bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Challenges and Opportunities in Drone Forensics Models
Authors: Al-Dhaqm Arafat , Ikuesan Richard A. , Kebande Victor R. , Razak Shukor , Ghabban Fahad M.
Published: June 2021

The emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles (also referred to as drones) has transformed the digital landscape of surveillance and supply chain logistics, especially in terrains where such was previously deemed unattainable. Moreover, the adoption of drones has further led to the proliferation of diverse drone types and drone-related criminality, which has introduced a myriad of security and forensics-related concerns. As a step towards understanding the state-of-the-art research into these challenges and potential approaches to mitigation, this study provides a detailed review of existing digital forensic models using the Design Science Research method. The outcome of this study generated in-depth knowledge of the research challenges and opportunities through which an effective investigation can be carried out on drone-related incidents. Furthermore, a potential generic investigation model has been proposed. The findings presented in this study are essentially relevant to forensic researchers and practitioners towards a guided methodology for drone-related event investigation. Ultimately, it is important to mention that this study presents a background for the development of international standardization for drone forensics.
Hybrid Three-Phase Rectifiers with Active Power Factor Correction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonçalves José Teixeira , Valtchev Stanimir , Melicio Rui , Gonçalves Alcides , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: June 2021

The hybrid three-phase rectifiers (HTR) consist of parallel associations of two rectifiers (rectifier 1 and rectifier 2), each one of them with a distinct operation, while the sum of their input currents forms a sinusoidal or multilevel waveform. In general, rectifier 1 is a GRAETZ (full bridge) (can be combined with a BOOST converter) and rectifier 2 is combined with a DC-DC converter. In this HTR contest, this paper is intended to answer some important questions about those hybrid rectifiers. To obtain the correct answers, the study is conducted as an analysis of a systematic literature review. Thus, a search was carried out in the databases, mostly IEEE and IET, and 34 papers were selected as the best corresponding to the HTR theme. It is observed that the preferred form of power distribution in unidirectional hybrid three-phase rectifiers (UHTR) is 55%Po (rectifier 1) and 45%Po (rectifier 2). For the bidirectional hybrid three-phase rectifiers (BHTR), rectifier 1 preferably takes 90% of Po and 10% of Po is processed by rectifier 2. It is also observed that the UHTR that employ the single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) or VIENNA converter topologies in rectifier 2 can present sinusoidal input currents with low total harmonic distortion (THD) and high Power Factor (PF), even successfully complying with the international standards. The same can be said about the rectifier that employs a pulse-width (PWM) converter of BOOST topology in rectifier 2. In short, the HTR are interesting because they allow using the GRAETZ full bridge topology in rectifier 1, thus taking advantage of its characteristics, being simple, robust, and reliable. At the same time, the advantages of rectifier 2, i.e., high PF and low THD, are well used. In addition, this article also points out the future direction of research that is still unexplored in the literature, thus giving opportunities for future innovation.
Study on the Effect of Helium on the Dielectric Strength of Medium-Voltage Vacuum Interrupters
Authors: Węgierek Paweł , Lech Michał , Kostyła Damian , Kozak Czesław
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the dielectric strength of disconnecting vacuum interrupters operating on air and helium. The breakdown voltage Ud was measured in the pressure range from 8.0 × 10−4 Pa to 3.0 × 101 Pa for air and from 8.0 × 10−4 Pa to 7.0 × 102 Pa for helium, while varying the interelectrode distance from 1.0 to 5.0 mm. Dedicated laboratory workstations were used to determine the actual pressure values in the vacuum interrupters tested and to precisely measure and record the dielectric strength results of the test object. It was found that the helium-filled vacuum interrupter maintains its full dielectric strength in significantly larger pressure ranges, while the air-filled vacuum interrupter loses its insulating properties. Thus, it is possible to make vacuum interrupters based on the working medium associated with pure helium, with larger working pressure ratings. Under such conditions, it is easier to maintain the tightness of the device and to limit cut-off currents and overvoltages associated with vacuum switchgear.
Biochars in Iron Ores Sintering Process: Effect on Sinter Quality and Emission
Authors: Niesler Marian , Stecko Janusz , Stelmach Sławomir , Kwiecińska-Mydlak Anna
Published: June 2021

The article presents results of the research on the use of chars produced during pyrolysis of residual biomass as a substitutional fuel in the iron ore sintering process. Such an approach allows to implement circular economy and industrial symbiosis to the iron and steel branches. The effect of the substitution of conventional coke breeze fuel used in sintering on final sinter quality and emission was examined. With regard to productivity, fuel consumption, and properties of the sinter it was shown that the share of tested biochars in fuel may be kept at 10, and up to 30 wt.%, depending on the biochar type. It was observed that with the use of the biochars, the content of iron oxide in the sinter decreased, which was advantageous. Moreover, the sinter obtained in the presence of biochars was characterized with better strength and abrasion than the sinter obtained with coke breeze-based fuel, improving the final product quality. The presence of biochar influenced the raw exhaust gas composition and resulted in a slight increase of organic and inorganic carbon compounds content, while the amount of sulfur oxides was noticeably decreased. It was concluded that the biochars may be applied in the sintering process at established share in the fuel stream.
Coal Pricing in China: Is It a Bit Too Crude?
Authors: Li Raymond , Broadstock David C.
Published: June 2021

China is a global leader in methanol production volume, while coal is a major feedstock. The country also has the world’s largest commercial coal-to-methanol operations. Coal-based methanol is used widely within China and is a competitive substitute for gasoline. Owing to this, it is plausible that the price of coal may be linked to international crude oil prices, with methanol prices serving as the connecting channel. We add supporting evidence to a recently emerging area of literature and observe statistically significant relationships among the three prices, and, therefore, the influence from international crude oil and methanol prices on the coal price determination in China. This paper investigates the relationships among these prices for the period from January 2010 to December 2019 through spectral Granger causality analysis, alongside more traditional cointegration tests to develop a comprehensive picture of causal association between the price series in both the frequency and time domain. Cointegration is found in our tri-variate system while the frequency domain Granger causality tests reveal the long-run causality in all directions except from crude oil to methanol, thus, emphasizing the structure of coal price dependence. According to the generalized impulse response functions, the coal price reacts positively to shocks in crude oil prices.
Assessing the Techno-Economic Effects of Replacing Energy-Inefficient Street Lighting with LED Corn Bulbs
Authors: Gordic Dusan , Vukasinovic Vladimir , Kovacevic Zoran , Josijevic Mladen , Zivkovic Dubravka
Published: June 2021

The costs related to the operation of street lighting can be significant expenses for municipalities; therefore, it is very important to take advantage of opportunities for improving energy efficiency. In this paper, the authors studied the effects of the implementation of energy efficiency measures in a street lighting system. Different scenarios, including replacing luminaires, replacing inefficient lamps, and installing a dimming control system, are analysed. The model includes a detailed analysis of the techno-economic characteristics of both LED street luminaires and LED corn bulbs available on the market. The results show that the replacement of low-power, high-intensity discharge lamps with LED corn bulbs is an economically favourable solution that provides desirable economic project parameters with relatively low investments. Moreover, in the case of a relatively low price of electricity for street lighting, it is the preferable solution in most scenarios.
A Diode-MMC AC/DC Hub for Connecting Offshore Wind Farm and Offshore Production Platform
Authors: Huang Kai , Xu Lie , Liu Guangchen
Published: June 2021

A diode rectifier-modular multilevel converter AC/DC hub (DR-MMC Hub) is proposed to integrate offshore wind power to the onshore DC network and offshore production platforms (e.g., oil/gas and hydrogen production plants) with different DC voltage levels. The DR and MMCs are connected in parallel at the offshore AC collection network to integrate offshore wind power, and in series at the DC terminals of the offshore production platform and the onshore DC network. Compared with conventional parallel-connected DR-MMC HVDC systems, the proposed DR-MMC hub reduces the required MMC converter rating, leading to lower investment cost and power loss. System control of the DR-MMC AC/DC hub is designed based on the operation requirements of the offshore production platform, considering different control modes (power control or DC voltage control). System behaviors and requirements during AC and DC faults are investigated, and hybrid MMCs with half-bridge and full-bridge sub-modules (HBSMs and FBSMs) are used for safe operation during DC faults. Simulation results based on PSCAD/EMTDC validate the operation of the DR-MMC hub.
Net Zero Energy Buildings: Variations, Clarifications, and Requirements in Response to the Paris Agreement
Authors: Moghaddasi Haleh , Culp Charles , Vanegas Jorge , Ehsani Mehrdad
Published: June 2021

Buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that cause environmental impacts on climate change. Net Zero Energy (NZ) buildings would reduce greenhouse gases. The current definition of NZ lacks consensus and has created uncertainties, which cause delays in the adoption of NZ. This paper proposes a Process for Clarification to Accelerate the Net Zero (PC-A-NZ) through three integrated steps: variations, strategies, and requirements. We expand on the results in published NZ literature to clarify the differences in definition and strategy. The objective of this review is to (1) distinguish current variable parameters that are slowing the acceptance of NZ, and (2) focus the discussion internationally on moving faster toward applying NZ to a larger common agreement. The publications of global NZ target assessment and energy efficient strategies will be reviewed to address the main requirements in expediting NZ’s successful progress. Our NZ review analysis highlights (1) how the existing NZ definitions and criteria differ, (2) how calculation strategies vary, and (3) how standards and requirements are often localized. The proposed PC-A-NZ will help policymakers and stakeholders to re-evaluate the existing definitions, standards, and requirements to optimize the use of renewable technologies, improved energy efficiency and electrification to speed up achieving the NZ targets. Definition: There are multiple NZ definitions that vary in source and supply requirement, timescale, emission source, and grid connection.
An Overview of the Technical Challenges Facing the Deployment of Electric Cooking on Hybrid PV/Diesel Mini-Grid in Rural Tanzania—A Case Study Simulation
Authors: Keddar Shafiqa , Strachan Scott , Soltowski Bartosz , Galloway Stuart
Published: June 2021

This paper lays out a methodology that could be used by mini-grid developers to assess the design readiness and future design requirement to accommodate electric cooking (eCook). While mini-grids in developing countries continue to grow in popularity, typically their designs are not yet sufficiently developed to accommodate large power appliances. Moving towards clean cooking using electricity will cause technical risks for mini-grids in terms of voltage drop, voltage unbalances and capacity shortage. In this paper, these parameters are studied on a mini-grid network modeled in OpenDSS/MATLAB as a simulation platform, where the selected mini-grid topology is hub and spoke. Two network studies are considered, the first investigates the limitations of the mini-grid in terms of the generation capacity available to supply the demand for different levels of eCook penetration, while the second focuses on the network constraints for different eCook penetrations. In general, the results show that voltage drop and voltage imbalance issues can be reasonably and affordably addressed by using cables of a larger cross-sectional area. The main issue prohibiting higher penetrations of eCook centre on generation capacity requirements, which led to a techno-economic analysis being conducted to assess future mini-grid sizes as well as targeting economic and environmental objectives and meeting the overall demand on a generically representative mini-grid in a rural region in East Africa. The discussion section in this paper highlights the main barriers to the accommodation of eCook on rural mini-grids and presents suggestions for future work that addresses new design specifications for the next generation of eCook mini-grids.
The Deformation Characteristics and Lateral Stress of Roadside Crushed Rocks with Different Particles in Non-Pillar Coal Mining
Authors: Wang Qiong , Guo Zhibiao , Zhu Chun , Yin Songyang , Yin Dawei
Published: June 2021

Gob-side entry retaining formed by roof fracturing (GERRF) is a popular non-pillar mining method. The method uses crushed rocks in gob side to support and control the movements of the gob roof. These crushed rocks will deform under roof pressure and generate desirable lateral stress on support structures of gangue rib. In this study, the deformation behavior of crushed mudstones with different particle sizes under incremental loading was investigated with an innovative experimental device that simulated boundary conditions of the GERRF method. Influence of particle size of the crushed mudstones to the generation of lateral stress applied on support structures were concurrently observed and analyzed. Research outputs from the tests showed that: (1) The particle size exerted a significant influence on the accumulated axial deformation, period axial deformation, and lateral stress applied on support structure of crushed rocks. (2) Under the same axial stress, the larger the particle size, the smaller the accumulated axial deformation of the crushed rock; A skeletal loading-bearing effect was apparent in the rock samples with larger particles (S-2, S-3). The compressive deformation process of samples S-2, S-3 divided into structural adjustment, skeletal load-bearing and crushing cum filling phases. At skeletal loading-bearing phase, the crushed rocks showed better deformation resistance and stability than other phases; (3) Two types of periodic stress-strain curves were observed for crushed mudstones in the tests. The “down-concave” type implied the deformation for the crushed mudstones was primarily a consequence of the compression in the void spaces. While the “upper-convex” type curve was resulted in particle crushing cum filling again; (4) The lateral pressure generated by large-size samples was smaller than that of small-size samples. Additionally, a poor regularity of lateral stress was observed in compression test of large-size sample (S-3). The relationship between the axial stress and lateral stress generated on the support structure was found to be approximately linear relationship under the condition that lateral pressure shows good regularity.
Influence of Properties of Hydraulic Fluid on Pressure Peaks in Axial Piston Pumps’ Chambers
Authors: Patrosz Piotr
Published: June 2021

The article concentrates on the research of the pressure peaks in a working chamber of an axial piston pump. The main focus of the article is the influence of fluid properties on the pressure peaks value. Experimental and analytical methods were used to determine the impact of the fluid density, viscosity, compressibility and aeration. The article describes the pressure peak generation process and explains the theoretical basis of this phenomenon. A model of aerated fluid compression and models of leakage were created using CFD analysis and mathematical equations. These partial models were then merged into one consistent model in Matlab Simulink. The final result was verified by comparing the results obtained from the mathematical model with the results of the experiment. After validation, the model was used to present explicitly how each of the mentioned fluid properties affects the pressure peak value. Additionally, the test stand and measurement equipment used in the experiment were presented along with a short description of the laboratory research and sample results.
Assessing the Level of Renewable Energy Development in the European Union Member States. A 10-Year Perspective
Authors: Brodny Jarosław , Tutak Magdalena , Bindzár Peter
Published: June 2021

The global economic development is, to a great extent, dependent on access to large amounts of cheap energy sources. The growing social awareness of ecology and the enormous damage to the Earth’s ecosystem due to the production of energy from conventional sources have forced fundamental changes in the energy sector. Renewable energy is considered to be an opportunity for such changes. The current state of the art allows such changes to be made without restricting economic development. Therefore, activities related to the energy transition are being taken all over the world. The European Union has definitely managed to achieve the most tangible effects in this regard. This article presents the findings of the research aimed at presenting the current state of renewable energy in the European Union and analyzing the changes reported in this sector in the last decade. The research was carried out using a selected set of 11 indicators characterizing renewable energy in individual countries. These indicators were selected on the basis of literature review and own studies of the state of renewable energy and its development prospects. Based on these indicators, changes in the energy structure of individual European Union countries between 2008–2018 were determined. The study is divided into two main stages. The principal components analysis (PCA) was used for the first analysis. In turn, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was adopted to assess the level of renewable energy development in the European Union countries. Both these methods and the extended statistical analysis were applied to determine the state of renewable energy development in the European Union countries in the studied period and to divide the Member States into classes with different levels of development. The results of the study showed that the EU countries are characterized by significant differences in the development of RES during the period in question. The unquestionable leaders in this respect are Sweden, Austria, Finland, and Latvia. Based on the findings, it is possible to evaluate the effects of activities related to renewable energy development and to prepare assumptions for future activities. Additionally, both the research and its findings broaden the knowledge of the directions of renewable energy development in individual European Union countries. This is particularly important in the context of changes related to the need to reduce harmful substance emissions and the implementation of the European Green Deal idea.
Low Pressure Tube Transport—An Alternative to Ground Road Transport—Aerodynamic and Other Problems and Possible Solutions
Authors: Piechna Janusz
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the concept of one possible but unconventional implementation of a Low Pressure Tube Transport (LPTT) system for a network with station-to-station distances of 300 km, based on the use of circular tunnels in which modular vehicles consisting of three interconnected functional segments move on wheels with airless tires. The physical limitations associated with high-speed vehicle travel in tunnels are presented. The reasons for the expected inconvenience in the travel system, compensated by short travel times, are justified. Assumptions for the use of locomotion, safety, and passenger segments in the construction of a vacuum modular vehicle are presented, as well as systems to ensure the efficient conversion of serial traffic in tunnels to parallel traffic in station areas. Schemes of station construction and traffic organization in the station area are presented, as well as assumptions for a number of systems increasing the safety of vehicle traffic used in emergency situations. Visualizations of some solutions are presented. Details of the construction of a locomotive segment based on a multi-wheel system of airless wheels with the use of a system of linear motors for acceleration and an inertial drive system between them to reduce its weight are presented. Some conclusions from tests conducted on built simulators, mechanical and virtual, of the passenger segment of a vacuum vehicle are discussed.
Failure Mechanism Analysis and Support Technology for Roadway Tunnel in Fault Fracture Zone: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Lianguo , Ren Bo
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces a case study on the failure mechanism and support design of a roadway tunnel in the fault fracture zone of the 106 mining area in the Yuandian no.2 coal mine. Based on the on-site geological conditions (in-situ stress test, borehole television imaging, and lithological analysis), the failure mechanism of the roadway tunnel in the fault fracture zone was studied. The test results showed that the high tectonic stress, fractured rock, and poor lithology are the primary reasons for the roadway instability. According to the support principles of grouting reinforcement, pre-reinforced support, and rational support range, a new type of combined support technology was proposed, including advanced grouting, grouting bolts, and grouting anchor cables. A 100 m roadway section was selected for field testing using the new support scheme, and detailed deformation monitoring was performed. Monitoring results showed that the roadway deformation under the new support was significantly reduced. During the roadway excavation process, no roof collapse phenomenon occurred, and the safety of roadway excavation was ensured. This successful case provides an important reference for similar roadway projects in the fault fracture zone.
An Investigation of Thermoelectric Generators Used as Energy Harvesters in a Water Consumption Meter Application
Authors: Machacek Zdenek , Walendziuk Wojciech , Sotola Vojtech , Slanina Zdenek , Petras Radek , Schneider Miroslav , Masny Zdenek , Idzkowski Adam , Koziorek Jiri
Published: June 2021

In this study, we present the results of measuring the performance of selected Peltier cells such as thermoelectric Peltier cooler modules (TEC), thermoelectric micro-Peltier cooler modules (TES), and thermoelectric Seebeck generator modules (TEG). The achieved results are presented in the form of graphs of powering system output voltage or power efficiency functions of the load impedance. Moreover, a technical solution is also presented that consists of designing a water consumption power supply system, using a renewable energy source in the form of a Peltier cell. The developed measuring system does not require additional batteries or an external power source. The energy needed to power the system was obtained from the temperature difference between two sides of a thermoelectric cell, caused by the measured medium which was flowing in a copper water pipe. All achieved results were investigated for the temperature difference from 1 to 10 K in relation to the ambient temperature.
Zero-Emission Pathway for the Global Chemical and Petrochemical Sector
Authors: Saygin Deger , Gielen Dolf
Published: June 2021

The chemical and petrochemical sector relies on fossil fuels and feedstocks, and is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The techno-economic potential of 20 decarbonisation options is assessed. While previous analyses focus on the production processes, this analysis covers the full product life cycle CO2 emissions. The analysis elaborates the carbon accounting complexity that results from the non-energy use of fossil fuels, and highlights the importance of strategies that consider the carbon stored in synthetic organic products—an aspect that warrants more attention in long-term energy scenarios and strategies. Average mitigation costs in the sector would amount to 64 United States dollars (USD) per tonne of CO2 for full decarbonisation in 2050. The rapidly declining renewables cost is one main cause for this low-cost estimate. Renewable energy supply solutions, in combination with electrification, account for 40% of total emissions reductions. Annual biomass use grows to 1.3 gigatonnes; green hydrogen electrolyser capacity grows to 2435 gigawatts and recycling rates increase six-fold, while product demand is reduced by a third, compared to the reference case. CO2 capture, storage and use equals 30% of the total decarbonisation effort (1.49 gigatonnes per year), where about one-third of the captured CO2 is of biogenic origin. Circular economy concepts, including recycling, account for 16%, while energy efficiency accounts for 12% of the decarbonisation needed. Achieving full decarbonisation in this sector will increase energy and feedstock costs by more than 35%. The analysis shows the importance of renewables-based solutions, accounting for more than half of the total emissions reduction potential, which was higher than previous estimates.
Yearly Electrical Energy Assessment of a Photovoltaic Platform/Geothermal Heat Pump Prosumer
Authors: Moldovan Macedon , Burduhos Bogdan-Gabriel , Visa Ion
Published: June 2021

Romania introduced in 2018 an amendment to the national law 220/2008 by including the Prosumer concept that allows investors in grid-connected photovoltaic systems with a capacity up to 27 kWp to receive a feed in tariff for the electricity delivered to the grid representing approximatively one third of the price paid when the electricity is consumed from the grid. Thus, the challenge is to use as much as possible the photovoltaic power when it is produced. A methodology is developed to evaluate how much of the electrical energy output of a grid-connected photovoltaic platform is used by a geothermal heat pump for space heating in a building. A numerical simulation is performed in Trnsys17 based on locally measured meteorological parameters over a period of one entire year. A case study is presented for which the characteristics of the building, of the heat pump system and of the photovoltaic system are described and integrated into the transient simulation environment. The numerical results are comparatively presented and discussed along with experimental data for sunny days in cold season. For the analysed case study, the self-consumption is 16%, significantly lower than the yearly coverage degree of 70%. Further research can be done to increase the self-consumption.
Optimization of Wind Energy Battery Storage Microgrid by Division Algorithm Considering Cumulative Exergy Demand for Power-Water Cogeneration
Authors: Kiehbadroudinezhad Mohammadali , Merabet Adel , Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha Homa
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the use of division algorithms to optimize the size of a desalination system integrated with a microgrid based on a wind turbine plant and the battery storage to supply freshwater based on cost, reliability, and energy losses. Cumulative exergy demand is used to identify and minimize the energy losses in the optimized system. Division algorithms are used to overcome the drawback of low convergence speed encountered by the well-known method genetic algorithm. The findings indicated that there is a positive relationship between cost, cumulative exergy, and reliability. More specifically, when the loss of power supply probability is 10%, compared to when it is 0%, the total cumulative exergy demand and total life cycle cost are reduced by 34.76% when the battery is full and 45.44% when the battery is empty and there is a 44.43% decrease in total life cycle cost, respectively. However, the more reliable system, the less exergy is lost during the production of 1 m3 freshwater by desalination integrated into wind turbine plant.
Cable Tensile Forces Associated to Winch Design in Tethered Harvesting Operations: A Case Study from the Pacific North West
Authors: Mologni Omar , Nance Eric D. T. , Lyons C. Kevin , Marchi Luca , Grigolato Stefano , Cavalli Raffaele , Roeser Dominik
Published: June 2021

Cable tensile forces in winch-assist harvesting have been investigated in order to assess the safety concerns of the technology. However, the literature is lacking, particularly in regards to the impact of winch design. In this study, a Summit Winch Assist tethering a feller-director on ground slopes up to 77% was monitored for four days. The cable tensile forces were simultaneously recorded at the harvesting and anchor machine at a frequency of 100 Hz. Cameras and GNSS devices enabled a time study of the operations and the recording of machine positions. Winch functionality and design were disclosed by the manufacturer and used for the interpretation of the results. The cable tensile forces reached 296 kN at the harvesting machine and 260 kN at the anchor machine. The slow negotiation of obstacles while moving downhill recorded the highest peaks, mainly due to threshold settings of the winch in the brake system activation. Lower but significant peaks were also recorded during stationary work tasks. The peaks, however, were limited to a few events and never exceeded the endurance limit of the cable. Overall, the study confirmed recent findings in cable tensile force analysis of active winch-assist operations and provided evidence of the underlaying mechanisms that contribute to cable tensile forces.
Effects of Simultaneous Co-Fermentation of Five Indigenous Non-Saccharomyces Strains with S. cerevisiae on Vidal Icewine Aroma Quality
Authors: Ge Qian , Guo Chunfeng , Zhang Jing , Yan Yue , Zhao Danqing , Li Caihong , Sun Xiangyu , Ma Tingting , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong
Published: June 2021

In this study, Vidal grape must was fermented using commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae F33 in pure culture as a control and in mixed culture with five indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (Hanseniaspora uvarum QTX22, Saccharomycopsis crataegensis YC30, Pichia kluyveri HSP14, Metschnikowia pulcherrima YC12, and Rhodosporidiobolus lusitaniae QTX15) through simultaneous fermentation in a 1:1 ratio. Simultaneous fermentation inhibited the growth of S. cerevisiae F33 and delayed the time to reach the maximum biomass. Compared with pure fermentation, the contents of polyphenols, acetic esters, ethyl esters, other esters, and terpenes were increased by R. lusitaniae QTX15, S. crataegensis YC30, and P. kluyveri HSP14 through simultaneous fermentation. S. crataegensis YC30 produced the highest total aroma activity and the most abundant aroma substances of all the wine samples. The odor activity values of 1 C13-norisoprenoid, 3 terpenes, 6 acetic esters, and 10 ethyl esters improved significantly, and three lactones (δ-decalactone, γ-nonalactone, and γ-decalactone) related to coconut and creamy flavor were only found in this wine. Moreover, this sample showed obvious “floral” and “fruity” note odor due to having the highest amount of ethyl ester aromatic substances and cinnamene, linalool, citronellol, β-damascenone, isoamyl ethanoate, benzylcarbinyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, etc. We suggest that simultaneous fermentation of S. crataegensis YC30 with S. cerevisiae might represent a novel strategy for the future production of Vidal icewine.
Consumer Attitudes toward Consumption of Meat Products Containing Offal and Offal Extracts
Authors: Llauger Mar , Claret Anna , Bou Ricard , López-Mas Laura , Guerrero Luis
Published: June 2021

The development of food products containing offal and offal extracts could be part of the solution to the upcoming demand for animal protein. This study aimed to determine Spanish consumers’ attitudes toward offal and the development of meat products containing offal extracts. Consumers’ perceptions were evaluated by means of focus group discussions and a survey (N = 400) to validate the focus group results in various Spanish provinces. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine consumer attitudes. Results indicated that nutritional properties, environmental sustainability, and affordability were the main drivers, while sensory attributes, low frequency consumption, and perceived higher content of undesirable compounds were the main barriers. Three segments were identified according to their beliefs: those in favor of these products, those that were health and environmentally conscious, and those who were reluctant about them. The identification of these segments and their profiles demonstrated the necessity to focus efforts on providing reliable information on sensory and health-related issues to improve acceptability. Attitude was the most important predictor of behavioral intention regarding the global model, while the social component (subjective norm) was significant for two of the identified segments, emphasizing the relevance of the social component for acceptability.
Effect of Ginger on Chemical Composition, Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Chicken Soup
Authors: Duan Wen , Liang Li , Huang Yan , Zhang Yuyu , Sun Baoguo , Li Lina
Published: June 2021

In order to investigate the effect of ginger on taste components and sensory characteristics in chicken soup, the content of amino acids, organic acids, 5′-nucleotides, and mineral elements were determined in chicken soup sample. With the ginger added, free amino acids in chicken soup obviously increased and exceeded the total amounts in ginger soup and chicken soup. The content of glutamic acid (122.74 μg/mL) was the highest among 17 free amino acids in ginger chicken soup. Meanwhile, six organic acids detected in chicken soup all obviously increased, among which lactic acid (1523.58 μg/mL) and critic acid (4692.41 μg/mL) exceeded 1000 μg/mL. The content of 5′-nucleotides had no obvious difference between ginger chicken soup and chicken soup. Compared with chicken soup, ginger chicken soup had a smaller particle size (136.43 nm) and color difference (79.69), but a higher viscosity. With ginger added in chicken soup, the content of seven mineral elements was reduced, and the content of total sugar increased. Results from an electronic tongue indicated a difference in taste profiles among the soups. The taste components and sensory quality of chicken soup were obviously affected by adding the ginger.
Retarding Oxidative and Enzymatic Degradation of Phenolic Compounds Using Large-Ring Cycloamylose
Authors: Rho Shin-Joung , Mun Saehun , Park Jiwoon , Kim Yong-Ro
Published: June 2021

The phenolic compounds (PCs) abundant in fruits and vegetables are easily browned by oxygen and browning enzymes, with subsequent destruction of nutrients during food processing and storage. Therefore, natural anti-browning additives are required to control these reactions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of cycloamylose (CA) complexation as a way to improve stability of PCs against oxidation and browning enzymes. The complex was prepared by reacting enzymatically produced CA with a degree of polymerization of 23–45 with PCs in aqueous solution. No significant differences were observed between the PCs and their CA complexes in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging experiments. However, the reduction rate of their antioxidant activity was clearly reduced in the presence of CA for as long as 4 weeks. At the studied concentrations, the activity of polyphenol oxidase on all of the tested PC species was inhibited in the presence of CA, although this effect was less evident as the substrate concentration increased. The higher the CA concentration added to apple juice, the lower the variation in the total color difference (ΔE*) during storage, confirming that CA could be used as an effective natural anti-browning agent. Our study is the first to study the potential of CA as a natural material for browning control. The results obtained will provide useful information for active food applications requiring oxidative stability in fruit products.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Play: Beyond the Win-Stay/Lose-Change Strategy
Authors: Zhang Hanshu , Moisan Frederic , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: June 2021

This research studied the strategies that players use in sequential adversarial games. We took the Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) game as an example and ran players in two experiments. The first experiment involved two humans, who played the RPS together for 100 times. Importantly, our payoff design in the RPS allowed us to differentiate between participants who used a random strategy from those who used a Nash strategy. We found that participants did not play in agreement with the Nash strategy, but rather, their behavior was closer to random. Moreover, the analyses of the participants’ sequential actions indicated heterogeneous cycle-based behaviors: some participants’ actions were independent of their past outcomes, some followed a well-known win-stay/lose-change strategy, and others exhibited the win-change/lose-stay behavior. To understand the sequential patterns of outcome-dependent actions, we designed probabilistic computer algorithms involving specific change actions (i.e., to downgrade or upgrade according to the immediate past outcome): the Win-Downgrade/Lose-Stay (WDLS) or Win-Stay/Lose-Upgrade (WSLU) strategies. Experiment 2 used these strategies against a human player. Our findings show that participants followed a win-stay strategy against the WDLS algorithm and a lose-change strategy against the WSLU algorithm, while they had difficulty in using an upgrade/downgrade direction, suggesting humans’ limited ability to detect and counter the actions of the algorithm. Taken together, our two experiments showed a large diversity of sequential strategies, where the win-stay/lose-change strategy did not describe the majority of human players’ dynamic behaviors in this adversarial situation.
SS 433 Optical Flares: A New Analysis Reveals Their Origin in L2 Overflow Episodes
Authors: Bowler Michael
Published: June 2021

The microquasar SS 433 exhibits in Hα intermittent flares. A sequence of observations made in 2004 showed flaring Doppler shifted to both the red and the blue simultaneously. The mean shifts varied from day to day, following the orbital phase of the compact object. At the time, this behaviour was interpreted as indicating an origin in the outer rim of the accretion disk. A new analysis of these old data, presented in this paper, shows that the flares are not eclipsed by the Companion that eclipses the photosphere surrounding the compact object. They are therefore not intermittent sightings of an accretion disk. The alternative explanation is plasma expelled through the L2 point, following the phase of the orbit as it invades the space beyond the system. That space has been mapped with comparatively recent GRAVITY observations of a similar flare in Brγ, indeed revealing a strong rotation component.
Foremost Concepts in Mechanisms of De Novo Post-Liver Transplantation Malignancy
Authors: Peruhova Milena , Peshevska-Sekulovska Monika , Panayotova Gabriela , Velikova Tsvetelina
Published: June 2021

In liver transplant patients, solid tumors and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) have emerged as significant long-term mortality causes. Additionally, it is assumed that de novo malignancy (DNM) after liver transplantation (LT) is the second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular complications. Well-established risk factors for PTLD and solid tumors are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), tacrolimus (TAC), and cyclosporine, the cornerstones of all immunosuppressive (IS) therapies used after LT. The loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy leads to cancer development, including in LT patients. Hindering DNA repair mechanisms, promoting tumor cell invasiveness, and hampering apoptosis are critical events in tumorigenesis and tumor growth in LT patients resulting from IS administration. This paper aims to overview the refined mechanisms of IS-induced tumorigenesis after LT and the loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy. In addition, we also discuss in detail the mechanisms of action in different types of IS regimen used after LT, and their putative effect on DNM.
Transparent Exopolymer Particles in Deep Oceans: Synthesis and Future Challenges
Authors: Nagata Toshi , Yamada Yosuke , Fukuda Hideki
Published: June 2021

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are a class of abundant gel-like particles that are omnipresent in seawater. While versatile roles of TEP in the regulation of carbon cycles have been studied extensively over the past three decades, investigators have only recently begun to find intriguing features of TEP distribution and processes in deep waters. The emergence of new research reflects the growing attention to ecological and biogeochemical processes in deep oceans, where large quantities of organic carbon are stored and processed. Here, we review recent research concerning the role of TEP in deep oceans. We discuss: (1) critical features in TEP distribution patterns, (2) TEP sources and sinks, and (3) contributions of TEP to the organic carbon inventory. We conclude that gaining a better understanding of TEP-mediated carbon cycling requires the effective application of gel theory and particle coagulation models for deep water settings. To achieve this goal, we need a better recognition and determination of the quantities, turnover, transport, chemical properties, and microbial processing of TEP.
CLN8 Mutations Presenting with a Phenotypic Continuum of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis—Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Badura-Stronka Magdalena , Winczewska-Wiktor Anna , Pietrzak Anna , Hirschfeld Adam Sebastian , Zemojtel Tomasz , Wołyńska Katarzyna , Bednarek-Rajewska Katarzyna , Seget-Dubaniewicz Monika , Matheisel Agnieszka , Latos-Bielenska Anna , Steinborn Barbara
Published: June 2021

CLN8 is a ubiquitously expressed membrane-spanning protein that localizes primarily in the ER, with partial localization in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. Mutations in CLN8 cause late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL). We describe a female pediatric patient with LINCL. She exhibited a typical phenotype associated with LINCL, except she did not present spontaneous myoclonus, her symptoms occurrence was slower and developed focal sensory visual seizures. In addition, whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous variant in CLN8, c.531G>T, resulting in p.Trp177Cys. Ultrastructural examination featured abundant lipofuscin deposits within mucosal cells, macrophages, and monocytes. We report a novel CLN8 mutation as a cause for NCL8 in a girl with developmental delay and epilepsy, cerebellar syndrome, visual loss, and progressive cognitive and motor regression. This case, together with an analysis of the available literature, emphasizes the existence of a continuous spectrum of CLN8-associated phenotypes rather than a sharp distinction between them.
Elinor Wight Gardner: Pioneer Geoarcheologist, Quaternary Scientist and Geomorphologist
Authors: Nicoll Kathleen , Emmitt Joshua , Kleindienst Maxine R. , Evans Sarah L. , Phillipps Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Elinor Wight Gardner (1892–1981) was the first female geologist who worked and published as a geoarcheologist. During her career, she worked in arid lands of North Africa, Mediterranean and the Near East, and was regarded as a pioneering geoscientist who made important contributions in multiple fields, including archeology, geomorphology, paleontology and Quaternary science. Despite her ground-breaking work at many archeological sites, Gardner’s impact has been largely unrecognized. Few details are known about her personal life; she was a private and reserved person who left limited first-hand accounts of her opinions and motivations. Gardner worked with charismatic figures such as her life-long friend and primary collaborator, the archeologist Gertrude Caton Thompson (1888–1985). This biography synthesizes primary sources and draws insights about Gardner’s character from her bibliography, publications and notebooks, and mentions by contemporary peers. Much attention has focused on the historical “ancestral passions” of characters working in the fields of geology and archeology, with much emphasis on the ‘founding fathers’ and significantly less recognition of its ‘grandmothers’. We bring attention to the full scope of Gardner’s insightful contributions through analysis of her important collaborative research projects linking archeology and landscape studies during the early twentieth century.
Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms
Authors: Almeida Daniela , Monteiro Diogo , Rodrigues Filipe
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.