bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass to H2: Evaluation of the Impact of PV and TES Power Supply on the Performance of an Integrated Bio-Thermo-Chemical Upgrading Process for Wet Residual Biomass
Authors: Baldelli Matteo , Bartolucci Lorenzo , Cordiner Stefano , D’Andrea Giorgio , De Maina Emanuele , Mulone Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

The last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) assessment report highlighted how actions to reduce CO2 emissions have not been effective so far to achieve the 1.5 C limit and that radical measures are required. Solutions such as the upgrading of waste biomass, the power-to-X paradigm, and an innovative energy carrier such as hydrogen can make an effective contribution to the transition toward a low-carbon energy system. In this context, the aim of this study is to improve the hydrogen production process from wet residual biomass by examining the advantages of an innovative integration of anaerobic digestion with thermochemical transformation processes. Furthermore, this solution is integrated into a hybrid power supply composed of an electric grid and a photovoltaic plant (PV), supported by a thermal energy storage (TES) system. Both the performance of the plant and its input energy demand—splitting the power request between the photovoltaic system and the national grid—are carefully assessed by a Simulink/Simscape model. The preliminary evaluation shows that the plant has good performance in terms of hydrogen yields, reaching 5.37% kgH2/kgbiomass, which is significantly higher than the typical value of a single process (approximately 3%). This finding demonstrates a good synergy between the biological and thermochemical biomass valorization routes. Moreover, thermal energy storage significantly improves the conversion plant’s independence, almost halving the energy demand from the grid.
Fuzzy Controllers Instead of Classical PIDs in HVAC Equipment: Dusting Off a Well-Known Technology and Today’s Implementation for Better Energy Efficiency and User Comfort
Authors: Chojecki Adrian , Ambroziak Arkadiusz , Borkowski Piotr
Published: March 2023

Cutting-edge building energy management systems (BEMS) interact with heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which generally account for much of the energy consumption. Major attention is focused on the BEMS themselves, barring on-field equipment. In HVAC equipment, sub-optimal controller settings may lead to energy losses and user discomfort, for instance, due to oscillations of air temperature and fan speeds. The way to solve this problem could be to replace classical PID controllers with an alternative concept that does not require tuning and works optimally for a wide range of parameters. This paper compares a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) with a standard PID for a model-based simulation of an HVAC system in Simulink for different conditions using real building measurement data. The end result is the implementation of the developed methods in a newly designed universal control board for air handling units (AHU). The proposed FLC achieves better integral control quality indicators (IAE, ISE, ITAE, ITSE) by at least 27.4%, and smaller supply air temperature variation; the daily mean square error (MSE) was reduced by an average of 36%, which leads immediately to better occupant comfort and a presumed reduction in energy consumption. Compared to the untuned PID, energy consumption was 12.7% lower; this will ensure improved economy from the lowest level, and paves the way for interoperability with high-level energy management schemes.
Calculation Method of Theoretical Line Loss in Low-Voltage Grids Based on Improved Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Huang Li , Zhou Gan , Zhang Jian , Zeng Ying , Li Lei
Published: March 2023

Theoretical line loss rate is the basic reference value of the line loss management of low-voltage grids, but it is difficult to calculate accurately because of the incomplete or abnormal line impedance and measurement parameters. The traditional algorithm will greatly reduce the number of samples that can be used for model training by discarding problematic samples, which will restrict the accuracy of model training. Therefore, an improved random forest method is proposed to calculate and analyze the theoretical line loss of low-voltage grids. According to the Influence mechanism and data samples analysis, the electrical characteristic indicator system of the theoretical line loss can be constructed, and the concept of power supply torque was proposed for the first time. Based on this, the attribute division process of decision tree model is optimized, which can improve the limitation of the high requirement of random forest on the integrity of feature data. Finally, the improved effect of the proposed method is verified by 23,754 low-voltage grids, and it has a better accuracy under the condition of missing a large number of samples.
Heterogeneity of a Sandy Conglomerate Reservoir in Qie12 Block, Qaidam Basin, Northwest China and Its Influence on Remaining Oil Distribution
Authors: Gong Qingshun , Liu Zhanguo , Zhu Chao , Wang Bo , Jin Yijie , Shi Zhenghao , Xie Lin , Wu Jin
Published: March 2023

In view of the key geological factors restricting reservoir development, the reservoir heterogeneity of an alluvial fan sandy conglomerate reservoir in the Qie12 block of Qaidam Basin, Northwest China, and its influence on remaining oil distribution, were studied according to geology, wireline logging data, and dynamic production data. This study illustrates that the difference in pore structures, which are controlled by different sedimentary fabrics, is the main cause of reservoir microscopic heterogeneity. Besides, the temporal and spatial distribution of architectural units in the alluvial fan controls reservoir macroheterogeneity. Our results show that the thick sandy conglomerate develops two types of pores, two types of permeability rhythms, two types of interlayers, two types of interlayer distribution, two types of effective sand body architecture, and four types of sand body connecting schemes. The strongest plane heterogeneity is found in the composite channel unit formed by overlapping and separated stable channels of the middle fan, and the unit’s permeability variation coefficient is >0.7. However, the variation coefficient in the range of 0.3–0.5 is found in the extensively connected body unit sandwiched with intermittent channels of the inner fan. The distributions of the remaining oil vary significantly in different architectural units because of the influence of reservoir heterogeneity, including distribution patterns of flow barriers, permeability rhythm, and reservoir pore structures. The composite channel unit formed by overlapping and separated stable channels, or the lateral alternated unit with braided channel and sheet flow sediment of the middle fan, is influenced by the inhomogeneous breakthrough of injection water flowing along the dominant channel in a high-permeability layer. The microscopic surrounding flow and island-shaped remaining oils form and concentrate mainly in the upper part of a compound rhythmic layer. Meanwhile, in the extensively connected body unit sandwiched with intermittent channels of the inner fan, poor injector–producer connectivity and low reservoir permeability lead to a flake-like enrichment of the remaining oil.
Calibrating the Dynamic Energy Simulation Model for an Existing Building: Lessons Learned from a Collective Exercise
Authors: Angelotti Adriana , Mazzarella Livio , Cornaro Cristina , Frasca Francesca , Prada Alessandro , Baggio Paolo , Ballarini Ilaria , De Luca Giovanna , Corrado Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Calibration of the existing building simulation model is key to correctly evaluating the energy savings that are achievable through retrofit. However, calibration is a non-standard phase where different approaches can possibly lead to different models. In this study, an existing residential building is simulated in parallel by four research groups with different dynamic simulation tools. Manual/automatic methodologies and basic/detailed measurement data sets are used. The calibration is followed by a validation on two evaluation periods. Monitoring data concerning the windows opening by the occupants are used to analyze the calibration outcomes. It is found that for a good calibration of a model of a well-insulated building, the absence of data regarding the users’ behavior is more critical than uncertainty on the envelope properties. The automatic approach is more effective in managing the model complexity and reaching a better performing calibration, as the RMSE relative to indoor temperature reaches 0.3 °C compared to 0.4–0.5 °C. Yet, a calibrated model’s performance is often poor outside the calibration period (RMSE increases up to 10.8 times), and thus, the validation is crucial to discriminate among multiple solutions and to refine them, by improving the users’ behavior modeling.
Universal Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Extended Virtual Inertia to Enhance Power and Frequency Response
Authors: Liu Hao , Yang Bo , Xu Song , Du Mingjian , Lu Shuai
Published: March 2023

Virtual synchronous generators (VSG) are considered a new generation of grid-friendly inverters with the same inertial support characteristics as synchronous generators (SG). However, the inertia support comes with the side effects of power and frequency response deterioration. The existing VSG power oscillation suppression methods have limitations such as complex controller parameter tuning, altering the frequency support characteristics, and power quality degradation. To address these issues, this paper proposes a universal VSG control strategy based on extended virtual inertia (VSG-EVI). Herein, the virtual inertia is no longer a constant or varying number; it is endowed with frequency domain characteristics to improve the VSG transient responses. Moreover, a detailed parameter design process is given in detail. Compared with the conventional VSG (CVSG), VSG-EVI significantly suppress the power and frequency oscillations. Compared with the existing VSG oscillation suppression methods, VSG-EVI addresses the issues of the reduction of frequency support capability, whereas the controller parametric design process is simplified with the proposed intuitive extended virtual inertia. Finally, the proposed VSG-EVI method is thoroughly validated by experiments under both grid-connected and stand-alone modes.
Rural Agriculture and Poverty Trap: Can Climate-Smart Innovations Provide Breakeven Solutions to Smallholder Farmers?
Authors: Akpan Akaniyene Ignatius , Zikos Dimitrios
Published: March 2023

Agriculture is widely recognized as a solution to food insecurity and poverty, especially in rural areas. However, 75% of the world’s poor live in rural areas, and agriculture is the primary source of their livelihood. One may wonder if the observed correlation between agriculture and poverty also suggests causation. If that is the case, then what such causal relationship might exist? Is agriculture a vehicle for poverty alleviation or a source of poverty trap? The role of climate change is rather undisputed: associated extreme weather phenomena cause severe negative impacts on agriculture, exacerbating rural poverty. However, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is acclaimed to potentially reverse the situation by eliminating poverty and food insecurity. Against this backdrop, the paper investigates whether smallholder farmers who adopt CSA could achieve food security and better income. This aim was approached through three key research objectives (i) to examine the effects of climate change on smallholder farmers, (ii) to examine the extent to which smallholder farmers adopt CSA and the barriers to adoption, and (iii) to investigate empirically the effects of CSA practices in terms of food security and poverty alleviation. The Upper West and Upper East regions in Ghana were selected purposively for the case study, and the data collected were analyzed using inferential and descriptive techniques. The results revealed no statistically significant positive relationship between the adoption of CSA with food security and income. Poor socioeconomic and market conditions marred the expected positive effects of CSA, hence the need for the provision of agricultural infrastructures and inputs as well as the creation of market for commodities.
Study on the Spatial Evolution of China’s Pulp and Paper Product Import Trade and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Cheng Huiying , Wang Jinfang , Hu Mingxing
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this research is to study the changes in the market structure of China’s pulp and paper product imports. In particular, the import trade environment and market layout of Chinese pulp and paper products have changed under the international context of the coronavirus pandemic and the Sino-US trade dispute and the domestic policy context of zero imports of Chinese waste paper. This study attempts to fill the gap regarding the influencing factors of market structure, while contributing new ideas on China’s trade in pulp and paper products. Based on pulp and paper product import and export trade data from 2005 to 2021, a trade gravity model was used to explore the changes in the share of China’s trade partners for pulp and paper product imports and their influencing factors. The results indicated that the outbreak of COVID-19 led to a significant increase in China’s imports of packaging paper products, bringing about an increase in Indonesia’s status as a partner in China’s pulp and paper product trade. The US-China trade dispute had an impact on pulp and paper product trade between the two countries, with China’s tax countermeasures causing the US to lose its status as a trading partner in China for pulp and paper product imports. The center of gravity for paper product imports has moved from the US and Japan to Indonesia and Russia. The restrictions on waste paper imports have shifted the focus of China’s paper raw material imports, with the US no longer being the main importer of China’s paper raw materials. Specifically, the main importers of wood pulp are Brazil and Chile, while the main importers of waste paper pulp are Thailand and Malaysia. In the future, China needs to continuously strengthen dialogue with the United States to resolve trade disputes and create a favorable environment for trade in pulp and paper products. At the same time, China’s paper enterprises should strengthen the expansion of the Southeast Asian market and reduce dependence on the US market, and China should continue to improve the waste paper recycling system and improve the utilization rate of domestic waste paper.
Integrative Analysis of the Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Mechanism of Chinese Fir Seed Germination
Authors: Chen Xiangteng , Zhao Guangyu , Li Yanglong , Wei Shumeng , Dong Yuhong , Jiao Ruzhen
Published: March 2023

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is an important plantation tree species in China, and seed germination is a key step in forest tree cultivation. To reveal the gene expression network and molecular mechanisms in the germination of Chinese fir seeds, physiological indexes were measured and transcriptome and metabolome analyses were performed on Chinese fir seeds in four stages of germination (imbibition stage, preliminary stage, emergence stage, and germination stage). All six physiological indicators had significant differences at different developmental stages. In transcriptome and metabolome analysis, we identified a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed a large number of DEGs associated with cell growth, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. The KEGG enrichment results of DAMs were similar to those of DEGs. The joint analysis of DEGs and DAMs indicated that flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the key pathways of Chinese fir seed germination. Our study revealed a number of key genes and key metabolites, laying the foundation for further studies on the gene regulatory network of Chinese fir seed germination.
Differential Diet and pH Effects on Ruminal Microbiota, Fermentation Pattern and Fatty Acid Hydrogenation in RUSITEC Continuous Cultures
Authors: Vargas Julio Ernesto , López-Ferreras Lorena , Andrés Sonia , Mateos Iván , Horst Egon Henrique , López Secundino
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to distinguish effects due to diet composition from those triggered by ruminal pH on fermentation patterns and microbial profiles in a continuous culture system (RUSITEC). The study followed a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two diets varying in the proportions of forage and concentrate and two pH levels in the culture medium. RUSITEC fermenters were used to simulate rumen fermentation and feed digestibility, fermentation end-products, microbial protein synthesis, microbial community, and long-chain fatty acid profiles in the digesta were determined. Multivariate analyses were applied to summarize the overall results. High concentrate (34% cereal grain, 32% hay) diets were more digestible (p < 0.05) than high forage (10% cereal grain, 78% hay) diets, resulting in a greater (p < 0.05) formation of most fermentation end-products and microbial protein in the rumen. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between diets in methane production. Ciliate protozoa, anaerobic fungi, some fibrolytic bacteria, hydrogenation of oleic acid, and relative proportion of conjugated linoleic acid were increased (p < 0.05) with high forage diets. A decline in rumen pH from 6.8 to 6.4 decreased (p < 0.05) feed digestibility, protein degradability, and the daily outputs of some fermentation end-products (gas, VFA, acetate, ammonia) but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the synthesis of microbial protein, and on the output of methane, propionate, butyrate or lactate. Minor changes in microbial community profile or the fatty acid relative proportions were observed within this pH range. The overall multivariate analysis revealed a clear discrimination between high-concentrate and high-forage diets, with subtler and less-defined pH effects on ruminal fermentation and microbial communities.
Solid-State Fermentation of Soybean Meal with Edible Mushroom Mycelium to Improve Its Nutritional, Antioxidant Capacities and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Wang Jian , Jiang Quanjin , Huang Zhenyu , Wang Yan , Roubik Hynek , Yang Kai , Cai Ming , Sun Peilong
Published: March 2023

Soybean meal is a class of by-products obtained from the processing of soybean products. Despite its high nutritional value, the presence of glycoside isoflavones limits human use of soybean meal. This study evaluated the effect of solid-state fermentation (SSF) with different edible mushroom mycelia (Pleurotus ostreatus, Hericium erinaceus, and Flammulina velutipes) on the proximate composition, antioxidant properties, and physicochemical properties of fermented soybean meal powder (SP). The results revealed that fermented SP had a higher nutritional value when compared to SP. P. ostreatus was the most pronounced among the three species. Crude protein content was found to have increased by 9.49%, while the concentration of glutamate and aspartic acid increased by 23.39% and 23.16%, respectively. SSF process significantly increased the total polyphenol content (TPC) and aglycone isoflavone content by 235.9% and 324.12%, respectively, resulting in increased antioxidant activity (evaluated by the DPPH, •OH, ABTS+ assays). Microstructural changes in fermented SP and nutrient degradation and utilization were observed. Thus, fermented SP can be used as a raw material with enhanced nutritional properties to develop new functional foods, such as plant-based foods represented by plant meat. It provides a promising approach for increasing the added value of soybean meal.
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Additives on Fatty Acids, Amino Acids and Antioxidant Capacity of Leymus chinensis Silage during Aerobic Exposure
Authors: Liu Yichao , Bao Jian , Si Qiang , Liu Mingjian , Bai Baochao , Fu Zhihui , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Wang Zhijun
Published: March 2023

During aerobic exposure of silage, the fatty acid and amino acid composition may alter the quality and palatability, resulting in economic losses in livestock production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Lenti Lentilactobacillus buchneri (LB), and a mixture of LP and LB (PB) on the fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidant capacity of Leymus chinensis silage during aerobic exposure. The lactic acid bacteria were added at 1 × 106 CFU/g. The silage treatments were opened after 60 days of fermentation, and sampled on days 0, 4, and 8 of aerobic exposure. The LB group had higher total fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and less decrease in amino acid content and antioxidant capacity, while the LP group had a higher monounsaturated fatty acid content but a larger decrease in all indicators after exposure. Correlation analysis showed that Lactobacillus, Cryptococcus, Penicillium, and Thermoascus were more correlated with fatty acid changes, and that Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, Clostridium, and Penicillium were more correlated with amino acid changes. In conclusion, Lentilactobacillus buchneri could effectively improve the antioxidant capacity and fatty acid and amino acid contents of Leymus chinensis silage during aerobic exposure, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum could effectively improve the content of each index of Leymus chinensis silage at opening, but deterioration was faster during aerobic exposure.
A Novel Multi-Cell Interference-Aware Cooperative QoS-Based NOMA Group D2D System
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Amish , Ahmad Tanveer , Anwar Asim , Siddiq Salman , Malik Abdul , Nazar Waseem , Razzaq Imran
Published: March 2023

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA), one of the favorable candidates of next-generation wireless networks combined with group device-to-device (D2D) networks, can sufficiently increase a system’s spectral efficiency. In fact, in a cooperative scenario, successive interference cancellation (SIC) is used in NOMA receivers to reduce the complexity of relaying, as each user has to decode high-order user data. This work presents a quality of service (QoS)-based cooperative NOMA-aided group D2D system (Q-CNOMA). The Q-CNOMA system not only reduces the burden on the group transmitter by relaying the signal to a receiver in neighboring cells but also improves the overall system performance. In order to model the major components in a D2D scenario such as receivers clustering around a transmitter, the spatial distribution of D2D transmitters is modeled using a Gaussian–Poisson process (GPP). A closed-form expression of outage probability is calculated and benchmarked against conventional systems to prove the superiority of the proposed Q-CNOMA system.
Assessing the Effects of Physical Barriers and Hypoxia on Red Drum Movement Patterns to Develop More Effective Management Strategies
Authors: Baker Steven M. , Reyier Eric A. , Ahr Bonnie J. , Cook Geoffrey S.
Published: March 2023

Human modification of coastal ecosystems often creates barriers to fish movement. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to quantify movement patterns and habitat use of red drums (Sciaenops ocellatus) within and around a complex of coastal impoundments, and explored how the presence of artificial structures (i.e., bollards and culverts) and a hypoxia-related mortality event impacted fish movement. Results indicated bollards impede the movement of individuals with head widths greater than the mean distance between bollards (~16.0 cm). Red drum home range area and daily distance traveled were related to water dissolved oxygen concentrations; as oxygen levels decreased, fish habitat use area decreased initially. However, continued exposure to hypoxic conditions increased fish cumulative daily distance traveled. When exposed to anoxic waters, fish daily distance traveled and rate of movement were greatly reduced. These findings suggest prolonged exposure to low dissolved oxygen in combination with artificial structures can reduce movement of red drum, increase risk of mortality, and decrease habitat connectivity. Constructing and maintaining (sediment and biofouling removal) larger culvert openings and/or using wider bollard spacing would improve water circulation in impoundments, increase habitat connectivity, and facilitate movement of large sportfish inhabiting Florida’s coastal waters.
Skin and Blood Microbial Signatures of Sedentary and Migratory Trout (Salmo trutta) of the Kerguelen Islands
Authors: Ferchiou Sophia , Caza France , Villemur Richard , Labonne Jacques , St-Pierre Yves
Published: March 2023

Our understanding of how microbiome signatures are modulated in wild fish populations remains poorly developed and has, until now, mostly been inferred from studies in commercial and farmed fish populations. Here, for the first time, we have studied changes in the skin and blood microbiomes of the Salmo trutta population of the volcanic Kerguelen archipelago located at the northern limit of the Antarctic Ocean. The Kerguelen Islands present a natural framework of population expansion and reveal a likely situation representing further climate change in distribution areas. Our results showed that S. trutta of the Kerguelen Islands has a microbiome signature distinct from those of salmonids of the Northern Hemisphere. Our study also revealed that the skin and blood microbiomes differ between sedentary and migratory S. trutta. While 18 phyla were shared between both groups of trout, independent of the compartment, 6 phyla were unique to migratory trout. Further analyses showed that microbiome signatures undergo significant site-specific variations that correlate, in some cases, with the peculiarity of specific ecosystems. Our study also revealed the presence of potential pathogens at particular sites and the impact of abiotic factors on the microbiome, most notably due to the volcanic nature of the environment. This study contributes to a better understanding of the factors that modulate the microbiome signatures of migratory and sedentary fish populations. It will also help to better monitor the impacts of climate change on the colonization process in the sub-Antarctic region.
Laboratory Models of Planetary Core-Style Convective Turbulence
Authors: Hawkins Emily K. , Cheng Jonathan S. , Abbate Jewel A. , Pilegard Timothy , Stellmach Stephan , Julien Keith , Aurnou Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

The connection between the heat transfer and characteristic flow velocities of planetary core-style convection remains poorly understood. To address this, we present novel laboratory models of rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection in which heat and momentum transfer are simultaneously measured. Using water (Prandtl number, Pr≃6) and cylindrical containers of diameter-to-height aspect ratios of Γ≃3,1.5,0.75, the non-dimensional rotation period (Ekman number, E) is varied between 10−7≲E≲3×10−5 and the non-dimensional convective forcing (Rayleigh number, Ra) ranges from 107≲Ra≲1012. Our heat transfer data agree with those of previous studies and are largely controlled by boundary layer dynamics. We utilize laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) to obtain experimental point measurements of bulk axial velocities, resulting in estimates of the non-dimensional momentum transfer (Reynolds number, Re) with values between 4×102≲Re≲5×104. Behavioral transitions in the velocity data do not exist where transitions in heat transfer behaviors occur, indicating that bulk dynamics are not controlled by the boundary layers of the system. Instead, the LDV data agree well with the diffusion-free Coriolis–Inertia–Archimedian (CIA) scaling over the range of Ra explored. Furthermore, the CIA scaling approximately co-scales with the Viscous–Archimedian–Coriolis (VAC) scaling over the parameter space studied. We explain this observation by demonstrating that the VAC and CIA relations will co-scale when the local Reynolds number in the fluid bulk is of order unity. We conclude that in our experiments and similar laboratory and numerical investigations with E≳10−7, Ra≲1012, Pr≃7, heat transfer is controlled by boundary layer physics while quasi-geostrophically turbulent dynamics relevant to core flows robustly exist in the fluid bulk.
Innovations in Oil Processing: Chemical Transformation of Oil Components through Ultrasound Assistance
Authors: Dengaev Aleksey V. , Khelkhal Mohammed A. , Getalov Andrey A. , Baimukhametov Gadel F. , Kayumov Aydar A. , Vakhin Alexey V. , Gafurov Marat R.
Published: March 2023

The present review paper discusses the different aspects related to the chemical transformation of oil components through ultrasound assistance. Ultrasound intensifies heat and mass transfer processes in oil production and treatment, which is used to separate water–oil emulsions, optimize pumping, clean the bottomhole zone, and more. The main reason for the positive effect of ultrasound is the cavitation phenomenon, which forms vapor–gas bubbles that cause changes in the structure and properties of dispersed phases, intensifying processes such as dissolution, extraction, and emulsification. The inhomogeneities in the medium being processed also reduce resistance to bubble formation and increase the intensity of technological processes. It is believed that ultrasonic treatment of heavy oil influences the colloid structure of oil. Such effects were observed in several studies. Despite the widespread use of ultrasound in oil processing, the chemical transformation of hydrocarbons during ultrasonic treatment remains an understudied area, particularly for heavy oil. Furthermore, the transformation mechanism of high-molecular-weight fragments of oil under ultrasonic energy is still poorly understood. Heavy oil can benefit greatly from ultrasonic treatment, both after production for pipeline transportation or plant processing and in the reservoir. This is due to the improved mobility of oil in rock and the chemical transformation of high-molecular components, such as resins, asphaltenes, and paraffins. These transformations contribute to the overall improvement of heavy oil processing, making it a crucial area for further research and development. In this review paper, we will explore the latest innovations in oil processing, specifically focusing on the chemical transformation of oil components through ultrasound assistance. This will include a comprehensive analysis of the underlying mechanisms of ultrasonic treatment and their impact on the chemical composition of oil. The review will also include a discussion of the current state of the art and future directions for research in this field, highlighting the potential for further advancements in the use of ultrasound in oil processing.
High Speed Flows
Authors: Azarova Olga A.
Published: March 2023

High speed gas flows occur during the movement of aircrafts, rockets, and descent vehicles, as well as in combustion chambers, nozzles, and many other technological applications [...]
Three Varieties of Grape Pomace, with Distinctive Extractable:Non-Extractable Polyphenol Ratios, Differentially Reduce Obesity and Its Complications in Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet
Authors: Martínez-Meza Yuridia , Escobar-Ortiz Alexandro , Buergo-Martínez Fernando , Pérez-Ramírez Iza Fernanda , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Salgado Luis M. , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía
Published: March 2023

Grape pomace is a commonly discarded by-product characterized by high extractable (EPP) and non-extractable (NEPP) polyphenol contents which exhibits anti-obesogenic effects. However, the relevance of each fraction needs to be elucidated. In this work, we examined the effects of three pomaces with different concentrations of EPPs and NEPPs on metabolic alterations associated with obesity. The NEPP:EPP ratio of the grape pomaces was 1.48 for Malbec, 1.10 for Garnacha, and 5.76 for Syrah grape varieties. Rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet supplemented with Malbec grape pomace (HFFD + MAL) Syrah grape pomace (HFFD + SYR) or Garnacha grape pomace (HFFD + GAR) showed significantly less weight gain: 20%, 15%, and 12% less, respectively, compared to HFFD controls. The adiposity index was also significantly decreased by 20% in the HFFD + MAL and HFFD + SYR groups, and by 13% in the HFFD + GAR group. Serum triglycerides were significantly decreased by 46% in the HFFD + MAL group and by 31% in the HFFD + GAR group, compared to the HFFD group, but not in the HFFD + SYR group. All pomace supplementations regulated postprandial glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test. Therefore, grape pomaces containing both EPPs and NEPPs exert beneficial effects on body weight and glucose homeostasis, while EPPs seem to control triglyceride levels more effectively.
Investigation into the Physicochemical and Textural Properties of an Iron-Rich 3D-Printed Hybrid Food
Authors: Schiell Coline , Portanguen Stéphane , Scislowski Valérie , Astruc Thierry , Mirade Pierre-Sylvain
Published: March 2023

In the context of dietary transition, blending animal-source protein with plant-source protein offers a promising way to exploit their nutritional complementarity. This study investigates the feasibility of formulating an iron-rich hybrid food product blending plant-source and animal-source protein ingredients for iron-deficient populations. Using a commercial 3D-food printer, two different-shaped products composed mainly of pork and chicken liver and red lentils were designed. After baking at 180 °C with 70% steam, the 3D-printed products were packed under two different modified atmospheres (MAP): O2-MAP (70% oxygen + 30% carbon dioxide) and N2-MAP (70% nitrogen + 30% carbon dioxide) and stored at 4 °C. pH, water content, aw, lipid oxidation, heme iron and non-heme iron contents and textural properties were measured after 0, 7, 14 and 21 days in storage. After 21 days in storage, the 3D-printed hybrid products had an iron content of around 13 mg/100 g, regardless of the product form and packaging method. However, O2-MAP products showed significant (p < 0.05) time–course changes from day 0 to day 7, i.e., an increase in lipid oxidation, a decrease in heme iron content and an increase in product hardness, gumminess and chewiness. This work opens prospects for developing hybrid food products that upvalue animal by-products.
Listeria in Food: Prevalence and Control
Authors: Bolívar Araceli , Pérez-Rodríguez Fernando
Published: March 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen characterized by its psychrotrophic and ubiquitous nature as well as its ability to survive and proliferate in a wide range of harsh environments and foods [...]
Effect of Vacuum Packaging on the Biochemical, Viscoelastic, and Sensory Properties of a Spanish Cheese during Chilled Storage
Authors: Franco Inmaculada , Bargiela Verónica , Tovar Clara
Published: March 2023

The unique qualities of Spanish cheeses, such as the San Simón da Costa (SSC) cheese, are protected by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The technological importance of chilled storage at 4 °C of vacuum-packaged (V) and natural (N) (unpackaged) cheeses was examined. For this purpose, the physico-chemical, biochemical, mechanical (puncture tests), viscoelastic (oscillatory and transient tests) and sensory properties of V and N cheeses were compared and analysed. During chilled storage, the caseins in V cheeses did not undergo proteolytic reactions. Low temperature maintained a low intensity of proteolytic phenomena for up to 6 months. Lipolysis was more intense in the N than in the V samples. The moisture content decreased in the N cheeses during chilled storage, and thus, the casein matrix concentration and ionic strength increased, resulting in an increase in the gel strength (S) parameter and complex modulus (G*), and the conformational stability−high stress amplitude (σmax). The low and similar values of the n’ and n’’ exponents (mechanical spectra) and the n parameter (transient tests) indicated the high degree of the temporal stability of the cheese network in both the N and V samples, irrespective of storage time. Likewise, the similar values of the phase angle (δ) for the N and V cheeses during storage indicate energy-stable bonds in the SSC cheese matrix. The attributes of the oral tactile phase (firmness, friability, gumminess, and microstructure perception), mechanical parameters and viscoelastic moduli enabled the discrimination of the packaged and unpackaged cheeses. Cheeses chilled and stored without packaging were awarded the highest scores for sensory attributes (preference) by trained panellists.
High Inter- and Intra- Diversity of Amino Acid Content and Protein Digestibility Disclosed in Five Cool Season Legume Species with a Growing Market Demand
Authors: Mecha Elsa , Alves Mara Lisa , Bento da Silva Andreia , Pereira Ana Bárbara , Rubiales Diego , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota , Bronze Maria Rosário
Published: March 2023

Legumes have been sought as alternative protein sources to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. Characterizing their protein content and quality, including in underutilized grain legumes, e.g., grass pea, gives value to the legumes’ underexplored variability. To fill the gap of knowledge in legumes’ protein quality, for the first time, five extensive collections of cool season grain legumes were cropped under the same environmental conditions and further analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed the existent intra- and inter-species variability. The legume species with the highest protein content, grass pea, Lathyrus sativus (LS), was not the one with the overall highest individual amino acids content and in vitro protein digestibility. With these last characteristics lentil, Lens culinaris (LC), was highlighted. The highest average values of arginine (Arg), glutamic acid (Glu), and threonine (Thr) were found in LS and Vicia faba (VF). Cicer arietinum (CA) stood out as the species with the highest values of Thr and methionine (Met). Regarding the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), LC, followed by Pisum sativum (PS) and LS, were the legume species with the highest values. Ultimately, this study bought to the fore legume species that are not commonly used in western diets but have high adaptability to the European agricultural systems.
Advances in the Application of Cold Plasma Technology in Foods
Authors: Sainz-García Elisa , Alba-Elías Fernando
Published: March 2023

In the last two decades, non-thermal processing technologies have gained widespread attention from the food industry, which is interested in mild and effective processes [...]
Fixed-Time Multi-Switch Combined–Combined Synchronization of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems with Uncertainties and External Disturbances
Authors: Liu Dehui , Li Tianzeng , He Xiliang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the fixed-time multi-switch combination–combination synchronization (FTMSCCS) of fractional-order chaotic systems with uncertainties and external disturbances is studied. The appropriate sliding mode surface and controller are proposed based on a Lyapunov theorem, and fixed-time multi-switching combination–combination synchronizations between four fractional-order chaotic systems are realized. The Lyapunov function is designed to prove the feasibility of the controller theoretically, and the effectiveness and robustness of the synchronization mechanism are further verified by numerical simulations. The advantage of this article is that it extends fixed-time synchronization to multi-switch combination–combination synchronization, enabling synchronization for a limited time, while increasing the complexity of the synchronization mechanism and improving its confidentiality in communication applications.
Self-Assembling Peptide SCIBIOIII Hydrogel for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture That Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice
Authors: He Lu , Lan Shijian , Cheng Qingfeng , Luo Zhongli , Lin Xuemei
Published: March 2023

An important clinical challenge is improving the healing rate of diabetic chronic wounds, and developing new approaches that can promote chronic wound healing is essential. A new biomaterial that has demonstrated great potential for tissue regeneration and repair is self-assembling peptides (SAPs); however, they have been less studied for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Here, we explored the role of an SAP, SCIBIOIII, with a special nanofibrous structure mimicking the natural extracellular matrix for chronic diabetic wound repair. The results showed that the SCIBIOIII hydrogel in vitro has good biocompatibility and can create a three-dimensional (3D) culture microenvironment for the continuous growth of skin cells in a spherical state. The SCIBIOIII hydrogel in diabetic mice (in vivo) significantly improved wound closure, collagen deposition, and tissue remodeling and enhanced chronic wound angiogenesis. Thus, the SCIBIOIII hydrogel is a promising advanced biomaterial for 3D cell culture and diabetic wound tissue repair.
In Vitro Performance Analysis of a Minoxidil Thermosensitive Gel with Reduced Runoff for Eyebrow Hair Growth
Authors: Xavier Luciano C. G. , Matos Breno N. , Barbalho Geisa N. , Falcão Manuel A. , Cunha-Filho Marcilio , Gelfuso Guilherme M. , Gratieri Tais
Published: March 2023

There is a growing interest in innovative products for eyebrow hair loss treatment with fewer adverse effects. Nevertheless, a fundamental formulation aspect of preventing the fragile skin from the ocular region from being irritated is that the formulations remain restricted to the application region and do not run off. Consequently, the methods and protocols in drug delivery scientific research must be adapted to fulfill such performance analysis demand. Thus, this work aimed to propose a novel protocol to evaluate the in vitro performance of a topical gel formulation with a reduced runoff for minoxidil (MXS) delivery to eyebrows. MXS was formulated with 16% poloxamer 407 (PLX) and 0.4% of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The sol/gel transition temperature, viscosity at 25 °C, and formulation runoff distance on the skin were evaluated to characterize the formulation. The release profile and skin permeation were evaluated in Franz vertical diffusion cells for 12 h and compared to a control formulation (4% PLX and 0.7% HPMC). Then, the formulation’s performance at promoting minoxidil skin penetration with minimum runoff was evaluated in a vertical custom-made permeation template (divided into three areas: superior, middle, and inferior). The MXS release profile from the test formulation was comparable to that from the MXS solution and the control formulation. There was also no difference in the MXS amount that penetrated the skin in the permeation experiments in Franz diffusion cells using the different formulations (p > 0.05). However, the test formulation demonstrated a localized MXS delivery at the application site in the vertical permeation experiment. In conclusion, the proposed protocol could differentiate the test formulation from the control, attesting to its better performance in efficiently delivering MXS to the site of interest (middle third of application). The vertical protocol can be easily employed to evaluate other gels with a drip-free appeal.
Machine Learning-Assisted Approaches in Modernized Plant Breeding Programs
Authors: Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi Mohsen , Hesami Mohsen , Eskandari Milad
Published: March 2023

In the face of a growing global population, plant breeding is being used as a sustainable tool for increasing food security. A wide range of high-throughput omics technologies have been developed and used in plant breeding to accelerate crop improvement and develop new varieties with higher yield performance and greater resilience to climate changes, pests, and diseases. With the use of these new advanced technologies, large amounts of data have been generated on the genetic architecture of plants, which can be exploited for manipulating the key characteristics of plants that are important for crop improvement. Therefore, plant breeders have relied on high-performance computing, bioinformatics tools, and artificial intelligence (AI), such as machine-learning (ML) methods, to efficiently analyze this vast amount of complex data. The use of bigdata coupled with ML in plant breeding has the potential to revolutionize the field and increase food security. In this review, some of the challenges of this method along with some of the opportunities it can create will be discussed. In particular, we provide information about the basis of bigdata, AI, ML, and their related sub-groups. In addition, the bases and functions of some learning algorithms that are commonly used in plant breeding, three common data integration strategies for the better integration of different breeding datasets using appropriate learning algorithms, and future prospects for the application of novel algorithms in plant breeding will be discussed. The use of ML algorithms in plant breeding will equip breeders with efficient and effective tools to accelerate the development of new plant varieties and improve the efficiency of the breeding process, which are important for tackling some of the challenges facing agriculture in the era of climate change.
The Synchronized Progression from Mitosis to Meiosis in Female Primordial Germ Cells between Layers and Broilers
Authors: Ma Yuxiao , Wu Wenhui , Zhang Yun , Wang Xuzhao , Wei Jiahui , Guo Xiaotong , Xue Man , Zhu Guiyu
Published: March 2023

Layer and broiler hens show a dramatic difference in the volume and frequency of egg production. However, it is unclear whether the intrinsic competency of oocyte generation is also different between the two types of chicken. All oocytes were derived from the primordial germ cells (PGC) in the developing embryo, and female PGC proliferation (mitosis) and the subsequent differentiation (meiosis) determine the ultimate ovarian pool of germ cells available for future ovulation. In this study, we systematically compared the cellular phenotype and gene expression patterns during PGC mitosis (embryonic day 10, E10) and meiosis (E14) between female layers and broilers to determine whether the early germ cell development is also subjected to the selective breeding of egg production traits. We found that PGCs from E10 showed much higher activity in cell propagation and were enriched in cell proliferation signaling pathways than PGCs from E14 in both types of chicken. A common set of genes, namely insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and E2F transcription factor 4 (E2F4), were identified as the major regulators of cell proliferation in E10 PGCs of both strains. In addition, we found that E14 PGCs from both strains showed an equal ability to initiate meiosis, which was associated with the upregulation of key genes for meiotic initiation. The intrinsic cellular dynamics during the transition from proliferation to differentiation of female germ cells were conserved between layers and broilers. Hence, we surmise that other non-cell autonomous mechanisms involved in germ-somatic cell interactions would contribute to the divergence of egg production performance between layers and broilers.