bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comprehensive Overview of Large-Volume Surfactant Slugs Injection for Enhancing Oil Recovery: Status and the Outlook
Authors: Podoprigora Dmitriy , Byazrov Roman , Sytnik Julia
Published: November 2022

Despite the development of alternative energy sources, oil and gas still remain the predominant energy sources in most countries in the world. Due to gradual hydrocarbon reserve depletion and the existing downward trend in the production level, there is a need to search for methods and technical approaches to level off the falling rates. Chemically enhanced oil recovery methods (EOR) by surfactant solution injections are one of the possible approaches for addressing this issue in already developed fields. Most often, surfactants are injected together with polymers or alkalis. These technologies are called surfactant–polymer (SP) and alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) flooding. Basically, SP and ASP have been distributed in China and Canada. In this article, in addition to these countries, we paid attention to the results of pilot and full-scale tests of SP and ASP in Russia, Hungary, and Oman. This study was a comprehensive overview of laboratory and field tests of surfactant solutions used for oil displacement in SP and ASP technologies. The first part of the article discussed the physical fundamentals of the interaction of oil with surfactants. The second part presented the main chemical reagents used to increase oil recovery. In the third part, we described the main facilities used for the preparation and injection of surfactants. Further, the results of field tests of SP and ASP in the abovementioned countries were considered. In the discussion part, based on the considered results, the main issues and uncertainties were identified, based on which some recommendations were proposed for improving the process of preparation and injection of surfactants to increase oil recovery. In particular, we identified an area of additional laboratory and scientifically practical research. The outcomes of this work will provide a clearer picture of SP and ASP, as well as information about their limitations, current challenges, and potential paths forward for the development of these technologies from an economic and technological point of view.
Solution of Probabilistic Optimal Power Flow Incorporating Renewable Energy Uncertainty Using a Novel Circle Search Algorithm
Authors: Shaheen Mohamed A. M. , Ullah Zia , Qais Mohammed H. , Hasanien Hany M. , Chua Kian J. , Tostado-Véliz Marcos , Turky Rania A. , Jurado Francisco , Elkadeem Mohamed R.
Published: November 2022

Integrating renewable energy sources (RESs) into modern electric power systems offers various techno-economic benefits. However, the inconsistent power profile of RES influences the power flow of the entire distribution network, so it is crucial to optimize the power flow in order to achieve stable and reliable operation. Therefore, this paper proposes a newly developed circle search algorithm (CSA) for the optimal solution of the probabilistic optimal power flow (OPF). Our research began with the development and evaluation of the proposed CSA. Firstly, we solved the OPF problem to achieve minimum generation fuel costs; this used the classical OPF. Then, the newly developed CSA method was used to deal with the probabilistic power flow problem effectively. The impact of the intermittency of solar and wind energy sources on the total generation costs was investigated. Variations in the system’s demands are also considered in the probabilistic OPF problem scenarios. The proposed method was verified by applying it to the IEEE 57-bus and the 118-bus test systems. This study’s main contributions are to test the newly developed CSA on the OPF problem to consider stochastic models of the RESs, providing probabilistic modes to represent the RESs. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed CSA in solving the probabilistic OPF problem are evaluated by comparing it with other methods, such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the hybrid machine learning and transient search algorithm (ML-TSO) under the same parameters. The comparative results showed that the proposed CSA is robust and applicable; as evidence, an observable decrease was obtained in the costs of the conventional generators’ operation, due to the penetration of renewable energy sources into the studied networks.
RETRACTED: Gas Hydrate-Based CO2 Capture: A Journey from Batch to Continuous
Authors: Rehman Adeel , Lal Bhajan
Published: November 2022

Future carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) will be impacted by the new scenario in which the energy supply rapidly shifts from oil-based to natural gas-based means, but this shift also presents an opportunity to utilize natural gas hydrates (NGHs). This review discusses the present state of CCS research and development, the advantages of the various approaches, and the barriers to commercialization that exist today. It also provides an evaluation of certain practical small- and large-scale CCS applications. The high initial investment, as well as ongoing maintenance costs, plague today’s commercially accessible CO2 capture technologies, including absorption, adsorption, membranes, and cryogenic separation. Gas hydrate-based capture has the potential to become the dominant method for CO2 separation because of the high recovery rates and purity it provides. Hydrate-based technologies, including CO2 capture, CO2 separation, and transportation, can also be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have excellent application potential. Despite this, the potential of technology based on gas hydrates to help reduce the effects of climate change in the future has received little attention. This study discusses cosmopolitan energy provision and environmental challenges and conversions, and the role of gas hydrates in the carbon cycle. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art developments in hydrate-based reactors, thereby providing a perspective on the roles of NGHs in the future energy supply and climate change mitigation. In all these areas, we focus on identifying future CCS challenges and the technological development risk in gas hydrate-based systems, which should be highlighted in the next several decades.
The CROWDTHERMAL Project: Creating Public Acceptance of Geothermal Energy and Opportunities for Community Financing
Authors: Fernández Fuentes Isabel , Barich Amel , Baisch Christina , Bodo Balazs , Elíasson Ottó , Falcone Gioia , Friederichs Georgie , Gregorio Margarita de , Hildebrand Jan , Ioannou Anastasia , Medgyes Tamas , Miklovicz Tamas , Pérez Paloma , Pinto Marcio Tameirao
Published: November 2022

One of the major challenges regarding energy transition is to create active support towards renewable energy installations on a local level. The CROWDTHERMAL project presents practical approaches for involving local stakeholders in different measures in order to develop acceptable solutions. Based on technical evidence and data from concrete case studies, the project shows ways how community funding can increase social acceptance towards geothermal energy installations. The presented solutions are based on alternative financial schemes studies and risk mitigation analysis in geothermal projects.
Energy Saving by Parametric Optimization and Advanced Lubri-Cooling Techniques in the Machining of Composites and Superalloys: A Systematic Review
Authors: Binali Rüstem , Patange Abhishek Dhananjay , Kuntoğlu Mustafa , Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Salur Emin
Published: November 2022

The resources of the earth are being consumed day by day with the increasing population and necessities of humankind in many areas, such as industrial applications and basic needs in houses, workplaces and transportation. As a consequence, careful usage of the energy sources and the conversed energy is of great importance in order to obtain sustainable development. Machining operations have a large percentage of all manufacturing methods in terms of depleted energy which gives them a high potential for reducing the total energy consumption. The approaches handled in the literature for the minimization of the consumed energy in the machining industry were considered in this study. While several machinability characteristics under different machining processes were investigated broadly in the context of composites and superalloys, the comparison of these systems has been given cursory attention in the current literature, specifically for cutting energy saving. The overall performance of these group material systems utilizing widely in numerous significant industrial areas supplies important signs about manufacturing costs, service conditions and environmental impacts. It is highly crucial to monitor the indicators of energy-saving phenomena of the machined parts since the mechanisms behind the energy consumption of these systems is very complex and dynamic owing to different process-induced variables. This well-organized review paper distinguishes itself from previous studies in this field since the comprehensive literature survey paves the way for diverse approaches that regard energy saving, especially for composites and superalloys under different machining operations. This overview paper aims to contribute to the current literature by highlighting the effects of the state-of-the-art approaches in reducing energy consumption in the machining of industrially important materials. This study can also establish a framework in the context of the process-property interactions to comprehend the influence of energy-saving mechanisms through machining in a system of interest.
Effects of Hot Pressing Temperature and Pressure on Dielectric Properties of Aramid Insulating Paper
Authors: Yao Yuanxin , Huang Meng , Ma Jie , Su Yanxiao , Shi Sheng , Wang Chunhe
Published: November 2022

The hot pressing parameters and fiber ratio have an important influence on the dielectric properties of aramid insulating paper. In order to deeply explore its influence and the mechanism behind it, aramid insulating papers were made with different hot pressing temperatures and pressures as well as fiber ratios. Its tightness, dielectric constant, and AC breakdown strength were tested, and its microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that with an increase in hot pressing temperature, pressure, and fibrid content, the overall dielectric constant of the insulating paper showed a slight upward trend, while the tightness and AC breakdown strength continued to increase. Hot pressing temperature and pressure have a synergistic effect on the dielectric properties of insulating paper. The effects of these two parameters on the dielectric properties of insulating paper are similar, while the AC breakdown strength is greatly affected by the fiber ratio. In this paper, the influence mechanism by which the microstructure and fiber crystallinity of insulating paper is affected in the hot pressing process is discussed.
Inductive Power Transfer Battery Charger with IR-Based Closed-Loop Control
Authors: Chen Po-Hsuan , Li Chaojie , Dong Zhaoyang , Priestley Matthew
Published: November 2022

A wireless battery charger with inductive power transfer (IPT) was proposed in this paper. The commonly used constant-current constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging method is accomplished by a closed-loop controlled IPT with a hybrid resonant circuit on the secondary side. A smooth transition between the CC stage and the CV stage can be made simply by swapping exactly the associated switches on resonant capacitors. The required charging voltage and current are regulated by controlling the phase-shifted angle of the high-frequency inverter on the primary side. To stabilize the charging current and voltage, a closed-loop digital controller was introduced with infrared (IR) transmission feedback. Precise regulation of the resonant inverter on a relative small ranged phase-shifted angle can be realized by two 16-bit microcontroller units (MCUs) with compact encoding and decoding techniques. A hybrid resonant inverter was designed for a 600 W prototype of the proposed IPT battery charger. Experimental results from exemplar cases have demonstrated that the battery charger can provide a stable charging current at the CC stage and then transit smoothly into the CV stage.
Experimental Investigation of Two-Phase Flow Distribution with Different Vertical Header Configurations
Authors: Kim Moojong , Redo Mark Anthony , Jeong Jongsoo , Saito Kiyoshi , Lee Sangmu , Kim Hyunyoung
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the behavior of two-phase flow distribution inside a vertical header of a microchannel heat exchanger (MCHX) that functions as an evaporator of a heat pump system. In general, the two-phase flow distribution behavior of the refrigerant differs depending on the target application, which ranges from small-scale automobile air-conditioners to large-scale building heat pump systems. Particularly, it is reported that the distribution characteristics in the vertical header of the MCHX vary extensively according to the inlet flow conditions of the refrigerant and the physical profile of the header. In this study, the physical configurations (header height, branch tube diameter) of four types of vertical headers were considered. Thereafter, the operating conditions in an experimental device that simulates an MCHX with a vertical header were selected. The experiment was performed under R410A as the working fluid, with a saturation temperature of 15 °C, inlet mass flow rate of 50–150 kg h−1 (mass flux of 908–2723 kg m−2 s−1), and an inlet vapor quality of 0.1–0.2. The liquid and vapor flow ratios and the relative standard deviation were adopted as metrics to characterize the uniformity of flow distribution. The distribution characteristics were subsequently described according to Reynolds and Froude numbers. The larger the Reynolds number and the smaller the Froude number, the more uniform the two-phase flow distribution becomes. A correlation was proposed as a function of the Reynolds and Froude numbers to predict the flow distribution characteristics for the considered vertical headers.
Two-Phase System for Generating a Higher-Frequency Rotating Magnetic Field Excited Causing Hyperthermic Effect in Magnetic Fluids
Authors: Skumiel Andrzej , Wojciechowski Rafal M.
Published: November 2022

This article presents a new method of excitation for a fast-changing rotating magnetic field (RMF) of higher frequencies (HF) causing the hyperthermic effect in magnetic fluids. The method proposed here uses a magnetic field exciter (inductor) consisting of a ferrite magnetic circuit and a system of coils connected in a two-phase arrangement. The proposed system is powered by two higher-frequency rectangular signals, with a 90-degree phase shift between each other, through HF transformers with ferrite cores. This paper presents the outcomes of the operation of RMFs in the frequency range of 38 kHz to 190 kHz, with a value of amplitude of magnetic field intensity H equal to 20 kA/m and increasing temperature, in a sample of APG513 magnetic liquid. The obtained results show that, in the range of the magnetic field intensities of moderate values, at a constant frequency f, the values of the time derivative of temperature are proportional to the square of the magnetic field intensity dT/dt~H2. Moreover, the values of the temperature rate, which are measured with the constant value of the magnetic field intensity, are proportional to the square of the frequency dT/dt~f2. At higher amplitudes of the RMF, the relationship dT/dt~H2 is no longer fulfilled, and an inflexion point of this function appears. In the case of the highest values of the achieved intensity amplitudes (H = 20 kA/m), the parameter of the Langevin function achieves a value equal to ξ = 6.
Analysis of a Single-Phase Transformerless Bidirectional PFC
Authors: Liang Mei , Jia Pengyu , Guo Tengfei
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a single-phase transformerless bidirectional power factor corrector (PFC). A capacitor is inserted into a conventional full-bridge PFC by connecting the ac line terminal and a terminal of DC voltage. The functions of this inserted capacitor have two roles: to bypass the common-mode leakage current from the stray capacitor; to form an LCL filter to reduce the inductor current ripple. A hybrid modulation method is employed in this PFC. The unipolar switching scheme is applied to modulate the PFC, which can achieve high efficiency. Meanwhile, an additional modulation is inserted into the blank time of low-frequency switches to decrease the changing speed of the voltage on the inserted capacitor, and to decrease the spike on the inductor current and leakage current. The performance of the PFC is experimentally verified using a 5 kW prototype.
Impact Tests and Computed Tomography Scans of Prismatic Battery Cells
Authors: Schwolow Simon , Siddiqui Muhammad Ammad Raza , Bauer Philipp , Vietor Thomas
Published: November 2022

Recently, the use of prismatic cells in electric vehicles has increased significantly. Unlike the cylindrical or pouch format, the prismatic cell format has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, quasi-static mechanical tests are performed on prismatic cells. The tests include a cylindrical and a hemispherical impactor that mechanically load the cells in all three spatial directions. In both in-plane directions, a cell stack consisting of three cells is tested to capture the influence and loading of the outer cells of a cell stack. It is found out that, in the in-plane tests, short-circuiting occurs first in the outer cells and subsequently in the middle cell, which is targeted by the impactor. This result can also be supported by computed tomography scans. The results illustrate that, when evaluating the crash safety of battery cells, several cells should always be tested in order to capture the different loading of the cells.
Wind Energy Potential in Pakistan: A Feasibility Study in Sindh Province
Authors: Asghar Rafiq , Ullah Zahid , Azeem Babar , Aslam Sheraz , Hashmi Muhammad Harris , Rasool Ehtsham , Shaker Bilawal , Anwar Muhammad Junaid , Mustafa Kainat
Published: November 2022

The environment and the economy are negatively impacted by conventional energy sources, such as coal, gasoline, and other fossil fuels. Pakistan’s reliance on these resources has resulted in a catastrophic energy crisis. This has driven the government to make critical decisions such as early retail closures, power outages for the industrial sector, and an increase to two days a week vacations. Wind energy, accessible and affordable, will become a viable option for meeting Pakistan’s present and future energy demands. Approximately 3% of Pakistan’s land can produce nearly 132 GW of power with an installed capacity of 5 MW per km2. In this study, four zones (Karachi, Thatta, Badin, and Jamshoro) in Sindh province are assessed for the feasibility of wind energy generation. The installed capacity, generator types, and detailed specifications are provided for each zone. Moreover, the wind mapping of Pakistan is presented considering the four potential zones. The zones are analyzed using annual wind speed and power output considering wind data measured at 50 m height over one year. The higher mean speed is recorded at Jamshoro compared to other zones. The analysis indicates that all four sites are suitable for large-scale wind power generation due to their energy potential.
Review of Research on the Three-Dimensional Transition Process of Large-Scale Low-Lift Pump
Authors: Ge Xinfeng , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jian , Liu Demin , Zheng Yuan , Chen Huixiang
Published: November 2022

Due to the uneven distribution of water resources, there are many water diversion projects around the world, such as the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China, especially in some plain areas. To transfer water from low to high areas, large low-head pumps have been widely used. The transition process of the pumping station is mainly caused by the sudden change in the flow velocity and pressure of the fluid in the pipeline of the pumping station system caused by the start-up and shutdown processes. The previous research has mainly been based on the one-dimensional characteristic line method. However, due to the characteristics of the low-lift pumping station, the flow passage is short and irregular, and the calculation results often cannot guarantee the accuracy of the calculation. In addition to some faults in the actual operation process, in some pumping stations, accidents or operation-scheduling faults are caused by transient processes, such as a high degree of water hammer, the inability to initiate backward flow, the shutdown load rejection runaway exceeding the standard, and decreased hydraulic efficiency. To avoid transition process failures in the newly designed pumping stations and the modified pumping stations, it is necessary to carry out a research review of the three-dimensional transition process of large low-lift pumps. Especially with the development of computing technology, CFD numerical simulation technology has become the main research method for analyzing the pump transition process. The research on the transition process is mainly based on the combination of numerical simulations and experiments. The reliability of a numerical simulation is verified by an experiment. A numerical simulation can measure some parameters that cannot be measured by an experiment. Dynamic mesh technology has become the main technical means for using CFD numerical simulation to study the three-dimensional transition process, and the secondary development of computing software has become the main trend of future development. This paper analyzes and summarizes the research status of the start–stop transition process of large low-lift pump stations and provides a reference for the protection of the start–stop transition process of pump stations.
An Integrated Approach to Long-Term Fuel Supply Planning in Combined Heat and Power Systems
Authors: Benalcazar Pablo , Kamiński Jacek , Stós Karol
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the issue of strategic planning of fuel supplies in combined heat and power systems. This is a major challenge in energy modeling because heating-degree day calculation methods only address short-term horizons and are not suitable for the long-term planning of fuel supplies. In this work, a comprehensive method is proposed for strategic fuel supply planning of independent heat producers. The method considers changes in the market dynamics of residential and commercial properties, the annual rate of customer acquisition by the network operator, customer disconnections, as well as the thermal modernization of buildings for estimating the long-term thermal energy demand of an urban area. Moreover, the method develops a mathematical model to minimize production costs, taking into account the technical constraints of the system. The proposed strategic planning tool, in addition to information on the quantities of fuel consumed for heat and electricity production, also provides valuable management information on the operational costs of the CHP system and its environmental impact. The application of the method is illustrated with the analysis of a large-scale combined heat and power plant supplying heat and electricity to a city with over 500,000 inhabitants. The results indicate that depending on the changes in the primary and secondary heat markets, the demand for energy carriers may range from 107.37 TWh to 119.87 TWh.
Aging Study of Plastics to Be Used as Radiative Cooling Wind-Shields for Night-Time Radiative Cooling—Polypropylene as an Alternative to Polyethylene
Authors: Martorell Ingrid , Camarasa Jaume , Vilà Roger , Solé Cristian , Castell Albert
Published: November 2022

Polyethylene has widely been used in radiative cooling applications because of high transmittance values in the atmospheric window. However, it presents optical and mechanical degradation when exposed to environmental conditions and must be replaced every few months. This paper aims to find an alternative to polyethylene to be used in a unique device, the Radiative Collector and Emitter (RCE), that combines solar collection and night-time radiative cooling. The aging evolution analysis of five cheap and market available plastic films (two low density polyethylene, one high density polyethylene, one polypropylene, and one fluorinated ethylene propylene) exposed to environmental conditions was performed. FT-IR spectra and mechanical traction tests were performed before and after 90 days of exposure to the environment. Results confirm that polyethylene undergoes a degradation process both when it is covered by a glass and when it is uncovered. However, it maintains high average transmittance values in the atmospheric window. Polypropylene has average transmittance values slightly lower than polyethylene, but its aging behaviour is better since no oxidative processes are detected when the material is covered with glass. For all this, PP-35 is an interesting candidate for night-time radiative cooling wind-shields.
High-Voltage Engineering and Applications in Our Modern Society
Authors: Fofana Issouf , Zhang Bo
Published: November 2022

Electrical energy is polymorphic, with voltage levels varying between a few volts to MVs and frequencies from a few Hz to MHz [...]
Effects of Different Fiber Substrates on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Rumen Microbial Community in Korean Native Goats and Hanwoo Steers
Authors: Kim Seon-Ho , Sung Ha-Guyn
Published: November 2022

Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae) (KNG) and Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) are indigenous breeds inhabiting Korea. This study compared the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, dry matter (DM) degradation, and ruminal microbial communities of Korean native goats and Hanwoo steers consuming rice hay (RH) and cotton fiber (CF). The pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production significantly differ (p < 0.05) across species in all incubation times. After 24 h, the pH, NH3-N, and total VFAs production were higher in Korean native goats than in Hanwoo steers. Total gas, molar proportion of propionate, and total VFAs were higher (p < 0.05) in RH than in CF for both ruminant species. DM digestibility of both substrates were higher (p < 0.05) in Hanwoo steers than in KNG. Both treatments in KNG produced higher (p < 0.01) microbial DNA copies of general bacteria than those in Hanwoo steers. Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Fibrobacter succinogenes had significantly higher DNA copies under RH and CF in Hanwoo steers than in Korean native goats. B. fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavifaciens after 24 h of incubation had a higher abundance (p < 0.05) in RH than in CF. Overall results suggested that rumen bacteria had host-specific and substrate-specific action for fiber digestion and contribute to improving ruminal functions of forage utilization between ruminant species.
The Mixing Ratio and Filling-Amount Affect the Tissue Browning and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh-Cut Baby Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) Grown in Floating Growing Systems
Authors: Zhan Lijuan , Bulgari Roberta , Pignata Giuseppe , Casale Manuela , Nicola Silvana
Published: November 2022

Different types of baby leaf vegetables (BLV) are often mixed and packaged as salad mixes. This work has evaluated the effects of BLV mixing ratios (100% lettuce ‘Lollo Bionda’, 100 LB; 75% lettuce + 25% rocket, 75 LB; 50% lettuce + 50% rocket, 50 LB) and the weight filling amount (125 g filling amount, 125F; 250 g, 250F) on the antioxidant properties and browning potential (BP) of lettuce and rocket baby leaves during storage for 9 days at 4 °C in the dark. The samples were packaged in thermos-sealed bags previously prepared using polypropylene film. The results showed that the 50 LB mix had preserved high amounts of chlorophylls and internal nutrients on d9, regardless of the filling amount. No visible browning symptoms were detected in the 50 LB samples. The 50 LB × 125F mix was found to be the most efficient strategy to maintain the antioxidant property of BLV. Thus, the optimisation of the mixing ratio and its combination with an appropriate filling amount could represent an effective postharvest practice.
Exploring the Analytical Complexities in Insect Powder Analysis Using Miniaturized NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Riu Jordi , Vega Alba , Boqué Ricard , Giussani Barbara
Published: November 2022

Insects have been a food source for humans for millennia, and they are actively consumed in various parts of the world. This paper aims to ascertain the feasibility of portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a reliable and fast candidate for the classification of insect powder samples and the prediction of their major components. Commercially-available insect powder samples were analyzed using two miniaturized NIR instruments. The samples were analyzed as they are and after grinding, to study the effect of the granulometry on the spectroscopic analyses. A homemade sample holder was designed and optimized for making reliable spectroscopic measurements. Classification was then performed using three classification strategies, and partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to predict the macronutrients. The results obtained confirmed that both spectroscopic sensors were able to classify insect powder samples and predict macronutrients with an adequate detection limit.
Processing Technology and Quality Change during Storage of Fish Sausages with Textured Soy Protein
Authors: You Shuyi , Yang Shuqi , Li Lanxin , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Yi , Zeng Hongliang
Published: November 2022

The addition of textured soy protein (TSP) to surimi products extends the supply of fish protein and improves nutritional and sensory properties, which has attracted considerable research interest. In this study, a single-factor experiment and orthogonal experiment were used to determine the optimal process conditions and to assess the quality indicators of fish sausages during frozen storage. The results indicated that the optimal process conditions were as follows: the addition of 15% TSP, 8% potato starch, and 5% lard oil, resulting in a gel strength of 1894.32 g·cm. During storage of the formulation-optimized fish sausages for 180 days, the water-holding capacity, whiteness, texture properties, and gel strength of the fish sausages all decreased, whereas cooking loss, thawing loss, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value, and total volatile base nitrogen value all increased. Consequently, TSP is beneficial to improve the gel strength and sensory score of fish sausages. The quality of fish sausages with added TSP was acceptable after storage at −18 °C, for 120 days.
Conceptualizing a Product with the Food-Related Lifestyle Instrument
Authors: Lazo Oxana , Guerrero Luis , García-Barrón Sergio Erick
Published: November 2022

Product perception is important for consumers’ acceptance, especially when it is associated with a geographical location. Consumers’ food-related lifestyles (FRLs) have been used to better identify the role that beverages have in people lives. The present study was conducted to understand the conceptualization of mezcal according to consumers’ FRLs. Four hundred mezcal consumers were surveyed in Mexico. Participants were asked to describe their experience with the product and consumption habits, to evaluate ten different FRL constructs, and to assess mezcal conceptualization using a check-all-that-apply test. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out on the composite variables of the evaluated constructs and their objective knowledge score to define segments. To visualize the relationships among FRL constructs and the terms used to describe mezcal, a multiple factorial analysis was carried out. The results showed four different mezcal clusters. The social and involved segment described the beverage with elements of traditional and food-related activities. The price–quality fixed segment was mainly associated with the product to handcraft process. Uninvolved consumers were not linked to specific terms and uninformed and unaware consumers were novice participants with mainly negative product connotations. Therefore, is important to consider consumers’ FRLs to have a better understanding of product conceptualization.
Hankel and Symmetric Toeplitz Determinants for a New Subclass of q-Starlike Functions
Authors: Al-shbeil Isra , Gong Jianhua , Khan Shahid , Khan Nazar , Khan Ajmal , Khan Mohammad Faisal , Goswami Anjali
Published: November 2022

This paper considers the basic concepts of q-calculus and the principle of subordination. We define a new subclass of q-starlike functions related to the Salagean q-differential operator. For this class, we investigate initial coefficient estimates, Hankel determinants, Toeplitz matrices, and Fekete-Szegö problem. Moreover, we consider the q-Bernardi integral operator to discuss some applications in the form of some results.
Structural, Optical, and Sensing Properties of Nb-Doped ITO Thin Films Deposited by the Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Nicolescu Madalina , Mitrea Daiana , Hornoiu Cristian , Preda Silviu , Stroescu Hermine , Anastasescu Mihai , Calderon-Moreno Jose Maria , Predoana Luminita , Teodorescu Valentin Serban , Maraloiu Valentin-Adrian , Zaharescu Maria , Gartner Mariuca
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was the development of Nb-doped ITO thin films for carbon monoxide (CO) sensing applications. The detection of CO is imperious because of its high toxicity, with long-term exposure having a negative impact on human health. Using a feasible sol–gel method, the doped ITO thin films were prepared at room temperature and deposited onto various substrates (Si, SiO2/glass, and glass). The structural, morphological, and optical characterization was performed by the following techniques: X-ray diffractometry (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The analysis revealed a crystalline structure and a low surface roughness of the doped ITO-based thin films. XTEM analysis (cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy) showed that the film has crystallites of the order of 5–10 nm and relatively large pores (around 3–5 nm in diameter). A transmittance value of 80% in the visible region and an optical band-gap energy of around 3.7 eV were found for dip-coated ITO/Nb films on SiO2/glass and glass supports. The EDX measurements proved the presence of Nb in the ITO film in a molar ratio of 3.7%, close to the intended one (4%). Gas testing measurements were carried out on the ITO undoped and doped thin films deposited on glass substrate. The presence of Nb in the ITO matrix increases the electrical signal and the sensitivity to CO detection, leading to the highest response for 2000 ppm CO concentration at working temperature of 300 °C.
Chemical Modifications of Normal and Waxy Potato Starches Affect Functional Properties of Aerogels
Authors: Le Thanh-Blicharz Joanna , Lewandowicz Jacek , Małyszek Zuzanna , Baranowska Hanna Maria , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz
Published: November 2022

Aerogels are of increasing interest because of their exceptionally large surface area, porous structure, and low weight. Despite the significant increase in interest in the subject of starch-based aerogels, the number of detailed studies is rather scarce, which is especially evident in the case of chemically modified derivatives. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of aerogels from chemically modified potato starch preparations (E 1422 and E 1450) obtained both from normal and waxy starches. Aerogels were prepared through the retrogradation of starch pastes followed by the gradual replacement of water with ethyl alcohol. The obtained preparations were characterized in terms of their bulk density, oil-binding capacity, as well as the texture and rheological properties of the formed pastes. Moreover, their usefulness was evaluated in an emulsion system employing rheological and low-field NMR methods. The obtained aerogels were characterized by a lower bulk density of 0.18–0.59 g/cm3 and 5.4–6.6 times higher oil-binding capacity compared to native potato starch. The chemical modification of starch helped to further alter the functional properties of the obtained aerogels, making them more effective oil binders, emulsifiers, and stabilizers (increasing the stability from 55 to 90%), which was especially evident for E 1450 preparation. Amylose content improved the aerogel properties, as waxy preparations were characterized by worse functional properties with the only exception of improved thickening ability. The most beneficial properties for the preparation of emulsions were observed for the aerogel obtained based on E 1450 normal potato starch.
Comparative Studies on Thickeners as Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids: Suspension versus Powder
Authors: Shi Shenglong , Sun Jinsheng , Lv Kaihe , Liu Jingping , Bai Yingrui , Wang Jintang , Huang Xianbin , Jin Jiafeng , Li Jian
Published: November 2022

To overcome the problems of long dissolution time and high investment in surface facilities of powder thickeners in hydraulic fracturing, a novel suspension of a thickener as a fracturing fluid was prepared using powder polyacrylamide, nano-silica, and polyethylene glycol by high-speed mixing. The suspension and powder were compared in terms of properties of solubility, rheological behavior, sand carrying, drag reduction, and gel breaking. The results showed that the suspension could be quickly diluted in brine within 5 min, whereas the dissolution time of powder was 120 min. The suspension exhibited better performance in salt resistance, temperature resistance, shear resistance, viscoelasticity, sand carrying, and drag reduction than powder. The powder solution was broken more easily and had a lower viscosity than suspension diluent. These improvements in properties of the suspension were due to the dispersion of nano-silica in the polymer matrix; the mobility of thickener chains was inhibited by the steric hindrance of the nano-silica. Nano-silica particles acted as crosslinkers by attaching thickener chains, which strengthened the network structure of the thickener solution. The presence of hydrogen bonds between the thickener matrix and the nano-silica restricted the local movement of thickener chains, leading to a stronger spatial network. Therefore, this novel suspension showed good potential for fracturing applications.
Shoreline Change Analysis along Rivers and Deltas: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of the Shoreline Study Literature from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Rahman Munshi Khaledur , Crawford Thomas W. , Islam Md Sariful
Published: November 2022

Globally, coastal zones, rivers and riverine areas, and deltas carry enormous values for ecosystems, socio-economic, and environmental perspectives. These often highly populated areas are generally significantly different from interior hinterlands in terms of population density, economic activities, and geophysical and ecological processes. Geospatial technologies are widely used by scholars from multiple disciplines to understand the dynamic nature of shoreline changes globally. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review to identify and interpret research patterns and themes related to shoreline change detection from 2000 to 2021. Two databases, Web of Science and Scopus, were used to identify articles that investigate shoreline change analysis using geospatial technique such as remote sensing and GIS analysis capabilities (e.g., the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Between the years 2000 and 2021, we initially found 1622 articles, which were inspected for suitability, leading to a final set of 905 articles for bibliometric analysis. For systematic analysis, we used Rayyan—a web-based platform used for screening literature. For bibliometric network analysis, we used the CiteSpace, Rayyan, and VOSviewer software. The findings of this study indicate that the majority of the literature originated in the USA, followed by India. Given the importance of protecting the communities living in the riverine areas, coastal zones, and delta regions, it is necessary to ask new research questions and apply cutting-edge tools and technology, such as machine learning approach and GeoAI, to fill the research gaps on shoreline change analysis. Such approaches could include, but are not limited to, centimeter level accuracy with high-resolution satellite imagery, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and point cloud data for both local and global level shoreline change and analysis.
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Oral Appliances in Saudi Arabia: Are We Following the Guidelines?
Authors: Alsaeed Suliman , Albalawi Farraj , Alghulikah Abdulrahman A. , Aldakheel Ghadah , Alalola Bassam
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess sleep medicine physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the role of oral appliances (OAs) in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to the registered physicians practicing sleep medicine (otolaryngology, internal medicine, pulmonology, and family medicine) in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included 26 questions under five domains. All the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: One hundred sleep physicians (43% Saudi, 75% male) from Saudi Arabia participated in this study. Almost 43% of participants reported inadequate knowledge of the treatment of OSA patients using OAs. Half of the participants were unaware of how OAs work in managing OSA. Most physicians (62%) never referred the patient for treatment of OSA using OAs, whereas 4% referred at least one patient every month. The majority (60%) believed that there are barriers to referring a case for OA treatment, mainly the lack of knowledge of the suitable cases (60%) and the lack of qualified dentists in this area (43%). Conclusion: Most sleep physicians reported poor knowledge of OA indications and mechanism of use, with most never referring a case for OA therapy.
Nutritional Knowledge, Confidence, Attitudes towards Nutritional Care and Nutrition Counselling Practice among General Practitioners
Authors: Vrkatić Aleksandra , Grujičić Maja , Jovičić-Bata Jelena , Novaković Budimka
Published: November 2022

Nutritional care represents any practice provided by a health professional, aimed to improve the patient’s health outcomes by influencing patient’s dietary habits. Clearly, dietitians are the ones supposed to provide top-quality nutrition care, but their services are often inaccessible to many for various reasons. This obliges general practitioners (GPs) in primary health care to provide nutritional counselling to their patients to a certain extent. Preconditions to successful nutritional counselling are GPs with adequate nutritional knowledge, positive attitudes towards nutrition and nutritional care, self-confident and competent in nutritional counselling. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarise currently available information on nutritional knowledge, confidence and attitudes towards nutritional care and nutrition counselling practice of GPs, as well as barriers towards provision of nutritional counselling. GPs do not consistently obtain satisfying results in nutrition knowledge assessments and their self-confidence in nutrition counselling skills varies. Studies suggest that nutritional counselling practice still has not met its full potential, and GPs frequently report various barriers that impair nutritional counselling practice. Thus, health policies that help overcome barriers and create stimulating environment for GPs to implement nutrition counselling strategies efficiently are the key to improving quality and quantity of nutritional counselling.
Long Term Trend Analysis of River Flow and Climate in Northern Canada
Authors: Zaghloul Mohamed Sherif , Ghaderpour Ebrahim , Dastour Hatef , Farjad Babak , Gupta Anil , Eum Hyung , Achari Gopal , Hassan Quazi K.
Published: November 2022

Changes in water resources within basins can significantly impact ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity, among others. Basins in northern Canada have a cold climate, and the recent changes in climate can have a profound impact on water resources in these basins. Therefore, it is crucial to study long term trends in water flow as well as their influential factors, such as temperature and precipitation. This study focused on analyzing long term trends in water flow across the Athabasca River Basin (ARB) and Peace River Basin (PRB). Long term trends in temperature and precipitation within these basins were also studied. Water flow data from 18 hydrometric stations provided by Water Survey of Canada were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope. In addition, hybrid climate data provided by Alberta Environment and Parks at approximately 10 km spatial resolution were analyzed for the ARB and its surrounding regions during 1950–2019. Trend analysis was performed on the water flow data on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales, and the results were cross-checked with trends in temperature and precipitation and land use and land cover data. The overall temperature across the basins has been increasing since 1950, while precipitation showed an insignificant decrease during this period. Winter water flow in the upper ARB has been slowly and steadily increasing since 1956 because of the rising temperatures and the subsequent slow melting of snowpacks/glaciers. The warm season flows in the middle and lower subregions declined up to 1981, then started to show an increasing trend. The middle and lower ARB exhibited a rapid increase in warm-season water flow since 2015. A similar trend change was also observed in the PRB. The gradual increase in water flow observed in the recent decades may continue by the mid-century, which is beneficial for agriculture, forestry, fishery, and industry. However, climate and land cover changes may alter the trend of water flow in the future; therefore, it is important to have a proper management plan for water usage in the next decades.
Water Quality in a Small Lowland River in Different Land Use
Authors: Rutkowska Beata , Szulc Wieslaw , Wyżyński Wiktor , Gościnna Katarzyna , Torma Stanislav , Vilček Jozef , Koco Štefan
Published: November 2022

The paper describes water quality in the Raszynka River based on selected chemical parameters dependent on different land use. The research was carried out in the Raszynka River catchment, characterized by a small surface area (75.9 km2) and length (17.14 km). The river is a right tributary of the Utrata River. It is located in the Piaseczno and Pruszkow districts in the Mazowieckie voivodship. The dominant type of land use in the basin is agricultural land. Water samples were collected from 2017 to 2019 from previously designated research points at similar distances along the river. Selected physicochemical indicators examined in the samples include total alkalinity, electrolytic conductivity (EC), pH, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Moreover, the concentration of selected substances was determined, including nitrogen compounds: NO3− (nitrates) and NH4+ (ammonium), TP (total phosphorus), and Cl− (chlorides). The results showed that the values of some of the examined indicators do not meet the standards set for first-class surface water quality. Indicators significantly exceeding the limit included ammonium, chlorides, and pH. The highest concentration of chlorides, ammonium, and nitrate was found in urbanized areas. The highest concentrations of total phosphorus and COD were determined in agricultural areas and total alkalinity in meadows.