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17 pages, 1039 KB  
Article
A Federated Intrusion Detection System for Edge Environments Using Multi-Index Hashing and Attention-Based KNN
by Ying Liu, Xing Liu, Hao Yu, Bowen Guo and Xiao Liu
Symmetry 2025, 17(9), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17091580 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 609
Abstract
Edge computing offers low-latency and distributed processing for IoT applications but poses new security challenges, due to limited resources and decentralized data. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are essential for real-time threat monitoring, yet traditional IDS frameworks often struggle in edge environments, failing to [...] Read more.
Edge computing offers low-latency and distributed processing for IoT applications but poses new security challenges, due to limited resources and decentralized data. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are essential for real-time threat monitoring, yet traditional IDS frameworks often struggle in edge environments, failing to meet efficiency requirements. This paper presents an efficient intrusion detection framework that integrates spatiotemporal hashing, federated learning, and fast K-nearest neighbor (KNN) retrieval. A hashing neural network encodes network traffic into compact binary codes, enabling low-overhead similarity comparison via Hamming distance. To support scalable retrieval, multi-index hashing is applied for sublinear KNN searching. Additionally, we propose an attention-guided federated aggregation strategy that dynamically adjusts client contributions, reducing communication costs. Our experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate that our method achieves competitive detection accuracy with significantly lower computational, memory, and communication overhead, making it well-suited for edge-based deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computer)
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4 pages, 395 KB  
Abstract
Enhanced Defect Characterisation Using Pulsed Phase Thermography: The Impact of Sample Geometry and Signal-Enhancement Techniques
by Shayaan Saghir, Rachael C. Tighe and Ye Chow Kuang
Proceedings 2025, 129(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025129004 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
In nondestructive evaluation (NDE), pulsed phase thermography (PPT) is a commonly used technique which relies on phase contrast to detect defects. This study presents a methodology to investigate how changes in signal processing and geometrical parameters affect phase contrast. Analytically simulated thermal signals [...] Read more.
In nondestructive evaluation (NDE), pulsed phase thermography (PPT) is a commonly used technique which relies on phase contrast to detect defects. This study presents a methodology to investigate how changes in signal processing and geometrical parameters affect phase contrast. Analytically simulated thermal signals are used to evaluate the phase contrast for varying sample thicknesses and defect sizes, relative to a fixed defect depth. To address the issue of spectral leakage, phase contrasts are recorded using both rectangular and Hamming windows before transformation into the frequency domain. A Gaussian process regression (GPR) modelling scheme is used to observe the relationship between phase contrast and geometrical parameters. The results suggest that both the choice of windowing function and geometrical factors can influence defect detection, offering insights to improve the reliability of PPT-based inspections. Full article
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25 pages, 3176 KB  
Article
Error Correction Methods for Accurate Analysis of Milling Stability Based on Predictor–Corrector Scheme
by Yi Wu, Bin Deng, Qinghua Zhao, Tuo Ye, Wenbo Jiang and Wenting Ma
Machines 2025, 13(9), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13090821 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
Chatter vibration in machining operations has been identified as one of the major obstacles to improving surface quality and productivity. Therefore, efficiently and accurately predicting stable cutting regions is becoming increasingly important, especially in high-speed milling processes. In this study, on the basis [...] Read more.
Chatter vibration in machining operations has been identified as one of the major obstacles to improving surface quality and productivity. Therefore, efficiently and accurately predicting stable cutting regions is becoming increasingly important, especially in high-speed milling processes. In this study, on the basis of a predictor–corrector scheme, the following three error correction methods are developed for milling stability analysis: the Correction Hamming–Milne-based method (CHM), the Correction Adams–Milne-based method (CAM) and the Predictor–Corrector Hamming–Adams–Milne-based method (PCHAM). Firstly, we employ the periodic delay differential equations (DDEs), which are usually adopted to describe mathematical models of milling dynamics, and the time period of the coefficient matrix is divided into two unequal subintervals based on an analysis of the vibration modes. Then, the Hamming method and the fourth-order implicit Adams–Moulton method are separately utilized to predict the state term, and the Milne method is adopted to correct the state term. Based on local truncation error, combining the Hamming and Milne methods creates a CHM that can more precisely approximate the state term. Similarly, combining the fourth-order implicit Adams–Moulton method and the Milne method creates a CAM that can more accurately approximate the state term. More importantly, the CHM and the CAM are employed together to acquire the state transition matrix. Thereafter, the effectiveness and applicability of the three error correction methods are verified by comparing them with three existing methods. The results demonstrate that the three error correction methods achieve higher prediction accuracy without sacrificing computational efficiency. Compared with the 2nd SDM, the calculation times of the CHM, CAM and PCHAM are reduced by around 56%, 56% and 58%, respectively. Finally, verification experiments are carried out using a CNC machine (EMV650) to further validate the reliability of the proposed methods, where ten groups of cutting tests illustrate that the stability lobes predicted by the three error correction methods exhibit better agreement with the experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Manufacturing)
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22 pages, 1038 KB  
Review
Bioactivities Derived from Dry-Cured Ham Peptides: A Review
by Noelia Hernández Correas, Andrea M. Liceaga, Adela Abellán, Beatriz Muñoz-Rosique and Luis Tejada
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14081011 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 789
Abstract
Dry-cured ham is a traditional food in the Mediterranean diet, which, in addition to its sensory qualities, is a natural source of bioactive peptides generated during the curing process through the action of endogenous enzymes on muscle and sarcoplasmic proteins. These low-molecular-weight peptides [...] Read more.
Dry-cured ham is a traditional food in the Mediterranean diet, which, in addition to its sensory qualities, is a natural source of bioactive peptides generated during the curing process through the action of endogenous enzymes on muscle and sarcoplasmic proteins. These low-molecular-weight peptides have attracted growing interest due to their multiple bioactivities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects described in vitro, in vivo, and in preliminary human studies. The identification of specific sequences, such as AAPLAP, KPVAAP, and KAAAAP (ACE inhibitors), SNAAC and GKFNV (antioxidants), RHGYM (antimicrobial), and AEEEYPDL and LGVGG (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase inhibitors), has been possible thanks to the use of peptidomics techniques, tandem mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics tools that allow their activity to be characterized, their digestive stability to be predicted, and their bioavailability to be evaluated. This review article summarizes current knowledge on the bioactivities of peptides derived from dry-cured ham, advances in their functional characterization, and challenges associated with their application in functional foods and nutraceuticals, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of their potential in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Peptides)
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31 pages, 3939 KB  
Article
Effective 8T Reconfigurable SRAM for Data Integrity and Versatile In-Memory Computing-Based AI Acceleration
by Sreeja S. Kumar and Jagadish Nayak
Electronics 2025, 14(13), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14132719 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1996
Abstract
For data-intensive applications like edge AI and image processing, we present a new reconfigurable 8T SRAM-based in-memory computing (IMC) macro designed for high-performance and energy-efficient operation. This architecture mitigates von Neumann limitations through numerous major breakthroughs. We built a new architecture with an [...] Read more.
For data-intensive applications like edge AI and image processing, we present a new reconfigurable 8T SRAM-based in-memory computing (IMC) macro designed for high-performance and energy-efficient operation. This architecture mitigates von Neumann limitations through numerous major breakthroughs. We built a new architecture with an adjustable capacitance array to substantially increase the multiply-and-accumulate (MAC) engine’s accuracy. It achieves 10–20 TOPS/W and >95% accuracy for 4–10-bit operations and is robust across PVT changes. By supporting binary and ternary neural networks (BNN/TNN) with XNOR-and-accumulate logic, a dual-mode inference engine further expands capabilities. With sub-5 ns mode switching, it can achieve up to 30 TOPS/W efficiency and >97% accuracy. In-memory Hamming error correction is implemented directly using integrated XOR circuitry. This technique eliminates off-chip ECC with >99% error correction and >98% MAC accuracy. Machine learning-aided co-optimization ensures sense amplifier dependability. To ensure CMOS compatibility, the macro may perform Boolean logic operations using normal 8T SRAM cells. Comparative circuit-level simulations show a 31.54% energy efficiency boost and a 74.81% delay reduction over other SRAM-based IMC solutions. These improvements make our macro ideal for real-time AI acceleration, cryptography, and next-generation edge computing, enabling advanced compute-in-memory systems. Full article
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30 pages, 2494 KB  
Article
A Novel Framework for Mental Illness Detection Leveraging TOPSIS-ModCHI-Based Feature-Driven Randomized Neural Networks
by Santosh Kumar Behera and Rajashree Dash
Math. Comput. Appl. 2025, 30(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/mca30040067 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Mental illness has emerged as a significant global health crisis, inflicting immense suffering and causing a notable decrease in productivity. Identifying mental health disorders at an early stage allows healthcare professionals to implement more targeted and impactful interventions, leading to a significant improvement [...] Read more.
Mental illness has emerged as a significant global health crisis, inflicting immense suffering and causing a notable decrease in productivity. Identifying mental health disorders at an early stage allows healthcare professionals to implement more targeted and impactful interventions, leading to a significant improvement in the overall well-being of the patient. Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have opened new avenues for analyzing medical records and behavioral data of patients to assist mental health professionals in their decision-making processes. In this study performance of four Randomized Neural Networks (RandNNs) such as Board Learning System (BLS), Random Vector Functional Link Network (RVFLN), Kernelized RVFLN (KRVFLN), and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) are explored for detecting the type of mental illness a user may have by analyzing the random text of the user posted on social media. To improve the performance of the RandNNs during handling the text documents with unbalanced class distributions, a hybrid feature selection (FS) technique named as TOPSIS-ModCHI is suggested in the preprocessing stage of the classification framework. The effectiveness of the suggested FS with all the four randomized networks is assessed over the publicly available Reddit Mental Health Dataset after experimenting on two benchmark multiclass unbalanced datasets. From the experimental results, it is inferred that detecting the mental illness using BLS with TOPSIS-ModCHI produces the highest precision value of 0.92, recall value of 0.66, f-measure value of 0.77, and Hamming loss value of 0.06 as compared to ELM, RVFLN, and KRVFLN with a minimum feature size of 900. Overall, utilizing BLS for mental health analysis can offer a promising avenue toward improved interventions and a better understanding of mental health issues, aiding in decision-making processes. Full article
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18 pages, 2290 KB  
Article
Improving MRAM Performance with Sparse Modulation and Hamming Error Correction
by Nam Le, Thien An Nguyen, Jong-Ho Lee and Jaejin Lee
Sensors 2025, 25(13), 4050; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25134050 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 716
Abstract
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors are increasingly being deployed as compact edge processing units, necessitating continuously writable memory with low power consumption and fast access times. Magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) has emerged as a promising non-volatile alternative [...] Read more.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors are increasingly being deployed as compact edge processing units, necessitating continuously writable memory with low power consumption and fast access times. Magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) has emerged as a promising non-volatile alternative to conventional DRAM and SDRAM, offering advantages such as faster access speeds, reduced power consumption, and enhanced endurance. However, MRAM is subject to challenges including process variations and thermal fluctuations, which can induce random bit errors and result in imbalanced probabilities of 0 and 1 bits. To address these issues, we propose a novel sparse coding scheme characterized by a minimum Hamming distance of three. During the encoding process, three check bits are appended to the user data and processed using a generator matrix. If the resulting codeword fails to satisfy the sparsity constraint, it is inverted to comply with the coding requirement. This method is based on the error characteristics inherent in MRAM to facilitate effective error correction. Furthermore, we introduce a dynamic threshold detection technique that updates bit probability estimates in real time during data transmission. Simulation results demonstrate substantial improvements in both error resilience and decoding accuracy, particularly as MRAM density increases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Sensors)
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27 pages, 660 KB  
Article
Integrating Group Setup Time Deterioration Effects and Job Processing Time Learning Effects with Group Technology in Single-Machine Green Scheduling
by Na Yin, Hongyu He, Yanzhi Zhao, Yu Chang and Ning Wang
Axioms 2025, 14(7), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14070480 - 20 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 357
Abstract
We study single-machine group green scheduling considering group setup time deterioration effects and job-processing time learning effects, where the setup time of a group is a general deterioration function on its starting setup time and the processing time of a job is a [...] Read more.
We study single-machine group green scheduling considering group setup time deterioration effects and job-processing time learning effects, where the setup time of a group is a general deterioration function on its starting setup time and the processing time of a job is a non-increasing function on its position. We focus on confirming the job schedule for each group and group schedule for minimizing the total weighted completion time. It is proved that this problem is NP-hard. According to the problem’s NP-hardness, we present some optimal properties (including lower and upper bounds) and then propose a branch-and-bound algorithm and two heuristic algorithms (including the modified Nawaz–Enscore–Ham algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm). Finally, numerical simulations are provided to indicate the effectiveness of these algorithms, which demonstrates that the branch-and-bound algorithm can solve random instances of 100 jobs and 14 groups within reasonable time and that simulated annealing is more accurate than the modified Nawaz–Enscore–Ham algorithm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mathematical Optimization Algorithms and Its Applications)
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10 pages, 2374 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Pseudo-Footless Domino Circuit-Based Design of Hamming (7, 4) Encoding/Decoding Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Circuit
by Kang-Min Hsu, Jye-Chau Su and Yu-Cherng Hung
Eng. Proc. 2025, 92(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025092098 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
A Hamming (7, 4) code (seven output bits, four input data bits) encoding/decoding complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit was studied. Based on previous static circuit designs, we modified it into a dynamic circuit. The circuit was implemented using the 0.18-μm 1P6M CMOS process of [...] Read more.
A Hamming (7, 4) code (seven output bits, four input data bits) encoding/decoding complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit was studied. Based on previous static circuit designs, we modified it into a dynamic circuit. The circuit was implemented using the 0.18-μm 1P6M CMOS process of United Microelectronics Corp. The circuit functionality was simulated using HSPICE, and it was confirmed that the encoding/decoding circuits, self-error detection, and self-correction functions operate correctly. The circuit operated at a maximum frequency of 800 MHz. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of 2024 IEEE 6th Eurasia Conference on IoT, Communication and Engineering)
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24 pages, 985 KB  
Article
Attention-Based Deep Feature Aggregation Network for Skin Lesion Classification
by Siddiqui Muhammad Yasir and Hyun Kim
Electronics 2025, 14(12), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14122364 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Early and accurate detection of dermatological conditions, particularly melanoma, is critical for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Misclassifications may lead to delayed diagnosis, disease progression, and severe complications in medical image processing. Hence, robust and reliable classification techniques are essential to enhance [...] Read more.
Early and accurate detection of dermatological conditions, particularly melanoma, is critical for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Misclassifications may lead to delayed diagnosis, disease progression, and severe complications in medical image processing. Hence, robust and reliable classification techniques are essential to enhance diagnostic precision in clinical practice. This study presents a deep learning-based framework designed to improve feature representation while maintaining computational efficiency. The proposed architecture integrates multi-level feature aggregation with a squeeze-and-excitation attention mechanism to effectively extract salient patterns from dermoscopic medical images. The model is rigorously evaluated on five publicly available benchmark datasets—ISIC-2019, ISIC-2020, SKINL2, MED-NODE, and HAM10000—covering a diverse spectrum of dermatological medical disorders. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms existing approaches in classification performance, achieving accuracy rates of 94.41% and 97.45% on the MED-NODE and HAM10000 datasets, respectively. These results underscore the method’s potential for real-world deployment in automated skin lesion analysis and clinical decision support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Convolutional Neural Networks and Vision Applications, 4th Edition)
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16 pages, 7816 KB  
Article
The Initial Attitude Estimation of an Electromagnetic Projectile in the High-Temperature Flow Field Based on Mask R-CNN and the Multi-Constraints Genetic Algorithm
by Jinlong Chen, Miao Yu, Yongcai Guo and Chao Gao
Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3608; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123608 - 8 Jun 2025
Viewed by 601
Abstract
During the launching process of electromagnetic projectiles, radiated noise, smoke, and debris will interfere with the line of sight and affect the accuracy of initial attitude estimation. To address this issue, an enhanced method that integrates Mask R-CNN and a multi-constraint genetic algorithm [...] Read more.
During the launching process of electromagnetic projectiles, radiated noise, smoke, and debris will interfere with the line of sight and affect the accuracy of initial attitude estimation. To address this issue, an enhanced method that integrates Mask R-CNN and a multi-constraint genetic algorithm was proposed. First, Mask R-CNN was utilized to perform pixel-level edge segmentation of the original image, followed by the Canny algorithm to extract the edge image. This edge image was then processed using the line segment detector (LSD) algorithm to identify the main structural components, characterized by line segments. An enhanced genetic algorithm was employed to restore the occluded edge image. A fitness function, constructed with Hamming distance (HD) constraints alongside initial parameter constraints defined by centroid displacement, was applied to boost convergence speed and avoid local optimization. The optimized search strategy minimized the HD constraint between the repaired stereo images to obtain accurate attitude output. An electromagnetic simulation device was utilized for the experiment. The proposed method was 13 times faster than the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) method. In a single launch, the target with 70% occlusion was successfully recovered, achieving average deviations of 0.76°, 0.72°, and 0.44° in pitch, roll, and yaw angles, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
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16 pages, 2065 KB  
Article
An Information-Extreme Algorithm for Universal Nuclear Feature-Driven Automated Classification of Breast Cancer Cells
by Taras Savchenko, Ruslana Lakhtaryna, Anastasiia Denysenko, Anatoliy Dovbysh, Sarah E. Coupland and Roman Moskalenko
Diagnostics 2025, 15(11), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15111389 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer diagnosis heavily relies on histopathological assessment, which is prone to subjectivity and inefficiency, especially with whole-slide imaging (WSI). This study addressed these limitations by developing an automated breast cancer cell classification algorithm using an information-extreme machine learning approach and universal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer diagnosis heavily relies on histopathological assessment, which is prone to subjectivity and inefficiency, especially with whole-slide imaging (WSI). This study addressed these limitations by developing an automated breast cancer cell classification algorithm using an information-extreme machine learning approach and universal cytological features, aiming for objective and generalized histopathological diagnosis. Methods: Digitized histological images were processed to identify hyperchromatic cells. A set of 21 cytological features (10 geometric and 11 textural), chosen for their potential universality across cancers, were extracted from individual cells. These features were then used to classify cells as normal or malignant using an information-extreme algorithm. This algorithm optimizes an information criterion within a binary Hamming space to achieve robust recognition with minimal input features. The architectural innovation lies in the application of this information-extreme approach to cytological feature analysis for cancer cell classification. Results: The algorithm’s functional efficiency was evaluated on a dataset of 176 labeled cell images, yielding promising results: an accuracy of 89%, a precision of 85%, a recall of 84%, and an F1-score of 88%. These metrics demonstrate a balanced and effective model for automated breast cancer cell classification. Conclusions: The proposed information-extreme algorithm utilizing universal cytological features offers a potentially objective and computationally efficient alternative to traditional methods and may mitigate some limitations of deep learning in histopathological analysis. Future work will focus on validating the algorithm on larger datasets and exploring its applicability to other cancer types. Full article
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30 pages, 4125 KB  
Article
Minimizing Makespan in Ordered Flow Shop Scheduling Using a Robust Genetic Algorithm
by Aslihan Cubukcuoglu, Ismet Karacan, Zeynep Ceylan and Serol Bulkan
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051583 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
In this study, the ordered flow shop scheduling problem, which is in the class of NP-hard optimization problems, is considered. This problem is used especially to increase the efficiency and prevent delays in the production process. The problem was first identified in the [...] Read more.
In this study, the ordered flow shop scheduling problem, which is in the class of NP-hard optimization problems, is considered. This problem is used especially to increase the efficiency and prevent delays in the production process. The problem was first identified in the literature during the 1970s. The main objective of this study is to develop an efficient and fast method to overcome the complexity of this problem. For this purpose, the ordered flow shop scheduling problem is explained in detail and a robust meta-heuristic method is proposed. First of all, a genetic algorithm is developed by considering Smith’s convexity criterion. While performing operations such as crossover and mutation in the genetic algorithm, the pyramid structure is integrated to ensure that the solution has certain symmetry. The developed method is compared with other methods, such as the Nawaz–Enscore–Ham (NEH), pair insert, and iterated local search (ILS) methods. In order to increase the reliability of the results, the Pyramid Structure Adapted Tabu Search (PSA-TS) algorithm is also developed. The results are validated by statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test. The proposed genetic algorithm outperforms the methods with which it is compared. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other method in the literature that preserves the pyramid structure in the ordered flow shop scheduling problem. Therefore, this study is expected to make a significant contribution to the literature in this respect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
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15 pages, 3111 KB  
Article
The Impact of Biocontrol Agents on the Metabolome of Penicillium nordicum Strains and Its Relation to Ochratoxin A Production on Dry-Cured Ham
by Eva Cebrián, Elia Roncero, João Luz, Mar Rodríguez, Marta Sousa Silva, Carlos Cordeiro and Félix Núñez
Toxins 2025, 17(5), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17050236 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Throughout the process of dry-cured ham, moulds such as P. nordicum, a producer of ochratoxin A (OTA), grow on its surface. The use of combined biocontrol agents (BCAs) is a promising strategy for controlling this hazard. The goal of this study is [...] Read more.
Throughout the process of dry-cured ham, moulds such as P. nordicum, a producer of ochratoxin A (OTA), grow on its surface. The use of combined biocontrol agents (BCAs) is a promising strategy for controlling this hazard. The goal of this study is to assess the effect of D. hansenii, S. xylosus, and P. chrysogenum as BCAs on the metabolome of two strains of P. nordicum and to understand the differences between both strains. Each ochratoxigenic strain was inoculated both individually and in combination with the BCAs onto ham for 30 days under the environmental conditions experienced during traditional ripening. Untargeted metabolomics was performed through mass spectrometry using a Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap. The BCAs caused alterations in the metabolomes of both ochratoxigenic moulds, mainly in phenylalanine catabolism and the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways, although with some differences. In the absence of the BCAs, the metabolomes of both types of P. nordicum were globally changed, despite these being moulds of the same species. In conclusion, these data help us to understand the differences between OTA-producing strains in dry-cured ham and confirm the need to demonstrate the efficacy of BCAs against a wide range of toxigenic moulds before they can be used to minimise OTA contamination in the meat industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occurrence, Toxicity, Metabolism, Analysis and Control of Mycotoxins)
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26 pages, 2076 KB  
Article
Exploring the Health Effects of New Additive- and Allergen-Free Reformulated Cooked Meat Products: Consumer Survey, Clinical Trial, and Perceived Satiety
by Jhazmin Quizhpe, Pablo Ayuso, Fani Yepes, Domingo Miranzo, Antonio Avellaneda, Gema Nieto and Gaspar Ros
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101616 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
Background: Consumers are increasingly interested in healthier, less processed food products, driving the meat industry to improve the quality and health benefits of its offerings. Growing concerns about additives and allergens have encouraged the replacement of these ingredients with natural alternatives, presenting both [...] Read more.
Background: Consumers are increasingly interested in healthier, less processed food products, driving the meat industry to improve the quality and health benefits of its offerings. Growing concerns about additives and allergens have encouraged the replacement of these ingredients with natural alternatives, presenting both challenges and opportunities. However, consumer rejection of additives and the actual health effects of their replacement remain poorly understood. In previous work, two new meat products—cooked turkey breast and cooked ham—were developed, where additives and allergens were replaced with natural extracts. These products demonstrated potential health benefits in vitro, including improvements in protein quality and microbiota composition. Methods: This study assessed consumer perceptions of additives through a survey and evaluated the two new meat products in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted over a 5-week period. Biomarkers of interest were measured in blood, faeces, and urine samples at baseline and at the end of this study. Additionally, a separate study tested the satiating effect of these products using VAS score surveys. Results: The additive perception survey revealed that consumers associate additive-free products with being more natural and less harmful to health, with differences observed based on age, gender, and knowledge of additives. In the clinical trial, both the intervention and control groups showed significant decreases in serum levels of ox-LDL and GPx, with no differences between the groups. However, significant differences between the groups were found in inflammation markers TNF-α and IL-1β. Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in nitrate excretion and a decrease in nitrification-related gut bacteria. Finally, the reformulated products demonstrated a satiating effect, reducing hunger. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the new additive- and allergen-free reformulated meat products may offer potential oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits to consumers. Full article
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