bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy-Based Spatiotemporal Hot Spot Intensity and Propagation—An Application in Crime Analysis
Authors: Cardone Barbara , Di Martino Ferdinando
Published: January 2022

Cluster-based hot spot detection is applied in many disciplines to analyze the locations, concentrations, and evolution over time for a phenomenon occurring in an area of study. The hot spots consist of areas within which the phenomenon is most present; by detecting and monitoring the presence of hot spots in different time steps, it is possible to study their evolution over time. One of the most prominent problems in hot spot analysis occurs when measuring the intensity of a phenomenon in terms of the presence and impact on an area of study and evaluating its evolution over time. In this research, we propose a hot spot analysis method based on a fuzzy cluster hot spot detection algorithm, which allows us to measure the incidence of hot spots in the area of study. We analyze its variation over time, and in order to evaluate its reliability we use a well-known fuzzy entropy measure that was recently applied to measure the reliability of hot spots by executing fuzzy clustering algorithms. We apply this method in crime analysis of the urban area of the City of London, using a dataset of criminal events that have occurred since 2011, published by the City of London Police. The obtained results show a decrease in the frequency of all types of criminal events over the entire area of study in recent years.
Swarm Intelligence Techniques for Mobile Wireless Charging
Authors: Ijemaru Gerald K. , Ang Kenneth Li-Minn , Seng Jasmine Kah Phooi
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes energy-efficient swarm intelligence (SI)-based approaches for efficient mobile wireless charging in a distributed large-scale wireless sensor network (LS-WSN). This approach considers the use of special multiple mobile elements, which traverse the network for the purpose of energy replenishment. Recent techniques have shown the advantages inherent to the use of a single mobile charger (MC) which periodically visits the network to replenish the sensor-nodes. However, the single MC technique is currently limited and is not feasible for LS-WSN scenarios. Other approaches have overlooked the need to comprehensively discuss some critical tradeoffs associated with mobile wireless charging, which include: (1) determining the efficient coordination and charging strategies for the MCs, and (2) determining the optimal amount of energy available for the MCs, given the overall available network energy. These important tradeoffs are investigated in this study. Thus, this paper aims to investigate some of the critical issues affecting efficient mobile wireless charging for large-scale WSN scenarios; consequently, the network can then be operated without limitations. We first formulate the multiple charger recharge optimization problem (MCROP) and show that it is N-P hard. To solve the complex problem of scheduling multiple MCs in LS-WSN scenarios, we propose the node-partition algorithm based on cluster centroids, which adaptively partitions the whole network into several clusters and regions and distributes an MC to each region. Finally, we provide detailed simulation experiments using SI-based routing protocols. The results show the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of different evaluation metrics, where SI-based techniques are presented as a veritable state-of-the-art approach for improved energy-efficient mobile wireless charging to extend the network operational lifetime. The investigation also reveals the efficacy of the partial charging, over the full charging, strategies of the MCs.
Experiences on the Improvement of Logic-Based Anaphora Resolution in English Texts
Authors: Ferilli Stefano , Redavid Domenico
Published: January 2022

Anaphora resolution is a crucial task for information extraction. Syntax-based approaches are based on the syntactic structure of sentences. Knowledge-poor approaches aim at avoiding the need for further external resources or knowledge to carry out their task. This paper proposes a knowledge-poor, syntax-based approach to anaphora resolution in English texts. Our approach improves the traditional algorithm that is considered the standard baseline for comparison in the literature. Its most relevant contributions are in its ability to handle differently different kinds of anaphoras, and to disambiguate alternate associations using gender recognition of proper nouns. The former is obtained by refining the rules in the baseline algorithm, while the latter is obtained using a machine learning approach. Experimental results on a standard benchmark dataset used in the literature show that our approach can significantly improve the performance over the standard baseline algorithm used in the literature, and compares well also to the state-of-the-art algorithm that thoroughly exploits external knowledge. It is also efficient. Thus, we propose to use our algorithm as the new baseline in the literature.
Industrial Internet of Things for Condition Monitoring and Diagnosis of Dry Vacuum Pumps in Atomic Layer Deposition Equipment
Authors: Lee Yongho , Kim Chanyoung , Hong Sang Jeen
Published: January 2022

In the modern semiconductor industry, defective products occur with unexpected small variables due to process miniaturization. Managing the condition of each part is an effective way of preventing unexpected errors. The industrial internet of things (IIoT) environment, which can monitor and analyze the performance degradation of parts that affect process results, enables advanced process yield management. This paper introduces the IIoT concept-based data monitoring and diagnostic system construction results. The process of pump vibration data acquisition is explained to evaluate the effectiveness of this system. The target process is deposition. The purpose of the system is to detect degradation of pumps due to by-products of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The system consists of three areas: a data acquisition unit using six vibration sensors, a Web access-based monitoring unit that can monitor vibration data, and an Azure platform that searches for outliers in vibration data.
A Self-Validating Method via the Unification of Multiple Models for Consistent Parameter Identification in PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Blanco-Cocom Luis , Botello-Rionda Salvador , Ordoñez Luis Carlos , Valdez Sergio Ivvan
Published: January 2022

Mathematical models are used for simulating the electrochemical phenomena of proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells. They differ in the scale, modeling variables, precision in specific features, and the required parameters. Often, the input parameters are not measurable and need to be estimated by minimizing the error between the model output and experimental data; however, the estimated parameters could differ from one model to another, hence provoking uncertainty about the correct values and the model’s suitability for simulating the real phenomenon. To address these issues, we introduced a self-validating methodology using three different mathematical models: The first set of parameters was estimated with a semi-empirical (SE) model; then, it was used for computing several points of the polarization curve (PC). The SE parameters and points were used to estimate a second set of parameters and to compute a single point of the PC with a macro-homogeneous (MH) model. The parameters and concentration profiles from the MH solution were used to estimate the last set of parameters with the reaction–convection–diffusion (SP-RCD) model, increasing the detail of the simulation. The SP-RCD parameters were returned to the MH model to recover the complete PC. The proposed methodology requires a few data points to consistently recover the same PC from the three models through estimating parameters in one model and validating them in the others. As output, the method provides complete information about several variables and the physical properties of the catalysts. In addition to the consistent simulation, the numerical results are consistent with those reported in the literature, thus validating the proposed method.
Definition of a Protocol for the Experimental Monitoring of Rising Damp in Three Different Masonry Models with Tuff, Carparo, and Lecce Stone
Authors: Congedo Paolo Maria , Baglivo Cristina , Quarta Giovanni , Di Gloria Pasquale , D’Agostino Delia
Published: January 2022

This work presents a new protocol for monitoring rising damp, which is applied to three masonry models made of tuff, carparo, and Lecce stone. First, the physical characteristics of each stone were derived in the laboratory, which included porosity, imbibition, drying index, permeability, capillarity, and sorptivity. In this case, the protocol provided three columns, one for each material, consisting of five blocks. A layer of cotton tissue was interposed between columned blocks to simulate the hygroscopic behavior of a mortar, allowing a quick disassembly and reassembly of the multiblock columns for a quick weighing. The bottoms of the columns were immersed in water to a level of about three centimeters, providing a constant replenishment for the phenomena of evaporation and rising in the stone. The maximum height achieved by the rising damp depends on the characteristics of the building materials, i.e., the amount and size of pores, pore connectivity, etc. Since these materials have different physical characteristics, the objective was to quantify the rising moisture level of the three materials tested, block by block, in a controlled indoor microclimate environment. The three columns were periodically weighed, the quantity of collected water was evaluated, and a thermographic survey was performed. The results show that at the end of the test, the highest level of rising damp is reached by tuff with a height of 43 cm, followed by Lecce stone and carparo with a height of 40 cm and 21 cm, respectively. The innovation of this study is the proposal of a new flexible and easy-to-apply method for monitoring this phenomenon. It gives clear and numerically comparable results. Moreover, it is applicable to any type of stone, allowing the user to evaluate both the existing state and different design solutions.
Thermal Safety Analysis of On-Site Emulsion Explosives Mixed with Waste Engine Oil
Authors: Sun Weibo , Gao Xuefeng , Wang Yan , Tong Yanjun
Published: January 2022

The study of the thermal safety of emulsion explosives mixed with waste engine oil is very important for the safety of these types of explosives used in mine blasting. In order to study the thermal safety of emulsion explosives mixed with waste engine oil, thermal safety tests were carried out using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), non-isothermal kinetics, and the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The results show that the minor particle impurities in the filtered waste engine oil are mainly combustibles; after adding different amounts of waste engine oil, the activation energy of the emulsion matrix decreases from 110.33 kJ/mol to 75.39 kJ/mol, 74.50 kJ/mol, and 82.23 kJ/mol, and the critical temperature for thermal explosion changes from 194.16 °C to 169.73 °C, 227.47 °C, and 208.78 °C. The addition of waste engine oil reduces the activation energy of emulsion explosives. The waste engine oil is negatively correlated with the activation energy and the thermal explosion reaction temperature of emulsion explosives, and the correlation coefficient is −0.686 and −0.333. The emulsifier is positively correlated with the critical temperature of thermal explosion of emulsion explosives, and the correlation coefficient is 0.251. The small particles in the waste engine oil create a hot spot in the emulsion explosives, which reduces the thermal safety of the emulsion explosives mixed with waste engine oil. The emulsifier reduces the droplet size of the emulsion explosive, improves the oil-water interface strength, and improves the thermal safety of the emulsion explosives mixed with waste engine oil. The thermal safety of emulsion explosives mixed with waste engine oil can be improved by reducing the proportion of the sensitizer and increasing the proportion of the emulsifier.
Characterization of the Dynamics of Leachate Contamination Plumes in the Surroundings of the Hulene-B Waste Dump in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Bernardo Bernardino , Candeias Carla , Rocha Fernando
Published: January 2022

The contamination of areas around solid urban waste dumps is a global challenge for the maintenance of environmental quality in large urban centres in developing countries. This study applied a geophysical method (electrical resistivity) to identify leachate contamination plumes in the subsoil and groundwater, as well as to describe their temporal dynamics (2020 and 2021) in the surroundings of the Hulene-B waste dump, Maputo, Mozambique. Eight 400 m electrical resistivity profiles were performed, four profiles in January 2020 and four profiles in May 2021 overlapped, and the data were inverted with RES2D software. The electrical resistivity models predominantly indicate an E-W movement of large contamination plumes that are successively diluted with saturated media and groundwater, creating zones of less resistive anomalies (<4.2–8.5 Ω·m) possibly contaminated at the two analysed seasons, between 2020–2021. The thickness of the contamination plumes was higher in summer (2020) for profiles 1 and 2, and we associate it with the production and migration mechanisms of leachate that are intense in the hot and rainy season. Southwest of the dump, profile 4b showed the propagation of anomalous areas on the surface and at depth, which are associated with the production of leachate resulting from the continuous decomposition of waste that is continuously deposited in a new area southwest of the dump, thus generating a slow and continuous migration of leachate at depth, mainly in winter (2021). The spatial distribution of contamination plumes during both seasons was reduced significantly farther away from the waste deposit, revealing the attenuating effect of groundwater and lithological substrate (Profile 3).
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Epigenomes in 2021
Authors:   Epigenomes Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Valorization of Brewers’ Spent Grains: Pretreatments and Fermentation, a Review
Authors: Mitri Sara , Salameh Sarah-Joe , Khelfa Anissa , Leonard Estelle , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas , Koubaa Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Brewers’ spent grains constitute a valuable byproduct of the beer industry. They are characterized by a rich nutritional composition consisting of around 70% lignocellulosic fibrous material, 20% proteins, 10% lipids, in addition to vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phenolic compounds. These spent grains are produced in large amounts all through the year, are cheap, and lack economically feasible applications. Nowadays, 70% of these spent grains are used as animal feed, 10% are used for biogas production, and the remaining 20% are disposed in landfills. Due to the aforementioned facts, alternative uses of the brewers’ spent grains are highly sought-after. In fact, this nutrient-rich industrial by-product makes it a very good candidate for valorization through biotechnological processing, particularly microbial fermentation. After applying the needed pretreatments, using brewers’ spent grains as a substrate in submerged and solid-state fermentation of different microorganisms leads to the production of various value-added compounds such as organic acids, amino acids, volatile fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, second-generation biofuels and other products.
The Impact of Must Nutrients and Yeast Strain on the Aromatic Quality of Wines for Cognac Distillation
Authors: Guittin Charlie , Maçna Faïza , Sanchez Isabelle , Barreau Adeline , Poitou Xavier , Sablayrolles Jean-Marie , Mouret Jean-Roch , Farines Vincent
Published: January 2022

In order to understand the influence of nitrogen and lipid nutrition on the aromatic quality of wines for cognac distillation, we developed a transdisciplinary approach that combined statistical modeling (experimental central composite design and response surface modeling) with metabolomic analysis. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that met the requirements of cognac appellation were tested at a laboratory scale (1 L) and a statistical analysis of covariance was performed to highlight the organoleptic profile (fermentative aromas, terpenes, alcohols and aldehydes) of each strain. The results showed that nitrogen and lipid nutrients had an impact on the aromatic quality of cognac wines: high lipid concentrations favored the production of organic acids, 1-octen-3-ol and terpenes and inhibited the synthesis of esters. Beyond this trend, each yeast strain displayed its own organoleptic characteristics but had identical responses to different nutritional conditions.
Food-Borne Nanocarriers for Calcium Delivery: A New Choice for Nutrient Supplements
Authors: Wang Nanying , Chen Yannan , Song Yukun , Yu Deyang , Tan Mingqian
Published: January 2022

Calcium is considered as an important nutrient element for the maintenance of human health, and food-borne nanoparticles (FNs) produced during food processing may have potential as nanocarriers for calcium ion delivery. Beef is an important source of animal protein that has high protein and low fat content and is rich in a variety of amino acids; thus, beef may be a suitable material for the development of calcium nanocarriers. In this paper, FNs were synthesized from beef by one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The FNs had a spherical shape with a size of about 3.0 nm and emitted a bright blue fluorescence under 365 nm ultraviolet irradiation. The amino nitrogen atom and carboxyl oxygen atom of the functional groups on the surface of the FNs were the main binding sites for the chelation of Ca(II). The size of the FNs-Ca(II) complex was about 4.75 nm, and the specific signal peak of calcium at 3.7 keV was observed in its energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectrum. The viability of cells treated with FNs-Ca(II) was more than 65%, while viability was only 60% after treatment with CaCl2. The results showed that the FNs from beef have great potential in calcium delivery for the development of a calcium supplement.
The Establishment of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction for the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity from Morus alba Leaves
Authors: Martín-García Beatriz , Aznar-Ramos María José , Verardo Vito , Gómez-Caravaca Ana María
Published: January 2022

Phenolic compounds of Morus alba leaves are bioactive compounds with beneficial properties for human health. Therefore, in this study, an optimization of ultrasonic assisted extraction by Box–Behnken design was used for the first time to optimize factors such as the percentage of ethanol, ratio solvent/sample (v/w) and extraction time to reach the highest phenolic compound amounts (evaluated by HPLC-MS) while also evaluating in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The optimal extraction conditions were 40% ethanol, 1/400 (w/v) and 35 min. Applying these optimal conditions, which were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS, resulted in the extraction of 21 phenolic compounds. According to these results, the main phenolic compounds in Morus alba leaves are the phenolic glycoside and phenolic acid named protocatechuic acid-glucoside and caffeoylquinic. In addition, Morus alba leaf extract contains flavonols such quercetin-3-O-6-acetylglucoside and rutin, which represent more than 7% of its total phenolic content.
An Overview of the Successful Application of Vibrational Spectroscopy Techniques to Quantify Nutraceuticals in Fruits and Plants
Authors: Cozzolino Daniel
Published: January 2022

Vibrational spectroscopy techniques are the most used techniques in the routine analysis of foods. This technique is widely utilised to measure and monitor the proximate chemical composition (e.g., protein, dry matter, fat and fibre) in an array of agricultural commodities, food ingredients and products. Developments in optics, instrumentation and hardware concomitantly with data analytics, have allowed for the progress in novel applications of these technologies in the field of nutraceutical and bio compound analysis. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated the capability of vibrational spectroscopy to evaluate and/or measure these nutraceuticals in a broad selection of fruit and plants as alternative to classical analytical approaches. This article highlights, as well as discusses, the challenges and opportunities that define the successful application of vibrational spectroscopy techniques, and the advantages that these techniques have to offer to evaluate and quantify nutraceuticals in fruits and plants.
Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Vacuum Impregnation Antifreeze Protein on the Water-Holding Capacity and Texture Properties of the Yesso Scallop Adductor Muscle during Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Shi Yuyao , Wang Hongli , Zheng Yao , Qiu Zehui , Wang Xichang
Published: January 2022

The effect of antifreeze protein (AFP) on the water-holding capacity (WHC) and texture properties of the Patinopecten yessoensis adductor muscles during freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) were evaluated based on three impregnation methods: general impregnation (GI), vacuum impregnation (VI), and ultrasound-assisted VI (US-VI). The WHC, texture properties, and tissue microstructure were all evaluated. Results showed that the WHC and texture properties of adductor muscle were significantly improved in the VI and US-VI groups during FTCs (p < 0.05). The WHC of the adductor muscle in the US-VI group was maximally enhanced in terms of yield (6.63%), centrifugal loss, cooking loss, and T22. The US-VI group of the adductor muscle had the optimal chewiness and springiness compared to others, and the shear force and hardness were most effectively enhanced by VI. The growth and recrystallization of ice crystals in the frozen adductor muscle were significantly inhibited by VI and US-VI. The average cross-sectional area and roundness of ice crystals in the US-VI group were decreased by 61.89% and increased by 22.22% compared with those of the control, respectively. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model further confirmed that the WHC and texture properties of the adductor muscle were correlated appreciably with the degree of modification of ice crystal morphology through the AFP.
Influence of Baking Temperature and Formulation on Physical, Sensorial, and Morphological Properties of Pogácsa Cake: An Image Analysis Study
Authors: Amani Hanieh , Baranyai László , Badak-Kerti Katalin , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: January 2022

Pogácsa is a high-demand bakery product with a unique texture, where crumb structure is a determining factor for its textural quality and consumer acceptability. At present, there is no non-destructive in-line inspection method for textural quality assessment of pogácsa. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the texture of pogácsa using the image processing technique, which was prepared using different cheeses with varying moisture contents (MC) and was baked at 200 and 215 °C. Samples were assessed for textural, visual, physical, and sensorial properties. The findings indicated that the highest porosity (72.75%) was found for the sample baked at 215 °C with low-moisture cheese (58%), while the lowest porosity (32.66%) was observed for cheese-free sample baked at 200 °C. Pore volumetric ratio and MC showed strong correlations (p < 0.01) with hardness (−0.90 and −0.89), resilience (0.87 and 0.83), cohesiveness (0.84 and 0.82), springiness (0.87 and 0.90), gumminess (−0.92 and −0.92), and chewiness (−0.92 and −0.92), respectively. The pore volumetric ratio showed a strong correlation (p < 0.01) with reference porosity (0.71). Overall, the current study indicated that adding cheese with varying MC and baking temperature could affect the texture of pogácsa cake, which could be detected by image analysis.
A Review of Isothermal Amplification Methods and Food-Origin Inhibitors against Detecting Food-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Moon Ye-Ji , Lee So-Young , Oh Se-Wook
Published: January 2022

The isothermal amplification method, a molecular-based diagnostic technology, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), is widely used as an alternative to the time-consuming and labor-intensive culture-based detection method. However, food matrices or other compounds can inhibit molecular-based diagnostic technologies, causing reduced detection efficiencies, and false-negative results. These inhibitors originating from food are polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds in berries, seafood, and vegetables. Additionally, magnesium ions needed for amplification reactions can also inhibit molecular-based diagnostics. The successful removal of inhibitors originating from food and molecular amplification reaction is therefore proposed to enhance the efficiency of molecular-based diagnostics and allow accurate detection of food-borne pathogens. Among molecular-based diagnostics, PCR inhibitors have been reported. Nevertheless, reports on the mechanism and removal of isothermal amplification method inhibitors are insufficient. Therefore, this review describes inhibitors originating from food and some compounds inhibiting the detection of food-borne pathogens during isothermal amplification.
Consumers’ Attitudes toward the Use of an Edible Coating for Lamb Meat According to Label Information
Authors: Mauricio Raquel Alves , Deliza Rosires , Nassu Renata Tieko
Published: January 2022

The use of edible coatings in meat is currently being investigated in several studies. However, consumers’ attitudes toward this technology are not clear. This study evaluated consumers’ intention to purchase vacuum-packaged meat with a chitosan coating based on the label information. Three factors combined with different levels were considered: type of cut (“loin”, “French rack”, or “leg steak”), coating/information (no information, chitosan without information explained, and chitosan with information explained), and price (low or high). Consumers’ purchase intentions were evaluated using a 7-point structured scale (1 = certainly would not buy; 7 = certainly would buy). The data were analyzed by conjoint analysis and cluster analysis. The average purchase intention value was 4.3 ± 0.5. The “French rack” cut showed the highest value for purchase intention and a high price was also a relevant factor. The packaging with the label stating the presence of a “chitosan” coating without giving any further information obtained higher purchase intentions than the one with the more detailed information label. In the cluster analysis, the factor “type of cut” showed the highest relative importance in two groups, while “price” had a higher impact in another. The type of cut was the main factor affecting consumers’ purchase intentions. However, different attitudes were observed depending on the group.
Sustainable Extractions for Maximizing Content of Antioxidant Phytochemicals from Black and Red Currants
Authors: Milić Anita , Daničić Tatjana , Tepić Horecki Aleksandra , Šumić Zdravko , Teslić Nemanja , Bursać Kovačević Danijela , Putnik Predrag , Pavlić Branimir
Published: January 2022

Sustainable extraction techniques (ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE)) were applied and compared with conventional solvent extraction to evaluate their efficiency in maximizing the bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity of black and red currants. The influence of ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%) were studied in all extraction methods, while different temperatures (30, 50, 70 °C/80, 100, 120 °C) were evaluated in UAE and PLE, respectively. Generally, higher total phenolics were determined in black currant extracts (1.93–3.41 g GAE/100 g) than in red currant extracts (1.27–2.63 g GAE/100 g). The results showed that MAE was the most efficient for the extraction of bioactives from black currants, with 3.41 g GAE/100 g and 0.7934 g CE/100 g, while PLE provided the highest TP and TF for black currant samples (2.63 g GAE/100 g and 0.77 g CE/100 g). Extracts obtained by MAE (10 min, 600 W, 30% ethanol) and PLE (50% ethanol, 10 min, 120 °C) had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined by various in vitro assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS). In conclusion, sustainable extraction techniques can be considered an efficient tool to maximize the content of bioactive antioxidants from black and red currants.
Effects of Cathepsins on Gel Strength and Water-Holding Capacity of Myofibrillar Protein Gels from Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) under a Hydroxyl Radical-Generation Oxidizing System
Authors: Lu Han , Liang Yunhong , Zhang Xiangmei , Wen Gang
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the effects of cathepsins on the gel strength and water-holding capacity (WHC) of myofibrillar protein gels from bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) under a hydroxyl radical-generation oxidizing system. The myofibrillar proteins were divided into control group (with cathepsins) and E64 group (without cathepsins). The changes of cathepsin B and cathepsin L activities, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), protein oxidation (total sulfhydryl and carbonyl contents), and chemical interactions (nonspecific association, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfides) of myofibrillar protein and gels, as well as the gel strength and WHC of two groups under 0–100 mM H2O2, were measured. The results indicated that mild oxidation (10 mM H2O2) made a better gel strength and WHC. Cathepsin B and L activities decreased with increasing H2O2 concentrations but their effects on myofibrillar protein degradation still existed during 0.1–50 mM H2O2, which was expressed by higher carbonyl contents and ionic bonds at 0.1 and 50 mM H2O2, higher total sulfhydryl contents at 0 mM H2O2, and a lower intensity of MHC and actin of the control group than the E64 group. Besides more protein degradation, cathepsin proteolysis also resulted in lower gel strength and WHC in control gels than E64 gels under mild oxidation, which could be explained by lower hydrophobic interaction and moderate disulfides bonds between gel protein molecules of control gels.
Growth and Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes in Greek Anthotyros Whey Cheese without or with a Crude Enterocin A-B-P Extract: Interactive Effects of the Native Spoilage Microbiota during Vacuum-Packed Storage at 4 °C
Authors: Sameli Nikoletta , Samelis John
Published: January 2022

Effective biopreservation measures are needed to control the growth of postprocess Listeria monocytogenes contamination in fresh whey cheeses stored under refrigeration. This study assessed growth and biocontrol of inoculated (3 log10 CFU/g) L. monocytogenes in vacuum-packed, fresh (1-day-old) or ‘aged’ (15-day-old) Anthotyros whey cheeses, without or with 5% of a crude enterocin A-B-P extract (CEntE), during storage at 4 °C. Regardless of CEntE addition, the pathogen increased by an average of 2.0 log10 CFU/g in fresh cheeses on day 15. Gram-negative spoilage bacteria also increased by an average of 2.5 log10 CFU/g. However, from day 15 to the sell-by date (days 35–40), L. monocytogenes growth ceased, and progressively, the populations of the pathogen declined in most cheeses. This was due to an unmonitored, batch-dependent natural acidification by spoilage lactic acid bacteria, predominantly Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which reduced the cheese pH to 5.5, and finally to ≤5.0. The pH reductions and associated declines in pathogen viability were greater in the CEntE-treated samples within each batch. L. monocytogenes failed to grow in cheeses previously ‘aged’ in retail for 15 days. Overall, high population levels (>7.5 log10 CFU/g) of psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Hafnia alvei, were associated with an extended growth and increased survival of L. monocytogenes during storage.
The Correlation Mechanism between Dominant Bacteria and Primary Metabolites during Fermentation of Red Sour Soup
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Liu Zhiqi , Xie Le , Li Liangyi , Zhou Wenhua , Zhao Liangzhong
Published: January 2022

Chinese red sour soup is a traditional fermented product famous in the southwestern part of China owing to its distinguished sour and spicy flavor. In the present study, the effect of inoculation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the microbial communities and metabolite contents of the Chinese red sour soup was investigated. Traditional red sour soup was made with tomato and red chilli pepper and a live count (108 CFU/mL) of five bacterial strains (including Clostridium intestinalis: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: Lacticaseibacillus casei: Lactobacillus paracei) was added and fermented for 30 days in an incubator at 37 °C. Three replicates were randomly taken at 0 d, 5 d, 10 d, 15 d, 20 d, 25 d and 30 d of fermentation, with a total of 21 sour soup samples. Metabolomic analysis and 16S-rDNA amplicon sequencing of soup samples were performed to determine microbial diversity and metabolite contents. Results revealed that fermentation resulted in the depletion of native bacterial strains as LAB dominated over other microbes, resulting in differences in the relative abundance of bacteria, and types or contents of metabolites. A decrease (p < 0.01) in Shannon and Simpson indices was observed at different fermentation times. The metabolomic analyses revealed a significant increase in the relative content of 10 metabolites (particularly lactic acid, thymine, and ascorbic acid) in fermented samples as compared to the control. The correlation network revealed a positive association of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus with differentially enriched metabolites including lactic acid, ascorbic acid, and chlorogenic acid, which can desirably contribute to the flavor and quality of the red sour soup.
Dietary Diversity of Women across Agricultural Seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda: Results from a Cohort Study
Authors: Jordan Irmgard , Röhlig Anna , Glas Maria Gracia , Waswa Lydiah Maruti , Mugisha Johnny , Krawinkel Michael B. , Nuppenau Ernst-August
Published: January 2022

Small-holder farm households in developing countries mainly depend on rain-fed agriculture activities, thus seasonality affects eating habits and contributes to micronutrient deficiencies. This study assessed women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) across three agricultural seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda. In each season, 445 women with under five-year-old children from small-holder farm households were interviewed on socio-demographic characteristics as well as dietary practices between May 2016 and January 2017. Linear regression models estimated differences in WDDS across seasons. The mean WDDS at the lean, harvest and post-harvest seasons was 4.33 ± 1.21, 4.63 ± 1.30 and 4.36 ± 1.21, respectively. Mean WDDS was higher in urban regions across all seasons. Women in urban regions generated more income through off-farm activities, had better access to markets and consumed significantly more ‘meat, poultry and fish’ (p < 0.001), dairy products (p < 0.05), ‘vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables’ (p < 0.001) and ‘other vegetables’ (p < 0.001) during the lean season, whilst rural women ate more dark green leafy vegetables (p < 0.001) during the same period. Poorer households in the rural setting were more likely to be affected by seasonally limited food availability and accessibility. Hence, strengthening the linkages between market participation, agricultural activities, improved food storage and preservation techniques and dietary intake is recommended.
Mutation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) Binding Sites Decreases Milk Allergen αS1-Casein Content in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Song Ning , Luo Jun , Huang Lian , Zang Saige , He Qiuya , Wu Jiao , Huang Jiangtao
Published: January 2022

αS1-Casein (encoded by the CSN1S1 gene) is associated with food allergy more than other milk protein components. Milk allergy caused by αS1-casein is derived from cow milk, goat milk and other ruminant milk. However, little is known about the transcription regulation of αS1-casein synthesis in dairy goats. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) on αS1-casein in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). Deletion analysis showed that the core promoter region of CSN1S1 was located at −110 to −18 bp upstream of transcription start site, which contained two putative STAT5 binding sites (gamma-interferon activation site, GAS). Overexpression of STAT5a gene upregulated the mRNA level and the promoter activity of the CSN1S1 gene, and STAT5 inhibitor decreased phosphorylated STAT5 in the nucleus and CSN1S1 transcription activity. Further, GAS site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that GAS1 and GAS2 sites in the CSN1S1 promoter core region were binding sites of STAT5. Taken together, STAT5 directly regulates CSN1S1 transcription by GAS1 and GAS2 sites in GMEC, and the mutation of STAT5 binding sites could downregulate CSN1S1 expression and decrease αS1-casein synthesis, which provide the novel strategy for reducing the allergic potential of goat milk and improving milk quality in ruminants.
Functional Characteristics of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase and Its Involvement in Aromatic Volatile Biosynthesis in Postharvest Banana Ripening
Authors: Ueda Yoshinori , Zhao Wei , Ihara Hideshi , Imahori Yoshihiro , Tsantili Eleni , Wendakoon Sumithra , Chambers Alan , Bai Jinhe
Published: January 2022

Butanol vapor feeding to ripe banana pulp slices produced abundant butyl butanoate, indicating that a portion of butanol molecules was converted to butanoate/butanoyl-CoA via butanal, and further biosynthesized to ester. A similar phenomenon was observed when feeding propanol and pentanol, but was less pronounced when feeding hexanol, 2-methylpropanol and 3-methylbutanol. Enzymes which catalyze the cascade reactions, such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetyl-CoA synthetase, and alcohol acetyl transferase, have been well documented. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which is presumed to play a key role in the pathway to convert aldehydes to carboxylic acids, has not been reported yet. The conversion is an oxygen-independent metabolic pathway and is enzyme-catalyzed with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as the cofactor. Crude ALDH was extracted from ripe banana pulps, and the interference from ADH was removed by two procedures: (1) washing off elutable proteins which contain 95% of ADH, but only about 40% of ALDH activity, with the remaining ALDH extracted from the pellet residues at the crude ALDH extraction stage; (2) adding an ADH inhibitor in the reaction mixture. The optimum pH of the ALDH was 8.8, and optimum phosphate buffer concentration was higher than 100 mM. High affinity of the enzyme was a straight chain of lower aldehydes except ethanal, while poor affinity was branched chain aldehydes.
Emotion and Wellness Profiles of Herbal Drinks Measured Using Different Questionnaire Designs
Authors: Hanmontree Pannapa , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Sae-Eaw Amporn
Published: January 2022

The emotion and wellness profiles of herbal drinks were assessed using six different questionnaire designs. The questionnaire designs were constructed from two formats of questionnaire items, including words and sentences, and three types of measuring scales, including a rating scale (5-point intensity; 1 = ‘not at all’, 5 = ‘extremely’), a checklist scale (check-all-that-apply, CATA), and a combination of CATA and rating scales (rate-all-that-apply, RATA; 5-point intensity; 1 = ‘slightly’, 5 = ‘extremely’). The 39 emotional terms of the EsSense Profile® and the 45 wellness terms of the WellSense ProfileTM were translated into Thai, then screened for relevance to herbal drinks. The seven positive emotional terms (active, energetic, good, happy, polite, satisfied, and warm), three negative emotional terms (bored, disgusted, and worried), and five wellness terms (comforted, healthy, invigorated, relaxed, and refreshed) were selected and included in the questionnaire. A central location test was performed to determine the emotion and wellness profiles of five herbal drinks: roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) drink, chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) drink, ginger (Zingiber officinale) drink, Jubliang (a mixture of eight herbs) drink, and Krachai Dam (Kaempferia parviflora) drink. For herbal drinks, measuring emotion and wellness with a questionnaire using full sentences did not show increased benefit over questionnaires using words alone. All three measuring methods—a rating scale, CATA, and RATA—produced similar emotion and wellness profiles. However, each method has different advantages and limitations, which researchers should carefully consider.
Is Eating Less Meat Possible? Exploring the Willingness to Reduce Meat Consumption among Millennials Working in Polish Cities
Authors: Szczebyło Agata , Halicka Ewa , Rejman Krystyna , Kaczorowska Joanna
Published: January 2022

Reducing the consumption of meat constitutes an important part of the global shift towards more sustainable food systems. At the same time, meat is firmly established in the food culture of most human beings, and better understanding of individual behaviors is essential to facilitate a durable change in contemporary eating patterns. To determine the level and nature of attachment to meat among consumers, the Meat Attachment Questionnaire (MAQ) in relation to the phases of behaviour change in the meat consumption reduction process was utilised. Data collected through a survey carried out among Poles aged 25–40 years living in cities were analysed with the use of Spearman’s correlations and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc tests. The biggest share of the studied group of millennials (N = 317) never considered reducing their meat consumption (Phase 1–41%) and was described by the highest level of MAQ score in all its categories: hedonism, affinity, dependence, and entitlement. More than half of the respondents in Phase 2 participants (“planners”) declared a willingness to cut down meat consumption but had not yet put their intentions into practice. Respondents qualified in Phase 3 declared the highest willingness to reduce meat consumption and were significantly less attached to meat regarding all MAQ categories than respondents in Phase 1. The 9% of the study participants (Phase 4) had already limited the frequency of their meat consumption to “several times a week”, this however still remains insufficient compared to the ambitious goals of sustainable healthy diets. Results indicated that meat attachment categories, especially hedonism and dependence, were identified as predictors of willingness to reduce meat consumption. Research exploring the determinants of change and possibilities of effective communication about meat reduction on an individual level in different cultural settings are needed.
Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Enzymatic Extraction on Fatty Acid Profiles, Physicochemical Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Elaeagnus mollis Oil
Authors: Lu Xiaorui , Du Hongmiao , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Yong , Li Dong , Wang Lijun
Published: January 2022

Elaeagnus mollis oil extracted from the nuts of Elaeagnus mollis Diels can be used in food and pharmaceutical applications due to its excellent nutritional value. An ultrasound-assisted solvent enzymatic extraction (UASEE) method was used to extract oil from Elaeagnus mollis Diels with n-hexane solvent (1:11.6 g/mL) and 1.1% (w/w) mixed enzymes (neutral protease:hemicellulase:pectinase = 1:1:1, w/w/w). The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, morphology, and thermal stability of UASEE oil were investigated and compared with soxhlet extraction (SE) oil and cold pressing (CP) oil. The UASEE oil exhibited a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids (93.96 ± 0.28%), total tocopherols and tocotrienols (147.32 ± 2.19 mg/100 g), total phytosterols (261.78 ± 5.74 mg/100 g), squalene (96.75 ± 0.31 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (84.76 ± 2.37 mg GAE/kg), and antioxidant activity (12.52 ± 0.28 mg/mL) than SE and CP oil. The lower peroxide value and acid value in UASEE oil indicated its better quality and lower likelihood of rancidity. The oil obtained using UASEE had higher thermal stability as well, as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the UASEE process causes damage to cell walls, and the leakage of substances in the cells facilitates extraction in the following step. Thus, UASEE is a promising processing method for the extraction of Elaeagnus mollis oil.
Synthesis of Surrogate Blends Corresponding to Petroleum Middle Distillates, Oxidative and Extractive Desulfurization Using Imidazole Ionic Liquids
Authors: Syntyhaki Eleni , Karonis Dimitrios
Published: January 2022

Surrogate fuels are composed of a few pure components, mixed together in order to imitate a real fuel’s characteristics regarding its combustion and emission. In this study, four surrogate feeds were synthesized, corresponding to petroleum middle distillates. The desulfurization of the surrogate blends was performed using the hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid oxidative system. Consequently, extractive desulfurization was carried out using imidazolium-based ionic liquids, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [BMIM][Br] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [BMIM][HSO4], in a multiple extraction cycle procedure. Both ionic liquids were synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic techniques. The influence of the extraction temperature process was studied. In each extraction cycle, the sulfur concentration and the physical properties of the surrogate extraction products were estimated. The used ionic liquids were regenerated with a reasonably effective method. The synthesized and recycled ionic liquids showed high desulfurization efficiency, while [BMIM][Br] prevailed. Additionally, extractive desulfurization in oxidized surrogate LCO using ionic liquids is comparable with that using acetonitrile, since it has an advantage in terms of mass yield.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Gastroenterology Insights in 2021
Authors:   Gastroenterology Insights Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Porous Reservoir-Backed Boronate Gel Microneedle for Efficient Skin Penetration and Sustained Glucose-Responsive Insulin Delivery
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Miyazaki Takuya , Itoh Michiko , Matsumoto Hiroko , Moro-oka Yuki , Tanaka Miyako , Miyahara Yuji , Suganami Takayoshi , Matsumoto Akira
Published: January 2022

Recently, phenylboronic acid (PBA) gel containing microneedle (MN) technology with acute and sustained glucose-sensitive functionality has attracted significant research attention. Herein, we report a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-coated MNs patch with an interconnected porous gel drug reservoir for enhanced skin penetration efficiency and mechanical strength. The hybrid MNs patch fabricated with a novel, efficient method displayed a “cake-like” two-layer structure, with the tip part being composed of boronate-containing smart gel attached to a porous gel layer as a drug reservoir. The porous structure provides the necessary structural support for skin insertion and space for insulin loading. The mechanical strength of the hybrid MNs patch was further enhanced by surface coating with crystallized PVA. Compared with MNs patches attached to hollow drug reservoirs, this hybrid MNs patch with a porous gel reservoir was shown to be able to penetrate the skin more effectively, and is promising for on-demand, long-acting transdermal insulin delivery with increased patient compliance.