bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Power System Asset Dispatch under Different Local Energy Community Business Models
Authors: Korõtko Tarmo , Plaum Freddy , Häring Tobias , Mutule Anna , Lazdins Roberts , Borščevskis Olegs , Rosin Argo , Carroll Paula
Published: April 2023

Community energy projects have gained popularity in recent years, and encouraging citizens to form local energy communities (LEC) is considered an effective tool for raising awareness about renewable energy. Since no single universal method exists for operating LECs, this study investigated the impact that different business models and asset dispatch methods have on LECs’ economic and energy-related indicators. We carried out a case study, which included the development, modelling, and simulation of seven scenarios using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). To measure and compare the prospective performance of the LECs in each scenario, six key metrics were evaluated and assessed. The authors find that simple, rule-based control systems might be well suited for LECs with a limited number of controllable assets that aim to provide increased levels of self-consumption of up to 3%. We also conclude that when the LEC utilises an energy cooperative business model, the selected asset dispatch method provides only minor differences in LEC performance, while for prosumer communities, the importance of selecting a suitable asset dispatch method is higher. We also conclude that LECs have the potential to significantly increase their economic performance by more than 10% by acting as aggregators and providing grid services directly to system operators.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Rheological Models on Measurements of Shear-Thinning Fluid Flow in Smooth Pipes
Authors: Ihmoudah Abdalsalam , Abugharara Abdelsalam , Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Butt Stephen
Published: April 2023

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of rheological models of shear-thinning fluids and their estimated parameters on the predictions of laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow. The investigation was carried out through experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies in horizontal pipes (diameters of 19.1 mm and 76.2 mm). Six turbulent models using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations in CFD_ANSYS Fluent 19.0 were examined in a 3D simulation followed by comparison studies between numerical and experimental results. Regarding results of laminar regions in power-law rheology models, Metzner and Reed presented the best fit for the pressure loss and transitional velocity. For the turbulent region, correlations observed by Wilson and Thomas as well as Dodge and Matzner had good agreement with the experimental results. For Herschel–Bulkley fluids, pressure losses and transitional regions based on a yielded region were examined and compared to the experimental results and the modified Slatter Reynolds number, where the results provided good estimation. For both pipe diameters, the Slatter model was the best fit for pressure losses of Herschel–Bulkley fluids in the turbulent regime. Furthermore, when comparing k-omega and k-epsilon turbulence models to the power-law behaviour, numerical studies delivered the most accurate results with fluids that have a higher behaviour index. However, the error percentage significantly increased at a higher shear rate in the Herschel–Bulkley fluids with a greater yield stress effect. Moreover, the modified Herschel–Bulkley viscosity function by Papanastasiou was implemented in the current CFD study. This function was numerically stabilized, devoid of discontinuity at a low strain rate, and more effective in transitional regions.
The Role of Straw Materials in Energy-Efficient Buildings: Current Perspectives and Future Trends
Authors: Yin Qing , Yu Muhan , Ma Xueliang , Liu Ying , Yin Xunzhi
Published: April 2023

The need to effectively control and reduce energy consumption in buildings has become a global concern, prompting an increasing number of studies on the energy efficiency of straw buildings. However, previous review articles on straw research have primarily focused on fragmented material properties such as thermal insulation and mechanical strength and have lacked a comprehensive review of straw materials in building energy efficiency, as well as a thorough analysis of the development lineage of straw building materials. To fill this research gap, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 338 papers on the energy efficiency of straw materials published in the WOS core database between 1992 and 2022. The study constructed and visualized multifaceted co-occurrence networks representing the research literature on the energy efficiency of straw building materials, providing a comprehensive understanding of current research efforts, development trends, hot research directions, and the development lineage of this field since 1992. The study’s conclusions suggest that the next research hotspots in this area will be the whole life-cycle of straw materials and their compounding, performance, and application to construction. By tracing the development lineage and clarifying the relationship between the macroscopic building environment and microscopic straw materials, this study offers better predictions of the future development prospects of straw buildings. These findings provide researchers with valuable insights into current research efforts and future research directions in this field, while also serving as a reference for governments seeking to formulate relevant policies for the energy-efficient design of buildings made of straw materials.
Numerical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Non-Closed Ring-Shaped Micro-Pin-Fin Arrays
Authors: Chen Ming , Ji Can , Liu Zhigang , Wang Naihua
Published: April 2023

In this study, flow and heat transfer characteristics in novel non-closed 3/4 ring-shaped micro-pin-fin arrays with in-line and staggered layouts were investigated numerically. The flow distribution, wake structure, vorticity field and pressure drop were examined in detail, and convective heat transfer features were explored. Results show that vortex pairs appeared earlier in the ring-shaped micro-pin-fin array compared with the traditional circular devices. Pressure drop across the microchannel varied with layout of the fins, while little difference in pressure drop was observed between ring-shaped and circular fins of the same layouts, with the maximum difference being 1.43%. The staggered ring-shaped array was found to outperform the in-line array and the circular arrays in convective heat transfer. A maximum increase of 21.34% in heat transfer coefficient was observed in the ring-shaped micro-pin-fin array in comparison with the circular micro-pin-fin array. The overall thermal-hydraulic performance of the microstructure was evaluated, and the staggered ring-shaped array with a fin height of 0.5 mm exhibited the best performance among the configurations studied.
Geochemical Characteristics and Evaluation Criteria of Overmature Source Rock of the Laiyang Formation in Well LK-1, Riqingwei Basin, Eastern China
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhou Yaoqi , Zhou Tengfei , Zhao Hanjie , Mu Hongyu , Zhang Chun
Published: April 2023

Total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrocarbon generation potential (Pg) are essential parameters for the qualitative evaluation of source rock and the basis for evaluating hydrocarbon resources in petroliferous basins. However, there will be some deviations in evaluating hydrocarbon resources of overmature source rock by using TOC and Pg. The super-thick overmature source rock of the Early Cretaceous Laiyang Formation was found in well LK-1, the Riqingwei Basin. To accurately understand the oil and gas potential of the Riqingwei Basin, this paper conducted a systematic organic geochemical analysis of the overmature source rock of the Early Cretaceous Laiyang Formation found in well LK-1. Combined with the results of previous thermal simulation tests on hydrocarbon generation of low-maturity samples in the Jiaolai Basin, the original total organic carbon (TOC0) content of source rock in well LK-1 was recovered and the evaluation criteria of overmature source rock was established. Results: (1) The average TOC content of well LK-1 source-rock samples is 1.25 wt.%, and the average Pg content is 0.11 mg/g. The type of organic matter is mainly type II2, including a small amount of type II1 and type III. The average reflectance of vitrinite (Ro) is 4.35%, which belongs to overmature source rock of a poor–fair level and mixed kerogen. (2) After recovery calculation, these samples’ original hydrocarbon generation potential (Pg0) contents ranged from 0.63 to 108.1 mg/g, with an average value of 6.76 mg/g. Furthermore, the TOC0 contents of the analyzed source-rock samples ranged from 0.62 to 30.6 wt.%, with an average value of 2.01 wt.%. It belongs to fair–good source rock, showing better hydrocarbon generation potential. (3) According to the relationship between the Pg0, Pg and TOC content, the evaluation standard for overmature source rock in well LK-1 was established. Under the evaluation standard of overmature source rock, a source rock with a TOC content exceeding 0.6% and a Pg content greater than 0.1 mg/g can be identified as a good source rock. This paper provides a foundation for the fine classification and evaluation of the overmature source rock of the Riqingwei Basin.
Theoretical Analysis of InGaN Solar Energy Converters Based on Photon-Enhanced Thermionic Emission
Authors: Wang Pingan , Yang Ning , Xie Liubing , Xu Yanpeng , He Huan , Fu Yuechun , Shen Xiaoming
Published: April 2023

Photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE) is an efficient solar energy conversion mechanism that combines photovoltaic effects and thermionic emissions. In this study, a diffusion–emission model of electrons for the InGaN cathode was deduced based on one-dimensional continuity equations. The temperature dependence of the excess electron concentration, current density, and conversion efficiency at different cathode electron affinities was simulated, and the performance of the PETE converter under isothermal and nonisothermal state was compared. The results show that the improvement in conversion efficiency under isothermal condition was limited by the increase in anode temperature and reached the maximum of ~22% at an electron affinity of 0.56–0.59 eV and the operating temperature of 710–740 K. When the anode temperature was 500 K, the conversion efficiency increased with the increase in the electron affinity and exceeded the maximum value of the isothermal state at 0.6 eV. We explored the behavior of the converter at bias voltages as well as the determination of the maximum conversion efficiency point. The open-circuit voltage in the isothermal state was lower than that in the nonisothermal state, and the output voltage at the maximum conversion efficiency was eventually greater than the flat-band voltage.
Investigating the Growth Effect of Carbon-Intensive Economic Activities on Economic Growth: Evidence from Angola
Authors: Telly Yacouba , Liu Xuezhi , Gbenou Tadagbe Roger Sylvanus
Published: April 2023

Despite its immense natural resources, Angola struggles to significantly improve its economy to reduce poverty. Carbon emissions have been increasing over the years, even though the country plans to reduce them by 35% by 2030. This paper attempts to assess the carbon emissions of several sectors (industries, transport, services, and residences) on economic growth, intending to find a balance between environmental protection that requires carbon emissions reduction and economic development that may add to environmental degradation. The study employed time series data on GDP, CO2, CH4, and N2O covering 1971 to 2021 and ARDL and ECM models. This is the first study at the state level in Angola on the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability considering methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Additionally, the paper assesses the responses of GDP to deviation shock of GDP, CO2, CH4, and N2O by 2032. Phillip Perron and Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests showed that all the data are stationary at the first difference, favoring the application of the ARDL model to explore the short and long-run relationships. The result reveals that methane from agricultural activities and carbon emissions from the building sector and public services contribute to economic growth, whereas carbon emissions from industrial heat systems, non-renewable electricity production, and manufacturing industries harm economic growth. However, no relationship exists between nitrous oxide emissions and economic development. In addition, impulse response function estimates show that appropriate investments can sustain economic development over the years. Therefore, the country should diversify its economy and avoid polluting fuel sources, such as coal. Raising renewable energy’s proportion in the total energy mix can support growth while considering the environmental quality. Investments in skills training, academic projects in renewable energy technologies development, agriculture mechanization, and sustainable job creation are recommended. Additionally, investing in quality seeds adapted to climate realities might help lessen climate change’s adverse effects and promote growth. Manure manufacturing processes must be improved to reduce agriculture and livestock’s methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The country’s leaders are encouraged to promote raw material processing industries while insisting on reducing carbon emissions.
Marginal CO2 and SO2 Abatement Costs and Determinants of Coal-Fired Power Plants in China: Considering a Two-Stage Production System with Different Emission Reduction Approaches
Authors: Gao Bei , Sun Zuoren
Published: April 2023

Marginal abatement cost (MAC) plays an essential role in pricing pollutants and guiding environmental policies. Considering the heavy polluting nature of China’s coal power industry, this paper aims at providing companies and policymakers with more comprehensive information on the cost of abatement by estimating the MACs of CO2 and SO2 for coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) in China. This study contributes to the literature by considering an interconnected two-stage production system to investigate. The estimation framework is advanced in combining the electricity production and pollution abatement process of CFPPs into a convex quantile regression (CQR) model. The results show that the averages of MAC for CO2 and SO2 are estimated to be 367.56 Yuan/ton and 662.30 Yuan/ton, respectively, indicating that the reduction of such emissions is still costly. The heterogeneous analysis then indicates that large CFPPs, central-government-owned power plants (CGOPPs), and low-regulated CFPPs tend to possess lower MACs for CO2. Regarding SO2, large and medium-sized power plants show significantly larger MACs than small plants. In addition, the MACs of SO2 for CGOPPs and high-regulated CFPPs are more concentrated at high levels. In the second part, the Tobit regression analysis was used to discuss the determinants of MACs for CO2 and SO2. Factors like carbon emission intensity, load, and operating hours can notably decrease MACs for CO2, while MACs for SO2 tend to be positively affected by the total abatement cost and the abatement rate of the FGD equipment. In addition, the MACs for the large CFPPs, CGOPPs, and high-regulated CFPPs are more likely to be affected by the selected influence factors. Based on these results, we conclude with some policy recommendations.
Influence of Clay Content on CO2-Rock Interaction and Mineral-Trapping Capacity of Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Al-Khdheeawi Emad A. , Mahdi Doaa Saleh , Yuan Yujie , Iglauer Stefan
Published: April 2023

The injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) is an essential technology for maximizing the potential of hydrocarbon reservoirs while reducing the impact of greenhouse gases. However, because of the complexity of this injection, there will be many different chemical reactions between the formation fluids and the rock minerals. This is related to the clay content of sandstone reservoirs, which are key storage targets. Clay content and clay types in sandstone can vary substantially, and the influence of these factors on reservoir-scale CO2-water-sandstone interactions has not been managed appropriately. Consequently, by simulating the process of CO2 injection in two different clay-content sandstones (i.e., high- and low-clay content), we investigated the effect of the sandstone clay concentration on CO2-water-sandstone interactions in this article. High clay content (Bandera Grey sandstone) and low clay content (Bandera Brown sandstone) were considered as potential storage reservoirs and their responses to CO2 injection were computationally assessed. Our results indicate that the mineralogical composition of the sandstone reservoir significantly varies as a result of CO2-water-sandstone interactions. Clearly, the high clay-content sandstone (Bandera Grey) had a higher maximum CO2 mineral-trapping capacity (6 kg CO2/m3 sandstone) than Bandera Brown Sandstone (low clay content), which had only 3.3 kg CO2/m3 sandstone mineral-storage capacity after 400 years of storage. Interestingly, pH was decreased by ~3 in Bandera Grey sandstone and by ~2.5 in Bandera Brown sandstone. Furthermore, porosity increased in Bandera Grey sandstone (by +5.6%), more than in Bandera Brown Sandstone (+4.4%) after a 400-year storage period. Overall, we concluded that high clay-content sandstone shows more potential for CO2 mineral-trapping.
Design, Implementation and Test of a Novel Cylindrical Permanent Magnet DC Linear Motor
Authors: Demirkol Ziya , Hasirci Ugur , Demirci Recep
Published: April 2023

Electric motors that convert electrical energy into motion are one of the basic components of automation systems. In these systems, either linear or circular motion is needed. Linear motion can be obtained either from motors that generate circular motion with the help of ancillary equipment or directly by the means of a linear motor. Obtaining linear motion from motors that produce rotary motion leads to additional costs and reduced efficiency. Linear motors, on the other hand, eliminate the need for conversion mechanisms. Despite this advantage, linear motors have some disadvantages, such as length limitation and low force/current ratio. In this study, a novel Cylindrical Direct Current Linear Motor (CDCLM) with high force/current ratio and no length limitation (long stroke) has been developed. Analyses of the developed motor has been performed with an analytical method. In addition, detailed numerical analyses have been carried out in an Ansys-Maxwell environment. A prototype of the designed DC linear motor has been implemented in a laboratory environment and experimental analyses have been carried out. The results of analytical, numerical and experimental analyses have been compared.
A Comprehensive Review and Analytical Comparison of Non-Isolated DC-DC Converters for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Abbas Furqan A. , Abdul-Jabbar Thealfaqar A. , Obed Adel A. , Kersten Anton , Kuder Manuel , Weyh Thomas
Published: April 2023

The use of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic, wind, and fuel cells is becoming increasingly prevalent due to a combination of environmental concerns and technological advancements, as well as decreasing production costs. Power electronics DC-DC converters play a key role in various applications, including hybrid energy systems, hybrid vehicles, aerospace, satellite systems, and portable electronic devices. These converters are used to convert power from renewable sources to meet the demands of the load, improving the dynamic and steady-state performance of green generation systems. This study presents a comparison of the most commonly used non-isolated DC-DC converters for fuel cell applications. The important factors considered in the comparison include voltage gain ratio, voltage switch stress, voltage ripple, efficiency, cost, and ease of implementation. Based on the comparison results, the converters have been grouped according to voltage level applications, with low voltage applications being best served by converters such as DBC, DuBC, TLBC, 2-IBC, 1st M-IBC, PSOL, SEPIC, and 1st M-SEPIC owing to their lower cost, smaller size, and reduced switch stress. Medium voltage applications are best suited to converters such as TBC, 1st M-TLBC, 2nd M-TLBC, 4-IBC, 1st M-IBC, 2nd M-IBC, 1st M-PSOL, 2nd M-PSOL, 1st M-SEPIC, and 2nd M-SEPIC, which offer higher efficiency. Finally, high voltage applications are best served by converters such as TBC, 1st M-TBC, 2nd M-IBC, 3rd M-IBC, 3rd M-PSOL, 4th M-PSOL, 2nd M-SEPIC, 3rd M-SEPIC, and 4th M-SEPIC.
Application of Heat Pumps in New Housing Estates in Cities Suburbs as an Means of Energy Transformation in Poland
Authors: Chwieduk Dorota , Chwieduk Bartosz
Published: April 2023

This paper presents possible applications of heat pumps in buildings during the energy transformation and decarbonization of a country whose energy sector is highly centralized and based on coal. Contemporary cities are spreading beyond the existing borders and new areas cannot be supplied by the existing centralized district heating system. The only form of energy that is available on the outskirts of cities is electricity, which means that it must be used for all energy needs, including heating. In such a case, the use of heat pumps is perfectly justified in terms of energy, economy and environment, especially when they are coupled with photovoltaic systems. Hypothetical micro housing estate energy systems based on photovoltaics and heat pumps are analyzed in the paper. New options for configuration and operation of the energy systems are considered. Results of a simulation study show that by creating a common local electricity network and a local heating network powered by a central heat pump, the direct use of electricity generated in the local photovoltaic systems increases from 25% to at least 35%, thanks to enabling more even storing and consuming of solar energy during a day, compared to the independent operation of energy systems at individual houses.
Special Issue: Feature Papers in Eng 2022
Authors: Gil Bravo Antonio
Published: April 2023

The aim of this second Eng Special Issue is to collect experimental and theoretical re-search relating to engineering science and technology [...]
Biomass Models and Ecosystem Carbon Density: A Case Study of Two Coniferous Forest in Northern Hunan, China
Authors: Luo Hang , Chen Jiao , He Jienan , Li Jianjun , Li Jianan , Kang Wenxing
Published: April 2023

The carbon sink capacity of forest ecosystem and its function of mitigating climate change have been confirmed. As two common coniferous species, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. (C. lanceolata) and Pinus elliottii Engelmann (P. elliottii) are widely planted in southern China, and their carbon sink capacity has always been concerning. According to their diameter class, we randomly harvested 42 C. lanceolata trees and 38 P. elliottii trees from our entire study area, measured their carbon concentration, and constructed biomass models with DBH and tree height as variables. The biomass of the tree layer was estimated by measuring the DBH of all trees in the plots, and the biomass and carbon concentration of shrubs, herbs, dead wood and litter in the plot were measured by harvesting them. The results showed that the total biomass in C. lanceolata and P. elliottii plantations were 117.1 and 151.8 t·ha−1; the biomass in the tree layer was 94.7 and 122.9 t·ha−1; and in the other parts was 22.4 and 28.9 t·ha−1, respectively. In addition, the total carbon densities in the C. lanceolata and P. elliottii plantation ecosystems were 166.3 and 198.6 t·ha−1; the carbon densities in the soil were 108.1 and 124.6 t·ha−1; and in the other parts, they were 58.2 and 74.0 t·ha−1, respectively. These results indicate that there are significant differences in total biomass or total carbon storage between the two coniferous forest ecosystems, and net productivity and carbon sink capacity are higher in the P. elliottii plantation ecosystem. This study lays the foundation for the biomass estimation and carbon trading of these two coniferous forests in northern Hunan.
Patterns of Change and Successional Transition in a 47-Year Period (1973–2020) in Rangelands of the Tamaulipan Highlands, Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Lucas , Almaguer-Sierra Pedro , Barrientos-Lozano Ludivina , Sánchez-Reyes Uriel Jeshua , Rocha-Sánchez Aurora Y. , Flores-Gracia Juan
Published: April 2023

Rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions are the main source of livestock feed. The fragmentation of these ecosystems by continuous grazing gives rise to the modification of ecological processes, which alters the structure and functionality of plant communities. Therefore, the use of geographic information systems and the analysis of satellite images are important to monitor spatial changes and to evaluate these areas in the Tamaulipan Highlands of northeastern Mexico. This work aimed to evaluate the current state of the rangelands and to determine the percentage of modified areas as well as propose the time of permanence, succession, or recovery of five different areas destined for rangelands. For the analysis, Landsat satellite scenes from the period 1973–2020 were used: they were classified into four categories using segmentation and maximum likelihood analysis, as well as a cross-tabulation method to determine the degree of succession. An increase in rangelands was found in three of the five areas analyzed in the period from 1973 to 2020. As rangeland areas increase, the coverage of pine–oak forests, submontane–thorny scrub, and anthropogenic areas, decreases. The disturbance processes were not linear, and the increase in rangeland areas was greater in xerophilous scrub and secondary vegetation. This work is the first contribution that evaluates the changes in land use and cover in grazing areas compromised by continuous grazing in the Tamaulipan Highlands and Mexico. In addition, the results indicate the importance of performing studies based on the coexistence of wildlife and livestock as well as the interaction between soil degradation and plant diversity with the increase in rangelands.
Comparative Chloroplast Genome Analysis of Chinese Lacquer Tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Anacardiaceae): East-West Divergence within Its Range in China
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Yao , He Na , Peng Ye , Fang Yanming , Zhang Xingwang , Zhang Feilong
Published: April 2023

Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) is an important commercial arbor species known for the production of raw lacquer. Here, we investigated the intraspecific chloroplast (cp) genome variability of T. vernicifluum using two available and five newly sequenced cp genomes. We found that each of the seven cp genomes encoded 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on protein-coding genes indicated that the four individuals from western China formed a monophyletic group sister to the cluster containing the three individuals from eastern China. The cp genomes from western China exhibited a larger genome length and longer large single-copy (LSC), small single-copy (SSC), and inverted repeat (IR) regions than those from eastern China. A total of 466 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 141 insertion-deletion mutations were detected among the seven cp genomes, most of which were found between the eastern and western lineages. The two groups exhibited a similar number of microsatellites, long repeats, and tandem repeats. Notably, complementary repeat sequences were only found in the IRs of the individuals from eastern China, while reverse repeat sequences were only detected in the LSC of the individuals from western China. Eight intraspecific mutational hotspots were also identified, including six intergenic regions (trnF-ndhJ, rpl32-trnL, ccsA-ndhD, trnH-psbA, psbC-trnS, and trnL-trnF) and two gene regions (rpl32 and rps19). The genomic resources presented in this study will be useful for further studies on evolutionary patterns and resource protection of T. vernicifluum.
Preliminary Study: Micropropagation Using Five Types of Chelated Iron and the Subsequent Acclimation of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.)
Authors: Glinushkin Alexey , Akimova Svetlana , Nikulina Elena , Tsirulnikova Nina , Kirkach Vadim , Kalinitchenko Valery , Radzhabov Agamagomed , Radkevich Elena , Marchenko Liudmila , Solovyov Alexandr , Zubkov Alexandr , Panova Maria , Konstantinovich Anastasia , Indolov Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.) is a valuable berry crop with a unique biochemical composition. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances. Different species and cultivars of honeysuckle require different cultivation conditions in the field of accelerated reproduction in vitro. Taking into account the high clonal replication potential of the plant, we conducted research on the chelated-iron form’s influence on the micropropagation productivity of the blue honeysuckle “Lulia” cultivar at the multiplication, rooting, and subsequent acclimatization stages of microplants. In a preliminary study, five types of iron chelates were tested with carboxyl- and phosphorus-containing ligands: Fe(III)-EDTA, Fe(III)-DTPA, Fe(III)-EDDHA, Fe(III)-HEDP, and Fe(II)-HEDP. Each type of iron chelate was applied at four concentrations: standard, decreased by 2 times, and increased by 1.5 times and 2 times in the basic Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium. It was found that the blue honeysuckle “Lulia” had a selectivity to the type of iron chelate that was used. The nutrient-medium modifications with iron chelates, which caused the plant response, contributed to a significant improvement in the plant’s physiological status and increased its survival rate during the microplant’s acclimation to the nonsterile conditions stage. At the rooting stage, an increase in the rooting rate of up to 100% (Fe (III)-EDDHA), an increase in the number of shoots by 1.5–2 times, and an increase in the number of roots by 1.4–1.9 times were observed. The positive effect of the iron’s chelated forms was also observed at the acclimation stage. According to the results of the research, the most suitable iron forms for clonal micropropagation of blue honeysuckle were carboxyl-containing Fe(III)-EDDHA and phosphonate-containing Fe(II)-HEDP. Moreover, the effectiveness of both complexonates was confirmed in a wide concentration range: Fe(III)-EDDHA from (×1.0) to (×2.0), and Fe(II)-HEDP from (×0.5) up to (×1.5).
Coordinated Expression of the Genes Encoding FocA and Pyruvate Formate-Lyase Is Important for Maintenance of Formate Homeostasis during Fermentative Growth of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kammel Michelle , Sawers Robert Gary
Published: April 2023

FocA is a pentameric membrane channel that translocates formic acid bidirectionally across the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli during fermentation. The focA gene is co-transcribed with pflB, which encodes pyruvate formate-lyase, the enzyme that generates formate. Recent evidence has suggested that FocA serves to regulate intracellular formate levels and thus helps to maintain pH balance in fermenting cells. In this study, we aimed to provide support for this hypothesis by either altering FocA levels, mutating the chromosomal focA gene, or introducing additional copies of focA, either alone or with pflB, on a plasmid and monitoring the effect on intracellular and extracellular formate levels. Our results revealed that the expression of the native focA-pflB operon ensures that intracellular formate levels remain relatively constant during exponential phase growth, even when additional, mutated copies of focA that encode FocA variants are introduced in trans. Enhancing focA expression was balanced by higher formate excretion from the cell. Using chromosomal focA gene variants confirmed that FocA, and not PflB, sets intracellular formate homeostatic levels. Moreover, any chromosomal focA mutation that altered the formate concentration inside the cell caused a negative fermentative growth phenotype. Thus, FocA governs intracellular formate levels to ensure optimal growth during glucose fermentation.
Evolution of Air Plastron Thickness and Slip Length over Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Taylor Couette Flows
Authors: Alsharief Ahmed Faraj Alarbi , Duan Xili , Muzychka Yuri S.
Published: April 2023

Drag reduction (DR) using superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) has received intensive interest due to the emergence of SH coating technology. The air layer (plastron “δ”) trapped between the SHS and the water controls the flow slip over the SHSs. We demonstrate slippage over three fabricated SHSs in laminar and low turbulent Taylor–Couette flows. We experimentally investigate how the slip length increases with a higher Reynolds number (Re) over the tested SHSs; simultaneously, the air plastron thickness investigates using a viscous model. The mean skin friction coefficient (Cf) can be fitted to a modified semi-empirical logarithmic law expressed in the Prandtl–von Kármán coordinate. An effective slip length is estimated in the 35–41 µm range with an achieved 7–11% DR for the tested surfaces. Statistical analysis is used to develop a regression model from the experimental data. The model shows an R2 of 0.87 and good agreement with the experimental data. This shows the relation between the dimensionless slip length (b+), the dimensionless plastron thickness (δ+), and the Reynolds number, which is directly proportional. The regression model shows that b+ and Reynolds numbers have a higher impact on the δ+ than the surface wettability, which attribute to the small difference in the wetting degree between the three tested surfaces. The practical importance of the work lies in its ability to provide a deep understanding of the reduction in viscous drag in numerous industrial applications. Furthermore, this research serves as a groundwork for future studies on hydrophobic applications in internal flows.
A Comparative Analysis of Thin-Layer Microwave and Microwave/Convective Dehydration of Chokeberry
Authors: Petković Marko , Filipović Vladimir , Lončar Biljana , Filipović Jelena , Miletić Nemanja , Malešević Zoranka , Jevremović Darko
Published: April 2023

Due to high water content, chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa L.) are perishable. Therefore, energy-saving, combined drying technologies have been explored to improve the chokeberry drying. The combined microwave and the traditional convective drying method (MCD) have significantly enhanced the drying effectiveness, efficiency, and energy utilization rate and improved product quality. The MCD method, which implies the microwave power (MD) of 900 W for 9 s and the convective dehydration (CD) at 230 °C for 12 s, has the shortest dehydration time t (24 ± 2 min), has the maximum coefficient of diffusion (Deff = 6.0768 × 10−9 ± 5.9815 × 10−11 m2 s−1), and represents the most energy effective for dehydration process (Emin = 0.382 ± 0.036 kWh). A higher water-holding capacity (WHC) characterized the chokeberries obtained by the MCD method compared to the regular microwave method (MD). The mildest MCD (15 s of MD on 900 W, 7 s of CD on 180 °C) could dehydrate chokeberries with the highest WHC (685.71 ± 40.86 g H2O g−1 d.m.) and the greatest evaluations for sensory attributes in terms of all properties. The results of this study provide the drying behavior of chokeberries that can help develop efficient drying methods and improve existing ones.
Leafy Vegetable Nitrite and Nitrate Content: Potential Health Effects
Authors: Luetic Sanja , Knezovic Zlatka , Jurcic Katarina , Majic Zrinka , Tripkovic Ksenija , Sutlovic Davorka
Published: April 2023

The aim of this research was to determine the concentrations of nitrates and nitrites in different types of vegetables that are commonly represented in the diet of the inhabitants of Split and Dalmatian County. Therefore, using the method of random selection, there were 96 samples of different vegetables. The determination of the nitrate and nitrite concentrations was carried out by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD). The nitrate concentrations in the range 2.1–4526.3 mg kg−1 were found in 92.7% of the analyzed samples. The highest nitrate values were found in rucola (Eruca sativa L.) followed by Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). In 36.5% of the leafy vegetables intended for consumption without prior heat treatment, nitrite was found in the range of 3.3–537.9 mg kg−1. The high levels of nitrite in the vegetables intended for fresh consumption and the high nitrate values in Swiss chard indicate the need to establish maximum nitrite limits in vegetables, as well as the broadening of legal nitrate limits to wide varieties of vegetables.
The Chemical, Rheological, and Sensorial Characteristics of Arabic Bread Prepared from Wheat-Orange Sweet Potatoes Flour or Peel
Authors: Elkatry Haiam O. , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Ramadan Khaled M. A. , Ahmed Abdelrahman R. , Mohamed Heba I. , Al-Otaibi Hala Hazam , Mahmoud Mohamed A. A.
Published: April 2023

The current study investigates the feasibility of preparing Arabic bread from wheat flour, sweet potato flour, or peeled sweet potatoes based on the nutritional values, technological characteristics, and sensory properties of the final products. First, we analyzed the proximate, elemental, total and individual phytochemical compositions of the raw materials and bread samples. The analysis showed that potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were higher in peels than pulp, in the same manner to the total phenolics, flavonoids, and anti-radical scavenging activities. Phenolic acids and flavonols were quantified, where p-coumaric, feruloyl-D-glucose, eucomic, gallic, and ferulic acids were measured as major phenolic acids in either peels or pulp flours, and their quantities were higher in the peels. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of wheat substitution on the properties of the dough blends and their final bakery. The results indicated that the fortified samples’ nutritional and rheological properties were significantly improved, while their sensory qualities were comparable to those of the control. Thereby, the fortified dough blends presented higher dough stabilities, indicating a wider range of applications. Additionally, after the heat treatment, the fortified breads maintained significantly higher total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid contents, and total antioxidant activities, implying their accessibility for humans upon consumption.
Upgrading Marine Oils from Cod (Gadus morhua) On-Board the Deep-Sea Vessels—From Waste to Value
Authors: Meidell Line Skontorp , Carvajal Ana Karina , Rustad Turid , Falch Eva
Published: April 2023

Significant amounts of marine raw material are lost on-board the deep-sea vessels due to fast quality degradation. Optimal on-board handling and processing strategies can upgrade these resources from waste to food ingredients rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of raw material freshness and sorting on the quality, composition and yield of oil produced thermally from cod (Gadus morhua) residuals on-board a commercial trawler. Oil was produced from whole viscera fractions with liver or out-sorted livers right after a catch and after chilled storage for up to 6 days. The results showed that significantly higher oil yields could be obtained if the raw materials were stored for 1 day or longer. However, an undesired emulsion was formed when viscera were stored for 4 days. All oils were rich in health beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but viscera oils had generally lower quality with higher levels of free fatty acids and oxidation products. However, out-sorting of the liver was not necessary to meet guidelines for high-quality fish oil. Both viscera and liver could be stored for up to 2 days at 4 °C prior to oil production and still meet quality criteria for food applications. These results demonstrate a large potential in upgrading currently wasted marine raw materials into high-quality food ingredients.
Effects of Different Blanching Methods on the Quality of Tremella fuciformis and Its Moisture Migration Characteristics
Authors: Zheng Zhipeng , Wu Li , Li Yibin , Deng Wei , Chen Shouhui , Song Hongbo
Published: April 2023

Blanching is a critical step in the processing of Tremella fuciformis (T. fuciformis). The effects of different blanching methods (boiling water blanching (BWB), ultrasonic-low temperature blanching (ULTB), and high-temperature steam (HTS)) on the quality and moisture migration characteristics of T. fuciformis were investigated. The results showed that the T. fuciformis blanched by ULTB (70 °C, 2 min, 40 kHz, 300 W) had the best quality, including a brighter appearance, superior texture, and good sensory features, with a polysaccharide content of 3.90 ± 0.02%. The moisture migration characteristics of T. fuciformis after blanching exhibited four peaks, displayed strong and weak chemically bound water, immobilized water, and free water, whereas ULTB had a weak effect on the freedom of water in T. fuciformis. The study will provide the foundation for the factory processing of T. fuciformis.
Projected Future Flooding Pattern of Wabash River in Indiana and Fountain Creek in Colorado: An Assessment Utilizing Bias-Corrected CMIP6 Climate Data
Authors: Paudel Swarupa , Joshi Neekita , Kalra Ajay
Published: April 2023

Climate change is considered one of the biggest challenges around the globe as it has been causing alterations in hydrological extremes. Climate change and variability have an impact on future streamflow conditions, water quality, and ecological balance, which are further aggravated by anthropogenic activities such as changes in land use. This study intends to provide insight into potential changes in future streamflow conditions leading to changes in flooding patterns. Flooding is an inevitable, frequently occurring natural event that affects the environment and the socio-economic structure of its surroundings. This study evaluates the flooding pattern and inundation mapping of two different rivers, Wabash River in Indiana and Fountain Creek in Colorado, using the observed gage data and different climate models. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) streamflow data are considered for the future forecast of the flood. The cumulative distribution function transformation (CDF-t) method is used to correct bias in the CMIP6 streamflow data. The Generalized Extreme Value (L-Moment) method is used for the estimation of the frequency of flooding for 100-year and 500-year return periods. Civil GeoHECRAS is used for each flood event to map flood extent and examine flood patterns. The findings from this study show that there will be a rapid increase in flooding events even in small creeks soon in the upcoming years. This study seeks to assist floodplain managers in strategic planning to adopt state-of-the-art information and provide a sustainable strategy to regions with similar difficulties for floodplain management, to improve socioeconomic life, and to promote environmental sustainability.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Antioxidant Potential of Sodium Alginate/Acacia Gum Hydrogel-Based Films Loaded with Cinnamon Essential Oil
Authors: Bhatia Saurabh , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Shah Yasir Abbas , Altoubi Halima Waleed Khalifa , Kotta Sabna , Sharma Priyanka , Anwer Md. Khalid , Kaithavalappil Deepa Sreekanth , Koca Esra , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer
Published: April 2023

Several studies have reported the advantages of incorporating essential oils in hydrogel-based films for improving their physiochemical and antioxidant attributes. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has great potential in industrial and medicinal applications as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. The present study aimed to develop sodium alginate (SA) and acacia gum (AG) hydrogel-based films loaded with CEO. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and texture analysis (TA) were performed to analyze the structural, crystalline, chemical, thermal, and mechanical behaviour of the edible films that were loaded with CEO. Moreover, the transparency, thickness, barrier, thermal, and color parameters of the prepared hydrogel-based films loaded with CEO were also assessed. The study revealed that as the concentration of oil in the films was raised, the thickness and elongation at break (EAB) increased, while transparency, tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), and moisture content (MC) decreased. As the concentration of CEO increased, the hydrogel-based films demonstrated a significant improvement in their antioxidant properties. Incorporating CEO into the SA–AG composite edible films presents a promising strategy for producing hydrogel-based films with the potential to serve as food packaging materials.
Biodegradable Hydrogels Based on Chitosan and Pectin for Cisplatin Delivery
Authors: Vildanova Regina R. , Petrova Svetlana F. , Kolesov Sergey V. , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: April 2023

Preparation of stable hydrogels using physically (electrostatically) interacting charge-complementary polyelectrolyte chains seems to be more attractive from a practical point of view than the use of organic crosslinking agents. In this work natural polyelectrolytes—chitosan and pectin—were used, due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The biodegradability of hydrogels is confirmed by experiments with hyaluronidase as an enzyme. It has been shown that the use of pectins with different molecular weights makes it possible to prepare hydrogels with different rheological characteristics and swelling kinetics. These polyelectrolyte hydrogels loaded with cytostatic cisplatin as a model drug provide an opportunity for its prolonged release, which is important for therapy. The drug release is regulated to a certain extent by the choice of hydrogel composition. The developed systems can potentially improve the effects of cancer treatment due to the prolonged release of cytostatic cisplatin.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Hypophosphatasia in Chinese Adults
Authors: Li Xiang , Ren Na , Wang Ziyuan , Wang Ya , Hu Yunqiu , Hu Weiwei , Gu Jiemei , Hong Wei , Zhang Zhenlin , Wang Chun
Published: April 2023

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inherited disease caused by ALPL mutation, resulting in decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and damage to bone and tooth mineralization. The clinical symptoms of adult HPP are variable, making diagnosis challenging. This study aims to clarify the clinical and genetic characteristics of HPP in Chinese adults. There were 19 patients, including 1 with childhood-onset and 18 with adult-onset HPP. The median age was 62 (32–74) years and 16 female patients were involved. Common symptoms included musculoskeletal symptoms (12/19), dental problems (8/19), fractures (7/19), and fatigue (6/19). Nine patients (47.4%) were misdiagnosed with osteoporosis and six received anti-resorptive treatment. The average serum ALP level was 29.1 (14–53) U/L and 94.7% (18/19) of patients had ALP levels below 40 U/L. Genetic analysis found 14 ALPL mutations, including three novel mutations—c.511C>G (p.His171Ala), c.782C>A (p.Pro261Gln), and 1399A>G (p.Met467Val). The symptoms of two patients with compound heterozygous mutations were more severe than those with heterozygous mutations. Our study summarized the clinical characteristics of adult HPP patients in the Chinese population, expanded the spectrum of pathogenic mutations, and deepened clinicians’ understanding of this neglected disease.