bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Grid-Connected Inverter with Grid-Voltage-Weighted Feedforward Control Based on the Quasi-Proportional Resonance Controller for Suppressing Grid Voltage Disturbances
Authors: Zhe Wang , Ishak Dahaman , Hamidi Muhammad
Published: February 2024

A grid-connected inverter (GCI) with LCL filters is widely used in photovoltaic grid-connected systems. While introducing active damping methods can improve the quality of grid-connected current (GCC), the influence of grid voltage disturbances can still significantly impact the quality of GCC, leading to stability degradation, especially in weak grid conditions. This paper proposes a grid-voltage-weighted feedforward control scheme based on the quasi-proportional resonance (QPR) controller. This scheme introduces compensatory terms with different proportional coefficients in the voltage feedforward, controlled by the QPR controller. Through a series of analyses, reasonable inverter parameters are first designed. Then, the proposed system model is built in Matlab Simulink. Through simulation experiments and comparisons with various types of operating conditions, the effectiveness of the proposed system scheme is validated. It minimizes the impact of grid voltage disturbances, suppresses the influence of grid harmonics on the control system, improves current quality, and enhances the stability of the GCI system.
A Techno-Economic Analysis Comparing a Hammermill and a Rotary Shear System to Process Woody Biomass for Biofuel Production
Authors: Trejo-Pech Carlos O. , Yu T. Edward , Lanning David N. , Dooley James H. , Larson James A. , English Burton C.
Published: February 2024

Woody biomass feedstock processing, including sorting, drying, and size reduction of biomass to provide standardized reactor-ready biomass to the biorefinery, is crucial to biofuel conversion. This study compares two comminution technology systems applied to woody biomass processing at a depot before being utilized for biofuel production at a biorefinery. The conventional comminution technology, known as the hammermill system, is compared with a rotary shear system developed by Forest Concepts™. Potential economic savings of using the new technology are evaluated by applying a deterministic and a stochastic partial capital budgeting model based on results from an experiment that processed chipped hybrid poplar chips and forest residues with both systems. The stochastic partial capital model estimates that savings will vary between approximately USD 28 and USD 42 per ton of reactor-ready processed biomass, with mean and median values around USD 34 per ton. It is 90% likely that savings will be between USD 30 and USD 39 per ton of reactor-ready processed biomass. The estimated savings are mainly due to differences in input (feedstock) to output (reactor-ready biomass) yields between technologies, affecting feedstock and drying costs.
Achievements and Prospects of Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Thermofluid Sciences
Authors: Ran Yunmin , Bertola Volfango
Published: February 2024

In the last decades, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations established as an important tool for solving fluid flow and heat transfer problems at the nanoscale, with a significant perspective impact on a wide range of industrial and scientific applications. As usual, this happened with several scholarly papers on this topic being published in the same period. The present article provides a thorough review of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the domain of fluid flow and heat transfer. In the first section, a survey of the physical modelling of heat transfer phenomena by MD simulations is presented, focusing on bubble and droplet nucleation and interfacial thermal behaviours. Subsequently, MD simulations of fluid flow and heat transfer in nanochannels are discussed, including adiabatic flow, convective heat transfer, and two-phase flow. Particular emphasis was placed on critical phenomena such as evaporation and condensation, to assess the effects of confinement within nanochannels. Finally, some of the current and emerging challenges in MD simulations and suggests future research directions are discussed.
Methods and Applications of Full-Scale Field Testing for Large-Scale Circulating Fluidized Bed Boilers
Authors: Dong Zhonghao , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhang Rongdi , Li Jianbo , Wu Zhaoliang , Liu Zhicun , Yang Yanting , Wang Quanhai , Kang Yinhu
Published: February 2024

Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers offer a technically viable and environmentally friendly means for the clean and efficient utilization of solid fuels. However, the complex gas–solid two-phase flow processes within them have hindered a thorough resolution of prediction issues related to coupled combustion, heat transfer, and pollutant generation characteristics. To address the deficiencies in scientific research, meet the practical operational needs of CFB boilers, and comply with new carbon emission policies, conducting full-scale field tests on large-scale CFB boilers is needed, so that the complex gas–solid flow, combustion, and heat transfer mechanisms in the furnace can be comprehended. In this paper, issues related to large-scale CFB boilers, including the uniformity of air distribution, secondary air injection range, spatial distribution of oxygen consumption and combustion reactions, distribution of pollutant generation, hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics, coal feeding distribution characteristics, coal diffusion characteristics under thermal operating conditions, and engineering research on anti-wear technology, are reviewed. By integrating practical engineering applications, the basic methods and measurement techniques used in full-scale field tests for large-scale CFB boilers are summarized, providing a practical reference for conducting engineering tests with large-scale CFB boilers.
Considerations on Combining Unfolding Inverters with Partial Power Regulators in Battery–Grid Interface Converters
Authors: Galkin Ilya A. , Saltanovs Rodions , Bubovich Alexander , Blinov Andrei , Peftitsis Dimosthenis
Published: February 2024

The application of electrochemical cells as a source unit of electrical energy is rapidly growing—used in electric vehicles and other electric mobility devices, as well as in energy supply systems—as energy storage, often together with renewable energy sources. The key element of such systems is the power electronic converter used for DC energy storage and AC grid interfacing. It should be bidirectional to charge and discharge the battery when it is necessary. Two-stage battery interface converters are the most common; their DC-DC stage controls the battery current and adjusts voltage, but the DC-AC stage (inverter or frontend) controls the current in the grid. The use of unfolding inverters in two-stage battery interfaces can have some advantages. In this case, the DC-DC converter produces half-sinewave pulsating voltages and currents, but the unfolding circuit changes the polarity of the voltages and currents and produces no switching losses. Another trend of modern power electronics is the principle of partial power processing. In this case, power electronic converters deal only with a part of the total power; therefore, losses in such converters are reduced. This paper considers combining unfolding frontends with partial power DC-DC converters that enable the further reduction in losses. In this paper, it is shown that such implementation of the partial power conversion principle in semi-DC-AC systems is really possible based on the real-time matching of the voltage of the partial-power DC-DC converter, battery voltage (which depends on its state of charge) and the rectified instantaneous voltage of the AC grid.
A Multi-Objective PFC Boost Inductor Optimal Design Algorithm Based on Pareto Front
Authors: Hyeon Ye-Ji , Lee Dong-In , Jeong Seong-Wook , Youn Han-Shin
Published: February 2024

In this study, the inductor optimization design is performed by applying the Pareto optimization technique. As environmental problems emerge, the electric vehicle market is expanding, and accordingly, volume reduction and high efficiency of the onboard charger (OBC) are required. An OBC consists of a PFC stage and a DC/DC stage. The inductor is a major component in a converter and affects the volume and efficiency of the entire converter system. However, reducing the volume of the inductor leads to an increase in loss due to an increase in the change in flux density. Therefore, it is important to derive a suitable design for the target between the two parameters in the trade-off of loss and volume. This paper introduces the optimal design algorithm for boosting inductors of PFC converters in terms of volume and loss. Volume and loss are difficult to compare with each other, making it difficult to set weights. Therefore, Pareto optimization was applied which can be selected according to the needs and purposes of the decision-maker, without weighting as an optimization method. Through a series of procedures of applying Pareto optimization to the inductor design, several optimal inductor designs can be derived. At this time, the optimal designs become a set of designs in which the loss does not decrease without an increase in volume, or the volume does not decrease without an increase in loss. A designer can select a design with an appropriate volume and loss that meets the purpose of the design or preference. Therefore, through the proposed method, the inductor can be flexibly designed according to the target of the application. The proposed algorithm is applied to the interleaved totem-pole bridgeless boost PFC converter, to review its effectiveness. As a result, several inductor designs are derived in the search space, and various optimal designs are visualized through the Pareto Frontier. This facilitates comparative analysis of various inductor designs and helps designers select reasonable inductors. The validity was verified by selecting one of the obtained optimal inductor designs and driving the experiment with the resulting inductor.
Effect of Forest Thinning on Soil Phosphorus Stocks and Dynamics on a Global Scale
Authors: Yang Yulian , Dong Qing , Yang Jiaping , Tan Bo , Xu Zhenfeng , Wu Qinggui , Xu Hongwei
Published: February 2024

As an important part of terrestrial ecosystems, the forest soil nutrient content is easily affected by thinning. However, the effects of thinning on soil phosphorus (P) stocks and dynamics have not yet been systematically analyzed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of thinning on the soil P stock and rate of soil P stock change in the 0–30, 30–60, and 0–60 cm soil layers by integrating 237 data points on a global scale. In addition, we aimed to determine whether these factors are regulated by forest type, recovery time, and thinning intensity. The results indicated that thinning increased the soil P stock in the 0–30, 30–60, and 0–60 cm soil layers by 9.0, 13.2, and 10.2%, respectively, and the soil P stock change rates were 0.017, 0.013, and 0.025 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Furthermore, the promoting effect of thinning on soil P stocks was greater in coniferous forests than in broadleaf and mixed forests. In addition, the stocks and change rates of soil P increased with recovery time and decreased with thinning intensity and mean annual precipitation. This study highlights the effects of thinning on forest soil P accumulation on a global scale. The results are of great significance for understanding soil nutrient cycling and sustainable forest management.
Identification and Characterization of a Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacterium and Its Growth-Promoting Effect on Moso Bamboo Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wan Songze , Shi Fuxi , Fang Xiangmin , Huang Chao
Published: February 2024

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) offer an eco-friendly approach to boost plant growth in soils low or deficient in phosphorus (P). In this study, we isolated 97 PSB strains from the soil around moso bamboo roots in Jiangxi Province, China. The RW37 strain was identified as Enterobacter soli through its physical characteristics and genetic sequencing. Our experiments revealed that RW37 could dissolve phosphate at levels exceeding 400 mg L−1 across a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature (25–35 °C), pH levels (3.5–7.2), salinities (0–2.0%), and volumes of medium (1/5–3/5 of flask volume), showcasing its adaptability. Furthermore, RW37 showed remarkable phosphate-solubilizing abilities at various pH levels using different phosphate sources, with the highest capacity observed in a medium containing CaHPO4. This study also found a negative correlation between P-solubilizing capacity and fermentation broth pH, indicating that RW37 likely secretes organic acids to dissolve phosphate sources. Pot experiments demonstrated that applying RW37 significantly improved the plant height, biomass, root growth, and P uptake of moso bamboo seedlings in red soil. Our results highlight the potential of RW37 as an eco-friendly biofertilizer for subtropical bamboo forests.
Feedstock-Induced Changes in the Physicochemical Characteristics of Biochars Produced from Different Types of Pecan Wastes
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Peng Fangren , Yu Jinping , Liu Zhuangzhuang
Published: February 2024

Large amounts of residues are generated in pecan cultivation processes. Biochar is an environmentally friendly way to utilize residues but attempts to prepare and apply biochar with pecan residues are rare. In this study, six types of biochars were produced from pecan branches, trunks, roots, nutshells, husks, and leaves under pyrolysis, and their physicochemical properties were compared to assess their application perspective in environmental and agricultural fields. The yields of six pecan biochars were 32.1%–45.9%, with the highest yield for husk biochar (HB) (45.9%). Among the pecan biochars, trunk biochar (TB) and root biochar (RB) had much larger specific surface areas. Branch biochar (BB), TB, and RB presented tubular structures with elliptical pores, while nutshell biochar (NSB), HB, and leaf biochar (LB) appeared flaky or as clustered structures with relatively rougher outer surfaces and irregular pores. The functional group types of pecan biochars were generally similar, but the intensities of the peak near 2900 cm−1 in BB were obviously higher than those of the other biochars. RB and LB contained significantly more ash and volatile than those of the other pecan biochars, with the highest fixed carbon content being found in NSB (70.1%). All of the pecan biochars were alkaline (7.90–9.87), and HB, LB, and NSB had significantly higher pH values than those of the other biochars. Elemental analysis indicated that RB, NSB, and LB had higher carbon levels (more than 70%) with lower O/C ratios (no more than 0.2). HB possessed a relatively high content of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium; the phosphorus content was highest in NSB; LB had the highest calcium content. The results of principal component analysis showed that BB, LB, and NSB were clustered in the same quadrant with relatively close relationships. The results of this study can guide the utilization of pecan wastes and their application as biochar in different fields.
The Effect of Enzymatic Fermentation on the Chemical Composition and Contents of Antinutrients in Rapeseed Meal
Authors: Kasprowicz-Potocka Małgorzata , Zaworska-Zakrzewska Anita , Łodyga Dagmara , Józefiak Damian
Published: February 2024

Enzymatic solid-state fermentation can improve the nutritional quality of feed materials. The current study aimed to determine the effect of the solid-state fermentation of rapeseed meal (RSM) with carbohydrase/s and phytases in various combinations. RSM was fermented for 24 h at 25 °C with eight commercial preparations and mixtures thereof to prepare eleven products (PHYL—liquid-6-phytase; RON NP—6-phytase; RON HI—6-phytase; RON R—α-amylase; RON WX—β-xylanase; RON VP—β-glucanase; RON A—α-amylase, β-glucanase; RON M—xylanase, β-glucanase; RON NP+M; RON NP+A; RON NP+M+R). Afterward, the enzymes were deactivated at 70 °C within 15 min, and the biomass was dried for 24 h at 55 °C. Carbohydrase and/or phytase additives did not positively affect crude or true protein content or reduce crude fiber (p > 0.05). Among the products after fermentation, a significant reduction in the content of the raffinose family oligosaccharides, glucosinolates, and phytate was found. In the presence of phytase, the phytate reduction was more significant (p < 0.01) than that in the presence of carbohydrases only. The addition of carbohydrases together with phytases did not improve the results in comparison with phytases alone (p > 0.05). The most valuable effect was found for liquid-6-phytase (PHYL).
Prokaryote Composition and Structure of Rumen Fluid before and after In Vitro Rumen Fermentation
Authors: Dhakal Rajan , Neves André Luis Alves , Sapkota Rumakanta , Khanal Prabhat , Hansen Hanne Helene
Published: February 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of in vitro rumen fermentation (IVRF) on the microbiome structure and composition of rumen fluid before and after fermentation assays. Methods and Results: Six separate fermentation batches were run for 48 h using maize silage as the basal feed. Rumen fluid samples were analyzed before (RF; only rumen fluid inoculant) and after 48 h fermentation assay (MS; maize silage as the substrate) and further processed for microbiome analysis using amplicon sequencing targeting the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial alpha diversity revealed that the Shannon index and observed index were similar between MS and RF fluid. The core microbiome was detected in 88.6% of the amplicon sequence variants in MS and RF. Taxonomic analysis at the phylum level showed similar abundances of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobiota, Spirochaetota, Patescibacteria, and Campilobacterota in MS and RF. The Bray–Curtis distance matrix showed similar bacterial community structure among MS and RF samples. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the in vitro procedure did not affect the bacterial community structure compared to the original rumen fluid inoculum. It should be noted that assessing the microbiome at a single endpoint (i.e., 48 h) may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the microbiome profile dynamics. However, the findings of this study provide a basis for future microbiome-based in vitro fermentation tests and confirm that the technique allows a high degree of species diversity that approximates the rumen function in vivo.
The Microverse: A Task-Oriented Edge-Scale Metaverse
Authors: Qu Qian , Hatami Mohsen , Xu Ronghua , Nagothu Deeraj , Chen Yu , Li Xiaohua , Blasch Erik , Ardiles-Cruz Erika , Chen Genshe
Published: February 2024

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable acceleration in the evolution of smart cities and intelligent spaces, driven by breakthroughs in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), edge–fog–cloud computing, and machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI). As society begins to harness the full potential of these smart environments, the horizon brightens with the promise of an immersive, interconnected 3D world. The forthcoming paradigm shift in how we live, work, and interact owes much to groundbreaking innovations in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), blockchain, and digital twins (DTs). However, realizing the expansive digital vista in our daily lives is challenging. Current limitations include an incomplete integration of pivotal techniques, daunting bandwidth requirements, and the critical need for near-instantaneous data transmission, all impeding the digital VR metaverse from fully manifesting as envisioned by its proponents. This paper seeks to delve deeply into the intricacies of the immersive, interconnected 3D realm, particularly in applications demanding high levels of intelligence. Specifically, this paper introduces the microverse, a task-oriented, edge-scale, pragmatic solution for smart cities. Unlike all-encompassing metaverses, each microverse instance serves a specific task as a manageable digital twin of an individual network slice. Each microverse enables on-site/near-site data processing, information fusion, and real-time decision-making within the edge–fog–cloud computing framework. The microverse concept is verified using smart public safety surveillance (SPSS) for smart communities as a case study, demonstrating its feasibility in practical smart city applications. The aim is to stimulate discussions and inspire fresh ideas in our community, guiding us as we navigate the evolving digital landscape of smart cities to embrace the potential of the metaverse.
Influence of Terrain Slope on Sub-Surface Fire Behavior in Boreal Forests of China
Authors: Shan Yanlong , Gao Bo , Yin Sainan , Shao Diankun , Cao Lili , Yu Bo , Cui Chenxi , Wang Mingyu
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the influence of extreme weather patterns has led to an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of sub-surface forest fires in boreal forests. The Ledum palustre-Larix gmelinii forests of the Daxing’an Mountains of China have emerged as a hotspot for sub-surface fires, and terrain slope has been recognized as a pivotal factor shaping forest fire behavior. The present study was conducted to (1) study the effect of terrain slope on the smoldering temperature and spread rate using simulated smoldering experiments and (2) establish occurrence probability prediction model of the sub-surface fires’ smoldering with different slopes based on the random forest model. The results showed that all the temperatures with different slopes were high, and the highest temperature was 947.91 °C. The spread rates in the horizontal direction were higher than those in the vertical direction, and the difference increased as the slope increased. The influence of slope on the peak temperature was greater than that of spread rate. The peak temperature was extremely positively correlated with the slope, horizontal distance and vertical depth. The spread rate was extremely positively correlated with the slope. The spread rate in the vertical direction was strongly positively correlated with the depth, but was strongly negatively correlated with the horizontal distance; the horizontal spread rate was opposite. The prediction equations for smoldering peak temperature and spread rate were established based on slope, horizontal distance, and vertical depth, and the model had a good fit (p < 0.01). Using random forest model, we established the occurrence prediction models for different slopes based on horizontal distance, vertical depth, and combustion time. The models had a good fit (AUC > 0.9) and high prediction accuracy (accuracy > 80%). The study proved the effect of slope on the characteristics of sub-surface fire smoldering, explained the variation in peak temperature and spread rate between different slopes, and established the occurrence prediction model based on the random forest model. The selected models had a good fit, and prediction accuracy met the requirement of the sub-surface fire prediction.
Effect of Droplet Viscosity Ratio and Surfactant Adsorption on the Coalescence of Droplets with Interfacial Viscosity
Authors: Singh Natasha , Narsimhan Vivek
Published: February 2024

Surface rheology becomes important for droplets with adsorbed proteins, solid particulates, lipids, or polymers, and understanding how surface rheology alters basic droplet processes like coalescence provides insight into the processing of dispersions in industrial and biological systems. In this work, we model the approach of two equal-size deformable droplets under an axisymmetric, biaxial extensional flow in the Stokes flow limit. We explore how the viscosity contrast between the drop and suspending fluid alters the film drainage behaviour when interfacial viscosity is present. For a clean droplet at a fixed capillary number, the drainage time is observed to be independent of the viscosity ratio (λ) for λ≤O(1), while the drainage increases linearly with the viscosity ratio for λ≥O(1). Surface viscosity increases the drainage time by causing the thin film between the droplets to flatten and widen, and shifts the viscosity ratio at which the aforementioned scaling behaviour changes to larger values. The drainage time is increased more significantly at lower viscosity ratio values than higher values. In the second half of the paper, we examine how surface viscosity alters film drainage when the surfactant can be soluble. We examine the kinetically controlled adsorption/desorption limit. We find that surfactant solubility abolishes surface tension gradients and increases the prominence of surface viscosity effects, the effects of which are quantified for Boussinesq numbers Bq∼O(0.1).
Effective Degradation of Free Gossypol in Defatted Cottonseed Meal by Bacterial Laccases: Performance and Toxicity Analysis
Authors: Zhang Liangyu , Zheng Hao , Zhang Xingke , Chen Xiaoxue , Liu Yanrong , Tang Yu , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhixiang , Zhao Lihong , Guo Yongpeng
Published: February 2024

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is the major by-product of the cottonseed oil extraction process with high protein content. However, the presence of free gossypol (FG) in CSM severely restricts its utilization in the food and animal feed industries. The development of a biological strategy for the effective removal of FG in CSM has become an urgent need. In this study, three bacterial laccases including CotA from Bacillus licheniformis, CueO from Escherichia coli, and LcLac from Loigolactobacillus coryniformis were heterologously expressed and investigated for their FG degradation ability. The results showed that CotA laccase displayed the highest FG-degrading capacity among the three laccases, achieving 100% FG degradation at 37 °C and pH 7.0 in 1 h without the addition of a redox mediator. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that the hepatotoxicity of FG was effectively eliminated after oxidative degradation by CotA laccase. Furthermore, the addition of CotA laccase could achieve 87% to 98% FG degradation in defatted CSM within 2 h. In conclusion, CotA laccase can be developed as an effective biocatalyst for the detoxification of FG in CSM.
Spatial Assessment of Land Suitability Potential for Agriculture in Nigeria
Authors: Chiaka Jeffrey Chiwuikem , Zhen Lin , Xiao Yu , Hu Yunfeng , Wen Xin , Muhirwa Fabien
Published: February 2024

From land cover analysis, cropland expansion was a major driving factor for land use land cover changes in Nigeria from 2000 to 2020. This further highlights the food production needs in the country. While this land use change indicates a significant alteration in land cover, it was exigent to assess land suitability using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with geospatial techniques to identify areas with agricultural suitability potential and to analyze cropland suitability. The results showed that the country had 8% of very high suitability, high suitability (25%), moderate suitability (29%), and marginal suitability (25%) croplands. However, low suitability accounts for 14% of the entire cropland. The spatial distribution of cropland suitability shows that most areas in the South East, South South, and South West, respectively, have the most suitable cropland as they meet the biophysical conditions for crop production, followed by the North Central regions, while most places in the North (North East and North West) have a higher share of moderate to low suitability. This study highlights the potential of the country to target localized self-sufficiency. Therefore, this study recommends using the cropland suitability map to launch food security programs across the six geopolitical zones to maximize their inherent environmental potentials to alleviate the country’s food production needs.
The Contribution of Botanical Origin to the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Honeys
Authors: Harbane Sonia , Escuredo Olga , Saker Yasmine , Ghorab Asma , Nakib Rifka , Rodríguez-Flores María Shantal , Ouelhadj Akli , Seijo María Carmen
Published: February 2024

Honeys from different regions of Algeria were analyzed to determine their pollen characteristics and physicochemical properties (humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, diastase content, color, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity). The antioxidant activity was investigated using the free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays. The melissopalynological analysis revealed 129 pollen types from 53 botanical families. The pollen types found as dominant were Coriandrum, Bupleurum, Brassica napus type, Hedysarum coronarium, Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Peganum harmala, Ziziphus lotus and Tamarix. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to analyze significant relationships between the physicochemical variables and the botanical origin of the honeys and establish groupings based on the similarities of their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. The results showed that Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Arbutus and honeydew honeys had a higher antioxidant contribution and higher phenolic and flavonoid contents than the rest of the honeys. In addition, the contributions of Mediterranean vegetation such as Myrtus and Phyllirea angustifolia were significant in this honey group. This paper demonstrates the diverse botanical variability for honey production in Algeria. However, there is a gap in its characterization based on its botanical origin. Therefore, these studies contribute positively to the needs of the beekeeping sector and the commercial valorization of the country’s honey.
Electrical Fields in the Processing of Protein-Based Foods
Authors: Pereira Ricardo N. , Rodrigues Rui , Avelar Zita , Leite Ana Catarina , Leal Rita , Pereira Ricardo S. , Vicente António
Published: February 2024

Electric field-based technologies offer interesting perspectives which include controlled heat dissipation (via the ohmic heating effect) and the influence of electrical variables (e.g., electroporation). These factors collectively provide an opportunity to modify the functional and technological properties of numerous food proteins, including ones from emergent plant- and microbial-based sources. Currently, numerous scientific studies are underway, contributing to the emerging body of knowledge about the effects on protein properties. In this review, “Electric Field Processing” acknowledges the broader range of technologies that fall under the umbrella of using the direct passage of electrical current in food material, giving particular focus to the ones that are industrially implemented. The structural and biological effects of electric field processing (thermal and non-thermal) on protein fractions from various sources will be addressed. For a more comprehensive contextualization of the significance of these effects, both conventional and alternative protein sources, along with their respective ingredients, will be introduced initially.
Recent Advances in Encapsulation for Food Applications
Authors: Estevinho Berta Nogueiro , López-Rubio Amparo
Published: February 2024

Food-related research is closely related to health [...]
Grape Pomace—Advances in Its Bioactivity, Health Benefits, and Food Applications
Authors: Almanza-Oliveros Angélica , Bautista-Hernández Israel , Castro-López Cecilia , Aguilar-Zárate Pedro , Meza-Carranco Zahidd , Rojas Romeo , Michel Mariela R. , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo Cristian G.
Published: February 2024

From a circular economy perspective, the appropriate management and valorization of winery wastes and by-products are crucial for sustainable development. Nowadays, grape pomace (GP) has attracted increasing interest within the food field due to its valuable content, comprising nutritional and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, organic and fatty acids, vitamins, etc.). Particularly, GP polyphenols have been recognized as exhibiting technological and health-promoting effects in different food and biological systems. Hence, GP valorization is a step toward offering new functional foods and contributing to solving waste management problems in the wine industry. On this basis, the use of GP as a food additive/ingredient in the development of novel products with technological and functional advantages has recently been proposed. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the bioactivity and health-promoting effects of polyphenolic-rich extracts from GP samples. Advances in GP incorporation into food formulations (enhancement of physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional quality) and information supporting the intellectual property related to GP potential applications in the food industry are also discussed.
Innovative Covering Liquids Stabilising Water–Fat Leachate from Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Used as Pizza Topping
Authors: Biegalski Jakub , Cais-Sokolińska Dorota
Published: February 2024

This study analyses the possibility of changing the composition of the covering liquid in which mozzarella cheese is stored. The characterisation of mozzarella cheese consumed fresh and during later culinary use as a pizza topping was carried out. Mozzarella cheese from cow’s milk and reconstituted sheep’s milk were used for this study. The cheese was stored in whey-based covering liquid to which single or double amounts of lactose and/or citric acid (w/w) were added. The results obtained during laboratory analysis showed that the addition of lactose and/or citric acid to the covering liquid significantly impacted the mass of the cheese and the changes that can occur during later culinary use. The observed changes in the cheese during storage in the covering liquid were confirmed by the characteristics of the liquid itself. The smallest mass changes were related to cheeses stored in a covering liquid with double the amount of lactose and a single amount of citric acid. This cheese also displayed positive changes in all assessed descriptors (texture, melt, and colour). The amount of leachate from the cheese was small and occurred relatively late after unpacking and quartering. Based on the results of the study, changes made to the composition of the covering liquids can positively affect the characteristics of mozzarella cheese. Additionally, this data allows for the creation of specialised mozzarella cheeses that can pique the consumer’s interest.
Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of the Most Favored Ready-to-Use Thai Curries, Pad-Ka-Proa (Spicy Basil Leaves) and Massaman
Authors: Siripongvutikorn Sunisa , Pumethakul Kanyamanee , Yupanqui Chutha Takahashi , Seechamnanturakit Vatcharee , Detarun Preeyabhorn , Utaipan Tanyarath , Sirinupong Nualpun , Chansuwan Worrapanit , Wittaya Thawien , Samakradhamrongthai Rajnibhas Sukeaw
Published: February 2024

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.
Error-Based Switched Fractional Order Model Reference Adaptive Control for MIMO Linear Time Invariant Systems
Authors: Aguila-Camacho Norelys , Gallegos Javier A.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the design and analysis of Switched Fractional Order Model Reference Adaptive Controllers (SFOMRAC) for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) linear systems with unknown parameters. The proposed controller uses adaptive laws whose derivation order switches between a fractional order and the integer order, according to a certain level of control error. The switching aims to use fractional orders when the control error is larger to improve transient response and system performance during large disturbed states, and to obtain smoother control signals, leading to a better control energy usage. Then, it switches to the integer order when the control error is smaller to improve steady state. Boundedness of all the signals in the scheme is analytically proved, as well as convergence of the control error to zero. Moreover, these properties are extended to the case when system states are affected by a bounded non-parametric disturbance. Simulation studies are carried out using different representative plants to be controlled, showing that fractional orders and switching error levels can be found in most of the cases, such as when SFOMRAC achieves a better balance among control energy and system performance than the non-switched equivalent strategies.
A Unified Approach to Solvability and Stability of Multipoint BVPs for Langevin and Sturm–Liouville Equations with CH–Fractional Derivatives and Impulses via Coincidence Theory
Authors: Zhao Kaihong , Liu Juqing , Lv Xiaojun
Published: February 2024

The Langevin equation is a model for describing Brownian motion, while the Sturm–Liouville equation is an important mechanical model. This paper focuses on the solvability and stability of nonlinear impulsive Langevin and Sturm–Liouville equations with Caputo–Hadamard (CH) fractional derivatives and multipoint boundary value conditions. To unify the two types of equations, we investigate a general nonlinear impulsive coupled implicit system. By cleverly constructing relevant operators involving impulsive terms, we establish the coincidence degree theory and obtain the solvability. We explore the stability of solutions using nonlinear analysis and inequality techniques. As the most direct application, we naturally obtained the solvability and stability of the Langevin and Sturm–Liouville equations mentioned above. Finally, an example is provided to demonstrate the validity and availability of our major findings.
Existence of Ground State Solutions for a Class of Non-Autonomous Fractional Kirchhoff Equations
Authors: Gu Guangze , Mu Changyang , Yang Zhipeng
Published: February 2024

We take a look at the fractional Kirchhoff problem in this paper. Using a variational approach, we show that there exists a ground state solution for this problem. Furthermore, using the approach developed by Szulkin and Weth, we also find that positive ground state solutions exist for the fractional Kirchhoff equation with p=4.
Chaos, Fractionality, Nonlinear Contagion, and Causality Dynamics of the Metaverse, Energy Consumption, and Environmental Pollution: Markov-Switching Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity Copula and Causality Methods
Authors: Bildirici Melike , Ersin Özgür Ömer , Ibrahim Blend
Published: February 2024

Metaverse (MV) technology introduces new tools for users each day. MV companies have a significant share in the total stock markets today, and their size is increasing. However, MV technologies are questioned as to whether they contribute to environmental pollution with their increasing energy consumption (EC). This study explores complex nonlinear contagion with tail dependence and causality between MV stocks, EC, and environmental pollution proxied with carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) with a decade-long daily dataset covering 18 May 2012–16 March 2023. The Mandelbrot–Wallis and Lo’s rescaled range (R/S) tests confirm long-term dependence and fractionality, and the largest Lyapunov exponents, Shannon and Havrda, Charvât, and Tsallis (HCT) entropy tests followed by the Kolmogorov–Sinai (KS) complexity measure confirm chaos, entropy, and complexity. The Brock, Dechert, and Scheinkman (BDS) test of independence test confirms nonlinearity, and White‘s test of heteroskedasticity of nonlinear forms and Engle’s autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity test confirm heteroskedasticity, in addition to fractionality and chaos. In modeling, the marginal distributions are modeled with Markov-Switching Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity Copula (MS-GARCH–Copula) processes with two regimes for low and high volatility and asymmetric tail dependence between MV, EC, and CO2 in all regimes. The findings indicate relatively higher contagion with larger copula parameters in high-volatility regimes. Nonlinear causality is modeled under regime-switching heteroskedasticity, and the results indicate unidirectional causality from MV to EC, from MV to CO2, and from EC to CO2, in addition to bidirectional causality among MV and EC, which amplifies the effects on air pollution. The findings of this paper offer vital insights into the MV, EC, and CO2 nexus under chaos, fractionality, and nonlinearity. Important policy recommendations are generated.
Diversity, Distribution, and Chromosomal Rearrangements of TRIP1 Repeat Sequences in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Zhan , Liu Xiong , Ning Nianzhi , Li Tao , Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

The bacterial genome contains numerous repeated sequences that greatly affect its genomic plasticity. The Escherichia coli K-12 genome contains three copies of the TRIP1 repeat sequence (TRIP1a, TRIP1b, and TRIP1c). However, the diversity, distribution, and role of the TRIP1 repeat sequence in the E. coli genome are still unclear. In this study, after screening 6725 E. coli genomes, the TRIP1 repeat was found in the majority of E. coli strains (96%: 6454/6725). The copy number and direction of the TRIP1 repeat sequence varied in each genome. Overall, 2449 genomes (36%: 2449/6725) had three copies of TRIP1 (TRIP1a, TRIP1b, and TRIP1c), which is the same as E. coli K-12. Five types of TRIP1 repeats, including two new types (TRIP1d and TRIP1e), are identified in E. coli genomes, located in 4703, 3529, 5741, 1565, and 232 genomes, respectively. Each type of TRIP1 repeat is localized to a specific locus on the chromosome. TRIP1 repeats can cause intra-chromosomal rearrangements. A total of 156 rearrangement events were identified, of which 88% (137/156) were between TRIP1a and TRIP1c. These findings have important implications for future research on TRIP1 repeats.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) Gene Family in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Shi Lei , Lin Xiongjian , Tang Binquan , Zhao Rong , Wang Yichi , Lin Yingyi , Wu Liangliang , Zheng Chao , Zhu Hongbo
Published: February 2024

The LBD family is a plant-specific transcription factor family that plays an important role in a variety of biological processes. However, the function of IbLBD genes in sweet potato remains unclear. In this study, we identified a total of 53 IbLBD genes in sweet potato. Genetic structure showed that most of the IbLBD genes contained only two exons. Following the phylogenetic investigation, the IbLBD gene family was separated into Class I (45 members) and Class II (8) members. Both classes of proteins contained relatively conservative Motif1 and Motif2 domains. The chromosomal locations, gene duplications, promoters, PPI network, and GO annotation of the sweet potato LBD genes were also investigated. Furthermore, gene expression profiling and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of 12 IbLBD genes altered in six separate tissues and under various abiotic stresses. The IbLBD genes belonging to Class I were mostly expressed in the primary root, the pencil root, and the leaves of sweet potatoes, while the genes belonging to Class II were primarily expressed in the various sweet potato roots. The IbLBD genes belonging to Class I were mostly expressed in the primary root, the pencil root, and the leaves of sweet potatoes, while the genes belonging to Class II were primarily expressed in the fibrous root, pencil root, and tuber root.
Frameshift Variant in AMPD2 in Cirneco dell’Etna Dogs with Retinopathy and Tremors
Authors: Murgiano Leonardo , Niggel Jessica K. , Benedicenti Leontine , Cortellari Matteo , Bionda Arianna , Crepaldi Paola , Liotta Luigi , Aguirre Geoffrey K. , Beltran William A. , Aguirre Gustavo D.
Published: February 2024

While the manifestations of many inherited retinal disorders are limited to loss of vision, others are part of a syndrome that affects multiple tissues, particularly the nervous system. Most syndromic retinal disorders are thought to be recessively inherited. Two dogs out of a litter of Cirneco dell′ Etna dogs, both males, showed signs of retinal degeneration, along with tremors and signs described as either atypical seizures or paroxysmal dyskinesias, while the other two male littermates were normal. We named this oculo-neurological syndrome CONS (Cirneco oculo-neurological syndrome), and undertook homozygosity mapping and whole-genome sequencing to determine its potential genetic etiology. Notably, we detected a 1-bp deletion in chromosome 6 that was predicted to cause a frameshift and premature stop codon within the canine AMPD2 gene, which encodes adenosine monophosphate deaminase, an enzyme that converts adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) to inosine 5’-monophosphate (IMP). Genotyping of the available Cirneco population suggested perfect segregation between cases and controls for the variant. Moreover, this variant was absent in canine genomic databases comprised of thousands of unaffected dogs. The AMPD2 genetic variant we identified in dogs presents with retinal manifestations, adding to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with AMPD2 variants in humans.
BDNF, DRD4, and HTR2A Gene Allele Frequency Distribution and Association with Mental Illnesses in the European Part of Russia
Authors: Morozova Anna , Ushakova Valeriya , Pavlova Olga , Bairamova Sakeena , Andryshenko Nika , Ochneva Aleksandra , Abramova Olga , Zorkina Yana , Spektor Valery A. , Gadisov Timur , Ukhov Andrey , Zubkov Eugene , Solovieva Kristina , Alexeeva Polina , Khobta Elena , Nebogina Kira , Kozlov Alexander , Klimenko Tatyana , Gurina Olga , Shport Svetlana , Kostuyk George , Chekhonin Vladimir , Pavlov Konstantin
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of mental disorders and how they are diagnosed represent some of the major problems in psychiatry. Modern genetic tools offer the potential to reduce the complications concerning diagnosis. However, the vast genetic diversity in the world population requires a closer investigation of any selected populations. In the current research, four polymorphisms, namely rs6265 in BDNF, rs10835210 in BDNF, rs6313 in HTR2A, and rs1800955 in DRD4, were analyzed in a case–control study of 2393 individuals (1639 patients with mental disorders (F20-F29, F30-F48) and 754 controls) from the European part of Russia using the TaqMan SNP genotyping method. Significant associations between rs6265 BDNF and rs1800955 DRD4 and mental impairments were detected when comparing the general group of patients with mental disorders (without separation into diagnoses) to the control group. Associations of rs6265 in BDNF, rs1800955 in DRD4, and rs6313 in HTR2A with schizophrenia in patients from the schizophrenia group separately compared to the control group were also found. The obtained results can extend the concept of a genetic basis for mental disorders in the Russian population and provide a basis for the future improvement in psychiatric diagnostics.