bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Isochoric and Isobaric Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage
Authors: Pottie Daniel , Cardenas Bruno , Garvey Seamus , Rouse James , Hough Edward , Bagdanavicius Audrius , Barbour Edward
Published: March 2023

Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (ACAES) is regarded as a promising, grid scale, medium-to-long duration energy storage technology. In ACAES, the air storage may be isochoric (constant volume) or isobaric (constant pressure). Isochoric storage, wherein the internal pressure cycles between an upper and lower limit as the system charges and discharges is mechanically simpler, however, it leads to undesirable thermodynamic consequences which are detrimental to the ACAES overall performance. Isobaric storage can be a valuable alternative: the storage volume varies to offset the pressure and temperature changes that would otherwise occur as air mass enters or leaves the high-pressure storage. In this paper we develop a thermodynamic model based on expected ACAES and existing CAES system features to compare the effects of isochoric and isobaric storage. Importantly, off-design compressor performance due to the sliding storage pressure is included by using a second degree polynomial fit for the isentropic compressor efficiency. For our modelled systems, the isobaric system round-trip efficiency (RTE) reaches 61.5%. The isochoric system achieves 57.8% even when no compressor off-design performance decrease is taken into account. This fact is associated to inherent losses due to throttling and mixing of heat stored at different temperatures. In our base-case scenario where the isentropic compressor efficiency varies between 55% and 85%, the isochoric system RTE is approximately 10% lower than the isobaric. These results indicate that isobaric storage for CAES is worth further development. We suggest that subsequent work investigate the exergy flows as well as the scalability challenges with isobaric storage mechanisms.
Comprehensive Predictive Control Model for a Three-Phase Four-Legged Inverter
Authors: Fayyaz Muhammad M. , Syed Irtaza M. , Meng Yi , Aman Muhammad N.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive model predictive control (CMPC) method to control a three-phase four-legged inverter (TP4LI) for PV systems. The proposed TP4LI model aims to predictively model and control switching frequency and higher voltage/current switching to reduce losses. The CMPC model can be operated in four modes, namely standard MPC mode (Mode I), switching frequency reduction (SFR) mode (Mode II), high voltage/current switching loss reduction (SLR) mode (Mode III), and SFR plus SLR mode (Mode IV, a combination of Modes II and III). The proposed CMPC approach controls the TP4LI to (1) successfully track balanced and unbalanced reference currents with balanced or unbalanced loads; (2) reduce switching losses; and (3) keep the generated current total harmonic distortion (THD) within the industry’s recommended limits. The TP4LI model with the CMPC approach was verified and validated in the MATLAB/Simulink for a PV system. The simulation results show good tracking and performance of the TP4LI for balanced and unbalanced reference currents with balanced and unbalanced loads in all four modes of operation.
Predicting the Health Status of a Pulp Press Based on Deep Neural Networks and Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Martins Alexandre , Mateus Balduíno , Fonseca Inácio , Farinha José Torres , Rodrigues João , Mendes Mateus , Cardoso António Marques
Published: March 2023

The maintenance paradigm has evolved over the last few years and companies that want to remain competitive in the market need to provide condition-based maintenance (CBM). The diagnosis and prognosis of the health status of equipment, predictive maintenance (PdM), are fundamental strategies to perform informed maintenance, increasing the company’s profit. This article aims to present a diagnosis and prognosis methodology using a hidden Markov model (HMM) classifier to recognise the equipment status in real time and a deep neural network (DNN), specifically a gated recurrent unit (GRU), to determine this same status in a future of one week. The data collected by the sensors go through several phases, starting by cleaning them. After that, temporal windows are created in order to generate statistical features of the time domain to better understand the equipment’s behaviour. These features go through a normalisation to produce inputs for a feature extraction process, via a principal component analysis (PCA). After the dimensional reduction and obtaining new features with more information, a clustering is performed by the K-means algorithm, in order to group similar data. These clusters enter the HMM classifier as observable states. After training using the Baum–Welch algorithm, the Viterbi algorithm is used to find the best path of hidden states that represent the diagnosis of the equipment, containing three states: state 1—“State of Good Operation”; state 2—“Warning State”; state 3—“Failure State”. Once the equipment diagnosis is complete, the GRU model is used to predict the future, both of the observable states as well as the hidden states coming out from the HMM. Thus, through this network, it is possible to directly obtain the health states 7 days ahead, without the necessity to run the whole methodology from scratch.
Effective Utilization of Distributed Power Sources under Power Mismatch Conditions in Islanded Distribution Networks
Authors: Leghari Zohaib Hussain , Hassan Mohammad Yusri , Said Dalila Mat , Kumar Laveet , Kumar Mahesh , Tran Quynh T. , Sanseverino Eleonora Riva
Published: March 2023

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into a power distribution network allows the establishment of a microgrid (MG) system when the main grid experiences a malfunction or is undergoing maintenance. In this case, the power-generating capacity of distributed generators may be less than the load demand. This study presents a strategy for the effective utilization of deployed active and reactive power sources under power mismatch conditions in the islanded distribution networks. Initially, the DGs’ and capacitors’ optimal placement and capacity were identified using the Jaya algorithm (JA) with the aim to reduce power losses in the grid-connected mode. Later, the DG and capacitor combination’s optimal power factor was determined to withstand the islanded distribution network’s highest possible power demand in the event of a power mismatch. To assess the optimal value of the DG–capacitor pair’s operating power factor (pfsource) for the islanded operation, an analytical approach has been proposed that determines the best trade-off between power losses and the under-utilization of accessible generation. The test results on 33-bus and 69-bus IEEE distribution networks demonstrate that holding the islanded network’s load power factor (pfload) equal to pfsource during the power imbalance conditions allows the installed distributed sources to effectively operate at full capacity. As expected, the proposed strategy will assist the utility companies in designing efficient energy management or load shedding schemes to effectively cope with the power mismatch conditions.
State of the Art in Designing Fish-Friendly Turbines: Concepts and Performance Indicators
Authors: Koukouvinis Phoevos (Foivos) , Anagnostopoulos John
Published: March 2023

The expanding role of renewable energy sources in the electricity market share implies the increasing role of hydropower and the exploitation of unharnessed hydraulic potential, in the scope of sustainability and net zero emissions. Hydro-turbine design practices are expected to expand beyond achieving high efficiency goals, to multi-objective criteria ranging from efficient reversible operation to fish-friendly concepts. The present review paper outlines fundamental characteristics of hydropower, summarizing its potential impact toward aquatic life. Estimates of lethality for each damage mechanism are discussed, such as barotrauma, blunt impact and shearing, along with relevant advances in experimental techniques. Furthermore, numerical techniques are discussed, ranging from simple particle tracking to fully coupled six-degree-of-freedom tracking, which can be used to investigate candidate designs and their fish-friendly performance, presenting their advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, a link to the individual damage mechanisms is established, to proposed holistic performance metrics, useful for providing estimates of fish-friendliness of a given hydropower installation. Finally, recent developments and design practices for fish-friendly turbine concepts are presented.
Advances in Coal and Water Co-Mining
Authors: Yao Qiangling , Yu Liqiang
Published: March 2023

According to data from the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2020 [...]
An Analysis of Industrial Policy Mechanisms to Support Commercial Deployment of Bitumen Partial Upgrading in Alberta
Authors: Fellows Garret Kent , Winter Jennifer , Munzur Alaz
Published: March 2023

Partial upgrading of bitumen (PUB) improves the quality (increases the value) of crude oil from bituminous sands to the level where pipeline specifications are met without—or with reduced use of—costly diluent. By reducing the cost of transportation to downstream refineries, PUB can serve as a solution to market access challenges and takeaway capacity constraints for oil sand producers. However, despite significant government and private investments, proponents in the Canadian province of Alberta still face challenges in commercializing the technology. We used a capacity investment model to explore the expected effects of different policy support types on a firm’s decision to invest in a partial upgrading facility integrated with an existing oil sands extraction facility. We evaluated 10 potential policy interventions and their expected effects on investments in partial upgrading. We focused our analysis of these policy interventions on the revenues and costs of firms, risk sharing, and overall public benefits and costs. We find that the majority of interventions are transferred from government to private interests, with little public benefits. Defensible policy actions include capital investment at the demonstration phase, providing incentives for industry collaboration, equity investment at the commercial stage, and reforming the government’s bitumen valuation methodology.
Three-Pond Model with Fuzzy Inference System-Based Water Level Regulation Scheme for Run-of-River Hydropower Plant
Authors: Saeed Ahmad , Shahzad Ebrahim , Khan Adnan Umar , Waseem Athar , Iqbal Muhammad , Ullah Kaleem , Aslam Sheraz
Published: March 2023

Power generation from river hydropower plants depends mainly on river flow. Water fluctuations in the river make the yield process unpredictable. To reduce these fluctuations, building a small reservoir at the river flow of the hydropower plant is recommended. Conventionally, classic single-pond models are commonly used to design run-of-river hydropower plants. However, such models are associated with fluctuations, sagging, and irregular power fluctuations that lead to irregular water fluctuations. This research proposes a novel idea to replace the single-pond model with a three-pond model to increase the plant’s overall efficiency. The three-pond model is developed as a three-tank nonlinear hydraulic system that contains the same amount of water as a conventional single pond. It also has the advantage of minimizing the run-of-river power plant’s dependence on river flow and increasing efficiency by trapping swell and turbulence in the water. To further increase the efficiency, the developed model was tested for smooth and effective level control using fuzzy control.
Beta Diversity of Plant Communities in Relation to Soil C:N:P Stoichiometry across 150 Years of Vegetation Restoration in a Temperate Zone
Authors: Tian Qilong , Zhang Xiaoping , Xu Xiaoming , Yi Haijie , He Jie , He Liang
Published: March 2023

Natural solutions by which humans can overcome challenges have been severely hampered by biodiversity losses. It is essential to understand the key natural variables that influence changes in community diversity to maintain ecosystem function. The Ziwuling area has a natural recovery succession history of 150 years. Therefore, a survey was conducted to compare species composition characteristics across different vegetation recovery stages while also providing a phylogenetic and taxonomic response to the correlation between beta diversity and soil stoichiometry. The results showed that beta diversity and endemic plants had a similar single-peak temporal pattern. Soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN) and was also negatively correlated with total phosphorus (TP). Overall, soil TN, time since vegetation restoration (TVR in years), and W-SS (endemic woody plants at each stage) were able to explain 94.3% of the total variation in beta diversity. Temperate species such as Carex lanceolata, Lespedeza bicolor, and Sophora davidii are the basis for community construction. Community beta diversity patterns are the result of a mixture of ecological (e.g., climate patterns and soil nutrients) and evolutionary processes. This study combined plant resource needs with how they respond to natural recovery times in order to provide useful knowledge to protect biodiversity, the nutrient cycle, and the function of restoration ecology.
Stoichiometric Soil Microbial and Enzymatic Characteristics under Three Different Plantation Types in China’s Luya Mountain
Authors: Wang Xuerong , Zheng Mengyao , Zhang Yue , Chen Ying , Zhao Lijuan , Chai Baofeng , Jia Tong
Published: March 2023

It is important to maintain soil ecosystem function and ecological balance stability. This study uses ecological stoichiometry to ascertain relational constraints of soil nutrient (i.e., carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), etc.) cycling mechanisms and associated ecological balance characteristics in China’s temperate Luya Mountain Nature Reserve. To clarify changes and driving factors associated with soil and extracellular enzyme stoichiometry under different plantation types in July 2021, we analyzed soil nutrient, soil extracellular enzyme, and soil microbial stoichiometry characteristics and their key influencing factors in a Picea asperata Mast. forest, a Caragana jubata (Pall.) Poir. shrubland, and a Carex lanceolata Boott meadow in this reserve. Results revealed significant differences in soil physical and chemical properties, microbial biomass, soil extracellular enzyme activity, and stoichiometry among these different plantation types. Compared to the shrubland and forest plantations, meadow plantation soil was more severely C restricted while that of all three plantations was more N restricted. The main influencing soil stoichiometric ratios were total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonium (NH4+-N), soil water content (SWC), β-glucosidase, and microbial C, N, and P biomass. Effects associated with soil N:P, enzymatic N:P, enzymatic C:P, microbial C:N, microbial N:P, and microbial C:P ratios were important for bacterial and fungal community soil structure. This study provides a scientific basis to explicate microbial and regulatory effects of soil extracellular enzyme stoichiometry under different plantation types in one of China’s best preserved and most concentrated natural secondary forests.
Characterisation of Methane Production Pathways in Sediment of Overwashed Mangrove Forests
Authors: Ulumuddin Yaya Ihya , Sugoro Irawan , Beavis Sara , Roderick Michael , Eggins Stephen , Muarif Muhammad Rizky
Published: March 2023

Methane (CH4) emissions in mangrove ecosystems may complicate the ecosystem’s potential carbon offset for climate change mitigation. Microbial processes and the mass balance of CH4 in mangrove sediment are responsible for the emissions from the ecosystems. This is the follow up of our previous research which found the super saturation of CH4 in the pore water of mangrove sediment compared to atmospheric CH4 and the lack of a correlation between pore water sulphate and CH4 concentrations. This study is going to investigate methane production pathways in the sediment of overwashed mangrove forests. Two approaches were used to study methanogens here: (1) the spread plate count method and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method, and (2) laboratory experiments with additional methanogenic substrates (methanol, acetate, and hydrogen) to determine which substrates are more conducive to methane production. According to the qPCR method, methanogen abundance ranged from 72 to 6 × 105 CFU g−1 sediment, while SRB abundance ranged from 2 × 102 to 2 × 105 CFU g−1 sediment. According to the plate count method, the abundance of methylotrophic methanogens (the only group of methanogens capable of competing with SRBs) ranged from 8.3 × 102 to 5.1 × 104 CFU g−1, which is higher than the abundance of the other group of methanogens (0 to 7.7 × 102 CFU g−1). The addition of methanol to the sediment slurry, a substrate for methylotropic methanogens, resulted in a massive production of CH4 (up to 9 × 104 ppm) and intriguingly the control treatments with autoclaving did not kill methanogens. These findings suggested that mangrove ecosystems in the marine environment provide favourable conditions for methanogens and further characterisation of the methanogen involved in the process is required. As a result, future research in this ecosystem should include methane production in carbon offset calculations, particularly due to methylotropic methanogenesis.
Importance of Cell Wall Permeability and Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes during Infection of Botrytis cinerea in Hazelnut
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhang Xuemei , Zheng Jinli , Liu Guangping , Chen Lijing
Published: March 2023

The Botrytis bunch mold, Botrytis cinerea pathogen is a necrotrophic ascomycete that infects hundreds of plant species, including hazelnut. B. cinerea produces toxins that induce cell wall degrading enzymes. In the current research work, we used eight hazelnut varieties and recorded their resistance levels in response to B. cinerea infection. Results showed that different varieties respond differently to B. cinerea infection. Disease index analysis revealed the resistance level of eight hazelnut varieties in the order of DW > OZ > L3 > PZ > XD1 > YZ > L1 > QX. Moreover, cell membrane permeability as well as the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes were measured. The increased level of cell wall degrading enzymes facilitates the fungal pathogens’ ability to colonize plants and cause infection. According to the results obtained through enzyme analysis, the hazelnut varieties L1 and QX, which were proved to be highly susceptible against B. cinerea, had the highest cell wall degrading enzyme production. DW and OZ, which were revealed to be resistant varieties through disease index data, also showed relatively lower activity of degrading enzymes as compared to other varieties. Our comparison analysis between the disease index and enzyme production confirms that disease occurrence and plant susceptibility strongly depend upon cell wall permeability. Our enzyme activity results validated the resistance order revealed by disease index assessment results (DW > OZ > L3 > PZ > XD1 > YZ > L1 > QX), and varieties DW and OZ were found to be the most resistant, while QX and L1 were found to be the most susceptible varieties against B. cinerea infection. Our study lays the foundation to further explore other factors involved in grey mold resistance in hazelnut.
Resilience of Pyrenean Forests after Recurrent Historical Deforestations
Authors: Rull Valentí , Vegas-Vilarrúbia Teresa
Published: March 2023

The long-term resilience of Pyrenean forests in the face of historical anthropogenic clearing remains largely unknown. In this paper, a high-resolution (decadal to subdecadal) paleoecological study of mid-elevation Pyrenean forests is presented that encompasses the last two millennia. This long-term record was obtained after sediment coring, dating (varve counting) and pollen analysis of annually laminated (varved) sediments from Lake Montcortès, situated at 1027 m elevation, in the transition between the Mediterranean and montane forest belts. This allowed the definition of three major deforestation/recovery cycles during the Roman, Medieval and Modern times. Each DR cycle is characterized considering three different levels: overall forest trends, forest type and individual taxa. Overall, the studied forests exhibited high resilience, as they recovered almost completely after each deforestation event (bulk resilience). The critical point of no return (tipping point) beyond which forests would have irreversibly disappeared from the region was never reached, even after deforestation magnitudes above 60%. The different forest types identified (conifer, sclerophyll and deciduous) persisted over time, showing similar heterogeneous patterns with minor spatial reorganizations (mosaic resilience). Individually, the main forest taxa underwent minor variations in their relative abundances, always within the same attraction domains (community resilience). The high levels of resilience documented in these Pyrenean forests are attributed to the action of metapopulation and metacommunity processes and mechanisms in a highly dynamic patchy environment. Conservation actions should be focused on the maintenance of these spatial patterns and the associated ecological dynamics.
Fermentation of Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Using Immobilized Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Entrapped in Calcium Alginate Beads
Authors: Cadiz Jeric Paul R. , Agcaoili Rosalie P. , Mamuad Roselle Y. , Choi Angelo Earvin Sy
Published: March 2023

As the population grows, there is a need to address the continuous depletion of non-renewable energy sources and their negative effects on the environment. This led to a substantial assessment of possible innovations and raw materials to increase the volumetric productivity of alternative fuels to supply the energy needed worldwide. In addition to its environment-friendly properties, a biofuel derived from plant-based sources is also a sustainable material. For high ethanol production from plant-based biofuel, several techniques have been developed, including cell or enzyme immobilization. The key purposes of utilizing immobilized cells or enzymes are to improve bioreactor yield with upgraded enzyme establishment and to increase enzyme utilization. The fermentation of sweet sorghum extract to produce ethanol was conducted in this study, and it was found that the optimum sodium alginate concentration for immobilizing yeast is 3% w/v. It was also found that the free yeast has a shorter optimum fermentation period which is four days (96 h), in comparison with the immobilized yeast, which is five days (120 h). The immobilized yeast has a higher ethanol concentration produced and percent conversion compared to the free yeast. The immobilized yeast entrapped in calcium alginate beads permitted ten five-day (120 h) reuse cycles which are still in stable final ethanol concentration and percent conversion. Due to a lack of experimental support in the necessary condition (optimum level of the number of fermentation days and the concentration of sodium alginate) for the optimal ethanol yield from the extract of sweet sorghum, this study was conducted. This study also tried to address the global demand for ethanol by specifying the optimum conditions necessary for efficient fermentation, specifically for ethanol production using an extract from sweet sorghum. Furthermore, this experimental work serves as a basis for further investigations concerning ethanol production from Agri-based materials, such as sweet sorghum.
Optimization of the Brewing Process and Analysis of Antioxidant Activity and Flavor of Elderberry Wine
Authors: Cao Huaqiang , Bai Meiyu , Lou Yueyue , Yang Xiaotian , Zhao Chenchen , Lu Kuan , Zhang Pengpai
Published: March 2023

Fruit wines have high nutritional value and good palatability. However, fruit wine made from a single fruit type does not have good enough flavor and nutritional quality. Therefore, flavorsome fruit wines made from a variety of fruits should be developed as a matter of urgency. In this study, the raw material of elderberry wine was used to explore the production technology of mixed juice wines; the fruits selected were apple, lychee, pear, blueberry, and elderberry. We utilized a single-factor experiment and the response surface method (RSM) approach to optimize the fermentation procedures; the results show that the solid–liquid ratio was 1:7.5, the amount of yeast inoculation was 0.68 g/L, the fermentation temperature was 20 °C, and the added sugar content was 120 g/L. Under these process conditions, a verification test was carried out in a 35 L fermenter. The results showed that the alcohol content, residual sugar content, total acidity, total phenol content, and total flavonoid content of the elderberry wine were, respectively, 7.73% vol, 8.32 g/L, 9.78 g/L, 8.73 mg/mL, and 1.6 mg/mL. In total, 33 volatile components were identified in the resulting elderberry wine. It achieved a harmonious aroma and fruit flavor, a homogeneous and transparent liquid phase, a pleasant taste, and a sensory evaluation score of 95. The antioxidant activity experiments showed that elderberry had a certain antioxidant capacity, and that fermented elderberries had significantly higher antioxidant ability than unfermented ones.
Fermentation Properties and Bacterial Community Composition of Mixed Silage of Mulberry Leaves and Smooth Bromegrass with and without Lactobacillus plantarum Inoculation
Authors: Yang Weihan , Yang Fengyuan , Feng Changsong , Zhao Shanshan , Zhang Xueying , Wang Yanping
Published: March 2023

To evaluate the fermentation properties and bacterial community composition of mulberry leaves when ensiled with smooth bromegrass, and the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum inoculation on the mixed silage of mulberry leaves and smooth bromegrass, mulberry leaves were mixed with smooth bromegrass at ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40, and ensiled for 60 d with and without L. plantarum inoculant. The results showed that the sole fermentation of mulberry leaves failed to achieve optimum fermentation quality. Silage with a mulberry leaf ratio of 80% performed better fermentation quality compared with other non-inoculated groups, indicated by lower pH value, adequate lactic acid accumulation, and enriched proportion of Lactobacillus in the bacterial community. L. plantarum inoculation dramatically improved fermentation quality of mulberry leaf silage compared with the non-inoculated control. However, the fermentation quality of the inoculated silage decreased along with the reduction in the ratio of mulberry leaves. In conclusion, L. plantarum inoculation has the capability to improve the silage quality of mulberry leaves. Combined ensiling with smooth bromegrass could also aid in improving silage quality of mulberry leaves, with the optimum ratio of mulberry leaves being 80%.
Bacterial Diversity Analysis of Chaozhou Sauerkraut Based on High-Throughput Sequencing of Different Production Methods
Authors: Huang Wuying , Peng Heng , Chen Junsheng , Yan Xiantao , Zhang Yanyan
Published: March 2023

In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the bacterial diversity of sauerkraut produced at home and in factories in Chaozhou. The differences in bacterial community structure among different sauerkraut samples were studied by diversity analysis and heat map analysis, and the dominant bacterial genera were analyzed. The results showed that 54 phyla and 622 genera were identified from 10 Chaozhou sauerkraut samples. The bacterial community structures of Chaozhou sauerkraut produced by five factories were similar, and the dominant bacterial genera were the same, which were Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Weissella. The dominant genus in the sauerkraut samples produced by three families was similar to that in samples produced by the factories. However, the samples from two other families were quite different, and there may be environmental pollution. The samples may also contain possible pathogenic microorganisms such as Pseudomonas and Vibrio. Overall, there were still some differences in the bacterial community structure of Chaozhou sauerkraut factory-produced and household-handmade samples. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to compare the bacterial diversity of homemade and factory-produced Chaozhou sauerkraut, laying the foundation for further research on Chaozhou sauerkraut.
The Effects of the Large-Scale Factor on the Integrity Parameters of Monolithic Fire-Resistant Glass
Authors: Gravit Marina , Shabunina Daria , Stratiy Pavel , Kotlyarskaya Irina Leonidovna , Sychov Maxim
Published: March 2023

Glass is widely used for the manufacture of the facades and interior glazing of buildings. Glass structures are subject to high fire safety requirements. Two methods are employed in this work: experimental studies of small-sized and large-sized samples and simulations of heating glass structures. The results showed that large-sized samples of monolithic tempered glass, with dimensions of 4250 × 2000 × 8 mm and 2000 × 3000 × 8, that were inserted in a steel frame, if properly installed, provided fire resistance limits of E30/E45 and E60, respectively, for loss of integrity, which proves the influence of the dimensions of the glass panel on the fire resistance of the facade structure. The small-sized samples of monolithic tempered glass with dimensions of 1000 × 700 × 8 mm provided a fire resistance limit of E60 for loss of integrity. A large-sized sample of monolithic tempered glass measuring 4250 × 2000 × 8 mm and inserted into an aluminum frame provided a fire resistance limit of E60, proving the effect of the frame on the fire resistance of the structure. According to the results of several simulations, a conclusion was formed about the possibility of predicting the fire resistance limits of tempered glass based on its thickness and dimensions. During operations, these structures will be able to prevent the spread of fire and combustion products for the required time after the loss of integrity. The results of the study allow for the estimation of the influence of the scale factor on the falling of the glass from the frame in a fire (loss of integrity).
Characteristics of Sound Attenuation by Individual and Multiple Fishes
Authors: Kim Hansoo , Cho Sungho , Choi Jee Woong , Kang Donhyug
Published: March 2023

Fish biomass and stock assessment are estimated from acoustic volume backscattering strengths (Sv) obtained from various hydroacoustic equipment. Although sound attenuation due to fish schools and water influences the Sv value, only attenuation from water is considered during the acoustic data process. For these reasons, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of sound attenuation by fish. Unfortunately, little is known about sound attenuation from fish. In the present study, the attenuation from one to four fish specimens was precisely measured during ex situ experiments in a water tank. The scientific echo sounder of a split-beam 200 kHz transducer and a miniature hydrophone were used for the attenuation measurements. Results show that the maximum attenuation coefficient (α) was approximately 25 dB/cm when the 4 multiple fishes had high fish heights. The relationship between the attenuation coefficient (α200kHz) and the total fish height (Htotal) was approximately α200kHz=0.54∗Htotal ± 0.06 (r2=0.72). This work describes the sound attenuation characteristics to provide basic information for the compensation of Sv from fish schools or layers.
Anti-Obesity and Anti-Dyslipidemic Effects of Salicornia arabica Decocted Extract in Tunisian Psammomys obesus Fed a High-Calorie Diet
Authors: Chrigui Souhaieb , Hadj Taieb Sameh , Jemai Hedya , Mbarek Sihem , Benlarbi Maha , Feki Monssef , Haouas Zohra , Zemmel Ayachi , Chaouacha-Chekir Rafika Ben , Boudhrioua Nourhène
Published: March 2023

Salicornia is a halophyte plant that has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of scurvy, goiter, and hypertension. It is commercialized in Europe and Asia as fresh salads, pickled vegetables, green salt, or tea powder. This work is the first to assess the potential anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects of Salicornia arabica decocted extract (SADE). SADE was characterized by its significant in vitro radical scavenging activity (using DPPH and ABTS assays). The effect of SADE on food intake, weight loss, serum biochemical parameters, liver and kidney weights, adiposity index and on liver histology was investigated in the Tunisian gerbil Psammomys obesus (P. obesus), which is recognized as a relevant animal model of human obesity and diabetes. P. obesus animals were firstly randomly divided into two groups: the first received a natural low-calorie chow diet (LCD), and the second group received a high-calorie diet (HCD) over 12 weeks. On day 90, animals were divided into four groups receiving or not receiving SADE (LCD, LCD + SADE, HCD, and HCD + SADE). If compared to the HCD group, SADE oral administration (300 mg/kg per day during 4 weeks) in HCD + SADE group showed on day 120 a significant decrease in body weight (−34%), blood glucose (−47.85%), serum levels of total cholesterol (−54.92%), LDL cholesterol (−60%), triglycerides (−48.03%), and of the levels of hepatic enzymes: ASAT (−66.28%) and ALAT (−31.87%). Oral administration of SADE restored the relative liver weight and adiposity index and significantly limited HCD-induced hepatic injury in P. obesus. SADE seems to have promising in vivo anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects.
Assessing Gluten-Free Soy Bread Quality and Amino Acid Content
Authors: Nakatani Teruyo , Tanaka Manami
Published: March 2023

The nutritional and palatability relevance of bread prepared with soy flour was examined. There are a few effective nutritional measures that combine palatability, convenience, and functionality in the suppression of muscle loss (contributing to the improvement and prevention of sarcopenia). Therefore, in the present study, we attempted to produce bread using soybeans, which are rich in amino acids involved in the synthesis and degradation of skeletal muscle proteins. Rice flour was also used to avoid gluten intolerance. The bread was baked in an automatic bread maker, and the rheological properties of its breadcrumbs were determined using a creep meter. We found that a 70 g slice of soy bread satisfied approximately one-fifth of the daily nutritional requirement for leucine. Although soy decreased the specific volume of bread by preventing starch construction, the use of preprocessed rice flour recovered the volume, and corn starch improved the taste. We propose that the addition of soy bread to the daily diet may be an effective protein source.
Italian Grape Ale Beers Obtained with Malvasia di Candia Aromatica Grape Variety: Evolution of Phenolic Compounds during Fermentation
Authors: Leni Giulia , Romanini Elia , Bertuzzi Terenzio , Abate Alessio , Bresciani Letizia , Lambri Milena , Dall’Asta Margherita , Gabrielli Mario
Published: March 2023

Italian grape ale (IGA) beers have been categorized by the Beer Judge Certification Program as a sub-category of fruit beers in which grape, or grape must, is added during the brewing process to provide additional characteristics to the final beer. In the present work, IGA beers have been produced with must and pomace of the Malvasia di Candia Aromatica (MaCA) grape variety, which were added before fermentation at two different percentages (10% and 20%). The (poly)phenolic profile of IGA beers have been characterized with HPLC-MS/MS and compared to a golden ale control beer (produced in the same conditions without the addition of grape-derived ingredients). A series of sub-samples have been collected to monitor the (poly)phenol profile at time 0 and during the different phases of the fermentation process (1, 3, 5, 7 30, 65 days). Results demonstrated how the addition of pomace allowed to significantly enrich (p < 0.05) final beers in total (poly)phenols detected by MS, while must addition did not influence that amount if compared to the control sample. However, a PCA cluster analysis identified strong similarities among IGA beers and differentiated them to control beer samples. This study underlined how the addition of must and pomace from the MaCA grape variety improved the (poly)phenolic profile of beer from both a qualitative and quantitative point of view.
Use of Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Storage to Improve the Quality and Shelf-Life of Marmande Tomatoes cv. Rojito
Authors: Salas-Sanjuán María del Carmen , Rebolloso María del Mar , del Moral Fernando , Valenzuela Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

In this study, the feasibility of storing Marmande tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, cv Rojito) under hypobaric conditions was evaluated. The fruits were sorted into four lots of 72 fruits each. One lot was considered as a control, and the fruits were kept in the open box, while the fruits of the rest of the three remaining lots were enclosed in airtight containers and subjected to 101, 75 and 50 Kpa, respectively. Control fruits and airtight containers were kept at room temperature, and every three days from the beginning of the experiment the following main quality parameters were analysed: ethylene production rate, firmness, colour, total solids content, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and pigments, as well as a sensory analysis carried out by panellists. The results show that sub-atmospheric storage led a reduction in ethylene production, which was associated with a delay in ripening. The differences in the evolution of pigments were very significant, while a large degradation of chlorophylls was observed in the control fruits and in those kept at 101 kPa, in the fruits kept at 75 kPa and 50 kPa the degradation was much slower. In relation to carotenoid pigments, it was observed that sub-atmospheric treatments delayed their appearance compared to control and 101 kPa fruits. In relation to other quality parameters, it was found that control fruit and fruit held at 101 kPa softened more rapidly than fruit under sub-atmospheric conditions, whose loss of firmness was more gradual with differences found only at 9 and 12 days of storage with respect to fruit firmness at harvest. The appearance of these fruits was evaluated with the same score as at the time of harvesting, during 9 of the 12 days of the experiment, then a positive effect of sub-atmospheric treatments was also found in the sensory analysis. The results suggest that sub-atmospheric storage could be a suitable method of increasing the shelf-life of fruits.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on the Microbiological Quality and Bacterial Diversity of Sous-Vide-Cooked Cod
Authors: Pérez Alcalá Diego , Grande Burgos María José , Rodríguez López Javier , Lucas Rosario , Gálvez Antonio , Pérez Pulido Rubén
Published: March 2023

High hydrostatic pressure (HP) is a promising method to improve the microbiological quality of sous-vide foods. Monitoring the composition and behavior of the microbial communities in foods is of most importance for the production of high-quality and safe products. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) provides advanced approaches to determine food’s microbial community composition and structure. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of different HP treatments on the microbial load and bacterial diversity of sous-vide Atlantic cod. Sous-vide cooking at 57.1 °C for 30 min followed by HP treatment at 500 MPa for 8 min reduced viable cell counts (total aerobic mesophiles) in the cod samples below detectable levels for 45 days of storage under refrigeration. In a second trial with cod cooked sous-vide at 52 °C for 20 min followed by HP treatments at 300 or 600 MPa (with HP treatment temperatures of 22 °C or 50 °C for 4 or 8 min, depending on treatment), only the treatments at 600 MPa delayed bacterial growth for at least 30 days under refrigeration. The optimal HP conditions to improve the microbiological quality of sous-vide cod cooked at low temperatures were obtained at 600 MPa for 4 min at a pressurization temperature of 50 °C. Bacterial diversity was studied in cod cooked sous-vide at 52 °C for 20 min by HTS. In the absence of HP treatment, Proteobacteria was the main bacterial group. A succession of Pseudomonadaceae (Pseudomonas) and Enterobacteriaceae was observed during storage. Firmicutes had low relative abundances and were represented mainly by Anoxybacillus (early storage) and Carnobacterium (late storage). The HP-treated sous-vide cod showed the greatest differences from controls during late storage, with Aerococcus and Enterococcus as predominant groups (depending on the HP conditions). The application of HTS provided new insights on the diversity and dynamics of the bacterial communities of sous-vide cod, revealing the presence of bacterial genera not previously described in this food, such as Anoxybacillus. The significance of Anoxybacillus as a contaminant of seafoods should be further investigated.
Breeding Bread-Making Wheat Varieties for Organic Farming Systems: The Need to Target Productivity, Robustness, Resource Use Efficiency and Grain Quality Traits
Authors: Rempelos Leonidas , Wang Juan , Sufar Enas Khalid , Almuayrifi Mohammed Saleh Bady , Knutt Daryl , Leifert Halima , Leifert Alice , Wilkinson Andrew , Shotton Peter , Hasanaliyeva Gultekin , Bilsborrow Paul , Wilcockson Steve , Volakakis Nikolaos , Markellou Emilia , Zhao Bingqiang , Jones Stephen , Iversen Per Ole , Leifert Carlo
Published: March 2023

Agronomic protocols (rotation, tillage, fertilization and crop protection) commonly used in organic and conventional crop production differ significantly and there is evidence that modern varieties developed for conventional high-input farming systems do not have the combination of traits required for optimum performance in organic farming systems. Specifically, there is evidence that prohibition on the use of water-soluble, mineral N, P and K fertilizers and synthetic pesticide inputs in organic farming results in a need to revise both breeding and selection protocols. For organic production systems, the focus needs to be on the following: (i) traits prioritized by organic farmers such as high nutrient use efficiency from organic fertilizer inputs, competitiveness against weeds, and pest and disease resistance, (ii) processing quality parameters defined by millers and bakers and (iii) nutritional quality parameters demanded by organic consumers. In this article, we review evidence from variety trials and factorial field experiments that (i) studied to what extent there is a need for organic farming focused breeding programs, (ii) investigated which traits/trait combinations should be targeted in these breeding programs and/or (iii) compared the performance of modern varieties developed for the conventional sector with traditional/older varieties favored by organic farmers and/or new varieties developed in organic farming focused breeding programs. Our review focuses on wheat because there have been organic and/or low-input farming focused wheat breeding programs for more than 20 years in Europe, which has allowed the performance of varieties/genotypes from organic/low-input and conventional farming focused breeding programs to be compared.
Effect of Two-Step Sous Vide Cooking and Storage on Microbiological and Oxidative Stability of Chicken Breast
Authors: Hasani Endrit , Kiskó Gabriella , Dalmadi István , Hitka Géza , Friedrich László Ferenc , Kenesei György
Published: March 2023

A two-step sous vide method, which included a low temperature initial stage, was shown to improve texture parameters, increase the solubility of proteins, and decrease the cook loss in chicken breasts. The current work was designed to determine the effect of two-step sous vide and subsequent storage on the microbiological and oxidative stability of chicken breasts. Inoculated chicken breasts were vacuum packaged and cooked at two temperatures, 50 °C and 60 °C, combined in different ratios of the same total cooking time (120 min), and then stored for 21 days at 4 °C, 10 °C, and −20 °C, and compared with the one-step temperature treatment (60 °C for 120 min). One-step sous vide treatment resulted in the total inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis NCAIM B. 01312. Meanwhile, the two-step sous vide treatments resulted in a higher than 3 log reduction in Enterococcus faecalis NCAIM B. 01312, reaching the target pasteurization performance criterion of sous vide for poultry meat. Lipid oxidation and the odor of all chicken breasts remained acceptable for 21 days of storage at 4 °C and −20 °C. Conversely, all chicken breasts had higher lipid oxidation rates and odor after 21 days of storage at 10 °C. Two-step-sous-vide-treated chicken breasts were found to be microbiologically stable regarding Enterococcus faecalis NCAIM B. 01312 and total mesophilic aerobic counts during 21 days of storage at 4 °C and −20 °C, in contrast with those stored at 10 °C. It can be concluded that two-step-sous-vide-cooked chicken breasts had acceptable oxidative and microbiological stability during chilled and frozen storage, similar to one-step sous vide ones. These outcomes highlight that two-step heat treatment can be used as an alternative cooking method to improve the quality properties without compromising the storage life of chicken breasts.
Structure, Merits, Gel Formation, Gel Preparation and Functions of Konjac Glucomannan and Its Application in Aquatic Food Preservation
Authors: Sun Yilan , Xu Xiaowei , Wu Zhenzhen , Zhou Hanlin , Xie Xiaoyu , Zhang Qinhua , Liu Renyi , Pang Jie
Published: March 2023

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a natural polysaccharide extracted from konjac tubers that has a topological structure composed of glucose and mannose. KGM can be used as a gel carrier to load active molecules in food preservation. The three-dimensional gel network structure based on KGM provides good protection for the loaded active molecules and allows for sustained release, thus enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these molecules. KGM loaded with various active molecules has been used in aquatic foods preservation, with great potential for different food preservation applications. This review summarizes recent advances in KGM, including: (i) structural characterization, (ii) the formation mechanism, (iii) preparation methods, (iv) functional properties and (v) the preservation of aquatic food.