bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization of Gear Ratios of a Seamless Three-Speed Automated Manual Transmission for Electric Vehicles Considering Shift Performance
Authors: Wu Peng , Qiang Penghui , Pan Tao , Zang Huaiquan
Published: June 2022

Multi-speed transmission can greatly improve the power and economic performance of electric vehicles (EVs) compared with single-speed transmission. Gear ratio is the key design parameter of multi-speed transmission. Optimizing gear ratios can further improve vehicle performance. Most of the existing optimization methods of gear ratios take the power and economy of vehicles in gear as the optimization objectives, but rarely consider the shift performance of the transmission, such as shift time, friction, and shift jerk. Considering the shift performance in the process of gear ratio optimization can not only optimize the vehicle performance in gear, but also improve the shift performance of the transmission. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization method of gear ratios considering the shift performance. Firstly, a seamless three-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) of EVs is selected as the research object, the structure and the shift process without power interruption of the three-speed AMT are introduced, and the detailed EV simulation model is established. Then, the multi-objective optimization method of gear ratios considering shifting performance is described. Specifically, the acceleration time, energy consumption, and jerk of the vehicle in gear are taken as the objective functions, and the shift time, clutch friction, and the shift jerk are added to the corresponding objective functions, respectively. Finally, the multi-objective optimization algorithm is used to solve the gear ratio optimization problem. The simulation results show optimization of the gear ratios significantly improves the power, economy, and comfort of the vehicle compared with the original. More importantly, compared with the optimization method without shift performance, gear ratios optimized by the proposed optimization method has better shift performance, and the feasibility of the proposed method is verified by simulations.
Grid-Connected Power Converters: An Overview of Control Strategies for Renewable Energy
Authors: Lunardi Angelo , Normandia Lourenço Luís F. , Munkhchuluun Enkhtsetseg , Meegahapola Lasantha , Sguarezi Filho Alfeu J.
Published: June 2022

The move towards a greener energy mix to fight climate change propels investments in converter-interfaced resources such as wind and photovoltaics, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The ongoing evolution of the power system is occurring at a very fast pace, challenging transmission and distribution system operators to seek solutions that are not only adequate for this moment but also for future scenarios. Ongoing research in the fields of power electronics, power systems and control aims at developing control strategies that will help the energy transition to occur, while keeping a stable, secure and reliable power system. The objective of this paper is to present a critical review of the control strategies developed for grid-connected power converters found in renewable energy systems, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The impact of grid-connected converters on the stability of power grids is also reviewed, highlighting the promising control strategies for enhancing system stability.
Experimental Study of Power Generation and COD Removal Efficiency by Air Cathode Microbial Fuel Cell Using Shewanella baltica 20
Authors: Das Subhashis , Calay Rajnish Kaur
Published: June 2022

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a kind of bioreactor for generating electricity, facilitated by exoelectrogens while treating wastewater. The present article focuses on the performance of an air cathode plexiglass MFC in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency and power output by performing two sets of experiments. The proton exchange membrane and electrode materials were Nafion 117 and carbon felts, whereas, for stable biofilm formation on the anode surface, a pure culture of Shewanella baltica 20 was used. Firstly, sterile Luria-Bertani (LB) media containing lactate, ranging from 20 to 100 mM, was continuously fed to an MFC, and a maximum power density of 55 mW/m2 was observed. Similarly, artificial wastewater with COD ranging from 3250 mg/L to 10,272 mg/L was supplied to the MFC in the second set of experiments. In this case, the maximum power density and COD removal efficiency were 12 mW/m2 and 57%, respectively. In both cases, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 1.5 h. It was found that electricity generation depends on the characteristics of the wastewater. These initial findings confirm that the design aspects of an MFC, i.e., surface area to volume ratio, and external resistance with respect to the quality of influent need to be optimised to improve the MFC’s performance.
Modeling and Analysis of the Flow Characteristics of Liquid Hydrogen in a Pipe Suffering from External Transient Impact
Authors: Liu Yuanliang , Qiu Yinan , Liu Zhan , Lei Gang
Published: June 2022

Pipes can be subjected to external transient impacts such as accidental collision, which affects the safe operation of storage and transportation systems for liquid hydrogen. Fluid–structure coupling calculation for a pipe under external transient impact is performed, and the flow characteristics of liquid hydrogen in the pipe are analyzed. The pipe deforms and vibrates when suffering from external transient impact. Liquid hydrogen pressure in a cross-section plane increases along the pipe deformation direction. Additionally, external transient impact enhances the disturbance of liquid hydrogen near the pipe wall. The increased flow resistance and the energy induced by the deformed pipe both affect the flow of liquid hydrogen, and contribute to the fluctuated characteristics of liquid pressure drop. In addition, the phase state of liquid hydrogen remains unchanged in the pipe, indicating that little of the induced energy is transformed into the internal energy of liquid hydrogen. The work provides theoretical guidance for the safe operation of liquid hydrogen storage and transportation systems.
Full Simulation Modeling of All-Electric Ship with Medium Voltage DC Power System
Authors: Ku Hyun-Keun , Park Chang-Hwan , Kim Jang-Mok
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes the full simulation model for the electrical analysis of all-electric ship (AES) based on a medium voltage DC power system. The AES has become popular both in the commercial and the military areas due to a low emission, a high fuel consumption efficiency, and a wide applicability. In spite of many advantages, it is complex and difficult to construct the whole system with many mechanical and electrical components onboard. Full electrical analysis is essentially required to simplify the design of the AES, a control and optimization of a ship electric system. The proposed full simulation model of the AES includes the mechanical and the electrical elements by using the MATLAB/Simulink. The mechanical elements are comprised of a steam turbine and a hydrodynamic model of a ship which is adopted by an average value model that is based on the characteristic equation of the mechanical system. The electrical elements are developed by full detailed models which consist of generators, a propulsion motor, a battery, and a power electronics system. In order to design the distribution of the ship, the presented simulation model combined the mechanical and the electrical systems. The consistency of the developed individual models and the integrated AES was verified through the results of the presence or absence of the energy storage system for the speed acceleration and deceleration, loss of prime mover, and full propulsion load rejection.
Modeling and Simulation of Extended-Range Electric Vehicle with Control Strategy to Assess Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emission for the Expected Driving Range
Authors: Krawczyk Paweł , Kopczyński Artur , Lasocki Jakub
Published: June 2022

Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) are intended to improve the range of battery electric vehicles and thus eliminate drivers’ concerns about running out of energy before reaching the desired destination. This paper gives an insight into EREV’s performance operating according to the proposed control strategy over various driving cycles, including the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Test Cycle Class 3b (WLTC 3b), Federal Test Procedure (FTP-75), and China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC-P). Simulation runs were performed in Matlab-Simulink® for different cases of drive range, electricity mix, and vehicle mass. The control strategy goal was to aim at a specified value of battery state of charge at the targeted range value. The obtained test results included: pure electric drive range, acceleration times, EREV range tests, control strategy range errors, Range Extender (REX) utilization metric and distribution of its engagement instances, fuel consumption, total equivalent CO2 emission, powertrain efficiency, and specific energy consumption. The control strategy operated on average with a range error of −1.04% and a range mean square error of 2.13%. Fuel consumption (in range extension mode) varied between 1.37 dm3/100 km (FTP-75) and 6.85 dm3/100 km (WLTC 3b Extra-High 3). CO2eq emission was 95.3–244.2 g/km for Poland, 31.0–160.5 g/km for EU-27, and 1.2–147.6 g/km for Sweden. This paper is a valuable source of information for scientists and engineers seeking to learn the advantages and shortcomings of EREV drives with a proposed control strategy, based on various sets of results.
New Perspectives and Challenges in Traffic and Transportation Engineering Supporting Energy Saving in Smart Cities—A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Global Problem
Authors: Macioszek Elżbieta , Granà Anna , Fernandes Paulo , Coelho Margarida C.
Published: June 2022

Transportation, like other spheres of human activity, is constantly changing due to economic development [...]
Power Transformer Diagnosis Based on Dissolved Gases Analysis and Copula Function
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Zhu Hongbin , Li Bo , Wu Ruihan , Jiang Jun
Published: June 2022

The traditional DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis) diagnosis method does not consider the dependence between fault characteristic gases and uses the relationship between gas ratio coding and fault type to make the decision. As a tool of the dependence mechanism between variables, a copula function can effectively analyze the correlation between variables when it cannot determine whether the linear correlation coefficient can correctly measure the correlation between variable relationships. In this paper, the edge variable of a copula function is selected from the fault characteristic gas of a transformer, and the distribution type of the edge variable is fitted at the same time. Then, Bayesian estimation with the Gaussian residual likelihood function is used to fit the parameters of a copula function and a copula function is selected to describe the optimal dependence of the fault characteristic gas of transformer. The relationship between a copula function and the state of transformer is studied. The results show that the copula function boundary with hydrocarbon gas as edge variable can divide the transformer as healthy or defective state. When the cumulative distribution probability (CDF) value of the dissolved gas in the oil in the copula function is close to 0.8, the fluctuation of its gas concentration leads to a sharp change in the probability. Therefore, the analysis of dissolved gas in oil based on a copula function can be used as a powerful technical solution for oil-immersed power transformer fault diagnosis.
Effects of Pore Structure and Pore Size of Expanded Graphite on the Properties of Paraffin Wax/Expanded Graphite Composite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Feng Lipin , Wu Jian , Sun Wenjuan , Cai Weimeng
Published: June 2022

In order to study the effects of the pore structure and pore size of porous carrier material on the phase transformation behavior of composite phase change materials (CPCMs), the pore structure and pore sizes of three different sizes of expanded graphites (EGs) (50, 80, 100 mesh) were studied using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the thermal characterization of CPCMs prepared with paraffin wax and EGs were tested using differential scanning calorimetry and a thermal conductivity tester. The results showed that EG-50 had a more web-like pore structure, and thus, higher adsorption capacity for paraffin wax. The addition of EG could reduce the supercooling degree of CPCMs and improve the thermal conductivity of CPCMs. CPCM with EG-50 had better performance due to its large specific surface area and low interfacial resistance. Compared with paraffin wax, the phase transition temperature (ΔT) of CPCMs increased slightly and the latent heat of CPCMS decreased to varying degrees. As the pore size of EG decreased, its constraint on PCM increased, but ΔT of CPCMs decreased, which was due to the combination of phase transformation behavior of different components in paraffin wax, which violates the conventional change law. It could be seen that the phase change behavior of CPCMs was related not only to the pore size of EG but also to the composition of PCM.
Bayesian Inference of Cavitation Model Coefficients and Uncertainty Quantification of a Venturi Flow Simulation
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyeon , Chang Kyoungsik , Lee Gong-Hee , Kim Byeong-Cheon
Published: June 2022

In the present work, uncertainty quantification of a venturi tube simulation with the cavitating flow is conducted based on Bayesian inference and point-collocation nonintrusive polynomial chaos (PC-NIPC). A Zwart–Gerber–Belamri (ZGB) cavitation model and RNG k-ε turbulence model are adopted to simulate the cavitating flow in the venturi tube using ANSYS Fluent, and the simulation results, with void fractions and velocity profiles, are validated with experimental data. A grid convergence index (GCI) based on the SLS-GCI method is investigated for the cavitation area, and the uncertainty error (UG) is estimated as 1.12 × 10−5. First, for uncertainty quantification of the venturi flow simulation, the ZGB cavitation model coefficients are calibrated with an experimental void fraction as observation data, and posterior distributions of the four model coefficients are obtained using MCMC. Second, based on the calibrated model coefficients, the forward problem with two random inputs, an inlet velocity, and wall roughness, is conducted using PC-NIPC for the surrogate model. The quantities of interest are set to the cavitation area and the profile of the velocity and void fraction. It is confirmed that the wall roughness with a Sobol index of 0.72 has a more significant effect on the uncertainty of the cavitating flow simulation than the inlet velocity of 0.52.
A Novel Energy Management Optimization Method for Commercial Users Based on Hybrid Simulation of Electricity Market Bidding
Authors: Wang Jidong , Wu Jiahui , Shi Yingchen
Published: June 2022

Energy management and utilization for commercial users is becoming increasingly intelligent and refined, fostering a closer and growing connection with the electricity market. In this paper, a novel energy management optimization theoretical framework for commercial users is proposed based on the hybrid simulation of electricity market bidding. The hybrid simulation model based on Multi-Agent Simulation (MAS) with reinforcement learning and System Dynamic Simulation (SDS) is established to solve the problem using a single simulation method: it cannot adjust the clearing price when considering the whole market; considering the uncertainty of Electric Vehicles (EVs) travel and Lighting Loads (LLs), the multi-objective optimization model of energy management for commercial users is constructed to minimize the total energy cost of commercial users, as well as maximize the lighting comfort of indoor office staff, which compensates for the lack of the single-objective optimization of the power consumption for commercial users. A multi-objective optimization model of energy management for commercial users is established based on the hybrid simulation of electricity market bidding. By running the multi-objective optimization model based on hybrid simulation, the results show that the proposed method can realize the optimization of energy management for commercial users considering electricity market bidding.
Prediction of the Degree of Polymerization in Transformer Cellulose Insulation Using the Feedforward Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Thango Bonginkosi A. , Bokoro Pitshou N.
Published: June 2022

The life expectancy of power transformers is primarily determined by the integrity of the insulating oil and cellulose paper between the conductor turns, phases and phase to earth. During the course of their in-service lifetime, the solid insulating system of windings is contingent on long-standing ageing and decomposition. The decomposition of the cellulose paper insulation is strikingly grievous, as it reduces the tensile strength of the cellulose paper and can trigger premature failure. The latter can trigger premature failure, and to realize at which point during the operational life this may occur is a daunting task. Various methods of estimating the DP have been proposed in the literature; however, these methods yield different results, making it difficult to accurately estimate a reliable DP. In this work, a novel approach based on the Feedforward Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network has been proposed to predict the amount of DP in transformer cellulose insulation. Presently, no ANN model has been proposed to predict the remaining DP using 2FAL concentration. A databank comprising 100 data sets—70 for training and 30 for testing—is used to develop the proposed ANN using 2-furaldehyde (2FAL) as an input and DP as an output. The proposed model yields a correlation coefficient of 0.958 for training, 0.915 for validation, 0.996 for testing and an overall correlation of 0.958 for the model.
Efficiency versus System Synergism: An Advanced Life Cycle Assessment for a Novel Decarbonized Grid System Innovation
Authors: Liu Shukai , Dong Liang , Han Ling , Huan Jiajia , Qiao Baihao
Published: June 2022

The power sector plays a significant role in carbon neutrality strategies, and the grid system is a crucial part of the power sector. In particular, with less mitigation potential from technology efficiency, the credit from whole life cycles is critical. This paper describes the investigation of the environmental impacts of various scenarios from the perspective of life cycles. By using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, various grid systems are examined as a case study, including a traditional, renewable energy, and power storage grid system, as well as a microgrid, in Guangdong. The results highlight the fact that with the systematic improvement of a grid, significant environmental benefits can be achieved. For a grid system, optimization through technology has significant carbon reduction effects even if the power grid structure is not changed. Using renewable energy instead of traditional fuel can reduce the emission of 0.05 kg of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas per 1 kWh of electricity produced, which is 7.9% of the baseline, and microgrid technology leads to a much greater carbon reduction potential of 23.8% of the baseline. The role of energy storage is undervalued due to the limitations of the data.
Multi-Step Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction Models Based on Adaptive Robust Decomposition Coupled with Deep Gated Recurrent Unit
Authors: Yang Kui , Wang Bofu , Qiu Xiang , Li Jiahua , Wang Yuze , Liu Yulu
Published: June 2022

Accurate wind speed prediction is a premise that guarantees the reliable operation of the power grid. This study presents a combined prediction model that integrates data preprocessing, cascade optimization, and deep learning prediction to improve prediction performance. In data preprocessing, the wavelet soft threshold denoising (WSTD) is employed to filter the blurring noise of the original data. Then, the robust empirical mode decomposition (REMD) and adaptive variational mode decomposition (AVMD) are adopted to carry out a two-stage adaptive decomposition. Spearman correlation is used to quantify the mode that need to be decomposed for the second time. In the cascade optimization, the hybrid grey wolf algorithm (HGWO) is employed to optimize the parameters of the VMD and the gated recurrent unit (GRU), which overcomes the problem of empirical parameter adjustment. The HGWO is also adopted in the prediction strategy to optimize the GRU model to predict the grouped intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Lastly, the final wind speed prediction result is obtained by superimposing the values of all the predicted models. The proposed model was validated with the measured wind speed data of the four quarters in the Bay area of China and was compared with 20 models of the classic method to further evaluate the effectiveness of the model. The results show that the whole process of the proposed model is adaptive, the final multi-step prediction performance is good, and high prediction accuracy can be attained.
Corrosion of Iron Covered with Iron Oxide Film by Chlorine and Hydrogen Chloride Gases: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study Using the ReaxFF
Authors: Qiu Yinan , Yang Yan , Yang Na , Tong Lige , Yin Shaowu , Yu Lang , Wang Li
Published: June 2022

Flue gas produced by biomass fuel combustion contains various chlorine-containing substances and is an important factor causing biomass boiler corrosion. The corrosion processes of chlorine, hydrogen chloride and water on iron covered with an intact/damaged oxide film were investigated under the high temperature of 1300 K through reactive molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the diffusion processes of oxygen and chlorine are similar and can be divided into three stages: rapid diffusion, continuous diffusion, and no oxide film (stable). Oxygen diffusion in Fe2O3 into a pure iron layer is the main cause of gas corrosion in iron/iron oxide systems. A complete oxide film can hinder iron corrosion by chlorine and hydrogen chloride. Damage in an oxide film significantly affects oxygen and chlorine diffusion and iron corrosion. However, such influence is gradually reduced. The integrity of a protective film is the key to alleviating corrosion. Water facilitates the dissociation of chlorine and hydrogen chloride, and it reacts with iron at high temperatures to enhance corrosion. This study improves the understanding of the iron oxide/iron corrosion from chlorine-containing gases from a microscopic perspective and is of great significance to metal corrosion protection and biomass combustion technologies.
Exploring Increasing Urban Resident Electricity Consumption: The Spatial Spillover Effect of Resident Income
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Zhang Zhen , Yang Junhua , Hu Wei
Published: June 2022

The impact of average wages on electricity consumption among urban residents in China has generated many fascinating debates for scholarly research, but only a few studies have considered the spatial spillover effect of average wages on residential electricity consumption. With the use of city-level panel data from 278 Chinese cities spanning 2005 to 2016, this preliminary study explores the impacts of the average wage on residential electricity consumption. Specifically, based on the spatial Durbin model with fixed effects, three different spatial weight matrices (the economic distance, the inverse distance, and the four nearest neighbours) are utilised to check the robustness of the results under different standards. The results show that the residential electricity consumption of each city increased during the observation period, presenting obvious spatial correlations. Secondly, the average wage of residents had a positive spatial spillover effect, which promoted the residential electricity consumption of both local and surrounding cities. Thirdly, the population density, electricity intensity, educational level of urban residents, and per capita household liquefied petroleum gas consumption in urban areas are key factors influencing residential electricity consumption. Therefore, improving the educational level of urban residents and reducing the electricity intensity can help reduce electricity consumption by residents in China. This paper also presents policy recommendations.
Methane Adsorption Properties in Biomaterials: A Possible Route to Gas Storage and Transportation
Authors: Du Sanya , Qu Yixin , Li Hui , Yu Xiaohui
Published: June 2022

Methane can be stored in biomaterials rapidly in hydrate form with low energy consumption. Considering the high cost of biomaterials (vegetables or fruits), agricultural wastes may be more practical. In this work, the characteristics of methane storage in two low-cost agricultural wastes, eggplant, and static water, are studied and compared. The methane adsorption rates and capacities were greatly enhanced in three biomaterials compared with that in the static water, while only corncob pith maintained relatively high gas adsorption capacity (72 v/v) and adsorption rate (~0.0300 MPa/min) in repeatable gas adsorption-desorption processes. Further investigations on the gas adsorption behavior in the corncob pith revealed that the porous structure of corncob pith generates larger specific surface areas, providing more nucleation sites for hydrate nucleation. In addition, the hydrophobic and hydrophilic performance of corncob pith components also affect the hydrate formation. The porous structure of corncob pith reduces its water activity, which decreases the stability of methane hydrate (~0.6 MPa higher at 273.15 K for equilibrium pressure than bulk phase). These results demonstrate the great gas adsorption performance and mild storage-transportation conditions of low-cost agricultural wastes and provide significant information in promoting their application in gas storage and transportation.
Design and Implementation of a Wireless Charging System Connected to the AC Grid for an E-Bike
Authors: Yildiriz Emin , Bayraktar Murat
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to design an IPT for wireless charging of an e-bike and to control the charge of the e-bike from the primary-side. Optimum IPT design has been made according to the 36 V battery bank requirements. The no-load condition test has been performed before charging started in the IPT system connected to the AC grid. The primary-side DC-link voltage of 4–5 V required for this test is provided by the designed forward converter. The charge control has been also made from the forward converter on the primary-side. For this, the forward converter’s operation in peak current mode (PCM) has been used. Finally, a prototype has been implemented that works at a maximum DC/DC efficiency of 87.52% in full alignment and 83.63% in 3 cm misalignment. The proposed control algorithm has been tested in this prototype at different load stages.
Policy Instruments for the Improvement of Customers’ Willingness to Purchase Electric Vehicles: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Allahmoradi Elham , Mirzamohammadi Saeed , Bonyadi Naeini Ali , Maleki Ali , Mobayen Saleh , Skruch Paweł
Published: June 2022

Given the various advantages of electric vehicles compared to conventional gasoline vehicles in terms of energy efficiency and environmental pollution (among others), this paper studies the factors affecting customers’ willingness to purchase electric vehicles. An integrated discrete choice and agent-based approach is applied to model the customers’ choice for the valuation of electric vehicles based on the internal reference price. The agent-based model evaluates customers’ preferences for a number of personal and vehicle attributes, according to which vehicle they chose. Data from 376 respondents are collected to estimate a random-parameter logit model where customers are asked to reveal their preferences about five attributes of electric vehicles, including travel range, top speed, charge cost, government incentives, and price. The role of social networks of customers and their threshold purchase price is also examined in the agent-based model. The scenario simulation results indicate that the allocation of government incentives for electric vehicles, decreasing electric vehicle/non-electric vehicle price gap, expanding electric vehicle travel range, increasing gasoline prices, and enhancing electric vehicle top speed stimulate electric vehicle market shares, respectively.
Power System Oscillations with Different Prevalence of Grid-Following and Grid-Forming Converters
Authors: Musca Rossano , Gonzalez-Longatt Francisco , Gallego Sánchez Cesar A.
Published: June 2022

The oscillatory behaviour of the power system is an aspect that is significantly affected by the increasing integration of converter-based generation sources. Several works address the impact of non-synchronous generation on the operation of the system from different points of view, but only a few studies focus on power-frequency oscillations with a prevalence of generation sources interfaced through power electronics. A lack of research can be found in particular in the comparative analysis of the two main control strategies for power converters, namely grid-following and grid-forming. The article aims to contribute to this direction, starting from a theoretical analysis of the two control structures and then examining the case study of an existing transmission system. The research provides a specific insight into the fundamental aspects related to synchronisation mechanism and inertial capabilities of both grid-following with synthetic inertia and grid-forming controls. The difference in the relationship between synchronisation unit and inertial capability is recognised as the fundamental aspect determining the different impacts on the oscillatory characteristics of the system. The observation derived in the theoretical analysis is then applied to an actual power system with a high predominance of converter-based generation, considering the Colombian interconnected national system as a case study.
Nondormant Acorns Show Higher Seed Dispersal Effectiveness Than Dormant Ones
Authors: Yang Yueqin , Yi Xianfeng
Published: June 2022

Seed dormancy has been thought to be an important survival strategy to tune the seed dispersal timing. Although a theoretical trade-off between seed dormancy and dispersal is often proposed, empirical field evidence of the trade-off between seed dormancy, spatial dispersal, and seedling recruitment is still lacking. Here, we tracked seed dispersal of several Fagaceae species exhibiting different levels of dormancy both in artificial enclosures and in the field. We presented evidence that oak species with nondormant acorns rather than those bearing dormant species exhibit reduced spatial dispersal. Despite the empirical evidence that seed germination is negatively correlated with spatial dispersal, nondormancy rather than dormancy showed higher seed dispersal effectiveness, demonstrating a negative correlation between seed dormancy and dispersal fitness. Our study, using the oak-rodent system, may provide solid evidence of a dispersal–germination trade-off between spatial and temporal correlation, highlighting the ecological role of seed germination schedule in seed dispersal and life-history evolution.
Nutrition Component Adjustment of Distilled Dried Grain with Solubles via Aspergillus niger and Its Change about Dynamic Physiological Metabolism
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Huang Xuhui , Liu Kehan , Xu Yongping , Hu Bo , Chi Zhanyou
Published: June 2022

The low fiber digestibility and unbalanced amino acids restricted the use of DDGS in swine diets. Key nutrition components dynamic monitoring and key regulatory pathways analysis were performed to find the rules of nutrition changes for DDGS fermented by Aspergillus niger. Cellulose and hemicellulose were reduced to 15.3% and 15.2%. 1,4-D-Xylobiose was decreased from 16.8 μg/mL to 0.2 μg/mL. Lys, Arg, and Thr were increased to 3.00%, 2.89%, and 4.40%, and met the requirements of pigs. The whole fermentation process was divided into three stages. Cellulose degradation and Lys and Arg synthesis occurred in the early stage, while Asp synthesis occurred in the last stage. α-Ketoglutarate was the key factor for Aspergillus niger degrading cellulose to synthesize Lys and Arg. The key active metabolic pathways that respond to the changes in nutrition were identified which preliminarily revealed the rules of nutrition adjustment of DDGS during fermentation with Aspergillus niger.
Effects of Fermented Camel Milk Supplemented with Sidr Fruit (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) Pulp on Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Atwaa El Sayed Hassan , Shahein Magdy Ramadan , Alrashdi Barakat M. , Hassan Moustafa A. A. , Alblihed Mohamed A. , Dahran Naief , Ali Fatma Abo Zakaib , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: June 2022

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases, and its occurrence rate has increased in recent decades. Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) is a traditional herbaceous medicinal plant. In addition to its good flavor, sidr has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, and hypoglycemic activities. Camel milk has a high nutritional and health value, but its salty taste remains the main drawback in relation to its organoleptic properties. The production of flavored or fortified camel milk products to mask the salty taste can be very beneficial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sidr fruit pulp (SFP) on the functional and nutritional properties of fermented camel milk. SFP was added to camel milk at rates of 5%, 10%, and 15%, followed by the selection of the best-fermented product in terms of functional and nutritional properties (camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP), and an evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-two male adult albino rats (weighing 150–185 g) were divided into four groups: Group 1, nontreated nondiabetic rats (negative control); Group 2, diabetic rats given STZ (60 mg/kg body weight; positive control); Group 3, diabetic rats fed a basal diet with fermented camel milk (10 g/day); and Group 4, diabetic rats fed a basal diet with fermented camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP (10 g/day). The results revealed that supplementation of camel milk with SFP increased its total solids, protein, ash, fiber, viscosity, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, which was proportional to the supplementation ratio. Fermented camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP had the highest scores for sensory properties compared to other treatments. Fermented camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose, malondialdehyde, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea, and a significantly increased (p < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total protein content, and albumin compared to diabetic rats. The administration of fermented camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP in diabetic rats restored a series of histopathological changes alonsgside an improvement in various enzyme and liver function tests compared to the untreated group, indicating that fermented camel milk supplemented with 15% SFP might play a preventive role in such patients.
Inhibitory and Stimulatory Effects of Fruit Bioactive Compounds on Edible Filamentous Fungi: Potential for Innovative Food Applications
Authors: Bulkan Gülru , Yudhanti Gerarda Tania , Sitaresmi Sitaresmi , Millati Ria , Wikandari Rachma , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: June 2022

The fermentation of fruit processing residuals (FPRs) with filamentous fungi can provide protein-rich food products. However, FPRs that contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties present a major challenge. In this work, the resistance of two edible filamentous fungi, Rhizopus oligosporus and Neurospora intermedia, to 10 typically inhibiting bioactive compounds available in FPRs (epicatechin, quercetin, ellagic acid, betanin, octanol, hexanal, D-limonene, myrcene, car-3-ene, and ascorbic acid) was examined. These compounds’ inhibitory and stimulatory effects on fungal growth were examined individually. Three different concentrations (2.4, 24, and 240 mg/L) within the natural concentration range of these compounds in FPRs were tested. These bioactive compounds stimulated the growth yield and glucose consumption rate of R. oligosporus, while there was no increase in the biomass yield of N. intermedia. Ellagic acid caused an up to four-fold increase in the biomass yield of R. oligosporus. In addition, octanol and D-limonene showed antifungal effects against N. intermedia. These results may be helpful in the development of fungus-based novel fermented foods.
Fiber Spinning from Cellulose Solutions in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids: Effects of Natural Antioxidants on Molecular Weight, Dope Discoloration, and Yellowing Behavior
Authors: Hettegger Hubert , Zhang Jiaping , Koide Mitsuharu , Rinner Uwe , Potthast Antje , Gotoh Yasuo , Rosenau Thomas
Published: June 2022

Spinning of cellulosic fibers requires the prior dissolution of cellulose. 3-Alkyl-1-methylimidazolium ionic liquids have proven to be suitable solvents for that purpose, but the degradation of cellulose in the spinning dope can be severe. Suitable stabilizers are therefore required that prevent cellulose degradation, but do not adversely affect spinnability or the long-term yellowing behavior of the fibers. A group of twelve renewables-based antioxidants was selected for stabilizing 5% cellulose solutions in the ionic liquids and their effects on cellulose integrity, dope discoloration, and aging behavior were tested by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and ISO brightness measurements. Propyl gallate (a gallic acid derivative), hydroxytyrosol (from olives), and tocopheramines (a vitamin E derivative) performed best in the three test categories, minimizing both cellulose degradation, chromophore formation in the spinning dope, and yellowing upon accelerating aging of the spun fibers. The use of these stabilizers for cellulose solutions in the imidazolium-based solvent system can therefore be recommended from the point of view of both performance and sustainability.
Multifunctional Material Extrusion 3D-Printed Antibacterial Polylactic Acid (PLA) with Binary Inclusions: The Effect of Cuprous Oxide and Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Petousis Markos , Vidakis Nectarios , Mountakis Nikolaos , Papadakis Vassilis , Kanellopoulou Sotiria , Gaganatsiou Aikaterini , Stefanoudakis Nikolaos , Kechagias John
Published: June 2022

In this work, we present an effective process easily adapted in industrial environments for the development of multifunctional nanocomposites for material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing (3DP). The literature is still very limited in this field, although the interest in such materials is constantly increasing. Nanocomposites with binary inclusions were prepared and investigated in this study. Polylactic acid (PLA) was used as the matrix material, and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were used as nanoadditives introduced in the matrix material to enhance the mechanical properties and induce antibacterial performance. Specimens were built according to international standards with a thermomechanical process. Tensile, flexural, impact, and microhardness tests were conducted. The effect on the thermal properties of the matrix material was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopic analysis was conducted. The morphological characteristics were evaluated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analyses. The antibacterial performance of the prepared nanomaterials was studied against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, with a screening agar well diffusion method. All nanocomposites prepared exhibited biocidal properties against the bacteria tested. The tested PLA/1.0 CNF/0.5 Cu2O material had 51.1% higher tensile strength and 35.9% higher flexural strength than the pure PLA material.
Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds in Seafood: Quantitative Literature Research Analysis
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Di Lena Gabriella , Gabrielli Paolo , Santini Antonello , Lombardi-Boccia Ginevra , Lucarini Massimo
Published: June 2022

This perspective presents current and updated advances in research on nutrients and bioactive compounds in seafood. It is based on a literature quantitative research analysis approach. The main features of seafood components are introduced. This perspective aims at providing a current framework that relates nutrients, bioactive compounds, and seafood in a novel integrated and multidisciplinary manner, highlighting the current knowledge, the main research lines, and emerging strategies. The literature search was carried out by means of the Scopus database, and 22,542 documents were retrieved in the period from 1932 to 2024. Particularly, from the perspective of nutrition and health outputs, the main terms correlated with research on the relationship between seafood and nutritional and bioactive components, and the main existing research lines focused on this topic, were identified. The top recurring keywords were human/s, female, diet, nutrition, fish, male, adult, food intake.
Phosphorus Absorption and Excretion in Hybrid Sturgeon (Huso dauricus♀ X Acipenser schrenckii♂) Intubated with Different Ca/P Ratios
Authors: Jin Jiali , Chu Zhipeng , Ruan Rui , Liu Wei , Chen Xihua , Li Chuangju
Published: June 2022

To study the effect of Ca/P ratio on the P and Ca absorption and excretion in hybrid sturgeon (Huso dauricus♀ X Acipenser schrenckii♂), five groups of fish were intubated with 100 mg P·kg−1 BW with the Ca/P ratios of 0:1, 0.25:1, 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1. Plasma P concentrations were significantly elevated at Ca/P ratios below 2:1, and the highest value was obtained at Ca/P ratio of 0.5:1. Plasma Ca content was significantly increased at the highest Ca/P ratio. Urine P excretion rate in the fish intubated with Ca/P ratio of 0.5:1 was significantly higher than that of the groups with Ca/P ratios of 0:1 and 2:1. The highest urea excretion rates were observed at Ca/P ratio of 0.5:1 and 1:1. The total P excretion at 48 h post intubation reached about 30 mg·kg−1 BW, which was recorded for the group with Ca/P ratio of 0.5:1. The present study showed that P absorption efficiency was improved in hybrid sturgeon at Ca/P ratio of 0.5:1, indicating that P inclusion level in sturgeon feed can be further optimized to reduce dietary P input and lower the excessive undigested P discharge into the rearing water.
Statistical Dynamics of Mean Flows Interacting with Rossby Waves, Turbulence, and Topography
Authors: Frederiksen Jorgen S. , O’Kane Terence J.
Published: June 2022

Abridged statistical dynamical closures, for the interaction of two-dimensional inhomogeneous turbulent flows with topography and Rossby waves on a beta–plane, are formulated from the Quasi-diagonal Direct Interaction Approximation (QDIA) theory, at various levels of simplification. An abridged QDIA is obtained by replacing the mean field trajectory, from initial-time to current-time, in the time history integrals of the non-Markovian closure by the current-time mean field. Three variants of Markovian Inhomogeneous Closures (MICs) are formulated from the abridged QDIA by using the current-time, prior-time, and correlation fluctuation dissipation theorems. The abridged MICs have auxiliary prognostic equations for relaxation functions that approximate the information in the time history integrals of the QDIA. The abridged MICs are more efficient than the QDIA for long integrations with just two relaxation functions required. The efficacy of the closures is studied in 10-day simulations with an easterly large-scale flow impinging on a conical mountain to generate rapidly growing Rossby waves in a turbulent environment. The abridged closures closely agree with the statistics of large ensembles of direct numerical simulations for the mean and transients. An Eddy Damped Markovian Inhomogeneous Closure (EDMIC), with analytical relaxation functions, which generalizes the Eddy Dampened Quasi Normal Markovian (EDQNM) to inhomogeneous flows, is formulated and shown to be realizable under the same circumstances as the homogeneous EDQNM.
Classification of Tea Quality Levels Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Based on CLPSO-SVM
Authors: Ding Yuhan , Yan Yuli , Li Jun , Chen Xu , Jiang Hui
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose a method for classifying tea quality levels based on near-infrared spectroscopy. Firstly, the absorbance spectra of Huangshan Maofeng tea samples were obtained in a wavenumber range of 10,000~4000 cm−1 using near-infrared spectroscopy. The spectral data were then converted to transmittance and smoothed using the Savitzky–Golay (SG) algorithm. The denoised transmittance spectra were dimensionally reduced using principal component analysis (PCA). The characteristic variables obtained using PCA were used as the input variables and the tea level was used as the output to establish a support vector machine (SVM) classification model. The penalty factor c and the kernel function parameter g in the SVM model were optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and comprehensive-learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) algorithms. The final experimental results show that the CLPSO-SVM method had the best classification performance, and the classification accuracy reached 99.17%.
Consumption of a Gelatin Supplemented with the Probiotic Strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C Prevents Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Young Adult Population Achieved
Authors: Parra-Sepúlveda Cristian , Sánchez-Alonzo Kimberly , Olivares-Muñoz Joaquín , Gutiérrez-Zamorano Cristian , Smith Carlos T. , Carvajal Romina I. , Sáez-Carrillo Katia , González Carlos , García-Cancino Apolinaria
Published: June 2022

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium associated with various gastrointestinal diseases of high worldwide prevalence. Since probiotics are an emerging alternative to managing infection by this pathogenic bacterium, the present work evaluated, in a randomized double-blind study controlled by a placebo, if consuming Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C prevents H. pylori infection in humans. Participants consumed either L. fermentum UCO-979C-supplemented gelatin (67 participants) or placebo-supplemented gelatin (64 participants) once a day, five days per week for 12 weeks. H. pylori infection in the participants was controlled before and after the intervention detecting H. pylori antigens in stools. Regarding H. pylori-infected participants before the study, 100% remained infected at the end of the study in the placebo group, while 96.7% of those receiving the probiotic remained infected after the intervention. Most importantly, of the non-infected participants, 34.2% became infected and 65.8% remained non-infected in the placebo group, while 2.7% became infected and 97.3% remained as non-infected individuals in the intervened group. Therefore, consuming the L. fermentum UCO-979C strain significantly reduced H. pylori infection, demonstrating a 92.6% efficacy in avoiding infection by this pathogen in non-infected individuals; thus, this probiotic is an excellent candidate to prevent H. pylori infections in non-infected individuals.
Recovery of High Value-Added Compounds from Food By-Product
Authors: Gullón Beatriz , Yáñez Remedios
Published: June 2022

The agri-food industry generates large quantities of by-products, both of animal and vegetable origin, which are currently discarded or destined to low-value-added applications [...]