bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A2TPNet: Alternate Steered Attention and Trapezoidal Pyramid Fusion Network for RGB-D Salient Object Detection
Authors: Duan Songsong , Gao Xiuju , Xia Chenxing , Ge Bin
Published: June 2022

RGB-D salient object detection (SOD) aims at locating the most eye-catching object in visual input by fusing complementary information of RGB modality and depth modality. Most of the existing RGB-D SOD methods integrate multi-modal features to generate the saliency map indiscriminately, ignoring the ambiguity between different modalities. To better use multi-modal complementary information and alleviate the negative impact of ambiguity among different modalities, this paper proposes a novel Alternate Steered Attention and Trapezoidal Pyramid Fusion Network (A2TPNet) for RGB-D SOD composed of Cross-modal Alternate Fusion Module (CAFM) and Trapezoidal Pyramid Fusion Module (TPFM). CAFM is focused on fusing cross-modal features, taking full consideration of the ambiguity between cross-modal data by an Alternate Steered Attention (ASA), and it reduces the interference of redundant information and non-salient features in the interactive process through a collaboration mechanism containing channel attention and spatial attention. TPFM endows the RGB-D SOD model with more powerful feature expression capabilities by combining multi-scale features to enhance the expressive ability of contextual semantics of the model. Extensive experimental results on five publicly available datasets demonstrate that the proposed model consistently outperforms 17 state-of-the-art methods.
Intelligent Model for Data Analytical Study of Coronavirus COVID-19 Databases
Authors: Khafaga Doaa Sami , Karim Faten Khalid , Dessouky Mohamed M. , El-Rashidy Mohamed A.
Published: June 2022

The pandemic coronavirus COVID-19 spread around the world with deaths exceeding that of SARS. COVID-19 is believed to have been transmitted from animals, especially from bats, and the virus is transmitted from person to person over time. This paper will help countries to make decisions that encourage access to corrected values and get some indication as to whether there are other factors that affect the spread of COVID-19, via methods such as by increasing the daily test rate. This paper presents an intelligent model for analyzing data collected from the countries affected by the COVID-19 virus. It considers the total number of tests that each country has undergone, the number of international tourist arrivals in each country, the percentage of employment, the life expectancy at birth, the median age, the population density, the number of people aged 65 years or older in millions, and the sex ratio. The proposed model is based on machine learning approaches using k-Means as a clustering approach, Support Vector Machine (SVM) as a classifier, and wrapper as a feature extraction approach. It consists of three phases of pre-processing the data collected, the discovery of outlier cases, the selection of the most effective features for each of the total infected, deaths, critical and recovery cases, and the construction of prediction models. Experimental results show that the extracted features of the wrapper technique have shown that it is more capable of fitting and predicting data than the Correlation-Based Feature Selection, Correlation Attribute Evaluation, Information Gain, and Relief Attribute Evaluation techniques. The SVM classifier also achieved the highest accuracy compared to other classification algorithms for predicting total infected, fatal, critical, and recovery cases.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Assessment on Software Testing (2016–2021)
Authors: Zardari Shehnila , Alam Sana , Al Salem Hamad Abosaq , Al Reshan Mana Saleh , Shaikh Asadullah , Malik Aneeq Fayyaz Karim , Masood ur Rehman Muhammad , Mouratidis Haralambos
Published: June 2022

The research study provides a comprehensive bibliometric assessment in the field of Software Testing (ST). The dynamic evolution in the field of ST is evident from the publication rate over the last six years. The research study is carried out to provide insight into the field of ST from various research bibliometric aspects. Our methodological approach includes dividing the six-year time frame into the set of two symmetric but different periods (2016–2018) and (2019–2021) comprising a total of 75,098 records. VOSViewer is used to perform analysis with respect to collaboration network of countries and co-word assessment. Bibliometrix (Studio R) analysis tool is used to evaluate research themes/topics. The year 2019 leads the publication rate whereas a decrement in publication frequency is observed for the years 2020 and 2021. Our research study shows the influence of ST in other research domains as depicted in different research areas. Especially the impact of ST in the Electrical and Electronics Domain is quite notable. Most of the research publications are from the USA and China as they are among the most resourceful countries. On the whole, the majority of the publications are from Asian countries. Collaboration networks amongst countries demonstrate the fact that the higher the collaboration network, the greater would be the research output. Co-word analysis presents the relatedness of documents based on the keywords. The topic dendrogram is generated based on the identified research themes. Although English is the leading language, prominent studies are present in other languages also. This research study provides a comprehensive analysis based on 12 informative research questions
Adaptation of the Four Levels of Test Maturity Model Integration with Agile and Risk-Based Test Techniques
Authors: Unudulmaz Ahmet , Cingiz Mustafa Özgür , Kalıpsız Oya
Published: June 2022

Many projects that progress with failure, processes managed erroneously, failure to deliver products and projects on time, excessive increases taking place in costs, and an inability to analyze customer requests correctly pave the way for the use of agile processes in software development methods and cause the importance of test processes to increase day by day. In particular, the inability to properly handle testing processes and risks with time and cost pressures, the differentiation of software development methods between projects, the failure to integrate risk management, and risk analysis studies, conducted within a company/institution, with software development methods also complicates this situation. It is recommended to use agile process methods and test maturity model integration (TMMI), with risk-based testing techniques and user scenario testing techniques, to eliminate such problems. In this study, agile process transformation of a company, operating in factory automation systems in the field of industry, was followed for two and a half years. This study has been prepared to close the gap in the literature on the integration of TMMI level 2, TMMI level 3, and TMMI level 4 with SAFE methodology and agile processes. Our research has been conducted upon the use of all TMMI level sub-steps with both agile process practices and some test practices (risk-based testing techniques, user scenario testing techniques). TMMI coverage percentages have been determined as 92.85% based on TMMI level 2, 92.9% based on TMMI level 3, and 100% based on TMMI level 4. In addition, agile process adaptation metrics and their measurements between project versions will be shown, and their contribution to quality will be mentioned.
Energy Flow Analysis of Excavator System Based on Typical Working Condition Load
Authors: Su Deying , Hou Liang , Wang Shaojie , Bu Xiangjian , Xia Xiaosong
Published: June 2022

Accurate energy flow results are the premise of excavator energy-saving control research. Only through an accurate energy flow analysis based on operating data can a practical excavator energy-saving control scheme be proposed. In order to obtain the excavator’s accurate energy flow, the excavator components’ performance and operating data requirements are obtained, and the experimental schemes are designed to collect it under typical working conditions. The typical working condition load is reconstructed based on wavelet decomposition, harmonic function, and theoretical weighting methods. This paper analyzes the excavator system’s energy flow under the typical working condition load. In operation conditions, the output energy of the engine only accounts for 50.21% of the engine’s fuel energy, and the actuation and the swing system account for 9.33% and 4%, respectively. In transportation conditions, the output energy of the engine only accounts for 49.80% of the engine’s fuel energy, and the torque converter efficiency loss and excavator driving energy account for 15.09% and 17.98%, respectively. The research results show that the energy flow analysis method based on typical working condition load can accurately obtain each excavator component’s energy margin, which provides a basis for designing energy-saving schemes and control strategies.
Numerical Investigation of Signal Launch Imperfections for Edge Mount RF Connectors
Authors: Riener Christian , Bauernfeind Thomas , Kvasnicka Samuel , Roppert Klaus , Hackl Herbert , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: June 2022

In this paper, common practice RF design guidelines for SMA edge mount connectors are investigated in terms of numerical simulations and VNA measurements. These guidelines are used in a variety of applications for coaxial-to-planar interfaces but often do not provide information regarding the physical origins of increased insertion and transmission losses. The presented results in this work focus on different RF PCB design features and their impact on electromagnetic field distributions in the launching zone. The presented investigations should raise awareness on the issue of electromagnetic field resonances occurring in the RF frequency range and assist PCB design engineers to identify potential issues occurring at an coaxial-to-planar interface. The investigated PCB features facilitate a high performance RF PCB design up to a frequency of 26 GHz.
Electrocardiogram Signal Classification Based on Mix Time-Series Imaging
Authors: Cai Hao , Xu Lingling , Xu Jianlong , Xiong Zhi , Zhu Changsheng
Published: June 2022

Arrhythmia is a significant cause of death, and it is essential to analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals as this is usually used to diagnose arrhythmia. However, the traditional time series classification methods based on ECG ignore the nonlinearity, temporality, or other characteristics inside these signals. This paper proposes an electrocardiogram classification method that encodes one-dimensional ECG signals into the three-channel images, named ECG classification based on Mix Time-series Imaging (EC-MTSI). Specifically, this hybrid transformation method combines Gramian angular field (GAF), recurrent plot (RP), and tiling, preserving the original ECG time series’ time dependence and correlation. We use a variety of neural networks to extract features and perform feature fusion and classification. This retains sufficient details while emphasizing local information. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the EC-MTSI, we conduct abundant experiments in a commonly-used dataset. In our experiments, the general accuracy reached 93.23%, and the accuracy of identifying high-risk arrhythmias of ventricular beats and supraventricular beats alone are as high as 97.4% and 96.3%, respectively. The results reveal that the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing approaches.
Produced Water Treatment and Valorization: A Techno-Economical Review
Authors: Sanchez-Rosario Ramon , Hildenbrand Zacariah L.
Published: June 2022

In recent years, environmental concerns have urged companies in the energy sector to modify their industrial activities to facilitate greater environmental stewardship. For example, the practice of unconventional oil and gas extraction has drawn the ire of regulators and various environmental groups due to its reliance on millions of barrels of fresh water—which is generally drawn from natural sources and public water supplies—for hydraulic fracturing well stimulation. Additionally, this process generates two substantial waste streams, which are collectively characterized as flowback and produced water. Whereas flowback water is comprised of various chemical additives that are used during hydraulic fracturing; produced water is a complex mixture of microbiota, inorganic and organic constituents derived from the petroliferous strata. This review will discuss the obstacles of managing and treating flowback and produced waters, concentrating on the hardest constituents to remove by current technologies and their effect on the environment if left untreated. Additionally, this work will address the opportunities associated with repurposing produced water for various applications as an alternative to subsurface injection, which has a number of environmental concerns. This review also uses lithium to evaluate the feasibility of extracting valuable metals from produced water using commercially available technologies.
Prediction of Hourly Air-Conditioning Energy Consumption in Office Buildings Based on Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Feng Yayuan , Huang Youxian , Shang Haifeng , Lou Junwei , Knefaty Ala deen , Yao Jian , Zheng Rongyue
Published: June 2022

Accurate prediction of air-conditioning energy consumption in buildings is of great help in reducing building energy consumption. Nowadays, most research efforts on predictive models are based on large samples, while short-term prediction with one-month or less-than-one-month training sets receives less attention due to data uncertainty and unavailability for application in practice. This paper takes a government office building in Ningbo as a case study. The hourly HVAC system energy consumption is obtained through the Ningbo Building Energy Consumption Monitoring Platform, and the meteorological data are obtained from the meteorological station of Ningbo city. This study utilizes a Gaussian process regression with the help of a 12 × 12 grid search and prediction processing to predict short-term hourly building HVAC system energy consumption by using meteorological variables and short-term building HVAC energy consumption data. The accuracy R2 of the optimal Gaussian process regression model obtained is 0.9917 and 0.9863, and the CV-RMSE is 0.1035 and 0.1278, respectively, for model testing and short-term HVAC system energy consumption prediction. For short-term HVAC system energy consumption, the NMBE is 0.0575, which is more accurate than the standard of ASHRAE, indicating that it can be applied in practical energy predictions.
The Role of Energy Behaviors in Designing Energy Policies for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Lopes Marta A. R. , Antunes Carlos Henggeler
Published: June 2022

Energy behaviors have increasing importance in the design of policies and programs that promote transitions to a low-carbon and more sustainable future [...]
Research on Dynamic Characteristics of Canopy and Column of Hydraulic Support under Impact Load
Authors: Zeng Qingliang , Li Zhaoji , Wan Lirong , Ma Dejian , Wang Jiantao
Published: June 2022

In the process of coal mining, the canopy and column play an important role in the safety support of hydraulic support. However, due to the complex and changeable coal seam conditions, the hydraulic support is significantly affected by the impact load. This paper aims to reveal the dynamic characteristics of canopy and column under impact load. Firstly, the dynamic model of hydraulic support is established, and the impact response of each hinge point of the canopy is analyzed. Secondly, based on the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) theory, the two-way FSI model of the column is established, and the structural change of the column and the flow field characteristics in the cylinder under the impact load are analyzed. The results show that the front column hinge is more prone to impact failure under impact load. The impact load has a significant impact on the two-level cylinder, the pressure in the cylinder increases, and an eddy current occurs on both sides of the bottom of the cylinder. The research results can provide references for the structural optimization of the hydraulic support with anti-impact load and the strength design of the column.
A Dual-Mode Hybrid Step-Up Converter with Stable Output for Vibration Energy Harvesting
Authors: Yuan Jiayong , Peng Han , Chen Jiahua , Sun Hanyi , Zang Chunyan
Published: June 2022

A dual-mode hybrid step-up circuit for electromagnetic energy harvesting (EVEH) is proposed in this paper, with the merits of continuous output power delivery with and without external vibrations, simple architecture, and no need for extra circuits to start up. The proposed hybrid converter combines a multi-stage voltage multiplier (VM) with a boost regulator, which utilizes the winding inductance of the electromagnetic energy harvester as a boost inductor. With external vibration, the proposed circuit powers the load and stores energy in the super-capacitor through VM mode. When external vibration disappears, it automatically switches to boost mode and powers the load using the energy stored in the supercapacitor. For hybrid mode operation, the number of VM stages is optimized considering the following three aspects: sufficient voltage gains when vibration is on, time durations to provide constant power when vibration is off for as long as possible, and low losses at VM stage. A GaN-based dual-mode hybrid converter is built to verify the output regulation capability with an in-house-designed electromagnetic energy harvester. The outputs of the hybrid circuit achieve 4.05 V and 1.64 mW at a 100-Hz external vibration frequency and an acceleration of 0.7 g. The peak efficiency of the proposed hybrid converter reaches 60.7%. When external vibration disappears, the circuit is able to maintain a stable output for 13 s with a super-capacitor of 0.1 F.
Investigation of Pressure Coefficient Distribution on the Surface of a Modular Building
Authors: Zhelykh Vasyl , Ulewicz Małgorzata , Furdas Yurii , Adamski Mariusz , Rebman Maksym
Published: June 2022

This article considers the distribution of the pressure coefficient on the surface of a modular house model in order to further assess the possibility of operation of a thermosyphon solar collector integrated into the external protection. The experiment was planned to estimate the factors influencing the value of the aerodynamic coefficient. The results of experimental studies conducted in a wind tunnel are presented. The obtained graphical dependences were compared with the results of computer simulations and convergence was evaluated.
Variable Weight-Projection Gray Target Evaluation Model of Degree of Protection of Protective Layer Mining
Authors: Qin Bing , Shi Zhanshan , Hao Jianfeng , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji , He Feng
Published: June 2022

In order to quantitatively evaluate the degree of protection in protective layer mining and provide guidance for the design of a secondary outburst elimination scheme, a variable weight-projection gray target dynamic evaluation model for the effectiveness of protective layer mining is established. The improved order relation analysis method was used to determine the subjective weight of each index toward the decision-making goal based on numerical diversity characteristics, and the initial fixed-weight calculation for mixed multi-attribute metrics was processed through the degree of index action. The variable weight function was used to dynamically adjust the fixed weight through the penalty and incentive index methods. Four indexes (gas content, gas pressure, coal seam permeability coefficient, and expansion deformation) were selected, the outburst elimination and anti-reflection were taken as the guide, and the critical value of each index for eliminating burst and the critical value of pressure relief were taken as the positive and negative bullseyes. Based on the variable weight-projection gray target decision model, the distance between the two target centers of each scheme was calculated; at the same time, the variable weight vector changed dynamically with the evaluation scheme to achieve the dynamic quantitative evaluation of the degree of protection. Additionally, compared with the calculation results of fixed weights, it was found that the variable weight-projection bullseye distance can more accurately reflect the dynamic control effect of differences in numerical combinations of multi-attribute indexes in different decision schemes based on the degree of protection of protective layer mining. Taking a mine in PingMei as the engineering background, Ding protected the Wu area, and the degree of protection in the Wu group coal seam reached 116.29%, eliminating the outburst risk of the coal seam. The Wu protected the Ji group coal seam, with the degree of outburst risk in the Ji group being reduced by 14.27, and the Ding + Wu group protected the Ji group coal seam, with the degree of outburst risk of the Ji group being reduced by 20.71%, but not eliminated. The evaluation model quantifies the degree of protection of protective layer mining, and provides a theoretical basis for further assessing whether the working face should strengthen the enhancing permeability or whether it needs to be used in tandem with high-strength outburst elimination methods.
Development Procedure for Performance Estimation and Main Dimensions Calculation of a Highly-Boosted Ethanol Engine with Water Injection
Authors: Vieira da Silva Thiago , Diniz Netto Nilton , Santos Jeanine , Teixeira Malaquias Augusto , Coelho Baêta José
Published: June 2022

The management of the global energy resources has stimulated the emergence of various agreements in favor of the environment. Among the most famous are the Conference of Parties (COP) and Route 2030, which aim to limit global warming to 1.5 °C by reducing the energy consumption and global emission levels. In order to comply with the international standards for energy consumption and pollutant emissions, the Brazilian government has been promoting the expansion of biofuels in the national energy matrix. Considering this scenario, the development of a novel internal combustion engine for the exclusive use of ethanol as a fuel, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and employing modern design concepts, consists of an innovative and promising pathway for future Brazilian mobility, from both environmental and technological outlooks. In this sense, this work presents a method to determine the main engine dimensions as part of the initial process for a new ethanol prototype engine development. The Brazilian biofuel was selected due to its physicochemical properties, which allow the engine to achieve higher loads, and also due to its large availability as a renewable energy source in the country. Furthermore, a port water injection system was fitted to the engine in order to assist the combustion process by mitigating the knock tendency. The predicted overall engine performance was obtained by carrying out a GT-PowerTM 1D-CFD simulation, whose results pointed to a maximum torque of 279 Nm from 2000 to 4000 rpm and an indicated peak power of 135 kW at 5500 rpm. With a maximum water-to-fuel ratio of 19.2%, the engine was able to perform its entire full load curve at the MBT condition, a fact that makes the WI approach along with the ethanol fuel a very attractive solution. As a result of the specific design and optimization of each geometric parameter for this unique ethanol engine, a maximum indicated fuel conversion efficiency of 45.3% was achieved. Moreover, the engine was capable of achieving over 40% of the indicated fuel conversion efficiency in almost its entire full load curve.
Experimental Evaluation of the Multiphase Flow Effect on Sand Production Process: Prepack Sand Retention Testing Results
Authors: Tananykhin Dmitry , Grigorev Maxim , Korolev Maxim , Solovyev Timur , Mikhailov Nikolay , Nesterov Mark
Published: June 2022

This paper considers a field with high-viscosity oil in a terrigenous weakly consolidated reservoir (sandstone) with a massive gas cap and an aquifer. The major challenge in the field operation is the migration of solid sand particles into the well, accompanied by a breakthrough of water and/or gas. The goal of the investigation was to evaluate the degree of influence on the sanding process of water and gas shares in the produced fluid and to determine the effect of pressure drop. The research methodology is based on a series of filtration experiments on small-sized bulk reservoir models. Particle size distribution of bulk models was created in accordance with that of the reservoir. The experiments were made in the form of Prepack Sand Retention Tests (SRT). Gas breakthrough allows sand production on a relatively high level for a longer amount of time, even though the concentration of solids in the produced fluid is lower than that of water breakthrough. On the other hand, water breakthrough triggers higher sand production, but it rapidly decreases as time goes on. Retained permeability of the model-screen system from the drawdown pressure (pressure gradient) and phase distribution of the flow were investigated. Moreover, a methodology has been developed for conducting filtration tests on bulk reservoir models to evaluate the efficiency of different screens (wire-wrapped screens, in particular).
Power Quality and Electromagnetic Compatibility Aspects at Personal Computers
Authors: Nicolae Ileana-Diana , Nicolae Petre-Marian
Published: June 2022

In this article, issues related to electromagnetic compatibility and energy/power quality for a laptop are addressed. Power quality problems are outlined. Testing frameworks (developed by authors) are presented and discussed for a laptop when two different sampling frequencies are used: 80 kHz and 19.2 kHz. Waveforms corresponding to the voltage across the laptop’s terminals and current absorbed by it were acquired. Recordings and numerical processing, based on original software using Fast Fourier Transform, are discussed, and the analysis of waveforms in both cases is performed. Various power quality indices were calculated. Theoretical and practical aspects related to the determination of power quantities, power flows, and power factor are presented. Some conclusions concerning different ranges of frequencies are presented, along with some considerations for power quality problems. Tests for conducted emissions (single phase and neutral wire respectively) and for the radiated emissions (for horizontal and vertical polarizations) are presented. Comparisons to the emission standards were made. The immunity behavior for a laptop is discussed according to immunity standards. It is shown that new measures (e.g., active filters) are necessary for network protection when connecting a laptop to the network. Some considerations, based on the authors’ observations concerning new standards for power quality and electromagnetic compatibility, are outlined.
Modular Transformerless Static Synchronous Series Compensator with Self-Balancing for Ultra High Current Using a Paralleling Scheme
Authors: Ginart Antonio E.
Published: June 2022

A novel modular Transformerless, Self-balanced, Static Synchronous Series Compensator (TSB-SSSC) capable of delivering ultra-high current, with the objective of dynamically balancing the impedance of the transmission power grid, is proposed. Balancing transmission lines is crucial in power optimization and delivery because it increases the power transfer capability without building new power lines. The transformerless SSSC needs to support and control the line current from a few hundred to several thousand amperes. This paper presents how the ultra-high current architecture of the TSB-SSSC is achieved by operating multiple converters with self-balancing capabilities in parallel. The mechanism of self-balancing is based on the intrinsic physics of the capacitor and is enabled by a passive network of capacitor equalizers that keep the capacitor voltage equal during switching disconnection. The second self-balancing system consists of an inductive component that balances possible differences among delay switching caused by the aging of the multiple IGBTs from the different converters that form the SSSC. This work presents the analytical set of equations that describes the system and a complete set of simulations where the effectiveness of self-balancing paralleling topology is shown.
Optimization of the Quality of the Automatic Transmission Shift and the Power Transmission Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Qinguo , Liu Xiaojian
Published: June 2022

We have established a simulation platform for the machine–electro-hydraulic coupling system of the transmission system and the control system to study the root causes of the problems of large shifting impact and slow change of the machine tool transmission system. The dynamic analysis of the gear shift work of the gearbox was carried out, and the main factors affecting its shift instability were studied. With the impact and sliding power as the optimization goals, the shift quality is optimized based on the multi-objective genetic algorithm. Through the shift experiment, it was found that the power interruption phenomenon during the shift process was eliminated after optimization, and the quality of the shift was improved. Simulated planetary row wheel gear meshing force was found in the same gear, and the second planetary row gear meshing force was the largest among the planetary rows. The stress of the node near the top of the tooth is greater than the stress of the node near the node circle and the root of the tooth, and the two sides of the tooth top are relatively larger than the intermediate stress. The dynamic simulation model of the planetary gearbox system with rigid–soft hybrid can obtain the stress distribution of the solar wheel at the maximum impact moment and the stationary stage, as well as the dynamic stress of the key nodes of the solar wheel, which lays the foundation for the fatigue strength and life prediction of the gear system.
Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of Amoxicillin under Natural Conditions and High-Intensity Light: Fate, Transformation, and Mineralogical Impacts
Authors: Ellepola Nishanthi , Rubasinghege Gayan
Published: June 2022

The β-Lactam antibiotic amoxicillin is among the most widely used antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Consequently, amoxicillin is abundant in natural waters and can undergo diverse abiotic reactions to form degradation compounds under environmental conditions. Yet, little is known about these decay pathways and mineralogical impacts on environmental amoxicillin degradation. The current study focuses on understanding the mineralogical influences of amoxicillin degradation under ecological conditions. We studied the role of anatase and kaolinite on amoxicillin degradation under irradiated and non-irradiated conditions. Anatase increases amoxicillin degradation by 4.5-fold in the presence of light compared to just being exposed to sunlight. Interestingly, anatase also showed a higher degradation rate under dark than light controls. Conversely, kaolinite diminishes the amoxicillin degradation under irradiation. The formation of degradation compounds was mineralogy-controlled, while no mineralization was observed. Further, we irradiated amoxicillin with a high-intensity light to evaluate its removal from wastewater. The formation of varying amoxicillin degradation products with high-intensity light will limit its removal from wastewater. Our study emphasizes that the mineralogical impact on amoxicillin degradation is diverse, and the role of anatase is significant. Consequently, the increased addition of manufactured titanium nanoparticles to the environment can further enhance these effects.
Biodegradable Nonwoven Materials with Antipathogenic Layer
Authors: Madej-Kiełbik Longina , Gzyra-Jagieła Karolina , Jóźwik-Pruska Jagoda , Wiśniewskia-Wrona Maria , Dymel Marzena
Published: June 2022

Biopolymer composites have received increasing attention for their beneficial properties such as being biodegradable and having less influence to the environment. Biodegradability of materials has become a desired feature due to the growing problems connected with waste management. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of biodegradable textile materials, especially nonwoven materials with an anti-pathogenic layer. The article refers to the definitions of biodegradation, degradation and composting processes, as well as presenting methods of testing biodegradability depending on the type of material. The study gives examples of biodegradation of textiles and presents examples of qualitative and quantitative methods used for testing antimicrobial activity of biodegradable nonwovens with an anti-pathogenic layer.
Climate Niche Modelling for Mapping Potential Distributions of Four Framework Tree Species: Implications for Planning Forest Restoration in Tropical and Subtropical Asia
Authors: Tiansawat Pimonrat , Elliott Stephen D. , Wangpakapattanawong Prasit
Published: June 2022

Selecting tree species to plant for forest ecosystem restoration is critical but problematic. Knowing tree species’ climatic niches can help, but such information is limited for most tropical tree species. Consequently, the research presented here explored the use of climate and species record location data, to map the potential distribution of four tree species across tropical and subtropical Asia based on their modelled climatic niches. All were framework species, of proven effectiveness for forest restoration: Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B.L. Burtt and A.W. Hill, Ficus hispida L.f., Hovenia dulcis Thunb., and Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. Potential species distributions were projected onto maps of known climatic conditions using the maximum entropy algorithm in Maxent software to predict where the climate is conducive for including each species in forest restoration trials. The models predicted species location very well for F. hispida and H. dulcis and fairly well for P. cerasoides and C. axillaris. Climatically suitable areas for C. axillaris were located mostly north of the equator, whilst those of F. hispida, H. dulcis and P. cerasoides extended south of the equator. The importance of each climatic niche variable differed among species. Driest-month precipitation was critical for F. hispida, as well as mean dry-season temperature for C. axillaris and P. cerasoides and cold-season precipitation for H. dulcis. In addition to aiding species selection for forest restoration, potential distribution maps based on climatic niche models can indicate where novel species for tree plantations might be successful and where species might become invasive. Applying such techniques to a large number of species will be needed to significantly improve species selection for forest ecosystem restoration.
Identification, Quantification and Kinetic Study of Carotenoids and Lipids in Rhodotorula toruloides CBS 14 Cultivated on Wheat Straw Hydrolysate
Authors: Nagaraj Yashaswini Nagavara , Burkina Viktoriia , Okmane Laura , Blomqvist Johanna , Rapoport Alexander , Sandgren Mats , Pickova Jana , Sampels Sabine , Passoth Volkmar
Published: June 2022

Production of carotenoids and lipids by Rhodotorula toruloides CBS 14 cultivated on wheat straw hydrolysate was investigated. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method for carotenoid quantification was developed and validated. Saponification effects on individual carotenoid quantification were identified, and lipid and carotenoid kinetics during cultivation were determined. The carotenoids β-carotene, γ-carotene, torularhodin, and torulene were identified; β-carotene was the major carotenoid, reaching a maximum of 1.48 mg/100 g dry weight. Recoveries of the carotenoids were between 66% and 76%, except torulene and torularhodin, which had lower recoveries due to saponification effects. Total carotenoid content in saponified and unsaponified yeast extract, respectively, determined by UHPLC or photometer, respectively, was 1.99 mg/100 g and 4.02 mg β-EQ/100 g dry weight. Growth kinetics showed a positive correlation between carotenoid content and lipid accumulation. β-carotene was the major carotenoid at all time points. At the end of the cultivation, triacylglycerols (TAGs) were the major lipid class, with 58.1% ± 3.32% of total lipids. There was also a high proportion of free fatty acids, reaching from 20.5% to 41.8% of total lipids. Oleic acid (C18:1) was the major fatty acid. The lipid yield at the end of the cultivation was 0.13 g/g of sugar consumed.
Investment Feasibility Analysis of Large Submersible Cage Culture in Taiwan: A Case Study of Snubnose Pompano (Trachinotus anak) and Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Authors: Lan Hsun-Yu , Afero Farok , Huang Cheng-Ting , Chen Bo-Ying , Huang Po-Lin , Hou Yen-Lung
Published: June 2022

Onshore farming for premium aquaculture is under scrutiny and criticism partially due to possible causes of adverse environmental impacts on other resource users and the surrounding environment. The best alternative to preventing or minimizing these impacts is to utilize open seawater by large submersible cage culture. The current operation in Taiwan has demonstrated that the culture operation is technically feasible but economically demanding because of high capital and operating costs. Therefore, this study conducted an economic analysis of the expansion of large submersible cage culture by selecting two premium species of snubnose pompano (Trachinotus anak) and cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and examined the profitability of large submersible cage culture investment. This study found that the current operation of four-unit cages highlighted a negative net present value and internal rate of return with a payback period of over ten and six years, respectively. Large submersible cage culture can be financially profitable when its operation unit expands from 8 to 24 units. Increasing unit cages to eight incurred a gross margin of 17.09%, BCR 1.21, with a payback period of 5.36 years. Expanding the operation to 24-unit cages was a potentially lucrative investment with a gross margin of 18.51%, BCR 1.23, PI 2.15, internal rate of return of 20.84%, and a payback period of 3.55 years. Sensitivity analyses revealed that market price and survival rate significantly impact the profitability of large submersible cage culture. Finally, it is suggested that producers could invest in 8-unit cages and maintaining the survival rate of snubnose pompano and cobia at 80% and 40%, respectively.
Modulation of Fabrication and Nutraceutical Delivery Performance of Ovalbumin-Stabilized Oleogel-Based Nanoemulsions via Complexation with Gum Arabic
Authors: Gao Yuxing , Wang Zihua , Xue Changhu , Wei Zihao
Published: June 2022

Protein–polysaccharide complexes, which involve Maillard-type protein–polysaccharide conjugates and electrostatic protein–polysaccharide complexes, have the potential to stabilize oleogel-based nanoemulsions for nutraceutical delivery. Here, ovalbumin (OVA) and gum arabic (GA) were used to prepare OVA–GA conjugate (OGC) and OVA–GA mixture (OGM), followed by the fabrication of astaxanthin-loaded oleogel-based nanoemulsions. Carnauba wax (5% w/w) and rice bran oil were mixed to prepare food-grade oleogel. The successful preparation of OGC was verified by means of SDS-PAGE analysis and free amino groups determination. OGC endowed oleogel-based nanoemulsions with smaller emulsion droplets and higher stability during 30-day storage, implying more outstanding emulsifying capability than OGM. Both OGC-stabilized nanoemulsions and OGM-stabilized nanoemulsions could enhance the extent of lipolysis and the bioaccessibility of astaxanthin compared with oleogel. Meanwhile, OGC exhibited significantly better than OGM, which indicated that OGC-stabilized oleogel-based nanoemulsions possessed more desirable nutraceutical delivery performance than OGM-stabilized oleogel-based nanoemulsions. This study may fill a gap in the influence of different protein–polysaccharide complexes on oleogel-based nanoemulsions and contribute to deeper insights about novel oleogel-based nanoemulsions for their applications in the food industry.
Potential Antioxidant and Antiviral Activities of Hydroethanolic Extracts of Selected Lamiaceae Species
Authors: Duque-Soto Carmen , Borrás-Linares Isabel , Quirantes-Piné Rosa , Falcó Irene , Sánchez Gloria , Segura-Carretero Antonio , Lozano-Sánchez Jesús
Published: June 2022

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are potential sources of natural bioactive phytochemical compounds of an incredible worth for the food industry, such as polyphenols. Lamiaceae medicinal and aromatic plants from Granada’s high plateau, concretely Origanum bastetanum, Thymus zygis gracilis, Thymus longiflorus, Thymus membranaceus and Ziziphora hispanica, were evaluated under different conventional solid–liquid extraction conditions to obtain extracts enriched in bioactive compounds. Phenolic profile was detected by HPLC-QTOF-MS, identifying a high abundance of bioactive constituents. Furthermore, antioxidant and antiviral activities of the mentioned plants were studied as biological properties of interest for the improvement of food shelf-life. Thus, Origanum bastetanum showed the highest antioxidant potential for all assays. Antiviral activity was also tested against some important foodborne viruses, feline calicivirus (FCV), murine norovirus (MNV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV), with the highest activity obtained for Ziziphora hispanica, Thymus longiflorus and Origanum bastetanum. This research proposes the studied plants as rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential use as preservatives in the food industry.
The Effects of Purple Corn Pigment on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indices, Meat Quality, Muscle Amino Acids, and Fatty Acids of Growing Chickens
Authors: Luo Qingyuan , Li Jiaxuan , Li Hui , Zhou Di , Wang Xu , Tian Yayuan , Qin Jixiao , Tian Xingzhou , Lu Qi
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of purple corn pigment (PCP) on the growth performance, blood biochemical indices, meat quality, muscle amino acids, and fatty acids of growing chickens. A total of 288 (8 weeks of age) growing Chishui black-bone chickens (body weight, 940 ± 80 g; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly divided into 4 groups using a completely randomized design. The four diet groups were as follows: (1) control, basal diet; (2) treatment 1, treatment 2, and treatment 3, which were basal diet with 80, 160, and 240 mg/kg PCP, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the feeding of anthocyanins significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain in chickens. Moreover, chickens receiving 80 mg/kg PCP significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and albumin concentrations relative to the control group. For meat quality, dietary supplementation with PCP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the drip loss and water loss rate in breast muscle. Additionally, chickens receiving PCP tended to increase (p < 0.05) the levels of most individual amino acids, essential amino acids, and umami amino acids in the muscle. Specifically, the addition of 80 mg/kg PCP significantly improved (p < 0.05) total polyunsaturated fatty acids in chicken muscle. Accordingly, the consumption of anthocyanin-rich PCP by the growing chickens had the potential to increase the growth performance, enhance antioxidant and immune capacities, increase meat quality, and improve essential and umami amino acids as well as unsaturated fatty acids in the muscle.
Instrumental Texture Differentiation of Channel (Ictalurus punctatus) and Hybrid (Channel × Blue, Ictalurus furcatus) Catfish Fillets
Authors: Bland John M. , Ardoin Ryan , Li Carissa H. , Bechtel Peter J.
Published: June 2022

An analysis of instrumental texture differences between channel (Ictalurus punctatus) and hybrid (female channel × male blue, I. furcatus) catfish fillets is presented. Factors including cold-storage type (fresh, frozen, or individually quick frozen (IQF)) and gender were included in the comparisons. Texture was measured at eight positions per fillet by a texture profile analysis (TPA) method that provided seven texture attributes: firmness, toughness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, chewiness, resilience, and springiness, plus the thickness of the fillets (238 total). All attributes except adhesiveness were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05) between channel and hybrid fillets, with channels having the highest value in each attribute. When cold-storage type was included in the analysis, channels still produced the highest attribute values, but the number of attributes differed with firmness, toughness, and chewiness most associated with the differences in the type of catfish, while the other attributes were affected by cold-storage type. Thickness was found to be a strong covariant to some of the texture attributes, especially toughness, but the determination of difference between channels and hybrids was not affected and TPA profiles provided high levels of differentiation between catfish types.
Structural Changes, Electrophoretic Pattern, and Quality Attributes of Camel Meat Treated with Fresh Ginger Extract and Papain Powder
Authors: Abdel-Naeem Heba H.S. , Talaat Mohammed M. , Imre Kálmán , Morar Adriana , Herman Viorel , El-Nawawi Fathi A.M.
Published: June 2022

Camel is a valuable source of meat for African and Asian countries; however, the most important problem associated with camel meat is its extreme toughness. This toughness has been attributed to its contents of connective tissue, which become more crossly linked in old animals. The toughness of camel meat decreases the consumer acceptance of this meat and reduces its chances of being utilized as a raw material for further processing into meat products. Ginger and papain were used in the current study as tenderizing enzymes, and the structural changes, electrophoretic pattern, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory scores of the treated meat were examined. The treatment of camel meat with ginger and papain resulted in marked destructive changes in the connective tissue and myofibers, and a reduction in the protein bands, with a consequent improvement in its tenderness. All the enzyme-treated samples exhibited significant increases in the protein solubility, with significant decreases in the shear-force values. Moreover, an improvement in the sensory scores of the raw and cooked meat and a reduction in the bacterial counts after the treatments were recorded. Ginger and papain induced a significant improvement in the physicochemical characteristics, sensory attributes, and bacterial counts of the camel meat; therefore, these materials can be utilized by meat processors to boost the consumer acceptance of this meat, and to increase its suitability as a raw material for further meat processing.