High Sugar Research Articles

Enhancing deep eutectic solvent systems for efficient fermentable sugar recovery from lignocellulosic fiber

Efficient conversion of sugars into fermentable sugars is a critical challenge in the cost-effective production of lignocellulosic biopolymers and biofuels. This study focuses on various sugar quantification techniques applied to Furcraea Foetida (Mauritius Hemp) samples, utilizing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) like urea, glycerol, citrates, pyrogallol (PY), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Employing a Taguchi-designed experiment, operational conditions were fine-tuned to evaluate the influence of time, concentration, and temperature on each deep eutectic solvent-based process. The emerging green solvent extraction approach demonstrated significant results, achieving notably high sugar yields compared to traditional techniques such as alkali, hot-water, and acid-mediated extraction. At a CTAB:PY molar ratio of 1:3, optimized for 60 min at 50 °C, the highest fermentable sugar (FS) yield of 0.6891 ± 0.0123 g FS/g LCB was attained—2 to 6 times higher than non-optimized values and 0.2 to 0.3 times higher than optimized traditional methods. In light of this, this research study emphasizes the pivotal significance of efficient sugar conversion through optimized deep eutectic solvent-based extraction methods, with a particular focus on Furcraea Foetida fibers, offering promising outcomes for the biofuel and biopolymer production industry.

3D printing and bioprinting in the battle against diabetes and its chronic complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood glucose affects the circulatory system in an organism by intervening blood circulation. The high blood glucose can lead to macrovascular (large blood vessels) and microvascular (small blood vessels) complications. Due to this, the vital organs (notably brain, eyes, feet, heart, kidneys, lungs and nerves) get worsen in diabetic patients if not treated at the earliest. Therefore, acquiring treatment at an appropriate time is very important for managing diabetes and other complications that are caused due to diabetes. The root cause for the occurrence of various health complications in diabetic patients is the uncontrolled blood glucose levels. This review presents a consolidated account of the applications of various types of three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting technologies in treating diabetes as well as the complications caused due to impaired blood glucose levels. Herein, the development of biosensors (for the diagnosis), oral drug formulations, transdermal drug carriers, orthotic insoles and scaffolds (for the treatment) are discussed. Next to this, the fabrication of 3D bioprinted organs and cell-seeded hydrogels (pancreas engineering for producing insulin and bone engineering for managing bone defects) are explained. As the final application, 3D bioprinting of diabetic disease models for high-throughput screening of ant-diabetic drugs are discussed. Lastly, the challenges and future perspective associated with the use of 3D printing and bioprinting technologies against diabetes and its related chronic complications have been put forward.

Antidiabetic Potential and Metabolite Profile of Leaf and Stem Extract of Castanopsis tungurrut (Blume) A.DC.

<p>Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by high blood sugar levels. One species in <em>the Castanopsis</em> genus is proven with a hypoglycemic effect. Therefore, the study aimed to discover the potential of <em>Castanopsis tungurrut</em> as an antidiabetic. Sample extraction, α-amylase inhibition, glucose diffusion analysis, GC-MS analysis, and molecular docking were applied in this study. Maceration of the leaf ethanol extract showed the highest yield value of 21.08%, while the stem extract was 14.04%. Leaf ethanol extract and stem ethyl acetate extract showed the highest inhibiting α-amylase activity with an inhibition value of 33.74%±1.54 and 34.45%±1.08 at 1 mg/mL concentration. The glucose entrapment assay showed that these two extracts could inhibit the diffusion of glucose in the dialysis bag. The final result was glucose concentration in dialysate for the two extracts of 0.114±0.001 mg/mL and 0.116±0.001 mg/mL which was lower than acarbose in 0.120±0.004 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis showed 6 metabolites in leaf ethanol extract and 22 metabolites in stems ethyl acetate extract from an alkane, salicylic, cinnamic, terpene, steroid, and fatty acid. Molecular docking resulting between the compounds with α-amylase enzymes complex showed γ-sitosterol and ß-bisabolene from <em>C. tungurrut</em> extract have the potential to be developed as an antidiabetic drug due to its good inhibitory activity with binding affinity values of -9.1 and -6.9 that considered better and quite close to acarbose as control of -7.7.</p>

High sugar diet alters immune function and the gut microbiome in juvenile green iguanas (Iguana iguana).

The present work aimed to study whether a high sugar diet can alter immune responses and the gut microbiome in green iguanas. Thirty-six iguanas were split into four treatment groups using a 2x2 design. Iguanas either received a sugar supplemented diet or a control diet, and either received a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection or a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) injection. Iguanas were given their respective diet treatment through the entire study (∼3 months) and received a primary immune challenge one month and two months into the experiment. Blood samples and cloacal swabs were taken at various points in the experiment and used to measure changes in the immune system (bacterial killing ability, lysis and agglutination scores, LPS specific IgY concentrations), and alterations in the gut microbiome. We found that sugar diet reduces bacterial killing ability following an LPS challenge, and sugar and the immune challenge temporarily alters gut microbiome composition while reducing alpha diversity. While sugar did not directly reduce lysis and agglutination following the immune challenge, the change in these scores over a 24-hour period following an immune challenge was more drastic (it decreased) relative to the control diet group. Moreover, sugar increased constitutive agglutination outside of the immune challenges (i.e., pre-challenge levels). In this study, we provide evidence that a high sugar diet affects the immune system of green iguanas (in a disruptive manner) and alters the gut microbiome.

Comparison of Logistic Regression, Random Forest and Adaboost Algorithms for Diabetes Mellitus Classification

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the way the body regulates sugar (glucose). High blood sugar levels can lead to health complications including heart problems, eye disorders, nerve damage, kidney and blood vessel disorders. It is important for early detection of diabetes by utilizing data mining technology. Data mining has various classification models that can be used to detect diabetes, including logistic regression, random forest and adaboost. The comparison of the three algorithms aims to find out which algorithm is most appropriate in the classification of diabetes. From the results obtained, the random forest algorithm has the best performance in the classification of diabetes mellitus compared to other algorithms.

5G- Analysis and Characteristics in Comparison with Previous Generations

This paper explores the architecture and remarkable advantages of 5G technology in the current industry of wireless communication. The paper covers details of the recently developed 5th generation of networks and how its benefits overpower its drawbacks, majorly being its impact on health and environment. This study helps understanding 5G and highlights how this recent advancement has better chances of helping with wide area network connectivity, latency, economic growth, enhanced security features etc. While advancements in the cellular network technology continue to be one of the most important developments in the economic, telecom and healthcare sector among many others, many common beliefs about 5G which can be listed as its “drawbacks” have been brought to people’s attention recently, and with proper facts and studies, it can be easily proved how 5G, till this date, has no significant harm to any area, and simply has a few complexities which are natural with any advancement in technology. The paper covers the characteristics of the 5G network, and addresses common misconceptions and concerns surrounding health, security, and infrastructure.

Mythologization of Image of Marat Kirov in Novel “Sleep and Believe. Blockade Novel” by A. Turgenev

This article presents the results of an analysis of the character system and plot-forming conflicts in the novel by Andrei Turgenev (Vyacheslav Kuritsyn) “Sleep and Believe. Blockade Novel.” The overall state of military-historical prose at the turn of the 20-21 centuries was examined. The main historical myths about the blockade were characterized. An overview of researchers' perspectives on the genre, plot, and poetics of this work was conducted. It was established that A. Turgenev’s novel is part of a postmodern historical discourse, where the metaphysics of the “Petersburg text” intertwines with the most odious myths about the Leningrad blockade (abuses of leadership, arbitrariness of People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR, cannibalism, etc.). Analysis of the text allows us to assert that the central myth and main character of the novel is Marat Kirov, a fictional secretary of the Leningrad Regional Committee. He embodies current historical myths about the blockade, as well as about the real leaders of Leningrad — S.M. Kirov and A.A. Zhdanov. In depicting Kirov, the author widely uses contrast and hyperbolization techniques, as well as numerous references to the “Petersburg text.” As a result, the degree of hyperbolization and demonization fostered by A. Turgenev actualizes the traumatic experience of the entire Soviet history and allows associating the image of the fantastic Marat Kirov with Peter the Great.

Analisis dan Optimalisasi Performa Algoritma Gaussian Naive Bayes pada Prediksi Metabolic Syndrome Menggunakan SMOTE

Metabolic syndrome is a complex global health problem, with symptoms such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal blood lipids. With this global challenge, several studies have attempted to predict these diseases using machine learning methods. However, often, predictions about a disease result in data imbalance where minority classes are underrepresented. To balance the class proportions, the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) method replicates the minority class samples. In this research, the technique applied to predict is the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) algorithm. The results show an increase in prediction accuracy by 0.2 from 0.81 to 0.83. This study confirms the critical role of the SMOTE oversampling method in machine learning using the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) algorithm in Metabolic Syndrome prediction and its positive impact on diagnostic efficiency and public health.

GTS_CME: an open-source MATLAB-based software for the analysis of common mode errors in GNSS coordinate time series

GTS_CME: an open-source MATLAB-based software for the analysis of common mode errors in GNSS coordinate time series

Development and validation of immediate self-feedback very short answer questions for medical students: practical implementation of generalizability theory to estimate reliability in formative examination designs

BackgroundVery Short Answer Questions (VSAQs) reduce cueing and simulate better real-clinical practice compared with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). While integrating them into formative exams has potential, addressing marking time and ideal occasions and items is crucial. This study gathers validity evidence of novel immediate self-feedback VSAQ (ISF-VSAQ) format and determines the optimal number of items and occasions for reliable assessment.MethodsNinety-four third-year pre-clinical students took two ten-item ISF-VSAQ exams on cardiovascular drugs. Each question comprised two sections: (1) Questions with space for student responses and (2) a list of possible correct answers offering partial-credit scores ranging from 0.00 to 1.00, along with self-marking and self-feedback options to indicate whether they fully, partially, or did not understand the possible answers. Messick’s validity framework guided the collection of validity evidence.ResultsValidity evidence included five sources: (1) Content: The expert reviewed the ISF-VSAQ format, and the question was aligned with a standard examination blueprint. (2) Response process: Before starting, students received an example and guide to the ISF-VSAQ, and the teacher detailed the steps in the initial session to aid self-assessment. Unexpected answers were comprehensively reviewed by experts. (3) Internal structure: The Cronbach alphas are good for both occasions (≥ 0.70). A generalizability study revealed Phi-coefficients of 0.60, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.79 for one to four occasions with ten items, respectively. One occasion requires twenty-five items for acceptable reliability (Phi-coefficient = 0.72). (4) Relations to other variables: Inter-rater reliability between self-marking and teacher is excellent for each item (rs(186) = 0.87–0.98,p = 0.001). (5) Consequences: Path analysis revealed that the self-reflected understanding score in the second attempt directly affected the final MCQ score (β = 0.25,p = 0.033). However, the VSAQ score did not. Regarding perceptions, over 80% of students strongly agreed/agreed that the ISF-VSAQ format enhances problem analysis, presents realistic scenarios, develops knowledge, offers feedback, and supports electronic usability.ConclusionElectronic ISF-VSAQs enhanced understanding elevates learning outcomes, rendering them suitable for formative assessments with clinical scenarios. Increasing the number of occasions effectively enhances reliability. While self-marking is reliable and may reduce grading efforts, instructors should review answers to identify common student errors.

Mandatory nutrition attributes labeling and consumer demand: a structural approach analysis of the US soft drink market

While soft drinks stand out as a major cause of obesity and overweight worldwide, the USA is the country most concerned with this problem. To reverse the situation, experts have agreed that labels and taxes represent promising policy tools. Focusing on the soda market, this paper investigates how consumer demand for nutrient contents responds to the US revised nutrition facts label policy implemented in 2020. Relying on retail scanner data, the study finds after estimation of a discrete choice logit demand model that the change in nutrition labels caused consumers to modify their purchasing behavior. However, they did not systematically switch from unhealthy beverages to healthy ones. The analysis finds evidence that the label revision policy was mostly impactful in decreasing consumers’ preference for soda with superhigh calories and high sugar content. Surprisingly, the joint effect of label and tax did not decrease the sampled consumers’ preference for unhealthy nutrient contents. They still preferred buying soft drinks superhigh in calorie content inside US cities with a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), despite the revision of the facts label. Finally, the new nutrition label has improved the average surplus of consumers and total welfare. However, the gain is lower within the cities implementing the sugar tax.

Vegan gummy candies with low calorie based on celery (Apium graveolens) puree and boswellia gum (Boswellia thurifera)

AbstractGummy candy is one of the main snacks for children, and conventional samples with high calorie illustrate no nutritional value; therefore, the aim of present research was to develop functional product on priority. Celery (Apium graveolens) puree (25%–50%), boswellia gum (10%–20%), lemon essential oil (0.25%–0.50%), and sugar (10%–20%) in two levels were considered for vegan gummy candy production. Based on central composite design, the 30 types of gummy candies were prepared; afterward, response surface methodology was applied to optimize results determined by texture (hardness, springiness, adhesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and elasticity characteristics), physicochemical attributes (pH, sugar content, water activity, antioxidant function, and calorie restriction), and also sensory evaluation. In general, elevated concentration of celery puree and boswellia gum‐enhanced hardness, chewiness, and also gumminess for treated products. On the other hand, higher sugar with lemon essential oil improved adhesion, springiness, and elasticity features. More boswellia gum, celery, lemon essential oil, and reduction in sugar elevated water activity and also declined pH for treated samples. The celery puree, boswellia gum, and lemon essential oil significantly enhanced antioxidant function of treated gummy candies. According to attained results, sugar had a remarkable influence on acceptability and in treated samples calorie decreased. Based on all investigated factors, optimal formulation was achieved including 25% celery puree, 20% boswellia gum, 0.450% lemon essential oil, and 13.55% sugar. Regarding the results, obtained gummy candy with high nutritional value and low calorie demonstrated the potential to produce extensively in food sector.

Common Pronunciation Errors among Vietnamese Learners of English from Phonological Perspectives

This study investigates the phonological challenges encountered by Vietnamese learners of English and explores the strategies employed to address these challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a quantitative survey administered to 152 participants and semi-structured interviews conducted with a subset of 7 participants. Quantitative analysis of survey data revealed perceived difficulty levels for various phonological aspects of English pronunciation, with reconciling spelling and pronunciation emerging as the most challenging aspect. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into learners' experiences, highlighting additional phonological challenges such as distinguishing between vowel sounds and mastering intonation patterns. Participants reported employing a range of strategies, including regular practice, utilization of resources, and participation in interactive learning experiences, to address pronunciation difficulties. The implications of this research are twofold. Firstly, it contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding English pronunciation learning among Vietnamese learners. Secondly, the identified strategies offer valuable insights for language teaching and support. Educators can tailor their teaching approaches to address the specific phonological challenges highlighted in this study, fostering more effective English pronunciation acquisition among Vietnamese learners. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of providing diverse learning resources and opportunities for interactive practice to enhance pronunciation skills. These implications not only enrich our understanding of language acquisition processes but also have practical implications for educators, curriculum developers, and language learners alike.

Influence of Potential Alcohol in Grapes on Phenolic and Sensory Characteristics of Red Wine.

Potential alcohol, as obtained by grape maturity, affects the extraction of phenolics during winemaking. The extent to which potential alcohol is correlated to phenolic and sensory characteristics of red wine was investigated. Decoupling of the ripening kinetics of grape constituents due to climate change emphasizes this question. The impact of potential alcohol, as naturally obtained by grape maturity or adjusted by sugar addition, representing high sugar but low phenolic maturity, on wine characteristics was investigated for two varieties over two vintages. Enhancement of potential alcohol to late harvest conditions did not achieve the sensory characteristics of wine made from phenolic mature grapes. An experimental model was developed revealing the contribution of potential alcohol to phenolic and sensory characteristics. In Pinot noir, anthocyanins correlated well with natural potential alcohol but were not influenced by enhanced potential alcohol. In Cabernet Sauvignon, polymeric pigments provided the most accurate information about grape maturity perception in wine.

Emotional experiences and gender roles of men with fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-cultural qualitative study

IntroductionGender roles may impact men with fibromyalgia, causing a high number of negative emotional states and affective disorders. There are few studies that detect men’s high emotional suffering. This study examined the emotional experience of men with fibromyalgia.MethodsA qualitative cross-cultural study utilized inductive thematic analysis was performed at the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Unit Santa Maria University Hospital in Spain, the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic in the US, and volunteers from the Winneshiek County in the US A total of 17 participants, 10 men from Spain and 7 men from the US were included.ResultsThree themes related to feelings/emotions emerged: (1) psychological level; (2) social level; and (3) physical level. Men with fibromyalgia from Spain and the US experienced many negative emotions. Men often experience negative emotions that are worsened by common misunderstandings and social biases/stigma about their condition.Conclusion/implications:A proper assessment of emotions when evaluating the global health of men with fibromyalgia as well as the provision of emotional support would improve their mental health and therefore their overall physical health. Emotional management should be incorporated into all treatment protocols for fibromyalgia, especially for men given the gender stigma. Health policies designed by legislators, policymakers, and support agencies must be accompanied by education in gender role concepts to improve the emotions of men with FMS. The mass media will be essential for the disclosure of the emotional suffering of male patients so that society might better understand them.

A Comparative Study to Check Students' Languaguitic Achievement in Face-to-Face and Online Learning at BS Level

This study aimed was to conduct a comparative analysis of the linguistic achievement of students in traditional learning (face to face) and virtual learning (online) at the BS level. It was hypothesiszed that there is likeliy to be a difference in studnets linguistics achievement in face- to- face (traditional) and online learning (virtual). The final term papers of students in both modes of learning are examined to find out the most common errors that pupils make. Due to the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, there has come an obvious transition in the patterns of teaching and learning. With this pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns, as well as isolated contact, e-learning has become a fundamental tool in ensuring continuity of education. This revolution to the online system has urged the researcher to analyze the linguistic achievement of students by comparing face to face and online learning. This study is based on comparative analysis and the data for this present study is collected from 120 students, 60 from face to face classes, and 60 from online classes. The analysis is done on the overall marks obtained by students to see the difference in achievements as well as the errors in writing in the face to face and online learning. The findings of the results showed significant difference in both types of learning. After evaluating the results, it is recommended that there is a dire need for the development of online training programs for both teachers as well as students. This research concludes that the learning outcomes of students are much better in the face to face setting as compared to online learning.

Outcomes of Corneal Compound Myopic Astigmatism with Presbyopia by Zeiss PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision LASIK Using Default CRS-Master® Target Refractions for Reduced Anisometropia.

Background/Objectives: Presbyopia, a common age-related refractive error, affects over a billion people globally and significantly impacts daily life. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 288 eyes of 144 patients undergoing LBV PRESBYOND® treatment for myopic presbyopia with astigmatism, aiming to evaluate precision, efficacy, safety, and stability over six months. Results: Key findings include high efficacy, with 99% of distance-eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/25 or better, and 85% of near-eyes achieving UDVA of 20/32 or better. The results show excellent refractive outcomes, with 99% of long-sighted eyes and 97% of near-sighted eyes having a postoperative spherical equivalent within ±1.00 D. Safety was demonstrated by no loss of two or more Snellen lines after treatment, with 94% of patients maintaining corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) before and after surgery. Conclusions: Overall, LBV PRESBYOND® proved effective, safe, and well tolerated for myopic presbyopia correction, offering satisfactory visual outcomes and potential spectacle independence for various distances. This study underscores the importance of individualized treatment based on patient age, highlighting the positive impact of binocular summation on visual function. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting LBV PRESBYOND® as a viable option for addressing presbyopic myopia, offering insights into its efficacy and safety profile. Further research could explore postoperative stereopsis and long-term outcomes to enhance understanding and refine treatment protocols.

A Smart Interactive Programming Assistant for Error-Free Coding

This paper is aimed to make the programming easier and user friendly to the beginners. The programming tools use compilers which convert high level language to low level language. For efficiency the code should be error free and optimized code. Beginners find it very difficult to resolve the errors and to optimize their code. This project proposes an intelligent interactive programming tool which guides the programmers by correcting the basic errors they commit. The system provides a speech interface where the speech is converted into text with proper syntactic arrangements and resolves ambiguities. In addition to this, common syntactic errors made by the users can be identified interactively and are highlighted, thus helping the users to do programming in a user-friendly way. It uses Google API for speech recognition and its converted to the syntactic form of C++ programming language. Errors are highlighted by first splitting errors using java regular expressions and then highlighting to identify the common errors that occur during compilation. Therefore, this project will be very much helpful not only for novice programmers to correct the errors in the early stage with interactive comments.

РИЗИКИ ЯКОСТІ АУДИТОРСЬКИХ ПОСЛУГ

Introduction. Today, more than a million subjects of economic activity in the world are certified according to the ISO 9001 standard - quality management system. The quality management system (QMS) is an integral part of management that follows both market norms and business rules. The practice of implementing QMS, along with the optimistic results of quality improvements, reveals the debatable aspects of such processes. Problem Statement. The International Quality Management Standards application (which is one of the main audit reform directions in Ukraine) is today complicated both by the active pace of the mentioned processes (insufficient time for the unification of quality policies and procedures) and the difficulty of international regulatory practical application policies and procedures regarding audit quality. Subjects quite often postpone their orders for conducting a mandatory audit during the period of martial law, which leads to the emergence of quality control risks. Purpose – coverage of modern trends in the audit quality risks identification and assessment, justification for an audit firm of an alternative internal quality management system as an integral operational management component, that will enable the systematic approach formation to conduct a competitive audit. Methods. General scientific and special methods are used: analysis, synthesis, grouping, description, comparison, theoretical generalization and abstract-logical. Results. The complex nature of quality risks in modern audit conditions, their impact on the validity, reliability and persuasiveness of the auditor's opinion is revealed. The quality risk is investigated based on a comprehensive risk assessment in terms of the audit company's “quality management system” components. Common errors of auditing companies in the quality management system organization, the significance of their impact on compliance with norms and goals of audit quality are given. Based on the conceptual rules and principles of the International Quality Management Standards, alternative components of the “Quality Management System” for the audit company, their structural and logical connections with the identification of the functional role are proposed. Based on the international practice of risk-oriented management, methodical approaches to the identification and risk assessment are proposed, alternatives for internal regulation and specified processes documentation are revealed. Conclusions. The quality management system does not have a simple cycle, its effectiveness lies in systemic regulatory and internal management development. The internal audit of the QMS cannot fulfill its function by declarative decisions only. Due to the established communication with the auditors, interest in the demand for his role, the person responsible for the company's QMS should raise his competence' level, work with quality risks “in advance”. Issues of audit quality risk management highlighted in the article are quite new and require the methodological and practical principles formation of regulation and conceptually unified mechanisms for the implementation of such processes by audit companies.

Two Persistent Myths About Binet and the Beginnings of Intelligence Tests in Psychology Textbooks

Alfred Binet is widely recognized as the father of the intelligence test, but many textbooks on psychology and intelligence testing contain inaccuracies about his work. This article corrects two common errors. First, the French government did not ask Binet to develop the test. Binet was part of a group of people trying to prevent special education from becoming part of psychiatric institutions and thus became motivated to develop an objective measure of intelligence. Secondly, Binet did not develop the test alone. He worked closely with Théodore Simon. We also look at the best reference for the first intelligence test and propose the Binet and Simon 1908 article. Hopefully, this article will help put an end to the spread of inaccuracies about the intelligence test.