bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Solar Hybrid Electricity Generation System for a Rural Community in River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ukoima Kelvin Nkalo , Owolabi Abdulhameed Babatunde , Yakub Abdulfatai Olatunji , Same Noel Ngando , Suh Dongjun , Huh Jeung-Soo
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the technical and economic analysis of a solar–wind electricity generation system to meet the power requirements of a rural community (Okorobo-Ile Town in Rivers State, Nigeria) using the Renewable—energy and Energy—efficiency Technology Screening (RETScreen) software. The entire load estimation of the region was classified into high class, middle class, and lower class. Two annual electricity export rates were considered: 0.1 USD/KWh and 0.2 USD/KWh. The results from the proposed energy model comprising a 600 kW PV system and a 50 kW wind system showed that with a USD 870,000 initial cost and USD 9600 O&M cost, the annual value of the electricity generated was 902 MWh. The simple payback was 5.1 years with a net present value of USD 3,409,532 when 0.2 USD/KWh was used as the annual export rate instead of 10.8 years for simple payback and an NPV of USD 1,173,766 when 0.1 USD/KWh was used. Thus, there is a potential to install a wind–solar system with average weather conditions of 4.27 kWh/m2/d for the solar irradiance and 3.2 m/s for the wind speed at a 10 m hub height using a rate of 0.2 USD/KWh as the electricity export rate.
The Incremental Capacity Curves and Frequency Response Characteristic Evolution of Lithium Titanate Battery during Ultra-High-Rate Discharging Cycles
Authors: Wang Chu , Sun Yaohong , Gao Yinghui , Yan Ping
Published: April 2023

The high-rate discharging performance of lithium titanate batteries is a crucial aspect of their functionality. Under high-power demands, the discharge rate, which is defined as the ratio of discharge current to the maximum capacity, can exceed 50 C or higher. This study investigates the evolution of incremental capacity (IC) curves and frequency response characteristic of 2 Ah lithium titanate batteries subjected to aging cycles at 50 C. The results provide a new indicator to assess the fading of the state of health (SOH) of lithium titanate batteries during ultra-high-rate discharge cycles.
Grouped Charging of Decentralised Storage to Efficiently Control Collective Heating Systems: Limitations and Opportunities
Authors: Jacobs Stef , De Pauw Margot , Van Minnebruggen Senne , Ghane Sara , Huybrechts Thomas , Hellinckx Peter , Verhaert Ivan
Published: April 2023

Collective heating systems have multiple end-users with time-varying, often different temperature demands. There are several concepts catering to this, e.g., multi-pipe networks and 2-pipe networks with or without decentralised booster systems. In this study, we focus on 2-pipe networks with a changing supply temperature by smart use of decentralised storage. By grouping high-temperature demands, the average supply temperature can be lowered during large parts of the day, which is beneficial for system efficiency. The actual energy-saving potential, however, can be case-specific and is expected to depend on design choices and implemented control strategies. In this paper, these dependencies are assessed and identified by implementing two optimised rule-based control strategies, providing in such a way a bench-mark for other control strategies. The results show that grouping yields energy savings of up to 36% at similar peak demand as with conventional control strategies. The energy-saving potential is greatest for large storage volumes and small networks, but large networks with large storage and proper control choices can also achieve around 30% energy savings. Moreover, high-temperature time can easily be reduced to less than 40% of the day, which could make space cooling without decentralised booster heat pumps possible, but this requires further research.
Can Carbon Trading Promote Low-Carbon Transformation of High Energy Consumption Enterprises?—The Case of China
Authors: Chen Peishu , He Yu , Yue Kai , Fang Guochang
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the effect of carbon trading on low-carbon transformation of high energy consumption enterprises in China. Based on the mechanism of interaction and restriction among high energy consumption enterprises, carbon verification agencies and the government, a tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed. The three-dimensional dynamic system is built to analyze the behavior patterns of the three parties. The evolution path of the tripartite game is visualized, and the low-carbon transformation states of high energy consumption enterprises in different situations are described. The results show that the high energy consumption enterprises, verification organization and the government cannot reach the optimal game equilibrium (low-carbon transformation, verification and supervision) temporarily when seeking their own interests. The corresponding measures should be taken with different situations of the tripartite game. No matter what strategy the government chooses, the low-carbon transformation could be promoted by carbon trading through carbon verification mechanism.
Advanced Flexibility Support through DSO-Coordinated Participation of DER Aggregators in the Balancing Market
Authors: Lazović Đorđe , Đurišić Željko
Published: April 2023

Future power systems with a high share of intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) in the energy portfolio will have an increasing need for active power balancing. The integration of controllable and more flexible distributed energy resources (DERs) at the distribution-grid level represents a new solution and a sustainable alternative to conventional generation units for providing balancing services to the transmission system operator (TSO). Considering that the extensive participation of DERs in ancillary services may lead to the violation of limits in the distribution network, the distribution system operator (DSO) needs to have a more active role in this process. In this paper, a framework is presented that allows the DSO, as the central coordinator of the aggregators, to participate in the balancing market (BM) as a balancing service provider (BSP). The developed mathematical model is based on the mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) approach and allows for determination of the limits of active power flexibility at the point of the TSO–DSO connection, formation of the dependence of the price/quantity curve, and achievement of the optimal dispatch of each DER after clearing the balancing market. The simulation results are presented and verified on modified IEEE distribution networks.
Improving the Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells via the Molecular Engineering of Simple Fused Non-Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Papkovskaya Elizaveta D. , Wan Ji , Balakirev Dmitry O. , Dyadishchev Ivan V. , Bakirov Artem V. , Luponosov Yuriy N. , Min Jie , Ponomarenko Sergey A.
Published: April 2023

The development of novel non-fullerene small-molecule acceptors (NFAs) with a simple chemical structure for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs) remains an urgent research challenge to enable their upscaling and commercialization. In this work, we report on the synthesis and comprehensive investigation of two new acceptor molecules (BTPT-OD and BTPT-4F-OD), which have one of the simplest fused structures among the Y series of NFAs, along with the medium energy bandgap (1.85 eV–1.94 eV) and strong absorption in the visible and near-IR spectral range (700–950 nm). The novel NFAs have high thermal stability, good solubility combined with a high degree of crystallinity, and deep-lying levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (up to −3.94 eV). The BTPT-OD with indan-1-one-3-dicyanvinyl terminal acceptor group is superior to its counterpart BTPT-4F-OD with 5,6-difluorindan-1-one-3-dicyanvinyl group both in the number of synthetic steps and in the photovoltaic performance in OSCs. PM6:BTPT-OD systems exhibit superior photovoltaic performance due to the higher charge mobility and degree of photoresponsiveness, faster carrier extraction, and longer carrier lifetime. As a result, BTPT-OD has almost two times higher photovoltaic performance with PM6 as a donor material due to the higher JSC and FF than BTPT-4F-OD systems. The results obtained indicate that further development of OSCs can be well achieved through a rational molecular design.
Thermal Management Techniques in Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage Applications: A Review
Authors: Kukkapalli Vamsi Krishna , Kim Sunwoo , Thomas Seth A.
Published: April 2023

Metal hydrides are a class of materials that can absorb and release large amounts of hydrogen. They have a wide range of potential applications, including their use as a hydrogen storage medium for fuel cells or as a hydrogen release agent for chemical processing. While being a technology that can supersede existing energy storage systems in manifold ways, the use of metal hydrides also faces some challenges that currently hinder their widespread applicability. As the effectiveness of heat transfer across metal hydride systems can have a major impact on their overall efficiency, an affluent description of more efficient heat transfer systems is needed. The literature on the subject has proposed various methods that have been used to improve heat transfer in metal hydride systems over the years, such as optimization of the shape of the reactor vessel, the use of heat exchangers, phase change materials (PCM), nano oxide additives, adding cooling tubes and water jackets, and adding high thermal conductivity additives. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest, state-of-the-art techniques in metal hydride reactor design and heat transfer enhancement methodologies and identifies key areas for future researchers to target. A comprehensive analysis of thermal management techniques is documented, including performance comparisons among various approaches and guidance on selecting appropriate thermal management techniques. For the comparisons, the hydrogen adsorption time relative to the reactor size and to the amount of hydrogen absorbed is studied. This review wishes to examine the various methods that have been used to improve heat transfer in metal hydride systems and thus aims to provide researchers and engineers working in the field of hydrogen storage with valuable insights and a roadmap to guide them to further explore the development of effective thermal management techniques for metal hydrides.
Pre-Attention Mechanism and Convolutional Neural Network Based Multivariate Load Prediction for Demand Response
Authors: He Zheyu , Lin Rongheng , Wu Budan , Zhao Xin , Zou Hua
Published: April 2023

The construction of smart grids has greatly changed the power grid pattern and power supply structure. For the power system, reasonable power planning and demand response is necessary to ensure the stable operation of a society. Accurate load prediction is the basis for realizing demand response for the power system. This paper proposes a Pre-Attention-CNN-GRU model (PreAttCG) which combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and gate recurrent unit (GRU) and applies the attention mechanism in front of the whole model. The PreAttCG model accepts historical load data and more than nine other factors (including temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc.) as input. The attention layer and CNN layer effectively extract the features and weights of each factor. Load forecasting is then performed by the prediction layer, which consists of a stacked GRU. The model is verified by industrial load data from a German dataset and a Chinese dataset from the real world. The results show that the PreAttCG model has better performance (3~5% improvement in MAPE) than both LSTM with only load input and LSTM with all factors. Additionally, the experiments also show that the attention mechanism can effectively extract the weights of relevant factors affecting the load data.
Determination of Heat and Mass Transport Correlations for Hollow Membrane Distillation Modules
Authors: Hylle Peter M. , Falden Jeppe T. , Rauff Jeppe L. , Rasmussen Philip , Moltzen-Juul Mads , Trudslev Maja L. , Quist-Jensen Cejna Anna , Ali Aamer
Published: April 2023

Development and optimization of the membrane distillation (MD) process are strongly associated with better understanding of heat and mass transport across the membrane. The current state-of-the-art on heat and mass transport in MD greatly relies upon the use of various empirical correlations for the Nusselt number (Nu), tortuosity factor (τ), and thermal conductivity (κm) of the membrane. However, the current literature lacks investigations about finding the most representative combination of these three parameters for modeling transport phenomena in MD. In this study, we investigated 189 combinations of Nu, κm, and τ to assess their capability to predict the experimental flux and outlet temperatures of feed and permeate streams for hollow fiber MD modules. It was concluded that 31 out of 189 tested combinations could predict the experimental flux with reasonable accuracy (R2 > 0.95). Most of the combinations capable of predicting the flux reasonably well could predict the feed outlet temperature well; however, the capability of the tested combinations to predict the permeate outlet temperatures was poor, and only 13 combinations reasonably predicted the experimental temperature. As a generally observed tendency, it was noted that in the best-performing models, most of the correlations used for the determination of κm were parallel models. The study also identified the best-performing combinations to simultaneously predict flux, feed, and permeate outlet temperatures. Thus, it was noted that the best model to simultaneously predict flux, feed, and permeate outlet temperatures consisted of the following correlations for τ, Nu, and κm: =ε1−1−ε1/3, Nu=0.13Re0.64Pr0.38, κm=1−εκpol+εκair where ε, Re, Pr, κpol, and κair represent membrane porosity, Reynolds number, Prandtl number, thermal conductivities of polymer and air, respectively.
A Review of Reinforcement Learning-Based Powertrain Controllers: Effects of Agent Selection for Mixed-Continuity Control and Reward Formulation
Authors: Egan Daniel , Zhu Qilun , Prucka Robert
Published: April 2023

One major cost of improving the automotive fuel economy while simultaneously reducing tailpipe emissions is increased powertrain complexity. This complexity has consequently increased the resources (both time and money) needed to develop such powertrains. Powertrain performance is heavily influenced by the quality of the controller/calibration. Since traditional control development processes are becoming resource-intensive, better alternate methods are worth pursuing. Recently, reinforcement learning (RL), a machine learning technique, has proven capable of creating optimal controllers for complex systems. The model-free nature of RL has the potential to streamline the control development process, possibly reducing the time and money required. This article reviews the impact of choices in two areas on the performance of RL-based powertrain controllers to provide a better awareness of their benefits and consequences. First, we examine how RL algorithm action continuities and control–actuator continuities are matched, via native operation or conversion. Secondly, we discuss the formulation of the reward function. RL is able to optimize control policies defined by a wide spectrum of reward functions, including some functions that are difficult to implement with other techniques. RL action and control–actuator continuity matching affects the ability of the RL-based controller to understand and operate the powertrain while the reward function defines optimal behavior. Finally, opportunities for future RL-based powertrain control development are identified and discussed.
Physical Simulation Test of Underground Coal Gasification Cavity Evolution in the Horizontal Segment of U-Shaped Well
Authors: Zhao Yufeng , Dong Zhen , Chen Yanpeng , Chen Hao , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Mengyuan , Xue Junjie , Wang Xinggang , Jiao Lixin
Published: April 2023

A key point in the underground coal gasification process is the cavity evolution in the horizontal segment. The morphological evolution law of the gasification cavity has not been clarified, which is the bottleneck restricting the analysis of its controllability. In this paper, a physical simulation system for cavity generation was developed, and the cavity evolution in a targeted coal seam with overburden pressure was duplicated in the laboratory. A set of temperature field synchronous monitoring devices was developed to realize temperature sampling within a cavity and the surrounding rock. By analyzing the relationship between the overall temperature distribution pattern and the gasification agent injection condition, the morphological propagation law of the cavity is verified to be water drop-shaped, and influencing factors including the injection flow rate and the gasification agent component ratio are investigated. The axial length and volume of the cavity increase with an increasing injection flow rate. Higher oxygen content results in increased size in all dimensions. The research results provide theoretical support and reference for applying controlled cavity formation in the horizontal segment of U-shaped wells.
New Sustainable Banana Value Chain: Waste Valuation toward a Circular Bioeconomy
Authors: Krungkaew Samatcha , Hülsemann Benedikt , Kingphadung Kanokwan , Mahayothee Busarakorn , Oechsner Hans , Müller Joachim
Published: April 2023

According to the needs of sustainability, a new sustainable banana chip value chain, which is a combination of the traditional banana chip value chain and the banana waste value chain, was designed. Scenarios were created assuming that an anaerobic digester would be implemented to produce biogas—which can act as a substitute for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used in banana processing—from banana wastes. The values of banana residues throughout the value chain were determined depending on farm gate tree price, transportation cost, and the final value of LPG substitution. The value chain was optimized using two objective functions: total chain profit maximization and factory profit maximization. The tree price at the farm gate was determined and assumed to be between USD 0.067 and USD 0.093 per tree, and the transportation cost of tree transportation was assumed to be between USD 0.31 and USD 0.39 per km. Different tree prices and transportation costs affected the profits of all stakeholders throughout the chain. The scenarios that maximized total chain profits showed superior environmental performance compared to the scenarios that maximized factory profits. The proposed sustainable value chain will lead to an increase in farmers’ profits of 15.5–17.0%, while the profits gained by collectors and factory will increase between 3.5 and 8.9% when compared to business as usual.
Simulation and Experimental Study on the Use of Ventilation Air for Space Heating of a Room in a Low-Energy Building
Authors: Michalak Piotr
Published: April 2023

In thermally modernised buildings, sharing of ventilation heat loss becomes more significant. In the case of the application of ventilation with heat recovery, especially during transitional periods, there arises a question of whether an air system makes it possible to maintain the required indoor air temperature without the necessity of using a basic hydronic heating system. This paper presents the application of a simple thermal network model of a building zone to simulate indoor air temperature in a single room of a multi-storey building with a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Ventilation air was supposed to be the only heat source and its ability to maintain the required indoor air temperature was checked in simulations and then compared with measurements. The 5R1C thermal network model of a building zone was used for simulations. Comparison with measurements showed the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of indoor air calculation to be 2.37 °C and 2.45 °C, respectively. When including heat flux from the bottom storey through the floor, MAE = 1.28 °C and RMSE = 1.38 °C were obtained.
Cracking Analysis of a Brass Clamp Mounted on the Main Transformer in the Power Grid System
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Feng Jie , Wang Fangqiang , Peng Qian , Lan Guitian , Zhao Lihua , Wu Longwen
Published: April 2023

Cracking of conductive brass accessories in substations causes overheating or an open circuit, seriously affecting the safe and stable operation of the power grid system. A deep understanding of failure mechanisms could provide more safety, as well as lower down costs and save time for the power grid system, which have been seldomly involved in the literature. This paper presents a cracking analysis of a brass clamp in service for seven years that is mounted on the main transformer. The fracture morphology, chemical composition, and metallographic structure of the brass clamp were systematically analyzed, and the stress conditions were obtained by finite element simulation. The clamp exhibits transgranular brittle fracture with high oxygen content in the fracture, containing a crack propagation along the Pb particle connecting pathways, and the stress concentration was confirmed at the crack position. It is concluded that the failure was a result of the stress corrosion cracking and excessive content of Pb. Suggestions were proposed to avoid malfunction of the main transformer caused by the clamp crack.
Impact of the Short-Circuit Current Value on the Operation of Overhead Connections in High-Voltage Power Stations
Authors: Kozarek Łukasz , Cichecki Hubert , Bogacki Mateusz , Tyryk Mykhailo , Szulborski Michał , Łapczyński Sebastian , Kolimas Łukasz , Rasolomampionona Desire , Lange Andrzej , Berowski Przemysław , Sul Przemysław , Owsiński Maciej
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on determining the effects of short-circuit current values on the operation of high-voltage substations. The analyses performed focused on the dynamic and thermal effects on the short-circuit current for different input data configurations. The analyses of the dynamic effects of short-circuit current were performed in two ways. First, calculations were executed using the procedures contained in “IEC 60865-1:2012 Short-circuit currents, calculations of the effects of short-circuit currents. Part 1: Definitions and calculation methods”. Analytic calculations were accomplished for different values of the initial three-phase short-circuit current, the type of short circuit, the static tension force of the conductors, the stiffness of the structure and the methods of attaching the lashing chains. Secondly, the same analysis was performed using PRIMTECH 3D software. The connections were modeled in computer software, for which the calculations were implemented according to normative recommendations. After obtaining the results, an analysis was performed using the model based on the input data. Performing the analysis in two ways made it possible to compare the results with each other and develop conclusions. An analysis of the thermal effects of the short-circuit current was also provided. The results of the calculations showed that the choice of conductor cross sections according to the value of the initial short-circuit current was correct. Particular attention has been paid to rigid conductors and flexible conductors, which are directly affected by the short circuit and have an impact on the selection of the complete equipment for the high-voltage switchgear.
Is Soil Covered with Climacium dendroides More Conducive to the Germination of Pinus koraiensis Seeds?
Authors: Qu Meixue , Duan Wenbiao , Chen Lixin , Wang Yafei , Yang Xifeng , Meng Sijing
Published: April 2023

Our previous investigation has indicated that the natural regeneration of Pinus koraiensis occurs solely in soil covered by Climacium dendroides. This study aimed to determine whether C. dendroides-covered soil enhances seed germination or reduces seed decay. The experiment was divided into two parts: a simulated natural regeneration field experiment, and a greenhouse-based potted trial. For the field experiment, soils were categorized into three treatments based on C. dendroides coverage: high coverage (HCD), low coverage (LCD), and no coverage (NCD). Four forest microsites were considered: a gap in the mixed coniferous forest (GCF), a closed stand in the mixed coniferous forest (SCF), a gap in the mixed broadleaf–coniferous forest (GBC), and a closed stand in the mixed broadleaf–coniferous forest (SBC). The greenhouse experiment consisted of four treatments: HCD and LCD with similar C. dendroides coverage as the field experiment, litter-covered soil (LC), and bare soil (CK). P. koraiensis seeds were sown in each treatment’s soil in both the field and greenhouse experiments and collected after one year to analyze their germination rates, decay rates, and antioxidant capacity based on each treatment. Correlations of the germination rate, decay rate, and antioxidant capacity of P. koraiensis seeds with the soil water content (SWC) and secondary metabolites of C. dendroides in soil were examined. The results revealed that, compared to soil without C. dendroides, HCD exhibited higher germination rates (increased by 15.2% and 32.5% for dormant field seeds and dormancy-broken greenhouse seeds, respectively), ABTS+ free radical scavenging activity (RSAABTS) (22.84% and 5.98% increases, respectively), catalase activity (CAT) (5.49 U·min−1·g−1 and 1.71 U·min−1·g−1 increases, respectively), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (0.33 U·g−1 and 0.68 U·g−1 increases, respectively). In the field experiment, seeds in HCD exhibited higher DPPH free radical scavenging activity (RSADPPH) (26.24% increase) and peroxidase (POD) activity (4.0 U·min−1·g−1 increase) compared to seeds in NCD. Greenhouse seeds in HCD showed a lower rot rate (27.6% decrease) than seeds in CK. In both the field and greenhouse experiments, SWC, soil p-hydroxybenzoic acid content (PHBA), soil p-coumaric acid content (PCMA), and soil vanillic acid content (VA) were significantly positively correlated with the germination rate and antioxidant capacity of P. koraiensis. Soil total phenolic content (TPH) and total flavonoid content (TFL) had minimal impacts on P. koraiensis seed germination. The primary findings suggest that C. dendroides may alleviate drought stress and enhance seed antioxidant and germination capabilities by increasing SWC, PHBA, PCMA, and VA.
Dynamic Responses of Landscape Pattern and Vegetation Coverage to Urban Expansion and Greening: A Case Study of the Severe Cold Region, China
Authors: Chang Xiaoqing , Wang Dejun , Xing Yanqiu , Wang Jiaqi , Gong Weishu
Published: April 2023

Urbanization is the natural trend of human social development, which leads to various changes in vegetation conditions. Analyzing the dynamics of landscape patterns and vegetation coverage in response to urban expansion is important for understanding the ecological influence of urban expansion and guiding sustainable urban development. However, existing studies on the effects of urbanization on vegetation conditions in severe cold regions are limited. Here, taking Harbin, China as an example, the study explored the evolution of the urban expansion process and adopted landscape metrics to derive landscape pattern changes from 2005 to 2020. Based on the fraction of vegetation coverage (FVC) derived from Landsat satellite observations during 2004–2020, we investigated the spatiotemporal change characteristics of FVC. By separating the direct and indirect effects of urbanization on vegetation growth, we quantified the impacts of urbanization on vegetation. The results show that the urban area increased by 70.37%, and urban expansion exhibited a compact sprawl pattern. Cropland and water were the major resources converted for urban expansion. The distribution of FVC exhibits a pattern that the urban fringe region is significantly higher than the central region. The FVC trend is decreased overall, but the changes are not significant with regional variation. Moreover, the average observed FVC decreased with increasing urban intensity. By contrast, the indirect impact is increased along the intensity gradient, with growth enhancement offsetting about 2.26%~2.71% of direct vegetation loss. The study further shows that vegetation growth responses to urbanization vary according to urbanization levels. Our findings provide detailed information and reveal the relationship between urban intensity and vegetation coverage, which could help to manage urban vegetation for planners and stakeholders.
Forest Bioeconomy in Ghana: Understanding the Potential Indicators for Its Sustainable Development
Authors: Nyarko Isaac , Nwaogu Chukwudi , Miroslav Hájek
Published: April 2023

This study was aimed at assessing the indicators of a sustainable forest bioeconomy in Ghana for three decades (1990–2020). Sustainable development in a forest bioeconomy is a system geared towards improving people’s socioeconomic and environmental situation through forestry, yet in Ghana, it is neither heard about nor well understood by many people. A good knowledge about the forest bioeconomic system will enhance people to become custodians of the forest ecosystems instead of being destroyers. Field and secondary data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS 29.0, CANOCO 5.0, and ArcGIS 10.5. The study showed that larger areas of forest were found in decade 1 (1990–1999) relative to decade 2 (2000–2009) and decade 3 (2010–2020). Forests’ contributions to GDP vary between the forest–vegetation belts and regions, decreasing rapidly from 1990 to 2020. Population growth, agricultural activities, and commodity-driven deforestation ranked highest in the list of the drivers of deforestation. A reduction in deforestation might bring about a reduction in carbon emissions; however, the economic repercussions are negative as the contribution of forest to GDP, income, and employment will fall as trade-offs. Findings from the study will significantly help to bring lasting solutions to deforestation and enhance the sustainable forest bioeconomy. The study has unveiled remote drivers of forest loss that have been long overlooked by previous studies. A sustainable enlightenment campaign and routine informal education of the rural people are highly necessary. This is because some of the peoples’ reasons for deforestation and preference for forest products compared with modern resources seem convincing and logical.
Study on Scale-Up of Anaerobic Fermentation Mixing with Different Solid Content
Authors: Li Zhe , Lu Hancheng , Zhang Zixuan , Liu Baoqing
Published: April 2023

The scale-up technology of anaerobic fermentation stirring equipment is worthy of attention. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to study the scale-up of anaerobic fermentation mixing under different solid content conditions. The applicability of different scale-up criteria was analyzed by investigating the relative parameters, such as the blade tip speed and the Reynolds number. On this basis, the scale-up index was optimized and verified. The results revealed the applicability of five common scale-up criteria under different solid content conditions. When the solid content is less than 5%, the anaerobic fermentation tank should be scaled up according to the same Weber number. When the solid content is between 5% and 10%, the anaerobic fermentation tank should be scaled up according to the same blade tip speed; it was especially suitable for anaerobic fermentation and other conditions that limit the shear rate. Scaling up according to the Reynolds number was not recommended due to the poor mixing effect. When the scale-up index x reached 0.75, there was no need to further reduce it. For anaerobic fermentation systems, the suitable scale-up indices selected for 5%, 10%, and 15% solid content were 1.1, 1, and 0.75, respectively.
Changes in Physicochemical Properties, Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Grass during Spontaneous Fermentation
Authors: Li Xianxiu , He Tao , Mao Yangchen , Mao Jianwei , Lai Xiaojin , Tu Hangjia , Zhou Yi , Sha Ruyi
Published: April 2023

Fermentation is a crucial technology to improve the nutritional and functional properties of food materials. In this study, edible grass was processed by spontaneous fermentation. Changes in physicochemical properties, metabolites, and antioxidant activity of edible grass were investigated by colorimetric method and chromatography mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics approach during fermentation. The highest total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents, and free radical scavenging abilities were observed on the 17th day of fermentation. The maximum activity of superoxide dismutase was maintained stable in the fermentation time range of 7–70 days. In total, 16 differential metabolites were identified with fermentation duration up to 124 days. Fermented edible grass exerted protection from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells, regulating by the reduction in reactive oxygen species level and the increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. Overall, this study confirms that fermented edible grass obtained by spontaneous fermentation presented favorable nutritional and functional quality, and is expected to be a kind of food with antioxidant function.
PEP4-Allele Modification Provides an Industrial Brewing Yeast with Malate Stress Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Hu Wanting , Lu Yuhang , Shen Chi , Yao Hongfei , Yang Xiaomei , Yao Xiaomin , Lu Tianyi , Hu Baowei
Published: April 2023

Acid stress is a challenging condition that yeast cells must overcome during fermentation. Enhancing the inherent tolerance of industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae to organic acid stresses is crucial for increasing fermentation efficiency and reducing economic costs. In a previous study, we constructed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain SWY85S with improved tolerance to citric acid stress by modifying the second PEP4-allele. Malic acid is a dominant organic acid in grapefruit, which forms the acidic constituents of wine fermentation mash and finished products. We investigated the malic acid stress tolerance of the strain SWY85S in comparison with that of a strain with one PEP4-allele disrupted and the wild-type strain in this study. Our results revealed that the strain SWY85S demonstrated greater tolerance of malic acid stress, regardless of whether it was cultured with adequate nutrient supplies or under amino acid starvation. Moreover, the strain SWY85S performed remarkably in converting glucose to ethanol during fermentation under malic acid stress. This study provides insights into the role of a vacuolar PEP4-allele coding product in response to environmental stress and the physiological mechanism of yeast to withstand organic acid stress.
Age and Growth of European Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the Central Mediterranean Sea: Implication for Stock Assessment
Authors: Basilone Gualtiero , Ferreri Rosalia , Bonanno Angelo , Genovese Simona , Barra Marco , Aronica Salvatore
Published: April 2023

Understanding the drivers of fish growth is essential for predicting productivity, stability, and resilience of exploited populations. For the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea, GSA16), growth parameters or length at age estimates have never been published before. To fill this data gap, the length and age as well as the von Bertalanffy parameters (the most widely used growth model) were estimated. Data from landing samples during the period 2009–2019 were collected by two methods (purse seine and mid-water pelagic trawl). Temporal trends in average length at age, as well as an overall age-length key were obtained and compared with other areas across the geographical distribution range of sardine in the Mediterranean Sea. The observed age range was 0–3 years with most of the individuals belonging to Age 1 (52%) and Age 2 (43%). The mean length at age, for the entire study period, was 11.7 (±0.08) cm for Age 0; 13.4 (±0.09) cm for Age 1; 15 (±0.1) cm for Age 2; and 16.6 (±0.11) cm for Age 3. Furthermore, during the considered period, a reduction in the length at age was observed in the older classes (Age 2 and Age 3). The estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model were Linf = 18 (±1.15) cm, K= 0.459 (±0.018), and t0 = −1.99 (±0.008) and, accordingly, the mortality vector was obtained according to Gislason’s model, for each age class, these values were 0.99 (0.98–1.02) C at Age 0; 0.71 (0.7–0.73) y−1 at Age 1; 0.6 (0.59–0.62) y−1 at Age 2; 0.54 (0.53–0.56) y−1 at Age 3; and 0.51 (0.49–0.53) y−1 at Age 4. Results appeared in agreement with literature from other areas of the Mediterranean Sea and suggested a poor condition status of the sardine stock in the GSA16.
Study on the Interaction Mechanism of Theaflavin with Whey Protein: Multi-Spectroscopy Analysis and Molecular Docking
Authors: Xu Jia , Huang Yi , Wei Yang , Weng Xinchu , Wei Xinlin
Published: April 2023

The interaction mechanism of whey proteins with theaflavin (TF1) in black tea was analyzed using multi-spectroscopy analysis and molecular docking simulations. The influence of TF1 on the structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA), β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), and α-lactoalbumin (α-La) was examined in this work using the interaction of TF1 with these proteins. Fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy revealed that TF1 could interact with BSA, β-Lg and α-La through a static quenching mechanism. Furthermore, circular dichroism (CD) experiments revealed that TF1 altered the secondary structure of BSA, β-Lg and α-La. Molecular docking demonstrated that the interaction of TF1 with BSA/β-Lg/α-La was dominated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The binding energies were −10.1 kcal mol−1, −8.4 kcal mol−1 and −10.4 kcal mol−1, respectively. The results provide a theoretical basis for investigating the mechanism of interaction between tea pigments and protein. Moreover, the findings offered technical support for the future development of functional foods that combine tea active ingredients with milk protein. Future research will focus on the effects of food processing methods and different food systems on the interaction between TF1 and whey protein, as well as the physicochemical stability, functional characteristics, and bioavailability of the complexes in vitro or in vivo.
Changes in the Bio-Compounds and Biological Activities of Eight Whole Grains Fermentation Starter with Different Oxidized Chin-Shin Oolong Teas
Authors: Wang Chih-Feng , Huang Cui-Rou , Lu Ying-Chen
Published: April 2023

Chin-shin oolong tea is the most widely planted variety in Taiwan. This study fermented eight whole grains fermentation starter (EGS) with light (LOT), medium (MOT), and fully (FOT) oxidized Chin-shin oolong teas for ten weeks. Comparing the three fermentation beverages, it was found that LOT fermentation can obtain the highest catechins (1644.56 ± 60.15 ppm) among the functional and antioxidant components. MOT can obtain the highest glucuronic acid (19,040.29 ± 2903.91 ppm), tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. FOT can obtain the highest GABA (1360.92 ± 123.24 ppm). In addition, both the LOT and MOT showed a significant increase in their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals after fermentation. EGS fermented with lightly or moderately oxidized Chin-shin oolong tea may be considered a novel Kombucha.
Combined Effects of Cold and Hot Air Drying on Physicochemical Properties of Semi-Dried Takifugu obscurus Fillets
Authors: Zhu Ye , Chen Xiaoting , Qiao Kun , Chen Bei , Xu Min , Cai Shuilin , Shi Wenzheng , Liu Zhiyu
Published: April 2023

The physicochemical properties of semi-dried Takifugu obscurus fillets in cold air drying (CAD), hot air drying (HAD), and cold and hot air combined drying (CHACD) were analyzed based on pH, water state, lipid oxidation, protein degradation, and microstructure, using a texture analyzer, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, thiobarbituric acid, frozen sections, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Water binding to the samples was enhanced by all three drying methods, and the immobilized water content of CHACD was between that of HAD and CAD. The pH of the semi-dried fillets was improved by CHACD. When compared to HAD and CAD, CHACD improved the springiness and chewiness of the fillets, especially cold air drying for 90 min (CAD-90), with values of 0.97 and 59.79 g, respectively. The muscle fibers were arranged compactly and clearly in CAD-90, having higher muscle toughness. CHACD reduced the drying time and degree of lipid oxidation compared to HAD and CAD. CAD better preserved protein composition, whereas HAD and CHACD promoted actin production; CHACD had a higher protein denaturation temperature (74.08–74.57 °C). CHACD results in better physicochemical properties than HAD or CAD, including shortened drying time, reduced lipid oxidation, enhanced protein stability, and denser tissue structure. These results provide a theoretical basis for selecting the appropriate drying method for T. obscurus in industrial applications.
Short-Term Probabilistic Load Forecasting in University Buildings by Means of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Seefoo Jarquin Carla Sahori , Gandelli Alessandro , Grimaccia Francesco , Mussetta Marco
Published: April 2023

Understanding how, why and when energy consumption changes provides a tool for decision makers throughout the power networks. Thus, energy forecasting provides a great service. This research proposes a probabilistic approach to capture the five inherent dimensions of a forecast: three dimensions in space, time and probability. The forecasts are generated through different models based on artificial neural networks as a post-treatment of point forecasts based on shallow artificial neural networks, creating a dynamic ensemble. The singular value decomposition (SVD) technique is then used herein to generate temperature scenarios and project different futures for the probabilistic forecast. In additional to meteorological conditions, time and recency effects were considered as predictor variables. Buildings that are part of a university campus are used as a case study. Though this methodology was applied to energy demand forecasts in buildings alone, it can easily be extended to energy communities as well.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Planning and Implementation: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Mitropoulos Lambros , Kortsari Annie , Mizaras Vasilis , Ayfantopoulou Georgia
Published: April 2023

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is an innovative mobility service that aims to redesign the future of urban mobility by integrating multi-modal transportation and app-based technologies to enable seamless urban mobility. While MaaS pilot demonstrations and schemes implementation have taken place in different cities at a global level, and relevant studies focus on the MaaS barriers and users’ characteristics, the planning process for implementing MaaS is rarely presented. This paper summarizes the services to be integrated into the MaaS Athens’ demo site in Greece and describes the planning process that was followed to showcase the demo. The demo site is located within the urban area of Athens, including a public transport operator, a bike-sharing service, a taxi operator, and a municipality public transport operator. The demonstration runs developments in a real corridor that has the potential to prepare the MaaS eco-system deployment and market uptake. Three travel cases are planned: (1) Multimodal work trip; (2) MaaS for tourists; and (3) Interurban/urban interfaces, for work and shopping/leisure trips. The user journeys are defined in detail and the main information for each user journey is presented. The study concludes with challenges that were faced during the demo planning and recommendations for achieving the MaaS goals.
Nano-Gels: Recent Advancement in Fabrication Methods for Mitigation of Skin Cancer
Authors: Alotaibi Ghallab , Alharthi Sitah , Basu Biswajit , Ash Dipanjana , Dutta Swarnali , Singh Sudarshan , Prajapati Bhupendra G. , Bhattacharya Sankha , Chidrawar Vijay R. , Chitme Havagiray
Published: April 2023

In the 21st century, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers have become an epidemic outbreak worldwide. Therefore, the exploration of all potential preventative and therapeutic measures based on either physical or bio-chemical mechanisms is essential via understanding precise pathophysiological pathways (Mitogen-activated protein kinase, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Pathway, and Notch signaling pathway) and other aspects of such skin malignancies. Nano-gel, a three-dimensional polymeric cross-linked porous hydrogel having a diameter of 20–200 nm, possesses dual properties of both hydrogel and nanoparticle. The capacity of high drug entrapment efficiency with greater thermodynamic stability, remarkable solubilization potential, and swelling behavior of nano-gel becomes a promising candidate as a targeted drug delivery system in the treatment of skin cancer. Nano-gel can be either synthetically or architectonically modified for responding to either internal or external stimuli, including radiation, ultrasound, enzyme, magnetic, pH, temperature, and oxidation-reduction to achieve controlled release of pharmaceuticals and several bio-active molecules such as proteins, peptides, genes via amplifying drug aggregation in the active targeted tissue and reducing adverse pharmacological effects. Several drugs, such as anti-neoplastic biomolecules having short biological half-lives and prompt enzyme degradability capacity, must be appropriate for administration employing either chemically bridged or physically constructed nano-gel frameworks. The comprehensive review summarizes the advancement in the preparation and characterization methods of targeted nano-gel with enhanced pharmacological potential and preserved intracellular safety limits for the mitigation of skin malignancies with a special emphasize on skin cancer inducing pathophysiological pathways and prospective research opportunities for skin malignancy targeted nano-gels.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Composite Edible Film Based on Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Grafted with Gelatin
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Jiang Shuting , Chen Yue , Qiu Dan , Weng Yunxuan
Published: April 2023

A novel composite edible film was synthesized by grafting gelatin chain onto hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) in the presence of glycerol (used as a plasticizer) using a solution polymerization technique. The reaction was carried out in homogeneous aqueous medium. Thermal properties, chemical structure, crystallinity, surface morphology, and mechanical and hydrophilic performance changes of HPMC caused by the addition of gelatin were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, universal testing machine and water contact angle. The results shows that HPMC and gelatin are miscible and the hydrophobic property of the blending film can be enhanced with the introduction of the gelatin. Moreover, the HPMC/gelatin blend films are flexible, and exhibit excellent compatibility, good mechanical properties and also thermal stability, and could be promising candidates for food packaging materials.