bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Opportunistic Routing Protocol with Low Latency for Farm Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Huarui , Han Xiao , Zhu Huaji , Chen Cheng , Yang Baozhu
Published: June 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) can accurately and timely obtain the production information of crops, and provide data basis for intelligent agriculture. The dynamic crop state and unstable climate environment make it difficult to predict the connectivity probability of wireless links. Therefore, this paper studies an energy-saving opportunity routing transmission strategy under the influence of dynamic link interaction. The protocol establishes an importance model based on algebraic connectivity to reduce the energy consumption of network key nodes. At the same time, based on the improved Bellman–Ford algorithm, a method of constructing candidate sets is studied. It converts the opportunistic routing transmission cost of farm WSN into anycast link cost and the remaining opportunistic path cost affected by energy consumption. The priority queue is used to determine the nodes participating in the iteration, thereby reducing the computational overhead. The protocol also designs a backoff strategy considering the current residual energy to select the only forwarding node and reduce the unnecessary packet copies in the transmission process. Simulation results show that the studied method is superior to the existing opportunistic routing schemes in terms of packet overhead, network lifetime, energy consumption, and packet delivery rate.
Research on the Influence of Various Attribute Factors on Passive Interference in UHV Transmission Lines Based on Orthogonal Test
Authors: Zhang Jiangong , Gan Zheyuan , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yu Pengcheng , Jiao Chaoqun , Zhang Xiumin
Published: June 2022

Considering the problem of passive interference caused by electromagnetic scattering effects of transmission lines to neighboring radio stations and other communication equipment, this paper refines the passive interference calculation model for UHV transmission lines. The solution calculation is carried out by the Method of Moments, and the law of passive interference effect of the tower structure, auxiliary angles, and ground roughness under different frequency incident waves, is summarized. By designing an orthogonal test, the degree of influence of the above attributing factors on passive interference results in the established joint model of three towers with two stall distances was explored by using Analysis of Variance. The results demonstrate that both auxiliary angles and rough ground show a pattern of enhanced electromagnetic scattering effect with increasing plane wave frequency in single-factor analysis. When multiple factors are combined, the rough ground has a significant effect on the results. This method effectively evaluates the passive interference influence factor while reducing the modeling and simulation engineering and provides a reference for the passive interference prediction in subsequent practical projects.
Applications of Blockchain Technology in Modern Power Systems: A Brief Survey
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Yao Fang , Wen Fushuan
Published: June 2022

In the context of modern power system development to support the evolution towards green energy and carbon-neutral emission goals, many existing problems and even challenges demand new technical solutions. In recent years, decentralized blockchain technology has been employed to address some problems in power systems, and many papers have been published. In this paper, the concept of blockchain is first introduced. A brief survey of the existing publications regarding the applications of blockchain in power systems, including power system dispatching, microgrid operation, energy trading, electricity trading settlement, transmission, and distribution system operation, is then carried out. In addition, several application scenarios of blockchain technology in power systems are also introduced. Through the discussion, we found that we still need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages, overcome its leakage, and bring its value into play if we apply blockchain technology in modern power systems in support of zero carbon goals.
Design of a Slot-Spaced Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator Based on Numerical Analysis
Authors: Cheng Chin-Hsiang , Dhanasekaran Surender
Published: June 2022

Linear alternators work seamlessly with Free-Piston Stirling Engines (FPSE) in the energy conversion process. This research concentrates on the design and development of a tubular slot-spaced Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator (PMLA) to be coupled with the FPSE. In an attempt to increase the power density of the machine over conventional PMLAs, a slot space is added to reduce the total mass of the stator and a parametrical study is carried out for the same. Numerically analyzing the fundamental parameters such as change of stator and magnet materials, and operating conditions frequency and stroke length. The effects of slotting are studied to understand the skinning effects on the tooth and the performance variation of the machine. A modified model is obtained to surpass 100 W from the numerical analysis of the parametric variations. Putting the machine to extreme limitations, the study conducted upon variations of parameters obtained a stable maximum power density of 186 W/kg and produced a power of 921 W for the designed PMLA. The study outlines the variation seen in the performance of the machine in such diverse conditions they go through during their life cycle.
Emulating Deep-Sea Bioremediation: Oil Plume Degradation by Undisturbed Deep-Sea Microbial Communities Using a High-Pressure Sampling and Experimentation System
Authors: Antoniou Eleftheria , Fragkou Efsevia , Charalampous Georgia , Marinakis Dimitris , Kalogerakis Nicolas , Gontikaki Evangelia
Published: June 2022

Hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in the deep-sea have been largely determined under atmospheric pressure, which may lead to non-representative results. In this work, we aim to study the response of deep-sea microbial communities of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) to oil contamination at in situ environmental conditions and provide representative biodegradation rates. Seawater from a 600 to 1000 m depth was collected using a high-pressure (HP) sampling device equipped with a unidirectional check-valve, without depressurization upon retrieval. The sample was then passed into a HP-reactor via a piston pump without pressure disruption and used for a time-series oil biodegradation experiment at plume concentrations, with and without dispersant application, at 10 MPa and 14 °C. The experimental results demonstrated a high capacity of indigenous microbial communities in the deep EMS for alkane degradation regardless of dispersant application (>70%), while PAHs were highly degraded when oil was dispersed (>90%) and presented very low half-lives (19.4 to 2.2 days), compared to published data. To our knowledge, this is the first emulation study of deep-sea bioremediation using undisturbed deep-sea microbial communities.
A Multistage Current Charging Method for Energy Storage Device of Microgrid Considering Energy Consumption and Capacity of Lithium Battery
Authors: Wu Chuanping , Liu Yu , Zhou Tiannian , Cao Shiran
Published: June 2022

Modular multilevel converter battery energy storage systems (MMC-BESSs) have become an important device for the energy storage of grid-connected microgrids. The efficiency of the power transmission of MMC-BESSs has become a new research hotspot. This paper outlines a multi-stage charging method to minimize energy consumption and maximize the capacity of MMC-BESSs. Firstly, based on condition monitoring and data collection, the functional relationship between the internal resistance/capacity and other states of lithium batteries is established. Since the energy consumption of the battery is related to internal resistance, current, and time, the energy consumption calculation expression of the battery pack is established, and the objective function is designed to optimize energy consumption and capacity in order to determine the charging current curve of each stage. Compared with the constant current charging method, the proposed multistage current charging method for an MMC-BESS decreases energy consumption by 4.3% and increases the capacity of 5 SOC intervals by 1.56%.
Clustering Based Optimal Cluster Head Selection Using Bio-Inspired Neural Network in Energy Optimization of 6LowPAN
Authors: Khan Mudassir , Ilavendhan A. , Babu C. Nelson Kennedy , Jain Vishal , Goyal S. B. , Verma Chaman , Safirescu Calin Ovidiu , Mihaltan Traian Candin
Published: June 2022

The goal of today’s technological era is to make every item smart. Internet of Things (IoT) is a model shift that gives a whole new dimension to the common items and things. Wireless sensor networks, particularly Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs), are essential components of IoT that has a significant influence on daily living. Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) has become the standard protocol for IoT and LLNs. It is not only used widely but also researched by various groups of people. The extensive use of RPL and its customization has led to demanding research and improvements. There are certain issues in the current RPL mechanism, such as an energy hole, which is a huge issue in the context of IoT. By the initiation of Grid formation across the sensor nodes, which can simplify the cluster formation, the Cluster Head (CH) selection is accomplished using fish swarm optimization (FSO). The performance of the Graph-Grid-based Convolution clustered neural network with fish swarm optimization (GG-Conv_Clus-FSO) in energy optimization of the network is compared with existing state-of-the-art protocols, and GG-Conv_Clus-FSO outperforms the existing approaches, whereby the packet delivery ratio (PDR) is enhanced by 95.14%.
The Environmental and Climatic CAP Measures in Poland vs. Farmers’ Expectations—Regional Analysis
Authors: Kiryluk-Dryjska Ewa , Baer-Nawrocka Agnieszka , Okereke Obinna
Published: June 2022

The Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union remains at the top tier of the union’s legacies with the aim of bequeathing a sustainable future for all. Series of actions geared towards reforming the environmental and climate goals of the CAP are constantly being taken. The objective of this paper is to verify if the environmental and climatic CAP measures proposed in Poland’s Strategic Development Plan for Agriculture, for the years 2023–2027, reflect farmers’ preferences regarding the structure of the CAP support. To achieve this goal, we model a hypothetical strategic game involving farmers from different regions. The outcomes of the game were derived from the ex-post analysis of EU funds, in the application for environmental and climatic CAP measures, in addition to the results of simulations of the partial equilibrium model for the agricultural sector (CAPRI). It was found out that farmers from regions with disadvantaged agrarian structures would find it more difficult to cope with new eco-schemes due to the fact that good agricultural practices are rather low in such regions. For the long-term development of Polish agriculture, the agrarian structures need to be improved, as this affects the emission of greenhouse gases. The varying preferences of farmers from different Polish regions in implementing eco-schemes can be balanced by increasing redistributive payments.
A Novel Single-Phase Shunt Active Power Filter with a Cost Function Based Model Predictive Current Control Technique
Authors: Aljafari Belqasem , Rameshkumar Kanagavel , Indragandhi Vairavasundaram , Ramachandran Selvamathi
Published: June 2022

For a single-phase Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) with a two-step prediction, this research presents a modified current control based on a Model Predictive Current Control (MPCC) technique. An H-bridge inverter, a DC link capacitor, and a filter inductor comprise the single-phase SAPF topology. The SAPF reference current is computed using the DC-link capacitor voltage regulation-based PI control technique. The weighting factor-based model predictive current controller is used to track the current commands. The essential dynamic index for evaluating waveform quality is the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of a source current and switching frequency of power switches. The conventional methods the THD and switching frequency are not considered as an objective function, so that a weighting factor-based MPCC technique is used to obtain a good compromise between the THD of the source current and switching frequency of power switches. Through MATLAB simulation and experimentation with the Cyclone-IV EP4CE30F484 FPGA board, the usefulness of the proposed control technique is proven. As compared with hysteresis, predictive PWM, and conventional MPCC control methods, the cost function-based MPCC algorithm provides a lower switching frequency (13.4 kHz) with an optimal source current THD value.
Modeling and Experimental Investigation of the Anode Inlet Relative Humidity Effect on a PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhang Lu , Liu Yongfeng , Bi Guijun , Liu Xintong , Wang Long , Wan Yuan , Sun Hua
Published: June 2022

External humidification has been used as a flexible water management strategy for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). To study the anode inlet relative humidity (ARH) effect on the performance of PEMFC, the anode inlet water content (AIWC) model is established, including condensation rates and water activity. A comparable analysis between the AIWC model, Fluent model and experiment is conducted at 60 °C operating temperature, four different anode relative humidities (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), and 100% cathode relative humidity (CRH). The species distributions of water content and hydrogen concentration are presented and analyzed. The results show the relative error of the voltage results derived from the AIWC model has been reduced by 3.2% (the original is 4.6% in the Fluent model) especially at 240 mA·cm−2 for 50% ARH. An increase in hydrogen humidity can improve the PEMFC output at low ARH (25% and 50%). Meanwhile, at high ARH (100%), the excess water produced does not play a positive role. At 50% ARH, the water content and hydrogen distribution are more uniform all over the anode channels.
Advanced Prototype of an Electrical Control Unit for an MR Damper Powered by Energy Harvested from Vibrations
Authors: Kozieł Arkadiusz , Jastrzębski Łukasz , Sapiński Bogdan
Published: June 2022

The work deals with a newly developed prototype of an electrical control unit (ECU) for a magnetorheological (MR) damper powered by energy harvested from vibrations. The ECU, consisting of a rectifying bridge, a driver unit, a microcontroller, and an internal power supply system, is an advanced version of the specially designed processing system for energy harvested from vibrations and the use of this energy to control the MR damper. Unlike a typical MR damper control system in which electrical circuits are powered from an external energy source, the ECU is powered by a part of the energy extracted from a vibrating system using an electromagnetic harvester. However, the excess amount of energy recovered over that necessary to power the MR damper and electrical circuits can be collected in harvested energy storage. The study presents the design concept of the ECU, computer simulations of the in-built driver unit (DU), the method of connecting the ECU with the harvester, the MR damper and displacement sensors, and also describes experimental tests of the engineered unit applied in a vibration reduction system (VRS) with an energy recovery function.
Study of Wellbore Instability and Collapse Mechanism for a Layered Continental Shale Oil Horizontal Well
Authors: Li Shibin , Liang Kai , Wang Changhao , Wang Yao , Jiao Yuxuan , Zhu Xiaoxing , Wang Chunhua
Published: June 2022

The shale oil horizontal wells in the Songliao Basin are affected by a lack of mature theories, technologies and experiences in the direction of wellbore stability. Wellbore collapse may occur, and in severe cases, the wellbore may be scrapped, resulting in huge economic losses. Therefore, aiming at addressing the above problems, rock mechanics experiments were carried out. Based on the theories of elasticity and rock mechanics, this paper considers not only the influence of the bedding plane, but also the influence of hydration on the strength weakening of the shale body and the bedding plane. The analysis shows that no matter under which in situ stress mechanism, the wellbore in the vertical well section is the most stable, and when the inclination angle is approximately 45°, the wellbore is most likely to be unstable. Changes in water content do not affect the most stable or unstable regions. Under the same conditions, the equivalent density of collapse pressure increases with the increase in water content. In addition, field examples are also analyzed to verify the accuracy of this model, which can provide a theoretical and technical basis for the safe construction of continental shale oil horizontal wells.
Harmonics and Interharmonics Detection Based on Synchrosqueezing Adaptive S-Transform
Authors: Lou Zhaoyu , Li Pan , Ma Kang , Teng Fengcheng
Published: June 2022

The integration of renewable energy generation and nonlinear power electronic equipment into the grid brings about complex harmonics and interharmonics problems. The amplitude and frequency of harmonics and interharmonics should be detected by high time-frequency (T-F) resolution methods owing to their time-varying transient features. In this paper, a synchrosqueezing adaptive S-transform (SAST) method is proposed to detect the parameters of harmonics. Firstly, the time-frequency spectrum (TFS) of the harmonic signals is acquired by an adaptive S-transform (AST) algorithm. The TFS results are then subjected to synchronous compression, so as to achieve higher time-frequency representation precision. The detection results of the simulation signals show that SAST can achieve a better time-frequency resolution than the S-transform (ST) and synchrosqueezing short-time Fourier transform (SSTFT). In addition, the application of SAST to the analysis of experimental signals also suggests its superiority in the parameter detection of harmonics, especially for the time-varying interharmonics.
Women in Kazakhstan’s Energy Industries: Implications for Energy Transition
Authors: Atakhanova Zauresh , Howie Peter
Published: June 2022

Kazakhstan has a relatively high level of overall gender development, as well as of female employment in its energy industries. Diverse views and backgrounds are necessary to address the challenges of curbing emissions in Kazakhstan, a major fossil fuel producer and exporter. However, our analysis of the Labor Force Survey indicates that female representation among energy sector managers and overall workforce has been falling over time. Moreover, we find that women in Kazakhstan’s coal mining, petroleum extraction, and power industries are concentrated in low-skilled and non-core occupations. Next, by analyzing data on labor compensation within energy occupations, we discover signs of persistent vertical discrimination, which may reduce incentives for women to upgrade their skills. Finally, we find that major shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may stall or reverse prior progress in increasing the energy sector’s gender diversity. Our findings contribute to raising gender awareness among the stakeholders in Kazakhstan’s energy sector in order to facilitate evidence-based gender mainstreaming.
Normalized-Model Reference System for Parameter Estimation of Induction Motors
Authors: Véliz-Tejo Adolfo , Travieso-Torres Juan Carlos , Peters Andrés A. , Mora Andrés , Leiva-Silva Felipe
Published: June 2022

This manuscript proposes a short tuning march algorithm to estimate induction motors (IM) electrical and mechanical parameters. It has two main novel proposals. First, it starts by presenting a normalized-model reference adaptive system (N-MRAS) that extends a recently proposed normalized model reference adaptive controller for parameter estimation of higher-order nonlinear systems, adding filtering. Second, it proposes persistent exciting (PE) rules for the input amplitude. This N-MRAS normalizes the information vector and identification adaptive law gains for a more straightforward tuning method, avoiding trial and error. Later, two N-MRAS designs consider estimating IM electrical and mechanical parameters. Finally, the proposed algorithm considers starting with a V/f speed control strategy, applying a persistently exciting voltage and frequency, and applying the two designed N-MRAS. Test bench experiments validate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm for a 10 HP IM.
Community Flexible Load Dispatching Model Based on Herd Mentality
Authors: Huang Qi , Jiang Aihua , Zeng Yu , Xu Jianan
Published: June 2022

In the context of smart electricity consumption, demand response is an important way to solve the problem of power supply and demand balance. Users participate in grid dispatching to obtain additional benefits, which realises a win-win situation between the grid and users. However, in actual dispatching, community users’ strong willingness to use energy leads to low enthusiasm of users to participate in demand response. Psychological research shows a direct connection between users’ herd mentality (HM) and their decision-making behavior. An optimal dispatching strategy based on user herd mentality is proposed to give full play to the active response-ability of community flexible load to participate in power grid dispatching. Considering that herd mentality is generated by the information interaction between users, by calling on some users to share the experience of successfully participating in demand response in the community information center and using the Nash social welfare function to model herd mentality to explore the impact of the user. The analysis of an example shows that the proposed strategy gives full play to the potential of community flexible loads to participate in demand response. When users have similar electricity consumption behavior, the herd mentality can effectively improve users’ enthusiasm to participate in demand response, and the user response effect meets managers’ expectations.
Investigation and Optimisation of the Steady-State Model of a Coke Oven Gas Purification Process
Authors: Radó-Fóty Nikolett , Egedy Attila , Nagy Lajos , Hegedűs Iván
Published: June 2022

Turbulences in energy prices have a major effect on the energy industry. These disturbances should allow more efficient operation and the optimisation of technologies, leading to more versatile operation with model-based methods. In our study, a coke oven gas purification system was examined. The system consists of three columns, which interact and are modelled in Aspen Plus. After identifying the steady-state model, sensitivity analyses were conducted to obtain more information on the effects of the parameters that can and cannot be influenced by operating circumstances. Finally, the model was used to carry out optimisation studies to find the most beneficial operating conditions under the gas composition requirements. Two optimisation strategies were examined. In the case when only the purity was concerned, 0.54 g/Nm3, 0.01 g/Nm3, and 0.03 g/Nm3 concentrations were found for H2S, NH3, and HCN, respectively. However, when the washing water temperature was included, the concentrations of H2S, NH3, and HCN increased to 1 g/Nm3, 0.5 g/Nm3, and 0.04 g/Nm3, still below the environmental regulations. However, the latter case will be more feasible energetically because it can be completed without using refrigeration and facilitates lower washing water streams.
A Pilot Study to Quantify Volatile Organic Compounds and Their Sources Inside and Outside Homes in Urban India in Summer and Winter during Normal Daily Activities
Authors: Norris Christina L. , Edwards Ross , Ghoroi Chinmay , Schauer James J. , Black Marilyn , Bergin Michael H.
Published: June 2022

Indian cities have some of the poorest air quality globally but volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—many of which adversely affect health—and their indoor sources remain understudied in India. In this pilot study we quantified hundreds of VOCs inside and outside 26 homes in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in May 2019 and in January 2020. We sampled in the morning and afternoon/evening to capture temporal variability. Total indoor VOCs were measured at higher concentrations in winter (327.0 ± 224.2 µgm−3) than summer (150.1 ± 121.0 µgm−3) and exceeded those measured outdoors. Using variable reduction techniques, we identified potential sources of compounds (cooking, plastics [with an emphasis on plasticizers], consumer products, siloxanes [as used in the production of consumer products], vehicles). Contributions differed by season and between homes. In May, when temperatures were high, plastics contributed substantially to indoor pollution (mean of 42% contribution to total VOCs) as compared to in January (mean of 4%). Indoor cooking and consumer products contributed on average 29% and 10% to all VOCs indoors in January and 16% and 4% in May. Siloxane sources contributed <4% to any home during either season. Cooking contributed substantially to outdoor VOCs (on average 18% in January and 11% in May) and vehicle-related sources accounted for up to 84% of VOCs in some samples. Overall, results indicate a strong seasonal dependence of indoor VOC concentrations and sources, underscoring the need to better understand factors driving health-harming pollutants inside homes to facilitate exposure reductions.
Functional Diversity and Its Influencing Factors in a Subtropical Forest Community in China
Authors: Li Lin , Wen Zhifeng , Wei Shiguang , Lian Juyu , Ye Wanhui
Published: June 2022

Functional diversity is considered a key link between ecosystem functions and biodiversity, and forms the basis for making community diversity conservation strategies. Here, we chose a subtropical forest community in China as the research object, which is unique in that other regions of the world at the same latitude have almost no vegetation cover. We measured 17 functional traits of 100 plant species and calculated seven different functional diversity indices, based on functional richness, evenness, and divergence. We found that most functional diversity and species diversity indices significantly differed with plant habit. There was a significant positive correlation among functional richness indices. However, functional divergence indices, multidimensional functional divergence (FDiv), and Rao’s quadratic entropy index (RaoQ) were significantly negatively correlated, and RaoQ and functional divergence indices (FDis) were uncorrelated. The correlations between three types (richness, evenness, and divergence) of functional diversity indices and three species diversity indices were different. Lineage regression results generally showed that three functional richness indices (Average distance of functional traits (MFAD), Functional volume (FRic) and Posteriori functional group richness (FGR)) were increased with three species diversity indices (species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener index (H) and Pielou index (E)). The functional evenness index (FEve) decreased with species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener index (H) and increased with species evenness (Pielou index (E)), but the change trends were small. All three types of functional diversity indices declined with altitude, although altitude had a weak influence on them. Other environmental factors affected the functional diversity of the community. Here, soil total phosphorus (TP) was the most critical environmental factor and the convex had the least effect on functional diversity in our subtropical forest community. These results will contribute to our understanding of functional diversity in subtropical forests, and provide a basis for biodiversity conservation in this region.
Analysis of the NAC Gene Family in Salix and the Identification of SpsNAC005 Gene Contributing to Salt and Drought Tolerance
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Fan Lijiao , Yu Xingwang , Zhang Xinqian , Hao Pu , Wei Dongshan , Zhang Guosheng
Published: June 2022

The NAC gene family is of great value for plant stress resistance and development. In this study, five NAC genes with a typical NAM domain were isolated from Salix psammophila, which is a stress-resistant willow endemic to western China. Two hundred sixty-two NAC genes from Salix psammophila, Salix purpurea, and Arabidopsis were used to construct the phylogenetic tree to examine the phylogenetic relationship. Five NAC genes in Salix psammophila were the focus of bioinformatics analysis and conserved structural domain analysis. The SpsNAC005 gene was overexpressed in Populus hopeiensis, and the transgenic lines were subjected to salt and simulated drought stress to analyze their phenotype changes and tolerance to stress. The results showed that transgenic poplar height and leaf area increased by 29.73% and 76.36%, respectively, compared with those of wild-type plants. Under stress treatment, the height growth rates and ground diameter growth rates of the transgenic lines were significantly higher than those of the wild-type, whereas their fresh weight and dry weight were decreased compared to those of the wild-type. The SOD activities, POD activities, and Pro contents of the transgenic plants were significantly increased, and the accumulation of MDA was significantly lower than that in the wild-type, and the transgenic lines showed clear tolerance to salt and drought. The expressions of the SOS1, MPK6, HKT1, and P5CS1 genes were downregulated in the transgenic lines. The expression of the PRODH1 gene was downregulated in the transgenic lines. These results indicate that overexpression of the SpsNAC005 gene in transgenic plants can promote plant growth and development and improve tolerance to salt and drought.
Fermentation Enhances the Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Platelet Properties of Both Bovine Dairy and Plant-Derived Dairy Alternatives
Authors: Glenn-Davi Kyeesha , Hurley Alison , Brennan Eireann , Coughlan Jack , Shiels Katie , Moran Donal , Saha Sushanta Kumar , Zabetakis Ioannis , Tsoupras Alexandros
Published: June 2022

Within the present study, the effects of fermentation on the anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet properties of both homemade and commercially purchased bovine dairy and almond, coconut, and rice-based dairy alternatives were evaluated. The extracted total lipids (TL) from homemade and commercially purchased fermented and unfermented bovine, almond, coconut, and rice-based products were further separated into their neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) fractions by counter current distribution. The TL, PL, and NL of each sample were assessed in human platelets against the inflammatory and thrombotic mediator, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and the well-established platelet agonist, adenosine 5′ diphosphate (ADP). In all samples, the PL fractions showed significantly stronger inhibitory effects against human platelet aggregation induced by PAF or ADP, in comparison to the TL and NL, with higher specificity against PAF. PL of all fermented products (bovine yogurt and fermented dairy alternatives from almond, rice, and coconut), exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet potency, in comparison to PL from their initial pasteurized materials (bovine milk and rice, almond, and coconut-based dairy alternative drinks). PL of the pasteurized rice-based drink and, especially PL from the novel homemade rice-based fermented product (HMFRD), showed the strongest anti-PAF and anti-ADP potency compared to all samples, with anti-PAF activity being most potent overall. The unfermented pasteurized coconut-based drink showed the lowest anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet potency, and the bovine and almond-based fermented products showed an intermediate effect. Further lipidomics with LC-MS analysis of all these PL fractions revealed that fermentation altered their fatty acid content in a way that decreased their degree of saturation and increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids, thus providing a rationale for the stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet potency of the more unsaturated PL fractions of the fermented products. This study has shown that fermentation alters the fatty acid content and the bio-functionality of the PL bioactives in both fermented bovine dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives, and subsequently improved their anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet functional properties.
Polarity and Subjectivity Detection with Multitask Learning and BERT Embedding
Authors: Satapathy Ranjan , Pardeshi Shweta Rajesh , Cambria Erik
Published: June 2022

In recent years, deep learning-based sentiment analysis has received attention mainly because of the rise of social media and e-commerce. In this paper, we showcase the fact that the polarity detection and subjectivity detection subtasks of sentiment analysis are inter-related. To this end, we propose a knowledge-sharing-based multitask learning framework. To ensure high-quality knowledge sharing between the tasks, we use the Neural Tensor Network, which consists of a bilinear tensor layer that links the two entity vectors. We show that BERT-based embedding with our MTL framework outperforms the baselines and achieves a new state-of-the-art status in multitask learning. Our framework shows that the information across datasets for related tasks can be helpful for understanding task-specific features.
Hybrid Models for Solving the Colebrook–White Equation Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Cahyono Muhammad
Published: June 2022

This study proposes hybrid models to solve the Colebrook–White equation by combining explicit equations available in the literature to solve the Colebrook–White equation with an error function. The hybrid model is in the form of fH=fo−eA. fH  is the friction factor value f predicted by the hybrid model, fo is the value of f calculated using several explicit formulas for the Colebrook–White equation, and eA is the error function determined using the neural network procedures. The hybrid equation consists of a series of hyperbolic tangent functions whose number corresponds to the number of neurons in the hidden layer. The simulation results showed that the hybrid models using five hyperbolic tangent functions could produce reasonable predictions of friction factors, with the maximum absolute relative error (MAXRE) around one tenth, or ten times lower than that produced by the corresponding existing formula. The simplified hybrid models are also given using four and three tangent hyperbolic functions. These simplified models still provide accurate results with MAXRE of less than 0.1%.
Drag Reduction by Wingtip-Mounted Propellers in Distributed Propulsion Configurations
Authors: Minervino Mauro , Andreutti Giovanni , Russo Lorenzo , Tognaccini Renato
Published: June 2022

Tip-mounted propellers can increase wing aerodynamic efficiency, and the concept is gaining appeal in the context of hybrid electrical propulsion for greener aviation, as smaller and lighter electrical motors can help with mitigating structural drawbacks of a tip engine installation. A numerical study of tip propeller effects on wing aerodynamics is herein illustrated, considering different power configurations of a Regional Aircraft wing. A drag breakdown analysis using far-field methods is presented for one of the most promising configurations, and a comparison between drag reductions obtained with a tip propeller or a standard winglet installation is also provided. Numerical flow simulations using Finite Volume Methods with actuator disk models are compared with results of a Vortex-Lattice Method, and far-field aerodynamic force calculation is performed for different mesh sizes. A wing drag reduction up to 6% (10%) is predicted under typical cruise (climb) flight conditions when wingtip-mounted propellers take over half of the total thrust usually provided by turbo-prop engines installed at inboard wing position. Drag breakdown analysis confirmed that the observed benefits mainly come from a reduction in the reversible drag component, increasing the effective wing span efficiency.
Tsunami-Induced Bore Propagating over a Canal—Part 1: Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Validation
Authors: Elsheikh Nuri , Nistor Ioan , Azimi Amir H. , Mohammadian Abdolmajid
Published: June 2022

This companion paper investigates the hydrodynamics of turbulent bores that propagate on a horizontal plane and have a striking resemblance to dam break waves and tsunami-like hydraulic bores. The focus of this paper is on the propagation of a turbulent bore over a mitigation canal using both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. In the first part of this paper, the effects of canal depth on the time histories of wave height and velocity were experimentally investigated, and the experimental results were used for the validation of the numerical model. The rapid release of water from an impoundment reservoir at depths of do = 0.30 m and 0.40 m generated bores analogous to tsunami-induced inundations. The time histories of the wave heights and velocities were measured at 0.2 m upstream and at 0.2 m and 0.58 m downstream of the canal to study the energy dissipation effect of the mitigation canal. The recorded time series of the water surface levels and velocities were compared with simulation outputs, and good agreement was found between the experimental and numerical water surface profiles, with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of less than 6.7% and a relative error of less than 8.4%. Three turbulence models, including the standard k-ε, Realizable k-ε, and RNG k-ε, were tested, and it was found that all these models performed well, with the standard k-ε model providing the highest accuracy. The velocity contour plots of the mitigation canal with different depths showed jet streams of different sizes in the shallow, medium-depth, and deep canals. The energy dissipation and air bubble entrainment of the bore as it plunged downward into the canal increased as the canal depth increased, and the jet stream of the maximum bore velocity decreased as the canal depth increased. It was found that the eye of the vortex created by the bore in the canal moved in the downstream direction and plunged downward in the middle of the canal, where it then began to separate into two smaller vortices.
Effect of Hydrothermal Cooking and Germination Treatment on Functional and Physicochemical Properties of Parkia timoriana Bean Flours: An Underexplored Legume Species of Parkia Genera
Authors: Medhe Seema Vijay , Kamble Manoj Tukaram , Kettawan Aurawan Kringkasemsee , Monboonpitak Nuntawat , Kettawan Aikkarach
Published: June 2022

The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of germination (NBG) and hydrothermal cooking (NBHTC) on the nutritional profile and physicochemical, functional and microstructural properties of Nitta bean (Parkia timoriana) (NBR) seeds. Results demonstrated that the highest crude protein and fat content could be found in NBG and NBHTC, whereas the ash content was significantly higher in NBG. Compared to NBHTC and NBR, NBG has higher emulsion capacity and stability, with values determined to be 58.33 ± 1.67 and 63.89 ± 2.67, respectively. In addition, the highest color intensity was also reported for NBG, followed by NBHTC and NBR. Likewise, NBG showed complete gel formation at a lower concentration (12 g/100 mL) than NBR flour (18 g/100 mL). Furthermore, structural changes in the lipid, protein, and carbohydrate molecules of NBG and NBHTC were evidenced by FTIR studies. Morphological changes were noticed in different samples during microscopic observations subjected to germination and hydrothermal treatment. In contrast to NBR and NBHTC, NBG showed the highest total polyphenol content, ORAC antioxidant, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which demonstrated the potential utilization of Nitta bean flour as a natural plant-based protein source in food security product formulations.
Occurrence and Multidrug Resistance of Campylobacter in Chicken Meat from Different Production Systems
Authors: Santos-Ferreira Nânci , Ferreira Vânia , Teixeira Paula
Published: June 2022

Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of diarrheal disease worldwide and poultry remains the primary vehicle of its transmission to humans. Due to the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance among Campylobacter strains, the World Health Organization (WHO) added Campylobacter fluoroquinolone resistance to the WHO list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens”. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in meat samples from chickens reared in different production systems: (a) conventional, (b) free-range and (c) backyard farming. Campylobacter spp. was detected in all samples from conventionally reared and free-range broilers and in 72.7% of backyard chicken samples. Levels of contamination were on average 2.7 × 103 colony forming units (CFU)/g, 4.4 × 102 CFU/g and 4.2 × 104 CFU/g in conventionally reared, free-range and backyard chickens, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were the only species isolated. Distribution of these species does not seem to be affected by the production system. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter isolates exhibiting resistance to at least one antimicrobial was 98.4%. All the C. coli isolates showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and to nalidixic acid, and 79.5 and 97.4% to ampicillin and tetracycline, respectively. In total, 96.2% of C. jejuni isolates displayed a resistant phenotype to ciprofloxacin and to nalidixic acid, and 92.3% to ampicillin and tetracycline. Of the 130 Campylobacter isolates tested, 97.7% were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR).
On the Modeling of COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics with Two Strains: Insight through Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: Fatmawati  , Yuliani Endang , Alfiniyah Cicik , Juga Maureen L. , Chukwu Chidozie W.
Published: June 2022

The infection dynamics of COVID-19 is difficult to contain due to the mutation nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This has been a public health concern globally with the impact of the pandemic on the world’s economy and mode of living. In the present work, we formulate and examine a fractional model of COVID-19 considering the two variants of concern on the disease transmission pathways, namely SARS-CoV-2 and D614G on our model formulation. The existence and uniqueness of our model solutions were analyzed using the fixed point theory. Mathematical analyses were presented, and the model’s basic reproduction numbers R01 and R02 were determined. The model has three equilibria: the disease-free equilibrium, that endemic for strain 1, and that endemic for strain 2. The locally asymptotic stability of the equilibria was established based on the R01 and R02 values. Caputo fractional operator was used to simulate the model to study the dynamics of the model solution. Results from numerical simulations envisaged that an increase in the transmission parameters of strain 1 leads to an increase in the number of infected individuals. On the other hand, an increase in the strain 2 transmission rate gives rise to more infection. Furthermore, it was established that there is an increased number of infections with a negative impact of strain 1 on strain 2 dynamics and vice versa.
Silica-Based Aerogel Composites Reinforced with Reticulated Polyurethane Foams: Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Merillas Beatriz , Lamy-Mendes Alyne , Villafañe Fernando , Durães Luisa , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2022

In this work, silica aerogel composites reinforced with reticulated polyurethane (PU) foams have been manufactured having densities in the range from 117 to 266 kg/m3 and porosities between 85.7 and 92.3%. Two different drying processes were employed (ambient pressure drying and supercritical drying) and a surface modification step was applied to some of the silica formulations. These composites, together with the reference PU foam and the monolithic silica aerogels, were fully characterized in terms of their textural properties, mechanical properties and thermal conductivities. The surface modification with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ) proved to improve the cohesion between the reticulated foam and the silica aerogels, giving rise to a continuous network of aerogel reinforced by a polyurethane porous structure. The samples dried under supercritical conditions showed the best interaction between matrixes as well as mechanical and insulating properties. These samples present better mechanical properties than the monolithic aerogels having a higher elastic modulus (from 130 to 450 kPa), a really exceptional flexibility and resilience, and the capacity of being deformed without breaking. Moreover, these silica aerogel-polyurethane foam (Sil-PU) composites showed an excellent insulating capacity, reaching thermal conductivities as low as 14 mW/(m·K).
Use of Publication Dynamics to Distinguish Cancer Genes and Bystander Genes
Authors: Bányai László , Trexler Mária , Patthy László
Published: June 2022

de Magalhães has shown recently that most human genes have several papers in PubMed mentioning cancer, leading the author to suggest that every gene is associated with cancer, a conclusion that contradicts the widely held view that cancer is driven by a limited number of cancer genes, whereas the majority of genes are just bystanders in carcinogenesis. We have analyzed PubMed to decide whether publication metrics supports the distinction of bystander genes and cancer genes. The dynamics of publications on known cancer genes followed a similar pattern: seminal discoveries triggered a burst of cancer-related publications that validated and expanded the discovery, resulting in a rise both in the number and proportion of cancer-related publications on that gene. The dynamics of publications on bystander genes was markedly different. Although there is a slow but continuous time-dependent rise in the proportion of papers mentioning cancer, this phenomenon just reflects the increasing publication bias that favors cancer research. Despite this bias, the proportion of cancer papers on bystander genes remains low. Here, we show that the distinctive publication dynamics of cancer genes and bystander genes may be used for the identification of cancer genes.
Identification of COVID-19-Associated DNA Methylation Variations by Integrating Methylation Array and scRNA-Seq Data at Cell-Type Resolution
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Xiong Zhuang , Yang Fei , Zheng Xinchang , Zong Wenting , Li Rujiao , Bao Yiming
Published: June 2022

Single-cell transcriptome studies have revealed immune dysfunction in COVID-19 patients, including lymphopenia, T cell exhaustion, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while DNA methylation plays an important role in the regulation of immune response and inflammatory response. The specific cell types of immune responses regulated by DNA methylation in COVID-19 patients will be better understood by exploring the COVID-19 DNA methylation variation at the cell-type level. Here, we developed an analytical pipeline to explore single-cell DNA methylation variations in COVID-19 patients by transferring bulk-tissue-level knowledge to the single-cell level. We discovered that the methylation variations in the whole blood of COVID-19 patients showed significant cell-type specificity with remarkable enrichment in gamma-delta T cells and presented a phenomenon of hypermethylation and low expression. Furthermore, we identified five genes whose methylation variations were associated with several cell types. Among them, S100A9, AHNAK, and CX3CR1 have been reported as potential COVID-19 biomarkers previously, and the others (TRAF3IP3 and LFNG) are closely associated with the immune and virus-related signaling pathways. We propose that they might serve as potential epigenetic biomarkers for COVID-19 and could play roles in important biological processes such as the immune response and antiviral activity.