bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with the Occurrence, Potential Distribution and Conservation of Anoxia orientalis (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) at Different Spatial Scales
Authors: Muscarella Calogero , Luiselli Luca , Di Vittorio Massimiliano , Sparacio Ignazio , Dendi Daniele
Published: May 2022

Anoxia (Protanoxia) orientalis is a beetle of the family Melolonthidae for which Italy represents the western limit of its distribution. The ecology of this species is little known from the quantitative point of view. The ecological correlates of A. orientalis presence in the whole European range and, more specifically, at its western border in Sicily, are analyzed in this paper to develop a potential distribution map for Sicily and to define the habitat selection of this species. There was a clear non-random habitat selection by A. orientalis at both the European and the Sicilian scales and a clear difference in the factors affecting the presence of this species in the larger spatial scale compared to Sicily. At the European scale, the bioclimatic factors were more important than landscape factors, whereas the same was not true at the Sicilian scale. In Sicily, the populations were statistically influenced by a combination of predictors that make their potential optimal distribution very narrow and mostly limited to a few coastal areas, suggesting a region-specific ecological diversification. Since A. orientalis is in strong decline in Italy due to the degradation of coastal environments, it is necessary to minimize the degradation of the dune and back dune environments in Sicily to achieve better management for the populations of this beetle species.
Balancing Trade-Offs in Milk Production by Making Use of Animal Individual Energy Balancing
Authors: Rumphorst Theresa , Scheu Theresa , Koch Christian , Sundrum Albert
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, the energy supply of dairy cows is based on the average performance of the herd. Because this contradicts the great variation in requirements between individual animals, the objective of the present study was to quantify both the extent and consequences of variation in the relevant sub-variables used to calculate the energy balance (EB) on an individual animal basis. Total energy supply (TES) and requirements (TER) of 28 multiparous German Holstein dairy cows fed TMR with 7.0 MJ NEL were studied between the 2nd and 15th week after calving. TES, mainly influenced by DMI, increased from 100.1 (week 2) to 152.1 MJ NEL/d (week 15; p < 0.01). Weekly coefficients of variation (CV) ranged between 0.10 and 0.16 and were similar to the CV of DMI (0.09 to 0.17). TER, as the sum of energy requirement for maintenance (body weight) and production (milk yield), decreased from 174.8 (week 2) to 164.5 MJ NEL/d (week 15; p < 0.01) and CV varied between 0.16 (week 2) and 0.07 (week 11). EB increased from −74.8 (week 2) to −12.4 MJ NEL/d (week 15; p < 0.01) and CV varied from 0.32 (week 3) to 1.01 (week 10). The results indicate that calculating EB on an individual animal basis is a prerequisite to identify animals with an increased risk of failing to cope with their energy situation, which cause failure costs that drain the profit of affected cows.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Correlates of Neuropsychiatric Symptom Domains in Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jeong Hyeonseok , Kang Ilhyang , Park Jong-Sik , Na Seung-Hee , Kim Seunghee , Yoon Sujung , Song In-Uk , Chung Yong-An
Published: May 2022

Although various neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently accompanied with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and pose a substantial burden to both patients and caregivers, their neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. This study investigated associations between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and neuropsychiatric symptom domains in early AD. A total of 59 patients with early AD underwent brain technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and clustered into the affective, apathy, hyperactivity, and psychotic domains. A voxel-wise multiple regression analysis was performed with four domain scores as independent variables and age, sex, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores as covariates. The affective domain score was negatively correlated with rCBF in the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, and caudate. The apathy domain score showed inverse correlations with rCBF in the prefrontal and pre/postcentral gyri and midbrain. Patients with higher hyperactivity domain scores had increased rCBF in the prefrontal and temporal lobes. The psychotic symptom domain was positively correlated with rCBF in the cuneus and negatively associated with rCBF in the prefrontal, cingulate, and occipital regions and putamen. The score of each neuropsychiatric symptom domain showed the differential correlates of brain perfusion, while altered rCBF in the prefrontal cortex was found in all domains. Although preliminary, our results may suggest common and distinct patterns of rCBF underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in early AD. Further studies with larger samples and control participants are warranted to confirm these findings.
Derivation of Two-Fluid Model Based on Onsager Principle
Authors: Zhou Jiajia , Doi Masao
Published: May 2022

Using the Onsager variational principle, we study the dynamic coupling between the stress and the composition in a polymer solution. In the original derivation of the two-fluid model of Doi and Onuki the polymer stress was introduced a priori; therefore, a constitutive equation is required to close the equations. Based on our previous study of viscoelastic fluids with homogeneous composition, we start with a dumbbell model for the polymer, and derive all dynamic equations using the Onsager variational principle.
The Stakeholders’ Role in the Corporate Strategy Creation for the Sustainable Development of Russian Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Medvedeva Yuliya Y. , Luchaninov Roman S. , Poluyanova Natalia V. , Semenova Svetlana V. , Alekseeva Ekaterina A.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the interests of stakeholders and their influence on the strategic guidelines for the sustainable development of industrial enterprises in the Russian fuel and energy complex. Environmental safety is one of the components of the corporate strategy implementation for the sustainable development of industrial enterprises. The significance of this component is determined not so much by the regulatory institutional impact as by the transformation of economic agents’ behavior in the market: consumers, partners, investors, competitors who are stakeholders. This study defines the composition of stakeholders for Russian industrial enterprises leading in the field of sustainable development based on the results of ESG-ratings. It also identifies their priority interests and the sustainable development goals of industrial companies. Based on the analysis of open reports on the sustainable development of Russian industrial enterprises, the article identifies the key goals of sustainable development for stakeholders of Russian industrial enterprises in the fuel and energy complex. An analysis of the mechanism for organizing interaction with stakeholders shows that for most stakeholder groups, interaction is implemented through the non-financial reporting of companies. The study concludes that a proactive approach will enable companies to identify sustainable development issues with the greatest long-term potential, and thus to create a system of preventive strategic action.
IMapC: Inner MAPping Combiner to Enhance the Performance of MapReduce in Hadoop
Authors: Kavitha C. , Srividhya S. R. , Lai Wen-Cheng , Mani Vinodhini
Published: May 2022

Hadoop is a framework for storing and processing huge amounts of data. With HDFS, large data sets can be managed on commodity hardware. MapReduce is a programming model for processing vast amounts of data in parallel. Mapping and reducing can be performed by using the MapReduce programming framework. A very large amount of data is transferred from Mapper to Reducer without any filtering or recursion, resulting in overdrawn bandwidth. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm called Inner MAPping Combiner (IMapC) for the map phase. This algorithm in the Mapper combines the values of recurring keys. In order to test the efficiency of the algorithm, different approaches were tested. According to the test, MapReduce programs that are implemented with the Default Combiner (DC) of IMapC will be 70% more efficient than those that are implemented without one. To make computations significantly faster, this work can be combined with MapReduce.
Does the Responsibility System for Environmental Protection Targets Enhance Corporate High-Quality Development in China?
Authors: Cao Zijing , Zhang Huiming , Hang Zixuan , Zhou Dequn , Jing Buhang
Published: May 2022

In 2017, China made an ambitious statement of high-quality development (HQD) with which to realize the goals of sustainability proposed by the United Nations. Our paper sheds new light on how the corporate high-quality development is affected by the responsibility system for environmental protection targets using a sample of energy-intensive firms from 2003 to 2018. We calculate the indexes for corporate high-quality development using entropy weighting for the five dimensions: efficiency, innovation, openness, greenness, and social responsibility. Then, we develop a difference-in-differences model to reveal that the responsibility system for environmental protection targets significantly dampens high-quality development of corporations, as the estimated coefficient is −0.0420 with a t-statistic of −2.9384. In contrast with private firms, the high-quality development of state-owned firms shows no significant correlation with environmental policy constraints. The efficiency of capital allocation by corporations mediates the effects of responsibility for environmental protection targets on high-quality development. Our study suggests several policy implications: first, understand the connotation of a high-quality development system, and formulate diversified regulatory policies. Second, the responsibility system for environmental protection targets in China should be implemented steadily within the firm’s abilities. Next, the high-quality development of private firms should generate great attention. Finally, corporate internal governance should be designed to improve high-quality development.
Proposal of Multidimensional Data Driven Decomposition Method for Fault Identification of Large Turbomachinery
Authors: Zabaryłło Mateusz , Barszcz Tomasz
Published: May 2022

High-power turbomachines are equipped with flexible rotors and journal bearings and operate above their first and sometimes even second critical speed. The transient response of such a system is complex but can provide valuable information about the dynamic state and potential malfunctions. However, due to the high complexity of the signal and the nonlinearity of the system response, the analysis of transients is a highly complex process that requires expert knowledge in diagnostics, machine dynamics, and extensive experience. The article proposes the Multidimensional Data Driven Decomposition (MD3) method, which allows decomposing a complex transient into several simpler, easier to analyze functions. These functions have physical meaning. Thus, the method belongs to the Explainable Artificial Intelligence area. The MD3 method proposes three scenarios and chooses the best based on the MSE quality index. The approach was first verified on a test rig and then validated on data from a real object. The results confirm the correctness of the method assumptions and performance. Furthermore, the MD3 method successfully identified the failure of rotor unbalance, both on the test rig and the real object data (large generator rotor in the power plant). Finally, further directions for research and development of the method are proposed.
A Comparative Assessment on Different Aspects of the Non-Linear Instability Dynamics of Supercritical Fluid in Parallel Channel Systems
Authors: Singh Munendra Pal , Berrouk Abdallah Sofiane , Singh Suneet
Published: May 2022

The thermal-hydraulic behavior of supercritical water reactors with a parallel channel configuration was examined through a non-linear instability analysis. This analysis was performed under wide-ranging conditions and aspects, including different working supercritical fluids, varied heat-flux and flow-rate conditions, and channel inclinations. The supercritical fluid (SCFs) dynamics were captured using the density, enthalpy, and velocity analytical approximation functions. The major findings show that both SCFs (water and carbon dioxide) experienced density wave oscillations at a low pseudo-subcooling number. Static instability characteristics were observed for supercritical water, at a relatively high subcooling number. Further, it was found that at different heat flux, the hotter channel makes the overall system more unstable, whereas, at equal heat flux, parallel channels perform similar to a single-channel system. However, the effect of the inclination angle was found to be negligible owing to supercritical pressure conditions. Moreover, stable and unstable limit cycles along with out-of-phase oscillation characteristics were observed in dynamic stability regions. The present model was also compared with experimental and numerical data. Moreover, co-dimension and numerical simulations were performed to confirm the observed non-linear characteristics. This study helps to enhance the heat transfer characteristics during safe operation of heated channel systems, such as nuclear reactors and solar thermal systems.
Stackelberg-Game-Based Demand Response for Voltage Regulation in Distribution Network with High Penetration of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xu Linglei , Xie Qiangqiang , Zheng Liang , Hua Yongzhu , Shao Lihuan , Cui Jiadong
Published: May 2022

With the development of the economy, electricity demand continues to increase, and the time for electricity consumption is concentrated, which leads to increasing pressure on the voltage regulation of the distribution network. For example, a large number of electric vehicles charging during a low-price period may cause the problem of under-voltage of the distribution network. On the other hand, the penetration of distributed power generation of renewable energy may cause over-voltage problems in the distribution network. This study proposes a Stackelberg game model between the distribution system operator and the load aggregator. In the Stackelberg game model, the distribution system operator affects the users’ electricity consumption time by issuing subsidies to decrease the frequency of voltage violations. As the representative of users, the load aggregator helps the users schedule the demand during the subsidized period to maximize profits. Case studies are carried out on the IEEE 33-bus power distribution system. The results show that the time of the subsidy can be optimized based on the Stackelberg game model. Both the distribution system operator and the load aggregator can obtain the optimal economic profits and then comprehensively improve the operating reliability and economy of the power distribution system.
Luenberger Observer-Based Microgrid Control Strategy for Mixed Load Conditions
Authors: Cheng Yong , Li Cong
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a Luenberger observer-based microgrid control strategy is proposed to enhance the power quality of microgrids, when the grid loads are mixed and strongly non-linear. To improve performance under this condition, a Luenberger observer is designed for three phase power grids. On the basis of the observer, the components of different frequencies and sequences of voltages and currents are obtained accurately. The virtual impedance of different frequencies and sequences is designed, which makes the equivalent line impedance meet the power-sharing condition, reducing the fundamental negative sequence voltages and harmonic voltages. The active power droop equation, meanwhile, is proposed, where the bus voltage is modified. The value range of virtual impedance is discussed in the complex frequency domain. The proposed control strategy does not require any communication lines, so the hardware structure is simplified. The simulations and experiments are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Holistic Consideration of Megawatt Electrolysis as a Key Component of Sector Coupling
Authors: Emonts Bernd , Müller Martin , Hehemann Michael , Janßen Holger , Keller Roger , Stähler Markus , Stähler Andrea , Hagenmeyer Veit , Dittmeyer Roland , Pfeifer Peter , Waczowicz Simon , Rubin Michael , Munzke Nina , Kasselmann Stefan
Published: May 2022

In the future, hydrogen (H2) will play a significant role in the sustainable supply of energy and raw materials to various sectors. Therefore, the electrolysis of water required for industrial-scale H2 production represents a key component in the generation of renewable electricity. Within the scope of fundamental research work on cell components for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and application-oriented living labs, an MW electrolysis system was used to further improve industrial-scale electrolysis technology in terms of its basic structure and systems-related integration. The planning of this work, as well as the analytical and technical approaches taken, along with the essential results of research and development are presented herein. The focus of this study is the test facility for a megawatt PEM electrolysis stack with the presentation of the design, processing, and assembly of the main components of the facility and stack.
Design of a Smart Distribution Panelboard Using IoT Connectivity and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Shaban Mahmoud , Alsharekh Mohammed
Published: May 2022

Electric load management through continuous monitoring and intelligent controlling has become a pressing requirement, particularly in light of rising electrical energy costs. The main purpose of this work is to realize a low-voltage electrical distribution panelboard that allows for real-time load monitoring and that provides a load forecasting feature at the household level. In this regard, we demonstrate the design and the implementation details of an IoT-enabled panelboard with smart features. An IoT dashboard was used to display the most significant information in terms of voltage, current, real power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, and energy consumption. Additionally, the panel system offers visualization capabilities that were integrated into a cloud-based machine learning modeling. Among several algorithms used, the Gaussian SVM regression exhibited the best training and validation results for the load forecasting feature. It is possible for the proposed design to be simply developed to add more smart features such as fault detection and identification. This assists in an efficient management of energy demand at the consumer level.
Short-Term Load Forecasting Based on the CEEMDAN-Sample Entropy-BPNN-Transformer
Authors: Huang Shichao , Zhang Jing , He Yu , Fu Xiaofan , Fan Luqin , Yao Gang , Wen Yongjun
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problem that power load data are stochastic and that it is difficult to obtain accurate forecasting results by a single algorithm, in this paper, a combined forecasting method for short-term power load was proposed based on the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN)-sample entropy (SE), the BP neural network (BPNN), and the Transformer model. Firstly, the power load data were decomposed into several power load subsequences with obvious complexity differences by using the CEEMDAN-SE. Then, BPNN and Transformer model were used to forecast the subsequences with low complexity and the subsequences with high complexity, respectively. Finally, the forecasting results of each subsequence were superimposed to obtain the final forecasting result. The simulation was taken from our proposed model and six forecasting models by using the load dataset from a certain area of Spain. The results showed that the MAPE of our proposed CEEMDAN-SE-BPNN-Transformer model was 1.1317%, while the RMSE was 304.40, which was better than the selected six forecasting models.
Assessing the Potential of Implementing a Solar-Based Distributed Energy System for a University Using the Campus Bus Stops
Authors: Gálvez David Morillón , Kerdan Iván García , Carmona-Paredes Germán
Published: May 2022

Large educational facilities hold great potential for the implementation of solar-based distributed energy systems. The aim of this paper is to present a prototype and an assessment of a solar-based bus shelter photovoltaic system intended to be implemented at a campus scale that serves as an energy-distributed system. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a campus with an area of 7.3 km2 and bus stops’ roof area availability of around 1100 m2 was selected as a case study. The proposed system, apart from considering on-site generation, also considers an increase in end-use services such as the installation of television screens for information, charging docks, surveillance cameras, internet service, and lighting. For the assessment, a load facility survey and an estimation of the baseline energy use was conducted based on two demand use conditions, corresponding to 12 and 24 h for different archetypical stations. It was found that the baseline annual energy consumption for all the bus stops represents from 55–111 MWh. In this paper, an initial prototype of a solar-based bus shelter PV system is presented, and an assessment is carried out to understand its potential application at a large scale. The analysis shows that energy use in the retrofitted stations would rise to 167 MWh/year; however, apart from covering on-site demand, the system has the capacity to generate an additional 175 MWh, feeding nearby university buildings. It is calculated that the system could save around 130 t CO2e annually. The economic analysis shows that the project has a discounted payback (DPB) of almost 9 years and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 5.9%; however, in scenarios where renewable generation and carbon incentives are applied, this improves the project’s DPB to 6 years and the IRR to 13%.
Hydrothermal Conversion of Waste Biomass from Greenhouses into Hydrochar for Energy, Soil Amendment, and Wastewater Treatment Applications
Authors: Jamal-Uddin Abu-Taher , Salaudeen Shakirudeen A. , Dutta Animesh , Zytner Richard G.
Published: May 2022

Solid hydrochar (HC) produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of tomato plant biomass from a greenhouse (GH) was assessed for different inhouse applications, including fuel, seed germination, and leached GH nutrient feed (GNF) wastewater treatment. Completed experiments showed encouraging results. HC was revealed to be an efficient renewable fuel, having peat-like characteristics with high heating value of about 26.0 MJ/kg and very low clinker forming potential. This would allow the use of HC as fuel for GH heating as a substitute to costly natural gas, or it could be commercialized after pelletizing. Experiments with soil application showed substantial potential for the produced HC in better seed germination of tomato plants. Another benefit from use of the produced HC is as a soil additive, which would also contribute to environmental emission reduction. Results suggest that the generated HC can remove about 6–30% of nutrients from leached-GNF wastewater. This would be an essential treatment in the reduction of nutrients from leached water from GH operations, and thus could prevent/reduce eutrophication. The exhausted HC after treatment application could then be reused for soil remediation. Overall, the paper highlights the potential applications of hydrothermal treatment in valorization of low-valued GH TPB waste, resulting in a circular economy.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Wind Turbine Monitoring through Operation Data Analysis”
Authors: Astolfi Davide , Castellani Francesco
Published: May 2022

Horizontal axis wind turbines likely constitute the most promising renewable energy technology worldwide and their exploitation has been recently accelerating due to energy transition policies [...]
Optimal Radial Build and Transmutation Properties of a Fusion-Based Transmutation Reactor with Molten Salt Coolants
Authors: Hong Bong-Guen
Published: May 2022

The optimal shape of a fusion-based transmutation reactor with a molten salt coolant was determined by plasma physics, technology, and neutronic requirements. System parameters such as neutron multiplication, power density, shielding, and tritium breeding, were calculated in a self-consistent manner by coupling neutron transport analysis with conventional tokamak systems analysis. The plasma physics and engineering levels were similar to those used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The influence of aspect ratio of the tokamak and fusion power on the radial build, and the transmutation properties associated with two molten salt options, FLiBe and FliNaBe, were investigated. Being compared with a transmutation reactor with a small aspect ratio, a transmutation reactor with large aspect ratio was smaller in size and had a larger maximum fusion power. This type of reactor also revealed increased tritium-breeding capability and a smaller initial transuranic (TRU) inventory with a slightly lower burn-up rate. The burn-up rate for molten salt using either FLiBe or FLiNaBe was similar, but the initial TRU inventory and the tritium-breeding capability were smaller with FLiNaBe compared with FLiBe.
Developing Indoor Temperature Profiles of Albanian Homes for Baseline Energy Models in Relation to Contextual Factors
Authors: Murataj Jonida , Gupta Rajat , Nicol Fergus
Published: May 2022

Oversimplifying occupant behaviour using static and standard schedules has been identified as a limitation of building energy simulation tools. This paper describes the use of hierarchical cluster analysis to establish the most typical indoor temperature profiles of Albanian dwellings based on monitored indoor temperatures in winter and summer, along with building and occupant surveys undertaken in 49 randomly selected dwellings in Tirana. Three statistically different profiles were developed for each summer and winter, indicating that homes are used in different ways, as well as revealing possible comfort requirements. Furthermore, statistical analysis was undertaken to determine the strength of the association between the clusters and contextual factors related to the building, household, and occupancy. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of children and the clusters in winter, suggesting that families with dependents use more energy. Building-related factors including building type, building age, and wall insulation were found to be statistically significantly associated with clusters in summer. These profiles could provide more accurate outcomes of energy consumption of Albanian homes and energy savings from retrofits. They could also facilitate the development of low-energy strategies and policies for specific households.
Analysis of Technologies for Hydrogen Consumption, Transition and Storage at Operating Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Kolbantseva Daria , Treschev Dmitriy , Trescheva Milana , Anikina Irina , Kolbantsev Yuriy , Kalmykov Konstantin , Aleshina Alena , Kalyutik Aleksandr , Vladimirov Iaroslav
Published: May 2022

The paper analyses operating and developing technologies for hydrogen implementation, transition, and storage at operating thermal power plants (TPPs) to make recommendations for realization of perspective projects for evaluation of the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Over the medium-term horizon of the next decade, it is suggested that using the technology of burning a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas in gas turbines and gas-and-oil-fired boilers in volume fractions of 20% and 80%, respectively, be implemented at operating gas fired TPPs. We consider the construction of the liquefied hydrogen and natural gas storage warehouses for the required calculated quantities of the gas mixture as a reserve energy fuel for operating the TPPs. We consider the possibility of the reserve liquid fuel system being replaced by the technology involving storage of liquefied hydrogen in combination with natural gas. An economic assessment of the storing cost of reserve fuel on the TPP site is given. The paper suggests that the methane-hydrogen mixture be supplied to the TPP site by two independent gas pipelines for the possibility of using the mixture as the main fuel and to exclude fuel storage at the plant.
Medium Optimization for GA4 Production by Gibberella fujikuroi Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Bingxuan , Yin Kainan , Wu Choufei , Wang Liang , Yin Lianghong , Lin Haiping
Published: May 2022

Gibberellin is an important plant growth regulator that has been widely used in agricultural production with great market prospects. However, the low yield from Gibberella fujikuroi restricts its application. To improve the production of gibberellin A4 (GA4), the response surface methodology was used in this study to explore the effect of different types and concentrations of vegetable oil and precursors on the production of GA4. Based on a single factor experiment, the Behnken box and central composite designs were used to establish the fermentation condition model, and the response surface method was used for analysis. The results indicated that the optimum formula was 0.55% palm oil, 0.60% cottonseed oil, 0.64% sesame oil, 0.19 g/L pyruvic acid, 0.21 g/L oxaloacetic acid, and 0.21 g/L citric acid for 48 h, which produced a yield 4.32 times higher than that without optimization. This suggests that the mathematical model is valid for predicting GA4 production in Gibberella fujikuroi QJGA4-1.
Optimisation of PLS Calibrations for Filtered and Untreated Samples towards In-Line Monitoring of Phenolic Extraction during Red-Wine Fermentations
Authors: Lambrecht Kiera , Nieuwoudt Hélène , Du Toit Wessel , Aleixandre-Tudo José Luis
Published: May 2022

Infrared spectroscopy provides an efficient, robust, and multivariate means to measure phenolic levels during red-wine fermentations. However, its use is currently limited to off-line sampling. In this study, partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to investigate the possibility of using spectral data from minimally pre-treated or untreated samples for the optimisation of prediction calibrations towards an in-line monitoring set-up. The evaluation of the model performance was conducted using a variety of metrics. Limits of detection and quantification of the PLS calibrations were used to assess the ability of the models to predict lower levels of phenolics from the start of fermentation. The calibrations were shown to be useful for the quantification of phenolic compounds and phenolic parameters with minimal or no sample pre-treatment during red-wine fermentation. Upon evaluation of performance, the calibrations built for attenuated-transmission Fourier-transform mid-infrared (ATR-FT-MIR) and diffuse-reflectance Fourier-transform near-infrared (DR-FT-NIR) were shown to be the most suitable spectroscopy techniques for eventual application in an automated and in-line system with values for limits of detection and quantification being suitable for the entire duration of fermentation.
Impact Resistance of Rendering Mortars with Natural and Textile-Acrylic Waste Fibres
Authors: Maia Pederneiras Cinthia , Veiga Rosário , de Brito Jorge
Published: May 2022

Renders should have an adequate resistance to impacts, since they must protect the substrate. The use of fibres may enhance the energy absorbed when the mortars are submitted to an impact load, which contributes to postpone the first crack, and control its propagation and width. In this study, the impact strength was measured by a falling mass from different heights. The cracking pattern and the impact energy for the appearance of the first crack and until failure were evaluated. An artificial accelerated ageing test was also performed, and the impact resistance was analysed before and after ageing. In order to analyse the effects of recycled fibres, wool, coir, flax and textile-acrylic waste fibres were used as reinforcement in cement and cement-lime mortars. The results indicated that the fibres’ addition significantly improved the impact energy of the rendering mortars in comparison with the reference mortars. Concerning the crack patterns, the recycled fibres prevented the opening or the growth of the cracks, before and after ageing. This effect is mainly due to the fibre’s bridge mechanism, due to crossing the open cracks and hindering their propagation. The fibres’ type, length and volume fraction have influenced the mortars’ performance in terms of impact resistance. Textile-acrylic fibres waste presented the best performance by comparison with the natural fibres used.
Bioconversion of High-Calorie Potato Starch to Low-Calorie β-Glucan via 3D Printing Using Pleurotus eryngii Mycelia
Authors: Li Hongbo , Xie Suya , Cao Shangqiao , Hu Liangbin , Xu Dan , Zhang Jiayi , Mo Haizhen , Liu Zhenbin
Published: May 2022

Edible fungi play an important role in material and energy cycling. This study explored the role of Pleurotus eryngii mycelia in the transformation of potato high-calorie starch to low-calorie β-glucan. First, the 3D printing performance of the potato medium was optimized. After inoculating the fermentation broth of Pleurotus eryngii in 3D printing, we studied the microstructure and material composition of the product. Along with the increase in 3D printing filling ratio, the starch content of the culture product decreased from 84.18% to 60.35%, while the starch content in the solid medium prepared using the mold was 67.74%. The change in β-glucan content in cultured products was opposite to that of starch, and the content of the culture product increased from 12.57% to 24.31%, while the β-glucan content in the solid medium prepared using the mold was 22.17%. The amino acid composition and content of the 3D printing culture system and solid culture products prepared using the mold were similar. The 3D printing culture system promoted the bioconversion efficiency of mycelia. It also showed high application potential of Pleurotus eryngii mycelia for the preparation of low-calorie food.
The First Optimization Process from Cultivation to Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves in Brazil
Authors: Silva Larissa Marina Pereira , Inácio Maria Raquel Cavalcanti , Silva Gualter Guenter Costa da , Silva Jucier Magson de Souza e , Luz Jefferson Romáryo Duarte da , Almeida Maria das Graças , Moraes Edgar Perin , Esposito Debora , Ferreira Leandro De Santis , Zucolotto Silvana Maria
Published: May 2022

Flavonoids are significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and have multiple potential health applications. Moringa oleifera is globally recognized for its nutritional and pharmacological properties, correlated to the high flavonoid content in its leaves. However, the bioactive compounds found in plants may vary according to the cultivation, origin, season, and extraction process used, making it difficult to extract reliable raw material. Hence, this study aimed to standardize the best cultivation and harvest season in Brazil and the best extraction process conditions to obtain a flavonoid-rich extract from M. oleifera as a final product. Firstly, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized to reach the highest flavonoid content by three-level factorial planning and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal cultivation condition was mineral soil fertilizer in the drought season, and the optimized extraction was with 80% ethanol and 13.4 min of extraction time. The flavonoid-rich extract was safe and significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Lastly, the major flavonoids characterized by HPLC-ESI-QTRAP-MS/MS were compounds derived from apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycosides. The results confirmed that it was possible to standardize the flavonoid-rich extract leading to a standardized and reliable raw material extracted from M. oleifera leaves.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Oil Displacement Mechanism of Weak Gel in Waterflood Reservoirs
Authors: Cheng Hongjie , Zheng Xianbao , Wu Yongbin , Zhang Jipeng , Zhao Xin , Li Chenglong
Published: May 2022

The production performance of waterflood reservoirs with years of production is severely challenged by high water cuts and extensive water channels. Among IOR/EOR methods, weak gel injection is particularly effective in improving the water displacement efficiency and oil recovery. The visualized microscopic oil displacement experiments were designed to comprehensively investigate the weak gel mechanisms in porous media and the numerical simulations coupling equations characterizing weak gel viscosity induced dynamics were implemented to understand its planar and vertical block and movement behaviors at the field scale. From experiments, the residual oil of initial water flooding mainly exists in the form of cluster, column, dead end, and membranous, and it mainly exists in the form of cluster and dead end in subsequent water flooding stage following weak gel injection. The porous flow mechanism of weak gel includes the preferential plugging of large channels, the integral and staged transport of weak gel, and the residual oil flow along pore walls in weak gel displacement. The profile-control mechanism of weak gel is as follows: weak gel selectively enters the large channels, weak gel blocks large channels and forces subsequent water flow to change direction, weak gel uses viscoelastic bulk motion to form negative pressure oil absorption, and the oil droplets converge to form an oil stream, respectively. The numerical simulation indicates that weak gel can effectively reduce the water-oil mobility ratio, preferentially block the high permeability layer and the large pore channels, divert the subsequent water to flood the low permeability layer, and improve the water injection swept efficiency. It is found numerically that a weak gel system is able to flow forward under high-pressure differences in the subsequent water flooding, which can further improve oil displacement efficiency. Unlike the conventional profile-control methods, weak gels make it possible to displace the bypassed oil in the deep inter-well regions with significant potential to enhance oil recovery.
The Pid Family Has Been Diverged into Xian and Geng Type Resistance Genes against Rice Blast Disease
Authors: Chai Ruipeng , Wang Jinyan , Wang Xing , Wen Jianqiang , Liang Zhijian , Ye Xuemei , Zhang Yaling , Yao Yongxiang , Zhang Jianfu , Zhang Yihua , Wang Ling , Pan Qinghua
Published: May 2022

Rice blast (the causative agent the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae) represents a major constraint on the productivity of one of the world’s most important staple food crops. Genes encoding resistance have been identified in both the Xian and Geng subspecies genepools, and combining these within new cultivars represents a rational means of combating the pathogen. In this research, deeper allele mining was carried out on Pid2, Pid3, and Pid4 via each comprehensive FNP marker set in three panels consisting of 70 Xian and 58 Geng cultivars. Within Pid2, three functional and one non-functional alleles were identified; the former were only identified in Xian type entries. At Pid3, four functional and one non-functional alleles were identified; once again, all of the former were present in Xian type entries. However, the pattern of variation at Pid4 was rather different: here, the five functional alleles uncovered were dispersed across the Geng type germplasm. Among all the twelve candidate functional alleles, both Pid2-ZS and Pid3-ZS were predominant. Furthermore, the resistance functions of both Pid2-ZS and Pid3-ZS were assured by transformation test. Profiting from the merits of three comprehensive FNP marker sets, the study has validated all three members of the Pid family as having been strictly diverged into Xian and Geng subspecies: Pid2 and Pid3 were defined as Xian type resistance genes, and Pid4 as Geng type. Rather limited genotypes of the Pid family have been effective in both Xian and Geng rice groups, of which Pid2-ZS_Pid3-ZS has been central to the Chinese rice population.
The Virtual as Affirmative Praxis: A Neo-Materialist Approach
Authors: Braidotti Rosi
Published: May 2022

This chapter addresses the resonances between the concept of the virtual and a material philosophy of life, based on heterogeneity, hybridity, and becoming. It outlines the basic tenet of this materialist philosophy and explores its implications, in relation to the notions of difference and becoming. It, also, highlights the importance of an ethics of affirmation, which may balance the creative potential of critical thought with a dose of negative criticism and the oppositional consciousness that such a stance, necessarily, entails. Situating this project in the context of cognitive capitalism, it discusses the question of how to resist the injustice, violence, and exclusions of the times, our times, the better to resist them and engage with them in an affirmative manner.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Teachers’ Classroom Safety Perception, Anxiety and Coping Strategies during Instructional Delivery
Authors: Quansah Frank , Frimpong James Boadu , Sambah Francis , Oduro Prince , Anin Stephen Kofi , Srem-Sai Medina , Hagan John Elvis , Schack Thomas
Published: May 2022

Several professionals, including teachers, have been engrossed in fear of the worst happening due to COVID-19 and the rapidly evolving nature of the virus affecting the perception of safety in any working environment. This study examined teachers’ perception of classroom safety, anxiety, and coping strategies during instructional delivery in senior high schools in Ghana. Adopting the cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach, a convenient sample of 174 senior high school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis completed a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The findings showed that teachers perceived their classroom environment as unsafe during instructional delivery amidst COVID-19 and reported modest to extreme levels of anxiety. Further, teachers with a high level of COVID-19 anxiety were found to utilize active coping strategies to manage stressful situations. The reported unsafe working environment in schools during pandemic times highlights the critical role of supportive working environments for teachers’ mental and psychological wellness. School counseling psychologists, school welfare officers, and school health coordinators should collaborate to implement interventions (e.g., social emotional learning; resilience strategies) that promote the wellbeing of teachers and a safe working environment.
A Novel Approach of Determining the Risks for the Development of Hyperinsulinemia in the Children and Adolescent Population Using Radial Basis Function and Support Vector Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Lukić Igor , Ranković Nevena , Savić Nikola , Ranković Dragica , Popov Željko , Vujić Ana , Folić Nevena
Published: May 2022

Hyperinsulinemia is a condition with extremely high levels of insulin in the blood. Various factors can lead to hyperinsulinemia in children and adolescents. Puberty is a period of significant change in children and adolescents. They do not have to have explicit symptoms for prediabetes, and certain health indicators may indicate a risk of developing this problem. The scientific study is designed as a cross-sectional study. In total, 674 children and adolescents of school age from 12 to 17 years old participated in the research. They received a recommendation from a pediatrician to do an OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance test) with insulinemia at a regular systematic examination. In addition to factor analysis, the study of the influence of individual factors was tested using RBF (Radial Basis Function) and SVM (Support Vector Machine) algorithm. The obtained results indicated statistically significant differences in the values of the monitored variables between the experimental and control groups. The obtained results showed that the number of adolescents at risk is increasing, and, in the presented research, it was 17.4%. Factor analysis and verification of the SVM algorithm changed the percentage of each risk factor. In addition, unlike previous research, three groups of children and adolescents at low, medium, and high risk were identified. The degree of risk can be of great diagnostic value for adopting corrective measures to prevent this problem and developing potential complications, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and other mass non-communicable diseases. The SVM algorithm is expected to determine the most accurate and reliable influence of risk factors. Using factor analysis and verification using the SVM algorithm, they significantly indicate an accurate, precise, and timely identification of children and adolescents at risk of hyperinsulinemia, which is of great importance for improving their health potential, and the health of society as a whole.
Molecular Cloning of a TCHQD Class Glutathione S-Transferase and GST Function in Response to GABA Induction of Melon Seedlings under Root Hypoxic Stress
Authors: Li Jingrui , Wang Chunyan , Wu Xiaolei , Gong Binbin , Lü Guiyun , Gao Hongbo
Published: May 2022

Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), a versatile enzyme that occurs widely in plants, plays a key role in plant resistance to environmental stresses. Previous results have demonstrated that GST proteins are involved in alleviating root hypoxic injury caused by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); however, the induction mechanism of the GST gene in the melon under root hypoxic stress and its functional mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, based on gene cloning and bioinformatics analysis, GST gene expression and activity and glutathione (GSH) content were assessed under root hypoxic and normoxic conditions with or without GABA. The results showed that the CmGST locus includes an 804 bp gene sequence that encodes 267 amino acids. The sequence was highly similar to those of other plant TCHQD GSTs, and the highest value (94%) corresponded to Cucumis sativus. Real-time PCR results showed that the CmGST gene was induced by root hypoxic stress and GABA, and this induction was accompanied by increased GST activity and GSH content. Root hypoxic stress significantly upregulated CmGST expression in melon roots (0.5–6 d), stems, and leaves (0.5–4 d), and GST activity and GSH content were also significantly increased. Exogenous GABA treatment upregulated CmGST gene expression, GST activity, and GSH content, particularly under root hypoxic conditions. As a result, CmGST expression in GABA-treated roots and leaves at 0.5–4 d and stems at 0.5–6 d was significantly higher than that under root hypoxic stress alone. This study provides evidence that the TCHQD CmGST may play a vital role in how GABA increases melon hypoxia tolerance by upregulating gene expression and improving metabolism.