bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coverage Strategy for Target Location in Marine Environments Using Fixed-Wing UAVs
Authors: Muñoz Javier , López Blanca , Quevedo Fernando , Monje Concepción A. , Garrido Santiago , Moreno Luis E.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a coverage method for the search of lost targets or debris on the ocean surface. The OSCAR data set is used to determine the marine currents and the differential evolution genetic filter is used to optimize the sweep direction of the lawnmower coverage and get the sweep angle for the maximum probability of containment. The position of the target is determined by a particle filter, where the particles are moved by the ocean currents and the final probabilistic distribution is obtained by fitting the particle positions to a Gaussian probability distribution. The differential evolution algorithm is then used to optimize the sweep direction that covers the highest probability of containment cells before the less probable ones. The algorithm is tested with a variety of parameters of the differential evolution algorithm and compared to other popular optimization algorithms.
A New Variational Bayesian-Based Kalman Filter with Unknown Time-Varying Measurement Loss Probability and Non-Stationary Heavy-Tailed Measurement Noise
Authors: Shan Chenghao , Zhou Weidong , Yang Yefeng , Shan Hanyu
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new variational Bayesian-based Kalman filter (KF) is presented to solve the filtering problem for a linear system with unknown time-varying measurement loss probability (UTVMLP) and non-stationary heavy-tailed measurement noise (NSHTMN). Firstly, the NSHTMN was modelled as a Gaussian-Student’s t-mixture distribution via employing a Bernoulli random variable (BM). Secondly, by utilizing another Bernoulli random variable (BL), the form of the likelihood function consisting of two mixture distributions was converted from a weight sum to an exponential product and a new hierarchical Gaussian state-space model was therefore established. Finally, the system state vector, BM, BL, the intermediate random variables, the mixing probability, and the UTVMLP were jointly inferred by employing the variational Bayesian technique. Simulation results revealed that in the scenario of NSHTMN, the proposed filter had a better performance than current algorithms and further improved the estimation accuracy of UTVMLP.
Numerical Prediction of Two-Phase Flow through a Tube Bundle Based on Reduced-Order Model and a Void Fraction Correlation
Authors: Dubot Claire , Allery Cyrille , Melot Vincent , Béghein Claudine , Oulghelou Mourad , Bonneau Clément
Published: October 2021

Predicting the void fraction of a two-phase flow outside of tubes is essential to evaluate the thermohydraulic behaviour in steam generators. Indeed, it determines two-phase mixture properties and affects two-phase mixture velocity, which enable evaluating the pressure drop of the system. The two-fluid model for the numerical simulation of two-phase flows requires interaction laws between phases which are not known and/or reliable for a flow within a tube bundle. Therefore, the mixture model, for which it is easier to implement suitable correlations for tube bundles, is used. Indeed, by expressing the relative velocity as a function of slip, the void fraction model of Feenstra et al. and Hibiki et al. developed for upward cross-flow through horizontal tube bundles is introduced and compared. With the method suggested in this paper, the physical phenomena that occur in tube bundles are taken into consideration. Moreover, the tube bundle is modelled using a porous media approach where the Darcy–Forchheimer term is usually defined by correlations found in the literature. However, for some tube bundle geometries, these correlations are not available. The second goal of the paper is to quickly compute, in quasi-real-time, this term by a non-intrusive parametric reduced model based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition. This method, named Bi-CITSGM (Bi-Calibrated Interpolation on the Tangent Subspace of the Grassmann Manifold), consists in interpolating the spatial and temporal bases by ITSGM (Interpolation on the Tangent Subspace of the Grassmann Manifold) in order to define the solution for a new parameter. The two developed methods are validated based on the experimental results obtained by Dowlati et al. for a two-phase cross-flow through a horizontal tube bundle.
Semantic Reference Model for Individualization of Information Processes in IoT Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Mouromtsev Dmitry
Published: October 2021

The individualization of information processes based on artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the context of industrial tasks, requires new, hybrid approaches to process modeling that take into account the novel methods and technologies both in the field of semantic representation of knowledge and machine learning. The combination of both AI techniques imposes several requirements and restrictions on the types of data and object properties and the structure of ontologies for data and knowledge representation about processes. The conceptual reference model for effective individualization of information processes (IIP CRM) proposed in this work considers these requirements and restrictions. This model is based on such well-known standard upper ontologies as BFO, GFO and MASON. Evaluation of the proposed model is done on a practical use case in the field of precise agriculture where IoT-enabled processes are widely used. It is shown that IIP CRM allows the construction of a knowledge graph about processes that are surrounded by unstructured data in soft and heterogeneous domains. CRM also provides the ability to answer specific questions in the domain using queries written with the CRM vocabulary, which makes it easier to develop applications based on knowledge graphs.
Optimal Beamforming for IRS-Assisted SWIPT System with an Energy-Harvesting Eavesdropper
Authors: Deng Zhixiang , Pan Yan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system aided by the intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) technology, where an AP transmits confidential information to the legitimate information receiver (IR) in the presence of an energy harvesting (EH) receiver that could be a potential eavesdropper. We aim to maximize the secrecy rate at the legitimate IR by jointly optimizing the information beamforming vector and the energy transfer beamforming vector at the access point (AP), and the phase shift matrix at the IRS, subject to the minimum harvested power required by the EH receiver. The semi-definite relaxation (SDR) approach and the alternating optimization (AO) method are proposed to convert the original non-convex optimization problem to a series of semi-definite programs (SDPs), which are solved iteratively. Numerical results show that the achievable secrecy rate of the proposed IRS-assisted SWIPT system is higher than that of the SWIPT system without the assistance of the IRS.
Self-Detection of Early Breast Cancer Application with Infrared Camera and Deep Learning
Authors: Al Husaini Mohammed Abdulla Salim , Hadi Habaebi Mohamed , Gunawan Teddy Surya , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women around the world. A new tool has been adopted based on thermal imaging, deep convolutional networks, health applications on smartphones, and cloud computing for early detection of breast cancer. The development of the smart app included the use of Mastology Research with the Infrared Image DMR-IR database and the training of the modified version of deep convolutional neural network model inception V4 (MV4). In addition to designing the application in a graphical user interface and linking it with the AirDroid application to send thermal images from the smartphone to the cloud and to retrieve the suggestive diagnostic result from the cloud server to the smartphone. Moreover, to verify the proper operation of the app, a set of thermal images was sent from the smartphone to the cloud server from different distances and image acquisition procedures to verify the quality of the images. Four effects on the thermal image were applied: Blur, Shaken, Tilted, and Flipping were added to the images to verify the detection accuracy. After conducting repeated experiments, the classification results of early detection of breast cancer, generated from the MV4, illustrated high accuracy performance. The response time achieved after the successful transfer of diagnostic results from the smartphone to the cloud and back to the smartphone via the AirDroid application is six seconds. The results show that the quality of thermal images did not affect by different distances and methods except in one method when compressing thermal images by 5%, 15%, and 26%. The results indicate 1% as maximum detection accuracy when compressing thermal images by 5%, 15%, and 26%. In addition, the results indicate detection accuracy increased in Blurry images and Shaken images by 0.0002%, while diagnostic accuracy decreased to nearly 11% in Tilted images. Early detection of breast cancer using a thermal camera, deep convolutional neural network, cloud computing, and health applications of smartphones are valuable and reliable complementary tools for radiologists to reduce mortality rates.
3D Face Recognition Based on an Attention Mechanism and Sparse Loss Function
Authors: Zou Hongyan , Sun Xinyan
Published: October 2021

Face recognition is one of the essential applications in computer vision, while current face recognition technology is mainly based on 2D images without depth information, which are easily affected by illumination and facial expressions. This paper presents a fast face recognition algorithm combining 3D point cloud face data with deep learning, focusing on key part of face for recognition with an attention mechanism, and reducing the coding space by the sparse loss function. First, an attention mechanism-based convolutional neural network was constructed to extract facial features to avoid expressions and illumination interference. Second, a Siamese network was trained with a sparse loss function to minimize the face coding space and enhance the separability of the face features. With the FRGC face dataset, the experimental results show that the proposed method could achieve the recognition accuracy of 95.33%.
SPSO Based Optimal Integration of DGs in Local Distribution Systems under Extreme Load Growth for Smart Cities
Authors: Rizwan Mian , Waseem Muhammad , Liaqat Rehan , Sajjad Intisar Ali , Dampage Udaya , Salmen Saleh H. , Obaid Sami Al , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Annuk Andres
Published: October 2021

Renewable energy-based distributed generators (DGs) are gaining more penetration in modern grids to meet the growing demand for electrical energy. The anticipated techno-economic benefits of these eco-friendly resources require their judicious and properly sized allocation in distribution networks (DNs). The preeminent objective of this research is to determine the sizing and optimal placing of DGs in the condensed DN of a smart city. The placing and sizing problem is modeled as an optimization problem to reduce the distribution loss without violating the technical constraints. The formulated model is solved for a radial distribution system with a non-uniformly distributed load utilizing the selective particle swarm optimization (SPSO) algorithm. The intended technique decreases the power loss and perfects the voltage profile at the system’s nodes. MATLAB is used for the simulation, and the obtained results are also validated by the Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP). Results show that placing optimally sized DGs at optimal system nodes offers a considerable decline in power loss with an improved voltage profile at the network’s nodes. Distribution system operators can utilize the proposed technique to realize the reliable operation of overloaded urban networks.
Three-Port Series-Resonant DC/DC Converter for Automotive Charging Applications
Authors: Schäfer Jannik , Kolar Johann Walter
Published: October 2021

In the energy distribution grid of electric vehicles (EVs), multiple different voltage potentials need to be interconnected, to allow arbitrary power flow between the various energy sources and the different electrical loads. However, between the different potentials, galvanic isolation is absolutely necessary, either due to safety reasons and/or due to different grounding schemes. This paper presents an isolated three-port DC/DC converter topology, which, in combination with an upstream PFC rectifier, can be used as combined EV charger for interconnecting the single-phase AC mains, the high-voltage (HV) battery and the low-voltage (LV) bus in EVs. The proposed topology comprises two synergetically controlled and magnetically coupled converter parts, namely, a series-resonant converter between the PFC-sided DC-link capacitor and the HV battery, as well as a phase-shifted full-bridge circuit equivalent in the LV port, and is mainly characterized by simplicity in terms of control and circuit complexity. For this converter, a simple soft switching modulation scheme is proposed and comprehensively analyzed, in consideration of all parasitic components of a real converter implementation. Based on this analysis, the design of a 3.6 kW, 500 V/500 V/15 V prototype is discussed, striving for the highest possible power density and as low as possible manufacturing costs, by using PCB-integrated windings for all magnetic components. The hardware demonstrator achieves a measured full-load efficiency in charge mode of 96.5% for nominal operating conditions and a power density of 16.4  kWL−1.
Effect of HPT on the First Hydrogenation of LaNi5 Metal Hydride
Authors: Strozi Renato Belli , Ivanisenko Julia , Koudriachova Natalia , Huot Jacques
Published: October 2021

This paper reports the effect of high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the first hydrogenation of LaNi5. We found that, for loose powder, reduction of particle size has an effect of increasing the incubation time and decreasing the hydrogen capacity. A higher amount of HPT turns only marginally reduce the incubation time but has no effect on hydrogen capacity. In all cases, the first dehydrogenation and subsequent hydrogenation have the same kinetics, irrespective of the particle size or number of HPT turns. Therefore, for LaNi5, HPT has a beneficial effect only for the first hydrogenation.
Barriers to Success: A Technical Review on the Limits and Possible Future Roles of Small Scale Gasifiers
Authors: Allesina Giulio , Pedrazzi Simone
Published: October 2021

Literature and manuals refer to biomass gasification as one of the most efficient processes for power generation, highlighting features, such as residual biomass use, distributed generation and carbon sequestration, that perfectly incorporate gasification into circular economies and sustainable development goals. Despite these features, small scale applications struggle to succeed as a leading solution for sustainable development. The aim of this review is to investigate the existing technological barriers that limit the spreading of biomass gasification from a socio-technical point of view. The review outlines how existing technologies originated from under feed-in-tariff regimes and highlights where the current design goals strongly differ from what will be needed in the near future. Relevant market-ready small-scale gasification systems are analyzed under this lens, leading to an analysis of the reactor and filtration design. To help understand the economical sustainability of these plants, an analysis of the influence of capital expenditures and operating expenditures on the return of investment is included in the discussion. Finally, a literature review on prototypes and pre-market reactors is used as a basis for spotting the characteristics of the system that will likely resolve issues around fuel flexibility, cost efficiency and load variability.
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Ammonia-Based Electricity
Authors: Boero Andrea J. , Kardux Kevin , Kovaleva Marina , Salas Daniel A. , Mooijer Jacco , Mashruk Syed , Townsend Michael , Rouwenhorst Kevin , Valera-Medina Agustin , Ramirez Angel D.
Published: October 2021

In recent years, several researchers have studied the potential use of ammonia (NH3) as an energy vector, focused on the techno-economic advantages and challenges for full global deployment. The use of ammonia as fuel is seen as a strategy to support decarbonization; however, to confirm the sustainability of the shift to ammonia as fuel in thermal engines, a study of the environmental profile is needed. This paper aims to assess the environmental life cycle impacts of ammonia-based electricity generated in a combined heat and power cycle for different ammonia production pathways. A cradle-to-gate assessment was developed for both ammonia production and ammonia-based electricity generation. The results show that electrolysis-based ammonia from renewable and nuclear energy have a better profile in terms of global warming potential (0.09–0.70 t CO2-eq/t NH3), fossil depletion potential (3.62–213.56 kg oil-eq/t NH3), and ozone depletion potential (0.001–0.082 g CFC-11-eq/t NH3). In addition, surplus heat for district or industrial applications offsets some of the environmental burden, such as a more than 29% reduction in carbon footprint. In general, ammonia-based combined heat and power production presents a favorable environmental profile, for example, the carbon footprint ranges from −0.480 to 0.003 kg CO2-eq/kWh.
Performance Estimation Modeling via Machine Learning of an Agrophotovoltaic System in South Korea
Authors: Kim Sojung , Kim Sumin
Published: October 2021

The Agrophotovoltaic (APV) system is a novel concept in the field of Renewable Energy Systems. This system enables the generation of solar energy via photo-voltaic (PV) modules above crops, to mitigate harmful impact on food production. This study aims to develop a performance evaluation model for an APV system in a temperate climate region, such as South Korea. To this end, both traditional electricity generation models (solar radiation-based model and climate-based model) of PV modules and two major machine learning (ML) techniques (i.e., polynomial regression and deep learning) have been considered. Electricity generation data was collected via remote sensors installed in the APV system at Jeollanam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services in South Korea. Moreover, economic analysis in terms of cost and benefit of the subject APV system was conducted to provide information about the return on investment to farmers and government agencies. As a result, farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers can easily estimate performance and profit of their APV systems via the proposed performance model.
Switched Optimal Control of a Heavy-Duty Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Abotabik Muataz , Meyer Richard T.
Published: October 2021

This work investigates the fuel energy and emission reductions possible with the hybridization of a Class 8 tractor-trailer. The truck tractor has two drive axles: one powered by an internal-combustion-engine-based powertrain (CP) and the other powered by an electric powertrain (EP) consisting of an electric drive system supplied by a battery pack, resulting in a through-the-road hybrid. The EP has two modes of operation depending on the direction of power flow: motoring/battery discharging and generating/battery recharging. Switched optimal control is used to select between the two modes of EP operation, and a recently developed distributed switched optimal control is applied. The control is distributed between the CP, the EP, and the vehicle motion operation components. Control-oriented, component-specific power flow models are set forth to describe the dynamics and algebraic relationships. Four different tractor-trailers are simulated: the original CP and three hybrids with engine sizes of 15 L, 11 L, and 7 L. Simulations are performed over a short test cycle and two regulatory driving cycles to compare the fuel use, total energy, and emissions. Results show that the hybrids have reduced fuel use, total energy, and emissions compared to the original CP; the reductions and reference velocity tracking error increases as the engine size is decreased. Particularly, fuel use is reduced by at least 4.1% under a charge sustaining operation and by 9.8% when the battery energy can be restored with an off-board charger at the end of the cycle.
The Potential and Need to Implement the New Concept of Social Innovation into the Management Practice of Modern Energy Companies
Authors: Pabian Aleksander , Bilińska-Reformat Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

The research results presented in the paper show that it is important that not only state institutions and foundations but also energy companies engage in solving environmental problems by introducing specific social innovations. This need results primarily from the fact that in the environment of energy enterprises, problems of a social nature as well as those related to ecology are observed. The occurrence of social and environmental problems is related to the fact that the solutions developed so far to eliminate them are not fully effective, and the currently functioning political and economic systems as well as financial mechanisms do not sufficiently support the interests of society members and the biological systems of the planet. Hence, people constituting a layer of the social environment of energy companies also expect support from them, in the elimination of specific problems. It appears that the active participation of energy enterprises in counteracting or eliminating social and environmental issues may result in an increase in the economic efficiency of their management systems. Therefore, the benefits may concern not only the environment in which these companies operate, but also the companies themselves.
DC-Link Capacitor Diagnosis in a Single-Phase Grid-Connected PV System
Authors: Plazas-Rosas Ramiro Alejandro , Orozco-Gutierrez Martha Lucia , Spagnuolo Giovanni , Franco-Mejía Édinson , Petrone Giovanni
Published: October 2021

The DC-link capacitor is one of the components that are more prone to faults in energy-distributed systems based on voltage source inverters. A predictive maintenance approach should allow to foresee the risk of an unexpected system shutdown. In this study, a two-stage diagnostic approach that is aimed at determining the health status of the DC-link capacitor in a single-phase grid-connected PV system was proposed. The equivalent series resistance (ESR) and the capacitance (C) values were used as indicators in the estimation of the degradation stage. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to estimate the impedance curve of the DC-link capacitor, and a multi-fitting algorithm allowed us to determine the ESR and C parameters. A comparison between the estimated values C and ESR and the nominal values was used to quantify the fault severity. It was demonstrated that the EIS allowed the determination of the capacitor impedance regardless of the actual operating conditions of the photovoltaic generator, such as during irradiance changes and with the maximum power point algorithm turned off. By using the capacitor simplified model and a multi-fitting algorithm, the C and ESR values were estimated with an error that was lower than 1%. An analysis of the hardware required to implement the proposed approach in real applications by achieving the desired accuracy was also proposed.
A Note on Forecasting the Historical Realized Variance of Oil-Price Movements: The Role of Gold-to-Silver and Gold-to-Platinum Price Ratios
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: October 2021

We examine the predictive value of gold-to-silver and gold-to-platinum price ratios, as proxies for global risks affecting the realized variance (RV) of oil-price movements, using monthly data over the longest available periods of 1915:01–2021:03 and 1968:01–2021:03, respectively. Using the two ratios, we find statistically significant evidence of in-sample predictability for increases in RV for both ratios. This finding also translates into statistically significant out-of-sample forecasting gains derived from these two ratios for RV. Given the importance of real-time forecasts of the volatility of oil-price movements, our results have important implications for investors and policymakers.
Effects of Strip Roads in a Pine Tree Stand (Pinus sylvestris L.) on the Diameter Growth and Pith Eccentricity of Trees Growing along Them
Authors: Stempski Włodzimierz , Jabłoński Krzysztof , Jakubowski Jakub
Published: October 2021

Although skid roads are more and more commonly used in Poland, they are still quite often criticised due to a certain loss of wood volume and the impact on edge trees. In this context, the results of the research described in this article can be used as a substantive contribution to discussions about strip roads. Research was carried out in a 42-year-old pine tree stand (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the Notecka Forest, where thinning had been performed and 2.5 and 3.5 m wide strip roads had been cut 10 years before. The analysis comprised two five-year periods recording diameter growth and pith eccentricity in trees growing at the distance zones of 0–1 m (adjacent trees), 2–4 m and 8–10 m (the control) away from the strip roads. The differences in growth and eccentricity between the different distance zones as well as the frequency of pith eccentricity in the N-W, S-W, N-E and S-E directions were assessed, related to the distance from the strip road and the measurement height. The measurements of the analysed traits were conducted on wood discs cut from the centres of two-metre-long sections on sample trees (12 trees in each distance zone). The trees growing directly beside the strip roads were statistically significantly thicker than those growing 8–10 m away, and in the case of the trees beside the narrower strip roads, in the second 5-year period, they were also thicker than the trees from the 2–4 m distance zone. The effect of the wider strip roads in the first growth period was also significant for the trees growing 3 m away from the strip road (their growth in this period was significantly greater than that of trees in the control zone). The research into tree-pith eccentricity showed no differences due to relative distance from the strip road. Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship between the distance of trees from the strip road, measurement height and frequency of tree-pith eccentricity to the N-W and S-W were found.
Production of New Isoflavone Diglucosides from Glycosylation of 8-Hydroxydaidzein by Deinococcus geothermalis Amylosucrase
Authors: Chiang Chien-Min , Wang Tzi-Yuan , Wu Jiumn-Yih , Zhang Yun-Rong , Lin Shu-Yuan , Chang Te-Sheng
Published: October 2021

8-Hydroxydaidzein (8-OHDe) is a non-natural isoflavone polyphenol isolated from fermented soybean foods. 8-OHDe exhibits a wide range of pharmaceutical activities. However, both the poor solubility and instability of 8-OHDe limit its applications. To resolve the limitations of 8-OHDe, Deinococcus geothermalis amylosucrase (DgAS) has previously been used to glycosylate 8-OHDe to produce soluble and stable 8-OHDe-7-O-α-glucopyranoside (8-OHDe-7-G) in a 0.5 h reaction time. In this study, we aimed to use DgAS and an extended reaction time to produce 8-OHDe diglucosides. At least three 8-OHDe derivatives were produced after a 24 h reaction time, and two major products were successfully purified and identified as new compounds: 8-OHDe-7-O-[α-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-α-glucopyranoside] (8-OHDe-7-G2) and 8-OHDe-7,4′-O-α-diglucopyranoside (8-OHDe-7-G-4′-G). 8-OHDe-7-G-4′-G showed a 4619-fold greater aqueous solubility than 8-OHDe. In addition, over 92% of the 8-OHDe diglucosides were stable after 96 h, while only 10% of the 8-OHDe could be detected after being subjected to the same conditions. The two stable 8-OHDe diglucoside derivatives have the potential for pharmacological usage in the future.
Reconstruction of the Spring Hill Wildfire and Exploration of Alternate Management Scenarios Using QUIC-Fire
Authors: Gallagher Michael R. , Cope Zachary , Giron Daniel Rosales , Skowronski Nicholas S. , Raynor Trevor , Gerber Thomas , Linn Rodman R. , Hiers John Kevin
Published: October 2021

New physics-based fire behavior models are poised to revolutionize wildland fire planning and training; however, model testing against field conditions remains limited. We tested the ability of QUIC-Fire, a fast-running and computationally inexpensive physics-based fire behavior model to numerically reconstruct a large wildfire that burned in a fire-excluded area within the New York–Philadelphia metropolitan area in 2019. We then used QUIC-Fire as a tool to explore how alternate hypothetical management scenarios, such as prescribed burning, could have affected fire behavior. The results of our reconstruction provide a strong demonstration of how QUIC-Fire can be used to simulate actual wildfire scenarios with the integration of local weather and fuel information, as well as to efficiently explore how fire management can influence fire behavior in specific burn units. Our results illustrate how both reductions of fuel load and specific modification of fuel structure associated with frequent prescribed fire are critical to reducing fire intensity and size. We discuss how simulations such as this can be important in planning and training tools for wildland firefighters, and for avenues of future research and fuel monitoring that can accelerate the incorporation of models like QUIC-Fire into fire management strategies.
Nondestructive Monitoring of Soft Bottom Fish and Habitats Using a Standardized, Remote and Unbaited 360° Video Sampling Method
Authors: Mallet Delphine , Olivry Marion , Ighiouer Sophia , Kulbicki Michel , Wantiez Laurent
Published: October 2021

Lagoon soft-bottoms are key habitats within coral reef seascapes. Coral reef fish use these habitats as nurseries, feeding grounds and transit areas. At present, most soft-bottom sampling methods are destructive (trawling, longlining, hook and line). We developed a remote, unbaited 360° video sampling method (RUV360) to monitor fish species assemblages in soft bottoms. A low-cost, high-definition camera enclosed in a waterproof housing and fixed on a tripod was set on the sea floor in New Caledonia from a boat. Then, 534 videos were recorded to assess the efficiency of the RUV360. The technique was successful in sampling bare soft-bottoms, seagrass beds, macroalgae meadows and mixed soft-bottoms. It is easy to use and particularly efficient, i.e., 88% of the stations were sampled successfully. We observed 10,007 fish belonging to 172 species, including 45 species targeted by fishermen in New Caledonia, as well as many key species. The results are consistent with the known characteristics of the lagoon soft bottom fish assemblages of New Caledonia. We provide future users with general recommendations and reference plots to estimate the proportion of the theoretical total species richness sampled, according to the number of stations or the duration of the footage.
Bootstrap Resampling of Temporal Dominance of Sensations Curves to Compute Uncertainties
Authors: Okamoto Shogo
Published: October 2021

In the last decade, temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) methods have proven to be potent approaches in the field of food sciences. Accordingly, thus far, methods for analyzing TDS curves, which are the major outputs of TDS methods, have been developed. This study proposes a method of bootstrap resampling for TDS tasks. The proposed method enables the production of random TDS curves to estimate the uncertainties, that is, the 95% confidence interval and standard error of the curves. Based on Monte Carlo simulation studies, the estimated uncertainties are considered valid and match those estimated by approximated normal distributions with the number of independent TDS tasks or samples being 50–100 or greater. The proposed resampling method enables researchers to apply statistical analyses and machine-learning approaches that require a large sample size of TDS curves.
Bioactive Compounds, Sugars, and Sensory Attributes of Organic and Conventionally Produced Courgette (Cucurbita pepo)
Authors: Kopczyńska Klaudia , Średnicka-Tober Dominika , Hallmann Ewelina , Wilczak Jacek , Wasiak-Zys Grażyna , Wyszyński Zdzisław , Kucińska Katarzyna , Perzanowska Aneta , Szacki Paweł , Barański Marcin , Gawron Paulina , Góralska-Walczak Rita , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Kazimierczak Renata
Published: October 2021

Organic agriculture is considered one of the elements of sustainable food production and consumption, mainly due to its limited impact on the natural environment. At the same time, the quality features of organically produced foods, especially sensory attributes and health promoting values, are important factors determining consumers’ interest, and therefore play a key role in the organic sector’s development. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensory characteristics and concentrations of sugars and selected health-promoting bioactive compounds of organic courgette compared to conventionally grown courgette. In addition, untargeted metabolomic analysis of the courgette fruits was performed. The results of this study did not show a significant effect of the horticultural system (organic vs. conventional) on the concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and chlorophylls in the courgette fruits. However, the fruits from the organic systems were significantly richer in sugars when compared to the conventionally cultivated ones (p = 0.038). Moreover, the organic fruits fertilized with manure contained significantly higher amounts of polyphenols, including gallic acid (p = 0.016), chlorogenic acid (p = 0.012), ferulic acid (p = 0.019), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (p = 0.020) compared to the conventional fruits. The untargeted analysis detected features significantly differentiating courgette fruits depending on the cultivar and horticultural system. Some significant differences in sensory values were also identified between fruits representing the two cultivars and coming from the horticultural systems compared in the study. Conventional courgettes were characterized by the most intensive peel color and aquosity, but at the same time were the least hard and firm compared to the fruits from the two organic systems. There was also a trend towards higher overall quality of the organically grown fruits. The presented study shows that the organic and conventional courgette fruits differ in a number of quality features which can influence consumers’ health and purchasing choices.
Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Pigments of Mediterranean Herbs and Spices as Affected by Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Cvitković Daniela , Lisica Patricija , Zorić Zoran , Repajić Maja , Pedisić Sandra , Dragović-Uzelac Verica , Balbino Sandra
Published: October 2021

This study examined the composition and properties of chlorophyll and carotenoid extracted from the leaves of several Mediterranean evergreen shrubs and subshrubs (Myrtus communis L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Thymus vulgaris L., Salvia officinalis L. and Laurus nobilis L.) commonly used as herbs and spices. In order to fully assess their composition over a wide polarity range, pigments were extracted by successive solvent extraction with hexane, 80% acetone and 96% ethanol. Agitation-assisted extraction (AAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were employed and compared regarding their effect on the pigments’ yield and composition. Individual chlorophylls and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, while the content of total pigments and the extracts’ antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically. Throughout the experiments, pheophytin a, b and b’ were dominant chlorophyll molecules, while lutein and β-carotene were dominant carotenoids. Overall, the extracted pigments were determined as being in the range of 73.84–127.60 mg 100 g−1 and were the lowest in T. vulgaris, with no significant differences between other species. M. communis and P. lentiscus had the highest antioxidant capacities, showing a moderate positive correlation with carotenoid and chlorophyll levels. Significant differences were found in the levels of individual pigments with most of them showing a medium level of polarity due to the dissolution in acetone as a medium polar solvent. AAE and PLE demonstrated similar efficacy in the extraction of both carotenoids and chlorophylls; however, preference can be given to PLE, being a novel method with numerous advantages, e.g., shorter extraction time and lower solvent consumption. The examined plant species certainly expressed great diversity and showed the potential for application in the production of various functional products.
Polysaccharide from Patinopecten yessoensis Skirt Boosts Immune Response via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Li Ying , Qin Juan , Cheng Yinghui , Ai Yuqing , Han Zhiyi , Li Meng , Qi Yanxia , Zhao Qiancheng , Li Zhibo
Published: October 2021

Polysaccharide from marine shellfish has various bioactivities. In this study, the effects of polysaccharide from Patinopecten yessoensis skirt (PS) on boosting immune response in mice were evaluated, and the potential mechanisms were explored. The results showed that PS administration effectively increased the serum IgG and IgM levels, implying that PS had immune response-boosting properties. Moreover, PS administration could modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, and significantly improve short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) metabolism, especially butyrate metabolism. Of note, the expression of the Tlr2, Tlr7, MyD88, Tnfa, and Il1b genes in toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was significantly increased. In summary, PS could boost immune response by modulating the gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism correlating with the activation of the TLR signaling pathway. Therefore, PS can be developed as a special ingredient for functional product.
The Genetic Architecture of Milling Quality in Spring Oat Lines of the Collaborative Oat Research Enterprise
Authors: Esvelt Klos Kathy , Yimer Belayneh A. , Howarth Catherine J. , McMullen Michael S. , Sorrells Mark E. , Tinker Nicholas A. , Yan Weikai , Beattie Aaron D.
Published: October 2021

Most oat grains destined for human consumption must possess the ability to pass through an industrial de-hulling process with minimal breakage and waste. Uniform grain size and a high groat to hull ratio are desirable traits related to milling performance. The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic architecture of traits related to milling quality by identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to variation among a diverse collection of elite and foundational spring oat lines important to North American oat breeding programs. A total of 501 lines from the Collaborative Oat Research Enterprise (CORE) panel were evaluated for genome-wide association with 6 key milling traits. Traits were evaluated in 13 location years. Associations for 36,315 markers were evaluated for trait means across and within location years, as well as trait variance across location years, which was used to assess trait stability. Fifty-seven QTL influencing one or more of the milling quality related traits were identified, with fourteen QTL mapped influencing mean and variance across location years. The most prominent QTL was Qkernel.CORE.4D on chromosome 4D at approximately 212 cM, which influenced the mean levels of all traits. QTL were identified that influenced trait variance but not mean, trait mean only and both.
Role of Ascorbic Acid in the Extraction and Quantification of Potato Polyphenol Oxidase Activity
Authors: Jiang Shu , Penner Michael H.
Published: October 2021

The ability to accurately measure the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in complex matrices is essential. A problem encountered when using spectrophotometric methods is interference due to ascorbic acid (AA), often used as an enzyme “protecting agent” during PPO extraction. This study focuses on the nature of AA’s effect on spectrophotometric determinations of PPO activity as well as enzyme extraction. Potato extracts and semi-purified PPO were used as enzyme sources. The inactivation of PPO attributed to AA is substrate-mediated. The extent of AA-dependent inactivation of PPO in model systems varied between substrates. AA only slows mechanism-based inactivation of PPO induced by catechol, possibly owing to the prevention of quinone formation. AA minimally protects PPO activity during enzyme extraction. The problem associated with AA in PPO assay could be circumvented by using ascorbate oxidase to remove AA when catechol is the primary substrate or by using chlorogenic acid as the primary substrate.
Solving a Higher-Dimensional Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation via the Fractional Reduced Differential Transform Method
Authors: Abuasad Salah , Alshammari Saleh , Al-rabtah Adil , Hashim Ishak
Published: October 2021

In this study, exact and approximate solutions of higher-dimensional time-fractional diffusion equations were obtained using a relatively new method, the fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM). The exact solutions can be found with the benefit of a special function, and we applied Caputo fractional derivatives in this method. The numerical results and graphical representations specified that the proposed method is very effective for solving fractional diffusion equations in higher dimensions.
Uniqueness for Inverse Source Problems of Determining a Space-Dependent Source in Time-Fractional Equations with Non-Smooth Solutions
Authors: Van Bockstal Karel
Published: October 2021

In this contribution, we investigate an inverse source problem for a fractional diffusion and wave equation with the Caputo fractional derivative of the space-dependent variable order. More specifically, we discuss the uniqueness of a solution when reconstructing a space-dependent source from a time-averaged measurement, or a final in time measurement. Weakly singular solutions are included in the class of admissible solutions. The obtained results are also valid if the order of the fractional derivative is constant.
The Origin of Radio Emission in Black Hole X-ray Binaries
Authors: Liu Xiang , Chang Ning , Wang Xin , Yuan Qi
Published: October 2021

We studied the relation of accretion-jet power and disk luminosity, especially the jet efficiencies and disk radiative efficiencies for different accretion disks as well as black hole (BH) spin, in order to explore the origin of radio emission in black hole X-ray binaries (BHXBs). We found that jet efficiency increases more rapidly (efficient) than the nearly constant disk radiative efficiency for thin disk component in high accretion regime, which could account for the steep track (μ>1) in the observed radio and X-ray luminosity relations (LR∝LXμ), but the thin disk component may not be able to explain the standard track (μ≈0.6) in the BHXBs. For hot accretion flows (HAF), the resulting jet efficiency changes along with the large range of accretions from quiescent state to nearly Eddington state, which could account for the standard track in the BHXBs. The BH spin-jet is discussed for the magnetic arrested disk (MAD) state; in this state, the spin-jet power might contribute to a linear correlation between jet power and mass accretion rate for a given source. More accurate observations are required to test the results.
Safety of Total Knee Arthroplasty without Using a Tourniquet in Elderly Patients
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Kosugi Masahide , Sasaki Shin , Okazaki Ken
Published: October 2021

This study retrospectively compared the perioperative bleeding, hemodynamics, and clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed with and without a tourniquet between two age groups. We grouped 103 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA based on age at surgery: <76 years and ≥76 years. Tourniquet was used for TKA until March 2010 and stopped thereafter; hence, the patients were further classified according to TKA performed with or without a tourniquet. The differences in the operation time; perioperative bleeding; estimated bleeding; and hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels immediately, 1 day, and 7 days postoperatively were evaluated. The clinical outcomes for range of motion, and Knee Society Knee Scores preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively were assessed. Operation time was longer in the ≥76-year-old non-tourniquet group. No difference was observed in estimated bleeding among the groups. Changes in the Hb and Ht levels at postoperative days 1 and 7 were negatively correlated with age but were not different for TKA performed with or without a tourniquet in the ≥76-year-old-patient group. There were no differences in clinical outcomes among the groups. TKA can be performed with or without a tourniquet in patients aged ≥ 76 years with careful assessment of postoperative anemia.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Have We Addressed Concerns and Needs of the Target Population?
Authors: Tran Thuy Ngan , Ferrari Allegra , Hoeck Sarah , Peeters Marc , Van Hal Guido
Published: October 2021

Despite the recognized benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, uptake is still suboptimal in many countries. In addressing this issue, one important element that has not received sufficient attention is population preference. Our review provides a comprehensive summary of the up-to-date evidence relative to this topic. Four OVID databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE® ALL, Biological Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, and Global Health. Among the 742 articles generated, 154 full texts were selected for a more thorough evaluation based on predefined inclusion criteria. Finally, 83 studies were included in our review. The general population preferred either colonoscopy as the most accurate test, or fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as the least invasive for CRC screening. The emerging blood test (SEPT9) and capsule colonoscopy (nanopill), with the potential to overcome the pitfalls of the available techniques, were also favored. Gender, age, race, screening experience, education and beliefs, the perceived risk of CRC, insurance, and health status influence one’s test preference. To improve uptake, CRC screening programs should consider offering test alternatives and tailoring the content and delivery of screening information to the public’s preferences. Other logistical measures in terms of the types of bowel preparation, gender of endoscopist, stool collection device, and reward for participants can also be useful.