Journal of Current Science and Technology

A Feasible Adaptive Fuzzy Genetic Technique for Face, Fingerprint, and Palmprint Based Multimodal Biometrics Systems

Kishor Kumar Singh, Snehlata Barde — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

A biometric system relies solely on one or a few biometric characteristics to verify a person's identity. Multimodal biometric authentication is a hot emerging area of research. The memory requirements, response times, and adoption/operating costs of conventional multimodal biometric identification methods are all higher than those of single-modal approaches. In this article, we conducted an examination of a framework for multimodal biometric identification systems, which demonstrates a practical implementation of soft computing strategies adaptable to face, finger, and palmprint biometrics. We applied a modified Gabor filter for feature extraction to increase processing speed and reduces the timing. Validation of the proposed system was achieved by the development of a fusion system using principal component analysis as a single matcher classifier. An adaptive fuzzy genetic algorithm was applied for weight optimization which generates verification at a high-rate performance using the fuzzy logic function. Employing fusion in identification mode, the technology was critically examined. The results indicated that the multimodal biometric system outperforms in terms of TPR, FPR, TNR, FNR, Precision, Recall, F-score, and Accuracy, resulting in reduced processing time and memory footprint, and speedier implementation.

Effects of Anaerobic Germination and Enzymatic Saccharification on Chemical Compositions of Functional Drink from Riceberry Rice

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Anaerobic germination and enzymatic saccharification significantly affected the chemical compositions of riceberry rice-based functional drink. Anaerobic germination significantly affected the moisture and carbohydrate contents in germinated riceberry rice (GRR), whereas the contents of crude protein, crude fat, ash and crude fiber were not changed significantly. During anaerobic germination, production of ATP was limited; therefore, the enzyme activity in the seed could be delayed in order to conserve the nutrients. With increasing germination time, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increased, reaching a maximum percentage of 58.6% in 96-hour GRR but total phenolics and total anthocyanins significantly decreased with a loss percentage of 26.5% and 44.4%, respectively. Enzymatic saccharification using a-amylase and a-glucoamylase significantly increased sugar (total sugar, reducing sugar and glucose) contents in GRR extract, depending on incubation duration of both enzymes. The 0.5 hour-incubation with a-amylase in combination with the 12 hours-incubation with a-glucoamylase was the condition under which the extract contained the highest amount of reducing sugar (22.5 g/L), glucose (11.1 g/L) and total phenolics (22.5 g gallic acid equivalent/L). As the result, anaerobic germination in combination with enzymatic saccharification might be applied as a green process for the production of a functional drink from riceberry rice.

Bioactive and Multifunctional Wool Textiles Finishing with Diospyros mollis Griff. Extract

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Due to the sudden pandemic outbreak, there is a substantial demand for antimicrobial textiles for health and hygiene. Natural dyeing with plant sources has been proven to be an excellent eco-friendly method for producing healthcare textiles. In this study, Diospyros mollis Griff. extract was applied to the simultaneous dyeing and multi-functionalization (antibacterial activity and UV-protection) of wool fabrics. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the treatment procedure and assess parameter interactions. The optimal result was achieved when dyeing at pH 4, dye concentration 25 g/L, temperature 88°C, and time 95 min. The dyed fabrics had good antibacterial activity against both E.coli and S.aureus (bacterial colony reduction > 90%), with E.coli being more pronounced. The UV protection factor (UPF) also reached the maximum (40+) level, demonstrating their superior UV protection. The finished wools are black, with high color strength (K/S > 9), good light and washing fastness, and fair to good crocking fastness. Thus, Diospyros mollis Griff. fruit extract can be used as a new bioactive agent for multifunctional textiles, as well as simultaneous black coloring.

Decision-Making Experiences to use Medicinal Cannabis: Perspectives from Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis and Their Care Providers.

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the experience of making a decision to use medicinal cannabis among patients with knee osteoarthritis and their care providers. This qualitative research used a phenomenological approach to collect information by purposive sampling. Informants included 7 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 18 care providers in Khon Kaen municipality. Data were collected from June until December 2021using in-depth interviews, field records and participatory observation. After 6 months of data collection, the modified Colaizzi’s seven-step method was used for data analysis. The results show that the content from all informants can be categorized into 7 distinct themes about their decision-making on using medicinal cannabis (MC): 1) The needs for MC: Recognizing the painful nature of osteoarthritic pain and the limited treatment options available 2) Beliefs and attitudes towards MC with two sub-themes identified as 2.1) Belief in the MC’s efficacy that denotes informants’ positive perception and 2.2) Attitudes towards MC that show doubt, hesitation, or lack of confidence in MC’s effectiveness 3) Evidence on efficacy and safety of MC products: Considering cannabis as a viable treatment option 4) Trustworthiness of information and communication about MC. 5) Influence of other people: Three key influencers in the decision-making process including 5.1) Patients themselves 5.2) Friends and peers 5.3) Doctors and healthcare professionals 6) Legitimacy status of MC and 7) Product designs regarding forms of therapeutic use. The findings yielded 7 distinct themes concerning the decision to use medicinal cannabis (MC). The most important component is the need for pain relief among knee osteoarthritis patients. They clearly need MC for relieving their symptoms. Evidence on efficacy and legalization status of MC are also the main factors, while other 4 components are less important or not the vital factors for making decision on MC’s utilization. Policies on MC need to address these factors.

Quality Characteristics of Healthy Bread Produced from Germinated Brown Rice, Germinated Mung Bean, and Germinated White Kidney Bean

Thanawee Loikaeo — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Germinated grains and pulses are known as sources of bioactive compounds that provide beneficial effects for human health. Moreover, germination improves their protein digestibility and biological properties. This research aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the composite flour made by blending germinated brown rice (GBR), germinated mung bean (GMB), and germinated white kidney bean (GWKB) at the ratio of 1:1:1. Additionally, the quality of bread made by substituting the composite flour for wheat flour at 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% (w/w) was assessed. The results showed that the composite flour had significantly higher amounts of fat, protein, crude fiber, ash, GABA, and total phenolic content than wheat flour. The antioxidant capacity, calculated as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC), of the composite flour was 42.86 mg/100 g, which was twice that of wheat flour. The pasting properties of the GBR, GMB, and GWKB flours, including the composite flour were considerably different from those of wheat flour. Based on this study, the optimized level of the composite flour substitution was 25 g per100 g of wheat flour. The wheat composite flour bread showed higher levels of beneficial components, such as protein, minerals, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity, than the control bread. Bread made with a 25% substitution of composite flour had a more yellow hue than the control wheat bread, but there was no discernible difference in the loaf's specific volume, density, and firmness.

Therapeutic Potential of Topical Cannabis for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Two Different Formulations

Thanvisith Charoenying, Kamolrak Lomwong, Pichit Boonkrong, Wantika Kruanamkam — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of using cannabis-enriched topical cream containing of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), either alone (THC:CBD) or in combination with a polyherbal formulation for treating psoriasis. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of both formulations, a crossover, randomized, single-blinded study was conducted on 20 volunteers who were monitored for key indicators such as PASI score, PDI, DLQI, and blood profile. The present study involved two eight-week treatment periods with each formulation, separated by a two-week washout period. The results showed that the group using the cannabis cream comprising of THC:CBD alone experienced a significant reduction in PASI score after four weeks over the course of the 8-week study. Furthermore, the combination of THC:CBD and the polyherbal formulation was found to be more effective in reducing disease severity and improving patient quality of life. No significant adverse reactions were observed, and there was no difference in blood profile before and after treatment. These findings indicate that both topical formulations are safe and effective for treating psoriasis, with the combined formulation showing greater potential than using topical cannabis alone.

Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Nanofibers Containing Clinacanthus nutans (Phayayo) Crude Extract as Potential Wound Dressings

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Extraction of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) lindau (C. nutans) or Phayayo (PY) leaves was performed by maceration using ethanol as an extractant. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The inhibitory concentration at 50% antioxidant activity (IC₅₀) of PY extract was 15.62 mg/mL. The electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers containing PY extract at concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 7.5% w/v and silver (Ag) nanoparticles at 0.1% w/v were fabricated. The addition of PY extract and Ag influenced the viscosities of solutions and therefore affected the morphology and fiber diameters. The electrospun CA fiber mat containing 0.1% Ag and 7.5% PY extract was chosen to investigate its potential for use in wound dressing applications. The degrees of weight loss and water swelling of the electrospun CA/PY7.5/Ag fiber mat after immersion in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) at 37°C were examined in a range of 2-24 h, and found to increase with immersion time. The antioxidant activity of the fiber mat at the same period of immersion time was also studied, which corresponded with the trends of weight loss and water swelling. The antioxidant activity at 24 h of immersion was 68.3±9.2%. The CA/PY7.5/Ag fiber mat had no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli but slightly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The fiber mat also possesses high hydrophilicity, as examined by the contact angle measurement. These results indicate that the CA/PY7.5/Ag fiber mat is a promising material for use as a topical transdermal patch or wound dressing.

Applying Decision Tree and Bibliometric Analysis: The Analysis of Digital Governance Determinants

Benjawan Kunviroteluck, Alisa Kongthon, Patipan SaeLim — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Digital governance plays a crucial role in leading organizations in their digital transformation process. This paper aims to explore the analysis of digital governance determinants through the application of decision tree and bibliometric analysis techniques. Understanding these factors can help organizations in developing effective digital governance initiatives and strategies. Bibliometric analysis is utilized to identify new trends and overall research landscape of digital governance. K-means clustering and decision tree are then used to identify key determinants of effective digital governance. Our results show that leadership is the most initial important factor. In addition, to enhance digital governance to the highest level, organizational culture that is driven from the leader is also another important factor. The findings of this study yield insights for practitioners and managers who seek to improve their digital governance practices.

The Prevalence of Visual Impairment of the Elderly at University Eye Clinic

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment of the elderly who came to Rangsit University Eye Clinic for eye services in 2020-2021. Medical charts of elderly patients aged 60 years and older were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data collected included age, gender, and underlying diseases. Data on refraction by optometrists and eye examination by ophthalmologists were collected. The Visual impairment was categorized using WHO definitions. The study included 1,452 patients aged 60 years and older with a mean age of 69.6 ± 8.09 years (range 60 to 110 years). Visual impairment was classified using presenting visual acuity (PVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The prevalence of bilateral blindness and bilateral moderate and severe visual impairment (MSVI) using PVA were 6.20% and 69.56% respectively. When using BCVA, bilateral blindness, and bilateral MSVI were 0.69% and 11.02% respectively. Bilateral blindness did not increase with aging (p =0.125) and no gender difference (p=0.521) when using PVA. If using BCVA, bilateral MSVI did not increase with aging (p=0.920) and no gender difference (p=0.242) For eye diseases causing MSVI, were cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, branch retinal vein occlusion. The emerging cause of bilateral blindness and bilateral MSVI were myopic macular degeneration. In conclusion, this study investigated the prevalence of visual impairment in the elderly population at the University Eye Clinic. Since visual impairment from these diseases can be prevented or treated, planning for eye health promotion and prevention, with the involvement of appropriate eye personnel for screening, is therefore necessary to prevent avoidable visual impairment.

Automated Inverse Kinematics Configuration Selection for Path Planning of a 6-DOF Robot

Xuan-Vinh Nguyen, Ngoc-Lam Nguyen — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents an automated technique for selecting suitable inverse configurations for the path planning of robots with six degrees of freedom (6 DOF). Traditionally, robots were limited to a single fixed configuration for movement, but now there's a growing need for robots that can adapt to different situations, especially in unknown environments. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach designed to assist a small industrial robot known as AKB-IRV1. This approach helps the robot determine and automatically select the most suitable configuration to move, which is essential for effective path planning. We simplify a complex problem related to how the robot's joints work through geometric analysis, breaking it down into two stages: calculation and selection of the best joint angles for movement. We also use computer simulations to assess the robot's workspace, considering joint angles as constraints. Our findings reveal that taking joint angles into account significantly reduces the robot's effective workspace. We also present a method for the robot to automatically choose the right configuration when planning its path, especially in uncertain situations. This ability allows the robot to change its configuration as needed, aligning with the goal of minimizing configuration changes. This method has promising applications for intelligent robots operating in unfamiliar environments.

The Optical Properties Characterization of Hydrogenated Silicon by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for Solar Cell Applications

Araya Mungchamnankit, Puenisara Limnonthakul — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Amorphous and microcrystalline silicon play a critical role as layers in solar cell design, specifically in the absorption process layer which is crucial for the efficiency of sunlight conversion. This study explores the creation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon films (a-Si:H) via very high-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (VHF-PECVD) and analyzes their optical properties and crystal structure. We determine the optical band gap of amorphous silicon using a Tauc plot and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) analysis of transmittance results. By comparing the data, we gain insights into the material's optical properties, aiding our understanding of the findings and enabling a swift evaluation of its optical band gap. Furthermore, we characterize the film's crystal structure using grazing X-ray diffraction. Our results reveal that a-Si:H on glass, produced by VHF-PECVD at a substrate temperature of 200°C with various hydrogen dilutions (R_H=H₂/SiH₄) ranging from 1.0 to 5.0, remains in the amorphous phase. The SE modeling provides the optical band gap of the a-Si:H film, with the lowest and highest optical band gap values occurring at RH 1.0 (1.79 eV) and R_H 3.0 (1.84 eV), respectively. We employed the Tauc-Lorentz model with five fitting parameters to extract optical properties and the band gap of amorphous silicon, including the real part of the dielectric function. This model incorporates three layers: the interface layer between the glass substrate and a-Si:H, the a-Si:H film, and surface roughness, yielding the most accurate model. This comprehensive analysis unveils the exact optical properties of the fabricated films, offering valuable insights for solar cell design and manufacturing. This research confirms that Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, a rapid and non-destructive method for measuring the optical band gap, can significantly benefit the solar cell fabrication industry.

Wire Electric Discharge Machining of Aluminium Hybrid Composite: Renewable Energy Based IoT Approach

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) has been recognized as one of the optimum methods for machining of harder aluminum-based hybrid metal matrix composites (AHMMC). This method is used to optimize the major control aspects of a machine and they are current, pulse duration, and rate of feed of wire on kerf width (KRW) and Surface roughness (Ra) of hybrid composites made of aluminum Al6351 as the metal matrix (AMMHC). The AMMHC has been created via a stir casting technique by adding SiC and B₄C with an Al6351 matrix. Box-Behnken design (BBD) has been used to conduct tests in order to parametrically optimize the WEDM process. The optimization of KRW and Ra is identified using 3-D surface plots, graphs and response table of ANOVA as well as by employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Internet of Things (IoT) is implemented to monitor the quality of electrolyte that is used in WEDM. It has been identified that the current has a major contribution in both KRW and Ra factors. A lower current is preferred for a lower KRW whereas higher current improves R_a value.

Production of Kaeng Liang Soup (Thai Style Spicy Mixed Vegetable Soup) Powder Using Foam-mat Drying

Satitpong Munlum, Marasri Junsi — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Kaeng Liang is an ancient local Thai soup that has been reported to have many benefits along with the popularity of powdered food seasonings having increased significantly in Thailand. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the foam-mat drying of Kaeng Liang soup powder. The physical, chemical, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory properties of the sample were studied. Three Kaeng Liang soup recipes were selected to study sensory acceptability. The best formula was selected to produce Kaeng Liang soup powder by foam-mat drying. Then, the optimum level of egg white protein (EWP) at three levels namely 2%, 4%, and 6% for use in foam-mat drying was studied. The best level condition of egg white power was selected to study drying at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C further. It was shown that using 6% EWP and drying at a temperature of 80°C for 480 min meant that the water activity content was in accordance with the standards set forth in the instant community product standards, including the water solubility index and water reabsorption index. Moreover, the microbiological qualities are in accordance with the community product standards. As for the nutritional value of Kaeng Liang soup powder, it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, phosphorus, and calcium respectively. The acceptance of the product by 100 consumers was established by the high sensory score in the range of extremely liked as a score of 3.82-3.91 (1-dislike extremely to 5-like extremely). Therefore, the application of foam-mat drying can be used to produce Kaeng Liang soup powder.

Compressive Force Upregulates Notch Target Genes and NOTCH2 mRNA in Human Dental Pulp Cells

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Dental pulp cells encounter compressive force in various situations. While mechanical force can produce various effects on dental pulp cells, the mechanisms underlying their response remain unclear. In this study, we examined the mRNA expression of Notch target genes and Notch receptors in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) under mechanical compressive force. We utilized two in vitro compressive force application models, direct compression and hydrostatic compression. The results showed that there was an upregulation of Notch target gene, HES1, in HDPCs subjected to the compressive force generated by both models for 2 hours. Hydrostatic compression also upregulated HES1 and HEY1 mRNA expression following 6 hours of force application. NOTCH2 was the only Notch receptor found to be upregulated in HDPCs following compressive force application, in which the upregulation was observed at 6 hours after hydrostatic compression. In conclusion, both hydrostatic and direct compressive forces can upregulate the mRNA expression of Notch target gene, HES1, in HDPCs. However, the hydrostatic compression model produced more prolonged activation of HES1 and it also stimulated the upregulation of HEY1 as well as NOTCH2.

Growth and Physiological Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress at Different Development Stages

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Drought stress was a main problem of maize production in Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drought stress at different development stages and maize varieties (Zea mays L.) on growth, physiological responses, and grain yield to maintain maize production. The experiment was arranged in split-plot in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The main plot was control (well-watered) and drought stress at different development stages (the vegetative phase (V5), before the reproductive phase (V12), and the grain filling phase (R3)). The sub-plot consisted of four maize varieties: TS1004, NS3, SW4452, and NK6248. Drought stress during the vegetative phase (V5) and before the reproductive phase (V12) was found to be a susceptible stage for maize because grain yield (GY) was decreased by the loss of crop growth rate (CGR) and total soluble sugar content (TSC) and it accumulated proline content. The NK6248 variety was found to be the most suitable for maize production because it had the highest grain yield (GY) and crop growth rate (CGR). In addition, it had low proline content (PC) under drought stress. In summary, under drought stress, it is advisable to select the NK6248 variety for crop production and avoid drought stress in the vegetative phase (V5) and before the reproductive phase (V12) because a mechanism by which maize could maintain its production of this study was the accumulation of total soluble sugar content to decrease proline content under drought stress condition.

Comparison Study of Phagocytosis Activity among Live Candida albicans, Live and Heat-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Wimol Chobchuenchom — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Fungi and yeast can stimulate neutrophil activity through phagocytosis mechanism that can cause inflammation and pathogenesis. The activation of neutrophil phagocytosis by baker’s yeast that was heated at baking temperature has not yet been clearly defined. This study aimed to compare the phagocytosis activity among live Candida albicans (CL), live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae that was heated at baking temperature (SH). Phagocytosis activity was assessed by mixing whole blood from 30 healthy volunteers with normal white blood cells and absolute neutrophil counts with a yeast suspension adjusted to an absorbance of 600 nm at 5. The phagocytosis percentage and phagocytosis indexes were determined at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes of incubation. At 25 minutes of incubation, it was found that the median [interquartile range] of phagocytosis percentage against CL, SL and SH were 90.0 [85.0-97.0] %, 84.0 [78.0-91.0]% and 43.0 [28.0-74.5]%, respectively. The median [interquartile range] of phagocytosis index against CL, SL and SH were 2.62 [1.83-3.26], 1.90 [1.46-2.14] and 0.57 [0.40-1.48], respectively. The phagocytosis percentage and index between CL versus SL, CL versus SH and SL versus SH were significantly difference (p-value < 0.05). This suggested that Saccharomyces cerevisiae with heat-treated at baking temperature was still capable to stimulate phagocytosis, although the phagocytosis percentage and phagocytosis index of both of these live yeast cells were significantly higher.

Catalytic Oxidation Process and Thermal Characteristics of Toluene and Butyl Acetate Vapor in an Oven

Kenichiro Inoue — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Toluene vapor and butyl acetate vapor were oxidized at 523 K in an oven using the Pt/Co₃O₄-CeO₂, Pt/Al₂O₃, and Co₃O₄-CeO₂ catalysts and a comparison of activity and thermal characteristic among three different catalysts was conducted. The conversion into CO₂ was estimated from the change in temperature of a catalyst bed during the oxidation reaction. A relation between heat capacity of the gas and amount of solvent molecule oxidized was clarified. In the oxidation with Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the butyl acetate could not be completely oxidized, and part remained. Butanol and butanal were formed as by-products of the butyl acetate in the oven, which contained moist air. In the oxidation with Co₃O₄-CeO₂ catalyst, although no butyl acetate remained, some toluene remained and the amount of butanol and butanal increased somewhat after passage over the catalyst bed. By using a catalyst that combined platinum and Co₃O₄-CeO₂ with the original method, both the toluene and butyl acetate were almost completely oxidized at 523 K.

Phytochemical Assessment, Antioxidant Activity, and in vitro Wound Healing Potential of Polygonum minus Huds

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, associated with aging, obesity, and diabetes, is compounded by bacterial resistance and adverse effects associated with commercial wound care products. Therefore, treatment modalities to accelerate the healing process are constantly being sought. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and wound healing potential of the aqueous extract derived from the stems and leaves of Polygonum minus. The extract was subjected to phytochemical evaluation to assess the diversity of secondary metabolites. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The wound healing effects were evaluated using proliferation and migration assays on human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The phytochemical evaluation of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides. Furthermore, the extract exhibited high TPC (137.74 ± 0.75 µg/mL GAE) and TFC (177.08 ± 3.16 µg/mL QE) values, as well as radical scavenging activity at 79.50% in the DPPH assay and a FRAP value of 1485.67 ± 0.05 µM/g Fe²⁺. At the lowest concentration of 7.81 μg/mL, the extract significantly stimulated cell proliferation and migration within 24 hours of treatment. The stimulation of cell migration was comparable with that of allantoin, which was used as a positive control. This study indicated that the P. minus aqueous extract contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds, which could contribute significantly to its antioxidant activity and promote the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. The findings suggest that the extract may merit further investigation for potential applications in topical therapy related to wound healing.

Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation Doses on Quality and Shelf Life Extension of Non-Allergenic Ready-to-Eat Plant-Based Meat and Egg

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research evaluated the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on a shelf-life extension of ready-to-eat plant-based burger patties and hard-boiled eggs. The products were irradiated at different doses of the electron beam (2, 3.5, and 5 kGy) and microbiological assays (total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold, Clostridium perfringens), quality parameters (color, firmness, a_w, moisture content, TBA content), and sensory quality of the products were determined. The results indicated that EBI at 2-5 kGy did not affect on physical, chemical qualities and sensory of the products. However, microorganisms were found in the products irradiated at 2 kGy. Therefore, irradiation of products at the dose of 3.5 kGy was chosen for evaluating their nutritional qualities and shelf-life. The data confirmed that electron beam at 3.5 kGy effectively preserved nutritional value, GABA, and phenolic contents, including ACE inhibitory of plant-based meat and egg. The shelf-life of plant-based hard-boiled egg and plant-based burger patties at room temperature was 217 days or 7.25 months, according to an accelerated shelf-life study at 40° and 50 °C.

Investigation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Boesenbergia rotunda rhizome extract

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

In recent years, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat to public health. In Hawai’i, there is an increasing rate of staph infections of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and, hence, a need for new agents to combat the increase of AMR bacteria. This study evaluates the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of Hawaiian-grown Boesenbergia rotunda. Test bacteria included clinical isolates of Gram-positive MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) as well as Gram-negative Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli. Five compounds–cardamonin, pinostrobin, pinocembrin, pinostrobin chalcone, and isopanduratin A–were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of B. rotunda rhizome, and their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy. These samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against MRSA and MSSA strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 128 and 2 µg/mL, with isopanduratin A giving MIC values as low as 2 µg/mL. The antioxidant potential of samples was examined using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. At 1 mg/mL of tested samples, FRAP values ranged between 8.74 to 17.76 µM/µg, with pinostrobin chalcone exhibiting the highest FRAP value (17.76 ± 0.65 μM/μg). Moreover, cytotoxicity was measured via sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Cardamonin (IC₅₀ of 19.43 ± 0.33 μM) and isopanduratin A (IC₅₀ of 26.84 ± 1.06 μM) exhibited effectiveness against the lung cancer cell line A549. Compounds from B. rotunda showed potent antimicrobial effect against MRSA and MSSA strains as well as antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, and may have the potential for further evaluation and development for pharmaceutical applications.