bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Design of a Campus Microgrid Considering a Multi-Scenario and Multi-Objective Approach
Authors: Huang Yongyi , Masrur Hasan , Shigenobu Ryuto , Hemeida Ashraf Mohamed , Mikhaylov Alexey , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: May 2021

This article proposes a plan to replace real-time power with constant power from the grid to reduce costs and reduce the impact of the micro-grid on the main grid at the same time. Most of the peak electricity consumption periods of universities or some enterprise institutions are during the daytime. If solar energy can be used reasonably at this time, it can provide a good guarantee of peak power. In this study, a grid-linked solar-plus-storage micro-grid was used to supply power to a university located in Okinawa, Japan. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was used to optimize the model size, and the loss of power supply probability (LPSP), life cycle cost (LCC), and waste of energy (WE) were taken as the optimization indicators. For this study, three scenarios were considered where the first scheme (Case 1) was a comparison scheme, which used a PV battery and real-time power from the infinity bus. Both the second and third cases used constant power. While Case 2 used constant power throughout the year, Case 3 used daily constant power. The optimal solutions for the power supply units were grouped into three cases where Case 1 was found to be the most expensive one. It was found that the costs of Cases 2 and 3 were 62.8% and 63.3% less than Case 1. As a result, the waste of energy was found to be more significant than Case 1: 70 times and 60 times, respectively. On the contrary, Case 1 had 15.2% and 16.7% less carbon emissions than Case 2 and Case 3, respectively. This article put forward the idea of constant power supply growth at the financial markets, which breaks the traditional way in which the power supply side follows the user’s consumption. While reducing costs, it reduces the impact on large-scale power grids and can also ensure the reliability of campus microgrids.
The Impact of Low-Resource Periods on the Reliability of Wind Power Systems for Rural Electrification in Africa
Authors: Seyedhashemi Hanieh , Hingray Benoît , Lavaysse Christophe , Chamarande Théo
Published: May 2021

Decentralized electricity systems based on variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as wind power can provide affordable, dependable, and modern energy in a manner consistent with the Paris Agreement. Such sources are, however, sensitive to extreme values of climatic factors—an issue that may jeopardize power system reliability. As a resource-rich region with a high proportion of rural population without access to electricity, Africa has been of wide interest in studies on VRE-based electricity generation. Nevertheless, there is still a major gap in our continent-scale understanding of the wind power potential and its variability at different time scales, as well as the influence of low-wind-resource periods in Africa. Using ERA5 hourly estimates of wind speed, the present study investigated the adequacy and temporal variability of local wind power potential across Africa over the 2000–2017 period. The results indicated that design requirements of wind power systems are, on average, fulfilled in regions in the North, South, and Horn of Africa at different time scales. However, low-resource periods were shown to have a significant impact on the reliability of wind power potential in the majority of the continent. Demand flexibility can reduce the severity of these periods and help to achieve design requirements.
Assessing the Link between Vessel Size and Maritime Supply Chain Sustainable Performance
Authors: Bernacki Dariusz
Published: May 2021

This study determines the relationship between the increase in size of dry bulk carriers and container ships and the changes in sustainable shipping performance. It measures the elasticities of shipping costs for bulk carriers and container ships. Using regression, it derives the functions of the daily and unit costs of shipping with respect to the size of dry bulk carriers and container ships. The estimated daily and unit cost elasticities and cost models reveal significant but diversified impacts of vessel size on dry bulk and container shipping cost and its components, other operating capital, and fuel costs. Findings: Dry bulk carriers and containership size mean elasticities of daily operating costs estimates respectively: total operating costs 0.291 and 0.552, other operating cost (labor cost included) 0.238 and 0.328, capital costs 0.329 and 0.765, fuel costs 0.289 and 0.462; dry bulker and container ship unit shipping mean elasticity respectively: full operating costs (−0.751) and (−0.553), other operating cost (−0.804) and (−0.782), capital costs (−0.713) and (−0.399), fuel costs (–0.757) and (−0.702). This research provides an insight into the impact of technology and the way the services are provided (irregular versus regular) on shipping cost and energy savings. The cost models can be used for estimating the savings in shipping costs resulting from handling larger vessels in seaports.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization with Chaotic Inertia Weight and Acceleration Coefficients for Optimal Extraction of PV Models Parameters
Authors: Kiani Arooj Tariq , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Ahmed Ali , Khan Irfan A. , Alkhammash Hend I. , Sajjad Intisar Ali , Hussain Babar
Published: May 2021

The efficiency of PV systems can be improved by accurate estimation of PV parameters. Parameter estimation of PV cells and modules is a challenging task as it requires accurate operation of PV cells and modules followed by an optimization tool that estimates their associated parameters. Mostly, population-based optimization tools are utilized for PV parameter estimation problems due to their computational intelligent behavior. However, most of them suffer from premature convergence problems, high computational burden, and often fall into local optimum solution. To mitigate these limitations, this paper presents an improved variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO) aiming to reduce shortcomings offered by conventional PSO for estimation of PV parameters. PSO is improved by introducing two strategies to control inertia weight and acceleration coefficients. At first, a sine chaotic inertia weight strategy is employed to attain an appropriate balance between local and global search. Afterward, a tangent chaotic strategy is utilized to guide acceleration coefficients in search of an optimal solution. The proposed algorithm is utilized to estimate the parameters of the PWP201 PV module, RTC France solar cell, and a JKM330P-72 PV module-based practical system. The obtained results indicate that the proposed technique avoids premature convergence and local optima stagnation of conventional PSO. Moreover, a comparison of obtained results with techniques available in the literature proves that the proposed methodology is an efficient, effective, and optimal tool to estimate PV modules and cells’ parameters.
Short Term Active Power Load Prediction on A 33/11 kV Substation Using Regression Models
Authors: Veeramsetty Venkataramana , Mohnot Arjun , Singal Gaurav , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: May 2021

Electric power load forecasting is an essential task in the power system restructured environment for successful trading of power in energy exchange and economic operation. In this paper, various regression models have been used to predict the active power load. Model optimization with dimensionality reduction has been done by observing correlation among original input features. Load data has been collected from a 33/11 kV substation near Kakathiya University in Warangal. The regression models with available load data have been trained and tested using Microsoft Azure services. Based on the results analysis it has been observed that the proposed regression models predict the demand on substation with better accuracy.
Investigating the Effects of the United States’ Economic Slowdown Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Consumption in Other Countries—A Global Vector Autoregressive Model
Authors: Hu Sailan , Li Rongrong
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a drop-in economic activity and energy consumption of the United States. This work aims to investigate the spillover effects of the United States’ COVID-19 economic recession on economic growth and energy consumption in other nations using a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) approach and quarterly data between 1990 and 2013 from 41 major countries/regions. On the one hand, the simulation results indicate that the US COVID-19 recession has a negative impact on other countries’ economic growth through trade ties, reducing the economic growth of other countries, especially for countries which have a close trade relationship with the US. In addition, the spillover effects of the US economic recession have different impacts on other countries’ energy consumption. Countries with the closest trade ties to the US are most affected, such as Japan and China. In addition, the impact of the US’ economic shock on energy consumption in developing countries is significant in the short term, while its impact on developed countries is significant in the long term. On the other hand, the simulation results of energy spillover effects indicate a reduction in US energy consumption slightly reduces economic growth in other nations. In addition, a reduction in energy consumption in the US does not have a significant negative impact on energy consumption in other developed countries. Furthermore, the spillover effect of declining energy consumption in the US on energy consumption in developing countries is significant in the short term. However, the spillover effects of falling energy consumption in the US on developing countries are different. The spillover effect of the decline in energy consumption in the US causes a slight decline in energy consumption in China and Brazil, whereas the spillover effect of the decline in energy consumption in the US does not cause a decline in energy consumption in India and Brazil.
The Correlation of Biodiesel Blends with the Common Rail Diesel Engine’s Performance and Emission Characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Nghia , Khoa Nguyen Xuan , Tuan Le Anh
Published: May 2021

The use of biofuel has been researched and announced by scientists to bring benefits in terms of environmental protection. However, studies continue to be conducted to achieve stable results and confirm biofuels as an effective alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. In this study, the fuel used is biodiesel derived from fish oil and conventional diesel fuel. Specifically, the test fuel is conventional diesel mixed with fish oil biodiesel in different ratios, including B0, B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50 (respectively 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, and 50% biodiesel in the mixture). Research was carried out by both simulation (from B0 to B50) and experiment (from B0 to B30) on a single cylinder common rail diesel engine. Test modes were at 25%, 50%, and 75% load respectively at maximum torque (at 1400 revolutions per minute (rpm)) and minimum fuel consumption (at 2200 rpm). Compared with B0, the average reduction in brake power of the biodiesel decreased relative to the proportion of biodiesel in the fuel mixture. Specific fuel consumption of the brakes (BSFC) and NOx emissions increased with decreasing emissions of smoke, hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions when the biodiesel ratio increased.
Transient Fault Detection and Location in Power Distribution Network: A Review of Current Practices and Challenges in Malaysia
Authors: Asman Saidatul Habsah , Ab Aziz Nur Fadilah , Ungku Amirulddin Ungku Anisa , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin
Published: May 2021

An auto-restoration tool to minimize the impact of faults is one of the critical requirements in a power distribution system. A fault-monitoring system is needed for practical remote supervision to identify faults and reduce their impacts, and thus reduce economic losses. An effective fault-monitoring system is beneficial to improve the reliability of a protection system when faults evolve. Therefore, fault monitoring could play an important role in enhancing the safety standards of systems. Among the various fault occurrences, the transient fault is a prominent cause in Malaysia power systems but gains less attention due to its ability of self-clearance, although sometimes it unnecessarily triggers the operation of protection systems. However, the transient fault is an issue that must be addressed based on its effect that can lead to outages and short-circuits if prolonged. In this study, the authors summarize the guidelines and related standards of fault interaction associated with a monitoring system. The necessity of transient fault detection and location techniques and their limitations, the need for signal processing, as well as recommended practices, are also discussed in this paper. Some of the practices from local power utility are also shared, indicating the current approaches, key challenges, and the opportunities for improvement of fault-monitoring systems due to transient fault, which can be correlated with the reviews provided.
One-Dimensional Model of a Compact DHW Heat Pump with Experimental Validation
Authors: Aguilar F. , Crespí-Llorens D. , Aledo S. , Quiles P. V.
Published: May 2021

The current work presents a computationally cost-effective numerical model that successfully simulates a heat pump water heater (HPWH) under typical working conditions of dwellings. The model’s main components are a stratified tank and the heat-pump unit. Both systems are coupled, since a good prediction of water temperature is needed to accurately predict the heat-pump performance. Ten thermocouples measured the tank wall temperature. Measurements and simulations were performed under challenging conditions of a heavy stratification. The 190 L tank stratification was successfully modeled employing a 1D model, experimentally adjusted by three tapping cycles, with 6 × 22, 6 × 33, and 3 × 33 L consumptions, covering flowrates of 4 and 6 L/min. Water temperature is obtained with an uncertainty of 2.6 °C while the heat-pump was ON. A black box model has been used to obtain the heat-pump performance out of the external and condenser temperatures. For the analyzed days, the COP estimation presents an uncertainty of only 5.1%. Finally, an application example is included. It was used to simulate six tapping cycles of the European standard for heat pump water heaters testing (EN 16147). The results show the possibilities for heat-pump manufacturers of applying this calibrated model to predict the performance of HPWHs under different conditions.
Anisotropy of Strength and Elastic Properties of Lower Paleozoic Shales from the Baltic Basin, Poland
Authors: Wilczynski Przemyslaw Michal , Domonik Andrzej , Lukaszewski Pawel
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of laboratory studies on the strength–strain properties of shales representing four siltstone-claystone lithostratigraphic units occurring in the Baltic Basin. Laboratory studies in a triaxial stress state were conducted as single failure tests on cylindrical samples oriented parallel and perpendicular to lamination within the rocks. Mutually perpendicular samples were cut out from the same drill core sections in order to determine mechanical anisotropy. Samples oriented parallel to lamination were characterised by values of the static Young’s modulus twice as high as from samples oriented perpendicular to lamination. Similar variability was observed in the case of maximum differential stress values and Poisson’s ratio. Samples parallel to lamination registered notably lower axial strains, which influenced increased values of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. The rocks studied are characterised by VTI type (vertical transverse isotropy) internal anisotropy of the rock matrix, which significantly influences the anisotropy of their geomechanical properties.
Design of a Damping Controller Using the SCA Optimization Technique for the Improvement of Small Signal Stability of a Single Machine Connected to an Infinite Bus System
Authors: Khawaja Abdul Waheed , Kamari Nor Azwan Mohamed , Zainuri Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the use of a stochastic metaheuristic population-based optimization algorithm known as the sine cosine algorithm (SCA) to design the parameters of a power system stabilizer (PSS) for damping electromechanical oscillations in a single machine connected to a large power system. The design of the PSS parameters was formulated as an optimization problem to minimize the objective function value. The SCA was used to obtain the best values of the PSS parameters under the objective function. Simulation was carried out by a linearized power system model. The lead lag controller was used as the PSS structure and the results from that were compared with those obtained by moth flame optimization and evolutionary programming. The results showed that the SCA is more effective than are the other techniques in exploration and exploitation to tune the PSS parameters and enhance the power system stability by damping oscillations in a range of loading conditions.
Unbalanced Voltage Compensation with Optimal Voltage Controlled Regulators and Load Ratio Control Transformer
Authors: Nakadomari Akito , Shigenobu Ryuto , Kato Takeyoshi , Krishnan Narayanan , Hemeida Ashraf Mohamed , Takahashi Hiroshi , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: May 2021

Penetration of equipment such as photovoltaic power generations (PV), heat pump water heaters (HP), and electric vehicles (EV) introduces voltage unbalance issues in distribution systems. Controlling PV and energy storage system (ESS) outputs or coordinated EV charging are investigated for voltage unbalance compensation. However, some issues exist, such as dependency on installed capacity and fairness among consumers. Therefore, the ideal way to mitigate unbalanced voltages is to use grid-side equipment mainly. This paper proposes a voltage unbalance compensation based on optimal tap operation scheduling of three-phase individual controlled step voltage regulators (3ϕSVR) and load ratio control transformer (LRT). In the formulation of the optimization problem, multiple voltage unbalance metrics are comprehensively included. In addition, voltage deviations, network losses, and coordinated tap operations, which are typical issues in distribution systems, are considered. In order to investigate the mutual influence among voltage unbalance and other typical issues, various optimization problems are formulated, and then they are compared by numerical simulations. The results show that the proper operation of 3ϕSVRs and LRT effectively mitigates voltage unbalance. Furthermore, the results also show that voltage unbalances and other typical issues can be improved simultaneously with appropriate formulations.
Weather Data Mixing Models for Day-Ahead PV Forecasting in Small-Scale PV Plants
Authors: Acharya Shree Krishna , Wi Young-Min , Lee Jaehee
Published: May 2021

As a large number of small-scale PV plants have been deployed in distribution systems, generation forecasting of such plants has recently been gaining interest. Because the PV power mainly depends on weather conditions, it is important to accurately collect weather data for relevant PV sites to enhance PV forecasting accuracy. However, small-scale PV plants do not often have their own measuring apparatus to get historical weather data, so they have used weather datasets from relatively nearby weather data centers (WDCs). Therefore, these small-scale PV plants have difficulty delivering robust and reliable forecasting accuracy because of inappropriate predicted weather data from a distance. In this paper, two weather data mixing models are proposed: (a) inverse distance weighting (IDW), and (b) inverse correlation weighting (ICW). These models acquire adequate mixed weather data for the day-ahead generation forecasting for small-scale PV plants. Furthermore, the mixed weather data are collected using the geographic distance between the PV site and WDCs, or correlation between the PV generation and weather variables from nearby WDCs. Interestingly, the proposed ICW model outperforms when WDCs are located distant from the PV plants, whereas IDW performs well with the closer WDCs. The forecasting performance of the proposed mixing models was compared with those of the existing weather data collection methods.
Towards Engineered Hydrochars: Application of Artificial Neural Networks in the Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Kapetanakis Theodoros N. , Vardiambasis Ioannis O. , Nikolopoulos Christos D. , Konstantaras Antonios I. , Trang Trinh Kieu , Khuong Duy Anh , Tsubota Toshiki , Keyikoglu Ramazan , Khataee Alireza , Kalderis Dimitrios
Published: May 2021

Sewage sludge hydrochars (SSHs), which are produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), offer a high calorific value to be applied as a biofuel. However, HTC is a complex processand the properties of the resulting product depend heavily on the process conditions and feedstock composition. In this work, we have applied artificial neural networks (ANNs) to contribute to the production of tailored SSHs for a specific application and with optimum properties. We collected data from the published literature covering the years 2014–2021, which was then fed into different ANN models where the input data (HTC temperature, process time, and the elemental content of hydrochars) were used to predict output parameters (higher heating value, (HHV) and solid yield (%)). The proposed ANN models were successful in accurately predicting both HHV and contents of C and H. While the model NN1 (based on C, H, O content) exhibited HHV predicting performance with R2 = 0.974, another model, NN2, was also able to predict HHV with R2 = 0.936 using only C and H as input. Moreover, the inverse model of NN3 (based on H, O content, and HHV) could predict C content with an R2 of 0.939.
Use of Optimization Modeling to Assess the Effect of Timber and Carbon Pricing on Harvest Scheduling, Carbon Sequestration, and Net Present Value of Eucalyptus Plantations
Authors: Hirigoyen Andrés , Acuna Mauricio , Rachid-Casnati Cecilia , Franco Jorge , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael
Published: May 2021

Quantifying the impact of carbon (C) and timber prices on harvest scheduling and economic returns is essential to define strategies for the sustainable management of short-rotation plantations so that they can provide timber products and contribute to C sequestration. In this paper, we present a mixed-integer linear programming model that optimizes harvest scheduling at the forest level, C sequestration, and Net Present Value (NPV) over a planning period of up to 15 years. The model included revenue from the sale of timber (pulplogs) and credits from the net C sequestered during the life of the stands. In addition, plantation establishment, management, harvesting, and transportation costs were included in the analysis. The study area comprised 88 Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill and Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden stands located in Uruguay, totaling a forest area of nearly 1882 ha. The study investigated the impact of C and timber prices on NPV, harvest schedules, stands’ harvest age, timber flows to customers, and C sequestered per period. The maximum NPV among all the scenarios evaluated (USD 7.53 M) was calculated for a C price of 30 USD t−1, an interest rate of 6%, and a timber price of 75 USD m−3. This was USD 2.14 M higher than the scenario with the same parameters but that included only revenue from timber. C prices also impacted stands’ harvest age, C sequestration, and timber flows delivered to end customers. On average, in scenarios that included C prices, timber flows and C sequestration increased by 15.4 and 12.1%, respectively, when C price increased from 5 to 30 USD t−1. These results demonstrate that harvest scheduling, harvest age, and NPV are very sensitive to C and timber, and that the best economic returns are obtained when the stands are managed to maximize timber production and C sequestration.
Dissecting Taxonomic Variants within Ulmus spp. Complex in Natural Forests with the Aid of Microsatellite and Morphometric Markers
Authors: Tamošaitis Sigitas , Jurkšienė Girmantė , Petrokas Raimundas , Buchovska Jurata , Kavaliauskienė Ilona , Danusevičius Darius , Baliuckas Virgilijus
Published: May 2021

Spontaneous hybrids between the native elms (genus Ulmus L.) have been observed in the forests of Europe. Gene conservation raises questions regarding the genetic background for the complex morphology and taxonomy of elms. Our objective was to dissect morphological and genetic variation in the natural swamps of Ulmus species groups in Lithuanian forests with the aid of leaf morphology and microsatellite (SSR) markers. We sampled leaves from 189 elms at 26 locations to grasp the phenotypic diversity in variable natural habitats in Lithuanian forests. We assigned the elms into six taxonomic and genetics groups based on 31 leaf morphology parameters and tested the genetic differentiation between these six groups at six nuclear SSR loci by using Bayesian and genetic distance-based clustering. The genetic and leaf morphometric analyses of putative elm hybrid swamps indicated a low genetic exchange between U. laevis Pall. and the other Ulmus groups. The genetic and morphometric data supported the differentiation of U. glabra Huds. and U. glabra (female) × U. minor Mill. (male) spontaneous hybrids. In addition, the results of the genetic analysis also confirmed the high level of genome sharing among U. minor and U. minor subsp. minor Richens., where leaf morphology failed to differentiate genetically discrete groups. For gene conservation, we would suggest considering separate gene conservation units selected based on leaf and stem morphology for U. laevis, U. glabra, U. glabra × minor, and the U. minor species complex.
Factors Influencing the Health Status of Trees in Parks and Forests of Urbanized Areas
Authors: Krzyżaniak Michał , Świerk Dariusz , Antoszewski Patryk
Published: May 2021

This research concerns the impact of air and soil pollution on the health status of selected tree species in parks and urban forests. The analysis was carried out over a decade, which allowed for creating the best models illustrating the impact of selective factors related to air and soil pollution on the health status of small-leaved limes, maples, oaks, and chestnut trees in the city. (1) Background and Objectives: The research aimed to identify the environmental factors that have the greatest impact on the health condition of trees in urban conditions and show which species are the most resistant to pollution in urban areas. The research object was 2441 individuals of four tree species inhabiting 11 parks and urban forests in Poznań. We assessed the trees in terms of dendrometric parameters and health status. Tree-stand soils were tested for P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na content using various analytical methods. Air data were obtained from a generally accessible WIOS website. The above data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Our research has shown that unfavorable environmental parameters impact the health status of trees growing in urban areas. The most significant negative impact of O3 on the health of three out of four examined tree species was demonstrated. Other pollutants that affect the trees health include Mn (in the soil) and NO, NO2, CO, and C6H6 (in the air). Oak turned out to be the most resistant species to urban pollution. The area where chestnut trees grew turned out to be the most Fe, Mn, Na, and Pb soil-polluted and air-polluted with most of the substances recorded. The permissible concentration levels were exceeded in the case of tropospheric NOx, PM10, PM2.5, and Pb.
Development of a Sodium Alginate-Based Active Package with Controlled Release of Cinnamaldehyde Loaded on Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Cui Rui , Zhu Bifen , Yan Jiatong , Qin Yuyue , Yuan Mingwei , Cheng Guiguang , Yuan Minglong
Published: May 2021

The worsening environment and the demand for safer food have accelerated the development of new food packaging materials. The objective of this research is to prepare antimicrobial food packaging film with controlled release by loading cinnamaldehyde (CIN) on etched halloysite nanotubes (T-HNTs) and adding it to sodium alginate (SA) matrix. The effects of T-HNTs-CIN on the physical functional properties and antibacterial activity of the film were systematically evaluated, and the release of CIN in the film was also quantified. Transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption experiments showed that the halloysite nanotubes had been etched and CIN was successfully loaded into the T-HNTs. The addition of T-HNTs-CIN significantly improved the water vapor barrier properties and tensile strength of the film. Similarly, the presence of T-HNTs-CIN in the film greatly reduced the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. The release experiment showed that the diffusion time of CIN in SA/T-HNTs-CIN film to fatty food simulation solution was delayed 144 h compared with that of SA/CIN film. Herein, the antibacterial experiment also confirmed the controlled release effect of T-HNTs on CIN. In conclusion, SA/T-HNTs-CIN film might have broad application prospects in fatty food packaging.
Exploring the Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Environments on Sensory Perception of Beef Steaks and Chocolate
Authors: Crofton Emily , Murray Niall , Botinestean Cristina
Published: May 2021

Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a tool for simulating different eating environments to better understand consumer sensory response to food. This research explored the impact of different environmental contexts on participants’ hedonic ratings of two different food products: beef steaks, and milk chocolate, using VR as the context-enhancing technology. Two separate studies were conducted. For beef, two different contextual conditions were compared: traditional sensory booths and a VR restaurant. For chocolate, data were generated under three different contextual conditions: traditional sensory booths, VR Irish countryside; VR busy city (Dublin, Ireland). All VR experiences were 360-degree video based. Consumer level of engagement in the different contextual settings was also investigated. The results showed that VR had a significant effect on participants’ hedonic responses to the food products. Beef was rated significantly higher in terms of liking for all sensory attributes when consumed in the VR restaurant. While for chocolate, the VR countryside context generated significantly higher hedonic scores for flavour and overall liking in comparison to the sensory booth. Taken together, both studies demonstrate how specific contextual settings can impact participants’ sensory response to food products, when compared to a traditional sensory laboratory condition.
Effects of Chlorella vulgaris as a Feed Ingredient on the Quality and Nutritional Value of Weaned Piglets’ Meat
Authors: Martins Cátia F. , Pestana José M. , Alfaia Cristina M. , Costa Mónica , Ribeiro David M. , Coelho Diogo , Lopes Paula A. , Almeida André M. , Freire João P. B. , Prates José A. M.
Published: May 2021

Chlorella vulgaris (CH) is usually considered a feed supplement in pig nutrition, and its use as an ingredient is poorly studied. Among many interesting characteristics, this microalga has high protein levels and can be a putative alternative for soybean meal. Our aim was to study the effect of a 5% CH incorporation in the diet, individually or combined with two carbohydrases, on meat quality traits and nutritional value. Forty-four post-weaned male piglets individually housed, with an initial live weight of 11.2 ± 0.46 kg, were randomly distributed into four experimental groups: control (n = 11, without CH) and three groups fed with 5% CH incorporation, plain (n = 10), with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (n = 10), and with 0.01% of a pre-selected four-CAZyme mixture (n = 11). After two weeks of trial, piglets were slaughtered and longissimus lumborum collected. CH had no effect on piglets’ growth performance. In turn, incorporation of CH improved the nutritional value of meat by increasing total carotenoids and n-3 PUFA content, thus contributing to a more positive n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. The supplementation with Rovabio® benefited tenderness and increased overall acceptability of pork. Our results show beyond doubt the viability of the utilization of this microalga as a feed ingredient for swine production.
Inhibition of L-Cysteine on the Browning of Fresh Wet Noodles
Authors: Wu Xin-Ting , Guo Xiao-Na , Zhu Ke-Xue
Published: May 2021

This research explored the effect of L-cysteine on the browning of fresh wet noodles (FWN). With the increasing addition of L-cysteine (0.02–0.1%), the ΔL* decreased and Δa*, Δb* increased. The L-cysteine could reduce the pH value and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and increase the retention rate of polyphenol of FWN. It suggested that L-cysteine could inhibit the browning of FWN by decreasing pH value, PPO activity, and the oxidation of polyphenols. In the in vitro PPO solution, the inhibitory effect of L-cysteine on PPO activity was related to the decrease in pH and the ability of chelating Cu2+. According to UPLC-TOF-MS analysis, L-cysteine could reduce the generation of browning products, which suggested that L-cysteine could react with the browning intermediate product (quinone) and generate a light-colored substance (-C9H10NO4S). L-cysteine effectively inhibited the browning of FWN and had the potential to be used in noodle industry.
Quality Characteristics of Beef Patties Prepared with Octenyl-Succinylated (Osan) Starch
Authors: Eshag Osman Mohamed F. , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Alamri Mohammed S. , Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , Hussain Shahzad , Ibraheem Mohamed I. , Qasem Akram A.
Published: May 2021

Octenyl-succinylated corn starch (Osan) was used to improve the physicochemical properties of ground beef patties. The study involved incorporation of 5 and 15% Osan and storage for 30 or 60 days at −20 °C. The tested parameters included cooking loss, microstructure image, firmness, color, and sensory evaluation of the prepared patties. Along with Osan, native corn starch was used as control and considered the patties with added animal fat. The data showed that Osan reduced the cooking loss and dimensional shrinkage significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the moisture retention, firmness and color of beef patties were improved. The sensory evaluation indicated enhanced tenderness and juiciness without significant alteration of flavor, color, and overall acceptability of the cooked patties. Microstructure images of cooked patties indicated uniform/cohesive structures with small pore size of patties shaped with Osan. Obviously, good storability of the uncooked patties was reflected on the physiochemical, textural, color, and sensory evaluation of the cooked patties, which points to the benefit of using Osan in frozen patties and signifies possible use in the meat industry. The overall sensory acceptability scores were given to cooked patties containing Osan starch as well as the native starch, whereas 15% animal fat was favored too.
Human Exposure to Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sr) from the Consumption of Cereals in Canary Islands
Authors: Rubio-Armendáriz Carmen , Paz Soraya , Gutiérrez Ángel J. , González-Weller Dailos , Revert Consuelo , Hardisson Arturo
Published: May 2021

The Canary Islands is an archipelago that consumes cereals and derivatives imported from other regions of the world. The increase in contamination with toxic metals makes it necessary to assess the content of toxicological metals of interest to ensure quality and safety. The content of toxic metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Sr) was determined in 221 samples of cereals and derivatives (corn, wheat, gofio, corn gofio, barley gofio, roasted corn and flour) marketed in the Canary Islands using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) to assess dietary exposure. Al content recorded in barley gofio (29.5 mg/kg fresh weight) stands out. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Pb is 52 µg/day if 100 g/day of barley gofio is consumed (121% and 240% of the BMDL nephrotoxicity limit set by the EFSA at 0.63 µg/kg body weight/day for adults and children, respectively). The EDI of PB is 16 µg/day if 30 g barley gofio/day is consumed by adults (36.2% of the abovementioned BMDL nephrotoxicity limit). The EDI of Pb is 7.8 µg/day if 15 g barley gofio/day is consumed by children (32.2% of the abovementioned BMDL nephrotoxicity limit). Gofio is a food of high nutritional value. It is necessary to establish monitoring programs for toxic metals in raw materials and processed products to reduce exposure levels.
What Is Abnormal in Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Children? Analysis of the Mutational Landscape and Prognosis of the TARGET-AML Cohort
Authors: Herlin Morten Krogh , Yones Sara A. , Kjeldsen Eigil , Holmfeldt Linda , Hasle Henrik
Published: May 2021

Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) constitutes 20–25% of pediatric AML and detailed molecular analysis is essential to unravel the genetic background of this group. Using publicly available sequencing data from the TARGET-AML initiative, we investigated the mutational landscape of NK-AML in comparison with abnormal karyotype AML (AK-AML). In 164 (97.6%) of 168 independent NK-AML samples, at least one somatic protein-coding mutation was identified using whole-genome or targeted capture sequencing. We identified a unique mutational landscape of NK-AML characterized by a higher prevalence of mutated CEBPA, FLT3, GATA2, NPM1, PTPN11, TET2, and WT1 and a lower prevalence of mutated KIT, KRAS, and NRAS compared with AK-AML. Mutated CEBPA often co-occurred with mutated GATA2, whereas mutated FLT3 co-occurred with mutated WT1 and NPM1. In multivariate regression analysis, we identified younger age, WBC count ≥50 × 109/L, FLT3-internal tandem duplications, and mutated WT1 as independent predictors of adverse prognosis and mutated NPM1 and GATA2 as independent predictors of favorable prognosis in NK-AML. In conclusion, NK-AML in children is characterized by a unique mutational landscape which impacts the disease outcome.
Roman Wall Paintings: Characterisation of Plaster Coats Made of Clay Mud
Authors: Bugini Roberto , Corti Cristina , Folli Luisa , Rampazzi Laura
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on the mineralogical characterisation of samples of wall paintings from various Roman sites in Lombardy (Italy), revealing recurrent types of stratigraphy. One of the stratigraphic samples analysed was found to be a particular kind of plaster: a three-coat work featuring two coats made of clay mud, found in the site of Santa Maria alla Porta (area of the Imperial Palace of Milan—first century CE). The fragments were analysed using optical microscopy on thin sections, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectrometer and infrared spectroscopy, also in non-invasive external reflection mode (7500–375 cm−1). The most interesting feature found was the finish coat made of clay mud (illite, chlorite, kaolinite and fine quartz) with a few coarse clasts and linear cavities. This clay coat was the first example ever detected in Roman Lombardy and was used in combination with a thin painted coat made of clay mud with coarse clasts together with a blue pigment (Egyptian blue) and a render coat made of lime associated with lithic clasts (sand). Our findings brought to light a particular construction technique, since in the historical sources clay is only recommended for daubing on reeds and as a render coat.
The Mood-Improving Effect of Viewing Images of Nature and Its Neural Substrate
Authors: Yamashita Rikuto , Chen Chong , Matsubara Toshio , Hagiwara Kosuke , Inamura Masato , Aga Kohei , Hirotsu Masako , Seki Tomoe , Takao Akiyo , Nakagawa Erika , Kobayashi Ayumi , Fujii Yuko , Hirata Keiko , Ikei Harumi , Miyazaki Yoshifumi , Nakagawa Shin
Published: May 2021

It has been recently suggested that contact with nature improves mood via reducing the activity of the prefrontal cortex. However, the specific regions within the prefrontal cortex that underlie this effect remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the specific regions involved in the mood-improving effect of viewing images of nature using a 52-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Specifically, we focused on the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), two regions associated with affective processing and control. In a randomized controlled crossover experiment, we assigned thirty young adults to view images of nature and built environments for three minutes each in a counterbalanced order. During image viewing, participants wore a fNIRS probe cap and had their oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) measured. Immediately following each image viewing, participants indicated their mood in terms of comfortableness, relaxation, and vigor. Results showed that viewing images of nature significantly increased comfortableness and relaxation but not vigor compared to viewing images of built environments, with a large effect size. Meanwhile, the concentration of oxy-Hb in only the right OFC and none of the other regions significantly decreased while viewing the images of nature compared to built environments, with a medium effect size. We speculate that viewing images of nature improves mood by reducing the activity of or calming the OFC. Since the OFC is hyperactive in patients with depression and anxiety at rest, contact with nature might have therapeutic effects for them.
Australian Smokers’ Sensory Experiences and Beliefs Associated with Menthol and Non-Menthol Cigarettes
Authors: Mancuso Serafino , Brennan Emily , Dunstone Kimberley , Vittiglia Amanda , Durkin Sarah , Thrasher James F. , Hoek Janet , Wakefield Melanie
Published: May 2021

Many current smokers incorrectly believe that menthol cigarettes are less harmful, likely due to the biological and sensory effects of menthol, which can lead smokers to have favourable sensory experiences. In this study, we measured the extent to which Australian smokers associate certain sensory experiences with smoking menthol and non-menthol cigarettes, and their beliefs about how damaging and enjoyable they find cigarettes with each of these sensory experiences. A sample of 999 Australian 18–69-year-old weekly smokers was recruited from a non-probability online panel; this study focuses on the 245 respondents who currently smoked menthol cigarettes at least once per week. Current menthol smokers were four to nine times more likely to experience menthol rather than non-menthol cigarettes as having favourable sensory experiences, including feeling smooth, being soothing on the throat, fresh-tasting and clean-feeling. Menthol smokers perceived cigarettes with these favourable sensations as less damaging and more enjoyable than cigarettes with the opposite more aversive sensory experience. Efforts to correct these misperceptions about risk will likely require messages that provide new information to help smokers understand that these sensations do not indicate a lower level of risk. Banning menthol in tobacco products—as has recently been done in some nations—would also be a timely and justified strategy for protecting consumers.
High Concentration of Heavy Metal and Metalloid Levels in Edible Campomanesia adamantium Pulp from Anthropic Areas
Authors: Machate David Johane , Melo Elaine S. de Pádua , Arakaki Daniela G. , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Hiane Priscila Aiko , Bogo Danielle , Pott Arnildo , Nascimento Valter Aragão do
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to quantify the extent of heavy metal, non-metal and metalloid levels in the Campomanesia adamantium pulp obtained from an area crossed by road experiencing high large vehicle traffic and intensive agriculture modern farming, to monitor the health risks associated with pulp consumption by humans. For this purpose, in three spots located within this area, ripe fruits were collected on the roadside, bush and farm-margin. Pulp samples were digested by microwave-assisted equipment, and chemical elements were quantified by ICP OES. The concentrations of K, Pb, Se, Fe, Mo, Zn, Co, Ni and Mn in the pulp collected in roadside/bush points showed statistical differences (p < 0.05). The heavy metals and metalloid concentrations that exceeded FAO/WHO standards were ordered Pb > As > Mo > Co > Ni > Mn > Cr. Therefore, among these metalloid and heavy metals, As, Pb and Cr were found to be higher in farm-margin > roadside > bush (1.5 × 10−3, 1.1 × 10−3 and 6.2 × 10−4), respectively. Therefore, As is the most important metalloid with higher levels in farm-margin, roadside and bush (1.5 × 10−3, 1.0 × 10−3 and 6.0 × 10−4 > 10−6–10−4 and 3.33, 2.30 and 1.34 > 1), respectively, to total cancer risk and hazard quotient, if 10 g daily of pulp are consumed.
Beneficial Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on the Well-Being of a Female Sample during the First Total Lockdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy
Authors: Accoto Alessandra , Chiarella Salvatore Gaetano , Raffone Antonino , Montano Antonella , de Marco Adriano , Mainiero Francesco , Rubbino Roberta , Valzania Alessandro , Conversi David
Published: May 2021

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown have been widely recognized as traumatic events that pose threats to psychological well-being. Recent studies reported that during such traumatic events, women tend to be at greater risk than men for developing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Several studies reported that a mindfulness-based stress reduction protocol (MBSR) provides useful skills for dealing with traumatic events. In our study, a sample of Italian females received an 8-week MBSR course plus 6 weeks of video support for meditation practice during the first total lockdown in Italy. We assessed the participants with questionnaires before and after this period to investigate their mindfulness skills, psychological well-being, post-traumatic growth, and psychological flexibility. After the intervention, the meditators group reported improvement in measures associated with self-acceptance, purpose in life, and relation to others compared to the control group. Furthermore, our results showed that participants with greater mindfulness scores showed high levels of psychological flexibility, which in turn was positively associated with higher levels of psychological well-being. We concluded that the MBSR could support psychological well-being, at least in female subjects, even during an unpredictable adverse event, such as the COVID-19 lockdown, by reinforcing key psychological aspects.