bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic Disassembly of Electric Vehicles’ Battery Modules for Recycling
Authors: Kay Ian , Farhad Siamak , Mahajan Ajay , Esmaeeli Roja , Hashemi Sayed Reza
Published: July 2022

Manual disassembly of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) modules of electric vehicles (EVs) for recycling is time-consuming, expensive, and dangerous for technicians or workers. Dangers associated with high voltage and thermal runaway make a robotic system suitable for the automated or semi-automated disassembly of EV batteries. In this paper, we explore battery disassembly using industrial robots. To understand the disassembly process, human workers were monitored, and the operations were analyzed and broken down into gripping and cutting operations. These operations were selected for automation, and path planning was performed offline. For the gripper, a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control system was implemented. A system identification method was also implemented in the form of a batch least squares estimator to form the state space representation of the planar linkages used in the control strategy of the gripper. A high-speed rotary cut-off wheel was adapted for the robot to perform precise cutting at various points in the battery module case. The simulation results were used to program an industrial robot for experimental validation. The precision of the rotary cutter allowed for a more direct disassembly method as opposed to the standard manual method. It was shown that the robot was almost twice as fast in cutting but slower in pick and place operations. It has been shown that the best option for disassembly of a LIB pack is a human–robot collaboration, where the robot could make efficient cuts on the battery pack and the technician could quickly sort the battery components and remove connectors or fasteners with which the robot would struggle. This collaboration also reduces the danger encountered by the technician because the risk of shorting battery cells while cutting would be eliminated, but the time efficiency would be significantly improved. This paper demonstrates that a robot offers both safety and time improvements to the current manual disassembly process for EV LIBs.
The Role of the Accumulated Surface Charge on Nanoparticles in Improving the Breakdown Strength of Liquid and Solid Insulation
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed E. , Tag Eldin Elsayed , Elzoghby Safaa F. , Izzularab Mohamed A. , Abd-Elhady Amr M.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the role of the accumulated surface charge on the surfaces of nanoparticles on breakdown strength for liquid and solid dielectrics is presented. The breakdown strengths of a nanofilled liquid dielectric and a solid dielectric are evaluated. The evaluation was conducted considering different nanoparticle material types with different nanofiller loadings. Accordingly, the preparation of transformer oil nanofluid and silicone rubber nanocomposites was performed with different nanofillers of the same average particle size. Breakdown voltage was measured for all the prepared samples, both liquid and solid. The interpretation of the obtained results is presented.
The Role of Clean Generation Technologies in the Energy Transformation in Poland
Authors: Wojtkowska-Łodej Grażyna , Jakubów Elżbieta
Published: July 2022

The ongoing transformation of the Polish power sector have been shaped by a number of factors. In this article, both external conditions for the Polish energy market—such as the country’s membership in the European Union—and internal ones—including domestic energy resources and demand for electricity, or the structure of the Polish economy—have been analysed. This study focuses specifically on the issue of development of clean generation technologies as these are fundamental to the energy-transition process. Its determinants have been examined empirically. To this end, econometric models have been developed using sectoral data from the Polish electric power industry. Improvements in technology have been measured as innovation inputs, that is, RD&D investments in environmental technologies. Explanatory variables encompass economic as well as institutional measures: energy price, environmental policy stringency, long-term interest rate, market concentration and protection of intellectual property rights. The findings obtained point to a positive impact of the variables named on the innovative activity in Poland, with the exception of market concentration, which was proven to be statistically insignificant.
Drive-Cycle Simulations of Battery-Electric Large Haul Trucks for Open-Pit Mining with Electric Roads
Authors: Lindgren Lars , Grauers Anders , Ranggård Jonas , Mäki Rikard
Published: July 2022

Transport of ore and overburden in open-pit mines is often performed with large haul trucks. Battery-electric operation of haul trucks can significantly reduce the CO2 emissions and the fossil fuel dependence of open-pit mining. This simulation study investigates the feasibility and economy of operating large haul trucks battery-electrically, charging from an electric road system in the form of overhead trolley lines. The used simulation model is verified against measurements on diesel-electric haul trucks in normal operation. The simulation model is then tested with five drive cycles representing typical operations in the Aitik copper mine in northern Sweden. This simulation study shows that battery-electric operation with an electric road is feasible. It is shown that battery-electric operation is much cheaper than diesel-electric operation under reasonable assumptions. It is also much cheaper than diesel-electric operation assisted by an electric road.
How to Improve an Offshore Wind Station
Authors: Torres João Paulo N. , De Jesus Ana Sofia , Marques Lameirinhas Ricardo A.
Published: July 2022

The ocean is approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface and has a lot of resources available. Nowadays, human beings are looking for renewable ways to obtain energy. Offshore power can be obtained in several different ways. Offshore wind power is the most used renewable offshore energy. Since 2017, offshore wind power has a competitive price in comparison with conventional sources. In the 2010s, offshore wind power grew at over 30% per year. Although it has remained less than one percent of the overall world electricity generation, offshore wind power becomes quite relevant on the northern European countries from 2020. However, there are other ways to obtain energy offshore such as using tides and the sun. These types of farms are expensive and difficult to install and, therefore, we propose a combination of several renewable energies in one farm. The main ambition of this work is to try to reduce the installation and maintenance costs of the two types of offshore renewable energies by creating a structure capable of supporting the two types of turbines. To accomplish it, a theoretical study will be made, a brief state-of-the-art will be presented, the chosen items and the environment chosen for installation will be referred to, a prototype will be simulated using a multiphysics software and, finally, the results and conclusions will be presented, based on a Portuguese case study. How piezoelectric materials can enter offshore farms to increase efficiency is also referred to. The project proved to be possible of producing approximately 12.5 GWh of energy annually, more or less enough to supply 10 thousand homes. However, the installation of the piezoelectric materials did not prove to be viable as it is an expensive technology and does not produce a large amount of energy.
Hydrogen Production from Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Alkali Pre-Treated Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.)
Authors: Vasmara Ciro , Cianchetta Stefano , Marchetti Rosa , Ceotto Enrico , Galletti Stefania
Published: July 2022

The perennial rhizomatous grass giant reed (Arundo donax L.) can be exploited to produce hydrogen by dark fermentation. This implies a high availability of simple sugars, like glucose and xylose, and, thus, a pre-treatment is necessary to remove lignin and expose the holocellulose to enzymatic attack. This study aimed at evaluating the hydrogen production from giant reed hydrolysates. Giant reed dry meal was pre-treated with diluted NaOH (1.2% weight/weight), then the solid fraction was separated from the alkaline black liquor by filtration, enzymatically hydrolyzed with a cellulase blend (Cellic CTec2), and fermented in mesophilic batch conditions with a microbial consortium derived from pig slurry. The impact on hydrogen yield of initial pH was evaluated by comparing the hydrogen production from hydrolysates with not adjusted (5.3) or adjusted initial pH (8.7) using NaOH or alkaline black liquor. The highest hydrogen yield, 2.0 mol/mol of hexoses, was obtained with alkaline initial pH 8.7, regardless of how the pH adjustment was managed. The yield was 39% higher than that obtained in reactors with initial pH 5.3. In conclusion, thermo-alkaline pre-treatment followed by enzymatic saccharification and initial pH adjustment at 8.7 with the black liquor remaining after pre-treatment is a promising strategy to produce hydrogen from giant reeds in dark fermentation.
False Data Injection Attack Detection in Smart Grid Using Energy Consumption Forecasting
Authors: Mahi-al-rashid Abrar , Hossain Fahmid , Anwar Adnan , Azam Sami
Published: July 2022

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are essential for reliable communication and control of smart grids. However, in the cyber-physical realm, it becomes highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks like False Data Injection (FDI) into the measurement signal which can circumvent the conventional detection methods and interfere with the normal operation of grids, which in turn could potentially lead to huge financial losses and can have a large impact on public safety. It is imperative to have an accurate state estimation of power consumption for further operational decision-making.This work presents novel forecasting-aided anomaly detection using an CNN-LSTM based auto-encoder sequence to sequence architecture to combat against false data injection attacks. We further present an adaptive optimal threshold based on the consumption patterns to identify abnormal behaviour. Evaluation is performed on real-time energy demand consumption data collected from the Australian Energy Market Operator. An extensive experiment shows that the proposed model outperforms other benchmark algorithms in not only improving the data injection attack (95.43%) but also significantly reducing the false positive rate.
Timetable Optimization and Trial Test for Regenerative Braking Energy Utilization in Rapid Transit Systems
Authors: Zhao Ning , Tian Zhongbei , Hillmansen Stuart , Chen Lei , Roberts Clive , Gao Shigen
Published: July 2022

Rapid transit systems play a significant role in supporting rapid social and economic development in large cities all over the world. However, the systems consume a large amount of energy, which brings increasing environmental concerns. A number of energy-saving technologies have been studied on railways. However, few of the outcomes have been tested and evaluated in practice. This paper presents the development of a timetable optimization and trial test on a metro line to reach the full potential of the train regenerative braking system. To achieve this purpose, a timetable optimization algorithm has been developed, and a trial test of the optimal timetable has been arranged on a metro line for a whole day. In the test, all the trains running in the network were organized to operate in accordance with the optimal timetable. The trial test results indicate that by applying the optimal timetable, the regenerative braking energy utilization can be improved, thereby reducing the overall network energy usage.
Culture and COVID-19: Impact of Cross-Cultural Dimensions on Behavioral Responses
Authors: Nair Nisha , Selvaraj Patturaja , Nambudiri Ranjeet
Published: July 2022

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has impacted every sphere of human life across all nations of the world. Countries adapted and responded to the crisis in different ways with varied outcomes and different degrees of success in mitigation efforts. Studies have examined institutional and policy-based responses to the pandemic. However, to gain a holistic understanding of the pandemic response strategy and its effectiveness, it is also important to understand the cultural foundations of a society driving its response behavior. Towards that end, this entry focuses on a few key cultural dimensions of difference across countries and proposes that national culture is related to the protective behavior adopted by societies during COVID-19. The cultural dimensions examined in relation to COVID-19 include the dimensions of individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and femininity, and future orientation. Inferences are drawn from academic research, published data, and discernible indicators of social behavior. The entry provides pointers for each dimension of culture and proposes that cultural awareness be made an important element of policy making while responding to crises such as COVID-19.
Photoremovable Protecting Groups
Authors: Dunkel Petra
Published: July 2022

Photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) (also often called photocages in the literature) are used for temporary inactivation of biologically active substrates. By photoirradiation the PPG could be cleaved off and the biological activity could be restored on-demand, with a high spatiotemporal precision. The on-site liberation of the biologically active substrate could be exploited for studying dynamic biological processes or for designing targeted pharmacological interventions in vitro or in vivo. Several chemical scaffolds have been described and tested as PPGs, operating at different wavelengths. The scope of potential substrates is very broad, spanning from small molecules to proteins. In a wider context, PPGs could be used for the design of various light-responsive materials as well, for diverse applications.
Relationships between Bird Assemblages and Habitat Variables in a Boreal Forest of the Khentii Mountain, Northern Mongolia
Authors: Purevdorj Zoljargal , Munkhbayar Munkhbaatar , Paek Woon Kee , Ganbold Onolragchaa , Jargalsaikhan Ariunbold , Purevee Erdenetushig , Amartuvshin Tuvshinlkhagva , Genenjamba Uranchimeg , Nyam Batbayar , Lee Joon Woo
Published: July 2022

In order to determine the relationships between bird assemblages and forest habitat, we conducted surveys for bird assemblages in different forest habitats in the Khentii Mountain region, Northern Mongolia. A total of 1730 individuals belonging to 71 species from 23 families of 11 orders were recorded. Our findings revealed that passeriformes are the most species-rich order, accounting for 86.2% of the total species. The dominant species were Anthus hodgsoni, Parus major, Poecile palustris, and Sitta europaea in study area. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and permutation multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) showed that bird assemblages were affected by forest habitat types. Our findings also showed significant relationships between bird assemblages and canopy height and ground cover vegetation structure, whereas there were no relationships between altitude and other habitat variables. Thus, maintaining diverse forest habitats or restoring forest would play a key role in bird conservation and sustainable management of forest areas.
The Synergy of Patterns vs. Processes at Community Level: A Key Linkage for Subtropical Native Forests along the Urban Riparian Zone
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Wang Danrong , Shi Ya , Xu Zhiqing , Chen Hong
Published: July 2022

Riparian zones possesses unique ecological position with biota differing from aquatic body and terrestrial lands, and plant–animal coevolution through a propagule-dispersal process may be the main factor for the framework of riparian vegetation was proposed. In the current study, the riparian forests and avifauna along with three subtropical mountainous riparian belts of Chongqing, China, were investigated, and multivariate analysis technique was adopted to examine the associations among the plants’ and birds’ species. The results show that: (1) the forest species’ composition and vertical layers are dominated by native catkins of Moraceae species, which have the reproductive traits with small and numerous propagules facilitating by frugivorous bird species, revealing an evolutionary trend different from the one in the terrestrial plant climax communities in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. The traits may provide a biological base for the plant–bird coevolution; (2) there are significant associations of plant–bird species clusters, i.e., four plant–bird coevolution groups (PBs) were divided out according to the plant species’ dominance and growth form relating to the fruit-dispersing birds’ abundance; (3) the correlation intensity within a PB ranks as PB I > II > IV > III, indicating the PB I is the leading type of coevolution mainly shaped by the dominant plant species of Moraceae; (4) the PB correlation may be a key node between patterns vs. process of a riparian ecosystem responsible for the riparian native vegetation, or even the ecosystem health. Our results contribute understanding the plant–animal coevolution interpreting the forests’ structures in riparian environments. The results may also be used by urban planner and managers to simulate the patterns for restoring a more stable riparian biota, a better functioning ecosystem in subtropical zone.
Optimization of Wood Particleboard Drilling Operating Parameters by Means of the Artificial Neural Network Modeling Technique and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Bedelean Bogdan , Ispas Mihai , Răcășan Sergiu , Baba Marius Nicolae
Published: July 2022

Drilling is one of the oldest and most important methods of processing wood and wood-based materials. Knowing the optimum value of factors that affect the drilling process could lead both to high-quality furniture and low-energy consumption during the manufacturing process. In this work, the artificial neural network modeling technique and response surface methodology were employed to reveal the optimum value of selected factors, namely, drill tip angle, tooth bite, and drill type of the delamination factor at the inlet and outlet, thrust force, and drilling torque. The data set that was used in this work to develop and validate the ANN models was collected from the literature. The results showed that the developed ANN models could reasonably predict the analyzed responses. By using these models and the response surface methodology, the optimum values of analyzed factors were revealed. Moreover, the influences of selected factors on the drilling process of wood particleboards were analyzed.
Modeling Litter Stocks in Planted Forests of Northern Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Flores Felipa de Jesús , Colín José-Guadalupe , Graciano-Luna José de Jesús , Návar José
Published: July 2022

Litter, LS, is the organic material in which locates in the top A soil horizon, playing key ecological roles in forests. Models, in contrast to common allocation factors, must be used in LS assessments as they are currently absent in the scientific literature. Its evaluation assess the mass, input and flux of several bio-geo-chemicals, rainfall interception as one component of the local hydrology, and wildfire regimes, among others, hence its importance in forestry. The aim of this study was to: (i) develop models to assess LS, accumulation, and loss rates; and (ii) assess rainfall interception and fire regimes in 133 northern forest plantations of Mexico. Two developed techniques: the statistical model (SMLS) and the mass balance budget model (MBMLS) tested and validated local and regional LS datasets. Models use basal area, timber, aboveground tree biomass, litter fall, accumulation, and loss sub-models. The best fitting model was used to predict rainfall interception and fire behavior in forest plantations. Results showed the SMLS model predicted and validated LS datasets (p = 0.0001; r2 = 0.82 and p = 0.0001; r2 = 0.79) better than the MBMLS model (p = 0.0001; r2 = 0.32 and p = 0.0001; r2 = 0.66) but the later followed well tendencies of Mexican and World datasets; counts for inputs, stocks, and losses from all processes and revealed decomposition loss may explain ≈40% of the total LS variance. SMLS predicted forest plantations growing in high productivity 40-year-old stands accumulate LS > 30 Mg ha−1 shifting to the new high-severity wildfire regime and intercepting ≈15% of the annual rainfall. SMLS is preliminarily recommended for LS assessments and predicts the need of LS management in forest plantations (>40-year-old) to reduce rainfall interception as well as the risk of high-severity wildfires. The novel, flexible, simple, contrasting and consistent modeling approaches is a piece of scientific information required in forest management.
Optimizing Hard Clam Production in Taiwan by Accounting for Nonlinear Effects of Stocking Density and Feed Costs on Farm Output of Clams
Authors: Lee Jie-Min , Chen Sheng-Hung , Lee Yi-Chung , Huang Jung-Fu , Schafferer Christian , Yeh Chun-Yuan , Kung Ti-Wan
Published: July 2022

Despite mass mortality, hard clams remain among the main cultured shellfish in Taiwan. Using cross-sectional data, this study applies threshold regression modeling with stocking density and feed costs as the threshold variables to explore the nonlinear relationship between input and output factors. The findings show that the production output levels may be increased by different combinations of factor inputs and variations in input factors. More specifically, the higher output levels may be achieved by increasing labor input while reducing capital input factors in farming households with a higher stocking density (HSD > 1,087,870 inds/ha) or higher feed cost (HFC > 13,889 NTD/ha). Farming households with a lower stocking density (LSD ≤ 1,087,870 inds/ha) may enhance production output levels by increasing feed input while reducing capital inputs. Moreover, the maximum output level of HSD and HFC farming households was estimated to reach 9255 kg/ha and 9807 kg/ha, respectively. Results of the production output simulation suggest that the feeding cost per hectare in LSD households should not exceed 25,119 NTD to avoid overfeeding, which may cause culture deterioration and lower survival rates. As such, farmers are advised to adjust their feed costs according to the stocking density to maximize production output.
Mathematical and Computational Modeling of Poroelastic Cell Scaffolds Used in the Design of an Implantable Bioartificial Pancreas
Authors: Wang Yifan , Čanić Sunčica , Bukač Martina , Blaha Charles , Roy Shuvo
Published: July 2022

We present a multi-scale mathematical model and a novel numerical solver to study blood plasma flow and oxygen concentration in a prototype model of an implantable Bioartificial Pancreas (iBAP) that operates under arteriovenous pressure differential without the need for immunosuppressive therapy. The iBAP design consists of a poroelastic cell scaffold containing the healthy transplanted cells, encapsulated between two semi-permeable nano-pore size membranes to prevent the patient’s own immune cells from attacking the transplant. The device is connected to the patient’s vascular system via an anastomosis graft bringing oxygen and nutrients to the transplanted cells of which oxygen is the limiting factor for long-term viability. Mathematically, we propose a (nolinear) fluid–poroelastic structure interaction model to describe the flow of blood plasma through the scaffold containing the cells, and a set of (nonlinear) advection–reaction–diffusion equations defined on moving domains to study oxygen supply to the cells. These macro-scale models are solved using finite element method based solvers. One of the novelties of this work is the design of a novel second-order accurate fluid–poroelastic structure interaction solver, for which we prove that it is unconditionally stable. At the micro/nano-scale, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations are used to capture the micro/nano-structure (architecture) of cell scaffolds and obtain macro-scale parameters, such as hydraulic conductivity/permeability, from the micro-scale scaffold-specific architecture. To avoid expensive micro-scale simulations based on SPH simulations for every new scaffold architecture, we use Encoder–Decoder Convolution Neural Networks. Based on our numerical simulations, we propose improvements in the current prototype design. For example, we show that highly elastic scaffolds have a higher capacity for oxygen transfer, which is an important finding considering that scaffold elasticity can be controlled during their fabrication, and that elastic scaffolds improve cell viability. The mathematical and computational approaches developed in this work provide a benchmark tool for computational analysis of not only iBAP, but also, more generally, of cell encapsulation strategies used in the design of devices for cell therapy and bio-artificial organs.
Experimental Investigation of the Vortex Dynamics in Circular Jet Impinging on Rotating Disk
Authors: El Hassan Mouhammad , Nobes David S.
Published: July 2022

A circular jet impinging perpendicularly onto a rotating disk is studied in order to understand the influence of centrifugal forces on the radial wall jet. Time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements are conducted in different jet regions in order to investigate the flow physics of the large-scale vortical structures and the boundary layer development on the impinging wall for both stationary and rotating impinging disks. The Reynolds number is ReD = 2480, the orifice-to-plate distance H = 4D (D is the jet-orifice diameter) and the rotation rate is 200 RPM. It is found that the rotation of the impinging wall results in strong centrifugal effects, which affect different regions of the jet. Both radial velocity profiles and turbulence intensity distributions show different behavior when comparing the stationary and rotating cases. Finite Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) analysis is implemented to describe the time-resolved behavior of the large-scale vortical structures and flow separation.
Electroviscoelstic Stability Analysis of Cylindrical Structures in Walters B Conducting Fluids Streaming through Porous Medium
Authors: Metwaly T. M. N. , Hafez N. M.
Published: July 2022

In this research, the linear stability of a cylindrical interface between two viscoelstic Walters B conducting fluids moving through a porous medium is investigated theoretically and numerically. The fluids are influenced by a uniform axial electric field. The cylindrical structure preserves heat and mass transfer across the interface. The governing equations of motion and continuity are linearized, as are Maxwell’s equations in quasi-static approximation and the suitable boundary conditions at the interface. The method of normal modes has been used to obtain a quadratic characteristic equation in frequency with complex coefficients describing the interaction between viscoelstic Walters B conducting fluids and the electric field. In light of linear stability theory, the Routh–Hurwitz criteria are used to govern the structure’s stability. Several special cases are recoverd under suitable data choices. The stability analysis is conferred in detail via the behaviors of the applied electric field and the imaginary growth rate part with the wavenumbers. The effects of various parameters on the interfacial stability are theoretically presented and illustrated graphically through two sets of figures. Our results demonstrate that kinematic viscosities, kinematic viscoelasticities, and medium porosity improve stability, whereas medium permeability, heat and mass transfer coefficients, and fluid velocities decrease it. Finally, electrical conductivity has a critical influence on the structure’s stability.
Performance Comparison of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid on a Heterogeneous Slip/No-Slip Journal Bearing System Based on CFD-FSI Method
Authors: Tauviqirrahman Mohammad , Jamari J. , Susilowati S. , Pujiastuti Caecilia , Setiyana Budi , Pasaribu Ahmad Hafil , Ammarullah Muhammad Imam
Published: July 2022

It is a well-known fact that incorporating a slip boundary into the contact surfaces improves bearing performance significantly. Regrettably, no research into the effect of slip on the behavior of journal bearing systems operating with non-Newtonian lubricants has been conducted thus far. The main purpose of this work is to explore the performance comparison of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid on a heterogeneous slip/no-slip journal bearing system. The tribological and acoustic behavior of journal bearing is investigated in this study using a rigorous program that combines CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and two-way FSI (fluid–structure interaction) procedures to simulate Newtonian vs. non-Newtonian conditions with and without slip boundary. The numerical results indicate that irrespective of the lubricant type (i.e., Newtonian or non-Newtonian), an engineered heterogeneous slip/no-slip pattern leads to the improvement of the bearing performance (i.e., increased load-carrying capacity, reduced coefficient of friction, and decreased noise) compared to conventional journal bearing. Furthermore, the influence of the eccentricity ratio is discussed, which confirms that the slip beneficial effect becomes stronger as the eccentricity ratio decreases. It has also been noticed that the Newtonian lubricant is preferable for improving tribological performance, whereas non-Newtonian fluid is recommended for lowering bearing noise.
Recent Advances and Trends in the Dairy Field
Authors: Saldo Jordi , Sendra Esther
Published: July 2022

Dairy products have been an important part of the human diet for most societies since the Neolithic period [...]
Effect of Staphylococcus aureus Contamination on the Microbial Diversity and Metabolites in Wholewheat Sourdough
Authors: Guo Weidan , Li Zhengwen , Fu Xiangjin , Zhou Wenhua , Ren Jiali , Wu Yue
Published: July 2022

Wholewheat sourdough products are becoming increasingly more popular, and Staphylococcus aureus is a common opportunistic pathogen in dough products. The effects of S. aureus contamination (102 cfu/g) on metabolites as well as titratable acidity (TTA), pH, and microbial diversity of sourdough were investigated. S. aureus contamination significantly decreased the content of mannose while increasing the sorbitol in sourdough (p < 0.05). The S. aureus contamination significantly reduced the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactobacillus curvatus, and the TTA values (p < 0.05). Furthermore, S. aureus contamination significantly reduced the content of most esters and acid flavor compounds while significantly increasing the content of 2,4-decadienal (p < 0.05), which is a compound that could have a negative impact on the flavor of sourdough. The PCA model developed based on volatile metabolites data could be used to distinguish contamination of S. aureus in sourdough cultured for 4 h. Sorbitol, 2,3-dimethylundecane, 1-pentanol, and 3-methylbutanoic acid were newly found to be the characteristic metabolites in S. aureus-contaminated sourdough.
Recovery and Concentration of Polyphenols from Roasted Hazelnut Skin Extract Using Macroporous Resins
Authors: Seif Zadeh Negin , Zeppa Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

Hazelnut skin is a rich source of polyphenols but is generally discarded during the roasting process of hazelnuts. Previous studies reported the extraction and identification of these compounds using different solvents and procedures; however, there are few reports on their enrichment and purification. In this study, three types of Amberlite macroporous resins (XAD 16, XAD 4, and XAD 7) were compared to evaluate the enrichment of polyphenols via adsorption and desorption mechanisms. The operating condition parameters for polyphenol adsorption/desorption of each resin were determined, the kinetics of adsorption were examined, and a method for polyphenol recovery was developed using static and dynamic adsorption/desorption. Antioxidant activity and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection were used to confirm the increase in polyphenols obtained using the adsorption/desorption technique. XAD16 showed the highest adsorption capacity, with a recovery of 87.7%, and the adsorption kinetics fit well with a pseudo-second-order model. The highest poly-phenol desorption ratio was observed using an ethanol/water solution (70% v/v) at a flow rate of 1.5 bed volume/h.
Fractional Model of the Deformation Process
Authors: Sheremetyeva Olga , Shevtsov Boris
Published: July 2022

The article considers the fractional Poisson process as a mathematical model of deformation activity in a seismically active region. The dislocation approach is used to describe five modes of the deformation process. The change in modes is determined by the change in the intensity of the event stream, the regrouping of dislocations, and the change in and the appearance of stable connections between dislocations. Modeling of the change of deformation modes is carried out by changing three parameters of the proposed model. The background mode with independent events is described by a standard Poisson process. To describe variations from the background mode of seismic activity, when connections are formed between dislocations, the fractional Poisson process and the Mittag–Leffler function characterizing it are used. An approximation of the empirical cumulative distribution function of waiting time of the foreshocks obtained as a result of processing the seismic catalog data was carried out on the basis of the proposed model. It is shown that the model curves, with an appropriate choice of the Mittag–Leffler function’s parameters, gives results close to the experimental ones and can be allowed to characterize the deformation process in the seismically active region under consideration.
Hermite–Hadamard Type Inequalities Involving (k-p) Fractional Operator for Various Types of Convex Functions
Authors: Stojiljković Vuk , Ramaswamy Rajagopalan , Alshammari Fahad , Ashour Ola A. , Alghazwani Mohammed Lahy Hassan , Radenović Stojan
Published: July 2022

We establish various fractional convex inequalities of the Hermite–Hadamard type with addition to many other inequalities. Various types of such inequalities are obtained, such as (p,h) fractional type inequality and many others, as the (p,h)-convexity is the generalization of the other convex inequalities. As a consequence of the (h,m)-convexity, the fractional inequality of the (s,m)-type is obtained. Many consequences of such fractional inequalities and generalizations are obtained.
Fractals: An Eclectic Survey, Part II
Authors: Husain Akhlaq , Nanda Manikyala Navaneeth , Chowdary Movva Sitaram , Sajid Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Fractals are geometric shapes and patterns that can describe the roughness (or irregularity) present in almost every object in nature. Many fractals may repeat their geometry at smaller or larger scales. This paper is the second (and last) part of a series of two papers dedicated to an eclectic survey of fractals describing the infinite complexity and amazing beauty of fractals from historical, theoretical, mathematical, aesthetical and technological aspects, including their diverse applications in various fields. In this article, our focus is on engineering, industrial, commercial and futuristic applications of fractals, whereas in the first part, we discussed the basics of fractals, mathematical description, fractal dimension and artistic applications. Among many different applications of fractals, fractal landscape generation (fractal landscapes that can simulate and describe natural terrains and landscapes more precisely by mathematical models of fractal geometry), fractal antennas (fractal-shaped antennas that are designed and used in devices which operate on multiple and wider frequency bands) and fractal image compression (a fractal-based lossy compression method for digital and natural images which uses inherent self-similarity present in an image) are the most creative, engineering-driven, industry-oriented, commercial and emerging applications. We consider each of these applications in detail along with some innovative and future ready applications.
Construction and Tribological Properties of Biomimetic Cartilage-Lubricating Hydrogels
Authors: Chen Qiuyi , Liu Sa , Yuan Zhongrun , Yang Hai , Xie Renjian , Ren Li
Published: July 2022

Articular cartilage provides ultralow friction to maintain the physiological function of the knee joint, which arises from the hierarchical complex composed of hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, and lubricin, covering the cartilage surface as boundary lubrication layers. Cartilage-lubricating polymers (HA/PA and HA/PM) mimicking this complex have been demonstrated to restore the lubrication of cartilage via hydration lubrication, thus contributing to the treatment of early osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo. Here, biomimetic cartilage-lubricating hydrogels (HPX/PVA) were constructed by blending HA/PA and HA/PM (HPX) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to improve the boundary lubrication and wear properties, so that the obtained hydrogels may offer a solution to the main drawbacks of PVA hydrogels used as cartilage implants. The HPX/PVA hydrogels exhibited good physicochemical and mechanical properties through hydrogen-bonding interactions, and showed lower friction and wear under the boundary lubrication and fluid film lubrication mechanisms, which remained when the hydrogels were rehydrated. Our strategy may provide new insights into exploring cartilage-inspired lubricating hydrogels.
Complete Chloroplast Genome of an Endangered Species Quercus litseoides, and Its Comparative, Evolutionary, and Phylogenetic Study with Other Quercus Section Cyclobalanopsis Species
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Tian-Rui , Kozlowski Gregor , Liu Mei-Hua , Yi Li-Ta , Song Yi-Gang
Published: July 2022

Quercus litseoides, an endangered montane cloud forest species, is endemic to southern China. To understand the genomic features, phylogenetic relationships, and molecular evolution of Q. litseoides, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome was analyzed and compared in Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis. The cp genome of Q. litseoides was 160,782 bp in length, with an overall guanine and cytosine (GC) content of 36.9%. It contained 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. A total of 165 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 48 long sequence repeats with A/T bias were identified in the Q. litseoides cp genome, which were mainly distributed in the large single copy region (LSC) and intergenic spacer regions. The Q. litseoides cp genome was similar in size, gene composition, and linearity of the structural region to those of Quercus species. The non-coding regions were more divergent than the coding regions, and the LSC region and small single copy region (SSC) were more divergent than the inverted repeat regions (IRs). Among the 13 divergent regions, 11 were in the LSC region, and only two were in the SSC region. Moreover, the coding sequence (CDS) of the six protein-coding genes (rps12, matK, atpF, rpoC2, rpoC1, and ndhK) were subjected to positive selection pressure when pairwise comparison of 16 species of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis. A close relationship between Q. litseoides and Quercus edithiae was found in the phylogenetic analysis of cp genomes. Our study provided highly effective molecular markers for subsequent phylogenetic analysis, species identification, and biogeographic analysis of Quercus.
Cytogenetic Analysis of the Members of the Snake Genera Cylindrophis, Eryx, Python, and Tropidophis
Authors: Charvát Tomáš , Augstenová Barbora , Frynta Daniel , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail
Published: July 2022

The recent discovery of two independently evolved XX/XY sex determination systems in the snake genera Python and Boa sparked a new drive to study the evolution of sex chromosomes in poorly studied lineages of snakes, where female heterogamety was previously assumed. Therefore, we examined seven species from the genera Eryx, Cylindrophis, Python, and Tropidophis by conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods. Despite the fact that these species have similar karyotypes in terms of chromosome number and morphology, we detected variability in the distribution of heterochromatin, telomeric repeats, and rDNA loci. Heterochromatic blocks were mainly detected in the centromeric regions in all species, although accumulations were detected in pericentromeric and telomeric regions in a few macrochromosomes in several of the studied species. All species show the expected topology of telomeric repeats at the edge of all chromosomes, with the exception of Eryx muelleri, where additional accumulations were detected in the centromeres of three pairs of macrochromosomes. The rDNA loci accumulate in one pair of microchromosomes in all Eryx species and in Cylindrophis ruffus, in one macrochromosome pair in Tropidophis melanurus and in two pairs of microchromosomes in Python regius. Sex-specific differences were not detected, suggesting that these species likely have homomorphic, poorly differentiated sex chromosomes.
Genetic Demography of the Blue and Red Shrimp, Aristeus antennatus: A Female-Based Case Study Integrating Multilocus Genotyping and Morphometric Data
Authors: Abras Alba , García-Marín Jose-Luis , Heras Sandra , Agulló Melania , Vera Manuel , Planella Laia , Roldán María Inés
Published: July 2022

In this study, we quantified the three key biological processes, growth, recruitment, and dispersal pattern, which are necessary for a better understanding of the population dynamics of the blue and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus. This marine exploited crustacean shows sex-related distribution along the water column, being females predominate in the middle slope. The present study attempts to fill the existing gap in the females’ genetic demography, as scarce knowledge is available despite being the most abundant sex in catches. We analyzed morphometric data and genotyped 12 microsatellite loci in 665 A. antennatus females collected in two consecutive seasons, winter and summer 2016, at the main Mediterranean fishing ground as a model. Almost every female in summer was inseminated. Five modal groups were observed in both seasons, from 0+ to 4+ in winter and from 1+ to 5+ in summer. Commercial-sized sorting based on fishermen’s experience resulted in a moderate-to-high assertive method concerning cohort determination. Genetic data pointed out females’ horizontal movement between neighboring fishing grounds, explaining the low genetic divergence detected among western Mediterranean grounds. Our results could represent critical information for the future implementation of management measures to ensure long-time conservation of the A. antennatus populations.
Verification of Candidate SNP Effects Reveals Two QTLs on BTA7 for Beef Marbling in Two Japanese Black Cattle Populations
Authors: Sasazaki Shinji , Yamamoto Raito , Toyomoto Shintaro , Kondo Hina , Akiyama Takayuki , Kohama Namiko , Yoshida Emi , Kawaguchi Fuki , Oyama Kenji , Mannen Hideyuki
Published: July 2022

In our previous study, we used genome resequencing to detect all candidate polymorphisms within a quantitative trait loci (QTL) region for beef marbling reported previously at 10–30 Mbp on bovine chromosome 7, and we selected 6044 polymorphisms as candidate quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs). In the present study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait genes (QTGs) and QTNs in this QTL region by verifying the effect of SNPs on beef marbling in two Japanese Black cattle populations using a Dynamic Array integrated fluidic circuit. In total, 96 selected SNPs were genotyped in 441 and 529 animals in Hyogo and Miyazaki cattle populations, respectively. The most significant p-values were detected in a SNP in a splice region of ALDH7A1 (SNP93_ALDH7A1; p = 3.46 × 10−5) in Hyogo cattle and a missense polymorphism of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) (SNP37_ICAM1; p = 3.33 × 10−4) in Miyazaki cattle. Interestingly, SNP93_ALDH7A1 was not significant (p = 0.459) in Miyazaki cattle, and SNP37_ICAM1 showed a weakly significant association (p = 0.043) in Hyogo cattle. Thus, each population would likely have different QTGs and QTNs for beef marbling in the QTL region. In the Hyogo population, it was not possible to determine the accurate range of the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block in LD block analysis because of a strong LD structure throughout the assessed region. In Miyazaki cattle, however, an LD block containing SNP37_ICAM1 had a range of 15.8–16.1 Mbp, suggesting that QTNs would be located within this region. The functions of 19 genes in the LD block were investigated. ICAM1 is known to play an important role in adipocyte differentiation; given this function and the effect of amino acid substitution, SNP37_ICAM1 was identified as a promising candidate QTN for beef marbling. Further research on the effect of SNP37_ICAM1 on adipocyte differentiation is expected to provide insights into the mechanism underlying beef marbling formation.
Testing Efficacy of Assembly-Free and Alignment-Free Methods for Species Identification Using Genome Skims, with Patellogastropoda as a Test Case
Authors: Xu Tao , Kong Lingfeng , Li Qi
Published: July 2022

Most recently, species identification has leaped from DNA barcoding into shotgun sequencing-based “genome skimming” alternatives. Genome skims have mainly been used to assemble organelle genomes, which discards much of the nuclear genome. Recently, an alternative approach was proposed for sample identification, using unassembled genome skims, which can effectively improve phylogenetic signal and identification resolution. Studies have shown that the software Skmer and APPLES work well at estimating genomic distance and performing phylogenetic placement in birds and insects using low-coverage genome skims. In this study, we use Skmer and APPLES based on genome skims of 11 patellogastropods to perform assembly-free and alignment-free species identification and phylogenetic placement. Whether or not data corresponding to query species are present in the reference database, Skmer selects the best matching or closest species with COI barcodes under different sizes of genome skims except lacking species belonging to the same family as a query. APPLES cannot place patellogastropods in the correct phylogenetic position when the reference database is sparse. Our study represents the first attempt at assembly-free and alignment-free species identification of marine mollusks using genome skims, demonstrating its feasibility for patellogastropod species identification and flanking the necessity of establishing a database to share genome skims.