bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Acceptance and Trust in Automated Driving trough Virtual Experience on a Driving Simulator
Authors: Clement Philipp , Veledar Omar , Könczöl Clemens , Danzinger Herbert , Posch Markus , Eichberger Arno , Macher Georg
Published: January 2022

As vehicle driving evolves from human-controlled to autonomous, human–machine interaction ensures intuitive usage as well as the feedback from vehicle occupants to the machine for optimising controls. The feedback also improves understanding of the user satisfaction with the system behaviour, which is crucial for determining user trust and, hence, the acceptance of the new functionalities that aim to improve mobility solutions and increase road safety. Trust and acceptance are potentially the crucial parameters for determining the success of autonomous driving deployment in wider society. Hence, there is a need to define appropriate and measurable parameters to be able to quantify trust and acceptance in a physically safe environment using dependable methods. This study seeks to support technical developments and data gathering with psychology to determine the degree to which humans trust automated driving functionalities. The primary aim is to define if the usage of an advanced driving simulator can improve consumer trust and acceptance of driving automation through tailor-made studies. We also seek to measure significant differences in responses from different demographic groups. The study employs tailor-made driving scenarios to gather feedback on trust, usability and user workload of 55 participants monitoring the vehicle behaviour and environment during the automated drive. Participants’ subjective ratings are gathered before and after the simulator session. Results show a significant increase in trust ensuing the exposure to the driving automation functionalities. We quantify this increase resulting from the usage of the driving simulator. Those less experienced with driving automation show a higher increase in trust and, therefore, profit more from the exercise. This appears to be linked to the demanded participant workload, as we establish a link between workload and trust. The findings provide a noteworthy contribution to quantifying the method of evaluating and ensuring user acceptance of driving automation. It is only through the increase of trust and consequent improvement of user acceptance that the introduction of the driving automation into wider society will be a guaranteed success.
SIMO DC-DC Converter with Low-Complexity Hybrid Comparator-Charge Control
Authors: Yang Myeong-Gyu , Pham Ngoc-Son , Choi Seong-Wook , Chung Keun-Yong , Baek Kwang-Hyun , Shim Yong
Published: January 2022

A hybrid control method using a comparator and a charge control method is proposed for a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) DC-DC converter. SIMO DC-DC converters have the weaknesses relating to cross-regulation, as all the output channels share the energy stored in a single inductor. Although multiple control methods such as Time-Multiplexing Control (TMC) and Ordered Power Distributing Control (OPDC) have been proposed to prevent cross-regulation or to improve load capability, effective use of limited resources appears to have not yet been achieved. This paper introduces a hybrid control topology that (1) utilizes comparator-based regulations for most outputs and (2) uses a new charge control loop method for the last output to reduce cross-regulation with low hardware complexity. In addition, the proposed scheme efficiently reuses the system’s redundant energy by adaptively controlling the freewheeling switch that opens the path to the input battery to store the surplus energy resources again. The proposed SIMO DC-DC converter was designed and validated with a 0.18 μm 3.3 V CMOS process. The converter has four regulated outputs of 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.2 V, and as a result of the simulation, it was found that the cross-regulation was estimated to be 0.4 mV/mA when the output current changes by ~200 mA. In addition, estimated peak power conversion efficiency of 88.5% was achieved at a total output power of 405 mW.
Adoption Pathways for DC Power Distribution in Buildings
Authors: Vossos Vagelis , Gerber Daniel L. , Gaillet-Tournier Melanie , Nordman Bruce , Brown Richard , Bernal Heredia Willy , Ghatpande Omkar , Saha Avijit , Arnold Gabe , Frank Stephen M.
Published: January 2022

Driven by the proliferation of DC energy sources and DC end-use devices (e.g., photovoltaics, battery storage, solid-state lighting, and consumer electronics), DC power distribution in buildings has recently emerged as a path to improved efficiency, resilience, and cost savings in the transitioning building sector. Despite these important benefits, there are several technological and market barriers impeding the development of DC distribution, which have kept this technology at the demonstration phase. This paper identifies specific end-use cases for which DC distribution in buildings is viable today. We evaluate their technology and market readiness, as well as their efficiency, cost, and resiliency benefits while addressing implementation barriers. The paper starts with a technology review, followed by a comprehensive market assessment, in which we analyze DC distribution field deployments and their end-use characteristics. We also conduct a survey of DC power and building professionals through on-site visits and phone interviews and summarize lessons learned and recommendations. In addition, the paper includes a novel efficiency analysis, in which we quantify energy savings from DC distribution for different end-use categories. Based on our findings, we present specific adoption pathways for DC in buildings that can be implemented today, and for each pathway we identify challenges and offer recommendations for the research and building community.
Large Eddy Simulations of a Low-Swirl Gaseous Partially Premixed Lifted Flame in Presence of Wall Heat Losses
Authors: Langone Leonardo , Amerighi Matteo , Andreini Antonio
Published: January 2022

The use of lifted flames presents some very promising advantages in terms of pollutant emissions and flame stability. The focus here is on a specific low-swirl injection system operated with methane and derived from an air-blast atomizer for aero-engine applications, which is responsible for flame lift-off. The key feature of this concept is the interaction between the swirling jet and the confinement walls, leading to a strong outer recirculation zone and thus to an upstream transport of combustion products from the main reaction region to the flame base. Here, the representation of the physics involved is challenging, since finite-rate effects govern the lift-off occurrence, and only a few numerical studies have been carried out on this test case so far. The aim of the present work is therefore to understand the limits of some state-of-the-art combustion models within the context of LES. Considering this context, two different strategies are adopted: the Flamelet-Generated Manifold (FGM) approach and the Thickened Flame (TF) model. A modified version of the FGM model including stretch and heat loss effects is also applied as an improvement of the standard model. Numerical results are compared with the available experimental data in terms of temperature and chemical species concentration maps, showing that the TF model can better reproduce the lift-off than the FGM approach.
Identification of Key Nodes in a Power Grid Based on Modified PageRank Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Darui , Wang Haifeng , Wang Rui , Duan Jiandong , Bai Jing
Published: January 2022

For avoiding the occurrence of large-scale blackouts due to disconnected nodes in the power grid, a modified PageRank algorithm is proposed to identify key nodes by integrating the topological information and node type. The node betweenness index is first introduced based on complex network theory, which is modified to reflect the node topological information in the power grid. Then, according to the characteristics of different node types in the power grid, a modified PageRank algorithm is proposed to rapidly identify key nodes, which takes the generator nodes, load nodes, and contact nodes into account. IEEE 39-Bus system and IEEE 118-Bus system are used for the simulations. Simulation results showed that the network transmission efficiencies of the power grid are reduced from 64.23% to 5.62% and from 45.4% to 5.12% in the two simulation systems compared with other methods. The proposed identification algorithm improved the accuracy, and a provincial power grid simulation system in China is used to verify the feasibility and validity. The identified nodes are removed, which split the power grid according to importance index values. The proposed method in this paper is helpful to prevent the occurrence of cascading failure in the power system, and it can also be used to power systems with renewable energy sources and an AC/DC hybrid power grid.
Operation Method of Energy Storage System Replacing Governor for Frequency Regulation of Synchronous Generator without Reserve
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Nam-Du , Shin Wooyoung , Lee Choongman , Chung In-Young , Kim Dongha , Hwang Young-Ha , Youn Juyoung , Maeng Jwayoung , Yoon Minhan , Hur Kyeon , Shim Jae Woong
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes an operation methodology for interfacing synchronous generator and energy storage system (ESS) by replacing conventional governor. This research introduces energy management scheme with droop control method for frequency regulation in coordination with synchronous generator. For frequency regulation, generator can take advantage of the ESS instead of the governor, with its relatively fast characteristics, leading to less frequent deviation of synchronous generator. For the verification, we simulate a network reduction model from real Korean network data, based on the case studies using PSCAD/EMTDC software.
The Impact of Energy Policies on the Energy Efficiency Performance of Residential Properties in Portugal
Authors: Fuinhas José Alberto , Koengkan Matheus , Silva Nuno , Kazemzadeh Emad , Auza Anna , Santiago Renato , Teixeira Mônica , Osmani Fariba
Published: January 2022

The effect of energy policies on the energy performance of residential properties/houses in nineteen Portuguese districts from 2014 to 2021 was investigated. A linear random-effects model regression was used as the method in this empirical investigation. The empirical results indicated that the income per capita has a negative effect on residential properties with high energy efficiency certificates (e.g., A+, A, and B) and a positive impact on residential properties with low energy efficiency certificates (e.g., C, D, E, and F); the codes and standards energy policies for energy efficiency have a positive effect on residential properties with high energy efficiency certificates (e.g., A, B, and B−) and residential properties with low energy efficiency certificates (e.g., C, D, E, and F); the fiscal and financial incentive policies for energy efficiency have a positive effect on residential properties with high energy efficiency certificates (e.g., A+, A, and B) and a negative effect on residential properties with B− energy certificate, and also a negative effect on residential properties with low energy efficiency certificates (e.g., C and D) and a positive effect on residential properties with an F energy certificate; the information and education policies of energy efficiency have a positive effect on residential properties with high energy efficiency certificates (e.g., A+, A, and B) and residential properties with low energy efficiency certificates (e.g., C, D, and E); and, finally, the consumer credit per capita has a positive effect on residential properties with high energy efficiency certificates (e.g., A+, A, and B) and a negative effect on residential properties with low energy efficiency certificates (e.g., C, D, and F), as well as a positive effect on residential properties with an F energy certificate.
Electric Vehicles: V2G for Rapid, Safe, and Green EV Penetration
Authors: Dik Abdullah , Omer Siddig , Boukhanouf Rabah
Published: January 2022

Low carbon and renewable energy sources (RESs) are fast becoming a key sustainable instrument in meeting the global growth of electricity demand while curbing carbon emissions. For example, the gradual displacement of fossil-fuelled vehicles with electrically driven counterparts will inevitably increase both the power grid baseload and peak demand. In many developed countries, the electrification process of the transport sector has already started in tandem with the installation of multi-GW renewable energy capacity, particularly wind and solar, huge investment in power storage technology, and end-user energy demand management. The expansion of the Electric Vehicle (EV) market presents a new opportunity to create a cleaner and transformative new energy carrier. For instance, a managed EV battery charging and discharging profile in conjunction with the national grid, known as the Vehicle-to-Grid system (V2G), is projected to be an important mechanism in reducing the impact of renewable energy intermittency. This paper presents an extensive literature review of the current status of EVs and allied interface technology with the power grid. The main findings and statistical details are drawn from up-to-date publications highlighting the latest technological advancements, limitations, and potential future market development. The authors believe that electric vehicle technology will bring huge technological innovation to the energy market where the vehicle will serve both as a means of transport and a dynamic energy vector interfacing with the grid (V2G), buildings (V2B), and others (V2X).
Layout Optimization of a Modular Floating Wind Farm Based on the Full-Field Wake Model
Authors: Liang Zhichang , Liu Haixiao
Published: January 2022

By optimizing the positions of wind turbines in a wind farm, the power loss caused by wake effects can be reduced maximally. A new methodology of layout optimization is proposed utilizing a full-field wake model that integrates the near-field and far-field wake models after modifications, and a random search (RS) algorithm improved with a scale factor for acceleration in high-density layouts. The methodology is applied to a floating wind farm composed of modular platforms, which have a novel configuration and the ability to face toward the wind direction. The applicability and efficiency of the methodology and the improved RS algorithm are validated. The power production of optimized layouts shows a flat crest with an increased number of wind turbines. There is a layout with maximal output power in the wind farm. The real optimal layout should be determined in consideration of both output power and cost. Two sizes of platforms with different number of modules are compared in the application. The wind farm with smaller platforms produces more power. For comparison, a pattern search (PS) algorithm is also implemented in the application. The improved RS algorithm shows outperformance compared with the original RS and the PS algorithm.
Voltage Stabilisation of a Drive System Including a Power Transformer and Asynchronous and Synchronous Motors of Susceptible Motion Transmission
Authors: Chaban Andriy , Lis Marek , Szafraniec Andrzej
Published: January 2022

A mathematical model is developed of the master circuit of an electric driver system including a power transformer and susceptible motion transmission of asynchronous and synchronous drives. Electric motors drive water pumps by means of motion transmission that comprises two elastic couplings of lumped mechanical parameters and a long shaft of distributed mechanical parameters. Differential equations for oscillatory processes for the long shaft and the elastic couplings are different. The shaft is described with partial derivative Euler–Poisson equations, which, combined with the boundary conditions, form mixed problems from the mathematical point of view. The elastic couplings, on the other hand, are described with the ordinary second type Lagrange equations. Based on the theory of electromagnetic field, the partial differential equations describe the skin effects across the rotor age bars. Vertical pumps are presented by means of a loading torque waveform as a function of the input shaft’s angular velocity. The complex mathematical model serves to analyse electromechanical transient processes across the integrated drive system. Starting from there, conditions of stabilisation of the drive system voltage are determined. Electromechanical state equations are presented in the normal Cauchy form and integrated using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Results of computer simulations are shown with graphics, which are interpreted and described.
Gemmamyces piceae Bud Blight Damage in Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) Forest Stands
Authors: Samek Michal , Modlinger Roman , Bat’a Daniel , Lorenc František , Vachová Jana , Tomášková Ivana , Pešková Vítězslava
Published: January 2022

Since 2008, spruce bud blight (Gemmamyces piceae (Borthw.) Casagr.) has been spreading epidemically in forest stands of the Czech Republic’s Ore Mountains. This fungus, with a disjunct Holarctic range, injures buds, especially of Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.). Damaged buds do not sprout, and, in case of a stronger attack, the tree does not recover its assimilation apparatus and may die. Within the past few years, there has been a huge spread of this fungus throughout the mountain range. This paper summarizes the biology of G. piceae, its host plants, and presents the first findings from the massive outbreak of G. piceae. In 2015, an increase in damage was detected on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). The course of the G. piceae epidemic had been monitored in 25 permanent research plots over the course of 11 years. In the case of Colorado blue spruce, stands aged 10–60 years were attacked, with 60% of buds damaged on average. The intensity of damage to Norway spruce buds was around 25%. Norway spruce infestation varied significantly depending upon the age of the stand (GLMM: p < 0.01). In the age class of 31–60 years, on average 80% of individuals were infested. In older stands, only 42% of trees were infested, and no infestation was found in individuals younger than 15 years. In Colorado blue spruce, the distribution of the pathogen was continuous, whereby all individuals in the research plots were affected, and, with the exception of a few trees, the infestation was lethal or resulted in a significant reduction of the assimilation apparatus. The development of damage on Colorado blue spruce can be characterized as continuous growth.
An Assessment of Environmental Knowledge in a Highly Biodiverse Mountainous Region of Mexico
Authors: García-Jiménez Carlos I. , Vargas-Rodriguez Yalma L. , Quiroz-Caro Brenda Yarely , García-Valadez Karina
Published: January 2022

The environmental knowledge of inhabitants residing in a highly biodiverse mountainous region of western Mexico with an important economic forestry sector was investigated. Indices of environmental knowledge, by average and through a factor analysis, were developed and characterized using survey data collected in 2018 and 2021. These indices showed high levels of correlation, and followed similar patterns of distributions. Ordinary least squares and quantile regressions were used to examine social, economic, demographic, and perceptions as determinant factors of the generated indices. Age and education were repeatedly found as important factors influencing environmental knowledge, while income and gender were consistently not significant factors. Furthermore, environmental knowledge was related to quality of life. The index developed by factor analysis generated more significantly stable parameter results across percentiles of environmental knowledge. The indices were recommended for monitoring environmental knowledge in long term studies.
Modeling of Falling Ball Impact Test Response on Solid, Veneer, and Traditional Engineered Wood Floorings of Several Hardwoods
Authors: Sepliarsky Fernando , Acuña Luis , Balmori José-Antonio , Martínez Roberto D. , Spavento Eleana , Keil Gabriel , Casado Milagros , Martín-Ramos Pablo
Published: January 2022

Hardness is a key mechanical property of flooring materials. In this study, the performance of veneer floorings (with a top layer thickness of 0.6 mm) was investigated by dynamic hardness tests, comparing it with those of traditional engineered wood floorings (with a top layer thickness of 3 mm) and solid wood floorings. Two hardwoods commonly used on wood flooring, viz. Quercus robur L. and Hymenaea courbaril L., and two fast-growing hardwoods, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, were tested as top layers. To compare their usage properties, a dynamic impact hardness test involving steel balls with three diameters and five different drop heights was carried out, measuring the footprint diameter (FD) and the indentation depth (ID). The data from 4800 impacts, corresponding to 180 different individual groups (4 hardwood species × 3 ball diameters × 5 drop heights × 3 floor types) were analyzed. The results showed that the general response in terms of both FD and ID was better in the engineered wood floorings than in solid wood floorings, and that the veneer floorings (0.6 mm) showed better behavior than traditional engineered wood floorings (3.0 mm). Furthermore, for the veneer floorings, the two fast-growing hardwood species tested, which have significantly different densities, showed similar behavior to traditional hardwoods, suggesting that they would be suitable for valorization in the wood flooring industry.
Influence of Colder Temperature on the Axial and Radial Parenchyma Fraction of Quercus ciliaris C.C.Huang & Y.T.Chang Wood and Its Relationship with Carbohydrate Reserve (NSC)
Authors: Zhang Xijin , Wu Dan , Li Qingyao , Pu Faguang , Xia Xingli , Chang Mingyang , Song Kun
Published: January 2022

Parenchyma in the secondary xylem comprises the main tissue for the storage of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in woody plants. Across species, the amount of parenchyma depends on the general environment of the distribution area and determines to a large extent the NSC storage. However, little information is available on the relationship between parenchyma fractions, NSC storage, and the environmental influences within individual species. This information is crucial to assessing the adaptive capacities of tree populations in the context of increasing the frequency and severity of stress-inducing events. In this study, parenchyma fractions and NSC concentrations of the secondary xylem in trunks of a subtropical evergreen oak (Quercus ciliaris C.C.Huang & Y.T.Chang) were quantified along an elevational gradient from 700 m to 1200 m a.s.l. in eastern China. Air temperatures within the distribution area correlated with altitude were recorded. The results showed that the total parenchyma fractions did not covary with the colder temperatures. However, axial parenchyma fractions were lower with a colder climate, while the fractions of multiseriate rays and total ray parenchyma were higher. Higher concentrations of starch and NSC were significantly associated with larger axial parenchyma fractions. The sugar concentration displayed no significant relationship with parenchyma fractions. These findings suggest that the total parenchyma fractions in secondary xylem do not increase in response to a colder climate, while colder temperatures drive changes in the composition of parenchyma for Q. ciliaris.
Economic Assessment and Management of Agroforestry Productivity from the Perspective of Sustainable Land Use in the South of the Russian Plain
Authors: Korneeva Evgenia A.
Published: January 2022

Recent international climate documents emphasize the great importance of the afforestation of agricultural land having a positive impact on CO2 levels, not only by absorbing carbon by trees, but also by replacing fossil fuels with biomass. In Russia, until recently, the importance of forest plantations in the production of wood was underestimated, which created the problem of its accounting and effective management. When justifying modern protective afforestation programs, ambiguity in the estimates of tree productivity of plantings is one of the reasons for significant uncertainty regarding their impact on the energy security of the country. The purpose of this study was to undertake an economic assessment and assess the regularities of the dynamics of tree productivity of protective forest plantations on the flat terrain and slopes of the forest-steppe zone in the south of the Russian Plain for the effective management of agroforestry taking into account environmental aspects. At the level of the simulation unit—the protective forest cover of the agricultural territory—the main forest reclamation strategies were modeled from the perspective of sustainable land use, depending on the type of relief, the level of forest protection of land and the erosive state of soils. These models comprehensively analyzed the wood productivity of the main forest-forming species, which differ in functionality and service life. It is established that the productivity of 1 ha of forest stands in the forest-steppe is 320–400 m3 of wood, and the commercial effect of its harvesting is EUR 14675–EUR 56567. The specific (per 1 ha of land use) wood productivity of trees on flat terrain increases with the growth of forest protection of the site (due to the reduction of inter-band space) by 1.2–1.8 times. On the slopes, with an increase in their steepness, the specific effect of harvesting wood also increases by almost twofold. On steep slopes with highly eroded soils, the efficiency of forest reclamation decreases by 23%–24% due to a decrease in the width of forest stands and the inclusion of a hydraulic element in their systems. The use of long-lasting forest-forming species for all forest reclamation strategies is more profitable than the use of fast-growing species—the value of the specific average annual (discounted) income per 1 ha of the agroforest landscape is, respectively, EUR 427–EUR 970 and EUR 166–EUR 545. The study will confirm the need to finance forest reclamation measures not only to ensure sustainable rural development, but also Russia’s qualitative transition to a low-carbon economy.
Seaweed Fertilizer Prepared by EM-Fermentation Increases Abundance of Beneficial Soil Microbiome in Paddy (Oryzasativa L.) during Vegetative Stage
Authors: Prasedya Eka , Kurniawan Nanda , Kirana Indah , Ardiana Nur , Abidin Angga , Ilhami Bq , Jupri Ahmad , Widyastuti Sri , Sunarpi Haji , Nikmatullah Aluh
Published: January 2022

Excessive use of chemical fertilizer could potentially decrease soil productivity by decreasing soil microbiome diversity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fermented seaweed fertilizer in the soil microbial community of paddy plants (Oryza sativa L.). The paddy seedlings were divided into five groups, control (C0), chemical fertilizer (CF), seaweed fertilizer (SF), chemical and seaweed fertilizer combination 50:50 (CFSF1), and chemical and fertilizer combination 75:25 (CFSF2). The CFSF1 combination showed to be the most effective in inducing plant height (83.99 ± 3.70 cm) and number of tillers (24.20 ± 4.08). After 8 weeks after transplantation, the isolated DNA from each soil treatment were subjected to 16S rRNA (v3–v4 region) next-generation sequencing. The beneficial Acidobacteriota was most abundant in CFSF1. At genus level, the nitrifying bacteria MND1 was seen to be abundant in CFSF1 and also present in other SF treatments. The genus Chujaibacter is highly abundant in CF, which potentially plays a role in denitrification resulting in soil degradation. In addition, the CFSF1-treated soils show significantly higher diversity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). The current results could potentially contribute to the utilization of SF as a bioremediator and promoting green agriculture practice by reducing the amount of CF usage.
Contribution of Fermentation Technology to Building Blocks for Renewable Plastics
Authors: Lomwongsopon Passanun , Varrone Cristiano
Published: January 2022

Large-scale worldwide production of plastics requires the use of large quantities of fossil fuels, leading to a negative impact on the environment. If the production of plastic continues to increase at the current rate, the industry will account for one fifth of global oil use by 2050. Bioplastics currently represent less than one percent of total plastic produced, but they are expected to increase in the coming years, due to rising demand. The usage of bioplastics would allow the dependence on fossil fuels to be reduced and could represent an opportunity to add some interesting functionalities to the materials. Moreover, the plastics derived from bio-based resources are more carbon-neutral and their manufacture generates a lower amount of greenhouse gasses. The substitution of conventional plastic with renewable plastic will therefore promote a more sustainable economy, society, and environment. Consequently, more and more studies have been focusing on the production of interesting bio-based building blocks for bioplastics. However, a coherent review of the contribution of fermentation technology to a more sustainable plastic production is yet to be carried out. Here, we present the recent advancement in bioplastic production and describe the possible integration of bio-based monomers as renewable precursors. Representative examples of both published and commercial fermentation processes are discussed.
Study on Coupled Combustion Behavior of Two Parallel Line Fires
Authors: Liu Qiong , Du Bing , Yan Qiang , Shi Long , Li Ming , Li Zhi
Published: January 2022

In this study, the interaction of two parallel line fires with a length-width ratio of greater than 50 was investigated and compared to a single line fire. Considering different length–width ratios and spacings between the fire sources, experiments were carried out to analyze the fire characteristics, such as the burning rate, the flame-merging state, the flame height, the flame tilt angle, and the flame length of the line fires. Its regularity was revealed by combining two mechanisms, namely, heat feedback enhancement and air entrainment restriction. The results revealed that the burning rate under different length–width ratios shows a uniform law, which increases first and then decreases with a greater spacing between the fire sources. There is a special relationship between the flame-merging probability Pm and the dimensionless characteristic parameters (S/ZC)/(L/d)0.27. Based on this relationship, a critical criterion of flame merging can be obtained as (S/ZC)/(L/d)0.27 = 2.38. In addition, the height and the length of the flame were studied to better describe the flame shape when the flame is tilted. Since the flame is bent, the flame length has an abrupt change at a specific position, and the inclination angle also has the same phenomenon. Finally, it was found that the influence of the length–width ratio on the line fires is relatively limited, which is further weakened under a greater length–width ratio.
Environmental Hydraulics, Turbulence and Sediment Transport
Authors: Pu Jaan H.
Published: January 2022

Within the environmental flows, i [...]
The Effect of High Protein Powder Structure on Hydration, Glass Transition, Water Sorption, and Thermomechanical Properties
Authors: Maidannyk Valentyn A. , McSweeney David J. , Montgomery Sharon , Cenini Valeria L. , O’Hagan Barry M. G. , Gallagher Lucille , Miao Song , McCarthy Noel A.
Published: January 2022

Poor solubility of high protein milk powders can be an issue during the production of nutritional formulations, as well as for end-users. One possible way to improve powder solubility is through the creation of vacuoles and pores in the particle structure using high pressure gas injection during spray drying. The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in particle morphology effect physical properties, such as hydration, water sorption, structural strength, glass transition temperature, and α-relaxation temperatures. Four milk protein concentrate powders (MPC, 80%, w/w, protein) were produced, i.e., regular (R) and agglomerated (A) without nitrogen injection and regular (RN) and agglomerated (AN) with nitrogen injection. Electron microscopy confirmed that nitrogen injection increased powder particles’ sphericity and created fractured structures with pores in both regular and agglomerated systems. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) showed that nitrogen injection enhanced the moisture uptake and solubility properties of RN and AN as compared with non-nitrogen-injected powders (R and A). In particular, at the final swelling at over 100% relative humidity (RH), R, A, AN, and RN powders showed an increase in particle size of 25, 20, 40, and 97% respectively. The injection of nitrogen gas (NI) did not influence calorimetric glass transition temperature (Tg), which could be expected as there was no change to the powder composition, however, the agglomeration of powders did effect Tg. Interestingly, the creation of porous powder particles by NI did alter the α-relaxation temperatures (up to ~16 °C difference between R and AN powders at 44% RH) and the structural strength (up to ~11 °C difference between R and AN powders at 44% RH). The results of this study provide an in-depth understanding of the changes in the morphology and physical-mechanical properties of nitrogen gas-injected MPC powders.
Impact of Cork Closures on the Volatile Profile of Sparkling Wines during Bottle Aging
Authors: Amaro Filipa , Almeida Joana , Oliveira Ana Sofia , Furtado Isabel , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Guedes de Pinho Paula , Pinto Joana
Published: January 2022

This study aimed at investigating the impact of different technical cork stoppers on the quality preservation and shelf life of sparkling wines. The volatile compositions of two Italian sparkling wines sealed with a sparkling cork with two natural cork discs (2D) and a microagglomerated (MA) cork were determined during bottle aging (12 to 42 months) after disgorging, by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). The volatile profile of the sparkling wine #1 sealed with 2D stoppers showed the presence of camphor from 12 to 42 months, along with significant alterations in the levels of several alcohols, ketones, and ethyl esters at 24 and 42 months. The impact of closure type was less pronounced for sparkling wine #2 which also showed the presence of camphor from 12 to 42 months in 2D samples, and significantly higher levels of esters at 24 and 42 months for 2D compared with MA. These results unveiled that the type of closure has a greater impact on the volatile composition of sparkling wines at longer post-bottling periods and 2D stoppers preserve the fruity and sweety aromas of sparkling wines better after 42 months of bottle storage.
Texturing Fermented Emulsion Gels from Soy Protein: Influence of the Emulsifying Agent—Soy Protein vs. Pectin Microgels—On Gel Microstructure, Rheology and Tribology
Authors: Saavedra Isusi Gabriela Itziar , Paz Puga Domenica , van der Schaaf Ulrike Sabine
Published: January 2022

Soy-based yoghurt alternatives are nowadays preferred by consumers. However, they are often perceived as too firm or too soft, sandy, or fibrous. In order to improve this, fibres, especially as in form of microgel particles (MGP), and fats are added to the soy matrix to create a creamy mouthfeel. Both fat and pectin-based MGP can interact with each other and with the protein matrix, creating different microstructures. This can influence the rheological and tribological properties of plant-based protein gels. This works focuses on the effect droplet stabilisation (coconut oil) on the rheological and tribological behaviour of the fermented stirred soy protein gels. For this, fat droplets were stabilised with MGP, SPI, or a mixture of both. Whilst the rheological behaviour remained unchanged for all investigated samples, the tribology of the samples depended on the emulsifier used. The addition of fat decreased the traction coefficient compared to the reference samples without fat. Even though all samples had the same fat content and identical droplet sizes, differences were observed in their lubricating properties. Droplets stabilised solely with SPI presented the best lubricating properties, as indicated by the lowest traction coefficient. Samples stabilised with MGP (or in mixture with SPI) caused higher friction.
Discrete Element Simulation Study of the Accumulation Characteristics for Rice Seeds with Different Moisture Content
Authors: Wang Jinwu , Xu Changsu , Qi Xin , Zhou Wenqi , Tang Han
Published: January 2022

To study the accumulation characteristics of rice seeds with different moisture content, an accurate model of rice seeds was established by 3D scanning technology. The accumulation state of rice seeds by the “point source” accumulation method was analyzed by proportioning and measuring the simulation parameters with different moisture content. The accumulation process was simulated at 10.23%, 14.09%, 17.85%, 21.77%, 26.41% and 29.22% moisture content, respectively. The velocity and force state of the seeds were visually analyzed by using the accumulation process with a moisture content of 29.22%. The accumulation process was divided into four stages according to the velocity characteristics of the seeds. The average force and kinetic energy of the rice seeds outside the cylinder were obtained, and the average force of the rice seeds outside the cylinder was proved to be the direct cause of the velocity change during the accumulation process. The mechanical characteristics of rice seeds in the quasi-static accumulation stage were partitioned and systematically analyzed. The force distribution of the “central depression” structure of rice seeds with a moisture content of 10.23%, 14.09% and 17.85% on the horizontal surface appeared. The higher the moisture content of rice seeds, the more likely the typical “circular” force structure appeared, and the more uniformly the force on the horizontal surface was distributed in the circumference direction.
On Convexity, Monotonicity and Positivity Analysis for Discrete Fractional Operators Defined Using Exponential Kernels
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Almutairi Ohud , Agarwal Ravi P. , Hamed Y. S.
Published: January 2022

This article deals with analysing the positivity, monotonicity and convexity of the discrete nabla fractional operators with exponential kernels from the sense of Riemann and Caputo operators. These operators are called discrete nabla Caputo–Fabrizio–Riemann and Caputo–Fabrizio–Caputo fractional operators. Further, some of our results concern sequential nabla Caputo–Fabrizio–Riemann and Caputo–Fabrizio–Caputo fractional differences, such as ∇aCFRμ∇bCFCυh(x), for various values of start points a and b, and for orders υ and μ in different ranges. Three illustrative examples of the main lemmas in the case of Riemann–Liouville are given at the end of the article.
Consciously Uncertain: A Bayesian Analysis of Preferences Formation
Authors: Stimolo Marco , Beraldo Sergio , Capasso Salvatore , Filoso Valerio
Published: January 2022

We investigate experimentally whether players deliberately use irrelevant market cues to shape their evaluations of a traded item. We implement a repeated Vickrey median price selling auction of an unusual bad where players are informed on the market price and on the three lowest or highest asks. We elicited players’ consideration of market signals through a questionnaire at the end of the auction. We find that extreme information has a stronger influence on players’ evaluations than the market price. However, players’ consideration of the market signals explains their behavioral reactivity to the market price but not to the extremes. Hence, players deliberately use an unbiased estimator of the central tendency of the appraisals distribution, while extreme asks’ influence is consistent with a priming effect.
Impact of Glucose on the Nanostructure and Mechanical Properties of Calcium-Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Lopez-Sanchez Patricia , Assifaoui Ali , Cousin Fabrice , Moser Josefine , Bonilla Mauricio R. , Ström Anna
Published: January 2022

Alginate is a polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweed that is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological applications due to its versatility as a viscosifier and gelling agent. Here, we investigated the influence of the addition of glucose on the structure and mechanical properties of alginate solutions and calcium-alginate hydrogels produced by internal gelation through crosslinking with Ca2+. Using 1H low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS), we showed that alginate solutions at 1 wt % present structural heterogeneities at local scale whose size increases with glucose concentration (15–45 wt %). Remarkably, the molecular conformation of alginate in the gels obtained from internal gelation by Ca2+ crosslinking is similar to that found in solution. The mechanical properties of the gels evidence an increase in gel strength and elasticity upon the addition of glucose. The fitting of mechanical properties to a poroelastic model shows that structural changes within solutions prior to gelation and the increase in solvent viscosity contribute to the gel strength. The nanostructure of the gels (at local scale, i.e., up to few hundreds of Å) remains unaltered by the presence of glucose up to 30 wt %. At 45 wt %, the permeability obtained by the poroelastic model decreases, and the Young’s modulus increases. We suggest that macro (rather than micro) structural changes lead to this behavior due to the creation of a network of denser zones of chains at 45 wt % glucose. Our study paves the way for the design of calcium-alginate hydrogels with controlled structure for food and pharmaceutical applications in which interactions with glucose are of relevance.
Combining Fine Mapping, Whole-Genome Re-Sequencing, and RNA-Seq Unravels Candidate Genes for a Soybean Mutant with Short Petioles and Weakened Pulvini
Authors: Kong Keke , Xu Mengge , Xu Zhiyong , Sharmin Ripa Akter , Zhang Mengchen , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: January 2022

A short petiole is an important agronomic trait for the development of plant ideotypes with high yields. However, the genetic basis underlying this trait remains unclear. Here, we identified and characterized a novel soybean mutant with short petioles and weakened pulvini, designated as short petioles and weakened pulvini (spwp). Compared with the wild type (WT), the spwp mutant displayed shortened petioles, owing to the longitudinally decreased cell length, and exhibited a smaller pulvinus structure due to a reduction in motor cell proliferation and expansion. Genetic analysis showed that the phenotype of the spwp mutant was controlled by two recessive nuclear genes, named as spwp1 and spwp2. Using a map-based cloning strategy, the spwp1 locus was mapped in a 183 kb genomic region on chromosome 14 between markers S1413 and S1418, containing 15 annotated genes, whereas the spwp2 locus was mapped in a 195 kb genomic region on chromosome 11 between markers S1373 and S1385, containing 18 annotated genes. Based on the whole-genome re-sequencing and RNA-seq data, we identified two homologous genes, Glyma.11g230300 and Glyma.11g230600, as the most promising candidate genes for the spwp2 locus. In addition, the RNA-seq analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes involved in the cytokinin and auxin signaling transduction networks were altered in the spwp mutant compared with the WT. Our findings provide new gene resources for insights into the genetic mechanisms of petiole development and pulvinus establishment, as well as soybean ideotype breeding.
Identification of Novel Gene Variants for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Lebanese Population Using Whole-Exome Sequencing
Authors: Gerges Perla , Bitar Tania , Laumonnier Frederic , Marouillat Sylviane , Nemer Georges , Andres Christian R. , Hleihel Walid
Published: January 2022

In our previous study, in which array CGH was used on 19 Lebanese ASD subjects and their parents, we identified rare copy number variants (CNVs) in 14 subjects. The five remaining subjects did not show any CNVs related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the present complementary study, we applied whole-exome sequencing (WES), which allows the identification of rare genetic variations such as single nucleotide variations and small insertions/deletions, to the five negative CNV subjects. After stringent filtering of initial data on the five families, three novel genes potentially related to neurodevelopment were identified, including a de novo mutation in the MIS18BP1 gene. In addition, genes already known to be related to ASD contained sequence variations. Our findings outline the potential involvement of the novel de novo mutation in the MIS18BP1 gene in the genetic etiology and pathophysiology of ASD and highlights the genetic complexity of these disorders. Further studies with larger cohorts of subjects are needed to confirm these observations, and functional analyses need to be performed to understand the precise pathophysiology in these cases.
A Brief Review on the Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs in Cystic Diseases and Their Use as Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Ruiz-Manriquez Luis M. , Ledesma Pacheco Schoenstatt Janin , Medina-Gomez Daniel , Uriostegui-Pena Andrea G. , Estrada-Meza Carolina , Bandyopadhyay Anindya , Pathak Surajit , Banerjee Antara , Chakraborty Samik , Srivastava Aashish , Paul Sujay
Published: January 2022

miRNAs are small endogenous conserved non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression through mRNA degradation or translational inhibition, modulating nearly 60% of human genes. Cystic diseases are characterized by the presence of abnormal fluid-filled sacs in the body, and though most cysts are benign, they can grow inside tumors and turn malignant. Recent evidence has revealed that the aberrant expression of a number of miRNAs present in extracellular fluids, including plasma or serum, urine, saliva, follicular fluid, and semen, contribute to different cystic pathologies. This review aims to describe the role of different miRNAs in three worldwide relevant cystic diseases: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and pancreatic cyst tumors (PCTs), as well as their potential use as novel biomarkers.