bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Topological Defects on the Mechanical Response of Unit Cells of the Tetrachiral Mechanical Metamaterial
Authors: Akhmetshin Linar , Iokhim Kristina , Kazantseva Ekaterina , Smolin Igor
Published: November 2023

The primary benefit of metamaterials is that their physical and mechanical properties can be controlled by changing the structure geometry. Numerical analysis tools used in this work offer a few advantages over full-scale testing, consisting of an automated process, as well as lower material and time costs. The investigation is concerned with the behavior of unit cells of the tetrachiral mechanical metamaterial under uniaxial compression. The base material is studied within an elastic mathematical model. The influence of topological defects of the unit cell on the metamaterial properties is studied for the first time. Defects, and especially topological defects, play a decisive role in the mechanical behavior of materials and structures. The unit cell without defects reveals orthotropy of properties. Torsion of a cell with a chiral structure is induced by the rotation of all tetrachiral walls, and therefore it is sensitive to the introduction of defects. There are cases of increased torsion as well as of no compression–torsion coupling effect. In the latter case, the unit cell experiences only shear. The effective Young’s modulus is calculated to vary in the range from 23 to 57 MPa for unit cells of different topologies. With the successive introduction of defects in two walls, the studied characteristics increase, correlating with each other. A further increase in the number of defects affects the characteristics in different ways. The introduction of two more defects in the walls decreases torsion and increases Young’s modulus, after which both characteristics decrease. The introduction of topological defects in all walls of the unit cell leads to the orthotropic behavior of the cell with the opposite sign of torsion.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Statin Monotherapy and Statin plus Ezetimibe Combination in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Ezhov Marat V. , Sergienko Igor V. , Kryzhanovskiy Sergey M. , Manko Kirill S. , Timoshina Elena V.
Published: November 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of ezetimibe in combination with statins or statin monotherapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia in a real-world setting. Methods: It was a retrospective multicenter observational study conducted in Russia. We included patients who received statins or a combination of statins with ezetimibe for ≥3 months. The primary endpoint of this study was the frequency of achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal levels at the time of enrollment in the study (%). Results: The full analysis set consisted of 1000 patients: 250 subjects in the statin monotherapy group and 750 subjects in the combination group. The groups did not differ in clinical, demographic, or laboratory variables, except for a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher baseline lipid values in the statin monotherapy group. During treatment, the LDL-C concentration decreased by 1.10 ± 1.04 mmol/L (change of −27.5 ± 28.5% from baseline) in the statin monotherapy group and by 1.55 ± 1.17 mmol/L (change of −38.2 ± 25.6% from baseline) in the combination therapy group, p < 0.001. The target LDL-C level was achieved in 22.4% of the patients in the monotherapy group compared with 28.8% of the patients in the combination therapy group, p = 0.049. Conclusions: In real-world clinical practice, statin/ezetimibe combination therapy demonstrated a more frequent achievement of target LDL-C levels compared with statin monotherapy. The addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy increased the probability of achieving LDL-C level goals by 29%.
Secrecy Energy Efficiency Maximization for Secure Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle-Assisted Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Ha Daehan , Jeong Seongah , Kang Jinkyu , Kang Joonhyuk
Published: November 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) systems have recently gained significant attraction in internet-of-things (IoT) applications that have limited or no infrastructure. Specifically, the free mobility of UAVs in three-dimensional (3D) space allows us good-quality channel links, thereby enhancing the communication environment and improving performance in terms of achievable rates, latency, and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, IoT devices can extend their battery life by harvesting the energy following the SWIPT protocol, which leads to an increase in the overall system lifespan. In this paper, we propose a secure UAV-assisted SWIPT system designed to optimize the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) of a ground network, wherein a base station (BS) transmits confidential messages to an energy-constrained device in the presence of a passive eavesdropper. Here, we employ a UAV acting as a helper node to improve the SEE of the system and to aid in the energy harvesting (EH) of the battery-limited ground device following the SWIPT protocol. To this end, we formulate the SEE maximization problem by jointly optimizing the transmit powers of the BS and UAV, the power-splitting ratio for EH operations, and the UAV’s flight path. The solution is obtained via a proposed algorithm that leverages successive convex approximation (SCA) and Dinkelbach’s method. Through simulations, we corroborate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm compared to conventional partial optimization approaches.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Formation Pinning and Shape Transformation for Swarms
Authors: Dong Zhaoqi , Wu Qizhen , Chen Lei
Published: November 2023

Swarm models hold significant importance as they provide the collective behavior of self-organized systems. Boids model is a fundamental framework for studying emergent behavior in swarms systems. It addresses problems related to simulating the emergent behavior of autonomous agents, such as alignment, cohesion, and repulsion, to imitate natural flocking movements. However, traditional models of Boids often lack pinning and the adaptability to quickly adapt to the dynamic environment. To address this limitation, we introduce reinforcement learning into the framework of Boids to solve the problem of disorder and the lack of pinning. The aim of this approach is to enable drone swarms to quickly and effectively adapt to dynamic external environments. We propose a method based on the Q-learning network to improve the cohesion and repulsion parameters in the Boids model to achieve continuous obstacle avoidance and maximize spatial coverage in the simulation scenario. Additionally, we introduce a virtual leader to provide pinning and coordination stability, reflecting the leadership and coordination seen in drone swarms. To validate the effectiveness of this method, we demonstrate the model’s capabilities through empirical experiments with drone swarms, and show the practicality of the RL-Boids framework.
Burrow-Nesting Seabird Survey Using UAV-Mounted Thermal Sensor and Count Automation
Authors: Virtue Jacob , Turner Darren , Williams Guy , Zeliadt Stephanie , Walshaw Henry , Lucieer Arko
Published: November 2023

Seabird surveys are used to monitor population demography and distribution and help us understand anthropogenic pressures on seabird species. Burrow-nesting seabirds are difficult to survey. Current ground survey methods are invasive, time-consuming and detrimental to colony health. Data derived from short transects used in ground surveys are extrapolated to derive whole-colony population estimates, which introduces sampling bias due to factors including uneven burrow distribution and varying terrain. We investigate a new survey technique for nocturnally active burrow-nesting seabirds using unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) and thermal sensor technology. We surveyed a three-hectare short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) colony in Tasmania, Australia. Occupied burrows with resident chicks produced pronounced thermal signatures. This survey method captured a thermal response of every occupied burrow in the colony. Count automation techniques were developed to detect occupied burrows. To validate the results, we compared automated and manual counts of thermal imagery. Automated counts of occupied burrows were 9.3% higher and took approximately 5% of the time needed for manual counts. Using both manual and automated counts, we estimated that there were 5249–5787 chicks for the 2021/2022 breeding season. We provide evidence that high-resolution UAV thermal remote sensing and count automation can improve population estimates of burrow-nesting seabirds.
Exploring Correlates of Student Preferences for Virtual or In-Class Learning among Neurodiverse Adolescents Using a Single-Case Design Methodology
Authors: Myers Taryn A. , Ball John D. , Gumpert Mindy , Roberts Mary
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the current study is to explore several correlates of adolescent students’ preferences for at-home virtual or in-class in-person learning in a single case of a school that serves students with learning differences. Correlates of interest were the Big Five personality traits (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) and the students’ self-reported learning engagement. Participants were recruited from a single independent school for students with neurodiversity and special learning needs, where they had high exposure to computer-/internet-assisted learning. Twenty-seven students responded to questionnaires measuring preferred learning modes, personality traits, and learning engagement. Despite teacher reports that some of these students thrived with virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, 88.5% of this sample preferred in-class learning. The personality traits of Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience were related to a preference for in-class learning. A preference for in-class learning was related, in turn, to learning engagement. Learning engagement was associated with Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and lower levels of Neuroticism. The strengths and limitations of this study and its implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Micronucleus Induction in Vicia faba Root Tips by Crude Oil-Polluted Soil from Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Coronel Vargas Gabriela , Izzotti Alberto , Rosano Camillo , La Maestra Sebastiano
Published: November 2023

In the past four decades, the Amazon rainforest has emerged as a crucial zone for crude oil extraction in the South American region. In the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, hydrocarbon blocks (called “bloques”) cover vast zones, including agricultural and livestock farms, protected natural regions and the territories of uncontacted indigenous tribes. This study proposes a micronuclei assay on Vicia faba following a 24 h exposure to various soil samples collected from Bloque 57 in Ecuador. Sampling was conducted between the Dayuma and Aguarico zones, approximately 30 km from Nueva Loja city. The research aimed to assess the impact of different soil samples, particularly those from areas affected by crude oil spills, to induce micronuclei and mitotic index changes in V. faba roots. Results: The soil pollution caused by crude oil is not the sole factor contributing to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in V. faba. Most samples from areas polluted by crude oil outside the small-scale farm showed no significant difference in micronuclei rate compared to negative control and Amazon unpolluted soil. Conversely, samples from the small-scale farm displayed a statistically significant genotoxic effect. Furthermore, samples collected from open-air wastewater pools demonstrated higher levels of cytotoxicity compared to the controls and those from small-scale farms. The mitotic index was lower in seedlings exposed to wastewater in open-air pools, especially for the 20 cm deep samples. This phenomenon could be linked to bitumen-like substances and oils floating on the surface, attaching to the small roots and causing suffocation.
Effects of Microstructure and Chemical Composition on the Visual Characteristics of Flattened Bamboo Board
Authors: Chen Lisheng , Lian Caiping , Chen Meiling , Wu Zhihui
Published: November 2023

Flattened bamboo board is a new type of bamboo-based panel with various colors that maintains the natural texture of bamboo, and is gradually being used in indoor home decoration. Revealing the influence mechanism on the visual effect of flattened bamboo boards is the key to improving the processing of such boards for household materials. This study employed visual physical quantity measurement methods, field emission scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and XPS to investigate the visual physical quantities, morphology, and chemical composition of flattened bamboo boards. The results showed that compared with the control samples, the bamboo outer layer boards were dark brown, with the largest ΔE* (38.55), while the outer boards were reddish-brown, with the largest a* (8.82). The inner boards were yellow-red and showed a lower ΔE* (6.55). Due to the elevated density, abundant inclusion, and wax, the bamboo outer layer board exhibited the highest glossiness and darkest color, followed by the outer board and the inner board. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed that hemicellulose decomposed, and the relative content of lignin increased, leading to color changes in the flattened bamboo boards. The bamboo outer layer board was the darkest due to changes in C=C bonds at 1600 cm−1 and 1509 cm−1. The surface color of the outer board was mainly red, which may be caused by C–O bonds at 1239 cm−1. The surface of the inner board was mainly yellow, which may be caused by the C–H stretching vibration of lignin at 1108 cm−1. XPS analysis showed that the proportion of C1 and O1 increased, while C2, C3, and O2 decreased, indicating that hemicellulose degraded at high temperatures, which increased the relative lignin content. Changes in the relative content of oxygen-containing functional groups and SiO2 in the flattened bamboo board were important factors responsible for the change in visual physical quantities.
Comprehensive Analysis of Chloroplast Genome of Hibiscus sinosyriacus: Evolutionary Studies in Related Species and Genera
Authors: Kwon Soon-Ho , Kwon Hae-Yun , Choi Young-Im , Shin Hanna
Published: November 2023

The Hibiscus genus of the Malvaceae family is widely distributed and has diverse applications. Hibiscus sinosyriacus is a valuable ornamental tree, but it has not been extensively researched. This study aimed to complete the chloroplast genome of H. sinosyriacus and elucidate its evolutionary relationship with closely related species and genera. The complete chloroplast genome of H. sinosyriacus was found to be 160,892 bp in length, with annotations identifying 130 genes, including 85 coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Interspecific variations in the Hibiscus spp. were explored, and H. sinosyriacus has species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in four genes. Genome structure analysis and visualization revealed that in the Abelmoschus genus, parts of the large single-copy region, including rps19, rpl22, and rps3, have been incorporated into the inverted repeat region, leading to a duplication and an increase in the number of genes. Furthermore, within the Malvales order, the infA gene remains in some genera. Phylogenetic analysis using the whole genome and coding sequences established the phylogenetic position of H. sinosyriacus. This research has further advanced the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of Hibiscus spp. and related genera, and the results of the structural and variation studies will be helpful for future research.
Changes in Soil Fungal Diversity and Composition along a Rural–Urban Gradient
Authors: Rusterholz Hans-Peter , Baur Bruno
Published: November 2023

The functioning of forest ecosystems depends on the taxonomic and ecological diversity of soil fungi. Urbanization is increasing worldwide and is regarded as a key driver of environmental change altering local species assemblages in urban forest. We investigated whether the degree of urbanization and local forest characteristics affect the soil fungal community in 20 beech forests located along a rural–urban gradient in the city of Basel and its suburbs (Switzerland). We analyzed their soil fungal communities by DNA metabarcoding of the rDNA ITS2 region and related these data to local forest vegetation characteristics and soil properties. The number of fungal OTUs in the 20 forests examined ranged from 170 to 303. Richness, diversity and evenness of fungal communities were all significantly affected by the degree of urbanization, but in different ways. Soil fungal richness was highest in forests in areas with a low degree of urbanization and lowest in forests in rural areas. In contrast, the fungal community diversity increased with the increasing degree of urbanization. Different fungal phyla and fungal guilds showed distinct patterns in their relative abundance along the rural–urban gradient. The degree of urbanization reduced the relative abundance of symbiotrophic fungi, but increased that of saprotrophic and pathotrophic fungi. Our results show that urbanization changes soil fungal community, which in turn can lead to alterations in forest ecosystems.
Basal Bark Treatment of Imidacloprid for Hemlock Woolly Adelgids (Adelges tsugae)
Authors: Quinterno Matthew , Dahle Gregory , Gazal Kathryn , Persad Anand , Hubbart Jason
Published: November 2023

Hemlock wooly adelgid (Adelgis tsugae Annand) (HWA) has invaded much of eastern hemlock’s (Tsugae canadensis L. Carrière) native range. Arborists and forest managers have successfully handled this pest using either contact or systemic pesticides. One of these pesticides, imidacloprid, has often been applied using a soil or trunk injection. Although imidacloprid has been labeled as a basal bark spray to control HWA, minimal information regarding its efficacy is available. This study compared bark treatments to soil treatment of imidacloprid at high and low application rates, as well as the use of a bark adjuvant. The results showed that basal bark treatments were as effective as soil treatments. Hence, basal bark treatments of imidacloprid can be an effective method for control of HWAs in eastern hemlock trees. A bark adjuvant may not be necessary, as it was not found to influence the amount of imidacloprid in the tissues.
Landscape Health Assessment of Suburban Forest Park: A Case Study Based on Multiple Sampling Units and Functional Characteristics
Authors: Luo Hao , Zhao Qing , Zhang Lingyu , Gao Changjun , Wu Xiaojun , Nie Yuying
Published: November 2023

Assessing the landscape health of suburban forest parks is a prerequisite for achieving the dual objectives of forest resource conservation and recreational services. However, studies that analyze landscape health in suburban forest parks at a landscape scale by subdividing the landscape into multiple sampling units and adopting a multi-functional perspective have been limited. This study focuses on Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park and establishes a landscape classification system and indices, taking into account its multifunctionalities. The study employs the entropy weight method to determine indicator weights and utilizes grid analysis and spatial interpolation to analyze the spatial distribution of landscape health under multiple sampling units and functionalities, along with the differences in its impact and influencing factors. The results indicate that: (1) regions with “very poor” and “poor” landscape health grades under multiple sampling units and functionalities exhibited a sheet-like distribution pattern, covering approximately 69.46% to 98.86% of the total area. In contrast, regions with “very good” and “good” grades are primarily located in block-like or linear patterns in the northern, central, and southern regions of the park, accounting for approximately 1.07% to 17.20% of the total area. (2) The area ratios of “very good” and “good” landscape health grades for recreational landscapes under varying sampling units were consistently higher than those of the same grades for eco-conservational landscapes, with a 5.03%–15.43% difference. This suggests a greater emphasis on recreational functionality. (3) The impact of three different sampling unit sizes on the landscape health of Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park under multifunctionalities is not significantly different; however, the forest/non-forest area ratio and quantity ratio are vital factors influencing its landscape health. The landscape health assessment results, considering multiple sampling units and functionalities in this study, serve to provide technical method support and practical case references for the planning, construction, and management decision-making of suburban forest parks.
The Characterization of the Inhibitory Substances Produced by Bacillus pumilus LYMC-3 and the Optimization of Fermentation Conditions
Authors: Pan Min , Zhu Minglong , Jiang Huanhuan , Zhang Xixiu , Tan Jiajin
Published: November 2023

Bacillus pumilus plays a very important role in the biological control of plant diseases. In this study, we conducted indoor biocontrol experiments using the LYMC-3 strain of B. pumilus to assess its efficacy against poplar canker and tea gray blight. Simultaneously, we explored the optimal fermentation conditions for the production of inhibitory substances against Phomopsis macrospora and Pestalotiopsis vesicolor. Subsequently, the inhibitory substances were extracted crudely and subjected to a preliminary investigation of their properties. The results of the indoor biocontrol experiments showed that the LYMC-3 strain exhibited disease prevention rates of 44.12% and 48.59% against poplar canker and tea gray blight, respectively. The fermentation optimization experiment showed that a culture medium containing 10 g/L of glucose, 15 g/L of tryptone, and 5 g/L of sodium chloride favored the production of inhibitory substances via the LYMC-3 strain. Among the crude extracts obtained, the non-protein extracts demonstrated the most obvious inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the inhibitory substances exhibited high polarity, excellent thermal stability, and high sensitivity to strong acids and bases. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for the purification and identification of inhibitory substances using the LYMC-3 strain. Additionally, it contributes to elucidating biological control mechanisms and facilitates the application of the LYMC-3 strain in production.
43 Years after H.G. Moser’s Seminal “Morphological and Functional Aspects of Marine Fish Larvae”: The Commonalities of Leptocephali and Larvae of Other Marine Teleosts
Authors: Miller Michael J.
Published: November 2023

H.G. Moser was not particularly well known regarding the Elopomorpha, but he began his seminal 1981 fish larvae morphology review by describing the mysteries of European eels and their leptocephali, and he eventually described some California Current leptocephali. Descriptions of all types of leptocephali and then microscope photographs have revealed complex pigmentation patterns and diverse body shapes that parallel the features of the other teleost fish larvae that his review showed so clearly, some of which appear to mimic gelatinous zooplankton (GZ). Most recently, underwater photographs and video of leptocephali indicate that predator avoidance through transparency, shape-change-mediated mimicry, or morphological features have evolved in response to natural selection from predation in ways generally similar to other fish larvae. Several families of leptocephali perform remarkable curling into round or flattened shapes or use expandable chromatophores when threatened, which appears to mimic GZ for predation reduction. Like a number of other teleost fish larvae, some leptocephali have body extensions or telescopic eyes, and at least one has a long caudal filament with pigmented swellings that is similar to the remarkable GZ mimicry appendages of some fish larvae. The morphology and use of mimicry of leptocephali in comparison to other fish larvae is reviewed as a tribute to H.G. Moser’s remarkable career.
Transcriptome Analysis of Gill Tissues from Neptunea cumingii in Different Seasons
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhang Dandan , Tian Ying , Mao Junxia , Liu Yang , Hao Zhenlin
Published: November 2023

Neptunea cumingii is an economically important marine shellfish found in the Yellow and Bohai Seas areas of China. In this study, samples of Neptunea cumingii were collected in Zhangzidao and Yantai during spring, summer, autumn, and winter to clarify the gene expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms in their gills in different seasons. Transcriptome analysis was conducted using Neptunea cumingii gill tissues, and genes with significantly different expression levels were extracted for functional verification. The most genes with differences in expression (DEGs) were found in comparisons of the winter and summer samples. Gene enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes terms showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in immune and metabolic pathways, and they had significant effects on oxidative stress, body metabolism, and protein synthesis in Neptunea cumingii. Further screening of DEGs identified thirty-four genes related to temperature regulation, comprising thirteen genes with roles in innate immunity in shellfish, twelve genes related to oxidative stress, and nine genes related to protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Eleven DEGs were randomly selected for qPCR verification, and the results were consistent with the transcriptome analysis results. In summary, the transcriptome results differed significantly between seasons in the gill tissues of Neptunea cumingii. The expression levels of immune regulatory genes could be promoted in Neptunea cumingii during the high temperature season, whereas the expression of these genes may be inhibited in the low temperature season. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the molecular defense mechanisms that might allow Neptunea cumingii to adapt to climate change.
Effect of Local Floor Heating System on Occupants’ Thermal Comfort and Energy Consumption Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Dakkama Hassan J. , Khaleel Ahmed Jawad , Ahmed Ahmed Qasim , Al-Shohani Wisam A. M. , Obaida Hayder M. B.
Published: November 2023

In this article, the influence of splitting a local underfloor air distribution system (UFAD) on indoor thermal comfort for three occupants was studied numerically. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed in this investigation. The proposed heating system was evaluated and analyzed for different values of air temperature and supply velocity. Providing suitable thermal comfort and saving energy are considered the main evaluation indexes for this study. Three cases, cases 2, 3, and 4, of the proposed local UFAD system were compared with a traditional heating system case, case 1. The supplying air velocity and air temperature in the reference case were 0.5 m/s and 29 °C, while in cases 2, 3, and 4, they were 0.4 m/s and 29 °C, 28 °C, and 27 °C, respectively. The results show that acceptable indoor human thermal comfort and energy demand reduction were achieved by using the splitting UFAD concept.
The Impacts of Standardized Flaxseed Meal (XanFlax) on the Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Muffins
Authors: Lee Ju Hui , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J. T. , Yoon Jin A
Published: November 2023

Flaxseed is becoming increasingly popular as a superfood due to its many health benefits. While flaxseed is considered an oilseed, flaxseed meal (the by-product of flaxseed oil extraction) also contains many nutritional compounds not found in the oil. This study explored the use of a Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) meal product to fortify bakery foods and improve their nutritional properties. Muffins were made using a control recipe as well as four different formulations that included varying amounts of a standardized flaxseed meal supplement called XanFlax (5, 10, 20, and 40%). The physicochemical properties of the muffins, including their texture, color, sugar content, pH, specific gravity, loss rate, and moisture, were evaluated. Additionally, the sensory attributes contributing to muffin quality were thoroughly examined. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of the muffins, which were highest in the control group at 82.22 and 34.69, respectively, decreased as the amount of XanFlax increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the redness (a*) of the muffins increased as the amount of XanFlax increased (p < 0.05). The muffins’ sugar content (2.00 brix%) remained consistent across all treatments and controls except for those prepared with 20% XanFlax (2.17 brix%). As the amount of XanFlax powder increased, the pH of the muffins increased significantly. The moisture content in the muffins was highest at 23.71 ± 0.79% in the 10% XanFlax treatment and lowest at 22.06 ± 0.30% in the 40% XanFlax treatment. The muffins enriched with 5% XanFlax had an average height of 5.35 cm and volume of 131.33 mL, surpassing the results for the muffins made with other formulas (p < 0.05). Additionally, the cohesiveness and gumminess of the muffins tended to increase with the addition of XanFlax. The most favorable attributes, namely the appearance, flavor, taste, texture, and overall acceptance, were consistently associated with the 5% and 10% XanFlax treatments (p < 0.05). This study marks the first time a standardized flaxseed gum product, XanFlax, has been described in a functional baking application.
Digital Marketing and Fast-Food Intake in the UAE: The Role of Firm-Generated Content among Adult Consumers
Authors: Ali-Alsaadi Ali Ahmed , Cabeza-Ramírez L. Javier , Sántos-Roldán Luna , Loor-Zambrano Halder Yandry
Published: November 2023

In the contemporary digital marketing context, this study aimed to investigate the influence of firm-generated content and social media advertising on fast-food consumption patterns among the adult population. Utilizing a questionnaire distributed to customers of a restaurant in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, convenience sampling was employed. The findings underscored a significant positive relationship between firm-generated content and social media engagement, as well as between the latter and online shopping behavior. However, it was determined that word of mouth did not significantly moderate the relationship between attitudes towards social media advertisements and fast-food consumption patterns. From a theoretical perspective, these results enrich the understanding of how digital dynamics shape consumer behavior in specific contexts. Practically speaking, they prompt a critical reflection on the ethics of marketing in promoting products potentially detrimental to health, urging both companies and policymakers to reconsider their strategies and regulations, respectively.
Consumer Perception and Sensory Drivers of Liking of Fortified Oat Milks
Authors: Alsado Christy , Lopez-Aldana Laura , Chen Lingyun , Wismer Wendy
Published: November 2023

Oat milk was fortified with β-glucan at a level that attains health benefits and protein at a level equivalent to that of cow’s milk. This study aimed to identify consumer perceptions and evaluate the sensory attributes of fortified plain and chocolate oat milks. Oat milk consumers (n = 106) evaluated four samples: C (Control), 0Pro (6.25 g/L β-glucan), LPro (6.25 g/L β-glucan and 15.23 g/L oat protein), and HPro (6.25 g/L β-glucan and 30.45 g/L oat protein); and they completed free-word association (FWA), liking ratings, just-about-right (JAR), check-all-that-apply (CATA), and conjoint analysis (CA). Oat milk was associated with sensory descriptors, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. C and 0Pro products were liked significantly more than LPro and HPro. C and 0Pro oat flavors and thicknesses were rated ”just about right” by majority of the participants, while LPro and HPro were rated “too much”. Positive CATA attributes were “smooth”, “fresh”, and “oat-like” while negative attributes were “rancid”, “sandy”, and “grainy”. The CA results showed consumer interest in oat milk fortified with oat protein, containing β-glucan at a level recommended for health benefits, and with protein levels higher than cow’s milk. Based on the results, β-glucan-fortified oat milk is acceptable while oat protein fortification requires reformulation or substitution with another source.
Natural Sources of Food Colorants as Potential Substitutes for Artificial Additives
Authors: Vega Erika N. , Ciudad-Mulero María , Fernández-Ruiz Virginia , Barros Lillian , Morales Patricia
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the demand of healthier food products and products made with natural ingredients has increased overwhelmingly, led by the awareness of human beings of the influence of food on their health, as well as by the evidence of side effects generated by different ingredients such as some additives. This is the case for several artificial colorants, especially azo colorants, which have been related to the development of allergic reactions, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. All the above has focused the attention of researchers on obtaining colorants from natural sources that do not present a risk for consumption and, on the contrary, show biological activity. The most representative compounds that present colorant capacity found in nature are anthocyanins, anthraquinones, betalains, carotenoids and chlorophylls. Therefore, the present review summarizes research published in the last 15 years (2008–2023) in different databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect) encompassing various natural sources of these colorant compounds, referring to their obtention, identification, some of the efforts made for improvements in their stability and their incorporation in different food matrices. In this way, this review evidences the promising path of development of natural colorants for the replacement of their artificial counterparts.
Association of Food Consumption According to the Degree of Processing and Sociodemographic Conditions in Older Adults
Authors: Silva Graziele Maria da , Assumpção Daniela de , Freiria Carolina Neves , Borim Flávia Silva Arbex , de Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira , Corona Ligiana Pires
Published: November 2023

Several factors can impact food consumption in older adults, including those of sociodemographic, physiological, and chronic non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of food consumption according to its degree of processing with sociodemographic conditions in community-dwelling older adults. Food intake was evaluated from 24-h recall data. All food items were classified according to the degree of processing into four groups as follows: in natura or minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed foods. Food groups were considered dependent variables in a quantile regression model, adjusting for sex, age, schooling, ethnicity, and number of residents. Women and individuals with higher levels of education had lower consumption of in natura or minimally processed foods and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. The yellow or indigenous ethnicity presented the lowest consumption of processed foods; older people who lived with three or more individuals had the highest consumption of culinary ingredients, whereas the older people who lived with one to two people had the highest consumption of processed foods and the lowest consumption of ultra-processed. These groups may be the target of educational and public policies to improve diet quality and contribute to quality of life in older ages.
Effects of White Sorghum Flour Levels on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Gluten-Free Bread
Authors: Adzqia Fahrunnisa , Suwonsichon Suntaree , Thongngam Masubon
Published: November 2023

This research studied the effects of white sorghum flour levels at 0, 10, 25, 40, 70, 85 and 100% in the matrix of rice and tapioca flours and corn starch on the properties of flour blends and the qualities of gluten-free (GF) bread. Single and composite flours were analyzed for moisture content, color and pasting properties. GF bread samples prepared from composite flours were analyzed for specific volume, moisture content, water activity, crumb color and instrumental texture. Sensory profiles of the breads were determined by nine trained descriptive panelists. The results show that increasing the sorghum flour content increased (p ≤ 0.05) color intensity, pasting temperature and setback viscosity, while it decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the peak and breakdown viscosities of flour blends. For GF bread, increasing white sorghum flour levels in the blends primarily affected specific volume, color, flavor and texture characteristics, leading to decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in specific volume, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness and moistness, but increases (p ≤ 0.05) in color intensity, brown and nutty flavors, graininess and roughness. White sorghum flour could be used in the blends at the maximum level of 25% to get a good bread volume without sacrificing texture quality.
Synergistic Hydrolysis of Soy Proteins Using Immobilized Proteases: Assessing Peptide Profiles
Authors: Mao Yuhong , Chen Lan , Zhang Luyan , Bian Yangyang , Meng Chun
Published: November 2023

Because of the health benefits and economic opportunities, extracting bioactive peptides from plant proteins, often food processing by-products, garners significant interest. However, the high enzyme costs and the emergence of bitter peptides have posed significant challenges in production. This study achieved the immobilization of Alcalase and Flavorzyme using cost-effective SiO2 microparticles. Mussel-inspired chemistry and biocompatible polymers were employed, with genipin replacing glutaraldehyde for safer crosslinking. This approach yielded an enzyme loading capacity of approximately 25 mg/g support, with specific activity levels reaching around 180 U/mg for immobilized Alcalase (IA) and 35 U/mg for immobilized Flavorzyme (IF). These immobilized proteases exhibited improved activity and stability across a broader pH and temperature range. During the hydrolysis of soy proteins, the use of immobilized proteases avoided the thermal inactivation step, resulting in fewer peptide aggregates. Moreover, this study applied peptidomics and bioinformatics to profile peptides in each hydrolysate and identify bioactive ones. Cascade hydrolysis with IA and IF reduced the presence of bitter peptides by approximately 20%. Additionally, 50% of the identified peptides were predicted to have bioactive properties after in silico digestion simulation. This work offers a cost-effective way of generating bioactive peptides from soy proteins with reducing potential bitterness.
Temporal Fractal Nature of the Time-Fractional SPIDEs and Their Gradient
Authors: Wang Wensheng
Published: November 2023

Fractional and high-order PDEs have become prominent in theory and in the modeling of many phenomena. In this article, we study the temporal fractal nature for fourth-order time-fractional stochastic partial integro-differential equations (TFSPIDEs) and their gradients, which are driven in one-to-three dimensional spaces by space–time white noise. By using the underlying explicit kernels, we prove the exact global temporal continuity moduli and temporal laws of the iterated logarithm for the TFSPIDEs and their gradients, as well as prove that the sets of temporal fast points (where the remarkable oscillation of the TFSPIDEs and their gradients happen infinitely often) are random fractals. In addition, we evaluate their Hausdorff dimensions and their hitting probabilities. It has been confirmed that these points of the TFSPIDEs and their gradients, in time, are most likely one everywhere, and are dense with the power of the continuum. Moreover, their hitting probabilities are determined by the target set B’s packing dimension dimp(B). On the one hand, this work reinforces the temporal moduli of the continuity and temporal LILs obtained in relevant literature, which were achieved by obtaining the exact values of their normalized constants; on the other hand, this work obtains the size of the set of fast points, as well as a potential theory of TFSPIDEs and their gradients.
Solving a Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equation Using Fixed Point Results in Orthogonal Metric Spaces
Authors: Abdou Afrah Ahmad Noman
Published: November 2023

This research article aims to solve a nonlinear fractional differential equation by fixed point theorems in orthogonal metric spaces. To achieve our goal, we define an orthogonal Θ-contraction and orthogonal (α,Θ)-contraction in the setting of complete orthogonal metric spaces and prove fixed point theorems for such contractions. In this way, we consolidate and amend innumerable celebrated results in fixed point theory. We provide a non-trivial example to show the legitimacy of the established results.
Thrombin-Free Fibrillogenesis and Gelation of Fibrinogen Triggered by Magnesium Sulfate
Authors: Hense Dominik , Strube Oliver I.
Published: November 2023

Self-assembly of the blood protein fibrinogen is a highly relevant topic in materials science and medical research. This originates from fibrinogen’s beneficial material properties such as cell interaction and biocompatibility. Within recent decades, several enzyme-free strategies to create fibers and hydrogels out of fibrinogen have been presented, broadening the spectrum of fibrinogen-based material enormously. Herein, we describe a further method to obtain such a material by adding specifically MgSO4 to fibrinogen. The key of this material is the combination of Mg2+ and a kosmotropic anion, for example sulfate or (hydrogen)phosphate. This effect is most likely related to occupancy of fibrinogen’s well-known binding sites for Mg2+, resulting in a significant increase in fiber yield and gel stability. Here, we shine light on the question of how electrostatic interactions via Mg2+ enhance fibrillogenesis and the gelation of fibrinogen and discuss first insights into the material’s properties.
Role of Different Members of the AGPAT Gene Family in Milk Fat Synthesis in Bubalus bubalis
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Li Ruijia , Ren Honghe , Qin Chaobin , Su Jie , Song Xinhui , Wang Shuwan , Liu Qingyou , Liu Yang , Cui Kuiqing
Published: November 2023

During triacylglycerol synthesis, the acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT) family catalyzes the conversion of lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid and the acylation of sn-2 fatty acids. However, the catalytic activity of different AGPAT members is different. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism through which different AGPATs affect the efficiency of TAG synthesis and fatty acid composition. The conservation of amino acid sequences and protein domains of the AGPAT family was analyzed, and the functions of AGPAT1, AGPAT3, and AGPAT4 genes in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were studied using RNA interference and gene overexpression. Prediction of the protein tertiary structure of the AGPAT family demonstrated that four conservative motifs (motif1, motif2, motif3, and motif6) formed a hydrophobic pocket in AGPAT proteins, except AGPAT6. According to cytological studies, AGPAT1, AGPAT3, and AGPAT4 were found to promote the synthesis and fatty acid compositions of triacylglycerol, especially UFA compositions of triacylglycerol, by regulating ACSL1, FASN, GPAM, DGAT2, and PPARG gene expression. This study provides new insights into the role of different AGPAT gene family members involved in TAG synthesis, and a reference for improving the fatty acid composition of milk.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Trials and Tribulations
Authors: Garg Swati , Ni Wei , Griffin James D. , Sattler Martin
Published: November 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy that is often associated with relapse and drug resistance after standard chemotherapy or targeted therapy, particularly in older patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are looked upon as the ultimate salvage option with curative intent. Adoptive cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) has shown promise in B cell malignancies and is now being investigated in AML. Initial clinical trials have been disappointing in AML, and we review current strategies to improve efficacy for CAR approaches. The extensive number of clinical trials targeting different antigens likely reflects the genetic heterogeneity of AML. The limited number of patients reported in multiple early clinical studies makes it difficult to draw conclusions about CAR safety, but it does suggest that the efficacy of this approach in AML lags behind the success observed in B cell malignancies. There is a clear need not only to improve CAR design but also to identify targets in AML that show limited expression in normal myeloid lineage cells.
Melatonin Enhanced Drought Stress Tolerance and Productivity of Pelargonium graveolens L. (Herit) by Regulating Physiological and Biochemical Responses
Authors: Mazrou Ragia M. , Hassan Fahmy A. S. , Mansour Mohamed Magdy F. , Moussa Mohamed M.
Published: November 2023

As a type of abiotic stress, drought limits plant growth and productivity. The increased demand for the valuable essential oil extracted from geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) is mainly regulated by plant growth, which is adversely affected by drought. Melatonin (MT) has been used to enhance plant growth under various abiotic stresses, although its impact on overcoming drought stress in aromatic plants, including geranium, has not yet been investigated. In the current investigation, MT at 100 µM was applied at 100% (well-watered) or 50% (drought stress) field capacity to verify the role of MT in geranium under drought stress. Drought stress markedly reduced growth parameters, herb yield, and total chlorophyll content; however, MT alleviated these effects. The herb yield of the stressed plants was reduced by 59.91% compared to the unstressed plants, while this reduction was only 14.38% when MT was applied. In contrast, drought enhanced the essential oil percentage in geranium leaves. Despite the reduction in oil yield caused by drought, MT application mitigated this reduction and improved both oil yield and oil components. Moreover, the MT treatment enhanced the accumulation of total phenols, glutathione, and proline and improved the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase, resulting in the alleviation of drought-induced oxidative damage. Consequently, MT reduced both hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde accumulation by 71.11 and 48.30%, respectively, under drought, thereby maintaining the cellular structures’ integrity. Overall, this is the first report that reveals the ability of MT application to improve geranium oil yield and resistance to drought by enhancing the antioxidant defense system. The results enrich awareness regarding the potential benefits of the external application of MT and its roles that can help researchers to improve aromatic plants’ performance and productivity under drought stress.