bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Performance of a Renewable Energy System Using a Novel Predictive Control Method
Authors: Mossa Mahmoud A. , El Ouanjli Najib , Gam Olfa , Do Ton Duc
Published: August 2023

The current study concerns improving the performance of a renewable energy system using systematically designed control algorithms. The performance of the system under study is evaluated under two operating scenarios: the first in which the system consists of only a wind-driven synchronous generator connected to the utility grid; in the second scenario, the generator is combined with a photo-voltaic solar system and a battery for supplying a load. Each system component is modeled and thoroughly described. To maximize the benefits of solar and wind energies, two separate maximum power point tracking procedures are adopted. Furthermore, to enhance the generator’s dynamics, a novel predictive control scheme is designed and validated by comparing its performance with traditional predictive control. The novel predictive controller utilized a simple and unique cost function to avoid the shortages of traditional predictive controllers. For standalone operation, an effective procedure is adopted to ensure the power balance between the generation, storage, and isolated load units. To evaluate the effectiveness of the designed controllers under different operating regimes, Matlab/Simulink is utilized for this task. The obtained results confirm the superiority of the novel predictive scheme used with the synchronous generator over the classic control approach for the two operating scenarios. This has been shown in the form of reduced ripples and reduced current harmonics. The obtained results are also confirming the validity of the adopted maximum power tracking strategies with solar panels and wind turbines as well. Furthermore, balanced power delivery is achieved thanks to the adopted management strategy for standalone operation, which enhances the overall system performance.
Optimal Scheduling of Virtual Power Plant Considering Reconfiguration of District Heating Network
Authors: Wang Jinhao , Pan Zhaoguang , Li Shengwen , Ge Huaichang , Yang Gang , Wang Bin
Published: August 2023

A combined heat and power virtual power plant (CHP-VPP) can effectively control the distributed resources in an electric–thermal coupling system and solve the problem of lack of flexibility caused by large-scale renewable energy grid connection. Similar to the optimal reconfiguration of distribution network topology by operating switches, the district heating system is also equipped with tie and sectionalizing valves to realize the optimal adjustment of district heating network (DHN) topology, which provides an economical and effective method for improving the power system’s flexibility. Based on this, this paper proposes a CHP-VPP economic scheduling model considering reconfigurable DHN. Firstly, the energy flow model is introduced to reduce the computational complexity. Secondly, adaptive robust optimization solved by the column-and-constraint generation algorithm is used to settle the randomness of wind power to ensure that the results are feasible in all worst scenarios. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed model is illustrated by case studies based on an actual CHP-VPP. The results show that compared with the reference case, considering the reconfigurability of DHN in the CHP-VPP optimization scheduling process can reduce the cost by about 2.78%.
Research on an Underwater Object Detection Network Based on Dual-Branch Feature Extraction
Authors: Chen Xiao , Yuan Mujiahui , Fan Chenye , Chen Xingwu , Li Yaan , Wang Haiyan
Published: August 2023

Underwater object detection is challenging in computer vision research due to the complex underwater environment, poor image quality, and varying target scales, making it difficult for existing object detection networks to achieve high accuracy in underwater tasks. To address the issues of limited data and multi-scale targets in underwater detection, we propose a Dual-Branch Underwater Object Detection Network (DB-UODN) based on dual-branch feature extraction. In the feature extraction stage, we design a dual-branch structure by combining the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v7 backbone with the Enhanced Channel and Dilated Block (ECDB). It allows for the extraction and complementation of multi-scale features, which enable the model to learn both global and local information and enhance its perception of multi-scale features in underwater targets. Furthermore, we employ the DSPACSPC structure to replace the SPPCSPC structure in YOLOv7. The DSPACSPC structure utilizes atrous convolutions with different dilation rates to capture contextual information at various scales, compensating for potential information loss caused by pooling operations. Additionally, we utilize a dense connection structure to facilitate feature reuse and enhance the network’s representation and generalization capabilities. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed DB-UODN outperforms the most commonly used object detection networks in underwater scenarios. On the URPC2020 dataset, the network achieves an average detection accuracy of 87.36%.
Privacy-Preserving Fine-Grained Redaction with Policy Fuzzy Matching in Blockchain-Based Mobile Crowdsensing
Authors: Guo Hongchen , Liang Haotian , Zhao Mingyang , Xiao Yao , Wu Tong , Xue Jingfeng , Zhu Liehuang
Published: August 2023

The redactable blockchain has emerged as a promising technique in mobile crowdsensing, allowing users to break immutability in a controlled manner selectively. Unfortunately, current fine-grained redactable blockchains suffer two significant limitations in terms of security and functionality, which severely impede their application in mobile crowdsensing. For security, the transparency of the blockchain allows anyone to access both the data and policy, which consequently results in a breach of user privacy. Regarding functionality, current solutions cannot support error tolerance during policy matching, thereby limiting their applicability in various situations, such as fingerprint-based and face-based identification scenarios. This paper presents a privacy-preserving fine-grained redactable blockchain with policy fuzzy matching, named PRBFM. PRBFM supports fuzzy policy matching and partitions users’ privileges without compromising user privacy. The idea of PRBFM is to leverage threshold linear secret sharing based on the Lagrange interpolation theorem to distribute the decryption keys and chameleon hash trapdoors. Additionally, we have incorporated a privacy-preserving policy matching delegation mechanism into PRBFM to minimize user overhead. Our security analysis demonstrates that PRBFM can defend against the chosen-ciphertext attack. Moreover, experiments conducted on the FISCO blockchain platform show that PRBFM is at least 7.8 times faster than existing state-of-the-art solutions.
Evaluating the Role of Integrated Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems in the Net-Zero Transition: A Case Study in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Ting-Yu , Hsu Hsin-Wei , Chen Bing-Jyun , Wang Chih-Kang , Fu Jing-Ying
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the role of integrated photovoltaic and energy storage systems in facilitating the net-zero transition for both governments and consumers. A bi-level planning model is proposed to address the challenges encountered by existing power supply systems in meeting the escalating electricity demands. In the upper level, governments provide incentives to users through subsidies for photovoltaic power generation, energy storage system installations, and electricity procurement. Meanwhile, at the lower level, load requirements are optimized, and costs are minimized by integrating solar power generation, battery energy storage, and electricity procurement. To effectively address these complexities, a hybrid physics-inspired algorithm for bi-level programming is utilized for iterative problem solving. The findings indicate that relying on photovoltaic output during peak load periods and conducting small electricity purchases, while storing excess electricity, proves to be an efficient approach. This model offers a cost-effective solution for managing energy consumption, mitigating potential power shortages, and reducing frequent outages. Furthermore, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the net-zero transition and its implications for power supply systems. Specifically, it highlights the significance of integrated photovoltaic and energy storage systems in assisting businesses with specific energy storage planning, determining optimal charging and discharging schedules, and considering government subsidies.
HPG-GAN: High-Quality Prior-Guided Blind Face Restoration Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Deng Xu , Zhang Hao , Li Xiaojie
Published: August 2023

To address the problems of low resolution, compression artifacts, complex noise, and color loss in image restoration, we propose a High-Quality Prior-Guided Blind Face Restoration Generative Adversarial Network (HPG-GAN). This mainly consists of Coarse Restoration Sub-Network (CR-Net) and Fine Restoration Sub-Network (FR-Net). HPG-GAN extracts high-quality structural and textural priors and facial feature priors from coarse restoration images to reconstruct clear and high-quality facial images. FR-Net includes the Facial Feature Enhancement Module (FFEM) and the Asymmetric Feature Fusion Module (AFFM). FFEM enhances facial feature information using high-definition facial feature priors obtained from ArcFace. AFFM fuses and selects asymmetric high-quality structural and textural information from ResNet34 to recover overall structural and textural information. The comparative evaluations on synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate superior performance and visual restoration effects compared to state-of-the-art methods. The ablation experiments validate the importance of each module. HPG-GAN is an effective and robust blind face deblurring and restoration network. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed network, which achieves better visual quality against state-of-the-art methods.
Effect of Non-Ideal Cross-Sectional Shape on the Performance of Nanosheet-Based FETs
Authors: Kuang Fengyu , Li Cong , Li Haokun , You Hailong , Deen M. Jamal
Published: August 2023

In this article, the effects of non-ideal cross-sectional shapes of stacked nanosheet FET (NSFET) and nanosheet FET with inter-bridge channel (TreeFET) are studied through calibrated 3D TCAD simulations. The impact of non-ideal cross-sectional shapes on the electrical characteristics due to insufficient/excessive etch processes are investigated in terms of inner spacer (IS), nanosheet (NS) channel, and inter-bridge (IB) channel. Simulation results show that the geometry and material of the IS have significant effects on the performance of the NSFET. Compared with the rectangular inner spacer (RIS), the low-k crescent inner spacer (CIS) enhances the gate control capability while the high-k CIS degrades the drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and reduces the gate capacitance (Cgg). The tapered NS channel improves short-channel effects (SCEs), but sacrifices the driving current. For the TreeFET, considering the fin angle and concave arc, the IB channel can degrade the gate control capability, and SCEs degradation is severe compared to the ideal structure. Therefore, the non-ideal cross-sectional shapes have a significant impact on NSFET-based structure. This research provides development guidelines for process and structure optimization in advanced transistor technology nodes.
Design of a New Single-Cell Flow Field Based on the Multi-Physical Coupling Simulation for PEMFC Durability
Authors: Zou Yuting , Hua Shiyang , Wu Hao , Chen Chen , Wei Zheng , Hu Zhizhong , Lei Yuwei , Wang Jinhui , Zhou Daming
Published: August 2023

The fuel cell with a ten-channel serpentine flow field has a low operating pressure drop, which is conducive to extended test operations and stable use. According to numerical results of the ten-channel serpentine flow field fuel cell, the multi-channel flow field usually has poor mass transmission under the ribs, and the lower pressure drop is not favorable for drainage from the outlet. In this paper, an optimized flow field is developed to address these two disadvantages of the ten-channel fuel cell. As per numerical simulation, the optimized flow field improves the gas distribution in the reaction area, increases the gas flow between the adjacent ribs, improves the performance of PEMFC, and enhances the drainage effect. The optimized flow field can enhance water pipe performance, increase fuel cell durability, and decelerate aging rates. According to further experimental tests, the performance of the optimized flow field fuel cell was better than that of the ten-channel serpentine flow field at high current density, and the reflux design requires sufficient gas flow to ensure the full play of the superior performance.
B20 Fuel Compatibility with Steels in Case of Fuel Contamination
Authors: Sirviö Katriina , Kaivosoja Jonna , Nuortila Carolin , Wang-Alho Huaying , Niemi Seppo , Ovaska Teemu
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the compatibility with steels for three B20 fuel samples blended from fossil diesel and used cooking oil methyl ester. One sample was untreated and its concentration of copper was analyzed as <1 ppm. Another sample was doped by adding Cu at a concentration of ≤2 ppm and the third sample by adding Cu at a concentration of ≤4 ppm. Steel samples (carbon steel, stainless steel and a special alloy) were then put into the fuel blends and stored at 50 °C for 692 h. After storing, the metal concentrations of the fuel blends were again analyzed, and signs of corrosion were evaluated visually. The aim of this study was to find out if the fuel already contaminated by copper will affect the corrosion of the chosen steel qualities. Additionally, fuel properties were measured for all three blend samples before the immersion of steels. Visual evaluation of the steels indicated that signs of corrosion were seen in all studied samples, but Cu doping did not increase the signs of corrosion notably. The results also showed that the copper content from 1 to 2 and 4 ppm reduced the oxidation stability and increased the acid number of the fuel samples.
Microgrid Management Strategies for Economic Dispatch of Electricity Using Model Predictive Control Techniques: A Review
Authors: Moreno-Castro Juan , Ocaña Guevara Victor Samuel , León Viltre Lesyani Teresa , Gallego Landera Yandi , Cuaresma Zevallos Oscar , Aybar-Mejía Miguel
Published: August 2023

In recent years, microgrid (MG) deployment has significantly increased, utilizing various technologies. MGs are essential for integrating distributed generation into electric power systems. These systems’ economic dispatch (ED) aims to minimize generation costs within a specific time interval while meeting power generation constraints. By employing ED in electric MGs, the utilization of distributed energy resources becomes more flexible, enhancing energy system efficiency. Additionally, it enables the anticipation and proper utilization of operational limitations and encourages the active involvement of prosumers in the electricity market. However, implementing controllers and algorithms for optimizing ED requires the independent handling of constraints. Numerous algorithms and solutions have been proposed for the ED of MGs. These contributions suggest utilizing techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), CPLEX, and MATLAB. This paper presents an investigation of the use of model predictive control (MPC) as an optimal management tool for MGs. MPC has proven effective in ED by allowing the prediction of environmental or dynamic models within the system. This study aims to review MGs’ management strategies, specifically focusing on MPC techniques. It analyzes how MPC has been applied to optimize ED while considering MGs’ unique characteristics and requirements. This review aims to enhance the understanding of MPC’s role in efficient MG management, guiding future research and applications in this field.
Survey on Modeling of Temporally and Spatially Interdependent Uncertainties in Renewable Power Systems
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zhou Buxiang , Qiu Yiwei , Zang Tianlei , Zhou Yi , Chen Shi , Dai Ningyi , Luo Huan
Published: August 2023

Constructing a renewable energy-based power system has become an important development path for the power industry’s low-carbon transformation. However, as the proportion of renewable energy generation (REG) increases, the power grid gradually changes to uncertainty. Technologies to address this issue have been introduced. However, the majority of existing reviews focus on specific uncertainty modeling approaches and applications, lacking the consideration of temporal and spatial interdependence. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the uncertainty modeling of temporal and spatial interdependence. It includes the discrete and continuous stochastic process-based methods to address temporal interdependence, the correlation coefficient and copula functions in modeling spatial interdependence, and the Itô process and random fields theory to describe temporal and spatial interdependence. Finally, their applications in power system stability, control, and economic scheduling are summarized.
Composite Liquid Biofuels for Power Plants and Engines: Review
Authors: Kuznetsov Genii , Dorokhov Vadim , Vershinina Ksenia , Kerimbekova Susanna , Romanov Daniil , Kartashova Ksenia
Published: August 2023

The problems of environmental pollution caused by the operation of power plants and engines motivate researchers to develop new biofuels. The environmental aspect of composite biofuels appears to have great potential because of the carbon neutrality of plant raw materials. This study analyzes recent advances in the production of biofuels and their application. The research findings on the properties of promising plant raw materials and their derivatives have been systematized. The most important stages (spraying, ignition, and combustion) of using biofuels and mixtures based on them in internal combustion engines have been analyzed. A separate section reviews the findings on the environmental aspect of using new fuel compositions. Most studies show great prospects for involving bio-components in the development of composite fuels. The real issue is to adjust existing engines and plants to non-conventional fuel mixtures. Another big problem is the increased viscosity and density of biofuels and oils, as well as the ambiguous effect of additives on burnout completeness and emissions. The impact of the new kinds of fuels on the condition of components and parts of engines, corrosion, and wear remains understudied. The interrelation of industrial process stages (from feedstock to an engine and a plant) has not been closely examined for composite liquid fuels. It is important to organize the available data and develop unified and adaptive technologies. Within the framework of this review work, scientific approaches to solving the above problems were considered and systematized.
Accurate Modeling of CCS Combo Type 1 Cable and Its Communication Performance Analysis for High-Speed EV-EVSE Charging System
Authors: Park Sanghwa , Lee Euibum , Noh Yeong-Hoon , Choi Dong-Hoon , Yook Jong-gwan
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging cables, which can disrupt the communication signal for the real-time monitoring of the charging status, leading to the termination of charging. We propose a dedicated measurement jig for the Combined Charging System Combo Type 1 (CCS-CT1) cable structure and models its electrical characteristics of the jig using the impedance peeling technique for de-embedding. The obtained pure S-parameters of CCS-CT1 are then used to conduct a simulation of the signal integrity problem caused by Gaussian noise, which is the worst-case scenario that can occur in a typical charging system. This paper suggests that the root cause of this problem may be related to the high-power AC/DC conversion device included in the EVSE, which uses a switch-mode power conversion (SMPC) method that involves nonlinear operation and can result in increased harmonic noise and a more complex signal protocol for precise control. Finally, this study provides insights into the challenges of implementing high-speed charging systems and offers a solution for obtaining the accurate electromagnetic characteristics of charging cables.
Design, Integration, and Control of Organic Rankine Cycles with Thermal Energy Storage and Two-Phase Expansion System Utilizing Intermittent and Fluctuating Heat Sources—A Review
Authors: Imre Attila R. , Daniarta Sindu , Błasiak Przemysław , Kolasiński Piotr
Published: August 2023

In order to lessen reliance on fossil fuels, a rise in interest in the utilization of fluctuating and intermittent heat sources derived from renewable energy (such as solar thermal, ocean thermal, and geothermal) and waste heat has been observed. These heat sources could be used to generate electricity at relatively low and medium temperatures, for example, through the organic Rankine cycle (ORC). In some case studies, various approaches have been developed to deal with and design ORCs in the desired operating condition utilizing suitable working fluids. This article aims to review some designs and integrated systems of ORC with thermal energy storage (TES) and a two-phase expansion system focusing on the utilization of medium- and low-temperature heat sources in which some subcritical ORCs are presented. Moreover, several possible control systems (both conventional and advanced ones) of ORC with TES and a two-phase expansion system are reported and compared. At the end of this article, the possible future developments of design and control systems are discussed to describe advanced ORC for utilizing low-grade heat sources. This study aims to provide researchers and engineers with an insight into the challenges involved in this process, making industrialization of ORC technology more extensive, in particular when combined with TES and a two-phase expansion system.
Genetic Parameter Estimates for the Growth and Morphological Traits of Castanopsis hystrix Families and the Genotype × Environment Interaction Effects
Authors: Liu Guangjin , Tian Zuwei , Jia Hongyan , Shen Wenhui , Li Zuhe , Tang Li , Zhao Hongpeng , Xu Jianmin
Published: August 2023

Castanopsis hystrix, a timber resource from Southeast Asia, is characterized by rapid growth and high yield, but plantation quality and efficiency improvements are required. Twenty-year-old C. hystrix experimental forests in Yulin, Liuzhou, and Pingxiang in Guangxi Province, China, comprising 21 open-pollinated half-sib families, were used in this study. Genetic variations in the growth (tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and volume (V)) and morphological (height to live crown base (HCB), crown width (CW), and branch angle) traits were assessed, and the genetic parameters were estimated to clarify the genotype × environment interaction effects. The average values for the tree height, DBH, V, HCB, CW, and branch angle were 16.33 m, 17.25 cm, 0.21 m3, 6.68 m, 2.15 m, and 45.45°, respectively. The most important sources of variance for the tree height, DBH, V, and HCB were the block and family, whereas the location, family, and family × location had significant impacts on the tree height, DBH, V, and HCB (p < 0.01). The family heritability for each trait was 0.35, 0.38, 0.62, and 0.19, respectively. Excellent families with strong adaptability and genetic stability were identified using BLUP–GGE biplots for single and multiple traits. The results provide a theoretical basis for the efficient cultivation of C. hystrix in South China.
The Effects of Thinning on Tree Growth and Stand Biomass in a Chronosequence of Pinus tabulaeformis Plantations in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Yuanchun , Li Huipeng , Zhang Wei , Chen Baolin , Yang Lei , Li Mengfan , Zhu Jianxiao , Cai Qiong
Published: August 2023

Thinning plays a vital role in controlling stand density of plantation forests to get quality wood and more ecological function. However, the specific effects of thinning on forest biomass connected with forest age are usually overlooked especially in semi-arid regions. Here, we examined the effects of thinning on individual tree growth and stand biomass in a chronosequence of 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-year-old Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) plantations on the Loess Plateau, China. We found that under different thinning managements, both mean diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height followed the logistic growth pattern, and thinning promoted tree radial growth more than height. The effects of thinning on tree biomass differed between the individual tree and stand level. Thinning could promote individual tree biomass irrespective of stand ages, while stand biomass did not differ between the thinned and unthinned stands at different stand ages. Furthermore, the multiple linear regression analysis and structure equation model showed that individual tree growth was the primary contributor of stand biomass. Thus, we infer that the stand biomass loss after thinning could be mainly compensated by enhanced tree growth, especially radial growth, after a period of recovery (no more than 20 years). The results could provide helpful guidance for forest management and highlighted that reasonable thinning treatment could result in both high individual tree product and stand level harvests in the long term.
Enhancing the Cryopreservation System of Larch Embryogenic Culture by Optimizing Pre-Culture, Osmoprotectants, and Rapid Thawing
Authors: Ma Miaomiao , Wang Xuhui , Zhang Chunyan , Pak Solme , Wu Hongran , Yang Jingli , Li Chenghao
Published: August 2023

Cryopreservation is considered the safe and efficient strategy for the long-term conservation of embryogenic cultures. The objective of this study was to cryopreserve the embryogenic tissues of hybrid larch to overcome the result raised by rapid growth rates of conifer embryogenic cultures necessitating frequent sub-culturing. We systematically evaluated several parameters, including the pre-culture method (liquid or solid), osmoprotectant type (DMSO, sucrose, or PEG6000), duration of cryoprotection (1–3 h), and thawing temperature (4 °C, 25 °C, or 40 °C). After one month of cryopreservation, we assessed the regeneration efficiency and maturation ability of both cryo-preserved and non-cryopreserved tissues. Our optimized protocol involves pre-culturing embryonic tissue on the solid medium with 0.4 M sorbitol for 48 h, followed by treatment with 10% DMSO, 0.4 M sucrose, and 15% PEG6000 for 1 h on ice, and immersion in liquid nitrogen with rapid thawing at 40 °C. Notably, the use of solid media during pre-culturing was crucial to enhancing the success rate of cryopreservation. Using protocol optimization, we achieved high embryogenic tissue survival rates of over 80% without affecting the ability of somatic embryogenesis. This work provides a comprehensive set of steps for routine cryopreservation of embryogenic tissues for long-term conservation in hybrid larch, along with sample protocols for cryopreservation of larch. The results demonstrate that vitrification is a reliable method for preserving embryogenic tissues of hybrid larch with broader implications for the cryopreservation of other plant species. Further optimization and standardization of protocols across different species would ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and facilitate future research in plant biotechnology that benefits human health, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Human-Induced Forest Fragmentation in Trabzon, Eastern Black Sea Region, Türkiye: A Case Study
Authors: Diktaş Bulut Nur
Published: August 2023

Due to the geographical structure of the Eastern Black Sea Region, agricultural activities are carried out in high-sloped areas that should ideally be used solely for forestry purposes. The region is characterized by an intricate intertwining of forested areas, agricultural fields, pasture lands, and residential areas, giving rise to a distinct and unique way of life. Within this framework, forest resources have been constantly under pressure and fragmented. This study, therefore, aims to determine the fragmentation status of forests, particularly due to various anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural activities, using the example of Trabzon Province in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a comprehensive “forest fragmentation map” was meticulously crafted, drawing upon the land-use plans and cadastral maps specific to the study area. Spatial land metrics were calculated using patch analysis. In the study area, there is a total of 31,153.2 hectares of registered state forests. These forests consist of 423 separate and independent fragments. The average forest fragment size in the area is 73.6 hectares. The smallest fragment measures 0.01 hectares (100 square meters), while the largest one covers an area of 18,002 hectares. The area-weighted average figure index of the forest fragments is 9.4. This study quantified fragmented forests, providing evidence of forest fragmentation due to various anthropogenic activities, primarily agricultural activities. This study also proposed an integrated planning approach for the management of fragmented forests.
Melamine–Urea–Formaldehyde Resin Adhesive Modified with Recycling Lignin: Preparation, Structures and Properties
Authors: Li De , Yu Liping , Li Lifen , Liang Jiankun , Wu Zhigang , Xu Xiaoxue , Zhong Xiao , Gong Feiyan
Published: August 2023

The wettability, bonding strength and flexibility of modified melamine–urea–formaldehyde resin adhesive with hydroxymethyl lignin (LMUF) were investigated. Moreover, the curing performance, thermal properties and chemical structure of LMUF were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), X–ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C–NMR). The synthesis mechanism of LMUF was also discussed. The results demonstrated that: (1) LMUF resin is characterized by low free formaldehyde and a short pot life. (2) With the increase in hydroxymethyl lignin, the bonding strength and flexibility of the LMUF increased first and then decreased. They reached their maximum when the hydroxymethyl lignin content was 6%–8%, which represented increases of 36% and 102%, respectively. (3) The DSC and TG analyses showed that the LMUF resin had a high hot-pressing temperature, but its thermostability was increased. (4) The XRD and SEM analyses proved that the LMUF resin was characterized by flexibility failure, especially at 6% of hydroxymethyl lignin. (5) Hydroxymethyl lignin is a type of flexible long-chain molecule, which was introduced into spaces between the rigid triazine rings through adhesion and penetration, thus improving the regular single structural form of MUF resin and increasing the compactness of the system. As a result, the resin had stronger deformability and cohesion in the molecules. The bonding strength and flexibility were improved to different degrees.
Integrating the Rate of Moisture Loss into Needle Retention Testing to Improve the Selection of Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) for Use as Christmas Trees
Authors: Tremblay Joel D. , Smith Ronald F. , D’Orangeville Loïc
Published: August 2023

A study was conducted to identify balsam fir (Abies balsamea) for use in Christmas tree breeding programs in Northeastern North America. A total of sixty-four phenotypically good trees were identified from a provincial clonal seed orchard in New Brunswick, a multi-aged natural seed production area in Nova Scotia, and an operational plantation in Quebec, Canada. Trees were selected for good growth and form, numbers, and vigour of internodal branches, acceptable crown taper, needle colour, age class, branch angle, needle configuration, and freedom from insects and diseases or deformities, all traits deemed desirable in a Christmas tree. Three branches from each tree were collected at two harvest dates each year, one early and one late during the normal harvesting season in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Qualitative assessments of colour and branch pliability were performed weekly in conjunction with needle loss rub tests. A quantitative assessment of moisture loss was conducted weekly by measuring branch weights. The combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments was used to identify 7 of the 64 trees for which one or more tested branches consistently remained green and pliable, retained the majority of their needles, and lost moisture at a significantly reduced rate in all six testing periods. Grafts of the seven ‘Select’ trees are currently being integrated into seed orchards in the three participating provinces. These second-generation seed orchards are part of breeding programs designed to develop Christmas trees that will perform well under warm fall conditions, an outcome of climate change. The results from this study combined with the progeny testing of the ‘Select’ trees will be used to test for the heritability of needle retention, a key trait for the next generation of Christmas trees in the Northeast.
An Efficient and Secure Certificateless Aggregate Signature Scheme for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks
Authors: Iqbal Asad , Zubair Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Ullah Insaf , Ur-Rehman Ghani , Shvetsov Alexey V. , Noor Fazal
Published: August 2023

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have become an essential part of the intelligent transportation system because they provide secure communication among vehicles, enhance vehicle safety, and improve the driving experience. However, due to the openness and vulnerability of wireless networks, the participating vehicles in a VANET system are prone to a variety of cyberattacks. To secure the privacy of vehicles and assure the authenticity, integrity, and nonrepudiation of messages, numerous signature schemes have been employed in the literature on VANETs. The majority of these solutions, however, are either not fully secured or entail high computational costs. To address the above issues and to enable secure communication between the vehicle and the roadside unit (RSU), we propose a certificateless aggregate signature (CLAS) scheme based on hyperelliptic curve cryptography (HECC). This scheme enables participating vehicles to share their identities with trusted authorities via an open wireless channel without revealing their identities to unauthorized participants. Another advantage of this approach is its capacity to release the partial private key to participating devices via an open wireless channel while keeping its identity secret from any other third parties. A provable security analysis through the random oracle model (ROM), which relies on the hyperelliptic curve discrete logarithm problem, is performed, and we have proven that the proposed scheme is unforgeable against Type 1 (FGR1) and Type 2 (FGR2) forgers. The proposed scheme is compared with relevant schemes in terms of computational cost and communication overhead, and the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is more efficient than the existing schemes in maintaining high-security levels.
A Survey on Pump and Dump Detection in the Cryptocurrency Market Using Machine Learning
Authors: Rajaei Mohammad Javad , Mahmoud Qusay H.
Published: August 2023

The popularity of cryptocurrencies has skyrocketed in recent years, with blockchain technologies enabling the development of new digital assets. However, along with their advantages, such as lower transaction costs, increased security, and transactional transparency, cryptocurrencies have also become susceptible to various forms of market manipulation. The pump and dump (P&D) scheme is of significant concern among these manipulation tactics. Despite the growing awareness of P&D activities in cryptocurrency markets, a comprehensive survey is needed to explore the detection methods. This paper aims to fill this gap by reviewing the literature on P&D detection in the cryptocurrency world. This survey provides valuable insights into detecting and classifying P&D schemes in the cryptocurrency market by analyzing the selected studies, including their definitions and the taxonomies of P&D schemes, the methodologies employed, their strengths and weaknesses, and the proposed solutions. Presented here are insights that can guide future research in this field and offer practical approaches to combating P&D manipulations in cryptocurrency trading.
Age, Growth, and Functional Gonochorism with a Twist of Diandric Protogyny in Goliath Grouper from the Atlantic Coast of Florida
Authors: Murie Debra J. , Parkyn Daryl C. , Koenig Christopher C. , Coleman Felicia C. , Malinowski Christopher R. , Cusick Jessica A. , Ellis Robert D.
Published: August 2023

The lack of data on the age, growth, and reproduction of the Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara off the coasts of Florida (USA) makes it difficult to estimate the extent of their population recovery following the 1990 fishery closure, as well as the potential effects of the recent (2023) opening of a fishery for juveniles. Goliath Grouper from the Atlantic coast of Florida were non-lethally sampled for size (total length, TL), age (via fin rays), and sex and reproductive stage (via gonad biopsies, milt/egg expression, gonopores) from May to October 2010–2016. Of 653 unique fish captured (not including 118 recaptures), 257 (39.4%) were females (122–228 cm TL; 5–20 years old), 264 (40.0%) were males (104–225 cm TL; 4–22 years old), 100 (15.3%) were unsexed (82–211 cm TL; 3–15 years old), and 32 (4.9%) were protogynous hermaphrodites (108–209 cm TL; 5–20 years old). Protogyny was conclusively determined in two fish recaptured and re-biopsied that had transitioned from female to male. However, an overlap in the age and size of males and females, a 1:1 sex ratio, and the presence of relatively small, young, mature males, in combination with an apparently low functional sex change rate, all indicated that the sexual pattern of Goliath Grouper was functionally gonochoristic with the potential for diandric protogyny. Females > 10 years old were larger-at-age than males, and Goliath Grouper from the Atlantic coast were larger-at-age than fish from the Gulf of Mexico. These differences in age, growth, and reproductive strategy—as well as the nascent fishery for juveniles—need to be monitored closely so that the current and future reproductive capacity of the population continues to ensure growth and sustainability.
Bioavailability Assessment of an Iron Formulation Using Differentiated Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Fanzaga Melissa , Bollati Carlotta , Ranaldi Giulia , Sucato Sabrina , Fustinoni Silvia , Roda Gabriella , Lammi Carmen
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring alternative and innovative delivery systems to improve the efficacy of iron supplements, satisfying iron needs and lowering side effects. To address this issue, this study aimed at demonstrating the advantages of Ferro Supremo formulation (composed of encapsulated iron, vitamins, and micronutrients), in terms of capacity to improve iron intestinal absorption, in comparison with standard FeSO4. Hence, differentiated Caco-2 cells have been used for assessing the in vitro bioavailability and safety of FS and FeSO4. MTT experiments demonstrated that both FS and FeSO4 are not able to impair the viability of Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, the quantitative and qualitative analysis, conducted by atomic absorption spectrometry and fluorescence determinations, revealed that FS can enter, accumulate in the cytoplasm, and be transported by intestinal cells four times more efficiently than FeSO4. Our findings indicate that this formulation can be considered a valuable and efficiently good choice as food supplements for improving iron deficiency.
Effects of Quillaja Saponin on Physicochemical Properties of Oil Bodies Recovered from Peony (Paeonia ostii) Seed Aqueous Extract at Different pH
Authors: Shen Pengkun , Yang Ruizhi , Wu Yingying , Liu Jiao , Ding Xiuzhen , Wang Wentao , Zhao Luping
Published: August 2023

Peony seeds, an important oil resource, have been attracting much attention because of α-linolenic acid. Oil bodies (OBs), naturally pre-emulsified oils, have great potential applications in the food industry. This study investigated the effects of extraction pH and Quillaja saponin (QS) on the physicochemical properties of peony oil body (POB) emulsions. POBs were extracted from raw peony milk at pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 (named pH 4.0-, 5.0-, 6.0-, and 7.0-POBs). All POBs contained extrinsic proteins and oleosins. The extrinsic proteins of pH 4.0- and pH 5.0-POB were 23 kDa and 38 kDa glycoproteins, the unknown proteins were 48 kDa and 60 kDa, while the 48 kDa and 38 kDa proteins were completely removed under the extraction condition of pH 6.0 and 7.0. The percentage of extrinsic proteins gradually decreased from 78.4% at pH 4.0-POB to 33.88% at pH 7.0-POB, while oleosin contents increased. The particle size and zeta potential of the POB emulsions decreased, whereas the oxidative stability, storage stability, and pI increased with the increasing extraction pH. QS (0.05~0.3%) increased the negative charges of all the POB emulsions, and 0.1% QS significantly improved the dispersion, storage, and the oxidative stability of the POB emulsions. This study provides guidance for selecting the proper conditions for the aqueous extraction of POBs and improving the stability of OB emulsions.
Occurrence and Dietary Exposure to Acrylamide from Foods Consumed within and outside Main Meals in Singapore
Authors: Yu Wesley Zongrong , Shen Ping , Lim Ignatius , Shi Raymond Rong Sheng , Cai Miaohua , Chin Yee Soon , Tay Ai Jin , Ang Wei Min , Er Jun Cheng , Lim Geraldine Songlen , Wu Yuansheng , Li Angela , Aung Kyaw Thu , Chan Sheot Harn
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the influence of ‘snackification’ in Singaporean diets, leading to increased dietary acrylamide exposure. Acrylamide concentrations in commonly consumed foods within and outside the main meals were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). High acrylamide concentrations were detected in vegetables cooked at high temperatures (ranging from 0.5 to 478.4 µg/kg) and potato-based crackers and chips (ranging from 81.8 to 2095.8 µg/kg). The estimated total dietary exposure for the Singapore population was 0.165 µg/kg bw/day for general consumers and 0.392 µg/kg bw/day for high consumers (95th percentile). The acrylamide exposure from outside main meals was nearly equivalent to that from within the main meals. The calculated margins of exposure (MOE) were below 10,000, indicating potential human health concern. These findings highlight the need for industry practices and consumer advisories to reduce acrylamide exposure from foods consumed both within and outside main meals.
Evaluating Kinetics of Convection Drying and Microstructure Characteristics of Asian Seabass Fish Skin without and with Ultrasound Pretreatment
Authors: Fikry Mohammad , Benjakul Soottawat , Al-Ghamdi Saleh , Tagrida Mohamed , Prodpran Thummanoon
Published: August 2023

Convection drying in combination with ultrasound pretreatment has emerged as a promising technology for seafood manufacturing. The primary objective of this research was to model the mass transfer process of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fish skin without and with ultrasound pretreatment during convection drying at different temperatures (45, 55, and 65 °C). Additionally, the study aimed to examine the impact of ultrasound pretreatment and temperatures on the drying characteristics and specific energy consumption for drying of Asian seabass fish skin. Seven semi-theoretical models, namely Lewis, Page, modified Page, Vega-Lemus, Verma, Henderson and Pabis, and two-term models, were employed to characterize the moisture transfer process. The results of the study indicated a decrease in the moisture content as the drying time increased at different drying temperatures. Higher drying temperatures were associated with an increased drying rate. Among the mathematical models tested, the modified Page model provided a satisfactory description of the thin-layer drying characteristics of fish skin. Fick’s law of diffusion was utilized to determine the effective moisture diffusivities. Comparing the drying of fish skin without (SS) and with ultrasound pretreatment (US-SS), the drying of the latter generally showed higher Deff values. The temperature dependence of the effective diffusivity coefficient was well described by the Arrhenius-type model. An increase in the drying temperature resulted in an increment of the effective moisture diffusivity. In general, the skin pretreated using ultrasound had a reduced drying time, by up to 28%. Additionally, this approach contributed to an approximate 22% reduction in the specific energy consumption, concurrently enhancing the energy efficiency. The microstructure analysis showed that fresh and dried US-SS samples had a more open structure and higher porosity, in comparison to the corresponding SS samples. These findings contribute to the knowledge on the application of ultrasound as the pretreatment of fish skin before drying and provide valuable insights for the development of potential drying techniques in the seafood industry.
Simulated and Verification of Mass and Heat Transfer Coupled Model of Jujube Slices Dried by Hot Air Combined with Radio Frequency Heat Treatment at Different Drying Stages
Authors: Cao Shuaitao , Yang Chenyan , Zang Yongzhen , Li Yang , Gu Jiangwei , Ding Haiyang , Yao Xuedong , Zhu Rongguang , Wang Qiang , Dong Wancheng , Huang Yong
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of radio frequency (RF) heat treatment on heat and mass transfer during the hot air drying of jujube slices. Experiments were conducted at different drying stages, comparing single-hot air drying with hot air combined with RF treatment. Numerical models using COMSOL Multiphysics® were developed to simulate the process, and the results were compared to validate the models. The maximum difference between the simulated value of the center temperature and the experimental value was 6.9 °C, while the minimum difference was 0.1 °C. The maximum difference in average surface temperature was 1.7 °C, with a minimum of 0.3 °C. The determination coefficient (R2) between the simulated experimental values of HA and the early (E-HA + RF), middle (M-HA + RF), and later (L-HA + RF) groups was 0.964, 0.987, 0.961, and 0.977, respectively. The study demonstrates that RF treatment reduces drying time, enhances internal temperature, promotes consistent heat and mass transfer, and accelerates moisture diffusion in jujube slices. Furthermore, the later the RF treatment is applied, the greater the increase in internal temperature and the faster the decrease in moisture content. This research elucidates the mechanism by which RF heat treatment influences heat transfer in hot air-dried jujube slices.