bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation Study of Thermal Performance in Hot Water Storage Tanks with External and Internal Heat Exchangers
Authors: Karlina Yelizaveta , Yerdesh Yelnar , Toleukhanov Amankeldy , Belyayev Yerzhan , Wang Hua Sheng , Botella Olivier
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a numerical analysis of two hot water storage tank configurations—one equipped with an external heat exchanger (Tank-1) and the other with an internal heat exchanger (Tank-2). The objective is to evaluate and compare their thermal performance during charging and discharging processes. The numerical model is developed by solving a system of ordinary differential equations using the 4th-order Runge–Kutta method, implemented in the Python programming language. The results indicate that Tank-1 demonstrated a higher charging efficiency of 94.6%, achieving full charge in approximately 2 h and 20 min. In comparison, Tank-2 required 3 h and 47 min to reach full charge, with a charging efficiency of 85.9%. During discharge, both configurations exhibited similar behavior, with an efficiency of 13.63% over approximately 33 min. The analysis showed that the external heat exchanger configuration led to more effective thermal stratification, supported by the Richardson number analysis, which indicated a significant effect of buoyancy during charging. This design advantage makes Tank-1 particularly suitable for applications requiring rapid heating and minimal heat loss, such as in cold climates or intermittent demand systems. The numerical model demonstrated reliable predictive accuracy, achieving an RMSE of 6.1% for the charging process and 6.8% for the discharging process, thereby validating the model’s reliability. These findings highlight the superior performance of the external heat exchanger configuration for fast and efficient energy storage, particularly for applications in cold climates.
Multi-Time Scale Energy Storage Optimization of DC Microgrid Source-Load Storage Based on Virtual Bus Voltage Control
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , Wang Yasai , Guo Min , Sun Leping , Shen Xiaojun
Published: November 2024

The energy storage adjustment strategy of source and load storage in a DC microgrid is very important to the economic benefits of a power grid. Therefore, a multi-timescale energy storage optimization method for direct current (DC) microgrid source-load storage based on a virtual bus voltage control is studied. It uses a virtual damping compensation strategy to control the stability of virtual bus voltage and establishes a virtual energy storage model by combining different types of distributed capability units. The design of an optimization process for upper-level daily energy storage has the objective function of maximizing the economic benefits of microgrids to cope with unplanned fluctuations in power. A real-time energy-adjustment scheme for the lower level is introduced, and a real-time energy-adjustment scheme based on virtual energy storage for the short-term partition of the source-load storage is designed to improve the reliability of microgrid operations. The experiment shows that, in response to the constant amplitude oscillation of the power grid after a sudden increase in power, this method introduces a virtual damping compensation strategy at 20 s, which can stabilize the virtual bus voltage. From 00:00 to 09:00, the battery power remains at around 4 MW, and from 12:00 to 21:00, the battery exits the discharge state. The economic benefits from applying this method are significantly higher than before. This method can effectively adjust the source-load energy storage in real time. During peak electricity price periods, the SOC value of supercapacitors is below 0.4, and during normal electricity price periods, the SOC value of supercapacitors can reach up to 1.0, which can make the state of the charge value of supercapacitors meet economic requirements.
Suppression of Metal Particles by Coating for a ±550 kV DC GIS
Authors: Luo Hanhua , Gong Duohu , Li Shan , Zhan Zhongqiang , Di Niyaer , Dolkun Dilyar , Fan Xianhao , Liu Xiangdong
Published: November 2024

Coating the inner surface of grounded enclosures has been used to inhibit metal particle motion inside AC GIS for many years. However, for DC GIS, only fundamental research has been performed, while very few attempts have been made on real DC GIS. This paper reviews the basic research into the inhibition of metal particles by coating at DC. On this basis, based on a ±550 kV DC GIS busbar, an inhibition test of metal particle motion using coating was performed. Four types of metal particles were used as samples to verify the inhibitory effect of the grounded enclosure coating. The results showed that the coating has a very good inhibitory effect on block and powder metal particles on real GIS, and there are rarely any metal particles moving again under the rated DC voltage. However, for wire and flake metal particles, the effectiveness of the coating depends on the way the particle contacts the ground electrode when they are still, and ~30% of wire and flake metal particles can be inhibited. The conclusion of this paper is of guiding significance for the research and development of stable and reliable DC gas-insulated equipment.
Experimental Study on the Acceleration Amplification Ratio of Cable Terminations for Electric Power Facilities
Authors: Jeon Bub-Gyu , Chang Sung-Jin , Kim Sung-Wan , Park Dong-Uk , Chun Nakhyun
Published: November 2024

Among national infrastructure facilities, electric power facilities are very important sites that must maintain their functions properly even during a natural disaster or during social crises. Therefore, seismic design is required when necessary for major electric power facilities that have a significant impact when damaged in the event of an earthquake. In electric power facilities, bushings are generally installed in devices or structures. Therefore, ground acceleration can be amplified through devices, such as transformers, or sub-structures. Among various electric power facilities, cable terminations are representative cantilever-type substation facilities consisting of a bushing, a sub-structure, and support insulators. The bushings of cable terminations are generally made of porcelain or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials, and they may have different dynamic characteristics. This study attempted to estimate the acceleration amplification ratio in the main positions of cable terminations considering the materials of bushings. For two cable terminations with different specifications and bushing materials, three-axis shake table tests were conducted in accordance with IEEE 693, which includes a seismic performance evaluation method for a power substation facility. The acceleration amplification ratios at the top of the bushing, mass center, and top of the support structure were estimated using the acceleration responses of each cable termination. They were then compared with the acceleration amplification factors presented in design standards. Consequently, the acceleration amplification ratio of cable termination with an FRP bushing was lower than that of the cable termination with a porcelain bushing.
Shape Optimization of a Diffusive High-Pressure Turbine Vane Using Machine Learning Tools
Authors: Nastasi Rosario , Labrini Giovanni , Salvadori Simone , Misul Daniela Anna
Published: November 2024

Machine learning tools represent a key methodology for the shape optimization of complex geometries in the turbomachinery field. One of the current challenges is to redesign High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) stages to couple them with innovative combustion technologies. In fact, recent developments in the gas turbine field have led to the introduction of pioneering solutions such as Rotating Detonation Combustors (RDCs) aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle at low overall pressure ratios. In this study, a HPT vane equipped with diffusive endwalls is optimized to allow for ingesting a high-subsonic flow (Ma=0.6) delivered by a RDC. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the prediction ability of machine learning tools in case of multiple input parameters and different objective functions. Moreover, the model predictions are used to identify the optimal solutions in terms of vane efficiency and operating conditions. A new solution that combines optimal vane efficiency with target values for both the exit flow angle and the inlet Mach number is also presented. The impact of the newly designed geometrical features on the development of secondary flows is analyzed through numerical simulations. The optimized geometry achieved strong mitigation of the intensity of the secondary flows induced by the main flow separation from the diffusive endwalls. As a consequence, the overall vane aerodynamic efficiency increased with respect to the baseline design.
Global Spatial Projections of Forest Soil Respiration and Associated Uncertainties
Authors: Feng Lingxia , Jiang Junjie , Hu Junguo , Zhu Chao , Wu Zhiwei , Li Guangliang , Chen Taolve
Published: November 2024

The accurate prediction of global forest soil respiration (Rs) is critical for climate change research. Rs consists of autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) respiration, which respond differently to environmental factors. Predicting Rs as a single flux can be biased; therefore, Ra and Rh should be predicted separately to improve prediction accuracy. In this study, we used the SRDB_V5 database and the random forest model to analyze the uncertainty in predicting Rs using a single global model (SGM) and Ra/Rh using a specific categorical model (SCM) and predicted the spatial dynamics of the distribution pattern of forest Ra, Rh, and Rs in the future under the two different climate patterns. The results show that Rs is higher under tropical and inland climatic conditions, while Rh fluctuates less than Ra and Rs. In addition, the SCM predictions better capture key environmental factors and are more consistent with actual data. In the SSP585 (high emissions) scenario, Rs is projected to increase by 19.59 percent, while in the SSP126 (low emissions) scenario, Rs increases by only 3.76 percent over 80 years, which underlines the need for SCM in future projections.
Identification of Picea mongolica LEA Gene Family Implicates PmLEA25 in Drought Resistance
Authors: Wang Yaping , Li Jiaqi , Bai Yu’e
Published: November 2024

Picea mongolica is a rare and valuable tree species in China, having high tolerance for drought, cold, and sand burial. The late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA protein) is a crucial transcription factor that plays a key role in both plant embryonic development and stress response. LEA genes have, however, not yet been reported in P. mongolica. In this study, through the analysis of genome data from Picea abies and transcriptome data from P. mongolica, a total of 49 PmLEAs were discovered and categorized into eight subfamilies based on their Pfam domain and phylogenetic relationship. RNA-Seq research revealed that 37 PmLEAs were differentially expressed at various stages of embryonic development. Using qRT-PCR, we found that most PmLEAs responded strongly to drought stress, with genes in the same subfamily exhibiting identical expression patterns. In particular, PmLEA25 is the most highly induced by drought treatment. Furthermore, we heterologously transformed PmLEA25 into Arabidopsis. The overexpression of PmLEA25 remarkably increased the germination rate, root length, and antioxidant capacity in Arabidopsis under drought treatment, compared with WT. The results serve as a point of reference for gaining a deeper comprehension of the function of PmLEA25 in the molecular process of stress resistance in P. mongolica. Additionally, they offer significant genetic materials for the purpose of breeding stress-resistant spruce species.
Forest Fire Severity and Koala Habitat Recovery Assessment Using Pre- and Post-Burn Multitemporal Sentinel-2 Msi Data
Authors: Johnson Derek Campbell , Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , Shapcott Alison
Published: November 2024

Habitat loss due to wildfire is an increasing problem internationally for threatened animal species, particularly tree-dependent and arboreal animals. The koala (Phascolartos cinereus) is endangered in most of its range, and large areas of forest were burnt by widespread wildfires in Australia in 2019/2020, mostly areas dominated by eucalypts, which provide koala habitats. We studied the impact of fire and three subsequent years of recovery on a property in South-East Queensland, Australia. A classified Differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) calculated from pre- and post-burn Sentinel-2 scenes encompassing the local study area was used to assess regional impact of fire on koala-habitat forest types. The geometrically structured composite burn index (GeoCBI), a field-based assessment, was used to classify fire severity impact. To detect lower levels of forest recovery, a manual classification of the multitemporal dNBR was used, enabling the direct comparison of images between recovery years. In our regional study area, the most suitable koala habitat occupied only about 2%, and about 10% of that was burnt by wildfire. From the five koala habitat forest types studied, one upland type was burnt more severely and extensively than the others but recovered vigorously after the first year, reaching the same extent of recovery as the other forest types. The two alluvial forest types showed a negligible fire impact, likely due to their sheltered locations. In the second year, all the impacted forest types studied showed further, almost equal, recovery. In the third year of recovery, there was almost no detectable change and therefore no more notable vegetative growth. Our field data revealed that the dNBR can probably only measure the general vegetation present and not tree recovery via epicormic shooting and coppicing. Eucalypt foliage growth is a critical resource for the koala, so field verification seems necessary unless more-accurate remote sensing methods such as hyperspectral imagery can be implemented.
Using Drones for Dendrometric Estimations in Forests: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Silva Bruna Rafaella Ferreira da , Ucella-Filho João Gilberto Meza , Bispo Polyanna da Conceição , Elera-Gonzales Duberli Geomar , Silva Emanuel Araújo , Ferreira Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo
Published: November 2024

Traditional field inventories have been the standard method for collecting detailed forest attribute data. However, these methods are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, especially for large areas. In contrast, remote sensing technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become viable alternatives for collecting forest structure data, providing high-resolution images, precision, and the ability to use various sensors. To explore this trend, a bibliometric review was conducted using the Scopus database to examine the evolution of scientific publications and assess the current state of research on using UAVs to estimate dendrometric variables in forest ecosystems. A total of 454 studies were identified, with 199 meeting the established inclusion criteria for further analysis. The findings indicated that China and the United States are the leading contributors to this research domain, with a notable increase in journal publications over the past five years. The predominant focus has been on planted forests, particularly utilizing RGB sensors attached to UAVs for variable estimation. The primary variables assessed using UAV technology include total tree height, DBH, above-ground biomass, and canopy area. Consequently, this review has highlighted the most influential studies in the field, establishing a foundation for future research directions.
Study on the Effect of Conditioners on the Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotics in Deer Manure Composting
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Feng Jiayin , Haider Muhammad Awais , Xu Jianling , Sun Jitian , Chen Yue
Published: November 2024

The unscientific disposal of agricultural solid waste introduces more antibiotics and other pollutants into the environment. Composting, as an environmentally friendly solid waste disposal method, can be used as a green way to degrade antibiotics, and conditioners can regulate the physicochemical indicators of the composting process. This article investigates the removal mechanism of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) during the composting process by adding different regulators (biochar, zeolite, and biochar + zeolite). The results showed that the conditioning agent could significantly improve the removal efficiency and removal rate of TCs in compost. Among them, the addition of the zeolite group had the highest degradation rate of TCs, which were 91.39% (Tetracycline), 97.18% (Chlortetracycline), and 95.68% (Oxytetracycline). The combination of biochar and zeolite conditioning agents effectively minimized the migration of TCs into the soil. According to the findings of the artificial neural network model, it was determined that TCs exhibited the highest sensitivity to biochar + zeolite modulators at 31.28%. Conditioners influenced the removal of TCs in compost by impacting their physicochemical properties and microbial community structure. We isolated and domesticated a suitable microbial preparation that promotes the degradation of TCs, including Acinetobacter pittii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pseudomonas putida, and Trichosporon dohaense.
Insights into Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism of Thermoanaerobacter mathranii
Authors: Scully Sean Michael , Abraham Clay A. , Orlygsson Johann
Published: November 2024

Few investigations have been carried out into the members of the genus Thermoanerobacter for protein and amino acid metabolism compared to carbohydrates, mostly due to the intense interest in bioethanol and biohydrogen in recent decades. The present study investigates the biotechnological potential of Thermoanaerobacter mathranii (DSM 11426) in terms of its ability to produce high-energy alcohols from amino and fatty acids. End product formation from glucose (in the presence and absence of butyrate) as well as from selected proteins and amino acids were analyzed. T. mathranii did not degrade any of the proteins tested to a large extent but degraded several amino acids, namely serine and the branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) when cultivated in the presence of thiosulfate. The main end products from the branched-chain amino acids were a mixture of their corresponding branched-chain fatty acids and alcohols, with the strain producing a concentration of the corresponding branched-chain alcohol between 1.0 and 1.7 mM and 8.2–10.9 mM of the corresponding fatty acid. 13C2-labeled leucine revealed that the strains degraded the amino acid in the presence of thiosulfate, producing 3-methyl-1-butyrate, which was then used as an electron acceptor which led to the accumulation of 3-methyl-1-butanol. The strain is highly ethanologenic, producing more than 1.2 mol of ethanol per mol of glucose degraded. The strain was able to reduce volatile fatty acids during glucose fermentation to their corresponding alcohol, further suggesting this strain may be of greater biotechnological value beyond bioethanol production.
Ultimate Fighting Crab: Agonistic Behaviour, Dominance, and Recognition in the Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)
Authors: Hamilton Finlay James Archibald , Wilkes Jonathan David , Scott Kevin
Published: November 2024

Edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) are an economically important species for Scottish inshore fisheries, with an estimated annual landing value of GBP 16 million (2023). Research into the behaviour, particularly agonistic behaviour, of this species is currently lacking. This paper aims to investigate behaviour, social interactions, potential hierarchies, and the impact of claw size on the outcomes of agonistic interactions of male C. pagurus through behavioural trials and retrials. Crabs were semi-randomly assigned to pairs (based on allocated condition index rating) and introduced to one another in trial tanks. Each pair underwent two trials, 24 h apart (the “trial” and “retrial”). Analyses of video records of agonistic bouts revealed that 77% of retrials were won by the initial victors, with a significant decrease in fight time between trials and retrials. Fight time was not correlated with weapon size (claw length, height, and depth). There were no differences in weapon size of winners and losers of bouts. Winners exhibited a significantly higher frequency of aggressive and dominant behaviours (approach, aggressive contact, threat displays, and mounting), and losers exhibited higher frequencies of submissive behaviours (withdrawal, retracting limbs, and remaining motionless). These results suggest that individual behaviour may play more of a role in dominance than size or other morphometric characteristics.
Effects of Heat Stress on the Muscle Meat Quality of Rainbow Trout
Authors: Li Yalan , Zhou Changqing , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu
Published: November 2024

The effects of heat stress on aquatic animals are increasingly being discerned, but little is known about the effects of heat stress on muscle meat quality or the flavor of muscle. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat stress on the muscle antioxidant properties, structural and physical properties (e.g., pH, muscle color, shear force, and expressible moisture), chemical composition (e.g., nucleotides, organic acids, amino acids, and minerals), and volatile substances of rainbow trout. We observed that the antioxidant capacity of muscle decreased after stress experiments at 22.5 °C for 24 h. The content of inflammatory factors notably increased (p < 0.05), the pH value and red value of muscle decreased (p < 0.05), the interfiber space increased, and several muscle fibers were broken. Heat stress changed the contents of nucleotides, organic acids, minerals, and amino acids in muscle. The contents of IMP and AMP, which play an important role in the flavor of muscle, decreased (p < 0.05). The contents of two amino acids that provide a sweet taste decreased; those of five amino acids that provide a bitter taste increased (p < 0.05). Heat stress also affected the amount and type of volatile substances in muscle, which affected muscle odor. These results suggest that heat stress may exert adverse effects on the oxidative stability, structure, meat quality, and flavor of muscle, requiring attention and prevention.
Investigating the Morphology of a Free-Falling Jet with an Accurate Finite Element and Level Set Modeling
Authors: Liu Yiming , Yang Hua , Abali Bilen Emek , Müller Wolfgang H.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the morphology of a free-falling liquid jet by using a computational approach with an experimental validation. Numerical simulations are developed by means of the Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving the viscous fluid flow and the level set method in order to track the interface between the fluid and air. Experiments are conducted in order to capture the shape of a free-falling jet of viscous fluid via circular orifice, where the shape is measured optically. The numerical results are found to be in agreement with the experimental data, demonstrating the validity of the proposed approach. Furthermore, we analyze the role of the surface tension by implementing linear as well as nonlinear surface energy models. All computational codes are developed with the aid of open-source packages from FEniCS and made publicly available. The combination of experimental and numerical techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of the morphology of free-falling jets and may be extended to multiphysics problems rather in a straightforward manner.
Handheld NIR Spectroscopy Combined with a Hybrid LDA-SVM Model for Fast Classification of Retail Milk
Authors: Tangorra Francesco Maria , Lopez Annalaura , Ighina Elena , Bellagamba Federica , Moretti Vittorio Maria
Published: November 2024

The EU market offers different types of milk, distinguished by origin, production method, processing technology, fat content, and other characteristics, which are often detailed on product labels. In this context, ensuring the authenticity of milk is crucial for maintaining standards and preventing fraud. Various food authenticity techniques have been employed to achieve this. Among them, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is valued for its non-destructive and rapid analysis capabilities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a miniaturized NIR device combined with support vector machine (SVM) algorithms and LDA feature selection to discriminate between four commercial milk types: high-quality fresh milk, milk labeled as mountain product, extended shelf-life milk, and TSG hay milk. The results indicate that NIR spectroscopy can effectively classify milk based on the type of milk, relying on different production systems and heat treatments (pasteurization). This capability was greater in distinguishing high-quality mountain and hay milk from the other types, while resulting in less successful class assignment for extended shelf-life milk. This study demonstrated the potential of portable NIR spectroscopy for real-time and cost-effective milk authentication at the retail level.
Enhancing Antioxidant Activity and Nutritional Profile of Dark Chocolate Through Enrichment with Plant Sterols: A Study on Phytosterol Concentrations and Functional Properties
Authors: Topka Patrycja , Rudzińska Magdalena , Poliński Szymon , Szydłowska-Czerniak Aleksandra , Tańska Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is recognized for its antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health. Enriching chocolate with phytosterols, naturally occurring plant compounds known to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels, has the potential to enhance cardiovascular benefits. The incorporation of phytosterols into chocolate provides a palatable and cost-effective means of delivering these beneficial compounds to the body. This study examined the concentrations of sterols and stanols, as well as the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate enriched with plant-derived sterols and stanols. A commercially available preparation containing phytosterol esters (Vegapure® 95 WE) was utilized for this enrichment. Four levels of phytosterol esters (3, 6, 9, and 12%) were added at two distinct stages of chocolate processing: conching and tempering. Sterol and stanol contents were analyzed chromatographically, total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Additionally, a sensory evaluation was performed to assess the palatability of the enriched chocolates. The enriched chocolates showed significantly increased levels of sitosterol (up to 1117.68 mg/100 g), campesterol (up to 119.10 mg/100 g), and sitostanol (up to 76.42 mg/100 g). The antioxidant capacity of the enriched dark chocolates was more strongly correlated with phenolic compound content than with phytosterol content. Sensory differences, particularly in taste, were also noted, influenced by the addition of phytosterols. The stage at which phytosterol esters were introduced affected the chocolate’s properties, with the tempering stage proving to be the more advantageous step for incorporating phytosterols, resulting in a lower loss of bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that enriching dark chocolate with phytosterols improves its nutritional profile and functional properties, positioning it as a potential dietary supplement for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.
Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Application of Rosa damascena Essential Oil as an Antimicrobial Agent in Minimally Processed Eggplant Inoculated with Salmonella enterica
Authors: Verešová Andrea , Vukic Milena D. , Vukovic Nenad L. , Terentjeva Margarita , Ban Zhaojun , Li Li , Bianchi Alessandro , Kollár Ján , Ben Saad Rania , Ben Hsouna Anis , Elizondo-Luévano Joel Horacio , Kluz Maciej Ireneusz , Čmiková Natália , Garzoli Stefania , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: November 2024

Rosa damascena is mostly grown for its usage in the food, medical, and perfume industries, while it is also used as an attractive plant in parks, gardens, and homes. The use of R. damascena essential oil may yield new results in relation to the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and their use mainly in extending the shelf life of foods. This study investigates the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Rosa damascena essential oil (RDEO) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and various bioassays to explore its potential applications in food preservation and microorganism growth control. The GC-MS analysis revealed that RDEO is predominantly composed of phenylethyl alcohol (70%), which is known for its antimicrobial and aromatic properties. Additionally, other significant constituents were identified, including nerol, citronellol, and geraniol, which may contribute to the EOs overall bioactivity. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the minimal inhibition concentration against five Candida yeast strains, four Gram-positive, and four Gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm-forming Salmonella enterica. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) revealed the strongest effects of RDEO’s on Gram-negative species, with MIC50 values as low as 0.250 mg/mL for S. enterica. Moreover, an in situ assessment utilizing fruit and vegetable models demonstrated that the vapor phase of RDEO significantly suppressed microbial growth, with the most substantial reductions observed on kiwi and banana models. As a result of our study, the antimicrobial effect of RDEO on the microbiota of sous vide processed eggplant was detected, as well as an inhibitory effect on S. enterica during storage. The insecticidal activity against Megabruchidius dorsalis Fahreus, 1839, was also studied in this work and the best insecticidal activity was found at the highest concentrations. These results suggest that RDEO has the potential to serve as a natural antimicrobial agent in food preservation and safety applications, providing an alternative to synthetic preservatives.
Impact of Thermophysical and Biological Pretreatments on Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Profile of Broccoli Stem Products
Authors: Bas-Bellver Claudia , Barrera Cristina , Seguí Lucía
Published: November 2024

Fruit and vegetable industrialisation is a major contributor to food waste; thus, its integral transformation into functional powders has gained attention. Pretreatments can be incorporated into valorisation processes to generate structural or biochemical changes that improve powders’ characteristics. This study deepens into the impact of biological (fermentation, FERM) and thermophysical (autoclaving, AUTO; microwaves, MW; ultrasound, US; and pasteurisation, PAST) pretreatments, combined with dehydration (hot air-drying, HAD; or freeze-drying, FD) on the characteristics of powdered products obtained from broccoli stems. The impact of pretreatments on physicochemical (moisture, water activity, total soluble solids) and antioxidant properties (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH) on residue and powdered products was studied, together with their impact on plant tissue structure (Cryo-SEM) and the powders’ phenolic profile (HPLC). Probiotic viability was also determined on the fermented samples. The pretreatments applied, particularly the ultrasound, improved the antioxidant properties of the broccoli stems compared to the unpretreated samples, in line with microscopic observations. Dehydration did also improve the antioxidant attributes of the broccoli wastes, especially drying at 60 °C. However, pretreatments combined with dehydration did not generally lead to an improvement in the antioxidant properties of the powders. Probiotic properties were preserved in the freeze-dried products (>107 CFU/g). In conclusion, pretreatments may be applied to enhance the antioxidant attributes of broccoli wastes, but not necessarily that of dried powdered products.
Smart E-Tongue Based on Polypyrrole Sensor Array as Tool for Rapid Analysis of Coffees from Different Varieties
Authors: Almario Alvaro Arrieta , Calabokis Oriana Palma , Barrera Eisa Arrieta
Published: November 2024

Due to the lucrative coffee market, this product is often subject to adulteration, as inferior or non-coffee materials or varieties are mixed in, negatively affecting its quality. Traditional sensory evaluations by expert tasters and chemical analysis methods, although effective, are time-consuming, costly, and require skilled personnel. The aim of this work was to evaluate the capacity of a smart electronic tongue (e-tongue) based on a polypyrrole sensor array as a tool for the rapid analysis of coffees elaborated from beans of different varieties. The smart e-tongue device was developed with a polypyrrole-based voltammetric sensor array and portable multi-potentiostat operated via smartphone. The sensor array comprised seven electrodes, each doped with distinct counterions to enhance cross-selectivity. The smart e-tongue was tested on five Arabica coffee varieties (Typica, Bourbon, Maragogype, Tabi, and Caturra). The resulting voltammetric signals were analyzed using principal component analysis assisted by neural networks (PCNN) and cluster analysis (CA), enabling clear discrimination among the coffee samples. The results demonstrate that the polypyrrole sensors can generate distinct electrochemical patterns, serving as “fingerprints” for each coffee variety. This study highlights the potential of polypyrrole-based smart e-tongues as a rapid, cost-effective, and portable alternative for coffee quality assessment and adulteration detection, with broader applications in the food and beverage industry.
Exploring Edible Insects: From Sustainable Nutrition to Pasta and Noodle Applications—A Critical Review
Authors: Arp Carlos Gabriel , Pasini Gabriella
Published: November 2024

Edible insects provide an alternative source of high-quality proteins, essential lipids, minerals, and vitamins. However, they lack the acceptability and consumption rates of more common staple foods. In contrast, pasta and noodles are globally appreciated foods that are consumed across various cultures. These products contribute greatly to the population’s energy intake but generally lack essential nutrients. Recently, edible insects have gained in popularity due to their numerous benefits, both environmental and nutritional. Current research indicates that incorporating edible insect ingredients into pasta and noodle formulations enhances their nutritional quality by increasing protein and fiber content and reducing carbohydrates. However, adding new ingredients to enrich common foods often carries technological and sensory challenges, such as changes in processing parameters, texture, flavor, and appearance. Technology assessment, scientific research, information campaigns, and public policies can help overcome these issues. This review aims to summarize the benefits of entomophagy (the consumption of insects as food) for sustainability, nutrition, and health; highlight the potential of pasta and noodles as carriers of nutritious and bioactive ingredients, including insects; and critically address the advancements in insect-enriched pasta and noodle technology, identifying current challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities.
Visualization of Moisture Content, Reducing Sugars, and Chewiness in Bread During Oral Processing Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Tian Xiaoyu , Fang Qin , Zhang Xiaorui , Yu Shanshan , Dai Chunxia , Huang Xingyi
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the differences in oral processing and texture perception of breads with varying compositions. The research investigated the dynamic changes in moisture content (MC), reducing sugars (RSs), and chewiness of the bolus formed from white bread (B0) and 50% whole-wheat bread (B50) during oral processing. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with chemometric methods was used to establish quantitative prediction models for MC, RSs, and chewiness, and to create visual distribution maps of these parameters. The results showed that B0 had a higher moisture content and a faster hydration rate than B50 during the initial stages of oral processing, indicating greater hydrophilicity and ease of saliva wetting. Additionally, the uniformity of moisture distribution in the bolus of B0 was higher than that of B50. B50 exhibited significantly lower RSs content and poorer distribution uniformity compared to B0. The primary differences in chewiness between the two types of bread were observed during the early stages of oral processing, with B50 requiring more chewing effort initially. This study demonstrated that HSI technology can effectively monitor and elucidate the compositional changes in food particles during oral processing, providing new insights into bread texture perception and offering a scientific basis for improving bread processing and texture.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Food Products Enriched with Brewers’ Spent Grain: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Varghese Cinu , Arcia Patricia , Curutchet Ana
Published: November 2024

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a nutrient-rich by-product, offers the food industry a sustainable opportunity. This study explores consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for food products enriched with BSG, focusing on the influence of sustainability logos and brand information. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), analyze how these attributes impact consumer preferences for two products: BSG-enriched bread and chocolate dessert. Key variables included the presence of sustainability logos and BSG information, brand type (premium, low-cost, or no-brand), and price. An online survey was conducted, and the multinomial logit (MNL) model was applied to the data (n = 402). Overall, these results suggest that sustainability logos and BSG information positively influence consumer choices, although brand significance varies across product categories. For bread, the brand plays a critical role in purchasing decisions, while for chocolate dessert, the price is the main decision factor. This research highlights that through the addition of BSG, the bread and chocolate manufacturing industry in Uruguay can increase profits with a premium price and improve product quality, transforming the food industry and advancing sustainable development.
Peptidomic Analysis of Potential Bioactive Peptides in Mare Milk Under Different Heat Treatment Conditions
Authors: Lou Xiaoxiao , Shao Wei , Wu Yating , Ma Hongpeng , Chen He , Zheng Nan , Zhao Yankun
Published: November 2024

Active peptides in mare milk have unique biological activities, but how the bioactive protein in mare’s milk changes under the influence of temperature has not been fully studied. Therefore, in this study, the differential expression of bioactive peptides potentially present in horse milk under different heat treatment conditions was investigated for the first time using peptidomic and bioinformatic techniques. We collected a total of 15 samples. In this study, we divided the samples into five groups, specifically, 65 °C, 30 min; 72 °C, 15 min; 83 °C; 10 min; 95 °C, 5 min; and an untreated group as a control, which involved four different temperature treatments, in order to understand changes in bioactive peptides and to identify the sequence of bioactive peptides. In the experiment, a total of 2341 active peptides were identified. The amino acid composition of the potential active peptides remained stable across different temperatures, but their abundance varied with temperature. In all, 23 peptides from 20 different proteins were identified, with the highest number of active peptides identified at 72 °C. Through database searches, we found that a majority of these peptides were within β-lactoglobulin and immunoglobulin domain proteins, which are known for their potential biological activities. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of peptides with different bioactivities as potential functional foods.
Effects of Different Packaging Types and Storage Periods on Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Honeys
Authors: Yiğit Yusuf , Yalçın Suzan , Onbaşılar Esin Ebru
Published: November 2024

Preserving the nutritional value of honey without compromising its properties until consumption is crucial. However, different types of honey may respond differently to packaging and storage conditions. This study aimed to assess the effects of different packaging materials (tin cans, light-colored glass jars, and dark-colored glass jars) and storage durations (initial, 6 months, and 12 months) on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of pine, flower, and thyme honey. Nine samples were collected to conduct study on the three different types of honey. Honey samples were packaged in these materials and analyzed at the start, after 6 months, and after 12 months. The results showed that the moisture, proline content, sugar, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were unaffected by honey type. Over time, there was a decrease in moisture, pH, proline content, diastase number, sugar, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant status (TAS), and catalase activity, alongside an increase in the electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, TOS, and OSI levels. The packaging type did not influence the moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, proline content, diastase number, sugar, HMF, TPC, TAS, TOS, OSI, or catalase activity levels. The findings suggest that storing pine, flower, and thyme honey in light- or dark-colored glass jars or tin cans for 12 months does not significantly impact these properties. However, given the reduction in TPC and TAS across all honey types and packaging methods after 12 months, further studies are needed to explore ways to maintain honey quality in this regard.
Process Modeling and Convective Drying Optimization of Raspberry Pomace as a Fiber-Rich Functional Ingredient: Effect on Techno-Functional and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Tejeda-Miramontes José P. , Espinoza-Paredes Brenda C. , Zatarain-Palffy Ana , García-Cayuela Tomás , Tejada-Ortigoza Viridiana , Garcia-Amezquita Luis Eduardo
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to transform raspberry pomace, a by-product of the berry industry, into a sustainable, fiber-rich functional ingredient using convective drying. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C to identify the optimal conditions that balance process efficiency and preservation of functional and bioactive properties. The best results were achieved at 70 °C, where a high drying rate (DR) of 0.46 kg H2O·kg−1 db·min−1, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of 1.53 × 10−10 m2·s−1, and activation energy (Ea) of 34.90 kJ·mol−1 were observed. The Page model accurately represented the drying behavior (R2 = 0.9965−0.9997). Total dietary fiber (TDF) content remained stable across temperatures (52.52–64.76 g·100 g−1 db), while soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 43.40%, resulting in a solubility (SOL) of 71.8%, water-holding capacity (WHC) of 8.2 mL·g−1 db, and oil-holding capacity (OHC) of 3.0 mL·g−1 db. High retention of bioactive compounds was achieved at 70 °C, including phenolics (32.10 mg GAE·g−1 db) and anthocyanins (25.84 mg C3G·g−1 db), resulting in significant antioxidant activities (DPPH: 33.29 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.016 mg·mL−1; ABTS: 35.85 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.029 mg·mL−1). These findings demonstrated the potential of convective drying at 70 °C to efficiently transform raspberry pomace into a high-quality functional ingredient. This process promotes sustainable production and waste reduction in the berry industry.
Balanced Fertilization Enhances the Nutritional Value and Flavor Profile of Tomato Fruits
Authors: Li Wangxiong , Zhang Yang , Tang Zhongqi , Wang Junwen , Wu Yue , Yu Jihua
Published: November 2024

The tomato is a key fruit in China. However, the drive to produce higher-quality tomatoes has resulted in fertilizer overuse, soil degradation, and environmental pollution in recent years. Therefore, investigating the effects of balanced fertilization on the nutritional and flavor qualities of tomato plants is crucial. This study applied four fertilizer treatments to assess their effects on sugar and acid contents, sugar-metabolism-related enzyme activity, nitrate levels, ascorbic acid, pigments, polyphenols, and volatiles, and we performed a correlation analysis. The results showed that balanced fertilization increased glucose and fructose contents by 45% and 31% compared to CK (conventional fertilizer), while tartaric, citric, acetic, malic, and shikimic acid contents were reduced by 59%, 27%, 22%, 26%, and 4%, respectively. Additionally, balanced fertilization increased the activities of sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), acid invertase (AI), and neutral invertase (NI) by 58%, 26%, 19%, and 35%, respectively, compared to CK (conventional fertilizer) and upregulated the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), neutral invertase (NI), sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) genes. Moreover, balanced fertilization significantly enhanced the polyphenol content, as well as the diversity and concentration of volatiles. Correlation analysis confirmed that sugar-metabolism-related enzymes and genes were positively correlated with sugar fractions and negatively correlated with the organic acid content. Principal components analysis demonstrated that the balanced fertilization treatment was distinct from the other treatments, and all polyphenols, except for caffeic acid, were positively associated with balanced fertilization.
Inactivation of Pichia membranaefaciens in Soybean Paste by Dual-Frequency and Moderate Thermosonication
Authors: Qian Jingya , Chen Shubei , Huo Shuhao , Wang Feng , Zou Bin , Zhou Cunshan , Zhang Lei , Ma Haile
Published: November 2024

Dual-frequency and moderate thermosonication (TS, 300 + 300 W, 20 + 40 kHz, 25~60 °C) was employed to inactivate Pichia membranifaciens in soybean paste. The aim was to evaluate the effect of TS on the inactivation of P. membranaefaciens and on the quality of soybean paste. The Weibull model fitted the survival data of P. membranaefaciens in thermosonicated soybean paste well and a decrease of 5 log of P. membranaefaciens in soybean paste was obtained at TS50°C, TS55°C, TS60°C, and T65°C for 15.41, 7.49, 2.27, and 18.61 min. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed TS50°C damaged the cell structure, leading to the leakage of intracellular contents. The physicochemical properties of soybean paste treated by TS were more retained than in paste treated by heat. The GC-MS analysis indicated that the flavor components had increased after TS treatment, especially at TS50°C. In conclusion, TS can inactive P. membranaefaciens in soybean paste without causing significant changes in its physicochemical and flavor qualities.