Search

In this work, an improved symmetric integral barrier function-based tracking control is addressed for a robotic manipulator in the presence of position error performance requirements and unknown uncertain terms. First of all, we construct an improved symmetric time-variant integral barrier function to solve the robotic system's constrained requirements. The novel barrier function is constructed by developing an integral upper limit function that can be used in conjunction with existing performance envelope functions. Then, the equivalent conversion error is taken as the upper limit of the integral function to achieve the specified steady-state as well as transient behaviors of the system. Additionally, a disturbance observer based on the velocity tracking error is introduced to compensate for unknown uncertain terms. In the end, a numeral simulation study on a robot with two degrees is performed to indicate that the present scheme is feasible in handling the performance constraint and uncertain terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess microbial contamination of the processed rice product, food contact surface, and air at workplaces in the infant rice food industry. Further, the effectiveness of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) against Cronobacter sakazakii airborne and biofilm was evaluated. C. Sakazaki was detected in the grinding steps, dry room, and dry chamber, which can live in a low-water activity environment. After steaming, pathogenic bacteria counts were found immediately in the samples collected from the dry room. Escherichia coli , Bacillus cereus , C. sakazakii could be found on contact surfaces in the dry room process, pointing out these facilities as potential sources for cross-contamination. Air movement in the closed drying room enhanced the level and spread of aerosol transmission. The total bacterial count was reduced from 94.67 to 115.33 CFU/m3 to 36.00–46.67 CFU/m3 in the dry room under SAEW aerosolization at 30 ppm. SAEW spray (30 ppm) completely eliminated C. sakazakii bacterial in the laboratory-scale clean booth. In addition, SAEW at 30 ppm effectively eradicates C. Sakazakii biofilm (54.55% reduction ratio). Scanning electron microscopy assays showed that the SAEW treatment effectively inactivated C. Sakazakii biofilm cells by disrupting the biofilm matrix and damaging the cell membrane. [Display omitted] • Indoor air is a vector of microbial contamination in the infant dry snack industry. • The airborne bacteria in the dry room was 94.67–115.33 CFU/m3. • Pathogenic bacteria could be found on the food contact surface and rice processed sample in the dry room. • Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) spryer at 30 ppm treatment inactivated airborne bacteria and C.sakazakii. • SAEW at 30 ppm inactivated C. Sakazakii biofilm cells by disrupting the biofilm matrix and damaging the cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to carry out parameter design and dynamic stability verification experiment of controllable damping ferrofluid bearing. A new type of ferrofluid bearings is designed, and its internal magnetic fields are simulated by the finite element analysis software ANSYS. In this paper, the coefficient of magnetic leakage is taken as the optimization object, and the optimal parameters of ferrofluid bearings are updated. At the same time, the working principle of the ferrofluid bearings test platform is introduced, which includes a servomotor with a controller, an eddy displace sensor, an amplifier and a power supply. Finally, the dynamic stability of ferrofluid bearing is verified by experiments. The experimental results show that when the applied current is less than or equal to 0.08 A, the amplitude of the rotor supported by the ferrofluid bearing decreases with the applied current increment. Besides, the dynamic stability of the rotor is also related to the rotational speed. When the applied current is 0.08 A, the amplitude of the rotor supported by the ferrofluid bearing firstly increases and then decreases with the rotational speed increment. It is proved that the ferrofluid bearings have a strong function of the dynamic stability, which can suppress the vibration of the rotor, and have high accuracy of both position and rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON), along with 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), occur in grains and cereal products and is often hazardous to humans and livestock. In this study, 579 wheat samples and 606 maize samples intended for consumption were collected from China in 2017 and analyzed to determine the co-occurrence of type-B trichothecenes (DON, 3-ADON, and 15-ADON). All the wheat samples tested positive for DON, while 99.83% of the maize samples were DON-positive with mean DON concentrations of 165.87 and 175.30 μg/kg, respectively. Per the Chinese standard limits for DON, 3.63% of wheat and 2.97% of the maize samples were above the maximum limit of 1000 μg/kg. The DON derivatives (3-ADON and 15-ADON) were less frequently found and were present at lower levels than DON in wheat. 3-ADON and 15-ADON had incidences of 13.53% and 76.40%, respectively, in maize. By analyzing the distribution ratio of DON and its derivatives in wheat and maize, DON (95.51%) was the predominant toxin detected in wheat samples, followed by 3.97% for the combination of DON + 3-ADON, while DON + 3-ADON + 15-ADON and DON + 15-ADON were only found in 0.17% and 0.35% of wheat samples, respectively. Additionally, a large amount of the maize samples were contaminated with DON + 15-ADON (64.19%) and DON (22.11%). The samples with a combination of DON + 3-ADON and DON + 3-ADON + 15-ADON accounted for 1.32% and 12.21%, respectively. Only one maize sample did not contain all three mycotoxins. Our study shows the necessity of raising awareness of the co-occurrence of mycotoxin contamination in grains from China to protect consumers from the risk of exposure to DON and its derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has the greatest rice production in the world, but the problem of heavy metal pollution in rice is becoming increasingly serious. The present study examined a microbial immobilization method to remove cadmium (Cd) in rice flour. The study demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) exhibited the best removal effect, but the microorganisms were difficult to separate from rice flour. Diatomaceous earth coimmobilized microbial pellets (DECIMPs) were prepared using coimmobilized L. plantarum with sodium alginate (SA, 3%), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 2%), and diatomaceous earth (DE, 1%). Compared with microbial fermentation, the immobilized pellets had less influence on rice quality, and Cd removal rates of sample 1 (0.459 ± 0.006 mg/kg) and 2 (0.873 ± 0.031 mg/kg) reached 90.01% ± 1.01% (0.051 ± 0.003 mg/kg) and 91.80% ± 0.54% (0.068 ± 0.034 mg/kg), which were significantly higher than free microbial fermentation. In addition, microbial was easily separated. These results show that DECIMPs fermentation is an effective means of removing Cd from rice and could be considered as a strategy for the development of Cd‐free rice‐based foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecofriendly disinfectants are being extensively investigated for their potential sanitiser efficacy and food industry application.This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) combined with essential oil (EO) based on surfactant monolaurin (ML) on the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 43894, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Listeria monocytogenes Scott ATCC 43251, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 13565, Candida albicans KCCM 11282. The SAEW's (ACC 5, 10 and 20 mg/L) antimicrobial activity was significantly enhanced for nanoemulsion (NE). The stability of the NE was enhanced based on sonication and the particle size, and zeta potential analysis was determined. The results revealed that the addition of ML (nonionic surfactant) and high-intensity ultrasound sonication influences the formulation of oil-in-water nanoemulsion. Higher antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and electrolyzed water in both individual and combined (nanoemulsion) effect were confirmed. The nanoemulsion appeared to amplify the antimicrobial effect of SAEW with particle size (117.3 nm) suggesting the formation of SAEW–TV complexes probably through hydrophobic interaction. The zeta potential showed the enhanced stability (−37.4 mV) of the emulsion was confirmed based on sonication. The mechanism of antimicrobial ability to disrupt cell membrane integrity was investigated based on electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and based on the molecular binding, the mode of action of epinastine, oseltamivir and 2-isopropyl -5-methylphenol (−12.47, −7.98 and −9.456 kcal/mol) binding affinity was confirmed respectively. In addition, the MTT assay was assessed to evaluate the non-cytotoxic effect of the combination of (SAEW + TR + ML) as a disinfectant. [Display omitted] • Thymus vulgaris enhances the antimicrobial activity of SAEW combined with monolaurin and its nanoemulsion efficiency. • Toxicity studies examined on cell line [Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF)]. • The non-allergic effect was confirmed for the nanoemulsion based on HET-CAM (Hen'segg-chorioallantoic membrane test). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acidic niche of dental plaque can lead to caries expression over time. In this study, we attempted to design an eco-sustainable oral care formulation, and to determine its effect on caries-related pathogens in the presence and absence of lactic acid. We investigated the inhibitory effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) combined with sodium benzoate (NaB) on the growth of caries-related microorganisms (both bacteria and fungi). SAEW's antimicrobial activity was significantly increased in the presence of lactic acid (4.0 log CFU/mL for Streptococcus mutans , and 5.31 log CFU/mL for Candida albicans). In the presence of lactic acid, 0.1% of NaB completely inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans , while there was no significant inhibitory effect in the absence of lactic acid. The results showed that SAEW combined with NaB had high antimicrobial activity in the acidic environment but low efficacy in the normal niche. Thus, this combination may have fewer negative effects on oral microbiota diversity. This is the first study to investigate the possibility of SAEW as alternatives to alcohol-based oral hygiene products. [Display omitted] • A novel class of oral sanitizer was developed employing slightly acidic electrolyzed water. • The formulation was achieved in good antibacterial action against caries-related pathogens. • This study initially looks into the antimicrobial effect of highly effective antimicrobials in acidogenic oral settings. • Current antimicrobials are highly effective against both oral bacteria and fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are natural, nontoxic, biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules produced by microorganisms, including the Lactic acid bacteria, to enhance protection against environmental stress conditions. The current study focused on the encapsulation and functional efficiency of EPS produced by probiotic strains isolated from human milk. Among 27 isolates, the potential high EPS-producing strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri KCTC 14626BP was selected based on biofilm production. The structural Characterization of EPS was performed based on FTIR, NMR and functional properties were determined; further, the encapsulation efficiency of EPS was determined with caffeic acid. The results indicate that L. reuteri produced EPS major component consisting of glucose, galactose and arabinose with the ratio of (0.78:0.16: 0.05). The antioxidant efficiency of EPS-LR was determined on DPPH (60.3 %) and ABTS (48.9 %); EPS showed enhanced functional activities. The absence of toxicity was confirmed based on Caenorhabditis elegans. The EPS-loaded Caffeic acid (CA) EPS-LR indicated spherical capsules with rough surfaces, with sizes ranging from 1.39 to 6.75 μm. These findings indicate that EPS-LR can be applied as a bioactive compound and encapsulating material in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. [Display omitted] • Exopolysaccharides produced by Limosilactobacillus reuteri (EPS-LR) were Extracted and Partially Purified. • EPS-LR has potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and prebiotic effects. • EPS-LR can be used as an encapsulating agent for caffeic acid. • The functional activity of EPS binded caffeic (ECA) was significantly increased than EPS-LR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Glutamic acid decarboxylase (gad) gene responsible for GABA production was detected in L.reuteri using PCR approach. • HPLC & UHPLCQ-TOF-MS2 approaches were applied for GABA content, and bioactive compounds produced by the bacterial strain. • Pac-Bio sequencers and the Hierarchical Genome Assembly Process were used for bacterial whole genome sequencing. • gadB and gadC genes for GABA production were confirmed in plasmid 1 of the whole genome. • Present work demonstrates L.reuteri could be used as a Psychobiotic bacteria for health benefits. The gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a chemical messenger and is essential for the health of the brain and muscles. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the potential to function as psychobiotic cultures because they can produce significant amounts of neuroactive compounds like GABA. Psychobiotics are known to alter bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. In the present study, the Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) strain, isolated from human breast milk, was used to detect the GABA-producing glutamic acid decarboxylase (gad) gene and GABA production. PCR, HPLC and UHPLCQ-TOF-MS2 approaches were applied to identify the gad gene, GABA content, and bioactive compounds produced by the bacterial strain, respectively. Additionally, the whole genome was sequenced to better understand the strain's psychobiotic and technological genomic properties. The gadB and gadC genes were confirmed in plasmid 1 of the whole genome. The complete genome sequence of L. reuteri comprises the genome length of 2,087,202 bp with 51.6 percent of G + C content. The results indicate that L. reuteri can be used as a starter culture for the production of GABA-enriched functional foods as well as psychobiotics for health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of medication noncompliance has resulted in major risks to public safety and financial loss. The new omnipresent medicine enabled by the Internet of things offers fascinating new possibilities. Additionally, an in-home healthcare station (IHHS), it is necessary to meet the rapidly increasing need for routine nursing and on-site diagnosis and prognosis. This article proposes a universal and preventive strategy to drug management based on intelligent and interactive packaging (I2Pack) and IMedBox. The controlled delamination material (CDM) seals and regulates wireless technologies in novel medicine packaging. As such, wearable biomedical sensors may capture a variety of crucial parameters via wireless communication. On-site treatment and prediction of these critical factors are made possible by high-performance architecture. The user interface is also highlighted to make surgery easier for the elderly, disabled, and patients. Land testing incorporates and validates an approach for prototyping I2Pack and iMedBox. Additionally, sustainability, increased product safety, and quality standards are crucial throughout the life sciences. To achieve these standards, intelligent packaging is also used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These technologies will continuously monitor the quality of a product and communicate with the user. Data carriers, indications, and sensors are the three most important groups. They are not widely used at the moment, although their potential is well understood. Intelligent packaging should be used in these sectors and the functionality of the systems and the values presented in this analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]