bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Should We Teach Nature Protection? Self-Determination and Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Baierl Tessa-Marie , Bogner Franz X.
Published: March 2023

Environmental attitudes are supportive for learning about the environment and for pro-environmental engagement. The question, then, is how to strengthen and establish environmental attitudes. Based on a sample of 429 middle and high school students, we investigated the effect of self-determination-based motivation on environmental attitude. While high levels of self-determination (i.e., intrinsic motivation) positively affected pro-environmental attitude (β = 0.40), low levels of self-determination (i.e., external regulation) negatively affected attitude (β = –0.31). Our data further pointed to a distinct trajectory of self-determination and inclusion of nature throughout adolescence (high scores for 12-year-olds that decline to a minimum around 15–16-years old); a trend that has already been shown for environmental attitude. Such a dip might help derive teaching recommendations in environmental education, e.g., by supporting high scores in time to attenuate a decline. Further teaching recommendations include strengthening students’ self-determination through their basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).
Bringing Together Mathematics and Philosophy with Logic and Poly-Universe
Authors: Mouro Ana Paula , Brito Margarida Cid , Lopes Graça , Bidarra Maria da Graça , Vaz-Rebelo Piedade
Published: March 2023

In this paper we report on an activity developed in the context of the Erasmus+ PUNTE Project, using the Poly-Universe material, which led to the learning of logic and mathematics among the 10th grade students of a school in the central region of Portugal. Three teachers, two of mathematics and one of philosophy, and 21 students of secondary education participated in the study. The data obtained, following the observation and application of questionnaires and pre- and post-tests, reveal the usefulness of Poly-Universe for the acquisition of notions about logical operations, for analysing arguments and their validity and solving mathematical problems, motivating the students for carrying out the activity.
“From Two Different Perspectives” to Simultaneous Renewal: Program Components That Inform and Transform Practice through a University–District Leadership Preparation Partnership
Authors: Anderson Shanna Dawn , Meza-Fernandez Kate , Lai-LaGrotteria Sharon , Volpe Donna , Garver Rachel
Published: March 2023

University-district partnerships are promising models for leadership preparation programs, however many partnerships fall short of their potential. In this two-year qualitative, action research study, we examine how a university-district partnership led to the simultaneous renewal of the district and university as it sought to develop transformational school leaders. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with program participants, university staff, and district administrators indicated the impactful role of cohorts, co-teaching, and inquiry-based instruction in the continual improvement of all stakeholders. We show how each of these program components informed and transformed the university and district. We also identified partnership conditions that supported their effectiveness. Our findings inform universities and districts designing partnerships for leadership preparation and provide existing partnerships that incorporate cohorting, co-teaching, and inquiry-based instruction a better understanding of their potential impact.
Mentoring and Research Self-Efficacy of Doctoral Students: A Psychometric Approach
Authors: Amador-Campos Juan Antonio , Peró-Cebollero Maribel , Feliu-Torruella Maria , Pérez-González Alba , Cañete-Massé Cristina , Jarne-Esparcia Adolfo José , Triadó-Ivern Xavier , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan
Published: March 2023

Effective mentoring is an integral component of the doctoral dissertation process. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of two questionnaires developed to assess research self-efficacy and the mentoring/supervision process. The sample comprised 1265 doctorate students (mean age = 32.36 years; standard deviation = 8.20). Items in both questionnaires had adequate discrimination indexes and principal component analysis supported the unifactorial structure of each questionnaire, with adequate percentages of explained variance (47.5% and 60%, respectively). Reliability was good or excellent: α = 0.71 and α = 0.94. In the research self-efficacy questionnaire, there was a significant interaction between gender and year of doctoral studies. Men had higher scores in the first, second and third years of their doctoral studies than women, but this ranking was reversed for the fourth and fifth years. In the mentoring/supervision questionnaire, PhD students in their first year had a higher score than those in the third, fourth and fifth years, and students in the second year had a higher score than those in the fifth year. Understanding students’ perception of their research self-efficacy and the mentoring process is of great importance given the relationship between the mentoring process and students’ academic performance and personal well-being.
A Power System Timing Data Recovery Method Based on Improved VMD and Attention Mechanism Bi-Directional CNN-GRU
Authors: Xie Kangmin , Liu Jichun , Liu Youbo
Published: March 2023

The temporal data of the power system are expanding with the growth of the power system and the proliferation of automated equipment. However, data loss may arise during the acquisition, measurement, transmission, and storage of temporal data. To address the insufficiency of temporal data in the power system, this study proposes a sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) architecture to restore power system temporal data. This architecture comprises a radial convolutional neural unit (CNN) network and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) network. Specifically, to account for the periodicity and volatility of temporal data, VMD is employed to decompose the time series data output into components of different frequencies. CNN is utilized to extract the spatial characteristics of temporal data. At the same time, Seq2Seq is employed to reconstruct each component based on introducing a feature timing and multi-model combination triple attention mechanism. The feature attention mechanism calculates the contribution rate of each feature quantity and independently mines the correlation between the time series data output and each feature value. The temporal attention mechanism autonomously extracts historical–critical moment information. A multi-model combination attention mechanism is introduced, and the missing data repair value is obtained after modeling the combination of data on both sides of the missing data. Recovery experiments are conducted based on actual data, and the method’s effectiveness is verified by comparison with other methods.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems with Autonomous Navigation
Authors: Papa Umberto
Published: March 2023

Unmanned aerial systems play an increasingly remarkable role in widely diffused application fields, from military defense programs and strategies to civil and commercial utilization [...]
An Optimal Active Defensive Security Framework for the Container-Based Cloud with Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Li Yuanbo , Hu Hongchao , Liu Wenyan , Yang Xiaohan
Published: March 2023

Due to the complexity of attack scenarios in the container-based cloud environment and the continuous changes in the state of microservices, the effectiveness of active defense strategies decreases with the cloud environment and microservice change. To tackle it, the main focus is how to establish a comprehensive threat model and adaptive active defense deployment strategy. In this study, we present an optimal active defensive security framework (OADSF) for a container-based cloud with deep reinforcement learning. Firstly, based on the characteristics of container clouds and microservices, the security threats and attack paths of attackers are analyzed from the application layer and container layer. Then, we propose a Holistic System Attack Graph to quantitatively analyze the security gain, quality of service (QOS) and defense efficiency in the container-based cloud scenarios. Finally, the optimization of a moving target defense (MTD) strategy is modeled as a Markov decision process. Deep reinforcement learning is proposed to handle the state space explosion under large-scale cloud applications, thus solving the optimal defense configuration strategy for the orchestration platform. We use Kubernetes to build container-based clusters. The algorithm is implemented in Python 3.7 based on Tensorflow 1.14. Simulation results show that the proposed method can quickly converge under large-scale cloud applications and increase defensive efficiency. Compared with DSEOM and SmartSCR, the defense efficiency is increased by 35.19% and 12.09%, respectively.
Thermal Runaway Characteristics and Gas Composition Analysis of Lithium-Ion Batteries with Different LFP and NCM Cathode Materials under Inert Atmosphere
Authors: Shen Hengjie , Wang Hewu , Li Minghai , Li Cheng , Zhang Yajun , Li Yalun , Yang Xinwei , Feng Xuning , Ouyang Minggao
Published: March 2023

During thermal runaway (TR), lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) produce a large amount of gas, which can cause unimaginable disasters in electric vehicles and electrochemical energy storage systems when the batteries fail and subsequently combust or explode. Therefore, to systematically analyze the post-thermal runaway characteristics of commonly used LIBs with LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) cathode materials and to maximize the in situ gas generation during battery thermal runaway, we designed experiments using an adiabatic explosion chamber (AEC) under an inert atmosphere to test LIBs. Additionally, we conducted in situ analysis of the gas components produced during thermal runaway. Our research findings indicate that after thermal runaway, NCM batteries produce more gas than LFP batteries. Based on battery gas production, the degree of harm caused by TR can be ranked as follows: NCM9 0.5 0.5 > NCM811 > NCM622 > NCM523 > LFP. The primary gas components during thermal runaway for both NCM and LFP batteries include H2,CO,CO2,C2H4, and CH4. The gas produced by LFP batteries contains a high proportion of H2. The high concentration of H2 results in a lower flammability limit (LFL) for the gas generated by LFP batteries during TR compared to the mixed gas produced by NCM batteries. Therefore, in terms of battery TR gas composition, the order of hazard level is LFP > NCM811 > NCM622 > NCM523 > NCM9 0.5 0.5 0.5. Although experimental results show that LFP batteries have superior thermal stability and lower gas production during large-scale battery thermal runaway events, considering gas generation composition and thermal runaway products, the thermal runaway risk of LFP batteries may be higher than that of NCM batteries. Although LFP batteries are considered very safe, our research results have once again drawn researchers’ attention to LFP batteries. These gases can also serve as detection signals for battery thermal runaway warnings, providing a cautionary note for the future development of electrochemical energy storage and the renewable energy sector.
Bidirectional CLLLC Resonant Converter Based on Frequency-Conversion and Phase-Shift Hybrid Control
Authors: Jin Ning-Zhi , Feng Yu , Chen Ze-Yu , Wu Xiao-Gang
Published: March 2023

Due to the symmetrical structure, consistent working characteristics in the forward and reverse operations, and good soft-switching characteristics, bidirectional CLLLC resonant converters are widely used in electric vehicles and other fields. To meet the requirements of the on-board charger, this paper uses a bidirectional CLLLC resonant converter as the rear-stage of the on-board charger. The converter uses a constant voltage and constant current control in the forward operation and voltage and current double-closed-loop control in the reverse operation. Aiming at the problem whereby the voltage gain range of the bidirectional CLLLC resonant converter is relatively narrow under frequency-conversion control, the paper proposed a hybrid control method of frequency conversion and phase shift. Frequency-conversion control is used when the voltage gain is high, and phase-shift control is used when the voltage gain is low. The output voltage range of the converter is effectively broadened, and zero voltage switching and zero current switching can be realized in the full load range to improve operating efficiency. A 3.3 kW bidirectional CLLLC resonant converter simulation system is built in the simulation software. The simulation results verify the correctness and feasibility of the designed circuit and control method.
Operation Method of PV–Battery Hybrid Systems for Peak Shaving and Estimation of PV Generation
Authors: Jo Kun-Yik , Go Seok-Il
Published: March 2023

Photovoltaic (PV)–battery hybrid systems, which are composed of PV arrays, batteries, and bidirectional inverters, can level the loads of traditional utility grids. Their objective is to supply predetermined active and reactive power to the power grid. This paper presents an operation method for PV–battery hybrid systems by estimating PV generation. Using the PV installation information, the maximum PV generation on a clear day was predicted and compared with historical data. The PV generation was estimated using historical data from 2007 to 2010. The method aims to reduce the peak load of the power system using the estimated load and PV generation of the next day. With the given weather information and load pattern for the next day, the charge and discharge set points of the battery can be determined by considering the initial SoC (State of Charge) and capacity of the battery. To compensate for the estimation error of the load and PV output, an operational margin was considered. This method can maximize system operation efficiency by fully utilizing the battery. The effectiveness of the operation method was validated through simulation studies. It was confirmed that the peak load could be reduced by 30% using the proposed algorithm.
Range Deception Jamming Performance Evaluation for Moving Targets in a Ground-Based Radar Network
Authors: Ling Qing , Huang Penghui , Wang Donghong , Xu Huajian , Wang Lingyu , Liu Xingzhao , Liao Guisheng , Sun Yongyan
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of electronic information technology, the forms and technologies of electronic warfare have become more complicated, and electronic countermeasures (ECMs) and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCMs) have become fierce in recent years. Networked radars have become an important means of ECMs due to their “four anti-resistance performance” against electronic jamming, anti-stealth, anti-radiation missiles, and low-altitude penetration. Based on this, this paper evaluates the performance of range deception jamming on an air-based jammer in a ground-based radar network. In this paper, the ground-based radar coordinate system conversion relationship is first established. Then, the statistical variance data fusion criterion for the radar network is constructed. Hence, based on the data fusion criterion, the jamming range delay boundary and the radar position information are recorded. Finally, the jamming performance evaluation can be achieved by analyzing the relationship between the jamming range delay and the radar position. The results of the simulated experiments reveal that when the jamming range delay is sufficiently small, the radar network system can be interfered with successfully by the range false target.
Provable Secure Attribute-Based Proxy Signature Over Lattice Small Integer Solution Problem in Random Oracle Model
Authors: Wei Lulu , Li Daofeng , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

Current proxy signature schemes are mostly identity-based proxy signatures that distinguish users by identity. This signature method faces some problems, such as identity information leakage and single access control. Attribute-based proxy signature (ABPS) divides the signer’s identity information into a collection of attributes; thus, users’ identity information can be protected and access control can become fine-grained. With the development of quantum computers, the security of signature schemes based on traditional number theory problems is under threat. Therefore, we construct a new attribute-based proxy signature scheme on a lattice that can resist quantum attacks. This scheme has the properties of both attribute-based signatures and proxy signatures, i.e., fine-grained access control and strong undeniability properties. Moreover, based on the small integer solution problem (SIS), our scheme is provably secure in the random oracle model and protects the proxy signer in the adaptive security model.
Optimal Configuration of User-Side Energy Storage for Multi-Transformer Integrated Industrial Park Microgrid
Authors: Chen Wengang , Chen Jiajia , Xu Bingyin , Cong Xinpeng , Yin Wenliang
Published: March 2023

Under a two-part tariff, the user-side installation of photovoltaic and energy storage systems can simultaneously lower the electricity charge and demand charge. How to plan the energy storage capacity and location against the backdrop of a fully installed photovoltaic system is a critical element in determining the economic benefits of users. In view of this, we propose an optimal configuration of user-side energy storage for a multi-transformer-integrated industrial park microgrid. First, the objective function of user-side energy storage planning is built with the income and cost of energy storage in the whole life cycle as the core elements. This is conducted by taking into consideration the time-of-use electricity price, demand price, on-grid electricity price, and energy storage operation and maintenance costs. Then, considering the load characteristics and bidirectional energy interaction of different nodes, a user-side decentralized energy storage configuration model is developed for a multi-transformer-integrated industrial park microgrid. Finally, combined with the engineering practice constraints, the configuration model is solved by mixed integer linear programming. The simulation test demonstrates how the proposed model can successfully increase the economic benefits of an industrial park. Electricity and demand costs are reduced by 11.90% and 19.35%, respectively, and the photovoltaic accommodation level is increased by 4.2%, compared to those without the installation of energy storage system.
China’s Inter-Provincial Energy Security Resilience Assessment over Space and Time: An Improved Gray Relational Projection Model
Authors: Li Pin , Zhang Jinsuo
Published: March 2023

In recent years, with the increasing impact of extreme weather events on energy security, energy vulnerability has increased significantly, and more and more international institutions and departments have begun to incorporate resilience governance into energy security. This paper focuses on China’s inter-provincial energy security assessment. Compared with existing relevant research, the significant features of our work are (i) introducing the concept of energy resilience and presenting its evolution mechanism and evaluation criteria, (ii) developing a gray relational projection model by using the level difference maximization and optimization theory, (iii) measuring the energy resilience of 30 Chinese provinces over space and time. Our results show that the spatial–temporal patterns of energy resilience in China changed significantly from 2005 to 2018. High energy resilience moved from provinces with abundant nonrenewable energy before 2010 to provinces with high energy diversity. Energy endowment is a primary condition to ensure a region’s energy resilience. Renewable energy development, energy investment, economic development, and policy coordination play vital roles in ensuring regional energy resilience. Energy investment and economic development can effectively improve the energy resilience of resource-poor areas. This study’s results will serve as a reference for China and contribute to expanding knowledge in this field.
Mathematical Modeling of Forest Fire Containment Using a Wet Line Ahead of the Combustion Front
Authors: Kuznetsov Geniy , Kondakov Aleksandr , Zhdanova Alena
Published: March 2023

The modern methods of predicting the fire front spread characteristics during forest fires have significant limitations. The main challenge is to adequately describe the impact of the flame length (reaching 10–15 m even during surface fires) on the fire intensity, containment and suppression. This research presents a new approach to the description of a set of physical and chemical processes developing when a forest fire flame interacts with a strip of forest fuel, part of which has been wetted. A system of differential equations has been derived to provide adequate mathematical modeling of the processes developing in a forest fuel layer (including its wetted part). The formulated mathematical problem was solved using the finite difference method at a flame temperature of 900 K and flame height of 0.15 m, which is characteristic of the incipient stage of surface fires. The control line width in the analysis was 0.3 m; the forest fuel layer thickness was 0.05 m. The obtained findings were consistent with the corresponding experimental data on the control line span providing complete containment of forest fuel combustion. It has been demonstrated that the span of a wetted forest fuel strip (control line sizes) providing forest fire containment at all flame lengths can be reliably predicted.
Do Fire Cues Enhance Germination of Soil Seed Stores across an Ecotone of Wet Eucalypt Forest to Cool Temperate Rainforest in the Central Highlands of South-Eastern Australia?
Authors: Younis Samuel , Kasel Sabine
Published: March 2023

Soil seed banks play an important role in plant species persistence in fire-prone systems. Response to fire related germination cues often reflect historical fire regimes and can be important in maintaining ecotones between different forest types. We assessed the effects of heat and/or smoke on the soil stored seed banks across an ecotone of eucalypt to rainforest overstorey comprising wet forest, cool temperate mixed forest, and cool temperate rainforest in south-eastern Australia. Soils from five replicates of each forest type were subjected to very low (45 °C), low (65 °C) and high (90 °C) heat with or without two different smoke treatments: –smoke-infused vermiculite, and karrikinolide—a phytoreactive compound derived from smoke. Soils were placed in a glasshouse and germinants were identified and counted at weekly intervals. Response to fire cues was consistent among forest types despite underlying differences in the diversity of soil seed banks. There was no overall response of species richness, abundance, or composition to fire cues. Phanerophytes and ant-dispersed species with hard seed coats demonstrated positive response, and endozoochores negative response, to high heat independent of smoke. Endozoochores were concentrated (albeit at low densities) in cool temperate rainforest with no overall effect of seral affiliation on response to fire cues. Given the lack of response to karrikinolide, response to soil disturbance would most likely be associated with mechanical seed abrasion and/or exposure to increased light availability than to non-fire related production of smoke products. Forest type was a stronger determinant of floristics in the germinated soil seed bank than simulated fire related germination cues. Both smoke treatments had little influence on floristics in the germinated seed bank suggesting other, non-fire disturbances such as treefalls and soil turnover by fauna may be more important for germination for many of the species in these forest types.
Chitosan Coating Functionalized with Flaxseed Oil and Green Tea Extract as a Bio-Based Solution for Beef Preservation
Authors: Mendes Cíntia G. , Martins Joana T. , Lüdtke Fernanda L. , Geraldo Ana , Pereira Alfredo , Vicente António A. , Vieira Jorge M.
Published: March 2023

Ecological and safe packaging solutions arise as pivotal points in the development of an integrated system for sustainable meat production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a combined chitosan (Ch) + green tea extract (GTE) + essential oil (thyme oil, TO; flaxseed oil, FO; or oregano oil, OO) coating on the safety and quality of vacuum-packaged beef during storage at 4 °C. An optimized bio-based coating formulation was selected (2% Ch + 2% GTE + 0.1% FO) to be applied to three fresh beef cuts (shoulder, Sh; knuckle, Kn; Striploin, St) based on its pH (5.8 ± 0.1), contact angle (22.3 ± 0.4°) and rheological parameters (viscosity = 0.05 Pa.s at shear rate > 20 s−1). Shelf-life analysis showed that the Ch–GTE–FO coating delayed lipid oxidation and reduced total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae growth compared with uncoated beef samples over five days. In addition, Ch–GTE–FO coating decreased total color changes of beef samples (e.g., ∆E* = 9.84 and 3.94, for non-coated and coated Kn samples, respectively) for up to five days. The original textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness and springiness) of beef cuts were maintained during storage when Ch–GTE–FO coating was applied. Based on the physicochemical and microbial characterization results, the combination of the Ch–GTE–FO coating developed was effective in preserving the quality of fresh beef cuts during refrigerated storage along with vacuum packaging.
Soursop (Annona muricata) Properties and Perspectives for Integral Valorization
Authors: Santos Ivone Lima , Rodrigues Antonio Manoel da Cruz , Amante Edna Regina , Silva Luiza Helena Meller da
Published: March 2023

The increased international interest in the properties of soursop (Annona muricata) alerts us to the sustainability of productive chain by-products, which are rich in phytochemicals and other properties justifying their industrial application in addition to reducing the environmental impact and generating income. Chemical characteristics of soursop by-products are widely known in the scientific community; this fruit has several therapeutic effects, especially its leaves, enabling it to be used by the pharmaceutical industry. Damaged and non-standard fruits (due to falling and crushing) (30–50%), seeds (3–8.5%), peels (7–20%), and leaves, although they constitute discarded waste, can be considered as by-products. There are other less cited parts of the plant that also have phytochemical components, such as the columella and the epidermis of the stem and root. Tropical countries are examples of producers where soursop is marketed as fresh fruit or frozen pulp, and the valorization of all parts of the fruit could represent important environmental and economic perspectives. Based on the chemical composition of the fruit as well as its by-products and leaves, this work discusses proposals for the valorization of these materials. Soursop powder, bioactive compounds, oil, biochar, biodiesel, bio-oil, and other products based on published studies are presented in this work, offering new ideas for opportunities for the regions and consumers that produce soursop.
Simulation Study of Xylitol-Mediated Effect on NaCl Diffusion Behavior in Cured Pork Tenderloin
Authors: Chen Dan , Zhu Qiujin , Zhou Ying , Wan Jing , Deng Li , Wang Lei , Liu Linggao , Gu Sha , Huang Yanpei , Zhou Yeling , Bi Shenghui
Published: March 2023

Polyhydroxy alcohol-mediated curing has great potential for producing low-salt cured meat products. This study investigated the mass transfer kinetics and the one-way diffusion simulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) during the curing process. Furthermore, Fick’s second law determined the NaCl diffusion coefficient (De) of xylitol-mediated cured pork tenderloin. The results demonstrated that adding xylitol could reduce the De of NaCl. The De of NaCl, calculated using the one-way model, was 1.29 × 10−9 m2·s−1, 1.22 × 10−9 m2·s−1, 1.2 × 10−9 m2·s−1, and 1.15 × 10−9 m2·s−1 when the amount of xylitol added was 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% (w/w), respectively. This result agrees with the predicted values from the power function time-varying model. Moreover, a three-dimensional simulating model of mass transfers constructed using COMSOL Multiphysics was developed to evaluate the NaCl diffusion in pork tenderloin during the curing process. This model has high accuracy and can be used to describe the diffusion of NaCl in curing. Overall, this study provided a foundation for NaCl diffusion and distribution during the curing process.
Thermal Degradation of Carotenoids from Jambu Leaves (Acmella oleracea) during Convective Drying
Authors: Moura Jardilene da Silva , Sousa Railson Pontes e , Martins Luiza Helena da Silva , Costa Carlos Emmerson Ferreira da , Chisté Renan Campos , Lopes Alessandra Santos
Published: March 2023

Jambu (Acmella oleracea) is a vegetable used in human food. Drying is an alternative to increase the shelf life of the product. High temperatures can induce the degradation of carotenoids and reduce the health benefits of these compounds. This study investigated the effect of the Jambu leaves’ drying temperature on the carotenoid composition. It was performed previously by screening 16 plants from different localities based on the total carotenoid content. The process of drying by convection was carried out at temperatures of 35, 40, 50, and 60 °C in an air circulation oven, at an air velocity of 1.4 m/s−1 and a processing time of ~20 h. The drying data were fitted to six mathematical models and the quantification of the carotenoid retention was determined by HPLC-DAD. The study demonstrates that the carotenoid content among the samples collected from the 16 producers varied by 72% (lower—175 ± 16 μg/g, higher—618 ± 46 μg/g). Among the models, the Page model was found to be the most suitable model to explain the variation of the experimental data. The drying process at 40 °C reduces the Jambu leaves’ carotenoid content significantly (p < 0.05) (All-trans-β-carotene—86 ± 2 μg/g, All-trans-lutein—141 ± 0.2 μg/g) but does not alter the carotenoid profile. The occurrence of similar reduction behavior was observed for the different carotenoids at all the temperatures studied. The drying process at 35 °C was the condition that ensured the highest retention of carotenoids, and also a product classified as a very high source of carotenoids (total carotenoids—748 ± 27 μg/g, vitamin A—17 ± 1 μg RAE/g). Thus, this study concludes that a temperature of 35 °C for 14 h (air velocity—1.4 m/s−1) is the best drying condition for Jambu leaves using a low-cost dryer and as a possibility for the preservation and marketing of this Amazonian raw material.
Differentiating Huangjiu with Varying Sugar Contents from Different Regions Based on Targeted Metabolomics Analyses of Volatile Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Yu Junting , Zhou Zhilei , Xu Xibiao , Ren Huan , Gong Min , Ji Zhongwei , Liu Shuangping , Hu Zhiming , Mao Jian
Published: March 2023

Huangjiu is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. It is usually made by fermenting grains, and Qu is used as a saccharifying and fermenting agent. In this study, we identified differential carbonyl compounds in Huangjiu with varying sugar contents from different regions. First, we developed and validated a detection method for volatile carbonyl compounds in Huangjiu, and for optimal extraction, 5 mL of Huangjiu and 1.3 g/L of O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA) were incubated at 45 °C for 5 min before extracting the volatile carbonyl compounds at 45 °C for 35 min. Second, the targeted quantitative analysis of 50 carbonyl compounds in Huangjiu showed high levels of Strecker aldehydes and furans. Finally, orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to differentiate between Huangjiu with different sugar contents, raw materials, and region of origin. A total of 19 differential carbonyl compounds (VIP > 1, p < 0.05) were found in Huangjiu with different sugar contents (semidry and semisweet Huangjiu), and 20 differential carbonyl compounds (VIP > 1, p < 0.05) were found in different raw materials for Huangjiu production (rice and nonrice Huangjiu). A total of twenty-two and eight differential carbonyl compounds, with VIP > 1 and p < 0.05, were identified in semidry and semisweet Huangjiu from different regions (Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Fujian), respectively.
Multivariate Statistical Models for the Authentication of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena on 1H-NMR Data: Comparison of Targeted and Untargeted Approaches
Authors: Truzzi Eleonora , Marchetti Lucia , Piazza Danny Vincenzo , Bertelli Davide
Published: March 2023

This work aimed to compare targeted and untargeted approaches based on NMR data for the construction of classification models for Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (TBVM) and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (BVM). Their complexity in terms of composition makes the authentication of these products difficult, which requires the employment of several time-consuming analytical methods. Here, 1H-NMR spectroscopy was selected as the analytical method for the analysis of TVBM and BVM due to its rapidity and efficacy in food authentication. 1H-NMR spectra of old (>12 years) and extra-old (>25 years) TVBM and BVM (>60 days) and aged (>3 years) BVM were acquired, and targeted and untargeted approaches were used for building unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistical modes. Targeted and untargeted approaches were based on quantitative results of peculiar compounds present in vinegar obtained through qNMR, and all spectral variables, respectively. Several classification models were employed, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) demonstrated sensitivity and specificity percentages higher than 85% for both approaches. The most important discriminating variables were glucose, fructose, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The untargeted approach proved to be the most promising strategy for the construction of LDA models of authentication for TVBM and BVM due to its easier applicability, rapidity, and slightly higher predictive performance. The proposed method for authenticating TBVM and BVM could be employed by Italian producers for safeguarding their valuable products.
Theabrownin Isolated from Pu-Erh Tea Enhances the Innate Immune and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of RAW264.7 Macrophages via the TLR2/4-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Lei , Miao Yue , Shan Bo , Zhao Chunyan , Peng Chunxiu , Gong Jiashun
Published: March 2023

Theabrownin (TB) is a tea pigment extracted from Pu-erh Tea. The effects of TB on innate immunity and inflammation are not well understood. Herein, the effects of TB on innate immunity are investigated using RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that TB promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages, altered their morphology, enhanced their pinocytic and phagocytic ability, and significantly increased their secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines, all of which enhanced the immune response. Additionally, TB inhibited the release of inflammatory signals in RAW264.7 macrophages primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), implying that TB modulates the excessive inflammation induced by bacterial infection. A Western blot showed that TB could activate the toll-like receptor (TLR)2/4-mediated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the TLR2-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT signaling pathway, enhancing the immune functions of RAW264.7 macrophages. TB also inhibited the phosphorylation of core proteins in the MAPK/NF-κB/PI3K–AKT signaling pathway induced by LPS. In addition, we analyzed the transcriptomes of RAW264.7 macrophages, and a Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that TB modulated thetoll-like receptor signal pathway. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that TB treatment strongly modulated the immune response and inflammation. As a result, TB-enhanced innate immunity and modulated inflammation via the TLR2/4 signaling pathway.
Discrepancy of Effective Water Diffusivities Determined from Dynamic Vapor Sorption Measurements with Different Relative Humidity Step Sizes: Observations from Cereal Materials
Authors: Zhao Xuewei , Wei Xiaoxiao , Wang Hongwei , Liu Xingli , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2023

Water diffusivity, a critical parameter for cereal processing design and quality optimization, is usually concentration-dependent. dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) system provides an approach to establishing the relationship between water concentration and diffusivity. However, the usual relative humidity (RH) jump during practical sorption processes is usually greater than that adopted in DVS measurements. Water vapor sorption kinetics of glutinous rice grains, glutinous rice flour and wheat flour dough films were measured using the DVS system to verify if varying RH step sizes can obtain identical diffusivities within the same range. The effective diffusivities were determined according to Fick’s second law. The results revealed that increasing RH step size led to a higher estimated diffusivity, regardless of whether the water concentration gradient or potential chemical gradient was considered a driving force for water diffusion. This finding was further confirmed by a linear RH scanning DVS measurement. The water concentration-dependent diffusivity obtained from a multi-step DVS measurement, according to Fick’s second law, will overestimate the required time for practical cereal drying or adsorption. Thus, this paradoxical discrepancy needs a new mass transfer mechanism to be explained.
Evaluation of Alternative Colony Hybridization Methods for Pathogenic Vibrios
Authors: Schwartz Andrew M. , Marcotte Haley A. , Johnson Crystal N.
Published: March 2023

Vibrios, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, are naturally occurring halophilic bacteria that are a major cause of foodborne illness. Because of their autochthonous nature, managing vibrio levels in marine and estuarine environments is impossible. Instead, it is crucial to reliably enumerate their abundance to minimize human exposure. One method of achieving this is the direct plating/colony hybridization (DP/CH) method, which has been used to efficiently quantify pathogenic vibrios in oysters and other seafood products. Although successful, the method relies on proprietary resources. We examined alternative approaches, assessed the influence of the reagent suppliers’ source on enumeration accuracy, and made experimental adjustments that maximized efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity. We report here that in-house conjugation via Cell Mosaic is a viable alternative to the previously available sole-source distributor of the alkaline phosphatase-conjugated probes used to enumerate vibrios in oysters. We also report that milk was a viable alternative as a blocking reagent, pH must be eight, an orbital shaker was a viable alternative to a water bath, and narrow polypropylene containers were a viable alternative to Whirl-Pak bags. These modifications will be crucial to scientists enumerating vibrios and other pathogens in food products.
A Numerical Algorithm for Solving Nonlocal Nonlinear Stochastic Delayed Systems with Variable-Order Fractional Brownian Noise
Authors: Moghaddam Behrouz Parsa , Pishbin Maryam , Mostaghim Zeinab Salamat , Iyiola Olaniyi Samuel , Galhano Alexandra , Lopes António M.
Published: March 2023

A numerical technique was developed for solving nonlocal nonlinear stochastic delayed differential equations driven by fractional variable-order Brownian noise. Error analysis of the proposed technique was performed and discussed. The method was applied to the nonlocal stochastic fluctuations of the human body and the Nicholson’s blowfly models, and its accuracy and computational time were assessed for different values of the nonlocal order parameters. A comparison with other techniques available in the literature revealed the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Fractional Scale Calculus: Hadamard vs. Liouville
Authors: Ortigueira Manuel D. , Bohannan Gary W.
Published: March 2023

A general fractional scale derivative is introduced and studied. Its relation with the Hadamard derivatives is established and reformulated. A new derivative similar to the Grünwald–Letnikov’s is deduced. Tempered versions are also introduced. Scale-invariant systems are described and exemplified. For solving the corresponding differential equations, a new logarithmic Mittag-Leffler series is proposed.
Some Estimates of k-Fractional Integrals for Various Kinds of Exponentially Convex Functions
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Anwar Matloob , Farid Ghulam , Khan Hala Safdar
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we aim to find unified estimates of fractional integrals involving Mittag–Leffler functions in kernels. The results obtained in terms of fractional integral inequalities are provided for various kinds of convex and related functions. A variant of Hadamard-type inequality is also presented, which shows the upper and lower bounds of fractional integral operators of many kinds. The results of this paper are directly linked with many recently published inequalities.
The Novel Mittag-Leffler–Galerkin Method: Application to a Riccati Differential Equation of Fractional Order
Authors: Sadek Lakhlifa , Bataineh Ahmad Sami , Talibi Alaoui Hamad , Hashim Ishak
Published: March 2023

We present a new numerical approach to solving the fractional differential Riccati equations numerically. The approach—called the Mittag-Leffler–Galerkin method—comprises the finite Mittag-Leffler function and the Galerkin method. The error analysis of the method was studied. As a result, we present two theorems by which the error can be bounded. In addition to error analysis, the residual correction method, which allows us to estimate the error and obtain new approximate solutions, is also presented. To show how the method is applied, and the efficiency of the proposed method, some test examples were considered. When the numerical results obtained were examined, it was found that while the method achieves better results than some of the known methods in the literature, it also achieves results that are similar to those of others of the known methods.
An Anisotropic Hydrogel by Programmable Ionic Crosslinking for Sequential Two-Stage Actuation under Single Stimulus
Authors: Zhang Yanjing , Cao Xingyu , Zhao Yuyu , Li Huahuo , Xiao Shengwei , Chen Zhangxin , Huang Guobo , Sun Ye , Liu Zhenzhong , He Zhicai
Published: March 2023

As one of the most important anisotropic intelligent materials, bi-layer stimuli-responsive actuating hydrogels have proven their wide potential in soft robots, artificial muscles, biosensors, and drug delivery. However, they can commonly provide a simple one-actuating process under one external stimulus, which severely limits their further application. Herein, we have developed a new anisotropic hydrogel actuator by local ionic crosslinking on the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel layer of the bi-layer hydrogel for sequential two-stage bending under a single stimulus. Under pH = 13, ionic-crosslinked PAA networks undergo shrinking (-COO−/Fe3+ complexation) and swelling (water absorption) processes. As a combination of Fe3+ crosslinked PAA hydrogel (PAA@Fe3+) with non-swelling poly(3-(1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonate) (PZ) hydrogel, the as-prepared PZ-PAA@Fe3+ bi-layer hydrogel exhibits distinct fast and large-amplitude bidirectional bending behavior. Such sequential two-stage actuation, including bending orientation, angle, and velocity, can be controlled by pH, temperature, hydrogel thickness, and Fe3+ concentration. Furthermore, hand-patterning Fe3+ to crosslink with PAA enables us to achieve various complex 2D and 3D shape transformations. Our work provides a new bi-layer hydrogel system that performs sequential two-stage bending without switching external stimuli, which will inspire the design of programmable and versatile hydrogel-based actuators.
Applying Unique Molecular Indices with an Extensive All-in-One Forensic SNP Panel for Improved Genotype Accuracy and Sensitivity
Authors: Staadig Adam , Hedman Johannes , Tillmar Andreas
Published: March 2023

One of the major challenges in forensic genetics is being able to detect very small amounts of DNA. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) enables sensitive detection; however, genotype errors may exist and could interfere with the interpretation. Common errors in MPS-based analysis are often induced during PCR or sequencing. Unique molecular indices (UMIs) are short random nucleotide sequences ligated to each template molecule prior to amplification. Applying UMIs can improve the limit of detection by enabling accurate counting of initial template molecules and removal of erroneous data. In this study, we applied the FORCE panel, which includes ~5500 SNPs, with a QIAseq Targeted DNA Custom Panel (Qiagen), including UMIs. Our main objective was to investigate whether UMIs can enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of forensic genotyping and to evaluate the overall assay performance. We analyzed the data both with and without the UMI information, and the results showed that both genotype accuracy and sensitivity were improved when applying UMIs. The results showed very high genotype accuracies (>99%) for both reference DNA and challenging samples, down to 125 pg. To conclude, we show successful assay performance for several forensic applications and improvements in forensic genotyping when applying UMIs.
Correction of Thoracic Hypokyphosis in Adolescent Scoliosis Using Patient-Specific Rod Templating
Authors: Marya Shivan , Elmalky Mahmoud , Schroeder Alex , Tambe Anant
Published: March 2023

The emphasis of surgical correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been given to coronal plane correction of deformity without addressing the sagittal plane thoracic hypokyphosis. Thoracic hypokyphosis has been implicated in cervical malalignment, increased incidence of proximal and distal junctional kyphosis, spinopelvic incongruence, and increased incidence of low back pain. The surgeon, variability in surgical technique, and difference in rod contouring have been implicated as factors resulting in less-than-adequate restoration of thoracic kyphosis. We hypothesised that predictable correction of hypokyphosis could be achieved by using a reproducible surgical technique with patient-specific rod templating. We describe a technique of correction of AIS with dual differential rod contouring (DDC) using patient-specific rod templating to guide intraoperative rod contouring. The pre- and post-operative radiographs of 61 patients treated using this technique were reviewed to compare correction of hypokyphosis achieved with that predicted. Analysis revealed that we achieved a kyphosis within +/− 5.5 of the predicted value. The majority of patients had a post-operative kyphosis within the optimal range of 20–40 degrees. We concluded that patient-specific rod templating in DDC helps surgeons to consistently achieve sagittal correction in AIS close to a predicted value while achieving a very good coronal plane correction.