bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cucurbitacin E Exerts Anti-Proliferative Activity via Promoting p62-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Hsu Han-Lin , Lin Bo-Jyun , Lin Yu-Chen , Tu Chih-Chieh , Nguyen Nham-Linh , Wang Ching-Chiung , Chen Mei-Chuan , Chen Chun-Han
Published: October 2023

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the first-line treatment for advanced EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR and KRAS mutation are ineligible for EGFR-TKIs. Therefore, the discovery of new therapeutic agents is urgently needed for NSCLC patients who cannot receive targeted therapies. Natural products possess tremendous chemical diversity and have been extensively investigated for their anticancer activity. In this study, we found that Cucurbitacin E (Cu E), a triterpene of cucurbitacins widely presented in the edible plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, significantly inhibits the viability and proliferation of A549 cells that harbor wild-type EGFR and KRAS mutation. Our results revealed that Cu E increases cell-cycle arrest at G2/M and subG1 phase. Mechanistically, Cu E significantly inhibits the phosphorylation and protein levels of regulatory proteins and hinders G2/M cell-cycle progression. Meanwhile, the treatment of Cu E resulted in DNA damage response and apoptosis. For the first time, we observed that Cu E induces incomplete autophagy as evidenced by increased LC3B-II expression and p62-accumulation. Knockdown of p62 rescued the cells from Cu E-mediated anti-proliferative effect, apoptosis, DNA damage, and ROS production. These findings suggest that Cu E is a promising drug candidate for NSCLC.
An Improved Approach for Implementing Dynamic Mode Decomposition with Control
Authors: Nedzhibov Gyurhan
Published: October 2023

Dynamic Mode Decomposition with Control is a powerful technique for analyzing and modeling complex dynamical systems under the influence of external control inputs. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to implement this technique that offers computational advantages over the existing method. The proposed scheme uses singular value decomposition of a lower order matrix and requires fewer matrix multiplications when determining corresponding approximation matrices. Moreover, the matrix of dynamic modes also has a simpler structure than the corresponding matrix in the standard approach. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed implementation, we applied it to a diverse set of numerical examples. The algorithm’s flexibility is demonstrated in tests: accurate modeling of ecological systems like Lotka-Volterra, successful control of chaotic behavior in the Lorenz system and efficient handling of large-scale stable linear systems. This showcased its versatility and efficacy across different dynamical systems.
MalFe—Malware Feature Engineering Generation Platform
Authors: Singh Avinash , Ikuesan Richard Adeyemi , Venter Hein
Published: October 2023

The growing sophistication of malware has resulted in diverse challenges, especially among security researchers who are expected to develop mechanisms to thwart these malicious attacks. While security researchers have turned to machine learning to combat this surge in malware attacks and enhance detection and prevention methods, they often encounter limitations when it comes to sourcing malware binaries. This limitation places the burden on malware researchers to create context-specific datasets and detection mechanisms, a time-consuming and intricate process that involves a series of experiments. The lack of accessible analysis reports and a centralized platform for sharing and verifying findings has resulted in many research outputs that can neither be replicated nor validated. To address this critical gap, a malware analysis data curation platform was developed. This platform offers malware researchers a highly customizable feature generation process drawing from analysis data reports, particularly those generated in sandbox-based environments such as Cuckoo Sandbox. To evaluate the effectiveness of the platform, a replication of existing studies was conducted in the form of case studies. These studies revealed that the developed platform offers an effective approach that can aid malware detection research. Moreover, a real-world scenario involving over 3000 ransomware and benign samples for ransomware detection based on PE entropy was explored. This yielded an impressive accuracy score of 98.8% and an AUC of 0.97 when employing the decision tree algorithm, with a low latency of 1.51 ms. These results emphasize the necessity of the proposed platform while demonstrating its capacity to construct a comprehensive detection mechanism. By fostering community-driven interactive databanks, this platform enables the creation of datasets as well as the sharing of reports, both of which can substantially reduce experimentation time and enhance research repeatability.
The Use of UAVs for Morphological Coastal Change Monitoring—A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Novais Jorge , Vieira António , Bento-Gonçalves António , Silva Sara , Folharini Saulo , Marques Tiago
Published: October 2023

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in many fields of expertise has increased over recent years. As such, UAVs used for monitoring coastline changes are also becoming more frequent, more practical, and more effective, whether for conducting academic work or for business and administrative activities. This study thus addresses the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring changing coastlines, in particular morphological coastal changes caused by rising sea levels, reductions in sediment load, or changes produced by engineering infrastructure. For this objective, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the basis of 160 research articles published in the last 20 years, using the Web of Science database. The analysis shows that the countries leading the way in researching coastline changes with UAVs are the United States, France, South Korea, and Spain. In addition, this study provides data on the most influential publications and authors on this topic and on research trends. It further highlights the value addition made by UAVs to monitoring coastline changes.
Dynamics of Bilateral Digital Trade: The Case of a Korea–EU Digital Partnership
Authors: Korgun Irina , Hoti Altin
Published: October 2023

The rapid growth of digital trade has had a profound impact on global economies, revolutionizing trading practices and facilitating trade expansion. The purpose of this paper is to explore the digital partnership between Korea and the European Union (EU) and its implications for their shared agenda in digital trade to theorize the dynamics of digital trade. A case study method is used to explore trade between Korea and the EU with in-depth descriptive analysis. Digital trade-flow statistics were analyzed to develop the case for Korea and EU digital trade and derive implications for both countries. The findings were generalized by discussing the relevant literature and data from other countries to identify the wider implications. The analysis was focused on the areas of information and communication technology and e-commerce. The findings suggest uncovered trade imbalances, such as Korea’s surplus of ICT goods exports and the EU’s dominant position in online trade. There is an influence of supply chain dynamics, specifically the presence of Korean manufacturers’ production units in countries like Vietnam, and the same dynamics have shaped Korea’s actual place in the supply of ICT goods to the European market. While the digital partnership was established to align regulatory frameworks and foster trust, transparency, and harmonization in the digital domain, it has failed to adequately reflect the importance of digital trade. Although both sides are motivated to collaborate on the harmonization of digital trade rules, there have been instances where the partners’ interests diverge. It is concluded that some political and economic factors may hinder the effectiveness of the digital partnership, unless concrete measures that go beyond traditional bilateral policymaking approaches are implemented. It is therefore recommended to emphasize the need to enhance the efficacy of the digital partnership by taking bolder actions to develop digital trade.
Where SLA and Language Education Meet: The Transfer from Task-Based Needs Analysis to Task Design
Authors: Gilabert Roger
Published: October 2023

This theoretical article sets a goal to investigate how task-based needs analysis (TBNA) as part of instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) may mediate between constructs and concepts in second language acquisition (SLA) and task-based design. It is claimed that as an instantiation of instructed second language acquisition (ISLA), TBNA in task-based language teaching (TBLT) may bring together decision-making during task design and what is known about SLA products and processes. The article then explores some of the key SLA concepts in ISLA around the constructs of input, intake, knowledge, and output and relates them to task-based research. Thirdly, TBNA is defined and analyzed in terms of how it may inform task and syllabus design. Finally, SLA constructs are directly associated with pedagogic task design that springs from TBNA. After a close inspection of all dimensions of TBNA, the article concludes that task design based on detailed TBNA has indeed the potential to bring reality into instruction through thorough task descriptions and methods, as well as to trigger well-known and specific processes that bring SLA and language education closer.
Can Vitality and Mental Health Influence Upper Extremity Pain? A Prospective Cohort Study of 1185 Female Hospital Nurses
Authors: Núñez-Cortés Rodrigo , Espin Ander , Calatayud Joaquín , Pérez-Alenda Sofía , Cruz-Montecinos Carlos , López-Bueno Rubén , Vinstrup Jonas , Jakobsen Markus D. , Andersen Lars Louis
Published: October 2023

Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are among the most common occupational problems affecting nurses. The aim of this study was to analyze the prospective association between vitality and mental health and increased upper extremity pain intensity in female hospital nurses during a 1-year follow-up. A prospective cohort of 1185 female nurses from 19 hospitals in Denmark was conducted using baseline and 12-month follow-up questionnaires to identify potential associations between levels of vitality and mental health (SF-36 subscales) with pain intensity (0–10 scale) in the shoulder, elbow and hand/wrist regions. Associations were modeled using cumulative logistic regression. The fully adjusted model included the variables of age, baseline pain, body mass index, smoking status, years of occupation, leisure time physical activity level, number of daily patient transfers/handlings, as well as recognition and influence at work. The mean age was 48.3 (SD: 10.4) years. In the fully adjusted model, significant associations between low vitality levels and the odds of shoulder pain (OR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.43–2.68) and hand/wrist pain (OR = 2.32; 95%CI: 1.58–3.42) were observed. Likewise, moderate levels of mental health was associated with increased odds of shoulder pain at follow-up (OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.16–1.93). These results provide an important incentive for nursing managers to assess vitality and mental health among hospital nurses and to consider this factor in prevention strategies to ensure good worker health and, by extension, high-quality care.
Wanna Bet? Investigating the Factors Related to Adolescent and Young Adult Gambling
Authors: Rizzo Amelia , La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Commodari Elena , Alparone Dario , Crescenzo Pietro , Yıldırım Murat , Chirico Francesco
Published: October 2023

For many adolescents and young adults, gambling can represent an attractive and exciting form of entertainment, a way to take risks and explore new experiences. However, gambling also poses a significant risk for this age group. Research suggests that adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of gambling, including addiction, financial difficulties, and mental health issues. This paper aims to critically examine data on adolescent and young adult gambling, focusing on the risk factors associated with gambling behavior. A total of 326 subjects (Mage = 19.01; SD =2.72), of whom 65.5% were female, completed a protocol containing a demographic sheet, the Lie/Bet Questionnaire, the Seven Domains Addiction Scale (7DAS), a subscale of the Addictive Behavior Questionnaire and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Specifically, we explored the impact of sociodemographic, environmental, psychological, and cognitive factors on adolescent and young adult gambling behavior. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Meaning in Life and Loneliness as Mediators between COVID-19 Anxiety and Life Satisfaction in the Post-Pandemic among the General Population in Turkey: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Çağış Zafer Güney , Öztekin Gülçin Güler , Aziz Izaddin Ahmad , Chirico Francesco , Rizzo Amelia , Yıldırım Murat
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how COVID-19-related anxiety affects life satisfaction through psychological factors. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and loneliness in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction in 333 Turkish general population (59.2% females; Mage = 33.9 ± 7.8). Participants completed measures of COVID-19 anxiety, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and loneliness. The results showed that COVID-19 anxiety predicted meaning in life, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Meaning in life predicted loneliness and life satisfaction, while loneliness predicted life satisfaction. Serial mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 anxiety predicts life satisfaction through meaning in life and loneliness, even after controlling for age and gender. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction, with implications for future research and practice.
High-Level Hessian-Based Image Processing with the Frangi Neuron
Authors: Hachaj Tomasz , Piekarczyk Marcin
Published: October 2023

The Frangi neuron proposed in this work is a complex element that allows high-level Hessian-based image processing. Its adaptive parameters (weights) can be trained using a minimum number of training data. In our experiment, we showed that just one image is enough to optimize the values of the weights. An intuitive application of the Frangi neuron is to use it in image segmentation process. In order to test the performance of the Frangi neuron, we used diverse medical datasets on which second-order structures are visualized. The Frangi network presented in this paper trained on a single image proved to be significantly more effective than the U-net trained on the same dataset. For the datasets tested, the network performed better as measured by area under the curve receiver operating characteristic (ROC AUC) than U-net and the Frangi algorithm. However, the Frangi network performed several times faster than the non-GPU implementation of Frangi. There is nothing to prevent the Frangi neuron from being used as part of any other network as a component to process two-dimensional images, for example, to detect certain second-order features in them.
Towards Scalable and Privacy-Enhanced On-Street Parking Management: A Roadmap for Future Inquiry
Authors: Alahmadi Shatha , Hakeem Abeer , Attiah Afraa , Alghamdi Bandar , Mohaisen Linda
Published: October 2023

Studies have shown that in today’s urban areas, drivers lose a significant amount of time searching for available on-street parking spaces. Cruising drivers cause numerous problems, such as wasting gasoline and emitting gasses that lead to air pollution. To solve this issue, the parking industry and academia have made great efforts to lessen cruising drivers’ problems by providing on-street parking management solutions that can help enhance the efficient use of limited free on-street parking spaces. However, these solutions have two main limitations, scalability and privacy. This paper proposes a systematic literature review that examines the on-street parking management solutions that are currently in use, with a particular focus on their scalability and privacy limitations. According to the findings, there is a growing interest in on-street parking management solutions; however, the scalability of the systems used is a significant challenge since the servers that collect and manage parking availability have to perform intensive computation and communication with the drivers. Additionally, privacy concerns are a major issue, as the solutions often collect and store personal information such as drivers’ locations. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and development of these solutions to address both limitations and promote their widespread adoption.
Design of a Compact Microstrip Decoupled Array
Authors: Weng Zibin , Yang Dan , Xue Kaibin
Published: October 2023

A one-dimensional mono-pulse microstrip antenna plays an important role in target detection, tracking, recognition and imaging. However, feeding and coupling are the main reasons for the large size of the mono-pulse antenna, which is not conducive to miniaturization and integration. A miniaturized mono-pulse antenna is proposed to reduce the size and improve the integration in antenna design. The proposed antenna has a more compact size and good isolation, with a well-maintained radiation pattern and zero depth. The antenna unit size is 0.19 λ0 × 0.19 λ0 × 0.006 λ0. The overall antenna size is 78 mm × 78 mm × 1.48 mm (0.63 λ0 × 0.63 λ0 × 0.0012 λ0). In this communication, a general decoupling feeding network for two-element microstrip array antennas is also designed. Experiment validations confirm that the operating frequency of the designed antenna system is at 2.45 GHz with a gain of 5.54 dBi. The return loss of the sum and difference ports is 16.14 dB and 15.2 dB, respectively. The isolation of the ports is 36.6 dB. The proposed miniaturized mono-pulse antenna is approximately 64% smaller in size compared to previous versions.
Longitudinal and Lateral Stability Control Strategies for ACC Systems of Differential Steering Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yang Mingfei , Tian Jie
Published: October 2023

To ensure lateral stability during the cruising of a differential steering vehicle (DSV), this paper presents a curving adaptive cruise control (ACC) system coordinated with a differential steering control (DSC) system, which considers both longitudinal cruising capability and lateral stability on curved roads. Firstly, a DSV dynamics model is developed and a control strategy architecture for a curving ACC system is designed. Then, the car-following control strategy for the curving ACC system is designed based on the fuzzy model predictive control (FMPC) algorithm. The strategy aims to improve the economy and balances car following, safety, comfort and economy. Moreover, fuzzy logic rules are designed to update the weight coefficients of the performance indicators in real time. Finally, the lateral stability controller is designed based on the preview algorithm and the sliding mode control (SMC) algorithm. The simulation results show that the lateral stability of the DSV during the curving cruise is realized via the control of the differential drive torque of the two front wheels. The proposed FMPC controller and SMC controller based on the preview control algorithm satisfy the performance in terms of vehicle following and lateral stable driving in the process of cruising.
Analysis of Difference in Areal Density Aluminum Equivalent Method in Ionizing Total Dose Shielding Analysis of Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Liu Mingyu , He Chengfa , Feng Jie , Xun Mingzhu , Sun Jing , Li Yudong , Guo Qi
Published: October 2023

The space radiation environment has a radiation effect on electronic devices, especially the total ionizing dose effect, which seriously affects the service life of spacecraft on-orbit electronic devices and electronic equipment. Therefore, it is particularly important to enhance the radiation resistance of electronic devices. At present, many scientific research institutions still use the areal density equivalent aluminum method to calculate the shielding dose. This paper sets five common metal materials in aerospace through the GEANT4 Monte-Carlo simulation tool MULASSIS, individually calculating the absorption dose caused by single-energy electrons and protons in the silicon detector after shielding of five different materials, which have the same areal density of 0.8097 g/cm2. By comparing the above data, it was found that depending on the particle energy, the areal density aluminum equivalent method would overestimate or underestimate the absorbed dose in the shielded silicon detector, especially for the ionization total dose shielding effect of low-energy electrons. The areal density aluminum equivalent method will greatly overestimate the shielding dose, so this difference needs to be taken into account when evaluating the ionizing dose of the electronics on a spacecraft to make the assessment more accurate.
Weakly Supervised Cross-Domain Person Re-Identification Algorithm Based on Small Sample Learning
Authors: Li Huiping , Wang Yan , Zhu Lingwei , Wang Wenchao , Yin Kangning , Li Ye , Yin Guangqiang
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a weakly supervised cross-domain person re-identification (Re-ID) method based on small sample data. In order to reduce the cost of data collection and annotation, the model design focuses on extracting and abstracting the information contained in the data under limited conditions. In this paper, we focus on the problems of strong data dependence, weak cross-domain capability and low accuracy in Re-ID in weakly supervised scenarios. Our contributions are as follows: first, we implement a joint training framework with the help of small sample learning and cross-domain migration for Re-ID. Second, with the help of residual compensation and fusion attention module, the RCFA module is designed, and the model framework is built on this basis to improve the cross-domain ability of the model. Third, to solve the problem of low accuracy caused by insufficient data coverage of small samples, a fusion of shallow features and deep features is designed to enable the model to weighted fusion of shallow detail information and deep semantic information. Finally, by selecting different camera images in Market1501 dataset and DukeMTMC-reID dataset as small samples, respectively, and introducing another dataset data for joint training, we demonstrate the feasibility of this joint training framework, which can perform weakly supervised cross-domain Re-ID based on small sample data.
Recruiting Doctoral Students: Getting It Right for All Involved
Authors: Andrews Jane
Published: October 2023

This entry explores the different ways in which students are accepted onto doctoral degrees such as PhDs and professional doctorates. The processes involved are referred to in this entry, and in much of the policy-related and research-informed literature, as “recruitment and selection”. These processes are worthy of attention given that they are high stakes for students themselves, those who guide and advise them, known as academic “supervisors”, and for academic communities more broadly. The entry acknowledges that recruitment and selection processes differ between institutions and across geographical contexts. The entry draws upon research studies and policy documents which relate to recruitment and selection practices from local, national and international contexts.
Insulin Resistance and Glucose Metabolism during Infection
Authors: Arneth Borros
Published: October 2023

Specific critical functions of endocrine and immune cells ensure that an individual remains healthy and free from infection. This study aimed to explore immune–endocrine associations involved in disease. Methods: The PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant articles using the following search terms and phrases: “hormones”, “hormonal responses”, “immune system”, “endocrine system”, “infection”, “immune cells”, “endocrine cells”, “infection”, “immune”, “endocrine”, and “interactions”. The search was limited to articles published between 2009 and 2023. Results: A review of ninety-three studies showed that metabolic activity levels in the body as well as energy consumption patterns are affected by feedback loops that connect the endocrine and immune systems. The associations between endocrine cells and immune cells are complex and involve a wide range of hormones, molecules, and receptors related to antipathogen responses and metabolic regulation. Conclusions: During infection, endocrine cells and immune cells interact via feedback loops to ensure optimal energy utilization and a timely response to pathogens. Therefore, the endocrine system helps to regulate systemic metabolism while controlling the outcomes of regulatory elements of the immune system.
Robot Cooking—Transferring Observations into a Planning Language: An Automated Approach in the Field of Cooking
Authors: Schmitz Markus , Menz Florian , Grunau Ruben , Mandischer Nils , Hüsing Mathias , Corves Burkhard
Published: October 2023

The recognition of human activities from video sequences and their transformation into a machine-readable form is a challenging task, which is the subject of many studies. The goal of this project is to develop an automated method for analyzing, identifying and processing motion capture data into a planning language. This is performed in a cooking scenario by recording the pose of the acting hand. First, predefined side actions are detected in the dataset using classification. The remaining frames are then clustered into main actions. Using this information, the known initial positions and virtual object tracking, a machine-readable planning domain definition language (PDDL) is generated.
Agitation of Viscoplastic Fluid in a Rotating Vessel Using Close Clearance Agitators
Authors: Benmoussa Amine
Published: October 2023

Technological advancements have continued to progress in all fields, achieving remarkable feats. Additionally, productivity is increasing across the board as a result of strong economic expansion, which has encouraged changes in people’s way of life, such as the increasing use of pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, detergents, and food products. A hydrothermal study is required in these areas to optimize the design of the stirring system. The aim of the current work is to investigate the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics of a mechanical agitation system with a non-Newtonian fluid of the Bingham–Bercovier type in a cylindrical vessel with three blade configurations. Our research is specifically directed towards mechanically agitated systems utilizing close clearance stirrers, particularly focusing on the anchor, gate and two-bladed impellers, within cylindrical tanks that possess flat bottoms without baffles. The results show that the anchor impeller, with its broad blades and low-shear characteristics, is more suited for breaking down yield stress and inducing flow in these fluids, which creates a wide flow pattern that effectively overcomes yield stress. However, the addition of vertical arms to transform it into a gate impeller promotes mixing, heat transfer and thermal efficiency with a small energy cost compared to an anchor impeller against the two-bladed impeller.
Exploring Land System Options to Enhance Fire Resilience under Different Land Morphologies
Authors: Silva João Ferreira , Pena Selma B. , Cunha Natália S. , Ribeiro Paulo Flores , Moreira Francisco , Santos José Lima
Published: October 2023

Fire is the origin of serious environmental and social impacts in Mediterranean-like landscapes, such as those in California, Australia, and southern Europe. Portugal is one of the southern European countries most affected by fire, which has increased in intensity and extent in the recent decades in response to variations in climate, but mostly due to changes in land systems (LSs), characterized by land use and land cover and also by factors such as management intensity, livestock composition, land ownership structure, and demography. Agricultural activities, which contributed to the management of fuel in the overall landscape, were allocated to the most productive areas, while the steepest areas were occupied by extensive areas of shrubland and monospecific forests, creating landscapes of high fire-proneness. These challenging circumstances call for landscape transformation actions focusing on reducing the burned area, but the spatial distribution of LS is highly conditioned by land morphology (LM), which limits the actions (e.g., farming operations) that can be taken. Considering the constraints posed by the LM, this study investigates whether there is a possibility of transforming the landscape by single modifying the LS from more to less fire prone. To better understand landscape–fire relationships, the individual and interactive effects of the LS and LM on burned areas were also analyzed. Even in the more fire-prone LM types, a 40% proportion of agricultural uses in the landscape results in an effective reduction in the burned area.
An FDS Simulation to Predict the Kerosene Pool Fire Results at Rocket Launchpad Basement Facilities in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Jang Kyeong Min , Yeo In Seok , Oh Hwa Young , Kang Sun Il , Jung Eun Sang
Published: October 2023

In the Republic of Korea, a new rocket launchpad was constructed to launch the KSLV-II on an island, and all the launchpad facilities are located in basement. Because of the complex and diverse facilities, fire accidents have increased. Using the FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) to predict the damage from kerosene storage and drain tank pool fires is garnering more attention as a tool of choice. The FDS supports a sprinkler model, which is needed to analyze fire extinguishing by water sprinkling. To predict and estimate the resistance of the building and thermal damage, the main analysis factors for a kerosene tank pool fire accident are temperature and HRR (heat release rate per unit volume). In 3 m3 release cases, the maximum temperature decreased by 33% from 900 K to 600 K by sprinkled water, and the maximum HRR decreased by 70% from 20,000 kW/m3 to 6000 kW/m3. In 10 m3 release cases, the temperature and HRR decreased by 44%, from 800 K to 450 K and 68% from 25,000 kW/m3 to 8000 kW/m3, respectively.
Development and Seasonal Variations of the Larvae of Three Mesopelagic Fishes near Coral Reefs in the Red Sea
Authors: Abu El-Regal Mohamed Ahmed , Ditty James G.
Published: October 2023

This work aims to describe the larval stages and the seasonal variation in the abundance of three mesopelagic species whose larvae are surprisingly abundant near coral reef areas in the Red Sea. The larvae were collected monthly using a plankton net (500 µ) from three coastal coral reef areas surrounding Sharm El-Sheikh on the Egyptian Red Sea coast between January and December 2015. The identification of larvae was based on the morphological and meristic characteristics according to the available literature. The larvae of this species were divided into preflexion, flexion, and postflexion stages and they were also categorized according to their size into relevant size classes. Mesopelagic fishes were represented in the collection by four species belonging to four families: Vinciguerria mabahiss (Family: Phosichthyidae), Benthosema pterotum (Family: Myctophidae), Astronesthes martensii (Family: Stomiidae; subfamily: Astronesthinae), and Trichiurus sp. (Family: Trichiuridae). In general, a total of 3678 larvae were collected, of which 1191, constituting about 32% of the total fish larvae, belonged to mesopelagic species. The most abundant species was V. mabahiss, with 677 larvae that constituted 18% and 57% of the total larvae and mesopelagic fish larvae, respectively. The second most abundant species was B. pterotum, which was represented by 485 larvae (13% of the total larvae and 40% of the mesopelagic fish larvae). A. martensii was represented by the lowest number of larvae (29 larvae, 2%). Most larvae of the three species were small and in the preflexion stage, whereas larger larvae are absent. They are highly abundant in the cooler months of the year between November and April. The high number of preflexion larvae may indicate that the three mesopelagic species spawn in the colder times of the year.
Formulation of Gluten-Free Cookies Utilizing Chickpea, Carob, and Hazelnut Flours through Mixture Design
Authors: Dogruer Ilgin , Baser Filiz , Gulec Sukru , Tokatli Figen , Ozen Banu
Published: October 2023

Legume flours, which offer high nutritional quality, present viable options for gluten-free bakery products. However, they may have an objectionable flavor and taste for some consumers. In this study, it was aimed to improve the gluten-free cookie formulation by incorporating carob and hazelnut flours to pre-cooked chickpea flour and to investigate the techno-functional properties of the formulated cookies. The flours used in the formulations were assessed for their chemical and physical properties. This study employed a mixture design (simplex-centroid) to obtain the proportions of the flours to be used in the cookie formulations. The rheological characteristics of the doughs and the technological attributes of the baked cookies were determined. The addition of the hazelnut and carob flours had the overall effect of reducing the rheological characteristics of the cookie doughs. Furthermore, the textural attribute of the hardness of the baked cookies decreased as the ratio of hazelnut flour in the formulations was raised. The analysed results and sensory evaluation pointed to a formulation consisting of 30% pre-cooked chickpea/30% carob/30% hazelnut flours, which exhibited improved taste and overall acceptability scores. A total of 16.82 g/100 g of rapidly digestible starch, 5.36 g/100 g of slowly digestible starch, and 8.30 g/100 g of resistant starch exist in this particular cookie. As a result, combinations of chickpea, hazelnut, and carob flours hold promise as good alternatives for gluten-free cookie ingredients and warrant further exploration in the development of similar products.
Development of a Technology for Protein-Based, Glueless Belevskaya Pastille with Study of the Impact of Probiotic Sourdough Dosage and Technological Parameters on Its Rheological Properties
Authors: Pronina Yuliya , Kulazhanov Talgat , Nabiyeva Zhanar , Belozertseva Olga , Burlyayeva Anastasiya , Cepeda Alberto , Askarbekov Erik , Urazbekova Gulzhan , Bazylkhanova Elmira
Published: October 2023

The proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in strengthening the immune system. It is an undeniable fact that lactic acid microorganisms are necessary for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the source of which are mainly dairy products. However, there is a problem with the digestibility of lactose; therefore, alternative sources and carriers of probiotics are of particular interest. Due to its dietary and natural properties, protein marshmallow can serve as such a carrier. Therefore, the direction of this study is to identify the dependence of technological factors on the rheological properties of the product and the growth of lactic acid microorganisms in confectionery products enriched with lyophilised strains. According to the results of the study, the following was determined: the optimal technology to produce enriched Belevskaya pastille with a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus makes it possible to obtain a product with the necessary rheological properties, utilising a mass drying mode in a dehydrator at 50 °C for 16 h. The strains L. acidophilus M3 and L. acidophilus M4 were the most resistant to a high concentration of bile (40%) in the substrate. Based on the analysis of variance and the obtained regression equations, it was revealed that the growth of lactic acid microorganisms in the product was strongly influenced by the amount of ferment introduced (R² = 0.96). The level of penetration is influenced by factors such as the amount of probiotic starter introduced, the drying time and the interaction of drying time factors on the amount of starter added. The higher the level of penetration, the crumblier the product. The resulting functional product can be characterized as symbiotic since the main raw material of plant origin contains a large amount of fibre, which acts as a prebiotic, and the strain of microorganism, which acts as a probiotic. The data described in the article can be applied in the technological processes of similar products to regulate the structure of the product and vary the dosage of enrichment with probiotic starter cultures.
On the Valorization of Arbutus unedo L. Pomace: Polyphenol Extraction and Development of Novel Functional Cookies
Authors: Duarte Hugo , Carrera Ceferino , Aliaño-González María José , Gutiérrez-Escobar Rocío , Jiménez-Hierro María Jesús , Palma Miguel , Galego Ludovina , Romano Anabela , Medronho Bruno
Published: October 2023

The fruits of Arbutus unedo L. have a crimson colour and are enriched with remarkable concentrations of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and polyphenols. These fruits are commonly used in the production of a Portuguese Protected Geographical Indication distillate called “Aguardente de Medronho”. During this process, a solid pomace is generated and presently discarded without valuable applications. In this work, two strategies have been developed for the valorisation of A. unedo pomace. The first approach considers the extraction of polyphenols from this by-product through the optimization of an ultrasound-assisted method using a Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology. The results indicate that the temperature and the percentage of methanol, along with their interaction, significantly influence the total concentration of polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained. The optimal conditions identified consider the extraction of 0.5 g of sample with 20 mL of a solvent containing 74% MeOH (aq), at a pH of 4.8, maintained at 70 °C for 15 min. On the other hand, the second valorisation strategy considered the use of A. unedo pomace in the development of functional cookies. The incorporation of 15–20% pomace in the cookie formulation was well-received by consumers. This incorporation results in an intake of ca. 6.55 mg of polyphenols per gram of cookie consumed, accompanied by an antioxidant activity of 4.54 mg Trolox equivalents per gram of cookie consumed. Overall, these results encourage the employment of A. unedo pomace either as a reliable source of extracts enriched in polyphenols or as a nutraceutical active ingredient in functional cookies, thereby positively impacting human health.
Analysis of Non-Volatile Compounds in Jasmine Tea and Jasmine Based on Metabolomics and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Chen Yuan , An Huimin , Huang Yiwen , Liu Jiashun , Liu Zhonghua , Li Shi , Huang Jianan
Published: October 2023

Scenting tea with Jasminum sambac is beneficial to forming a unique taste of jasmine tea, which is regulated by numerous compounds. To investigate the relationship between metabolites in jasmine and jasmine tea, as well as the impact of metabolites on the characteristic taste of jasmine tea, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, sensory evaluation, and multivariate analysis were applied in this study. A total of 585 and 589 compounds were identified in jasmine tea and jasmine, respectively. After scented, jasmine tea added 70 compounds, which were believed to come from jasmine flowers. Furthermore, seventy-four compounds were identified as key characteristic compounds of jasmine tea, and twenty-two key differential metabolite compounds were believed to be used to distinguish jasmine tea scented differently and contribute to the taste of jasmine tea. Additionally, the relationship between taste compounds and aroma quality was also explored, and it was found that five compounds were positively correlated with the aroma properties of jasmine tea and seven compounds were negatively correlated with the aroma properties of jasmine tea. Overall, these findings provided insights into the future study of the mechanism of taste formation in jasmine tea and provided the theoretical basis for the production of jasmine tea.
Effects of Competition Intensities and R&D Spillovers on a Cournot Duopoly Game of Digital Economies
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Su Li , Wang Jianjun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce a Cournot duopoly game that can characterize fierce competition in digital economies and employ it to examine the effects of research and development (R&D) spillovers while considering various competition intensities. We obtain the analytical solution of the Nash equilibrium and the expression of commodity price, firm production, and variable profit under some key competition intensities. Furthermore, we analyze the local stability of the Nash equilibrium and derive that the equilibrium may lose its stability only through a 1:4 resonance bifurcation. Numerical simulations are conducted, through which we find that the Nash equilibrium transitions to complex dynamics through a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations. Phase portraits are also provided to illustrate more details of the dynamics, which confirm the previous theoretical finding that the Nash equilibrium loses its stability through a 1:4 resonance bifurcation.
Complex Organics in Space: A Changing View of the Cosmos
Authors: Kwok Sun
Published: October 2023

Planetary explorations have revealed that complex organics are widely present in the solar system. Astronomical infrared spectroscopic observations have discovered that complex organics are synthesized in large quantities in planetary nebulae and distributed throughout the galaxy. Signatures of organics have been found in distant galaxies, as early as 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. A number of unsolved spectral phenomena such as diffuse interstellar bands, extended red emissions, 220 nm feature, and unidentified infrared emission bands are likely to originate from organics. In this paper, we discuss the possible chemical structures of the carriers of these unexplained phenomena, and how these organics are synthesized abiotically in the universe. We raise the possibility that the primordial solar system was enriched by complex organics synthesized and ejected by evolved stars. The implications of possible stellar organics in primordial Earth are also discussed.
The Development of a Novel Sodium Alginate-Based Edible Active Hydrogel Coating and Its Application on Traditional Greek Spreadable Cheese
Authors: Giannakas Aris E. , Zaharioudakis Konstantinos , Kollia Eleni , Kopsacheili Anna , Avdylaj Learda , Georgopoulos Stavros , Leontiou Areti , Karabagias Vassilios K. , Kehayias George , Ragkava Efthymia , Proestos Charalampos , Salmas Constantinos E.
Published: October 2023

The necessity of reducing the greenhouse effect by decreasing the carbon dioxide fingerprint directed the food packaging technology to use biobased raw materials. Alginates, which are derived from brown algae species, are one of the most promising biobased biopolymers for the development of edible active coatings capable of protecting food from oxidation/bacterial spoilage. In this study, sodium alginate, which was plasticized with glycerol and mixed with a biobased thymol/natural halloysite nanohybrid, was used to develop novel edible active coatings. Nanocomposite coatings were also developed in this project by mixing pure halloysite with sodium alginate/glycerol matrix and were used as reference material for comparison reasons. Instrumental analysis indicated a higher compatibility of a thymol/halloysite nanohybrid with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix compared to pure halloysite with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix. Increased compatibility resulted in improved tensile properties, water/oxygen barrier properties, and total antioxidant activity. These edible active coatings were applied to traditional Greek spread cheese and showed a reduction in the mesophilic microbial population over one log10 unit (cfu/g) compared to uncoated cheese. Moreover, the reduction in the mesophilic microbial population increased with the increase in halloysite and thymol content, indicating such sodium alginate/glycerol/thymol/halloysite hydrogels as promising edible active coatings for dairy products.
Oscillation of Sympathetic Activity in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea during the First Hour of Sleep
Authors: Chiang Jui-Kun , Lin Yen-Chang , Kao Yee-Hsin
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Snoring is a cardinal symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and has been suggested to potentially increase sympathetic activity. On the other hand, sleep itself usually leads to a decrease in sympathetic activity. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a non-invasive technique used to assess autonomic nervous system function. However, there is limited research on the combined impact of sleep and snoring on sympathetic activity in individuals with OSA, particularly during the first hour of sleep (non-rapid eye movement sleep). The current study aims to investigate the net effect of sleep and snoring on sympathetic activity and explore factors that might contribute to increased sympathetic activity in individuals with OSA during the first hour of sleep. (2) Methods: The participants were referred from the outpatient department for OSA diagnosis and underwent whole-night polysomnography (PSG). Electrocardiogram (EKG) data from the PSG were downloaded for HRV analysis. HRV measurements were conducted in both the time and frequency domain, including the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) and the ratio of the absolute power of the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04–0.15 Hz) to the absolute power of the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15–0.4 Hz) (LF/HF ratio), respectively. (3) Results: A total of 45 participants (38 men and 7 women) were included in the analysis. The RMSSD gradually increased from 0–5 min to 50–60 min (p = 0.024), while the LF/HF ratio decreased (p < 0.001) during the first hour of sleep (non-rapid eye movement sleep). The LF/HF ratios of the “S” (snoring) episodes were compared with those of the pre-S episodes. An elevated LF/HF ratio during the S episode was associated with the first snoring episode occurring more than 20 min after lying down to sleep (Odds ratio, OR = 10.9, p = 0.004) and with patients diagnosed with severe OSA (OR = 5.01, p = 0.045), as determined by logistic regression. (4) Conclusions: The study observed an increase in the value of RMSSD and a decrease in the value of the LF/HF ratio during the first hour of sleep for patients with OSA. Higher LF/HF ratios were associated with the first occurrence of snoring while lying down for more than 20 min and with patients with severe OSA.