bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Deep Learning Technique for Predicting Hobbing Tool Wear Based on Gear Hobbing Using Real-Time Monitoring Data
Authors: Hameed Sarmad , Junejo Faraz , Amin Imran , Qureshi Asif Khalid , Tanoli Irfan Khan
Published: August 2023

Industry 4.0 has been an impactful and much-needed revolution that has not only influenced different aspects of life but has also changed the course of manufacturing processes. The main purpose of the manufacturing industry is to increase productivity, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve the quality of the product. This has helped to drive economic growth and improve people’s standards. The gear-hobbing industry, being the most efficient one, has not received much attention in terms of Industry 4.0. In prior works, simulation-based approaches with individual parameters, e.g., temperature, current, and vibration, or a few of these parameters, were considered with different approaches, This work presents a real-time experimental approach that involves raw data collection on three different parameters together, i.e., temperature, current, and vibration, using sensors placed on an industrial machine during gear hobbing process manufacturing. The data are preprocessed and then utilised for training an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the remaininguseful life (RUL) of a tool. It is demonstrated that an ANN with multiple hidden layers can predict the RUL of the tool with high accuracy. The compared results show that tool wear prediction using an ANN with multiple layers has better prediction accuracy during worm gear hobbing.
A Thermal Analysis of a Convective–Radiative Porous Annular Fin Wetted in a Ternary Nanofluid Exposed to Heat Generation under the Influence of a Magnetic Field
Authors: Sharma Arushi , Hanumagowda B. N. , Srilatha Pudhari , Ananth Subray P. V. , Varma S. V. K. , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Alkarni Shalan , Shah Nehad Ali
Published: August 2023

Fins are utilized to considerably increase the surface area available for heat emission between a heat source and the surrounding fluid. In this study, radial annular fins are considered to investigate the rate of heat emission from the surface to the surroundings. The effects of a ternary nanofluid, magnetic field, permeable medium and thermal radiation are considered to formulate the nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The differential transformation method, one of the most efficient approaches, has been used to arrive at the analytical answer. Graphical analysis has been performed to show how nondimensional characteristics dominate the thermal gradient of the fin. The thickness and inner radius of a fin are crucial factors that impact the heat transmission rate. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that a cost-effective annular rectangular fin can be achieved by maintaining a thickness of 0.1 cm and an inner radius of 0.2 cm.
Proof of Concept of a Novel Solid–Solid Heat Exchanger Based on a Double L-Valve Concept
Authors: Papalexis Christos , Stefanitsis Dionisis , Zeneli Myrto , Nikolopoulos Nikolaos , Tzouganakis Panteleimon
Published: August 2023

A proof of concept of a novel parallel-flow solid–solid heat exchanger consisting of two L-Valves with concentric vertical tubes, named as Double L-Valve, is presented for the case of the Carbonate Looping process, as a CO2 capture technology. The operational objective of the solid–solid heat exchanger is to heat up the relatively cold solid stream coming from the carbonator reactor by absorbing heat from the hotter stream coming from the calciner. This novel solid–solid heat exchanger concept has been constructed on a small scale to study the hydrodynamic response of the system experimentally at different designs and airflow rates in its cold state. Based on the experimental data from the small prototype, a scaled-up hydrodynamic model is proposed that provides estimations for the operational requirements at an industrial scale. Apart from the cold flow pilot model, the heat exchanger is being assessed in the current work for an industrial case study in terms of the following: (a) the heat transfer via rigorous one-dimensional thermal modelling, (b) the structural integrity of the design through Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, and (c) a parametric study for its expected cost. The purpose of this work is to provide a holistic approach of this novel solid–solid heat exchanger concept, the main advantage of which is its simple design and relatively low cost.
Performance Analysis of Marine-Predator-Algorithm-Based Optimum PI Controller with Unified Power Flow Controller for Loss Reduction in Wind–Solar Integrated System
Authors: Valuva Chandu , Chinnamuthu Subramani
Published: August 2023

Transmission line losses are a crucial and essential issue in stable power system operation. Numerous methodologies and techniques prevail for minimizing losses. Subsequently, Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTSs) efficiently reduce transmission losses, and the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is a reactive power compensation controller. The parameter strength of the proportional–integral (PI) controller was calibrated with the Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA), a recent metaheuristic algorithm. An MPA-based optimum PI controller with a UPFC evaluates the optimal location of the UPFC and PI controller parameters to accomplish the desired research objective. The power rating of the UPFC was determined depending on the voltage collapse rating and power loss and an evaluated performance analysis of the MPA–PI-controlled UPFC on a modified IEEE-30 bus transmission network in MATLAB Simulink code. The Newton–Raphson method was used to perform the load flow analysis. Hence, the proposed MPA–PI controller was examined in contrast to preferred heuristic algorithms, the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Moth Flame Optimization algorithms (MFO); the results showed that the MPA–PI controller exhibited better performance with an improved voltage profile and surpasses active power losses with the optimal placement of the UPFC device under different loading conditions. The active power loss, considering a UPFC with the proposed algorithm, reduced from 0.0622 p.u to 0.0301 p.u; consequently, the voltage profile was improved in the respective buses, and the loss percentage reduction during a 100% base load was 68.39%, which was comparatively better than the ABC and MFO algorithms.
The Role of Biogas and Biomethane as Renewable Gases in the Decarbonization Pathway to Zero Emissions
Authors: Carmona-Martínez Alessandro A. , Bartolomé Carmen , Jarauta-Córdoba Clara A.
Published: August 2023

The production of biogas through the conversion of organic waste into energy and bio-products of added value has the potential to play a significant role in the transition towards a more sustainable and decarbonized energy system [...]
Optimizing Artificial Neural Networks for the Accurate Prediction of Global Solar Radiation: A Performance Comparison with Conventional Methods
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. , Elsayed Ashraf , Elkabani Islam , Akrami Mohammad , Youssef M. Elsayed , Hassan Gasser E.
Published: August 2023

Obtaining precise solar radiation data is the first stage in determining the availability of solar energy. It is also regarded as one of the major inputs for a variety of solar applications. Due to the scarcity of solar radiation measurement data for many locations throughout the world, many solar radiation models are utilized to predict global solar radiation. Indeed, the most widely used AI technique is artificial neural networks (ANNs). Hitherto, while ANNs have been utilized in various studies to estimate global solar radiation (GSR), limited attention has been given to the architecture of ANN. Thus, this study aimed to: first, optimize the design of one of the faster and most used machine-learning (ML) algorithms, the ANN, to forecast GSR more accurately while saving computation power; second, optimize the number of neurons in the hidden layer to obtain the most significant ANN model for accurate GSR estimation, since it is still lacking; in addition to investigating the impact of varying the number of neurons in the hidden layer on the proficiency of the ANN-based model to predict GSR with high accuracy; and, finally, conduct a comparative study between the ANN and empirical techniques for estimating GSR. The results showed that the best ANN model and the empirical model provided an excellent estimation for the GSR, with a Coefficient of Determination R2 greater than 0.98%. Additionally, ANN architectures with a smaller number of neurons in the single hidden layer (1–3 neurons) provided the best performance, with R2 > 0.98%. Furthermore, the performance of the developed ANN models remained approximately stable and excellent when the number of hidden layer’s neurons was less than ten neurons (R2 > 0.97%), as their performance was very close to each other. However, the ANN models experienced performance instability when the number of hidden layer’s neurons exceeded nine neurons. Furthermore, the performance comparison between the best ANN-based model and the empirical one revealed that both models performed well (R2 > 0.98%). Moreover, while the relative error for the best ANN model slightly exceeded the range, ±10% in November and December, it remained within the range for the empirical model even in the winter months. Additionally, the obtained results of the best ANN model in this work were compared with the recent related work. While it had a good RMSE value of 0.8361 MJ/m2 day−1 within the ranges of previous work, its correlation coefficient (r) was the best one. Therefore, the developed models in this study can be utilized for accurate GSR forecasting. The accurate and efficient estimation of global solar radiation using both models can be valuable in designing and performance evaluation for different solar applications.
Development of Hybrid Membrane Systems for Highly Mineralized Waste Utilization in the Power Industry
Authors: Iliev Iliya , Chichirov Andrey , Filimonova Antonina , Chichirova Natalia , Pechenkin Alexander , Beloev Ivan
Published: August 2023

In the context of limited water resources and the deterioration of natural water bodies’ state, and with the increase in the regulatory requirements for the quality of effluents, assessing the impact of the industrial and energy complex on water bodies is a task of increasingly greater significance to the whole energy sector. “zero discharge” is considered the most effective strategy for creating environmentally friendly thermal power plants. Hybrid reverse osmosis electrodialysis systems make it possible to obtain solutions with a higher concentration of components compared to single electrodialysis treatment, i.e., more efficient separation of brine and pure water. This article proposes experimental and pilot-industrial studies of a hybrid membrane system operation using industrial wastewater for the disposal of liquid waste from an ion-exchange chemical-desalting water treatment plant of a thermal power plant, followed by a calculation of economic efficiency and an analysis of the environmental feasibility of its use. The developed technological scheme offers separate processing of acidic and alkaline waste regeneration solutions using calcium carbonate reagent and desalination on baromembrane and electromembrane units to obtain clean water and dry residue. The hybrid system includes a booster filter press and an evaporator. The hybrid system makes it possible to provide a thermal power plant with a “zero discharge” with a minimum consumption of reagents and electricity, as well as return all wastewater back to the power plant cycle.
Exergoeconomic and Environmental Evaluation of a Ground Source Heat Pump System for Reducing the Fossil Fuel Dependence: A Case Study in Rome
Authors: Nardecchia Fabio , Pompei Laura , Egidi Edoardo , Faneschi Riccardo , Piras Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

By 2050, the European Commission aims to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the construction sector due to new targets set for greenhouse gases by the Commission. One of the most effective solutions for mitigating the environmental impact of buildings is to integrate renewable-energy systems such as air-to-water heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps. Several works in the literature investigated the advantages of heat pumps, particularly ground source heat pumps, for specific contexts. Furthermore, the evaluation can encompass not only energy considerations but also exergetic aspects, and this paper makes a significant contribution to the latter. The study presented here applies exergy analysis to a geothermal heat pump system that is interconnected with photo-voltaic and solar collector systems in a building located in Rome. Feasibility and environmental assessments were also conducted. It is evident that the exergy efficiency obtained is much lower than the energy efficiency. The heat pump demonstrates higher exergy efficiency by producing high-temperature thermal power compared to a constant dead state at relatively low temperatures. Following the heat pump, the adiabatic mixer exhibits the second highest exergy efficiency, trailed by two heat exchangers. Compared to a conventional plant case, the money saved is EUR 16,772 per year, translating to a Payback Period of 23 years. Furthermore, the average annual reduction in fossil fuel emissions is estimated at 26.2 metric tons of CO2.
Using Transferable Eucalypt Microsatellite Markers to Identify QTL for Resistance to Ceratocystis Wilt Disease in Eucalyptus pellita F. Muel. (Myrtales, Myrtaceae)
Authors: Indrayadi Heru , Glen Morag , Kurniawan Yusup Randy , Brawner Jeremy Todd , Herdyantara Bambang , Beadle Chris , Tjahjono Budi , Mohammed Caroline
Published: August 2023

The deployment of Eucalyptus pellita trees that are resistant to Ceratocystis manginecans is essential for the commercial plantations and therefore the sustainability of forest industries in Southeast Asia that utilize this resource. Current screening procedures are time-consuming and expensive but could be expedited with the aid of marker-assisted selection and breeding. The identification of genotypes with resistance to the disease may be facilitated if microsatellite markers developed in other Eucalyptus species are transferable and can be linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for disease resistance. This possibility was tested in 111 full-sib progenies and their parents by genotyping with 49 microsatellite markers developed in other Eucalyptus species. Disease development was assessed after stem inoculation with C. manginecans isolate Am60C. The disease index (DI) varied from 0 to 20% of stem length. There was a continuous distribution of resistant and susceptible seedlings with 60% in the resistant category. Of the 30 acceptable markers, 17 (56%) defined two linkage groups (LG). In each LG, one QTL with a significant logarithm of odds (LODs > 13) was identified. The transferability of microsatellite markers developed in other Eucalyptus species facilitated the rapid identification of LGs and QTLs in E. pellita. To further refine the linkage map, the testing of more microsatellite markers and a larger population of progenies are required.
Variations in Leaf Functional Traits and Photosynthetic Parameters of Cunninghamia lanceolata Provenances
Authors: Xu Tingyu , Niu Xiang , Wang Bing , Qiu Xiaohan , Shou Ye , Luo Jiani , Guo Yajun
Published: August 2023

Studying the variation and correlation of traits among provenances is of great significance for the selection of excellent provenances and the interpretation of the acclimation mechanisms of different provenances in the context of climate change. The photosynthetic characteristic parameters and leaf functional traits of 18 Cunninghamia lanceolata provenances in a common garden were measured. Redundancy analysis combined with Pearson analysis was used to analyze the relationship among leaf photosynthetic characteristics, functional traits, and geo-climatic conditions. The results showed the following: (1) Significant differences in functional traits and photosynthetic parameters among provenances were observed, and the gsw and LDMC have the greatest variation as photosynthetic indicators and functional traits, respectively, because of the acclimation ability. (2) Leaf functional traits can better reflect the variation of photosynthetic characteristic parameters. The correlation between most photosynthetic characteristic parameters and functional traits reached a significant level (p < 0.05), and the leaf dry weight (LDW) and specific leaf area (SLA) are key trait factors that determine photosynthetic characteristic parameters. (3) Precipitation appeared to be a key factor that influences intraspecific leaf traits’ variability compared to temperature. This study can explain how provenances acclimate to the environment and which provenances are more suitable for planting in the study area under the context of climate change from a mechanistic perspective.
Non-Invasive Monitoring of Vital Signs for the Elderly Using Low-Cost Wireless Sensor Networks: Exploring the Impact on Sleep and Home Security
Authors: Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Briseño Ramon A. , Valdivia Leonardo J. , Velázquez Ramiro , Nolazco-Flores Juan Arturo
Published: August 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are useful in medicine for monitoring the vital signs of elderly patients. These sensors allow for remote monitoring of a patient’s state of health, making it easier for elderly patients, and allowing to avoid or at least to extend the interval between visits to specialized health centers. The proposed system is a low-cost WSN deployed at the elderly patient’s home, monitoring the main areas of the house and sending daily recommendations to the patient. This study measures the impact of the proposed sensor network on nine vital sign metrics based on a person’s sleep patterns. These metrics were taken from 30 adults over a period of four weeks, the first two weeks without the sensor system while the remaining two weeks with continuous monitoring of the patients, providing security for their homes and a perception of well-being. This work aims to identify relationships between parameters impacted by the sensor system and predictive trends about the level of improvement in vital sign metrics. Moreover, this work focuses on adapting a reactive algorithm for energy and performance optimization for the sensor monitoring system. Results show that sleep metrics improved statistically based on the recommendations for use of the sensor network; the elderly adults slept more and more continuously, and the higher their heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, the greater the likelihood of the impact of the network on the sleep metrics. The proposed energy-saving algorithm for the WSN succeeded in reducing energy consumption and improving resilience of the network.
First Records with Biological Notes of Umbrina ronchus, Valenciennes, 1843 (Osteichthyes, Sciaenidae) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Sardo Giacomo , Geraci Michele Luca , Falsone Fabio , Gancitano Salvatore , Gancitano Vita , Massi Daniela , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Scannella Danilo , Titone Antonino , Vitale Sergio , Fiorentino Fabio
Published: August 2023

Between September and October 2021, a total of seven adult specimens (five females and two males) of Umbrina ronchus Valenciennes, 1843 were caught in the waters off Portopalo di Capo Passero and Porto Empedocle (the south-eastern coast of Sicily). This was the first record of this species in the Strait of Sicily and the deepest record of this species within the Mediterranean Sea. Individuals of U. ronchus ranged from 180–240 mm total length and 69–149 g total weight. Gonad stages ranged from maturing to spent/resting. Otoliths sagittae were oval shaped with high rectangular yet complex contour. Counting the growth zones by transverse section, the estimated age ranged from 3 to 5 years. Since sciaenids are considered a high-longevity species, a quite recent settlement of U. ronchus in the Strait of Sicily is suggested. As the biogeographic nature of the Strait of Sicily is the main boundary between the western basin, which is characterized by a high affinity for (sub)tropical Atlantic species such as U. ronchus, and the eastern basin, which has an affinity for the indo-pacific warm waters species, the present records could be the limit to the eastward expansion of the geographic distribution of U. ronchus in the Mediterranean Sea.
CFD Thermo-Hydraulic Evaluation of a Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank with Different Insulation Thickness in a Small-Scale Hydrogen Liquefier
Authors: Jeong Soo-Jin , Lee Sang-Jin , Moon Seong-Joon
Published: August 2023

Accurate evaluation of thermo-fluid dynamic characteristics in tanks is critically important for designing liquid hydrogen tanks for small-scale hydrogen liquefiers to minimize heat leakage into the liquid and ullage. Due to the high costs, most future liquid hydrogen storage tank designs will have to rely on predictive computational models for minimizing pressurization and heat leakage. Therefore, in this study, to improve the storage efficiency of a small-scale hydrogen liquefier, a three-dimensional CFD model that can predict the boil-off rate and the thermo-fluid characteristics due to heat penetration has been developed. The prediction performance and accuracy of the CFD model was validated based on comparisons between its results and previous experimental data, and a good agreement was obtained. To evaluate the insulation performance of polyurethane foam with three different insulation thicknesses, the pressure changes and thermo-fluid characteristics in a partially liquid hydrogen tank, subject to fixed ambient temperature and wind velocity, were investigated numerically. It was confirmed that the numerical simulation results well describe not only the temporal variations in the thermal gradient due to coupling between the buoyance and convection, but also the buoyancy-driven turbulent flow characteristics inside liquid hydrogen storage tanks with different insulation thicknesses. In the future, the numerical model developed in this study will be used for optimizing the insulation systems of storage tanks for small-scale hydrogen liquefiers, which is a cost-effective and highly efficient approach.
Antibacterial Effects of Ramulus mori Oligosaccharides against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Erna , Li Shipei , Wang Siyuan , Li Qian , Pang Daorui , Yang Qiong , Zhu Qiaoling , Zou Yuxiao
Published: August 2023

Ramulus mori has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its physiological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial properties of Ramulus mori extract have been well described. However, no information is available regarding on Ramulus mori oligosaccharides (RMOS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RMOS on the growth and virulence properties of the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans. The effects of RMOS on the biofilm structure and virulence gene expression of S. mutans were also evaluated, and the results were compared with the effects of commercial prebiotic galactooligosaccharides. RMOS were found to have an antibacterial effect against S. mutans, resulting in significant reductions in acid production, lactate dehydrogenase activity, adhesion, insoluble extracellular polysaccharide production, glucosyltransferase activity, and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the biofilm structure was visibly damaged. A quantitative real-time PCR assay revealed downregulation of virulence gene-regulated acid production, polysaccharide production, adhesion, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing. These findings suggest that RMOS may be a promising natural product for the prevention of dental caries.
Characterization of Nanoemulsions Stabilized with Different Emulsifiers and Their Encapsulation Efficiency for Oregano Essential Oil: Tween 80, Soybean Protein Isolate, Tea Saponin, and Soy Lecithin
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Wang Ziyi , Wang Xuefei , Kong Baohua , Liu Qian , Xia Xiufang , Liu Haotian
Published: August 2023

The use of the appropriate emulsifier is essential for forming a stable nanoemulsion delivery system that can maintain the sustained release of its contents. Health concerns have prompted the search for natural biopolymers to replace traditional synthetic substances as emulsifiers. In this study, an oregano essential oil (OEO) nanoemulsion-embedding system was created using soybean protein isolate (SPI), tea saponin (TS), and soy lecithin (SL) as natural emulsifiers and then compared to a system created using a synthetic emulsifier (Tween 80). The results showed that 4% Tween 80, 1% SPI, 2% TS, and 4% SL were the optimal conditions. Subsequently, the influence of emulsifier type on nanoemulsion stability was evaluated. The results revealed that among all the nanoemulsions, the TS nanoemulsion exhibited excellent centrifugal stability, storage stability, and oxidative stability and maintained high stability and encapsulation efficiency, even under relatively extreme environmental conditions. The good stability of the TS nanoemulsion may be due to the strong electrostatic repulsion generated by TS molecules, which contain hydroxyl groups, sapogenins, and saccharides in their structures. Overall, the natural emulsifiers used in our study can form homogeneous nanoemulsions, but their effectiveness and stability differ considerably.
Effect of Salt Stress on the Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, Microbial Load, and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Two Microalgae Species (Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Spirulina platensis)
Authors: Uzlasir Turkan , Selli Serkan , Kelebek Hasim
Published: August 2023

Microalgae have gained attention as alternative food sources due to their nutritional value and biological effects. This study investigated the effect of salt stress on the antioxidant activity, phenolic profile, bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and microbial counts in the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis and diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum. These microalgae were cultured in growth mediums with different salt concentrations (15–35‰) We observed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in the control groups. S. platensis (20‰) exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to P. tricornutum (30‰), which decreased with increasing salt stress. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, we identified and quantified 20 and 24 phenolic compounds in the P. tricornutum and S. platensis culture samples, respectively. The bioavailability of these compounds was assessed through in vitro digestion with the highest amounts observed in the intestinal phase. Salt stress negatively affected the synthesis of bioactive substances. Microbial counts ranged from 300 to 2.78 × 104 cfu/g for the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and from 10 to 1.35 × 104 cfu/g for yeast/mold in P. tricornutum samples while the S. platensis samples had microbial counts from 300 to 1.9 × 104 cfu/g and the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria from 10 to 104 cfu/g, respectively. This study suggests that adding salt at different ratios to the nutrient media during the production of P. tricornutum and S. platensis can impact phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, microbial load evaluation, and in vitro bioaccessibility of the studied microalgae.
Assessment of the Malting Process of Purgatory Bean and Solco Dritto Chickpea Seeds
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Poliziani Alessandro , Morgante Lorenzo , Moresi Mauro
Published: August 2023

This study was aimed at minimizing the anti-nutrient content of the Gradoli Purgatory bean (GPB: Phaseolus vulgaris) and Solco Dritto chickpea (SDC: Cicer arietinum) seeds grown in the Latium region of Italy by defining the three steps of their malting process. The water steeping and germination phases were carried out in a 1.0-kg bench-top plant at 18, 25, or 32 °C. By soaking both seeds at 25 °C for 3 h, 95 to 100% of seeds sprouted. There was no need for prolonging their germination process after 72 h, the degradation degree of raffinose in germinated GPBs or SDCs being about 63%, while that of phytic acid being ~32% or 23%, respectively. The steeping and germination kinetics of both seeds were mathematically described via the Peleg and first-order reaction models, respectively. The third step (kilning) was carried out under fluent dry air at 50 °C for 24 h and at 75 °C for 3 h, and yielded cream-colored malted seeds, the cotyledons of which were cyclonically separated from the cuticles and finally milled. Owing to their composition, the decorticated malted pulse flours might be used in the formulation of specific gluten-free food products high in raw proteins and low in phytate, α-oligosaccharides and in vitro glycemic index (GI). Even if their low GI trait was preserved after malting, only the GPB malt flour having a resistant starch-to-total starch ratio ≥ 14% has the potential to be labeled with the health claim for improving postprandial glucose metabolism according to EU Regulation 432/2012.
Consumer Liking of Turnip Cooked by Different Methods: The Influence of Sensory Profile and Consumer Bitter Taste Genotype
Authors: Nor Nurfarhana Diana Mohd , Mullick Harshita , Zhou Xirui , Oloyede Omobolanle , Houston-Price Carmel , Harvey Kate , Methven Lisa
Published: August 2023

Brassica vegetables are bitter, predominantly because they contain bitter-tasting glucosinolates. Individuals with high bitter taste sensitivity are reported to have lower consumption of bitter vegetables. Studies reported that cooking methods can alter the sensory characteristics of vegetables, increasing acceptability. This study investigated consumer liking of turnip cooked by four methods (boiled-pureed, roasted, steamed-pureed and stir-fried) and related this to sensory characteristics. Additionally, this study examined the effect of the bitter taste genotype on taste perception and liking of the cooked turnip samples. Participants (n = 74) were recruited and the TAS2R38 genotype was measured. Liking, consumption intent, perception of bitterness and sweetness of turnip were evaluated. A sensory profile of the cooked turnip variants was also determined by a trained sensory panel. There were significant differences in the overall (p = 0.001) and taste (p = 0.002) liking between cooking methods. Turnip liking was increased when preparation led to sweeter taste profiles. The TAS2R38 genotype had a significant effect on bitter perception (p = 0.02) but did not significantly affect taste liking. In conclusion, the cooking method affected turnip liking, and the bitter perception in turnip was influenced by the TAS2R38 genotype. However, taste sensitivity did not predict turnip liking in this UK adult cohort.
Chemical Profile of Turnip According to the Plant Part and the Cultivar: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Yang Jing , Lou Jiashu , Zhong Weiwei , Li Yaochen , He Yong , Su Shiwen , Chen Xianzhi , Zhu Biao
Published: August 2023

Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a cruciferous plant cultivated worldwide that serves as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Most turnip studies have focused on a few compounds or on part of the plant. The establishment of a complete chemical profile of different plant parts would facilitate its use for nutritional and medicinal purposes. In the current study, mineral elements, soluble sugars, free amino acids (FAA), total phenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and glucosinolates (GS) were quantified in the leaves, stems, and roots. Results were compared for 20 strains of turnip. The outcomes showed significant differences between parts of the plant and strains. The leaves exhibited the highest TF, TP, indispensable FAA, and microelement levels, and they showed a higher GS. Moreover, the stems had a high content of GS and macroelements. Furthermore, the roots showed high levels of free sugars and total FAA. The findings of this work provide the basis for utilizing each part of the turnip plant based on its chemical composition.
Shrinking the Variance in Experts’ “Classical” Weights Used in Expert Judgment Aggregation
Authors: Dharmarathne Gayan , Nane Gabriela F. , Robinson Andrew , Hanea Anca M.
Published: August 2023

Mathematical aggregation of probabilistic expert judgments often involves weighted linear combinations of experts’ elicited probability distributions of uncertain quantities. Experts’ weights are commonly derived from calibration experiments based on the experts’ performance scores, where performance is evaluated in terms of the calibration and the informativeness of the elicited distributions. This is referred to as Cooke’s method, or the classical model (CM), for aggregating probabilistic expert judgments. The performance scores are derived from experiments, so they are uncertain and, therefore, can be represented by random variables. As a consequence, the experts’ weights are also random variables. We focus on addressing the underlying uncertainty when calculating experts’ weights to be used in a mathematical aggregation of expert elicited distributions. This paper investigates the potential of applying an empirical Bayes development of the James–Stein shrinkage estimation technique on the CM’s weights to derive shrinkage weights with reduced mean squared errors. We analyze 51 professional CM expert elicitation studies. We investigate the differences between the classical and the (new) shrinkage CM weights and the benefits of using the new weights. In theory, the outcome of a probabilistic model using the shrinkage weights should be better than that obtained when using the classical weights because shrinkage estimation techniques reduce the mean squared errors of estimators in general. In particular, the empirical Bayes shrinkage method used here reduces the assigned weights for those experts with larger variances in the corresponding sampling distributions of weights in the experiment. We measure improvement of the aggregated judgments in a cross-validation setting using two studies that can afford such an approach. Contrary to expectations, the results are inconclusive. However, in practice, we can use the proposed shrinkage weights to increase the reliability of derived weights when only small-sized experiments are available. We demonstrate the latter on 49 post-2006 professional CM expert elicitation studies.
Existence and Stability Results for Piecewise Caputo–Fabrizio Fractional Differential Equations with Mixed Delays
Authors: Kattan Doha A. , Hammad Hasanen A.
Published: August 2023

In this article, by using the differential Caputo–Fabrizio operator, we suggest a novel family of piecewise differential equations (DEs). The issue under study contains a mixed delay period under the criteria of anti-periodic boundaries. It is possible to utilize the piecewise derivative to describe a variety of complex, multi-step, real-world situations that arise from nature. Using fixed point (FP) techniques, like Banach’s FP theorem, Schauder’s FP theorem, and Arzelá Ascoli’s FP theorem, the Hyer–Ulam (HU) stability and the existence theorem conclusions are investigated for the considered problem. Eventually, a supportive example is given to demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of the applied concept.
Fractional Control of a Class of Underdamped Fractional Systems with Time Delay—Application to a Teleoperated Robot with a Flexible Link
Authors: Gharab Saddam , Feliu Batlle Vicente
Published: August 2023

This work addresses the robust control of processes of the form G(s)=K·e−τ·s/(1+T·sλ) with 1<λ≤2. A new method for tuning fractional-order PI and PD controllers is developed. The stability is assessed based on the frequency domain tuning of the regulators to control such delayed fractional-order underdamped processes. In order to analyze the closed-loop stability and robustness, the new concept of Robust High-Frequency Condition is introduced. The analysis based on that demonstrates that each controller has a different region of feasible frequency specifications, and, in all cases, they depend on their fractional integral or derivative actions. Finally, an application example, the position control of a teleoperated manipulator with a flexible link, is presented. Simulations and experiments illustrate that the region of feasible frequency specifications defined at low and high frequencies allows us to obtain robust controllers that fulfill frequency requirements.
Border Games: A Game Theoretic Model of Undocumented Immigration
Authors: Yazar Julide , Gitter Robert J.
Published: August 2023

We consider a game-theoretic model of undocumented immigration with the aim of emphasizing the strategic interaction between the different forces affecting the issue. Specifically, we analyze the strategic interaction between firms in the destination country, native labor, the elected officials in the destination country, and the undocumented immigrants from the Source Country. We show that the impact of border enforcement is dampened because strategic interaction between the players will tend to mute any unilateral changes. We also study the effect of uncertainty in the labor market on migration issues and analyze the two cases where policymakers have to make their decisions before (ex-ante) or after (ex-post) the market state is realized.
Protective Effect of Alginate Microcapsules with Different Rheological Behavior on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v
Authors: Hernández-Gallegos Minerva Aurora , Solorza-Feria Javier , Cornejo-Mazón Maribel , Velázquez-Martínez José Rodolfo , Rodríguez-Huezo María Eva , Gutiérrez-López Gustavo F. , Hernández-Sánchez Humberto
Published: August 2023

Alginate encapsulation is a well-known technique used to protect microorganisms from adverse conditions. However, it is also known that the viscosity of the alginate is dependent on its composition and degree of polymerization and that thermal treatments, such as pasteurization and sterilization, can affect the structure of the polymer and decrease its protection efficiency. The goal of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of encapsulation, using alginates of different viscosities treated at different temperatures, on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions and cold storage at 4 °C and −15 °C, respectively. Steady- and dynamic-shear rheological tests were used to characterize the polymers. Thermal treatments profoundly affected the rheological characteristics of alginates with high and low viscosity. However, the solutions and gels of the low-viscosity alginate were more affected at a temperature of 117 °C. The capsules elaborated with high-viscosity alginate solution and pasteurized at 63 °C for 30 min provided better protection to the cells of L. plantarum 299v under simulated gastrointestinal and cold storage conditions.
Genetic Structuring of One of the Main Vectors of Sylvatic Yellow Fever: Haemagogus (Conopostegus) leucocelaenus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Wilk-da-Silva Ramon , Medeiros-Sousa Antônio Ralph , Mucci Luis Filipe , Alonso Diego Peres , Alvarez Marcus Vinicius Niz , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Marrelli Mauro Toledo
Published: August 2023

Genetic diversity and population structuring for the species Haemogogus leucocelaenus, a sylvatic vector of yellow fever virus, were found to vary with the degree of agricultural land use and isolation of fragments of Atlantic Forest in municipalities in the state of São Paulo where specimens were collected. Genotyping of 115 mitochondrial SNPs showed that the populations with the highest indices of genetic diversity (polymorphic loci and mean pairwise differences between the sequences) are found in areas with high levels of agricultural land use (northeast of the State). Most populations exhibited statistically significant negative values for the Tajima D and Fu FS neutrality tests, suggesting recent expansion. The results show an association between genetic diversity in this species and the degree of agricultural land use in the sampled sites, as well as signs of population expansion of this species in most areas, particularly those with the highest forest edge densities. A clear association between population structuring and the distance between the sampled fragments (isolation by distance) was observed: samples from a large fragment of Atlantic Forest extending along the coast of the state of São Paulo exhibited greater similarity with each other than with populations in the northwest of the state.
Vs30 Mapping of the Greater Montreal Region Using Multiple Data Sources
Authors: Rosset Philippe , Takahashi Adil , Chouinard Luc
Published: August 2023

The metropolitan community of Montreal (MMC) is located in Eastern Canada and included in the western Quebec seismic zone characterized by shallow crustal earthquakes and moderate seismicity. Most of the urbanized areas are settled close to the Saint-Lawrence River and its tributaries and within the region, delimiting the extension of the clay deposits from the Champlain Sea. The influence of these recent and soft deposits on seismic waves has been observed after the 1988 M5.8 Saguenay earthquake and has proven to be crucial in seismic hazard analysis. The shear-wave velocity Vs averaged over the 30 m of soil, abbreviated Vs30, is one of the most used parameters to characterize the site condition and its influence on seismic waves. Since 2000, a site condition model has been developed for the municipalities of Montreal and Laval, combining seismic and borehole data for risk mitigation purposes. The paper presents an extended version of the Vs30 mapping for the entire region of the MMC, which accounts for half of the population of Quebec, including additional ambient noise recordings, recently updated borehole datasets, geological vector map and unpublished seismic refraction data to derive Vs profiles. The estimated Vs30 values for thousands of sites are then interpolated on a regular grid of 0.01 degrees using the inverse distance weighted interpolation approach. Regions with the lowest estimated Vs30 values where site amplification could be expected on seismic waves are in the Northeastern part and in the Southwest of the MMC. The map expresses in terms of site classes is compared with intensity values derived from citizen observations after recent felt. In general, the highest reported intensity values are found in regions with the lowest Vs30 values on the map. Areas where this rule does not apply, should be investigated further. This site condition model can be used in seismic hazard and risk analysis.
The Geological and Tectonic Evolution of Feni, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Ponyalou Olive L. , Petterson Michael G. , Espi Joseph O.
Published: August 2023

Feni is located at the southeastern end of the NW-trending Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) volcanic island chain, in northeastern Papua New Guinea. This island chain is renowned for hosting alkaline volcanics, geothermal activity, copper–gold mineralization, and mining. There is no agreed consensus on the tectonic and petrogenetic evolution of Feni. Thus, the purpose of our paper is to present the geology of Feni within the context of the regional tectonic evolution of the TLTF chain and offer a succinct and generic geodynamic model that sets the stage for our next paper. The methodologies used in this study include a critical review of published and unpublished literature in conjunction with our geological observations on Feni. The Pliocene-to-Holocene TLTF chain is a younger arc situated within the greater Eocene-to-Oligocene Melanesian Arc bounded by New Ireland to the west, the Kilinailau Trench and Ontong Java Plateau in the east, and the New Britain Trench to the south. The geological units mapped on Feni include a large volume of basaltic lava flow and trachyandesite stocks intruding a limestone and siltstone basement. Younger units include the trachyte domes, pyroclastic flow, and ash fall deposits. The major structures on Feni are normal or extensional faults such as the Niffin Graben. Feni magmatism is attributed to the petrogenetic processes of polybaric or decompression melting and crystal fractionation of magmas previously influenced by sediment assimilation, mantle wedge metasomatism, slab tears, slab melts, and subduction. Deep lithospheric normal faults provide the fluid pathways for the Feni alkaline magmas.
Awareness and Practices towards Vaccinating Their Children against COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study among Pakistani Parents
Authors: Harmain Zain Ul , Alkubaisi Noorah A. , Hasnain Muhammad , Salman Muhammad , Baraka Mohamed A. , Mustafa Zia Ul , Khan Yusra Habib , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Meyer Johanna C. , Godman Brian
Published: August 2023

There are typically lower COVID-19 vaccination rates among developing versus higher-income countries, which is exacerbated by greater vaccine hesitancy. However, despite the increasing evidence of safety, parents are still reluctant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. This is a concern in countries experiencing successive waves, such as Pakistan. Consequently, the objective of this study was to gain better understanding and practice regarding parents vaccinating their children against COVID-19 in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure parents’ attitudes towards vaccinating their children. In total, 451 parents participated in the study, giving a response rate of 70.4%; 67.4% were female, 43.2% belonged to the 40–49 years age group, and 47.7% had three children, with 73% of parents fully immunized against COVID-19. We found that 84.7% of parents did not consider COVID-19 to be a very serious issue, and 53.9% considered that their children were not at high risk of COVID-19. Overall, only a quarter of the study participants had currently vaccinated their children and 11.8% were willing to vaccinate their children in the near future. Parents who had a better knowledge of COVID-19, secondary or higher education, children who had chronic illness, and those parents whose children had been infected with COVID-19 were more likely to have their children vaccinated. The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were “my child is not at high risk of COVID-19” (61%) and “I am afraid to put/inject a foreign object inside my child’s body” (52.2%). Overall, vaccine acceptance was low among the parents of the children. Those parents with higher education, chronic illnesses, greater knowledge of COVID-19 and its vaccines, and those whose children had been infected with COVID-19 were significantly (p < 0.001) inclined towards vaccinating their children. Effective campaigns as well as awareness sessions are needed to address misinformation and reduce vaccine hesitancy.