bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of AF Cooperative Relaying Networks with SWIPT
Authors: Wang Zih-Sin , Lin Liang-Hung , Wen Jyh-Horng , Lin Yen-Ju , Weng Chien-Erh
Published: February 2022

Cooperative communication networks have received more attention due to its ability to improve the signal quality of terminal devices by spatial diversity. Under recent advance in internet of things, In order to extend the service life of terminal devices powered by battery, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) technique has been emphasize. The terminal devices can harvest energy and decode information from the same radio frequency (RF) signal using by SWIPT technique. In this paper, we combine both techniques to study the performance of both conventional cooperative relaying networks without SWIPT and cooperative relaying networks with SWIPT under an amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying network. To the best of our knowledge, no one simultaneously studies and compares the performance of both systems. Therefore, the outage probabilities of both systems are carried out, and numerical results are compared in this paper. The main results include: (1) Compared with conventional cooperative communication, the cooperative communication with SWIPT has better outage probability only when the distance between relay node and source node is less than one. It implies that, to outperform the conventional cooperative communication, the relay node should harvest enough energy for signal transmission. (2) With the diversity of direct path and relay path, the outage probability of cooperative communication with EH under an AF relaying network has been significantly reduced.
Explainable Computational Intelligence Model for Antepartum Fetal Monitoring to Predict the Risk of IUGR
Authors: Aslam Nida , Khan Irfan Ullah , Aljishi Reem Fadel , Alnamer Zahra Maher , Alzawad Zahra Majed , Almomen Fatima Abdulmohsen , Alramadan Fatima Abbas
Published: February 2022

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a restriction of the fetus that involves the abnormal growth rate of the fetus, and it has a huge impact on the new-born’s health. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can help in early prediction and discrimination of the abnormality of the fetus’ health to assist in reducing the risk during the antepartum period. Therefore, in this study, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Gradient Boosting (GB) was utilized to discriminate whether a fetus was healthy or suffering from IUGR based on the fetal heart rate (FHR). The Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) method was used to select the significant feature for the classification of fetus. Furthermore, the study Explainable Artificial Intelligence (EAI) was implemented using LIME and SHAP to generate the explanation and to add comprehensibility in the proposed models. The experimental results indicate that RF achieved the highest accuracy (0.97) and F1-score (0.98) with the reduced set of features. However, the SVM outperformed it in terms of Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and specificity (SP). The performance of the model was further validated using another dataset and found that it outperformed the baseline studies for both the datasets. The proposed model can aid doctors in monitoring fetal health and enhancing the prediction process.
Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy: A New View to a Global Problem
Authors: Mikhaylov Alexey
Published: February 2022

Sustainable development and renewable energy has become the main global trend after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2022 [...]
Cement Mortars with Addition of Fly Ash from Thermal Transformation of Sewage Sludge and Zeolite
Authors: Ogrodnik Paweł , Rutkowska Gabriela , Szulej Jacek , Żółtowski Mariusz , Powęzka Aleksandra , Badyda Artur
Published: February 2022

The aim of research was an influence evaluation of fly ash and zeolite on selected parameters of cement mortar. The scope of the research includes studies of composition and properties of fly ash itself from the thermal transformation of sewage sludge and natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). The research also included the determination of selected mechanical properties of designed mortars, both under normal conditions and after initial thermal loads. A mortar was designed based on CEM I 42.5 R Portland cement with different content of the applied additive in the amount of 5, 10 and 15% of the cement weight. In the course of experimental work, the bending strength of mortars heated at 20, 300, 500, 700 °C were tested. The resulting beam halves (40 × 40 × 160 mm) were used to test the compressive strength. The collected results made it possible to compare the properties of the mortars. The experiment confirmed the possibility of producing cement mortars modified with fly ash from thermal transformation of sewage sludge and zeolite from tuff deposits. The average compressive strength for the mortar containing 5% fly ash and zeolite was set at 28.7 and 27.1 MPa, respectively.
Civil and Procedural Instruments of the Consumer Protection on the Retail Electricity Market—Original Polish Model
Authors: Tarczyński Waldemar , Flaga-Gieruszyńska Kinga
Published: February 2022

In the article, the authors present the specificity of the Polish retail electricity market, shaped to a considerable extent by the provisions of European Union law. The main feature of this market is granting special legal protection to individual final customers (referred to by the legislator as “household customers”) who have obtained the status of consumers in the Polish legal system. The essence of the study is not only to analyze the subjective and quantitative aspects of this market, but, above all, to analyze the civil law measures protecting these electricity consumers. These aspects constitute a unique legal structure, which is a continuation of the administrative proceedings before the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (regulatory entity). The Court of Competition and Consumer Protection (hereinafter referred to as the Court of Protection) is a specialized civil court that hears appeals against decisions of the regulatory entity, the subjects of which are actions or omissions of professional participants of the retail electricity market, which infringe the collective interests of consumers (“household customers”) as individual final customer on this market.
3D Field-Scale Geomechanical Modeling of Potential CO2 Storage Site Smeaheia, Offshore Norway
Authors: Rahman Md Jamilur , Fawad Manzar , Mondol Nazmul Haque
Published: February 2022

Injection-induced rock mechanical failure risks are critical in CO2 sequestration, and thus there is a need to evaluate these occurrences to ensure safe and reliable subsurface storage. A stress–strain-based numerical simulation can reveal the potential mechanical risks of any CO2 sites. This study investigated the hydromechanical effect on geomechanical failure due to injection-induced stress and pore pressure changes in the prospective CO2 storage site Smeaheia, offshore Norway. An inverted-seismic-property-driven 3D field-scale geomechanical model was carried out in the Smeaheia area to evaluate the rock failure and deformation risks in various pressure-build-up scenarios. A one-way coupling between the before- and after-injection pressure scenarios of nine different models has been iterated using the finite element method. The effect of the sensitivity of total pore volume and pore compressibility on rock mechanical deformation is also evaluated. Although various models illustrated comparative variability on failure potential, no model predicted caprock failure or fracture based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope. Moreover, the lateral mechanical failure variation among different locations indicated the possibility to identify a safer injection point with less chances of leakage. In addition, the pore volume and pore compressibility significantly influence the mechanical behavior of the reservoir and caprock rocks. Although this analysis could predict better injection locations based on geomechanical behavior, a fluid simulation model needs to be simulated for assessing lateral and vertical plume migration before making an injection decision.
Generalized Sliding Mode Observers for Simultaneous Fault Reconstruction in the Presence of Uncertainty and Disturbance
Authors: Taherkhani Ashkan , Bayat Farhad , Hooshmandi Kaveh , Bartoszewicz Andrzej
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a generalized sliding mode observer design method is proposed for the robust reconstruction of sensors and actuators faults in the presence of both unknown disturbances and uncertainties. For this purpose, the effect of uncertainty and disturbance on the system has been considered in generalized state-space form, and the LMI tool is combined with the concept of an equivalent output error injection method to reduce the effects of them on the reconstruction process. The upper bound of the disturbance and uncertainty are minimized in the design of the sliding motion so that the reconstruction of the faults will be minimized. The design method is applied for actuator faults in the generalized state-space form, and then with some suitable filtering, the method extends as sensors and actuators coincidentally faults. Since in the proposed approach, the state trajectories do not leave the sliding manifold even in simultaneous sensors and actuators faults, then the faults are reconstructed based upon information retrieved from the equivalent output error injection signal. Due to the importance of the robust fault reconstruction in the wind energy conversion system (WECS), the proposed approach is successfully applied to a 5 MW wind turbine system. The simulation results verify the robust performances of the proposed approach in the presence of unknown perturbations and uncertainties.
A 2D Modelling Approach for Predicting the Response of a Two-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell to Substrate Concentration and Electrolyte Conductivity Changes
Authors: Kamperidis Theofilos , Tremouli Asimina , Peppas Antonis , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: February 2022

Bioelectrochemical systems have been the focus of extensive research due to their unique advantages of converting the chemical energy stored in waste to electricity. To acquire a better understanding and optimize these systems, modelling has been employed. A 2D microbial fuel cell (MFC) model was developed using the finite element software Comsol Multiphysics® (version 5.2), simulating a two-chamber MFC operating in batch mode. By solving mass and charge balance equations along with Monod–Butler–Volmer kinetics, the operation of the MFC was simulated. The model accurately describes voltage output and substrate consumption in the MFC. The computational results were compared with experimental data, thus validating the model. The voltage output and substrate consumption originating from the model were in agreement with the experimental data for two different cases (100 Ω, 1000 Ω external resistances). A polarization curve was extracted from the model by shifting the external resistance gradually, calculating a similar maximum power (47 mW/m2) to the observed experimental one (49 mW/m2). The validated model was used to predict the MFC response to varying initial substrate concentrations (0.125–4 g COD/L) and electrolyte conductivity (0.04–100 S/m) in order to determine the optimum operating conditions.
Estimation of Hydropower Potential Using Bayesian and Stochastic Approaches for Streamflow Simulation and Accounting for the Intermediate Storage Retention
Authors: Spanoudaki Katerina , Dimitriadis Panayiotis , Varouchakis Emmanouil A. , Perez Gerald A. Corzo
Published: February 2022

Hydropower is the most widely used renewable power source worldwide. The current work presents a methodological tool to determine the hydropower potential of a reservoir based on available hydrological information. A Bayesian analysis of the river flow process and of the reservoir water volume is applied, and the estimated probability density function parameters are integrated for a stochastic analysis and long-term simulation of the river flow process, which is then used as input for the water balance in the reservoir, and thus, for the estimation of the hydropower energy potential. The stochastic approach is employed in terms of the Monte Carlo ensemble technique in order to additionally account for the effect of the intermediate storage retention due to the thresholds of the reservoir. A synthetic river flow timeseries is simulated by preserving the marginal probability distribution function properties of the observed timeseries and also by explicitly preserving the second-order dependence structure of the river flow in the scale domain. The synthetic ensemble is used for the simulation of the reservoir water balance, and the estimation of the hydropower potential is used for covering residential energy needs. For the second-order dependence structure of the river flow, the climacogram metric is used. The proposed methodology has been implemented to assess different reservoir volume scenarios offering the associated hydropower potential for a case study at the island of Crete in Greece. The tool also provides information on the probability of occurrence of the specific volumes based on available hydrological data. Therefore, it constitutes a useful and integrated framework for evaluating the hydropower potential of any given reservoir. The effects of the intermediate storage retention of the reservoir, the marginal and dependence structures of the parent distribution of inflow and the final energy output are also discussed.
Energy Innovation of Polish Local Governments
Authors: Stec Sławomir , Szymańska Elżbieta Jadwiga
Published: February 2022

The main aim of the research is to evaluate the innovativeness of Polish municipalities in the field of energy. The study was carried out as a part of the First National Competition for the Most Innovative Local Government in Poland, taking into account the original method of assessing the innovativeness of local governments. From all over Poland, 30 communes participated in the research: 14 urban communes, 8 rural communes, and 8 urban–rural communes. The study analyzes the activities of municipalities in the field of energy-related construction and transport innovations and inventories innovative social campaigns in the area of climate and energy policy implementation. The second part of the article presents a case study of innovations recognized as exemplary. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that 50% of the surveyed local governments are innovative and the remaining are moderately innovative. No commune has been assigned to the non-innovative category. In terms of the type and size of the local government, it has been observed that smaller municipalities, mainly rural local governments, allocate much higher financial resources per capita to the implementation of modern solutions in the field of climate and energy policy implementation. In some cases, commune heads spend several times higher funds per capita than mayors and city presidents. The use of the developed innovation research method in practice may motivate local government authorities to increase innovative activities for energy transformation.
Review of Hydrogen Production Techniques from Water Using Renewable Energy Sources and Its Storage in Salt Caverns
Authors: Takach Mahdi , Sarajlić Mirza , Peters Dorothee , Kroener Michael , Schuldt Frank , von Maydell Karsten
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly important energy carrier in sector integration for fuel cell transportation, heat and electricity. Underground salt caverns are one of the most promising ways to store the hydrogen obtained from water electrolysis using power generation from renewable energy sources (RES). At the same time, the production of hydrogen can be used to avoid energy curtailments during times of low electricity demand or low prices. The stored hydrogen can also be used during times of high energy demand for power generation, e.g., with fuel cells, to cover the fluctuations and shortages caused by low RES generation. This article presents an overview of the techniques that were used and proposed for using excess energy from RES for hydrogen production from water and its storage techniques, especially in underground salt caverns, for the aforementioned purpose, and its feasibility. This paper compares and summarizes the competing technologies based on the current state-of-the-art, identifies some of the difficulties in hydrogen production and storage, and discusses which technology is the most promising. The related analysis compares cost and techno-economic feasibility with regard to hydrogen production and storage systems. The paper also identifies the potential, technical challenges and the limitations associated with hydrogen integration into the power grid.
Improvement in the Electrochemical Properties of Lithium Metal by Heat Treatment: Changes in the Chemical Composition of Native and Solid Electrolyte Interphase Films
Authors: Nogales Paul Maldonado , Song Hee-Youb , Jo Mun-Hui , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: February 2022

This study aims to improve the electrochemical properties of lithium metal for application as a negative electrode in high-energy-density batteries. Lithium metal was heat-treated at varying temperatures to modify the native and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films, which decreased the interfacial resistance between the lithium electrode and electrolyte, thereby improving the cycling performance. Moreover, the influence of the native and SEI films on lithium metals depended on the heat-treatment temperature. Accordingly, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to investigate the chemical composition of the native and SEI films on the heat-treated lithium metals before and after immersion in an organic electrolyte solution. The XPS results revealed the high dependence of the chemical composition of the outer layer of the native and SEI films on the heat-treatment temperature, implying that the native and SEI films can be effectively modified by heat treatment.
Building Stock Energy Model: Towards a Stochastic Approach
Authors: Oliveira Panão Marta J. N. , Penas André
Published: February 2022

This work uses the outcome of a computational tool that performs Energy Performance Certification (EPC) data processing and transforms raw data into comparable data. Multi-correlation among variables results in probability distributions for the most relevant form and fabric building parameters. The model consistently predicts the distributions for heating and cooling energy needs for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, with an error below 7% for the first, second and third quartiles. Differences in the energy needs estimation are below 6% when comparing the seasonal steady-state with the resistance-capacitance (RC) model, which proved to be a robust alternative algorithm capable of modeling hourly user profiles. The RC model calculates electricity consumption for actual, adequate, and minimum thermal comfort scenarios corresponding to different user profiles. The actual scenario, built from statistics and a previous survey, defines a reference to evaluate other scenarios for the mean electricity consumption for space heating and cooling in the building units with those systems. The results show that the actual mean electricity consumption for heating (610 kWh/y) is slightly above the minimum (512 kWh/y), with 37% of building units potentially under heated. The electricity consumption (108 kWh/y) for cooling is below the minimum (129 kWh/y).
Online Cell Screening Algorithm for Maximum Peak Current Estimation of a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Noh Tae-Won , Ahn Junghoon , Lee Byoung Kuk
Published: February 2022

In this study, an online cell screening algorithm is proposed to estimate the maximum peak current considering the cell inconsistencies in battery packs for electric vehicles. Based on the equivalent circuit model, the maximum peak current is mathematically defined, and the inconsistency parameters affecting the maximum peak current are analyzed. The proposed algorithm compares the inconsistency parameters of each cell and subsequently selects a cell or a group of cells whose voltage can exceed the allowable voltage range. The maximum peak current is determined based on the selected cells, while ensuring that all the cells are charged and discharged within the allowable voltage range. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed algorithm are verified through an experiment conducted on a commercially manufactured battery pack for electric vehicles.
Impact on the Power Grid Caused via Ultra-Fast Charging Technologies of the Electric Buses Fleet
Authors: Al-Saadi Mohammed , Bhattacharyya Sharmistha , Tichelen Pierre Van , Mathes Manuel , Käsgen Johannes , Van Mierlo Joeri , Berecibar Maitane
Published: February 2022

Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) are considerably integrated into cities worldwide. These buses have a strict schedule; thus, they could be charged in a very short time with a power level up to 600 kW. The high-power systems and short charging times imply special grid operation conditions that should be taken into account. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the influence of their charging infrastructure on the distribution system operation, especially near the charging point. This work presents two Use Cases (UCs) from two demos (Germany and the Netherlands) to investigate the impact of the slow and fast-chargers’ integrations on the power grid and environment. Fast-chargers up to 350 kW based on pantograph technology and slow-chargers up to 50 kW based on Combined Charging System Type 2 (CCS2) are used on the BEB line route and in the depot, respectively. The charging of BEBs with these solutions is studied here to investigate their impact on the grid in terms of power quality. It was found that the voltage variations due to fast-chargers terminal remain much below the EN50160 standard limit values i.e., ±10%. The obtained maximum Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion (THDv) value is 2.7%, with an average value of 1.3%, which is below the limit value of 8%, as per the standard EN 50160. Similarly, the individual harmonic currents were measured. The maximum value of total harmonic current distortion (THDI) is around 25%, with an average value of 3% only. As the average value of THDI is quite low, the harmonic current pollution is not a big concern for the installation at this time.
Numerical Evaluation of the Effect of Fuel Blending with CO2 and H2 on the Very Early Corona-Discharge Behavior in Spark Ignited Engines
Authors: Mariani Valerio , La Civita Giorgio , Pulga Leonardo , Ugolini Edoardo , Ghedini Emanuele , Falfari Stefania , Cazzoli Giulio , Bianchi Gian Marco , Forte Claudio
Published: February 2022

Reducing green-house gases emission from light-duty vehicles is compulsory in order to slow down the climate change. The application of High Frequency Ignition systems based on the Corona discharge effect has shown the potential to extend the dilution limit of engine operating conditions promoting lower temperatures and faster combustion events, thus, higher thermal and indicating efficiency. Furthermore, predicting the behavior of Corona ignition devices against new sustainable fuel blends, including renewable hydrogen and biogas, is crucial in order to deal with the short-intermediate term fleet electric transition. The numerical evaluation of Corona-induced discharge radius and radical species under those conditions can be helpful in order to capture local effects that could be reached only with complex and expensive optical investigations. Using an extended version of the Corona one-dimensional code previously published by the present authors, the simulation of pure methane and different methane–hydrogen blends, and biogas–hydrogen blends mixed with air was performed. Each mixture was simulated both for 10% recirculated exhaust gas dilution and for its corresponding dilute upper limit, which was estimated by means of chemical kinetics simulations integrated with a custom misfire detection criterion.
Ductility and Stiffness of Laminated Veneer Lumber Beams Strengthened with Fibrous Composites
Authors: Bakalarz Michał Marcin , Kossakowski Paweł Grzegorz
Published: February 2022

The paper presents the results of experimental research on unstrengthened and strengthened laminated veneer beams subjected to 4-point bending. Aramid, glass and carbon sheets with high tensile strength (HS) and ultra-high modulus of elasticity (UHM) glued to external surfaces with an epoxy resin adhesive were used as reinforcement. Two reinforcement layouts were used: (1) sheets glued along the bottom surface and (2) sheets glued to the bottom and side surfaces. Based on the test results, the flexural strength, flexural ductility and stiffness were estimated. Compared to the reference beams, the maximum bending moment was higher by 15%, 20%, 30% and by 16%, 22% and 35% for the Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymers (AFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) HS sheets, respectively. There was no significant increase in the flexural bending capacity for beams reinforced with UHM CFRP sheets. Similar values of bending ductility indices based on deflection and energy absorption were obtained. Higher increases in ductility were observed for AFRP, GFRP and CFRP HS sheets in “U” reinforcement layout. The average increase in bending stiffness coefficient ranged from 8% for AFRP sheets to 33% for UHM CFRP sheets compared to the reference beams.
Mineral and Microbiological Analysis of Spices and Aromatic Herbs
Authors: Cicero Nicola , Gervasi Teresa , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Macrì Antonio , Nava Vincenzo , Giarratana Filippo , Tardugno Roberta , Vadalà Rossella , Santini Antonello
Published: February 2022

Spices and aromatic herbs have always had great historical importance in human nutrition. Their use has been documented for centuries as a rich source of bioactive compounds; they have been used for their health benefits and also for flavoring or coloring food. However, despite the many health properties linked to the use of spices and aromatic herbs, these can represent biological hazards and can contain chemical substances of concern. Certainly, monitoring potential health hazards in spices and aromatic herbs includes microbiological safety and also the content of inorganic substances: both represent a key step. This research aims at monitoring the compliance of various spices and aromatic herbs from a non-European country market (namely: black cumin seeds, Iranian Tokhme Sharbati, clove buds, Shahjeera, Abbaszadeh saffron, organic fenugreek, whole black pepper, cinnamon, Abthul Ahmar (Asario), Ajwan seeds, whole coriander seeds, black sesame seeds, Sabja seeds) with the current European Union (EU) and WHO regulations, when available, regarding mineral and microbiological parameters. In particular, microbiological assays using rapid and conventional methods, and trace mineral determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were performed. Results show the safety of the tested spices, given that the microbiological parameters were within the legal microbiological criteria set by the European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 and its amendment Regulation (EC) No. 1441/2007. With reference to potentially toxic Cd, Pb, As, Hg, these were within the limits set by the European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 and its amendments, Regulation (EU) No. 1317/2021 and Regulation (EU) No. 1323/2021, and WHO. According to EU regulations, for Pb content, 2 samples out of 16 showed values different from the set limits.
Zero-Waste Approach Applied to Pomegranates for Prolonging Fish Burger Shelf Life
Authors: Panza Olimpia , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro
Published: February 2022

In this study, the possibility of using whole pomegranate (juice, peel and seeds) according to the zero-waste approach, to prolong fresh fish shelf life, was evaluated. A preliminary antimicrobial in vitro test was carried out with peel and seeds as ground and re-ground powders. Then, the entire fruit, in the right proportions of juice and relative by-products as ground or re-ground powders, was added to fresh fish burger formulation to extend its shelf life. To this aim, a shelf-life test was performed on fortified fish products stored at 4 °C. Control samples were also tested for comparison. Specifically, the pH and microbiological and sensory quality of all the fish burgers were monitored during refrigerated storage for about 1 month. The results from the in vitro test clearly indicate that the peel is abundantly more effective than seeds on selected spoilage bacteria and that the ground peel powder is slightly more antimicrobial than the same re-ground powder. Results from the shelf-life test assessed that the control sample became unacceptable within a few days (about 3 days), while the samples with pomegranate juice and by-products maintained microbial stability for a longer time (2 or 3 weeks) (p < 0.05). The main microbiological problems are the proliferations of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Shewanella. The addition of pomegranate to the formulation allowed the fish spoilage to be controlled by at least 2 or 3 log cycles. In agreement with findings from the in vitro test, the best results from the microbiological point of view were found in fish burgers with juice, peel and seed ground powders. Furthermore, the addition of pomegranate was also appreciated from the sensorial point of view. In fact, products with pomegranate were prized for about 3 weeks for color, odor, appearance and texture of both raw and cooked products. Therefore, the current study reveals that the incorporation of the entire pomegranate, added in all parts according to the zero-waste concept, could promote a significant shelf-life extension of fish burgers, mainly due to the bioactive compounds present in fruit by-products, without changing the sensory quality.
Olive Cake Powder as Functional Ingredient to Improve the Quality of Gluten-Free Breadsticks
Authors: de Gennaro Giuditta , Difonzo Graziana , Summo Carmine , Pasqualone Antonella , Caponio Francesco
Published: February 2022

The growing demand for high-quality gluten-free baked snacks has led researchers to test innovative ingredients. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of olive cake powder (OCP) to be used as a functional ingredient in gluten-free (GF) breadsticks. OCP was used by replacing 1, 2, and 3% of maize flour into GF breadstick production (BS1, BS2, BS3, respectively), and their influence on nutritional, bioactive, textural, and sensorial properties was assessed and compared with a control sample (BSC). BS1, BS2, and BS3 showed a higher lipid, moisture, and ash content. BS2 and BS3 had a total dietary fibre higher than 3 g 100 g−1, achieving the nutritional requirement for it to be labelled as a “source of fibre”. The increasing replacement of olive cake in the formulation resulted in progressively higher total phenol content and antioxidant activity for fortified GF breadsticks. The L* and b* values decreased in all enriched GF breadsticks when compared with the control, while hardness was the lowest in BS3. The volatile profile highlighted a significant reduction in aldehydes, markers of lipid oxidation, and Maillard products (Strecker aldehydes, pyrazines, furans, ketones) in BS1, BS2, and BS3 when compared with BSC. The sensory profile showed a strong influence of OCP addition on GF breadsticks for almost all the parameters considered, with a higher overall pleasantness score for BS2 and BS3.
3D Printing of Meat Following Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Authors: Aditya Abhilash , Kim Namsoo Peter
Published: February 2022

With the spread of COVID-19, understanding the spread of food poisoning, managing food materials related to chronic diseases, food ingredients’ reliability, and non-face-to-face or untact delivery methods are rapidly emerging. A new field of meat research has been introduced for hygienic and healthy recipes to maintain freshness and control personalized ingredients using supercritical processes and 3D printing technology. Supercritical fluid extraction processes (SCF) and untact 3D printing technology will replace traditional meat freshness assessment based on color change according to the degree of oxidation of myoglobin in meat. SCF processes safely and quickly remove residual blood from meat and control fat and cholesterol that may be harmful to the human body. SCF-processed, high-viscosity meats are printed remotely through repeated IoT system variable experiments in WEB-CLOUD between UTEP in Texas, USA, and Korea University in Seoul, Korea. The SCF process in this study confirmed a weight reduction of 8.5% to 22.5%, depending on the temperature, pressure, and SCF process time. Under conditions of a tip size of 1.0 × 10−3 m, a shear rate of 200/s, and a maximum pressing force of 170 N, a 1000 cm3 SCF-processed meat was successfully 3D printed at the other site by transmitting G-code through web.
Pore Structural and Fractal Analysis of the Effects of MgO Reactivity and Dosage on Permeability and F–T Resistance of Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei , Song Xuefeng , Yang Huamei , Wang Lei , Tang Shengwen , Wu Bo , Mao Wenting
Published: February 2022

Currently, the MgO expansion agent is widely used to reduce the cracking risk of concrete. The influence of MgO reactivity (50 s and 300 s) and dosage (0, 4 wt.% and 8 wt.%, by weight of binder) on the air void, pore structure, permeability and freezing–thawing (F–T) resistance of concrete were studied. The results indicate (1) the addition of 4–8 wt.% reactive MgO (with reactivity of 50 s and termed as M50 thereafter) and weak reactive MgO (with reactivity of 300 s and termed M300 thereafter) lowers the concrete’s compressive strength by 4.4–17.2%, 3.9–16.4% and 1.9–14.6% at 3, 28 and 180 days, respectively. The increase in MgO dosage and reactivity tends to further reduce the concrete strength at all hydration ages. (2) Permeability of the concrete is closely related to the pore structure. M50 can densify the pore structure and lower the fraction of large capillary pores at an early age, thus it is beneficial for the impermeability of concrete. In contrast, M300 can enhance the 180-day impermeability of concrete since it can densify the pore structure only at a late age. (3) The influence of MgO on F–T resistance is minor since MgO could not change the air void parameters. (5) MgO concretes exhibit obvious fractal characteristics. The fractal dimension of the pore surface (Ds) exhibits a close relationship with the permeability property of concrete. However, no correlation can be found between F–T resistance and Ds.
Hydrogels in Burn Wound Management—A Review
Authors: Surowiecka Agnieszka , Strużyna Jerzy , Winiarska Aleksandra , Korzeniowski Tomasz
Published: February 2022

Inert hydrogels are of a great importance in burn first aid. Hydrogel dressings may be an alternative to cooling burn wounds with streaming water, especially in cases of mass casualty events, lack of clean water, hypothermia, or large extent of burns. Hydrogels that contain mostly water evacuate the heat cumulating in the skin by evaporation. They not only cool the burn wound, but also reduce pain and protect the wound area from contamination and further injuries. Hydrogels are ideally used during the first hours after injury, but as they do not have antimicrobial properties per se, they might not prevent wound infection. The hydrogel matrix enables incorporating active substances into the dressing. The active forms may contain ammonium salts, nanocrystal silver, zinc, growth factor, cytokines, or cells, as well as natural agents, such as honey or herbs. Active dressings may have antimicrobial activity or stimulate wound healing. Numerous experiments on animal models proved their safety and efficiency. Hydrogels are a new dressing type that are still in development.
Study on Thermal Stability of Gel Foam Co-Stabilized by Hydrophilic Silica Nanoparticles and Surfactants
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Peng Yunchuan , Zhang Shanwen , Guo Ying , Ma Li , Wang Qiuhong , Zhang Hanling
Published: February 2022

The combination of nanoparticles (NP) and surfactant has been intensively studied to improve the thermal stability and optimize the performance of foams. This study focuses on the influence of silica NPs with different concentration on the thermal stability of gel foams based on a mixture of fluorocarbon (FS-50) and hydrocarbon (APG0810) surfactants. The surface activity, conductivity, viscosity, and foaming ability of the APG0810/FS-50/NPs dispersions are characterized. The effects of NP concentration on coarsening, drainage, and decay, as well as of the gel foams under thermal action, are systematically studied. Results show that NP concentration has a significant effect on the molecular interactions of the APG0810/FS-50/NP dispersions. The surface tension and conductivity of the dispersions decrease but the viscosity increases with the increase in NP concentration. The foaming ability of APG0810/FS-50 solution is reduced by the addition of NPs and decreases with the increase in NP concentration. The coarsening, drainage, and decay of the gel foams under thermal action slow down significantly with increasing NP concentration. The thermal stability of the gel foams increases with the addition of NPs and further increases with the increase in NP concentration. This study provides a theoretical guidance for the application for gel foams containing NPs and surfactants in fire-extinguishing agents.
Genes, Heritability, ‘Race’, and Intelligence: Misapprehensions and Implications
Authors: Greenspan Neil S.
Published: February 2022

The role of genetics in determining measured differences in mean IQ between putative racial groups has been a focus of intense discussion and disagreement for more than 50 years. While the last several decades of research have definitively demonstrated that genetic variation can influence measures of cognitive function, the inferences drawn by some participants in the controversy regarding the implications of these findings for racial differences in cognitive ability are highly dubious. Of equal importance, there is no compelling scientific rationale for focusing on and devoting substantial effort to determining mean differences in intelligence or other cognitive functions between groups with incompletely defined and dynamic (and therefore not definitively definable) boundaries.
Mechanisms of DNA Mobilization and Sequestration
Authors: Bloom Kerry , Kolbin Daniel
Published: February 2022

The entire genome becomes mobilized following DNA damage. Understanding the mechanisms that act at the genome level requires that we embrace experimental and computational strategies to capture the behavior of the long-chain DNA polymer, which is the building block for the chromosome. Long-chain polymers exhibit constrained, sub-diffusive motion in the nucleus. Cross-linking proteins, including cohesin and condensin, have a disproportionate effect on genome organization in their ability to stabilize transient interactions. Cross-linking proteins can segregate the genome into sub-domains through polymer–polymer phase separation (PPPS) and can drive the formation of gene clusters through small changes in their binding kinetics. Principles from polymer physics provide a means to unravel the mysteries hidden in the chains of life.
Perceptions of Burden and Preparedness for Caregiving among the Family Caregivers of Hospitalised Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: da Rocha Carla Gomes , Perrenoud Béatrice , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie
Published: February 2022

Background: Due to the increasing care needs of older adults, family caregivers are more and more solicited. This can have a negative impact on their quality of life related to a lack of preparedness for caregiving and feelings of burden. Objectives: To measure perceptions of burden and preparedness for caregiving among the family caregivers of hospitalised older adults, and to explore their possible associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in two university hospital geriatrics wards in Switzerland. Principal family caregivers of hospitalised older adults were invited to complete sociodemographic, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale questionnaires. Descriptive and correlational data analyses were performed. Results: Of the 38 responding caregivers, 80% provided informal care to their spouse or parent; 45% reported a lack of preparedness to provide care and 61% reported substantial levels of burden. There was no statistically significant correlation between preparedness and burden (ρ ≤ −0.30, p = 0.07). Conclusions: A significant proportion of caregivers reported burden and a lack of preparedness. Healthcare professionals should provide adequate support to help informal caregivers to fulfil their roles.
Effects of Environmental Changes on Gerromorpha (Heteroptera: Hemiptera) Communities from Amazonian Streams
Authors: Moy Karen Monteiro , Brasil Leandro Schlemmer , Oliveira-Junior José Max Barbosa , Juen Leandro , Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Dias-Silva Karina
Published: February 2022

The presence of environmental conditions that are suitable for the development of agricultural and cattle-raising activities has favored the expansion of land use in the Brazilian Amazon. This expansion changes the environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems by altering the structure of the streambeds and the physicochemical conditions of the water. Therefore, this manuscript aimed to assess the effect of changes in environmental conditions along a gradient of different land uses on the richness and species composition of Gerromorpha (Heteroptera: Hemiptera) communities in streams from the Brazilian Amazon. We sampled Gerromorpha communities and environmental variables (physical structure of the habitat and physicochemical characteristics of the water) in 45 streams in the municipality of Paragominas in the state of Pará, Brazil. We then performed variation partitioning analyses to assess the relative contribution of habitat structure and water physicochemical variables on the richness and species composition. The Habitat Integrity Index (HII), which measures the habitat physical structure, was the best predictor of species richness. The HII and physicochemical variables were jointly the best predictors of species composition. Our results show that Gerromorpha communities respond to gradients of environmental anthropization in the Amazon region, which reinforces the importance of habitat integrity and water quality for the maintenance of Gerromorpha communities.
The Role of Job Control and Job Demands in Becoming Physically Active during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hervieux Valerie , Ivers Hans , Fernet Claude , Biron Caroline
Published: February 2022

Organizational studies suggest that certain psychosocial working conditions are liable to foster positive health outcomes, such as engaging in leisure-time physical activities. However, the psychosocial factors contributing to this improvement remain unexplored, particularly in the workplace and in the context of the decline observed in the physical activity level of the population worldwide. The objective of the study was to examine whether exposure to different combinations of psychosocial working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic predicts the probability of becoming physically active among Quebec workers. Job demands, job control, and physical activity were assessed three times during the first year of the pandemic via an online questionnaire among physically inactive workers (n = 440). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between various combinations of psychosocial risks and physical activity. A total of 117 participants became physically active during the study. After controlling for covariates, active jobs increased the odds of becoming physically active, compared to high-strain jobs (OR = 2.57 (95% CI 1.13 to 5.87)). Having a highly demanding job may not negatively impact physical activity if workers have enough job control to achieve the required tasks.
Lockdowns and Physical Activities: Sports in the Time of COVID
Authors: Harangi-Rákos Mónika , Pfau Christa , Bácsné Bába Éva , Bács Bence András , Kőmíves Péter Miklós
Published: February 2022

As aging causes challenges in several countries globally, more and more people are suffering from bad health conditions. Nowadays, COVID-19 causes many problems—and one of the root causes of these problems is the isolation of people from each other. The aim of our article is to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on people’s physical activity. Physical activity is strongly correlated with health status and health preservation is very important to minimize the negative effects of the pandemic. In order to investigate this topic, we prepared an extended literature review, citing the most important sources of COVID-related health-preservation issues. Our results showed that the negative economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic have caused a decrease in physical activities in several cases. A reduction in possible physical activities has a potential negative effect on the life expectancies of elderly people. In order to underline the importance of physical activities, we prepared an extended literature review, aiming to summarize the available knowledge related to COVID-19. As a conclusion we recommend to strengthen, maintain, and develop available sporting possibilities for people. The most important of these recommendations is the development of physical activities that are available for free.
Sickness Presenteeism as a Link between Long Working Hours and Employees’ Outcomes: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators as Resources
Authors: Lu Luo , Cooper Cary L.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to test the flow from long working hours to sickness presenteeism behavior and its outcomes for employees, while integrating intrinsic and extrinsic work value orientations as moderators in the process. We employed a two-wave design with a five-month interval. Data were obtained from 275 employees in Taiwan. The results of latent moderated structural equations (LMS) revealed that long working hours were positively associated with presenteeism, which in turn was negatively related to employees’ well-being and job performance. Furthermore, the negative indirect effect of working long hours on job performance via presenteeism was weaker for those with a higher intrinsic work value orientation. The negative indirect effect of working long hours on well-being via presenteeism was weaker for those with a higher extrinsic work value orientation. We demonstrated that the long-term impact of presenteeism behavior could be understood by viewing work value orientations as resource gains to compensate resource depletion in a demanding work context. This resource dynamism is pivotal to realizing the functional or dysfunctional outcomes of presenteeism behavior. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings for employees’ well-being and organizational effectiveness are discussed.