bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Additive Manufacturing Direct Slicing Algorithm Based on a STEP Model
Authors: Han Xingguo , Zhan Zhuangchao , Song Xiaohui , Cui Lixiu
Published: May 2022

The Standard Template Library (STL) file is the most common data format for the description of an additive manufacturing (AM) geometric model, but it has some disadvantages, such as large errors of the geometric model description, the easy loss of topology information, data duplication, large file sizes, and so on. Aiming at these problems, a direct slicing algorithm based on a Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) model was proposed. For the parts composed of basic types of surfaces such as boundary curves, spherical surfaces and cylindrical surfaces, the traditional geometric method was used to calculate the intersection. For the parts with complex surfaces, the three-dimensional models were described based on Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces. The NURBS surfaces were layered using a discrete tracking algorithm, the tracking starting point was determined, the intersection line between the tangent plane and each NURBS sub-surface was obtained, and the closed layer contour was formed. Finally, the slicing simulations and printing experiments of solid parts were carried out using the direct slicing algorithm based on the STEP model. It was shown that the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the printed parts from this algorithm had been significantly improved.
Research on Control Inertia and Stability of PMSG
Authors: Ge Xiaoning , Shi Yuxin , Yan Fang , Zhu Xi , Liu Chunming
Published: May 2022

With the large-scale development and application of offshore wind resources, the proportion of powered electronic equipment in power systems is increasing, which leads to the reduction of traditional mechanical inertia and system oscillation. To solve the above problems, this paper takes the grid connected converter of an offshore full power fan as the research object, deduces the “inertia” expression and physical significance of its inner and outer loop controller, and compares it with the mechanical inertia motion equation to obtain a unified mathematical expression. On this basis, combined with the control bandwidth and Rouse criterion, the discrimination method of system stability is proposed, and the correlation of the internal and external control parameters of the full power fan grid connected converter and its influence on the grid connected stability of offshore fans are explained according to the derived judgment expression. Finally, the correctness and scope of application of the theoretical analysis and judgment method are verified by PSCAD/EMTDC time-domain simulation software.
Experience in the Application of Hydrocarbon Optical Studies in Oil Field Development
Authors: Raupov Inzir , Burkhanov Ramis , Lutfullin Azat , Maksyutin Alexander , Lebedev Andrey , Safiullina Elena
Published: May 2022

This article reviews the results of measurement of optical properties of oil, such as polarimetry, refractometric, luminescent-bituminological research, IR-spectrometry and UV-visible-NIR spectrometry used to solve geo-bituminology development of hydrocarbon deposits. The authors pay special attention to optical research in the field of UV-visible-NIR electromagnetic radiation, the results of which allow us to estimate the residual oil reserves, separate production for each formation during the operation of multi-layer objects, determine the producing gas-oil ratio, density and content of hydrocarbons, efficiency of hydraulic fracturing, flow-reducing technologies, and injection of solvents of heavy oil sediments, etc. The published approaches to methods of optical research, which are carried out by laboratories or in-well devices, have been analyzed. This article analyzes the main advantages and disadvantages of current technologies for determining the optical properties of oil. The authors propose wellhead devices for determining the optical properties of oil in UV-visible-NIR radiation (190–1100 nm) and their functional schemes, with a description of the operating principle.
Effect of Pre-Polarization Process on the Apparent Piezoelectric Response Measured by Point-Ring Method in Ferroelectric Perovskite Oxide Ceramics
Authors: Li Yuanzhe , Huang Xiang , Tao Junyu , Huang Jijie , Xiong Weiming , Chen Weijin , Zheng Yue
Published: May 2022

Both flexoelectricity and piezoelectricity belong to the electromechanical coupling effect. While piezoelectricity only exists in materials whose crystal structure is noncentrosymmetric and a pre-polarization process is necessary for ferroelectric piezoelectric ceramics, flexoelectricity theoretically exists in all dielectric materials and does not require pre-polarization. However, this does not mean that flexoelectricity would not be affected by the pre-polarization process, considering that flexoelectricity is a polarization phenomenon. In this work, we prepared ferroelectric perovskite oxide ceramics Ba1−xCaxTiO3 and revealed a strong effect of the pre-polarization process on the flexoelectric response of the ceramics, characterized by the apparent piezoelectric response measured by the point-ring method. The effective piezoelectric coefficient was separated into the one contributed by the flexoelectric(-like) response and the piezoelectric(-like) response by quasi-static d33 measurement and a two-step point-ring testing method. The effective piezoelectric coefficient contributed by the flexoelectric(-like) response of the ceramics could be largely enhanced to be over 350 pC/N after a 900 V polarization, larger than the standard piezoelectric response. The pre-polarization process was suggested to alter the polarization state and defect distributions, which would further change the overall flexoelectric response (both intrinsic and extrinsic parts) of the samples. Our work indicates a facile method to enhance the apparent piezoelectric response of flexoelectric materials under a bending mode.
How Does Oil Future Price Imply Bunker Price—Cointegration and Prediction Analysis
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Lu Jinrong , Ma Mengmeng
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates how oil’s future price implies the bunker price through cointegration analysis first. A cointegration test confirms the long-run equilibrium condition of bunker and oil future prices. Based on the cointegration relationship, we construct VECM model to forecast bunker prices. In addition, we also consider ARMA, ARMAX, and VAR models for certifying whether considering the long-run equilibrium between bunker and oil future prices is helpful in prediction. One-step-ahead and four-step-ahead forecasting are considered and two out-of-sample datasets are used. The empirical results show that the increase in the value of the error correction term in the VECM model has the effect of pulling down the bunker return. VECM performs better than other models in prediction. The Crude Oil Future Contract 1 has better forecasting performance for bunker prices with VECM in the 1-step-ahead forecast, while Crude Oil Future Contract 3 performs slightly better than Crude Oil Future Contract 1 in the 4-step-ahead forecast.
Vehicle Model-Based Driving Strategy Optimization for Lightweight Vehicle
Authors: Pusztai Zoltán , Kőrös Péter , Szauter Ferenc , Friedler Ferenc
Published: May 2022

In this paper, driving strategy optimization for a track is proposed for an energy efficient battery electric vehicle dedicated to the Shell Eco-marathon. A measurement-based mathematical vehicle model was developed to simulate the behavior of the vehicle. The model contains complicated elements such as the vehicle’s cornering resistance and the efficiency field of the entire powertrain. The validation of the model was presented by using the collected telemetry data from the 2019 Shell Eco-marathon competition in London (UK). The evaluation of applicable powertrains was carried out before the driving strategy optimization. The optimal acceleration curve for each investigated powertrain was defined. Using the proper powertrain is a crucial part of energy efficiency, as the drive has the most significant energy demand among all components. Two tracks with different characteristics were analyzed to show the efficiency of the proposed optimization method. The optimization results are compared to the reference method from the literature. The results of this study provide an applicable vehicle modelling methodology with efficient optimization framework, which demonstrates 5.5% improvement in energy consumption compared to the reference optimization theory.
A Combination Method of Liquid Hot Water and Phosphotungstic Acid Pretreatment for Improving the Enzymatic Saccharification Efficiency of Rice Straw
Authors: Zhang Shengming , Mei Tiehan , Zhu Chonghao , Shang Huimin , Gao Shushan , Qin Liyuan , Chen Haitao
Published: May 2022

Chemical pretreatment can significantly improve the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, thereby improving the yield of sugar materials for the production of cellulosic ethanol, but commonly used acid–base catalysts are difficult to recover and reuse. In this work, a combination method of liquid hot water (LHW) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) pretreatment was performed to improve the saccharification efficiency of rice straw, and we attempted to evaluate the reuse effect of PTA catalysts. The rice straw was first treated with LHW at 180 °C for 90 min, and then treated with 20 mM PTA at 130 °C for 60 min. After pretreatment, the cellulose hydrolysis efficiency and glucose recovery of the rice straw increased by 201.85% and 164.25%, respectively. Glucose accounted for 96.8% of the total reducing sugar in the final enzymatic hydrolysate. After each PTA pretreatment, approximately 70.8–73.2% of the PTA catalyst could be recycled. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the PTA catalyst that had been used five times did not decrease. The improved enzymatic saccharification efficiency was attributed to the removal of 89.24% hemicellulose and 21.33% lignin from the lignocellulosic substrate. The two-step LHW-PTA pretreatment could pretreat biomass in the field of cellulosic ethanol production.
ReNFuzz-LF: A Recurrent Neurofuzzy System for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Kandilogiannakis George , Mastorocostas Paris , Voulodimos Athanasios
Published: May 2022

A neurofuzzy system is proposed for short-term electric load forecasting. The fuzzy rule base of ReNFuzz-LF consists of rules with dynamic consequent parts that are small-scale recurrent neural networks with one hidden layer, whose neurons have local output feedback. The particular representation maintains the local learning nature of the typical static fuzzy model, since the dynamic consequent parts of the fuzzy rules can be considered as subsystems operating at the subspaces defined by the fuzzy premise parts, and they are interconnected through the defuzzification part. The Greek power system is examined, and hourly based predictions are extracted for the whole year. The recurrent nature of the forecaster leads to the use of a minimal set of inputs, since the temporal relations of the electric load time-series are identified without any prior knowledge of the appropriate past load values being necessary. An extensive simulation analysis is conducted, and the forecaster’s performance is evaluated using appropriate metrics (APE, RMSE, forecast error duration curve). ReNFuzz-LF performs efficiently, attaining an average percentage error of 1.35% and an average yearly absolute error of 86.3 MW. Finally, the performance of the proposed forecaster is compared to a series of Computational Intelligence based models, such that the learning characteristics of ReNFuzz-LF are highlighted.
Marine Exhaust Gas Treatment Systems for Compliance with the IMO 2020 Global Sulfur Cap and Tier III NOx Limits: A Review
Authors: Zannis Theodoros C. , Katsanis John S. , Christopoulos Georgios P. , Yfantis Elias A. , Papagiannakis Roussos G. , Pariotis Efthimios G. , Rakopoulos Dimitrios C. , Rakopoulos Constantine D. , Vallis Athanasios G.
Published: May 2022

In the present work, the contemporary exhaust gas treatment systems (EGTS) used for SOx, PM, and NOx emission mitigation from shipping are reviewed. Specifically, after-treatment technologies such as wet scrubbers with seawater and freshwater solution with NaOH, hybrid wet scrubbers, wet scrubbers integrated in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) installations, dry scrubbers, inert gas wet scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems are analyzed. The operational principles and the construction specifications, the performance characteristics and the investment and operation of the reviewed shipping EGTS are thoroughly elaborated. The SCR technology is comparatively evaluated with alternative techniques such as LNG, internal engine modifications (IEM), direct water injection (DWI) and humid air motor (HAM) to assess the individual NOx emission reduction potential of each technology. Detailed real data for the time several cargo vessels spent in shipyards for seawater scrubber installation, and actual data for the purchase cost and the installation cost of seawater scrubbers in shipyards are demonstrated. From the examination of the constructional, operational, environmental and economic parameters of the examined EGTS, it can be concluded that the most effective SOx emission abatement system is the closed-loop wet scrubbers with NaOH solution which can practically eliminate ship SOx emissions, whereas the most effective NOx emission mitigation system is the SCR which cannot only offer compliance of a vessel with the IMO Tier III limits but can also practically eliminate ship NOx emissions.
Flexibility Quantification and the Potential for Its Usage in the Case of Electric Bus Depots with Unidirectional Charging
Authors: Jahic Amra , Heider Felix , Plenz Maik , Schulz Detlef
Published: May 2022

One of the crucial steps for a successful integration of electric bus fleets into the existing electric power systems is the active and intelligent usage of their flexibility. This is important not only for reducing the eventual negative effects on the power grid but also for reducing energy and infrastructure costs. The first step in the optimal usage of flexibility is its quantification, which allows the maximum provision of flexibility without any negative effects for the fleet operation. This paper explores the available flexibility of large-scale electric bus fleets with a concept of centralized and unidirectional depot charging. An assessment of available positive and negative flexibility was conducted based on the data from two real bus depots in the city of Hamburg, Germany. The analysis shows the biggest flexibility potential was in the period from 16:00 h to 24:00 h, and the smallest one was in the periods from 08:00 h to 16:00 h, as well as from 02:00 h to 08:00 h. The paper also gives an overview of the possible markets for flexibility commercialization in Germany, which can provide an additional economic benefit for the fleet operators. A further analysis of the impact of parameters such as the timeline (working day or weekend), charging concept, ambient temperature, and electrical preconditioning provides an additional understanding of available flexibility.
Determining the Optimal Directions of Investment in Regional Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Sotnyk Iryna , Kurbatova Tetiana , Romaniuk Yaroslavna , Prokopenko Olha , Gonchar Viktoriya , Sayenko Yuriy , Prause Gunnar , Sapiński Aleksander
Published: May 2022

The growth of renewable energy facilities worldwide creates new challenges for sustainable regional development. Unregulated investment flows in the green energy sector cause disparities in the deployment of various renewable energy technologies, worsen the ability to balance national energy systems, etc. This article is the first comprehensive study that offers a methodology for multifactor modeling of investment flows in regional green energy deployment considering the priorities of national, regional, and local authorities within the sustainable development concept. The proposed methodological approaches help (1) determine the types of renewable energy technologies for priority development in the region, (2) select specific green energy projects to receive budgetary support on territories, and (3) form the optimal mechanism for budget financing distribution on regional development of renewable energy technologies. The modeling factors include natural conditions and resource base of a territory; its economically feasible renewable energy potential; the territory’s energy needs; installed capacity and electricity generation of new green energy facilities; power plants’ life cycle duration, the investment amount, etc. The model approbation on the example of household solar and wind power plants in the Sumy region, Ukraine, has shown the need to significantly increase financial support for renewable energy projects, primarily due to the region’s energy deficit. Calculations revealed that the interest-free loan share for both technologies should be 2.843 and 2.844 times higher than the basic share of lending (20%). For the 30-kW solar power plant project, the indicator should be 64.67% instead of the basic one of 56.86% for home solar energy facilities. Thus, the methodological approaches presented in the article are new tools that allow territorial authorities to purposefully shape and manage investment flows in the renewable energy sector to ensure sustainable energy development of regions worldwide.
Structural and Operating Features of the Creation of an Interstate Electric Power Interconnection in North-East Asia with Large-Scale Penetration of Renewables
Authors: Podkovalnikov Sergei , Chudinova Lyudmila , Trofimov Ivan L. , Trofimov Leonid
Published: May 2022

Transition to green energy is the dominant process in the electricity sector globally, including in North-East Asia (NEA). The interstate power grid expansion in the NEA will facilitate the large-scale development of intermittent and uncertain green generation. This paper is aimed at considering the structural and operating features and effectiveness of a potential NEA power grid with large-scale penetration of renewables. A computing and geo-information system provides collection, processing, storage, and geo-visualization of technical and economic data. It incorporates a mathematical model for the optimization of the expansion and operation of power systems. Benefits (including saving the capacity, investment, fuel cost, and total cost) of power interconnection have been estimated in the study. Transfer capability required for the interstate electric ties was calculated and proved quite significant. A tax on greenhouse gases emission from thermal power plants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), has been used in the study as an economic incentive to facilitate the penetration of renewable energy sources in NEA power interconnection. An installed capacity, power generation mix, power exchange among countries, and operating modes (dispatching) have been calculated for different levels of CO2 emission tax. This study has shown the economic viability of the interconnection, defined major indices of interstate transmission grid infrastructure, revealed the changes in the mix of generating capacities and their operation under conditions of large-scale expansion of renewables, and found out the roles of various countries with different levels of CO2 tax, detailed the impact of CO2 emission tax in encouraging capacity additions and power generation growth from renewables. These capacities altogether suppress the expansion of coal-fired power plants in the potential North-East Asia power grid and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 7, to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
An LPV-Based Online Reconfigurable Adaptive Semi-Active Suspension Control with MR Damper
Authors: Basargan Hakan , Mihály András , Gáspár Péter , Sename Olivier
Published: May 2022

This study introduces an online reconfigurable road-adaptive semi-active suspension controller that reaches the performance objectives with satisfying the dissipativity constraint. The concept of the model is based on a nonlinear static model of the semi-active Magnetorheological (MR) damper with considering the bi-viscous and hysteretic behaviors of the damper. The input saturation problem has been solved by using the proposed method in the literature that allows the integration of the saturation actuator in the initial system to create a Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) system. The control input meets the saturation constraint; therewith, the dissipativity constraint is fulfilled. The online reconfiguration and adaptivity problem is solved by using an external scheduling variable that allows the trade-off between driving comfort and road holding/stability. The control design is based on the LPV framework. The proposed adaptive semi-active suspension controller is compared to passive suspension and Bingham model with Simulink simulation, and then the adaptivity of the controller is validated with the TruckSim environment. The results show that the proposed LPV controller has better performance results than the controlled Bingham and passive semi-active suspension model.
Combating Energy Poverty in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Siksnelyte-Butkiene Indre
Published: May 2022

The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the energy sector and the economy as a whole are being followed by the global energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The situation is particularly difficult for European countries, which are heavily dependent on imported energy from Russia. In the face of such economic uncertainty, it is necessary to analyze and assess the energy poverty situation in the region. The article overviews the extent of energy poverty among European Union (EU) countries and determines regional differences by comparing the situation, trends and policy measures applied, followed by the challenges and opportunities to combat energy poverty among households during the global COVID-19 crisis and economic uncertainty. A scientific literature review was performed and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the energy poverty of households was identified. Moreover, a set of indicators reflecting the extent of energy poverty in different EU countries has been developed and an analysis of indicators was performed by comparing the situation, trends and policy measures applied.
A 25-Year Study of the Population Dynamics of a Harvested Population of Sika Deer on Kyushu Island, Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kei K. , Kuwano Yasumitsu , Kanamori Yuki , Kawauchi Yohei , Uchimura Yoshihiko , Yasuda Masatoshi , Kondoh Hiroshi , Oka Teruki
Published: May 2022

Sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations have damaged habitats, agricultural crops, and commercial forests in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, northern America, and New Zealand. Population management of sika deer is an important task in those areas. To better understand large-scale management and improve management efficiency, the authors estimated spatio-temporal changes of density distribution and population dynamics of a managed population of sika deer on Kyushu Island (approximately 36,750 km2), Japan. The authors estimated these changes by using fecal pellet count surveys conducted from 1995 to 2019 and results from a vector autoregressive spatio-temporal model. No decreasing trend of populations were observed at the island and prefectural scales, even though the management goal has been to reduce the population by half, and harvesting on the island increased annually until it reached about 110,000 sika deer in 2014. A possible explanation for the stable population dynamics is that the population used to determine the harvest number under the prefectural management plan was originally underestimated. This study highlights not only the difficulties of wide-area management of sika deer but also three important factors for successful management: reducing the risk of management failure, using an adaptive management approach, and appropriate management scale.
Robinia pseudoacacia Seedlings Are More Sensitive to Rainfall Frequency Than to Rainfall Intensity
Authors: Li Mingyan , Guo Xiao , Zhao Song , Liu Lele , Xu Zhenwei , Du Ning , Guo Weihua
Published: May 2022

Climate change causes the global redistribution of precipitation, yet little is known about the effects of the changes in precipitation intensity and frequency on the seedlings of wood trees in warm temperate forests. In this study, we focused on the effects of variability in both the intensity and frequency of water supply on the physiological traits, biomass, and growth of an important plantation wood species, Robinia pseudoacacia. In the greenhouse, we exposed R. pseudoacacia seedlings to three rainfall intensity and three rainfall frequency treatments. The results from the 62-day experiment revealed that lower rainfall intensity and frequency significantly reduced the photosynthetic performance, growth, and biomass of the tree seedlings. In lower rainfall intensity and frequency conditions, the seedlings had improved water absorption and utilization by increasing the water use efficiency and root shoot ratio, and reduced water consumption by defoliating the compound leaves of the lower crown. More importantly, we found that R. pseudoacacia seedlings were more sensitive to rainfall frequency than to rainfall intensity. Therefore, our results suggest that increasing the irrigation water, especially irrigation frequency, could better facilitate the survival and growth of R. pseudoacacia seedlings and eventually promote the process of vegetation restoration in the future global climate change context.
Herbivory Rather than Root Competition and Environmental Factors Determines Plant Establishment in Fragmented Forests
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Li Xue , Wu Chuping , Zhong Yuping , Yu Mingjian , Liu Jinliang
Published: May 2022

In fragmented forests, many factors can affect plant community establishment, including abiotic factors, below-ground root competition, aboveground seed predation, and seedling herbivory. Little is known about the relative effects of biotic and abiotic factors affecting the initial stage of seedling establishment: seed gemmation and early seedling survival. Here, we carried out a root competition exclusion experiment and a herbivory (including seed predation) exclusion experiment on 11 islands in Thousand Island Lake, China, using four native woody plant species that differed in functional traits (e.g., seed mass and dominance). The dominant species on islands showed the highest seedling survival, and there was no significant linear relationship between the proportion of surviving seedlings and island area under either treatment for any species. Compared to the control and excluding root competition treatments, excluding seed predation and herbivory significantly increased seedling survival after controlling for the environmental factors. However, abiotic factors had no effect on early seedling establishment. Our results suggest that seedling regeneration of rare species in fragmented ecosystems may be limited and that seedlings may be more susceptible to predators and herbivores in fragmented ecosystems. These results have significant implications for the conservation of plant diversity in fragmented forests.
Influence of Operating Conditions on Reuterin Production Using Resting Cells of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DPC16
Authors: Sun Yuanze , Gutierrez-Maddox Noemi , Mutukumira Anthony N. , Maddox Ian S. , Shu Quan
Published: May 2022

Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains can secrete a potentially valuable chemical and broad-spectrum antimicrobial substance named reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, 3-HPA). L. reuteri DPC16 is a novel and patented probiotic strain that is used commercially because of its proven ability to kill various foodborne pathogens. A two-step process has been developed for reuterin production from glycerol using L. reuteri DPC16. Cells were grown, followed by harvesting, and then were incubated with glycerol for reuterin production. Parameters investigated during the glycerol conversion included the initial glycerol concentration, the biomass concentration, pH, culture age at harvesting, conversion time, and temperature. The highest reuterin yield was obtained using 21 g/L 24 h old cells, to convert glycerol solution (300 mmol/L) in 1 h at 30 °C and pH 6.2. The most efficient transformation of glycerol to reuterin was achieved in approximately 20 h of growth of cells at 25 °C and pH 6.8. Using the regression equation of this study, the maximum concentration of reuterin can be obtained using 25 g/L 20 h old DPC6 cells to ferment 350 mmol/L glycerol (initial concentration) for 2 h at 25 °C and pH 6.8 The ranking of effects on reuterin production for the six single factors was glycerol concentration > pH > conversion time > biomass concentration > temperature > culture age.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Pine Nut-Derived Peptides and Their Protective Effect on Nerve-Cell Mitochondria
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Fang Li , Wang Xiyan , Wu Dan , Liu Chunlei , Liu Xiaoting , Wang Ji , Gao Yawen , Min Weihong
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the structure-activity relationship of the pine nut antioxidant peptide WYPGK and its derivative peptides, and to evaluate the protective effect of the latter on oxidative damage to mitochondrial structure and function in PC12 cells. Molecular docking revealed the derivative peptides WYFGK and WYSGK to have higher affinity to the active region of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) (−6.08 kcal/mol and −5.87 kcal/mol, respectively), hence indicating that they are promising SIRT3 inducers and antioxidant factors. The derivative peptide WYSGK presented the highest ORAC value (5457.70 µmol TE/g), ABTS scavenging activity (70.05%), and Fe2+-chelating activity (81.70%), followed by WYPGK and WYFGK. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance data suggested that the presence of 3-Ser in WYSGK increased its β-sheet content, and that the active hydrogen atoms produced chemical shifts. In H2O2-induced PC12 cells, WYSGK substantially reduced ROS and MDA levels, and increased ATP levels. Transmission electron microscopy and Seahorse Analyze assay proved the peptide WYSGK to significantly alleviate mitochondrial damage and respiratory dysfunction (p < 0.05), thereby implying that a study of structure-activity relationships of the peptides can possibly be an effective approach for the development of functional factors.
Microcapsules of Shrimp Oil Using Kidney Bean Protein Isolate and κ-Carrageenan as Wall Materials with the Aid of Ultrasonication or High-Pressure Microfluidization: Characteristics and Oxidative Stability
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Balange Amjad K. , Nagarajarao Ravishankar Chandragiri , Zhao Qiancheng , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: May 2022

Emulsions containing shrimp oil (SO) at varying amounts were prepared in the presence of red kidney bean protein isolate (KBPI) and κ-carrageenan (KC) at a ratio of 1:0.1 (w/w). The emulsions were subjected to ultrasonication and high-pressure microfluidization to assist the encapsulation process. For each sample, ultrasonication was carried out for 15 min in continuous mode at 80% amplitude, whereas high-pressure microfluidization was operated at 7000 psi for 10 min. Ultrasonicated and microfluidized emulsions were finally spray-dried to prepare KBPI-KC-SO microcapsules. Moderate to high encapsulation efficiency (EE) ranging from 43.99 to 89.25% of SO in KPBI-KC-SO microcapsules was obtained and the microcapsules had good flowability. Particle size, PDI and zeta potential of KBPI-KC-SO microcapsules were 2.58–6.41 µm, 0.32–0.40 and −35.95–−58.77 mV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images visually demonstrated that the wall material/SO ratio and the emulsification method (ultrasonication vs microfluidization) had an impact on the size, shape and surface of the KBPI-KC-SO microcapsules. Encapsulation of SO in microcapsules was validated empirically using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Encapsulation of SO in KBPI-KC microcapsules imparted superior protection against oxidative deterioration of SO as witnessed by the higher retention of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and astaxanthin when compared to unencapsulated SO during extended storage at room temperature.
Consumer Expectation of Flavored Water Function, Sensory Quality, and Sugar Reduction, and the Impact of Demographic Variables and Woman Consumer Segment
Authors: An Uijeong , Du Xiaofen , Wang Wanyi
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate consumer expectation of flavored water and potential consumer segments. The results showed flavored water was ranked the fourth most popular drink, after plain water, tea, and coffee, by 901 participants. Consumers highly expected functional flavored water with refreshing (87.4% selection), thirst-quenching (73.7%), and tasty (65.7%) qualities, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and providing energy. Expected flavored water sensory qualities included temperature (62.4%), flavor (52.4%), and sweet taste (47.4%); lemon, berry, and lime flavors were most preferred, while bitterness, irritation, astringency, and sourness were least preferred. Pure sugar and honey were rated highest as the sweeteners for flavored water. Likewise, consumers were mostly concerned with taste followed by calories. Single demographic variables (age, reported health condition, drinking frequency, educational level) significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.05) flavored water function, sensory quality, and sugar reduction expectations. Females had higher expectation of flavored water’s refreshing and antioxidant functions. Cluster analysis revealed two consumer segments. The younger, low-education, self-reportedly less healthy cluster (mainly college students) expected various functions and flavors such as low temperature, cooling taste, diverse flavors, and sweet taste (and disliked bitterness). The older, educated, employed, self-reportedly healthy cluster had lower expectations of flavored water functions, were less sensitive to bitterness, and preferred no sweetness or little sweetness. These findings provide informative data to establish marketing and sales strategies for promoting flavored water.
Effect of Climate on Volatile Metabolism in ‘Red Globe’ Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) during Fruit Development
Authors: Xiang Nan , Xie Hui , Qin Liuwei , Wang Min , Guo Xinbo , Zhang Wen
Published: May 2022

With unique flavor and nutritional value, grapes are popular for eating and for the byproducts obtained in their processing. This study cultivated a popular grape variety, ‘Red Globe’, in two regions with different climates to investigate the discrepancies in their volatiles in response to climate. Saccharides, organic acids and transcriptomic and volatile metabolic analyses were studied separately via GC-FID, RNA sequencing and GC-MS/MS methods during the development of grape berries. In total, 83 volatiles were determined in samples, with (E)-2-hexenal the most abundant. Fatty acid derivatives and terpenoids in grapes showed discrepancies in different climates, and some of them were correlated to specific transcription factors. VvWRKY22 was influenced by climate conditions and was relative to saccharide accumulation. MYB-related transcription factors (TFs) were highly correlated with volatiles that accumulated during fruit ripening, especially decanal. Terpenoids showed correlations with a gene module that contained ERFs and HSFs. The findings support the hypothesis that fruit maturity and volatile formations vary in grape berries under different climates. Moreover, specific TFs could participate in volatile accumulations. The given results not only serve to enrich theoretical knowledge on the regulatory mechanism of volatiles in grapes, but also provide guidance for enhancing grape flavor and aroma by modulating cultivational conditions.
Identification of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Prognostic Regulatory Network in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Yan , Zou Heng
Published: May 2022

Background: Numerous studies have identified that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can serve as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate tumor progression. However, there are still a large number of circRNAs to be deciphered. Objective: The purpose of this study was to reveal novel circRNAs and their potential role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: To unveil LUAD-related circRNAs, microRNA (miRNAs), and messenger RNA (mRNA) and elucidate their possible molecular mechanisms, we employed a strategy combining extensive data mining and bioinformatics methods. According to the results of bioinformatics workflow analysis, a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Results: Ten circRNAs with different expressions were acquired from four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets. Seven Prognostic-related differential miRNAs of LUAD were gained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Simultaneously, the miRNA reaction components corresponding to the ten circRNAs were predicted. Two circRNA–miRNA interactions including two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0008234 and hsa_circ_0002360) and two miRNAs (hsa-miR-490-3p and hsa-miR-1293) were identified above. Then, target genes of the two miRNAs and differently expressed genes (DEGs) from TCGA on LUAD were collected. Three hub-genes (ADCY9, NMUR1, SYT1) were determined according to prognosis in patients with LUAD ulteriorly. Conclusions: hsa_circ_0008234/hsa-miR-490-3p/SYT1 and hsa_circ_0002360/hsa-miR-1293/ (ADCY9, NMUR1) networks were established, and identified molecules may be involved in pathogenesis and prognosis in patients with LUAD.
Ocular Manifestations in a Chinese Pedigree of Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy Carrying the Transthyretin Mutation c.401A>G (p.Tyr134Cys)
Authors: Zhuang Xiaonan , Sun Zhongcui , Gao Fengjuan , Wang Min , Tang Wenyi , Liu Wei , Wang Keyan , Wu Jihong , Jiang Rui , Xu Gezhi
Published: May 2022

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) caused by a genetic mutation in transthyretin (TTR) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease. The retrospective, observational case series study presents the ocular clinicopathological findings of five cases carrying the TTR mutation c.401A>G (p.Tyr134Cys). Multimodal retinal imaging and electrophysiological examination, Congo red staining and immunohistochemical analysis of specimens, and genetic analyses were performed. Cases 1 and 2 were symptomatic with vitreous and retinal amyloid deposition and poor visual recovery. Case 3 had a symptomatic vitreous haze in the left eye with good postoperative visual recovery. The right eye of case 3 and the eyes of cases 4 and 5 were asymptomatic. Thicker retinal nerve fiber layer, retinal venous tortuosity with prolonged arteriovenous passage time on fluorescein angiography and retinal dysfunction detected by multifocal electroretinogram occurred even in asymptomatic eyes. Moreover, the internal limiting membrane from patients with FAP was stained positive for Congo red and transforming growth factor-β1. The results highlight the amyloid deposition of mutant TTR in the optic disc and retina, even in the asymptomatic stage. The deposited amyloid leads to increased resistance to venous return and retinal functional abnormalities. Therefore, careful follow-up of structural and functional changes in the retina is needed, even in asymptomatic patients with FAP.
Preliminary Interpretations of Epigenetic Profiling of Cord Blood in Preeclampsia
Authors: Ma Junrui , Zhan Zhongqun , Li Ning , Huang Yanli , Li Yan , Liu Lu , Shen Qi , Chu Qiao , Wang Xiaonan , Wu Benqing , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy and results in high maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. It has been reported that PE is associated with abnormalities in the umbilical cord and cord blood. However, previous studies were focused primarily on the transcriptomics level, while the underlying gene regulatory landscapes are still unclear. Thus, we performed the Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) using the umbilical cord blood samples collected from a patient with superimposed PE and three healthy donors to uncover the chromatin accessibility changes attributed to PE. We have identified genes associated with immunomodulation and hypoxia response that have higher chromatin accessibility close to their transcription start sites. Motif analysis indicated that the GATA family transcription factor binding was enriched in PE and may play an essential regulatory role in the disease progression. Overall, our findings provide an overview of gene regulatory programs and the corresponding downstream pathways associated with PE that may influence the placenta function and fetal growth.
Effect of Culture pH on Properties of Exopolymeric Substances from Synechococcus PCC7942: Implications for Carbonate Precipitation
Authors: Martinho de Brito Marlisa , Bundeleva Irina , Marin Frédéric , Vennin Emmanuelle , Wilmotte Annick , Plasseraud Laurent , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: May 2022

The role of culture conditions on the production of exopolymeric substances (EPS) by Synechococcus strain PCC7942 was investigated. Carbonate mineral precipitation in these EPS was assessed in forced precipitation experiments. Cultures were grown in HEPES-buffered medium and non-buffered medium. The pH of buffered medium remained constant at 7.5, but in non-buffered medium it increased to 9.5 within a day and leveled off at 10.5. The cell yield at harvest was twice as high in non-buffered medium than in buffered medium. High molecular weight (>10 kDa) and low molecular weight (3–10 kDa) fractions of EPS were obtained from both cultures. The cell-specific EPS production in buffered medium was twice as high as in non-buffered medium. EPS from non-buffered cultures contained more negatively charged macromolecules and more proteins than EPS from buffered cultures. The higher protein content at elevated pH may be due to the induction of carbon-concentrating mechanisms, necessary to perform photosynthetic carbon fixation in these conditions. Forced precipitation showed smaller calcite carbonate crystals in EPS from non-buffered medium and larger minerals in polymers from buffered medium. Vaterite formed only at low EPS concentrations. Experimental results are used to conceptually model the impact of pH on the potential of cyanobacterial blooms to produce minerals. We hypothesize that in freshwater systems, small crystal production may benefit the picoplankton by minimizing the mineral ballast, and thus prolonging the residence time in the photic zone, which might result in slow sinking rates.
Authoritarian Politics and Conspiracy Fictions: The Case of QAnon
Authors: Young Helen , Boucher Geoff
Published: May 2022

The hypothesis of this article is that, for its adherents, QAnon is truthful, rather than true; that is, it captures their perception of the way things typically happen, rather than picturing what really has happened—and it does this in a way that seems more vivid and complete than actual experience. Why that is the case can be explained in terms of the peculiar nature of fictional representations, combined with the capacity of imaginary worlds, to symbolize real-world concerns in ways that resonate with prejudices and preconceptions but escape direct censure. After reviewing the literature on the conspiracy movement, we argue for QAnon as a conspiracy story, rather than a conspiracy theory, and interpret that story as “structured like a fantasy”, giving imaginative expression to a set of social feelings and normative grievances that would otherwise not dare speak their own names. We conclude that QAnon is an authoritarian fiction centered on anti-Semitic conspiracy beliefs that disturbingly reprise key themes of fascism, but that it presents this within the symbolic disguise of a fantasy scenario that is calculated to attract alienated white, middle-class and working-class, individuals. This argument helps explicate adherents’ resistance to the falsification of Q claims and predictions.
Physical Restraint Events in Psychiatric Hospitals in Hong Kong: A Cohort Register Study
Authors: Välimäki Maritta , Lam Yuen Ting Joyce , Hipp Kirsi , Cheng Po Yee Ivy , Ng Tony , Ip Glendy , Lee Paul , Cheung Teris , Bressington Daniel , Lantta Tella
Published: May 2022

The need to better monitor coercion practices in psychiatric hospitals has been recognised. We aim to describe how physical restraint events occur in psychiatric hospitals and identify factors associated with physical-restraint use. A cohort register study was used. We analyzed physical restraint documents among 14 wards in two psychiatric hospitals in Hong Kong (1 July and 31 December 2018). In total, 1798 incidents occurred (the rate of physical restraint event 0.43). Typically, physically restrained patients were in early middle-age, of both genders, diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and admitted voluntarily. Alternate methods for physical restraint were reported, such as an explanation of the situation to the patients, time-out or sedation. A longer period of being physically restrained was associated with being male, aged ≥40 years, having involuntary status, and neurodevelopmental-disorder diagnosis. Our findings support a call for greater action to promote the best practices in managing patient aggression and decreasing the use of physical restraint in psychiatric wards. The reasons for the use of physical restraint, especially for those patients who are admitted to a psychiatric hospital on a voluntary basis and are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, needs to be better understood and analysed.
Fast, Direct Dihydrouracil Quantitation in Human Saliva: Method Development, Validation, and Application
Authors: Campanella Beatrice , Lomonaco Tommaso , Benedetti Edoardo , Onor Massimo , Nieri Riccardo , Marmorino Federica , Cremolini Chiara , Bramanti Emilia
Published: May 2022

Background. Salivary metabolomics is garnering increasing attention in the health field because of easy, minimally invasive saliva sampling. Dihydrouracil (DHU) is a metabolite of pyrimidine metabolism present in urine, plasma, and saliva and of fluoropyrimidines-based chemotherapeutics. Its fast quantification would help in the identification of patients with higher risk of fluoropyrimidine-induced toxicity and inborn errors of pyrimidine metabolism. Few studies consider DHU as the main salivary metabolite, but reports of its concentration levels in saliva are scarce. We propose the direct determination of DHU in saliva by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-UV detector) as a simple, rapid procedure for non-invasive screening. Methods. The method used was validated and applied to 176 saliva samples collected from 21 nominally healthy volunteers and 4 saliva samples from metastatic colorectal cancer patients before and after receiving 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Results. DHU levels in all samples analyzed were in the μmol L−1 range or below proving that DHU is not the main metabolite in saliva and confirming the results found in the literature with LC-MS/MS instrumentation. Any increase of DHU due to metabolism dysfunctions can be suggestive of disease and easily monitored in saliva using common, low-cost instrumentation available also for population screening.