bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved MLP Energy Meter Fault Diagnosis Method Based on DBN
Authors: Zhong Chaochun , Jiang Yang , Wang Limin , Chen Jiayan , Zhou Juan , Hong Tao , Zheng Fan
Published: February 2023

In order to effectively utilize the large amount of high-dimensionality historical data generated by energy meters during operation, this paper proposes a DBN-MLP fusion neural network method for multi-dimensional analysis and fault-type diagnosis of smart energy meter fault data. In this paper, we first use DBN to strengthen the feature extraction ability of the network and solve the problem of many kinds of feature data and high dimensionality of historical data. After that, the processed feature information is input into the MLP neural network, and the strong processing ability of MLP for nonlinear numbers is used to solve the problem of weak correlation among data in the historical data set and improve the accuracy rate of faults diagnosis. The final results show that the DBN-MLP method used in this paper can effectively reduce the number of training iterations to reduce the training time and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
An Improved Algorithm for Insulator and Defect Detection Based on YOLOv4
Authors: Han Gujing , Yuan Qiwei , Zhao Feng , Wang Ruijie , Zhao Liu , Li Saidian , He Min , Yang Shiqi , Qin Liang
Published: February 2023

To further improve the accuracy and speed of UAV inspection of transmission line insulator defects, this paper proposes an insulator detection and defect identification algorithm based on YOLOv4, which is called DSMH-YOLOv4. In the feature extraction network of the YOLOv4 model, the improved algorithm improves the residual edges of the residual structure based on feature reuse and designs the backbone network D-CSPDarknet53, which greatly reduces the number of parameters and computation of the model. The SA-Net (Shuffle Attention Neural Networks) attention model is embedded in the feature fusion network to strengthen the attention of target features and improve the weight of the target. Multi-head output is added to the output layer to improve the ability of the model to recognize the small target of insulator damage. The experimental results show that the number of parameters of the improved algorithm model is only 25.98% of that of the original model, and the mAP (mean Average Precision) of the insulator and defect is increased from 92.44% to 96.14%, which provides an effective way for the implementation of edge end algorithm deployment.
Towards Machine Learning-Based FPGA Backend Flow: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Taj Imran , Farooq Umer
Published: February 2023

Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is at the core of System on Chip (SoC) design across various Industry 5.0 digital systems—healthcare devices, farming equipment, autonomous vehicles and aerospace gear to name a few. Given that pre-silicon verification using Computer Aided Design (CAD) accounts for about 70% of the time and money spent on the design of modern digital systems, this paper summarizes the machine learning (ML)-oriented efforts in different FPGA CAD design steps. With the recent breakthrough of machine learning, FPGA CAD tasks—high-level synthesis (HLS), logic synthesis, placement and routing—are seeing a renewed interest in their respective decision-making steps. We focus on machine learning-based CAD tasks to suggest some pertinent research areas requiring more focus in CAD design. The development of open-source benchmarks optimized for an end-to-end machine learning experience, intra-FPGA optimization, domain-specific accelerators, lack of explainability and federated learning are the issues reviewed to identify important research spots requiring significant focus. The potential of the new cloud-based architectures to understand the application of the right ML algorithms in FPGA CAD decision-making steps is discussed, together with visualizing the scenario of incorporating more intelligence in the cloud platform, with the help of relatively newer technologies such as CAD as Adaptive OpenPlatform Service (CAOS). Altogether, this research explores several research opportunities linked with modern FPGA CAD flow design, which will serve as a single point of reference for modern FPGA CAD flow design.
AdVulCode: Generating Adversarial Vulnerable Code against Deep Learning-Based Vulnerability Detectors
Authors: Yu Xueqi , Li Zhen , Huang Xiang , Zhao Shasha
Published: February 2023

Deep learning-based vulnerability detection models have received widespread attention; however, these models are susceptible to adversarial attack, and adversarial examples are a primary research direction to improve the robustness of the models. There are three main categories of adversarial example generation methods for source code tasks: changing identifier names, adding dead code, and changing code structure. However, these methods cannot be directly applied to vulnerability detection. Therefore, we propose the first study of adversarial attack on vulnerability detection models. Specifically, we utilize equivalent transformations to generate candidate statements and introduce an improved Monte Carlo tree search algorithm to guide the selection of candidate statements to generate adversarial examples. In addition, we devise a black-box approach that can be applied to widespread vulnerability detection models. The experimental results show that our approach achieves attack success rates of 16.48%, 27.92%, and 65.20%, respectively, in three vulnerability detection models with different levels of granularity. Compared with the state-of-the-art source code attack method ALERT, our method can handle models with identifier name mapping, and our attack success rate is 27.59% higher on average than ALERT.
Sarcasm Detection over Social Media Platforms Using Hybrid Ensemble Model with Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Sharma Dilip Kumar , Singh Bhuvanesh , Agarwal Saurabh , Pachauri Nikhil , Alhussan Amel Ali , Abdallah Hanaa A.
Published: February 2023

A figurative language expression known as sarcasm implies the complete contrast of what is being stated with what is meant, with the latter usually being rather or extremely offensive, meant to offend or humiliate someone. In routine conversations on social media websites, sarcasm is frequently utilized. Sentiment analysis procedures are prone to errors because sarcasm can change a statement’s meaning. Analytic accuracy apprehension has increased as automatic social networking analysis tools have grown. According to preliminary studies, the accuracy of computerized sentiment analysis has been dramatically decreased by sarcastic remarks alone. Sarcastic expressions also affect automatic false news identification and cause false positives. Because sarcastic comments are inherently ambiguous, identifying sarcasm may be difficult. Different individual NLP strategies have been proposed in the past. However, each methodology has text contexts and vicinity restrictions. The methods are unable to manage various kinds of content. This study suggests a unique ensemble approach based on text embedding that includes fuzzy evolutionary logic at the top layer. This approach involves applying fuzzy logic to ensemble embeddings from the Word2Vec, GloVe, and BERT models before making the final classification. The three models’ weights assigned to the probability are used to categorize objects using the fuzzy layer. The suggested model was validated on the following social media datasets: the Headlines dataset, the “Self-Annotated Reddit Corpus” (SARC), and the Twitter app dataset. Accuracies of 90.81%, 85.38%, and 86.80%, respectively, were achieved. The accuracy metrics were more accurate than those of earlier state-of-the-art models.
Topography-Induced Local Climatic Variations as the Decisive Factor in the Shaping of Epiphyte Distributions in Chilan, Northeastern Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Rebecca C.-C. , Lin Chienyu , Chen Chienwen
Published: February 2023

To identify the determining microclimatic factors affecting epiphyte distributions, we comprehensively investigated the epiphyte community of montane cloud forests in Chilan. Four sites of adjacent old-growth forests were chosen based on the degree of prevailing wind exposure. At each site, a micrometeorological station was installed about 20 m in the forest canopy. Five emergent trees (with heights of 19~46 m and DBHs of 73~230 cm) were selected at each site for tree structure measurement and epiphyte inventory. In total, 2043 occurrences of 61 epiphytic species were recorded. Epiphytes were most abundant and diverse at the Lake site, followed by the Lee, Wind, and WindN sites. The epiphyte assemblages greatly differed across these sites, which was likely determined by the range variation in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). At least 14 site-exclusive species were identified across the four sites. This is the first study comparing epiphyte distributions of old-growth forests at a fine topographic scale. We found that small changes in microclimate, especially the range variance of VPD, dramatically affect epiphyte communities. Our results reinforce the understanding that epiphytes are a highly sensitive functional group of the forest ecosystem and serve as a good indicator of climate change.
Effects of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Biomass Conversion and Expansion Factors of Natural White Birch Forest (Betula platyphylla Suk.) in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Miao Zheng , Hao Yuanshuo , Dong Lihu , Li Fengri
Published: February 2023

Biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEFs) are widely utilized in national and regional biomass estimates and greenhouse gas reporting, as they can be used to directly transform the stocking volume into biomass. In this study, the power function was used as the basic model form with biotic variables, and abiotic variables were considered to improve the fitting results. Then, the random effects parameters were also introduced into the models to describe the variation of BCEFs among different forest management units. Random sampling strategies were applied to calibrate the random effects. The results showed that the stocking volume exhibited a negative proportional relationship in the stem BCEF (BCEFst), the root BCEF (BCEFro) and the total tree BCEF (BCEFto) models, and the quadratic mean diameter exhibited a positive proportional relationship in the branch BCEF (BCEFbr) and the foliage BCEF (BCEFfol) models. In addition, the fitting effect of generalized models with abiotic predictors was superior to that of the basic models. Considering the effects of abiotic variables on the BCEFs of each component, the results showed that BCEFst and BCEFto decreased as the mean annual precipitation increased; BCEFbr increased as the annual temperature increased; BCEFfol gradually decreased as the elevation increased; and BCEFro first increased with increasing mean annual temperature and then declined. In conclusion, abiotic factors explained the variation in BCEFs for the biomass components of the natural white birch forest. Although the fitting effect of generalized models with abiotic predictors was superior to that of the basic models, the mixed-effects model was preferable for modeling the BCEFs of each component. In addition, the prediction precision of the mixed-effects models enhanced gradually with increasing sample size, and the selection of eight plots for calibration and prediction based on the mixed-effects model was the best sampling strategy in this study of a natural white birch forest.
Influence of Tree Vegetation and The Associated Environmental Factors on Soil Organic Carbon; Evidence from “Kulon Progo Community Forestry,” Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Siswo  , Kim Hojin , Lee Jeongeun , Yun Chung-Weon
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to assess the influence of tree vegetation and some environmental factor on soil organic carbon (SOC), which is part of soil organic matter (SOM). Vegetation survey and soil sampling were carried out in five stand types in the protected forest of Kulon Progo Community Forestry, including Pinus (PN), Aleurites-Swietenia (AS), Swietenia-Acacia (SA), Melaleuca-Acacia (MA) and Tectona-Dalbergia (TD). Tree vegetation composition and characteristics (diversity, basal area, density, canopy height and canopy cover), SOC and SOM were analyzed using some comparative analyses. The influence of tree vegetation characteristics and environmental factors related to topographic, edaphic and anthropogenic aspects on SOC was performed by employing principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA). Our result confirmed that species composition among stand types was significantly different. Characteristically, PN was relatively close to MA, having similarities in canopy cover, canopy height and basal area. While AS, SA and TD were relatively similar to each other in diversity, basal area, density and canopy cover. Moreover, PN and MA similarly hold less SOC and SOM compared to TD, while AS and SA showed not significantly different from TD. RDA confirmed the high influence of tree vegetation, where the most influencing factor for SOC and SOM was an interaction among canopy cover, canopy height and below-stand utilization, where canopy cover was directly proportional to canopy height and increased with decreasing below-stand utilization. We concluded that in relatively small variations of environmental factors, selecting dense-canopy trees and adaptive management of below-stand utilization promised SOC sequestration and storage. Our findings provide fundamental information for maximizing the potential of forest carbon to meet the global payments for ecosystem services and contribute to low-carbon development strategies and emission reduction.
PLA/Coffee Grounds Composite for 3D Printing and Its Properties
Authors: Yu Wangwang , Yuan Tiancheng , Yao Yan , Deng Yuhe , Wang Xinzhou
Published: February 2023

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It generates a waste known as coffee grounds. In this work, changes in mechanical properties, crystallinity index, and DSC characteristics of PLA/coffee grounds with different dosages were analyzed by XRD, DSC, and mechanical property tests. Statistical analysis showed that the modulus of rupture of PLA/coffee grounds 3D printing materials was maximal at 109.07 MPa and 3604 MPa when 3% coffee grounds were added. The tensile strength of the untreated PLA complex was 49.99 MPa, and the tensile strength increased from 49.99 MPa to 51.28 MPa after 3% coffee grounds were added. However, there was no significant difference between the PLA complex and PLA/coffee grounds 3D printing materials when the additions were lower than 3%. The statistical analysis showed that when the coffee grounds additions increased from 5% to 7%, the tensile strength of PLA/coffee grounds 3D printing products significantly decreased. For example, the tensile strength decreased from 49.99 MPa to 26.45 MPa with addition of 7% coffee grounds. The difference between the glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting temperatures of PLA coffee grounds 3D printing materials was almost negligible, which indicates that the thermal properties of PLA coffee grounds 3D printing materials are comparable to those of PLA, and that the processing temperature and FDM printing temperature of the PLA filament are suitable for application to the PLA coffee grounds 3D printing material system.
Distribution Characteristics of Active Soil Substances along Elevation Gradients in the Southern of Taihang Mountain, China
Authors: Feng Erpeng , Zhang Liwei , Kong Yuhua , Xu Xingkai , Wang Ting , Wang Caifeng
Published: February 2023

Active soil substances, which can indicate environmental changes sensitively, have the fastest turnover rate. Vegetation diversity and soil bio-physicochemical properties according to five elevations classes (800 m, 1000 m, 1100 m, 1200 m, and 1500 m a.s.l.) in the Southern Taihang Mountain were investigated. Soil ammonium-N (NH4+—N), nitrate-N (NO3−—N), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and nitrogen (MBN), as well as soil urease (URE) and sucrose (SUC) activities were determined. The results showed that elevation gradients, soil layers, and their interaction had significant effects on most of the active soil substances. With the rise of elevation, soil NO3−—N, inorganic N, MBC, and MBN contents, as well as SUC activity and SUC/MBC ratio basically showed an inverted V-shaped distribution trend and reached the peak value at 1100 m (p < 0.05). Soil URE showed a fluctuating upward trend and reached the peak value at 1500 m (p < 0.05), and the URE/MBC ratio showed a straight upward trend. With the depth of soil layer, the contents of active soil substances tended to decrease, showing a phenomenon of surface aggregation. Active soil substances were correlated with plant community diversity indexes, soil water content, pH, available N, and available phosphorus contents, and available N was the main factor affecting active soil substances, which could explain 34.4% of the variation. In summary, at the intermediate slope of 1100 m, soil moisture and tightness were suitable for soil microbial activity and plant growth, the highest contents of active soil substances, indicating a fast turnover of soil carbon and nitrogen. The present study enriched our understanding of soil carbon and nitrogen turnover mechanisms in the mountain ecosystem.
Landscape Preference Evaluation of Old Residential Neighbourhoods: A Case Study in Shi Jiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
Authors: Dai Chenyang , Maruthaveeran Sreetheran , Shahidan Mohd Fairuz , Chu Yichun
Published: February 2023

Landscape preference and cognition are essential in determining the external environment’s subjective reflections. Although much research has been conducted on landscape preferences, there is still a lack of information on landscape perceptions and preferences among residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods, especially in Chinese cities. Taking old residential neighbourhoods of Shijiazhuang as an example, this paper used a large-scale questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews to determine the landscape preference of the residents of old residential neighbourhoods for the community green spaces using the virtual model method. The chi-square test method is used to explore the inner logic of aesthetic preference from two aspects: landscape characteristics and socio-demographic characteristics. The respondents are 668 residents of old residential neighbourhoods (300 males, 368 females) distributed in four larger communities in the main urban area of Shijiazhuang. Random sampling and volunteer sampling were used to choose the survey respondents. The results showed this: (1) In terms of soft landscapes, respondents prefer natural planting, spaces with very high plant richness and high green coverage. In terms of hard landscapes, there is a preference for fitness and leisure facilities, rubber floors and a slight preference for water features and decorative landscape elements. (2) From the chi-square results, age significantly affects landscape preference, gender and education level. In contrast, marital status and occupation have no significant effect on landscape preference. The expression of the landscape preference of the residents of old residential neighbourhoods reflects the needs for functionality, reality and local concept. The main aim of this study is to fully understand the landscape preferences of residents in old residential neighbourhoods when using green space, and to find out what factors will affect residents’ landscape preferences. The research results have guiding significance for rationally improving the landscape planning, design and management of old residential neighbourhoods, and at the same time make up for the lack of international research on landscape preferences of disadvantaged communities. Improving the environment of old residential neighbourhoods can develop a higher sense of security, happiness and satisfaction among the residents.
Effects of Waterlogging Stress on the Neighboring Relationships between Cleistocalyx operculatus (Roxb.) Merr. and Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen Saplings
Authors: Li Dadong , Guo Luyao , Tian Mengjie , Miao Lingfeng , Xiang Lishan , Yang Fan
Published: February 2023

Neighboring relationships among plants have been extensively reported, but little is known about the effect of waterlogging. In this study, Cleistocalyx operculatus (Roxb.) Merr. and Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen saplings were used in investigating the neighboring relationships between legumes and non-leguminous woody plants under different planting and watering regimes. Results showed that C. operculatus and D. odorifera are waterlogging-tolerant species, and C. operculatus with high proportion of adventitious roots would be at an advantage during waterlogging. The growth performance of D. odorifera was better than that of C. operculatus under well-watered single-planting conditions. However, under well-watered mixed-planting conditions, C. operculatus had an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth traits (increments in stem height and leaf number, total leaf area, and total plant fresh weight) and physiological responses (net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration) of D. odorifera, whereas the growth of C. operculatus slightly increased in the presence of D. odorifera. Under waterlogging mixed-planting conditions, the facilitative effect was more intensive; the total leaf area, underground fresh weight, and total plant fresh weight of C. operculatus significantly increased, but a negative effect was found in D. odorifer. These results showed that the neighboring relationship between these two species is predominantly favorable to C. operculatus. This research sheds new light on screening waterlogging-tolerant arbor species and species collocation during vegetation restoration and reconstruction activities in wetland systems.
Key Aromatic Volatile Compounds from Roasted Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Liquor, and Chocolate
Authors: Quelal Orlando Meneses , Hurtado David Pilamunga , Benavides Andrés Arroyo , Alanes Pamela Vidaurre , Alanes Norka Vidaurre
Published: February 2023

The characteristic aromas at each stage of chocolate processing change in quantity and quality depending on the cocoa variety, the chemical composition of the beans, the specific protein storage content, and the polysaccharides and polyphenols determining the type and quantity of the precursors formed during the fermentation and drying process, leading to the formation of specific chocolate aromas in the subsequent roasting and conching processes. Bean aroma is frequently profiled, identified, and semiquantified by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPMEGC-MS) and by gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O). In general, the flavors generated in chocolate processing include fruity, floral, chocolate, woody, caramel, earthy, and undesirable notes. Each processing stage contributes to or depletes the aroma compounds that may be desirable or undesirable, as discussed in this report.
Perception of the Use of Virtual Reality Didactic Tools among Faculty in Mexico
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Fernández-Arias Pablo , Vergara Diego
Published: February 2023

This paper develops descriptive quantitative research of the assessments of virtual reality (VR) technology, used as a didactic tool, by a sample of 712 university professors in Mexico. For this purpose, a validated Likert-type questionnaire was used as an instrument, the responses to which were statistically analyzed. The results obtained show that professors in Mexico report low levels of digital skills, but high valuations of VR. These ratings depend strongly on the professors’ area of knowledge. In this sense, the biggest gap is between Engineering professors, who value VR better, and Humanities professors, who value it worse. There are also gender gaps and gaps due to the digital generation of the participants in the assessments made, whose behavior is also different according to the area of knowledge. As a result, some recommendations are provided to try to reduce the gaps found.
Assessment of the Effects of the 2021 Caldor Megafire on Soil Physical Properties, Eastern Sierra Nevada, USA
Authors: Sion Brad , Samburova Vera , Berli Markus , Baish Christopher , Bustarde Janelle , Houseman Sally
Published: February 2023

The Caldor fire burned ~222,000 acres of the Eastern Sierra Nevada during summer–fall 2021. We evaluated the effects of this “megafire” on the physical properties of a sandy soil developed from glacial tills to document fire-induced soil modifications in this region. We measured soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions as well as the thermal properties of five core samples from control (unburned) areas and eight core samples from burned soil of the same soil unit. Soil water repellency was measured in terms of water drop penetration time (WDPT) in the field and apparent contact angle in the laboratory on control and burned soil as well as ash samples. Soil organic matter (SOM) and particle and aggregate size distributions were determined on control and burned soil samples. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to image microaggregates of control and burned soil samples. We found a significant difference in SOM content and sand and silt aggregate size distribution between control and burned samples, which we associated with the disintegration of microaggregates due to the fire. We found no significant difference between soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions of control and burned soil but observed greater variation in saturated hydraulic conductivity and systematic shifts in thermal conductivity functions of burned compared to control samples. WDPT and apparent contact angle values were significantly higher for burned soils, indicating the occurrence of fire-induced soil hydrophobicity (FISH). Interestingly, the average apparent contact angle of the control soil was >90°, indicating that even the unburned soil was hydrophobic. However, the ash on top of the burned soil was found to be hydrophilic, having apparent contact angles <10°. Our results indicate that SOM and microaggregates were readily affected by the Caldor fire, even for sandy soil with a weakly developed structure. The fire seemed to have moderated thermal properties, significantly and soil wettability but had only minimal effects on water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions. Our findings demonstrate the complex nature of fire-soil interactions in a natural environment and highlight the need for additional investigation into the causes and processes associated with FISH and structure alterations due to fire to improve our ability to rapidly determine potential problem areas in terms of hazards commonly associated with fire-affected soils.
Estimates of Household Food Waste by Categories and Their Determinants: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Jiang Yi , Qing Ping
Published: February 2023

Household food waste has become a global concern for all countries in the world. This study focuses on the household level to clarify the impact of household food waste, and we use an online questionnaire survey across China to estimate the proportion of household food waste from five categories, including whole food; fruits and vegetables; poultry, eggs, meat, and dairy products; staple food; and snacks and candy. Then, we use the logit and Tobit models to estimate the relationship between the five food categories and consumer characteristics. First, the statistical analysis shows that in China, the incidence rate and proportion of household food waste are 90.7% and 9.9%, respectively. Among them, the incidence rate and proportion of fruit and vegetable waste are the highest. The results of heterogeneity also show regional differences in the incidence rate and proportion of food waste. Second, the empirical results show that label cognition, garbage disposal cognition, vegetarianism, population, children or elders in the household, the experience of starvation, and age are important explanatory factors for the incidence and proportion of food waste in the household.
Environmental and Yield Comparison of Quick Extraction Methods for Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid from Spent Coffee Grounds
Authors: Bouhzam Ibtissam , Cantero Rosa , Balcells Mercè , Margallo María , Aldaco Rubén , Bala Alba , Fullana-i-Palmer Pere , Puig Rita
Published: February 2023

This study aims to provide an overview of different extraction methods to obtain chlorogenic acid (CA) and caffeine (Caf) from spent coffee grounds (SCG). This overview shows that the quantity extracted is highly dependent on the type of SCG, so experiments using the same SCG are needed to compare different methods. Three easy and simple extraction methods will be tested at a laboratory scale and environmentally compared. All three experiments were of 1 min duration: first, using supramolecular solvent; second, with water and vortex; and third, with water assisted by ultrasound. Water extraction assisted by ultrasound at room temperature yielded the greatest quantity of chlorogenic acid and caffeine, with 1.15 mg CA/g and 0.972 mg Caf/g, respectively. Extraction using supra-solvent leads to a lower content of CA in the supra-phase since it has more affinity for the water-based inferior phase. An environmental assessment using life cycle assessment has been carried out to compare water and supra extraction methods for the manufacture of two different commercial products: a face cream and an eye contour serum. Results show that the type of solvent and the amount of active substance extracted have a great influence on the environmental results. The results presented here are important for companies willing to obtain these active substances at an industrial scale.
Proteomics and Molecular Docking Analyses Reveal the Bio-Chemical and Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Hypolipidemic Activity of Nano-Liposomal Bioactive Peptides in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Krobthong Sucheewin , Yingchutrakul Yodying , Wongtrakoongate Patompon , Chuntakaruk Hathaichanok , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Chaichana Chartchai , Mahatnirunkul Thanisorn , Chomtong Thitikorn , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Aonbangkhen Chanat
Published: February 2023

Obesity is a global health concern. Physical activities and eating nutrient-rich functional foods can prevent obesity. In this study, nano-liposomal encapsulated bioactive peptides (BPs) were developed to reduce cellular lipids. The peptide sequence NH2-PCGVPMLTVAEQAQ-CO2H was chemically synthesized. The limited membrane permeability of the BPs was improved by encapsulating the BPs with a nano-liposomal carrier, which was produced by thin-layer formation. The nano-liposomal BPs had a diameter of ~157 nm and were monodispersed in solution. The encapsulation capacity was 61.2 ± 3.2%. The nano-liposomal BPs had no significant cytotoxicity on the tested cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. The in vitro hypolipidemic activity significantly promoted the breakdown of triglycerides (TGs). Lipid droplet staining was correlated with TG content. Proteomics analysis identified 2418 differentially expressed proteins. The nano-liposomal BPs affected various biochemical pathways beyond lipolysis. The nano-liposomal BP treatment decreased the fatty acid synthase expression by 17.41 ± 1.17%. HDOCK revealed that the BPs inhibited fatty acid synthase (FAS) at the thioesterase domain. The HDOCK score of the BPs was lower than that of orlistat, a known obesity drug, indicating stronger binding. Proteomics and molecular docking analyses confirmed that the nano-liposomal BPs were suitable for use in functional foods to prevent obesity.
Antioxidant Activity of Crocodile Oil (Crocodylus siamensis) on Cognitive Function in Rats
Authors: Srisuksai Krittika , Parunyakul Kongphop , Santativongchai Pitchaya , Phaonakrop Narumon , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Tulayakul Phitsanu , Fungfuang Wirasak
Published: February 2023

Crocodile oil (CO) is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The antioxidant activity and cognitive effect of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been largely reported. This work aimed to investigate the effect of CO on antioxidant activity and cognitive function in rats. Twenty-one rats were divided into three treatment groups: (1) sterile water (NS), (2) 1 mL/kg of CO (NC1), and (3) 3 mL/kg of CO (NC3). Rats underwent oral gavage once daily for 8 weeks. CO treatment decreased the triglycerides level significantly compared with that in the NS group. CO had a free radical scavenging ability greater than that of olive oil but had no effect on levels of antioxidant markers in the brain. Expression of unique proteins in the CO-treatment group were correlated with the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide. Rats in the NC1 group had better memory function than rats in the NC3 group. Expression of unique proteins in the NC1 group was correlated with memory function. However, CO did not cause a decline in cognitive function in rats. CO can be an alternative dietary oil because it has a hypolipidemia effect and antioxidant activity. In addition, CO did not cause a negative effect on cognitive function.
Determination of Isoflavones in Radix puerariae from Different Origins by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Based on Optimal Pretreatment Method
Authors: Gao Yuan , Xu Mengjia , Wan Hao , Li Chang , Wan Yiqun
Published: February 2023

A new method for simultaneous determination of puerarin, daidzin, daidzein and genistein in Radix puerariae by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography was established. The target analytes were extracted from Radix puerariae by 70% ethylene glycol with the assistance of ultrasonication, purified by the absorption of N-propyl ethylenediamine (PSA), and separated on a Supersil ODS column (4.6 mm × 250 mm × 2.5 μm). Gradient elution in 12 min was performed with the mobile phase 0.1% formic acid(A)–acetonitrile(B). The column temperature was 25 °C and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. The detection wavelength of the four target analytes was 250 nm. The limits of detection (LODs) of puerarin, daidzin, daidzein and genistein were 0.086 mg/L, 0.020 mg/L, 0.027 mg/L and 0.037 mg/L, respectively, and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.29 mg/L, 0.065 mg/L, 0.090 mg/L and 0.12 mg/L, respectively. The recovery of the four substances ranged from 90.5% to 109.6%, and the relative standard deviation (n = 6) was less than 7.7%. With the established methods, puerarin, daidzin, daidzein and genistein in Radix puerariae from 11 origins were determined. The contents of the four compounds varied with the origin and variety. It provides basic data and technical means for quality control and regulation of Radix puerariae.
Quantitative Risk Assessment of Hepatitis a Virus Infection Arising from the Consumption of Fermented Clams in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Yoonjeong , Sung Miseon , Hwang Jeongeun , Yeo Daseul , Zhao Ziwei , Choi Changsun , Yoon Yohan
Published: February 2023

This study estimated the risk of hepatitis A virus (HAV) foodborne illness outbreaks through the consumption of fermented clams in South Korea. HAV prevalence in fermented clams was obtained from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Report, 2019. Fermented clam samples (2 g) were inoculated with HAV and stored at −20–25 °C. Based on the HAV titer (determined using plaque assay) in fermented clams according to storage, the Baranyi predictive models provided by Combase were applied to describe the kinetic behavior of HAV in fermented clams. The initial estimated HAV contamination level was −3.7 Log PFU/g. The developed predictive models revealed that, when the temperature increased, the number of HAV plaques decreased. The Beta-Poisson model was chosen for determining the dose–response of HAV, and the simulation revealed that there was a 6.56 × 10−11/person/day chance of contracting HAV foodborne illness by eating fermented clams. However, when only regular consumers of fermented clams were assumed as the population, the probability of HAV foodborne illness increased to 8.11 × 10−8/person/day. These results suggest that, while there is a low likelihood of HAV foodborne illness from consuming fermented clams across the country, regular consumers should be aware of the possibility of foodborne illness.
Characterization of the Dynamic Gastrointestinal Digests of the Preserved Eggs and Their Effect and Mechanism on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Wu Yan , Li Xiujuan , Ma Meihu , Hu Gan , Fu Xing , Liu Jihong
Published: February 2023

Preserved eggs, an alkaline-fermented food, have been widely searched for their anti-inflammatory activity. Their digestive characteristics in the human gastrointestinal tract and anti-cancer mechanism have not been well explained. In this study, we investigated the digestive characteristics and anti-tumor mechanisms of preserved eggs using an in vitro dynamic human gastrointestinal-IV (DHGI-IV) model. During digestion, the sample pH dynamically changed from 7.01 to 8.39. The samples were largely emptied in the stomach with a lag time of 45 min after 2 h. Protein and fat were significantly hydrolyzed with 90% and 87% digestibility, respectively. Moreover, preserved eggs digests (PED) significantly increased the free radical scavenging activity of ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and hydroxyl groups by 15, 14, 10 and 8 times more than the control group, respectively. PED significantly inhibited the growth, cloning and migration of HepG2 cells at concentrations of 250–1000 μg/mL. Meanwhile, it induced apoptosis by up/down-regulating the expression of the pro-apoptotic factor Bak and the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 in the mitochondrial pathway. PED (1000 μg/mL) treatment resulted in 55% higher ROS production than the control, which also led to apoptosis. Furthermore, PED down-regulated the expression of the pro-angiogenic genes HIF-1α and VEGF. These findings provided a reliable scientific reference for the study of the anti-tumor activity of preserved eggs.
Advances in the Role and Mechanisms of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts as Natural Preservatives to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Chen Xuefeng , Gong Pin , Wang Ruotong , Han Aoyang , Deng Zhenfang , Qi Zhuoya , Long Hui , Wang Jiating , Yao Wenbo , Yang Wenjuan , Wang Jing , Li Nan
Published: February 2023

China has a large variety of edible mushrooms and ranks first in the world in terms of production and variety. Nevertheless, due to their high moisture content and rapid respiration rate, they experience constant quality deterioration, browning of color, loss of moisture, changes in texture, increases in microbial populations, and loss of nutrition and flavor during postharvest storage. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of essential oils and plant extracts on the preservation of edible mushrooms and summarizes their mechanisms of action to better understand their effects during the storage of mushrooms. The quality degradation process of edible mushrooms is complex and influenced by internal and external factors. Essential oils and plant extracts are considered environmentally friendly preservation methods for better postharvest quality. This review aims to provide a reference for the development of new green and safe preservation and provides research directions for the postharvest processing and product development of edible mushrooms.
Order of Convergence and Dynamics of Newton–Gauss-Type Methods
Authors: Sadananda Ramya , George Santhosh , Argyros Ioannis K. , Padikkal Jidesh
Published: February 2023

On the basis of the new iterative technique designed by Zhongli Liu in 2016 with convergence orders of three and five, an extension to order six can be found in this paper. The study of high-convergence-order iterative methods under weak conditions is of extreme importance, because higher order means that fewer iterations are carried out to achieve a predetermined error tolerance. In order to enhance the practicality of these methods by Zhongli Liu, the convergence analysis is carried out without the application of Taylor expansion and requires the operator to be only two times differentiable, unlike the earlier studies. A semilocal convergence analysis is provided. Furthermore, numerical experiments verifying the convergence criteria, comparative studies and the dynamics are discussed for better interpretation.
A Compact Scheme Combining the Fast Time Stepping Method for Solving 2D Fractional Subdiffusion Equations
Authors: Xu Yibin , Liu Yanqin , Yin Xiuling , Feng Libo , Wang Zihua
Published: February 2023

In this paper, in order to improve the calculation accuracy and efficiency of α-order Caputo fractional derivative (0 < α ≤ 1), we developed a compact scheme combining the fast time stepping method for solving 2D fractional nonlinear subdiffusion equations. In the temporal direction, a time stepping method was applied. It can reach second-order accuracy. In the spatial direction, we utilized the compact difference scheme, which can reach fourth-order accuracy. Some properties of coefficients are given, which are essential for the theoretical analysis. Meanwhile, we rigorously proved the unconditional stability of the proposed scheme and gave the sharp error estimate. To overcome the intensive computation caused by the fractional operators, we combined a fast algorithm, which can reduce the computational complexity from O(N2) to O(Nlog(N)), where N represents the number of time steps. Considering that the solution of the subdiffusion equation is weakly regular in most cases, we added correction terms to ensure that the solution can achieve the optimal convergence accuracy.
Applications and Utility of Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cell Culture for Therapeutics
Authors: Ajjarapu Suchitra Maheswari , Tiwari Apoorv , Kumar Sundip
Published: February 2023

The field of 3D cell culture and its applications is rooted in the understanding of cell biology, tissue engineering, tissue morphology, disease mechanisms, and drug action. For many years, traditional 2D cell culture systems have been widely used but have proven to be limited in their ability to accurately replicate the complex microenvironment of tissues. This often results in issues with cell proliferation, aggregation, and differentiation. 3D cell culture systems have emerged as a solution to this problem and have demonstrated a more accurate simulation of in vivo physiology. This has had a major impact on drug discovery and includes the use of spheroids, organoids, scaffolds, hydrogels, and organs. This review has addressed fundamental questions and exploited utility in 3D in vitro mode of cell culture in view of therapeutics.
Polyols Permeability on Caco-2 Cells and Their Effects on Transport of Low-Permeability Drugs
Authors: Truffin Damien , Häusler Olaf , Martin Maryse , Cotier Sandrine , Laparre Jerôme , Ramnath Manilduth
Published: February 2023

Some pharmaceutical excipients are able to modify intestinal permeability, thus influencing drug absorption and bioavailability. The effect of four polyols (mannitol, maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol) on the permeability of seven active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), representing different BCS classes (furosemide, amiloride, atenolol, ranitidine, nadolol, L-thyroxine and acyclovir), was investigated using the Caco-2 cell permeability model. Analytical methods for the sensitive polyol and API quantification were developed using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ). Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated from the measured concentrations in the apical and basolateral compartments. The cell monolayer remained intact throughout the experiment in all trials, neither significant Lucifer Yellow (LY) passage, nor modification of the electrical resistance was detected, demonstrating that no active principle or excipient (or combinations thereof) modulated the paracellular transport. The Papp values for apical to basolateral and basolateral to apical directions of drug + excipient combinations were compared with the Papp values for the drug substance alone. Our results show that mannitol, maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol did not modify the permeability of furosemide, amiloride, atenolol, ranitidine, nadolol, acyclovir and L-thyroxine APIs. Moreover, the presence of polyols did not alter the efflux of the active principle (basolateral to apical).
Risk-Averse and Self-Interested Shifts in Groups in Both Median and Random Rules
Authors: Kamijo Yoshio , Tamura Teruyuki
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine whether attitudes toward risk and altruism are affected by being in a group or being alone. In contrast to previous economic research on group decision-making, we excluded the effects of group informal discussions, which are thought to be a “black box” when individuals make decisions in a group. In this regard, the subjects in our experiment were only requested to show their faces to the other members, without further communication. Moreover, we adopted two collective decision rules, i.e., the median rule and the random rule, which provide the truth-telling mechanism. In the experiments of both anonymous investment and donation, we found that the subjects who made decisions in a group offered significantly lower amounts than those who made decisions alone, after controlling for individuals’ risk and altruistic preferences. The findings imply that people are more risk-averse and self-interested when they are in a group, regardless of which collective decision rules are adopted.
A Case of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bone Metastases Managed with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Aggressive Palliative Radiation Therapy: Role of Combination Therapy for Extending Survival
Authors: Ielasi Luca , Stefanini Bernardo , Piscaglia Fabio , Granito Alessandro , Tovoli Francesco
Published: February 2023

We report the case of a 68-year-old man with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with multiple bone metastases (BM) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Despite an insufficient disease control on BM with a progression free survival (PFS) of 6 months, sorafenib was not discontinued and multiple radiation therapy (RT) sessions with a palliative purpose were performed. Thanks to this aggressive radiotherapy approach in order to control the bone tumor burden, the patient has continued sorafenib for 34.6 months achieving an overall survival (OS) of 41.3 months. This result highlights the importance of a tailored management of patients with advanced HCC and the role of the RT for BM control, even if at lower cumulative radiation dose, for extending patient survival.
Identification of Salt Tolerance Related Candidate Genes in ‘Sea Rice 86’ at the Seedling and Reproductive Stages Using QTL-Seq and BSA-Seq
Authors: Gao Qinmei , Wang Hongyan , Yin Xiaolin , Wang Feng , Hu Shuchang , Liu Weihao , Chen Liangbi , Dai Xiaojun , Liang Manzhong
Published: February 2023

Salt stress seriously affects plant growth and development and reduces the yield of rice. Therefore, the development of salt-tolerant high-yielding rice cultivars through quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification and bulked segregant analysis (BSA) is the main focus of molecular breeding projects. In this study, sea rice (SR86) showed greater salt tolerance than conventional rice. Under salt stress, the cell membrane and chlorophyll were more stable and the antioxidant enzyme activity was higher in SR86 than in conventional rice. Thirty extremely salt-tolerant plants and thirty extremely salt-sensitive plants were selected from the F2 progenies of SR86 × Nipponbare (Nip) and SR86 × 9311 crosses during the whole vegetative and reproductive growth period and mixed bulks were generated. Eleven salt tolerance related candidate genes were located using QTL-seq together with BSA. Real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that LOC_Os04g03320.1 and BGIOSGA019540 were expressed at higher levels in the SR86 plants than in Nip and 9311 plants, suggesting that these genes are critical for the salt tolerance of SR86. The QTLs identified using this method could be effectively utilized in future salt tolerance breeding programs, providing important theoretical significance and application value for rice salt tolerance breeding.