bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Assisted Man Overboard Detection Using Radars
Authors: Tsekenis Vasileios , Armeniakos Charalampos K. , Nikolaidis Viktor , Bithas Petros S. , Kanatas Athanasios G.
Published: June 2021

One of the most crucial emergencies that require instant action to be taken during traveling across water is the so-called man overboard (MOB). Thus, constant monitoring equipment needs to be installed for the fast notice and detection of the victim to be rescued, if an incident happens. Despite the fact that different installations such as radar sensors, thermal cameras etc., can be handy, a combination of these could be beneficial yet it would increase the complexity. Nevertheless, the full potential may be not reached yet. The key component to what needs to be done in order to achieve the utmost accuracy is artificial intelligence (AI). That is, with the aid of AI, one can deploy an automated surveillance system capable of making its own humanlike decisions regarding such incidents like MOB. To achieve this, fully organized real-time cooperation among the concerned system components is essential. The latter holds since in such dynamically changing operational environments like these, information must be distributed fast, errorless and reliably to the decision center. This study aims to analyze and demonstrate the outcome of an integrated sensor-based system that utilizes AI, implemented for ship incidents. Different machine learning algorithms were used where each one of them made use of information that originated from a cluster of radar sensors located remotely. In particular, the deployed system’s objective is to detect human motion so it can be used to protect against potentially fateful events during ship voyages.
Optimal Transmission Line Switching to Improve the Reliability of the Power System Considering AC Power Flows
Authors: Masache Paul , Carrión Diego , Cárdenas Jorge
Published: June 2021

The reliability of the electrical system is a fundamental study that is carried out to determine the possible deficiencies that an electrical system can have in case of failures, since a failure can cause disturbances, power cuts, and load disconnections. For this reason, Optimal Transmission Switching (OTS) with Optimal AC Power Flows (OPF-AC) is used to reduce disturbances when faults occur and minimize equipment load and disconnections, but OTS offers possible switches in order to make it possible to reduce the damage that can be done for a fault with operating limitations in voltage, power, and angular deviation. However, to have a complete study, it is proposed to use a reliability analysis through contingency ranking to know the risks that a switched system may have at the time of simultaneous or consecutive failures. In addition, a load capacity investigation is conducted to determine if the transmission lines are within their operating limits. The study presents an analysis of the behavior of the switched system and an adequate operation for the mitigation of failures in the system through the switching of transmission lines with analysis of load capacity and reliability. The results presented by the proposed methodology will be compared with Matlab’s Matpower simulation package.
Mitigating the Energy Consumption and the Carbon Emission in the Building Structures by Optimization of the Construction Processes
Authors: Tabrizikahou Alireza , Nowotarski Piotr
Published: June 2021

For decades, among other industries, the construction sector has accounted for high energy consumption and emissions. As the energy crisis and climate change have become a growing concern, mitigating energy usage is a significant issue. The operational and end of life phases are all included in the building life cycle stages. Although the operation stage accounts for more energy consumption with higher carbon emissions, the embodied stage occurs in a time-intensive manner. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the existing methods, aiming to lower the consumption of energy and carbon emission in the construction buildings through optimizing the construction processes, especially with the lean construction approach. First, the energy consumption and emissions for primary construction materials and processes are introduced. It is followed by a review of the structural optimization and lean techniques that seek to improve the construction processes. Then, the influence of these methods on the reduction of energy consumption is discussed. Based on these methods, a general algorithm is proposed with the purpose of improving the construction processes’ performance. It includes structural optimization and lean and life cycle assessments, which are expected to influence the possible reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions during the execution of construction works.
Stratified Control Applied to a Three-Phase Unbalanced Low Voltage Distribution Grid in a Local Peer-to-Peer Energy Community
Authors: Rao Bharath Varsh , Stefan Mark , Schwalbe Roman , Karl Roman , Kupzog Friederich , Kozek Martin
Published: June 2021

This paper presents control relationships between the low voltage distribution grid and flexibilities in a peer-to-peer local energy community using a stratified control strategy. With the increase in a diverse set of distributed energy resources and the next generation of loads such as electric storage, vehicles and heat pumps, it is paramount to maintain them optimally to guarantee grid security and supply continuity. Local energy communities are being introduced and gaining traction in recent years to drive the local production, distribution, consumption and trading of energy. The control scheme presented in this paper involves a stratified controller with grid and flexibility layers. The grid controller consists of a three-phase unbalanced optimal power flow using the holomorphic embedding load flow method wrapped around a genetic algorithm and various flexibility controllers, using three-phase unbalanced model predictive control. The control scheme generates active and reactive power set-points at points of common couplings where flexibilities are connected. The grid controller’s optimal power flow can introduce additional grid support functionalities to further increase grid stability. Flexibility controllers are recommended to actively track the obtained set-points from the grid controller, to ensure system-level optimization. Blockchain enables this control scheme by providing appropriate data exchange between the layers. This scheme is applied to a real low voltage rural grid in Austria, and the result analysis is presented.
Comparative Analysis of Meat Bone Meal and Meat Bone Combustion Using the Life Cycle Assessment Method
Authors: Kowalski Zygmunt , Muradin Magdalena , Kulczycka Joanna , Makara Agnieszka
Published: June 2021

LCA analysis with 16 impact categories was used for the comparison of two developed combustion technologies: Scenario I—the combustion of meat bone meal produced from all types of meat waste; Scenario II—the combustion of meat bones from the production of meat products. The key hotspots determined were electricity and natural gas consumption, covering as much as 98.2% of the total influence on the environment in Scenario I and 99.3% in Scenario II. Without taking into account the environmental burdens avoided, the LCA analysis showed that Scenario I was assessed to have 71.2% less environmental impact. The avoided burdens approach changed the relationship between the two scenarios. The absolute value score for the overall environmental impact shows that Scenario II can be more environmentally beneficial than Scenario I; however, Scenario I allowed the elimination of all types of Polish meat waste, and Scenario II could only be carried out in meat production units for the elimination of meat bone waste and by-products from meat processing (i.e., 23% of the total meat waste produced in Poland).
Optimal Solution for an Energy Efficient Construction of a Ventilated Façade Obtained by a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kalinović Saša M. , Tanikić Dejan I. , Djoković Jelena M. , Nikolić Ružica R. , Hadzima Branislav , Ulewicz Robert
Published: June 2021

To design a residential or commercial building with high energy performance that would be economical at the same time, an analysis was performed that relates these two aspects of the problem. The first aspect is focused on evaluation of the thermal performance of a multi-layered wall in order to achieve the lowest energy consumption for heating and cooling. The second aspect of the analysis covered the choice of materials (type, thickness and price) so that the building has the lowest possible construction costs, but the best achieved thermal comfort. The three types of external walls with the same structure were analyzed in this paper. The lowest and highest values of the layer thickness offered by the manufacturer were chosen and their dynamic characteristics for the heat transfer were calculated. The following step was to perform optimization of the objective function, which was defined by the unit price of the material per mass of the material, that is, the economical aspect was provided. The genetic algorithm method was used to obtain the optimal thickness of the external wall layers that provided the best dynamic characteristics for the heat transfer in the defined conditions.
Modernization of the Public Transport Bus Fleet in the Context of Low-Carbon Development in Poland
Authors: Dzikuć Maciej , Miśko Rafał , Szufa Szymon
Published: June 2021

The development of urban transport in recent years has become one of the most important issues related to improving the quality of life in Polish cities. Excessive pollution in the form of greenhouse gases and other harmful substances from buses affects people’s health as does the excessive noise. This article analysed the measures being taken to reduce emissions, and the results showed that it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 28 thousand megagrams (Mg) per annum. Policymakers in Poland should consider limiting electricity generation through coal combustion and recognize, at least temporarily, CNG/LNG-powered buses as low-carbon rolling stock and co-finance their purchase and the necessary infrastructure.
Numerical Evaluation of a HVAC System Based on a High-Performance Heat Transfer Fluid
Authors: Colangelo Gianpiero , Raho Brenda , Milanese Marco , de Risi Arturo
Published: June 2021

Nanofluids have great potential to improve the heat transfer properties of liquids, as demonstrated by recent studies. This paper presents a novel idea of utilizing nanofluid. It analyzes the performance of a HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system using a high-performance heat transfer fluid (water-glycol nanofluid with nanoparticles of Al2O3), in the university campus of Lecce, Italy. The work describes the dynamic model of the building and its heating and cooling system, realized through the simulation software TRNSYS 17. The use of heat transfer fluid inseminated by nanoparticles in a real HVAC system is an innovative application that is difficult to find in the scientific literature so far. This work focuses on comparing the efficiency of the system working with a traditional water-glycol mixture with the same system that uses Al2O3-nanofluid. The results obtained by means of the dynamic simulations have confirmed what theoretically assumed, indicating the working conditions of the HVAC system that lead to lower operating costs and higher COP and EER, guaranteeing the optimal conditions of thermo-hygrometric comfort inside the building. Finally, the results showed that the use of a nanofluid based on water-glycol mixture and alumina increases the efficiency about 10% and at the same time reduces the electrical energy consumption of the HVAC system.
Designing a Smart Gateway for Data Fusion Implementation in a Distributed Electronic System Used in Automotive Industry
Authors: Rîșteiu Mircea , Dobra Remus , Avram Alexandru , Samoilă Florin , Buică Georgeta , Rizzo Renato , Micu Dan Doru
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on the interdisciplinary research on the design of a smart gateway for managing the dynamic error code testing collected and generated by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) from the automotive industry. The techniques used to exchange information between the ECU code errors and knowledge bases, based on data fusion methods, allowed us to consolidate and ensure data reliability, and then to optimize processed data in our distributed electronic systems, as the basic state for Industry 4.0 standards. At the same time, they offered optimized data packets when the gateway was tested as a service integrator for ECU maintenance. The embedded programming solutions offered us safe, reliable, and flexible data packet management results on both communication systems (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Provider (TCP/IP) and Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus) on the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) tested for diesel, high-pressure common rail engines. The main goal of this paper is to provide a solution for a smart, hardware–software, Industry-4.0-ready gateway applicable in the automotive industry.
Review of Technical Design and Safety Requirements for Vehicle Chargers and Their Infrastructure According to National Swedish and Harmonized European Standards
Authors: Kersten Anton , Rodionov Artem , Kuder Manuel , Hammarström Thomas , Lesnicar Anton , Thiringer Torbjörn
Published: June 2021

Battery electric vehicles demand a wide variety of charging networks, such as charging stations and wallboxes, to be set up in the future. The high charging power (typically in the range of a couple of kW up to a couple of hundred kW) and the possibly long duration of the charging process (up to more than 24 h) put some special requirements on the electrical infrastructure of charging stations, sockets, and plugs. This paper gives an overview of the technical design requirements and considerations for vehicle charging stations, sockets, and plugs, including their infrastructure, according to the Swedish Standard 4364000, “Low-voltage electrical installations—Rules for design and erection of electrical installations”, and the corresponding harmonized European standards. In detail, the four internationally categorized charging modes are explained and the preferable charging plugs, including their two-bus communication, according to European Directives are shown. The dimensioning of the supply lines and the proper selection of the overcurrent protection device, the insulation monitor, and the residual current device are described. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the required safety measures, such as the application of an isolation transformer or the implementation of an overvoltage protection mechanism, and the limits for conducted electromagnetic emissions, such as low-frequency harmonics or high-frequency (150 kHz to 108 MHz) emissions, are given.
Revised Environmental Kuznets Curve for V4 Countries and Baltic States
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela , Wojciechowski Adam , Tomczyk Arkadiusz , Rabe Marcin
Published: June 2021

Sustainable development can be achieved when economic development does not produce environmental deterioration. In this context, the aim of the paper is to evaluate the effects of economic development on GHG emissions in the Baltic States (Latvia, Letonia, and Lithuania), and in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland (the Visegrád Group or V4 countries) in the period of 1996–2019. The study introduces dynamic ARDL panels in the context of the traditional environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and renewable Kuznets curve (RKC). The results indicated an inverse-N-shaped and a U-shaped pattern. Energy consumption and labour productivity enhanced pollution, while domestic credit to the private sector, as a share of GDP, and renewable energy consumption supported environmental protection. The implications of these results might help these countries to achieve the targets of the European Green Deal related to the reduction of pollution and the attainment of net zero emissions by 2050. However, national regulations should further promote the use of renewable energy sources.
Scenario Analysis of the Low Emission Energy System in Pakistan Using Integrated Energy Demand-Supply Modeling Approach
Authors: Abrar Sajid , Farzaneh Hooman
Published: June 2021

Pakistan’s dependence on energy imports, inefficient power generation and distribution, and lack of planned investment have made the country’s economy vulnerable. Low carbon and resilient climate development in Pakistan can help to ensure climate action and reduce the chronic energy deficit ailing the country’s economy, society, and environment. This study focuses on developing and applying an integrated energy supply-demand modeling framework based on a combination of microeconomics and system integration theories, which can be used to address policies that could dramatically change the future course of Pakistan toward a low emission energy system. The methodology involves medium-term forecasting of energy demand using an integration of top-down and bottom-up modeling approaches. The demand-side model is interlinked with a bottom-up technology assessment supply model. The objective of the supply-side model is to identify the optimal combination of resources and technologies, subject to satisfying technical, institutional, environmental, and economic constraints, using the cost minimization approach. The proposed integrated model is applied to enable a complete perspective to achieve overall reductions in energy consumption and generation and better analyze the effects of different scenarios on both energy demand and supply sides in Pakistan. The results revealed that, in the baseline case, the energy demand is expected to increase from 8.70 Mtoe [106.7 TWh] to 24.19 Mtoe [297.2 TWh] with an annual average growth rate of 6.60%. Increasing the share of renewable energy power generation by 2030 can help to reduce emissions by 24%, which is accompanied by a 13% increase in the total cost of power generation.
Development and Validation of a Dynamic Simulation Model for an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant
Authors: Temraz Ayman , Alobaid Falah , Link Jerome , Elweteedy Ahmed , Epple Bernd
Published: June 2021

The combined cycle power plants are the most recognized thermal power plants for their high efficiency, fast start-up capability, and relatively low environmental impact. Moreover, their flexible unit dispatch supports the share of renewable energy, which contributes to carbon mitigation. The operational flexibility of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants is a crucial factor for reliable grid stability. To evaluate the limitations and capabilities of ISCC power plants and their control structures, dynamic simulation is a feasible method. In this study, a sophisticated dynamic process model of the ISCC power plant in Kuraymat, Egypt, has been developed using APROS software. The model describes the plant with a high level of detail including the solar field, the heat recovery steam generator, and the control structures. The model was implemented structurally identical to the reference plant and tuned using the operational design data. Actual measurements were used as the basis for the initialization and validation of the dynamic simulation environment. Dynamic analysis of four different days was performed, then the simulation results were presented and compared with actual measurements. The comparison showed that the course of the actual measurements could be predicted with high accuracy. The solar field influences and the system’s overall power curves are reliably simulated. Consequently, the validated model can simulate the dynamic behavior of the ISCC power plant with a high degree of accuracy, and can be considered in future planning decisions.
Effectiveness of Artificial Neural Networks in Hedging against WTI Crude Oil Price Risk
Authors: Puka Radosław , Łamasz Bartosz , Michalski Marek
Published: June 2021

Despite the growing share of renewable energy sources, most of the world energy supply is still based on hydrocarbons and the vast majority of world transport is fuelled by oil products. Thus, the profitability of many companies may depend on the effective management of oil price risk. In this article, we analysed the effectiveness of artificial neural networks in hedging against the risk of WTI crude oil prices increase. This was reformulated from a regressive problem to a classification problem. The effectiveness of our approach, using artificial neural networks to classify observations, was verified for over ten years of WTI futures quotes, starting from 2009. The data analysis presented in this paper confirmed that the buyer of a call option was more often likely to incur a loss as a result of its purchase than make a profit after the final payoff from the call option. The results of the conducted research confirm that neural networks can be an effective form of protection against the risk of price fluctuations. The effectiveness of a network’s operation depends on the choice of assessment indicators, but analyses show that the networks which, for the indicator that was selected, gave the best results for the training set, also resulted in positive rates of return for the test set. Significantly, we also showed interdependence between seemingly unrelated indicators: percentage of the best possible results achieved in the analysed period of time by the proposed method and percentage of all available call options that were purchased based on the results from the networks that were used.
Food Sector as an Interactive Business World: A Framework for Research on Innovations
Authors: Gazdecki Michał , Leszczyński Grzegorz , Zieliński Marek
Published: June 2021

The objective of this paper is to enhance the dominant research perspective of innovations in the food market (power or supply chain centric) with an interactive/network approach. Many scholars identify the development challenges facing the food sector, including economic factors, changes in lifestyle, climate change, changes to the food consumption mix, shrinkage of Earth’s resources and interactions between food production and the environment, in the context of sustainable development. A new approach to innovations in the food market may shift it towards a more sustainable path of development. Based on a literature review, we present the specific conditions for innovation in the food market and discuss previous research as being focused on the power of operators and flows in supply chains. Methodologically, this paper puts these considerations in the context of interaction and business networks. We note that the concept of power and dependence can be embedded with the concept of interdependence, and flows in supply chains can be replaced by the concept of cooperation in business networks. We conceptualize a research framework based on innovative activities in business relationships and networks and we propose the following themes as research avenues for further research: (1) What drives innovation in food ecosystems? (2) When is the power-centric approach to innovations more effective than taking the perspective of interdependence? (3) How do network-born innovations develop in the food sector? (4) How do actors handle innovation in their business models? (5) What is the impact of innovations on the food sector?
A Way to Membrane-Based Environmental Remediation for Heavy Metal Removal
Authors: Algieri Catia , Chakraborty Sudip , Candamano Sebastiano
Published: June 2021

During the last century, industrialization has grown very fast and as a result heavy metals have contaminated many water sources. Due to their high toxicity, these pollutants are hazardous for humans, fish, and aquatic flora. Traditional techniques for their removal are adsorption, electro-dialysis, precipitation, and ion exchange, but they all present various drawbacks. Membrane technology represents an exciting alternative to the traditional ones characterized by high efficiency, low energy consumption and waste production, mild operating conditions, and easy scale-up. In this review, the attention has been focused on applying driven-pressure membrane processes for heavy metal removal, highlighting each of the positive and negative aspects. Advantages and disadvantages, and recent progress on the production of nanocomposite membranes and electrospun nanofiber membranes for the adsorption of heavy metal ions have also been reported and critically discussed. Finally, future prospective research activities and the key steps required to make their use effective on an industrial scale have been presented
An Axiology of Residual Green Urban Areas
Authors: Trovato Maria Rosa
Published: June 2021

Our cities are often characterised by a complex, ungrammatical articulation of spaces, volumes, intended uses, and values. The residual green urban areas are representative of a low level or absence of order, but above all, of functions and values. The study proposes a new methodological and operational approach to the rehabilitation of green residual urban areas, participatory type that can generate a new order between values, functions and actors, to mediate private and public needs, to promote new forms of responsibility and thus to implement some of the priority objectives set out in the 2030 Agenda. The operational tools supporting the approach are the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), public and private partnership (PPP) and crowdfunding. This approach supported the selection of the project and the creation of a budget with public and private funding to support the participatory rehabilitation of a residual green urban area in the municipality of Acireale. The amount of funding identified largely covers rehabilitation costs. The issue of the quality and quantity of urban greenery is crucial for the sustainability and resilience of cities to climate change. Rehabilitation of remaining urban green areas is an opportunity to meet the new needs of green areas, supporting communities in this new challenge.
Valorization of Bread Waste to a Fiber- and Protein-Rich Fungal Biomass
Authors: Svensson Sofie E. , Bucuricova Ludmila , Ferreira Jorge A. , Souza Filho Pedro F. , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Zamani Akram
Published: June 2021

Filamentous fungi can be used for the valorization of food waste as a value-added product. The goal of this study was the valorization of bread waste through fungal cultivation and the production of value-added products. The fungal cultivation was verified for upscaling from shake flasks to a bench-scale bioreactor (4.5 L) and a pilot-scale bioreactor (26 L). The fungus showed the ability to grow without any additional enzymes or nutrients, and it was able to consume a bread concentration of 4.5% (w/v) over 48 h. The biomass concentration in the shake flasks was 4.1 g/L at a 2.5% bread concentration, which increased to 22.5 g/L at a 15% bread concentration. The biomass concentrations obtained after 48 h of cultivation using a 4.5% bread concentration were 7.2–8.3 and 8.0 g/L in 4.5 and 26 L bioreactors, respectively. Increasing the aeration rate in the 4.5 L bioreactor decreased the amount of ethanol produced and slightly reduced the protein content of the fungal biomass. The initial protein value in the bread was around 13%, while the protein content in the harvested fungal biomass ranged from 27% to 36%. The nutritional value of the biomass produced was evaluated by analyzing the amino acids and fatty acids. This study presents the valorization of bread waste through the production of a protein- and fatty-acid-rich fungal biomass that is simultaneously a source of microfibers.
Impact of Cold Storage on Bioactive Compounds and Their Stability of 36 Organically Grown Beetroot Genotypes
Authors: Yasaminshirazi Khadijeh , Hartung Jens , Fleck Michael , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: June 2021

In order to exploit the functional properties of fresh beetroot all year round, maintaining the health-benefiting compounds is the key factor. Thirty-six beetroot genotypes were evaluated regarding their content of total dry matter, total phenolic compounds, betalain, nitrate, and total soluble sugars directly after harvest and after cold storage periods of one and four months. Samples were collected from two field experiments, which were conducted under organic conditions in Southwestern Germany in 2017 and 2018. The outcome of this study revealed a significant influence of genotype (p < 0.05) on all measured compounds. Furthermore, significant impacts were shown for storage period on total dry matter content, nitrate, and total phenolic compounds. The medians of nitrate content based on the genotypes studied within the experiment ranged between 4179 ± 1267–20,489 ± 2988 mg kg−1 DW (dry weight), and that for the total phenolic compounds varied between 201.45 ± 13.13 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW and 612.39 ± 40.58 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW (milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight). According to the significant influence of the interactions of storage period and genotype on total soluble sugars and betalain, the decrease or increase in the content of the assessed compounds during the cold storage noted to be genotype-specific. Therefore, to benefit beetroots with retained quality for an extended time after harvest, selection of the suitable genotype based on the intended final use is recommended.
Candida Oleophila Proliferated and Accelerated Accumulation of Suberin Poly Phenolic and Lignin at Wound Sites of Potato Tubers
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyuan , Jiang Hong , Silvy Esrat Mahmud , Zhao Shijia , Chai Xiuwei , Wang Bin , Li Zhicheng , Bi Yang , Prusky Dov
Published: June 2021

Candida oleophila is a type of biocontrol yeast offering effective postharvest disease control. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of C. oleophila upon the healing of tubers is yet to be studied. The present study addresses the existing knowledge gap by investigating the effect of C. oleophila on wound healing in potato tubers. The results show that C. oleophila colonized and proliferated at the wound sites during the early and intermediate stages of healing. In addition, C. oleophila reduced weight loss of wounded tubers, decreased disease index of inoculated tubers with Fusarium sulphureum, and accelerated accumulation of suberin poly phenolic (SPP) and lignin at wound sites. C. oleophila activated phenylpropanoid metabolism and increased the content of SPP monomers, total phenol, flavonoids, and lignin. Furthermore, the yeast increased H2O2 content as well as peroxidase activity.
Volatile Profiling of Pleurotus eryngii and Pleurotus ostreatus Mushrooms Cultivated on Agricultural and Agro-Industrial By-Products
Authors: Tagkouli Dimitra , Bekiaris Georgios , Pantazi Stella , Anastasopoulou Maria Eleni , Koutrotsios Georgios , Mallouchos Athanasios , Zervakis Georgios I. , Kalogeropoulos Nick
Published: June 2021

The influence of genetic (species, strain) and environmental (substrate) factors on the volatile profiles of eight strains of Pleurotus eryngii and P. ostreatus mushrooms cultivated on wheat straw or substrates enriched with winery or olive oil by products was investigated by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Selected samples were additionally roasted. More than 50 compounds were determined in fresh mushroom samples, with P. ostreatus presenting higher concentrations but a lower number of volatile compounds compared to P. eryngii. Roasting resulted in partial elimination of volatiles and the formation of pyrazines, Strecker aldehydes and sulfur compounds. Principal component analysis on the data obtained succeeded to discriminate among raw and cooked mushrooms as well as among Pleurotus species and strains, but not among different cultivation substrates. Ketones, alcohols and toluene were mainly responsible for discriminating among P. ostreatus strains while aldehydes and fatty acid methyl esters contributed more at separating P. eryngii strains.
Natural Food Polysaccharides Ameliorate Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yikun , Zhu Haibin , Wang Xiaoji , Yu Yue , Xie Jianhua
Published: June 2021

Natural polysaccharides and their metabolites’ short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have attracted much attention. Recently, they have shown great potential in attenuating systemic inflammation activities, especially in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a complex pathological process and is related to epithelial damage and microbiota imbalance in the gut. Recent studies have indicated that natural polysaccharides could improve IBD recovery by different mechanisms. They could not only influence the ratio of intestine microbiota, but also regulate the secretion levels of immunity cytokines through multiple pathways, the latter including modulation of the TLR/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways and stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Moreover, they could increase intestinal integrity and modulate oxidative stress. In this review, recent research about how natural polysaccharides impact the pathogenesis of IBD are summarized to prove the association between polysaccharides and disease recovery, which might contribute to the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, improve intestine epithelial damage, reduce oxidative stress, sustain the balanced microenvironment of the intestines, and finally lower the risk of IBD.
Towards Oxidatively Stable Emulsions Containing Iron-Loaded Liposomes: The Key Role of Phospholipid-to-Iron Ratio
Authors: Cengiz Alime , Schroën Karin , Berton-Carabin Claire
Published: June 2021

To encapsulate soluble iron, liposomes were prepared using unsaturated phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk), leading to high encapsulation efficiencies (82–99%). The iron concentration affected their oxidative stability: at 0.2 and 1 mM ferrous sulfate, the liposomes were stable, whereas at higher concentrations (10 and 48 mM), phospholipid oxidation was considerably higher. When applied in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, emulsions with liposomes containing low iron concentrations were much more stable to lipid oxidation than those added with liposomes containing higher iron concentrations, even though the overall iron concentration was similar (0.1 M). Iron-loaded liposomes thus have an antioxidant effect at high phospholipid-to-iron ratio, but act as pro-oxidants when this ratio is too low, most likely as a result of oxidation of the phospholipids themselves. This non-monotonic effect can be of crucial importance in the design of iron-fortified foods.
Amino Acid Profiling with Chemometric Analysis as a Feasible Tool for the Discrimination of Marine-Derived Peptide Powders
Authors: Wang Qin , Wang Yanchao , Jiang Xiaoming , Ma Lei , Li Zhaojie , Chang Yaoguang , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: June 2021

Marine-derived peptide powders have suffered from adulteration via the substitution of lower-price peptides or the addition of adulterants in the market. This study aims to establish an effective approach for the discrimination and detection of adulterants for four representative categories of marine-derived peptide powders, namely, oyster peptides, sea cucumber peptides, Antarctic krill peptides, and fish skin peptides, based on amino acid profiling alongside chemometric analysis. The principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis results indicate that four categories of marine-derived peptides could be distinctly classified into four clusters and aggregated with the respective raw materials. Taurine, glycine, lysine, and protein contents were the major discriminants. A reliable classification model was constructed and validated by the prediction dataset, mixture sample dataset, and unclassified sample dataset with accuracy values of 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively.
Effect of the Technological Process from Vine to Wine on Pesticide Residues in Vernaccia di Oristano Cultivar
Authors: Corrias Francesco , Taddeo Riccardo , Arru Nicola , Angioni Alberto
Published: June 2021

Vernaccia is a white grape mostly used to produce a distinct wine protected by the controlled designation of origin (DOC) recognition. It is very susceptible to fungal disease, and it is subjected to a defined management protocol in the field. Winemaking could influence pesticide residues through different mechanisms. This work investigated the influence on pesticide residues of the winemaking process at the industrial level of the wine Vernaccia di Oristano. Thirty-five samples of grapes, two musts, and two vines (both liquid fraction and pellets) were analyzed by using a validated multiresidue LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) method. Data obtained showed the presence in grapes juice of 16 pesticides (8 not allowed in the EU) with mandipropamid and mepanipyrim, the only ones with values higher than their MRL (maximum residue level). Pesticide residues decrease in must was related to the dilution effect due to mixing the grape samples. However, pellets analysis also confirmed the high affinity of pesticides for the suspended material (fenhexamid), whereas the increase in wine to a re-solubilization process from the lees during the fermentation step. The present paper highlighted the effectiveness of the technological process of winemaking to decrease pesticide residues compared to the raw material.
Acne Vulgaris and Intake of Selected Dietary Nutrients—A Summary of Information
Authors: Podgórska Aleksandra , Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Gromkowska-Kępka Krystyna Joanna , Socha Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic disease that affects a significant percentage of the world’s population. Its development is influenced by both external and internal factors. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the effect of basic nutrient intake on the exacerbation or alleviation of AV lesions. A retrospective review of publications in PubMed regarding diet therapy and the impact of individual nutrient intake on the skin condition of patients was conducted. Ingestion of products with a high glycaemic index may indirectly lead to sebum overproduction, which promotes infection with Cutibacterium acnes and causes inflammation. Consumption of certain dairy products may result in skin deterioration caused by the presence of hormones in these products, i.e., progesterone and testosterone precursors. The beneficial effect of fatty acids on the skin is manifested by the reduction in inflammation. Of significance in AV treatment are vitamins A, C, D, E and B, as well as mineral elements zinc and selenium. Proper nutrition may not only prevent or alleviate AV but also increase treatment efficacy.
Predicting Outflow Hydrographs of Potential Dike Breaches in a Bifurcating River System Using NARX Neural Networks
Authors: Bomers Anouk
Published: June 2021

Early flood forecasting systems can mitigate flood damage during extreme events. Typically, the effects of flood events in terms of inundation depths and extents are computed using detailed hydraulic models. However, a major drawback of these models is the computational time, which is generally in the order of hours to days for large river basins. Gaining insight in the outflow hydrographs in case of dike breaches is especially important to estimate inundation extents. In this study, NARX neural networks that were capable of predicting outflow hydrographs of multiple dike breaches accurately were developed. The timing of the dike failures and the cumulative outflow volumes were accurately predicted. These findings show that neural networks—specifically, NARX networks that are capable of predicting flood time series—have the potential to be used within a flood early warning system in the future.
Membrane Distillation for the Production of Pharmaceutical-Grade Water—Investigation into the Application of AGMD and VMD
Authors: Nellessen Cornelius , Klein Thomas , Rapp Hans-Jürgen , Rögener Frank
Published: June 2021

The production of pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and final products strongly depends on the utilization of water. Water is also required for the purification and preparation of reagents. Each specific application determines the respective water quality. In the European Union, the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) contains the official standards that assure quality control of pharmaceutical products during their life cycle. According to this, the production of water for pharmaceutical use is mainly based on multi-stage distillation and membrane processes, especially, reverse osmosis. Membrane distillation (MD) could be an alternative process to these classical methods. It offers advantages in terms of energy demand and a compact apparatus design. In the following study, the preparation of pharmaceutical-grade water from tap water in a one-step process using MD is presented. Special emphasis is placed on the performance of two different module designs and on the selection of optimum process parameters.
A Study of Diffusion Equation-Based Land-Use/Land-Cover Change Simulation
Authors: Jin Min , Feng Ruyi , Wang Lizhe , Yan Jining
Published: June 2021

Simulating and predicting the development and changes in urban land change can provide valuable references for the sustainable development of cities. However, the change process of urban land-use/land-cover is a complex process involving multiple factors and multiple relationships. This dilemma makes it very challenging to accurately simulate the results and to make predictions. In response to this problem, we started with the physical characteristics of the land-use/land-cover change process and constructed a diffusion equation to simulate and predict urban land-use/land-cover changes. The diffusion equation is used to describe the diffusion characteristics of the land-use/land-cover change process, which helps to understand the urban land-use/land-cover change process. The experimental results show that (1) the diffusion equation we constructed can simulate urban land-use/land-cover changes, (2) the simulation process of the model is not limited by the time interval of the time series data itself, and (3) the model only requires one parameter without other constraints.
Extending Geodemographics Using Data Primitives: A Review and a Methodological Proposal
Authors: Gray Jennie , Buckner Lisa , Comber Alexis
Published: June 2021

This paper reviews geodemographic classifications and developments in contemporary classifications. It develops a critique of current approaches and identifiea a number of key limitations. These include the problems associated with the geodemographic cluster label (few cluster members are typical or have the same properties as the cluster centre) and the failure of the static label to describe anything about the underlying neighbourhood processes and dynamics. To address these limitations, this paper proposed a data primitives approach. Data primitives are the fundamental dimensions or measurements that capture the processes of interest. They can be used to describe the current state of an area in a multivariate feature space, and states can be compared over multiple time periods for which data are available, through for example a change vector approach. In this way, emergent social processes, which may be too weak to result in a change in a cluster label, but are nonetheless important signals, can be captured. As states are updated (for example, as new data become available), inferences about different social processes can be made, as well as classification updates if required. State changes can also be used to determine neighbourhood trajectories and to predict or infer future states. A list of data primitives was suggested from a review of the mechanisms driving a number of neighbourhood-level social processes, with the aim of improving the wider understanding of the interaction of complex neighbourhood processes and their effects. A small case study was provided to illustrate the approach. In this way, the methods outlined in this paper suggest a more nuanced approach to geodemographic research, away from a focus on classifications and static data, towards approaches that capture the social dynamics experienced by neighbourhoods.
Structural Rearrangement of Dps-DNA Complex Caused by Divalent Mg and Fe Cations
Authors: Dadinova Liubov , Kamyshinsky Roman , Chesnokov Yury , Mozhaev Andrey , Matveev Vladimir , Gruzinov Andrey , Vasiliev Alexander , Shtykova Eleonora
Published: June 2021

Two independent, complementary methods of structural analysis were used to elucidate the effect of divalent magnesium and iron cations on the structure of the protective Dps-DNA complex. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) demonstrate that Mg2+ ions block the N-terminals of the Dps protein preventing its interaction with DNA. Non-interacting macromolecules of Dps and DNA remain in the solution in this case. The subsequent addition of the chelating agent (EDTA) leads to a complete restoration of the structure of the complex. Different effect was observed when Fe cations were added to the Dps-DNA complex; the presence of Fe2+ in solution leads to the total complex destruction and aggregation without possibility of the complex restoration with the chelating agent. Here, we discuss these different responses of the Dps-DNA complex on the presence of additional free metal cations, investigating the structure of the Dps protein with and without cations using SAXS and cryo-EM. Additionally, the single particle analysis of Dps with accumulated iron performed by cryo-EM shows localization of iron nanoparticles inside the Dps cavity next to the acidic (hydrophobic) pore, near three glutamate residues.
Selection of pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86 Coding Alleles after Uncomplicated Malaria Treatment by Artemether-Lumefantrine in Mali
Authors: Maiga Hamma , Grivoyannis Anastasia , Sagara Issaka , Traore Karim , Traore Oumar B. , Tolo Youssouf , Traore Aliou , Bamadio Amadou , Traore Zoumana I. , Sanogo Kassim , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Plowe Christopher V. , Djimde Abdoulaye A.
Published: June 2021

Background: Artemether-lumefantrine is a highly effective artemisinin-based combination therapy that was adopted in Mali as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study was designed to measure the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine and to assess the selection of the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) genotypes that have been associated with drug resistance. Methods: A 28-day follow-up efficacy trial of artemether-lumefantrine was conducted in patients aged 6 months and older suffering from uncomplicated falciparum malaria in four different Malian areas during the 2009 malaria transmission season. The polymorphic genetic markers MSP2, MSP1, and Ca1 were used to distinguish between recrudescence and reinfection. Reinfection and recrudescence were then grouped as recurrent infections and analyzed together by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to identify candidate markers for artemether-lumefantrine tolerance in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) gene and the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene. Results: Clinical outcomes in 326 patients (96.7%) were analyzed and the 28-day uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) rate was 73.9%. The total PCR-corrected 28-day ACPR was 97.2%. The pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y population prevalence decreased from 49.3% and 11.0% at baseline (n = 337) to 38.8% and 0% in patients with recurrent infection (n = 85); p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Parasite populations exposed to artemether-lumefantrine in this study were selected toward chloroquine-sensitivity and showed a promising trend that may warrant future targeted reintroduction of chloroquine or/and amodiaquine.