Optimal Source Research Articles

Study of optimal nutritional conditions for Arbutin production from Bacillus subtilis NN2M

Arbutin is a combination of D-glucose and hydroquinone. Among the positive effects of arbutin are its antioxidant properties, antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Arbutin is one of the most important active compounds used to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which causes enzymatic browning in many foods. Microbial fermentation has emerged as an up-and-coming technique for the production of arbutin in recent years. The aim of the study was the biological production of arbutin from Bacillus subtilis NN2M isolates. The isolates were confirmed and identified by Vitek and 16S rRNA and the nutritional conditions for production were improved to reach optimal conditions. To determine the best nutritional conditions for arbutin production, several conditions were studied, including the carbon source and its concentration, the nitrogen source and its concentration and the hydroquinone concentration. The results showed that the highest output of the active compound arbutin when using Molasses as a carbon source arbutin concentration was 23.34µg/mL. We also found the best concentration of the optimal carbon source, 4 % (w\v) arbutin concentration, was 27.62 µg/mL; furthermore, while using several nitrogen sources for producing arbutin, peptone was determined to be the optimum source, the concentration of arbutin was 47.3 µg/mL, the nitrogen source optimal Concentration was 2 % (w\v) arbutin concentration was 59.46 µg/mL, the optimum concentrations of hydroquinone was 2 % (w\v) arbutin concentration was 79.1 µg/mL.

Thermodynamic characteristics of a novel solar single and double effect absorption refrigeration cycle

Solar absorption refrigeration systems provide one of the economical options for air conditioning. In order to reduce the complexity and economic cost, a more advanced solar single-double-effect switching system is proposed. The innovation of this system is that it replaces the single-effect and high-pressure generators in previously developed single-double-effect switching system with a specific generator. The optimal heat source switching temperature of the new system was determined by the genetic algorithm to be 125.5 °C. Compared with the original single-double-effect switching system, the average coefficient of performance of the system is increased by 8.6 %, and the fluctuation of refrigeration capacity during the switching period is reduced by 48 %. The new solar single-double-effect switching system is investigated based on thermodynamic characteristics, energy, exergy, and economy aspects. The results showed that heat exchangers of the system have strong coupling. The cooling water temperature has a greater impact on the performance of the dual-effect mode. In the single-effect mode, the special-pressure generator has the largest exergy destruction (39 %), while in the double-effect mode, the absorber has the largest exergy destruction (41 %). Besides, the economic analysis demonstrated that the new system is economically viable with a payback period of 9.33 years.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell tissue source and in vitro expansion impact extracellular vesicle protein and miRNA compositions as well as angiogenic and immunomodulatory capacities.

Recently, therapies utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have begun to show promise in clinical trials. However, EV therapeutic potential varies with MSC tissue source and in vitro expansion through passaging. To find the optimal MSC source for clinically translatable EV-derived therapies, this study aims to compare the angiogenic and immunomodulatory potentials and the protein and miRNA cargo compositions of EVs isolated from the two most common clinical sources of adult MSCs, bone marrow and adipose tissue, across different passage numbers. Primary bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) and adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) were isolated from adult female Lewis rats and expanded in vitro to the indicated passage numbers (P2, P4, and P8). EVs were isolated from the culture medium of P2, P4, and P8 BMSCs and ASCs and characterized for EV size, number, surface markers, protein content, and morphology. EVs isolated from different tissue sources showed different EV yields per cell, EV sizes, and protein yield per EV. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of proteomics data and miRNA seq data identified key proteins and pathways associated with differences between BMSC-EVs and ASC-EVs, as well as differences due to passage number. In vitro tube formation assays employing human umbilical vein endothelial cells suggested that both tissue source and passage number had significant effects on the angiogenic capacity of EVs. With or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, EVs more significantly impacted expression of M2-macrophage genes (IL-10, Arg1, TGFβ) than M1-macrophage genes (IL-6, NOS2, TNFα). By correlating the proteomics analyses with the miRNA seq analysis and differences observed in our in vitro immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and proliferation assays, this study highlights the trade-offs that may be necessary in selecting the optimal MSC source for development of clinical EV therapies.

Multi-criteria decision-making model based on picture hesitant fuzzy soft set approach: An application of sustainable solar energy management

This study addresses the optimization of energy management within corporations to reduce expenditures and maximize profits. Focusing on proactive, coordinated, and systematic energy usage, the research emphasizes the importance of informed decisions through building management, energy audits, and equipment retrofits. The proposed concept of Picture Hesitant Fuzzy Soft Set (PHFSS) with Archimedean aggregation operators, featuring Einstein generators, is introduced. Various aggregation techniques, including PHFS weighted, weighted ordered, weighted geometric, ordered weighted geometric, and hybrid operators, are thoroughly examined. PHFSS is utilized to represent ambiguous information in decision-making processes. The study introduces a novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to address the challenge of selecting optimal energy management sources, demonstrating its effectiveness through a large-scale numerical example. This approach surpasses the distance from average solution (EDAS) method in terms of effectiveness and reliability. The research contributes valuable insights into optimizing energy management, reducing costs, and mitigating environmental impact.

Recent developments in the application of alternative sterilisation technologies to meat products: A review

SummaryMeat is widely regarded as the optimal source of protein for human consumption. However, meat is susceptible to spoilage and microbial contamination throughout processing, transportation and storage stages. Traditional thermal processing techniques are commonly employed in the global meat industry. While these methods ensure microbiological safety, they may also impact the sensory and functional attributes of meat products. To address these limitations, non‐thermal processing technologies are progressively replacing conventional thermal approaches. This review will primarily focus on the potential application of non‐thermal processing technologies as alternatives to traditional methods in meat and meat product processing. Various technologies exhibiting promising performance in this field will be presented. Additionally, the mechanisms, advantages and limitations of these non‐thermal technologies in recent years will be summarised, along with a discussion on the challenges and prospects they present. This study provides an overview of non‐thermal processing technology specifically applied to meat products, emphasising the underlying mechanisms associated with different approaches. By employing diverse technical combinations, it is possible to address existing processing limitations and expand their applicability range. Non‐thermal processing technology demonstrates significant potential for enhancing meat processing practices; however, concerns regarding safety aspects and limited clinical verification about to environmental pollution have impeded its widespread adoption within the food industry.

Synbiotic therapy with Clostridium sporogenes and xylan promotes gut-derived indole-3-propionic acid and improves cognitive impairments in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by cognitive impairment. Recent investigations have highlighted the potential of nutritional interventions that target the gut-brain axis, such as probiotics and prebiotics, in forestalling the onset of AD. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was employed to identify xylan as the optimal carbon source for the tryptophan metabolism regulating probiotic Clostridium sporogenes (C. sporogenes). Subsequent in vivo studies demonstrated that administration of a synbiotic formulation comprising C. sporogenes (1 × 1010 CFU per day) and xylan (1%, w/w) over a duration of 30 days markedly enhanced cognitive performance and spatial memory faculties in the 5xFAD transgenic AD mouse model. The synbiotic treatment significantly reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain. Importantly, synbiotic therapy substantially restored the synaptic ultrastructure in AD mice and suppressed neuroinflammatory responses. Moreover, the intervention escalated levels of the microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and augmented the relative prevalence of IPA-synthesizing bacteria, Lachnospira and Clostridium, while reducing the dominant bacteria in AD, such as Aquabacterium, Corynebacterium, and Romboutsia. Notably, synbiotic treatment also prevented the disruption of gut barrier integrity. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive association between gut microbiota-generated IPA levels and behavioral changes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that synbiotic supplementation significantly improves cognitive and intellectual deficits in 5xFAD mice, which could be partly attributed to enhanced IPA production by gut microbiota. These findings provide a theoretical basis for considering synbiotic therapy as a novel microbiota-targeted approach for the treatment of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Research and simulation of an office lighting

This research thoroughly examines the evaluation and optimization methods of office lighting aimed at improving energy efficiency and the working environment through the implementation of advanced lighting technologies. Including a comprehensive technical survey of existing lighting conditions, the development of scientifically substantiated recommendations takes into account regulatory requirements and contemporary practices in the field of lighting technology. An analysis of lighting efficiency, selection of optimal light sources, calculation of their placement for maximum efficiency, and assessment of the impact on energy savings are performed, with the goal of achieving better working conditions and reducing energy consumption. The study includes the following steps: illuminance as a critical factor affecting employee productivity and comfort; technical survey of the lighting system in the office space; methodology for conducting the technical survey – measurements of illuminance in different areas of the space using a lux meter; assesment of the need for luminous flux according to norms and standards for office spaces; selection of the type and power of LED lamps for the new lighting system; calculation of the number and placement of LED lamps to provide the necessary level of illuminance in the automated system DIALux Evo Pro; assessment of the expected results in the context of energy savings and improvement of working conditions; calculation of energy expenditures for the new lighting system; potential impact of the research results on energy management and energy audit in the construction sector. The research conclusions suggest strategies for the implementation of an innovative lighting system, which leads to the optimization of energy consumption and significant improvement of lighting quality. These strategies are expected not only to improve the working environment but also to lead to substantial energy resource savings in offices, thereby promoting ecological sustainability and financial efficiency.

Metabolomics analysis based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS to explore the synthesis mechanism and culture conditions optimization of Penicillium EF-2 exopolysaccharide

Penicillium exopolysaccharide (EPS) inhibits galactose lectins and enhances immunity. However, EPS production is low and its synthesis mechanism remains unclear. Penicillium EF-2 strains with high EPS production were selected for this study, and Penicillium fermentation conditions were subsequently improved. The optimal culture conditions were 30 g/L lactose, 6 g/L yeast extract powder, 4 d seed age, 10 % inoculation amount, 3 d of secondary fermentation time, and the final EPS yield was 3.97 g/L. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to explore the mechanism of EPS synthesis at the metabolic level. Optimal carbon source: lactose and optimal nitrogen source: yeast extract can provide precursors for EPS synthesis through related metabolic pathways. Moreover, regulating the energy, vitamin, and lipid metabolic pathways created favourable conditions for EPS synthesis and secretion. These findings explain the mechanism of EPS synthesis at the metabolic level and provide a theoretical basis for optimising and industrialising EPS production.

Effects of Selenium Content on Growth, Antioxidant Activity, and Key Selenium-Enriched Gene Expression in Alfalfa Sprouts.

To enhance the selenium (Se) intake of the general public, the present study implemented biofortification techniques in alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts possess unique nutritional value and provide an optimal Se-enriched supplemental Se source. The impact of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on alfalfa shoot germination, shoot length, and biomass was assessed experimentally, and changes in the antioxidant capacity of sprouts treated with optimal Se concentrations were investigated. In addition, the transcriptome of alfalfa sprouts treated with the optimal Na2SeO3 concentration was sequenced. Gene co-expression networks, constructed through differential gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, were used to identify the core genes responsible for Se enrichment in alfalfa sprouts. The findings of the present study offer novel insights into the effects of Se treatment on the nutrient composition of alfalfa sprouts, in addition to introducing novel methods and references that could facilitate production of Se-enriched alfalfa sprouts and associated products.

The Placenta as a Source of Human Material for Neuronal Repair.

Stem cell therapy has the potential to meet unsolved problems in tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in the neural tissues. However, an optimal source has not yet been found. Growing evidence indicates that positive effects produced in vivo by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be due not only to their plasticity but also to secreted molecules including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Trophic effects produced by MSCs may reveal the key to developing effective tissue-repair strategies, including approaches based on brain implants or other implantable neural electrodes. In this sense, MSCs will become increasingly valuable and needed in the future. The placenta is a temporary organ devoted to protecting and supporting the fetus. At the same time, the placenta represents an abundant and extremely convenient source of MSCs. Nonetheless, placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) remain understudied as compared to MSCs isolated from other sources. This review outlines the limited literature describing the neuroregenerative effects of P-MSC-derived biomaterials and advocates for exploiting the potential of this untapped source for human regenerative therapies.

Characterization and Fungicide Sensitivity of Phaeosphaeriopsis obtusispora That Causes Marginal Leaf Blight in Agave hybrid H.11648.

Sisal is an important tropical cash crop in southern China. Unfortunately, it is threatened by various diseases. In 2022, a new disease tentatively named marginal leaf blight disease (MLBD) was first observed in sisal fields across Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, with an incidence rate ranging from 13% to 30%. In this work, to isolate and identify the pathogens causing MLBD, sisal leaves exhibiting the typical MLBD symptoms were collected, and nine strains were obtained. Pathogenicity tests, morphological observations, and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that two strains, namely 22GX1-3 and 22GD1-4, identified as Phaeosphaeriopsis obtusispora, were the causative pathogens of MLBD. Further investigations into the biological characteristics of P. obtusispora showed that its mycelia exhibited optimal growth on PDA medium, with the most favourable temperature and pH being 25 °C and 7.0, respectively. The mycelia could grow in temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 32 °C but ceased at 35 °C. Lactose and yeast extract powder were also identified as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness of various control agents was assessed on a single strain, 22GX1-3. Among the twelve fungicides tested, difenoconazole was proven the most effective, with an EC50 value of 0.5045 µg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first report for sisal MLBD caused by P. obtusispora. Our results provide crucial pieces of information for the development of effective management strategies to control sisal MLBD caused by P. obtusispora.

Dis//assemblages of AI: repair labor and resistance in the automated workplace

ABSTRACT Breakdowns and repairs are seldom present in dominant narratives about Artificial Intelligence that depict these technologies as a seamless source of optimization. Yet, AI systems are replete with moments of downtime and delayed action that feminist science and technology scholars have theorized as openings to reimagine technological systems. The following article engages the concept of friction to contend with the contradictory ways in which workers tasked with the continual labor of sustaining Artificial Intelligence technologies simultaneously transform parts of the system. Drawing upon seven months of ethnographic research at a recycling facility integrated with various forms of automation, including AI-powered sorting robots, we show how moments of machine malfunction provide fleeting windows for workers to bring to life alternative AI configurations. Our analytical and observational focus on glitches and breakdown allow us to make two related contributions to the study of the automated workplace: (1) We propose friction as a lens that aids in navigating the messy paradox of reproduction and resistance inherent to repair labor and (2) empirically demonstrate how friction emerges from workers’ material practices that contest datafied technological imaginaries through embodied science and move against pressures to optimize for efficiency and revenue by prioritizing communal care.

Tissue‐engineered vascular grafts for cardiovascular disease management: Current strategies, challenges, and future perspectives

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality which primarily occurs due to the blood vessel obstruction or narrowing. Surgical procedures such as, coronary artery and peripheral artery bypass grafting frequently require vascular grafts for long‐term revascularization. However, using autogenous vessels, such as the internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein, especially for vessels with diameters less than 6 mm, are associated with number of concerns due to limited availability, invasive retrieval procedures, and aptness. To overcome these limitations, the development of tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) is in continuous thrust. This review comprehensively provides the potentiality of a range of artificial and naturally occurring biopolymers and their fabrication techniques, cell sources and seeding techniques to realize the state‐of‐the‐art TEVGs. Moreover, this review article presents a synopsis of insights obtained from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, including human clinical trials. It underscores the need for further exploration into key areas such as optimal cell sources, seeding techniques, mechanical properties, hemodynamics, graft integration, the impact of patient conditions, optimum burst pressure, sufficient suture strength, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and related factors. In summary, the review offers insights into the current strategies, challenges, and future perspectives of TEVG.

CARD: Comprehensive approach based on relative difference for decision-making problems with dual evaluation forms − Application to sustainable renewable energy selection

Numerous multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods exist, each aiming to improve decision-making in complex scenarios involving multiple criteria. However, challenges remain, particularly in integrating both quantitative and qualitative evaluations and addressing issues related to attribute weighting and normalization. This study introduces a novel MADM method called the CARD method, designed to address these challenges. The CARD method offers a unified framework that combines direct and pairwise evaluations using logarithmic relative difference measures to compare alternatives in terms of relative superiority. Key innovations of the CARD method include: 1) developing a new utility function; 2) proposing a new closeness coefficient measure; 3) the ability to handle joint quantitative and qualitative inputs; and 4) introducing a new criterion satisfaction coefficient, the so-called strictness degree. These features enable the CARD method to effectively solve MADM problems involving mixed criteria. To demonstrate its applicability, we apply the CARD method to a case study on renewable energy source selection in Spain. The results confirm that wind energy is the optimal renewable energy source for Spain, highlighting its economic, engineering, and sustainable advantages. This study underscores the potential of the CARD method to enhance decision-making processes and provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

The Identification of Kabatiella zeae as a Causal Agent of Northern Anthracnose of Sorghum in China and Estimation of Host Resistance.

Sorghum northern anthracnose is a leaf disease affecting sorghum, which results in plant death and substantial yield loss. This study aimed to effectively understand the disease, clarify its biological characteristics, and evaluate the resistance of germplasm resources. A field sample was collected to isolate and purify the pathogen. The pathogen, identified as Kabatiella zeae Narita et Hiratsuka using both morphological and molecular techniques, was further confirmed as the causative agent of northern anthracnose of sorghum following Robert Koch's principles. The results revealed the optimal culture temperature to be 25 °C, preferred dark culture conditions, and the best growth on potato glucose agar medium with sucrose and L-leucine as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. A total of 138 sorghum germplasm resources were inoculated and evaluated using the isolated pathogen, with 20 lines (14.49%) exhibiting high resistance, 18 lines (13.04%) showing disease resistance, 27 lines (19.57%) demonstrating medium resistance, 37 lines (26.81%) being susceptible, and 36 lines (26.09%) classified as highly susceptible. The indoor fungicide screening was conducted through pathogen medium application, and enilconazole, pyraclostrobin, methylthiophanate, and flusilazole were screened for the best fungicide inhibition with a 100% inhibition rate compared with the control. This study provides reference for field pharmaceutical control in sorghum production.

Sustainable Soft Computing Techniques for Site Selection of Optimal Renewable Energy Source to Reduce Carbon Emission in India - A Mini Review

Sustainable Soft Computing Techniques for Site Selection of Optimal Renewable Energy Source to Reduce Carbon Emission in India - A Mini Review

Implementation of the Fuzzy Logic Mamdani Method in the KUB Chicken Egg Incubator

Poultry farming plays an important role in rural Indonesia's economy, with increasing demand for poultry meat and protein-rich eggs. One of the main challenges for farmers is the limited production of chicken seeds and suboptimal egg incubation methods. Modern egg incubators offer a solution with higher ease and efficiency compared to traditional methods. However, existing machines on the market have weaknesses, such as less accurate temperature and humidity control, and less optimal power source switching. The use of fuzzy logic methods in egg incubators has proven to be more efficient than manual methods, with a hatching success rate of 100% for 10 eggs. Fuzzy logic-based egg incubators start hatching earlier and more on days 18 and 19, while manual methods begin on days 19 and 20. The automatic egg-turning process in fuzzy logic machines saves labor and reduces the risk of error. This research highlights the importance of using accurate sensors and optimal temperature and humidity control systems to improve the success rate of chicken egg hatching. Index Terms—poultry farming; egg hatching; temperature; humidity; fuzzy logic

Rejection probability reduction in queueing systems with limited queue using size based prioritization and artificial intelligence

The article is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of request processing in multi-channel mass service systems with limited queue and refusals in case of overflow. The subject of this article is the methods and approaches to optimizing the processing of request flows. The aim of the work is to propose a new approach to prioritizing and balancing request categories to reduce the probability of refusals. The tasks of the article include: formulating the studied mass service system; determining the source of optimization; describing the method of dividing the overall request flow into categories; listing approaches to determining the request sizes; defining the algorithm for processing requests using size-based prioritization; proposing solutions to load assessment and priority balancing problems using artificial intelligence. The following methods are used: mass service theory, UML diagrams, artificial intelligence. The following results were obtained: a method to reduce the probability of refusals in multi-channel mass service systems with a limited queue by increasing the priority of smaller requests was proposed; methods for assessing request complexity and dividing the overall request flow into categories according to their complexity were proposed; an approach to balancing priorities using artificial intelligence was proposed.

Optimizing Biomass Supply Chains to Power Plants under Ecological and Social Restrictions: Case Study from Poland

The growing demand for social and regulatory forest ecosystem services can significantly modify the availability and cost of biomass for energy purposes. This article presents a model for optimizing biomass supply chains using a linear programming framework integrated with a geographic information system (GIS). Based on a given type of biomass resource, its calorific value, price, distance from the power plant, and transportation costs, the model identifies the optimal source of biomass, allowing it to cover the demand for the required total energy value with the lowest possible costs. The case study includes the Połaniec power plant in southeastern Poland and potential sources of forest biomass and agricultural straw within 100 km of the plant. The impact of constraints on the availability and cost of biomass was analyzed in the following scenarios: (1) all forest and agriculture biomass is available, (2) forest area in Natura 2000 network is excluded, and (3) firewood and forests with dominated ecological and social function are excluded. Unit costs of biomass varied depending on biomass availability and energy demands. The lowest unit costs of biomass (3.19 EUR/MJ) were for energy demand at the level of 1 TJ yearly for all kinds of biomass and the highest (4.91 EUR/MJ) for ecological and social constraints and energy demand 4 TJ. As energy demand increased, unit costs increased, and the ability to meet this demand with just one type of biomass decreased. The energy biomass sector can utilize the model to benefit both biomass producers and their final buyers.

A Review of Fucoxanthin Biomanufacturing from Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Microalgae, compared to macroalgae, exhibit advantages such as rapid growth rates, feasible large-scale cultivation, and high fucoxanthin content. Among these microalgae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum emerges as an optimal source for fucoxanthin production. This paper comprehensively reviews the research progress on fucoxanthin production using Phaeodactylum tricornutum from 2012 to 2022, offering detailed insights into various aspects, including strain selection, media optimization, nutritional requirements, lighting conditions, cell harvesting techniques, extraction solvents, extraction methodologies, as well as downstream separation and purification processes. Additionally, an economic analysis is performed to assess the costs of fucoxanthin production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, with a comparative perspective to astaxanthin production from Haematococcus pluvialis. Lastly, this paper discusses the current challenges and future opportunities in this research field, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, producers, and industry managers seeking to further advance this domain.