bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Poisson Hurdle Model for Count Data and Its Application in Ear Disease
Authors: Zuo Guoxin , Fu Kang , Dai Xianhua , Zhang Liwei
Published: September 2021

For count data, though a zero-inflated model can work perfectly well with an excess of zeroes and the generalized Poisson model can tackle over- or under-dispersion, most models cannot simultaneously deal with both zero-inflated or zero-deflated data and over- or under-dispersion. Ear diseases are important in healthcare, and falls into this kind of count data. This paper introduces a generalized Poisson Hurdle model that work with count data of both too many/few zeroes and a sample variance not equal to the mean. To estimate parameters, we use the generalized method of moments. In addition, the asymptotic normality and efficiency of these estimators are established. Moreover, this model is applied to ear disease using data gained from the New South Wales Health Research Council in 1990. This model performs better than both the generalized Poisson model and the Hurdle model.
Stochastic Analysis of Predator–Prey Models under Combined Gaussian and Poisson White Noise via Stochastic Averaging Method
Authors: Jia Wantao , Xu Yong , Li Dongxi , Hu Rongchun
Published: September 2021

In the present paper, the statistical responses of two-special prey–predator type ecosystem models excited by combined Gaussian and Poisson white noise are investigated by generalizing the stochastic averaging method. First, we unify the deterministic models for the two cases where preys are abundant and the predator population is large, respectively. Then, under some natural assumptions of small perturbations and system parameters, the stochastic models are introduced. The stochastic averaging method is generalized to compute the statistical responses described by stationary probability density functions (PDFs) and moments for population densities in the ecosystems using a perturbation technique. Based on these statistical responses, the effects of ecosystem parameters and the noise parameters on the stationary PDFs and moments are discussed. Additionally, we also calculate the Gaussian approximate solution to illustrate the effectiveness of the perturbation results. The results show that the larger the mean arrival rate, the smaller the difference between the perturbation solution and Gaussian approximation solution. In addition, direct Monte Carlo simulation is performed to validate the above results.
Authentic Assessment Implementation in Natural and Social Science
Authors: Sutadji Eddy , Susilo Herawati , Wibawa Aji Prasetya , Jabari Nidal A. M. , Rohmad Syaiful Nur
Published: September 2021

Assessment methods are important to create qualified graduates who are ready to face the real world. Authentic assessment is considered to be the most effective method to achieve this. The application of authentic assessment is often universal. However, there is a difference between natural sciences and social sciences. If it is used for different scientific constructions, then the authentic assessment should also be different. Therefore, there is a need for authentic implementation research in these two fields of science. This research is survey research with quantitative descriptive method. This study focuses on the analysis of differences in implementation of the assessment carried out, assignment techniques, assessment components, and post-assessment at the State University of Malang in two different fields of science, namely natural sciences and social sciences. The population in this study was 1069 lecturers represented by 270 sample lecturers. There are 106 (39.26%) samples of lecturers representing 388 (36.3%) lecturer populations from 2 natural fields and 164 (60.74%) samples representing 681 (63.7%) lecturer populations from 6 social fields. The analysis is carried out by comparing the results of each aspect of the assessment implementation in the two fields. Almost all aspects of authentic assessment between the natural and social sciences had no difference. The only differences were in the assessment form and individual assignment techniques that were performed. Social science conducted non-test assessment only higher than the natural science. Measured tests were primarily used in the natural science using Higher-Order Thinking Skills questions. Performance test was mostly conducted in social science.
Teaching Psychomotor Skills in a Virtual Environment: An Educational Case Study
Authors: Plummer Laura , Smith Lesley , Cornforth Elizabeth , Gore Shweta
Published: September 2021

In March 2020, most physical therapy schools across the globe transitioned to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change posed unique challenges not only because it required adapting to new technology in a short period but, more importantly, it involved developing ways to teach hands-on psychomotor and clinical skills virtually while maintaining the quality of instruction. In response to the rapid transition, the physical therapy program at MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP)designed and implemented a novel and effective coaching model to address the challenges. The model was developed based on experiential learning theory, constructivism, a coaching framework, and andragogical principles of feedback and reflection. Not only did the model meet its objectives of effectively teaching basic psychomotor skills in the virtual environment, but it may also have andragogical benefits that can be applied to traditional face-to-face methods. This case study describes the theoretical underpinning of the model, its development and implementation, the perceived effectiveness for learning psychomotor skills in a virtual environment, and the potential for broader relevance to future models of physical therapy education.
Sterically Stabilized Multilayer Graphene Nanoshells for Inkjet Printed Resistors
Authors: Orrill Michael , Abele Dustin , Wagner Michael J. , LeBlanc Saniya
Published: September 2021

In the field of printed electronics, there is a pressing need for printable resistors, particularly ones where the resistance can be varied without changing the size of the resistor. This work presents ink synthesis and printing results for variable resistance, inkjet-printed patterns of a novel and sustainable carbon nanomaterial—multilayer graphene nanoshells. Dispersed multilayer graphene nanospheres are sterically stabilized by a surfactant (Triton X100), and no post-process is required to achieve the resistive functionality. A surface tension-based adsorption analysis technique is used to determine the optimal surfactant dosage, and a geometric model explains the conformation of adsorbed surfactant molecules. The energetic interparticle potentials between approaching particles are modeled to assess and compare the stability of sterically and electrostatically stabilized multilayer graphene nanoshells. The multilayer graphene nanoshell inks presented here show a promising new pathway toward sustainable and practical printed resistors that achieve variable resistances within a constant areal footprint without post-processing.
A Balanced Filtering Directional Coupler with Wide Common-Mode Suppression Based on Slotline Structure
Authors: Qiao Luyan , Li Rui , Han Ying , Wei Feng , Yang Yong , Yang Xiaoning , Wu Nankai
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a balanced-to-balanced filtering directional coupler (FDC) that can realize a 3 dB coupling degree directional coupler with high isolation and directivity is proposed. The design of the proposed FDC is primarily based on microstrip/slotline transition structures, resonance structures, and odd–even mode phase velocity compensation structures. A U-type microstrip feed line integrated with a stepped-impedance slotline resonator is adopted at the input and output ports, which makes the differential-mode (DM) responses independent of the common-mode (CM) ones, and brings superior DM transmission and CM suppression. In addition, by loading the microstrip stub-loaded resonators (SLRs), a DM passband with sharp filtering performance is realized, and transmission zeros (TZs) can be added into the design, which makes it more selective. Moreover, phase compensating slotlines are added into the coupling structure to enhance the isolation. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed design method, an FDC prototype circuit was made and tested. The simulation results are in good agreement with the measured results. The designed coupler’s DM operating band covers 2.65 GHz to 3 GHz (FBW = 12.4%), and the insertion and return losses are 4.6 dB and 20 dB, respectively. The isolation degree is better than 15 dB, and the CM suppression is more than 55 dB. The total coupler size is about 67.7 mm × 63.8 mm. The designed balanced-to-balanced FDC can be widely used in S-band wireless communication systems.
A Study on the Predictive Maintenance Algorithms Considering Load Characteristics of PMSMs to Drive EGR Blowers for Smart Ships
Authors: Kim Sung-An
Published: September 2021

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a NOx reduction technology that can meet stringent environmental regulatory requirements. EGR blower systems must be used to increase the exhaust gas pressure at a lower rate than the scavenging air pressure. Electric motor drive systems are essential to rotate the EGR blowers. For the effective management of the EGR blower systems in smart ships, there is a growing need for predictive maintenance technology fused with information and communication technology (ICT). Since an electric motor accounts for about 80% of electric loads driven by the EGR, it is essential to apply the predictive maintenance technology of the electric motor to maximize the reliability and operation time of the EGR blower system. Therefore, this paper presents the predictive maintenance algorithm to prevent the stator winding turn faults, which is the most significant cause of the electrical failure of the electric motors. The proposed algorithm predicts the remaining useful life (RUL) by obtaining the winding temperature value by considering the load characteristics of the electric motor. The validity of the proposed algorithm is verified through the simulation results of an EGR blower system model and the experimental results derived from using a test rig.
RETRACTED: A Critical Review on Recycling Composite Waste Using Pyrolysis for Sustainable Development
Authors: Abdallah Ramez , Juaidi Adel , Savaş Mahmut , Çamur Hüseyin , Albatayneh Aiman , Abdala Samer , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: September 2021

The rising usage of carbon and glass fibers has raised awareness of scrap management options. Every year, tons of composite scrap containing precious carbon and glass fibers accumulate from numerous sectors. It is necessary to recycle them efficiently, without harming the environment. Pyrolysis seems to be a realistic and promising approach, not only for efficient recovery, but also for high-quality fiber production. In this paper, the essential characteristics of the pyrolysis process, their influence on fiber characteristics, and the use of recovered fibers in the creation of a new composite are highlighted. Pyrolysis, like any other recycling process, has several drawbacks, the most problematic of which is the probability of char development on the resultant fiber surface. Due to the char, the mechanical characteristics of the recovered fibers may decrease substantially. Chemically treating and post-heating the fibers both help to reduce char formation, but only to a limited degree. Thus, it was important to identify the material cost reductions that may be achieved using recovered carbon fibers as structural reinforcement, as well as the manufacture of high-value products using recycled carbon fibers on a large scale. Recycled fibers are cheaper than virgin fibers, but they inherently vary from them as well. This has hampered the entry of recycled fiber into the virgin fiber industry. Based on cost and performance, the task of the current study was to modify the material in such a way that virgin fiber was replaced with recycled fiber. In order to successfully modify the recycling process, a regulated optimum temperature and residence duration in post-pyrolysis were advantageous.
Improving the Power Outage Resilience of Buildings with Solar PV through the Use of Battery Systems and EV Energy Storage
Authors: Gong Huangjie , Ionel Dan M.
Published: September 2021

Buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and a stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) may self-sustain an uninterrupted full-level electricity supply during power outages. The duration of off-grid operation is dependent on the time of the power fault and the capabilities of the home energy management system (HEMS). In this paper, building resilience is quantified by analyzing the self-sustainment duration for all possible power outages throughout an entire year. An evaluation method is proposed and exercised on a reference house in California climate zone 9 for which the detailed electricity usage is simulated using the EnergyPlus software. The influence of factors such as energy use behavioral patterns, energy storage capacity from the BESS, and an electric vehicle (EV) battery on the building resilience is evaluated. Varying combinations of energy storage and controllable loads are studied for optimally improved resilience based on user preferences. It is shown that for the target home and region with a solar PV system of 7.2 kW, a BESS with a capacity of 11 kWh, and an EV with a battery of 80 kWh permanently connected to the home, off-grid self-sustained full operation is guaranteed for at least 72 h.
Evaluating the Effect of Demand Response Programs (DRPs) on Robust Optimal Sizing of Islanded Microgrids
Authors: Karami Darabi Mahdi Karami , Ganjeh Ganjehlou Hamed Ganjeh , Jafari Amirreza , Nazari-Heris Morteza , B. Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Abedi Mehrdad
Published: September 2021

A microgrid is a small-scale energy system with its own generation and storage facilities and energy management system, which includes shiftable and traditional loads. The purpose of this research is to determine the size of the microgrid through (i) investigating the effect of a shiftable demand response program (DRP) on sizing of an islanded microgrid and (ii) studying the uncertainty of power output of renewable energy sources by applying the robust optimization (RO) method. Since the RO method solves the problem for lower power outputs of renewable energy sources (RES) than the predicted values, the results obtained are pessimistic and will increase the project cost. To deal with the increment of project cost, the application of a load shifting DRP is proposed to reduce the cost. In addition, DRPs are suitable means to reduce the effects of uncertain power sources. Therefore, it is shown that a shiftable DRP is effective in reducing the overall project cost and the dependency on energy storage systems by defining different scenarios and simulating them with General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) software. Moreover, it is indicated that the shiftable DRP and battery state of charge have correlations with solar irradiance and wind speed, respectively.
Synthesis and Analysis of Three-Port DC/DC Converters with Two Bidirectional Ports Based on Power Flow Graph Technique
Authors: Aljarajreh Hamzeh , Lu Dylan Dah-Chuan , Siwakoti Yam P. , Tse Chi K. , See K. W.
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a systematic topological study to derive all possible basic and non-isolated three-port converters (TPCs) using power flow diagrams. Unlike most reported TPCs with one bidirectional port, this paper considers up to two bidirectional ports and provides a comprehensive analytical tool. This tool acts as a framework for all power flow combinations, selection, and design. Some viable converter configurations have been identified and selected for further analysis.
Calculation Method of Energy Saving in Process Engineering: A Case Study of Iron and Steel Production Process
Authors: Wu Shuangping , Xu Anjun
Published: September 2021

The effect of the traditional energy saving mode on process engineering is decreasing, so the idea of system energy saving is developing vigorously. This paper summarizes the existing studies on energy saving from three aspects—energy saving technology, energy management, comprehensive evaluation or analysis—and clearly finds that related studies on energy saving have been gradually promoted to promote the development of system energy saving in the whole process engineering process. Among them, the calculation of energy saving brought by energy saving technology is a difficult point in the research. This paper proposes a novel calculation method of energy saving by taking the iron and steel production process (ISPP) as an example. According to the actual data provided by a steel plant in China, the calculation method is validated effectively.
Intermetallic Compounds Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage: A Review
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Chabane Djafar , Elkedim Omar
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen energy is a very attractive option in dealing with the existing energy crisis. For the development of a hydrogen energy economy, hydrogen storage technology must be improved to over the storage limitations. Compared with traditional hydrogen storage technology, the prospect of hydrogen storage materials is broader. Among all types of hydrogen storage materials, solid hydrogen storage materials are most promising and have the most safety security. Solid hydrogen storage materials include high surface area physical adsorption materials and interstitial and non-interstitial hydrides. Among them, interstitial hydrides, also called intermetallic hydrides, are hydrides formed by transition metals or their alloys. The main alloy types are A2B, AB, AB2, AB3, A2B7, AB5, and BCC. A is a hydride that easily forms metal (such as Ti, V, Zr, and Y), while B is a non-hydride forming metal (such as Cr, Mn, and Fe). The development of intermetallic compounds as hydrogen storage materials is very attractive because their volumetric capacity is much higher (80–160 kgH2m−3) than the gaseous storage method and the liquid storage method in a cryogenic tank (40 and 71 kgH2m−3). Additionally, for hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions, the environmental requirements are lower than that of physical adsorption materials (ultra-low temperature) and the simplicity of the procedure is higher than that of non-interstitial hydrogen storage materials (multiple steps and a complex catalyst). In addition, there are abundant raw materials and diverse ingredients. For the synthesis and optimization of intermetallic compounds, in addition to traditional melting methods, mechanical alloying is a very important synthesis method, which has a unique synthesis mechanism and advantages. This review focuses on the application of mechanical alloying methods in the field of solid hydrogen storage materials.
Escaping Energy Poverty: A Comparative Analysis of 17 European Countries
Authors: Karpinska Lilia , Śmiech Sławomir
Published: September 2021

A comparative analysis of energy poverty transitions and persistence can provide valuable suggestions for long-term policy actions. This study examines the dynamics of energy poverty in 17 European countries based on the longitudinal household data from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions, waves 2015–2018. The study pursues two goals. First, we explore households’ chances of transitioning in and out of energy poverty in each country following the discrete-time Markov process. On average, the probability to stay in energy poverty is 51.5%, and there is a lot of heterogeneity across countries. Households in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Lithuania are quite close to the energy poverty trap. Second, we identify factors that help energy-poor households leave energy poverty. Demographic, technical, and socio-economic factors are the drivers in escaping energy poverty, which suggests common EU policy.
Intelligent Islanding Detection of Microgrids Using Long Short-Term Memory Networks
Authors: Bukhari Syed Basit Ali , Mehmood Khawaja Khalid , Wadood Abdul , Park Herie
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a new intelligent islanding detection scheme (IIDS) based on empirical wavelet transform (EWT) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network to identify islanding events in microgrids. The concept of EWT is extended to extract features from three-phase signals. First, the three-phase voltage signals sampled at the terminal of targeted distributed energy resource (DER) or point of common coupling (PCC) are decomposed into empirical modes/frequency subbands using EWT. Then, instantaneous amplitudes and instantaneous frequencies of the three-phases at different frequency subbands are combined, and various statistical features are calculated. Finally, the EWT-based features along with the three-phase voltage signals are input to the LSTM network to differentiate between non-islanding and islanding events. To assess the efficacy of the proposed IIDS, extensive simulations are performed on an IEC microgrid and an IEEE 34-node system. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed IIDS in terms of non-detection zone (NDZ), computational time, detection accuracy, and robustness against noisy measurement. Furthermore, comparisons with existing intelligent methods and different LSTM architectures demonstrate that the proposed IIDS offers higher reliability by significantly reducing the NDZ and stands robust against measurements uncertainty.
Benefits of Corn-Cob Biochar to the Microbial and Enzymatic Activity of Soybean Plants Grown in Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals
Authors: Haddad Samir A. , Lemanowicz Joanna
Published: September 2021

Synchronous effects of biochar on heavy metals stress, microbial activity and nodulation process in the soil are rarely addressed. This work studied the effects, under greenhouse conditions, of selected heavy metals Cd2+, Pb2+ and Ni2+ on soybean plants grown in two different soils amended with biochar, and studied their effect on the microbial and enzymatic activity. As a result of the interference between heavy metals and biochar, biochar overcame heavy metal problems and maintained a microbial population of major groups (bacteria–fungi). There was an increase in the degree of resistance (RS) of the major microbial groups to heavy metals when biochar was added to the soil under study. Numbers of bacterial nodules significantly increased, particularly by using the higher rate of biochar compared to the control, either by adding biochar alone or by mixing it with the selected heavy metals. The arginase activity was increased by 25.5% and 37.1% in clay and sandy soil, respectively, compared to the control. For urease (UR), the activity was increased by 105% and 83.8% in clay and sandy soil, respectively, compared to the control. As a result, considerations of using biochar as a soil amendment should be first priority.
Mechanical Properties of Clay Based Cemented Paste Backfill for Coal Recovery from Deep Mines
Authors: Cheng Qiangqiang , Guo Yaben , Dong Chaowei , Xu Jianfei , Lai Wanan , Du Bin
Published: September 2021

Fly ash cement is used to solidify marine clay to prepare marine-clay-based cemented paste backfill (MCCPB) to fill the underground goaf of mines, which not only utilizes solid waste such as fly ash and marine clay, but also controls surface subsidence and protects the environment. To simulate the complex underground mine water environment of the filling body, a dry-wet cycle aquatic environment test under different material ratios and curing ages was designed. The water absorption and unconfined compression strength (UCS) of MCCPB with curing ages of 7 and 28 days under the action of 0, 1, 3, and 7 dry-wet cycles were investigated. The results indicate as the number of dry-wet cycles increases, the surface of MCCPB becomes significantly rougher, and the water content and the solid mass decrease accordingly. Different ratios and curing ages of MCCPB in dry-wet cycles of the UCS tend first to increase, then decrease. Meanwhile, the stress-strain curve of the specimen shows that the trend in the elastic modulus is consistent with that of UCS (first increasing, then decreasing), and that, the minimum UCS value of the specimen still meets the early strength requirements of cemented paste backfill in coal mine geothermal utilization. On the one hand, it proves the feasibility of fly ash cement-solidified marine clay for use as cemented paste backfill in coal mines; on the other hand, it also expands the available range of cemented paste backfill materials in coal mines.
The Subsidized Green Revolution: The Impact of Public Incentives on the Automotive Industry to Promote Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) in the Period from 2010 to 2018
Authors: Reimers Patrick
Published: September 2021

Throughout decades, conflicts related to the access and usage of various energy sources have caused political tensions between nations and confederations of states. Thus, partially to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels, a thorough transition towards renewable energies has been promoted by several regional and national governments as well as by multinational institutions such as the European Union. In this context, the automotive industry has particularly been held responsible for the production of negative externalities, such as global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions), noise and air pollution. To a notable extent, these externalities were caused by vehicles running on fossil fuels such as petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil. Accordingly, it is often argued that replacing vehicles run by internal combustion engines (ICEs) with so-called alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), particularly with plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), is crucial to increase the sustainability of the transport sector. Moreover, several EU-member states aim to reduce the vehicle-related petrol and diesel demand to decrease their dependence on foreign energy sources. However, one must consider that there are important economic costs related to such a transition process. This paper evaluates the short-term and long-term effects of fiscal policies on the European automotive market in the period from 2010 to 2018, focusing on the impact of mentioned public incentives for AFVs. This public interventionism will be critically evaluated to examine the effectiveness of government incentives in promoting AFVs, particularly for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The author argues that the rather positive sales evolution of AFVs was not caused by corresponding actual customer demand but mainly by governmental policies in an increasingly interventionist market. He acknowledges that the growing variety of available PEV models, the increasing driving range of electric vehicles, as well as their decreasing production costs due to economies of scale, have helped PEVs to become more competitive. However, the concern should be raised that mentioned public interventionism is unsustainable from a macroeconomic perspective, possibly leading to significant market distortion and a new artificial market bubble. The narrowed focus on battery electric vehicles prevents the market from further elaborating on other potentially more sustainable technologies. Moreover, from a geostrategic perspective, the transition of the European automotive industry towards electrification is likely to reduce the EU’s dependency on imported fossil fuels but enables several non-European automotive brands to conquer a significant market with their new competitive plug-in electric vehicle technologies.
A Novel Tripod Concept for Onshore Wind Turbine Towers
Authors: Gantes Charis J. , Villi Billi Maria , Güldogan Mahmut , Gül Semih
Published: September 2021

A wind turbine tower assembly is presented, consisting of a lower “tripod section” and an upper tubular steel section, aiming at enabling very tall hub heights for optimum exploitation of the wind potential. The foundation consists of sets of piles connected at their top by a common pile cap below each tripod leg. The concept can be applied for the realization of new or the upgrade of existing wind turbine towers. It is adjustable to both onshore and offshore towers, but emphasis is directed towards overcoming the stricter onshore transportability constraints. For that purpose, pre-welded individual tripod parts are transported and are then bolted together during erection, contrary to fully pre-welded tripods that have been used in offshore towers. Alternative constructional details of the tripod joints are therefore proposed that address the fabrication, transportability, on-site erection and maintenance requirements and can meet structural performance criteria. The main structural features are demonstrated by means of a typical case study comprising a 180-m-tall tower, consisting of a 120-m-tall tubular superstructure on top of a 60-m-tall tripod substructure. Realistic cross-sections are calculated, leading to weight and cost estimations, thus demonstrating the feasibility and competitiveness of the concept.
Multilevel Inverter: A Survey on Classical and Advanced Topologies, Control Schemes, Applications to Power System and Future Prospects
Authors: Choudhury Subhashree , Bajaj Mohit , Dash Taraprasanna , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco
Published: September 2021

In recent years, multilevel inverters (MLIs) have emerged to be the most empowered power transformation technology for numerous operations such as renewable energy resources (RERs), flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), electric motor drives, etc. MLI has gained popularity in medium- to high-power operations because of numerous merits such as minimum harmonic contents, less dissipation of power from power electronic switches, and less electromagnetic interference (EMI) at the receiving end. The MLI possesses many essential advantages in comparison to a conventional two-level inverter, such as voltage profile enhancement, increased efficiency of the overall system, the capability of high-quality output generation with the reduced switching frequency, decreased total harmonic distortions (THD) without reducing the power of the inverter and use of very low ratings of the device. Although classical MLIs find their use in various vital key areas, newer MLI configurations have an expanding concern to the limited count of power electronic devices, gate drivers, and isolated DC sources. In this review article, an attempt has been made to focus on various aspects of MLIs such as different configurations, modulation techniques, the concept of new reduced switch count MLI topologies, applications regarding interface with renewable energy, motor drives, and FACTS controller. Further, deep insights for future prospective towards hassle-free addition of MLI technology towards more enhanced application for various fields of the power system have also been discussed. This article is believed to be extremely helpful for academics, researchers, and industrialists working in the direction of MLI technology.
Non-Contact High Voltage Measurement in the Online Partial Discharge Monitoring System
Authors: Walczak Krzysztof , Sikorski Wojciech
Published: September 2021

The article presents an innovative system for non-contact high voltage (HV) measurement, which extends the measurement capabilities of a portable partial discharges (PD) monitoring system intended for diagnostics of power transformers. The proposed method and the developed measuring system are based on the use of a capacitive probe, thanks to which the high voltage measurement is safe (galvanic separation from the objects at ahigh potential). It is also flexible because the voltage ratio of this system can be configured in a wide range by changing the probe’s position. The proposed solution makes the portable PD monitoring system fully autonomous and independent of the substation systems and devices. The article presents both the concept of the non-contact HV measurement system and its practical implementation. The procedure for determining the voltage ratio and measurement uncertainty, which is at an acceptable level of 1–5% in laboratory conditions, was discussed in detail. In addition, the article discusses the digital filtering and wavelet de-noising methods implemented in the software of the monitoring system, which makes it possible to measure the voltage in the presence of strong electromagnetic disturbances occurring at the substation. Finally, the results of field tests carried out on a 250 MVA power transformer are presented, which confirmed the high accuracy of the HV measurement using a capacitive probe and the advantages of this technique.
The Barnett Critique
Authors: Barnett William A. , Park Hyun , Park Sohee
Published: September 2021

The Barnett critique states that there is an internal inconsistency between the theory that is implied by simple sum monetary aggregation (perfect substitutability among components) and the economic theory that produces the models within which those aggregates are used. That inconsistency causes the appearance of unstable demand and supply for money. The incorrect inference of unstable money demand has caused serious harm to the field of monetary economics.
Correction: Cruzado-Vargas et al. Reciprocal Common Garden Altitudinal Transplants Reveal Potential Negative Impacts of Climate Change on Abies religiosa Populations in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Overwintering Sites. Forests 2021, 12, 69
Authors: Cruzado-Vargas Ana Laura , Blanco-García Arnulfo , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , Gómez-Romero Mariela , Lopez-Toledo Leonel , de la Barrera Erick , Sáenz-Romero Cuauhtémoc
Published: September 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
Predictive Models to Estimate Carbon Stocks in Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Marçal Maria Fernanda Magioni , Souza Zigomar Menezes de , Tavares Rose Luiza Moraes , Farhate Camila Viana Vieira , Oliveira Stanley Robson Medeiros , Galindo Fernando Shintate
Published: September 2021

This study aims to assess the carbon stock in a pasture area and fragment of forest in natural regeneration, given the importance of agroforestry systems in mitigating gas emissions which contribute to the greenhouse effect, as well as promoting the maintenance of agricultural productivity. Our other goal was to predict the carbon stock, according to different land use systems, from physical and chemical soil variables using the Random Forest algorithm. We carried out our study at an Entisols Quartzipsamments area with a completely randomized experimental design: four treatments and six replites. The treatments consisted of the following: (i) an agroforestry system developed for livestock, (ii) an agroforestry system developed for fruit culture, (iii) a conventional pasture, and (iv) a forest fragment. Deformed and undeformed soil samples were collected in order to analyze their physical and chemical properties across two consecutive agricultural years. The response variable, carbon stock, was subjected to a boxplot analysis and all the databases were used for a predictive modeling which in turn used the Random Forest algorithm. Results led to the conclusion that the agroforestry systems developed both for fruit culture and livestock, are more efficient at stocking carbon in the soil than the pasture area and forest fragment undergoing natural regeneration. Nitrogen stock and land use systems are the most important variables to estimate carbon stock from the physical and chemical variables of soil using the Random Forest algorithm. The predictive models generated from the physical and chemical variables of soil, as well as the Random Forest algorithm, presented a high potential for predicting soil carbon stock and are sensitive to different land use systems.
A Novel Three-Step Extraction Strategy for High-Value Products from Red Algae Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Li Tao , Xu Jin , Wang Weinan , Chen Zishuo , Li Chulin , Wu Hualian , Wu Houbo , Xiang Wenzhou
Published: September 2021

The microalga Porphyridium accumulates high-value compounds such as phycoerythrin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides, and thus, the extraction of these compounds could significantly expand the value of Porphyridium biomass. In the present study, a novel fractional extraction strategy based on the characteristics of these compounds was established using cold water, 95% ethanol, and hot water. The yield of phycoerythrin, lipids, and polysaccharides was 63.3, 74.3, and 75.2%, respectively. The phycoerythrin exhibited excellent fluorescence characteristics but had low purity. The crude lipid was dark with poor fluidity. Digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol containing C20:5 and C20:4 were the most abundant glycerolipids, while glucose, xylose, and galactose constituted the intracellular polysaccharides that had covalently bound to proteins (8.01%), uronic acid (4.13%), and sulfate (8.31%). Compared with polysaccharides and crude lipids, crude phycoerythrin showed the best antioxidant activity. Overall, the three-step fractional extraction process was feasible for Porphyridium; however, further purification is necessary for downstream applications.
Antimicrobial Effect of Acetic Acid, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Thermal Treatments against Psychrotolerant Bacillus cereus Group Isolated from Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Park Kyung-Min , Kim Hyun-Jung , Choi Ji-Yoen , Koo Minseon
Published: September 2021

Various food products distributed throughout the cold chain can present a health risk for consumers due to the presence of psychrotolerant B. cereus group species that possess enterotoxin genes and antibiotic resistance. As these bacteria can grow at the low temperatures used in the food industry, this study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and thermal treatments for inhibition of psychrotolerant strains and the effect that differences in activation temperature (30 °C and 10 °C) have on their efficacy. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and bacterial growth assay of acetic acid and thermal treatment showed an equal or higher antimicrobial efficacy in isolates activated at 10 °C than in those activated at 30 °C. In particular, psychrotolerant strains from the B. cereus group were completely eliminated with 0.25% acetic acid, regardless of the activation temperature. The possibility of tolerance was determined by observing responses in cells activated at 10 and 30 °C when exposed to different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite. Five isolates activated at 10 °C exhibited enhanced survivability in sodium hypochlorite compared to isolates activated at 30 °C, and these isolates were able to grow in sodium hypochlorite at concentrations of 250 ppm or higher. Although a significant difference in antimicrobial efficacy was observed for psychrotolerant B. cereus group strains depending on the activation temperature, acetic acid may be the most effective antimicrobial agent against psychrotolerant B. cereus species isolated from food products distributed in a cold chain.
Trans-2-Hexenal-Based Antifungal Packaging to Extend the Shelf Life of Strawberries
Authors: Heras-Mozos Raquel , García-Moreno Adrián , Monedero-Prieto María , Tone Ana Maria , Higueras Laura , Hernández-Muñoz Pilar , Gavara Rafael
Published: September 2021

Strawberries are valuable because of their nutritional value, but they are also highly perishable fruits. Fungal decay is the overriding factor that alters the overall quality of fresh strawberries. Because no hygienic treatments to reduce the initial microbial load are feasible, molds develop during postharvest when using conventional packaging. In this study, an antifungal packaging system for strawberries was developed to improve safety and quality. Trans-2-hexenal (HXAL), a natural compound in strawberries, was incorporated into the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems. Zero, 100, and 250 µL of HXAL were included in cellulosic pads and were covered with a polyamide coating to control its release. The pads were placed on the bottom of plastic trays; an amount of250 g of strawberries was added, flow packed in micro-perforated PP bags, and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Fungal infection was monitored during the storage period, and the optical and textural properties of the strawberries were measured at days 0 and 14. Analysis of the package headspace was conducted to check for the HXAL concentration. HXAL was partially retained in the fruits and was converted into hexyl acetate and 2-hexen-1-ol acetate, but this was only measurably present in the headspace of the active systems. Mold growth was fully inhibited in active packaging although the strawberries were softer and darker than those in the control packages. The active package was not as efficient if the fruits were stored under thermal-abuse conditions (15 and 22 °C).
Use of Tremella as Fat Substitute for the Enhancement of Physicochemical and Sensory Profiles of Pork Sausage
Authors: Hu Hewen , Li Yue , Zhang Long , Tu Huajie , Wang Xinyu , Ren Lili , Dai Siqi , Wang Liyan
Published: September 2021

Pork fat in sausage was replaced by tremella at different proportions during the process, and the physicochemical and sensory profiles of pork sausage were evaluated. Five recipes with the replacement proportion of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% tremella were manufactured, and their proximate compositions, water activities, textures, colors, water holding capacities (WHC), and amino acid compositions were investigated. The results showed that the protein, ash and moisture content, lightness, redness, and WHC of pork sausages were increased (p < 0.05), and textural profile analysis (TPA) and sensory quality of the sausage were improved (p < 0.05). In addition, the content of essential amino acids (lysine and isoleucine) and the non-essential amino acids (proline and tyrosine) of sausages were increased (p < 0.05). The sausage had the best sensory performance when the replacement ratio of tremella was 75%. These results indicated that replacing fat with tremella could be a valid way to obtain nutritional and healthy sausage.
Implementation of Food Safety Management Systems along with Other Management Tools (HAZOP, FMEA, Ishikawa, Pareto). The Case Study of Listeria monocytogenes and Correlation with Microbiological Criteria
Authors: Lee Jocelyn C. , Daraba Aura , Voidarou Chrysa , Rozos Georgios , Enshasy Hesham A. El , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: September 2021

The food industry’s failure in planning and designing of and in implementing a Food Safety Management System and its foundation elements leads, in most instances, to compromised food safety and subsequent foodborne illness outbreaks. This phenomenon was noticed, worldwide, for all food processors, but with a much higher incidence in the medium- and small-sized food processing plants. Our study focuses on the importance of Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Critical Control Points Hazard Analysis (HACCP) and the Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) as the foundation of HACCP, in preventing foodborne outbreaks. For emphasis, we make use of the example of organizational food safety culture failures and the lack of managerial engagement which resulted in a multi-state listeriosis outbreak in USA. Moreover, we correlate this with microbiological criteria. Implementation of food safety management systems (ISO 22000:2018) along with incorporation of management tools such as HAZOP, FMEA, Ishikawa and Pareto have proved to be proactive in the maintenance of a positive food safety culture and prevention of cross-contamination and fraud.
Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health
Authors: Monteagudo Pablo , Cordellat Ana , Roldán Ainoa , Gómez-Cabrera Mari Carmen , Pesce Caterina , Blasco-Lafarga Cristina
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed the same exercises, volume, and intensity, but the training was distributed twice per day (30 min in the morning; 30 more in the afternoon). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons revealed significant (p < 0.001) and similar large improvements in both groups in lower limb strength (five times sit-to-stand test: CMCT, 12.55 ± 2.83 vs. 9.44 ± 1.72 s; AMCT, 10.37 ± 2.35 vs. 7.46 ± 1.75 s). In addition, there were large gains in preferred walking speed and instrumental daily life activities, which were higher for CMCT and AMCT, respectively (in this order: 1.00 ± 0.18 vs. 1.44 ± 0.26 m/s and 1.09 ± 0.80 vs. 1.58 ± 0.18 m/s; 33.07 ± 2.88 vs. 36.57 ± 1.65 points and 32.80 ± 1.93 vs. 36.80 ± 0.92 points); improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, now moderate for CMCT (474.14 ± 93.60 vs. 529.64 ± 82.76 m) and large for AMCT (515.10 ± 20.24 vs. 589.60 ± 40.38 m); and medium and similar enhancements in agility in both groups (TUG test: CMCT: 7.49 ± 1.11 vs. 6.77 ± 1.16 s; AMCT: 6.84 ± 1.01 vs. 6.18 ± 0.62 s). None of the protocols had an impact on the executive function, whereas health-related quality of life showed a trend to significance in the whole sample only (EQindex overall sample, p = 0.062; d = 0.48 CMCT; d = 0.34 AMCT). Regardless of the type of dose distribution, starting multicomponent training improves physical function in non-active older adults, but does not improve cognitive function at mid-term. Because both forms of MCT showed similar compliance, slightly positive differences in accumulated strategies may indicate some benefits related to breaking afternoon sedentary behaviors, which deserves further research in longer and larger interventions. The mixed nature of MCT suggests accumulative group interventions may be a promising approach to address sedentary aging.
Associations of Cognitive Complaints and Depressive Symptoms with Health-Related Quality of Life and Perceived Overall Health in Japanese Adult Volunteers
Authors: Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Inoue Takeshi , Baba Toshiaki , Masuya Jiro , Ichiki Masahiko , Fujimura Yota , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: September 2021

Cognitive complaints, defined as perceived cognitive dysfunction in daily living, are associated with depressive symptoms. The associations of cognitive complaints and depressive symptoms with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and perceived overall health in Japanese adults remains unknown. To investigate these relationships, we evaluated a convenience sample of 525 Japanese adult volunteers (Mage: 41.3 ± 11.7; 238 male and 287 female). We used the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (evaluating cognitive complaints), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (evaluating depressive symptoms), EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level (EQ-5D-5L; evaluating HRQoL), and EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS; evaluating perceived overall health). Our path analyses suggested that both cognitive complaints and depressive symptoms had significant total effects on HRQoL and perceived overall health. Furthermore, cognitive complaints were not significantly associated directly with HRQoL and perceived overall health, whereas cognitive complaints were significantly associated with HRQoL and perceived overall health indirectly via depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated directly with HRQoL and perceived overall health. This study suggests that depressive symptoms may mediate the associations of cognitive complaints with HRQoL and perceived overall health. Thus, to address the HRQoL and perceived overall health associated with cognitive complaints, evaluation and intervention for depressive symptoms may be useful in public health.