bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durum Wheat Bread with a Potentially High Health Value through the Addition of Durum Wheat Thin Bran or Barley Flour
Authors: Ficco Donatella Bianca Maria , Canale Michele , Giannone Virgilio , Strano Maria Concetta , Allegra Maria , Zingale Silvia , Spina Alfio
Published: January 2023

The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-promoting effects. This work presents the results of a general recipe development aimed at improving the nutritional value of bakery products. In this study, increasing amounts (0%, 2%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) of thin bran or barley flour were added into re-milled durum wheat semolina to prepare breads. The technological quality of doughs and breads was investigated. In general, the Farinograph water absorption of flour and dough stability increased with increasing inclusion levels of barley flour or thin bran (up to 73.23% and 18.75 min, respectively), contrarily to the increase of dough development time only in barley inclusion (4.55 min). At the same time, the softening index decreased for almost all of these, except for 2% of thin bran or barley flour inclusion. At Mixograph, mixing time increased (up to 5.13 min) whilst the peak height decreased. The specific volume and hardness of loaf differently decreased for almost all thesis (ranges 12.6–24.0% and 39.4–45.5%, respectively). The other quality parameters remained unchanged compared with semolina bread. After baking, β-glucan levels increased differently at all the inclusion levels (2.35-fold, on average). The breadcrumb color was deep brown, while the crust became lighter in color. The breads contain β-glucans even at low percentages of barley/bran inclusions while maintaining their technological performance. In conclusion, the results show an interesting potential of barley flour or thin bran as ingredients in breadmaking to increase the β-glucans daily intake, but further investigations are needed to achieve improved quality features.
Non-Volatile Terpenoids and Lipophilic Flavonoids from Achillea erba-rotta Subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson
Authors: Salamone Stefano , Aiello Nicola , Fusani Pietro , Rosa Antonella , Nieddu Mariella , Appendino Giovanni , Pollastro Federica
Published: January 2023

Musk yarrow (Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson) is endemic to the Central Alps, and is used to flavour alcoholic beverages. Despite its popularity as aromatizing agent and its alleged beneficial effects on digestion, the phytochemical profile of the plant is still largely unknown and undiscovered. As a consequence, its authentication in aromatized products is impossible beyond sensory analysis allowing forgery. To address these issues, we phytochemically characterized a sample of musk yarrow from the Italian Eastern Alps, identifying, in addition to widespread phytochemicals (taraxasterol, apigenin), the guaianolides 3, 8, 9; the seco-caryophyllane 6; and the polymethoxylated lipophilic flavonoids 1, 4, and 5. The flavonoid xanthomicrol 1, a major constituent of the plant, was cytotoxic to HeLa cells, but only modestly affected primary 3T3 fibroblasts. On account of their stability, detectability by UV absorption, and concentration, the oxygenated flavonoids qualify as markers to validate the supply chain of the plant growers to consumers.
Isolation and Characterization of SPOTTED LEAF42 Encoding a Porphobilinogen Deaminase in Rice
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Yunpeng , Tian Yunlu , Song Shuang , Wu Zewan , Ding Xin , Zheng Hai , Huang Yunshuai , Liu Shijia , Dong Xiaoou , Wan Jianmin , Liu Linglong
Published: January 2023

The formation and development of chloroplasts play a vital role in the breeding of high-yield rice (Oryza sativa L.). Porphobilinogen deaminases (PBGDs) act in the early stage of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis. However, the role of PBGDs in chloroplast development and chlorophyll production remains elusive in rice. Here, we identified the spotted leaf 42 (spl42) mutant, which exhibited a reddish-brown spotted leaf phenotype. The mutant showed a significantly lower chlorophyll content, abnormal thylakoid morphology, and elevated activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes. Consistently, multiple genes related to chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis were significantly down-regulated, whereas many genes involved in leaf senescence, ROS production, and defense responses were upregulated in the spl42 mutant. Map-based cloning revealed that SPL42 encodes a PBGD. A C-to-T base substitution occurred in spl42, resulting in an amino acid change and significantly reduced PBGD enzyme activity. SPL42 targets to the chloroplast and interacts with the multiple organelle RNA editing factors (MORFs) OsMORF8-1 and OsMORF8-2 to affect RNA editing. The identification and characterization of spl42 helps in elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with chlorophyll synthesis and RNA editing in rice.
Croatian Native Grapevine Varieties’ VOCs Responses upon Plasmopara viticola Inoculation
Authors: Štambuk Petra , Šikuten Iva , Preiner Darko , Maletić Edi , Karoglan Kontić Jasminka , Tomaz Ivana
Published: January 2023

The Plasmopara viticola pathogen causes one of the most severe grapevine diseases, namely downy mildew. The response to P. viticola involves both visible symptoms and intricate metabolomic alterations, particularly in relation to volatile organic compounds, and depends on the degree of resistance of a particular variety. There are numerous native grapevine varieties in Croatia, and they vary in susceptibility to this oomycete. As previously reported, in vitro leaf disc bioassay and polyphenolic compound analysis are complementary methods that can be used to separate native varieties into various resistance classes. This research used the Solid Phase Microextraction-Arrow Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry method to identify the early alterations in the VOCs in the leaves after P. viticola inoculation. Based on the absolute peak area of sesquiterpenes, some discrepancies between the sampling terms were noticed. The presence of certain chemical compounds such as humulene, ylangene, and α-farnesene helped distinguish the non-inoculated and inoculated samples. Although specific VOC responses to P. viticola infection of native varieties from various resistance classes could not be identified, the response of less susceptible native varieties and resistant controls was associated with an increase in the absolute peak area of several compounds, including geranylacetone, ß-ocimene, and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol.
Application of Phytosociological Information in the Evaluation of the Management of Protected Areas
Authors: Pereña-Ortiz Jaime F. , Salvo-Tierra Ángel Enrique , Sánchez-Mata Daniel
Published: January 2023

The classification system of plant communities using phytosociological methods can be applied to their conservation in protected areas, as well as in establishing adequate protections and granting legal status to such areas. A new integrative index is developed to classify plant communities for the evaluation of the conservation status of protected areas, obtained from the product of three statistical indices of diversity: Syntaxonomic Distinctness, Rarefaction and Areas Prioritisation, which has been named DRA (acronym of the three indices used). The DRA is used to assess whether the status granted to Protected Areas matches the values provided by the plant communities within them and which were the basis for the identification and description of the Habitats of Community Interest (Habitats Directive—92/43/CEE). The proposed method was applied to the network of protected natural areas on the Andalusian coast, including 14 areas with different protection status, where, once the plant communities they contain were identified, the DRA index was applied to each of them and compared with the Legal Protection Index, i.e., the current protection regime; it becomes clear, objectively, that not all the statuses assigned, whether the IUCN criteria or those of the Andalusian government, correspond to the real levels of protection they should have on the basis of their plant communities.
Omics Approaches in Uncovering Molecular Evolution and Physiology of Botanical Carnivory
Authors: Baharin Anis , Ting Tiew-Yik , Goh Hoe-Han
Published: January 2023

Systems biology has been increasingly applied with multiple omics for a holistic comprehension of complex biological systems beyond the reductionist approach that focuses on individual molecules. Different high-throughput omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have been implemented to study the molecular mechanisms of botanical carnivory. This covers almost all orders of carnivorous plants, namely Caryophyllales, Ericales, Lamiales, and Oxalidales, except Poales. Studies using single-omics or integrated multi-omics elucidate the compositional changes in nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. The omics studies on carnivorous plants have led to insights into the carnivory origin and evolution, such as prey capture and digestion as well as the physiological adaptations of trap organ formation. Our understandings of botanical carnivory are further enhanced by the discoveries of digestive enzymes and transporter proteins that aid in efficient nutrient sequestration alongside dynamic molecular responses to prey. Metagenomics studies revealed the mutualistic relationships between microbes and carnivorous plants. Lastly, in silico analysis accelerated the functional characterization of new molecules from carnivorous plants. These studies have provided invaluable molecular data for systems understanding of carnivorous plants. More studies are needed to cover the diverse species with convergent evolution of botanical carnivory.
Novel Weighting Method for Evaluating Forest Soil Fertility Index: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Zhao Wenfei , Cao Xiaoyu , Li Jiping , Xie Zhengchang , Sun Yaping , Peng Yuanying
Published: January 2023

Understanding nutrient quantity and quality in forest soils is important for sustainable management of forest resources and maintaining forest ecosystem services. In this study, six soil nutrient indicators, including soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) were measured in five different aged stands of Chinese fir forests in subtropical China. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed based on these soil nutrients indicators in order to better evaluate the soil fertility index (SFI) in these studied forests. The results show that soil nutrient contents changed with the soil depth in different age groups. The SOM decreased in a specific order: over mature > mature > near mature > middle > young stands. The TN content of the soil gradually decreased with increased soil depth throughout all age groups. The SEM indicated that the TN had the highest weight of 0.4154, while the TP had the lowest weight at 0.1991 for estimating the SFI. The weights of other indicators (AN, SOM, AP, and AK) ranged 0.2138–0.3855 in our study. The established SEM satisfied the fitness reference values and was able to accurately describe the forest soil nutrient status through the SFI. The overall SFI values were significantly higher in over mature stands than in young-aged stands and in topsoil than in deeper soil in all examined forests. Soil TN, AP, and AK were the most important nutrient indicators to the evaluation of the SFI in the study sites. The results confirmed that the SEM was suitable to estimate the weights of the SFI and better describe the soil nutrient status in forests. Our research provides an innovative approach to assess a soil nutrient status and soil fertility and provides a scientific basis for accurate implementation of soil nutrient assessment in forest ecosystems.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Roots Response to Salt in Durum Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Bonfiglioli Luca , Pagnotta Mario A.
Published: January 2023

Soil salinity is a serious threat to food production now and in the near future. In this study, the root system of six durum wheat genotypes, including one highly salt-tolerant (J. Khetifa) used as a check genotype, was evaluated, by a high-throughput phenotyping system, under control and salt conditions at the seedling stage. Genotyping was performed using 11 SSR markers closely linked with genome regions associated with root traits. Based on phenotypic cluster analysis, genotypes were grouped differently under control and salt conditions. Under control conditions, genotypes were clustered mainly due to a root angle, while under salt stress, genotypes were grouped according to their capacity to maintain higher roots length, volume, and surface area, as J. Khetifa, Sebatel, and Azeghar. SSR analysis identified a total of 42 alleles, with an average of about three alleles per marker. Moreover, quite a high number of Private alleles in total, 18 were obtained. The UPGMA phenogram of the Nei (1972) genetic distance clusters for 11 SSR markers and all phenotypic data under control conditions discriminate genotypes almost into the same groups. The study revealed as the combination of high-throughput systems for phenotyping with SSR markers for genotyping it’s a useful tool to provide important data for the selection of suitable parental lines for salt-tolerance breeding. Nevertheless, the narrow root angle, which is an important trait in drought tolerance, is not a good indicator of salt tolerance. Instated for salt tolerance is more important the amount of roots.
Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics in Organs of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus in Different Habitats
Authors: Dong Xue , Zhang Jinbo , Xin Zhiming , Huang Yaru , Han Chunxia , Li Yonghua , Lu Qi
Published: January 2023

The essence of plant ecological stoichiometry is to study the relationships between species and their environment, including nutrient absorption, utilization and cycling processes as well as the nutrient limitation of plants. Plants can regulate nutrient elements and adapt to environmental changes. To understand the adaptation mechanism, it is important to take plants as a whole and quantify the correlation between the chemometrics of different organs. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is within the second-class group of rare–endangered plants in China and is the only evergreen broad-leaved shrub in desert areas. We analyzed the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds of A. mongolicus in five habitats, namely fixed sandy land, semi-fixed sandy land, stony–sandy land, alluvial gravel slope and saline–alkali land. We found that (1) the nutrient contents of N, P and K were in the order of seed > flower > leaf > root > stem. The enrichment of the N, P and K in the reproductive organs promoted the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Additionally, (2) the contents of C, N, P and K and their stoichiometric ratios in different organs varied among different habitat types. The storage capacity of C, N and P was higher in sandy soil (fixed and semi-fixed sandy land), whereas the content of K was higher in gravelly soil (stony–sandy land and alluvial gravel slope), and the C:N, C:P and N:P were significantly higher in gravelly soil than those in sandy soil. A. mongolicus had higher nutrient use efficiency in stony–sandy land and alluvial gravel slope. Furthermore, (3) the C:N and N:P ratios in each organ were relatively stable among different habitats, whereas the K:P ratio varied greatly. The N:P ratios of leaves were all greater than 16 in different habitats, indicating that the growth was mainly limited by P. Moreover, (4) except for the P element, the content of each element and its stoichiometric ratio were affected by the interaction between organs and habitat. Habitat had a greater impact on C content, whereas organs had a greater influence on N, P and K content and C:N, C:P, C:K and N:P.
A New Species from the Canary Islands Increases the Diversity of the Red Algal Genus Pterocladiella in the Northeastern Atlantic
Authors: Rancel-Rodríguez Nereida M. , Afonso-Carrillo Julio , Tronholm Ana , Sansón Marta
Published: January 2023

Environmental and human factors are inducing a drastic decline in many marine algae in regions with a high floristic richness as in the Canary Islands. Simultaneously, undescribed algal species continue to be discovered, suggesting a probable loss in diversity, before being properly identified and catalogued. Turf-forming Gelidiales occur in marine littoral communities from tropical to warm temperate regions and are challenging to identify correctly because of their small size and simple morphology. In the present study, we combined morphological and molecular phylogenetics methods to study a turf-forming species of the genus Pterocladiella from the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic). Both cox1 and rbcL gene analyses revealed a novel species described here, Pterocladiella canariensis sp. nov. The new species has no single unique morphological feature, but it is different by a distinctive combination of attributes, namely, minute size less than 18 mm in height, ribbon-like erect axes, small polygonal cortical cells, cystocarp circular in outline with placental tissue attached to the floor, spermatangial sori with sterile margins with spermatangia simultaneously formed on both sides of the blade, and tetrasporangia arranged in V-shaped rows. Phylogenies inferred from cox1 and concatenated genes (cox1 + rbcL) suggest a link to only two Pterocladiella species endemic to South Africa and Madagascar; nevertheless, the rbcL gene establishes P. canariensis as the earliest divergent lineage of the genus.
Synthesis and Characterization of Functional Cellulose–Ether-Based PCL- and PLA-Grafts-Copolymers
Authors: Sommer Korbinian , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: January 2023

The use of biodegradable materials such as cellulose and polyesters can be extended through the combination, as well as modification, of these biopolymers. By controlling the molecular structure and composition of copolymers of these components, it should also be possible to tailor their material properties. We hereby report on the synthesis and characterization of cellulose-based graft copolymers with a precise molecular composition and copolymer architecture. To prepare such materials, we initially modified cellulose through the regioselective protection of the 6-OH group using trityl chloride. The 6-O protected compound was then alkylated, and deprotection at the 6-OH group provided the desired 2,3-di-O-alkyl cellulose compounds that were used as macroinitiators for ring opening polymerization. Regioselective modification was hereby necessary to obtain compounds with an exact molecular composition. Ring opening polymerization, catalyzed by Sn(Oct)2, at the primary 6-OH group of the cellulose macroinitiator, using L-lactide or ε-caprolactone, resulted in graft copolymers with the desired functionalization pattern. The materials were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H- and 13C- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography as well as X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. PCL-based copolymers exhibited distinct melting point as well as a crystalline phase of up to 47%, while copolymers with PLA segments were highly amorphous, showing a broad amorphous reflex in the XRD spectra, and no melting or crystallization points were discernible using differential scanning calorimetry.
Calibration and Validation of Flow Parameters of Irregular Gravel Particles Based on the Multi-Response Concept
Authors: Zhang Aibin , Wang Zhaohui , Gao Quanjie , Fan Yiwei , Wang Hongxia
Published: January 2023

The discrete element method (DEM) often uses the angle of repose to study the microscopic parameters of particles. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization method combining realistic modeling of particles and image analysis to calibrate gravel parameters, after obtaining the actual static angle of repose (αAoR_S) and dynamic angle of repose (βAoR_D) of the particles by physical tests. The design variables were obtained by Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), and the radial basis function (RBF) surrogate model was used to establish the relationship between the objective function and the design variables. The optimized design of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) with the actual angle of repose measurements was used to optimize the design to obtain the best combination of parameters. Finally, the parameter set was validated by a hollow cylinder test, and the relative error between the validation test and the optimized simulation results was only 3.26%. The validation result indicates that the method can be reliably applied to the calibration process of the flow parameters of irregular gravel particles. The development of solid–liquid two-phase flow and the wear behavior of centrifugal pumps were investigated using the parameter set. The results show that the increase in cumulative tangential contact forces inside the volute of centrifugal pumps makes it the component most likely to develop wear behavior. The results also illustrate the significant meaning of the accurate application of the discrete element method for improving the efficient production of industrial scenarios.
Performance Monitoring of Wind Turbines Gearbox Utilising Artificial Neural Networks — Steps toward Successful Implementation of Predictive Maintenance Strategy
Authors: Shaheen Basheer Wasef , Németh István
Published: January 2023

Manufacturing and energy sectors provide vast amounts of maintenance data and information which can be used proactively for performance monitoring and prognostic analysis which lead to improve maintenance planning and scheduling activities. This leads to reduced unplanned shutdowns, maintenance costs and any fatal events that could affect the operations of the overall system. Performance and condition monitoring are among the most used strategies for prognostic and health management (PHM), in which different methods and techniques can be implemented to analyse maintenance and online data. Offshore wind turbines (WTs) are complex systems increasingly needing maintenance. This study proposes a performance monitoring system to monitor the performance of the WT power generation process by exploiting artificial neural networks (ANN) composed of different network designs and training algorithms, using simulated supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data. The performance monitoring is based on different operating modes of the same type of wind turbine. The degradation models were developed based on the generated active power resulting from different degradation levels of the gearbox, which is a critical component of the WTs. The deviations of the wind power curves for all operating modes over time are monitored in terms of the resulting power residuals and are modelled using ANN with a unique network architecture. The monitoring process uses the recursive form of the cumulative summation (CUSUM) change detection algorithm to detect the state change point in which the gearbox efficiency is degraded by evaluating the power residuals predicted by the ANN model. To increase the monitoring effectiveness, a second ANN model was developed to predict the gearbox efficiency to monitor any failure that could happen once the efficiency degrades below a threshold. The results show a high degree of accuracy in power and efficiency prediction in addition to monitoring the abnormal state or deviations of the power generation process resulting from the degraded gearbox efficiency and their corresponding time slots. The developed monitoring method can be a valuable tool to provide maintenance experts with alarms and insights into the general state of the power generation process, which can be used for further maintenance decision-making.
Catalytic-Level Identification of Prepared Pt/HY, Pt-Zn/HY, and Pt-Rh/HY Nanocatalysts on the Reforming Reactions of N-Heptane
Authors: Hamied Ramzy S. , Sukkar Khalid A. , Majdi Hasan Shakir , Shnain Zainb Y. , Graish Mohammed Shorbaz , Mahmood Luma H.
Published: January 2023

The operation of reforming catalysts in a fixed bed reactor undergoes a high level of interaction between the operating parameters and the reaction mechanism. Understanding such an interaction reduces the catalyst deactivation rate. In the present work, three kinds of nanocatalysts (i.e., Pt/HY, Pt-Zn/HY, and Pt-Rh/HY) were synthesized. The catalysts’ performances were evaluated for n-heptane reactions in the fixed bed reactor. The operating conditions applied were the following: 1 bar pressure, WHSV of 4, hydrogen/n-heptane ratio of 4, and the reaction temperatures of 425, 450, 475, 500, and 525 °C. The optimal reaction temperature for all three types of nanocatalysts to produce high-quality isomers and aromatic hydrocarbons was 500 °C. Accordingly, the nanocatalyst Pt-Zn/HY provided the highest catalytic selectivity for the desired hydrocarbons. Moreover, the Pt-Zn/HY-nanocatalyst showed more resistance against catalyst deactivation in comparison with the other two types of nanocatalysts (Pt/HY and Pt-Rh/HY). This work offers more understanding for the application of nanocatalysts in the reforming process in petroleum refineries with high performance and economic feasibility.
Workers’ Opinions on Using the Internet of Things to Enhance the Performance of the Olive Oil Industry: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Alsayat Ahmed , Ahmadi Hossein
Published: January 2023

Today’s global food supply chains are highly dispersed and complex. The adoption and effective utilization of information technology are likely to increase the efficiency of companies. Because of the broad variety of sensors that are currently accessible, the possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the olive oil industry are almost limitless. Although previous studies have investigated the impact of the IoT on the performance of industries, this issue has yet to be explored in the olive oil industry. In this study we aimed to develop a new model to investigate the factors influencing supply chain improvement in olive oil companies. The model was used to evaluate the relationship between supply chain improvement and olive oil companies’ performance. Demand planning, manufacturing, transportation, customer service, warehousing, and inventory management were the main factors incorporated into the proposed model. Self-organizing map (SOM) clustering and decision trees were employed in the development of the method. The data were collected from respondents with knowledge related to integrating new technologies into the industry. The results demonstrated that IoT implementation in olive oil companies significantly improved their performance. Moreover, it was found that there was a positive relationship between supply chain improvements via IoT implementation in olive oil companies and their performance.
Characterization and Biological Studies of Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles from Leaf Extract of Juniperus phoenicea (L.) Growing in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Masoudi Luluah M. , Alqurashi Abeer S. , Abu Zaid Abeer , Hamdi Hamida
Published: January 2023

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles in nanosized form has acquired great interest in the area of nanomedicine as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative compared to other chemical and physical methods. This study deals with the eco-friendly green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) utilizing Juniperus phoenicea leaf extract and their characterization. The biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs was completed in 3 h and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, a strong band at 205.4 nm distinctly revealed the formation of NPs. Transmissions electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the synthesized TiO2 NPs are spherical in shape, with a diameter in a range of 10–30 nm. The XRD major peak at 27.1° congruent with the (110) lattice plane of tetragonal rutile TiO2 phase. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed synthesized TiO2 NPs average particle size (hydrodynamic diameter) of (74.8 ± 0.649) nm. Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) revealed the bioactive components present in the leaf extract, which act as reducing and capping agents. The antimicrobial efficacy of synthesized TiO2NPs against, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative), Yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and fungi (Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium digitatum) assayed by a disc diffusion method. TiO2NPs inhibited all tested strains by mean inhibition zone (MIZ), which ranged from the lowest 15.7 ± 0.45 mm against K. pneumoniae to the highest 30.3 ± 0.25 against Aspergillus niger. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) values were 20 μL/mL and 40 μL/mL of TiO2NPs were observed against Asp. niger. Moreover, it showed significant inhibitory activity against human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells with IC50 = 50.13 ± 1.65 µg/mL. The findings concluded that biosynthesized TiO2 NPs using Juniperus phoenicea leaf extract can be used in medicine as curative agents according to their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities.
Rapid Heating of Mold: Effect of Uneven Filling Temperature on Part Morphology and Molecular Orientation
Authors: Liparoti Sara , Sofia Daniele , Pantani Roberto
Published: January 2023

Mold temperature is the key parameter in determining the morphology of molded parts. Uneven temperature distribution could induce significant effects on part performances. In such cases, uneven temperature is induced to analyze the morphology developed in the molded specimens. The technology used for controlling mold temperature during the process is crucial to maintain the short processing time. This paper proposed a strategy for controlling mold temperature during the process, avoiding a significant increase in processing time. A thin electrical heater is designed and adapted below the cavity surface, allowing for the increase of the cavity surface temperature soon after the mold closure, and the fast decrease of the mold temperature soon after the filling. The effect of several heating powers and heating durations on the molecular orientation was analyzed and exploited considering the temperature and flow field realized during the process.
Processing Smoked Pork Loin Using Ultrasound-Assisted Curing
Authors: Carnero-Hernandez Andrea , Alarcon-Rojo Alma D. , Garcia-Galicia Ivan A. , Aguilar-Palma Guadalupe Nelson , Carrillo-Lopez Luis M. , Huerta-Jimenez Mariana
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of high intensity ultrasound (HIU)-assisted brining on the physicochemical characteristics and consumer preference of smoked pork loin (Longissimus dorsi, LD). LD cuts (5 × 8 × 2.5 cm, length × width × height) were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 design of two concentration of brine (5 or 10% NaCl) and two methods of brining (static, TC; or HIU for 30 min). After brining, the samples were smoked, cooled, vacuum packed and stored for 7 d at 4 °C. Weight, pH, percentage of NaCl, water-holding capacity (WHC), shear force and colour characteristics were evaluated in post-brining and smoked samples. Sensory analysis was performed to evaluate preference in appearance, taste, and texture characteristics. Weight and NaCl increased in samples post-brining. However, smoked pork samples were not significantly different among treatments. The smoked samples became more yellow and less red. Consumers preferred TC smoked pork based on this appearance characteristic. HIU improved NaCl concentrations in cured pork meat. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consider the posterior treatment that the ultrasonicated-cured meat will undergo, since part of the weight gain was lost during the smoking process.
Protective Effect of Annona muricata Linn Fruit Pulp Lyophilized Powder against Paracetamol-Induced Redox Imbalance and Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Menon Seema , Al-Eisa Rasha A. , Hamdi Hamida , Lawrence Lincy , Syamily P. S. , Sivaram Vipin P. , Padikkala Jose , Mathew Shaji E. , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan
Published: January 2023

In the current investigation, Annona muricata Linn. lyophilized fruit pulp powder was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity induced by paracetamol or acetaminophen (APAP). Male Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated for 15 days with A. muricata lyophilized fruit pulp powder at low (1 g/kg b.wt) and high doses (2 g/kg b.wt). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as the standard drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using APAP, in a single oral administration of 2.5 g/kg body weight dosage on the 15th day. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in the APAP group but were found to be significantly reduced in the pre-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. APAP administration brought down the serum total protein and albumin levels significantly. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were reduced in the APAP administration; further, the reduced glutathione pool in the tissue was also diminished significantly. However, with the administration of Annona lyophilized fruit pulp powder, the level of antioxidant parameters was near normal. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the APAP group, while the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups exhibited resistance to lipid peroxidation (LPO), as evident from lower levels of LPO generated. Histopathological examination also revealed considerable tissue damage in the APAP alone treatment group, which was not devastating in the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups. Altogether, the study concludes that the lyophilized fruit pulp of A. muricata is protective against APAP-induced liver injury in rats by modulating the hepatic redox systems.
Predictive Control Method of Reaming up in the Raise Boring Process Using Kernel Based Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Jing Guoye , Yan Wei , Hu Fuwen
Published: January 2023

Raise boring is an important method to construct the underground shafts of mines and other underground infrastructures, by drilling down the pilot hole and then reaming up to the desired diameter. Seriously different from the drilling operations of the mechanical parts in mechanized mass production, it is very difficult to obtain a good consistency in the construction environments of each raise or shaft, to be more exact, every construction process is highly customized. The underground bottom-up reaming process is impossible to be observed directly, and the rock breaking effect is very difficult to be measured in real-time, due to the rock debris freely falling under the excavated shaft. The optimal configurations of the operational parameters in the drilling and working pressures, torque, rotation speed and penetration speed, mainly depend on the accumulation of construction experience or empirical models. To this end, we presented a machine learning method, based on the extreme learning machine, to determine in real-time, the relationships between the working performance and the operational parameters, and the physical-mechanical properties of excavated geologic zones, aiming at a higher production or excavation rate, safer operation and minimum ground disturbance. This research brings out new possibilities to revolutionize the process planning paradigm of the raise boring method that traditionally depends on experience or subject matter expertise.
Gas Pipeline Leakage Detection Method Based on IUPLCD and GS-TBSVM
Authors: Shan Haiou , Zhu Yongqiang
Published: January 2023

To improve the identification accuracy of gas pipeline leakage and reduce the false alarm rate, a pipeline leakage detection method based on improved uniform-phase local characteristic-scale decomposition (IUPLCD) and grid search algorithm-optimized twin-bounded support vector machine (GS-TBSVM) was proposed. First, the signal was decomposed into several intrinsic scale components (ISC) by the UPLCD algorithm. Then, the signal reconstruction process of UPLCD was optimized and improved according to the energy and standard deviation of the amplitude of each ISC, the ISC components dominated by the signal were selected for signal reconstruction, and the denoised signal was obtained. Finally, the TBSVM was optimized using a grid search algorithm, and a GS-TBSVM model for pipeline leakage identification was constructed. The input of the GS-TBSVM model was the data processed by the IUPLCD algorithm, and the output was the real-time working conditions of the gas pipeline. The experimental results show that IUPLCD can effectively filter the noise in the signal and GS-TBSVM can accurately judge the working conditions of the gas pipeline, with a maximum identification accuracy of 98.4%.
Research and Application of a Quantitative Prediction Method for Sandstone Thickness in a Zone with Dense Well Pattern Development Based on an Objective Function
Authors: Li Cao , Wang Yongzhuo , Zhou Yongbing , Fan Xiaodong , Zhan Jianfei , Chen Guosong , Liu Zongbao
Published: January 2023

The seismic amplitude along a layer in a section can reveal lateral reservoir changes and is one of the important means of reservoir prediction, but it is often difficult to establish the quantitative relationship between the seismic amplitude and sandstone thickness in wells in blocks with denser development. The use of a lower-amplitude slice for precisely quantitatively predicting the sandstone thickness, based on the goal of obtaining data on layers in the development zone with a dense well pattern, is accurate and has a valuable advantage. The method of formation slice optimization based on an objective function is studied to improve the ability of reservoir characterization by seismic attributes. This method has been applied to the reservoir prediction of the G I2 sedimentary unit in the ZQX block of the SRT oilfield and has achieved good results.
Hypomagnetic Fields and Their Multilevel Effects on Living Organisms
Authors: Sinčák Miroslava , Sedlakova-Kadukova Jana
Published: January 2023

The Earth’s magnetic field is one of the basic abiotic factors in all environments, and organisms had to adapt to it during evolution. On some occasions, organisms can be confronted with a significant reduction in a magnetic field, termed a “hypomagnetic field—HMF”, for example, in buildings with steel reinforcement or during interplanetary flight. However, the effects of HMFs on living organisms are still largely unclear. Experimental studies have mostly focused on the human and rodent models. Due to the small number of publications, the effects of HMFs are mostly random, although we detected some similarities. Likely, HMFs can modify cell signalling by affecting the contents of ions (e.g., calcium) or the ROS level, which participate in cell signal transduction. Additionally, HMFs have different effects on the growth or functions of organ systems in different organisms, but negative effects on embryonal development have been shown. Embryonal development is strictly regulated to avoid developmental abnormalities, which have often been observed when exposed to a HMF. Only a few studies have addressed the effects of HMFs on the survival of microorganisms. Studying the magnetoreception of microorganisms could be useful to understand the physical aspects of the magnetoreception of the HMF.
A Systematic Review on the Synthesis of Silicon Carbide: An Alternative Approach to Valorisation of Residual Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Thulasiraman Adhithiya , Ganesapillai Mahesh
Published: January 2023

Over the past several decades, industrialised and developing nations have attempted to enhance sustainability. Demands for energy and the acceleration in environmental deterioration are the two primary obstacles to progress. The daily generation of municipal solid waste has been a significant factor in the deterioration of the ecology. To address this issue, a considerable amount of municipal solid waste may be used to synthesise SiC nanomaterials from organic and inorganic fractions and use them as carbon and silica sources. Nanomaterials have progressively received widespread prominence as the development of particulate materials accelerates at an incredible rate. One such material is silicon carbide (SiC), which has garnered considerable interest due to its remarkable performance and wide variety of applications. This review article discusses the SiC polytypes, including cubic, hexagonal, and rhombohedral SiC. The characteristics of silicon carbide, such as its biomimetic, surface, and thermal properties, are also discussed. In addition, the synthesis of silicon carbide was described in depth, including microwave sintering, the calcination method, the carbothermal redox reaction, and much more. The final section describes the applications of silicon carbide, including wastewater treatment, medical implants, and gas detection.
Cloud-Based Machine Learning Application for Predicting Energy Consumption in Automotive Spot Welding
Authors: Freitas Nelson , Araújo Sara Oleiro , Alemão Duarte , Ramos João , Guedes Magno , Gonçalves José , Peres Ricardo Silva , Rocha Andre Dionisio , Barata José
Published: January 2023

The energy consumption of production processes is increasingly becoming a concern for the industry, driven by the high cost of electricity, the growing concern for the environment and the greenhouse emissions. It is necessary to develop and improve energy efficiency systems, to reduce the ecological footprint and production costs. Thus, in this work, a system is developed capable of extracting and evaluating useful data regarding production metrics and outputs. With the extracted data, machine learning-based models were created to predict the expected energy consumption of an automotive spot welding, proving a clear insight into how the input values can contribute to the energy consumption of each product or machine, but also correlate the real values to the ideal ones and use this information to determine if some process is not working as intended. The method is demonstrated in real-world scenarios with robotic cells that meet Volkswagen and Ford standards. The results are promising, as models can accurately predict the expected consumption from the cells and allow managers to infer problems or optimize schedule decisions based on the energy consumption. Additionally, by the nature of the conceived architecture, there is room to expand and build additional systems upon the currently existing software.
Fracture Parameters Optimization and Field Application in Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs under Fracturing Flooding Conditions
Authors: Lu Cong , Ma Li , Guo Jianchun , Zhao Lin , Xu Shiqian , Chen Bugao , Zhou Yulong , Yuan Haoren , Tang Zhibin
Published: January 2023

To solve engineering problems in the production process after fracturing and flooding of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs, such as rapid water-cut rise and low water flooding efficiency, a method for optimizing the fracture parameters of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs under fracturing flooding conditions was proposed. A rock property test experiment was first carried out, the fracturing coefficient was defined, and an evaluation method for the brittleness index of low-permeability sandstone was established to optimize the perforation location of the fracturing reservoir. A productivity numerical model for the two-phase flow of oil–water in matrix–fracture media was established to optimize the fracture morphology under fracturing flooding conditions. The results showed that the quartz content, Young’s modulus, and peak stress mainly affected the fracturing coefficient of rock and are the key indicators for evaluating the brittleness of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs. For production wells in the direction of minimum horizontal principal stress, the swept area of water flooding should be expanded, fracture length should be optimized to 90 m, and fracture conductivity should be 20 D·cm. For fracturing production wells in the direction of maximum horizontal principal stress, the advancing speed of the water injection front should be slowed down to reduce the risk of water channeling in injection-production wells. The optimized fracture length was 80 m, and the fracture conductivity was 25 D·cm. The application of these findings can markedly improve oil production and provide a reference for optimizing the fracture parameters of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs under fracturing flooding conditions.
Pore Structure Multifractal Characteristics of Coal Reservoirs in the Central and Eastern Qinshui Basin and Influencing Factors
Authors: Duan Chaochao , Fu Xuehai , Deng Ze , Kang Junqiang , Zhang Baoxin , Lu Jielin , Hong Xing , Dai Ruirui , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

The heterogeneity of the pore structure of coal reservoirs affects the desorption and diffusion characteristics of coalbed methane, and determining its distribution law is conducive to improving the theory of coalbed methane development. The central and eastern parts of the Qinshui Basin are rich in coalbed methane resources, but the heterogeneity characteristics of the pore structure of coal reservoirs are not clear. NMR has the advantages of being fast, non-destructive and full-scale, and multifractal can describe the self-similarity of NMR T2 curve at different scales so as to analyze the complexity of pore distribution. Based on this, 15 samples with different coal ranks were collected from the central and eastern Qinshui Basin (Ro,max between 1.54 and 2.78%), and quantitative pore characterization experiments such as low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption (LTN2A) were conducted. Based on multifractal theory, the heterogeneity law of pore structure was quantitatively evaluated, and its influencing factors were elucidated. The results showed that the BJH pore volume of coal samples in the study area ranged from 0.0005–0.0028 cm3/g, with an average of 0.0014 cm3/g, and the BET specific surface area was 0.07–2.52 m2/g, with an average of 0.41 m2/g. The NMR T2 spectrum peaked at 0.1–1, 10–100 and 100–1000 ms, and the spectrum was mostly bimodal or trimodal, indicating that pores of different pore sizes were developed. There were great differences in the pore structure of different coal ranks; high-rank coal was dominated by micropores, and the proportion of mesopores and macropores of medium-rank coal was higher. The pore structure of coal samples showed obvious multifractal characteristics, and the fractal characteristics of the sparse region (low-value information) were more significant; they dominated the pore distribution and had a stronger influence on the distribution of pore space. Pore structure heterogeneity is closely related to the degree of coalification, and with the increase in coalification, it is closely related to coal lithotype and quality, and high mineral and inertinite contents lead to the enhancement of pore structure heterogeneity in coal reservoirs, while Ro,max, Mad and vitrinite group contents have opposite effects. The research results provide theoretical guidance for the subsequent exploration and development of coalbed methane in the region.