bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Video-Spreading Strategy Based on the Joint Estimation of Social Influence and Sharing Capacity in Wireless Networks
Authors: Jia Shijie , Su Xiaoyan , Liang Zongzheng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel video-sharing strategy based on the joint estimation of social influence and sharing capacity in wireless networks (SSISC), which promotes the scale and efficiency of video spread and ensures the balance of supply and demand. SSISC designs an estimation model of video-sharing gains by investigating social influence levels, sharing capacities (including capacities of information dispatching and video delivery), and predicted expansion scale. Some social parameters (e.g., centrality of degree and betweenness, and average shortest distance) and some parameters of sharing performance (e.g., number of forwarded messages and cached videos, the average time of transmission and freeze) are used to evaluate social influence, capacities of information dispatching, and video delivery; video interest levels, social relationship levels, and historical push success rates are used to predict video proliferation scale. A video-spreading strategy based on the assistance of spread nodes is designed, which controls the process of video push according to available bandwidth and push priority to balance supply and demand and ensure user experience quality. Extensive tests show how SSISC achieves much better performance results in comparison with other state-of-the-art solutions.
Multi-Class Fuzzy-LORE: A Method for Extracting Local and Counterfactual Explanations Using Fuzzy Decision Trees
Authors: Maaroof Najlaa , Moreno Antonio , Valls Aida , Jabreel Mohammed , Romero-Aroca Pedro
Published: May 2023

Multi-class classification is a fundamental task in Machine Learning. However, complex models can be viewed as black boxes, making it difficult to gain insight into how the model makes its predictions and build trust in its decision-making process. This paper presents a novel method called Multi-Class Fuzzy-LORE (mcFuzzy-LORE) for explaining the decisions made by multi-class fuzzy-based classifiers such as Fuzzy Random Forests (FRF). mcFuzzy-LORE is an adaptation of the Fuzzy-LORE method that uses fuzzy decision trees as an alternative to classical decision trees, providing interpretable, human-readable rules that describe the reasoning behind the model’s decision for a specific input. The proposed method was evaluated on a private dataset that was used to train an FRF-based multi-class classifier that assesses the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients. The results show that mcFuzzy-LORE outperforms prior classical LORE-based methods in the generation of counterfactual instances.
Alkaline Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production at Sea: Perspectives on Economic Performance
Authors: d’Amore-Domenech Rafael , Carrillo Isabel , Navarro Emilio , Leo Teresa J.
Published: May 2023

Alkaline electrolysis is already a proven technology on land, with a high maturity level and good economic performance. However, at sea, little is known about its economic performance toward hydrogen production. Alkaline electrolysis units operate with purified water to split its molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Purified water, and especially that sourced from the sea, has a variable cost that ultimately depends on its quality. However, the impurities present in that purified water have a deleterious effect on the electrolyte of alkaline electrolysis units that cause them to drop their energy efficiency. This, in turn, implies a source of economic losses resulting from the cost of electricity. In addition, at sea, there are various options regarding the electrolyte management, of which the cost depends on various factors. All these factors ultimately impact on the levelized cost of the produced hydrogen. This article aims to shed some light on the economic performance of alkaline electrolysis units operating under sea conditions, highlighting the knowledge gaps in the literature and initiating a debate in the field.
Sizing of Hybrid Power Systems for Off-Grid Applications Using Airborne Wind Energy
Authors: Reuchlin Sweder , Joshi Rishikesh , Schmehl Roland
Published: May 2023

The majority of remote locations not connected to the main electricity grid rely on diesel generators to provide electrical power. High fuel transportation costs and significant carbon emissions have motivated the development and installation of hybrid power systems using renewable energy such these locations. Because wind and solar energy is intermittent, such sources are usually combined with energy storage for a more stable power supply. This paper presents a modelling and sizing framework for off-grid hybrid power systems using airborne wind energy, solar PV, batteries and diesel generators. The framework is based on hourly time-series data of wind resources from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset and solar resources from the National Solar Radiation Database maintained by NREL. The load data also include hourly time series generated using a combination of modelled and real-life data from the ENTSO-E platform maintained by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity. The backbone of the framework is a strategy for the sizing of hybrid power system components, which aims to minimise the levelised cost of electricity. A soft-wing ground-generation-based AWE system was modelled based on the specifications provided by Kitepower B.V. The power curve was computed by optimising the operation of the system using a quasi-steady model. The solar PV modules, battery systems and diesel generator models were based on the specifications from publicly available off-the-shelf solutions. The source code of the framework in the MATLAB environment was made available through a GitHub repository. For the representation of results, a hypothetical case study of an off-grid military training camp located in Marseille, France, was described. The results show that significant reductions in the cost of electricity were possible by shifting from purely diesel-based electricity generation to an hybrid power system comprising airborne wind energy, solar PV, batteries and diesel.
Management of Biodegradable Waste Intended for Biogas Production in a Large City
Authors: Szyba Marta , Mikulik Jerzy
Published: May 2023

Biodegradable waste from households, companies, and gastronomy is not utilized in large Polish agglomerations for the production of biogas. Determining the biogas production potential in a selected agglomeration will enable the implementation of circular economy goals and sustainable development objectives. Once appropriate odor neutrality standards are met, biogas plants could be constructed around large cities, supplying both energy and heating systems to nearby housing estates or production facilities. This article aims to assess the potential of biodegradable municipal waste collected in a large city for the production of energy in specialized municipal biogas plants. The following analytical study focuses on Krakow and its surrounding municipalities. Because of its geographical location, Krakow is exposed to smog, and every action limiting the usage of carbon-based materials for heating will have a positive impact on the air quality. A biogas plant powered by municipal waste would present a viable opportunity to limit urban smog. It is also crucial that a biogas plant can store energy as it is equipped with methane tanks. Both renewable and other energy sources are still awaiting functional technical solutions that would allow for optimal energy storage.
Demand Response Implementation: Overview of Europe and United States Status
Authors: Silva Cátia , Faria Pedro , Vale Zita
Published: May 2023

The authors review the efforts made in the last five years to implement Demand Response (DR) programs, considering and studying several models and countries. As motivation, climate change has been a topic widely discussed in the last decades, namely in the power and energy sectors. Therefore, it is crucial to substitute non-renewable fuels with more environment-friendly solutions. Enabling Distributed Generation (DG), namely using renewable resources such as wind and solar, can be part of the solution to reduce the greenhouse effects. However, their unpredictable behavior might result in several problems for network management. Therefore, the consumer should become more flexible towards this new paradigm where the generation no longer follows the demand requests. With this, Demand Response (DR) concept is created as part of this solution. This paper studies the European Union and United States’ current status, with over 50 references.
Three-Dimensional Surrogate Model Based on Back-Propagation Neural Network for Key Neutronics Parameters Prediction in Molten Salt Reactor
Authors: Bei Xinyan , Dai Yuqing , Yu Kaicheng , Cheng Maosong
Published: May 2023

The simulation and analysis of neutronics parameters in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) is fundamental for the design of the reactor core. However, high-fidelity neutron transport calculations of the MSR are time-consuming and require significant computational resources. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used in various industries, and in recent years are increasingly introduced in the nuclear industry. Back-Propagation neural network (BPNN) is one type of ANN. A surrogate model based on BP neural network is developed to quickly predict two key neutronics parameters in reactor core: the effective multiplication factor (keff) and the three-dimensional channel-by-channel neutron flux distribution. The dataset samples are generated by modeling and simulating different operation states of the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) using the Monte Carlo code. Hyper-parameters optimization is performed to obtain the optimal surrogate model. The numerical results on the test dataset show good agreement between the surrogate model and the Monte Carlo code. Additionally, the surrogate model significantly reduces computation time compared to the Monte Carlo code and greatly enhances efficiency. The feasibility and advantages of the proposed surrogate model is demonstrated, which has important significance for real-time prediction and design optimization of the reactor core.
An Experimental Study of a Novel System Used for Cooling the Protection Helmet
Authors: Saleh Ahmad , Kanaan Deaa Aldeen
Published: May 2023

In this study, a novel experimental model was proposed, built, and tested to present an efficient and simple method for cooling protective helmets. The system was based on an evaporative cooling technique in which water is used as a coolant sprayed over a canvas covering the outer helmet’s surface. A solar fan was provided to enhance the evaporation rate. The experimental results were used with the main laws of heat and mass to evaluate evaporation and heat transfer rates. The proposed system was compared by other two cases, the uncovered dry helmet and the wet-covered one without using the fan. The inner and outer surface temperatures reached were characterized by a good level of stability and by being compatible with human comfort conditions. The addition of the wet cover led to a temperature drop in both the outer and inner surfaces of the helmet by about 9 degrees, and the addition of the fan led to an additional drop of about 5 degrees. There were increases in the cooling rate by 63.3% by adding the wet cover and by 131.7% after adding the fan. The system is characterized by free power consumption and simplicity in implementation.
Fabric-Type Flexible Energy-Storage Devices for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Xiang Siwei , Qin Long , Wei Xiaofei , Fan Xing , Li Chunmei
Published: May 2023

With the rapid advancements in flexible wearable electronics, there is increasing interest in integrated electronic fabric innovations in both academia and industry. However, currently developed plastic board-based batteries remain too rigid and bulky to comfortably accommodate soft wearing surfaces. The integration of fabrics with energy-storage devices offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and pervasive energy solution for wearable distributed electronics. Fabric-type flexible energy-storage devices are particularly advantageous as they conform well to the curved body surface and the various movements associated with wearing habits such as running. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the advances in flexible fabric-type energy-storage devices for wearable electronics, including their significance, construction methods, structure design, hybrid forms with other energy sources, and the existing challenges and future directions. With worldwide efforts on materials and technologies, we hope that progress in this review will revolutionize our way of life.
Annual Thermal Management of the Photovoltaic Module to Enhance Electrical Power and Efficiency Using Heat Batteries
Authors: Poongavanam Prasannaa , Chand Aneesh A. , Tai Van Ba , Gupta Yash Munnalal , Kuppusamy Madhan , Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Velmurugan Karthikeyan , Rajagopal Rajasekar , Ramachandran Tholkappiyan , Prasad Kushal A. , Chand Shyamal Shivneel , Raj Shivnesh , Mamun Kabir A.
Published: May 2023

Several studies state that phase change material (PCM) improves the electrical power and efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) module. To find the suitable PCM for tropical climatic conditions, multi-PCMs are examined simultaneously with melting temperatures of 31 °C, 35 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C. In this study, PCM containers are integrated behind the PV module with a thickness of 50 mm. The performance of the multi PV-PCMs is monitored year-round and compared with PV-noPCM. The experimental results show that the selected four PCMs performed the cooling process autonomously in all the climates, such as PCM with a melting temperature of 37 °C and 42 °C enhanced the higher cooling rate in summer, and the same PCMs failed to achieve a higher cooling rate in winter. The lowest temperature drop was noted for pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons due to the low irradiance. On the other hand, the highest temperature drop of 16.33 °C is observed for pre-summer (March) and 15.7 °C, and 17.14 °C for summer (April) as compared to PV-noPCM. The results of the present investigation highlight the requirement for choosing the proper PCM melting temperature based on optimal year-round performance. Further, it is recommended that a single PCM melting temperature for cooling the PV modules year-round in tropical climates is inappropriate, and instead, a cascaded structure with different PCM melting temperatures is recommended.
Real-Time Grid Monitoring and Protection: A Comprehensive Survey on the Advantages of Phasor Measurement Units
Authors: Biswal Chinmayee , Sahu Binod Kumar , Mishra Manohar , Rout Pravat Kumar
Published: May 2023

The emerging smart-grid and microgrid concept implementation into the conventional power system brings complexity due to the incorporation of various renewable energy sources and non-linear inverter-based devices. The occurrence of frequent power outages may have a significant negative impact on a nation’s economic, societal, and fiscal standing. As a result, it is essential to employ sophisticated monitoring and measuring technology. Implementing phasor measurement units (PMUs) in modern power systems brings about substantial improvement and beneficial solutions, mainly to protection issues and challenges. PMU-assisted state estimation, phase angle monitoring, power oscillation monitoring, voltage stability monitoring, fault detection, and cyberattack identification are a few prominent applications. Although substantial research has been carried out on the aspects of PMU applications to power system protection, it can be evolved from its current infancy stage and become an open domain of research to achieve further improvements and novel approaches. The three principal objectives are emphasized in this review. The first objective is to present all the methods on the synchro-phasor-based PMU application to estimate the power system states and dynamic phenomena in frequent time intervals to observe centrally, which helps to make appropriate decisions for better protection. The second is to discuss and analyze the post-disturbance scenarios adopted through better protection schemes based on accurate and synchronized measurements through GPS synchronization. Thirdly, this review summarizes current research on PMU applications for power system protection, showcasing innovative breakthroughs, addressing existing challenges, and highlighting areas for future research to enhance system resilience against catastrophic events.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Identifying Dependencies in OT Protocols
Authors: Smolarczyk Milosz , Pawluk Jakub , Kotyla Alicja , Plamowski Sebastian , Kaminska Katarzyna , Szczypiorski Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

This study illustrates the utility and effectiveness of machine learning algorithms in identifying dependencies in data transmitted in industrial networks. The analysis was performed for two different algorithms. The study was carried out for the XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) algorithm based on a set of decision tree model classifiers, and the second algorithm tested was the EBM (Explainable Boosting Machines), which belongs to the class of Generalized Additive Models (GAM). Tests were conducted for several test scenarios. Simulated data from static equations were used, as were data from a simulator described by dynamic differential equations, and the final one used data from an actual physical laboratory bench connected via Modbus TCP/IP. Experimental results of both techniques are presented, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the algorithms. The results show the strength of the algorithms studied, especially against static data. For dynamic data, the results are worse, but still at a level that allows using the researched methods to identify dependencies. The algorithms presented in this paper were used as a passive protection layer of a commercial IDS (Intrusion Detection System).
Experimental Study of Mass Transfer in a Plug Regime of Immiscible Liquid–Liquid Flow in a T-Shaped Microchannel
Authors: Vostretsov Semyon , Yagodnitsyna Anna , Kovalev Alexander , Bilsky Artur
Published: May 2023

In the presented work, the influence of parameters such as the total flow rate of phases, the ratio of flow rates, and residence time on mass transfer during the two-phase flow of immiscible liquids in a T-shaped microchannel was investigated using the micro-LIF technique. The study focused on the plug flow regime, where a 70% water–glycerol solution was used as the dispersed phase, and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) was used as the carrier phase. We determined the transition boundary between the dispersed and parallel flow patterns and calculated the plug length and velocities to develop a mass transfer model. Furthermore, we measured the partition coefficient for the set of liquids used in the experiments and analyzed the concentration fields inside the slugs of the continuous phase at various distances downstream of the T-junction. Using the obtained data, we determined the extraction efficiency and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient and established dependencies demonstrating the effect of the flow-rate ratio, total flow rate, and the residence time on mass transfer rate and extraction efficiency. Finally, we developed a model for the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient corresponding to the set of liquids used with an R-squared value of 0.966.
Optimized Fractional Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Bald Eagle Search for Thermoelectric Generation System
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Olabi Abdul Ghani , Ghoniem Rania M. , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2023

The amount of energy that a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is capable of harvesting mainly depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the TEG. To ensure that the TEG operates efficiently under any condition or temperature variation, it is crucial to have a reliable MPPT that keeps the TEG as close as possible to its MPP. Fractional control is usually preferred over integer control because it allows for more precise, flexible, and robust control over a system. The controller parameters in fractional control are not limited to integer values, but rather can have fractional values, which enables more precise control of the system’s dynamics. In this paper, an optimized fractional PID-based MPPT that effectively addresses two primary issues, dynamic response and oscillation around MPP, is proposed. Firstly, the five unknown parameters of the optimized fractional PID-based MPPT were estimated by the BES “bald eagle search” algorithm. To validate the superiority of the BES, the results were compared with those obtained using other optimization algorithms, such as ant lion optimizer (ALO), equilibrium optimizer (EO), cuckoo search (CS), and WOA “whale optimization algorithm”. The results demonstrate that BES outperforms ALO, EO, CS, and WOA. Additionally, the tracking performance of proposed MPPT was evaluated using two scenarios that involved variations in temperature differences and sudden changes in the load demanded. Overall, the proposed optimized fractional PID-based MPPT effectively improves dynamic performance and eliminates oscillation around MPP under steady state compared to other tracking methods, such as P&O “perturb and observe” and incremental conductance (INR).
Application of Particle Image Velocimetry and Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods for Analysis of Natural Convection over a Horizontal Heating Source
Authors: Holešová Natália , Lenhard Richard , Kaduchová Katarína , Holubčík Michal
Published: May 2023

The objective of this article is to address the challenges associated with visualizing air flow over a heating source in an open laboratory environment. The study uses a combination of experimental visualization and numerical simulation techniques to generate a 3D model of the air flow and heat transfer between the heating source and the environment via natural convection. The Particle Image Velocimetry method is used to experimentally visualize the air flow, which is known for its benefits of high speed and accuracy, and for its ability to avoid disturbing the flow of the fluid being investigated. The data obtained from this experimental method are used as input for numerical simulations using the Ansys Fluent program. The numerical simulations identify air vortices and other elements that disrupt the airflow in the laboratory environment. The resulting 3D model accurately represents the actual situation in the laboratory and could be further optimized by adjusting parameters such as the output of the heater and the heating source temperature. These parameters play a crucial role in ensuring thermal comfort in the laboratory environment, which is of utmost importance for user comfort. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the visualization of air flow over a heating source and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining experimental and numerical simulation techniques to generate accurate 3D models of air flow and heat transfer.
Pregnancy and Type 2 Diabetes: Unmet Goals
Authors: Dalfrà Maria , Burlina Silvia , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: May 2023

The increased frequency of type 2 diabetes worldwide has led to a concomitant increase in pregnancies complicated by type 2 diabetes for the past 20 years. This is mainly due to two factors: the earlier age of diabetes onset and the advanced age of pregnancy occurrence. Patients with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy show a high frequency of maternal and fetal complications, posing a series of problems in the follow-up of these women. In this narrative review, changes in epidemiology, maternal and fetal complications, and evidence of critical unmet needs before and during pregnancy complicated by type 2 diabetes are reported and discussed to review the possible approaches.
Effects of Tree Diversity, Functional Composition, and Large Trees on the Aboveground Biomass of an Old-Growth Subtropical Forest in Southern China
Authors: Wang Yaoyi , Song Zheng , Zhang Xiongqing , Wang Hongxiang
Published: May 2023

Forest aboveground biomass (AGB) plays an important role in regulating the global carbon cycle and is thus an essential component of ecosystem functioning. In the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF), studies have shown that many biotic factors (e.g., species, functional traits, and large trees) and abiotic factors have significant impacts on AGB. However, the relative strength of these affecting factors remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed woody plants (diameter at breast height [DBH] ≥ 1 cm) within a 1.6 ha plot in an old-growth subtropical natural forest in southern China. We used structural equation models to test the effects of tree diversity (species, phylogenetic, functional, and size inequality), functional composition, large trees, and environmental factors (topography, soil nutrients, and understory light) on AGB. Our results indicated that size inequality, the community-weighted mean of maximum DBH (CWM_MDBH), and large trees had significant, positive effects on AGB (p < 0.001), while lower soil phosphorus content was found to promote an increase in AGB. Furthermore, large trees, which were mostly composed of dominant tree species, were the main driver of AGB, and the effect of functional composition (e.g., CWM_MDBH) on AGB was substantially reduced by large trees. We argue that the selection effect plays a key role in regulating BEF relationships in subtropical natural forests and conclude that retaining large-diameter trees and dominant species, along with sustaining a complex stand structure, are key measures for improving productivity.
More Effective Protection Supports Male Better Than Female Siblings over Water Deficit in Artificially Bred Poplar Hybrids
Authors: Chen Fugui , Gong Yu , Liu Shuangyan , Wang Yiyun , Luo Linjie , Zhu Guoping , Zhao Han
Published: May 2023

Sexually dimorphic response to stress has been observed in assorted natural dioecious plants. Up to now, few studies have focused on the difference of stress responses between artificially bred siblings. To determine the sexual dimorphism between artificially bred sibling poplar trees, we conducted a study comparing the response to water deficit between male and female Populus × euramericana siblings. This pair of hybrids was analyzed in terms of growth, photosynthesis, membrane injury and repair systems, as well as gene regulation patterns. The female and male siblings presented distinct responses to water deficit, with greater inhibition in females’ growth and photosynthesis. The results also displayed that in females, relative electrolyte leakage and malonaldehyde content were higher than those in males under water deficit conditions. On the other hand, water deficit caused a greater increase in both SOD activity and POD activity in males than those in females. Consistent with these physiological differences, the expression of several stress-related genes, including SOD, GST, bHLH35, and PsbX1, was regulated differently between female and male hybrids by water deficit stress. Higher expression of SOD in moderate-water-deficit-treated females and higher GST, bHLH35 expression in both moderate- and severe-water-deficit-treated females suggest that the female sib is more sensitive, whilst higher expression of SOD in severe-water-deficit-treated males and higher PsbX1 expression in water-deficit-treated males testify that males protect cells better. To achieve an integrated view, all these variables were analyzed through the use of a principal component analysis and a total discrepancy between the sexes in their response to water deficit was demonstrated. The results indicate that, compared with male poplar sibs, females are more sensitive, but deploy a weaker protective apparatus to deal with water deficit.
Soil Microbial Community Composition and Diversity Analysis under Different Land Use Patterns in Taojia River Basin
Authors: He Zhe , Yuan Chenglin , Chen Peirou , Rong Ziqiang , Peng Ting , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Wang Guangjun , Yan Wende , Wang Jun
Published: May 2023

Soil microorganisms are greatly affected by their microenvironment. To reveal the influence of different land use patterns on the composition and diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities, this study analyzed microbial (bacteria and fungi) community composition and diversity under different land use patterns (vegetable land, wasteland, woodland, cultivated land) based on 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and high-throughput sequencing method in the Taojia River Basin. Spearman analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) were used to explore the correlation between soil physicochemical properties and soil fungal and bacterial community composition, and a partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) was constructed to express the causal relationship between soil physicochemical properties and soil bacterial and fungal community diversity. The results showed that the soil bacterial species richness was highest in vegetable land and the lowest in the wasteland. Proteobacteria is the dominant phylum (20.69%–32.70%), and Actinobacteria is the dominant class (7.99%–16.95%). The species richness of fungi in woodland was the highest, while was the lowest in cultivated land. The dominant phylum of fungi in vegetable land, woodland, and cultivated land is Mucoromycota, 29.39%, 41.36%, and 22.67%, respectively. Ascomycota (42.16%) is the dominant phylum in wasteland. Sordariomyetes of Ascomycota is the dominant class in wasteland and cultivated land. Mortierellomycetes and Glomeromycetes of Mucoromycota are the dominant class in vegetable land and woodland. The results of the Spearman analysis revealed that the dominant groups in the bacterial and fungal communities had significant correlations with soil pH, clay, and sand (p < 0.01). The RDA results showed that soil clay, pH, and moisture were the key environmental factors affecting the diversity of soil microbial communities. Fungal diversity is more affected by different land use patterns than bacteria. These results provided a theoretical basis for the changes in soil microbial community composition and diversity in river basins.
Effects of Competition on the Vertical Distribution of Foliage Biomass within the Crowns of Planted Korean Pine Trees in Northeast China
Authors: Gao Huilin , Feng Jian , Chen Dongsheng , Hou Yimei , Sun Yunxia , Dong Guijun
Published: May 2023

The characteristics and distribution of foliage biomass are important aspects of the crown structures of trees. In this study, we developed a foliage biomass distribution model at the branch level and annual shoot level (i.e., all branches on an annual increment of the main tree bole) using a sample of 51 Korean pine trees that were destructively sampled in Liaoning Province, northeast China. A variety of independent variables, including branches, trees, and forest competition, were used as explanatory variables in the model development. Our results indicated that foliage biomass at the branch level increased with an increasing relative distance from the tree tip into the crown. The peak of the foliage biomass distribution shifted to the tree tip with increasing tree age. A power function, including branch diameter and competition variables, showed excellent performance in modeling branch foliage at the branch level. The final model, which included branch diameter, competition variables, and relative distance to branch base for the relative foliage density, showed best performance. The trees that showed advantageous growth ability also had a larger amount of foliage biomass.
Bacterial Skin Microbiota of Seabass from Aegean Fish Farms and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas
Authors: Aydin Ali , Sudagidan Mert , Mamatova Zhanylbubu , Yurt Mediha Nur Zafer , Ozalp Veli Cengiz , Zornu Jacob , Tavornpanich Saraya , Brun Edgar
Published: May 2023

Farming seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is an essential activity in the Mediterranean basin including the Aegean Sea. The main seabass producer is Turkey accounting for 155,151 tons of production in 2021. In this study, skin swabs of seabass farmed in the Aegean Sea were analysed with regard to the isolation and identification of Pseudomonas. Bacterial microbiota of skin samples (n = 96) from 12 fish farms were investigated using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metabarcoding analysis. The results demonstrated that Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in all samples. At the species level, Pseudomonas lundensis was identified in all samples. Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Flavobacterium were identified using conventional methods and a total of 46 viable (48% of all NGS+) Pseudomonas were isolated in seabass swab samples. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to standards of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) in psychrotrophic Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas strains were tested for susceptibility to 11 antibiotics (piperacillin-tazobactam, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, doripenem, meropenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and tetracycline) from five different groups of antibiotics (penicillins, aminoglycosides, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines). The antibiotics chosen were not specifically linked to usage by the aquaculture industry. According to the EUCAST and CLSI, three and two Pseudomonas strains were found to be resistant to doripenem and imipenem (E-test), respectively. All strains were susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin, levofloxacin, and tetracycline. Our data provide insight into different bacteria that are prevalent in the skin microbiota of seabass sampled from the Aegean Sea in Turkey, and into the antibiotic resistance of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas spp.
The Effects of Postmortem Time on Muscle Trout Biochemical Composition and Structure
Authors: Germond Arno , Vénien Annie , Ravel Christine , Castulovich Brayan , Rouel Jacques , Hutin Morgane , Mezelli Sara , Lefin Sandy , Mirade Pierre-Sylvain , Astruc Thierry
Published: May 2023

Fish industry operators have to process fish that arrive at various postmortem times. Postmortem time constrains processing and impacts product quality, safety, and economic value. The objective identification of biomarkers is desirable to predict the postmortem day of aging and this requires a comprehensive longitudinal characterisation of postmortem aging. We analysed the postmortem aging process in trout over a 15-day window. Quantitative physicochemical measurements (pH, colour, texture, aw, proteolysis, and myofibrillar protein solubility) performed on the same fish over time revealed the levels of protein denaturation, solubility, and pH, among other parameters, change very little when assessed by conventional chemical methods. Histological analyses were performed on thin sections and revealed fibre ruptures after 7 days of storage on ice. Ultrastructures were observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and revealed that sarcomere disorganisation occurred more often after 7 days of storage. Label-free FTIR micro-spectroscopy combined with a SVM model accurately predicted the postmortem time. Spectra-based PC-DA models also enable the identification of biomarkers corresponding to Day 7 and Day 15 postmortem. This study provides insights on postmortem aging and raises prospects for the rapid assessment of trout’s freshness status from label-free imaging.
Ultrasonic Treatment of Corn Starch to Improve the Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Frozen Model Dough and Its Application in Steamed Buns
Authors: Han Rui , Lin Jiaqi , Hou Jingyao , Xu Xiuying , Bao Saruna , Wei Chaoyue , Xing Jiayue , Wu Yuzhu , Liu Jingsheng
Published: May 2023

Modification of corn starch using ultrasonic waves to improve its freeze-thaw resistance in frozen model doughs and buns. Analysis was performed by rheometry, low-field-intensity nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the addition of ultrasonically modified corn starch reduced the migration of water molecules inside the model dough, weakened the decrease of elastic modulus, and enhanced the creep recovery effect; the decrease in α-helical and β-fold content in the model dough was reduced, the destruction of internal network structure was decreased, the exposed starch granules were reduced, and the internal interaction of the dough was enhanced; the texture of the buns became softer and the moisture content increased. In conclusion, ultrasound as a physical modification means can significantly improve the freeze-thaw properties of corn starch, providing new ideas for the development and quality improvement of corn-starch-based instant frozen pasta products.
Improving the Sustainability of Processing By-Products: Extraction and Recent Biological Activities of Collagen Peptides
Authors: Xu Shumin , Zhao Yuping , Song Wenshan , Zhang Chengpeng , Wang Qiuting , Li Ruimin , Shen Yanyan , Gong Shunmin , Li Mingbo , Sun Leilei
Published: May 2023

Society and consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and the sustainability of food production systems. A significant amount of by-products and discards are generated during the processing of aquatic animals, which still needs to be fully utilized by the food industry. The management and sustainable use of these resources are essential to avoiding environmental pollution and resource waste. These by-products are rich in biologically active proteins, which can be converted into peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation treatment. Therefore, exploring the extraction of collagen peptides from these by-products using an enzymatic hydrolysis technology has attracted a wide range of attention from numerous researchers. Collagen peptides have been found to possess multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antitumor, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can enhance the physiological functions of organisms and make collagen peptides useful as ingredients in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. This paper reviews the general methods for extracting collagen peptides from various processing by-products of aquatic animals, including fish skin, scales, bones, and offal. It also summarizes the functional activities of collagen peptides as well as their applications.
Impact of Parental Food Choices on Nutritional and Metabolic Status of Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: López-Morago Claudia , Domínguez-Riscart Jesús , García-Zarzuela Ana , Lechuga-Sancho Alfonso María
Published: May 2023

Parents play a key role in what their children eat. The Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) has been used elsewhere to assess the dietary motivations of parents of healthy children, but not for parents of children with chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of our research was to evaluate the associations between parental food choice motivations and the nutritional status and glycemic control of children with T1D. A cross-sectional observational study of children aged 5 to 16 years with T1D attending the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of Puerta del Mar University Hospital in Cádiz (Spain) was performed. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data, including glycated hemoglobin, were collected. The FCQ in Spanish was conducted to assess the eating behaviors of the main caregivers of children with T1D. Significance was established at the level of p-value < 0.05. In total, 85 children with T1D (female 56.5%, age 12.07 ± 2.93 years, HbA1c 7.29 ± 0.77%) were recruited. Of these children, 31.3% showed HbA1c levels of <7.0% and 44.9% had a TIR >70%. A significant positive correlation was found between Hb1Ac and “familiarity” (R: +0.233). Anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, skinfolds and body circumferences) showed significant positive correlations with “sensory appeal” and “price”. Parents’ eating behaviors influence the nutritional status of their children with T1D and their glycemic control of the disease.
Development of an Educational Gamification Strategy to Enhance the Food Safety Practices of Family Farmers in Public Food Markets of Northeast Brazil: A Case Study
Authors: Rodrigues Noádia Priscila Araújo , de Morais Mirella Silva , Bezerra Nísia Carolina Damacena , Pereira Erik Henrique Morais , Garcia Júnior Élcio Antônio , Rodrigues Jéssica Bezerra dos Santos , de Paula Alexandrino de Oliveira Sônia , de Souza Evandro Leite
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to develop an educational gamification strategy to enhance the food safety practices of family farmers in public food markets in a city in Northeastern Brazil (João Pessoa, PB, Brazil). A good manufacturing practices (GMP) checklist was used to verify hygienic-sanitary conditions in the food markets. Educational game tools addressing foodborne diseases and GMP with information about the prevention of foodborne diseases, good food handling practices, and safe food storage were developed. Pre- and post-training assessments were done to evaluate food handlers’ knowledge and food safety practices. Microbiological parameters of food samples were analyzed before and two months after the training. Results indicated unsatisfactory hygiene conditions in the examined food markets. There was a very strong positive correlation between “implementation of GMP” and “production and process controls” (R = 0.95; p ≤ 0.05) and between “production and process controls” and “hygiene habits of handlers” (R = 0.92; p ≤0.05). There was no homogeneity between answers before and after the training for the knowledge of family farmers regarding “prevention of foodborne diseases” and “safe food handling”. There were improvements in the measured microbiological parameters of foods sold by family farmers after the application of the developed educational gamification training. These results showed the developed educational game-based strategy as being effective in raising awareness of hygienic sanitary practices, helping to promote food safety, and reducing risks for the consumers of street foods at family farmers’ markets.
Effect of Seawater Curing Agent on the Flavor Profile of Dry-Cured Bacon Determined by Sensory Evaluation, Electronic Nose, and Fatty Composition Analysis
Authors: Lee Sol-Hee , Kim Hack-Youn
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to check the applicability of seawater as a natural curing agent by analyzing the difference it causes in the flavor of dry-aged bacon. Pork belly was cured for seven days, and dried and aged for twenty-one days. The curing methods included the following: wet curing with salt in water, dry curing with sea salt, brine curing with brine solution, and bittern curing with bittern solution. The seawater-treated groups showed a lower volatile basic nitrogen value than the sea-salt-treated groups (p < 0.05); dry curing showed a higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value than other treatments (p < 0.05). Methyl- and butane- volatile compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as g-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were the highest in the bittern-cured group, lending it superior results compared to those of the control and other treatments in sensory flavor analyses (cheesy and milky). Therefore, bittern is considered to have significant potential as a food-curing agent.
Changes in the VOC of Fruits at Different Refrigeration Stages of ‘Ruixue’ and the Participation of Carboxylesterase MdCXE20 in the Catabolism of Volatile Esters
Authors: Li Dongmei , Guo Jianhua , Ma Hai , Pei Linna , Liu Xiaojie , Wang Hui , Chen Rongxin , Zhao Zhengyang , Gao Hua
Published: May 2023

Aroma is a crucial quality attribute of apple fruit, which significantly impacts its commercial value and consumer choice. Despite its importance the volatile aroma substances produced by the new variety ‘Ruixue’ after harvest remain unclear. In this study, we utilized headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to investigate the changes in volatile substances, fruit hardness, crispness, and related aroma synthase activity of commercially mature ‘Ruixue’ apples during cold storage. Our findings revealed a gradual decline in fruit firmness and brittleness of ‘Ruixue’ apples during cold storage, with hexyl acetate, hexyl caproate, and hexyl thiocyanate being the main hexyl esters detected. To gain a better understanding of the metabolic pathway of esters, we identified 42 MdCXE gene members that are associated with ester degradation. Through RT-qPCR analysis, we discovered that carboxylesterase MdCXE20 exhibited higher expression levels compared to other MdCXE genes during cold storage. To confirm the role of MdCXE20, we conducted a transient injection of apple fruits and observed that overexpression of MdCXE20 led to the degradation of esters such as hexyl hexanoate, butyl hexanoate, butyl 2-methylbutyrate, hexyl butyrate, and hexyl 2-methylbutyrate. The results of the study showed that the virus-induced gene silencing of MdCXE20 found the opposite results. Additionally, the esters of OE-MdCXE20 callus showed a lower content of ester VOC than the control callus, according to the homologous stable transformation of ‘Wanglin’ callus. Overall, these findings suggest that the MdCXE20 gene plays a crucial role in the decrease of esters in ‘Ruixue’ apples, which ultimately affects their flavor.
The Microbial Diversity in Relation to Postharvest Quality and Decay: Organic vs. Conventional Pear Fruit
Authors: Gao Qi , Zhang Yang , Gao Congcong , Li Huimin , Cheng Yudou , Qian Xun , Zhang Lishu , Liu Jinyu , Ogunyemi Solabomi Olaitan , Guan Junfeng
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Organic food produced in environmentally friendly farming systems has become increasingly popular. (2) Methods: We used a DNA metabarcoding approach to investigate the differences in the microbial community between organic and conventional ‘Huangguan’ pear fruit; and (3) Results: Compared to a conventional orchard, the fruit firmness in the organic orchard had significantly lowered after 30 days of shelf-life storage at 25 °C, and the soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acid (TA), and decay index were higher. There were differences in the microbial diversity between organic and conventional orchards pears. After 30 days of storage, Fusarium and Starmerella became the main epiphytic fungi in organic fruits, while Meyerozyma was dominant in conventional fruits. Gluconobacter, Acetobacter, and Komagataeibacter were dominant epiphytic bacteria on pears from both organic and conventional orchards after a 30-day storage period. Bacteroides, Muribaculaceae, and Nesterenkonia were the main endophytic bacteria throughout storage. There was a negative correlation between fruit firmness and decay index. Moreover, the abundance of Acetobacter and Starmerella were positively correlated with fruit firmness, while Muribaculaceae was negatively correlated, implying that these three microorganisms may be associated with the postharvest decay of organic fruit; (4) Conclusions: The difference in postharvest quality and decay in organic and conventional fruits could potentially be attributed to the variation in the microbial community during storage.