bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Age–Period–Cohort Problem in Hedonic House Prices Models
Authors: Yiu Chung-Yim , Cheung Ka-Shing
Published: January 2022

The age–period–cohort problem has been studied for decades but without resolution. There have been many suggested solutions to make the three effects estimable, but these solutions mostly exploit non-linear specifications. Yet, these approaches may suffer from misspecification or omitted variable bias. This paper is a practical-oriented study with an aim to empirically disentangle age–period–cohort effects by providing external information on the actual depreciation of housing structure rather than taking age as a proxy. It is based on appraisals of the improvement values of properties in New Zealand to estimate the age-depreciation effect. This research method provides a novel means of solving the identification problem of the age, period, and cohort trilemma. Based on about half a million housing transactions from 1990 to 2019 in the Auckland Region of New Zealand, the results show that traditional hedonic prices models using age and time dummy variables can result, ceteris paribus, in unreasonable positive depreciation rates. The use of the improvement values model can help improve the accuracy of home value assessment and reduce estimation biases. This method also has important practical implications for property valuations.
Effects of Insurance Adoption and Risk Aversion on Agricultural Production and Technical Efficiency: A Panel Analysis for Italian Grape Growers
Authors: Russo Simone , Caracciolo Francesco , Salvioni Cristina
Published: January 2022

This article aims to evaluate the effect of insurance on production, technical efficiency, and input use of Italian specialised-quality grape growers. A panel instrumental variable stochastic frontier approach is applied over the years 2008–2017 using data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network. The results show the requirement to correct for the endogeneity that stems from insurance adoption. Insurance has an enhancing effect on production and efficiency and reduces the use of intermediate inputs. It suggests that insurance helps to diminish the risk-averse farmers’ suboptimal input use due to the presence of uncertainty. Crop insurance leads risk-averse farmers to behave as if they were risk neutral and employs the profit-maximising input vector. Therefore, by reducing the risks linked to the uncertainty of outcomes, crop insurance leads grape growers to go in the direction of profit maximisation.
Challenges and Mitigation Measures in Power Systems with High Share of Renewables—The Australian Experience
Authors: Arraño-Vargas Felipe , Shen Zhiwei , Jiang Shan , Fletcher John , Konstantinou Georgios
Published: January 2022

Australia is one of the leading countries in energy transition, and its largest power system is intended to securely operate with up to 75% of variable renewable generation by 2025. High-inertia synchronous condensers, battery energy storage systems, and grid-forming converters are some of the technologies supporting this transformation while facilitating the secure operation of the grid. Synchronous condensers have enabled 2500 MW of solar and wind generation in the state of South Australia, reaching minimum operational demands of ≈100 MW. Grid-scale battery energy storage systems have demonstrated not only market benefits by cutting costs to consumers but also essential grid services during contingencies. Fast frequency response, synthetic inertia, and high fault currents are some of the grid-supporting capabilities provided by new developments that strengthen the grid while facilitating the integration of new renewable energy hubs. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview, based on the Australian experience, of how power systems are overcoming expected challenges while continuing to integrate secure, low cost, and clean energy.
An IoT-Based Services Infrastructure for Utility-Scale Distributed Solar Farms
Authors: Shapsough Salsabeel , Zualkernan Imran
Published: January 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) provides large-scale solutions for efficient resource monitoring and management. As such, the technology has been heavily integrated into domains such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and utilities, which led to the emergence of sustainable smart cities. The success of smart cities depends on the availability of data, as well as the quality of the data management infrastructure. IoT introduced numerous new software, hardware, and networking technologies designed for efficient and low-cost data transport, storage, and processing. However, proper selection and integration of the correct technologies is crucial to ensuring a positive return on investment for such systems. This paper presents a novel end-to-end infrastructure for solar energy analysis and prediction via edge-based analytics.
Numerical Study on the Homogeneous Reactions of Mercury in a 600 MW Coal-Fired Utility Boiler
Authors: Lyu Qiang , Wang Chang’an , Liu Xuan , Che Defu
Published: January 2022

The homogeneous oxidation of elemental mercury (Hg0) can promote Hg pollution control in coal-fired power plants, while the mechanisms and quantitative contributions of homogeneous reactions in Hg0 oxidation, especially the reactions between Hg and chlorine (Cl), are still unclear. Here, a numerical study on the homogeneous reactions of Hg was conducted within a 600 MW tangentially fired boiler for the first time. A novel Hg sub-model was established by coupling the thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and fluid dynamics. The results showed that the higher Cl content in coal was beneficial to the oxidation of Hg0. The homogeneous reactions of Hg mainly occurred in the vertical flue pass at low temperature. Hg0 was still the dominant Hg-containing species at the boiler exit, and the concentration of mercury chloride (HgCl2) was the highest among the oxidized mercury. When low-Cl coal was fired, the addition of a small amount of chlorine species into the boiler at the burnout area increased the ratio of HgCl2 by over 16 times without causing serious chlorine corrosion problems.
Diagenesis Evolution and Pore Types in Tight Sandstone of Shanxi Formation Reservoir in Hangjinqi Area, Ordos Basin, Northern China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Tian Jingchun , Zhang Xiang , Li Jian , Liang Qingshao , Zheng Xiaoyu
Published: January 2022

Diagenesis and pore evolution of tight sandstone reservoir is one of the most important issues surrounding clastic reservoirs. The tight sandstone of the Shanxi Formation is an important oil and gas producing layer of the Upper Paleozoic in Ordos Basin, and its densification process has an important impact on reservoir quality. This study determined the physical properties and diagenetic evolution of Shanxi Formation sandstones and quantitatively calculated the pore loss in the diagenetic process. Microscopic identification, cathodoluminescence, and a scanning electron microscope were used identify diagenesis, and the diagenesis evolution process was clarified along with inclusion analysis. In addition, reservoir quality was determined based on the identification of pore types and physical porosity. Results show that rock types are mainly sublitharenite and litharenite. The reservoir has numerous secondary pores after experiencing compaction, cementation, and dissolution. We obtained insight into the relationship between homogenous temperature and two hydrocarbon charges. The results indicated that there were two hydrocarbon charges in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic (70–90 °C) and Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (110–130 °C) before reservoir densification. The quantitative calculation of pore loss shows that the average apparent compaction, cementation, and dissolution rates are 67.36%, 22.24%, and 80.76%, respectively. Compaction directly affected the reservoir tightness, and intense dissolution was beneficial to improve the physical properties of the reservoir.
Cost Efficient GPU Cluster Management for Training and Inference of Deep Learning
Authors: Kang Dong-Ki , Lee Ki-Beom , Kim Young-Chon
Published: January 2022

Expanding the scale of GPU-based deep learning (DL) clusters would bring not only accelerated AI services but also significant energy consumption costs. In this paper, we propose a cost efficient deep learning job allocation (CE-DLA) approach minimizing the energy consumption cost for the DL cluster operation while guaranteeing the performance requirements of user requests. To do this, we first categorize the DL jobs into two classes: training jobs and inference jobs. Through the architecture-agnostic modeling, our CE-DLA approach is able to conduct the delicate mapping of heterogeneous DL jobs to GPU computing nodes. Second, we design the electricity price-aware DL job allocation so as to minimize the energy consumption cost of the cluster. We show that our approach efficiently avoids the peak-rate time slots of the GPU computing nodes by using the sophisticated mixed-integer nonlinear problem (MINLP) formulation. We additionally integrate the dynamic right-sizing (DRS) method with our CE-DLA approach, so as to minimize the energy consumption of idle nodes having no running job. In order to investigate the realistic behavior of our approach, we measure the actual output from the NVIDIA-based GPU devices with well-known deep neural network (DNN) models. Given the real trace data of the electricity price, we show that the CE-DLA approach outperforms the competitors in views of both the energy consumption cost and the performance for DL job processing.
An Optimized Fuzzy Controlled Charging System for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Károlyi György , Pózna Anna I. , Hangos Katalin M. , Magyar Attila
Published: January 2022

Fast charging is an attractive way of charging batteries; however, it may result in an undesired degradation of battery performance and lifetime because of the increase in battery temperature during fast charge. In this paper we propose a simple optimized fuzzy controller that is responsible for the regulation of the charging current of a battery charging system. The basis of the method is a simple dynamic equivalent circuit type model of the Li-ion battery that takes into account the temperature dependency of the model parameters, too. Since there is a tradeoff between the charging speed determined by the value of the charging current and the increase in temperature of the battery, the proposed fuzzy controller is applied for controlling the charging current as a function of the temperature. The controller is optimized using a genetic algorithm to ensure a jointly minimal charging time and battery temperature increase during the charging. The control method is adaptive in the sense that we use parameter estimation of an underlying dynamic battery model to adapt to the actual status of the battery after each charging. The performance and properties of the proposed optimized charging control system are evaluated using a simulation case study. The evaluation was performed in terms of the charge profiles, using the fitness values of the individuals, and in terms of the charge performance on the actual battery. The proposed method has been evaluated compared to the conventional contant current-constant voltage methods. We have found that the proposed GA-fuzzy controller gives a slightly better performance in charging time while significantly decreasing the temperature increase.
Tin and Antimony as Soil Pollutants along Railway Lines—A Case Study from North-Western Croatia
Authors: Stančić Zvjezdana , Fiket Željka , Vuger Andreja
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the extent and patterns of antimony and tin contamination in soils along railway lines, as there are very few data in the literature on this subject. The study was conducted in north-western Croatia. Total and bioavailable concentrations of Sn and Sb were detected using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The following results were obtained: total concentrations of Sb ranged from 0.98 to 52.0 mg/kg and of Sn from 3.04 mg/kg to 97.6 mg/kg. The soil samples showed pronounced Sb and Sn enrichment, up to 87 and 33 times the median value for European soils, respectively. In contrast to the total concentrations, the bioavailable concentrations showed relatively low values. For Sn, the percentage of total content ranged from 0.001 to 0.021%, while for Sb it ranged from 0.001 to 0.136%. Statistical data analysis suggests that the distribution of Sb and Sn in soils near railway lines is influenced by the functional use of the site, distance from the tracks, topography, age of the railway line, and also by soil properties such as soil texture, humus content, and soil pH. This study demonstrates that rail transport is a source of soil pollution with Sn and Sb. The origin of Sb and Sn enrichment is abrasion by brakes, rails, wheels, freight losses, exhaust gasses, etc. Both elements in soils along railway lines pose an environmental risk to humans, agricultural production, and wildlife, and therefore further detailed studies are required.
Biscogniauxia Charcoal Canker—A New Potential Threat for Mid-European Forests as an Effect of Climate Change
Authors: Patejuk Katarzyna , Baturo-Cieśniewska Anna , Pusz Wojciech , Kaczmarek-Pieńczewska Agata
Published: January 2022

Biscogniauxia nummularia (Bull.) Kuntze is a fungus which induces strip-cankers on beech, commonly referred to as charcoal canker. The symptoms of infection are visible on the host tree’s bark as elongated, blackish bark lesions on the trunk and branches. Recent years have shown that, due to climate change causing local epidemics, the species is increasing its economic impact in Mediterranean regions. Until recently, B. nummularia was considered rare and uncommon in central Europe. However, in the last few years it has been noticed more often, mostly in coniferous trees, which are out of B. nummularia’s host range. A similar situation has been observed with the closely related species Biscogniauxia mediterranea (De Not.) Kuntze, which prior to 2017 had not been observed in central Europe at all. This study shows the genetic diversity of mid-European strains of Biscogniauxia spp. (based on the ITS, TEF1, TUB2 and ACT regions) and, as the first in Europe, presents a molecular investigation of this species isolated from coniferous trees. It is also the first attempt at estimating the potential impact of this pathogenic fungus on European forestry management in the close future.
Regeneration Status and Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Cloud Forest Ecosystem Restoration in Ecuador
Authors: Mariscal Ana , Tigabu Mulualem , Savadogo Patrice , Odén Per Christer
Published: January 2022

The importance of forests for biodiversity conservation has been well recognized by the global community; as a result, conservation efforts have increased over the past two decades. In Ecuador, the lack of integrated information for defining and assessing the status of local ecosystems is a major challenge for designing conservation and restoration plans. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to examine the regeneration status of cloud forest remnants, some of which had experienced past human disturbance events, (2) to explore a local rural community’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) relevant for restoration and (3) to investigate the integration between TEK and ecological science-based approaches. A survey of regeneration status was conducted in four remnants of cloud forests (n = 16) in Cosanga, Napo Province, in the Andes of northeastern Ecuador. The species of young trees (0.5–5 m height) were identified over 0.16 ha. In-depth interviews of individuals from local communities (n = 48) were conducted to identify socio-ecologically important native species. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in species richness and the stem density of seedlings and saplings in gaps. The stem density of Chusquea sp., a bamboo species, explained 63% of the variation in species richness and 48% of the variation in the abundance of seedlings and saplings between plots. Informants cited 32 socio-ecologically important species, of which 26 species were cited as sources of food and habitats for wildlife. The ranking of species based on a relative importance index and a cultural value index—taking into account both the spread of knowledge among local informants and the multiplicity of uses—revealed that Hyeromina duquei, Citharexylum montanum, Eugenia crassimarginata and Sapium contortum were traditionally the most valuable species for both humans and wildlife. Informants also recommended 27 species for future planting, of which 19 species were amongst the rarest species in the regeneration survey. In conclusion, the results demonstrate a synergy between TEK and ecological science-based approaches (regeneration survey) to natural ecosystem research. Thus, traditional ecological knowledge can provide insights into ecosystem–plant–animal interaction, and to identify native species useful for both humans and wildlife for forest restoration projects to reconnect isolated cloud forest fragments.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Fine Roots Research in Forest Ecosystems during 1992–2020
Authors: Huang Linjia , Xia Ziqian , Cao Yang
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Fine roots (≤2 mm in diameter) play a critical role in forest ecosystem ecological processes and has been widely identified as a major research topic. This study aimed to synthesize the global literature based on the Web of Science Core Collection scientific database from 1992 to 2020 and summarize the research trends and prospects on research of fine roots in forest ecosystems. A quantitative bibliometric analysis was presented with information related to authors, countries, institutions, journals, top cited publications, research hotspots, trends, and prospects. (2) Results: The results showed that the amount of publications has increased exponentially. USA, China, and Germany were the most productive countries. Chinese Academy of Science was the most productive institution on fine roots research and also has a key position in both domestic and international cooperation networks. Leuschner C and Hertel D were the most productive authors. Six core journals were confirmed from 471 journals based on Bradford’s law. The distribution of the frequency of authors and the number of their publications were fitted with Lotka’s Law. Author collaboration network was mainly limited in the same countries/territories and institutions. Keywords analysis indicates that the hotspots are biomass, decomposition, and respiration of fine roots, especially under climate change. (3) Conclusion: Our results provide a better understanding of global characteristics and trends of fine roots that have emerged in this field, which could offer reference for future research.
Palm Oil Mill Effluent for Lipid Production by the Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Palanisamy Karthick Murugan , Maniam Gaanty Pragas , Sulaiman Ahmad Ziad , Ab. Rahim Mohd Hasbi , Govindan Natanamurugaraj , Chisti Yusuf
Published: January 2022

Biomass and lipid production by the marine centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana were characterized in media based on palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a source of key nutrients. The optimal medium comprised 20% by volume POME, 80 µM Na2SiO3, and 35 g NaCl L−1 in water at pH ~7.7. In 15-day batch cultures (16:8 h/h light–dark cycle; 200 µmol photons m−2 s−1, 26 ± 1 °C) bubbled continuously with air mixed with CO2 (2.5% by vol), the peak concentration of dry biomass was 869 ± 14 mg L−1 corresponding to a productivity of ~58 mg L−1 day−1. The neutral lipid content of the biomass was 46.2 ± 1.1% by dry weight. The main components of the esterified lipids were palmitoleic acid methyl ester (31.6% w/w) and myristic acid methyl ester (16.8% w/w). The final biomass concentration and the lipid content were affected by the light–dark cycle. Continuous (24 h light) illumination at the above-specified irradiance reduced biomass productivity to ~54 mg L−1 day−1 and lipid content to 38.1%.
Addition of Lactic Acid Bacteria Can Promote the Quality and Feeding Value of Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry) Silage
Authors: Sun Wen-Tao , Huang Yuan , Wu Chang-Rong , Peng Chao , Zheng Yu-Long , Chen Chao , Hao Jun
Published: January 2022

In this study, the influence of two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains [Lactobacillus rhamnosus BDy (LR-BDy) and Lactobacillus buchneri TSy (LB-TSy)] selected from Southwest China on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro gas production of Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry) silage were experimentally explored. The experimental groups were a control group (C), an LB-TSy treatment (LB), an LR-BDy treatment (LR), and an LR-BDy + LB-TSy hybrid group (LR × LB). After the LAB were added, the pH value of paper mulberry silage significantly declined (p < 0.05), and the crude protein content was effectively preserved (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found in the levels of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude ash (p > 0.05). The lactic acid content in paper mulberry silage was evidently increased (p < 0.05). The in vitro gas production in the LR at 36, 48, and 72 h were markedly higher than that in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Owing to the addition of LAB, the microbial diversity in paper mulberry silage was reduced, while the relative bacterial abundance of Lactobacillus was enhanced. Hence, the addition of LAB selected from the warm and humid region in Southwest China can improve the quality of paper mulberry silage and elevate its feeding value in this region.
Immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae DSM 1863 for l-Malic Acid Production
Authors: Kövilein Aline , Aschmann Vera , Hohmann Silja , Ochsenreither Katrin
Published: January 2022

Whole-cell immobilization by entrapment in natural polymers can be a tool for morphological control and facilitate biomass retention. In this study, the possibility of immobilizing the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae for l-malic acid production was evaluated with the two carbon sources acetate and glucose. A. oryzae conidia were entrapped in alginate, agar, and κ-carrageenan and production was monitored in batch processes in shake flasks and 2.5-L bioreactors. With glucose, the malic acid concentration after 144 h of cultivation using immobilized particles was mostly similar to the control with free biomass. In acetate medium, production with immobilized conidia of A. oryzae in shake flasks was delayed and titers were generally lower compared to cultures with free mycelium. While all immobilization matrices were stable in glucose medium, disintegration of bead material and biomass detachment in acetate medium was observed in later stages of the fermentation. Still, immobilization proved advantageous in bioreactor cultivations with acetate and resulted in increased malic acid titers. This study is the first to evaluate immobilization of A. oryzae for malic acid production and describes the potential but also challenges regarding the application of different matrices in glucose and acetate media.
Difficulties Associated with Small-Scale Production of Carbonic Maceration Wines
Authors: Santamaría Pilar , González-Arenzana Lucía , Escribano-Viana Rocío , Garijo Patrocinio , López Rosa , Sanz Susana , Gutiérrez Ana Rosa
Published: January 2022

The aim of the work was to study the vinification by carbonic maceration carried out in small volume tanks, because the use of these deposits is necessary in scientific studies where repetitions are mandatory. For this, vinifications were carried out in 300-kg tanks with grapes of the Tempranillo variety. We studied the development of the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations and the microorganisms responsible for them. The results showed an alteration of the wines as a result of the low levels of yeast and the huge bacteria population. This was probably due to the difficulty in maintaining the necessary temperature and anaerobic conditions in the small tanks employed.
Cracking Diagnosis in Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Synthetic Fibers Using Piezoelectric Transducers
Authors: Voutetaki Maristella E. , Naoum Maria C. , Papadopoulos Nikos A. , Chalioris Constantin E.
Published: January 2022

The addition of short fibers in concrete mass offers a composite material with advanced properties, and fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is a promising alternative in civil engineering applications. Recently, structural health monitoring (SHM) and damage diagnosis of FRC has received increasing attention. In this work, the effectiveness of a wireless SHM system to detect damage due to cracking is addressed in FRC with synthetic fibers under compressive repeated load. In FRC structural members, cracking propagates in small and thin cracks due to the presence of the dispersed fibers and, therefore, the challenge of damage detection is increasing. An experimental investigation on standard 150 mm cubes made of FRC is applied at specific and loading levels where the cracks probably developed in the inner part of the specimens, whereas no visible cracks appeared on their surface. A network of small PZT patches, mounted to the surface of the FRC specimen, provides dual-sensing function. The remotely controlled monitoring system vibrates the PZT patches, acting as actuators by an amplified harmonic excitation voltage. Simultaneously, it monitors the signal of the same PZTs acting as sensors and, after processing the voltage frequency response of the PZTs, it transmits them wirelessly and in real time. FRC cracking due to repeated loading ad various compressive stress levels induces change in the mechanical impedance, causing a corresponding change on the signal of each PZT. The influence of the added synthetic fibers on the compressive behavior and the damage-detection procedure is examined and discussed. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed damage-diagnosis approach for the prognosis of final cracking performance and failure is investigated. The objectives of the study also include the development of a reliable quantitative assessment of damage using the statistical index values at various points of PZT measurements.
Stock Reduction Analysis of Bigeye Croaker Micropogonias megalops in the Upper Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Urías-Sotomayor Ricardo , Rodríguez-Domínguez Guillermo , Félix-Ortiz José Adán , Ortega-Lizárraga Gilberto G. , Muñoz-Rubí Horacio A. , Aragón-Noriega Eugenio Alberto
Published: January 2022

A stock reduction analysis (SRA) of bigeye croaker Micropogonias megalops was performed based on commercial catch data. SRA solutions were restricted to a 2011 bigeye croaker stock biomass estimate of 14,412 t. The viable solution indicated a reduction in stock of 73.6% from 1983 to 2020 with an initial biomass of 22,186 t. In addition, a possible effect of hyperstability of the stock was evaluated by applying different versions of the Cobb–Douglas catch function. The most probable function based on a multi-model selection procedure was the one wherein the catch does not depend on biomass and is directly proportional to the applied fishing effort of small boats (~7 m) and vessels (~24 m). This situation suggests that in a free access regime, fishing can deplete the resource until it collapses, without observing a significant reduction in its catches until the event is very close.
The Role of the Food Banks in Saving Freshwater Resources through Reducing Food Waste: The Case of the Food Bank of Navarra, Spain
Authors: Penalver Josemi G. , Aldaya Maite M.
Published: January 2022

In the year 2011, the FAO estimated that food loss and waste reached one third of the total food produced worldwide. Since then, numerous studies have been published characterizing this problem and reflecting on its repercussions, not only social, but also environmental. Food wastage triggers unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation or loss of biodiversity. This study aims to quantify the water-related benefits associated with food loss and waste reduction by studying the Food Bank of Navarra (FBN). For this purpose, the water footprint assessment manual has been followed. First, the water footprint of the activities of the FBN has been analysed for the year 2018 (scenario with the FBN). A comparative analysis has been carried out between the scenario with the FBN and a theoretical scenario without the action of the FBN. This has allowed us to highlight the benefits associated with the activity of this entity. The FBN not only avoided the waste of 2.7 thousand tons of food suitable for consumption in 2018, but also avoided the unnecessary use of more than 3.2 million m3 of freshwater. As a result of the present investigation, it can be stated that promoting food banks, which avoid food waste, would be an effective way to contribute to the protection and conservation of water resources.
Understanding Apple Attribute Preferences of US Consumers
Authors: Meike Rombach , Dean David L. , Baird Tim
Published: January 2022

Apple preferences of US consumers are widely explored. However, the key factors that drive the importance that US consumers place on apple attributes are rather unexplored. To fill this literature gap, an online survey with 383 US apple buyers was conducted. A two-step analysis consisting of descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling indicates that subjective knowledge was the most important factor, determining both the discernment of buyers and attitudes towards US fruit growers. Objective knowledge and sociodemographic factors, other than education, were not found to have any impact. The discernment of a buyer and their ability to distinguish apple varieties had the greatest impact on the importance that US consumers placed on physical and commercial product attributes. It was also found that attitudes towards growers impacted on the importance which consumers place on both types of attributes. Given that consumer attitudes were shown to be a strong driver of their buying preferences, growers and grower associations should also consider highlighting the positive health and societal benefits that their products provide.
Do the Colors of the Label and the Sweetening Agent Information Influence the Sensory Expectations Consumer? A Case Study with Skyr-Type Yogurt
Authors: Pereira Cecília Teresa Muniz , de Medeiros Alessandra Cazelatto , Ventura Marcella Benetti , Pereira Dalva Muniz , Bolini Helena Maria André
Published: January 2022

The objective of this research was to evaluate the sensory expectation and buying intention of consumers from different Brazilian regions for skyr-type yogurt based on the colors and sweetener on its label. Ten images of skyr mango yogurt labels were created varying in color (orange, white, yellow, blue, and green) and sweetening agent (sucrose and natural sweeteners). Consumers (151 consumers) were asked to rate their expectation for the ideal of sweetness, healthiness, acceptance, and buying intention. Labels containing the information “sweetened with sucrose” had a higher percentage of expectation of sweeter than ideal. Label color and sweetening agent had a significant effect on the expectation of acceptance, with a higher percentage for yogurt sweetened with natural sweeteners. There were not statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the labels regarding expected healthiness. Results also showed that consumers had a low level of familiarity with skyr-type yogurts, but it is presented as a healthy yogurt alternative.
Conversion of Food Waste into 2,3-Butanediol via Thermophilic Fermentation: Effects of Carbohydrate Content and Nutrient Supplementation
Authors: Yu Dajun , O’Hair Joshua , Poe Nicholas , Jin Qing , Pinton Sophia , He Yanhong , Huang Haibo
Published: January 2022

Fermentation of food waste into 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), a high-value chemical, is environmentally sustainable and an inexpensive method to recycle waste. Compared to traditional mesophilic fermentation, thermophilic fermentation can inhibit the growth of contaminant bacteria, thereby improving the success of food waste fermentation. However, the effects of sugar and nutrient concentrations in thermophilic food waste fermentations are currently unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of sugar and nutrients (yeast extract (YE) and peptone) concentrations on 2,3-BDO production from fermenting glucose and food waste media using the newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis YNP5-TSU. When glucose media was used, fermentation was greatly affected by sugar and nutrient concentrations: excessive glucose (>70 g/L) slowed down the fermentation and low nutrients (2 g/L YE and 1 g/L peptone) caused fermentation failure. However, when food waste media were used with low nutrient addition, the bacteria consumed all 57.8 g/L sugars within 24 h and produced 24.2 g/L 2,3-BDO, equivalent to a fermentation yield of 0.42 g/g. An increase in initial sugar content (72.9 g/L) led to a higher 2,3-BDO titer of 36.7 g/L with a nearly theoretical yield of 0.47 g/g. These findings may provide fundamental knowledge for designing cost-effective food waste fermentation to produce 2,3-BDO.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum and Fructooligosaccharides Combination Inhibits the Growth, Adhesion, Invasion, and Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Dong Qingli , Lu Xinxin , Gao Binru , Liu Yangtai , Aslam Muhammad Zohaib , Wang Xiang , Li Zhuosi
Published: January 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen responsible for many food outbreaks worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the single and combined effect of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum CICC 6257 (L. plantarum) on the growth, adhesion, invasion, and virulence of gene expressions of Listeria monocytogenes 19112 serotype 4b (L. monocytogenes). Results showed that L. plantarum combined with 2% and 4% (w/v) FOS significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes (3–3.5 log10 CFU/mL reduction) at the incubation temperature of 10 °C and 25 °C. Under the same combination condition, the invasion rates of L. monocytogenes to Caco-2 and BeWo cells were reduced more than 90% compared to the result of the untreated group. After L. plantarum was combined with the 2% and 4% (w/v) FOS treatment, the gene expression of actin-based motility, sigma factor, internalin A, internalin B, positive regulatory factor A, and listeriolysin O significantly (p < 0.05) were reduced over 91%, 77%, 92%, 89%, 79%, and 79% compared to the result of the untreated group, respectively. The inhibition level of the L. plantarum and FOS combination against L. monocytogenes was higher than that of FOS or L. plantarum alone. Overall, these results indicated that the L. plantarum and FOS combination might be an effective formula against L. monocytogenes.
Sustainability Recommendations and Practices in School Feeding: A Systematic Review
Authors: dos Santos Emanuele Batistela , da Costa Maynard Dayanne , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Raposo António , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção
Published: January 2022

Considering the importance of schools for sustainable food offers and the formation of conscientious citizens on sustainability, this systematic review aimed to verify the recommendations on sustainability in school feeding policies and the sustainability practices adopted in schools. The research question that guided this study is “what are the recommendations on sustainability in school feeding policies and the sustainability practices adopted in schools?”. This systematic review was prepared according to PRISMA, and its checklist was registered in PROSPERO. Specific search strategies for Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, Lilacs, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global were developed. The included studies’ methodological quality was evaluated using the Meta-Analysis Statistical Assessment and Review Instrument (MASTARI). A total of 134 studies were selected for a full reading. Of these, 50 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Several sustainability practices were described. The most cited are school gardens and education activities for sustainability. However, actions carried out in food services were also mentioned, from the planning of menus and the purchase of raw materials (mainly local and organic foods, vegetarian/vegan menus) to the distribution of meals (reduction of organic and inorganic waste: composting, recycling, donating food, and portion sizes). Recommendations for purchasing sustainable food (organic, local, and seasonal), nutrition education focused on sustainability, and reducing food waste were frequent; this reinforces the need to stimulate managers’ view, in their most varied spheres, for the priority that should be given to this theme, so that education for sustainability is universally part of the curricula. The importance of education in enabling individuals to promote sustainable development is reaffirmed in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). The development of assessment instruments can help monitor the evolution of sustainable strategies at schools and the main barriers and potentialities related to their implementation.
Food Behavior in Emergency Time: Wild Plant Use for Human Nutrition during the Conflict in Syria
Authors: Sulaiman Naji , Pieroni Andrea , Sõukand Renata , Polesny Zbynek
Published: January 2022

Wild food plants (WFPs) have been an important source of human nutrition since ancient times, and it particularly revives when conventional food is not available due to emergency situations, such as natural disasters and conflicts. The war in Syria has entered 10 years since it started in 2011, and it has caused the largest war-related crises since World War II. Nearly 60% of the Syrian population (12.4 million people) are food-insecure. WFPs are already culturally important in the region, and may be supplementing local diets during this conflict. Our study aimed to uncover the conflict’s effect on the use of WFPs and to know what species are consumed by local people during the current crisis. The fieldwork was carried out between March 2020 and March 2021 in the Tartus governorate located in the coastal region of Syria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 participants (26 women and 24 men) distributed in 26 villages along the study area. We recorded the vernacular names, uses, plant parts used, modes of preparation and consumption, change in WFP use before and during the conflict, and informants’ perceptions towards WFPs. We documented 75 wild food plant species used for food and drink. Almost two-thirds (64%) of informants reported an increase in their reliance on wild plants as a food source during the conflict. The species of Origanum syriacum, Rhus coriaria, Eryngium creticum, and Cichorium intybus were among the most quoted species by informants. Sleeq (steamed leafy vegetables), Zaatar (breakfast/dinner food), and Louf (soup) were the most popular wild plant-based dishes.
Evaluating the Biocompatibility of an Injectable Wound Matrix in a Murine Model
Authors: Alnojeidi Hatem , Kilani Ruhangiz Taghi , Ghahary Aziz
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Developing a high-quality, injectable biomaterial that is labor-saving, cost-efficient, and patient-ready is highly desirable. Our research group has previously developed a collagen-based injectable scaffold for the treatment of a variety of wounds including wounds with deep and irregular beds. Here, we investigated the biocompatibility of our liquid scaffold in mice and compared the results to a commercially available injectable granular collagen-based product. (2) Methods: Scaffolds were applied in sub-dermal pockets on the dorsum of mice. To examine the interaction between the scaffolds and the host tissue, samples were harvested after 1 and 2 weeks and stained for collagen content using Masson’s Trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence staining and quantification were performed to assess the type and number of cells infiltrating each scaffold. (3) Results: Histological evaluation after 1 and 2 weeks demonstrated early and efficient integration of our liquid scaffold with no evident adverse foreign body reaction. This rapid incorporation was accompanied by significant cellular infiltration of stromal and immune cells into the scaffold when compared to the commercial product (p < 0.01) and the control group (p < 0.05). Contrarily, the commercial scaffold induced a foreign body reaction as it was surrounded by a capsule-like, dense cellular layer during the 2-week period, resulting in delayed integration and hampered cellular infiltration. (4) Conclusion: Results obtained from this study demonstrate the potential use of our liquid scaffold as an advanced injectable wound matrix for the management of skin wounds with complex geometries.
Ancient Mitogenomes Suggest Stable Mitochondrial Clades of the Siberian Roe Deer
Authors: Deng Miao-Xuan , Xiao Bo , Yuan Jun-Xia , Hu Jia-Ming , Kim Kyung Seok , Westbury Michael V. , Lai Xu-Long , Sheng Gui-Lian
Published: January 2022

The roe deer (Capreolus spp.) has been present in China since the early Pleistocene. Despite abundant fossils available for detailed morphological analyses, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships of the fossil individuals to contemporary roe deer. We generated near-complete mitochondrial genomes for four roe deer remains from Northeastern China to explore the genetic connection of the ancient roe deer to the extant populations and to investigate the evolutionary history and population dynamics of this species. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the four ancient samples fall into three out of four different haplogroups of the Siberian roe deer. Haplogroup C, distributed throughout Eurasia, have existed in Northeastern China since at least the Late Pleistocene, while haplogroup A and D, found in the east of Lake Baikal, emerged in Northeastern China after the Mid Holocene. The Bayesian estimation suggested that the first split within the Siberian roe deer occurred approximately 0.34 million years ago (Ma). Moreover, Bayesian skyline plot analyses suggested that the Siberian roe deer had a population increase between 325 and 225 thousand years ago (Kya) and suffered a transient decline between 50 and 18 Kya. This study provides novel insights into the evolutionary history and population dynamics of the roe deer.
LRP6 Receptor Plays Essential Functions in Development and Human Diseases
Authors: Alrefaei Abdulmajeed Fahad , Abu-Elmagd Muhammad
Published: January 2022

LRP6 is a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor superfamily of cell-surface receptors. It is required for the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. LRP6 is detected in different tissue types and is involved in numerous biological activities such as cell proliferation, specification, metastatic cancer, and embryonic development. LRP6 is essential for the proper development of different organs in vertebrates, such as Xenopus laevis, chickens, and mice. In human, LRP6 overexpression and mutations have been reported in multiple complex diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cancers. Clinical studies have shown that LRP6 is involved in various kinds of cancer, such as bladder and breast cancer. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the structure of LRP6 and its interactions with Wnt inhibitors (DKK1, SOST). We also discuss the expression of LRP6 in different model systems, with emphasis on its function in development and human diseases.
Predicting Physical Appearance from DNA Data—Towards Genomic Solutions
Authors: Pośpiech Ewelina , Teisseyre Paweł , Mielniczuk Jan , Branicki Wojciech
Published: January 2022

The idea of forensic DNA intelligence is to extract from genomic data any information that can help guide the investigation. The clues to the externally visible phenotype are of particular practical importance. The high heritability of the physical phenotype suggests that genetic data can be easily predicted, but this has only become possible with less polygenic traits. The forensic community has developed DNA-based predictive tools by employing a limited number of the most important markers analysed with targeted massive parallel sequencing. The complexity of the genetics of many other appearance phenotypes requires big data coupled with sophisticated machine learning methods to develop accurate genomic predictors. A significant challenge in developing universal genomic predictive methods will be the collection of sufficiently large data sets. These should be created using whole-genome sequencing technology to enable the identification of rare DNA variants implicated in phenotype determination. It is worth noting that the correctness of the forensic sketch generated from the DNA data depends on the inclusion of an age factor. This, however, can be predicted by analysing epigenetic data. An important limitation preventing whole-genome approaches from being commonly used in forensics is the slow progress in the development and implementation of high-throughput, low DNA input sequencing technologies. The example of palaeoanthropology suggests that such methods may possibly be developed in forensics.
Phenotyping Zebrafish Mutant Models to Assess Candidate Genes Associated with Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Prendergast Andrew , Ziganshin Bulat A. , Papanikolaou Dimitra , Zafar Mohammad A. , Nicoli Stefania , Mukherjee Sandip , Elefteriades John A.
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Whole Exome Sequencing of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm often identifies “Variants of Uncertain Significance” (VUS), leading to uncertainty in clinical management. We assess a novel mechanism for potential routine assessment of these genes in TAA patients. Zebrafish are increasingly used as experimental models of disease. Advantages include low cost, rapid maturation, and physical transparency, permitting direct microscopic assessment. (2) Methods: Zebrafish loss of function mutations were generated using a CRISPRC/CAS9 approach for EMILIN1 and MIB1 genes similar to VUSs identified in clinical testing. Additionally, “positive control” mutants were constructed for known deleterious variants in FBN1 (Marfan’s) and COL1A2, COL5A1, COL5A2 (Ehlers-Danlos). Zebrafish embryos were followed to six days post-fertilization. Embryos were studied by brightfield and confocal microscopy to ascertain any vascular, cardiac, and skeletal abnormalities. (3) Results: A dramatic pattern of cardiac, cerebral, aortic, and skeletal abnormalities was identified for the known pathogenic FBN1 and COL1A2, COL5A1, and COL5A2 mutants, as well as for the EMILIN1 and MIB1 mutants of prior unknown significance. Visualized abnormalities included hemorrhage (peri-aortic and cranial), cardiomegaly, reduced diameter of the aorta and intersegmental vessels, lower aortic cell counts, and scoliosis (often extremely severe). (4) Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that candidate genes arising in clinical practice may be rapidly assessed via zebrafish mutants—thus permitting evidence-based decisions about pathogenicity. Thus, years-long delays to clinically demonstrate pathogenicity may be obviated. Zebrafish data would represent only one segment of analysis, which would also include frequency of the variant in the general population, in silico genetic analysis, and degree of preservation in phylogeny.