bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Multi-Residue Analysis Method for 287 Pesticides in Citrus Fruits Mandarin Orange and Grapefruit Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Xiu , Kim Chang Jo , Lee Raekeun , Kim Min , Shin Hee Jeong , Kim Leesun , Jeong Won Tae , Shin Yongho , Kyung Kee Sung , Noh Hyun Ho
Published: November 2022

Since the introduction of the positive list system (PLS) for agricultural products in the Republic of Korea, the demand for a quick, easy multi-residue analysis method increased continuously. Herein, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) technique combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to optimize a method for the multi-residue analysis of 287 pesticide residues in mandarin orange and grapefruit. Method validation was conducted in terms of selectivity, limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, accuracy, precision, and matrix effect. All the compounds at low spiking levels (1, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) could be quantified at LOQs lower than 0.01 mg/kg (PLS level). The linearity of the matrix-matched calibration curve for each compound is in the range 0.5–50 μg/L, and its coefficient of determination (R2) is >0.990. Satisfactory recovery values of 70–120% with a relative standard deviation of ≤20% are obtained for all compounds in the mandarin orange and grapefruit samples. A negligible matrix effect (−20–20%) is observed for more than 94.8% and 85.4% of the pesticides in mandarin orange and grapefruit, respectively. Therefore, this analytical method can contribute to pesticide residue analyses of citrus fruits for routine laboratory testing.
Analysis of Isoflavones in Pueraria by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and Study on α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhao Hui , Zhu Furong , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Yu , Zeng Feng , Liu Bin
Published: November 2022

Pueraria is a rich source of bioactive compounds, but there is a lack of comprehensive information concerning its composition. Therefore, a UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS method was developed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds in pueraria. Twelve isoflavones were quantified, with puerarin being the most abundant, followed by puerarin 6″-O-xyloside, 3′-methoxy puerarin, and 3′-hydroxy puerarin. A further 88 bioactive components in eight categories were also tentatively identified. The 12 isoflavones, except for genistein, exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The binding of these compounds to the active site of α-glucosidase was confirmed via molecular docking analysis. These findings provide a basis for identifying pueraria as a promising functional food ingredient.
Influence of Low-Intensity Ultrasound on ε-Polylysine Production: Intracellular ATP and Key Biosynthesis Enzymes during Streptomyces albulus Fermentation
Authors: Xiang Jiahui , Dabbour Mokhtar , Gao Xianli , Mintah Benjamin Kumah , Yang Yao , Ren Wenbin , He Ronghai , Dai Chunhua , Ma Haile
Published: November 2022

The effect of low-intensity sonication treatment on cell growth, ε-polylysine (ε-PL) yield and its biological mechanism were investigated, using a 3-L-jar fermenter coupled with an in situ ultrasonic slot with a Streptomyces albulus strain SAR 14-116. Under ultrasonic conditions (28 kHz, 0.37 W cm−2, 60 min), a high biomass of SAR 14-116 and concentration of ε-PL were realized (i.e., they increased by 14.92% and 28.45%, respectively) when compared with a control. Besides this, ultrasonication increased the mycelia viability and intracellular ATP as well as activities of key enzymes involved in the ε-PL biosynthesis pathway, resulting in an improvement in the production of ε-PL. Data on qRT-PCR revealed that ultrasonication also affected the gene expression of key enzymes in the ε-PL biosynthesis pathway, including ε-PL synthetase (PLS). These outcomes provided the basis for understanding the effects of ultrasound-assisted fermentation on the stimulation of metabolite production and fermentation procedure in a fermenter.
Nanoparticles Containing Tamarind Isolate Protein Potentiate the Satiety without Promoting the Anti-Inflammatory Effect in a Preclinical Model of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Costa Rafael O. A. , Medeiros Isaiane , De Queiroz Jaluza L. C. , Matias Lídia L. R. , Lima Mayara S. R. , Oliveira Gerciane S. De , Aguiar Ana Júlia F. C. , Costa Izael S. , Silva Eloyse Mikaelly de S. , Dos Santos Nicolle Caroline S. , Passos Thaís S. , De A. Morais Ana Heloneida
Published: November 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the nanoparticles (ECW) containing tamarind trypsin inhibitor (TTI) concerning the storage effect under different conditions on antitrypsin activity and the bioactive potential in a preclinical model. ECW was exposed to different pH and temperatures to evaluate the interaction between TTI and its encapsulating agents, monitored by antitrypsin activity. Wistar rats (n = 25) with obesity induced by diet were divided into groups: untreated; treatment with nutritionally adequate diet; treatment with nutritionally adequate diet and ECW/12.5 mg/kg; treatment with ECW/12.5 mg/kg; and treatment with TTI/25 mg/kg. The groups were evaluated over ten days with regards to satiety, zoometric, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters, using ten times less TTI (2.5 mg/kg) contained in ECW. TTI was protected and encapsulated in ECW without showing residual inhibitory activity. Only at gastric pH did ECW show antitrypsin activity. At different temperatures, it showed high antitrypsin activity, similar to TTI. The animals treated with ECW had significantly reduced body weight variation (p < 0.05), and only TTI treatment reduced the inflammatory parameters significantly (p < 0.05). The study showed that by using lower concentrations of TTI in ECW it was possible to perceive promising effects with perspectives of use in functional products for managing obesity and its complications.
Investigation of the Effect of Rice Bran Content on the Antioxidant Capacity and Related Molecular Conformations of Plant-Based Simulated Meat Based on Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yanran , Jiang Ruisheng , Gao Yuzhe , Duan Yumin , Zhang Yifan , Zhu Minpeng , Xiao Zhigang
Published: November 2022

At present, plant-based simulated meat is attracting more and more attention as a meat substitute. This study discusses the possibility of partial substitution of rice bran (RB) for soybean protein isolate (SPI) in preparing plant-based simulated meat. RB was added to SPI at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% to prepare RB-SPI plant-based simulated meat by the high moisture extrusion technique. RB-SPI plant-based simulated meat revealed greater polyphenol content and preferable antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS scavenging ability, and FRAP antioxidant capacity) compared to SPI plant-based simulated meat. The aromatic amino acids (tryptophan and tyrosine) of RB-SPI plant-based simulated meats tend to be masked first, and then the hydrophobic groups are exposed as RB content increases and the polarity of the surrounding environment increases due to the change in the disulfide conformation of RB-SPI plant-based simulated meats from a stable gauche–gauche–gauche conformation to a trans–gauche–trans conformation.
Development and Application of Dual-Sensors Label in Combination with Active Chitosan-Based Coating Incorporating Yarrow Essential Oil for Freshness Monitoring and Shelf-Life Extension of Chicken Fillet
Authors: Peighambardoust Seyed , Yaghoubi Milad , Hosseinpour Azam , Alirezalu Kazem , Soltanzadeh Maral , Dadpour Mohammadreza
Published: November 2022

This study aimed for the application of active chitosan coating incorporating yarrow essential oil (YEO) together with the development of an on-package sensor label based on bromocresol purple (BCP) and methyl red (MR) for shelf-life extension and freshness monitoring of chicken breast fillet. Physiochemical and microbiological attributes of chicken meat coated with sole chitosan, YEO, and chitosan + YEO were compared with those of uncoated (control) samples. Chitosan + YEO coated chicken meat stayed fresh with no significant changes (p > 0.05) in pH (5.42–5.56), TVB-N (12.55–15.36 mg N/100 g), TBARs (0.35–0.40 mg MDA/kg) and total aerobic psycrotrophic bacteria (3.97–4.65 log CFU/g) in days 1–15. There was no response of the dual-sensors label toward the variation in chemical and microbiological indicators of chicken meat coated with chitosan + YEO. However, either uncoated, sole chitosan, or sole YEO treatments indicated a three-stage freshness status with the fresh stage belonged to a period earlier than day 7 (with no distinct color change in both sensor labels); the semi-fresh stage corresponded to storage days between 7–9, wherein a gradual color change appeared (MR from pink to orange, BCP from yellow to light purple); and the spoiled stage occurred in day 9 onward with a drastic color change (MR from orange to light yellow, BCP from light purple to deep purple). In general, the dual-sensors successfully responded to the variation of chemical and microbiological indicators and visual color of uncoated samples during storage time. Based on the obtained results, the application of chitosan + YEO coating efficiently prolonged the freshness of chicken breast meat, where on-package dual-sensors systems were able to detect the freshness stages of meat samples during storage time.
What Are the Main Factors That Affect the Flavor of Sauce-Aroma Baijiu
Authors: Niu Jiao , Yang Shiqi , Shen Yi , Cheng Wei , Li Hehe , Sun Jinyuan , Huang Mingquan , Sun Baoguo
Published: November 2022

Sauce-aroma Baijiu is a distilled Baijiu well-known in China, and features a unique sauce-aroma style formed by a complex producing process in a specific geographical environment. However, there are few comprehensive reviews of the factors influencing the formation of its flavor. To this end, reviews are hereby carried out over factors including different components in brewing raw materials, geographical environment of Baijiu production, brewing technology including the production of high-temperature Daqu and the brewing process, storage technology including the type of storage containers, storage time and storage temperature involved in the production of Sauce-aroma Baijiu. In addition, the effects of these factors on the flavor formation of Sauce-aroma Baijiu are also revealed, providing references and forging a foundation for stabilizing and improving the quality of Sauce-aroma Baijiu.
In Vivo Evaluation of the Cardiometabolic Potential of Grape Pomace: Effect of Applying Instant Controlled Pressure Drop
Authors: Martínez-Meza Yuridia , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Salgado-Rodríguez Luis Miguel , Castellanos-Jiménez Ana Karen , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía
Published: November 2022

Grape pomace (GP) is a source of polyphenols which may be present as free structures or associated with dietary fiber. Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) is a technology which can modify the association of polyphenols with food matrixes, but how these modifications affect the health benefits associated with GP remains to be elucidated. In this study, in rats fed a high-fat–fructose diet (HFF), we evaluated the in vivo cardiometabolic effects of the modification of polyphenols in GP caused by DIC at 0.2 MPa for 60 s (DIC1) and 0.4 MPa for 120 s (DIC2). These treatments increased anthocyanin and total flavonoid contents, respectively, while all the supplementations caused significant improvements in insulin resistance and plasma triacylglycerols. Thus, the bioactive compounds present in GP (including a major fraction of non-extractable proanthocyanidins) caused these modifications independently of the specific polyphenol profiles which may have resulted from these DIC treatments. Additionally, only intact GP led to an increase in HDL cholesterol, while only DIC2-treated GP improved hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, GP always improves insulin sensitivity in this animal model of obesity, while the different compositions of GP modified by DIC may be associated with other cardiometabolic parameters.
Characterization of Novel Exopolysaccharides from Enterococcus hirae WEHI01 and Its Immunomodulatory Activity
Authors: Jia Kaiying , Wei Min , He Yao , Wang Yujie , Wei Hua , Tao Xueying
Published: November 2022

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) from probiotic Enterococcus hirae WEHI01 was isolated and purified by anion exchange chromatography and gel chromatography, the results of which show that the EPS consists of four fractions, namely I01-1, I01-2, I01-3, and I01-4. As the main purification components, I01-2 and I01-4 were preliminarily characterized for their structure and their immunomodulatory activity was explored. The molecular weight of I01-2 was 2.28 × 104 Da, which consists mainly of galactose, and a few other sugars including glucose, arabinose, mannose, xylose, fucose, and rhamnose, while the I01-4 was composed of galactose only and has a molecular weight of 2.59 × 104 Da. Furthermore, the results of an evaluation of immunomodulatory activity revealed that I01-2 and I01-4 could improve the viability of macrophage cells, improve phagocytosis, boost NO generation, and encourage the release of cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results imply that I01-2 and I01-4 could improve macrophage-mediated immune responses and might be useful in the production of functional food and medications.
A Study on the Influence of the Use of Sulphur Dioxide, the Distillation System and the Aging Conditions on the Final Sensory Characteristics of Brandy
Authors: Guerrero-Chanivet María , Valcárcel-Muñoz Manuel J. , Guillén-Sánchez Dominico Antonio , Castro-Mejías Remedios , Durán-Guerrero Enrique , Rodríguez-Dodero Carmen , García-Moreno María de Valme
Published: November 2022

Brandy is a unique alcoholic beverage obtained from wine distillates. Numerous studies have been published on its physicochemical traits and the effect of certain elaboration variables on them, but not many studies have been carried out from a sensory point of view or that have followed standardized methods applicable to this discipline. This study intends to determine the effect that certain production variables have on the sensory characteristics of brandy. These variables are the following: The use of sulphur dioxide during the fermentation of the base wine, the subsequent distillation system, the alcohol content during aging, the botanical origin of the aging casks, and their toasting degree. For this purpose, the guidelines provided by the ISO standards for sensory analysis have been followed, and chromatic parameters have also been determined. Heavy extractions from Quercus petraea casks resulted in brandies with widely varying colors, although these were hard to distinguish using the olfactory and gustatory properties associated with the factors under study. Conversely, those brandies aged in Quercus alba casks presented very consistent greenish shades that are not traditionally associated with aged brandy. This lower extraction could explain why the aromatic traits that are found in the fresh spirit are better preserved when this type of oak is used. The spirit obtained through the distillation of SO2-free wines aged in Quercus robur presented average sensory characteristics: Good color, smooth in the mouth, and medium-intensity oak notes. The distillates that were aged at 55% ABV were later perceived as more aromatically intense with a greater oak note on the palate. On the other hand, the brandies obtained from wines without SO2 added were perceived as less alcoholic, sweeter, and more balanced, with a softer oak note.
Storage Drives Alterations of Proteomic and Protein Structural Properties in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Dong , Liu Jianlei , Shang Bo , Duan Xiaoliang , Sun Hui
Published: November 2022

Rice quality changes during storage. However, few studies have reported the difference in protein structure between the indica and japonica varieties of rice during storage. The current research characterized the structural properties of the rice protein, and further investigated the proteomic profiles of Jianzhen 2 (indica rice) and Nanjing 9108 (japonica rice) during storage using the TMT labeling method. A significant reduction in free sulfhydryl content and an increase in disulfide bonds content and surface hydrophobicity were observed in both varieties after storage. The results of FTIR indicated that the changes in the protein’s secondary structure of Nanjing 9108 (japonica rice) were more significant than in Jianzhen 2 (indica rice). A total of 4039 proteins in Nanjing 9108 and 4301 proteins in Jianzhen 2 were identified by TMT-labeled proteomics analysis in this study. Significantly, changes were detected in 831 proteins in Nanjing 9108, while only in 60 proteins in Jianzhen 2. Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, starch, and sucrose metabolism were both accelerated in both varieties, while oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism were enhanced in Nanjing 9108 (japonica rice). This study provides insight into the proteomic changes and protein structure in rice induced by storage.
Fungal Diversity Profiles in Pit Mud Samples from Chinese Strong-Flavour Liquor Pit
Authors: Pu Shunchang , Yan Shoubao
Published: November 2022

Pit mud, a specific fermented soil, is an essential material for the fermentation of Chinese strong-flavour liquor. However, few studies to date have sought to characterize the spatial profiles of pit mud fungal communities in fermentation cellars from Chinese strong-flavour liquor distilleries. In this analysis, differences in fungal community structures and physicochemical properties in pit mud samples from different spatial positions within fermentation cellars were analyzed, revealing unique characteristic multidimensional pit mud fungal community profiles. Penicillium roqueforti, Pichia kudriavzevii, Aotearoamyces nothofagi, Penicillium robsamsonii, Alternaria arborescens, Trichosporon insectorum, Seltsamia ulmi, Trichosporon coremiiforme, Malassezia restricta were dominant in the pit mud samples form the upper cellar wall, whereas Metarhizium frigidum, Calonectria pseudoreteaudii, Penicillium clavigerum, Fusarium equiseti, Simplicillium chinense, Aspergillus intermedius, Trichosporon coremiiforme, Fusarium circinatum, Alternaria radicina, Aspergillus heterocaryoticus were predominant in the middle cellar wall. Alternaria radicina, Cladosporium chasmanthicola, Alternaria helianthiinficiens, Penicillium argentinense, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus, and Trichosporon inkin are majorly present in the down cellar wall layer. Bipolaris axonopicola, Ramgea ozimecii, Penicillium argentinense, Calonectria queenslandica, Metarhizium robertsii, and Penicillium roqueforti were identified as the dominant fungi in pit mud samples from the cellar bottom. Additionally, Alternaria destruens and Alternaria doliconidium are present at notably high levels in all layers of pit mud samples. Moisture, pH, PO43−, acetic acid, humus, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, butyric acid, and caproic acid levels in these different pit mud positions exhibited a rising incremental pattern from the upper wall layer to the bottom layer, whereas lactic acid levels were significantly lower in the bottom pit mud layer relative to these other layers. Moisture, pH, and NH4+-N were identified as the three most significant factors associated with fungal community composition through a redundancy analysis. Overall, these findings may offer a theoretical foundation for future efforts to improve or standardize artificial pit mud.
Effect of a Novel Sugar Blend on Weight and Cardiometabolic Health among Healthy Indian Adults: A Randomized, Open-Label Study
Authors: Aswathiah Srinath , Prabhu Sunil Kumar , Lingaiah Ramanna , Ramanna Anusha , Prabhu Jyothi S. , Pankaj Shashi Kishor , Mehta Arti , Bapna Arohi , Raghavan Govindarajan
Published: November 2022

Obesity is one of the major factors contributing to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which is associated with a high intake of a sugar-rich diet. Sugar blend (a novel combination of sugar and stevia) has half the calories of sugar with the same sweetness at recommended use and offers better compliance. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this sugar blend in normal to mildly overweight subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 23–26 kg/m. Sixty subjects were categorized into Group A: Sugar group (n = 30), and Group B: Sugar blend group (n = 30). The primary outcomes evaluated were weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, BMI, and the secondary outcomes evaluated were lipid profile, random blood sugar, and HbA1c. All these parameters were assessed at baseline, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. Group B showed a significantly higher weight loss (p = 0.013) at 90 days compared with Group A. A significant reduction in waist circumference (p < 0.0001) by 4.4 cm was noted at 90 days, in addition to reduction in total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglyceride (p = 0.006), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.0490), and VLDL cholesterol (p = 0.006) in Group B compared with the baseline. The study revealed that the sugar blend is an effective formulation in reducing weight, anthropometric factors, and other related metabolic parameters. It has been proven to be well tolerated and promotes weight loss when used in conjunction with a daily balanced diet and exercise plan.
A Comprehensive Review of the Cardioprotective Effect of Marine Algae Polysaccharide on the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Cheong Kit-Leong , Yu Biao , Chen Jing , Zhong Saiyi
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between the gut microbiota and CVD, including heart failure, cerebrovascular illness, hypertension, and stroke. Marine algal polysaccharides (MAPs) are valuable natural sources of diverse bioactive compounds. MAPs have many pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic effects. Most MAPs are not utilized in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, they are fermented by intestinal flora. The relationship between MAPs and the intestinal microbiota has drawn attention in CVD research. Hence, this review highlights the main action by which MAPs are known to affect CVD by maintaining homeostasis in the gut microbiome and producing gut microbiota-generated functional metabolites and short chain fatty acids. In addition, the effects of trimethylamine N-oxide on the gut microbiota composition, bile acid signaling properties, and CVD prevention are also discussed. This review supports the idea that focusing on the interactions between the host and gut microbiota may be promising for the prevention or treatment of CVD. MAPs are a potential sustainable source for the production of functional foods or nutraceutical products for preventing or treating CVD.
Systematic Review of Actinomycetes in the Baijiu Fermentation Microbiome
Authors: Chen Cong , Yang Haiquan , Liu Jie , Luo Huibo , Zou Wei
Published: November 2022

Actinomycetes (a group of filamentous bacteria) are the dominant microbial order in the Daqu (DQ) fermentation starter and in the pit mud (PM) of the Baijiu fermentation microbiome. Actinomycetes produce many of the key enzymes and flavor components, and supply important precursors, which have a major influence on its characteristic aroma components, to other microorganisms during fermentation. This paper reviews the current progress on actinomycete research related to Baijiu fermentation, including the isolation and identification, distribution, interspecies interactions, systems biology, and main metabolites. The main metabolites and applications of the actinomycetes during Baijiu fermentation are also discussed.
The Wheat Aleurone Layer: Optimisation of Its Benefits and Application to Bakery Products
Authors: Lebert Lucie , Buche François , Sorin Arnaud , Aussenac Thierry
Published: November 2022

The wheat aleurone layer is, according to millers, the main bran fraction. It is a source of nutritionally valuable compounds, such as dietary fibres, proteins, minerals and vitamins, that may exhibit health benefits. Despite these advantages, the aleurone layer is scarce on the market, probably due to issues related to its extraction. Many processes exist with some patents, but a choice must be made between the quality and quantity of the resulting product. Nonetheless, its potential has been studied mainly in bread and pasta. While the nutritional benefits of aleurone-rich flour addition to bread agree, opposite results have been obtained concerning its effects on end-product characteristics (namely loaf volume and sensory characteristics), thus ensuing different acceptability responses from consumers. However, the observed negative effects of aleurone-rich flour on bread dough could be reduced by subjecting it to pre- or post-extracting treatments meant to either reduce the particle size of the aleurone’s fibres or to change the conformation of its components.
The Caucasian Whortleberry Extract/Myrtle Essential Oil Loaded Active Films: Physicochemical Properties and Effects on Quality Parameters of Wrapped Turkey Breast Meat
Authors: Bagheri Vahid , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Parastouei Karim , Baghersad Mohammad Hadi
Published: November 2022

In this research work, the effects of myrtle essential oil (MEO) and Caucasian whortleberry extract (CWE) as natural additives were investigated on mechanical, physico-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of gellan/polyvinyl alcohol (G/PVA) film. Then, optimal blend active films were used for the wrapping of turkey breast meat stored at low temperature (4 ± 1 °C) for 15 days and chemical and sensory properties of wrapped meats were evaluated. The addition of MEO and CWE decreased tensile strength and increased the strain at the break of the films (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, with increasing the amount of MEO and CWE, the permeability to water vapor (WVP) and the moisture content (MC) of the films decreased (p ≤ 0.05). MIC test showed that MEO and CWE were effective against S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhimurium, and P. fluorescens. at the concentrations of 5–6 and 15–17 mg/mL, respectively. Different microbiological, chemical, and sensory tests indicated that active films significantly enhanced the shelf life of turkey breast meat (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, based on our finding in this study, the use of these active and biodegradable packagings can be effective and useful for protecting the microbial and sensory quality of turkey breast meat.
Common Fixed Point for Meir–Keeler Type Contraction in Bipolar Metric Space
Authors: Murthy Penumarthy Parvateesam , Dhuri Chandra Prakash , Kumar Santosh , Ramaswamy Rajagopalan , Alaskar Muhannad Abdullah Saud , Radenovi’c Stojan
Published: November 2022

In mathematical analysis, the Hausdorff derivatives or the fractal derivatives play an important role. Fixed-point theorems and metric fixed-point theory have varied applications in establishing a unique common solution to differential equations and integral equations. In the present work, some fixed-point theorems using the extension of Meir–Keeler contraction in the setting of bipolar metric spaces have been proved. The derived results have been supplemented with non-trivial examples. Our results extend and generalise the results established in the past. We have provided an application to find an analytical solution to an Integral Equation to supplement the derived result.
Compound Adaptive Fuzzy Synchronization Controller Design for Uncertain Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems
Authors: Liu Fengyan , Zhang Xiulan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the synchronization of two fractional-order chaotic systems with uncertainties and external disturbances is considered. A fuzzy logic system is utilized to estimate uncertain nonlinearity, and its estimation accuracy is improved by constructing a series-parallel model. A disturbance observer is implemented to estimate bounded disturbance. To solve the “explosion of complexity” problem in the backstepping scheme, fractional-order command filters are employed to estimate virtual control inputs and their derivatives, and error compensation signals are devised to reduce filtering errors. Based on the fractional-order Lyapurov criterion, the proposed compound adaptive fuzzy backstepping control strategy can guarantee that the synchronization error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. At last, the validity of the proposed control strategy is verified via a numerical simulation.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of the Local Fractional Bidirectional Propagation System Equations
Authors: Sang Xue , Zhang Zongguo , Yang Hongwei , Han Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

In this paper, within the scope of the local fractional derivative theory, bidirectional propagation system local fractional equations are researched. Compared with the unidirectional propagation of nonlinear waves in a pipeline, the bidirectional propagation system equations studied in this paper can better describe the propagation of nonlinear waves in a channel. This study is groundbreaking and offers more possibilities for the bidirectional propagation of nonlinear waves in the simulation pipeline. The exact traveling wave solutions of the non-differentiable type defined on the Cantor sets are obtained. The characteristics of the particular solutions of a fixed fractal dimension are discussed. It is proven that the local fractional nonlinear bidirectional wave equations can describe the interaction of fractal waves. It is also shown that the study of traveling wave solutions of nonlinear local fractional equations has important significance in mathematical physics.
Inflation and Fractional Quantum Cosmology
Authors: Rasouli Seyed Meraj Mousavi , de Oliveira Costa Emanuel W. , Moniz Paulo , Jalalzadeh Shahram
Published: November 2022

The Wheeler–DeWitt equation for a flat and compact Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmology at the pre-inflation epoch is studied in the contexts of the standard and fractional quantum cosmology. Working within the semiclassical regime and applying the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation, we show that some fascinating consequences are obtained for our simple fractional scenario that are completely different from their corresponding standard counterparts: (i) The conventional de Sitter behavior of the inflationary universe for constant potential is replaced by a power-law inflation. (ii) The non-locality of the Riesz’s fractional derivative produces a power-law inflation that depends on the fractal dimension of the compact spatial section of space-time, independent of the energy scale of the inflaton.
Novel Approaches for Solving Fuzzy Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Osman Mawia , Xia Yonghui , Marwan Muhammad , Omer Omer Abdalrhman
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present a comparison of several important methods to solve fuzzy partial differential equations (PDEs). These methods include the fuzzy reduced differential transform method (RDTM), fuzzy Adomian decomposition method (ADM), fuzzy Homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and fuzzy Homotopy analysis method (HAM). A distinguishing practical feature of these techniques is administered without the need to use discretion or restricted assumptions. Moreover, we investigate the fuzzy (n+1)-dimensional fractional RDTM to obtain the solutions of fuzzy fractional PDEs. The much more distinctive element of this method is that it requires no predetermined assumptions, and reduces the computational effort. We apply the suggested techniques to a set of initial valued problems and get approximate numerical solutions for linear and nonlinear time-fractional PDEs. It is demonstrated that the fuzzy (n+1)-dimensional fractional RDTM is both accurate and simple to use. The methods are based on gH-differentiability and fuzzy fractional derivatives. Some illustrative numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods. The results show that the methods are powerful mathematical tools for solving fuzzy partial differential equations.
Portable Quartz Crystal Resonator Sensor for Characterising the Gelation Kinetics and Viscoelastic Properties of Hydrogels
Authors: Miranda-Martínez Andrés , Yan Hongji , Silveira Valentin , Serrano-Olmedo José Javier , Crouzier Thomas
Published: November 2022

Hydrogel biomaterials have found use in various biomedical applications partly due to their biocompatibility and tuneable viscoelastic properties. The ideal rheological properties of hydrogels depend highly on the application and should be considered early in the design process. Rheometry is the most common method to study the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. However, rheometers occupy much space and are costly instruments. On the other hand, quartz crystal resonators (QCRs) are devices that can be used as low-cost, small, and accurate sensors to measure the viscoelastic properties of fluids. For this reason, we explore the capabilities of a low-cost and compact QCR sensor to sense and characterise the gelation process of hydrogels while using a low sample amount and by sensing two different crosslink reactions: covalent bonds and divalent ions. The gelation of covalently crosslinked mucin hydrogels and physically crosslinked alginate hydrogels could be monitored using the sensor, clearly distinguishing the effect of several parameters affecting the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels, including crosslinking chemistry, polymer concentrations, and crosslinker concentrations. QCR sensors offer an economical and portable alternative method to characterise changes in a hydrogel material’s viscous properties to contribute to this type of material design, thus providing a novel approach.
Investigation of Virtual Bimrocks to Estimate 3D Volumetric Block Proportions from 1D Boring Measurements
Authors: Napoli Maria Lia , Milan Lorenzo , Barbero Monica , Medley Edmund
Published: November 2022

Serious deficiencies in ground characterization, analysis and design at engineering works can occur when working with bimrocks (block-in-matrix rocks) and bimsoils (block-in-matrix soils). Since the 1990s, serious technical problems at engineering works performed in bimrocks/bimsoils spurred practical research, which revealed that the behavior of these geomaterials is directly related to the volumetric block proportions (VBPs). However, the way that VBPs can be confidently and correctly estimated remains an ongoing critical issue that still frustrates designers, contractors and owners. Stereological techniques can be applied to overcome this challenge by inferring 3D block contents from in situ 1D and 2D measurements, but the estimates have often been demonstrated to be erroneous. This paper presents findings from a computer-aided reinvestigation, revalidation and extension of Medley’s work of 1997 and subsequent researchers to provide approachable yet statistically robust methods to limit the uncertainty associated with estimates of 3D VBPs generated from 1D boring/scanline measurements. To this aim, a specialized Matlab code was created and virtual drilling programs were performed through 3D computer-generated bimrock models. Supported by extensive statistical-based investigations, a design chart is provided that updates and extends Medley’s 1999 chart relating uncertainty in estimates of VBP as a function of total boring/scanline lengths.
Impact of Multiple Sclerosis and Its Association with Depression: An Analytical Case-Control Investigation
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Francisco Javier , do Rosário Martins Maria , Soares Salete , Romero-Morales Carlos , López-López Daniel , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Jiménez-Cebrián Ana María
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological, chronic, inflammatory, and progressive disease with musculoskeletal problems and neurodegenerative disorders that causes worsening of the health status of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the level of depression in MS patients compared to a population of healthy subjects. The established sample size was 116 subjects matched with the same age, sex, and body mass index. The subjects were recruited from different multiple sclerosis associations and neurology clinics in different public health areas (case group n = 58) and healthy subjects from the same locality (control group n = 58). The scores and categories of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in its Spanish version were collected. There was a clear statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the BDI scores between both groups. As a result, we found that the subjects with MS presented worse results with BDI = 9.52 ± 7.70 points compared to the healthy subjects with a BDI score = 5.03 ± 5.14. Within the BDI categories, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001), which were greater for the MS group. Depression is a dangerous factor for MS patients, being a trigger for a poorer quality of life.
Mental Health of Parents and Their Children: A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Parents’ Negative Affect on Adolescents’ Pathological Gaming
Authors: Piao Mei Ying , Jeong Eui Jun , Kim Jeong Ae
Published: November 2022

Parents’ negative affect could lead to the deterioration of the mental state of their adolescent children. According to previous studies, children of parents who have symptoms of depression or anxiety are more likely to have mental problems. As one of the most important issues concerning adolescents with the rapid rise of screen time, the concern for pathological gaming among adolescents continues to intensify. Many studies have demonstrated the remarkable relationships between adolescents’ pathological gaming and mental factors, but seldom examined them via longitudinal analysis. With three-year data from adolescents (N = 778) and their parents (N = 685) in South Korea, this study assessed the effects of parents’ negative affect (depression and anxiety) on pathological gaming using adolescents’ mental factors (i.e., aggression, ADHD, self-control). The results showed the critical role of parents’ negative affect on their children’s mental health, which finally leads to pathological gaming among adolescents. Depressive parents increased the degree of adolescents’ aggression and ADHD, and decreased the degree of adolescents’ self-control. Anxious parents increased the degree of adolescents’ ADHD. Moreover, both adolescents’ aggression and self-control mediated the relationship between parents’ depression and adolescents’ pathological gaming. Specifically, self-control was one of the most influential factors contributing to pathological gaming among adolescents.
Farmers’ Participation in Modern Supply Chains: The Case of Mandarin Profitability in Punjab-Pakistan
Authors: Mazhar Rabia , Xuehao Bi , Viira Ants-Hannes , Stamenkovska Ivana Janeska , Nacka Marina , Azadi Hossein , Wei Zou
Published: November 2022

In developing countries, supply chains are rapidly transforming. However, smallholder farmers, in particular, have experienced mixed impacts in inclusion and exclusion from modern supply chains (MSC). Therefore, by taking Pakistan’s mandarin industry as a case, this study aims to analyze the farmers’ efficiency and inclusiveness in modern supply chains and compare them across the farm size categories, i.e., small, medium, and large. For that purpose, cross-sectional data from 300 farmers were collected to test the posit objectives. The empirical investigation was made using the endogenous treatment effect model and the propensity score matching approach. Findings show that large farmers prefer to participate in MSC, driven by contractors, processors or exporters. Conversely, the smallholders are more inclined to participate in the traditional supply chains (TSCs), driven by village vendors, local retailers/consumers, middlemen, and traditional fruit and vegetable markets. The results also revealed a positive connection between efficiency and farmers’ inclusion in the MSC. Orchard size, education, off-farm income, and extension services positively impact profitability. In terms of an increase in farmers’ profitability, the efficiency improvement can benefit the resource-poor smallholders who make up 74% of the total farmers in the sample. Therefore, these results are noteworthy for devising policy actions to facilitate smallholder inclusion in the modern agri-food supply chains to alleviate rural poverty and ensure farmers’ wellbeing.
Sustainable Olive Culture under Climate Change: The Potential of Biostimulants
Authors: Dias Maria Celeste , Araújo Márcia , Silva Sónia , Santos Conceição
Published: November 2022

Climatic extreme events, like droughts, heatwaves, and floods are becoming recurrent and represent a threat to agriculture, lowering plant growth and productivity. The Mediterranean region is a climate-change hotspot, where traditional agricultural systems, like olive groves, are particularly challenged. Both the traditional and intensive systems of olive culture coexist in the Mediterranean. Both systems differ in their demands for water and agrochemicals, but nowadays, the global inputs of agrochemicals and irrigation have increased to achieve high productivity and profitability. Finding sustainable alternatives to maintain high productivity under the ongoing climate change is urgent to meet the EU-Farm to Fork strategy and climate neutrality. Candidate eco-friendly alternatives include biostimulants. These are substances or microorganisms, that activate signaling cascades and metabolic processes, increasing plant yield, quality, and tolerance to stressors. These benefits include a better growth, nutritional status and water availability, leading to a decreased demand for irrigation and agrochemicals. In this review, we aim to present different types of biostimulants (e.g., seaweed, protein hydrolysates, humic substances, microorganisms and nanomaterials), their mode of action and benefits in agriculture. We also explore the current state-of-the-art regarding the use of biostimulants in olive culture, and their potential benefits to increase tolerance to (a)biotic challenges.
Supplemental Foliar-Applied Magnesium Reverted Photosynthetic Inhibition and Improved Biomass Partitioning in Magnesium-Deficient Banana
Authors: He Hongsu , Khan Shahbaz , Deng Yan , Hu Haiyan , Yin Liyan , Huang Jiaquan
Published: November 2022

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macronutrient in plants and plays a critical role in numerous physiological processes. Therefore, Mg deficiency severely affects plant growth and crop production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Mg deficiency on plant growth, biomass formation, Mg homeostasis, and photosynthesis of banana seedlings. After exhibiting deficiency symptoms, plants were sprayed with Mg to alleviate the deficiency. Mg deficiency severely reduced plant biomass and chlorophyll content. A significant reduction in maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), the effective quantum yield of PS II (ΦPSII), photochemical fluorescence quenching (qP), and non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ) was observed. In contrast, the light compensation point was almost doubled under Mg deficiency. This indicated damage to the photosynthetic apparatus and photoinhibition under Mg-deficiency treatment. The foliar application of Mg to Mg-deficient plants significantly increased the biomass and reversed the decrease in the biomass of leaves, pseudostem, and corms. More improvement was observed in the leaf area and biomass of the upper leaves. Foliar Mg also increased the Mg concentration in all tissues and enhanced chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves. In conclusion, foliar Mg application to Mg-deficient plants efficiently restored banana plant development and might be a practical approach to correcting Mg deficiency in the field.
Blast Wave Generated by Delayed Ignition of Under-Expanded Hydrogen Free Jet at Ambient and Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Cirrone Donatella , Makarov Dmitriy , Friedrich Andreas , Grune Joachim , Takeno Keiji , Molkov Vladimir
Published: November 2022

An under-expanded hydrogen jet from high-pressure equipment or storage tank is a potential incident scenario. Experiments demonstrated that the delayed ignition of a highly turbulent under-expanded hydrogen jet generates a blast wave able to harm people and damage property. There is a need for engineering tools to predict the pressure effects during such incidents to define hazard distances. The similitude analysis is applied to build a correlation using available experimental data. The dimensionless blast wave overpressure generated by delayed ignition and the follow-up deflagration or detonation of hydrogen jets at an any location from the jet, ∆Pexp/P0, is correlated to the original dimensionless parameter composed of the product of the dimensionless ratio of storage pressure to atmospheric pressure, Ps/P0, and the ratio of the jet release nozzle diameter to the distance from the centre of location of the fast-burning near-stoichiometric mixture on the jet axis (30% of hydrogen in the air by volume) to the location of a target (personnel or property), d/Rw. The correlation is built using the analysis of 78 experiments regarding this phenomenon in the wide range of hydrogen storage pressure of 0.5–65.0 MPa and release diameter of 0.5–52.5 mm. The correlation is applicable to hydrogen free jets at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. It is found that the generated blast wave decays inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the fast-burning portion of the jet. The correlation is used to calculate the hazard distances by harm thresholds for five typical hydrogen applications. It is observed that in the case of a vehicle with onboard storage tank at pressure 70 MPa, the “no-harm” distance for humans reduces from 10.5 m to 2.6 m when a thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) diameter decreases from 2 mm to a diameter of 0.5 mm.
Factors Affecting Runoff and Sediment Load Changes in the Wuding River Basin from 1960 to 2020
Authors: Chen Yin , Zhang Pei , Zhao Ying , Qu Liqin , Du Pengfei , Wang Yangui
Published: November 2022

To investigate changes in runoff and sediment load in the Wuding River basin under the combined influence of climate change and human activities, trends were analyzed from 1960 to 2020, and the contribution rate of climate change and human activities was calculated. It was observed that the runoff and sediment load Mann–Kendall test value ranges at eight gauging stations were −7.42 to −3.88 and −9.28 to −3.34, respectively, indicating a significant decreasing trend in both. During the period of 1970–2000, the contribution of human activities to the reduction in runoff and sediment load was 69.9% and 75.3%, respectively. However, the impact of human activities intensified after 2001 due to the implementation of the policy of returning farmland to forests in the Wuding River basin, which contributed to 118.4% and 114.5% of the reduction in runoff and sediment load, respectively. Check dam and reservoir construction, reforestation, water diversion, and other human activities were all important factors in runoff and sediment load reduction. In particular, the total sediment retention by reservoirs in the Wuding River basin was approximately 879 million tons until 2010, and the total sediment retention by check dams was approximately 2747 million t until 2017. This study can provide support for the utilization of water resources and the construction of ecological civilization in the Wuding River basin, and can also provide a reference for the study of water and sediment changes in other basins.