bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Energy and Exhaust Emissions of a Gasifier Stove Feeding Pine and Hemp Pellets
Authors: Konieczna Anita , Mazur Kamila , Koniuszy Adam , Gawlik Andrzej , Sikorski Igor
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the results of research on the energetic use of self-combusted hemp pellets and co-firing with pine pellets. The tests were carried out with the use of a boiler equipped with a Lester Projekt Company gasifying burner and an automatic fuel feeding system. The boiler is equipped with an additional heat exchanger that enables the simulation of any heat load. The experimental stand so built guaranteed to obtain results adequate to the real operating conditions. The research material consisted of pellets made of waste biomass of the Futura 75 sowing hemp and pine sawdust pellets. The experiment was carried out in five proportions by mass of mixtures of both fuels (C-hemp, P-pine): 0:100 (P100), 25:75 (C25/P75), 50:50 (C50/P50), 75:25 (C75/P25), 100:0 (C100). For each variant, the following were determined: effective boiler power, boiler energy balance, boiler energy efficiency, the volumetric composition of flue gas (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide), excess air coefficient and the dust content of particle matter—PM10, PM2.5. The heating value was also determined for hemp pellets and pine sawdust pellets, accordingly 17.34 and 19.87 MJ·kg−1. The obtained test results were related both to the volume of exhaust gases leaving the boiler and to one kilowatt hour of heat produced. The obtained test results showed that the boiler fed with pine pellets achieved the highest thermal power (P100)—14.17 kW, while the smallest—hemp pellets (C100)—4.92 kW. The CO2 emissivity increased with the addition of pine pellets, from 26.13 g (C100) to 112.36 g (P100) relating to 1 m3 and from 430.04 g (C100) to 616.46 g (C25/P75) relating to 1 kWh of heat. In terms of dust emissions, it was found that the combustion of hemp pellets and mixtures thereof is a little worse than that of pine pellets.
Study on the Viscosity Optimization of Polymer Solutions in a Heavy Oil Reservoir Based on Process Simulation
Authors: Dou Xiangji , Wang An , Wang Shikai , Shao Dongdong , Xing Guoqiang , Qian Kun
Published: December 2022

Polymer flooding has been proved by many scholars for use in heavy oil reservoirs. However, due to mobility control effects and injectivity, selecting the appropriate solution viscosity is essential. It is difficult to form a deep understanding of the effect and mechanism of polymer flooding using conventional experimental methods with oil recovery as the reference standard, so it is necessary to conduct further study with the aid of simulation methods. In this study, a one-dimensional displacement mathematical model based on the Buckley–Leverett theory was established, and in the range of water–oil viscosity ratio from 0.1 to 0.6, the variation of water saturation along the flow caused by polymer solution was studied. The research results showed that under the action of a polymer solution, compared with water flooding, there was a decreasing region of water saturation along the flow due to oil phase accumulation. The larger the water–oil viscosity ratio, the larger the area of water saturation decline and the greater the degree of water saturation decline, resulting in a better the displacement effect. However, under the condition of oil–phase viscosity of 70 mPa·s, when the water–oil viscosity ratio reached 0.4, the range and degree of water saturation decline along the way no longer changed, all the crude oil that could be swept had been displaced, and the outlet end was close to producing only water, not oil; therefore, further increasing the water–oil viscosity ratio could not increase the oil recovery. At the same time, the increase in pressure had not changed, that is, the increase in pressure had not resulted in the same increase in oil recovery. When the viscosity of oil phase increased to 140 mPa·s, the same rule was displayed, the appropriate water–oil viscosity ratio was also 0.4. The paper analyzed the action mechanism of polymer solution through process description, and the results provided a clear selection method for selecting reasonable polymer solution concentration, as well as a reference for polymer solution range under different crude oil viscosity conditions.
Verification of Prediction Method Based on Machine Learning under Wake Effect Using Real-Time Digital Simulator
Authors: Park Rae-Jin , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Yoo Byungchan , Yoon Minhan , Jung Seungmin
Published: December 2022

With the increase in the penetration rate of renewable energy sources, a machine-learning-based forecasting system has been introduced to the grid sector to improve the participation rate in the electricity market and reduce energy losses. In these studies, correlation analysis of mechanical and environmental variables, including geographical figures, is considered a crucial point to increase the prediction’s accuracy. Various models have been applied in terms of accuracy, speed calculation, and amount of data based on a mathematical model that can calculate the wake; however, it can be difficult to derive variables such as air density, roughness length, and the effect of turbulence on the structural characteristics of wind turbines. Furthermore, wake accuracy could decrease due to the excessive variables that come from the wake effect parameters. In this paper, we intend to conduct research to improve prediction accuracy by considering the wake effect of wind turbines using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data from the Dongbok wind farm. The wake divides the wind direction into four parts and then recognizes and predicts the affected wind turbine. The predicted result is the wake wind speed and its conversion to power generation by applying a power curve. We try to show the efficiency of machine learning by comparing the wake wind speed and the power generation in the wake model. This result shows the error rate using evaluation metrics of regression, such as mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and weighted absolute percentage error (WAPE), and attempts to verify power system impact and efficiency through a real-time digital simulator (RTDS).
Building the Cognitive Enterprise in the Energy Sector
Authors: Pilipczuk Olga
Published: December 2022

Currently, emerging technologies support many problems arising in the energy industry. The “cognitive enterprise” concept, introduced by the IBM company, assumes that emerging technologies are used together with cognitive workflows to increase enterprise intelligence. The pursuit of enterprises from the energy sector to obtain the status of a cognitive enterprise requires the use of many emerging technologies, including cognitive technologies. Thus, the aim of the paper was to present the current state of research and identify the core components of the cognitive enterprise. To analyze the trends and challenges in scientific research development, the bibliometric approach was used. The analysis was made by means of the Web of Science and Scopus platforms; 70,177 records were retrieved. The results comprise the geographic distribution of research and the time analysis as well as the author and affiliation analysis. Additionally, descriptive statistics are provided. Consequently, the research milestones regarding the transformation of the traditional energy enterprise into the cognitive enterprise were defined. The findings of this research have supported the construction of the conceptual framework of the core transformation components for the cognitive energy enterprise. The study have several theoretical and practical implications. The proposed framework could be used to assess the level of readiness for transformation from the traditional to the cognitive energy enterprise. The discovered scientific gaps can constitute future research directions on cognitive enterprise concept.
Deep Learning for Modeling an Offshore Hybrid Wind–Wave Energy System
Authors: Dehghan Manshadi Mahsa , Mousavi Milad , Soltani M. , Mosavi Amir , Kovacs Levente
Published: December 2022

The combination of an offshore wind turbine and a wave energy converter on an integrated platform is an economical solution for the electrical power demand in coastal countries. Due to the expensive installation cost, a prediction should be used to investigate whether the location is suitable for these sites. For this purpose, this research presents the feasibility of installing a combined hybrid site in the desired coastal location by predicting the net produced power due to the environmental parameters. For combining these two systems, an optimized array includes ten turbines and ten wave energy converters. The mathematical equations of the net force on the two introduced systems and the produced power of the wind turbines are proposed. The turbines’ maximum forces are 4 kN, and for the wave energy converters are 6 kN, respectively. Furthermore, the comparison is conducted in order to find the optimum system. The comparison shows that the most effective system of desired environmental condition is introduced. A number of machine learning and deep learning methods are used to predict key parameters after collecting the dataset. Moreover, a comparative analysis is conducted to find a suitable model. The models’ performance has been well studied through generating the confusion matrix and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the hybrid site. The deep learning model outperformed other models, with an approximate accuracy of 0.96.
One-Year Monitoring of a Ground Heat Exchanger Using the In Situ Thermal Response Test: An Experimental Approach on Climatic Effects
Authors: Suft Oliver , Bertermann David
Published: December 2022

The use of renewable energies, and of geothermal energy in particular, is increasingly being applied in Germany and Europe for the development of new residential districts. The use of geothermal borehole heat exchangers (BHE), in combination with ground-source heat pumps (GSHP), represents an important part of shallow geothermal systems, which are used, among other systems, in urban areas due to their small space requirements. Over the course of planning BHE systems, performance must be determined via the parameters of thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, undisturbed ground temperature, and borehole thermal resistance. These can be identified by the experimental approach known as thermal response testing (TRT). The thermal parameters change due to the influences of the seasonal temperature fluctuations that take place in the ground. In this paper, a pilot double-U BHE heat exchanger field with a depth of 120 m was investigated from this perspective. TRT was carried out using monthly measurements taken over the period of one year using an electrically powered mobile TRT device. The evaluation of the individual tests was carried out using the line-source, moving-line-source, and cylinder-source theories. Our results show that the season in which TRT was implemented had an influence on the determined thermal parameters, with better thermal conditions being obtained in winter months. This is especially visible for thermal conductivity, with monthly deviations of 0.1 W/(m∙K), independent of the evaluation approaches used.
Influence of Injection Pressure and Aluminium Oxide Nano Particle-Added Fish Oil Methyl Ester on the Performance and Emission of Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Akkoli K. M. , Kamate S. C. , Topannavar S. N. , Bhavimani A. R. , Banapurmath N. R. , Veza Ibham , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Khan T. M. Yunus , El-Shafay A. S. , Kalam M. A. , Shivashimpi M. M. , Gulli Archana M.
Published: December 2022

The present experimental examination was carried out to suggest a better fuel blend with an optimised dosage level of alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3)—in a mixture of Fish Oil Methyl Ester (FOME) biodiesel and diesel—and injection pressure, wherein enhanced performance and reduced emissions were obtained via a diesel engine. The aluminium nanoparticles were added to the mixture in 5 mg/l steps through varying concentrations from 5 to 20 mg/L. The experimental results showed that engine performance quietly reduces with increased emission characteristics with the addition of raw FOME biodiesel compared to diesel. Furthermore, the addition of aluminium nanoparticles (Al2O3) improved the performance as well as the emission characteristics of the engine. Among all the test blends, the B40D60A20 blend provided a maximum brake thermal efficiency of 30.7%, which is 15.63% superior to raw FOME and 3.90% inferior to diesel fuel. The blend also showed reduced emissions, for instance, a reduction of 48.38% in CO, 17.51% in HC, 16.52% in NOx, and 20.89% in smoke compared to diesel fuel. Lastly, it was concluded that B40D60A20 at 260 bar is the optimised fuel blend, and 20 mg/l is the recommended dose level of aluminium nanoparticles (Al2O3) in the FOME–diesel mixture biodiesels in order to enhance the performance and emission parameters of a diesel engine.
Research on the HHT-Based Analysis Method of Tidal Power Generation Power Distribution Law
Authors: Huang Yuanfeng , Liu Yuqi , Ouyang Yani , Wang Haifeng
Published: December 2022

Tidal power generation technology has advanced quickly in recent years. In this study, the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) was used to examine the electrical energy distribution law of tidal power generation according to the time periods of days, months, and years based on observed data for tidal power generation. Our analysis summarized the tidal power generation law as follows: in the span of one day, the motor ran for 14 h before shutting off for 10 h. The frequency was 28 Hz, and the maximum voltage was 259 V. The tidal power generation swung twice a month, reaching its peak in the middle of the month and its trough at the beginning. The tidal power output fluctuated twice a year, reaching its peak in August, September, and October and its trough in February, March, and April. In the investigation of tidal power generation patterns, the HHT transformation’s precision and potency were confirmed.
Decarbonizing Thailand’s Economy: A Proposal
Authors: Lau Hon Chung
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes decarbonization pathways for Thailand based on a review of the status of renewable and fossil energies, technology evaluation and scenario studies. Results show that renewable electricity generation needs to grow at a 7.1% average annual growth rate (AAGR) between now and 2050 for the power sector to achieve net-zero by 2050. This would require it to reach 400 TWh, exceeding its technical potential. We propose a more achievable scenario of between 5% and 6% AAGR wherein renewable electricity will grow from 51 TWh to 217–291 TWh between 2020 and 2050. Gas-powered electricity will grow from 127 TWh to 185–111 TWh, requiring carbon capture and storage (CCS) to mitigate 75–45 Mtpa CO2 by 2050. For the transport sector, electric vehicles have the highest decarbonization potential, but they would add 45 TWh of electricity demand by 2050. For the industry sector, installing CCS in existing plants has the highest decarbonization potential. Overall, CCS is a key decarbonization technology and its large-scale implementation will be needed for Thailand to achieve net-zero by 2050.
How to Achieve Efficiencies beyond 22.1% for CdTe-Based Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Dharmadasa I. , Alam A.
Published: December 2022

This review paper summarises the key issues of CdTe and CdS/CdTe solar cells as observed over the past four decades, and focuses on two growth techniques, electrodeposition (ED) and closed space sublimation (CSS), which have successfully passed through the commercialisation process. Comprehensive experience in electrical contacts to CdTe, surfaces & interfaces, electroplated CdTe and solar cell development work led to the design and experimentally test grading of band gap multilayer solar cells, which has been applied to the CdS/CdTe structure. This paper presents the consistent and reproducible results learned through electroplated CdTe and devices, and suggestions are made for achieving or surpassing the record efficiency of 22.1% using the CSS material growth technique.
Application of Multilayer Extreme Learning Machine for Efficient Building Energy Prediction
Authors: Adegoke Muideen , Hafiz Alaka , Ajayi Saheed , Olu-Ajayi Razak
Published: December 2022

Building energy efficiency is vital, due to the substantial amount of energy consumed in buildings and the associated adverse effects. A high-accuracy energy prediction model is considered as one of the most effective ways to understand building energy efficiency. In several studies, various machine learning models have been proposed for the prediction of building energy efficiency. However, the existing models are based on classical machine learning approaches and small datasets. Using a small dataset and inefficient models may lead to poor generalization. In addition, it is not common to see studies examining the suitability of machine learning methods for forecasting the energy consumption of buildings during the early design phase so that more energy-efficient buildings can be constructed. Hence, for these purposes, we propose a multilayer extreme learning machine (MLELM) for the prediction of annual building energy consumption. Our MLELM fuses stacks of autoencoders (AEs) with an extreme learning machine (ELM). We designed the autoencoder based on the ELM concept, and it is used for feature extraction. Moreover, the autoencoders were trained in a layer-wise manner, employed to extract efficient features from the input data, and the extreme learning machine model was trained using the least squares technique for a fast learning speed. In addition, the ELM was used for decision making. In this research, we used a large dataset of residential buildings to capture various building sizes. We compared the proposed MLELM with other machine learning models commonly used for predicting building energy consumption. From the results, we validated that the proposed MLELM outperformed other comparison methods commonly used in building energy consumption prediction. From several experiments in this study, the proposed MLELM was identified as the most efficient predictive model for energy use before construction, which can be used to make informed decisions about, manage, and optimize building design before construction.
Case Study of Backup Application with Energy Storage in Microgrids
Authors: Nascimento Rafaela , Ramos Felipe , Pinheiro Aline , Junior Washington de Araujo Silva , Arcanjo Ayrlw M. C. , Filho Roberto F. Dias , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Marinho Manoel H. N.
Published: December 2022

The reliability of energy supply is an important factor for end-users of electricity. Although many advances and efforts have been made by distribution companies to guarantee energy quality, weak feeders and grids are still usually found. As an alternative to minimize such problems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) can be used to supply energy to users in the case of power outages or major energy quality problems. This paper presents test results on a real application scenario in a microgrid with different load configurations in the moment of interruption. The tests were compared to each other to analyze the impact found in each scenario. In addition to those, real unpremeditated cases of power quality problems were also discussed, and the performance of the utilized BESS was evaluated.
Methods of Ferroresonance Mitigation in Voltage Transformers in a 30 kV Power Supply Network
Authors: Kraszewski Wojciech , Syrek Przemysław , Mitoraj Mateusz
Published: December 2022

Inductive voltage transformers are the basic components of the switchgear equipment or electrical substations. This article presents problems related to their operation. Inductive voltage transformers were exposed to specific working conditions in the form of ferroresonance oscillations with the participation of measurement and protective transformers. The disadvantage and negative significance of the phenomenon contributed to the development of the most convenient elimination methods, which is the main goal and achievement of the publication. The analysis of the proposed solutions were carried out on a theoretical model of a 30 kV power network model created and run in the Electromagnetic Transients Program/Alternative Transients Program (EMTP/ATP). The article presents several results of computer simulations carried out together with their complete characteristics (phase voltage waveforms on the primary side of voltage transformers), which allowed us to indicate the disadvantages and advantages of the solutions developed, and choose the most favorable methods to eliminate nonlinear oscillations. In the article, we present an analysis of all aspects contributing to the solution to the problem. This has permitted an appropriate conclusion to be made indicating the advantage of the method based on the use of a damping resistor in the open delta circuit compared to other solutions. Current solutions are largely based on a product using active variation of the resistance of an open delta attached resistor. The concept in this paper is based on a fixed resistance value, which is a different approach to the problem. By using a switch, the resistor is only connected when a fault occurs. Thanks to this solution, the secondary winding of the open delta is not additionally loaded (despite the very high resistance) at all times during the operation of the power network, as is the case with the available solution.
Levelling the Photovoltaic Power Profile with the Integrated Energy Storage System
Authors: Benato Alberto , De Vanna Francesco , Stoppato Anna
Published: December 2022

The extensive penetration in the energy mix of variable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, guarantees boosting of the transition toward a decarbonized and sustainable energy system as well as tackling of climate targets. However, the instability and unpredictability of such sources predominantly affect their plant production. Thus, utility-scale energy storage is required to aid in balancing supply and demand and, as a result, to prevent unbalances that might cause issues at different grid levels. In the present study, the authors’ patented energy storage technology, known as Integrated Energy Storage System (I-ESS), is combined with a 10 MWp solar plant. The PV plant and the I-ESS unit function as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). The selected VPP management strategy attempts to optimize the daily hours during which the plant supplies steady power output. Numerical simulations show that the VPP plant can effectively smooth the PV peak and manage the power supply. In particular, by the definition of a novel metric expressing the ratio between regular hours of power provided to the grid plus the energy stored in the backup unit and the total number of hours in a year, the results show that the VPP regularity is relatively high in terms of PV output, ranging from a low of 50% in December to a high of 87% in August. Thus, the proposed VPP arrangement seems to be a promising technology for pushing toward the carbon-neutral transition.
Research into Impact of Leaving Waste Rocks in the Mined-Out Space on the Geomechanical State of the Rock Mass Surrounding the Longwall Face
Authors: Smoliński Adam , Malashkevych Dmyto , Petlovanyi Mykhailo , Rysbekov Kanay , Lozynskyi Vasyl , Sai Kateryna
Published: December 2022

Backfilling technology is not always used by mining enterprises, which is conditioned by technological and economic factors, such as the need for high mining rates and costs for the technological processes of transporting backfill materials from the daylight surface to the mined-out space. This concerns the underground mining of hard coal, which is a strategic energy resource, in the mines of Ukraine. This paper aims to study the effect of leaving the waste bottom rocks in the mined-out space of the longwall face without their drawing to the earth’s surface on the geomechanical state of the rocks surrounding the longwall face. The geomechanical assessment of the stress state of the rock mass surrounding the longwall face, when leaving the waste rocks from the seam bottom rocks in the mined-out space, is performed by the finite element method using the Ansys software package. A geomechanical model has been developed and substantiated, which adequately reflects the mining-geological conditions for seam mining within the extraction site, the actual structure and properties of the coal-bearing rock stratum, the parameters of the longwall face and the modified powered support for the processes of leaving the rocks in the mined-out space. The values and patterns have been determined of the decrease in the stress intensity concentrations in the coal-bearing roof mass in the frontal bearing pressure zone and destressing zone with an increase in the ratio of the rock pack thickness to the extracting seam thickness. The relative indicators of the load on the powered support section and the lowering of its roof have been determined by the ratio of the thickness of the rock pack formed in the mined-out space to the extracting seam thickness. The proposed mining method is of significant commercial and research interest for owners of coal mines developing thin coal seams because environmental costs for placing waste on the surface are reduced, and the energy potential of coal is increased due to the separation of waste rocks from coal in underground conditions. The need for a cycle of beneficiation of mined mass is eliminated and the geomechanical conditions of coal mining processes are improved.
On the “Thixotropic” Behavior of Fresh Cement Pastes
Authors: El Bitouri Youssef , Azéma Nathalie
Published: December 2022

Thixotropic behavior describes a time-dependent rheological behavior characterized by reversible changes. Fresh cementitious materials often require thixotropic behavior to ensure sufficient workability and proper casting without vibration. Non-thixotropic behavior induces a workability loss. Cementitious materials cannot be considered as an ideal thixotropic material due to cement hydration, which leads to irreversible changes. However, in some cases, cement paste may demonstrate thixotropic behavior during the dormant period of cement hydration. The aim of this work is to propose an approach able to quantify the contribution of cement hydration during the dormant period and to examine the conditions under which the cement paste may display thixotropic behavior. The proposed approach consists of a succession of stress growth procedures that allow the static yield stress to be measured. For an inert material, such as a calcite suspension, the structural build-up is due to the flocculation induced by attractive Van der Waals forces. This structural build-up is reversible. For cement paste, there is a significant increase in the static yield stress due to cement hydration. The addition of superplasticizer allows the thixotropic behavior to be maintained during the first hours due to its retarding effect. However, an increase in the superplasticizer dosage leads to a decrease in the magnitude of the Van der Waals forces, which can erase the thixotropic behavior.
Analysis of the Comparative Growth Kinetics of Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens YL1 in the Biodegradation of Sulfonamide Antibiotics Based on Substituent Structures and Substrate Toxicity
Authors: Yu Lan , Wang Yingning , Xin Junjie , Ma Fang , Guo Haijuan
Published: December 2022

The high consumption and emission of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) have a considerable threat to humans and ecosystems, so there is a need to develop safer and more effective methods than conventional strategies for the optimal removal of these compounds. In this study, four SAs with different substituents, sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and sulfamethazine (SMZ) were removed by a pure culture of Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens YL1. The effect of the initial SAs concentration on the growth rate of strain YL1 was investigated. The results showed that the strain YL1 effectively removed various SAs in the concentration range of 0.05–2.4 mmol·L−1. The Haldane model was used to perform simulations of the experimental data, and the regression coefficient of the model indicated that the model had a good predictive ability. During SAs degradation, the maximum specific growth rate of strain YL1 was ranked as SMX > SDZ > SMR > SMZ with constants of 0.311, 0.304, 0.302, and 0.285 h−1, respectively. In addition, the biodegradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) with a five-membered substituent was the fastest, while the six-membered substituent of SMZ was the slowest based on the parameters of the kinetic equation. Also, density functional theory (DFT) calculations such as frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), and molecular electrostatic potential map analysis were performed. It was evidenced that different substituents in SAs can affect the molecular orbital distribution and their stability, which led to the differences in the growth rate of strain YL1 and the degradation rate of SAs. Furthermore, the toxicity of P. ureafaciens is one of the crucial factors affecting the biodegradation rate: the more toxic the substrate and the degradation product are, the slower the microorganism grows. This study provides a theoretical basis for effective bioremediation using microorganisms in SAs-contaminated environments.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Protein from Pumpkin Seed Press Cake: Impact on Protein Yield and Techno-Functionality
Authors: Sert Deniz , Rohm Harald , Struck Susanne
Published: December 2022

Conventional solvent-based methods widely used for isolating plant proteins may deliver an unsatisfactory protein yield and/or result in protein degradation. The present study started with the optimization of pumpkin seed protein from press cake by alkaline extraction and subsequent isoelectric precipitation. Subsequently, extraction was supported by ultrasound under three conditions: ultrasonic treatment followed by alkaline extraction (US+AE), concomitant ultrasonic treatment and alkaline extraction (UAE), and alkaline extraction followed by ultrasonic treatment (AE+US). Compared to the control group, an increase in protein yield was achieved after ultrasonic treatment, while the highest protein yield was obtained with AE+US (57.8 ± 2.0%). Isolates with a protein content of 94.04 ± 0.77 g/100 g and a yield of 43.6 ± 0.97% were obtained under optimized conditions. Following ultrasonic treatment applied during extraction, solubility, foaming capacity, foam stability, and denaturation enthalpy of the isolated protein increased, and water binding capacity decreased as compared to non-sonicated samples. The d90 particle size percentile of the extracted suspensions was 376.68 ± 38.32 µm for the control experiments, and particle size was significantly reduced in ultrasound-assisted treatments down to d90 = 179.93 ± 13.24 µm for the AE+US treatment). Generally, ultrasonication resulted in a significant increase in protein yield and improved techno-functional properties of the isolates.
Hydrothermal Conversion of Food Waste to Carbonaceous Solid Fuel—A Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Khan Moonis Ali , Hameed Bassim H. , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Alothman Zeid A. , Alsohaimi Ibrahim H.
Published: December 2022

This review critically discussed recent developments in hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of food waste and its valorization to solid fuel. Food waste properties and fundamentals of the HTC reactor were also covered. The review further discussed the effect of temperature, contact time, pressure, water–biomass ratio, and heating rate on the HTC of food waste on the physiochemical properties of hydrochar. Literature review of the properties of the hydrochar produced from food waste in different studies shows that it possesses elemental, proximate, and energy properties that are comparable to sub-bituminous coal and may be used directly as fuel or co-combusted with coal. This work conclusively identified the existing research gaps and provided recommendation for future investigations.
Sustainable Coating Paperboard Packaging Material Based on Chitosan, Palmitic Acid, and Activated Carbon: Water Vapor and Fat Barrier Performance
Authors: dos Santos Jackson Wesley Silva , Garcia Vitor Augusto dos Santos , Venturini Anna Cecilia , Carvalho Rosemary Aparecida de , da Silva Classius Ferreira , Yoshida Cristiana Maria Pedroso
Published: December 2022

Synthetic polymer coatings impact the biodegradable behavior of cellulosic packaging material. The environmental consequences of food packaging disposal have increased consumer concern. The present study aimed to use natural polymer coatings incorporating palmitic acid and activated carbon applied to paperboard surfaces as a sustainable alternative to improve cellulosic packaging material’s moisture and fat barrier properties, minimizing the environmental impact. The coating formulation was defined using a Factorial Experimental Design with independent variables: chitosan, palmitic acid, activated carbon concentrations, and the number of coating layers. The highest concentration of chitosan (2.0% w/w) filled the pores of the cellulosic paperboard network, supporting the compounds incorporated into the filmogenic matrix and improving the fat resistance. The water vapor permeability of the coated paperboard material (range: 101 ± 43 to 221 ± 13 g·d−1·m−2) was influenced by the hydrophobicity effect of palmitic acid, the non-polar characteristic of activated carbon, and the number of applied layers. The coating formulation selected was a chitosan concentration of 2.0% (w/w), a palmitic acid concentration of 1.8% (w/w), an activated carbon concentration of 1.2% (w/w), and an application of three layers. The coating provides the potential for a paperboard surface application, improving the cellulosic packaging material’s fat and moisture barrier properties and maintaining biodegradability and recyclability.
Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activities, and Toxicological Screening of Native Australian Fruits Using Zebrafish Embryonic Model
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Kiloni Sarah , Cáceres-Vélez Paolin , Jusuf Patricia , Cottrell Jeremy , Dunshea Frank
Published: December 2022

Phytochemicals play a pivotal role in human health and drug discovery. The safety evaluation of plant extracts is a prerequisite to ensure that all phytochemicals are safe before translational development and human exposure. As phytochemicals are natural, they are generally considered safe, although this is not always true. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and safety evaluation of native Australian Muntries (Kunzea pomifera), Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), Davidson plum (Davidsonia) and Quandong peach (Santalum acuminatum) through the in vivo vertebrate zebrafish embryonic model. The highest total phenolic content (TPC; 793.89 ± 22.27 μg GAE/mg) was quantified in Kakadu plum, while the lowest TPC (614.44 ± 31.80 μg GAE/mg) was quantified in Muntries. Developmental alterations, mortality, and morbidity were assessed for toxicological screening of these selected native Australian fruit extracts. In this study, muntries were quantified as having the least LC50 value (169 mg/L) compared to Davidson plum (376 mg/L), Kakadu plum (>480 mg/L), and Quandong peach (>480 mg/L), which indicates that muntries extract was more toxic than other fruit extracts. Importantly, we found that adverse effects were not correlated to the total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of these native Australian fruits and cannot simply be predicted from the in vitro analysis. Conclusively, these selected native Australian fruit extracts are categorized as safe. This study could explore the use of these native Australian fruits in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and drug discovery.
Modeling Reconstructed Images of Jets Launched by SANE Super-Eddington Accretion Flows around SMBHs with the ngEHT
Authors: Curd Brandon , Emami Razieh , Roelofs Freek , Anantua Richard
Published: December 2022

Tidal disruption events (TDEs) around supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are a potential laboratory to study super-Eddington accretion disks and sometimes result in powerful jets or outflows which may shine in the radio and sub-millimeter bands. In this work, we modeled the thermal synchrotron emission of jets by general relativistic radiation magneto-hydrodynamics (GRRMHD) simulations of a BH accretion disk/jet system which assumed the TDE resulted in a magnetized accretion disk around a BH accreting at ∼12–25 times the Eddington accretion rate. Through synthetic observations with the Next Generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT) and an image reconstruction analysis, we demonstrate that TDE jets may provide compelling targets within the context of the models explored in this work. In particular, we found that jets launched by a SANE super-Eddington disk around a spin a*=0.9 reach the ngEHT detection threshold at large distances (up to 100 Mpc in this work). A two-temperature plasma in the jet or weaker jets, such as a spin a*=0 model, requires a much closer distance, as we demonstrate detection at 10 Mpc for limiting cases of a*=0,R=1 or a*=0.9,R=20. We also demonstrate that TDE jets may appear as superluminal sources if the BH is rapidly rotating and the jet is viewed nearly face on.
Investigation on Filtration Control of Zwitterionic Polymer AADN in High Temperature High Pressure Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Wang Ren , Yang Jie , Liu Luman , Wang Jianlong , Feng Zhenbo , Zhang Die , Gao Shan , Wang Jiao , Ren Han , Hui Baotong
Published: December 2022

With the exploration and development of high-temperature and high-salt deep oil and gas, more rigorous requirements are warranted for the performance of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs). In this study, acrylamide, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and N-vinylpyrrolidone were synthesized by free radical copolymerization in an aqueous solution to form a temperature and salt-resistant zwitterionic polymer gel filtration loss reducer (AADN). The zwitterionic polymer had excellent adsorption and hydration groups, which could effectively combine with bentonite through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction, strengthening the hydration film thickness on the surface of bentonite, and promoting the stable dispersion of drilling fluid. In addition, the reverse polyelectrolyte effect of zwitterionic polymers strengthened the drilling fluid’s ability to resist high-temperature and high-salt. The AADN-based drilling fluid showed excellent rheological and filtration control properties (FLAPI < 8 mL, FLHTHP < 29.6 mL) even after aging at high-temperature (200 °C) and high-salt (20 wt% NaCl) conditions. This study provides a new strategy for simultaneously improving the high-temperature and high-salt tolerance of WBDFs, presenting the potential for application in drilling in high-temperature and high-salt deep formations.
Local Tranexamic Acid for Preventing Hemorrhage in Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Dental and Minor Oral Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zaib Asma , Shaheryar Muhammad , Shakil Muhammad , Sarfraz Azza , Sarfraz Zouina , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan
Published: December 2022

Dental procedures have posed challenges in managing anticoagulated patients due to early reports of oral hemorrhage. This study aims to evaluate the risks of postoperative bleeding with the local application of tranexamic acid. A systematic search was conducted until 31 March 2022, with keywords including tranexamic acid, oral hemorrhage, dental, and/or coagulation. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4. In total, 430 patients were pooled in with the local application of tranexamic acid using mouthwash, irrigation, and compression with a gauze/gauze pad. The mean age was 61.8 years in the intervention group and 58.7 in the control group. Only 4 patients in the intervened group out of the 210 discontinued the trial due to non-drug-related adverse events. The risk difference was computed as −0.07 (p = 0.05), meaning that patients administered with local antifibrinolytic therapy for postoperative bleeding reduction for dental procedures were at a 7% less risk of oral bleeding. Current evidence on managing anticoagulated patients undergoing dental or oral procedures remains unclear. The present study presents favorable outcomes of postoperative bleeding with local tranexamic acid used in the postoperative period.
Toward Practical Spectral Imaging beyond a Laboratory Context
Authors: Kuzio Olivia R. , Farnand Susan P.
Published: December 2022

A portable, user-friendly multispectral imaging system assembled almost entirely of common photography equipment and open-source software has been developed. The system serves as an outreach and educational tool for demonstrating and promoting scientific imaging as a more routine practice in the contexts of cultural heritage digitization and photography. These efforts are aimed primarily at institutions where advanced imaging technologies are not already found, and where funding and expertise may limit access to commercial, bespoke multispectral imaging solutions that are currently available. The background and theory that were shared in tutorials given during the system’s initial testing campaign are detailed here. Testing was carried out in one-day on-site visits to six cooperating institutions of different sizes and collection types in the northeast USA. During these visits, the imaging system was presented, and the benefit of collecting spectral data using low barrier-to-entry capture and processing methods relative to conventional imaging methods was discussed. Imaging was conducted on site on selected collections objects to showcase the current capabilities of the system and to inform ongoing improvements to the setup and processing. This paper is a written companion piece to the visits, as a source of further detail and context for the two-light imaging system that was described and demonstrated.
Antecedents of Livelihood Development Using Cold Chains in the Horticultural Sector of the Emerging Markets: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Islam Maidul , Mukherjee Debarshi , Jena Lokesh Kumar , Chakraborty Subhayan , Hasan Khandakar Kamrul , Debnath Ranjit
Published: December 2022

Diversification into horticulture has become the primary source of livelihood for smallholders. The study analyses trends, theories, settings, constructions, research methods, and findings based on Keynes’ “confidence theory”, the absolute income hypothesis, and the human development index. Using the Theory, Constructs, Characteristics, and Methodology (TCCM) framework, the paper offers a Systematic Literature Review of 67 scholarly research papers with fifty or more citations published between 2000 and 2021 in EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The study advocates that a Cold Chain must be considered with the intervention of contract farming, government, cooperative or farmer-producer organisations to reap maximum benefits from horticultural production during the off-and-on seasons rather than selling to opportunistic intermediaries. The study also has important implications for future researchers and policy-makers but, most importantly, offers motivation to the investors for safe investment decisions in the cold chain infrastructure development for higher returns to producers cutting across their geographical, sociological, or economic contexts.
Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Aquatic Invertebrates, Planktons, and Microorganisms
Authors: Ma Tingting , Ye Chaoran , Wang Tiantian , Li Xiuhua , Luo Yongming
Published: December 2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), recognized worldwide as emerging pollutants, may pose a substantial threat to human health and our environment due to their stability, high concentrations, wide distribution, and easy accumulation. Ever since perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid were recognized by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the public has become increasingly concerned about potential contamination and the environmental risks associated with PFASs. Ubiquitous PFAS contamination of drinking water, groundwater, surface water, and sediment has been detected, especially in areas with rapid industrial and economic development. Its accumulation in living organisms and foods has accentuated the importance of investigations into aquatic organisms at the bottom of the food chain, as the stability and integrity of the food web as well as the population quantity and structure of the aquatic ecosystem may be affected. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the toxic and toxicity-related effects of PFASs on aquatic plankton, aquatic invertebrates and microorganisms, the characteristics of different target aquatic organisms in toxicity investigations, and a feasibility evaluation of PFAS substitutes to provide valuable suggestions for further utilization and regulation of PFASs and their substitutes.
Application of the Schroth Method in the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dimitrijević Vanja , Šćepanović Tijana , Jevtić Nikola , Rašković Bojan , Milankov Vukadin , Milosević Zoran , Ninković Srđan S. , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Obradović Borislav , Drid Patrik
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Idiopathic scoliosis can be defined as a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk, which occurs in basically healthy children. Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises have shown good results in reducing idiopathic scoliosis progression. This study aimed to critically evaluate the effect size of Schroth’s method through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2) Methods: Four databases were included in the search: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: “Schroth exercise”, “idiopathic scoliosis”, “Cobb angle”, “angle of trunk rotation”, and “quality of life”. Only articles written in English that met the following criteria were included in our study: subjects who had idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth method was applied, and Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life as outcomes. (3) Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The effect size of the Schroth exercise ranged from almost moderate to large, for the outcomes used: Cobb angle (ES = −0.492, p ˂ 0.005); ATR (ES = −0.471, p = 0.013); QoL (ES = 1.087, p ˂ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that the Schroth method has a positive effect on subjects with idiopathic scoliosis.