bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GR(1)-Guided Deep Reinforcement Learning for Multi-Task Motion Planning under a Stochastic Environment
Authors: Zhu Chenyang , Cai Yujie , Zhu Jinyu , Hu Can , Bi Jia
Published: November 2022

Motion planning has been used in robotics research to make movement decisions under certain movement constraints. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approaches have been applied to the cases of motion planning with continuous state representations. However, current DRL approaches suffer from reward sparsity and overestimation issues. It is also challenging to train the agents to deal with complex task specifications under deep neural network approximations. This paper considers one of the fragments of Linear Temporal Logic (LTL), Generalized Reactivity of rank 1 (GR(1)), as a high-level reactive temporal logic to guide robots in learning efficient movement strategies under a stochastic environment. We first use the synthesized strategy of GR(1) to construct a potential-based reward machine, to which we save the experiences per state. We integrate GR(1) with DQN, double DQN and dueling double DQN. We also observe that the synthesized strategies of GR(1) could be in the form of directed cyclic graphs. We develop a topological-sort-based reward-shaping approach to calculate the potential values of the reward machine, based on which we use the dueling architecture on the double deep Q-network with the experiences to train the agents. Experiments on multi-task learning show that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-art algorithms in learning rate and optimal rewards. In addition, compared with the value-iteration-based reward-shaping approaches, our topological-sort-based reward-shaping approach has a higher accumulated reward compared with the cases where the synthesized strategies are in the form of directed cyclic graphs.
A Stable and Durable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Speed Skating Land Training Monitoring
Authors: Lu Zhuo , Xie Zhenning , Zhu Yongsheng , Jia Changjun , Zhang Yao , Yang Jie , Zhou Junyi , Sun Fengxin , Mao Yupeng
Published: November 2022

In the current IoT era, the key to sports intelligence is the effective collection and analysis of sports data. Sports data can accurately reflect an athlete’s athletic status and help coaches to develop competitive tactics and training programs. Wearable electronic devices used to collect sports data currently have several drawbacks, including their large size, heavy weight, complex wiring, high cost, and need for frequent power replacement. In this work, transparent polyamide-66 (PA-66) and transparent polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films were used as friction layers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a support layer, and conductive hydrogels were used as electrodes, which were simply combined to create stable and durable triboelectric nanogenerators (SD-TENG) with good mechanical and triboelectric properties. In the test, the output power was 1mW under a load resistance of 10MΩ. In addition, the integrated intelligent speed skating land training assistance system monitors the changes in the joints and joint chains of skaters during land training in real time. The successful demonstration of the use of SD-TENG in speed skating land training will help to promote the development and application of TENG in the fields of intelligent sport monitoring, smart wearable devices, and big data analysis.
A Control Scheme to Suppress Circulating Currents in Parallel-Connected Three-Phase Inverters
Authors: Liberos Marian , González-Medina Raúl , Patrao Iván , Garcerá Gabriel , Figueres Emilio
Published: November 2022

The parallel operation of inverters has many benefits, such as modularity and redundancy. However, the parallel connection of inverters produces circulating currents that may result in malfunctions of the system. In this work, a control technique for the elimination of the low-frequency components of the circulating currents in grid-connected inverters is presented. The proposed control structure contains n − 1 zero-sequence control loops, with n being the number of inverters connected in parallel. Simulation and experimental results have been carried out on a prototype composed of two 5 kW inverters connected in parallel. The results have been obtained by considering the following mismatches between both inverters: inductance values of the grid filters, unbalance of the delivered power, and the use of different modulation techniques.
Performance Improvement of Polar Codes via UEP Product Coding
Authors: Liang Yiting , Wu Huihui , Cai Kui , Wang Lin
Published: November 2022

Aiming to improve the error correction performance of polar codes, researchers have proposed employing the product coding structure involving RS codes of different rates in the horizontal direction and the short polar codewords along the vertical direction. However, there is no efficient algorithm optimizing the rate allocation of RS codes. In order to address this problem, this paper provides an analytical formulation by maximizing the number of correctly decoded information bits. The proposed rate allocation formulation takes the channel statistics into consideration, and we further find that the number of different RS code rates could be limited to a small value. By doing so, the complexities of both the rate allocation optimization and the iterative product decoding could be reduced. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of RS-polar product codes with the proposed rate allocation method over both additive white Gaussian noise channels and Gilbert–Elliott channels. When the inner polar codes of rate 1/2 are utilized, the optimized RS-polar product codes of low-to-medium rates significantly outperform the successive cancellation decoding of long polar codes, in the regime of a frame error rate ≥10−3.
State of the Art of Desalination in Mexico
Authors: Ríos-Arriola Juan , Velázquez Nicolás , Aguilar-Jiménez Jesús Armando , Dévora-Isiordia Germán Eduardo , Cásares-de la Torre Cristian Ascención , Corona-Sánchez José Armando , Islas Saúl
Published: November 2022

This research paper presents a review of the state of the art of desalination in Mexico, with the aim of clarifying the main challenges and opportunity areas for desalination as the main solution to overcome water stress. First, the current situation and forecasts on the availability of water resources in Mexico are described, followed by the main economic, social, and legislative issues of desalination. Mexico’s installed capacity for the different desalination technologies and their evolution in recent years was investigated, followed by a comparison with global trends. The current state of research and development in desalination technologies carried out by Mexican institutions was also studied. The results show that membrane technology plants account for 88.85%, while thermal technology plants account for the remaining 11.15%. Although Mexico presented a 240% increase in its desalination capacity in the last 10 years, it has not been enough to overcome water stress, so it is concluded that in the future, it is necessary to increase its capacity in greater proportion, specifically in the areas with greater scarcity, which can be achieved with the joint participation of academy–industry–government through the creation of autonomous organizations, social programs, and/or public policies that promote it.
Pore Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Marine and Lacustrine Shale in the Eastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: He Jianglin , Zhu Lixia , Zhao Ankun , Wang Dong , Qiu Zhen , Yang Ping
Published: November 2022

Although almost all the shale gas in China is exploited from marine shale (Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation) in Sichuan Basin and several prolific wells, it has also been obtained in Jurassic lacustrine shale. However, the reservoir conditions of the lacustrine shale are not well understood, which has impeded a breakthrough regarding lacustrine shale gas in Sichuan Basin. To probe the reservoir conditions of the lacustrine shale in Sichuan Basin, we take the Wufeng–Longmaxi shale and Dongyuemiao shale sampled from wells and outcrops as examples. A series of experiments were conducted, including TOC, XRD, FE-SEM, N2 adsorption, Micro-CT, vitrinite reflectance and bitumen reflectance. The results show that the pores in marine shale are mainly composed of organic-matter-hosted pores (OM pores). However, in the lacustrine shale, the pores are mainly composed of dissolution pores and intergranular pores. The marine shale is characterized by small-caliber and large-volume pores in which cluster pores are levitated in the shale as kites and connected by past channels. However, in the lacustrine shale, the cluster pores and the past channels are mainly arranged according to the flow channels in the vertical direction. The arrangement of the pores in the marine shale is obviously deformed by compaction. The lacustrine shale is characterized by under-compaction. It can be deduced that the sweet spots for lacustrine shale gas are likely located at the areas characterized by under-compaction resulting from fluid pressure conducted upward, such as the hinge zone of syncline or the core of anticline overlap on the gas reservoirs.
Experimental Investigation of Overdischarge Effects on Commercial Li-Ion Cells
Authors: Menale Carla , Constà Stefano , Sglavo Vincenzo , Della Seta Livia , Bubbico Roberto
Published: November 2022

Due to their attractive properties, such as high energy and power density, Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most suitable energy storage system for powering portable electronic equipment, electric vehicles, etc. However, they are still affected by safety and stability problems that need to be solved to allow a wider range of applications, especially for critical areas such as power networks and aeronautics. In this paper, the issue of overdischarge abuse has been addressed on Lithium-ion cells with different anode materials: a graphite-based anode and a Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO)-based anode model. Tests were carried out at different depths of discharge (DOD%) in order to determine the effect of DOD% on cell performance and the critical conditions that often make the cell fail irreversibly. Tests on graphite anode cells have shown that at DOD% higher than 110% the cell is damaged irreversibly; while at DOD% lower than 110% electrolyte deposits form on the anodic surface and structural damage affects the cathode during cycling after the overdischarge. Furthermore, at any DOD%, copper deposits are found on the anode. In contrast with the graphite anode, it was always possible to recharge the LTO-based anode cells and restore their operation, though in the case of DOD% of 140% a drastic reduction in the recovered capacity was observed. In no case was there any venting of the cell, or any explosive event.
Numerical Analysis of Induced Steady Flow on a Bus
Authors: Szodrai Ferenc
Published: November 2022

Buses are large vehicles with the primary goal of carrying as many passengers as possible while maintaining a comfortable interior and an economical driving cycle. With various adjustments, small changes can add up to significant energy savings. This study investigates the issue of whether there is a scenario in which the enormous power demand needed for the operation of buses can be reduced by some amount. Large eddy simulation was used for this analysis, which was carried out using commercially available software. The external unit was located on the front and rear ends of the roof of the bus, as well as in the rear. The findings suggest that the current position of the unit can be improved, and the aerodynamic losses can be increased or decreased, depending on the position of the induced flow.
Simulation and Techno-Economic Assessment of Hydrogen Production from Biomass Gasification-Based Processes: A Review
Authors: Castro Jhulimar , Leaver Jonathan , Pang Shusheng
Published: November 2022

The development of low-carbon fuels from renewable resources is a key measure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Biomass gasification with subsequent gas processing and purification is a promising route to produce low-carbon hydrogen. In the past decade, simulation-based modelling using Aspen Plus software has supported the investigation of future potential industrial applications of this pathway. This article aims to provide a review of the modelling and economic assessment of woody biomass gasification-based hydrogen production, with focus on the evaluation of the model accuracy in predicting producer gas composition in comparison with experimental data depending on the approach implemented. The assessment of comprehensive models, which integrate biomass gasification with gas processing and purification, highlights how downstream gas processing could improve the quality of the syngas and, thus, the hydrogen yield. The information in this article provides an overview of the current practices, challenges, and opportunities for future research, particularly for the development of a comprehensive pathway for hydrogen production based on biomass gasification. Moreover, this review includes a techno-economic assessment of biomass to hydrogen processes, which will be useful for implementation at industrial-scale.
State-Partial Accurate Voltage Fault Prognosis for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Self-Attention Networks
Authors: Zhang Huaqin , Hong Jichao , Wang Zhezhe , Wu Guodong
Published: November 2022

Multiple faults in new energy vehicle batteries can be diagnosed using voltage. To find voltage fault information in advance and reduce battery safety risk, a state-partitioned voltage fault prognosis method based on the self-attention network is proposed. The voltage data are divided into three parts with typical characteristics according to the charging voltage curve trends under different charge states. Subsequently, a voltage prediction model based on the self-attention network is trained separately with each part of the data. The voltage fault prognosis is realized using the threshold method. The effectiveness of the method is verified using real operating data of electric vehicles (EVs). The effects of different batch sizes and window sizes on model training are analyzed, and the optimized hyperparameters are used to train the voltage prediction model. The average error of predicted voltage is less than 2 mV. Finally, the superiority and robustness of the method are verified.
Powder Bed Fusion 3D Printing and Performance of Stainless-Steel Bipolar Plate with Rectangular Microchannels and Microribs
Authors: Jin Chul Kyu , Kim Jae Hyun , Lee Bong-Seop
Published: November 2022

For the high performance of a fuel cell where a bipolar plate (BP) is applied, rectangular channel, microchannel width, micro-rib, enough channel quantity, adequate channel depth, and innovative flow field design should be realized from a configuration standpoint. In this study, a stainless-steel BP with a microchannel flow field is fabricated with a powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printer to improve fuel cell performance. A BP with a triple serpentine flow field, rectangular channel, 300 μm channel width, 300 μm rib, and 500 μm channel depth is designed. The print is completed perfectly until the flow field. The bending phenomenon due to thermal deformation does not occur in the BP fabricated by designing the thickness at 2 mm. Performance tests are conducted using fabricated stainless-steel BPs. The current density value is 1.2052 A/cm2 at 0.6 V. This value is higher by 52.8% than the BP with 940 μm channels (rectangle, 940 μm ribs, and 500 μm channel depth). In addition, the value is higher by 24.9% than a graphite BP with 940 μm channels (rectangle, 940 μm ribs, and 1000 μm channel depth). The current density values are measured at 0.6 V for 260 h.
Methods of Diagnosing the Insulation of Electric Machines Windings
Authors: Decner Adam , Baranski Marcin , Jarek Tomasz , Berhausen Sebastian
Published: November 2022

The presented article concerns issues related to the diagnostics of the technical condition of the insulation of electrical machines. It discusses the importance of the operational supervision, maintenance and diagnostics of electrical machine insulation systems. The structure of the insulation system is presented and known solutions for making winding insulation are described. The negative impact of conditions and various exposures on the technical condition of the insulation system is described. Special attention is focused on the review of available diagnostic methods for insulating systems of electrical machines. These methods have been arranged in a systematic order according to the type of tests to be carried out.
Modern Temperature Control of Electric Furnace in Industrial Applications Based on Modified Optimization Technique
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud M. , Alkhalaf Salem , Mohamed Tarek Hassan , Osheba Dina S. , Ahmed Mahrous , Hemeida Ashraf , Hassan Ammar M.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an enhanced version of whale optimization algorithm (EWOA) is presented to be applied in adaptive control techniques as a parameter tuner. One weakness point in this control scheme is the low efficiency of its objective function. Balloon effect (BE) is a modification introduced to increase the efficiency of the objective function of the optimization method and the ability of the controller to deal with system problems increase consequently. Controlling of the temperature of electric furnaces is considered as one of the important issues in several industrial applications. Conventional controllers such as PID controller cannot deal efficiently with the problem of parameters variations and step disturbance. This paper proposes an adaptive controller, in which the gain of the temperature controller is tuned online using EWOA supported by balloon effect. System responses obtained by the proposed adaptive control scheme using EWOA + BE have been compared with an electric furnace temperature control (EFTC) scheme response using both the PID controller-based modified flower pollination algorithm (MoFPA) and PID-accelerated PIDA-based MoFPA. From the results, it can be observed that the proposed controller tuned by the EWOA + BE method improves the time performance compared with the other techniques (PID and PIDA-based MoFPA) in case of EFTC application.
Seamless Transition and Fault-Ride-Through by Using a Fuzzy EO PID Controller in AVR System
Authors: Badr Ahmed O. , Mansour Soha , A. Sameh Mariam , Attia Mahmoud A.
Published: November 2022

One of the most crucial control aspects in electric power networks is ensuring constant voltage levels throughout different circumstances. To overcome this problem, an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is installed in the electrical power networks to preserve the voltage at its allowable range. In this paper, a fuzzy-based PID controller was used to enhance the AVR dynamic performance under several operating conditions. Moreover, an Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) algorithm was used to initialize the controller gains. The validation of the proposed controller was proven through three different systems. The first was a simple AVR system under fixed and dynamic references. The proposed fuzzy EO PID controller proved its superiority in this case through the reduction of voltage overshoot by around 3–28% compared with the reported methods in the literature. Then, the fault-ride through capability of the proposed controller was proven through the second system, which was the Kundur two-area system suffering from a 3-phase fault condition, where the overshoot with the proposed controller was reduced by 4–7% compared with the default controller and modern weighted method reported in the literature. Lastly, an IEEE 9-bus system performance was tested with the proposed controller under normal, faulty, and dynamic loading conditions. Again, the proposed controller succeeded in reducing the maximum overshoot by around 5% compared with the default controller in the system. Moreover, the proposed controller achieved a seamless transition between the islanding and grid-connected mode of operation.
Minimum Current Optimization of DBSRC Considering the Dead-Time Effect
Authors: Yang Jiawen , Zhang Yu , Wu Xinmi
Published: November 2022

In a dual-bridge series resonant converter (DBSRC) working at a high switching frequency, the dead-time effect is a serious issue. When the minimum current trajectory (MCT) method is applied, the inductor current cannot be minimized due to the dead-time effect, and the range of the soft switching is reduced. Considering the dead-time, this paper first presents a theoretical analysis of the transmission power and the soft-switching characteristics based on the fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA) approach. Then, a minimum current trajectory method considering the dead-time (MCT-d) is proposed to achieve the minimum inductor current by compensating for the dead-time. This method can extend the soft-switching range as well. Finally, the experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and the improvement of the converter’s efficiency.
Glucansucrase Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Structure, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Yu Liansheng , Qian Zhigang , Ge Jingping , Du Renpeng
Published: November 2022

Glucansucrase (GS) belongs to the GH70 family, which not only can synthesize exopolysaccharides (EPSs) with different physicochemical properties through glucosyl transglycosylation (by hydrolyzing sucrose) but can also produce oligosaccharides. Different strains produce different GSs, which catalyze the synthesis of EPS with different glycosidic bond structures; these EPSs have different biological functions. As an important enzymatic tool, GS has great potential in health care medicine, biological materials, ecological protection, the food chemical industry, etc. GS is mainly produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including Leuconostoc, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Weissella species. With the elucidation of the crystal structure of GS and the advancement of genome sequencing technology, its synthesis reaction mechanism and specific structural characteristics are gradually becoming clear. This review summarizes the isolation, purification, physical and chemical properties, detection methods, sources, and applications of GS in order to provide a reference for the research and development of GS.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Microbial Polysaccharide Overlaid Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Selenium Nanowire
Authors: Abinaya Muthukumar , Gnanaprakasam Periyasamy , Govindarajan Marimuthu , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Mahboob Shahid , Wadaan Arwa Mohammad , Manzoor Irfan , Vaseeharan Baskaralingam
Published: November 2022

Here, we report on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and selenium nanowires (Se NWs) using microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a mediator and then examine their antibacterial and ecotoxicity effects in vitro and in vivo, respectively. At 100 µg/mL, EPS, EPS-ZnO NPs, and EPS-Se NWs all exhibited potent in vitro antibacterial properties, drastically inhibiting the development of aquatic Gram(-) pathogens. In addition, antibiofilm studies using a microscope revealed that EPS, EPS-ZnO NPs, and EPS-Se NWs at 75 µg/mL prevented biofilm development. Furthermore, the in vivo toxicity was carried out via Danio rerio embryos and Ceriodaphnia cornuta. Danio rerio embryos were determined at different time intervals (6 hpf, 12 hpf, 24 hpf and 48 hpf). The maximum survival rate (100%) was obtained in a control group. Correspondingly, EPS, EPS-ZnO NPs and EPS-Se NWs treated embryos showed a considerable survival rate with 93.3%, 86.7% and 77.2%, respectively, at 100 µg/mL for 48 hpf. The total mortality of C. cornuta was seen at 100 µg/mL, with 56.7% in EPS, 60.0% in EPS-ZnO NPs, and 70.0% in EPS-Se NWs. For C. cornuta, the LC50 values for EPS, EPS-ZnO NPs, and EPS-Se NWs were 90.32, 81.99, and 62.99 µg/mL, respectively. Under a microscope, morphological alterations in C. cornuta were analyzed. After 24 h, an amount of dark substance was seen in the guts of C. cornuta exposed to 100 µg/mL, but in the control group, all of the living C. cornuta were swimming as usual. Our results show that EPS and EPS-ZnO NPs were less harmful than EPS-Se NWs, and that they were successfully employed to shield freshwater crustaceans from the toxins in aquatic environments.
Effect of Pre-Fermentative Bentonite Addition on Pinot Noir Wine Colour, Tannin, and Aroma Profile
Authors: Wimalasiri Pradeep M. , Rutan Tanya , Tian Bin
Published: November 2022

Pinot noir is a grape variety with thin grape skin, which means the extraction of colour and polyphenols is more challenging than other red grape varieties. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of protein removal by adding bentonite prior to fermentation on Pinot noir wine composition. Four treatments were conducted, including the control without bentonite addition and Pinot noir wines produced with the addition of three different types of bentonites before cold soaking. The juice and wine samples were analysed for pathogenesis-related proteins, tannin, wine colour parameters, and aroma composition. The results showed that bentonite addition at 0.5 g/L had little impact on tannin and aroma compounds but more impact on wine colour, especially significantly higher level of SO2 resistant pigments observed in Na bentonite addition treatment. This study indicates the potential use of bentonite to modulate the Pinot noir juice composition that may facilitate the extraction of colour components from grape into juice, which plays an important role in colour stabilization in finished wine.
Ultrashort Pulse Retrieval from Experimental Spectra Transformed in Chalcogenide and Silica Fibers
Authors: Anashkina Elena A. , Sorokin Arseny A. , Andrianov Alexey V.
Published: November 2022

The characterization of ultrashort optical pulses is a highly requested task. The most popular commercially available hardware/software systems are based on interferometric measurements and second-harmonic generation, leading to some ambiguities and limitations. Here we experimentally test the non-interferometric method of pulse retrieval from three spectra: the fundamental spectrum and two spectra that transformed in an element with Kerr nonlinearity and accumulated different nonlinear phases (different Β-integrals). This method has no ambiguities related to time direction, and allows simple hardware/software implementation. We test a novel simple algorithm for experimental data processing based on the search for a polynomial-approximated spectral phase. Two experimental cases are considered. In the first one, we retrieved 160 fs pulses using a chalcogenide arsenic sulfide glass fiber as a nonlinear Kerr element. In the second case, we retrieved 670 fs pulses with a complex spectrum using a piece of silica-based fiber. The results are confirmed by independent measurements using a standard SHG-FROG technique (Second-Harmonic Generation Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating).
Individual Characteristics and Abiotic Factors Influence Out-Migration Dynamics of Juvenile Bull Trout
Authors: Lewis Madeline C. , Guy Christopher S. , Oldenburg Eric W. , McMahon Thomas E.
Published: November 2022

Fragmentation of rivers through anthropogenic modifications poses an imminent threat to the persistence of migratory fish, necessitating direct actions such as trap-and-haul programs to restore and conserve the migratory life-history component in populations of partially migratory species such as bull trout Salvelinus confluentus. We used a PIT-tag system to assess how biological and abiotic factors influence the out-migration dynamics of juvenile bull trout in Graves Creek, Montana, USA. The largest fish within a cohort were more likely to out-migrate at age 1 when compared to smaller fish within the cohort, and this was particularly evident in a high-density year-class (2018), where large bull trout out-migrated an average of 115 days earlier than bull trout in the medium size category, and 181 days earlier than bull trout in the small size category. Relative changes in abiotic factors, including discharge, water temperature, and photoperiod, appeared to act as cues to out-migration, with the direction of change varying by season. These results highlight the complex interplay between individual characteristics, population dynamics, and environmental conditions, which influence out-migration dynamics and can be used to inform management actions to conserve the migratory component in bull trout populations.
RNA-Seq Analysis of the Key Long Noncoding RNAs and mRNAs Related to the Regulation of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Tao Yifan , Lu Siqi , Zheng Tao , Li Mingxiao , Qiang Jun , Xu Pao
Published: November 2022

Genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT) is prone to hepatic metabolic imbalances and fatty liver disease during intensive farming. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform essential roles in various biological processes, including lipid metabolism. However, the lncRNAs involved in hepatic lipid metabolism in tilapia have not yet been identified. In this study, Illumina sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed on the liver of juvenile male GIFT fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 18.5% lipid) or a normal-fat diet (NFD, 8% lipid) for 56 days. RNA-seq analyses revealed 299 differentially expressed (DE)-mRNAs and 284 DE-lncRNAs between these two groups. The transcript profiles of 14 candidates (seven DE-mRNA and seven DE-lncRNAs) were verified by qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Furthermore, 65 cis target genes and 3610 trans target genes of DE-lncRNAs were predicted. Functional analyses suggested that multiple metabolic pathways are affected by a high fat intake, including the PPAR signaling, fatty acid degradation, and fatty acid metabolism pathways. A co-expression network analysis indicated that many lncRNAs interact with numerous genes involved in lipid metabolism, and that some genes are regulated by multiple lncRNAs. The expression patterns of three lncRNAs (MSTRG.14598.1, MSTRG.6725.3, and MSTRG.13364.2) and their potential target genes (faldh, slc25a48, and fabp7a) in the PPAR signaling pathway were investigated. Our study provides new information about lncRNAs associated with lipid metabolism in tilapia.
Impacts of the Dynamic High-Pressure Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment of Whey Protein Aggregates on Their Physicochemical Properties and Emulsifying Activities
Authors: Yoo Eun Hee , Kwon Chang Woo , Choi Seung Jun
Published: November 2022

The impacts of dynamic high-pressure (DHP) pretreatment and post-treatment (100 MPa) on the physicochemical and functional properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) aggregates formed by thermal treatment were investigated in this study. When WPI aggregates were formed by thermal treatment, the size of the aggregates formed with the DHP pretreated WPI was smaller than that of the aggregates formed with the original WPI. The size of the WPI aggregates formed by thermal treatment decreased with DHP post-treatment. The conformational parameters (ζ-potential, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence intensity) of the WPI subjected to DHP pretreatment were not significantly influenced by thermal treatment. However, DHP post-treatment affected these parameters for the WPI aggregates formed during thermal treatment because of dissociation caused by intense shear and cavitation forces during DHP treatment. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) of the WPI aggregates slightly improved with DHP treatment, but its order had little effect on the magnitude of the EAI increase. DHP pretreatment or post-treatment can modulate the conformational structures and the physicochemical properties of protein aggregates.
Application of Imaging and Artificial Intelligence for Quality Monitoring of Stored Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.)
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of storage under different storage conditions on black currant quality in a non-destructive and inexpensive manner using image processing and artificial intelligence. Black currants were stored at a room temperature of 20 ± 1 °C and a temperature of 3 °C (refrigerator). The images of black currants directly after harvest and fruit stored for one and two weeks were obtained using a digital camera. Then, texture parameters were computed from the images converted to color channels R (red), G (green), B (blue), L (lightness component from black to white), a (green for negative and red for positive values), b (blue for negative and yellow for positive values), X (component with color information), Y (lightness), and Z (component with color information). Models for the classification of black currants were built using various machine learning algorithms based on selected textures for RGB, Lab, and XYZ color spaces. Models built using the IBk, multilayer perceptron, and multiclass classifier for textures from RGB color space, and the IBk algorithm for textures from Lab color space distinguished unstored black currants and samples stored in the room for one and two weeks with an average accuracy of 100%, and the kappa statistic and weighted averages of precision, recall, Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area, and precision–recall (PRC) area equal to 1.000. This indicated a very distinct change in the external structure of the fruit after the first week and more and more visible changes in quality with increasing storage time. A classification accuracy reaching 98.67% (multilayer perceptron, Lab color space) for the samples stored in the refrigerator may indicate smaller quality changes caused by storage at a low temperature. The approach combining image textures and artificial intelligence turned out to be promising to monitor the quality changes in black currants during storage.
Effects of Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) Powder Addition on the Physicochemical Properties and Oxidation Stability of Jiangsu-Type Sausage during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Fu Qingquan , Song Shangxin , Xia Tianlan , Wang Rongrong
Published: November 2022

Effects of different levels (1%, 3% and 5%) of cherry powder on the physiochemical properties and antioxidant activity of Jiangsu-type sausages were investigated at 4 °C for 30 days. The results show that the sensory evaluation values and physicochemical properties of the sausages had no significant differences compared to the control group when cherry powder addition was 1%, and the alcohols, aldehydes and esters were increased after the addition of cherry powder improved the flavor of sausages. However, higher concentration of cherry powder (3% and 5%) exerted adverse influences on sensory evaluation values and physicochemical properties of sausages compared with the control. The addition of cherry powder could better inhibit lipid and protein oxidation of sausages, and the cherry powder concentration has a positive correlation with its effect on the inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation. In addition, cherry powder could effectively control TVB-N values of sausages during chilled storage. All these results indicate that 1% cherry powder could not only guarantee the physicochemical properties of sausages, but also inhibited the oxidation of sausages during chilled storage.
Enhanced Bioaccessibility of Microencapsulated Puerarin Delivered by Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with OSA-Modified Hydrolyzed Pueraria montana Starch: In Vitro Release, Storage Stability, and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Muhammad Zafarullah , Ramzan Rabia , Zhang Ruifen , Zhao Dong , Khalid Nazia , Deng Mei , Dong Lihong , Aziz Mahwash , Batool Rizwana , Zhang Mingwei
Published: November 2022

Puerarin is a bioactive flavonoid isolated from Kudzu roots that possesses numerous health benefits. However, its poor bioavailability and existing complex delivery systems with safety issues are challenging tasks for its incorporation into functional foods. Preparing modified-starch-stabilized Pickering emulsions containing microencapsulated puerarin with improved bioaccessibility was the key objective of the present research work. Acid-hydrolyzed high-amylose Pueraria montana starch (PMS) was modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and evaluated as an emulsifier to prepare emulsions. The FTIR, SEM, and XRD results showed that PMS was successfully modified. Furthermore, the emulsification index (EI), mean droplet size, and ζ-potential values showed that modified starch with a higher degree of substitution (DS) enhanced the storage stability of emulsions. Similarly, the retention degree and encapsulation efficiency results of puerarin proved the assumption after storage of 16 d. The Pickering emulsions also helped in the controlled release of microencapsulated puerarin in vitro. The study outcomes proved that Pickering emulsions stabilized with OSA-modified PMS have promising applicability in functional foods as efficient food-grade delivery systems, enhancing oral supplementation and accessibility of puerarin.
Dietary Heme-Containing Proteins: Structures, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Xing Yilin , Gao Shanxing , Zhang Xinyu , Zang Jiachen
Published: November 2022

Heme-containing proteins, commonly abundant in red meat and blood, are considered promising dietary sources for iron supplementation and fortification with higher bioavailability and less side effects. As the precise structures and accurate bioactivity mechanism of various heme-containing proteins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome, etc.) are determined, many methods have been explored for iron fortification. Based on their physicochemical and biological functions, heme-containing proteins and the hydrolyzed peptides have been also widely utilized as food ingredients and antibacterial agents in recent years. In this review, we summarized the structural characterization of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other heme proteins in detail, and highlighted recent advances in applications of naturally occurring heme-containing proteins as dietary iron sources in the field of food science and nutrition. The regulation of absorption rate, auto-oxidation process, and dietary consumption of heme-containing proteins are then discussed. Future outlooks are also highlighted with the aim to suggest a research line to follow for further studies.
The Effect of Different Induction Methods on the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Glycosylated Soybean Isolate Gels
Authors: Yu Jiangying , Sun Baozhong , Zhang Songshan , Liu Xiaochang , Xie Peng
Published: November 2022

Soybean protein isolate (SPI), as a full-valued protein, is rich in nutrients, such as amino acids. However, the isolated structure of soybeans makes it difficult to react and thus prepare good gels. In order to further improve the properties of SPIs and to prepare plant-based gels with good performance, this experiment was conducted to prepare maltodextrin glycosylated soybean isolate (MGSI) by the glycosylation of SPI and maltodextrin (MD), and the gels were prepared by thermal induction, transglutaminase (TGase) induction, and TG-MgCl2 co-induction of this glycosylated protein to investigate the effects of different induction methods on the structure and properties of the gels produced by MGSIs. Moreover, the effects of different induction methods on the structure and properties of the gels produced by MGSI were investigated. SDS-PAGE protein electrophoresis, FTIR spectroscopy, and endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that all three inductions result in the covalent bond cross-linking of MGSI during the gel formation process. Compared with thermal induction, the TGase-induced MGSI secondary structure had a higher content of β-folded structures, increased fluorescence intensity of tertiary structures, and produced a red shift. The gel induced by TGase in collaboration with MgCl2 contains a more β-folded structure and irregular curl and increases the β-turned angle and α-helix content further, the endogenous fluorescence λmax is significantly red-shifted, and the fluorescence intensity increases, demonstrating that the tertiary structure of MGSI unfolds the most, forming multilayered gels with the tightest structures. The three gels were analyzed by rheology and SEM, showing that the TGase-MgCl2 synergistically induced gel had the highest energy-storage modulus G’, viscoelasticity, and water-holding capacity, as well as the densest gel structure. In conclusion, the combined treatment of enzyme and MgCl2 might be an effective way of improving the structure and gel properties of SPI. This study helps to promote the high-value utilization of SPI and the development of plant protein gels.
Rapid Detection of Malathion, Phoxim and Thiram on Orange Surfaces Using Ag Nanoparticle Modified PDMS as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrate
Authors: Zhai Wenlei , Cao Mingshuo , Xiao Zhiyong , Li Dan , Wang Meng
Published: November 2022

Malathion, phoxim, and thiram are organophosphates and organosulfur pesticides widely used in agricultural products. The residues of these pesticides present a direct threat to human health. Rapid and on-site detection is critical for minimizing such risks. In this work, a simple approach was introduced using a flexible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate. The prepared Ag nanoparticles-polydimethylsiloxane (AgNPs-PDMS) substrate showed high SERS activity, good precision (relative standard deviation = 5.33%), and stability (30 days) after optimization. For target pesticides, the linear relationship between characteristic SERS bands and concentrations were achieved in the range of 10~1000, 100~5000, and 50~5000 μg L−1 with LODs down to 3.62, 41.46, and 15.69 μg L−1 for thiram, malathion, and phoxim, respectively. Moreover, SERS spectra of mixed samples indicated that three pesticides can be identified simultaneously, with recovery rates between 96.5 ± 3.3% and 118.9 ± 2.4%, thus providing an ideal platform for detecting more than one target. Pesticide residues on orange surfaces can be simply determined through swabbing with the flexible substrate before acquiring the SERS signal. This study demonstrated that the prepared substrate can be used for the rapid detection of pesticides on real samples. Overall, this method greatly simplified the pre-treatment procedure, thus serving as a promising analytical tool for rapid and nondestructive screening of malathion, phoxim, and thiram on various agricultural products.
How Will the Global Food Landscape Accommodate Developing Countries’ Dietary Change under Urbanization?
Authors: Zhang Yali , Li Saiya , Jin Lu , Wu Feng
Published: November 2022

There has been a growing awareness of the dietary shift from traditional staples to animal-derived foods during the urbanization of developing countries. Less discussed is how the global food landscape will accommodate such changes in diet. Our study aims to use the GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) model to predict the future food landscape based on the dietary shift in developing countries, represented by China, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, under a 2030 urbanization scenario. The results show that the average global outputs of fish, meat, and dairy products increase by 0.26–2.85%, along with an expansion in their trade volume by 2.10–13.95%, by 2030. To ensure that dietary changes can be met in developing countries, Asia and America need to strengthen their positions with respect to global food production share, while Africa is developing to become a non-negligible growing force. Accordingly, globalized food trade is characterized by a centralized export and, conversely, by a decentralized import, clearly indicating an expanding net-import tendency in populous developing countries. These findings highlight the adaptation scheme of global food production and trade patterns under a 2030 urbanization scenario, as urbanization accelerates dietary change in developing countries.
pH-Regulated Strategy and Mechanism of Antibody Orientation on Magnetic Beads for Improving Capture Performance of Staphylococcus Species
Authors: Kang Fuying , Yang Yin , Li Jingwen , Chen Erning , Hong Tian , Zhao Lulu , Du Meihong
Published: November 2022

Immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) have been widely used to capture and isolate target pathogens from complex food samples. The orientation of the antibody immobilized on the surface of magnetic beads (MBs) is closely related to the effective recognition with an antigen. We put forward an available strategy to orient the antibody on the surface of MBs by changing the charged amino group ratio of the reactive amino groups at optimal pH value. Quantum dots labeling antigen assay, antigen-binding fragment (Fab) accessibility assay and lysine mimicking were used for the first time to skillfully illustrate the antibody orientation mechanism. This revealed that the positively charged ε-NH2 group of lysine on the Fc relative to the uncharged amino terminus on Fab was preferentially adsorbed on the surface of MBs with a negatively charged group at pH 8.0, resulting in antigen binding sites of antibody fully exposed. This study contributes to the understanding of the antibody orientation on the surface of MBs and the potential application of IMBs in the separation and detection of pathogenic bacteria in food samples.
The Impact of Different Hydrocolloids on the Viscoelastic Properties and Microstructure of Processed Cheese Manufactured without Emulsifying Salts in Relation to Storage Time
Authors: Kratochvílová Alena , Salek Richardos Nikolaos , Vašina Martin , Lorencová Eva , Kůrová Vendula , Lazárková Zuzana , Dostálová Jolana , Šenkýřová Jana
Published: November 2022

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the addition of selected hydrocolloids [agar (AG), κ-carrageenan (KC), or gelatin (PG); as a total replacement for emulsifying salts] on the viscoelastic properties and microstructure of processed cheese (PC) samples during a storage period of 60 days (at 6 ± 2 °C). In general, PC viscoelastic properties and microstructure were affected by the addition of hydrocolloids and the length of storage time. The evaluated PC reported a more elastic behavior (G′ > G″) over the viscous one. The highest values of viscoelastic moduli (G′; G″; G*) were recorded for PC samples manufactured with KC addition, followed by those prepared with AG and PG. The control sample presented values of viscoelastic moduli similar to those of the PG sample. All PC samples tested had fat globule size values lower than 1 μm. Moreover, PC with AG and KG addition presented similar microstructures and sizes of fat globules.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Areca Nut Polyphenol Extracts on RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Yi Shuhan , Zou Luyan , Li Zongjun , Sakao Kozue , Wang Yuanliang , Hou De-Xing
Published: November 2022

Chewing areca nuts is a popular hobby in the Asian region, and areca nuts are rich in polyphenols, although some alkaloids are included. In this study, we explored the antioxidant activity of areca nut polyphenols (ANP) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results revealed that ANP reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). RNA-seq analysis showed that ANP down-regulated the transcription of genes related to the cancer pathway at 160 μg/mL, and the inflammatory pathway as well as viral infection pathway at 320 μg/mL. The cellular signaling analysis further revealed that the expressions of these genes were regulated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and ANP downregulated the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway stimulated by LPS. Collectively, our findings showed that ANP inhibited the MAPK pathway and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathways to reduce ROS generation induced by LPS.