bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Energy and Economic Balance and GHG Emissions in the Production of Different Cultivars of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench): A Case Study in Northeastern Poland
Authors: Bielski Stanisław , Marks-Bielska Renata , Wiśniewski Paweł
Published: December 2022

Every type of agricultural production is a burden for the natural environment. The paper’s objective is to assess the energy use efficiency, GHG emissions, and provide an economic analysis of buckwheat production for Central Europe (Poland). The analysis and comparison involved two production systems: low-input and high-input ones. The experiment involved three varieties of buckwheat, Panda, Volma, and Mancan. The yields for analysis were obtained from the field experiment which was set up in 3k-p fractional design was applied in two replications in which at the same time five factors were tested (A—variety, B—mineral fertilisation, C—sowing rate, D—weed control, E—growth regulator). A quartile was used as a statistical tool to select production systems. A high-input buckwheat production regime required, on average, 74.00% more energy than a low-input system. The total mean energy input for three varieties ranged from 7532.7 to 13,106.9 MJ ha−1 for low- and high-input systems, respectively. The results show that the energy use efficiency, specific energy, and net energy gain for the low-input system were on average 1.51, 9.6 MJ kg−1, and 3878.8 MJ ha−1, respectively, for the investigated varieties. For the high-input system, it was 1.35, 10.9 MJ kg−1, 4529.9 MJ ha−1, respectively. The total CO2 equivalent emissions during buckwheat production were higher for the high-input system than for the low-input system by more than 40%. The economic analysis demonstrated that the high-input system had better economic efficiency (without EU payment), 1.01 on average, than the low-input system, 1.07 on average. The international literature does not offer research on energy analysis for the production of common buckwheat and GHG emissions. The findings of this study demonstrate how the production systems affect energy and economic efficiency as well as GHG emissions. The authors suggest further research in Europe and globally, particularly on the energy use efficiency and GHG emissions in the production of common buckwheat, to verify the present results and improve production technologies (reduce inputs and costs).
Investigation of Thermopressor with Incomplete Evaporation for Gas Turbine Intercooling Systems
Authors: Yu Zidong , Løvås Terese , Konovalov Dmytro , Trushliakov Eugeniy , Radchenko Mykola , Kobalava Halina , Radchenko Roman , Radchenko Andrii
Published: December 2022

One of the promising ways to increase fuel and modern gas turbine energy efficiency is using cyclic air intercooling between the stages of high- and low-pressure compressors. For intercooling, it is possible to use cooling in the surface heat exchanger and the contact method when water is injected into the compressor air path. In the presented research on the cooling contact method, it is proposed to use a thermopressor that implements the thermo-gas-dynamic compression process, i.e., increasing the airflow pressure by evaporation of the injected liquid in the flow, which moves at near-sonic speed. The thermopressor is a multifunctional contact heat exchanger when using this air-cooling method. This provides efficient high-dispersion liquid spraying after isotherming in the high-pressure compressor, increasing the pressure and decreasing the air temperature in front of the high-pressure compressor, reducing the work on compression. Drops of water injected into the air stream in the thermopressor can significantly affect its characteristics. An increase in the amount of water increases the aerodynamic resistance of the droplets in the stream. Hence, the pressure in the flow parts of the thermopressor can significantly decrease. Therefore, the study aims to experimentally determine the optimal amount of water for water injection in the thermopressor while ensuring a positive increase in the total pressure in the thermopressor under conditions of incomplete evaporation. The experimental results of the low-consumption thermopressor (air consumption up to 0.52 kg/s) characteristics with incomplete liquid evaporation in the flowing part are presented. The research found that the relative water amount to ensure incomplete evaporation in the thermopressor flow part is from 4 to 10% (0.0175–0.0487 kg/s), without significant pressure loss due to the resistance of the dispersed flow. The relative increase in airflow pressure is from 1.01 to 1.03 (5–10 kPa). Based on experimental data, empirical equations were obtained for calculating the relative pressure increase in the thermopressor with evaporation chamber diameters of up to 50 mm (relative flow path length is from 3 to 10 and Mach number is from 0.3 to 0.8).
Solar, Wind and Their Hybridization Integration for Multi-Machine Power System Oscillation Controllers Optimization: A Review
Authors: Sabo Aliyu , Kolapo Bashir , Odoh Theophilus , Dyari Musa , Abdul Wahab Noor , Veerasamy Veerapandiyan
Published: December 2022

Massive growth in global electrical energy demand has necessitated a genuine exploration and integration of solar and wind energy into the electrical power mix. This incorporation goes a long way in improving the cumulative generated power capacity of the power system. However, wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) are intermittent in nature, making the provisioning of a good maximum power tracking (MPPT) scheme necessary. Furthermore, the integration is characterized by synchronization challenges and introduces various modes of power system oscillations as it is converter-driven. This greatly affects the overall stability of the integrated power mix. Consequently, various technological models have been designed to address these challenges ranging from MPPT schemes, phase-lock loop (PLL), virtual synchronous generator (VSG), power system stabilizers (PSS), flexible AC transmission system (FACTS), coordinated control and artificial intelligence (AI). In this work, a multi-machine power system model is reviewed for integration stability studies. Various technical solutions associated with the integration are also reviewed. MPPT, PLL, VSG, PSS, FACTS, coordinated control, and various optimization technique schemes used for damping controller design are discussed.
Methods of Testing of Roller Rotational Resistance in Aspect of Energy Consumption of a Belt Conveyor
Authors: Kulinowski Piotr , Kasza Piotr , Zarzycki Jacek
Published: December 2022

The testing of roller rotational resistance is essential in improving and searching for new design solutions to reduce the energy consumption of belt transport. The publication presents three methods of testing idler rotational resistance using various laboratory test stands designed and built by the authors. According to the first method, the test consists of applying torque to the roller axis and measuring the resistance force to rotate the roller axis. According to the second method, the test consisted of speeding up the idler, measuring the free stopping time and determining the moment of resistance to rotating the idler. The third stand enables the simulation of loads recommended by the PN-M-46606: 2010 and DIN 22112 standards, as well as operational loads, while measuring the dynamic rotational resistance. The comparative tests used two rollers different in terms of bearing type, hub type and quality of craft. The research object was ø133 × 465 rollers, most commonly used in the raw materials industry. The result of the research carried out is the assessment of the possibility of reducing the energy consumption of the belt conveyor by appropriate selection of the design features of a typical idler.
Independent Power Producer Approach to Optimal Design and Operation of IES with Wind Power Plants
Authors: Son Yeong-Geon , Son Eun-Tae , Acquah Moses-Amoasi , Choo Sung-Hoon , Jo Hyun-Sik , Lee Ji-Eun , Kim Dong-Min , Kim Sung-Yul
Published: December 2022

In South Korea, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have been increasing with the application of energy policies, such as Feed in Tariff (FIT) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). However, a rapid increase in RES supply leads to an uncertain power supply due to the intermittent output of RES. A representative example is the curtailment of Wind Turbines (WT), which frequently occurs in Jeju Island, South Korea. The proportion of RES power on Jeju Island is 67%, and there are cases where WT is curtailed among the operable sections to maintain the balance of power supply and demand. This paper applies Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology to hydrogenate, store, and utilize unused power to solve this problem. In this paper, Aewol-eup in Jeju Island is selected as a target site for case study. An Integrated Energy System (IES) for various energy operations is designed to control RES output. This paper proposes the optimal facility configuration and finally drives the optimal design and operation solution of IES by analyzing the objective functions and focusing on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) perspective.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis of Suitable Location for Wind and Photovoltaic Power Plants on the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Villacreses Geovanna , Jijón Diego , Nicolalde Juan Francisco , Martínez-Gómez Javier , Betancourt Franz
Published: December 2022

The Galapagos Islands have been declared a World Heritage site due to their unique biodiversity, which makes them a living museum and a natural laboratory for humankind. However, to fulfill the energy needs of its habitants and foreign visitors, the islands have depended on fossil fuel energies that have produced levels of lead and chemical agents that are affecting the islands’ air quality, flora, and fauna. Therefore, zero-carbon initiatives have been created to protect the islands, wherein solar and wind power plants have been studied as reliable alternatives. In this way, Geographical Information Systems based on Multicriteria Decision Methods constitute a methodology that minimizes the destruction and disturbance of nature in order to assess the best location for the implementation of these alternative energy sources. Therefore, by exploring the geographical information along with the Analytical Hierarchical Processes and the Ordered Weighted Average methods, it was possible to identify the potential for solar power plants of 10 MW on each island; likewise, for wind power plants, it was found that the islands possess implementation potential that has been analyzed in the field, showing that the best location is on Baltra Island, but is not limited to it.
Determinants of Return-on-Equity (ROE) of Biogas Plants Operating in Poland
Authors: Kusz Dariusz , Bąk Iwona , Szczecińska Beata , Wicki Ludwik , Kusz Bożena
Published: December 2022

Poland has a large potential for biogas production from agricultural sources and food waste. This potential is still poorly used. There are many reasons for this state of affairs. We can indicate both the policy of the state towards renewable energy sources (RES) with a small amount of energy from biogas contracted at auctions, investment risk, and especially low return on investment in the absence of investment support. An important reason is also the limited state budget. The purpose of this work was to determine the endogenous factors that determine ROE, the direction of the impact of these factors, as well as the strategy of biogas plants in shaping the ROE level. The DuPont model was used in the analysis of ROE changes. We used the deviation method to determine the impact of the various factors on ROE. Against the background of the energy sector in Poland, the value of ROE in the examined biogas plants should be considered satisfactory, and in 2020 it was, on average, 13.9%. The decrease from 17.2% in 2019 occurred despite the increase in energy prices and the increase in the net profit margin (NPM). It resulted from the reduction of ROE’s financial leverage through external capital. A high level of debt characterized the examined biogas plants, and the pursuit of risk reduction and debt reduction negatively impacts on ROE. This may indicate the need for state investment support at the plant construction stage or low-interest investment loans to develop biogas plants. In addition, using only price guarantees under the feed-in tariffs, with dynamic changes in costs, may bring the industry a relatively high investment risk compared to other RES, where the operational costs during the lifetime are low, as it is in PV or wind systems.
A Comprehensive Performance Comparison between Segmental and Conventional Switched Reluctance Machines with Boost and Standard Converters
Authors: Lan Yuanfeng , Croonen Julien , Frikha Mohamed Amine , El Baghdadi Mohamed , Hegazy Omar
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the comparisons between two types of switched reluctance machines (SRMs) and SRM converters. An SRM with a segmental rotor is compared with a conventional SRM (CSRM), and an SRM converter containing a passive boost circuit is compared with a conventional asymmetric half-bridge (AHB) converter. The segmental SRM has an asymmetric rotor with a segmented structure. The four rotor segments are made of steel laminations. Two segments are misaligned with the other two by 15 degrees. The torque ripple of the SRM with this structure is decreased, and the static torque is increased compared to a conventional SRM. The boost converter comprises a front-end circuit and a conventional AHB converter. The front-end circuit boosts the voltage level. The boosted voltage accelerates the rising and falling progress of the phase current. In this way, the SRM can obtain a greater speed and a smaller torque ripple. The comparison is conducted in simulation and validated through the experimental results. The experiment results have demonstrated that the segmental SRM obtains a maximum 7% torque ripple reduction at a low-speed range, compared to the CSRM. With the boost converter, both the CSRM and the segmental SRM can achieve a lower torque ripple and a higher maximum speed.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Photovoltaic Soiling: Experimental and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Brahma Honey , Pant Shraiya , Micheli Leonardo , Smestad Greg P. , Sarmah Nabin
Published: December 2022

Soiling significantly impacts PV systems’ performance, but this can be mitigated through optimized frequency and timing of cleaning. This experimental study focused on the conditions leading to soiling. It utilized a novel method to evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning frequencies. The transmittance of horizontally mounted glass coupons exposed outdoors in a warm and humid location was measured weekly and these measurements were used (i) to evaluate the variability of soiling and its seasonal correlations with environmental factors using linear regression models and (ii) to assess the effectiveness of the different cleaning cycles using statistical (F- and t-test) analysis. The minimum transmittance loss occurred during the season with the most frequent rainfall, which acted as the dominant natural cleaning agent. The experimental campaign showed that rainfalls do not completely clean soiling; a minimum intensity threshold has to be achieved to have a cleaning effect. The threshold rainfall was the highest for the weekly cleaned glass coupon and lowest for a coupon that was never cleaned. Based on the statistical analysis, it is suggested that weekly cleanings during winter and post-monsoon seasons and monthly cleanings during pre-monsoon and southwest monsoon seasons are optimal for areas in the Köppen–Geiger Cwa climate classification category. The correlation between soiling and environmental parameters was found to be highly dependent on the season. It may therefore not be possible to develop a simple, universal predictive relationship for soiling losses. The presented methodology is applicable to additional locations, even outside of the study area of India, to contribute to the understanding and mitigation of soiling.
Determination of the Self-Ignition Behavior of the Accumulation of Sludge Dust and Sludge Pellets from the Sewage Sludge Thermal Drying Station
Authors: Dowbysz Adriana , Kukfisz Bożena , Samsonowicz Mariola , Bihałowicz Jan Stefan
Published: December 2022

Sewage sludge may pose a fire risk. The safe storage of biomass waste is a challenge due to self-heating processes. This study aims to assess the propensity to spontaneously combust of sewage sludge in order to determine safe storage and transport conditions. The evaluation of spontaneous ignition hazard was assessed according to EN 15188, by the determination of the self-ignition temperature. Certain parameters assumed to affect the inclination of sewage sludge to self-ignite, including the moisture content, bulk density, elemental composition, and particle size, were discussed. The results showed the risk of self-ignition during the storage and transport of sludge dust and pellets. The usage of the smallest basket volume resulted in the highest self-ignition temperatures, which were 186 °C and 160 °C for sludge pellets and dust, respectively. The comparison of the two forms of thermally dry sludge showed, that despite sludge pellets being easier to store and handle issues, the more favorable conditions for the management in terms of fire risk is sludge dust. Its temperatures for safe storage are slightly higher. The results highlighted that future research should focus on the hazards of silo fires and explosions in terms of silo fire prevention and management.
Treatment of Liquid Fraction of Digestate by Integrated Process Struvite Precipitation—Forward Osmosis
Authors: Urbanowska Agnieszka , Polowczyk Izabela , Kabsch-Korbutowicz Małgorzata
Published: December 2022

The research undertaken in this paper was aimed at determining the effect of struvite precipitation, one of the potential products that can be obtained during digestate management, on the performance of the non-pressurized membrane process—forward osmosis (FO). The effect of using an integrated struvite precipitation—forward osmosis process to treat the digestate liquid on the changes in the properties of organic substances present in the treated solution (particle size distribution, ζ-potential) was analysed as well. The study was conducted for the liquid fraction of municipal waste biogas plant digestate. The obtained results demonstrate the suitability of this process for recovering water from liquid digestate. It was found that forward osmosis conducted for a digestate pre-treated by chemical struvite precipitation leads to higher water flux values and increased salt concentration in the receiving solution (from 0.5 to 3 mol/dm3 NaCl). There is practically no concomitant infiltration of organic substances into the receiving solution. Therefore, the use of 3 mol/dm3 NaCl as a draw solution results in the recovery of the highest volume of water per unit of time. An analysis of the particle size distribution shows that the removal of the macromolecular fraction of organic compounds from the digestate mainly takes place simultaneously with the chemical precipitation of struvite. It was found that an increase in the concentration of the draw solution, which allows for greater water recovery, resulted in the aggregation of the concentrated organic molecules.
Assessment of Microbial Diversity during Thermophilic Anaerobic Co-Digestion for an Effective Valorization of Food Waste and Wheat Straw
Authors: Yangin-Gomec Cigdem , Agnihotri Swarnima , Ylitervo Päivi , Sárvári Horváth Ilona
Published: December 2022

In this study, predominant bacterial and archaeal populations and their roles during anaerobic mono-digestion of food waste (FW) and co-digestion of FW with straw pellets (SP) at thermophilic temperature (53 ± 1 °C) were assessed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis at organic loading rates (OLRs) of 3.0 and 7.0 gVS/L/d. Depending on the seed; results revealed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were, respectively the most prevalent bacterial phyla at both OLRs investigated. On the other hand, Euryarchaeota was dominated by methanogens playing crucial role in biogas production and correlated mainly with the activities of Methanobacteria and Methanomicrobia at class level. Acetoclastic Methanosaetae was the predominant genus at OLR = 3.0 gVS/L/d; however, shared the same predominance with hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanospirillium at the highest OLR. Although no clear effect in response to straw addition at OLR of 3.0 gVS/L/d could be seen in terms of methanogenic archaea at genus level, hydrogenotrophic methanogens revealed some shift from Methanobacterium to Methanospirillium at higher OLR. Nevertheless, no prominent microbial shift in the presence of wheat straw at increased OLR was likely due to adapted inoculation at start-up which was also demonstrated by relatively stable biogas yields during co-digestion.
Granulates Based on Bio and Industrial Waste and Biochar in a Sustainable Economy
Authors: Rostocki Andrzej , Unyay Hilal , Ławińska Katarzyna , Obraniak Andrzej
Published: December 2022

This review presents the latest research works detailing granulation processes and granulates, including and based on waste (bio and industrial) as a biofuel/energy source and the possible usage of granulates from and/or based on biochar. The innovative aspect is that the article focuses on the broadest possible environmental aspect understood in minimizing the burden related to the amount and composition of waste generated by various industries. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the processes as an effective method of waste management and also as energy sources. Based on various sources, a brief summary of why granulation is an important area of both scientific research and industrial applications is provided. The review also presents a summary of basic concepts and definitions in the topic of granulation—types of processes, apparatuses used, and examples of research results in the literature. The main part of the review is the analysis of the literature providing numerous examples on the usage of granules based on bio and industrial waste and various biochar granulates. The conclusions present the aspect of economical sustainability of granulation processes and the use of granulates as effective solutions for energy sources (fuel, biofuel), waste management, and applications in agriculture (soil additives, fertilizers).
Heat Transfer of Buoyancy and Radiation on the Free Convection Boundary Layer MHD Flow across a Stretchable Porous Sheet
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Khan Ziad , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Al-Sarairah Eman , Jawad Muhammad , Jan Rashid
Published: December 2022

Theoretical influence of the buoyancy and thermal radiation effects on the MHD (magnetohydrodynamics) flow across a stretchable porous sheet were analyzed in the present study. The Darcy–Forchheimer model and laminar flow were considered for the flow problem that was investigated. The flow was taken to incorporate a temperature-dependent heat source or sink. The study also incorporated the influences of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The general form of the buoyancy term in the momentum equation for a free convection boundary layer is derived in this study. A favorable comparison with earlier published studies was achieved. Graphs were used to investigate and explain how different physical parameters affect the velocity, the temperature, and the concentration field. Additionally, tables are included in order to discuss the outcomes of the Sherwood number, the Nusselt number, and skin friction. The fundamental governing partial differential equations (PDEs), which are used in the modeling and analysis of the MHD flow problem, were transformed into a collection of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by utilizing the similarity transformation. A semi-analytical approach homotopy analysis method (HAM) was applied for approximating the solutions of the modeled equations. The model finds several important applications, such as steel rolling, nuclear explosions, cooling of transmission lines, heating of the room by the use of a radiator, cooling the reactor core in nuclear power plants, design of fins, solar power technology, combustion chambers, astrophysical flow, electric transformers, and rectifiers. Among the various outcomes of the study, it was discovered that skin friction surges for 0.3 ≤F1≤ 0.6, 0.1 ≤k1≤ 0.4 and 0.3 ≤M≤ 1.0, snf declines for 1.0 ≤Gr≤ 4.0. Moreover, the Nusselt number augments for 0.5 ≤R≤ 1.5, 0.2 ≤Nt≤ 0.8 and 0.3 ≤Nb≤ 0.9, and declines for 2.5 ≤Pr≤ 5.5. The Sherwood number increases for 0.2 ≤Nt≤ 0.8 and 0.3 ≤Sc≤ 0.9, and decreases for 0.1 ≤Nb≤ 0.7.
Biomimetic and Constructal Design of Alveolus-Inspired Extended Surfaces for Heat Dispersion
Authors: Robinson Aidan , Das Prodip K.
Published: December 2022

Biomimetics is a school of design based on taking inspiration from nature to solve complex problems. This is done with the assumption that the natural world already has solutions to many engineering problems that have been refined through trial and error—an example of the constructal law. In this study, biomimicry is used to investigate the impact of the shape of an extended surface for mixed convection cooling within the context of the cavity problem. This is a simplified two-dimensional case that aims to develop new heat dispersal ideas for use in electronics, power generation, and industrial applications. A numerical model is developed and solved using ANSYS Fluent and the results were examined for varying Reynolds, Rayleigh, and Richardson numbers with the goal of maximizing heat transfer. The results show that the alveolus-inspired fin design provides better heat transfer compared with the design based on a rectangular fin in a cavity.
Molecular Traits for Adaptation to Drought and Salt Stress in Birch, Oak and Poplar Species
Authors: Tikhomirova Tatyana S. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: December 2022

Betula spp., Quercus spp., and Populus spp. are the most promising deciduous woody plants in forestry. However, these species were found to be sensitive to climate change that can badly affect their plantations. Thus, a deep understanding of genetic mechanisms of adaptation to adverse environmental conditions plays an important role in preventing the reduction of deciduous forest area. This mini review describes the stress responses of Betula spp., Quercus spp., and Populus spp. to drought and salt stresses. The overall stress response of the reviewed tree species includes ROS scavenging, ABA- and JA-mediated signaling pathways, and antioxidant and chaperone activities. Short-term drought promotes accumulation of proline, indicating the osmotic stress response. In turn, long-term drought stress activates the DNA repair and chromatin remodeling systems aimed at adapting and gene protecting. Furthermore, alternative pathways of carbohydrate production are used under nutrient deficiencies. It should be noted that stomatal movement control and cell wall remodeling are always observed during drought. In turn, the main response to salt stress includes the maintenance of ion homeostasis and the accumulation of osmoprotectant, as well as cell wall remodeling due to the biosynthesis of cellulotic and non-cellulotic cell wall compounds. It should be noted that the described species demonstrate similar molecular traits for adaptation to drought and salt stress, which may be due to their common habitats.
Increasing Wood δ15N in Response to Pig Manure Application
Authors: Camarero Jesús Julio , Gazol Antonio , González de Andrés Ester , Valeriano Cristina , Igual José M. , Causapé Jesús
Published: December 2022

Intensive livestock management impacts forest and trees in different ways. Pig manure is a major source of nitrogen (N) pollution of surface and ground waters in some European regions such as north-eastern Spain, but it is understudied how manure application impacts agroforestry systems. How pig manure affects tree radial growth and the N cycle was assessed by measuring N concentrations in soil, leaves and wood and δ15N in tree-ring wood in two tree species widely planted for agricultural (Prunus dulcis) and reforestation (Pinus halepensis) purposes in the study area. Soil physicochemical characteristics and the biomass and structure of major soil microbial groups were also measured. Trees irrigated with pig effluent (manure application) and control trees not subjected to manure application were compared. Soil N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations of fertilized trees increased, but soil microbiota biomass decreased. Similar growth between fertilized and non-fertilized pine trees was found, but lower growth in fertilized almond trees was observed. Leaf N concentrations decreased but δ15N wood increased in trees subjected to pig manure application. Pig manure application alters the N cycling in the soil and within trees.
The Effects of Spatial Characteristics and Visual and Smell Environments on the Soundscape of Waterfront Space in Mountainous Cities
Authors: Zhong Bingzhi , Xie Hui , Gao Tian , Qiu Ling , Li Heng , Zhang Zhengkai
Published: December 2022

The soundscape of waterfront space in mountainous cities (WSMC) can affect people’s physical and mental health. Taking seven WSMCs in Chongqing, China, as the study area, this study aimed to investigate the soundscape and explore the influence of spatial characteristics and visual and smell environments on the soundscape of WSMCs through a sensewalking approach. The results show that the soundscape evaluations of WSMCs are of poor quality, and traffic sounds are dominant (33%). Among spatial characteristics, the position relative to the road (including vertical and horizontal distances) had a greater impact than other spatial indicators on soundscape evaluations. Elevation was positively correlated with the A-weighted equivalent sound level (LAeq) and negatively correlated with the soundscape comfort degree (SCD). In terms of visual elements, the proportions of paved ground, pedestrians, and buildings had negative effects on the soundscape, while those of the sky, water, and natural terrain had positive effects. High visual and smell environment quality can enhance soundscape evaluations, although the smell environment had a greater impact on the SCD than the visual environment in WSMCs. Finally, this study summarizes the recommended values of spatial characteristics and visual and smell environment indicators to put forward references for the soundscape design of WSMCs.
Screening and Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria with Potential Immunostimulatory Activity Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Lee Jaekoo , Kim Seonyoung , Kang Chang-Ho
Published: December 2022

The modulation of the immune system is a major mechanism through which probiotics exert beneficial effects on health. Probiotics, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have been reported to enhance innate immunity. The purpose of this study was to screen for LAB strains with excellent immunostimulatory activity isolated from kimchi. We selected five promising strains (Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG5489, Lactococcus lactis MG5542, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MG5559, Latilactobacillus sakei MG5468, and Latilactobacillus curvatus MG5609) that exhibited immune-stimulating effects by inducing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells. The selected strains significantly increased phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Furthermore, the safety of the selected strains was determined using hemolysis and antibiotic susceptibility tests. The stabilities and adhesion abilities of these strains in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were also determined. Taken together, these findings suggest that the strains selected in this study have the potential to be novel probiotics to enhance immunity.
Utility of Sharing Economy Principles in the Development of Applications Dedicated to Construction Cost Estimation
Authors: Sfichi Adrian , Zadobrischi Eduard , Sfichi Narcisa , Bădeliță Marian , Medrihan Mihai
Published: December 2022

This research aims to highlight the importance and notoriety that an application based on heuristic algorithms can have in the field of e-commerce in the construction niche, guiding us on participatory economy principles. The expansion of e-commerce has shaped a new directive and increased the complexity of logistics, being a topical and critical issue. Users want the goods to be delivered in a timely manner to the specified address and to benefit from the fastest services. These aspects are challenging to achieve given that most operations fall within the remit of specialized staff within an e-commerce company. In this context, a service-type software application dedicated to the construction field was created to increase productivity, applying the principles of the sharing economy and developing intelligent algorithms. Coestim is a cloud-based SaaS solution for construction work estimations and a marketplace for construction-market-related products. Equipment rental, specialists, tracking the traceability process, generating a quote, and increasing productivity are essential components of the developed application.
Polymer-Modified Cellulose Nanofibrils Cross-Linked with Cobalt Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Gel Ink for 3D Printing Objects with Magnetic and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Mietner Jakob Benedikt , Willruth Sebastian , Komban Rajesh , Gimmler Christoph , Nehmeh Bilal , Navarro Julien R. G.
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a strategy to convert hydrophilic cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) into a highly cross-linked hydrophobic network with inorganic nanoparticles to develop a gel ink suitable for gel 3D printing. The CNF were chemically modified initially through a single-electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of stearyl acrylate (SA) in the presence of the surface-modified cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4, CFO) nanoparticles. The modified CFO nanoparticles provide their multifunctional properties, such as magnetic and electrochemical, to the CNF hybrid network and, at the same time, act as cross-linking agents between the nanocellulose fibrils, while the grafted poly-stearyl acrylate (PSA) introduces a strong hydrophobicity in the network. A suitable gel ink form of this CNF–PSA–CFO material for gel 3D printing was achieved together with a certain solvent. Some test structure prints were directly obtained with the CNF–PSA–CFO gel and were used to evaluate the consolidation of such 3D objects through solvent exchange and freeze-drying while also keeping the magnetic and electrochemical properties of CFO in the CNF-based composite intact. The pristine CNF and CFO particles and the CNF–PSA–CFO were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XPS, TGA, VSM, and CV measurements.
Conflicts and Challenges of Sustainable Fisheries Governance Cooperation under the Securitization of the Maritime Commons
Authors: Luo Guoqiang , Chi Zhixin
Published: December 2022

There is a growing trend towards securitization of the maritime commons, which seriously impacts sustainable fisheries governance cooperation. This impact is mainly reflected in the fact that it undermines the effectiveness of the international legal framework for sustainable fisheries governance, which is fragmented and runs based on countries’ willingness. It makes the international legal basis for sustainable fisheries governance cooperation more fragile. As a result, countries are more inclined to take the issues of sustainable fisheries governance and its sub-issues as security-related issues or tools for achieving maritime security strategies. Ultimately, it will lead to confrontation rather than cooperation in sustainable fisheries governance. Evidence that can support this theory is from combating IUU fishing, a sub-issue of sustainable fisheries governance, in the Northeast Asia Pacific and the South China Sea. From securitization theory and international law theory perspectives, desecuritization is the core of the solutions, including the desecuritization of the maritime commons and the desecuritization of its sub-issues. In practice, desecuritization includes improving the effectiveness of the international legal framework for sustainable fisheries governance and establishing regional cooperative governance mechanisms. The result will certainly help to promote sustainable fisheries governance cooperation on a regional and global scale.
Effect of Environmental Microorganisms on Fermentation Microbial Community of Sauce-Flavor baijiu
Authors: Lu Yuhan , Zhang Chengnan , Zhao He , Min Weihong , Zhu Hua , Wang Hongan , Lu Hongyun , Li Xiuting , Xu Youqiang , Li Weiwei
Published: December 2022

The compositions of the microbial community in fermented grains of Sauce-flavor baijiu produced in different regions have diverse characteristics; however, the reasons for this remain unclear. The present study investigated the contributions of environmental microorganisms to the microbial community as well as the volatile compounds in the fermented grains of Sauce-flavor baijiu produced in the Beijing region using high-throughput sequencing combined with sourcetracker analysis, and compared the differences of environmental microorganism and their roles in the production process of Sauce-flavor baijiu from different regions.The results showed that the environmental microorganisms in the tools were the main contributors of the bacterial and fungal communities in fermented grains during heap fermentation and at the beginning of pit fermentation. At the end of pit fermentation, pit mud was the main environmental source of bacterial community in fermented grains, while tools and Daqu were the main environmental sources of fungal community in fermented grains.Environmental microorganisms thrived on the functional microorganisms in the fermented grains of Sauce-flavor baijiu produced in the Beijing region and thus shaped the profiles of volatile compounds. Environmental microorganisms of Sauce-flavor baijiu in the Guizhou province and the Beijing region differed significantly, which is partially responsible for the distinctive characteristics in the microbial community structure of Sauce-flavor baijiu-fermented grains from different regions.
Does Dietary Lipid Level Affect the Quality of Triploid Rainbow Trout and How Should It Be Assessed?
Authors: Meng Yuqiong , Liu Xiaohong , Guan Lingling , Bao Shoumin , Zhuo Linying , Tian Haining , Li Changzhong , Ma Rui
Published: December 2022

Organoleptic properties and nutritional value are the most important characteristics of fish fillet quality, which can be determined by a series of quality evaluation indexes and closely related to fish nutrition. Systematic organoleptic and nutritional quality evaluation indexes consisting of 139 indexes for physical properties and chemical compositions of triploid rainbow trout were established. Besides, effects of dietary lipid levels (6.6%, 14.8%, 22.8% and 29.4%) on the quality of triploid rainbow trout were analyzed in the study. The main results showed that, for fillet appearance quality, fish fed diets with lipid levels above 22.8% had higher fillet thickness and redness but lower gutted yield and fillet yield (p < 0.05). For fillet texture, fish fed the diet with a 6.6% lipid level had the highest fillet hardness (5.59 N) and lowest adhesiveness (1.98 mJ) (p < 0.05), which could be related to lipid, glycogen, water soluble protein and collagen contents of the fish fillet. For fillet odor, the odor intensity of “green, fatty and fishy” significantly increased with the increase of the dietary lipid level (from 1400 to 2773 ng/g muscle; p < 0.05), which was related to the degradation of n-6 and n-9 fatty acids. For fillet taste, a high lipid diet (≥22.8%) could increase the umami taste compounds contents (from 114 to 261 mg/100 g muscle) but decrease the bitterness and sourness taste compounds contents (from 127 to 106 mg/100 g muscle and from 1468 to 1075 mg/100 g muscle, respectively) (p < 0.05). For nutritional value, a high lipid diet could increase the lipid nutrition level (such as the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids increased from 3.47 to 4.41 g/kg muscle) but decease tryptophan and selenium content (from 2.48 to 1.60 g/kg muscle and from 0.17 to 0.11 g/kg muscle, respectively). In total, a high lipid diet could improve the quality of triploid rainbow trout. The minimum dietary lipid level for triploid rainbow trout should be 22.8% to keep the better organoleptic and nutritional quality.
Dietary Supplements among Children Ages 0–3 Years in Poland—Are They Necessary?
Authors: Woźniak Dagmara , Przysławski Juliusz , Banaszak Michalina , Drzymała-Czyż Sławomira
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: One of the ways to prevent nutritional deficiencies may be supplementation. Experts have observed the increased use of dietary supplements, not only in adults but also in children. Considering controversies among dietary supplements and possible errors in children’s feeding, the goal of our research was to evaluate use and reasons behind supplementation in terms of children’s diet analysis. (2) Methods: Our research involved 507 legal guardians of the youngest children (up to 3 years of age) and was conducted via a questionnaire. (3) Results: 79% of all children received dietary supplements. The analysis of children’s diets showed a need to implement omega-3 acids and vitamin D supplementation, which was very low in children. On the other hand, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, and copper levels were extremely high. (4) Conclusions: Popularity of dietary supplements in Polish children aged 0–3 years old is an omnipresent issue. Although the reasoning behind administering nutritional supplements to children seems justified, considering the supply of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, it seems justified to increase parents’ knowledge in this regard in terms of the use and means to choose the best supplement possible, as dietary supplementation should always be tailored to individual needs.
An Accurate and Rapid Way for Identifying Food Geographical Origin and Authenticity: Editable DNA-Traceable Barcode
Authors: Liu Kehan , Xing Ranran , Sun Ruixue , Ge Yiqiang , Chen Ying
Published: December 2022

DNA offers significant advantages in information density, durability, and replication efficiency compared with information labeling solutions using electronic, magnetic, or optical devices. Synthetic DNA containing specific information via gene editing techniques is a promising identifying approach. We developed a new traceability approach to convert traditional digitized information into DNA sequence information. We used encapsulation to make it stable for storage and to enable reading and detection by DNA sequencing and PCR-capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE). The synthesized fragment consisted of a short fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from the Holothuria fuscogilva (ID: LC593268.1), inserted geographical origin information (18 bp), and authenticity information from Citrus sinensis (20 bp). The obtained DNA-traceable barcodes were cloned into vector PMD19-T. Sanger sequencing of the DNA-traceable barcode vector was 100% accurate and provided a complete readout of the traceability information. Using selected recognition primers CAI-B, DNA-traceable barcodes were identified rapidly by PCR amplification. We encapsulated the DNA-traceable barcodes into amorphous silica spheres and improved the encapsulation procedure to ensure the durability of the DNA-traceable barcodes. To demonstrate the applicability of DNA-traceable barcodes as product labels, we selected Citrus sinensis as an example. We found that the recovered and purified DNA-traceable barcode can be analyzed by standard techniques (PCR-CE for DNA-traceable barcode identification and DNA sequencing for readout). This study provides an accurate and rapid approach to identifying and certifying products’ authenticity and traceability.
Increasing the Safety and Storage of Pre-Packed Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables by Supercritical CO2 Process
Authors: Zambon Alessandro , González-Alonso Víctor , Lomolino Giovanna , Zulli Riccardo , Rajkovic Andreja , Spilimbergo Sara
Published: December 2022

This work presents a feasibility lab-scale study for a new preservation method to inactivate microorganisms and increase the shelf life of pre-packed fresh-cut products. Experiments were conducted on coriander leaves and fresh-cut carrots and coconut. The technology used the combination of hydrostatic pressure (<15 MPa), low temperature (≤45 °C), and CO2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The inactivation was achieved for the naturally present microorganisms (total mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, total coliforms) and inoculated E. coli. Yeasts and molds and coliform were under the detection limit in all the treated samples, while mesophiles were strongly reduced, but below the detection limit only in carrots. Inoculated E. coli strains were completely inactivated (>6.0 log CFU/g) on coconut, while a reduction >4.0 log CFU/g was achieved for carrots and coriander. For all the treated products, the texture was similar to the fresh ones, while a small alteration of color was detected. Microbiological stability was achieved for up to 14 days for both fresh-cut carrots and coconut. Overall, the results are promising for the development of a new mild and innovative food preservation technique for fresh food.
Effect of Different Polymerization Degrees and Fatty Acids of Polyglycerol Esters on the Physical Properties and Whippability of Recombined Dairy Cream
Authors: Yan Guosen , Wang Shiran , Li Yang , Zhang Jing , Ding Hao , Li Yan , Zhang Liebing
Published: December 2022

Polyglycerol esters (PGEs) are used as emulsifiers in recombined dairy cream (RDC) to improve product quality. In this study, the effects of four PGEs with different polymerization degrees and esterification on the particle size, viscosity, zeta potential, and microrheology of RDC emulsions were investigated, and the whipping time, overrun, serum loss, and firmness of the RDC emulsions were recorded. The results show that the addition of the PGEs reduced the particle size (from 2.75 μm to 1.48–1.73 μm) and increased the viscosity (from 41.92 cP to 73.50–100 cP) and stability (from 0.354 to 0.105–0.128), which were related to the change in interfacial properties and the weakening of Brownian motion, but there were differences in the effect on the whipping behavior of the RDCs. Although the addition of 0.9% triglyceride monolaurate gave the emulsion the best stability, the RDC had a longer whipping time (318 s) and a lower overrun (116.6%). Comparatively, the 0.7–0.9% concentrations of PGE55 and tripolycerol monostearate (TMS) provided RDC with good stability and aeration characteristics, allowing inflation within 100 s and expansion rates of up to 218.24% and 186.88%, respectively. In addition, the higher degree of polymerization of polyglyceryl-10 monstearate (PMS) did not work well at any concentration. These results contribute to understanding the mechanism of action of PGEs and improving the quality of RDC.