bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Family Context: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Parent and NICU Clinician Experiences and Perspectives
Authors: Dahan Maya , Rotteau Leahora , Higazi Shelley , Kwayke Ophelia , Lai Giselle , Moulsdale Wendy , Sampson Lisa , Stannard Jennifer , Church Paige Terrien , O’Brien Karel
Published: May 2023

Enabling individualized decision-making for patients requires an understanding of the family context (FC) by healthcare providers. The FC is everything that makes the family unique, from their names, preferred pronouns, family structure, cultural or religious beliefs, and family values. While there is an array of approaches for individual clinicians to incorporate the FC into practice, there is a paucity of literature guiding the process of collecting and integrating the FC into clinical care by multidisciplinary interprofessional teams. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experience of families and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinicians with information sharing around the FC. Our findings illustrate that there are parallel and overlapping experiences of sharing the FC for families and clinicians. Both groups describe the positive impact of sharing the FC on building and sustaining relationships and on personalization of care and personhood. The experience by families of revolving clinicians and the risks of miscommunication about the FC were noted as challenges to sharing the FC. Parents described the desire to control the narrative about their FC, while clinicians described seeking equal access to the FC to support the family in the best way possible related to their clinical role. Our study highlights how the quality of care is positively impacted by clinicians’ appreciation of the FC and the complex relationship between a large multidisciplinary interprofessional team and the family in an intensive care unit, while also highlighting the difficulties in its practical application. Knowledge learned can be utilized to inform the development of processes to improve communication between families and clinicians.
Projection of Sediment Loading from Pearl River Basin, Mississippi into Gulf of Mexico under a Future Climate with Afforestation
Authors: Ouyang Ying , Huang Yanbo , Parajuli Prem B. , Wan Yongshan , Grace Johnny M. , Caldwell Peter V. , Trettin Carl
Published: May 2023

Sediment load in rivers is recognized as both a carrier and a potential source of contaminants. Sediment deposition significantly changes river flow and morphology, thereby affecting stream hydrology and aquatic life. We projected sediment load from the Pearl River basin (PRB), Mississippi into the northern Gulf of Mexico under a future climate with afforestation using the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool)-based HAWQS (Hydrologic and Water Quality System) model. Three simulation scenarios were developed in this study: (1) the past scenario for estimating the 40-year sediment load from 1981 to 2020; (2) the future scenario for projecting the 40-year sediment load from 2025 to 2064, and (3) the future afforestation scenario that was the same as the future scenario, except for converting the rangeland located in the middle section of the Pearl River watershed of the PRB into the mixed forest land cover. Simulations showed a 16% decrease in sediment load for the future scenario in comparison to the past scenario due to the decrease in future surface runoff. Over both the past and future 40 years, the monthly maximum and minimum sediment loads occurred, respectively, in April and August; whereas the seasonal sediment load followed the order: spring > winter > summer > fall. Among the four seasons, winter and spring accounted for about 86% of sediment load for both scenarios. Under the future 40-year climate conditions, a 10% reduction in annual average sediment load with afforestation was observed in comparison to without afforestation. This study provides new insights into how a future climate with afforestation would affect sediment load into the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Adapting to Changing Climate: Understanding Coastal Rural Residents’ Relocation Intention in Response to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Adade Richard , Jaiye Dukiya , Klutse Nana Ama Browne , Okhimamhe Appollonia Aimiosino
Published: May 2023

Ex situ adaptation in the form of relocation has become inevitable in some low-lying coastal zones where other adaptation strategies become impractical or uneconomical. Although relocation of coastal low-lying communities is anticipated globally, little is still known about the factors that influence household-level adoption. This study draws on an extended version of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to assess the factors influencing the relocation intention of three highly vulnerable coastal rural communities in Ghana. A total of 359 household heads were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The study employed binary logistic regression to identify key factors that influence residents’ readiness to relocate. The results indicated that cognitive and compositional factors were more important than contextual factors in explaining the intention to relocate among coastal rural communities in Ghana. However, contextual factors mediated or attenuated the influence of cognitive and compositional factors on relocation intention. Based on the findings, this study advocates for intensive education on the effects of future sea-level rise impacts on communities as well as structural and non-structural measures to improve the socio-economic capacity of rural communities.
Preparation and Thermophysical Properties of New Multi-Component Entropy-Stabilized Oxide Ceramics for Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Zhu Yongping , Wang Xueying , Zhao Lili , Chu Ying , Chen Fuhua , Ge Chang , Fang Shige
Published: May 2023

Five kinds of multi-component entropy-stabilized oxide ceramics were prepared by a solid-state reaction method for thermal barrier coatings, namely La0.125Y0.125Yb0.125Gd0.125Zr0.5O1.75 (LaYYbGdZr), Y0.125Yb0.125Gd0.125Ta0.125Zr0.5O1.875 (YYbGdTaZr), La0.1Y0.1Yb0.1Gd0.1Ta0.1Zr0.5O1.85 (LaYYbGdTaZr), Y0.125Yb0.125Gd0.125Ta0.125Hf0.25Zr0.25O1.875 (YYbGdTaHfZr), and La0.1Y0.1Yb0.1Gd0.1Ta0.1Hf0.25Zr0.25O1.85 (LaYYbGdTaHfZr). Many properties of the materials were studied, such as their microscopic morphology, crystal structure, thermophysical properties, and ablation resistance. The results show that the oxide ceramics synthesized in this paper have a uniform single-phase defect fluorite structure, and can still maintain this structure after high-temperature treatment at 1500 °C. The YYbGdTaHfZr coatings had the lowest thermal conductivity (0.61~0.89 W·m–1·K–1), which was much lower than that of YSZ. The ceramic blocks also exhibited excellent thermal expansion properties. The thermal expansion coefficient of LaYYbGdTaZr could reach 11.09 × 10−6 K−1 (1400 °C), which was slightly higher than that of 8YSZ (11.0 × 10−6 K−1). The antioxidant ablation results proved that the YYbGdTaHfZr coating showed the best heat-insulating property. All the results showed that the YYbGdTaHfZr coating is a promising thermal barrier coating.
Optimization of the Composition of a Cosmetic Formulation Containing Tremella fuciformis Extract (Fungi)
Authors: Woźniak Bartosz , Chudzińska Jagoda , Szczyglewska Paulina , Nowak Izabela , Feliczak-Guzik Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

According to recent trends, people are more interested in cosmetic products based on natural raw materials, known to be safe for humans, including extracts obtained from selected plants, rich in active ingredients, such as proteins, vitamins, micro- and macro-elements, phospholipids, antioxidants, and natural preservatives. An example of such raw materials is Tremella fuciformis extract, which is a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid. It retains water deep in the skin cells and stimulates the skin to fight free radicals, which are responsible for the premature aging of the skin. The aim of this study was to optimize the composition of cosmetic formulations based on natural substitutes for the synthetic substances, as well as their characterization, which included the determination of the physicochemical and skin care properties. Formulations containing Tremella fuciformis extract had the effect of reducing TEWL by 12.4%, compared to a formulation that did not contain this active ingredient, and allowed adequate hydration of the epidermis, which was confirmed by apparatus methods. Additionally, dermatological tests were also conducted for the formulations obtained, which showed that no erythema or swelling/irritation was observed in any of the test volunteers 48 and 72 h after the application of the product.
Low-Dose Radiation-Induced Transcriptomic Changes in Diabetic Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Park Jihye , Kang Kyuho , Son Yeonghoon , Kim Kwang Seok , Kang Keunsoo , Lee Hae-June
Published: May 2023

Low-dose radiation refers to exposure to ionizing radiation at levels that are generally considered safe and not expected to cause immediate health effects. However, the effects of low-dose radiation are still not fully understood, and research in this area is ongoing. In this study, we investigated the alterations in gene expression profiles of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and diabetic human aortic endothelial cells (T2D-HAECs) derived from patients with type 2 diabetes. To this end, we used RNA-seq to profile the transcriptomes of cells exposed to varying doses of low-dose radiation (0.1 Gy, 0.5 Gy, and 2.0 Gy) and compared them to a control group with no radiation exposure. Differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways were identified using the DESeq2 and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) methods, respectively. The data generated in this study are publicly available through the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database with the accession number GSE228572. This study provides a valuable resource for examining the effects of low-dose radiation on HAECs and T2D-HAECs, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the potential human health risks associated with low-dose radiation exposure.
Point-of-Care Thoracic Ultrasound in Children: New Advances in Pediatric Emergency Setting
Authors: Bloise Silvia , Marcellino Alessia , Sanseviero Mariateresa , Martucci Vanessa , Testa Alessia , Leone Rita , Del Giudice Emanuela , Frasacco Beatrice , Gizzone Pietro , Proietti Ciolli Claudia , Ventriglia Flavia , Lubrano Riccardo
Published: May 2023

Point-of-care thoracic ultrasound at the patient’s bedside has increased significantly recently, especially in pediatric settings. Its low cost, rapidity, simplicity, and repeatability make it a practical examination to guide diagnosis and treatment choices, especially in pediatric emergency departments. The fields of application of this innovative imaging method are many and include primarily the study of lungs but also that of the heart, diaphragm, and vessels. This manuscript aims to describe the most important evidence for using thoracic ultrasound in the pediatric emergency setting.
Identification and Quantification of Jaundice by Trans-Conjunctiva Optical Imaging Using a Human Brain-like Algorithm: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kihara Takuya , Sugihara Takaaki , Ikeda Suguru , Matsuki Yukako , Koda Hiroki , Onoyama Takumi , Takata Tomoaki , Nagahara Takakazu , Isomoto Hajime
Published: May 2023

Jaundice is caused by excess circulating bilirubin, known as hyperbilirubinemia. This symptom is sometimes caused by a critical hepatobiliary disorder, and is generally identified as yellowish sclera when bilirubin levels increase more than 3 mg/dL. It is difficult to identify jaundice accurately, especially via telemedicine. This study aimed to identify and quantify jaundice by trans-conjunctiva optical imaging. Patients with jaundice (total bilirubin ≥ 3 mg/dL) and normal control subjects (total bilirubin < 3 mg/dL) were prospectively enrolled from June 2021 to July 2022. We took bilateral conjunctiva imaging with a built-in camera on a smartphone (1st generation iPhone SE) under normal white light conditions without any restrictions. We processed the images using an Algorithm Based on Human Brain (ABHB) (Zeta Bridge Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and converted them into a hue degree of Hue Saturation Lightness (HSL) color space. A total of 26 patients with jaundice (9.57 ± 7.11 mg/dL) and 25 control subjects (0.77 ± 0.35 mg/dL) were enrolled in this study. The causes of jaundice among the 18 male and 8 female subjects (median age 61 yrs.) included hepatobiliary cancer (n = 10), chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis (n = 6), pancreatic cancer (n = 4), acute liver failure (n = 2), cholelithiasis or cholangitis (n = 2), acute pancreatitis (n = 1), and Gilbert’s syndrome (n = 1). The maximum hue degree (MHD) optimal cutoff to identify jaundice was 40.8 (sensitivity 81% and specificity 80%), and the AUROC was 0.842. The MHD was moderately correlated to total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels (rS = 0.528, p < 0.001). TSB level (≥5 mg/dL) can be estimated by the formula 21.1603 − 0.7371 × 56.3−MHD2. In conclusion, the ABHB-based MHD of conjunctiva imaging identified jaundice using an ordinary smartphone without any specific attachments and deep learning. This novel technology could be a helpful diagnostic tool in telemedicine or self-medication.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Bone Biopsy: Feasibility, Diagnostic Yield and Technical Notes
Authors: Ponti Federico , Arioli Alessio , Longo Chiara , Miceli Marco , Colangeli Marco , Papalexis Nicolas , Spinnato Paolo
Published: May 2023

While nowadays, CT-guided bone biopsy represents the gold standard tool for histopathological and microbiological diagnosis of skeletal lesions, the role of US-guided bone biopsy has not yet been fully explored. US-guided biopsy offers several advantages, such as the absence of ionizing radiation, fast acquisition time, as well as good intra-lesional echo, and structural and vascular characterization. Despite that, a consensus in regard to its applications in bone neoplasms has not been established. Indeed CT-guided technique (or fluoroscopic ones) still represents the standard choice in clinical practice. This review article aims to review the literature data about US-guided bone biopsy, underlying clinical-radiological indications, advantages of the procedure and future perspectives. Bone lesions taking the best advantages of the US-guided biopsy are osteolytic, determining the erosion of the overlying bone cortex and/or with an extraosseous soft-tissue component. Indeed, osteolytic lesions with extra-skeletal soft-tissue involvement represent a clear indication for US-guided biopsy. Moreover, even lytic bone lesions with cortical thinning and/or cortical disruption, especially located in the extremities or pelvis, can be safely sampled with US guidance with very good diagnostic yield. US-guided bone biopsy is proven to be fast, effective and safe. Additionally, it offers real-time needle evaluation, an advantage when compared to CT-guided bone biopsy. In the current clinical settings, it seems relevant to select the exact eligibility criteria for this imaging guidance since the effectiveness can vary depending on the type of lesion and body site involved.
Utilizing Envelope Analysis of a Nasal Pressure Signal for Sleep Apnea Severity Estimation
Authors: Varis Mikke , Karhu Tuomas , Leppänen Timo , Nikkonen Sami
Published: May 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity assessment is based on manually scored respiratory events and their arbitrary definitions. Thus, we present an alternative method to objectively evaluate OSA severity independently of the manual scorings and scoring rules. A retrospective envelope analysis was conducted on 847 suspected OSA patients. Four parameters were calculated from the difference between the nasal pressure signal’s upper and lower envelopes: average (AV), median (MD), standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CoV). We computed the parameters from the entirety of the recorded signals to perform binary classifications of patients using three different apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) thresholds (5-15-30). Additionally, the calculations were undertaken in 30-second epochs to estimate the ability of the parameters to detect manually scored respiratory events. Classification performances were assessed with areas under the curves (AUCs). As a result, the SD (AUCs ≥ 0.86) and CoV (AUCs ≥ 0.82) were the best classifiers for all AHI thresholds. Furthermore, non-OSA and severe OSA patients were separated well with SD (AUC = 0.97) and CoV (AUC = 0.95). Respiratory events within the epochs were identified moderately with MD (AUC = 0.76) and CoV (AUC = 0.82). In conclusion, envelope analysis is a promising alternative method by which to assess OSA severity without relying on manual scoring or the scoring rules of respiratory events.
Strain Imaging and Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: Bjerregaard Caroline Løkke , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Olsen Flemming Javier
Published: May 2023

Ventricular arrhythmia is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death. Hence, identifying patients at risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death is important but can be challenging. The indication for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a primary preventive strategy relies on the left ventricular ejection fraction as a measure of systolic function. However, ejection fraction is flawed by technical constraints and is an indirect measure of systolic function. There has, therefore, been an incentive to identify other markers to optimize the risk prediction of malignant arrhythmias to select proper candidates who could benefit from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Speckle-tracking echocardiography allows for a detailed assessment of cardiac mechanics, and strain imaging has repeatedly been shown to be a sensitive technique to identify systolic dysfunction unrecognized by ejection fraction. Several strain measures, including global longitudinal strain, regional strain, and mechanical dispersion, have consequently been proposed as potential markers of ventricular arrhythmias. In this review, we will provide an overview of the potential use of different strain measures in the context of ventricular arrhythmias.
A Secure Scheme Based on a Hybrid of Classical-Quantum Communications Protocols for Managing Classical Blockchains
Authors: Liu Ang , Chen Xiu-Bo , Xu Shengwei , Wang Zhuo , Li Zhengyang , Xu Liwei , Zhang Yanshuo , Chen Ying
Published: May 2023

Blockchain technology affords data integrity protection and building trust mechanisms in transactions for distributed networks, and, therefore, is seen as a promising revolutionary information technology. At the same time, the ongoing breakthrough in quantum computation technology contributes toward large-scale quantum computers, which might attack classic cryptography, seriously threatening the classic cryptography security currently employed in the blockchain. As a better alternative, a quantum blockchain has high expectations of being immune to quantum computing attacks perpetrated by quantum adversaries. Although several works have been presented, the problems of impracticality and inefficiency in quantum blockchain systems remain prominent and need to be addressed. First, this paper develops a quantum-secure blockchain (QSB) scheme by introducing a consensus mechanism—quantum proof of authority (QPoA) and an identity-based quantum signature (IQS)—wherein QPoA is used for new block generation and IQS is used for transaction signing and verification. Second, QPoA is developed by adopting a quantum voting protocol to achieve secure and efficient decentralization for the blockchain system, and a quantum random number generator (QRNG) is deployed for randomized leader node election to protect the blockchain system from centralized attacks like distributed denial of service (DDoS). Compared to previous work, our scheme is more practical and efficient without sacrificing security, greatly contributing to better addressing the challenges in the quantum era. Extensive security analysis demonstrates that our scheme provides better protection against quantum computing attacks than classic blockchains. Overall, our scheme presents a feasible solution for blockchain systems against quantum computing attacks through a quantum strategy, contributing toward quantum-secured blockchain in the quantum era.
Dynamic Dependency between the Shariah and Traditional Stock Markets: Diversification Opportunities during the COVID-19 and Global Financial Crisis (GFC) Periods
Authors: Tabash Mosab I. , Sahabuddin Mohammad , Abdulkarim Fatima Muhammad , Hamouri Basem , Tran Dang Khoa
Published: May 2023

The aim of the present research is to highlight whether there exist any diversification opportunities from investing in developed and developing countries’ Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant stock markets during global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic periods. For this purpose, we employ daily data for both Shariah and non-Shariah indices from 29 October 2007 to 31 December 2021. The study uses multivariate GARCH-DCC and wavelet approaches to examine if there exist diversification opportunities in the selected markets. Evidence from this study shows that although the developing markets’ stock returns experience high volatility of a similar degree, the conventional indices of Malaysia have the highest volatility among them. This shows that Shariah indices have less exposure to risk and higher possibilities of diversification compared to their conventional counterparts. Regarding developed markets, the Japanese conventional index and the U.S. Shariah indices are more volatile compared to other indices in the market. Moreover, the results of the wavelet power spectrum show significant and higher volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic rather than the GFC. Similarly, the Chinese conventional market experienced minimum variance during the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic period. On the other hand, the results of wavelet-coherence transform indicate that the Japanese Shariah-based market offered better portfolio opportunities for U.S. traders during the GFC and the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Hence, opportunities for investment in this selected market are basically close to zero. Therefore, investors should carefully choose which stocks they can include in their investment portfolio.
A Novel Multi-Attack IDS Framework for Intelligent Connected Terminals Based on Over-the-Air Signature Updates
Authors: Li Beibei , Hu Wei , Qu Xue , Li Yiwei
Published: May 2023

Modern terminals are developing toward intelligence and ubiquitous connection. Such ICTs (intelligent connected terminals) interact more frequently with the outside world and expose new attack surfaces. IDSs (intrusion detection systems) play a vital role in protecting ICT security. Multi-attack IDSs that can cover both intra-terminal and inter-terminal networks are a promising research direction for improving detection accuracy and the strength of security protection. However, a major challenge is the frequent dynamic signature updates across the network boundary, which cause significant computational overheads and result in losses in detection performance. In light of this, we propose a novel IDS framework based on OTA (over-the-air) signature updates to implement multi-attack detection. It updates the attack signatures of the target ICTs and adds the new attack signatures to the signature database in order to minimize the local memory storage and computing resources. It employs a CNN (convolutional neural network) based on an auto-encoder to achieve multi-attack detection, which can ensure the detection accuracy of multi-attacks with the multiple classification function. We evaluated our framework on four types of real-world ICT attack data, drawing comparisons with four widely used IDS schemes, and demonstrated the non-negligible superiority of our scheme over all benchmarks in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. Our work represents an important step toward an IDS that can detect multi-attacks in both intra-terminal and inter-terminal networks.
P-Raft: An Efficient and Robust Consensus Mechanism for Consortium Blockchains
Authors: Lu Shaofei , Zhang Xuyang , Zhao Renke , Chen Lizhi , Li Junyi , Yang Guanzhong
Published: May 2023

With the rise in blockchain technology, consortium blockchains have garnered increasing attention in practical applications due to their decentralization and immutability. However, the performance of current consortium blockchains remains a significant obstacle to large-scale commercial adoption. The consensus algorithm, as a fundamental component of blockchain technology, plays a critical role in ensuring both security and efficiency. Unfortunately, most existing consensus algorithms for consortium blockchains are vote-based consensus algorithms, and the performance of vote-based consensus algorithms is largely limited by the performance of the leader node. Therefore, we present P-Raft: a high-performance consensus algorithm that builds upon the Raft algorithm and leverages node server performance evaluations. The primary objectives of this article included enhancing the efficiency of Leader processing, promoting the utilization of the consortium blockchain, and ensuring the robustness of Leader election. Specifically designed to meet the service requirements of consortium blockchain’s consensus mechanism, the P-Raft incorporated the Yasa model, which evaluated the instant machine performance of each node. The performance of each node is then associated with the election timeout, ensuring that nodes with superior performance are more likely to be chosen as Leaders. Additionally, we implemented a leader verification mechanism based on the Bohen-Lynn-Shacham (BLS) signature, which prevented malicious Byzantine nodes from becoming Leaders without receiving enough votes. Empirical findings show that the P-Raft can swiftly designate high-performing nodes as Leaders, thereby greatly improving service efficiency in the consensus process and the overall performance of the consensus mechanism. Ultimately, P-Raft is better equipped to meet the demands of consortium blockchain applications for large-scale transactions.
A Software Vulnerability Management Framework for the Minimization of System Attack Surface and Risk
Authors: Sotiropoulos Panagiotis , Mathas Christos-Minas , Vassilakis Costas , Kolokotronis Nicholas
Published: May 2023

Current Internet of Things (IoT) systems comprise multiple software systems that are deployed to provide users with the required functionalities. System architects create system blueprints and draw specifications for the software artefacts that are needed; subsequently, either custom-made software is developed according to these specifications and/or ready-made COTS/open source software may be identified and customized to realize the overall system goals. All deployed software however may entail vulnerabilities, either due to insecure coding practices or owing to misconfigurations and unexpected interactions. Moreover, software artefacts may implement a much broader set of functionalities than may be strictly necessary for the system at hand, in order to serve a wider range of needs, and failure to appropriately configure the deployed software to include only the required modules results in the further increase of the system attack surface and the associated risk. In this paper, we present a software vulnerability management framework which facilitates (a) the configuration of software to include only the necessary features, (b) the execution of security-related tests and the compilation of platform-wide software vulnerability lists, and (c) the prioritization of vulnerability addressing, considering the impact of each vulnerability, the associated technical debt for its remediation, and the available security budget. The proposed framework can be used as an aid in IoT platform implementation by software architects, developers, and security experts.
Effects of Material Deformation Due to Aging of Electrical Steel on the Brushless Wound-Field Synchronous Generator
Authors: Kang Jae-Beom , Lee Ji-Young , Nguyen Tung , Kim Hyeong-Jin , Lee Ji-Heon
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes the material deformation of electrical steel with aging and its effects on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of a Brushless Wound-Field Synchronous Generator (BL-WFSG). First, in order to confirm the material deformation of electrical steel applied to the BL-WFSG, magnetic property tests are performed on the core sheets of the old and new generators. Those two generators are made of the same material, so there was no difference except for their usage time. Based on the results of the magnetic property tests, an electromagnetic field analysis is performed on the old and new generators, and analysis results are compared in order to confirm the effects of material deformation on the electromagnetic characteristics of BL-WFSG. Then, a thermal analysis is performed on the old and new generators using losses calculated by electromagnetic field analysis as heat sources, and analysis results are compared in order to confirm the effects of material deformation on the thermal characteristics of BL-WFSG. Finally, an additional electromagnetic analysis is performed on both the old and new generators, using the exact winding resistances that were calculated in the thermal analysis for each respective generator in order to calculate and compare the efficiency of the old and new generators. Through this process, the authors confirmed the effects of material deformation of the rotor and stator cores due to aging on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of the BL-WFSG.
Research on Dynamic Modeling and Parameter Identification of the Grid-Connected PV Power Generation System
Authors: Liu Kezhen , Mao Yumin , Chen Xueou , He Jiedong , Dong Min
Published: May 2023

With the increasing proportion of renewable energy in the new power system, the grid-connected capacity of photovoltaic (PV) units shows an obvious upward trend, but its dynamic behavior under different penetration rates significantly affects the transient stability of the power system, so it is crucial to establish a dynamic model that meets the actual working conditions and select a suitable parameter identification method. Therefore, in this paper, based on the electromechanical transient characteristics of the grid-connected PV power generation system, the corresponding dynamic discrete equivalent model is established, and the simulation platform of the grid-connected PV power generation system is built in MATLAB/Simulink to study the adaptability of the dynamic discrete equivalent model of the grid-connected PV power generation system from the single and multiple scenarios using the ordinary least squares (OLS) and bat algorithm (BA) while comparing the generalization ability of the parameters identified by the two methods to the model. The simulation results show that the generalization ability of the parameters identified by the OLS and BA for the model in the single scenario is better, indicating that the model has good adaptability; the generalization ability of a set of general parameters identified by the BA for the model in the multiple scenarios is better than that of the OLS, indicating that the parameters identified by the BA have better adaptability. In conclusion, the dynamic discrete equivalent model of the grid-connected PV power generation system proposed in this paper can accurately reflect the dynamic characteristics of the grid-connected PV power generation system, and the parameters identified by the BA are more generalized than the OLS.
Numerical Study on Flow and Noise Characteristics of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Steam Ejector
Authors: Zhang Jiajie , Liu Yun , Guo Yumeng , Zhang Jingxian , Ma Suxia
Published: May 2023

Based on the shear stress transfer (SST) k-ω model, Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings (FW–H) equation, and Lilley sound source equation, the flow and sound field of high-temperature and high-pressure steam ejectors are simulated. The entrainment performance, near-field sound source, and far-field noise of the steam ejector are discussed. The influences of working parameters including the primary steam pressure, the secondary steam pressure, and the back pressure are analyzed. The results show that under the design conditions, the steam ejector has two shock waves and three sound source regions. A shear layer at the boundary of the first shock wave generates the Sound source-I, and the flow separation at the boundary of the second shock wave causes the Sound source-III. The Sound source-II is located near the mixing chamber wall and the sound pressure levels around the ejector depend on the distances from the Sound source-II. In terms of the entrainment performance, with the increasing primary pressure or the decreasing secondary pressure, as the driving pressure difference of the secondary steam decreases, so does the entrainment ratio. As the back pressure increases, the entrainment ratio firstly remains constant, and then rapidly decreases when the back pressure exceeds the critical value at pb = 5.5 MPa. In terms of the noise characteristics, the sound pressure level and the intensity of the second shock wave have a positive correlation. When the primary or secondary pressure increases, the sound pressure level increases. Moreover, with the increasing back pressure, the sound pressure level firstly decreases, reaches the minimum of 98.2 dB at the critical back pressure, and then slowly increases.
Predicting Biomass Yields of Advanced Switchgrass Cultivars for Bioenergy and Ecosystem Services Using Machine Learning
Authors: Cacho Jules F. , Feinstein Jeremy , Zumpf Colleen R. , Hamada Yuki , Lee Daniel J. , Namoi Nictor L. , Lee DoKyoung , Boersma Nicholas N. , Heaton Emily A. , Quinn John J. , Negri Cristina
Published: May 2023

The production of advanced perennial bioenergy crops within marginal areas of the agricultural landscape is gaining interest due to its potential to sustainably produce feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts while also improving the sustainability and resilience of commodity crop production. However, predicting the biomass yields of this production system is challenging because marginal areas are often relatively small and spread around agricultural fields and are typically associated with various abiotic conditions that limit crop production. Machine learning (ML) offers a viable solution as a biomass yield prediction tool because it is suited to predicting relationships with complex functional associations. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the accuracy of commonly applied ML algorithms in agricultural applications for predicting the biomass yields of advanced switchgrass cultivars for bioenergy and ecosystem services and (2) determine the most important biomass yield predictors. Datasets on biomass yield, weather, land marginality, soil properties, and agronomic management were generated from three field study sites in two U.S. Midwest states (Illinois and Iowa) over three growing seasons. The ML algorithms evaluated in the study included random forests (RFs), gradient boosting machines (GBMs), artificial neural networks (ANNs), K-neighbors regressor (KNR), AdaBoost regressor (ABR), and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Coefficient of determination (R2) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the tested algorithms. Results showed that the ensemble methods, RF (R2 = 0.86, MAE = 0.62 Mg/ha), GBM (R2 = 0.88, MAE = 0.57 Mg/ha), and GBM (R2 = 0.78, MAE = 0.66 Mg/ha), were the most accurate in predicting biomass yields of the Independence, Liberty, and Shawnee switchgrass cultivars, respectively. This is in agreement with similar studies that apply ML to multi-feature problems where traditional statistical methods are less applicable and datasets used were considered to be relatively small for ANNs. Consistent with previous studies on switchgrass, the most important predictors of biomass yield included average annual temperature, average growing season temperature, sum of the growing season precipitation, field slope, and elevation. This study helps pave the way for applying ML as a management tool for alternative bioenergy landscapes where understanding agronomic and environmental performance of a multifunctional cropping system seasonally and interannually at the sub-field scale is critical.
A Study of Grid-Connected Residential PV-Battery Systems in Mongolia
Authors: Erdenebat Baigali , Buyankhishig Davaanyam , Byambaa Sergelen , Urasaki Naomitsu
Published: May 2023

For national energy capacity improvement and CO2 emission reductions, Mongolia has focused its attention on grid-connected residential PV systems. Due to the feed-in tariff (FIT), the aggregated residential PV systems are expected to increase with the PV penetration level. Currently, there is no power injection limitation in Mongolia. A new policy for the PV penetration level of residential PV systems needs to be developed. This study analyzed the techno-economic performances of distributed PV-battery systems, considering PV generation, the historical load demand, and the tariff structure. We studied the performances of 40 combinations of PV sizes (2 kW–9 kW) and battery capacities (4.4 kWh, 6.6 kWh, 10 kWh, 12 kWh, and 15 kWh) to find feasible system sizes. The aggregated PV-battery systems in a low-voltage (LV) distribution system located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, are also discussed. The results show that six combinations satisfied the technical and economic requirements. The maximum profit was determined to be an NPV of 1650 USD with a 9-year payback period using combination 3 (6 kW PV and 6.6 kWh battery capacity). Combination 6 (8 kW PV and 15 kWh battery capacity) shows that the energy management strategy for residential houses with battery storage has the potential to increase the installed capacity of PV systems without voltage violence in the LV network. For the distributed PV-battery storage system (BSS), the environmental analysis indicates that CO2 and SO2 emissions were reduced by 3929 t/year and 49 t/year, respectively. The findings obtained from this analysis will be used for power system planning.
In Vitro Fermentation of Different Indigestible Glucans with Varying Physico-Chemical Properties by Human Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Yanli , Yin Hongmei , Hu Jielun , Zhong Yadong , Nie Shaoping , Xie Mingyong
Published: May 2023

Indigestible glucans (IGs) are dietary fibers that can promote human health via fermentation by the gut microbiota, where their physico-chemical properties play a crucial role. This effect remains to be fully explored. The aim of the current study was to comprehensively investigate and compare the fermentation characteristics of IGs with various structural properties, as well as their effects on the gut microbiota. Barley β-glucan (BG), laminarin (L), yeast β-glucan (BY), pachyman (PAC), resistant starch (R), and litesse (Lit) were anaerobically batch-fermented using the human fecal microbiota for 48 h. All the IGs were utilized by the gut microbiota at different rates, and 2% of L, 14% of BG, 23% of BY and PAC, and 35% of R and Lit were unfermented at the 48th hour. During fermentation, mono-, di-, or trisaccharides were released from BG, L, and Lit, and the pH of broth was greatly lowered by IGs, especially BG and L, along with the production of short-chain fatty acids. Interestingly, PAC favored butyric acid production, while BG, L, and BY preferred propionic acid. Moreover, lactic acid, but not succinic acid, was detected in considerable amounts, but only with BG and L after 5 h. 16S rDNA analysis showed different microbial structures and the selective promotion of bacteria with different IGs, while only PAC did not decrease microbial α-diversity. Further qPCR analysis confirmed that BG was more potent at proliferating Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; BY preferred total bacteria, Prevotella, and Lactobacillus; and R favored Bifidobacterium. The IG-induced changes in the gut microbiota were strongly correlated with carboxylic acid production. In conclusion, the six IGs differed in fermentation characteristics and gut microbiota regulation capacity, and each one could have specific applications in human health promotion.
Edible Insects as a Novel Source of Bioactive Peptides: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teixeira Carla S. S. , Villa Caterina , Costa Joana , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , Mafra Isabel
Published: May 2023

The production of food and feed to meet the needs of the growing world’s population will soon become a serious challenge. In search for sustainable solutions, entomophagy is being proposed as an alternative source of proteins, with economic and environmental advantages when compared to meat. Edible insects are not only a valuable source of important nutrients, but their gastrointestinal digestion also originates small peptides with important bioactive properties. The present work intends to provide an exhaustive systematic review on research articles reporting bioactive peptides identified from edible insects, as demonstrated by in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo assays. A total of 36 studies were identified following the PRISMA methodology, gathering 211 potentially bioactive peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemia, antimicrobial, anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties, originated from the hydrolysates of 12 different insect species. From these candidates, the bioactive properties of 62 peptides were characterized in vitro and 3 peptides were validated in vivo. Data establishing the scientific basis of the health benefits associated with the consumption of edible insects can be a valuable contribution to overcoming the cultural issues that hinder the introduction of insects in the Western diet.
GA3 Treatment Delays the Deterioration of ‘Shixia’ Longan during the On-Tree Preservation and Room-Temperature Storage and Up-Regulates Antioxidants
Authors: Luo Tao , Lin Xiaolan , Lai Tingting , Long Libing , Lai Ziying , Du Xinxin , Guo Xiaomeng , Shuai Liang , Han Dongmei , Wu Zhenxian
Published: May 2023

Gibberellic acids had been proven to improve the fruit quality and storability by delaying deterioration and maintaining the antioxidant system. In this study, the effect of GA3 spraying at different concentrations (10, 20, and 50 mg L−1) on the quality of on-tree preserved ‘Shixia’ longan was examined. Only 50 mg L−1 GA3 significantly delayed the decline of soluble solids (22.0% higher than the control) and resulted in higher total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in pulp at the later stages. The widely targeted metabolome analysis showed that the treatment reprogrammed secondary metabolites and up-regulated many tannins, phenolic acids, and lignans during the on-tree preservation. More importantly, the preharvest 50 mg L−1 GA3 spraying (at 85 and 95 days after flowering) led to significantly delayed pericarp browning and aril breakdown, as well as lower pericarp relative conductivity and mass loss at the later stages of room-temperature storage. The treatment also resulted in higher antioxidants in pulp (vitamin C, phenolics, and reduced glutathione) and pericarp (vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolics). Therefore, preharvest 50 mg L−1 GA3 spraying is an effective method for maintaining the quality and up-regulating antioxidants of longan fruit during both on-tree preservation and room-temperature storage.
Sheep and Goat Meat Processing and Quality
Authors: Silva Severiano R. , Teixeira Alfredo , Guedes Cristina
Published: May 2023

Sheep and goat meat production includes the increased demand for grass-fed and organic meat and value-added products such as sausages, meatballs, and burgers [...]
Sodium Selenate, Potassium Hydroxy-Selenide, Acetylselenide and Their Effect on Antioxidant Metabolism and Plant Nutrition and Yield in Sorghum Genotypes
Authors: Cipriano Patriciani Estela , da Silva Rodrigo Fonseca , de Oliveira Cynthia , de Lima Alexandre Boari , Martins Fabio Aurélio Dias , Celante Gizele , dos Santos Alcindo Aparecido , Archilha Marcos Vinicio Lopes Rodrigues , Pinatto Botelho Marcos Felipe , Faquin Valdemar , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães
Published: May 2023

Agronomic biofortification with selenium (Se) effectively reduces hidden hunger and increases the nutritional intake of Se in people and animals. Because sorghum is a staple diet for millions of people and is used in animal feed, it becomes a crop with biofortification potential. Consequently, this study aimed to compare organoselenium compounds with selenate, which is effective in numerous crops, and to assess grain yield, the effect in the antioxidant system, and macronutrient/micronutrient contents of different sorghum genotypes treated with Se, via foliar spray. The trials used a 4 × 8 factorial design, with four Se sources (control—without Se supply, sodium selenate, potassium hydroxy-selenide, acetylselenide) and eight genotypes (BM737, BRS310, Enforcer, K200, Nugrain320, Nugrain420, Nugrain430, and SHS410). The Se rate used was 0.125 mg plant−1. All genotypes reacted effectively to foliar fertilization with Se through sodium selenate. In this experiment, potassium hydroxy-selenide and acetylselenide showed low Se levels and lower Se uptake and absorption efficiency than selenate. Selenium fertilization increased grain yield and altered lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content, catalase activity, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and macronutrients and micronutrients content of the studied genotypes. In sum, biofortification with selenium led to an overall yield increase of sorghum plants and supplementation with selenium through sodium selenate was more efficient than organoselenium compounds, yet acetylselenide had a positive effect on the antioxidant system. Sorghum can be effectively biofortified through the foliar application of sodium selenate; however, studying the interaction between organic and inorganic Se compounds in plants is necessary.
Characterization, Thermal Stability and Antimicrobial Evaluation of the Inclusion Complex of Litsea cubeba Essential Oil in Large-Ring Cyclodextrins (CD9–CD22)
Authors: Cao Chuan , Xie Peng , Zhou Yibin , Guo Jing
Published: May 2023

Food safety issues are becoming increasingly important as a result of contamination with foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Plant essential oil is a safe and non-toxic natural antibacterial agent that can be used to develop antimicrobial active packaging materials. However, most essential oils are volatile and require protection. In the present study, LCEO and LRCD were microencapsulated through coprecipitation. The complex was investigated using GC-MS, TGA, and FT-IR spectroscopy. According to the experimental results, it was found that LCEO entered the inner cavity of the LRCD molecule and formed a complex with LRCD. LCEO had a significant and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect against all five microorganisms tested. At 50 °C, the microbial diameter of the essential oil and its microcapsules showed the least change, indicating that this essential oil has high antimicrobial activity. In research on microcapsule release, LRCD has proven to be a perfect wall material for controlling the delayed release of essential oil and extending the duration of antimicrobial activity. LRCD effectively extends antimicrobial duration by encasing LCEO, thus improving its heat stability and antimicrobial activity. The results presented here indicate that LCEO/LRCD microcapsules can be further utilized in the food packaging industry.