bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Salt Stress on Germination, Seedling Growth and Biochemical Responses of Tunisian Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) Germplasm
Authors: Tarchoun Neji , Saadaoui Wassim , Mezghani Najla , Pavli Ourania I. , Falleh Hanen , Petropoulos Spyridon A.
Published: March 2022

Salt stress is considered as one of the most common abiotic stresses reducing the productivity and fruit quality of crop plants. The present study was carried out to assess the salt tolerance among 15 local squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) landraces. Different salt (NaCl) concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM were selected in order to evaluate the response of the study germplasm to salt stress based on 12 agronomic parameters and 3 biochemical traits, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and chlorophylls. A varied effect of the salt stress level was observed among the studied landraces based on germination potential, as well as on growth and biochemical parameters at seedling stage. Results showed that all landraces were drastically affected at high stress level with a significant variation in their stress response, indicating the existence of considerable genetic variability. Landraces “746” and “747” were the best performing cultivars across stress levels, whereas “1007”, “1008” and “1009” were the most negatively affected. Based on the tested landrace performance, four landraceswere selected and further evaluated at biochemical level, focusing on the determination of compounds that play a key role in the ability to withstand salt stress. The mean MDA content across landraces was generally increased in stressed plants, as compared to the control treatment; the increase was attributed to a peak in MDA content at specific stress levels. In particular, “746” and “1007” showed the maximum content at 100 mM NaCl, while in landrace “751”, MDA content reached its peak at 300 mM NaCl. In addition, the response of most landraces to salt stress involved an increase in free proline content, with the exception of “746”, with the maximum content being observed either at 200 mM (“748” and “751” landraces) or at 300 mM NaCl, where only “747” expressed the highest content. These findings can be extrapolated into efforts to develop more salt-tolerant squash landraces and exhaust the possibilities of using saline water or soils under changing climate conditions.
A New Formulation for Strigolactone Suicidal Germination Agents, towards Successful Striga Management
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Wang Jian You , Yonli Djibril , Patil Rohit H. , Riyazaddin Mohammed , Gangashetty Prakash , Berqdar Lamis , Chen Guan-Ting Erica , Traore Hamidou , Margueritte Ouedraogo , Zwanenburg Binne , Bhoge Satish Ekanath , Al-Babili Salim
Published: March 2022

Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family, is an obligate root parasite of staple cereal crops, which poses a tremendous threat to food security, contributing to malnutrition and poverty in many African countries. Depleting Striga seed reservoirs from infested soils is one of the crucial approaches to minimize subterranean damage to crops. The dependency of Striga germination on the host-released strigolactones (SLs) has prompted the development of the “Suicidal Germination” strategy to reduce the accumulated seed bank of Striga. The success of aforementioned strategy depends not only on the activity of the applied SL analogs, but also requires suitable application protocol with simple, efficient, and handy formulation for rain-fed African agriculture. Here, we developed a new formulation “Emulsifiable Concentration (EC)” for the two previously field-assessed SL analogs Methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) and Nijmegen-1. The new EC formulation was evaluated for biological activities under lab, greenhouse, mini-field, and field conditions in comparison to the previously used Atlas G-1086 formulation. The EC formulation of SL analogs showed better activities on Striga germination with lower EC50 and high stability under Lab conditions. Moreover, EC formulated SL analogs at 1.0 µM concentrations reduced 89–99% Striga emergence in greenhouse. The two EC formulated SL analogs showed also a considerable reduction in Striga emergence in mini-field and field experiments. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a desired formulation for applying SL analogs as suicidal agents for large-scale field application. The encouraging results presented in this study pave the way for integrating the suicidal germination approach in sustainable Striga management strategies for African agriculture.
Biochar Addition Alters C: N: P Stoichiometry in Moss Crust-Soil Continuum in Gurbantünggüt Desert
Authors: Chang Yaobao , Liu Weiguo , Mao Yuqing , Yang Tao , Chen Yinguang
Published: March 2022

The biogeochemical cycling of soil elements in ecosystems has changed under global changes, including nutrients essential for plant growth. The application of biochar can improve the utilization of soil nutrients by plants and change the stoichiometry of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in plants and soil. However, the response of ecological stoichiometry in a moss crust-soil continuum to local plant biochar addition in a desert ecosystem has not been comprehensively explored. Here, we conducted a four-level Seriphidium terrae-albae biochar addition experiment (CK, 0 t ha−1; T1, 3.185 t ha−1; T2, 6.37 t ha−1; T3, 12.74 t ha−1) to elucidate the influence of biochar input on C: N: P stoichiometry in moss crusts (surface) and their underlying soil (subsurface). The results showed that biochar addition significantly affected the C, N, and P both of moss crusts and their underlying soil (p < 0.001). Biochar addition increased soil C, N, and P concentrations, and the soil N content showed a monthly trend in T3. The C, N, and P concentrations of moss crusts increased with the addition levels of biochar, and the moss crust P concentrations showed an overall increasing trend by the month. Moreover, the soil and moss crust C: P and N: P ratios both increased. There was a significant correlation between moss crust C, N, and P and soil C and N. Additionally, nitrate nitrogen (NO3−N), N: P, C: P, EC, pH, soil moisture content (SMC), and N have significant effects on the C, N, and P of moss crusts in turn. This study revealed the contribution of biochar to the nutrient cycle of desert system plants and their underlying soil from the perspective of stoichiometric characteristics, which is a supplement to the theory of plant soil nutrition in desert ecosystems.
Nephroprotective Plants: A Review on the Use in Pre-Renal and Post-Renal Diseases
Authors: Tienda-Vázquez Mario Adrián , Morreeuw Zoé P. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Cardador-Martínez Anaberta , Sabath Ernesto , Melchor-Martínez Elda M. , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: March 2022

Kidney diseases are expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Several physiological failures classified as pre-, intra-, and post-renal factors induce kidney damage. Diabetes, liver pathologies, rhabdomyolysis, and intestinal microbiota have been identified as pre-renal factors, and lithiasis or blood clots in the ureters, prostate cancer, urethral obstructions, prostate elongation, and urinary tract infections are post-renal factors. Additionally, the nephrotoxicity of drugs has been highlighted as a crucial factor inducing kidney injuries. Due to the adverse effects of drugs, it is necessary to point to other alternatives to complement the treatment of these diseases, such as nephroprotective agents. Plants are a wide source of nephroprotective substances and can have beneficial effects in different levels of the physiological pathways which lead to kidney damage. In traditional medicines, plants are used as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, diuretics, and anticancer agents, among other benefits. However, the mechanism of action of some plants empirically used remains unknown and scientific data are required to support their nephroprotective effects. The present work reviewed the plants with a beneficial effect on kidney diseases. The classification of nephroprotective plants according to the clinical definition of pre-renal, intrinsic, and post-renal factors is proposed to orient their use as complementary treatments.
Wild-Grown and Cultivated Glechoma hederacea L.: Chemical Composition and Potential for Cultivation in Organic Farming Conditions
Authors: Sile Inga , Krizhanovska Valerija , Nakurte Ilva , Mezaka Ieva , Kalane Laura , Filipovs Jevgenijs , Vecvanags Alekss , Pugovics Osvalds , Grinberga Solveiga , Dambrova Maija , Kronberga Arta
Published: March 2022

Glechoma hederacea L. is a medicinal plant that is known in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. This study evaluated the potential for commercial production of G. hederacea and compared the chemical composition and activity of 70% ethanol extracts and steam-distilled essential oils from wild-grown and cultivated G. hederacea collected in different harvesting periods. The main compounds identified in the 70% ethanol extracts were phenolic acids (chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids) and flavonoid O-glycosides. The essential oil varied in the three accessions in the range of 0.32–2.98 mL/kg−1 of dry weight. The extracts possessed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-treated bone-marrow-derived macrophages. The results of flow cytometry show that extracts from different vegetation periods reduced the conversion of macrophages to the proinflammatory phenotype M1. The chemical composition varied the most with the different harvesting periods, and the most suitable periods were the flowering and vegetative phases for the polyphenolic compounds and essential oils, respectively. G. hederacea can be successfully grown under organic farming conditions, and cultivation does not significantly affect the chemical composition and biological activity compared to wild-grown plants.
Exogenously Applied Trehalose Augments Cadmium Stress Tolerance and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Grown in Soil and Hydroponic Systems through Reducing Cd Uptake and Enhancing Photosynthetic Efficiency and Antioxidant Defense Systems
Authors: Rehman Sadia , Chattha Muhammad Umer , Khan Imran , Mahmood Athar , Hassan Muhammad Umair , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Ali Hayssam M. , Hano Christophe , El-Esawi Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a serious environmental issue causing a significant reduction in crop growth and productivity globally. Trehalose (Tre) has emerged as an important reducing sugar that can reduce the adverse impacts of different abiotic stresses. Therefore, the present investigation was performed to determine the key role of Tre in alleviating Cd stress in the mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) crop. The study was comprised of different treatments of cadmium (0, 10, 20 mg kg−1 soil) and Tre (0, 15 and 30 mM). Cd stress significantly restricted the growth and yield of mung bean. However, Tre supplementation markedly improved growth and yield due to pronounced reductions in Cd uptake and Cd-induced oxidative stress as shown by the lower production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Cd-stressed plants as well as by the enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, APX and AsA). Moreover, the ameliorative role of Tre to Cd toxicity was also demonstrated by its ability to enhance chlorophyll contents, total soluble protein (TSP) and free amino acids (FAA). Taken together, Tre supplementation played a key beneficial role in improving Cd stress tolerance and yield traits of mung bean through restricting Cd uptake and enhancing photosynthetic capacity, osmolytes biosynthesis and antioxidant activities.
Construction of Sensory/Mass Spectrometry Feedback Platform for Seeking Aroma Contributors during the Aroma Enhancement of Congou Black Tea
Authors: Mei Sifan , Cao Yanyan , Zhang Gang , Zhou Su , Wang Yi , Gong Shuying , Chu Qiang , Chen Ping
Published: March 2022

Baking is widely accepted for aroma enhancement of black tea, and studies have mainly focused on the aroma or chemical substances under a specified baking condition. Understanding of the feedback between aroma substances and characteristics is urgently needed. Therefore, a mutual feedback platform (SES/MS) combined sensory evaluation system (SES) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was established. Based on this platform, we found that baking at 90 °C for 4 h or 5 h could maintain the primary aroma attributes and increase characteristic aroma attributes—these were considered to be the best baking conditions for Yunnan congou black tea. Meanwhile, 47 volatiles were identified, among which, pyrrole and benzaldehyde appeared to have a caramel aroma, and 2-furanmethanol and α-terpineol presented a baked aroma. This study reveals the dynamic change of aroma profiles and compounds during the aroma enhancement, and provides an optional template for researchers, focused on the relationship between quality and aroma attributes of teas.
Do Genetic Drift and Gene Flow Affect the Geographic Distribution of Female Plants in Gynodioecious Lobelia siphilitica?
Authors: Appiah-Madson Hannah J. , Knox Eric B. , Caruso Christina M. , Case Andrea L.
Published: March 2022

Variation in population sex ratio is particularly pronounced in gynodioecious angiosperms. Extremely high female frequencies in gynodioecious populations cannot be readily explained by selective forces alone. To assess the contributions of drift and gene flow to extreme sex-ratio variation, we documented sex ratio and population size in 92 populations of Lobelia siphilitica across its range and genotyped plants using plastid and nuclear genetic markers. Similarity in spatial patterns of genetic and demographic variables may suggest that drift and/or gene flow have contributed to population sex-ratio variation in L. siphilitica. We found strong spatial structuring of extremely high female frequencies: populations with >50% female plants are restricted to the south–central portion of the range. However, we did not detect any spatial structuring in population size nor metrics of genetic diversity, suggesting that extreme variation in female frequency is not strongly affected by drift or gene flow. Extreme sex-ratio variation is frequently observed in gynodioecious plants, but its causes are difficult to identify. Further investigation into mechanisms that create or maintain the spatial structure of sex ratios in gynodioecious species will provide much needed insight.
Developmental Regulation of Transcription in Touriga Nacional Berries under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Carvalho Luísa C. , Ramos Miguel J. N. , Faísca-Silva David , van der Kellen David , Fernandes João C. , Egipto Ricardo , Lopes Carlos M. , Amâncio Sara
Published: March 2022

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most economically important crops worldwide, especially due to the economic relevance of wine production. Abiotic stress, such as drought, may contribute to low yield, shifts in quality, and important economic loss. The predicted climate change phenomena point to warmer and dryer Mediterranean environmental conditions; as such, it is paramount to study the effects of abiotic stress on grapevine performance. Deficit irrigation systems are applied to optimize water use efficiency without compromising berry quality. In this research, the effect of two deficit irrigation strategies, sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), in the grape berry were assessed. The effects of different levels of drought were monitored in Touriga Nacional at key stages of berry development (pea size, véraison, and full maturation) through RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis and by specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) monitoring through RT-qPCR. Handy datasets were obtained by bioinformatics analysis of raw RNA-Seq results. The dominant proportion of transcripts was mostly regulated by development, with véraison showing more upregulated transcripts. Results showed that primary metabolism is the functional category more severely affected under water stress. Almost all DEGs selected for RT-qPCR were significantly upregulated in full maturation and showed the highest variability at véraison and the lowest gene expression values in the pea size stage.
Direct Dry Carbonation of Mining and Industrial Wastes in a Fluidized Bed for Offsetting Carbon Emissions
Authors: Coppola Antonio , Scala Fabrizio , Azadi Mehdi
Published: March 2022

The direct dry mineral carbonation of selected mining and industrial wastes, using carbon dioxide derived from combustion flue gas, was evaluated. Specifically, coal fly ash from two Australian brown coal-fired power plants, red mud from the refinement of bauxite into alumina, and diamond tailings were considered, due to their relevant residual alkali content. These materials were tested in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor at different temperatures (300–450 °C), in a reactive environment that simulated the typical CO2 concentration in a combustion flue gas. The experimental results showed a low, but still appreciable, CO2 capture capacity for three of the tested materials, which appears to be more favorable in the lower temperature range and with relatively fast kinetics, indicating the practical relevance of the process. One of the fly ashes exhibited a different behavior; starting at 350 °C, the sorbent began to release CO2, rather than absorb it. This suggested that the sorbent was already extensively carbonated by weathering before the tests. This study provides some evidence for the possible viability of recycling mining waste and for the circular economy in offsetting carbon emissions in the mining industry.
Cooling Potential for Single and Advanced Absorption Cooling Systems in a Geothermal Field in Mexico
Authors: Saucedo-Velázquez Juliana , Gutiérrez-Urueta Geydy , Wong-Loya Jorge Alejandro , Molina-Rodea Ricardo , Rivera Gómez Franco Wilfrido
Published: March 2022

Climate change is one of the main problems humanity is currently facing due to the use of fossil fuels. At present, 20% of the total electricity consumed in buildings worldwide is for air conditioning. The development and use of thermally driven cooling systems is very important, since they can be activated by renewable energies, such as geothermal, reducing the consumption of electricity produced by fossil fuels. In this paper, we analyze a geothermal field located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, with the aim of comparing the performance of different advanced absorption cooling systems driven by a geothermal heat source. The analysis includes the influence of water temperature obtained from an abandoned geothermal well, using a U tube heat exchanger inside the well. The results show that this well can reach temperatures from 59 °C to 190 °C, depending on the depth of the U tube and the insulation thickness. At a TE = 8 °C, the operating range temperatures were 59–80 °C, 77–110 °C, 135–162 °C, and 180–187 °C for the half-effect, single-effect, double-effect and triple-effect systems, respectively. The maximum cooling potential was 99,334 GW obtained with the double-effect system, followed by 92,995 GW with the triple-effect system, 70,939 GW with the single-effect system, and 38,721 GW with the half-effect system.
Cladium mariscus Saw-Sedge versus Sawdust—Efficient Biosorbents for Removal of Hazardous Textile Dye C.I. Basic Blue 3 from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bartczak Przemysław , Wawrzkiewicz Monika , Borysiak Sławomir , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: March 2022

Bio-based waste materials are more often used as effective and cheap adsorbents to remove toxic organic compounds such dyes. Batch adsorption of C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) onto Cladium mariscus saw-sedge was studied in comparison with sawdust obtained from various species of wood in order to explore their potential application as low-cost sorbents for basic dye removal from wastewaters. The effect of phase contact time (1–240 min), initial dye concentration (50–200 mg/L), and the auxiliaries presence (10–60 g/L NaCl and 0.1–0.75 g/L anionic surfactant) on BB3 uptake was investigated. The adsorption kinetic data followed the pseudo-second order equation rather than pseudo-first order one. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherm models. The monolayer sorption capacities decreased from 44.29 to 42.07 mg/g for Cladium mariscus saw-sedge and from 28.69 to 27.5 mg/g for sawdust with temperature increasing from 20 to 50 °C. The thermodynamic parameters such as the change in free energy (∆G°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) were calculated, too.
CFD Modelling of the Fuel Reactor of a Chemical Loping Combustion Plant to Be Used with Biomethane
Authors: Bartocci Pietro , Abad Alberto , Cabello Arturo , de las Obras Loscertales Margarita , Lu Wang , Yang Haiping , Fantozzi Francesco
Published: March 2022

To realize a carbon negative power production technology, it is interesting the option of coupling a Chemical Loping Combustor to a gas turbine. The development of this technology foreseen in the project GTCLC-NEG has some technical barriers, the most important of which is the operation of the chemical looping combustor at high temperature and high pressure conditions. To overcome these limits CFD modeling can be performed to optimize the behavior of the combustor and its design process. This work models the FUEL reactor of a chemical looping combustion plant working in batch mode and based on the reactor available at the Instituto de Carboquimica in Zaragoza, Spain. It is used an oxygen carrier mainly based on 60% mass Fe2O3 and 40% mass Al2O3. Biomethane is fed to the bottom of the fluidized bed with different velocities and mass flows and the composition of the gases at the outlet of the fuel reactor is measured. The results show that it is possible to model a 2 min duration reduction cycle by running the model for a time comprised between a minimum of 4 h and a maximum of 2 days of simulation. Another important result is the modeling of the chemical reactions happening in the reactor. Kinetics is modelled based on Activation energy (66 kJ/mol) and Pre-exponential factor (4.34 × 101 m3n mol−n s−1). The simple kinetic scheme gives reasonable first approximations and can be used to determine the duration of the reaction, the composition of the exhaust gases and the biofuel conversion.
Modeling and Monitoring for Laminar Cooling Process of Hot Steel Strip Rolling with Time–Space Nature
Authors: Wang Qiang , Peng Kaixiang , Dong Jie
Published: March 2022

The laminar cooling process is an important procedure in hot steel strip rolling. The spatial distribution and the drop curve of the strip temperature are crucial for the production and the quality of the steel strip. Traditionally, lumped parameter methods are often used for the modeling of the laminar cooling process, making it difficult to consider the impact of the variation of state variables and related parameters on the system, which seriously affect the stability of the steel strip quality. In this paper, a modeling and monitoring method with a time–space nature for the laminar cooling process is proposed to monitor the spatial variation of the strip temperature. Firstly, the finite-dimensional model is obtained by time–space separation to describe the temperature variation of the steel strip. Next, a global model is constructed by using the multi-modeling integration method. Then, a residual generator is designed to monitor the strip temperature where the statistics and the threshold are calculated. Finally, the superiority and reliability of the proposed method are verified by the actual-process data of the laminar cooling process for hot steel strip rolling, and different types of faults are detected successfully.
Experiment on Influence of Blade Angle on Hydraulic Characteristics of the Shaft Tubular Pumping Device
Authors: Cheng Kaihua , Li Songbai , Cheng Li , Sun Tao , Zhang Bowen , Jiao Weixuan
Published: March 2022

In order to understand the influence of blade angle on the hydraulic characteristics of a shaft tubular pumping device, the energy characteristics, cavitation characteristics, runaway characteristics, and pressure pulsation of the tubular pumping device under different blade angles were studied by a model test. Comparing the efficiency of the best efficiency point of the pumping device under different blade angles, it can be seen that when the blade angle is +4°, the efficiency of the best efficiency point of the pumping device is the lowest, 74.10%. When the blade angle is −4°, the efficiency of the best efficiency point of the pumping device is the highest, 79.75%. Comparing the cavitation characteristics of the pumping device under different blade angles, it can be seen that when the blade angle is −4°, the overall cavitation performance of the pumping device is the best. When the design head point is deviated, the NPSHav (Net positive suction head available) of the pump will increase. At the same blade angle, the runaway speed increases with the increase in head. The runaway speed of the prototype pump decreases with the increase in blade angle. When the blade angle is −6°, the runaway speed of the prototype pump is the largest, which is not conducive to the safe operation of the pumping station. When the blade angle is −4°, the variation law of pressure pulsation is small, and there is no abnormal pulsation. The tubular pumping device has satisfactory hydraulic performance, high efficiency, cavitation, and runaway characteristics. Therefore, the shaft tubular pumping device has wide application prospects under ultra-low head, and we recommend prioritizing it in low-head pumping stations.
Construction of Recombinant Magnetospirillum Strains for Nitrate Removal from Wastewater Based on Magnetic Adsorption
Authors: Zheng Haolan , Pang Bo , Li Shuli , Ma Shijiao , Xu Junjie , Wen Ying , Tian Jiesheng
Published: March 2022

Nitrate ion (NO3−) in wastewater is a major cause of pollution in aquatic environments worldwide. Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense (MSR-1) has a complete dissimilatory denitrification pathway, converts NO3− in water into nitrogen (N2) and simultaneously removes ammonium ions (NH4+). We investigated and confirmed direct effects of regulatory protein factors Mg2046 and MgFnr on MSR-1 denitrification pathway by EMSAs and ChIP-qPCR assays. Corresponding mutant strains were constructed. Denitrification efficiency in synthetic wastewater medium during a 12-h cell growth period was significantly higher for mutant strain Δmgfnr (0.456 mmol·L−1·h−1) than for wild-type (0.362 mmol·L−1·h−1). Presence of magnetic particles (magnetosomes) in MSR-1 greatly facilitates collection and isolation of bacterial cells (and activated sludge) by addition of a magnetic field. The easy separation of magnetotactic bacteria, such as MSR-1 and Δmgfnr, from wastewater using magnetic fields is a unique feature that makes them promising candidates for practical application in wastewater treatment and sludge pretreatment.
The Anti-Hypertensive and Hypoglycemic Potential of Bioactive Compounds Derived from Pulasan Rind
Authors: Tan Seok Shin , Tan Seok Tyug , Tan Chin Xuan
Published: March 2022

Pulasan (Nephelium mutabile Blume) is an underutilized fruit native to tropical countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. To date, the medicinal potential of pulasan remains unexplored, although this fruit shares the same genus with the well-known rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum). Therefore, the current study aims to examine the antioxidant properties of different parts of pulasan (flesh, rind, and kernel) and investigate the bioactive profile, anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic properties of pulasan rind. Pulasan were extracted using different solvents, including distilled water, methanol, and ethanol. The antioxidant capacity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and the antioxidant component was identified by total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC). The bioactive profile of pulasan rind was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic properties of pulasan rind were determined with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) assay and alpha-amylase inhibition assay, respectively. Emerging findings revealed that pulasan rind exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP) in all extraction solvents and antioxidant components (TPC and TFC) in ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extracts of pulasan rind also had higher ACE and alpha-amylase inhibition activities than the distilled water extracts. Geraniin, chlorogenic acid, catechin, corilagin, syringic acid, and naringenin of pulasan rind may function as anti-hypertensive agents.
Influence Mechanism of Gas–Containing Characteristics of Annulus Submerged Jets on Sealing Degree of Mixing Zone
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Chuanzhen , Xie Jun , Khan Md Shakhaoath
Published: March 2022

The introduction of air into a submerged annular jet will result in dispersion of the jet, which will affect the degree of enclosure of the gas–water mixing zone in the annular jet nozzle, and then have a significant impact on air suction and the formation of the foam system in the floatation process. A numerical simulation method is used to analyze the characteristics of the distribution of the axial flow velocity of annular jets, gas–phase volume, and turbulence intensity in the gas–water mixing zone in the nozzle with different air–liquid ratios, and thereby reveal the mechanism whereby gas–containing in annular jets affects the degree of enclosure of the gas–water mixing zone. The results show that as the air–liquid ratio increases, the degree of air–liquid mixing will increase and the radial flow velocity will decrease gradually, resulting in the effective enclosure of the gas–water mixing zone. Meanwhile, the dissipation of jet energy, the range of turbulent flow and the vorticity intensity will increase, but the turbulence intensity will decrease. When the gas–water mixing zone is fully enclosed, as gas–containing continues to increase, the degree of dispersion of the annular jet will further increase. Consequently, the area of the gas–water mixing zone with bounced–back water will become larger, resulting in a higher axial flow velocity, larger local turbulence intensity and larger vorticity intensity. This will lead to the dissipation of jet energy, which is not favorable for air suction.
Experimental Characterization Techniques for Solid-Liquid Slurry Flows in Pipelines: A Review
Authors: Silva Rui C.
Published: March 2022

In industrial environments, having instrumentation able to attain fast, accurate, and autonomous measurements is pivotal to understanding the dynamics of liquid and particles during transport. Ideally, these instruments, consisting of either probes or sensors, should be robust, fast, and unintrusive, i.e., not cause interference on the very flows being monitored, and require minimal maintenance. Beyond monitoring, the process knowledge gained through real time inspection allows teams to make informed technical decisions based on particle behavior, i.e., settling of particles causing pipe wear and clustering or blockages that can damage the unit or cause shutdowns, both of which with economical drawbacks. The purpose of this review is to examine experimental measurement techniques used to characterize physical properties and operational parameters of solid-liquid slurry flows, focusing on non-ionizing radiation methods. With this text the intent is not to provide an exhaustive examination of each individual technique but rather an overview on the most pertinent types of instrumentation, which will be presented, in addition to application examples from the literature, while directing the reader for pertinent seminal and review papers for a more in-depth analysis.
Application of Nanodiamonds in Modelled Bioremediation of Phenol Pollution in River Sediments
Authors: Yotinov Ivaylo , Belouhova Mihaela , Foteva Anna , Dinova Nora , Todorova Yovana , Schneider Irina , Daskalova Elmira , Topalova Yana
Published: March 2022

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems is a big problem that has its impact on river sediments. In recent decades, an effective solution to this problem has been the application of bioremediation technologies. Nanoremediation is an innovative part of these technologies. We still know little about the efficiency of nanoparticles, especially nanodiamonds, in modelled conditions. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of nanodiamonds on the key parameters of modelled bioremediation of river sediments that are polluted with phenol, as well their effect on the structures and functions of microbial communities. An important indicative mechanism that was used is the application of fluorescent in situ hybridization for sediment microbial communities. The results of this study revealed the positive role of nanodiamonds that is associated with their intoxication with high concentrations of phenol. Readaptation was also found, in which the xenobiotic biodegradation potential evolved by increasing the relative proportions of non-culturable bacteria, namely Acinetobacter (at the 144th hour) and Pseudomonas (at the 214th hour). The results can help to find an effective solution to the question of how information from such precise molecular methods and the application of nanodiamonds can be translated into the accessible language of management and bioremediation technologies.
Improvement of the Gut Microbiota In Vivo by a Short-Chain Fatty Acids-Producing Strain Lactococcus garvieae CF11
Authors: Fang Shuting , Qin Tian , Yu Ting , Zhang Guoxia
Published: March 2022

Gut microbiota has strong connections with health. Regulating and enhancing gut microbiota and increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms constitutes a new approach to increasing the efficiency of health status. Although it has been shown that Lactococcus can adjust gut microbiota and be beneficial for the host, little is known about whether strains of Lactococcus petauri can improve the gut microbiota. This study focused on the influence of Lactococcus petauri CF11 on the gut microbiome composition and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vivo in healthy Sprague Dawley rats. The present results showed that strain CF11 was able to induce a higher amount of fecal acetic acid and propionic acid and enhance species richness. Moreover, strain CF11 improved the gut microbiota community structure. In the experimental group, the genera Oscillospira, Coprococcus, and Ruminococcus, which are reported to be able to produce SCFAs, are significantly increased when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the functions of genes revealed that 180 pathways were upregulated or downregulated in comparison with the control group. Among them, the top-five clearly enriched pathways regarding metabolism included porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism; C5-Branched dibasic acid metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. Our data suggest that the SCFAs-producing strain CF11 is a potential probiotic.
Mechanical Behavior of Briquettes Made from a Mixture of Sawdust and Rice Husks for Commercialization
Authors: Araque Oscar , Arzola Nelson , Gallego Laura
Published: March 2022

The development of this research work seeks to determine the mechanical behavior of the compacted mixture of pine sawdust and rice husk by varying the mass percentages of these biomasses obtained in briquettes, with the purpose of being marketed. The finite element software ANSYS is used to corroborate the results obtained for the samples named AIO, BIO and CIO with rice husk mass percentages of 25, 50 and 75, respectively. In the computational simulations, Young’s moduli of between 651 and 813 MPa and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.8 were found for all samples. In compression tests, Von Mises stresses of between 87 and 90 MPa and Von Mises strains between 0.09 and 0.12 m/m were found. Free-fall tests showed von Mises stresses below 4.24 MPa. It was determined that increasing the percentage of rice husk mass in the simulation models increased the value of Young’s modulus and compressive strength, this is a positive indication in relation to the strength of the formed briquettes, in case they are required to be transported for commercial purposes, however no defined stress and strain behavior was obtained for the impact tests, since the heights of 2 m and 5 m together with the masses established for the specimens do not cause high impact forces.
The Elasticity of a Random Variable as a Tool for Measuring and Assessing Risks
Authors: Veres-Ferrer Ernesto-Jesús , Pavía Jose M.
Published: March 2022

Elasticity is a very popular concept in economics and physics, recently exported and reinterpreted in the statistical field, where it has given form to the so-called elasticity function. This function has proved to be a very useful tool for quantifying and evaluating risks, with applications in disciplines as varied as public health and financial risk management. In this study, we consider the elasticity function in random terms, defining its probability distribution, which allows us to measure for each stochastic process the probability of finding elastic or inelastic situations (i.e., with elasticities greater or less than 1). This new tool, together with new results on the most notable points of the elasticity function covered in this research, offers a new approach to risk assessment, facilitating proactive risk management. The paper also includes other contributions of interest, such as new results that relate elasticity and inverse hazard functions, the derivation of the functional form of the cumulative distribution function of a probability model with constant elasticity and how the elasticities of functionally dependent variables are related. The interested reader can also find in the paper examples of how elasticity cumulative distribution functions are calculated, and an extensive list of probability models with their associated elasticity functions and distributions.
Online Deflection Compensation of a Flexible Hydraulic Loader Crane Using Neural Networks and Pressure Feedback
Authors: Jensen Konrad Johan , Ebbesen Morten Kjeld , Hansen Michael Rygaard
Published: March 2022

The deflection compensation of a hydraulically actuated loader crane is presented. Measurement data from the laboratory are used to design a neural network deflection estimator. Kinematic expressions are derived and used with the deflection estimator in a feedforward topology to compensate for the static deflection. A dynamic deflection compensator is implemented, using pressure feedback and an adaptive bandpass filter. Simulations are conducted to verify the performance of the control system. Experimental results showcase the effectiveness of both the static and dynamic deflection compensator while running closed-loop motion control, with a 90% decrease in static deflection.
Quantification of Off-Channel Inundated Habitat for Pacific Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) along the Sacramento River, California, Using Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Bellido-Leiva Francisco J. , Lusardi Robert A. , Lund Jay R.
Published: March 2022

Off-channel areas are one of the most impacted aquatic habitats by humans globally, as extensive agricultural and urban development has limited them to roughly 10% of historical extent. This is also true for California’s Sacramento River Valley, where historically frequent widespread inundation has been reduced to a few off-channel water bodies along the mid-Sacramento River. This remaining shallow-water habitat provides crucial ecological benefits to multiple avian and fish species, but especially to floodplain-adapted species such as Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Characterizing spatiotemporal off-channel dynamics, including inundation extent and residence time, is fundamental to better understanding the intrinsic value of such habitats and their potential to support recovery actions. Remote sensing techniques have been increasingly used to map surface water at regional and local scales, with improved resolutions. As such, this study maps off-channel inundation areas and describes their temporal dynamics by analyzing pixel-based time- series of multiple water indices, modified Normalized Difference Water Index (mNDWI) and the Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI), generated from LandSat-8 and Sentinel-2 data between 2013–2021. Quantified off-channel area was similar with each water index and method used, but improved performance was associated with Sentinel-2 products and AWEI index to identify wetted areas under lower mainstem discharges. Results indicate an uneven distribution of off-channel habitat in the study area, with limited inundated areas in upstream reaches (<16% of total off-channel area for greater flows). In addition, much less habitat exists for flows under 400 m3/s, an important migration cue for endangered winter-run Chinook salmon, limiting juvenile access to areas with enhanced rearing conditions. Off-channel habitat residence times averaged between 7 and 16 days, primarily defined by the rate of receding flows, with rapid flow recession providing marginal off-channel habitat. This study shows reasonable performance of moderate resolution LandSat-8 and Sentinel-2 remote sensing imagery to characterize shallow-water inundated habitat in higher-order rivers, and as a method to inform restoration and native fish recovery efforts.
Inter-Comparison of Four Models for Detecting Forest Fire Disturbance from MOD13A2 Time Series
Authors: Yan Jining , He Haixu , Wang Lizhe , Zhang Hao , Liang Dong , Zhang Junqiang
Published: March 2022

Many models for change point detection from time series remote sensing images have been developed to date. For forest ecosystems, fire disturbance detection models have always been an important topic. However, due to a lack of benchmark datasets, it is difficult to determine which model is appropriate. Therefore, we collected and generated a benchmark dataset specifically for forest fire disturbance detection, named CUG-FFireMCD1. The CUG-FFireMCD1 contains a total of 132 pieces of MODIS MOD13A2 time series, and each time series contains at least one fire disturbance. The occurrence time for a forest fire disturbance was determined using the National Cryosphere DesertDataCenter(NCDC) website, and the precise latitude and longitude coordinates were determined using the FireCCI51 dataset. In addition, we selected four commonly used time series change detection models and validate the advantages and limitations of the four models through dataset analysis. Finally, we use the detection results of the models and their applicable scenarios to label the additional change points. The four models we used are breaks for additive season and trend (BFAST), Prophet, continuous change detection and classification (CCDC), and Landsat-based detection of trends in disturbance and recovery (LandTrendR). The experiments show that the BFAST outperformed the other three models in forest fire disturbance detection from MOD13A2 time series, with the successful-detection-proportion rate of 96.2% with the benchmark dataset. The detection effect of the Prophet model is not as good as that of BFAST, but it also performs well, with the successful-detection-proportion rate of 87.9%. The detection results of CCDC and LandTrendR are similar, and the detection success rate is lower than that of BFAST and Prophet, but their detection results can be used as data support for labeling work. However, to apply them perfectly to MOD13A2 time series change detection, it is best to do some model adaptation. In summary, the CUG-FFireMCD1 data were verified using different types of time series change detection models, and the change points we marked are credible. The CUG-FFireMCD1 will surely provide a reliable benchmark for model optimization and the accuracy verification of remote sensing time series change detection.
Sea Surface Skin Temperature Retrieval from FY-3C/VIRR
Authors: Li Zhuomin , Liu Mingkun , Wang Sujuan , Qu Liqin , Guan Lei
Published: March 2022

The visible and infrared scanning radiometer (VIRR) onboard the Fengyun-3C (FY-3C) meteorological satellite has 11 μm and 12 μm channels, which are capable of sea surface temperature (SST) observations. This study is based on atmospheric radiative transfer modeling (RTM) by applying Bayesian cloud detection theory and optimal estimation (OE) to obtain sea surface skin temperature (SSTskin) from VIRR in the Northwest Pacific. The inter-calibration of FY-3C/VIRR 11 μm and 12 μm brightness temperature (BT) is carried out using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) as the reference sensor. Bayesian cloud detection and OE SST retrieval with the calibration BT data is performed to obtain SSTskin. The SSTskin retrievals are compared with the buoy SST with a temporal window of 1 h and a spatial window of 0.01°. The bias is −0.12 °C, and the standard deviation is 0.52 °C. Comparisons of the retrieved SSTskin with the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) SSTskin from European Space Agency Sea Surface Temperature Climate Change Initiative (ESA SST CCI) project show the bias of 0.08 °C and the standard deviation of 0.55 °C. The results indicate that the VIRR SSTskin are consistent with AVHRR SSTskin and buoy SST.
Spatial and Temporal Variation, Simulation and Prediction of Land Use in Ecological Conservation Area of Western Beijing
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Junping , Xiong Nina , Liang Boyi , Wang Zong , Cressey Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Exploring land use change is crucial to planning land space scientifically in a region. Taking the ecological conservation area (ECA) in western Beijing as the study area, we employ ArcGIS 10.2, landscape pattern index and multiple mathematical statistics to explore the temporal and spatial variation of land use from 2000 to 2020. Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS), Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) and Markov models were used to simulate and predict the current land use in 2020. The models were evaluated for accuracy, and the more accurate PLUS model was selected and used to simulate and predict the potential land use in the study area in 2030 under two management scenarios. The main findings of this research are: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the construction land increased constantly, and the area of cultivated land and grassland decreased significantly. (2) For predicting the spatial distribution of land use in the study area, the PLUS model was more accurate than the FLUS model. (3) The land-use prediction of the study area in 2030 shows that the area of grassland, forest and water is approximately equal to their corresponding value in 2020, but the construction land increased constantly by occupying the surrounding cultivated land. According to this research, the continuous decrease of cultivated land in favor of increasing construction land will cause losses to the ecological service function of the ECA, which is not beneficial to the sustainable development of the region. Relevant departments should take corresponding measures to reduce this practice and promote sustainable development, particularly in the southern and western areas of the ECA where there is less construction land.