bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Present and Future of a Digital Montenegro: Analysis of C-ITS, Agriculture, and Healthcare
Authors: Kara Peter A. , Ognjanovic Ivana , Maindorfer Ingo , Mantas John , Wippelhauser Andras , Šendelj Ramo , Laković Luka , Roganović Milovan , Reich Christoph , Simon Aniko , Bokor Laszlo
Published: January 2023

The digitization and general industrial development of Montenegro is a great challenge for engineering and science due to its special characteristics. As the accession of Montenegro to the European Union has been an ongoing agenda for over a decade now, and the accession of the country is expected by 2025, adapting the interconnectivity and smart automation of Industry 4.0 plays an essential role in reducing the current gap between Montenegro and EU member states. In this paper, we investigate the present and potential future digitization efforts in the fields of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), agriculture, and healthcare in Montenegro. Our work takes into consideration the characteristics of the country and analyzes the considerations and implications regarding the deployment of state-of-the-art technologies in the investigated fields.
Enhanced Performance Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarker PCA3 Using Specific Aptamer
Authors: Takita Sarra , Nabok Alexei , Lishchuk Anna , Mussa Magdi H. , Smith David
Published: January 2023

In the quest for the development of accurate, reliable, and cost-effective biosensing technology for early diagnostics of prostate cancer, we describe here an electrochemical biosensor combining a simple transducing method of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with an RNA-based aptamer labelled with a methylene blue redox group acting as a highly specific bioreceptor to the prostate cancer biomarker PCA3. A series of DPV measurements on screen-printed gold electrodes is functionalised with a redox-labelled aptamer in solutions (either buffer or synthetic urine) containing PCA3 in a wide range of concentrations from 0.1 picomolar (pM) to 10 nanomolar (nM). In these measurements, the current peak values correlate with the concentration of PCA3 and yield a low detection limit (LDL) of 0.1 pM. Furthermore, the binding kinetics study revealed the high affinity of the aptamer to the target PCA3 with the affinity constants KD of about 3.0 × 10−8 molar. In addition, the AFM study showed the increase in the molecular layer roughness caused by the binding of PCA3, which is a large RNA molecular fragment.
Tire and Road Wear Particle-Containing Sediments with High Organic Content Impact Behavior and Survival of Chironomid Larvae (Chironomus riparius)
Authors: Tull Tatjana , Krais Stefanie , Peschke Katharina , Weyrauch Steffen , Triebskorn Rita , Köhler Heinz-R.
Published: January 2023

Tire and road wear particles (TRWP), which contribute significantly to microplastic emission, are receiving more attention, but details about particle composition, translocation from source to sink, and particularly the possible effects on ecosystems are largely unknown. We examined the influence of native TRWP-containing sediments from two settling ponds on the mortality and behavior of the aquatic larvae of Chironomus riparius. Both sediments, whether pure or mixed with different proportions of quartz sand and suspended in water, led to increased mortalities with increasing concentrations and were shown to be oxygen consuming. Artificial aeration significantly reduced larval mortality in both sediments. Chironomid larvae show high tolerance to anoxic and polluted environments due to physiological and behavioral adaptations, such as the construction of vertical sediment tubes (chimneys), in which they create oxic compartments. A significant correlation was found between the proportion of contaminated sediment and the number of chimneys: the more contaminated sediment, the fewer chimneys were constructed. The number of chimneys per surviving larva decreased with an increased proportion of contaminated sediment in parallel to increased larval mortality. We hypothesize that contents of these sediments negatively impact the larvae’s ability to survive at low oxygen concentrations due to impairments of essential behavioral and physiological processes.
ABO Blood Groups and Incidence of COVID-19 in the Mass Gathering Events in Borriana (Spain), March 2020: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Domènech-Montoliu Salvador , Puig-Barberà Joan , Guerra-Murcia Olga , Pac-Sa María , Orrico-Sanchéz Alejandro , Gómez-Lanas Lorna , Sala-Trull Diego , Domènech-Leon Carmen , Del Rio-González Alba , Sánchez-Urbano Manuel , Satorres-Martinez Paloma , Latorre-Poveda Marta , Ferrando-Rubert Sara , Aparisi-Esteve Laura , Badenes-Marques Gema , Blasco-Gari Roser , Casanova-Suarez Juan , Fontal-Carcel María , Gil-Fortuño María , Hernández-Pérez Noelia , Jovani-Sales David , López-Diago Laura , Notari-Rodríguez Cristina , Pérez-Olaso Oscar , Romeu-Garcia María , Ruíz-Puig Raquel , Arnedo-Pena Alberto
Published: January 2023

Our objective was to estimate the incidence of COVID-19 and the ABO blood Groups in the mass-gathering events (MGEs) during the Falles Festival in Borriana (Spain) from 6–10 March 2020. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study and measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the ABO of participants. We performed laboratory COVID-19 tests and obtained the ABO in 775 subjects (72.8% of the original exposed cohort): O-group (45.2%), A-group (43.1%), B-group (8.5%) and AB-group (3.4%). Adjusted for confounding factors, including COVID-19 exposure during the MGEs, attack rates of COVID-19 for each ABO group were 55.4%, 59.6%, 60.2%, and 63.7%. The adjusted relative risks were for O-group 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.83–1.04), for A-group 1.06 (95% CI 0.94–1.18), for B-group 1.04 (95%CI 0.88–1.24), and for AB-group 1.11 (95% CI 0.81–1.51) with no significant differences. Conclusions: Our results suggest no effect of ABO on COVID-19 incidence. We observed weak but not significant protection of the O-group and not a significantly greater infection risk for the remaining groups compared with the O-group. More studies are needed to resolve the controversies regarding the association between ABO and COVID-19.
Analysis of the Cell Structural Characters of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) and Its Varieties
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Jiang Zehui , Chang Yanting , Fei Benhua , Ma Yanjun , Deng Yayun , Zhang Xue , Hu Tao
Published: January 2023

In recent years, bamboo has been well exploited in the pulp and paper industry. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau; hereafter M), originated from China with a long history of cultivation as the most abundant resource with the widest distribution area among bamboo plants in China. In this study, Moso bamboo (M) and nine bamboo varieties were selected in the bamboo germplasm resources storage bank of the Anhui Taiping Experimental Station of ICBR. The characteristics of their cell structures were compared, and the differences were analyzed from a genetic perspective. The results showed that M had the highest fiber cell length, fiber cell width, length, and parenchyma width, while GJ showed the lowest of these measurements [P. edulis ’Kikko-chiku’,G.H.Lai]. The fiber wall thickness of Q [P. edulis f. obliquinoda (Z.P.Wang et N.X.Ma) Ohrnberger] was the smallest, while its fiber lumen diameter was the highest in the group. The parenchyma wall thickness and parenchyma lumen diameter of Q were the smallest in the group. The fiber cells of M and Q had better flexibility, which is conducive to improving the tensile strength, break resistance, and folding resistance of paper made from these materials. SY and GJ may be more suitable for ornamental items because of their special appearances. The purpose of this study was to explore the genetic variation patterns of various cell structure indicators among Moso bamboo and its varieties, as well as to develop a strategy of bamboo growing and lumbering based on the local conditions, providing reference data for the utilization of non-woody forest resources.
Potentially Toxic Metals in the Tropical Mangrove Non-Salt Secreting Rhizophora apiculata: A Field-Based Biomonitoring Study and Phytoremediation Potentials
Authors: Yap Chee Kong , Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh
Published: January 2023

The present study evaluated the potentials of phytoremediation and the biomonitoring of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) (Zn, Ni, Fe, Pb, and Cu) in the mangrove leaves of Rhizophora apiculata from the tropical mangrove ecosystem in the Sepang Besar River and Lukut River, Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, the present studies concluded that (a) the levels of essential Fe, Cu, and Zn in lamina are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in MP, (b) the levels of Pb and Ni in MP are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in lamina, (c) the lamina has better potential as a phytoremediator of Cu, Zn, and Fe, while MP is a better potential phytoremediator of Pb and Ni, (d) lamina is a potential biomonitoring agent of potentially toxic metals based on better correlation coefficients with the surface sedimentary geochemical fractions, and (e) metal uptake in the mangrove leaves and comparative levels of metals is low with reported studies. Specifically, based on bioconcentration factors (BCF), their most obtained values were considered low (<1), suggesting that R. apiculata can be considered as a low-efficiency plant for the bioaccumulation of PTM. However, the present findings also suggested that R. apiculata may be classified as a potential phytoremediator for Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni in the leaves, as indicated by higher metal accumulation in the MP, with BCFEFLE values > 1.0; BCFAR > 1.0 for Cu, Pb, and Ni. The mangrove leaves are potential biomonitors of PTMs since positive correlations of PTMs were found between the leaves and their habitat surface sediments. Having been identified as a potential phytoremediator and biomonitor of PTMs, the present study emphasized the possibility of establishing a framework for managing the coastal aquatic ecosystems along the mangrove ecosystems of Sepang and Lukut.
Understanding Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners’ Perspectives on the Benefits Associated with Sustainable Forest Management Certification
Authors: Tian Nana , Chhetri Sagar Godar , Gutierrez-Castillo Ana , Gan Jianbang , Pelkki Matthew
Published: January 2023

Sustainable forest management provides ecological, economic, and social benefits to society. Sustaining these benefits in Arkansas relies on 345,000 nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners who own 4.2 million hectares (10.4 million acres) of forests. Forest certification is a voluntary and market-based mechanism aimed to enhance such societal benefits while providing incentives or benefits for the landowners. Understanding NIPF landowners’ perspectives on the benefits associated with adopting forest certification programs would be useful in identifying potential participants and in designing outreach and communication programs to elevate the interests of less interested landowners in participating in certification programs. Using data collected from a mixed mode of mail and online (Qualtrics) survey of NIPF landowners in Arkansas, this study examined the potential factors that influence landowners’ perspectives on different benefits associated with adopting sustainable forest management certification by employing binary logistic regression. Results revealed that ownership and forestland characteristics (i.e., ownership size, whether having a harvesting plan), as well as ownership motivations (biodiversity protection, financial investment, hunting), were significantly associated with landowners’ agreement on the benefits of increasing timber growth and health, expanding markets, having a price premium for certified timber, enhancing public recognition, more environmental-friendly harvesting, and better management practices. These findings improve the understanding of landowners’ expectations after certifying their forestland and provide baseline information for improving certification program design to attract more adoption among private and family landowners.
Differential Effects of Desiccation on Hornworts with Contrasting Life Histories in Tropical Montane Forests: A Functional Trait—Based Perspective
Authors: Peñaloza-Bojacá Gabriel F. , Vilas-Boas Tiago , Villarreal A Juan C. , Maciel-Silva Adaíses S.
Published: January 2023

Desiccation tolerance (DT) is the ability of an organism or structure to dry completely and subsequently survive in that air-dry state. Hornworts are excellent plant models to study desiccation effects as they have contrasting life histories which are likely associated with DT. We tested whether (1) epiphytic species had more efficient DT responses to drying and postrehydration than non-epiphytic species and whether (2) “green” spores were more sensitive than non-green spores to extreme drying. Hornwort species were collected from the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We studied five species (gametophytes and spores: Dendroceros crispus, D. crispatus, Nothoceros vincentianus, Phaeoceros carolinianus; and only spores of Anthoceros lamellatus), using different relative humidity values, drying durations, and postrehydration conditions. All DT treatments affected the chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) of gametophytes, with species-specific responses. D. crispatus and D. crispus (epiphytes) performed better than P. carolinianus and N. vincentianus, with fast recovery of Fv/Fm values postrehydration. The ability of non-green spores of P. carolinianus and A. lamellatus and green spores of D. crispus to support desiccation led us to reject our second hypothesis. The DT strategies of hornworts highlighted the trade-offs that are important in spore dispersal and plant establishment, such as fast colonization in Dendroceros spp. and potential spore soil banks in Phaeoceros and Anthoceros species.
A Human and Animal Based Study Reveals That a Traditionally Fermented Rice Beverage Alters Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites for Better Gut Health
Authors: Bhaskar Bhuwan , Bhattacharya Anupam , Adak Atanu , Das Santanu , Khan Mojibur R.
Published: January 2023

Fermented rice beverages are consumed globally, especially in Southeast Asia. In India, such beverages are consumed by a substantial population of ethnic communities. In this study, the gut bacterial diversity of rice beverage drinkers from Assam, India (n = 27) was compared with that of nondrinkers (n = 21) with the next-generation sequencing (NGS) of fecal metagenomic 16S rDNA, which indicated changes in 20 bacterial genera. Further, mice (n = 6, per treatment group) were gavaged daily for 30 days with different fractions of the beverage, which included rice beverage (RB), soluble (SF), and insoluble fractions (IF) to determine the effects of different components of the beverage. A comparison of gut bacteria at two time points, 0 and 30 days of treatments, suggested changes in 48 bacterial genera across the different treatment groups in mice. Major bacterial changes were suggestive of functional components associated with gut health, as observed in both humans and mice. Next, the Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) of mice stool after 30 days of treatments showed a total of 68 metabolites, of which hexadecanoic acid, a flavor component of this beverage, was present in the feces of all mouse treatment groups except controls. These metabolites showed treatmentwise clustering in groups in a partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) plot. Blood endotoxin levels were lower in all treatment groups in the mice compared to those of the controls. The findings of the study are suggestive of the gut modulatory effects of the beverage on the basis of the observed features of the bacterial changes.
Influence of Heat Treatment and Solid-State Fermentation on the Lignocellulosic Fractions of Substrates Supporting Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler Cultivation: Implications for Commercial Production
Authors: Annepu Sudheer Kumar , Sharma Ved Prakash , Barh Anupam , Kamal Shwet , Shirur Mahantesh , Kumar Satish , Bairwa Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Sachin , Gupta Moni , Dutta Upma , Summuna Baby , Gupta Dharmesh , Kumar Rajnish
Published: January 2023

Mushroom production in India has registered a considerable growth in the recent times. However, cultivation of shiitake mushroom, which represents a major share at a global level, is still at a primitive stage in the Indian subcontinent. The scarcity of raw materials and the cost of energy for substrate sterilization are the major hurdles for a large-scale production. The present study delves into the possibility of growing shiitake mushroom on lignocellulosic biomass (saw dust and wheat straw) processed with different heat treatments to develop a cost-effective production technology. Six different strains of shiitake mushroom, viz., DMRO-35, 51, 297, 388s, 410, 412, were used in this study. The substrates were exposed to a pasteurization temperature of 80 ± 5 °C in a bulk pasteurization chamber for three different times (H1–H3) and also to a high-pressure sterilization (H4) in an autoclave. DMRO-388s was found to be the most productive strain, irrespective of the substrate and heat treatment method used. Significant differences were observed in the biological yield depending on the type of substrate and heat treatment. Changes in the biochemical composition of the lignocellulosic residues in three different stages, viz., pre heat treatment, inoculation and primordial formation stages, were recorded. Changes in heat treatment levels and duration significantly altered the cellulose/lignin ratio of the growing substrate. High-pressure sterilization aided the rapid degradation of lignin in the substrate and increased its bioavailability, thereby facilitating the fungus achieving its potential yield. A significant correlation in the positive direction between the yield levels of the tested strains and the consumption of lignin in the growing substrate was found, suggesting the significance of pre heat treatment for the bioconversion of lignin and its subsequent utilization in the solid-state fermentation process. The substrate pre heat treatment under high-pressure sterilization was proved to be beneficial to obtain the maximum yields of shiitake mushroom.
Combined Effect of Ultrasound Treatment and a Mix of Krebs Cycle Acids on the Metabolic Processes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Permyakova Larisa , Sergeeva Irina , Dolgolyuk Irina , Starovoitova Kseniya , Atuchin Victor , Vereshchagin Alexander , Romanenko Vasiliy , Lashitsky Sergey
Published: January 2023

This article describes the effect of organic acids and ultrasound on the physiological and biochemical properties of yeast, which was used to obtain biologically active peptides. The research featured brewer’s yeast S. cerevisiae W-34/70 cultivated in 11% beer wort. A mix of Krebs cycle acids served as an activator. It included succinic, malic, fumaric, citric, and oxaloacetic acids (1:1:1:1:1). The concentration of the Krebs cycle acids was 1 × 10−10 M/L at 1% to the suspension volume. The ultrasound treatment had an intensity of 10 W/m2 and lasted 3–10 min. The combined effect increased the fermentation activity of the yeast by 98%. The activity of individual biocatalysts of constructive and energy metabolism rose by 108–330%, while that of proteolysis enzymes increased by 15% in comparison with the samples exposed to individual factors. The stimulation increased the rate of amine nitrogen consumption by the yeast. The amount of accumulated amino acids was larger by 80% than in the control, and that of protein larger by 7%. The maximal content of the synthesized protein was reached 1–2 h earlier. The combination of chemical and physical factors intensified the biosynthesis of protein and its intermediates during yeast processing, thus facilitating the subsequent extraction of biologically valuable components.
The Cloud-to-Edge-to-IoT Continuum as an Enabler for Search and Rescue Operations
Authors: Militano Leonardo , Arteaga Adriana , Toffetti Giovanni , Mitton Nathalie
Published: January 2023

When a natural or human disaster occurs, time is critical and often of vital importance. Data from the incident area containing the information to guide search and rescue (SAR) operations and improve intervention effectiveness should be collected as quickly as possible and with the highest accuracy possible. Nowadays, rescuers are assisted by different robots able to fly, climb or crawl, and with different sensors and wireless communication means. However, the heterogeneity of devices and data together with the strong low-delay requirements cause these technologies not yet to be used at their highest potential. Cloud and Edge technologies have shown the capability to offer support to the Internet of Things (IoT), complementing it with additional resources and functionalities. Nonetheless, building a continuum from the IoT to the edge and to the cloud is still an open challenge. SAR operations would benefit strongly from such a continuum. Distributed applications and advanced resource orchestration solutions over the continuum in combination with proper software stacks reaching out to the edge of the network may enhance the response time and effective intervention for SAR operation. The challenges for SAR operations, the technologies, and solutions for the cloud-to-edge-to-IoT continuum will be discussed in this paper.
Investigation of the Influence of Hexabenzocoronene in Polyacrylonitrile-Based Precursors for Carbon Fibers
Authors: Peters Romy , Jang Dawon , Wolz Daniel Sebastian Jens , Lee Sungho , Jäger Hubert , Richter Mirko , Cherif Chokri , Vasiutovich Kiryl , Richter Marcus , Feng Xinliang , Behnisch Thomas , Gude Maik
Published: January 2023

For several decades, carbon fibers have been used for lightweight engineering in aircraft automotive and sports industries, mostly based on high-quality polyacrylonitrile (PAN). We investigated a novel PAN-based precursor fiber (PF) modified with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, namely hexabenzocoronene (HBC), which is expected to improve the thermal conversion process and to create a carbon fiber (CF) with enhanced mechanical properties. For this purpose, the novel PF and a spun-like homopolymeric PAN-based PF were thermally stabilized and carbonized in continuous lab-scale plants. The effect of the additive HBC on the conversion processes, fiber diameter and shape, density, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that HBC seems to support stabilization reactions, and HBC/PAN-based PF show potentially higher stretchability of PF and stabilized fiber. The modified CF showed an improvement in Young’s modulus of about 25% at the same tensile strength compared to the unmodified PAN-based CF, resulting from enhanced crystalline orientation. The results showed a high potential of the HBC/PAN for energy-efficient production. In particular, the influence on tensile strength and modulus under optimized process conditions, as well as the possibility to use low quality PAN, need to be further investigated.
Optimization of Smoke-Detector Installation Location Based on Effect of Fan Equipment inside Distribution Panel on Fire Detection Performance
Authors: Gu In-Mo , Yeon Yeong-Mo , Ryu Dong-Seok , Kim Seung-Hee
Published: January 2023

Inhalation and exhaust fans are installed inside a distribution panel for cooling. However, in the event of fire inside the panel, these fans change the flow of smoke, which interferes with quick detection by fire sensors installed on the panel ceiling, thereby increasing fire damage. The purpose of this study is to develop a smoke detector that can be installed inside distribution panels and to propose an optimal smoke detector position based on the influence of the position on detection performance. To this end, an experimental distribution panel was fabricated and four smoke detector samples were installed near the fans. The smoke detection performance experiment was repeated on ignition source positions corresponding to widths of 15, 30, 45, and 50 cm, a depth of 55 cm, and heights of 0, 30, and 60 cm. The results indicated that the smoke detection performance and CO absorption concentration were higher when the smoke detector was positioned closer to the left or right side of the exhaust fan. In particular, compared with current designs in which smoke detectors are installed on distribution panel ceilings, the elapsed time until smoke detection decreased by 75%, whereas the CO absorption concentration increased by more than 100%. This study presents a theoretical ground for the installation of built-in smoke detectors near exhaust fans for closed power industry equipment that includes airflow-changing devices. Additionally, this study raises awareness on the importance of fire sensors and the need to improve policies and standards for fire prevention.
Physiological Effect of Extended Photoperiod and Green Wavelength on the Pituitary Hormone, Sex Hormone and Stress Response in Chub Mackerel, Scomber japonicus
Authors: Choi Young Jae , Park Seul Gi Na Ra , Jo A-Hyun , Kim Jun-Hwan
Published: January 2023

Chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, is heavily farmed and harvested due to its demand as a high-quality protein source rich in fatty acids. However, the effects of environmental cues on sexual maturation of the fish remain understudied. We aim to elucidate the effect of light manipulation on the hormones related to reproduction and on the stress response in the species. Mackerel were exposed to different photoperiods (12 h light:12 h dark or 14 h light:10 h dark) and light wavelengths (provided by white fluorescent bulbs or green LEDs). Total RNA extracted from the brain was assayed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (a powerful technique for advancing functional genomics) and blood plasma was analyzed via immunoassay using ELISA kits. The mRNA expression of gene-encoding gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropin hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were significantly increased through the use of an extended photoperiod and green wavelength, which also increased testosterone and 17β-estradiol plasma levels. Plasma levels of cortisol and glucose, which are indicators of a stress response, were significantly decreased through green LED exposure. Our results indicate that environmental light conditions affect the production of pituitary and sex hormones, and reduce the stress response in S. japonicus.
The Environmental Niche of the Tuna Purse Seine Fleet in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Based on Different Fisheries Data
Authors: Yang Shenglong , Yu Linlin , Wang Fei , Chen Tianfei , Fei Yingjie , Zhang Shengmao , Fan Wei
Published: January 2023

Understanding the spatial pattern of human fishing activity is very important for fisheries resource monitoring and spatial management. The environmental preferences of tropical tuna purse seine fleet in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) were constructed and compared at different spatial scales based on the fishing effort (FE) data from the available automatic identification system (AIS) and commercial fishery data compiled from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) methods. The MaxEnt models were fitted with FE and commercial fishery data and remote sensing environmental data. Our results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) value each month based on the commercial fishery data (1°) and FE at 0.25° and 0.5° spatial scales was greater than 0.8. The AUC values each month based on the FE data at a 1° scale ranged from 0.775 to 0.829. The AUC values based on commercial fishing data at the 1° scale were comparable to the model results based on FE data at the 0.5° scale and inferior to the model results based on FE data at the 0.25° scales. Overall, the sea surface temperature (SST), temperature at 100 metres (T100), oxygen concentration at 100 metres (O100) and total primary production (PP) had the greatest influence on the distribution of the purse seine tuna fleet. The oxygen concentration at 200 metres (O200), distance to shore (DSH), dissolved oxygen (Dox), EKE, mixed layer depth (Mld), sea surface salinity (SSS), salinity at 100 metres (S100) and salinity at 200 metres (S200) had moderate influences, and other environmental variables had little influence. The suitable habitat areas varied in response to environmental conditions. The purse seine tuna fleet was mostly present at locations where the SST, T100, O100, O200 and PP were 28–30 °C, 27–29 °C, 150–200 mmol/m3 and 5–10 mg/m−3, respectively. The MaxEnt models enable the integration of AIS data and high-resolution environmental data from satellite remote sensing to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of the tuna purse seine fishery and the influence of environmental variables on the distribution, and can provide forecasts for fishing ground distributions based on future remote sensing environmental data.
Dynamics of Magnetic Fluids and Bidisperse Magnetic Systems under Oscillatory Shear
Authors: Shel’deshova Elena , Churaev Alexander , Ryapolov Petr
Published: January 2023

This article presents the results of a study on the dynamics of a volume of magnetic fluid levitating in a uniform magnetic field of an electromagnet experiencing an oscillatory shift. Samples with different physical parameters were considered, and the dependence of the magnetoviscous effect was studied. It showed that the greatest influence on the dynamics of a magnetic fluid that experiences vibrational-shear and magnetic-viscosity effects is exerted by the sample microstructure and the presence of large magnetic particles. The results of this work can be used in the development of a technique for magnetic fluid samples express testing, as well as in the development of acceleration and vibration sensors based on magnetic fluids
A Comprehensive Review with Future Insights on the Processing and Safety of Fermented Fish and the Associated Changes
Authors: Chan Sharon Xi Ying , Fitri Nursyah , Mio Asni Nurul Syahidah , Sayuti Nor Hafiza , Azlan Ummi Kalthum , Qadi Wasim S. M. , Dawoud Esraa Adnan Dawoud , Kamal Nurkhalida , Sarian Murni Nazira , Mohd Lazaldin Mohd Aizuddin , Low Chen Fei , Harun Sarahani , Hamezah Hamizah Shahirah , Rohani Emelda Rosseleena , Mediani Ahmed
Published: January 2023

As an easily spoiled source of valuable proteins and lipids, fish is preserved by fermentation in many cultures. Over time, diverse types of products have been produced from fish fermentation aside from whole fish, such as fermented fish paste and sauces. The consumption of fermented fish products has been shown to improve both physical and mental health due to the composition of the products. Fermented fish products can be dried prior to the fermentation process and include various additives to enhance the flavours and aid in fermentation. At the same time, the fermentation process and its conditions play a major role in determining the quality and safety of the product as the compositions change biochemically throughout fermentation. Additionally, the necessity of certain microorganisms and challenges in avoiding harmful microbes are reviewed to further optimise fermentation conditions in the future. Although several advanced technologies have emerged to produce better quality products and easier processes, the diversity of processes, ingredients, and products of fermented fish warrants further study, especially for the sake of the consumers’ health and safety. In this review, the nutritional, microbial, and sensory characteristics of fermented fish are explored to better understand the health benefits along with the safety challenges introduced by fermented fish products. An exploratory approach of the published literature was conducted to achieve the purpose of this review using numerous books and online databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed Central, with the goal of obtaining, compiling, and reconstructing information on a variety of fundamental aspects of fish fermentation. This review explores significant information from all available library databases from 1950 to 2022. This review can assist food industries involved in fermented fish commercialization to efficiently ferment and produce better quality products by easing the fermentation process without risking the health and safety of consumers.
Feeding Aquilaria sinensis Leaves Modulates Lipid Metabolism and Improves the Meat Quality of Goats
Authors: Min Li , Wang Gang , Tong Xiong , Yang Huaigu , Sun Hao , Zhang Zhifei , Xu Bin , Li Dagang , Zhang Sheng , Li Guanghong
Published: January 2023

Aquilaria (A.) sinensis is a medicinal plant widely grown in tropical South China. Given the abundant pruning waste of its leaves, the use of A. sinensis leaves is valuable. In this study, goats were fed a diet containing 20% A. sinensis leaves. Compared with the basal diet, feeding A. sinensis leaves to goats did not affect growth performance but considerably reduced the feeding cost. Strikingly, feeding A. sinensis leaves resulted in a significant decrease in the blood cholesterol levels (2.11 vs. 1.49 mmol/L, p = 0.01) along with a significant increase in the high-density lipoprotein levels (1.42 vs. 1.82 mmol/L, p = 0.01). There was also a tendency to lower the content of low-density lipoprotein levels in goats (0.78 vs. 0.45 mmol/L, p = 0.09). Furthermore, metabolomics analysis demonstrated that the reduction in cholesterol levels occurred in both the serum (0.387-fold change) and muscle (0.382-fold change) of goats during A. sinensis leaf feeding. The metabolic responses to feeding A. sinensis leaves suggest that the activation of lipolysis metabolism might happen in goats. These observed changes would be conducive to improving animal health and meat quality, ultimately benefiting human health.
Constructing Selenium Nanoparticles with Enhanced Storage Stability and Antioxidant Activities via Conformational Transition of Curdlan
Authors: Xu Xindong , Pan Yuxue , Liu Xiaoying , Han Zhong , Chen Shan
Published: January 2023

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are among the emerging selenium supplements because of their high bioactivity and low toxicity. However, bare SeNPs are prone to activity loss caused by aggregation and sedimentation. This study aims to stabilize SeNPs with curdlan (CUR), a polysaccharide, to maintain or even enhance their biological activity. Herein, the stable SeNPs were constructed via the unique conformational transition of CUR induced by alkali-neutralization (AN) pretreatment. The physicochemical properties and structures of the prepared SeNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and free-radical-scavenging activity assays. The results show that most SeNPs are stabilized within the triple helix of CUR that has been pretreated with high-intensity AN treatment. These amorphous, small-sized (average size was 53.6 ± 17.7 nm), and stabilized SeNPs have significantly enhanced free-radical-scavenging ability compared to the control and can be well-stabilized for at least 240 days at 4 °C. This work indicates that CUR, as a food additive, can be used to well-stabilize SeNPs by AN pretreatment and provides a facile method to prepare and enhance the stability and bioactivity of SeNPs via triple-helix conformational transition.
Quality of Tenebrio molitor Powders: Effects of Four Processes on Microbiological Quality and Physicochemical Factors
Authors: Yan Xin , Laurent Sophie , Hue Isabelle , Cabon Sylvie , Grua-Priol Joelle , Jury Vanessa , Federighi Michel , Boué Geraldine
Published: January 2023

Tenebrio molitor, the first edible insect approved as a novel food in the EU, is a promising candidate for alternative protein sources, implementing circular and sustainable production systems. This study aims to determine the microbiological quality and physicochemical properties of mealworm powders obtained by four different processing pathways. Contents of dry matter, protein, fat, ash, water activity (aw) and a range of microbial counts were measured and analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. Results showed small differences in the proximate composition of the powder samples (protein 55.62–57.90% and fat 23.63–28.21% of dry matter, DM), except for the one that underwent a defatting step (protein 70.04% and fat 16.84%), p < 0.05. A level of water activity of less than 0.2 was reached for all pathways. Fresh mealworm samples had high total aerobic counts (8.4 log CFU/g) but were free of foodborne pathogens. Heat treatments applied during transformation were sufficient to kill vegetative cells (reduction of 2.8–5.1 log CFU/g) rather than bacterial endospores (reduction of 0.3–1.8 log CFU/g). Results were confirmed by predictive microbiology. This study validated the efficacy of a boiling step as critical control points (CCPs) of insect powder processing, providing primary data for the implementation of HACCP plans.
Molecular Recognition Patterns between Vitamin B12 and Proteins Explored through STD-NMR and In Silico Studies
Authors: Ghosh Ruchira , Thomas Donald S. , Arcot Jayashree
Published: January 2023

Ligand–receptor molecular recognition is the basis of biological processes. The Saturation Transfer Difference–NMR (STD–NMR) technique has been recently used to gain qualitative and quantitative information about physiological interactions at an atomic resolution. The molecular recognition patterns between the cyanocobalamin (CNBL)/aqua cobalamin (OHBL) and different plant and animal proteins were investigated via STD–NMR supplemented by molecular docking. This study demonstrates that myoglobin has the highest binding affinity and that gluten has the lowest affinity. Casein also shows a higher binding affinity for cyanocobalamin when compared with that of plant-based proteins. STD–NMR results showed the moderate binding capability of casein with both CNBL and OHBL. Computer simulation confirmed the recognition mode in theory and was compared with the experiments. This work is beneficial for understanding the binding affinity and biological action of cyanocobalamin and will attract researchers to use NMR technology to link the chemical and physiological properties of nutrients.
Hydrophobic Mesoporous Silica-Coated Solid-Phase Microextraction Arrow System for the Determination of Six Biogenic Amines in Pork and Fish
Authors: Chen Mengfei , Lan Hangzhen , Pan Daodong , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2023

In this study, a functionalized mesoporous silica-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow system was developed for the enrichment of six biogenic amines (BAs) from pork and fish samples before gas chromatographic separation with a mass spectrometer as a detector. MCM-41 was utilized as the substrate material and thereby functionalized by titanate and sodium dodecyl sulfate to adjust its surface acidity and hydrophobicity, respectively. The functionalized MCM-41 (named as MCM-T-H) was coated on a bare SPME Arrow using the dipping method and polyacrylonitrile was used as the adhesive. The extraction capacity and selectivity of the MCM-T-H-SPME Arrow for six kinds of derivatized BAs were studied and compared with commercial SPME Arrows. Experimental parameters, e.g., sample volume, derivatization reagent amount, extraction time, and desorption time, which have a dramatic effect on SPME Arrow pretreatment, were optimized. Acidity enhanced MCM-T-H coating showed a much higher affinity to derivatized BAs compared to a commercial SPME Arrow in terms of extraction capacity. In addition, hydrophobicity modification significantly reduced the interference of water molecules on the interaction between MCM-T-H and the derivatized BAs. The MCM-T-H-SPME Arrow showed efficient separation and enrichment capacity for derivatized BAs from complex matrices and therefore, the sample pretreatment time was saved. According to the experimental results, the optimal condition was to add 10 μL derivatization reagent to a 10 mL sample and maintain an agitation speed of 1250 r min−1. The MCM-T-H-SPME showed excellent reproducibility (RSD < 9.8%) and fast adsorption kinetics (30 min) and desorption kinetics (5 min) for derivatized BAs under optimal conditions. In summary, the MCM-T-H-SPME Arrow based method was employed for accurate monitoring of the variations of BAs in pork and fish, and good results were achieved.
High Growing Temperature Changes Nutritional Value of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. cymosa Duch.) Seedlings
Authors: Gmižić Daria , Pinterić Marija , Lazarus Maja , Šola Ivana
Published: January 2023

High temperature (HT) causes physiological and biochemical changes in plants, which may influence their nutritional potential. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of broccoli seedlings grown at HT on the level of phytochemicals, macro- and microelements, antioxidant capacity, and their extracts’ in vitro cytotoxicity. Total phenols, soluble sugars, carotenoids, quercetin, sinapic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and gallic acid were induced by HT. Contrarily, total flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, proteins, glucosinolates, chlorophyll a and b, and porphyrins were reduced. Minerals As, Co, Cr, Hg, K, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, and Sn increased at HT, while Ca, Cd, Cu, Mg, Mn, and P decreased. ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching assay showed higher antioxidant potential of seedlings grown at HT, while DPPH showed the opposite. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells were the most sensitive toward broccoli seedling extracts. The significant difference between control and HT-grown broccoli seedling extracts was recorded in mouse embryonal fibroblasts and colorectal carcinoma cells. These results show that the temperature of seedling growth is a critical factor for their nutritional value and the biological effects of their extracts and should definitely be taken into account when growing seedlings for food purposes.
Pectin Extraction from Residues of the Cocoa Fruit (Theobroma cacao L.) by Different Organic Acids: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jarrín-Chacón Jenny Paola , Núñez-Pérez Jimmy , Espín-Valladares Rosario del Carmen , Manosalvas-Quiroz Luis Armando , Rodríguez-Cabrera Hortensia María , Pais-Chanfrau José Manuel
Published: January 2023

Ecuador is the world’s fifth largest cocoa producer, generating hundreds of tons of residues from this fruit annually. This research generates value from the residual (cocoa pod husk) by using it as raw material to obtain pectin, which is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Extraction of three different organic acids with GRAS status (safe for use), the citric, malic and fumaric acids, was studied. In addition, two other factors, temperature (70–90 °C) and extraction time (60–90 min), were explored in a central composite design of experiments. We determined the conditions of the experiments where the best yields were garnered for citric acid, malic acid and fumaric acid, along with a ~86 min extraction time. The temperature did not show a significant influence on the yield. The pectin obtained under optimal conditions was characterised, showing the similarity with commercial pectin. However, the equivalent weight and esterification degree of the pectin obtained with fumaric acid led us to classify it as having a high equivalent weight and a low degree of esterification. In these regards, it differed significantly from the other two acids, perhaps due to the limited solubility of fumaric acid.
Structure Design and Event-Triggered Control of a Modular Omnidirectional Mobile Chassis of Life Support Robotics
Authors: Ao Wengang , Zhang Longfa , Zhang Huiyan , Li Zufeng , Huang Gouyang
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses the problems of structure design and trajectory tracking control of a mobile chassis of life support robots. First, a novel omnidirectional mobile chassis structure is proposed, which consists of three pairs of modular wheel sets with independent drive and steering capability. This allows robots to possess omnidirectional mobility and structural reliability. Then, the trajectory tracking control law is established by combining kinematics analysis and Lyapunov theory. Furthermore, considering the requirement of life support robots to be used under network control, this paper proposes an event-triggered trajectory tracking control scheme to improve the utilization efficiency of communication resources. Finally, the effectiveness of the omnidirectional mobile chassis and the event-triggered control law designed in this paper are demonstrated by numerical simulation results.
Numerical Simulation of Nonlinear Stochastic Analysis for Measles Transmission: A Case Study of a Measles Epidemic in Pakistan
Authors: Guo Bing , Khan Asad , Din Anwarud
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a detailed investigation of a stochastic model that rules the spreading behavior of the measles virus while accounting for the white noises and the influence of immunizations. It is hypothesized that the perturbations of the model are nonlinear, and that a person may lose the resistance after vaccination, implying that vaccination might create temporary protection against the disease. Initially, the deterministic model is formulated, and then it has been expanded to a stochastic system, and it is well-founded that the stochastic model is both theoretically and practically viable by demonstrating that the model has a global solution, which is positive and stochastically confined. Next, we infer adequate criteria for the disease’s elimination and permanence. Furthermore, the presence of a stationary distribution is examined by developing an appropriate Lyapunov function, wherein we noticed that the disease will persist for R0s>1 and that the illness will vanish from the community when R0s<1. We tested the model against the accessible data of measles in Pakistan during the first ten months of 2019, using the conventional curve fitting methods and the values of the parameters were calculated accordingly. The values obtained were employed in running the model, and the conceptual findings of the research were evaluated by simulations and conclusions were made. Simulations imply that, in order to fully understand the dynamic behavior of measles epidemic, time-delay must be included in such analyses, and that advancements in every vaccine campaign are inevitable for the control of the disease.
Telomere Fragility and MiDAS: Managing the Gaps at the End of the Road
Authors: Barnes Ryan P. , Thosar Sanjana A. , Opresko Patricia L.
Published: January 2023

Telomeres present inherent difficulties to the DNA replication machinery due to their repetitive sequence content, formation of non-B DNA secondary structures, and the presence of the nucleo-protein t-loop. Especially in cancer cells, telomeres are hot spots for replication stress, which can result in a visible phenotype in metaphase cells termed “telomere fragility”. A mechanism cells employ to mitigate replication stress, including at telomeres, is DNA synthesis in mitosis (MiDAS). While these phenomena are both observed in mitotic cells, the relationship between them is poorly understood; however, a common link is DNA replication stress. In this review, we will summarize what is known to regulate telomere fragility and telomere MiDAS, paying special attention to the proteins which play a role in these telomere phenotypes.