bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millimeter-Wave Channel Measurements and Path Loss Characterization in a Typical Indoor Office Environment
Authors: Rubio Lorenzo , Peñarrocha Vicent M. Rodrigo , Cabedo-Fabres Marta , Bernardo-Clemente Bernardo , Reig Juan , Fernández Herman , Pérez Jesús R. , Torres Rafael P. , Valle Luis , Fernández Óscar
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a path loss characterization at millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies is performed in a typical indoor office environment. Path loss results were derived from propagation channel measurements collected in the 25–40 GHz frequency band, in both line-of-sight (LOS) and obstructed-LOS (OLOS) propagation conditions. The channel measurements were performed using a frequency-domain channel sounder, which integrates an amplified radio over fiber (RoF) link to avoid the high losses at mmWave. The path loss was analyzed in the 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 33 GHz and 38 GHz frequency bands through the close-in free space reference distance (CI) and the floating-intercept (FI) models. These models take into account the distance dependence of the path loss for a single frequency. Nevertheless, to jointly study the distance and frequency dependence of the path loss, multi-frequency models were considered. The parameters of the ABG (A-alpha, B-beta and G-gamma) and the close-in free space reference distance with frequency path loss exponent (CIF) models were derived from the channel measurements in the whole 25–40 GHz band under the minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. The results show that, in general, there is some relationship between the model parameters and the frequency. Path loss exponent (PLE) values smaller than the theoretical free space propagation were obtained, showing that there are a waveguide effect and a constructive interference of multipath components (MPCs). Since the measurements were obtained in the same environment and with the same configuration and measurement setup, it is possible to establish realistic comparisons between the model parameters and the propagation behavior at the different frequencies considered. The results provided here allow us to have a better knowledge of the propagation at mmWave frequencies and may be of interest to other researchers in the simulation and performance evaluation of future wireless communication systems in indoor hotspot environments.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Positioning Method for Foot-Mounted Pedestrian Navigation System Using Low-Cost Inertial Sensor
Authors: Xie Dongpeng , Jiang Jinguang , Yan Peihui , Wu Jiaji , Li Yuying , Yu Ziyan
Published: February 2023

Aiming at the problem that position errors accumulate rapidly in foot-mounted pedestrian navigation systems using a low-cost inertial sensor, a novel three-dimensional (3D) positioning method is proposed. First, when the foot is still, an improved zero velocity detection method that assigns different weights to each inertial measurement unit (IMU) data in a sliding window is designed to reduce positioning errors. When the foot is in swing, a lateral velocity restriction method is proposed by analyzing the gait characteristics of pedestrians. In addition, when pedestrians need altitude positioning in the building, the stair step height is also applied to the zero-velocity update (ZUPT)-aided inertial navigation system, which can effectively improve altitude positioning accuracy. Experiments under multi-gait modes show that the proposed zero velocity detection method can achieve smaller positioning errors compared with other traditional zero velocity detection methods. Moreover, the trajectory estimated by the proposed method has a higher coincidence with the real trajectories, the two-dimensional (2D) plane positioning error is less than 0.9% and the average altitude positioning error is only 0.12 m.
Analysis of the Behavior Pattern of Energy Consumption through Online Clustering Techniques
Authors: Viera Juan , Aguilar Jose , Rodríguez-Moreno Maria , Quintero-Gull Carlos
Published: February 2023

Analyzing energy consumption is currently of great interest to define efficient energy management strategies. In particular, studying the evolution of the behavior of the consumption pattern can allow energy policies to be defined according to the time of the year. In this sense, this work proposes to study the evolution of energy behavior patterns using online clustering techniques. In particular, the centroids of the groups constructed by the techniques will represent their consumption patterns. Specifically, two unsupervised online machine learning techniques ideal for the stated objective will be analyzed, X-Means and LAMDA, since they are capable of varying and adapting the number of clusters at runtime. These techniques are applied to energy consumption data in commercial buildings, making groupings on previous groups, in our case, monthly and quarterly. We compared their performance by analyzing the evolution of the patterns over time. The results are very promising since the quality of the consumption patterns obtained is very good according to the performance metrics. Thus, the three main contributions of this article are to propose an approach to determine energy consumption patterns using online non-supervised learning approaches, a methodology to analyze and explain the evolution of energy consumption using centroids of clusters, and a comparison strategy of online learning techniques. The online clustering techniques have qualities of the order of 0.59 and 0.41 for Silhouette and Davies-Boulding, respectively, for X-Means and of the order of 0.71 and 0.24 for Silhouette and Davies-Boulding, respectively, for LAMDA in different datasets of energy. The results are motivating since very good results are obtained in terms of the quality of the clusters, particularly with LAMDA; therefore, analyzing its centroids as the patterns of user behaviors makes a lot of sense.
Inductive Electrically Excited Synchronous Machine for Electrical Vehicles—Design, Optimization and Measurement
Authors: Müller Samuel , Maier David , Parspour Nejila
Published: February 2023

The demand for electric machines has been rising steadily for several years—mainly due to the move away from the combustion engine. Synchronous motors with rare earth permanent magnets are widely used due to their high power densities. These magnets are cost-intensive, cost-sensitive and often environmentally harmful. In addition to dispensing with permanent magnets, electrically excited synchronous machines offer the advantage of an adjustable excitation and, thus, a higher efficiency in the partial load range in field weakening operation. Field weakening operation is relevant for the application of vehicle traction drive. The challenge of this machine type is the need for an electrical power transfer system, usually achieved with slip rings. Slip rings wear out, generate dust and are limited in power density and maximum speed due to vibrations. This article addresses an electrically excited synchronous machine with a wireless power transfer onto the rotor. From the outset, the machine is designed with a wireless power transfer system for use in a medium-sized electric vehicle. As an example, the requirements are derived from the BMW’s i3. The wireless power transfer system is integrated into the hollow shaft of the rotor. Unused space is thus utilized. The overall system is optimized for high efficiency, especially for partial load at medium speed, with an operation point-depending optimization method. The results are compared with the reference permanent magnet excited machine. A prototype of the machine is built and measured on the test bench. The measured efficiency of the inductive electrically excited synchronous machine is up to 4% higher than that of the reference machine of the BMW i3.
Performance Simulation of Solar Trough Concentrators: Optical and Thermal Comparisons
Authors: Cao Fei , Pang Jiarui , Gu Xianzhe , Wang Miaomiao , Shangguan Yanqin
Published: February 2023

The solar trough concentrator is used to increase the solar radiation intensity on absorbers for water heating, desalination, or power generation purposes. In this study, optical performances of four solar trough concentrators, viz. the parabolic trough concentrator (PTC), the compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), the surface uniform concentrator (SUC), and the trapezoid trough concentrator (TTC), are simulated using the Monte Carlo Ray Tracing method. Mathematical models for the solar trough concentrators are first established. The solar radiation distributions on their receivers are then simulated. The solar water heating performances using the solar trough concentrators are finally compared. The results show that, as a high-concentration ratio concentrator, the PTC can achieve the highest heat flux, but suffers from the worst uniformity on the absorber, which is only 0.32%. The CPC can generate the highest heat flux among the rest three low-concentration ratio solar trough concentrators. Compared with the PTC and the CPC, the TTC has better uniformity, but its light-receiving ratio is only 70%. The SUC is beneficial for its highest uniformity of 87.38%. Thermal analysis results show that the water temperatures inside the solar trough concentrators are directly proportional to their wall temperature, with the highest temperature rise in the PTC and the smallest temperature rise in the TTC. The solar trough concentrators’ thermal deformations are positively correlated to their wall temperatures. The radial deformation of the SUC is much larger than those of other solar trough concentrators. The smallest equivalent stress is found in the SUC, which is beneficial to the long-term operation of the solar water heating system.
Uncertainty Analysis of CO2 Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers Using Machine Learning and Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulwahab , He Xupeng , Yan Bicheng , Hoteit Hussein
Published: February 2023

Geological CO2 sequestration (GCS) has been proposed as an effective approach to mitigate carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the fate of CO2 dynamics and storage are essential aspects of large-scale reservoir simulations. This work presents a rigorous machine learning-assisted (ML) workflow for the uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis of CO2 storage prediction in deep saline aquifers. The proposed workflow comprises three main steps: The first step concerns dataset generation, in which we identify the uncertainty parameters impacting CO2 flow and transport and then determine their corresponding ranges and distributions. The training data samples are generated by combining the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) technique with high-resolution simulations. The second step involves ML model development based on a data-driven ML model, which is generated to map the nonlinear relationship between the input parameters and corresponding output interests from the previous step. We show that using Bayesian optimization significantly accelerates the tuning process of hyper-parameters, which is vastly superior to a traditional trial–error analysis. In the third step, uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis are performed using Monte Carlo simulations applied to the optimized surrogate. This step is performed to explore the time-dependent uncertainty propagation of model outputs. The key uncertainty parameters are then identified by calculating the Sobol indices based on the global sensitivity analysis. The proposed workflow is accurate and efficient and could be readily implemented in field-scale CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers.
Optimization of Caper Drying Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks for Energy Efficiency Characteristics
Authors: Demir Hasan , Demir Hande , Lončar Biljana , Pezo Lato , Brandić Ivan , Voća Neven , Yilmaz Fatma
Published: February 2023

One of the essential factors for the selection of the drying process is energy consumption. This study intended to optimize the drying treatment of capers using convection (CD), refractive window (RWD), and vacuum drying (VD) combined with ultrasonic pretreatment by a comparative approach among artificial neural networks (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) focusing on the specific energy consumption (SEC). For this purpose, the effects of drying temperature (50, 60, 70 °C), ultrasonication time (0, 20, 40 min), and drying method (RWD, CD, VD) on the SEC value (MJ/g) were tested using a face-centered central composite design (FCCD). RSM (R2: 0.938) determined the optimum drying-temperature–ultrasonication-time values that minimize SEC as; 50 °C-35.5 min, 70 °C-40 min and 70 °C-24 min for RWD, CD and VD, respectively. The conduct of the ANN model is evidenced by the correlation coefficient for training (0.976), testing (0.971) and validation (0.972), which shows the high suitability of the model for optimising specific energy consumption (SEC).
A Review of Hydroponics and Conventional Agriculture Based on Energy and Water Consumption, Environmental Impact, and Land Use
Authors: Pomoni Dimitra I. , Koukou Maria K. , Vrachopoulos Michail Gr. , Vasiliadis Labros
Published: February 2023

The increasing demand for food, the lack of natural resources and arable land, and the recent restrictions on energy consumption require an immediate solution in terms of agricultural activities. This paper’s objective was to review hydroponics (a new soilless cultivation technology) and compare it with conventional agriculture (soil cultivation) regarding its environmental impact and water and energy consumption. The soil loss, the crop/soil contamination, and the greenhouse gas emissions were the criteria for the environmental comparison of conventional agriculture and hydroponics. As for resource consumption, the water consumption rates (L/kg), energy consumption rates (kWh), and energy required (kW) were the criteria for comparing conventional agriculture with hydroponics. Tomato and cannabis cultivation were used as case studies in this review. The review results showed that the advantages of hydroponics over conventional cultivation include zero-soil cultivation, land-use efficiency, planting environment cleanliness, fertilizer and resource saving, water consumption reduction, and conservation. The disadvantages of hydroponics versus conventional cultivation were found to include the high investment costs, technical know-how requirements, and higher amount of demanded energy.
Assessment of the Forest Fire Risk and Its Indicating Significances in Zhaoqing City Based on Landsat Time-Series Images
Authors: Zhou Xia , Yang Ji , Niu Kunlong , Zou Bishan , Lu Minjian , Wang Chongyang , Wei Jiayi , Liu Wei , Yang Chuanxun , Huang Haoling
Published: February 2023

An efficient monitoring of forest fire risk and its dynamic changes is an important way to prevent and reduce forest fire hazards. This study integrated the ignition effect of fire sources and the impact of landform into the calculation of forest fire risk using digital-terrain-slope factor, and developed an optimized forest fire risk model (fire-potential-index slope, FPIS). Combined with Landsat 8 satellite images, the study retrieved and analyzed the variations of forest fire risk in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong province, for four consecutive periods in the dry season, 2019. It was found that the high forest fire risk area was mainly distributed in the valley plains of Huaiji district, Fengkai district and Guangning district, the depressions of the Sihui district, and mountain-edge areas of Dinghu district and Gaoyao district, and accounted for 8.9% on 20 October but expanded to 19.89% on 7 December 2019. However, the further trend analysis indicated that the forest fire risk with significant increasing trend only accounted for 6.42% in Zhaoqing. Compared to the single high forest fire risk results, the changing trend results effectively narrowed the key areas for forest fire prevention (2.48%–12.47%) given the actual forest fires in the city. For the four forest fire events (Lingshan mountain, Hukeng industrial area, Xiangang county and Huangniuling ridge forest fires), it was found that the forest fire risk with significant increasing trend in these regions accounted for 26.63%, 35.84%, 54.6% and 73.47%, respectively, which further proved that the forest fire risk changing trend had a better indicated significance for real forest fire events than the high forest fire risk results itself (1.89%–71.69%). This study suggested that the forest fire risk increasing trend could be well used to reduce the probability of misjudgment and improve the accuracy of the early-warning areas when predicting forest fires.
Genetic Monitoring of Alnus glutinosa Natural Populations Using Two Generation Cohorts
Authors: Verbylaitė Rita , Aravanopoulos Filippos A. , Baliuckas Virgilijus , Juškauskaitė Aušra
Published: February 2023

The genetic diversity of populations is the ultimate source for adaptation and survival under changing environmental conditions. Genetic monitoring of temporal genetic diversity changes in autochthonous forest tree populations of key ecosystems species allows us to predict and mitigate potentially harmful changes of forests adaptability. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of autochthonous protected A. glutinosa populations, to compare the genetic diversity between maternal and progeny generations, in a distribution area that is known to harbour extensive genetic diversity, and to assess if there is an impact on genetic diversity when forest management practices to promote natural regeneration of mature stands are introduced. The genetic diversity of ten A. glutinosa populations from Lithuania was studied using 20 nuclear SSR primers. In total, 597 individuals (300 juvenile and 297 mature trees) were investigated. In half of the studied black alder GCUs, forest management to promote natural regeneration was carried out. The present study revealed high genetic diversity (average population Ar was 5.77, Ho and He–0.70) and low, but a significant population differentiation of studied A. glutinosa populations. The lack of significant genetic differences among different generations (population cohorts), is a strong indication that the black alder GCUs in Lithuania form an excellent platform for the protection of the species’ genetic diversity in the country.
Forest Therapy for Women with Gynaecological Cancer—A Feasibility Study to Find New Alternatives in Cancer Rehabilitation
Authors: Anundi Hanna , Dolling Ann , Pálsdóttir Anna María
Published: February 2023

Cancer can have a significant impact on one’s life situation, with many patients reporting psychosocial discomfort, worry, anxiety, fear of recurrence, depression, tiredness/fatigue, sleep problems, pain and numerous other problems even long after active medical treatment. Psychosocial support during cancer rehabilitation has proven to be insufficient. In a recent debate article, the scientific committee of CancerRehabFund, Sweden, demands more rehabilitation alternatives for individuals living with cancer. Nature-based treatment is one of the alternatives mentioned as the way forward, but more research is needed. Therefore, we want to evaluate the patient’s experience of a ten-week forest bathing intervention, as an add-on to the standard care, and whether it can improve general health and well-being in women suffering or recovering from gynaecological cancer. The study will run between the autumn of 2022 and until the end of 2023. It is a prospective single-case study, including quantitative and qualitative approaches using validated self-administered instruments (pre–post measurements) and semi-structured interviews (post) on women’s lived experience of the 10-week forest bathing intervention. The quantitative outcome measurements will be the quality of life, fatigue and depression/anxiety. There will also be a questionnaire on perceived sensory dimensions experienced in the forest environment. The study will include 24 participants, divided into four groups of 6 participants. Once a week for ten weeks, the participants will be offered a session of a 2.5-hour stay in the forest with breathing exercises, slow movement, time in silence and privacy and a social gathering to conclude each session. Before and after each session, the participants will be invited to fill in the Profile of their mood state to describe their mood/feelings. There will be three different forest locations with varied forest cover types, i.e., evergreen, deciduous and mistands. Participation in this study will be voluntary, and all results will be anonymously presented on a group level. This paper is a protocol paper describing in detail the venues/forest sites, the forest therapy intervention and the scientific methodological approach for evaluating the ten-week intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first study on forest bathing for cancer survivors in Sweden. The Swedish Ethical Review Authority has approved the study [Dnr 2022-02083-01].
A POIs Based Method for Location Optimization of Urban Fire Station: A Case Study in Zhengzhou City
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Wang Kai , Yuan Yingfeng , Yang Chao
Published: February 2023

In order to strengthen urban rescue capabilities, a new method is proposed to optimize the spatial distribution of fire stations in urban areas. Potential fire risk places are simplified into points of interest (POIs). Based on the Minimize Facilities Method and Maximize Coverage Algorithm, the number and location of fire stations are determined. In addition, the POIs assigned to the stations are also determined. Moreover, the service area of the fire station is identified according to topological convex hull theory. After that, the coverage rate of the POIs and the sensitivity of the accessible area to the driving time are discussed. At last, Zhongyuan District of Zhengzhou City is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results reveal that current fire stations are insufficient for protecting fire safety. It is necessary to construct three new stations, which will significantly enhance firefighting capabilities. Thus, the areas capable of being timely reached by fire forces in 4.3 min reach 108.8 km2, covering more than 50% of the target district. About 94 percent of the area composed of the target district can be reached in 10 min. Good accessibility indicates the proposed method is capable of optimizing the location of the urban fire station.
The Responses of Sediment Bacterial Communities in Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) Culture Ponds to Changes in Physicochemical Properties Caused by Sediment Improvement
Authors: Gao Tianheng , Li Nannan , Xue Wenlei , Hu Yuning , Lin Hai
Published: February 2023

The interaction between nutrients, heavy metals, and sediment bacterial communities play a key role in the health of crabs and the biogeochemical cycles of aquaculture systems. However, the effects of sediment improvement activities in crab culture on nutrients and heavy metals and the response of bacterial communities to the relevant changes are unclear. In this study, 24 water and sediment samples were collected from two aquaculture sites (total of 12 ponds, 6 at each site). High-throughput sequencing was used to determine the structure of the bacterial community and the diversity in water and sediment samples. The relationship between nutrients, heavy metals, and bacterial communities and the changes of the three before and after the improvement of the sediment were analyzed. The results showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes were predominant at the phylum level of sediment. Sediment improvement has an effect on NH4+-N, sulfide, total organic carbon (TOC), and heavy metals in sediments to varying degrees. In addition, redundancy analysis found that NH4+-N, NO3−-N, TP, and heavy metals were key drivers in crab culture pond sediments. The results of functional prediction showed that carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism were the dominant processes in the two crab farming areas. Overall, changes in nutrients and heavy metals caused by sediment improvement further affected the structure and function of bacterial communities and may affect biogeochemical cycles. Our study has deepened the understanding of the effects of sediment improvement on nutrients, heavy metals, and bacterial communities in crab culture ponds.
Effects of Climate Variability on Two Commercial Tuna Species Abundance in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Fan , Geng Zhe , Zhang Yuying , Zhu Jiangfeng , Dai Xiaojie
Published: February 2023

Oceanic temperature fluctuations are one of the leading factors affecting marine fish populations. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), characterized as the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly change, is an ocean–atmosphere interactive process causing interannual climate variability in the Indian Ocean. Influences of the IOD on the tuna catch rates are supported by previous research. Yet, there remains limited information about the impacts on the abundance of tuna stocks. In this study, we used the standardized Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) index to present the stock abundance and compared the effects of the IOD on the bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) among different management areas of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). Results show significant correlations between IOD events on both species’ abundance in the tropical western Indian Ocean. However, in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean and the southern Indian Ocean, neither bigeye nor yellowfin tuna abundances were significantly correlated by the IOD. For the whole Indian Ocean, IOD was significantly correlated uniquely with the yellowfin tuna abundance. Our results emphasized the importance of evaluating the climate variability effects over fisheries abundance species by species and per fishing areas analyses.
Filter-Feeding Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) Ammocetes Can Reduce Suspended Concentrations of E. coli Bacteria
Authors: Kalan Parker , Steinbeck John , Otte Freddy , Lema Sean C. , White Crow
Published: February 2023

Filter-feeding invertebrates such as bivalves have been shown to improve the health of aquatic systems by reducing concentrations of bacteria and other harmful suspended organisms, but it remains unknown if microphagous suspension-feeding fishes can provide similar ecosystem services for water quality. Here, we tested whether the presence of the filter-feeding larval ammocoete life-stage of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) can reduce suspended concentrations of Escherichia coli bacteria. Aquaria containing either filter-feeding ammocoete lamprey larvae (1.5 fish·L−1), lamprey macropthalmia juveniles (1.5 fish·L−1) that do not suspension-feed, or no lamprey (control) were filled with water contaminated with E. coli bacteria and then monitored for 5 d for E. coli concentration changes in the water column. The presence of ammocoete larvae generated a significantly faster decline in E. coli abundance compared to aquaria containing either macropthalmia-stage lamprey or no fish, which showed similar E. coli concentration profiles over that 5 d period. A higher density of ammocoetes (4.3 fish·L−1) resulted in a more rapid decline in E. coli compared to the lower 1.5 fish·L−1 ammocoete density, further implying that ammocoetes augmented bacterial clearance. These observations provide evidence that filter-feeding larval ammocoetes of Pacific lamprey may help promote water-quality enhancement by reducing suspended bacterial concentrations.
A New Rheological Model for Phosphate Slurry Flows
Authors: Ghoudi Zeineb , Maazioui Souhail , Benkhaldoun Fayssal , Hajjaji Noureddine
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a new rheological model for the flow of phosphate-water suspensions is proposed. The model’s ability to replicate the rheological characteristics of phosphate-water suspensions under different shear rate conditions is evaluated using rheometric tests, and it is found to be in good agreement with experimental data. A comprehensive methodology for obtaining the model parameters is presented. The proposed model is then incorporated into the OpenFoam numerical code. The results demonstrate that the model is capable of reproducing the rheological behavior of phosphate suspensions at both low and high concentrations by comparing it with suitable models for modeling the rheological behavior of phosphate suspensions. The proposed model can be applied to simulate and monitor phosphate slurry flows in industrial applications.
The Effects of Malonaldehyde on Quality Characteristics and Protein Oxidation of Coregonus peled (Coregonuspeled) during Storage
Authors: Guo Xin , Wang Na , Wei Yabo , Liu Pingping , Deng Xiaorong , Lei Yongdong , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

The effects of changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content on the quality of fish during the low-temperature storage period are unclear. Therefore, the effects of the MDA content on Coregonus peled quality and protein changes were investigated following storage under refrigeration (4 °C) and super chilling (−3 °C) for 15 days (d). The results showed that the MDA content continued to increase during storage and that the highest content was produced at 1.42 mg/kg during refrigeration. The fillet pH, drip loss, texture (hardness and elasticity), and myofibril fragmentation index deteriorated significantly during the storage period. Increased oxidation of the myofibrillar protein (MP) was observed in the 15 d storage period, and the MP carbonyl content was 1.19 times higher under refrigeration than in super chilling, while the protein α-helix structure decreased by 12.48% and 12.20% under refrigeration and super chilling, respectively. Electropherograms also showed that myosin degradation was particularly severe in the refrigeration storage period of 15 d. Overall, the MDA formed at the refrigeration and super chilling storage temperatures could promote structural changes in, and the oxidative degradation of, proteins to different degrees, leading to the deterioration of the fillet quality. This study provides a scientific basis for investigating the relationship between fish quality and changes in the MDA content during low-temperature storage.
Effect of Cooking with Superheated (SHS) vs. Standard Steam Oven on the Fatty Acids Profile of Different Kinds of Meat and Fish
Authors: Tinagli Sara , Amarie Roxana Elena , Conte Giuseppe , Tognocchi Monica , Mele Marcello , Mantino Alberto , Casarosa Laura , Serra Andrea
Published: February 2023

We compared the effect of two different kinds of steam oven—a standard (SO) and a superheated steam (SHS) oven—on four different kinds of samples: hamburgers, bovine steaks, pork steaks, and salmon fillets. Ten samples of each meat/fish were divided into three parts. Then samples were analyzed as (i) raw, (ii) cooked with SO, and (iii) cooked with SHS. For each sample, we determined the proximate composition, fatty acid composition and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The results of fatty acid composition were processed both with a linear model and with a multivariate approach by using three complementary discriminant analysis techniques: canonical (CAN), stepwise (St) and discriminant (DA). SHS was effective in degreasing hamburgers but not the other kinds of samples. Cooking methods selectively affected the fatty acid profile of samples, SHS being higher in MUFA and lower in PUFA n-3 than SO. This result was also confirmed by the discriminant analysis. Finally, samples cooked with SHS showed a lower fatty acid oxidation extent than SO, as the TBARS value was significantly lower in the SHS than in the SO, irrespective of the type of meat/fish cooked.
Prevalence of Foodborne Viruses in Berries Harvested in Canada
Authors: Chatonnat Eva , Manseau-Ferland Kim , Jubinville Eric , Goulet-Beaulieu Valérie , Jean Julie
Published: February 2023

It is known that the transmission of different foodborne viruses can occur either via discharge of contaminated water close to the production environment or via close contact with animal feces. Cranberries are intimately associated with water throughout their production cycle, and blueberries grow close to the ground which could lead to contact with wildlife. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human norovirus (HuNoV GI and GII), hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in two berries produced commercially in Canada. The detection of HuNoV and HAV on RTE cranberries and of HEV on wild blueberries was evaluated using the ISO method 15216-1:2017. Only 3 of 234 cranberry samples tested positive for HuNoV GI (3.6, 7.4, 5.3 genome copies/g, respectively) and all were negative for HuNoV GII and HAV. PMA pre-treatment and sequencing confirmed the absence of potential intact HuNoV GI particles on cranberries. None of the 150 blueberry samples tested positive for HEV. Overall, the prevalence of foodborne viruses in RTE cranberries and wild blueberries harvested in Canada is low, making these products relatively safe for consumers.
Bactericidal Effect of Underwater Plasma Treatment on Waste Brine from Kimchi Production Process and the Evaluation of Reusability of Plasma-Treated Waste Brine in Salting Kimchi Cabbage
Authors: Lim Junghyun , Hong Eun Jeong , Kim Seong Bong , Lee Mi-Ai , Ryu Seungmin
Published: February 2023

Recycling waste brine from the Kimchi production process is an important environmental and industry issue. We applied an underwater plasma to reduce food-borne pathogens in the waste brine. The capillary electrodes supplied by alternating current (AC) bi-polar pulsed power were applied to treat 100 L of waste brine. The inactivation efficacy was analyzed using four different agars (Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Marine agar (MA), de Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar (MRS), and Yeast Extract–Peptone–Dextrose (YPD), respectively. The microbial population was reduced linearly with treatment time, irrespective of culturing medium. The inactivation followed the log-linear model (R2: 0.96–0.99). The reusability of plasma-treated waste brine (PTWB) was determined by five parameters (salinity, pH, acidity, reducing sugar, and the population of microorganisms) of salted Kimchi cabbage, and they were compared with newly made brine (NMB) and waste brine (WB), respectively. The results showed that the quality of salted Kimchi cabbage prepared by PTWB was not significantly different from that of NMB, indicating that the underwater plasma treatment is feasible to reuse waste brine in the salting process of Kimchi production.
Quality of Honey Imported into the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Odeh Wael A. M. Bani , Al Sallagi Maryam S. , Al Ali Ahmed A. S. A. , Obaid Reyad S. , Garimella Vaidehi , Bakhit Fatema Saeed Bin , Hasan Hayder , Holley Richard , El Darra Nada
Published: February 2023

This study was performed to assess the physicochemical quality characteristics of honey imported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via Dubai ports between 2017 and 2021. There were 1330 samples analyzed for sugar components, moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, free acidity, and diastase number. Of the honey tested, 1054 samples complied with the Emirates honey standard, but 276 (20.8%) did not; this was due to non-compliance with one or more quality parameters, thus suggesting some level of adulteration, improper storage or inappropriate heat treatment. For the non-compliant samples, the average values of sucrose content ranged from 5.1 to 33.4%; the sum of glucose and fructose ranged from 19.6 to 88.1%; the moisture content varied from 17.2 to 24.6%; the HMF occurred in a range from 83.2 to 663.0 mg/kg, and the acidity varied from 52 to 85 meq/kg. The non-compliant honey samples were grouped according to their country of origin. India was shown to be the country having the highest percentage of non-compliant samples at 32.5% and Germany had the lowest at 4.5%. This study emphasized that the inspection of honey samples traded internationally should involve physicochemical analysis. A comprehensive inspection of honey at the Dubai ports should reduce incidents of adulterated products being imported.
Determination of Heavy Metal Ions in Infant Milk Powder Using a Nanoporous Carbon Modified Disposable Sensor
Authors: Chen Han , Yao Yao , Zhang Chao , Ping Jianfeng
Published: February 2023

Due to the risk of heavy metal pollution in infant milk powder, it is significant to establish effective detection methods. Here, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) was modified with nanoporous carbon (NPC) to detect Pb(II) and Cd(II) in infant milk powder using an electrochemical method. Using NPC as a functional nanolayer facilitated the electrochemical detection of Pb(II) and Cd(II) due to its efficient mass transport and large adsorption capacity. Linear responses were obtained for Pb (II) and Cd(II) in the range from 1 to 60 µg L−1 and 5 to 70 µg L−1, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.1 µg L−1 for Pb(II) and 1.67 µg L−1 for Cd(II). The reproducibility, stability, and anti-interference performance of the prepared sensor were tested as well. The heavy metal ion detection performance in the extracted infant milk powder shows that the developed SPE/NPC possesses the ability to detect Pb(II) and Cd(II) in milk powder.
Effect of Processing and In Vitro Digestion on Bioactive Constituents of Powdered IV Range Carrot (Daucus carota, L.) Wastes
Authors: Bas-Bellver Claudia , Barrera Cristina , Betoret Noelia , Seguí Lucía
Published: February 2023

Daucus carota L. is an important food crop utilized worldwide and a rich source of bioactive compounds. Carrot processing generates residues which are discarded or underused, for which using them as a source for obtaining new ingredients or products is an opportunity for the development of healthier and more sustainable diets. In the present study, the impact of different milling and drying procedures and in vitro digestion on the functional properties of carrot waste powders was evaluated. Carrot waste was transformed into powders by disruption (grinding vs. chopping), drying (freeze-drying or air-drying at 60 or 70 °C) and final milling. Powders were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties (water activity, moisture content, total soluble solids and particle size) nutraceuticals (total phenol content, total flavonoid content antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS methods, as well as carotenoid content (α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, lycopene). Antioxidants and carotenoid content during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were also evaluated; the latter in different matrices (directly, in water, in oil, and in oil-in-water emulsion). Processing allowed to reduce water activity of samples and obtain powders rich in antioxidant compounds and carotenoids. Both disruption and drying had a significant impact on powders’ properties freeze-drying led to finer powders with higher carotenoid content but lower antioxidant values, whereas air-drying implied chopped air-dried powders exhibited higher phenols content and improved antioxidant activity. Simulated in vitro digestion studies revealed that digestion helps release bioactive compounds which are bound to the powder structure. The solubilization of carotenoids in oil was low, but fat co-ingestion notably increased their recovery. According to the results, carrot waste powders containing bioactive compounds could be proposed as functional ingredients to increase the nutritional value of foods, thus contributing to the concepts of more sustainable food systems and sustainable healthy diets.
Hot Air Drying of Sipunculus nudus: Effect of Microwave-Assisted Drying on Quality and Aroma
Authors: Dai Yaping , Cao Yupo , Zhou Wei , Zhu Donghong
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different microwave pre-drying times under hot-air-drying processes on the quality properties and sensory evaluation of Sipunculus nudus (S. nudus). The colour, proximate analysis, amino acid content, fat oxidation, and volatile components of dried S. nudus were determined. Microwave pre-drying could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the drying rate and shorten the drying time. The results of colour, proximate analysis, and amino acid content indicated that microwave pre-drying could improve the quality of the product, resulting in dried S. nudus with less of a loss in nutrients. The samples that underwent microwave pre-drying had a high degree of fatty acid oxidation and low monounsaturated fatty acid content, which facilitated the formation of volatile components. Additionally, the MAD-2 and MAD-3 groups had high relative contents of aldehydes and hydrocarbons, and the FD group had the highest relative content of esters found in the samples. The relative content of ketones and alcohols did not differ significantly between the different drying groups. The finding of this study has important potential for enhancing the quality and aroma of dry S. nudus products with microwave pre-drying during the drying process.
Oral Administration of Lotus-Seed Resistant Starch Protects against Food Allergy
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Lin Zhongjing , Li Lanxin , Zheng Baodong , Zeng Hongliang , Wang Yanbo , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2023

Food allergy is a serious food safety and public health issue. However, the medical interventions for allergy treatment are still suboptimal. Recently, the gut microbiome–immune axis has been considered as a promising target to reduce the symptoms of food allergy. In this study, we explore the oral administration of lotus-seed resistant starch as a means to protect against food allergy using an ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge rodent model. The results obtained showed that lotus-seed resistant starch intervention alleviated the food allergy symptoms (such as reductions in body temperature and allergic diarrhea). Furthermore, lotus-seed resistant starch also attenuated the increase in OVA-specific immunoglobulins and improved Th1/Th2 imbalance in OVA-sensitized mice. These anti-allergic effects might be associated with the actions of lotus-seed resistant starch on intestinal microbiota. Taken together, our findings suggest that daily ingestion of lotus-seed resistant starch might be effective for the alleviation of food allergy.
Unified Method for Target and Non-Target Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Fruit Juices by Gas Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Granados-Povedano Mireya , Domínguez Irene , Egea-González Francisco , Garrido Frenich Antonia , Arrebola Francisco Javier
Published: February 2023

A new polyvalent wide-scope analytical method, valid for both raw and processed (juices) fruits, combining target and non-target strategies, has been developed and validated to determine low concentrations of 260 pesticides, as well as many potential non-target substances and metabolites. The target approach has been validated according to SANTE Guide requirements. Trueness, precision, linearity, and robustness values were validated in raw fruit (apple) and juice (apple juice) as representative solid and liquid food commodities. Recoveries were between 70–120% and two ranges of linearity were observed: 0.5–20 μg kg−1 (0.5–20 μg L−1 apple juice) and 20–100 μg kg−1 (20–100 μg L−1 apple juice). The limits of quantification (LOQs) reached were lower than 0.2 μg kg−1 in apple (0.2 μg L−1 apple juice) in most cases. The developed method, based on QuEChERS extraction followed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS), achieves part-per-trillions lower limits, which allowed the detection of 18 pesticides in commercial samples. The non-target approach is based on a retrospective analysis of suspect compounds, which has been optimized to detect up to 25 additional compounds, increasing the scope of the method. This made it possible to confirm the presence of two pesticide metabolites which were not considered in the target screening, phtamlimide and tetrahydrophthalimide.
Enhancement of Rabbit Meat Functionality by Replacing Traditional Feed Raw Materials with Alternative and More Sustainable Freshwater Cladophora glomerata Macroalgal Biomass in Their Diets
Authors: Nutautaitė Monika , Racevičiūtė-Stupelienė Asta , Bliznikas Saulius , Vilienė Vilma
Published: February 2023

Today’s challenges in the animal husbandry sector, with customers’ demand for more beneficial products, encourage the development of strategies that not only provide more sustainable production from the field to the table but also ensure final product functionality. Thus, the current research was aimed at replacing some traditional feed raw materials in rabbit diets with C. glomerata biomass to improve the functionality of meat. For this purpose, thirty weaned (52-d-old) Californian rabbits were assigned to 3 dietary treatments: standard compound diet (SCD), SCD + 4% C. glomerata (CG4), and SCD + 8% C. glomerata (CG8). At the end of the feeding trial, 122-d-old rabbits were slaughtered, longissimus dorsi (LD) and hind leg (HL) muscles were dissected post-mortem, and moisture, protein, and lipid profiles were determined. Results revealed that CG4 treatment can increase protein (22.17 g/kg), total (192.16 g/kg) and essential (threonine, valine, methionine, lysine, and isoleucine) amino acid levels in rabbit muscles. Both inclusions gradually reduced fat accumulation in muscles (CG8 < CG4 < SCD) but improved the lipid profile’s nutritional value by decreasing saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). As the dose of C. glomerata increased, the level of lipid oxidation decreased. Biomass supplementation enhanced PUFA/SFA and h/H levels while decreasing thrombogenicity index (TI) and atherogenic index (AI) levels in rabbit muscles, potentially contributing to the prevention of heart disease. Overall, dietary supplementation with C. glomerata biomass may be a more beneficial and sustainable nutritional approach to functionally enhancing rabbit meat.
Some Certain Fuzzy Fractional Inequalities for Up and Down ℏ-Pre-Invex via Fuzzy-Number Valued Mappings
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Catas Adriana , Aloraini Najla , Soliman Mohamed
Published: February 2023

In this study, we apply a recently developed idea of up and down fuzzy-ordered relations between two fuzzy numbers. Here, we consider fuzzy Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals to establish the Hermite–Hadamard-, Fejér-, and Pachpatte-type inequalities. We estimate fuzzy fractional inequalities for a newly introduced class of ℏ-preinvexity over fuzzy-number valued settings. For the first time, such inequalities involving up and down fuzzy-ordered functions are proven using the fuzzy fractional operator. The stated inequalities are supported by a few numerical examples that will be helpful to validate our main results.