bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stealthy Communication Model with Blockchain Smart Contract for Bidding Systems
Authors: Liang Qi , Shi Ning , Tan Yu-an , Li Chunying , Liang Chen
Published: June 2024

With the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, its public ledger characteristic enhances transaction transparency but also amplifies the risk of privacy breaches. Attackers can infer users’ real identities and behaviors by analyzing public transaction patterns and address relationships, posing a severe threat to users’ privacy and security, and thus hindering further advancements in blockchain applications. To address this challenge, covert communication has emerged as an effective strategy for safeguarding the privacy of blockchain users and preventing information leakage. But existing blockchain-based covert communication schemes rely solely on the immutability of blockchain itself for robustness and suffer from low transmission efficiency. To tackle these issues, this paper proposes a stealthy communication model with blockchain smart contract for bidding systems. The model initiates by preprocessing sensitive information using a secret-sharing algorithm-the Shamir (t, n) threshold scheme-and subsequently embeds this information into bidding amounts, facilitating the covert transfer of sensitive data. We implemented and deployed this model on the Ethereum platform and conducted comprehensive performance evaluations. To assess the stealthiness of our approach, we employed a suite of statistical tests including the CDF, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Welch’s t-test and K–L divergence. These analyses confirmed that amounts carrying concealed information were statistically indistinguishable from regular transactions, thus validating the effectiveness of our solution in maintaining the anonymity and confidentiality of information transmission within the blockchain ecosystem.
Study of Network Security Based on Key Management System for In-Vehicle Ethernet
Authors: Chen Jiaoyue , Zuo Qihui , Jin Wenquan , Wu Yujing , Xu Yihu , Xu Yinan
Published: June 2024

With the rapid development of vehicle electronic communication technology, in-vehicle bus network system communicates with external electronic devices such as mobile phones and OBD II, causing in-vehicle bus networks to face severe network security threats. This study aims to explore the security scheme of in-vehicle bus networks based on a key management system to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, and availability of vehicle communication, and innovatively propose a key management system. This key management system uses data encryption and signature algorithms based on the elliptic curve cryptographic domain, which is mainly composed of key generation and key distribution modules. By designing a key life cycle management strategy for In-Vehicle Ethernet and using the digital envelope technique, data encryption and digital signatures are combined to ensure the secure generation and distribution of keys. Experimental simulation results show that the session key negotiation speed of the proposed key management system for In-Vehicle Ethernet in this study is 1.533 ms, which improves the speed by 80.5% compared with the traditional key management system. The key management system proposed in this study improves the real-time information processing efficiency in In-Vehicle Ethernet and lays a solid foundation for the stable development of intelligent connected vehicles.
Enhancing Cyber-Threat Intelligence in the Arab World: Leveraging IoC and MISP Integration
Authors: Alzahrani Ibrahim Yahya , Lee Seokhee , Kim Kyounggon
Published: June 2024

Cybercrime threat intelligence enables proactive measures against threat actors and informed, data-driven security decisions. This study proposes a practical implementation of cybercrime threat intelligence in the Arab world by integrating Indicators of Compromise and collecting security alerts from honeypot systems and open-source intelligence. The data collected are stored on the Malware Information Sharing Platform, an open-source platform used to create and share Indicators of Compromise. This study highlights the intuitive interface of the Malware Information Sharing Platform for data analysis, threat identification, and the correlation of Indicators of Compromise. In addition, machine learning techniques are applied to improve predictive accuracy and identify patterns in the data. The decision tree classifier achieves a high accuracy of 99.79%, and the results reveal significant potential cyber-threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of the platform in providing actionable information to prevent, detect, and respond to cybercrime. This approach aims to improve the security posture of the Arab region.
When Large Language Models Meet Optical Networks: Paving the Way for Automation
Authors: Wang Danshi , Wang Yidi , Jiang Xiaotian , Zhang Yao , Pang Yue , Zhang Min
Published: June 2024

Since the advent of GPT, large language models (LLMs) have brought about revolutionary advancements in all walks of life. As a superior natural language processing (NLP) technology, LLMs have consistently achieved state-of-the-art performance in numerous areas. However, LLMs are considered to be general-purpose models for NLP tasks, which may encounter challenges when applied to complex tasks in specialized fields such as optical networks. In this study, we propose a framework of LLM-empowered optical networks, facilitating intelligent control of the physical layer and efficient interaction with the application layer through an LLM-driven agent (AI-Agent) deployed in the control layer. The AI-Agent can leverage external tools and extract domain knowledge from a comprehensive resource library specifically established for optical networks. This is achieved through user input and well-crafted prompts, enabling the generation of control instructions and result representations for autonomous operation and maintenance in optical networks. To improve LLM’s capability in professional fields and stimulate its potential on complex tasks, the details of performing prompt engineering, establishing domain knowledge library, and implementing complex tasks are illustrated in this study. Moreover, the proposed framework is verified on two typical tasks: network alarm analysis and network performance optimization. The good response accuracies and semantic similarities of 2400 test situations exhibit the great potential of LLM in optical networks.
A Data-Driven Pandemic Simulator with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Ma Biyang , Cao Langcai , Liu Yanyu
Published: June 2024

After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak erupted, it swiftly spread globally and triggered a severe public health crisis in 2019. To contain the virus’s spread, several countries implemented various lockdown measures. As the governments faced this unprecedented challenge, understanding the impact of lockdown policies became paramount. The goal of addressing the pandemic crisis is to devise prudent policies that strike a balance between safeguarding lives and maintaining economic stability. Traditional mathematical and statistical models for studying virus transmission only offer macro-level predictions of epidemic development and often overlook individual variations’ impact, therefore failing to reflect the role of government decisions. To address this challenge, we propose an integrated framework that combines agent-based modeling (ABM) and deep Q-network (DQN) techniques. This framework enables a more comprehensive analysis and optimization of epidemic control strategies while considering real human behavior. We construct a pandemic simulator based on the ABM method, accurately simulating agents’ daily activities, interactions, and the dynamic spread of the virus. Additionally, we employ a data-driven approach and adjust the model through real statistical data to enhance its effectiveness. Subsequently, we integrated ABM into a decision-making framework using reinforcement learning techniques to explore the most effective strategies. In experiments, we validated the model’s effectiveness by simulating virus transmission across different countries globally. In this model, we obtained decision outcomes when governments focused on various factors. Our research findings indicate that our model serves as a valuable tool for decision-makers, enabling them to formulate prudent and rational policies.
A Multi-Strategy Collaborative Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm for UAV Path Planning
Authors: Rao Chaoyi , Wang Zilong , Shao Peng
Published: June 2024

The Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO) is a member of the swarm intelligence algorithm family, which possesses the highlights of easy realization, simple parameter settings and wide applicability. However, in some large-scale application problems, the grey wolf optimization algorithm easily gets trapped in local optima, exhibits poor global exploration ability and suffers from premature convergence. Since grey wolf’s update is guided only by the best three wolves, it leads to low population multiplicity and poor global exploration capacity. In response to the above issues, we design a multi-strategy collaborative grey wolf optimization algorithm (NOGWO). Firstly, we use a random walk strategy to extend the exploration scope and enhance the algorithm’s global exploration capacity. Secondly, we add an opposition-based learning model influenced by refraction principle to generate an opposite solution for each population, thereby improving population multiplicity and preventing the algorithm from being attracted to local optima. Finally, to balance local exploration and global exploration and elevate the convergence effect, we introduce a novel convergent factor. We conduct experimental testing on NOGWO by using 30 CEC2017 test functions. The experimental outcomes indicate that compared with GWO and some swarm intelligence algorithms, NOGWO has better global exploration capacity and convergence accuracy. In addition, we also apply NOGWO to three engineering problems and an unmanned aerial vehicle path planning problem. The outcomes of the experiment suggest that NOGWO performs well in solving these practical problems.
New Role in the 5-HT Receptor: The Sex Attracting of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus
Authors: Liu Wenyi , Ma Rui , Chen Jing , Li Quan , Guo Kai , Shao Hudie , Hu Jiafu
Published: June 2024

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus is the sibling species of B. xylophilus, which causes pine wilt disease. Sex pheromone-mediated mating behavior underlies the development of B. xylophilus populations. The study of the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone receptor genes is vital for the control of B. xylophilus. The pivotal role of the 5-HT receptor ser-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans’s mating has been demonstrated, but there is little known in B. mucronatus and B. xylophilus. In our study, the molecular features and biological functions of Bmu-ser-1 are explored. qPCR results showed that Bmu-ser-1 was expressed at all ages, especially at J2 and J4, with significantly high expression. Notably, the expression levels in males were significantly higher than that in females. The results of in situ hybridization suggest that the Bmu-ser-1 gene was expressed at the site of the digestive system during the embryonic stage, the whole body during the J2 stage, and mainly at the end of the germinal primordium during the J3 stage, as well as centrally in the vulva of females and in the gonads and tail of males during the J4 and adult stages. The RNAi results indicate a significant decrease in hatchability and stagnation at the J1 stage after interference. Treated J2 had reduced motility and stunted growth. Males after interference showed mismatch and females showed spawning difficulties. Sexual arousal experiments further validated Bmu-ser-1 as a receptor gene for males receiving female sex pheromones. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that the Bmu-ser-1 gene has a classical role, the control of nematode growth; and a novel role involved in mating. The study on the molecular mechanisms of growth and reproduction in B. mucronatus could provide a reference for understanding the population expansion and disease epidemics of B. xylophilus.
Assembly and Comparative Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Ilex rotunda Thunb.
Authors: Wang Yuanjian , Cui Gang , He Kaifeng , Xu Kewang , Liu Wei , Wang Yuxiao , Wang Zefu , Liu Shasha , Bi Changwei
Published: June 2024

Ilex rotunda Thunb. stands as a representative tree species in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, widely distributed across southeast Asia. This species holds significant value in forestry due to its ecological resilience and adaptability. Although researchers have conducted in-depth research on the plastid genome (plastome) of I. rotunda, the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of this species has remained undocumented. In the present study, we successfully sequenced and assembled the I. rotunda mitogenome. The mitogenome has a circular structure and is 567,552 bp in total length, with a GC content of 45.47%. The composition of the mitogenome encompasses 40 protein-coding genes, along with 3 rRNA genes and 19 tRNA genes. Notably, the mitogenome exhibits a universal distribution of repetitive sequences, but the total length of repeats contributes to a relatively small proportion (4%) of the whole mitogenome, suggesting that repeats do not serve as the primary cause of the amplification of the Ilex mitogenomes. Collinear analysis indicates that the I. rotunda mitogenome is very conservative within Aquifoliales species. Additionally, our research identified 51 fragments of plastid genomic DNA, which have migrated from the plastome into the mitogenome, with five genes from the plastome remaining intact. Eventually, the phylogenetic analyses based on the plastomes and mitogenomes of 36 angiosperms determine the Aquifoliales to be the basal group in the campanulids. This study establishes the bedrock for prospective investigations in molecular breeding research.
Coffee-Flavoured Kombucha: Development, Physicochemical Characterisation, and Sensory Analysis
Authors: Saito Morena Senna , dos Santos Wilton Amaral , Mamede Maria Eugênia de Oliveira
Published: June 2024

Considering the health benefits of kombucha, already widely studied, the objective of this study was to develop kombucha beverages with the addition of an infusion of specialty arabica coffee from the first fermentation, varying the proportion of specialty coffee (2% to 13%), and evaluate their pH, volatile acidity, degree of alcohol, centesimal composition, sodium contents, and colour parameters to determine the acceptability of the beverages. Concerning the pH, all of the formulations conformed with the kombucha identity standard, but K3 (11% coffee) and K4 (13% coffee) were below the established minimum for volatile acidity. Except for K4, all of the other formulations were classified as alcoholic kombuchas, although their values were very close to the limit for non-alcoholic beverages. The formulations presented low sugar and sodium contents, which corroborated their low caloric value. Therefore, coffee-flavoured kombucha fermented for 18 days becomes an option for consumers looking for low-calorie, refreshing, and healthy drinks. The luminosity of the beverages decreased as the proportion of coffee increased, and consequently, the values for a* and b* increased, indicating a strong tendency for a yellowish-red colour. Sensorially, the formulations K4 and K3 were the most well accepted in all respects and can therefore be considered formulations with high commercialisation potential.
Enhancing Network Slicing Security: Machine Learning, Software-Defined Networking, and Network Functions Virtualization-Driven Strategies
Authors: Cunha José , Ferreira Pedro , Castro Eva M. , Oliveira Paula Cristina , Nicolau Maria João , Núñez Iván , Sousa Xosé Ramon , Serôdio Carlos
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of 5G networks and the anticipation of 6G technologies have ushered in an era of highly customizable network environments facilitated by the innovative concept of network slicing. This technology allows the creation of multiple virtual networks on the same physical infrastructure, each optimized for specific service requirements. Despite its numerous benefits, network slicing introduces significant security vulnerabilities that must be addressed to prevent exploitation by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. This review explores the application of cutting-edge technologies—Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Machine Learning (ML), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)—in crafting advanced security solutions tailored for network slicing. AI’s predictive threat detection and automated response capabilities are analysed, highlighting its role in maintaining service integrity and resilience. Meanwhile, SDN and NFV are scrutinized for their ability to enforce flexible security policies and manage network functionalities dynamically, thereby enhancing the adaptability of security measures to meet evolving network demands. Thoroughly examining the current literature and industry practices, this paper identifies critical research gaps in security frameworks and proposes innovative solutions. We advocate for a holistic security strategy integrating ML, SDN, and NFV to enhance data confidentiality, integrity, and availability across network slices. The paper concludes with future research directions to develop robust, scalable, and efficient security frameworks capable of supporting the safe deployment of network slicing in next-generation networks.
Exploring the Cross-Sectoral Joint Fire Management Mode Driven by Fire Information in China: From the Perspective of Organizational Interaction
Authors: Song Yuwei , Liu Jida
Published: June 2024

With the increase in types of fire risk and the expansion of fire management coverage, it is urgent to involve multiple subjects in fire management. Cross-sectoral joint fire management is a new fire management mode based on collaboration between the fire management sector and the industry management sector in China. Additionally, fire information from multiple sources plays a significant role in the formation of the cross-sectoral joint fire management mode. To explore the operating characteristics and influencing factors of the cross-sectoral joint fire management mode, this paper constructed a cross-sectoral joint fire management game model by focusing on the interactions and game relationships between multiple organizations. Through numerical simulation analysis, the mechanisms by which the sharing level, coverage range, and disclosure degree of fire information influence the evolution of the game system are investigated. The results show that with the improvement in the sharing level, the coverage range, and the disclosure degree of fire information, although the evolutionary paths of the game system and game subjects’ strategies are different, the cross-sectoral joint fire management game system can form a stable strategy combination of (1,1,1). This indicates that the sharing level, coverage range, and disclosure degree of fire information play positive driving roles in the formation of the cross-sectoral joint fire management mode. Furthermore, it is found that the fire management sector has a greater influence on the cross-sectoral joint fire management mode. Finally, the implications of improving the effectiveness of cross-sectoral joint fire management are proposed: enhancing institutional support, promoting information sharing, and expanding channels for information disclosure.
Comparison of Aroma Profiles of Whiskeys Fermented from Different Grain Ingredients
Authors: Guo Siqian , Wang Dan , Li Yanting , Li Jingming , Du Jinkun
Published: June 2024

Different grain sources of whiskey have great potential for aroma expression. In this paper, four whiskeys fermented from different raw materials (barley, wheat, highland barley, and sorghum) were compared. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and sensory evaluation were used to determine the composition of the aromatic compounds. A correlation analysis was further conducted between the aromatic compounds and sensory evaluations. Barley whiskey and wheat whiskey had more pronounced fruity, floral, and grain aromas, attributed to esters and terpenes. Barley whiskey had the most compounds (55), followed by highland barley whiskey (54). Highland barley whiskey had the greatest number of unique aroma compounds (seven). It exhibited a unique cocoa aroma related to concentrations of trans-2-nonenal, γ-nonanolactone, 1-nonanol, isoamyl lactate, 2-butanol, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. Sorghum whiskey had a specific leather and mushroom aroma attributed to 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, ethyl lactate, ethyl caprate, phenethyl octanoate, farnesol, α-terpineol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol, and methyleugenol. Alcohols were the main aroma components of grain whiskeys. Isoamyl alcohol (231.59~281.39 mg/L), phenylethyl alcohol (5.755~9.158 mg/L), citronellol (0.224~4.103 mg/L), β-damascenone (0.021~2.431 mg/L), geraniol (0.286~1.416 mg/L), isoamyl acetate (0.157~0.918 mg/L), phenylacetaldehyde (0.162~0.470 mg/L), linalool (0.024~0.148 mg/L), 1-octen-3-ol (0.016~0.145 mg/L), trans-2-nonenal (0.027~0.105 mg/L), and trans-2-octen-1-ol (0.011~0.054 mg/L) were all important aroma compounds in the whiskeys.
Encapsulation of Cinnamaldehyde and Vanillin as a Strategy to Increase Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Sepúlveda Francisco , Puente-Diaz Luis , Ortiz-Viedma Jaime , Rodríguez Alicia , Char Cielo
Published: June 2024

Many studies have suggested that the encapsulation of natural antimicrobials increases their antimicrobial activity. In this sense, the objective was to study the inactivation of microorganisms with encapsulated cinnamaldehyde and vanillin (E-CIN and E-VN), in comparison with the unencapsulated antimicrobials (CIN and VN) in protein beverages. Additionally, the microbial response was quantified through mathematical modeling. Cinnamaldehyde and vanillin were encapsulated using whey protein concentrate (WPC) as the encapsulating agent. The effectiveness at inactivating Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated in a protein-apple juice beverage during storage (4 °C). Encapsulation increased the effectiveness of cinnamaldehyde, reaching reductions of 1.8, 3.3, and 5.3 log CFU/mL in E. coli, L. innocua, and S. cerevisiae, respectively, while vanillin encapsulation had little effect on antimicrobial activity, reducing by 0.5, 1.4, and 1.1 log cycles, respectively. The combined treatments (E-CIN + E-VN) had an additive effect in reducing E. coli and a synergistic effect against S. cerevisiae. The Gompertz model was more versatile and better described the biphasic curves, whereas the Weibull model complemented the information regarding the spectrum of resistances within the microbial population. In conclusion, the encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde with WPC enhanced its activity. However, further studies are necessary to improve the antimicrobial activity of vanillin.
Characterization of Degraded Konjac Glucomannan from an Isolated Bacillus licheniformis Strain with Multi-Enzyme Synergetic Action
Authors: Zhang Xueting , Ding Jieqiong , Liao Minghong , Meng Xin , Fu Yubiao , Huang Linjuan , Wang Zhongfu , Wang Qingling
Published: June 2024

The large molecular weight and high viscosity of natural konjac glucomannan (KGM) limit its industrial application. Microbial degradation of low-molecular-weight KGM has health benefits and various biological functions; however, the available KGM strains used in the industry have microbial contamination and low degradation efficiencies. Therefore, exploring novelly adaptable strains is critical for industrial processes. Here, the Bacillus licheniformis Z7-1 strain isolated from decaying konjac showed high efficiency for KGM degradation. The monosaccharide composition of the degradation products had a reduced molar ratio of mannose to glucose, indicating that Z7-1 preferentially degraded glucose in KGM. The degraded component was further characterized by ESI-MS, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it also exhibited good antibacterial activity against various food-spoilage bacteria. Genome sequencing and zymolytic analysis revealed that abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes exist in the Z7-1 genome, with at least five types of extracellular enzymes responsible for KGM degradation, manifesting multi-enzyme synergetic action. The extracellular enzymes had significant thermal stability, indicating their potential application in industry. This study provides an alternative method for obtaining low-molecular-weight KGM with antibacterial functions and supports foundational knowledge for its development as a biocatalyst for the direct conversion of biomass polysaccharides into functional components.
Comparison of Volatile Compounds among Four Types of Teas Analyzed Using Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Guo Li , Xie Chenxi , Zhao Feng , Zhang Yue , Lin Zhi
Published: June 2024

Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) is a smart method that has been applied to determine the volatile compounds in Chinese teas, but its use in comparing the volatile compounds of different types of tea has not been mentioned. In this study, the volatile compounds found in four types of samples (green, yellow, white, and black teas) made with fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze ‘Zhongcha 111’ were analyzed using GC-IMS. The results showed that 93 volatile compounds were identified from our tea samples and that the average volume of aldehydes was higher than that for other compounds, especially in white tea. The different samples were successfully categorized using multivariate statistical analysis. Using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we found 15 key compounds, including four differential components: (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furanmethanethio, 2-hexanol, and 1-octene. There were 29 common components, and their total content reached 386.0 μg/g. Moreover, the 3-methyl-2-butenal and dimethyl disulfide detected in the four samples were also differential compounds, varying according to the manufacturing technology. Thus, this study demonstrates that different types of teas can be discriminated easily using GC-IMS and that this is helpful to shorten the time for improving tea quality and developing new products.
Correlation Study between Multi-Scale Structure and In Vitro Digestibility of Starch Modified by Temperature Difference
Authors: Feng Yongting , Xu Meijuan , Chen Dongwei , Zhang Xiao , Zhou Bin , Zou Jian
Published: June 2024

Physical techniques are widely applied in the food industry due to their positive impact on food quality and the environment. Temperature differences can effectively modify starch, but the resulting changes in starch structure and quality remain unclear. In this study, the corn starch was processed with high temperature, low temperature, and temperature difference (TD), including high temperature before low temperature (H-L) and low temperature before high temperature (L-H). The results showed that high temperature induced the umbilicus to concave inward shape and sharply decreased the amylose content, while low temperature increased the surface micropores and reduced the A-chain. TD reduced the fluorescence intensity and increased the clearness of the growth ring. TD elevated the relative crystallinity (RC), short-range order, A/B1 chains, hydrolysis parameters, and resistant starch (RS), and reduced amylose content, B2/B3 chains, and viscosity. Moreover, the corn starches treated by H-L had lower amylose content and higher RC, 1047/1022, A-chain, and RS than those treated by L-H. Overall, high temperature degraded the amylose and low temperature destroyed the amylopectin. During the TD, H-L can accelerate the starch molecular rearrangement more than the opposite temperature treatment order. These results will help produce novel starches for better food applications.
From Origins to Trends: A Bibliometric Examination of Ethical Food Consumption
Authors: Beciu Silviu , Arghiroiu Georgiana Armenița , Bobeică Maria
Published: June 2024

Ethical food consumption has gained significant attention in the past years, reflecting a societal shift towards ethical behavior. Our study examines the evolution of ethical food consumption research over the past three decades, aiming to map its transformation. We identified key trends, influential contributors, and major thematic clusters through a bibliometric analysis, employing VOSviewer (v.1.6.18) for bibliometric visualization, focusing on citation networks and keyword o-occurrences to reveal the field’s structure and dynamics. We made extensive use of the Web of Science database, where we selected 1096 relevant articles and review papers. Our analysis shows a notable rise in publications starting in 2005, with a peak in 2022, indicating increased scholarly interest in the topic. The findings underscore the importance of integrating empathy and human values into ethical food consumption, highlighting the critical roles of animal welfare, sustainability, and social justice. Despite a strong pro-ethical attitude among consumers, a significant “attitude-behavior gap” persists, emphasizing the need for strategies that bridge this divide. Our results emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary efforts to align ethical practices with broader societal goals, offering valuable insights for future research and policy-making to promote sustainable and ethical food consumption worldwide.
Euglena gracilis Protein: Effects of Different Acidic and Alkaline Environments on Structural Characteristics and Functional Properties
Authors: Zhu Laijing , Liu Meng , Wang Yanli , Zhu Zhunyao , Zhao Xiangzhong
Published: June 2024

Due to the growing demand for human-edible protein sources, microalgae are recognized as an economically viable alternative source of proteins. The investigation into the structural characteristics and functional properties of microalgin is highly significant for its potential application in the food industry as an alternative source of protein. In this research, we extracted protein from Euglena gracilis by using alkaline extraction and acid precipitation and investigated its structural characteristics and functional properties in different acidic and alkaline environments. The molecular weight distribution of Euglena gracilis protein (EGP), as revealed by the size exclusion chromatography results, ranges from 152 to 5.7 kDa. EGP was found to be rich in hydrophobic amino acids and essential amino acids. Fourier infrared analysis revealed that EGP exhibited higher α-helix structure content and lower β-sheet structure content in alkaline environments compared with acidic ones. EGP exhibited higher foaming properties, emulsifying activity index, solubility, free sulfhydryl, and total sulfhydryl in pH environments far from its isoelectric point, and lower fluorescence intensity (2325 A.U.), lower surface hydrophobicity, larger average particle size (25.13 µm), higher emulsifying stability index, and water-holding capacity in pH environments near its isoelectric point. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that different acidic and alkaline environments lead to reductions in the crystal size and crystallinity of EGP. EGP exhibited high denaturation temperature (Td; 99.32 °C) and high enthalpy (ΔH; 146.33 J/g) at pH 11.0, as shown by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results. The findings from our studies on EGP in different acidic and alkaline environments provide a data basis for its potential commercial utilization as a food ingredient in products such as emulsions, gels, and foams.
Fermented Grapevine Leaves: Potential Preserving Agent in Yogurt
Authors: Freitas Lais , Sousa-Dias Miguel , Paula Vanessa B. , Dias Luís G. , Estevinho Leticia M.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we monitored the fermentative process of Vitis vinifera L. leaves (grapevine), spontaneously or promoted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in both solid and liquid media. We also aimed to evaluate the effect on the bioactivity and shelf life of yogurt incorporating fermented and non-fermented grapevine leaves compared to yogurt produced with the preservative potassium sorbate. The results revealed that fermented grapevine leaf extracts increased their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, particularly in fermentations in a solid medium. In yogurt samples with incorporation extract from solid spontaneous fermentation and extract from solid yeast fermentation, even in small quantities, they exhibited higher levels of total phenols (1.94 and 2.16 mg GAE/g of yogurt, respectively) and antioxidant activity (5.30 and 5.77 mg TroloxE/g of yogurt; and 1.33 and 1.34 mg Fe(II)E/g of yogurt, respectively) compared to control yogurt (1.44 mg GAE/g of yogurt, 4.00 mg TroloxE/g of yogurt, and 1.01 mg Fe(II)E/g of yogurt). Additionally, yogurts supplemented with fermented grapevine leaves demonstrated the potential to inhibit microbial growth without impairing the multiplication of lactic acid bacteria.
Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Functionality of Non-Covalent Ternary Complexes Fabricated with Pea Protein, Hyaluronic Acid and Chlorogenic Acid
Authors: Fu Wenfei , Liu Fujun , Zhang Ronglei , Zhao Ru , He Yuxin , Wang Cuina
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize stable non−covalent ternary complexes based on pea protein (PP, 0.5%), hyaluronic acid (HA, 0.125%), and chlorogenic acid (CA, 0~0.03%). The ternary complexes were comprehensively evaluated for physicochemical attributes, stability, emulsifying capacities, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial efficacy. PP-HA binary complexes were first prepared at pH 7, and then CA was bound to the binary complexes, as verified by fluorescence quenching. Molecular docking elucidated that PP interacted with HA and CA through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The particle size of ternary complexes initially decreased, then increased with CA concentration, peaking at 0.025%. Ternary complexes demonstrated good stability against UV light and thermal treatment. Emulsifying activity of complexes initially decreased and then increased, with a turning point of 0.025%, while emulsion stability continued to increase. Complexes exhibited potent scavenging ability against free radicals and iron ions, intensifying with higher CA concentrations. Ternary complexes effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition up to 0.025%, then decreasing with CA concentration. Our study indicated that the prepared ternary complexes at pH 7 were stable and possessed good functionality, including emulsifying properties, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties under certain concentrations of CA. These findings may provide valuable insights for the targeted design and application of protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol complexes in beverages and dairy products.
Development of a Chitosan-Based Film from Shellfish Waste for the Preservation of Various Cheese Types during Storage
Authors: Vadalà Rossella , De Maria Laura , De Pasquale Rita , Di Salvo Eleonora , Lo Vecchio Giovanna , Di Bella Giuseppa , Costa Rosaria , Cicero Nicola
Published: June 2024

The global concern about the use of disposable plastics has fed the research on sustainable packaging for food products. Among the virtuous materials, chitosan emerges as a valid alternative to conventional polyethylene films because of its abundance in nature. In this work, a novel film for food wrapping was developed by exploiting shellfish waste according to a vision of circular economy. Compared to previous studies, here, novel ingredients, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), fibroin, and essential oils, were used in a synergistic combination to functionally postpone cheese deterioration. The fermentative procedure applied for the obtainment of chitin contributes to filling the existing gap in the literature, since the majority of studies are based on the chemical pathways that dramatically impact the environment. After pretreatment, the shrimp shell waste (SSW) was fermented through two bacterial strains, namely Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis. A deacetylation step in an alkaline environment transformed chitin into chitosan, yielding 78.88 g/kg SWW. Four different film formulations were prepared, all containing chitosan with other ingredients added in order of decreasing complexity from the A to D groups. The novel films were tested with regard to their physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties, including the tensile strength (12.10–23.25 MPa), the elongation at break (27.91–46.12%), the hardness (52–71 Shore A), the film thickness (308–309 μm), and the radical scavenging activity (16.11–76.56%). The performance as a cling film was tested on two groups of cheese samples: the control (CTR), wrapped in conventional polyethylene (PE) film; treated (TRT), wrapped in the chitofilm formulation deemed best for its mechanical properties. The volatiles entrapped into the headspace were investigated by means of the SPME-GC technique. The results varied across soft, Camembert, and semi-hard cheeses, indicating a growing abundance of volatiles during the conservation of cheese. The bacterial growth trends for mesophilic, enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria were expressed as the mean colony forming units (CFU)/mL for each type of cheese at different sampling times (day 2, day 8, and day 22): the highest load was quantified as 8.2 × 106 CFU/mL at day 22 in the CTR Camembert cheese. The TRT samples generally exhibited inhibitory activity comparable to or lower than that observed in the CTR samples. The sensory analysis revealed distinctions in cheese taste between the TRT and CTR groups.
A Fractional Magnetic System with Critical Nonlinearities
Authors: Yang Libo , Heidarkhani Shapour , Zuo Jiabin
Published: June 2024

In the present paper, we investigate a fractional magnetic system involving critical concave–convex nonlinearities with Laplace operators. Specifically, (−Δ)Asu1=λ1|u1|q−2u1 + 2α1α1+β1|u1|α1−2u1|u2|β1 in Ω, (−Δ)Asu2=λ2|u2|q−2u2+2β1α1+β1|u2|β1−2u2|u1|α1 in Ω, u1=u2=0 in Rn∖Ω, where Ω is a bounded set with Lipschitz boundary ∂Ω in Rn, 1<q<21,β1>1, α1+β1=2s∗=2nn−2s, 2s∗ is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent, and (−Δ)As is a fractional magnetic Laplace operator. By using Lusternik–Schnirelmann’s theory, we prove the existence result of infinitely many solutions for the magnetic fractional system.
An Exploratory Study of the Potential of Online Counseling for University Students by a Human-Operated Avatar Counselor
Authors: Kiuchi Keita , Umehara Hidehiro , Irizawa Koushi , Kang Xin , Nakataki Masahito , Yoshida Minoru , Numata Shusuke , Matsumoto Kazuyuki
Published: June 2024

Recently, the use of digital technologies, such as avatars and virtual reality, has been increasingly explored to address university students’ mental health issues. However, there is limited research on the advantages and disadvantages of counselors using avatars in online video counseling. Herein, 25 university students were enrolled in a pilot online counseling session with a human counselor-controlled avatar, and asked about their emotional experiences and impressions of the avatar and to provide qualitative feedback on their communication experience. Positive emotions during the session were associated with impressions of the avatar’s intelligence and likeability. The anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, and intelligent impressions of the avatar were interrelated, indicating that the avatar’s smile and the counselor’s expertise in empathy and approval may have contributed to these impressions. However, no associations were observed between participant experiences and their prior communication with avatars, or between participant experiences and their gender or the perceived gender of the avatar. Accordingly, recommendations for future practice and research are provided. Accumulating practical and empirical findings on the effectiveness of human-operated avatar counselors is crucial for addressing university students’ mental health issues.
The Effect of Dragon Boating on the Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Herrero-Zapirain Igor , Álvarez-Pardo Sergio , Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz , Moreno-Villanueva Adrian , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan Francisco
Published: June 2024

Physical activity improves breast cancer-related symptoms in women and decreases cancer-related mortality. The main objective of this systematic review is to synthesize and analyze the evidence of the effect of dragon boating on the quality of life of female breast cancer survivors. A systematic review based on the PRISMA method was conducted using four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and Pubmed). The search phrase used was “Breast Cancer” AND “Dragon Boat” AND “Quality of Life”. The search was conducted in June 2024. The PEDro method was used to ensure the quality of the publications. A total of 77 articles published until 2024 were selected, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria of assessing the application of dragon boating and that used a validated instrument to assess quality of life. There is no homogeneity in terms of the instrument used to measure QOL. The SF-36 was the most commonly used, followed by the FACT-B and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Five out of ten articles compared the improvement in quality of life between dragon boating and other physical activities, while 6 out of 10 analyzed the pre–post effect of dragon boat use. Dragon boating is a physical activity alternative that improves the quality of life of breast cancer survivors and reduces the symptomatology caused by the disease and its treatments. As dragon boat programs are applied over a longer period of time, the improvements in quality of life are greater. When compared with other types of physical activity, dragon boating does not show significant differences that position it as a better option for this population.
Impact of Twig-Tip Dieback on Leaf Nutrient Status and Resorption Efficiency of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Trees
Authors: Asis Constancio A. , Niscioli Alan
Published: June 2024

Mineral nutrition is essential for plant growth and the interaction of plants with biotic and abiotic stresses. Mango twig-tip dieback (MTTD) is a new type of mango decline, but its impact on trees’ mineral nutrition is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the effect of MTTD infection on the nutrient status, balance, and resorption efficiency (RE) of mangoes. Leaf nutrient concentrations and deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) indices of ‘Kensington Pride’ (KP) mango trees with low (LD) and high (HD) levels of MTTD infections were analyzed to compare the foliar nutrition status and nutrient balance between the LD and HD trees. Moreover, the nutrient resorption efficiency of MTTD-infected dried leaves (RED) was compared with the resorption efficiency of healthy (RES) leaves of KP mangoes. The concentrations of total Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were lower in the HD trees than in the LD trees. But the total K content was higher in the HD trees, and its DOP index was sufficient, while the total K concentration was of a low and deficient level in LD trees. Moreover, the DOP indices for total Ca, Mn, and Zn were less deficient in LD trees than in HD trees, and the overall nutrient imbalances were exacerbated in HD trees. The RED was significantly lower than RES for the total N, P, S, Cu, Fe, and Zn but significantly higher than RES for K. This study underscores the significant influence of MTTD on the mineral nutrition of KP mangoes, revealing distinct nutrient variations between trees with low and high MTTD infection levels. These findings have important implications for mango crop management, emphasizing the need for targeted nutrient interventions to address imbalances induced by MTTD and enhance the overall health and resistance of mango trees against MTTD infections.
Organic Agricultural Practice: Crop Load Management Enhancing Quality and Storability of High-Russet Pears
Authors: Guerra Marcos , Álvarez-Taboada Flor , Marabel Verónica , Felices Amanda M. , Rodríguez-González Álvaro , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: June 2024

The variability of crop load in Conference pears significantly influences fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study aimed to investigate and implement a novel technique for managing crop load in Conference pear orchards, with a focus on contributing to sustainable orchard management practices. High-russet pear cv. Conference fruit was harvested from trees categorized into two groups based on yield efficiency. A two-way ANOVA was used to test the effects of crop load level and year on yield properties and fruit quality parameters. Results demonstrated that low crop loads exerted a positive influence on fruit quality, resulting in increased fresh-market yield, enhanced fruit-mass parameters, and improved firmness and acidity. Additionally, fruit from low crop load levels exhibited a heightened level of characteristic skin russeting, a desirable attribute that enhances product appeal, compared to fruit from high crop load levels. Thus, crop load management in Conference pear orchards emerged as an effective preharvest organic strategy for mitigating postharvest quality losses during storage, thereby promoting overall orchard sustainability.
Developing a Bi-Level Optimization Model for the Coupled Street Network and Land Subdivision Design Problem with Various Lot Areas in Irregular Blocks
Authors: Sahebgharani Alireza , Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: June 2024

Street design and land subdivision are significant tasks in the development and redevelopment planning process. Optimizing street and land subdivision layouts within a unified framework to achieve solutions that meet a set of objectives and constraints (e.g., minimizing parcel area deviation from standard values, minimizing land consumption for street construction, etc.) is a critical concern for planners, particularly in complex contexts such as blocks with irregular shapes and parcels of varying sizes and requirements. To address this challenge, a mathematical formulation is presented for the bi-level street network and land subdivision optimization problem. Subsequently, the solution procedure is outlined, which utilizes a genetic-based algorithm for street design and a memetic–genetic-based algorithm for land subdivision. Finally, two cases are presented, solved, and discussed to analyze and verify the proposed mathematical model and solution procedures. The results suggest that the formulated problem is suitable for addressing the coupled street network and land subdivision design problem, and it can be adapted and extended to other case studies. Additionally, the introduced ideas and algorithms satisfactorily solved the stated problem.
Research on the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Educational Facilities Based on POI Data: A Case Study of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Chen Bowen , Zhang Hongfeng , Wong Cora Un In , Chen Xiaolong , Li Fanbo , Wei Xiaoyu , Shen Junxian
Published: June 2024

This study aims to provide a precise assessment of the distribution of educational facilities within the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, serving as a crucial foundation for managing educational resource allocation and enhancing the quality of educational services. Utilizing a kernel density analysis, global autocorrelation analysis, and geographic detectors, this research systematically analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of educational facilities in the area. The findings reveal significant geographical disparities in facility distribution with dense clusters in urban centers such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and less dense distributions in peripheral areas like Zhongshan and Macau. These facilities exhibit a multi-center cluster pattern with strong spatial autocorrelation, mainly influenced by the population size and economic and urban development levels. The results provide actionable insights for refining educational planning and resource allocation, contributing to the enhancement of educational quality across diverse urban landscapes.