Optimal Profile Research Articles

Modeling and Optimizing Biocontrol in Wines: pH as a Modulator of Yeast Amensalism Interaction

The control of spoilage yeasts in wines is crucial to avoid organoleptic deviations in wine production. Traditionally, sulfur dioxide (SO2) was used to control them; nevertheless, SO2 influence on human health and its use is criticized. Biocontrol emerges as an alternative in wine pre-fermentation, but there is limited development in its applicability. Managing kinetics is relevant in the microbial interaction process. pH was identified as a factor affecting the interaction kinetics of Wickerhamomyces anomalus killer biocontrol on Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. Mathematical modeling allows insight into offline parameters and the influence of physicochemical factors in the environment. Incorporating submodels that explain manipulable factors (pH), the process can be optimized to achieve the best-desired outcomes. The aim of this study was to model and optimize, using a constant and a variable pH profile, the interaction of killer biocontrol W. anomalus vs. Z. rouxii to reduce the spoilage population in pre-fermentation. The evaluated biocontrol was W. anomalus against the spoilage yeast Z. rouxii in wines. The kinetic interactions of yeasts were studied at different pH levels maintained constant over time. The improved Ramón-Portugal model was adopted using the AMIGO2 toolbox for Matlab. A static optimization of a constant pH profile was performed using the Monte Carlo method, and a dynamic optimization was carried out using a method based on Fourier series and orthogonal polynomials. The model fit with an adjusted R2 of 0.76. Parametric analyses were consistent with the model behavior. Variable vs. constant optimization achieved a lower initial spoilage population peak (99% less) and reached a lower final population (99% less) in a reduced time (100 vs. 140 h). These findings reveal that control with a variable profile would allow an early sequential inoculation of S. cerevisiae. The models explained parameters that are difficult to quantify, such as general inhibitor concentration and toxin concentration. Also, the models indicate higher biocontrol efficiency parameters, such as toxin emission or sensitivity to it, and lower fitness of the contaminant, at pH levels above 3.7 during biocontrol. From a technological standpoint, the study highlights the importance of handling variable profiles in the controller associated with the pH management actuators in the process without incurring additional costs.

Investigating the Dietary Impact on Trans-Vaccenic Acid (Trans-C18:1 n-7) and Other Beneficial Fatty Acids in Breast Milk and Infant Formulas.

Maternal diet plays a significant role in the fatty acid composition of breast milk. Dietary products such as milk and meat are the primary sources of natural TFAs for humans. These peculiar fatty acids hold nutritional significance as they not only lack the detrimental effects of industrially produced trans fats on the endothelium characteristic, but they also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The relationship between the presence of eight fatty acids in breast milk (including natural TFAs trans-vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acid) and the maternal diet has been explored, and their abundance has been compared to that of infant formulas. Two cohorts of lactating women, originating from a Spanish region, participated in this study; they adhered to the Southern European Atlantic diet or the Atlantic diet. While the consumption of conventional meat or dairy products does not seem to increase the abundance of TFAs in breast milk, trans-vaccenic and oleic acid are among the most distinctive features of breast milk fat in mothers consuming naturally improved dairy products with an improved fatty acid profile. The most significant differences between natural breastfeeding and formula feeding lie in natural TFAs, since formulas are notably deficient in natural TFAs while being overfortified in alpha-linolenic acid in comparison to breast milk. We suggest an improvement in the formulation of these products through using cow's milk with an optimal fatty acid profile that better mimics the fatty acid composition found in human milk.

Evaluation of AAV Capsids and Delivery Approaches for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Gene Therapy.

Nosebleeds and intracranial hemorrhage from brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are among the most devastating symptoms of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis (HHT). All available managements have limitations. We showed that intravenous (i.v.) delivery of soluble Feline McDonough Sarcoma (FMS)-related tyrosine kinase 1 using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9-sFLT1) reduced bAVM severity of endoglin deficient mice. However, minor liver inflammation and growth arrest in young mice were observed. To identify AAV variants and delivery methods that can best transduce brain and nasal tissue with an optimal transduction profile, we compared 3 engineered AAV capsids (AAV.cc47, AAV.cc84, and AAV1RX) with AAV9. A single-stranded CBA promoter driven tdTomato transgene was packaged in these capsids and delivered i.v. or intranasally (i.n.) to wild-type mice. A CMV promoter driven Alk1 transgene was packaged into AAV.cc84 and delivered to PdgfbiCre;Alk1f/f mice through i.v. followed by bAVM induction. Transduced cells in organs, vessel density, abnormal vessels in the bAVMs, and liver inflammation were analyzed histologically. Liver and kidney function were measured enzymatically. Compared to other viral vectors, AAV.cc84, after i.v. delivery, transduced a high percentage of brain endothelial cells (ECs) and few hepatocytes; whereas after i.n. delivery, AAV.cc84 transduced ECs and perivascular cells in the brain, and ECs, epithelial cells, and muscles in the nose with minimum hepatocyte transduction. No changes to liver or kidney function were detected. The delivery of AAV.cc84-Alk1 through i.v. to PdgfbiCre;Alk1f/f mice reduced bAVM severity. In summary, we propose that AAV.cc84-Alk1 is a promising candidate for developing gene therapy in HHT patients.

Dupilumab for the treatment of alopecia areata in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis: A scoping review.

Our study aims to synthesize existing evidence of dupilumab for alopecia areata (AA) in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2024, using keywords related to AD, AA, dupilumab, and pediatric patient populations per PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A mean SALT score reduction of 42.6 following dupilumab treatment (p < .01) over an average of 3.21 months, and a mean reduction of Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) levels of 2.14 units (p < .01) demonstrates the efficacy of dupilumab in pediatric AA when there is concurrent AD. Our findings in combination with dupilumab's favorable safety profile in pediatric AD makes it an appealing option for AA treatment, however, a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms, optimal pediatric patient selection criteria, long-term efficacy, and safety profile of dupilumab in this context is warranted.

Recent Updates on Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Posterior Segment Diseases with Emphasis on Diabetic Retinopathy.

In recent years, various conventional formulations have been used for the treatment and/or management of ocular medical conditions. Diabetic retinopathy, a microvascular disease of the retina, remains the leading cause of visual disability in patients with diabetes. Currently, for treating diabetic retinopathy, only intraocular, intravitreal, periocular injections, and laser photocoagulation are widely used. Frequent administration of these drugs by injections may lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. Although conventional ophthalmic formulations like eye drops, ointments, and suspensions are available globally, these formulations fail to achieve optimum drug therapeutic profile due to immediate nasolacrimal drainage, rapid tearing, and systemic tearing toxicity of the drugs. To achieve better therapeutic outcomes with prolonged release of the therapeutic agents, nano-drug delivery materials have been investigated. These nanocarriers include nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), dendrimers, nanofibers, in-situ gel, vesicular carriers, niosomes, and mucoadhesive systems, among others. The nanocarriers carry the potential benefits of site-specific delivery and controlled and sustained drug release profile. In the present article, various nanomaterials explored for treating diabetic retinopathy are reviewed.

Analyzing crop production: Unraveling the impact of pests and pesticides through a fractional model

The continuous growth of the human population raises concerns about food, fiber, and agricultural insecurity. Meeting the escalating demand for agricultural products due to this population surge makes protecting crops from pests becomes imperative. While farmers use chemical pesticides as crop protectors, the extensive use of these chemicals adversely affects both human health and the environment. In this research work, we formulate a nonlinear mathematical model using the Caputo fractional (CF) operator to investigate the effects of pesticides on crop yield dynamics. We assume that pesticides are sprayed proportional to the density of pest density and pests not entirely reliant on crops. The feasibility of every possible nonnegative equilibrium and its stability characteristics are explored utilizing the stability theory of fractional differential equations. Our model analysis reveals that in a continuous spray approach, the roles of pesticide abatement rate and pesticide uptake rate can be interchanged. Furthermore, we have identified the optimal time profile for pesticide spraying rate. This profile proves effective in minimizing both the pest population and the associated costs. To provide a practical illustration of our analytical findings and to showcase the impact of key parameters on the system’s dynamics, we conducted numerical simulations. These simulations are conducted employing the generalized Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method, which allowed us to vividly demonstrate the real-world implications of our research.

Levodropropizine for children and adolescents with acute post-viral cough: an evidence-based choice.

Acute post-viral cough is a common symptom, usually mild-moderate and self-resolving. However, acute cough may be particularly annoying, affecting sleep, and quality of life, also of the family. Thus, treatment is deemed necessary. Antitussive remedies may be pharmacological or non-pharmacological. Antitussive drugs are either central or peripheral. Central drugs are burdened with significant side effects and can cause abuse, especially in adolescents. Levodropropyzine, on the other hand, is an effective peripheral drug, as demonstrated by two meta-analyses, and has an optimal safety profile. Non-pharmacological remedies tend to be safe, but few substances have a documented degree of efficacy. Therefore, when managing children and adolescents with a post-viral cough, the practical approach may be based on levodropropizine use, which is preferable when the cough is particularly persistent and disturbs sleep.

Analyzing crop production: Unraveling the impact of pests and pesticides through a fractional model

The continuous growth of the human population raises concerns about food, fiber, and agricultural insecurity. Meeting the escalating demand for agricultural products due to this population surge makes protecting crops from pests becomes imperative. While farmers use chemical pesticides as crop protectors, the extensive use of these chemicals adversely affects both human health and the environment. In this research work, we formulate a nonlinear mathematical model using the Caputo fractional (CF) operator to investigate the effects of pesticides on crop yield dynamics. We assume that pesticides are sprayed proportional to the density of pest density and pests not entirely reliant on crops. The feasibility of every possible nonnegative equilibrium and its stability characteristics are explored utilizing the stability theory of fractional differential equations. Our model analysis reveals that in a continuous spray approach, the roles of pesticide abatement rate and pesticide uptake rate can be interchanged. Furthermore, we have identified the optimal time profile for pesticide spraying rate. This profile proves effective in minimizing both the pest population and the associated costs. To provide a practical illustration of our analytical findings and to showcase the impact of key parameters on the system’s dynamics, we conducted numerical simulations. These simulations are conducted employing the generalized Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method, which allowed us to vividly demonstrate the real-world implications of our research.

Eco-driving Profile Optimization by Dynamic Programming for Battery Electric Vehicles

Eco-driving Profile Optimization by Dynamic Programming for Battery Electric Vehicles

Оптимальное проектирование профиля ствола наклонно направленной скважины в горных условиях

The well design process is closely related to the problem of determining effective drilling conditions, namely, constructing an optimal well profile in mountain conditions. The accuracy of the trajectory of the drilling tool in the rock directly depends on the operational calculation of the spatial coordinates of the well. Materials and methods. The displacement and length of the wellbore were preliminarily determined; determining the accuracy of the design well profile and deviation of the wellbore. Results and discussion. During the solution, in addition to constructing a graph of the parabolic dependence using the least squares method, graphic images of other dependences that approximate the original data were also found. Conclusion. Calculating the length of the trajectory at any part of the well and the ability to reach a given end point of drilling in a rock formation with changes in external factors is an obvious advantage of the proposed method. Resume. Based on the results of the analysis of various methods and inclinometric studies, the application of the least squares method is justified, which allows determining the estimated length of the well and promptly responding to any deviation from the optimal trajectory, calculating the shortest path without affecting the drilling speed in mountainous conditions. Suggestions for practical applications and future research directions. The application of this method in combination with existing methods for constructing an optimal well profile and verification by physical methods is proposed.

MIXOLAB® rheology of enzymatic flour and validation of baking performance

The purpose of this research is to justify the way in which flour is added to obtain a quality product, quality seen from the perspective of bakers. Because bakers want to have good and consistent flour, many tests are done in the mills for the addition of flour, tests that are correlated with baking samples. In this study, analyzes are based on the use of enzyme mixtures with influences on the rheology of the flours and the organoleptic properties of the bread resulting from the baking test. For a better image of the results, constant percentages of enzymes were used: xylanase, lipase and different percentages of alpha-amylase were used. This decision was based on the fact that there were periods when the falling index exceeded the value of 350 s. Xylanase and lipase were used in percentages of 5ppm. The percentage of alpha-amylase was in the range of 1-10 ppm. The flour added with enzymes was analyzed from a rheological point of view with the help of the Chopin Mixolab. Baking samples were made from the added flour, which were analyzed objectively, by laser scanning, using the Volscan device. By means of the Volscan device, the quality parameters of the bread were obtained, such as: volume, specific volume, density, maximum H/D ratio, and yield in flour. Based on the experimental data, correlations were made between the results obtained from the flour analysis and those from the bread analysis, with the aim of establishing an optimal profile of the flour from the point of view of the rheological characteristics, but which would lead to obtaining a product with parameters as better. The analysis of the experimental data allowed the realization and validation of an optimal profile of the flour, for the situation where the falling index is greater than 350 s. The analysis of the experimental data allowed the creation of an optimal profile of the flour, for the situation where the falling number is greater than 350 s.

Riser Configuration Design for a 15-MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Integrated with a Green Hydrogen Facility

Green hydrogen presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for clean energy production and transportation. This study aims to identify the optimal profile of green hydrogen transportation risers originating from a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) integrated with a hydrogen production facility. Employing the Cummins equation, a fully coupled dynamic analysis for FOWT with a flexible riser was conducted, with the tower, mooring lines, and risers described using a lumped mass line model. Initially, motion response amplitude operators (RAOs) were compared with openly published results to validate the numerical model for the FOWT. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted on the length of the buoyancy module section and the upper bare section of the riser by comparing the riser’s tension and bending moment. The results indicated that as the length of the buoyancy module increases, the maximum tension of the riser decreases, while it increases with the lengthening of the bare section. Furthermore, shorter buoyancy modules are expected to experience less fatigue damage, with the length of the bare section having a relatively minor impact on this phenomenon. Consequently, to ensure safety under extreme environmental conditions, both the upper bare section and the buoyancy module section should be relatively short.

Pterocarpus soyauxii (Fabaceae) aqueous extract to prevent neuropsychiatric disorders associated with menopause by triggering ROS-dependent oxidative damage and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, GABA-transaminase, and monoamine oxidase A: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches

Pterocarpus soyauxii (PS) is traditionally used in Cameroon medicine to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. Previous research has shown that it has tissue-selective potential and estrogen-mimetic effects on vaginal atrophy. Phytoestrogens like 7-O-acetyl formononetin, khrinone A, and 3′,5′-dimethoxy-4-stilbenol were found in its water extract by UHPLC, but there is no evidence of its effects on neurological disorders linked to post-menopause (ND-PO). The study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of PS aqueous extract, assess its neuroprotective potential in rats, and explore possible underlying pathways. We used colorimetric assays to study the phytochemical profile of PS extract. Effects of the extract on behavioral parameters, neuronal signaling, and integrity in an 84-day ovariectomized rat model. Molecular docking was performed to assess the ability of 7-O-acetyl formononetin, an isoflavone contained in PS, to cross the BBB and its binding affinity to the active sites of AChE, MAO-A, and GABA-T. Besides, the anti-AChE/BChE, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of PS were assessed by in vitro tests. PS aqueous extract contains polyphenols (656.58 ± 9.18 mgEAG/100gMS), flavonoids (201.25 ± 5.52 mgEQ/100gDW), and tannins (18.42 ± 1.25 mg/100gDW). It slows down anxiety, depressive disorders, cellular disorganization, and neuronal death in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and neocortex. In silico modeling was a powerful tool to assess the 7-O-acetylformononetin's ability to cross the BBB and strongly bind and inhibit AChE, MAO-A, and GABA-T. Thus, by combining GABAergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic modulation, PS aqueous extract also possesses remarkable anti-AChE/BChE in vitro and induces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in macrophages. Such estromimetics, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholinergic, and monoaminergic modulators represent promising activities to develop neuroprotective drugs with optimal therapeutic profiles for menopausal women.

Enhancing the Forming Accuracy of CFRP through a Global Compensation Method by Introducing an Optimal Profile.

Irreversible curing distortion represents a significant limiting factor in the application of high-performance composite structures. Curing distortion is the deviation of a component's profile from the theoretical profile after demolding. Introducing the optimal compensation profile into the traditional compensation algorithm represents an effective method to enhance CFRPs' forming accuracy. For this method, it is necessary to obtain the optimal compensating profile by establishing the coordinate model of the curing process parameter and mold profile compensation. The coordinated control model consists of four parameters: the mean value (Dav), root mean square value (Dmsr), minimum (Dmin), and maximum (Dmax) of curing distortion. Two sizes of composite structural parts are manufactured using the global compensation method. We investigate the influence mechanisms of heating, holding, and cooling times on curing distortion and residual stresses and develop a multi-field coupled finite element model. Strong agreement between the numerical and experimental findings serves as evidence for the effectiveness of the numerical model. The middle layer of the fabricated parts exhibit a reduction in residual stresses as the heating and holding times increase, while an opposite trend is noted with an increase in cooling time. Refining the design of curing process parameters can yield the minimum value of curing deformation within the specified resin system interval. Comparisons indicate that the distortion of the composite wall panel structure is reduced by 86.2% through the use of the global compensation method, demonstrating the validity of this approach for composite structures.

Switched capacitor and coupled inductor based high power factor charger for E-2/E-3 wheelers

This paper introduces a modified Zeta converter topology designed specifically for charging low voltage electric vehicles (LVEVs), enhancing performance for electric two (E-2) and electric three (E-3) wheelers. Unlike traditional Zeta converter, which offers buck-boost gain, an AC-DC converter in this study, utilizes a switched capacitor configuration to efficiently step-down voltage in a single phase, bridging the gap between the AC grid and low potential battery assemblies. This design incorporates a coupled inductor structure and operates in discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM), reducing the size of magnetic components and overall dimensions of converter and power factor correction (PFC) rectifier. DICM operation provides intrinsic PFC and minimizes switching losses, ensuring exceptional grid-side performance with unity power factor and minimal input current harmonic distortions, while maintaining an optimal battery charging profile. The meticulously developed hardware prototype, rated at 450 W, features precise component selection and carefully designed modes of operation. Performance analysis reveals a converter peak efficiency of 94.7 %, total harmonics distortion (THD) in input current at 2.7 % under rated conditions, and near unity power factor with zero phase displacement between input voltage and current.

Study on Spline Stress of Separator Plates in a Wet Multi-Plate Clutch

The spline teeth fracture of separator plates in wet multi-plate clutches compromises driving safety and the vehicle’s lifespan. Tooth fracture is mainly caused by stress concentration at the tooth root and uneven circumferential load distribution. This paper considers parameters such as torque, teeth count, tooth profile, and misalignment errors, establishing the corresponding finite element (FE) model to analyze the impact of the above-mentioned parameters on the strength of the separator plates. Analysis under even and biased load circumstances demonstrated that an optimum tooth count and profile can significantly increase the strength of the separator plates, offering advice for the optimized design of wet multi-plate clutch separator plates.

Association between body condition profiles, milk production and reproduction performance in Holstein and Normande cows

Body-condition dynamics are known to affect the different steps of reproduction in cattle (cyclicity, estrus expression, fertilization, embryo development). This has led to a widespread idea that there is an ideal-target optimal body condition, but no clear profile has yet been identified. Here we investigated the relationships between body condition score (BCS) profiles and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Data were from Holstein or Normande herds in 6 French experimental farms. In the Holstein breed, we discriminated 4 BCS profiles based on combining BCS at calving (Low: around 2.6 points, or High: around 3.3 points) with BCS loss after calving (Moderate (M): ≤ 1.0 points, or Severe (S): > 1.0 points). The Low-M profile mostly included multiparous cows with higher milk yield and lower reproductive performance than cows in the 3 other profiles. Low-M cows that experienced abnormal ovarian activity had lower reproductive performance than their profile-mates. Moreover, 67% of Low-M cows kept the same profile at the following lactation. The High-S profile mostly included primiparous cows with lower milk yield and higher reproductive performance than cows in other profiles. In High-S cows, higher milk yields correlated to higher risk of failure to calf on first insemination. Moreover, 38% of High-S cows kept the same profile at the following lactation, and none changed to Low-M. The other 2 BCS profiles (Low-S and High-M) were intermediate in terms of milk yield and reproductive performance. In Normande, we discriminated 3 BCS profiles based on combining BCS at calving (Low: around 2.6 points, or High: around 3.5 points) with BCS loss after calving (Flat (F): flat with no loss, Moderate (M): around 0.5 points, or Severe (S): around 1.0 point). The Low-M and High-S profiles included cows with similar performance, even though High-S-profile cows showed better but not significantly different milk yield and reproduction performance. The High-F profile included cows that were more likely to experience abnormal ovarian activity and fail at first insemination than cows in other profiles. More than 50% of Normande cows with 2 successive lactations kept in the same BCS profile at the next lactation. Even though a low BCS at calving combined with severe BCS loss (more than 1 point) after calving was found to increase reproductive failure, there was no evidence of an optimal BCS profile for reproduction in dairy cows, and reproductive success or failure is multifactorial.

Improvement effects of Lactobacillus-derived mannose-containing exopolysaccharides on ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a public health concern. The quest for drugs characterized by minimal side effects and optimal safety profiles for managing UC has emerged as a primary research topic. Recent evidence suggests the efficacy of Lactobacillus-derived exopolysaccharides containing mannose (MnEPSs) in alleviating UC. Lactobacillus could not synthesize MnEPSs in the glucose-only MRS medium, but with mannose added to the carbon source, MnEPSs were produced directionally, of which mannose accounts for 5.9–7.8% of the total sugar content. Subsequently, MnEPS-6M3, MnEPS-Q5M22, MnEPS-D4L1, and MnEPS-CCFM 1393 were used to investigate the mechanism of UC relief. The results showed that compared with non-MnEPSs, MnEPSs had the better effect on reliving UC. Phenotypically, four MnEPSs alleviated weight loss, DAI score, crypt disappearance, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mucosal edema of UC in mice. Mechanistically, MnEPSs increased the expression of ZO-1 by 52.38–115.87% to repair intestinal barrier, inhibited inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-17) and increasd anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) by reducing colonic F4/80+ macrophages (decreased 4.34–7.01%) and colonic iNOS+ M1 macrophages (decreased 7.3–10.52%), and promoted the production of acetic acid (increased 153.21–226.93%), propionic acid (increased 360.71–528.57%), and butyric acid (increased 127.45–156.86%) in cecal contents. Interestingly, MnEPS-Q5M22 and MnEPS-CCFM 1393 increased the abundance of butyric acid-producing Dunaliella. In summary, this study provides a theoretical basis for the directional synthesis of functional MnEPSs.

Modeling of double-row cylindrical roller bearing under combined loads and angular misalignment

Abstract To enhance the reliability of the double-row cylindrical roller bearing (DCRB), a new quasi-static model, which is capable of considering inner ring misalignment and combined loads, has been established. This model was used to calculate the distribution of internal loads and contact pressure. First, the model was verified with published data. Secondly, systematic parameter analyses are conducted to investigate how axial load, inner ring misalignment and roller profile influence the contact performance. The results indicate that when the bearing is subjected to a combined load, the difference between the radial loads borne by the two rows increases with the increase of axial load. The combined load and misalignment of the inner ring would cause significant changes in the numerical value and distribution of contact load and pressure between the rollers and raceways. The roller profile optimization can reduce contact pressure and alleviate the edge effect.

Traditional preference mapping and computational machine learning techniques: A comparative study of approaches to guide product development

Preference mapping, a well-known set of multivariate statistical techniques, has become widely adopted due to its demonstrated effectiveness as a powerful tool in guiding the development of new products and enhancing existing ones. Recent advancements in open-source software and computational capabilities have introduced a new set of accessible tools with the potential to address limitations associated with traditional methods. This study introduces an alternative algorithm for building predictive models, employing regularized regression in combination with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS). These methods make fewer assumptions about the relationship between predictors and the target and can easily capture complex and non-linear relationships. Additionally, the study presents a robust and systematic alternative approach for calculating optimum profiles and performing simulations. The paper aims to compare this new set of tools, referred to as computational machine learning techniques, with a well-established and widely recognized method − PrefMap based on Partial Least Squares Regression. The primary intention of the comparison between computational machine learning and one example of a traditional approach is not to determine a winning methodology, but rather to enhance awareness and deepen the understanding of this emerging family of models and techniques now available to sensory and consumer scientists. Results are assessed side by side to reveal their similarities and differences in terms of predictive power, drivers of liking, and the optimal profile aspects, and a list of practical considerations is provided at the end, enabling a better understanding of the trade-offs between the two approaches presented here.