bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do NAAT-Based Methods Increase the Diagnostic Sensitivity of Streptococcus agalactiae Carriage Detection in Pregnant Women?
Authors: Sroka-Oleksiak Agnieszka , Pabian Wojciech , Sobońska Joanna , Drożdż Kamil , Bogiel Tomasz , Brzychczy-Włoch Monika
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate particular polymerase chain reaction primers targeting selected representative genes and the influence of a preincubation step in a selective broth on the sensitivity of group B Streptococcus (GBS) detection by nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT). Research samples were vaginal and rectal swabs collected in duplicate from 97 pregnant women. They were used for enrichment broth culture-based diagnostics, bacterial DNA isolation, and amplification, using primers based on species-specific 16S rRNA, atr and cfb genes. To assess the sensitivity of GBS detection, additional isolation of samples preincubated in Todd-Hewitt broth with colistin and nalidixic acid was performed and then subjected to amplification again. The introduction of the preincubation step increased the sensitivity of GBS detection by about 33–63%. Moreover, NAAT made it possible to identify GBS DNA in an additional six samples that were negative in culture. The highest number of true positive results compared to the culture was obtained with the atr gene primers, as compared to cfb and 16S rRNA primers. Isolation of bacterial DNA after preincubation in enrichment broth significantly increases the sensitivity of NAAT-based methods applied for the detection of GBS from vaginal and rectal swabs. In the case of the cfb gene, the use of an additional gene to ensure the appropriate results should be considered.
Refined Automatic Brain Tumor Classification Using Hybrid Convolutional Neural Networks for MRI Scans
Authors: AlTahhan Fatma E. , Khouqeer Ghada A. , Saadi Sarmad , Elgarayhi Ahmed , Sallah Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Refined hybrid convolutional neural networks are proposed in this work for classifying brain tumor classes based on MRI scans. A dataset of 2880 T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI brain scans are used. The dataset contains three main classes of brain tumors: gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary tumors, as well as a class of no tumors. Firstly, two pre-trained, fine-tuned convolutional neural networks, GoogleNet and AlexNet, were used for classification process, with validation and classification accuracy being 91.5% and 90.21%, respectively. Then, to improving the performance of the fine-tuning AlexNet, two hybrid networks (AlexNet-SVM and AlexNet-KNN) were applied. These hybrid networks achieved 96.9% and 98.6% validation and accuracy, respectively. Thus, the hybrid network AlexNet-KNN was shown to be able to apply the classification process of the present data with high accuracy. After exporting these networks, a selected dataset was employed for testing process, yielding accuracies of 88%, 85%, 95%, and 97% for the fine-tuned GoogleNet, the fine-tuned AlexNet, AlexNet-SVM, and AlexNet-KNN, respectively. The proposed system would help for automatic detection and classification of the brain tumor from the MRI scans and safe the time for the clinical diagnosis.
Groove Pancreatitis—Tumor-like Lesion of the Pancreas
Authors: Gábos Gabriella , Nicolau Carmen , Martin Alexandra , Moșteanu Ofelia
Published: February 2023

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is an uncommon appearance of pancreatitis represented by fibrous inflammation and a pseudo-tumor in the area over the head of the pancreas. The underlying etiology is unidentified but is firmly associated with alcohol abuse. We report the case of a 45-year-old male patient with chronic alcohol abuse who was admitted to our hospital with upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and weight loss. Laboratory data were within normal limits, except for the level of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9. An abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed swelling of the pancreatic head and duodenal wall thickening with luminal narrowing. We performed an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspiration (FNA) from the markedly thickened duodenal wall and the groove area, which revealed only inflammatory changes. The patient improved and was discharged. The principal objective in managing GP is to exclude a diagnosis of malignancy, whilst a conservative approach might be more acceptable for patients instead of extensive surgery.
Comprehensive Analysis of Prognosis and Immune Landscapes Based on Lipid-Metabolism- and Ferroptosis-Associated Signature in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Pusheng , Lu Jiawei , Zhang Panpan , Zhang Shu
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The effect of tumor immunotherapy is influenced by the immune microenvironment, and it is unclear how lipid metabolism and ferroptosis regulate the immune microenvironment of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). (2) Methods: Genes associated with lipid metabolism and ferroptosis (LMRGs-FARs) were extracted from the MSigDB and FerrDb databases, respectively. Five hundred and forty-four UCEC samples were obtained from the TCGA database. The risk prognostic signature was constructed by consensus clustering, univariate cox, and LASSO analyses. The accuracy of the risk modes was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, calibration,, and C-index analyses. The relationship between the risk signature and immune microenvironment was detected by the ESTIMATE, EPIC, TIMER, xCELL, quan-TIseq, and TCIA databases. The function of a potential gene, PSAT1, was measured by in vitro experiments. (3) Results: A six-gene (CDKN1A, ESR1, PGR, CDKN2A, PSAT1, and RSAD2) risk signature based on MRGs-FARs was constructed and evaluated with high accuracy in UCEC. The signature was identified as an independent prognostic parameter and it divided the samples into high- and low-risk groups. The low-risk group was positively associated with good prognosis, high mutational status, upregulated immune infiltration status, high expression of CTLA4, GZMA and PDCD1, anti-PD-1 treatment sensitivity, and chemoresistance. (4) Conclusions: We constructed a risk prognostic model based on both lipid metabolism and ferroptosis and evaluated the relationship between the risk score and tumor immune microenvironment in UCEC. Our study has provided new ideas and potential targets for UCEC individualized diagnosis and immunotherapy.
68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT May Fail to Detect Recurrent Multiple Myeloma with Extramedullary Disease
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Luo Yaping , Cao Xinxin , Li Jian , Li Fang
Published: February 2023

Two patients with a history of multiple myeloma experienced a recurrence of the disease.18F-FDG PET/CT revealed prominent extramedullary disease as well as multi-foci in the bone marrow, both with increased FDG uptake. However, on 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT, all the myeloma lesions showed significantly lower tracer uptake in comparison with 18F-FDG PET. This false-negative result of recurrent multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease may be a potential limitation of 68Ga-Pentixafor in assessing multiple myeloma.
Comparison between Magneto-Dynamic, Piezoelectric, and Conventional Surgery for Dental Extractions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bennardo Francesco , Barone Selene , Vocaturo Camillo , Gheorghe Dorin Nicolae , Cosentini Giorgio , Antonelli Alessandro , Giudice Amerigo
Published: February 2023

This pilot split-mouth study aimed to evaluate and compare early postoperative discomfort and wound healing outcomes in post-extraction sockets after dental extraction performed with a Magnetic Mallet (MM), piezosurgery, and conventional instruments (EudraCT 2022-003135-25). Twenty-two patients requiring the extraction of three non-adjacent teeth were included. Each tooth was randomly assigned to a specific treatment (control, MM, or piezosurgery). Outcome measures were the severity of symptoms after surgery, wound healing assessed at the 10-days follow-up visit, and the time taken to complete each procedure (excluding suturing). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons tests were performed to evaluate eventual differences between groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the compared methods in postoperative pain and healing, and no additional complications were reported. MM required significantly less time to perform a tooth extraction, followed by conventional instruments and piezosurgery, in increasing order (p < 0.05). Overall, the present findings suggest the use of MM and piezosurgery as valid options for dental extractions. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm and extend this study’s results, facilitating the selection of the optimal method for an individual patient depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Attitude Fault-Tolerant Control of Aerial Robots with Sensor Faults and Disturbances
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-P. , Pitakwatchara Phongsaen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, sensor fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control strategy are investigated for quadcopters under sensor faults and disturbances. We propose the fault diagnosis estimation system and the fault-tolerant control (FTC) method. The fault diagnosis system provides time-varying sensor fault estimation under an unknown bound of disturbances. Moreover, the fault-tolerant control eliminates disturbance that is estimated through the associated disturbance observer. Overall, the proposed FTC guarantees the finite-time tracking convergence using nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode algorithm. Stability of the closed-loop system is validated through the Lyapunov theory. Finally, conventional nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode and adaptive neural network sliding mode control are compared with the proposed method through simulations under sensor faults and disturbances with different scenarios.
Autonomous Maneuver Decision-Making of UCAV with Incomplete Information in Human-Computer Gaming
Authors: Li Shouyi , Wu Qingxian , Du Bin , Wang Yuhui , Chen Mou
Published: February 2023

In human-computer gaming scenarios, the autonomous decision-making problem of an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) is a complex sequential decision-making problem involving multiple decision-makers. In this paper, an autonomous maneuver decision-making method for UCAV that considers the partially observable states of Human (the adversary) is proposed, building on a game-theoretic approach. The maneuver decision-making process within the current time horizon is modeled as a game of Human and UCAV, which significantly reduces the computational complexity of the entire decision-making process. In each established game decision-making model, an improved maneuver library that contains all possible maneuvers (called the continuous maneuver library) is designed, and each of these maneuvers corresponds to a mixed strategy of the established game. In addition, the unobservable states of Human are predicted via the Nash equilibrium strategy of the previous decision-making stage. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by some adversarial experiments.
How Catalytic Is Digital Technology in the Nexus between Migrants’ Remittance and Financial Development in Sub-Saharan African Countries?
Authors: Jemiluyi Olufunmilayo Olayemi , Jeke Leward
Published: February 2023

Given the indisputable roles of remittance and financial development in countries’ economic performance, enhancing the nexus between the two variables has become pertinent. The remittance–financial development literature has surged, with a growing argument that making the relationship work is conditioned on mediating roles of certain economic indicators. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the transformative roles of digital technology, the assessment of its possible mediating role in the remittance–financial development nexus is lacking in the literature. Hence, using pooled data of 35 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries sourced from the World Bank’s Development Indicators, this study examined the mediating effect of digital technology in the relationship between remittance inflows and financial development. Using two indicators of ICT—fixed broadband and mobile cellular subscription—the results of the generalized method of moment analysis suggest that digital technology spurs remittance inflows to promote financial development in SSA. The results are consistent for both measures. These findings imply that remittance and digital technology are complementary in promoting financial development in the sub-region. Based on these outcomes, the study therefore advances the enactment of policies aimed at fostering diffusion of digital technology and achieving the sustainable development goal’s recommendation of lower transaction cost of remittances.
Academic Performance and Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students in Case-Based Learning Compared to Other Teaching Strategies: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maia Diogo , Andrade Renato , Afonso José , Costa Patrício , Valente Cristina , Espregueira-Mendes João
Published: February 2023

Case-based learning (CBL) is a teaching method centered on active student learning that can overcome the limitations of traditional teaching methods used in undergraduate medical education. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of CBL against other teaching methodologies in terms of academic performance and perceptions (intra-individual, interpeer and student–faculty) of undergraduate medical students. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to 28 April 2021. We included studies that quantitatively compared the academic performance and perception outcomes of CBL against other teaching methodologies in undergraduate medical students. The risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool and certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model and reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of a total of 4470 records, 41 studies comprising 7667 undergraduate medical students fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our systematic review. The CBL group was superior to the other teaching method groups in terms of academic performance measured by exam scores (SMD = 2.37, 95% CI 1.25–3.49, large effect, very low certainty) and interest and motivation (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI 0.13–1.44, moderate effect, very low certainty). Other academic performance or perception outcomes were not statistically different between CBL and other teaching methods when considering the pooled effect. Still, they were often superior in the CBL group for specific subgroups. CBL showed superior academic performance (especially compared to didactic lectures and tutorial-based teaching) and interest and motivation compared to other teaching methods used with undergraduate medical students. However, the certainty of evidence was very low and further studies are warranted before a stronger and more definitive conclusion can be drawn.
Experimental Conclusions of the Online Inter-University Creativity, Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship Course Implementation
Authors: Hegyi Barbara
Published: February 2023

The implementation experiences of a new asynchronous online inter-university creativity course-titled “Creativity, responsibility, and entrepreneurship” will be presented through the lens of the course designer. Aside from introducing the identified challenges of how the regular on-site courses can be adjusted to the needs of remote education, with the aim to reach a high completion rate, the main focus remains the introduction of the different level abilities of the students in relation to social responsibility. The unique patterns of positioning the course among its internal and external competitors are created from the combination of theoretical and methodological approaches while also considering the special attitudes of the prospective Eastern European entrepreneur and social responsibility as a distinctive character. Since there was no evidence from the students on how positive social impact as a value in entrepreneurship can be ensured through online courses, the analysis of this potential effect could rely on multiple data sources from a questionnaire, answers to a quiz, and targeted analysis of the final assignments. The aim to improve new iterations call for qualitative data collection. The experimental consequences can guide the prospective course designer through the most important steps of establishing a new online course that leverages the uncommon approach that social responsibility can be an unmissable factor in the competition.
Real-Time Reliability Access Control Based on Rail Traffic Data Platform
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Zhang Lei , Xu Qian
Published: February 2023

With the introduction of the industrial internet, Internet of Things, and big data technology, the interconnection degree of the industrial control cloud network is getting higher and higher, the data interface needs to be gradually standardized, and there are more and more open interface components. Data-based attacks will continue to emerge. The real-time and reliability of access control are essential for trust value updating between network participants. This paper proposes a fine-grained dynamic real-time credibility access control method based on zero trust. Continuous authentication and trust evaluation should be carried out throughout the access control process. The zero-trust evaluation indicators of a rail transit data platform that conforms to the requirements of grade protection 2.0 are established. According to the risk feedback, the current trust level is dynamically updated in real time, and the results are used in the access control model. It can reject unauthorized access, reduce the occurrence of illegal intrusion data leakage and data loss events, and has great value in rail transit data security.
Analyzing Power Losses and Performance of an Isolated DC-DC Converter for Renewable Energies Systems
Authors: Ortíz-Marín Jorge , Gallo-Reyes Diego , Ruiz-Robles Dante , Venegas-Rebollar Vicente
Published: February 2023

DC-DC converters are essential in the interconnection of photovoltaic (PV) systems and systems that operate at different voltages, frequencies, and powers, such as smart grids. Due to the energy transition, and therefore the need for high efficiency in PV systems and smart grids, there is a great challenge to develop DC-DC converters with the highest possible efficiency. Therefore, in this paper an isolated DC-DC converter with high efficiency and easy implementation is developed, in comparison with other similar structures. In isolated converters it is necessary to address the analysis and design of the transformer. Poor performance of this element can contribute to high losses and low efficiency of the converter topology. This study proposes an isolated DC-DC converter (FBDC) that operates at different levels of harmonic content in its supply. The design is subjected to two levels (2L) and three levels (3L), which affects the THD value. The proposed converter model is simulated in MATLAB-Simulink and validated in a laboratory prototype. Finally, the prototype is incorporated into the multilevel FBDC topology, obtaining an efficiency of 96.6% for 2L and 97.0% for 3L in the laboratory, showing the high performance of the proposed design.
Optimal Configuration of Energy Storage Systems in High PV Penetrating Distribution Network
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Zhu Liding , Zhao Shengchao , Yan Jie , Lv Lingling
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a method for rationally allocating energy storage capacity in a high-permeability distribution network is proposed. By constructing a bi-level programming model, the optimal capacity of energy storage connected to the distribution network is allocated by considering the operating cost, load fluctuation, and battery charging and discharging strategy. By constructing four scenarios with energy storage in the distribution network with a photovoltaic permeability of 29%, it was found that the bi-level decision-making model proposed in this paper saves 2346.66 yuan and 2055.05 yuan, respectively, in daily operation cost compared to the scenario without energy storage and the scenario with single-layer energy storage. After accessing IEEE-33 nodes for simulation verification, it was found that the bi-level decision-making model proposed in this paper has a good inhibition effect on voltage fluctuation and load fluctuation after energy storage configuration. In addition, this paper analyzes the energy storage that can be accessed by photovoltaic distribution networks with different permeability and finds that when photovoltaic permeability reaches 45% and corresponding energy storage is configured, the economic and energy storage benefits of the system are the best.
Multi-Objective-Based Charging and Discharging Coordination of Plug-in Electric Vehicle Integrating Capacitor and OLTC
Authors: Islam Junaid Bin Fakhrul , Rahman Mir Toufikur , Ahmad Shameem , Ahmed Tofael , Shafiullah G. M. , Mokhlis Hazlie , Othman Mohamadariff , Izam Tengku Faiz Tengku Mohmed Noor , Mohamad Hasmaini , Arif Mohammad Taufiqul
Published: February 2023

The integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in residential distribution networks demands a significant amount of electrical load where random and uncoordinated charging affects the quality and performance of the distribution network. Random and uncoordinated charging may increase the peak demand and can increase stress on critical network assets such as line, transformer, and switching devices. Moreover, the charging of PEVs in a low network reduces the voltage of the system below the lower limit. On the other hand, using PEVs as storage in the V2G mode can improve the network condition. Therefore, it is critical to properly manage the charging and discharging operation of PEVs. This paper proposes a multi-objective-based charging and discharging coordination of PEVs with the operation of the capacitor and on-load tap changer (OLTC). With the proposed strategy, the distribution network is operated safely, and charging is ensured for all PEVs connected to the network. The main consideration of this research is to reduce the daily power loss, operational cost, and voltage deviation of the system. The metaheuristic optimization binary firefly algorithm (BFA) has been applied to coordinate PEV charging and discharging as well as capacitor and OLTC operation in the system. A modified IEEE 31 bus 23 kV distribution system is used to implement the proposed strategy. From the obtained results, it is found that the combined PEV charging and discharging coordination with capacitor and OLTC operation reduces the power loss and cost by 34.16% and 12.68%, respectively, with respect to uncoordinated charging and enhances the voltage condition of the network.
CFD-Based Sensitivity-Analysis and Performance Investigation of a Hydronic Road-Heating System
Authors: Ahmed Arslan , Conti Fosca , Schießl-Widera Michael , Goldbrunner Markus
Published: February 2023

To minimize the impact of snowfall and ice formation on safety of transportation, salt is sprinkled on the asphalt every winter. However, the use of salt has economical as well as ecological disadvantages. To resolve these problems, road heating systems are used in the northern regions of Europe and America. Despite their widespread usage, considerable potential of the operational optimization is evident. The current systems are controlled under predefined weather conditions such as start of operation at 5 °C air temperature, even when snowfall is absent. Consequently, loss of energy input to heat the system is caused. To avoid unnecessary financial and energetic expense, this study presents CFD-based performance investigation as a basis for a novel predictive controller to increase the operational efficiency of hydronic road heating systems (HRS). The simulation model was developed based on a real operational HRS located in Ingolstadt and composed of bridges and ramps for a total surface of 1989 m2. Climate data of the years 2019–2020 from local weather stations were implemented in the simulation model for performance prediction on extreme climate conditions. This investigation identified that up to 70% of operational hours in terms of energy input can be saved by using a hypothetical predictive controller, thus making the HRS a more economically efficient and environmentally attractive alternate to conventional de-icing techniques.
Review of Oil–Water Flow Characteristics of Emptying by Water Displacing Oil in Mobile Pipelines
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Guang , Duan Jimiao , Liu Huishu , Xu Shuo , Guo Yang , Hua Weixing , Jiang Junze
Published: February 2023

Water displacing oil is one of the main emptying methods for mobile pipelines. It has the advantages of being a simple process and highly safe. At present, the determination of a water displacing oil scheme of mobile pipelines is based on the oil–oil alternating transport theory of product oil pipelines. However, the insolubility of the oil phase and the water phase results in a great difference between the flow characteristics of water displacing oil and the oil–oil alternating transport of a product oil pipeline. In addition, due to the effect of buoyancy, the oil phase gathers at the high point of the pipeline and forms a liquid accumulation, which is difficult to carry away by water flow, resulting in the low emptying efficiency of the mobile pipeline. The essence of water displacing oil in a mobile pipeline is an oil–water two-phase unsteady displacement flow, involving liquid–liquid displacement flow, oil–water two-phase flow and water carrying oil. Aiming at such problems, domestic and foreign scholars have carried out a large number of theoretical and experimental studies, established the oil–water mixing model of water displacing oil and the relationship between macroscopic quantity (flow pattern, pressure drop and water content) and microscopic quantity (local flow field and droplet dispersion pattern, etc.) under each flow type, and explored the influence of pipeline diameter, oil phase velocity, pipeline inclination angle and other parameters on the capacity of carrying liquid accumulation. On this basis, this paper analyzes the shortcomings of the current research on the oil–water flow characteristics of water displacing oil in a mobile pipeline from three aspects: the formation mechanism of the oil–water mixture, displacing flow characteristics of immiscible fluids and flow characteristics of water carrying oil. Five future research directions are proposed, including the interface morphology and flow field characteristics of oil–water two-phase layered flow, local mixing characteristics of an oil–water two-phase dual continuous flow interface, droplet distribution and flow characteristics of oil–water two-phase dispersed flow, unsteady flow characteristics of the oil–water mixture of water displacing oil and oil accumulation and flow characteristics in topographic relief pipes.
Numerical Modeling and Analysis of an Electromagnetic Device Using a Weakly Coupled Magnetostatic-Mechanical Formulation and the 2D Finite Element Method
Authors: Pineda-Arciniega Manuel , Arjona Marco A. , Hernandez Concepcion , Escarela-Perez Rafael
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a methodology to program the weak coupling between magnetic and structural vector fields in an electromagnetic device modeled in two dimensions. The magneto-mechanical coupling phenomenon is present in electromagnetic devices where magnetic forces cause displacements in metallic materials. This work proposes a numerical solution to this problem by applying the 2D finite element method to the governing equations of this coupled multiphysics phenomenon. The well-known formulation yields accurate results; however, it is often not properly integrated into a computer program. This manuscript proposes a flexible and intuitive methodology for the implementation of the complex mathematics involved in this phenomenon into a computer program. The computer code receives the input parameters, discretizes the geometry by generating a 2D finite mesh, solves the resulting equations using the finite element method, and finally exports the results of the magnetic ang mechanical fields. The modeling is performed using an open-source platform for programming the finite element method in the programming language Python, and afterwards, the results are compared against a commercial software as validation of the proposed numerical approach. The novel magneto-mechanical coupling methodology is used to solve an engineering application, namely an electromagnetic actuator.
Experimental Testing of Energy-Absorbing Structures Used to Enhance the Crashworthiness of the Vehicles
Authors: Jackowski Jerzy , Posuniak Paweł , Zielonka Karol , Jurecki Rafał
Published: February 2023

Selected structures intended to absorb impact energy have been analysed in respect of their use in the rear underrun protective devices (RUPD) of motor trucks. The main purpose of the RUPD is to prevent a passenger car from running under the rear of a motor truck provided with such a device. From the point of view of the safety of the car occupants, it is important to take into account the components whose additional role would be to absorb a part of the impact energy so that the loads on the said occupants were minimised. This article presents experimental test results concerning selected energy-absorbing structures. Based on quasi-static strength tests, simplified material models were defined. As a result of experimental crash tests, the possible applications of selected energy absorbers to the RUPDs as their components accountable for the passive safety of passenger cars were indicated. Absorbers proposed in this paper can be considered effective energy-absorbing structures, e.g., in the case of the central impact of a medium-class car with a speed of about 40 km/h. They are relatively inexpensive in production and easily implementable to motor trucks, even taking into account some limitations related to the type-approval regulations on the European market.
Risk Assessment of Offshore Wind Turbines Suction Bucket Foundation Subject to Multi-Hazard Events
Authors: Ngo Duc-Vu , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Dong-Hyawn
Published: February 2023

For the offshore wind turbines (OWTs) located in a seismically active region, the occurrence of earthquakes combined with scour is a highly possible multi-hazard event. This study developed an alternative fragility analysis framework to assess the seismic performance of suction bucket-supported OWTs under the action of scour. First, the probabilistic approach was applied to calculate the occurrence probability of scour depth (SD) and earthquake events. Then, the possible combinations of these two events were considered in the analysis model to establish the fragility surface of the suction bucket foundation. Finally, by integrating the product of scour and earthquake hazard, as well as fragility curves, the suction bucket foundation failure probability was obtained. The developed framework provides a reliable approach to risk assessment for OWT-supporting structures in extreme event situations and can be applied to other complex natural hazards.
Combining Constructed Wetlands and UV Photolysis for the Advanced Removal of Organic Matter, Nitrogen, and Emerging Pollutants from Wastewater
Authors: Sánchez Marta , Fernández María Isabel , Ruiz Isabel , Canle Moisés , Soto Manuel
Published: February 2023

This study reports the performance of a three-step lab-scale system including a hybrid digester (HD), a vertical flow (VF) constructed wetland, and a photodegradation (PD) lamp, with two different arrangements regarding the position of the recirculation point. In addition to total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nitrogen compounds, removal of the following pollutants was investigated: paracetamol (ACE), ofloxacin (OFL), caffeine (CAF), ketoprofen (KET), ibuprofen (IBU), clofibric acid (ACB), bisphenol A (BPA), and sotalol (SOT). An excellent performance of HD was achieved on the elimination of TSS (82.2 ± 18.5% on average) and COD (63.9 ± 4.1%). TSS and COD removal increased to 91.2 ± 0.4% and 83.4 ± 2.9%, respectively, for the combined HD–VF system. Ammonia removal was 57.0 ± 7.8% in the VF unit while significant denitrification occurred in the HD. The overall HD–VF–PD system achieved mean removals of 100% for OFL, KET, SOT, and IBU, 98 ± 2% for ACE, 87 ± 8% for CAF, 81 ± 38% for ACB and 26 ± 9% for BPA. The removal of ACE, OFL, CAF, and IBU was mostly by biodegradation in the HD and VF units while the PD unit was responsible for the removal of KET, ACB, and SOT.
Effect and Mechanism of Lepista nuda Mycelia Obtained via In Vitro Culture on the Lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Li Jinzhe , Huang Yaqin , Wang Dezhi , Zhu Nailiang , Qiao Xinrong
Published: February 2023

To provide a theoretical basis for biogenic fly-killing pesticides, in this study, we sought to examine the lethal effects of Lepista nuda mycelium-supplemented diets in Drosophila melanogaster. In doing so, we also studied the effects of Lepista nuda mycelium-supplemented diets on lifespan, antioxidant enzyme activity, peroxide content, relative transcript amounts of antioxidant enzyme genes, signaling pathways, and lifespan. Lower Lepista nuda mycelium-supplemented diets activated the antioxidant system and prolonged lifespan, while higher mycelium-supplemented diets had a significant toxic effect. After the administration of mycelium-supplemented diets for 24 h, the highest corrected mortality (41.96%) and lifespan inhibition rates (96.50%) were observed. In addition, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); the relative transcript amounts of the key antioxidant enzyme genes SOD, CAT, and TrxR-1; and the lifespan genes Hep and Nrf2 were found to be the lowest, while the contents of the oxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonylation product (PCO), and triglyceride (TG); the relative transcript amounts of the signaling pathway-related genes S6K, TOR, and Keap-1; and the lifespan gene MTH were observed to be the highest after 48 h. Higher Lepista nuda mycelium-supplemented diets significantly inhibited lifespan, acting via the initiation of oxidative stress systems.
Unveiling the Effect of NCgl0580 Gene Deletion on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Wu Jian , Jiang Meiru , Kong Shutian , Hong Kunqiang , Zhao Juntao , Sun Xi , Cui Zhenzhen , Chen Tao , Wang Zhiwen
Published: February 2023

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has recently received much attention for its wide applications in medicine and agriculture. In this study, we investigated the effect of NCgl0580 in Corynebacterium glutamicum on 5-ALA biosynthesis as well as its possible mechanism. It was found that the overexpression of NCgl0580 increased 5-ALA production by approximately 53.3%. Interestingly, the knockout of this gene led to an even more significant 2.49-fold increase in 5-ALA production. According to transcriptome analysis and functional validation of phenotype-related targets, the deletion of NCgl0580 brought about considerable changes in the transcript levels of genes involved in central carbon metabolism, leading to fluxes redistribution toward the 5-ALA precursor succinyl-CoA as well as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters affecting 5-ALA biosynthesis. In particular, the positive effects of enhanced sugar transport (by overexpressing NCgl1445 and iolT1), glycolysis (by overexpressing pyk2), iron uptake (by overexpressing afuABC), and phosphate uptake (by overexpressing pstSCAB and ugpQ) on 5-ALA biosynthesis were demonstrated for the first time. Thus, the transcriptional mechanism underlying the effect of NCgl0580 deletion on 5-ALA biosynthesis was elucidated, providing new strategies to regulate the metabolic network of C. glutamicum to achieve a further increase in 5-ALA production.
Predictive Modelling of Wind-Influenced Dynamic Fire Spread Probability in Tank Farm Due to Domino Effect by Integrating Numerical Simulation with ANN
Authors: Malik Asher Ahmed , Nasif Mohammad Shakir , Arshad Ushtar , Mokhtar Ainul Akmar , Tohir Mohd Zahirasri Mohd , Al-Waked Rafat
Published: February 2023

Pool fires cause immense damage to fuel storage tank farms. Reduced fire escalation risk in tank farms improves fire safety. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has proven effective in assessing escalation of fire-related domino effects and is being utilized for pool fire consequences in tank farms. The past CFD-based analysis focused on primary fire effects on secondary targets. This study used fire dynamics simulator (FDS) to model complete evolution of the domino effect under different wind speeds and primary pool fire locations. Dynamic escalation probability (DEP) and fire spread probability of the tank farm were calculated. Offset tank failure increased by 3% and 31%, while inline tank failure dropped by 36% and 90%, at 2 and 8 m/s, respectively. An artificial neural network (ANN) incorporating the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is used to predict fire spread probability based on numerical data set. The use of ANNs for this purpose is one of the first attempts in this regard. ANNs can reliably predict dynamic fire spread probability and could be utilized to manage fire-induced domino effects. Moreover, dynamic fire spread probability in tank farms obtained from ANN modelling can be used for safety applications, such as updating mitigation time when fire spread probability is unacceptable for a specific wind speed.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes of Pseudomonas spp. in Fresh Fish Fillets
Authors: Ben Mhenni Nesrine , Alberghini Giulia , Giaccone Valerio , Truant Alessandro , Catellani Paolo
Published: February 2023

In fresh fish products, excessive loads of Pseudomonas can lead to their rapid spoilage. It is wise for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to consider its presence both in whole and prepared fish products. With the current study, we aimed to quantify Pseudomonas spp. in fresh fillets of Salmo salar, Gadus morhua and Pleuronectes platessa. For all three fish species, we detected loads of presumptive Pseudomonas no lower than 104–105 cfu/g in more than 50% of the samples. We isolated 55 strains of presumptive Pseudomonas and carried out their biochemical identification; 67.27% of the isolates were actually Pseudomonas. These data confirm that fresh fish fillets are normally contaminated with Pseudomonas spp. and the FBOs should add it as a “process hygiene criterion” according to EC Regulation n.2073/2005. Furthermore, in food hygiene, it is worth evaluating the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. A total of 37 Pseudomonas strains were tested against 15 antimicrobials, and they all were identified as being resistant to at least one antimicrobial, mainly penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, vancomycin, clindamycin and trimethoprim. As many as 76.47% of Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates were multi-drug resistant. Our results confirm that Pseudomonas is becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials and thus should be continuously monitored in foods.
Effect of Calcium Hydroxide on Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestibility Properties of Tartary Buckwheat Starch-Rutin Complex Prepared by Pre-Gelatinization and Co-Gelatinization Methods
Authors: Ding Xinxin , Li Xiaoping , Cai Qiling , Ma Zhen , Ren Tian , Hu Xinzhong
Published: February 2023

This study examined the effect of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, 0.6%, w/w) on structural, physicochemical and in vitro digestibility properties of the complexed system of Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS) and rutin (10%, w/w). The pre-gelatinization and co-gelatinization methods were also compared. SEM results showed that the presence of Ca(OH)2 promoted the connection and further strengthened the pore wall of the three-dimensional network structure of the gelatinized and retrograded TBS-rutin complex, indicating the complex possessed a more stable structure with the presence of Ca(OH)2, which were also confirmed by the results of textural analysis and TGA. Additionally, Ca(OH)2 reduced relative crystallinity (RC), degree of order (DO) and enthalpy, inhibiting their increase during storage, thereby retarding the regeneration of the TBS-rutin complex. A higher storage modulus (G′) value was observed in the complexes when Ca(OH)2 was added. Results of in vitro digestion revealed that Ca(OH)2 retarded the hydrolysis of the complex, resulting in an increase in values in slow-digestible starch and resistant starch (RS). Compared with pre-gelatinization, the complex process prepared with the co-gelatinization method presented lower RC, DO, enthalpy, and higher RS. The present work indicates the potential beneficial effect of Ca(OH)2 during the preparation of starch-polyphenol complex and would be helpful to reveal the mechanism of Ca(OH)2 on improving the quality of rutin riched Tartary buckwheat products.
Rational Food Design Targeting Micronutrient Deficiencies in Adolescents: Nutritional, Acoustic-Mechanical and Sensory Properties of Chickpea-Rice Biscuits
Authors: Talens Clara , Garcia-Fontanals Laura , Fabregat Paula , Ibargüen Mónica
Published: February 2023

“Hidden hunger”, the deficiency of important mineral micronutrients, affects more than 2 billion people globally. Adolescence is unquestionably a period of nutritional risk, given the high nutritional requirements for growth and development, erratic or capricious diets and the increased consumption of snacks. This study applied the rational food design approach to obtain micronutrient-dense biscuits by combining chickpea and rice flours to achieve an optimal nutritional profile, crunchy texture and appealing flavour. The perception of 33 adolescents regarding the suitability of such biscuits as a mid-morning snack was examined. Four biscuits were formulated, with different ratios of chickpea and rice flours (CF:RF): G100:0, G75:25, G50:50 and G25:75. Nutritional content, baking loss, acoustic-texture and sensory analyses were carried out. On average, the mineral content of biscuits with the CF:RF ratio of 100:0 doubled compared with the 25:75 formula. The dietary reference values for iron, potassium and zinc reached 100% in the biscuits with CF:RF ratios of 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0, respectively. The analysis of mechanical properties revealed that samples G100:0 and G75:25 were harder than the others. Sample G100:0 showed the highest sound pressure level (Smax). Sensory analysis showed that increasing the proportion of CF in the formulation augments the grittiness, hardness, chewiness and crunchiness. Most of the adolescents (72.7%) were habitual snack consumers; 52% awarded scores ≥ 6 (out of 9) to biscuit G50:50 for its overall quality, 24% described its flavour as “biscuit” and 12% as “nutty”. However, 55% of the participants could not pinpoint any dominant flavour. In conclusion, it is possible to design nutrient-dense snacks that meet the micronutrient requirements and sensory expectations of adolescents by combining flours naturally rich in micronutrients.
Nondestructive Detection of Pesticide Residue (Chlorpyrifos) on Bok Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) Using a Portable NIR Spectrometer Coupled with a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Lapcharoensuk Ravipat , Fhaykamta Chawisa , Anurak Watcharaporn , Chadwut Wasita , Sitorus Agustami
Published: February 2023

The contamination of agricultural products, such as vegetables, by pesticide residues has received considerable attention worldwide. Pesticide residue on vegetables constitutes a potential risk to human health. In this study, we combined near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms, including partial least-squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and principal component artificial neural network (PC-ANN), to identify pesticide residue (chlorpyrifos) on bok choi. The experimental set comprised 120 bok choi samples obtained from two small greenhouses that were cultivated separately. We performed pesticide and pesticide-free treatments with 60 samples in each group. The vegetables for pesticide treatment were fortified with 2 mL/L of chlorpyrifos 40% EC residue. We connected a commercial portable NIR spectrometer with a wavelength range of 908–1676 nm to a small single-board computer. We analyzed the pesticide residue on bok choi using UV spectrophotometry. The most accurate model correctly classified 100% of the samples used in the calibration set in terms of the content of chlorpyrifos residue on samples using SVM and PC-ANN with raw data spectra. Thus, we tested the model using an unknown dataset of 40 samples to verify the robustness of the model, which produced a satisfactory F1-score (100%). We concluded that the proposed portable NIR spectrometer coupled with machine learning approaches (PLS-DA, SVM, and PC-ANN) is appropriate for the detection of chlorpyrifos residue on bok choi.
The Influence of the Addition of Hemp Press Cake Flour on the Properties of Bovine and Ovine Yoghurts
Authors: Nakov Gjore , Trajkovska Biljana , Atanasova-Pancevska Natalija , Daniloski Davor , Ivanova Nastia , Lučan Čolić Mirela , Jukić Marko , Lukinac Jasmina
Published: February 2023

Hemp press cake flour (HPCF) is a by-product of hemp oil production rich in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, oleochemicals, and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the addition of HPCF to bovine and ovine plain yoghurts at concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% could change the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of the yoghurts, focusing on the improvement of quality and antioxidant activity, and the issue of food by-products and their utilisation. The results showed that the addition of HPCF to yoghurts significantly affected their properties, including an increase in pH and decrease in titratable acidity, change in colour to darker, reddish or yellowish hue, and a rise in total polyphenols and antioxidant activity during storage. Yoghurts fortified with 4% and 6% HPCF exhibited the best sensory properties, thus maintaining viable starter counts in the yoghurts during the study period. There were no statistically significant differences between the control yoghurts and the samples with 4% added HPCF in terms of overall sensory score while maintaining viable starter counts during the seven-day storage. These results suggest that the addition of HPCF to yoghurts can improve product quality and create functional products and may have potential in sustainable food waste management.