bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Compact Transformer-Based E-Band CMOS Power Amplifier with Enhanced Efficiencies of 15.6% PAE1dB and 6.5% PAE at 6 dB Power Back-Off
Authors: Wei Zhennan , Huang Fengyi , Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a compact E-band power amplifier (PA) implemented in a 40 nm CMOS process. The neutralization technique is adopted to improve reverse isolation, stability and power gain. The linearity of the PA is improved by operating the output stage in the deep class-AB region. Transformer-based matching networks (TMNs) are used for impedance transformation, and optimized for output power and efficiency. At 81 GHz, the presented PA achieves a maximum output 1 dB compressed power (P1dB) of 11.2 dBm and a saturated output power (Psat) of 12.7 dBm with 1 V supply. The power-added efficiencies at P1dB (PAE1dB) and 6 dB power back-off (PBO) are 15.6% and 6.5%, respectively.
Decision Making for Self-Driving Vehicles in Unexpected Environments Using Efficient Reinforcement Learning Methods
Authors: Kim Min-Seong , Eoh Gyuho , Park Tae-Hyoung
Published: May 2022

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) enables autonomous vehicles to perform complex decision making using neural networks. However, previous DRL networks only output decisions, so there is no way to determine whether the decision is proper. Reinforcement learning agents may continue to produce wrong decisions in unexpected environments not encountered during the learning process. In particular, one wrong decision can lead to an accident in autonomous driving. Therefore, it is necessary to indicate whether the action is a reasonable decision. As one such method, uncertainty can inform whether the agent’s decision is appropriate for practical application where safety must be guaranteed. Therefore, this paper provides uncertainty in the decision by proposing DeepSet-Q with Gaussian mixture (DwGM-Q), which converges the existing DeepSet-Q and mixture density network (MDN). Calculating uncertainty with the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) produced from MDN made it possible to calculate faster than the existing ensemble method. Moreover, it verified how the agent responds to the unlearned situation through the Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) simulator and compared the uncertainty of the decision between the learned and nontrained situation.
Experimental and Numerical Study of the Flammability Limits in a CH4/O2 Torch Ignition System
Authors: Shynkarenko Olexiy , Simone Domenico , Lee Jungpyo , Bertoldi Artur E. M.
Published: May 2022

The current work is devoted to studying combustion initiation inside the methane-oxygen torch igniter for a hybrid rocket motor. The ignition system can generate a wide range of power and oxidizer-to-fuel ratios. It has a self-cooled vortex combustion chamber with one fuel jet injector and one circumferential vortex oxidizer injector. The system adjusts the mass flow rates of the propellants through the control valves and organizes cooling of the wall and flame stabilization. Experimental analysis of the ignition limits was investigated on the laboratory test bench. The propellants’ pressure and mass-flow rates, combustion temperature, ignition delay, and spark frequency were controlled during the tests. The authors executed a series of tests with different propellants’ mass flow rates. As a result, the region of stable ignition was found as well as the regions of ignition failure or unreliable ignition. A previously validated numerical model was used to analyze the flow in the reliable ignition region and the ignition failures region. Several numerical simulations of the transient three-dimensional chemically reacting flow were implemented. Consequently, the ignition delay and the thermal impact on the combustion chamber wall were determined numerically. Results of the simulations were compared with theoretical and experimental data showing good correspondence.
Laboratory Study of the Influence of Fluid Rheology on the Characteristics of Created Hydraulic Fracture
Authors: Shevtsova Anna , Stanchits Sergey , Bobrova Maria , Filev Egor , Borodin Sergey , Stukachev Vladimir , Magadova Lyubov
Published: May 2022

In the last decade, the negative impact of hydraulic fracturing fluids on the reservoir properties has been noted, which has led to the new trend of improving characteristics and developing new hydraulic fracturing fluids. As an alternative option to the traditionally used cross-linked fluids based on guar solution, in our laboratory we have tested fluids having a branched spatial structure, which allowed them to hold and transport proppants, despite the low viscosity of this kind of fluids (100–200 mPa·s measured at 100 s−1). Existing theoretical models of hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation have some limitations in predicting the influence of fracturing fluids on reservoir properties. Unfortunately, in situ experiments in the target reservoir are difficult and expensive. Thus, laboratory experiments can be considered as a reasonable alternative for testing new fluids, since they can provide comprehensive information about the properties of the created HF before the application of a new hydraulic fracturing technique in the field conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study of hydraulic fracturing of granite samples in laboratory conditions. The injection of water- and oil-based unconventional fracturing fluids was performed to study the influence of fluid rheology on the dynamics of the hydraulic fracture propagation process and parameters of the created HF. We have found that the fracturing fluid viscosity affects the parameters of the created HF, such as aperture, propagation velocity, breakdown pressure, and HF surface tortuosity. The obtained relationships can be taken into account for Hydraulic Fracture modelling, which may increase the efficiency of the hydraulic fracturing in the field conditions.
Coupling Characteristics of Creep Fracture of Rock Foundation on Wind Turbine under Wind-Induced Vibration
Authors: Wang Jun , Nie Zhipeng , Cao Ping
Published: May 2022

In view of the nonlinear mechanical characteristics of rock foundation creep fracture and its influence on the stability of wind turbine under wind load, based on the influence of wind load, this paper proposed the elastoplastic creep fracture and rock foundation bearing capacity on wind turbine. Considering the superstructure concrete with rock foundation and its boundary conditions, the wind load standard value was obtained and wind turbine system composition was constructed. The two grades of freedom system of viscous damping vibration model was proposed. Furthermore, the frequency characteristic equations and the relations of the first- and second-order natural frequencies were obtained. Considering plastic yield theory on power hard rock base material, the analytical expressions of principal stress distribution, plastic zone, and plastic state of I-II composite crack were obtained and used for coupling Mohr–Coulomb plastic yield condition and creep fracture characteristics. Furthermore, the nonlinear creep model equation and accelerated creep fracture time were also obtained, to be used for the modified Kelvin nonlinear accelerated creep model. Combined with the calculation examples, it is verified that the accelerated creep displacement and crack propagation of rock foundation are obvious, taking full account of the wind bracing and creep characteristics of rock foundation. Final, the failure mode of rock foundation is of compressive shear, local shear, and bending-shear; so, it is necessary to reinforce the interface of the rock foundation in a timely manner.
Topology Analysis of Natural Gas Pipeline Networks Based on Complex Network Theory
Authors: Ye Heng , Li Zhiping , Li Guangyue , Liu Yiran
Published: May 2022

With the improvement of natural gas network interconnection, the network topology becomes increasingly complex. The significance of analyzing topology is gradually becoming prominent, and a systematic analysis method is required. This paper selects two typical natural gas pipeline networks: one in Europe, and the other in North China. Based on complex network theory and the nature of natural gas pipelines, topological models for the two typical networks were established and the evaluation indexes were developed based on four factors: network type, overall topological structure characteristics, path-related topological structure characteristics, and topological structure robustness. Using these indexes, the topological structure of the two typical networks is compared and analyzed quantitatively. The comparison shows that the European network topology has more redundancy, higher transmission efficiency, and greater robustness. The topology analysis method proposed in this paper is practical and suitable for the preliminary analysis of natural gas pipeline networks. The conclusions achieved by this method can assist operators in gaining an intuitive understanding of the overall characteristics, robustness, and key features of pipeline network topology, which is useful in the implementation of hierarchical prevention and control. It also serves as a solid theoretical foundation and guidance for network expansion, interconnection construction, and precise hydraulic simulation calculation in the next stage.
Impact of Wire Selection on the Performance of an Induction Motor for Automotive Applications
Authors: Di Leonardo Lino , Fabri Giuseppe , Credo Andrea , Tursini Marco , Villani Marco
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the impact of the wire selection on the performance of induction motors for automotive applications. The section of wire and the material are evaluated at a high speed of 200 kW in an induction motor designed for premium vehicle applications. The proposed solutions have the same electromagnetic and thermal constraints, as well as the same final encumbrance. The various wire and winding types differ in terms of slot design, phase resistance, end-winding overhanging portion, skin and proximity effects, and equivalent slot thermal conductivity. Their impacts are analyzed in terms of the operating area motor efficiency and they are tested in an automotive drive cycle, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration.
Preparation of a Honeycomb-like FeNi(OH/P) Nanosheet Array as a High-Performance Cathode for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Chenliang , Li Ruizhi , Zhou Yingke
Published: May 2022

Polymetallic transition metal phosphides (TMPs) exhibit quasi-metallic properties and a high electrical conductivity, making them attractive for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). Herein, a nanohoneycomb (NHC)-like FeNi layered double hydroxide (LDH) array was grown in situ on 3D current collector nickel foam (NF), which is also the nickel source during the hydrothermal process. By adjusting the amount of NaH2PO2, an incomplete phosphated FeNi(OH/P) nanosheet array was obtained. The optimized FeNi(OH/P) nanosheet array exhibited a high capacity up to 3.6 C cm−2 (408.3 mAh g−1) and an excellent long-term cycle performance (72.0% after 10,000 cycles), which was much better than FeNi LDH’s precursor. In addition, the hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) assembled with FeNi(OH/P) (cathode) and polypyrrole (PPy/C, anode) achieved an ultra-high energy density of 45 W h kg−1 at a power density of 581 W kg−1 and an excellent cycle stability (118.5%, 2000 cycles), indicating its great potential as an HSC with a high electrochemical performance.
Optimal Deployment of Mobile MSSSC in Transmission System
Authors: Zhao Zhehan , Soroudi Alireza
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of the renewable energy source (RES), network congestion management is increasingly important for transmission system operators (TSOs). The limited transmission network capacity and traditional intervention methods result in high RES curtailment. The near-term, powerful, and flexible solutions, such as advanced flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), are considered to mitigate the risks. The mobile modular static synchronous series compensator (MSSSC) is one of the grid-enhancing solutions. The mobility of the solution allows it to offer fast deployment and seasonal redeployability with limited cost. The demonstration of the mobile MSSSC solution has shown significant benefits for RES curtailment reduction, network congestion alleviation, and facilitating the demand and RES connection. For unlocking the true value of the mobile solution, they should be optimally allocated in the transmission networks. This paper develops a security-constrained DCOPF-based optimisation tool to investigate the optimal allocation of the mobile MSSSC solution in transmission networks. A linear mobile MSSSC model with the operation dead-band was introduced that can be used in large-scale realistic power system planning. The proposed model was implemented in the IEEE 118-bus system to assess the performance of the mobile MSSSC.
Stratigraphic Constraints on Sandy Conglomerates in Huanghekou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, via In Situ U-Pb Dating of Vein Calcite and Detrital Zircons, and XRD Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Xianghua , Zhu Hongtao , Huang Li
Published: May 2022

The discovery of the BZ19-6 large-scale condensate gas field illustrates the great potential of the sandy conglomerate reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin. However, the stratigraphic correlation of the sandy conglomerate sequence in northern Huanghekou Sag remains a challenge due to the lack of syn-depositional volcanic layers and biostratigraphic constraints. The challenge limits understanding the regional strata distribution and further exploration deployment. In this study, we conducted in situ U-Pb dating of vein calcite and detrital zircons of the sandy conglomerate samples from borehole BZ26-A. The vein calcite age and the youngest age of detrital zircons provide the upper and lower bounds of the depositional age, respectively. We also correlated the samples with those from well-understood strata through a comparison of XRD mineral components. The absolute age of 47.0 Ma of the vein calcite and the youngest detrital zircon age of 103.5 Ma suggest the sedimentary sequence is supposed to be referred to as the Kongdian Formation (65–50.5 Ma). The XRD data and petrological analysis suggest that the lithostratigraphy of the Kongdian Formation in Huanghekou Sag could be divided into at least three members, with Member 3 consisting of red sediment deposited in a hot and dry climate; Member 2 and Member 1 deposited as fan delta with major parent rock of Mesozoic volcanic rocks and Precambrian meta-granitoid, respectively. Member 1 shows significant potential for energy exploration due to high brittle mineral components and fracture development.
Large-Scale Li-Ion Battery Research and Application in Mining Industry
Authors: Meng Lingyu , Wang Guofa , See Khay Wai , Wang Yunpeng , Zhang Yong , Zang Caiyun , Zhou Rulin , Xie Bin
Published: May 2022

The lithium-ion battery (LIB) has the advantages of high energy density, low self-discharge rate, long cycle life, fast charging rate and low maintenance costs. It is one of the most widely used chemical energy storage devices at present. However, the safety of LIB is the main factor that restricts its commercial scalable application, specifically in hazardous environments such as underground coal mines. When a LIB is operating under mechanical and electrical abuse such as extrusion, impact, overcharge and overheating, it will trigger thermal runaway and subsequently cause fire or even an explosion. According to the relevant requirements in IEC60079, the explosion-proof protection of LIB can be adapted to the working environment of high dust and explosive gas environments such as in the mining face of coal production. This paper presents an overview of the LIB-relevant technology, thermal runaway, safety and applications in the general mining industry with implications to establish a theoretical and technical basis for the application of high-capacity LIBs in the industry. These then promote intelligent, safe and efficient production not only for the coal mine industry but also for non-coal applications.
A Proposed Controllable Crowbar for a Brushless Doubly-Fed Reluctance Generator, a Grid-Integrated Wind Turbine
Authors: Rihan Mahmoud , Nasrallah Mahmoud , Hasanin Barkat , El-Shahat Adel
Published: May 2022

Brushless doubly fed reluctance generators (BDFRGs) are hopeful generators for using inside variable speed wind turbines (VSWTs), as these generators introduce a promising economical value because of their lower manufacturing and maintenance costs besides their higher reliability. For integrating WT generators, global networks codes require enabling these generators to stay connected under grid disturbances. The behavior of the BDFRG is strongly affected by grid disturbances, due to the small rating of the used partial power converters, as these converters cannot withstand high faults currents which leads to quick tripping of BDFRG. VSWTs can be safeguarded against faults using the crowbar. Usually, the conventual crowbar is shunt connected across the converter to protect it, but this configuration leads to absorbing reactive power with huge amounts from the grid, leading for more voltage decaying and more power system stability deterioration. This study proposes a simpler self-controllable crowbar to enhance the ability of the BDFRG to remain in service under faults. The operation technique of the proposed crowbar is compared to other crowbar operation techniques, the effectiveness of the proposed system would be analyzed. Through the simulation results and behavior analysis, the proposed crowbar technique demonstrates a decent improvement in the conduct of the studied system under faults.
Numerical Assessment of Auto-Adaptive Energy Management Strategies Based on SOC Feedback, Driving Pattern Recognition and Prediction Techniques
Authors: Zanelli Alessandro , Servetto Emanuele , De Araujo Philippe , Vankayala Sujeet Nagaraj , Vondrak Adam
Published: May 2022

The Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) is a well-known control strategy for the definition of optimal power-split in hybrid-electric vehicles, because of its effectiveness and reduced calibration effort. In this kind of Energy Management Systems (EMS), the correct identification of an equivalence factor (K), which translates electric power in equivalent fuel consumption, is of paramount importance. To guarantee charge sustaining operation, the K factor must be adjusted to different mission profiles. Adaptive ECMS (A-ECMS) techniques have thus been introduced, which automatically determine the optimal equivalence factor based on the vehicle mission. The aim of this research activity is to assess the potential in terms of fuel consumption and charge sustainability of different A-ECMS techniques on a gasoline hybrid-electric passenger car. First, the 0D vehicle and powertrain model was developed in the commercial CAE software GT-SUITE. An ECMS-based EMS was used to control the baseline powertrain and three alternative versions of an auto-adaptive algorithm were implemented on top of that. The first A-ECMS under study was based on feedback from the battery State of Charge, while the second and third on a Driving Pattern Recognition/Prediction algorithm. Fuel consumption was assessed using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) driving cycles by means of numerical simulation. A potential improvement of up to 4% Fuel Economy was ultimately achieved on an RDE driving cycle with respect to the baseline ECMS.
Inequalities in Regional Level Domestic CO2 Emissions and Energy Use: A Case Study of Iran
Authors: Ata Behnam , Pakrooh Parisa , Barkat Ayoub , Benhizia Ramzi , Pénzes János
Published: May 2022

An increasing amount of CO2 emissions from the household sector of Iran led us to analyze the inequality and understand the possible driving force behind the CO2 emissions. The study of inequality provides information to policy-makers to point policies in the right direction. By considering the differences in the socio-economic factors of provinces, the study aims to analyze the inequality in CO2 emissions and different kinds of energy consumption, including oil, gas and electricity, for the household sector of Iran’s provinces between 2000 and 2017. For this aim, the Theil index and Kaya factor, as a simple and common method, were considered to evaluate the inequality in both CO2 emissions and energy consumption, and determine the driving factor behind CO2 emissions. According to the results, inequality in oil and natural gas consumption were increasing, electricity was almost constant; however, CO2 emissions experienced a decreasing trend for the study period. The Theil index changed from 0.4 to 0.65 for oil, from 0.18 to 0.22 for natural gas, from 0.17 to 0.15 for electricity, and from 0.2 to 0.14 for CO2 emissions between 2001 and 2017. In addition, the results of the inequality study indicated that most of the inequalities belong to within-group inequalities in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The results of the Kaya factor indicate that the second factor, energy efficiency, with a 0.21 value was the main driving factor of inequalities in CO2 emissions; however, the first factor, energy consumption, can be a potential factor for inequality in the following years, as it increased from 0.00 to 0.11 between 2001 and 2017. It seems that by removing the energy subsidy policy in 2010 and 2013, low-standard and energy-wasting old vehicles were the most effective factors of energy inefficiency in the household sector, which need more accurate policy-making.
Greedy Sine-Cosine Non-Hierarchical Grey Wolf Optimizer for Solving Non-Convex Economic Load Dispatch Problems
Authors: Alghamdi Ali S.
Published: May 2022

Economic load dispatch (ELD) provides significant benefits to the operation of the power system. It appears to be a complex nonconvex optimization problem subject to several equal and unequal constraints. The greedy sine-cosine nonhierarchical gray wolf optimizer (G-SCNHGWO) is introduced in this study to solve complex nonconvex ELD optimization problems efficiently and robustly. The sine and cosine functions assist the search agents of the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm in avoiding trapping in a local optimum. In addition, the greedy nonhierarchical concept is integrated into GWO to enrich the optimization power of the conventional GWO algorithm. Simulations are implemented to validate the capability of the suggested algorithm in solving the different ELD problems. According to the results, the algorithm demonstrates very suitable performance compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
New Hybrid Machine Learning Method for Detecting Faults in Three-Phase Power Transformers
Authors: Abdusalam Othman , Ibrahim Alasmer , Anayi Fatih , Packianather Michael
Published: May 2022

A novel hybrid machine learning technique is proposed for the protection of three-phase power transformers in this study. Here, the developed model was tested across several types of current signal fault cases from different fault conditions and examined based on a laboratory-constructed transformer system, in which internal and external faults were created. The data gathered on signals were used to develop a novel hybrid model. A process for optimal feature identification was put forward, with machine learning classifiers being trained to classify faults. The methods used included orthogonal matching pursuit and discrete wavelet transform for extraction of statistical characteristics from unprocessed data. Following this, the bees algorithm (BA) was used to create an optimized subset, minimizing the amount of data needed and making the model more accurate. In order to distinguish normal operational conditions (inrush current) from faults, an optimized feature set was used as an input for three classification algorithms: the k-nearest neighbour, support vector machine, and artificial neural network. Training was conducted via k-fold cross-validation. Comparisons were made between the proposed approach and a comparable approach, which used the genetic algorithm (GA). This model was analysed based on specificity, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The findings from the experiment suggest that the model proposed here is suitable for fault identification in a range of conditions and faults.
Potential Benefits for Residential Building with Photovoltaic Battery System Participation in Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading
Authors: Zhang Bidan , Du Yang , Chen Xiaoyang , Lim Eng Gee , Jiang Lin , Yan Ke
Published: May 2022

The increasing number of residential buildings that are installing distributed energy resources enforces the need for schemes to facilitate a local energy balance. With the continuing evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading is becoming a viable solution to incentivize prosumers and promote efficient energy sharing in a community. This paper develops a model to quantitatively analyze the potential benefits of P2P energy trading for residential buildings that have installed photovoltaic battery systems. The integration of the bidding strategy into a residential energy-management system is feasible to realize cost savings for prosumers. However, the coordination between the bidding strategy and the optimal scheduling of energy has received far too little attention. To better participate in the P2P market, we propose a novel separate bidding energy-management system (SBEMS) that can realize rolling optimal energy scheduling while determining energy bids. The model’s effectiveness is verified via case studies of 75 participants in a community. The results indicate that the prosumers can reduce their costs by up to 24% by employing the proposed SBEMS in the P2P market. In addition, the proposed method is found to offer better performance in terms of economic and technical indices.
Louis XI of Valois (1461–1483)
Authors: Faiers Julia
Published: May 2022

Louis XI (1461–1483) was the sixth king of the Valois branch of the Capetian dynasty in France; he ruled from 1463 until his death in 1483. Louis was the son of Charles VII (1403–1461) and Marie of Anjou (1404–1463). While Dauphin, he married first Margaret of Scotland (1424–1445) and then Charlotte of Savoie (c.1441–1483), who bore him four surviving children: Anne de France, Jeanne de France, François de France, and the future Charles VIII. Louis’ key challenge as monarch was to pick up the pieces of a kingdom ravaged by the Hundred Years War between England and France (1337–1453). His legacy was to have repaired the kingdom’s depleted coffers through a combination of frugality and territorial expansion. His historiography paints him as a paranoid, manipulative, and obsessively pious ruler, a simplistic portrait that is undermined by a close examination of his artistic patronage. This entry will focus on the iconography he employed across a variety of media to promote the sacred legitimacy of his rule and to unify the peoples of France’s newly acquired territories.
Geographic Information System and Atomized Transportation Modes
Authors: Alattar Mohammad Anwar , Beecroft Mark , Cottrill Caitlin
Published: May 2022

Transportation is a spatial activity. The geographic Information System (GIS) is the process of capturing, managing, analyzing, and presenting spatial data. GIS techniques are essential to the study of various aspects of transportation. In this entry, the state of knowledge regarding atomized transportation modes is presented. Atomized transportation modes are defined as transportation modes which deal with low passenger numbers.
Simplified Procedures for Managing Insecticidal Waste: A Case Report of KCMUCo-PAMVERC Vector Control Product Testing Facility in North-Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Msapalla Agness , Azizi Salum , Jangu Menan , Mbewe Njelembo J. , Matowo Johnson , Shayo Magreth F. , Kaaya Robert , Mawa Benson , Joram Amandus , Kirby Mathew J. , Rowland Mark W. , Mosha Franklin
Published: May 2022

Insecticide testing facilities that evaluate a variety of vector control products may generate a large number of hazardous wastes from routine operations. These wastes originate from degraded technical grade materials, sprayed substrates with Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), and redundant stock or working insecticidal solutions. The washing of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) during preparation for laboratory and experimental hut trials also contribute to wastewater with insecticide content. Human and environmental exposure to insecticidal waste can occur during transport, categorization, storage, and disposal, resulting in environmental pollution and potential health effects. Various national and international guidelines have been devised for safe disposal and should be strictly followed to avoid adverse effects on humans or environment. To facilitate proper insecticidal waste management, this paper outlines simple but safe practices derived from international and national guidelines that can be adopted by other similar facilities. National and international policies related to chemical management were reviewed and translated into Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training pathways, and manuals. National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) assessed the test facility and recommended disposal procedures. NEMC recommendations were followed to construct the soak pits for liquid waste disposal while chemical transporters and incinerators were contracted for solid waste disposal. An environmental expert was contracted for environmental audit and annual monitoring. Studies and activities at the facility were evaluated for their waste generation index. Safety manual and SOPs on risk assessment, waste management and disposal, handling hazardous materials, health and safety procedures, and chemical usage were written. At KCMUCo-PAMVERC, an annual average of 0.02 and 24.9 cubic meters of liquid waste, which mainly includes a mixture of water, insecticides, and solvents, were generated from laboratory experiments (phase I) and semi-field LLIN experiments (phase II), respectively, while the IRS semi-field experiments generated an annual average of 88 L of liquid waste and 6.3 tons of solid waste. An annual average of 0.18 cubic meters of liquid waste results from other sources, including expired laboratory reagents. Well-translated national and international policies/regulations may be adopted by insecticide test facilities for proper and effective waste disposal.
An Explorative Methodology to Assess the Risk of Fire and Human Fatalities in a Subway Station Using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS)
Authors: Sajid Zaman , Yang Yaqi , You Peilei , Deng Hao , Cheng Xin , Danial Syed Nasir
Published: May 2022

Subway transportation is one of the most prevalent urban transportation methods globally. Millions of people around the globe use this medium as their mode of transportation daily. However, subway stations may be highly prone to fire, smoke, or explosion accidents. The safety of people using subway stations demands a robust and practical framework to assess fire hazards and risks. This study provides a methodology to assess fire risk at a subway station. This study integrates fault tree analysis (FTA) and fuzzy analysis to conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment. An integrated numerical model of fire temperature and fatality rate was developed using probit correlations for various fire exposure scenarios. The fire dynamics simulator (FDS) provides the probability distribution of casualties caused by fire. To demonstrate the operationalization of the model, Line 1 of the Harbin Metro, located in China, is used as a case study. Results show a probability of 42% of having fire risk in the subway station. Results reveal the highest fatality rate is 6.2% when evacuation time exceeds 200 s. The research helps us to understand the spread of smoke and temperature distribution due to a fire in a subway station. This study is helpful for fire protection engineers, safety managers, and local fire departments to develop a contingency plan to deal with fire in a subway station.
Comparison of Lattice Boltzmann and Navier-Stokes for Zonal Turbulence Simulation of Urban Wind Flows
Authors: Camps Santasmasas Marta , Zhang Xutong , Parslew Ben , Lane-Serff Gregory F. , Millar Joshua , Revell Alistair
Published: May 2022

In modelling turbulent flow around buildings, the computational domain needs to be much larger than the immediate neighbourhood of the building, resulting in computational costs that are excessive for many engineering applications. Two nested models are presented to solve this problem, with an outer domain calculated using a Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) solver in both cases. The inner region is calculated using large eddy simulation (LES) from both a lattice Boltzmann (LB) and a Navier Stokes (NS) based solver. The inner domains use the mean RANS velocity as boundary conditions for the top and the side boundaries and incorporate the RANS turbulence using a synthetic eddy method (SEM) at the inner domain inlet. Both models are tested using an atmospheric boundary layer flow around a rectangular building at ReH = 47,893, comparing the computational resources spent and validating the results with experimental measurements. The effect of the inlet turbulence, the size of the domain and the cell size are also investigated. Both LB and NS based simulations are able to capture the physics of the flow correctly and show good agreement with the experimental results. Both simulation frameworks were configured to run in a similar computational time, so as to compare the computational resources used. Due to the use of GPU programming, the approach based on LB was estimated to be 25 times cheaper than the NS simulation. Thus these results show that a nested LB-LES solver can run accurate wind flow calculations with consumer level/cloud based computational resources.
Increasing the Versatility of Durum Wheat through Modifications of Protein and Starch Composition and Grain Hardness
Authors: Lafiandra Domenico , Sestili Francesco , Sissons Mike , Kiszonas Alecia , Morris Craig F.
Published: May 2022

Although durum wheat (Triticum durum L. ssp. durum Desf.) has traditionally been used to make a range of food products, its use has been restricted due to the absence of the D-genome glutenin proteins, the relatively low variability in starch composition, and its very hard grain texture. This review focuses on the manipulation of the starch and protein composition and modification of the hardness of durum wheat in order to improve its technological and nutritional value and expand its utilization for application to a wider number of end products. Starch is composed of amylopectin and amylose in a 3:1 ratio, and their manipulation has been explored for achieving starch with modified composition. In particular, silencing of the genes involved in amylose and amylopectin synthesis has made it possible to isolate durum wheat lines with amylose content varying from 2–3% up to 75%. This has created opportunities for new products with different properties and enhanced nutritional value. Durum-made bread has generally inferior quality to bread made from common wheat. Attempts to introduce the Glu-D1 subunits 1Dx5 + 1Dy10 and 1Dx2 + 1Dy12 produced stronger dough, but the former produced excessively strong, inelastic doughs, and loaf volume was either inferior or not affected. In contrast, the 1Dx2 + 1Dy12 sometimes improved bread loaf volume (LV) depending on the glutenin subunit background of the genotype receiving these genes. Further breeding and selection are needed to improve the dough extensibility to allow higher LV and better texture. The versatility of durum wheat has been greatly expanded with the creation of soft-textured durum via non-GMO introgression means. This soft durum mills like soft hexaploid wheat and has similar baking properties. The pasta quality is also not diminished by the soft-textured kernels. The Glu-D1 locus containing the subunits 1Dx2 + 1Dy12 has also been introgressed to create higher quality soft durum bread.
Rapid and Non-Destructive Techniques for the Discrimination of Ripening Stages in Candonga Strawberries
Authors: Palumbo Michela , Cozzolino Rosaria , Laurino Carmine , Malorni Livia , Picariello Gianluca , Siano Francesco , Stocchero Matteo , Cefola Maria , Corvino Antonia , Romaniello Roberto , Pace Bernardo
Published: May 2022

Electronic nose (e-nose), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and image analysis (IA) were used to discriminate the ripening stage (half-red or red) of strawberries (cv Sabrosa, commercially named Candonga), harvested at three different times (H1, H2 and H3). Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the e-nose, ATR-FTIR and IA data allowed us to clearly discriminate samples based on the ripening stage, as in the score space they clustered in distinct regions of the plot. Moreover, a correlation analysis between the e-nose sensor and 57 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which were overall detected in all the investigated fruit samples by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), allowed us to distinguish half-red and red strawberries, as the e-nose sensors gave distinct responses to samples with different flavours. Three suitable broad bands were individuated by PCA in the ATR-FTIR spectra to discriminate half-red and red samples: the band centred at 3295 cm−1 is generated by compounds that decline, whereas those at 1717 cm−1 and at 1026 cm−1 stem from compounds that accumulate during ripening. Among the chemical parameters (titratable acidity, total phenols, antioxidant activity and total soluble solid) assayed in this study, only titratable acidity was somehow correlated to ATR-FTIR and IA patterns. Thus, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and IA might be exploited to rapidly assess titratable acidity, which is an objective indicator of the ripening stage.
Collaborative Ring Trial of the Applicability of a Reference Plasmid DNA Calibrant in the Quantitative Analysis of GM Maize Event MON810
Authors: Meng Yanan , Wang Shu , Guo Jinchao , Yang Litao
Published: May 2022

Certified reference materials (CRMs) is one of the critical requirements in a quantitative analytical method, such as in the quantification of genetically modified (GM) contents in food/feed products. Plasmid-DNA-based CRMs are becoming essential in GM content quantification. Herein, we report the construction of one plasmid DNA calibrant, pMON810, for the quantification of the GM maize event MON810 which is commercially planted and used for food/feeds worldwide, and the collaborative ring trial was used to validate its applicability. pMON10 was proven to have high specificity for the MON810 event. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of real-time PCR assays of MON810 event and maize endogenous gene using pMON810 as calibrant was 2 copies/μL and 5 copies/μL, respectively. A total of eight laboratories participated in the ring trial and returned valid test results. Each sample was performed with three repeats and three parallels in each repeat. Statistical analysis of the ring trial results showed that pMON810 as a calibrant had high PCR efficiency (ranging from 0.885 to 1.008) and good linearity (ranging from 0.9933 to 0.9997) in MON810 and endogenous gene real-time PCR assays. The bias between the test values and true values ranged from 4.60 to 20.00% in the quantification of five blind samples. These results indicate that pMON810 is suitable for use as a calibrant for the quantification of MON810 events in routine lab analysis or to evaluate detection methods for MON810, as well as being used as a substitute for the matrix-based CRM of MON810.
The Safety of Cold-Chain Food in Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: Precaution and Quarantine
Authors: Kong Jia , Li Wenxin , Hu Jinyao , Zhao Shixuan , Yue Tianli , Li Zhonghong , Xia Yinqiang
Published: May 2022

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), cold-chain food contamination caused by the pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has attracted huge concern. Cold-chain foods provide a congenial environment for SARS-CoV-2 survival, which presents a potential risk for public health. Strengthening the SARS-CoV-2 supervision of cold-chain foods has become the top priority in many countries. Methodologically, the potential safety risks and precaution measures of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on cold-chain food are analyzed. To ensure the safety of cold-chain foods, the advances in SARS-CoV-2 detection strategies are summarized based on technical principles and target biomarkers. In particular, the techniques suitable for SARS-CoV-2 detection in a cold-chain environment are discussed. Although many quarantine techniques are available, the field-based quarantine technique on cold-chain food with characteristics of real-time, sensitive, specific, portable, and large-scale application is urgently needed.
Comparing the LC-MS Phenolic Acids Profiles of Seven Different Varieties of Brown Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Li Shuyi , Xu Hui , Sui Yong , Mei Xin , Shi Jianbin , Cai Sha , Xiong Tian , Carrillo Celia , Castagnini Juan Manuel , Zhu Zhenzhou , Barba Francisco J.
Published: May 2022

Brown rice, an important material of whole-grain food, is increasingly popular for its health benefits. Thus, seven varieties of brown rice from southern China were analyzed in this study, concerning the free and bound phenolic compounds in the extract. The phenolic profiles of different brown rice were obtained and compared by the combination of HPLC and LC-MS analysis, in which eleven phenolic acids were identified. It was indicated that the total phenolic contents of different brown rice varied from 92.32 to 196.54 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DW. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid, free and bound, dominated within the phenolic acids. To be mentioned, the total phenols of Luotiangongmi (a kind of red rice) were significantly higher than the other six varieties. The high phenolic content of brown rice can further guide us to explore the functional properties of the crops.
Application of 3D Printing in the Design of Functional Gluten-Free Dough
Authors: Matas Adrián , Igual Marta , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier
Published: May 2022

The design of functional foods through 3D printing is proposed here as one of the most appropriate technologies to provide closer food personalization for the population. However, it is essential to study the properties of the biomaterials intended to be printed. This work will evaluate the incorporation of rosehip as a functional ingredient in a gluten-free dough. Three types of dough (control, rosehip, and encapsulated rosehip) were printed in a rectangular figure of dimensions 7 cm long, 2 cm wide, and 1, 2, and 3 cm high. Changes in printed figures before and after baking were evaluated by image analysis. Physicochemical properties, total phenols (TP), antioxidant capacity (AC), and total carotenoids (TC) were determined both in the pre-printed doughs and in the printed and baked samples. The bread enriched with rosehips presented more orange colors in dough and crumbs. They were also more acidic than control, probably due to the ascorbic acid content of rosehip. The addition of rosehip generally makes the product more resistant to breakage, which could be due to the fiber content of the rosehip. It was observed that the incorporation of rosehip notably improved the functional properties of the bread.
In-House Validation of Multiplex PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in Raw Meats
Authors: Jaroenporn Chanokchon , Supawasit Wannakarn , Bundidamorn Damkerng , Udompijitkul Pathima , Assawamakin Anunchai , Trevanich Sudsai
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to perform in-house validation of the developed multiplex PCR (mPCR)-based alternative method to detect Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Salmonella spp. in raw meats following the ISO 16140-2: 2016. A comparative study of the developed mPCR against the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) method was evaluated for inclusivity and exclusivity, sensitivity and the relative level of detection (RLOD). Inclusivity levels for each target bacterium were all 100%, while exclusivity for non-target bacteria was 100%. The sensitivity of the developed mPCR was calculated based on the analysis of 72 samples of raw meat. The sensitivity of the developed mPCR was 100%. The RLOD values of the developed mPCR for STEC, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were 0.756, 1.170 and 1.000, respectively. The developed mPCR showed potential as a tool for the fast, specific and sensitive detection of the three bacteria in the raw meat industry
The Potential Application of Pickering Multiple Emulsions in Food
Authors: Klojdová Iveta , Stathopoulos Constantinos
Published: May 2022

Emulsions stabilized by adsorbed particles—Pickering particles (PPs) instead of surfactants and emulsifiers are called Pickering emulsions. Here, we review the possible uses of Pickering multiple emulsions (PMEs) in the food industry. Food-grade PMEs are very complex systems with high potential for application in food technology. They can be prepared by traditional two-step emulsification processes but also using complex techniques, e.g., microfluidic devices. Compared to those stabilized with an emulsifier, PMEs provide more benefits such as lower susceptibility to coalescence, possible encapsulation of functional compounds in PMEs or even PPs with controlled release, etc. Additionally, the PPs can be made from food-grade by-products. Naturally, w/o/w emulsions in the Pickering form can also provide benefits such as fat reduction by partial replacement of fat phase with internal water phase and encapsulation of sensitive compounds in the internal water phase. A possible advanced type of PMEs may be stabilized by Janus particles, which can change their physicochemical properties and control properties of the whole emulsion systems. These emulsions have big potential as biosensors. In this paper, recent advances in the application of PPs in food emulsions are highlighted with emphasis on the potential application in food-grade PMEs.
Nutrition and Sensory Evaluation of Solid-State Fermented Brown Rice Based on Cluster and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Zhang Duqin , Ye Yanjun , Wang Luyao , Tan Bin
Published: May 2022

Consumption of brown rice (BR) contributes to the implementation of the grain-saving policy and improvement of residents’ nutrient status. However, the undesirable cooking properties, poor palatability, and presence of anti-nutritional factors limit the demand of BR products. To enhance its quality, BR was solid-state fermented with single and mixed strains of Lb. plantarum, S. cerevisiae, R. oryzae, A. oryzae, and N. sitophila. Effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) with different strains on the nutrition and sensory characteristics of BR were analyzed by spectroscopic method, chromatography, and sensory assessment. Contents of arabinoxylans, β-glucan, γ-oryzanol, phenolic, and flavonoid were significantly increased by 41.61%, 136.02%, 30.51%, 106.90%, and 65.08% after SSF, respectively (p < 0.05), while the insoluble dietary fiber and phytic acid contents reduced by 42.69% and 55.92%. The brightness and sensory score of BR significantly improved after SSF. Furthermore, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to evaluate BR quality. Three clusters were obtained according to CA, including BR fermented for 30 h and 48 h, BR fermented for 12 h, and the control group. Based on PCA, the best SSF processing technology was BR fermented with Lb. plantarum (0.5%, v/w) and S. cerevisiae (0.5%, v/w) at 28 °C for 48 h (liquid-to-solid ratio 3:10).