Flow Characteristics of a Debris Filter in a Condenser Tube Cleaning System
Authors: Jung Da-Woon , Seo Chung-Won , Lim Young-Chan , Kim Dong-Sun , Lee Seung-Yul , Suh Hyun-Kyu
Published: June 2023

In a power plant that uses seawater as a coolant, a debris filter (DF) is required to remove foreign substances from the seawater, and differential pressure leads to a decrease in the coolant flow rate, leading to a decrease in the power generation efficiency. In this study, an analysis was performed for the cases wherein the initial flow velocity conditions of the DF used in the condenser tube cleaning system (CTCS) were 1.5 m/s, 2.0 m/s, and 2.5 m/s using Ansys Fluent 2021, and the flow characteristics were identified. The flow and differential pressure characteristics of a CTCS with an installed DF were considered in a comparative analysis of the velocity, pressure, and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) distributions. The results confirmed that a vortex was generated in the pipe with the DF, apparently due to the collision of the flow with the bracket of the DF. As the flow rate increased, the range of the vortex increased, causing a loss in flow.
FeS2-Decorated Carbon NanoFiber as Solid Phase Conversion-Type Cathode for Li-S Batteries
Authors: Jacas Biendicho Jordi , Mazaira Pedro , Avireddy Hemesh , Zhang Chaoqi , Tang Pengyi , Missyul Alexander , Trilla Lluis , Arbiol Jordi , Morante Joan , Cabot Andreu
Published: June 2023

A new cathode material, FeS2-decorated carbon nanofiber (CNF), is proposed for Li-S batteries. The structure and physicochemical properties of the material have been engineered to enhance the poor cycling stability typically displayed by sulfur composites. The composite material shows a complex architecture with a matrix of CNF hosting the sulfur and core-shell FeS2 nanoparticles acting as a catalyst for a solid phase conversion-type reaction. This cathode delivers high discharge capacities of 864, 798, 689, 595 and 455 mAhg−1 at C/10, C/5, C/2, 1C and 2C, respectively, with a stable capacity retention of 87% at 2C after 300 cycles. FeS2-decorated CNF has been characterised using several techniques, including in-situ battery measurements at the ALBA synchrotron facility and high-throughput microscopy, giving valuable insights into its charge/discharge reaction mechanism. The excellent performance obtained is combined with the use of just low-cost and abundant elements such as iron, sulfur and carbon, which makes this battery highly promising for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices.
LCA and Scenario Analysis of Building Carbon Emission Reduction: The Influencing Factors of the Carbon Emission of a Photovoltaic Curtain Wall
Authors: Fan Wenhan , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhou Jianliang , Li Chao , Hu Jinxin , Hu Feixiang , Nie Zhibo
Published: June 2023

The problem of global warming has become a major global concern, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate its effects. Photovoltaic power generation is clean, low-carbon energy. Photovoltaic products can convert solar energy into electricity, reducing CO2 emissions to an extent. This paper introduces the life cycle evaluation theory to assess the carbon emissions of photovoltaic curtain walls. PVsyst software allows for the simulation and calculation of power generation under different influencing factors, which provides valuable information about the carbon reduction potential of photovoltaic curtain walls. The evaluation of carbon emissions and their influencing factors using grey correlation analysis further enhances the understanding of the benefits and limitations of photovoltaic curtain walls. According to the results of grey correlation analysis, this paper concludes that the degree of various influencing factors on carbon emission of a photovoltaic curtain wall under different scenarios in descending order is as follows: orientation, location, inclination, shadow occlusion, and seasonal changes. The research findings of this paper provide a theoretical reference for the future development and application of photovoltaic curtain walls. By demonstrating the carbon reduction potential of this technology, this study contributes to promoting the adoption of photovoltaic curtain walls as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Role of the Androgen Receptor in Gender-Related Cancers
Authors: Sabbatino Emilia , Tutino Viviana , Licitra Fabrizio , Di Donato Marzia , Castoria Gabriella , Migliaccio Antimo , Giovannelli Pia
Published: June 2023

The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in many cell types, and its related signaling is widely investigated in hormone-dependent cancers such as prostate and breast. The significance of the AR, however, has been detected even in other cancers, including gastric, bladder, kidney, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic, in which growth and spreading are not strictly or notoriously dependent on sex steroid hormone action. The incidence and mortality of these cancers are, however, somewhat related to gender and, specifically, are higher in men than in women, with the ratio reaching 3–4:1 for bladder cancer. This direct correlation between cancer incidence, mortality, and gender makes sex one of the most important risk factors for these cancers and has incited investigation about the role of sex steroid receptors and their activating hormones in gender-related cancers. In these cancers, the AR is often expressed and seems to play a pivotal role in different processes contributing to cancer onset and progression such as growth, spreading, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This manuscript will offer an overview of the role of the AR in many cancers of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems wherein its role has been at least partially analyzed. Understanding the role of the AR in these tumors could help us to identify a new biomarker for early diagnostic guidance and to develop better therapeutic approaches by directly targeting the AR or its downstream signaling in individual cells of hormone-related cancers at different stages.
The Policies, Practices, and Challenges of Digital Financial Inclusion for Sustainable Development: The Case of the Developing Economy
Authors: Anakpo Godfred , Xhate Zizipho , Mishi Syden
Published: June 2023

Globally, over 1.4 billion adult people remain unbanked. This worrisome phenomenon was exacerbated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further created a new dimension of inequality in accessing financial services. Digital financial inclusion promises to be an effective tool for addressing this socioeconomic ill and propelling economic development. Given the limited studies on the subject in the context of developing economies, it is imperative to understand the existing policies, practices, and barriers to digital financial inclusion in developing economies so as to provide cutting-edge interventions for redress. It is against this background that this study seeks to address the following research questions: (1) What is the state of digital financial inclusion in the developing economy? (2) What are the policies and practices regarding digital financial inclusion in the developing economy? (3) What are the barriers to digital financial inclusion and innovative interventions for redress? Findings reveal that about 44% of the adult population in developing countries does not have access to financial services, with only a few countries that have made significant progress and gains through policy and practice, such as mobile financial services, mobile money interoperability, native connectivity, human capital development, and the digitalization of public services for digital financial inclusion. Our findings also identify challenges and implications with recommendations, which are discussed in detail in this paper.
Identification of Growth-Related SNPs and Genes in the Genome of the Pearl Oyster (Pinctada fucata) Using GWAS
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Thaimuangphol Wipavee , Hong Yujie , Yan Ziqi , Chen Zongfa , Jin Minxuan , Zheng Anna , Wang Bei , Wang Zhongliang
Published: June 2023

Pinctada fucata, the pearl oyster, is a bivalve primarily cultivated for the production of saltwater pearls. In this study, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the growth-related traits and a principal components analysis (PCA) in P. fucata were performed. Genomic parameters of 6 growth-related traits in 60 individuals were estimated by using 4,937,162 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 45 SNPs associated with growth traits were thus identified. Furthermore, 165 candidate genes were identified, including collagen alpha-3 (VI), serine/threonine-protein kinase mos-like harboring significant markers, and histidine-rich protein PFHRP-III-like, which may influence growth-related traits associated with various biological processes. The results of this study can facilitate marker-assisted selection and breeding programs designed to enhance growth and also offer a theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of genomic resources in P. fucata.
Valorization Alternatives of Tropical Forest Fruits Based on the Açai (Euterpe oleracea) Processing in Small Communities
Authors: Garcia-Vallejo Maria Camila , Poveda-Giraldo Jhonny Alejandro , Cardona Alzate Carlos Ariel
Published: June 2023

Many plant species characterize tropical forests, and a small fraction has been studied to favor small communities in the food and medicinal fields. The high biodiversity of these regions allows for the proposed alternatives for the valorization of exotic fruits due to their rich content of value-added compounds that benefit human health. This work focuses on improving the nutritional characteristics of the açai production chain by mixing it with noni and araza. As a main result, it was possible to enhance the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the fruits after freeze-drying. Then, the seeds and peels of the fruits were valorized by the extraction of bioactive compounds with conventional methods and biogas production by anaerobic digestion. The best compositions of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds were obtained for the extracts based on the araza peel, with values of 116.4 µmol and 276.6 mg of gallic acid per 100 g of raw material, respectively. Regarding biogas production, the anaerobic digestion performance was influenced by the C/N ratio. The experimental results were used as input to simulate small-scale processes. From a technical point of view, the scheme of açai, noni, and araza mixture (Sc. 4) showed the highest mass yields (0.84 kg products/kg RM) and energy requirement (2.54 kW/kg RM). On the other hand, the processing of single açai (Sc. 1) presented the lowest capital costs (1.37 M-USD) and operating costs (0.89 M-USD/year). However, all scenarios showed techno-economic feasibility and demonstrated the potential of these fruits to valorize the açai market.
Effects of Roughage on the Lipid and Volatile-Organic-Compound Profiles of Donkey Milk
Authors: Ren Wei , Sun Mengqi , Shi Xiaoyuan , Wang Tianqi , Wang Yonghui , Wang Xinrui , Huang Bingjian , Kou Xiyan , Liang Huili , Chen Yinghui , Wang Changfa , Li Mengmeng
Published: June 2023

The lipid molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in milk are heavily influenced by diet. However, little is known about how roughage affects the lipid and VOC contents of donkey milk. Accordingly, in the present study, donkeys were fed corn straw (G1 group), wheat hulls (G2 group), or wheat straw (G3 group), and the lipid and VOC profiles of their milk were determined using LC–MS and GC–MS. Of the 1842 lipids identified in donkey milk, 153 were found to be differential, including glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. The G1 group showed a greater variety and content of triacyclglycerol species than the G2 and G3 groups. Of 45 VOCs, 31 were identified as differential, including nitrogen compounds, esters, and alcohols. These VOCs were significantly increased in the G2 and G3 groups, with the greatest difference being between the G1 and G2 groups. Thus, our study demonstrates that dietary roughage changes the lipid and VOC profiles of donkey milk.
Quality Evaluation of Hainan Robusta Coffee Bean Oil Produced by Ultrasound Coupled with Coconut Oil Extraction
Authors: Jia Zheng , Wan Liting , Huang Zhaoxian , Zhang Weimin
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the treatment of coconut oil using thermosonic treatment in combination with green coffee beans. Under a defined ratio of coconut oil to green coffee beans, the effect of different thermosonic time on the quality parameters, active substance content, antioxidant capacity, and thermal oxidative stability of coconut oil were investigated as a strategy to potentially improve the quality of oil. Results showed that the β-sitosterol content of CCO (coconut coffee oil) treated with the thermal method combined with green coffee bean treatment reached up to 393.80 ± 11.13 mg/kg without affecting the lipid structure. In addition, DPPH clearance equivalents increased from 5.31 ± 1.30 mg EGCG/g to 71.34 ± 0.98 mg EGCG/g, and the ABTS clearance equivalent was 45.38 ± 0.87 mg EGCG/g versus 0 for the untreated sample. The improvement in thermal oxidation stability of treated coconut oil is also significant. The TG (Thermogravimetry) onset temperature was elevated from 277.97 °C to 335.08 °C and the induction time was elevated up to 24.73 ± 0.41 h from 5.17 ± 0.21 h. Thermosonic treatment in combination with green coffee beans is an ideal option to improve the quality of coconut oil. The results of this article provide new ideas for the development of plant-blended oil products and the new utilization of coconut oil and coffee beans.
Comparative Studies of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter Isolates from Broiler Chickens with and without Use of Enrofloxacin
Authors: Shang Ke , Kim Ji-Hyuk , Park Jong-Yeol , Choi Yu-Ri , Kim Sang-Won , Cha Se-Yeoun , Jang Hyung-Kwan , Wei Bai , Kang Min
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effect of enrofloxacin (ENR) administration on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter isolated from broiler chickens under field conditions. The isolation rate of Salmonella was significantly lower (p < 0.05) on farms that administered ENR (6.4%) than on farms that did not (11.6%). The Campylobacter isolation rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in farms that administered ENR (6.7%) than in farms that did not (3.3%). The ratio of resistance to ENR was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in E. coli isolates from farms that used ENR (88.1%) than farms that did not (78.0%). The respective ratio of resistance to ampicillin (40.5% vs. 17.9%), chloramphenicol (38.0% vs. 12.5%), tetracycline (63.3% vs. 23.2%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (48.1% vs. 28.6%) and the ratio of intermediate resistance to ENR (67.1% vs. 48.2%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Salmonella isolates from the farms that used ENR than farms that did not. In conclusion, the use of ENR at broiler farms was an important factor in decreasing the prevalence of Salmonella but not Campylobacter and caused ENR resistance among E. coli and Salmonella but not Campylobacter. Exposure to ENR could have a co-selective effect on antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacteria in the field.
Prediction of Safety Risk Levels of Benzopyrene Residues in Edible Oils in China Based on the Variable-Weight Combined LSTM-XGBoost Prediction Model
Authors: Hao Cheng , Zhang Qingchuan , Wang Shimin , Jiang Tongqiang , Dong Wei
Published: June 2023

To assess and predict the food safety risk of benzopyrene (BaP) in edible oils in China, this study collected national sampling data of edible oils from 20 Chinese provinces and their prefectures in 2019, and constructed a risk assessment model of BaP in edible oils with consumption data. Initially, the k-means algorithm was used for risk classification; then the data were pre-processed and trained to predict the data using the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, respectively, and finally, the two models were combined using the inverse error method. To test the effectiveness of the prediction model, this study experimentally validated the model according to five evaluation metrics: root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), precision, recall, and F1 score. The variable-weight combined LSTM-XGBoost prediction model proposed in this paper achieved a precision of 94.62%, and the F1 score value reached 95.16%, which is significantly better than other neural network models; the results demonstrate that the prediction model has certain stability and feasibility. Overall, the combined model used in this study not only improves the accuracy but also enhances the practicality, real-time capabilities, and expandability of the model.
Designing Nanoliposome-in-Natural Hydrogel Hybrid System for Controllable Release of Essential Oil in Gastrointestinal Tract: A Novel Vehicle
Authors: Basyigit Bulent
Published: June 2023

In this study, thyme essential oil (essential oil to total lipid: 14.23, 20, 25, and 33.33%)-burdened nanoliposomes with/without maltodextrin solution were infused with natural hydrogels fabricated using equal volumes (1:1, v/v) of pea protein (30%) and gum Arabic (1.5%) solutions. The production process of the solutions infused with gels was verified using FTIR spectroscopy. In comparison to the nanoliposome solution (NL1) containing soybean lecithin and essential oil, the addition of maltodextrin (molar ratio of lecithin to maltodextrin: 0.80, 0.40, and 0.20 for NL2, NL3, and NL4, respectively) to these solutions led to a remarkable shift in particle size (487.10–664.40 nm), negative zeta potential (23.50–38.30 mV), and encapsulation efficiency (56.25–67.62%) values. Distortions in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel (H2) constructed in the presence of free (uncoated) essential oil were obvious in the photographs when compared to the control (H1) consisting of a pea protein–gum Arabic matrix. Additionally, the incorporation of NL1 caused visible deformations in the gel (HNL1). Porous surfaces were dominant in H1 and the hydrogels (HNL2, HNL3, and HNL4) containing NL2, NL3, and NL4 in the SEM images. The most convenient values for functional behaviors were found in H1 and HNL4, followed by HNL3, HNL2, HNL1, and H2. This hierarchical order was also valid for mechanical properties. The prominent hydrogels in terms of essential oil delivery throughout the simulated gastrointestinal tract were HNL2, HNL3, and HNL4. To sum up, findings showed the necessity of mediators such as maltodextrin in the establishment of such systems.
Oil-Based Double Emulsion Microcarriers for Enhanced Stability and Bioaccessibility of Betalains and Phenolic Compounds from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Green Extracts
Authors: Parralejo-Sanz Sara , Gómez-López Iván , González-Álvarez Erika , Montiel-Sánchez Mara , Cano M. Pilar
Published: June 2023

Opuntia cactus fruit (prickly pear flesh and agricultural residues such as peels and stalks) is an important source of bioactive compounds, including betalains and phenolic compounds. In this work, two double emulsion W1/O/W2 formulations (A and B) were designed to encapsulate green extracts rich in betalains and phenolic compounds obtained from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OPD) fruits with the aim of improving their stability and protecting them during the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. In addition, the characterization of the double emulsions was studied by microscopy and the evaluation of their physical and physico-chemical parameters. Formulation A, based on Tween 20, showed smaller droplets (1.75 µm) and a higher physical stability than Formulation B, which was achieved with sodium caseinate (29.03 µm). Regarding the encapsulation efficiency of the individual bioactives, betalains showed the highest values (73.7 ± 6.7 to 96.9 ± 3.3%), followed by flavonoids (68.2 ± 5.9 to 95.9 ± 7.7%) and piscidic acid (71 ± 1.3 to 70.2 ± 5.7%) depending on the formulation and the bioactive compound. In vitro digestive stability and bioaccessibility of the individual bioactives increased when extracts were encapsulated for both formulations (67.1 to 253.1%) in comparison with the non-encapsulated ones (30.1 to 64.3%), except for neobetanin. Both formulations could be considered as appropriate microcarrier systems for green OPD extracts, especially formulation A. Further studies need to be conducted about the incorporation of these formulations to develop healthier foods.
Sorghum Flour Features Related to Dry Heat Treatment and Milling
Authors: Batariuc Ana , Coțovanu Ionica , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: June 2023

Heat treatment of sorghum kernels has the potential to improve their nutritional properties. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of dry heat treatment at two temperatures (121 and 140 °C) and grain fractionation, on the chemical and functional properties of red sorghum flour with three different particle sizes (small, medium, and large), for process optimization. The results showed that the treatment temperature had a positive effect on the water absorption capacity, as well as the fat, ash, moisture and carbohydrate content, whereas the opposite tendency was obtained for oil absorption capacity, swelling power, emulsion activity and protein and fiber content. Sorghum flour particle size had a positive impact on water absorption capacity, emulsion activity and protein, carbohydrate and fiber content, while oil absorption capacity, swelling power and fat, ash and moisture content were adversely affected. The optimization process showed that at the treatment temperature at 133 °C, an increase in fat, ash, fiber and carbohydrate content was experienced in the optimal fraction dimension of red sorghum grains. Moreover, the antioxidant performance showed that this fraction produced the best reducing capability when water was used as an extraction solvent. Starch digestibility revealed a 22.81% rise in resistant starch, while the thermal properties showed that gelatinization enthalpy was 1.90 times higher compared to the control sample. These findings may be helpful for researchers and the food industry in developing various functional foods or gluten-free bakery products.
Viability and In Vitro Gastrointestinal Transit Tolerance of Multispecies Probiotic Combinations Incorporated into Orange Juice and Drinking Water
Authors: Moussavi Mahta , Barouei Javad , Evans Craig , Adams Michelle C. , Baines Surinder
Published: June 2023

Little is known about how combining probiotics affects the storage survival and functional performance of individual probiotics when incorporated into non-dairy drinks. Viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LG), Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 (LR), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (Bb), and Propionibacterium jensenii 702 (PJ), either alone or in multi-species combinations included in orange juice (OJ), were assessed during storage in refrigerated conditions and compared with bottled water (BW). The tolerance of probiotics included in refrigerated OJ to simulated gastrointestinal conditions was also examined. LG and LR viabilities were significantly higher in OJ than in BW (p ≤ 0.001), while the reverse was evident for PJ. Bb maintained high viability in both drinks. LG-PJ in both drinks and Bb-PJ in BW resulted in greater viabilities among the paired combinations compared to their respective monocultures when incorporated separately (p ≤ 0.001). The viability of LG in the LG-Bb-PJ combination improved significantly in BW compared with LG alone (p ≤ 0.001). OJ did not alter bacterial tolerance to simulated gastric juice but diminished tolerance to simulated intestinal juice (SIJ). In all combinations, tolerance of LG and LR to SIJ was improved, whereas tolerance of PJ declined significantly compared with respective monocultures (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, probiotic storage stability and gastrointestinal transit tolerance were species-dependent and affected by carrier type and combinations. These effects should be considered when formulating probiotic products.
Development of a Flavor Fingerprint Using HS-GC-IMS for Volatile Compounds from Steamed Potatoes of Different Varieties
Authors: Jiang Hong , Duan Wensheng , Zhao Yuci , Liu Xiaofeng , Wen Guohong , Zeng Fankui , Liu Gang
Published: June 2023

The variations in flavor substances across different varieties of steamed potatoes were determined by headspace-gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with sensory evaluation. Results showed that 63 representative compounds, including 27 aldehydes, 14 alcohols, 12 ketones, 4 esters, 2 furans, 1 acid and others, together acted as contributors to the flavors in steamed potatoes. Analysis found that species and concentrations of aldehydes, alcohols and ketones in six varieties were the most abundant. In addition, esters, furans and acid were also responsible for flavor. PCA results showed that volatile compounds in Atlantic, Longshu No. 23, Longshu No. 7 and Longshu No. 14 were similar, while Russet Burbank and Longshu No. 16 had distinct characteristic volatiles, which was consistent with sensory evaluation. The combination of sensory evaluation and HS-GC-IMS provided useful knowledge for charactering volatile compounds of steamed potatoes from different varieties, and also demonstrated the promising application of HS-GC-IMS in the detection of potato flavor with various cooking methods.
Lyapunov-Type Inequalities for Systems of Riemann-Liouville Fractional Differential Equations with Multi-Point Coupled Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zou Yumei , Cui Yujun
Published: June 2023

We consider a system of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with multi-point coupled boundary conditions. Using some techniques from matrix analysis and the properties of the integral operator defined on two Banach spaces, we establish some Lyapunov-type inequalities for the problem considered. Moreover, the comparison between two Lyapunov-type inequalities is given under certain special conditions. The inequalities obtained compliment the existing results in the literature.
Multifunctional Oxidized Dextran Cross-Linked Alkylated Chitosan/Drug-Loaded and Silver-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Cryogel for Hemostasis of Noncompressible Wounds
Authors: Lei Dong , Zhao Jing , Zhu Chenhui , Jiang Min , Ma Pei , Mi Yu , Fan Daidi
Published: June 2023

Noncompressible wounds resulting from accidents and gunshots are typically associated with excessive bleeding, slow wound healing, and bacterial infection. Shape-memory cryogel presents great potential in controlling the hemorrhaging of noncompressible wounds. In this research, a shape-memory cryogel was prepared using a Schiff base reaction between alkylated chitosan (AC) and oxidized dextran (ODex) and then incorporated with a drug-laden and silver-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG). Hydrophobic alkyl chains enhanced the hemostatic and antimicrobial efficiency of the chitosan, forming blood clots in the anticoagulated condition, and expanding the application scenarios of chitosan-based hemostats. The silver-doped MBG activated the endogenous coagulation pathway by releasing Ca2+ and prevented infection through the release of Ag+. In addition, the proangiogenic desferrioxamine (DFO) in the mesopores of the MBG was released gradually to promote wound healing. We demonstrated that AC/ODex/Ag-MBG DFO(AOM) cryogels exhibited excellent blood absorption capability, facilitating rapid shape recovery. It provided a higher hemostatic capacity in normal and heparin-treated rat-liver perforation-wound models than gelatin sponges and gauze. The AOM gels simultaneously promoted infiltration, angiogenesis, and tissue integration of liver parenchymal cells. Furthermore, the composite cryogel exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, AOM gels show great promise for clinical translation in treating lethal, noncompressible bleeding and the promotion of wound healing.
Transcriptome Analysis of Leg Muscles and the Effects of ALOX5 on Proliferation and Differentiation of Myoblasts in Haiyang Yellow Chickens
Authors: Yin Xumei , Fang Wenna , Yuan Manman , Sun Hao , Wang Jinyu
Published: June 2023

Skeletal muscle growth and development from embryo to adult consists of a series of carefully regulated changes in gene expression. This study aimed to identify candidate genes involved in Haiyang Yellow Chickens’ growth and to understand the regulatory role of the key gene ALOX5 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase) in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. In order to search the key candidate genes in the process of muscle growth and development, RNA sequencing was used to compare the transcriptomes of chicken muscle tissues at four developmental stages and to analyze the effects of ALOX5 gene interference and overexpression on myoblast proliferation and differentiation at the cellular level. The results showed that 5743 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|fold change| ≥ 2; FDR ≤ 0.05) were detected by pairwise comparison in male chickens. Functional analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the processes of cell proliferation, growth, and developmental process. Many of the DEGs, such as MYOCD (Myocardin), MUSTN1 (Musculoskeletal Embryonic Nuclear Protein 1), MYOG (MYOGenin), MYOD1 (MYOGenic differentiation 1), FGF8 (fibroblast growth factor 8), FGF9 (fibroblast growth factor 9), and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), were related to chicken growth and development. KEGG pathway (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway) analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in two pathways related to growth and development: ECM-receptor interaction (Extracellular Matrix) and MAPK signaling pathway (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase). With the extension of differentiation time, the expression of the ALOX5 gene showed an increasing trend, and it was found that interference with the ALOX5 gene could inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts and that overexpression of the ALOX5 gene could promote the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. This study identified a range of genes and several pathways that may be involved in regulating early growth, and it can provide theoretical research for understanding the regulation mechanism of muscle growth and development of Haiyang Yellow Chickens.
Identification of Key Genes Regulating Sorghum Mesocotyl Elongation through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Ju Lan , Lv Na , Yin Feng , Niu Hao , Yan Haisheng , Wang Yubin , Fan Fangfang , Lv Xin , Chu Jianqiang , Ping Junai
Published: June 2023

Sorghum with longer mesocotyls is beneficialfor improving its deep tolerance, which is important for the seedling rates. Here, we perform transcriptome analysis between four different sorghum lines, with the aim of identifying the key genes regulating sorghum mesocotyl elongation. According to the mesocotyl length (ML) data, we constructed four comparison groups for the transcriptome analysis and detected 2705 common DEGs. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the most common category of DEGs were involved in cell wall, microtubule, cell cycle, phytohormone, and energy metabolism-related pathways. In the cell wall biological processes, the expression of SbEXPA9-1, SbEXPA9-2, SbXTH25, SbXTH8-1, and SbXTH27 are increased in the sorghum lines with long ML. In the plant hormone signaling pathway, five auxin-responsive genes and eight cytokinin/zeatin/abscisic acid/salicylic acid-related genes showed a higher expression level in the long ML sorghum lines. In addition, five ERF genes showed a higher expression level in the sorghum lines with long ML, whereas two ERF genes showed a lower expression level in these lines. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes were further analyzed using real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), which showed similar results. This work identified the candidate gene regulating ML, which may provide additional evidence to understand the regulatory molecular mechanisms of sorghum mesocotyl elongation.