bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Wind and Shielding Conductor on the Ion Flow Fields of HVDC Transmission Lines
Authors: Choopum Cattareya , Techaumnat Boonchai
Published: December 2022

Ion flow field is an important aspect of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines. In this paper, we apply the upwind finite volume method for solving the ion flow field of three HVDC configurations to clarify the effect of the wind and the role of shielding conductors. For the monopolar configuration installation, the ground current distribution with underbuilt shield wires was studied numerically and experimentally. For the ±250 kV bipolar configuration, the calculated peak electric field and current density are verified with the values in a reference. The ±500 kV bipolar configuration is used to investigate the change in electric field and ion current within the same corridors of the existing HVAC lines. We analyze the ion flow field with and without the dedicated metallic return conductor (DMRC). In the absence of wind, the maximum of the electric field is lower than that of the HVAC lines and the current density is very low on the ground. In the presence of wind, the electric field and the current distribution become unsymmetrical on the ground level. The peak current density increases significantly on the downwind side. The HVDC line without DMRC has the electric field peak higher than that of the HVAC lines. With the higher wind shear coefficient, the peak of the electric field and the current density increases on the downwind side. Overall investigations summarize that DMRC can effectively reduce the peak of the electric field to be lower than that of the existing 500 kV HVAC lines under all wind conditions.
Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
Authors: Wang Changlei , Luo Zirong , Lu Zhongyue , Shang Jianzhong , Wang Mangkuan , Zhu Yiming
Published: December 2022

A wave energy converter features the ability to convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by unmanned devices, and its energy-conversion efficiency is an essential aspect in practical applications. This paper proposes a novel point-absorption wave energy converter with passive morphing blades to meet the demand for improved energy-conversion efficiency. We first introduce its concept and design, with its blades forming their shape by adaptive changes with the direction of the water flow. Next, the three-dimensional geometrical-morphing model, energy-conversion model, and energy-conversion-efficiency model of the wave energy converter were established. Then, the CFD model was built to optimize the design parameters, and the simulation results revealed that the maximum conversion efficiency can be obtained at 90% solidity with 10 blades, a 40–60% load, and 20~25 degrees for the external deflection angle. The simulations also showed that the passive morphing-blade group provides ~40% higher torque and ~60% higher hydraulic efficiency than the flat-blade group.
Detection and Diagnosis of Multiple-Dependent Faults (MDFDD) of Water-Cooled Centrifugal Chillers Using Grey-Box Model-Based Method
Authors: Dou Hongwen , Zmeureanu Radu
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the development and use of benchmarking grey-box models for the detection and diagnosis of multiple-dependent faults (MDFDD) of a water-cooled centrifugal chiller. Models are developed using data recorded by a Building Automation System (BAS) from a central cooling plant of an institutional building. The forward residual-based fault detection model identifies a fault symptom, when the difference between the measured value of target variable and benchmarking value exceeds the corresponding threshold. For the fault diagnosis, most publications start from a known single fault and establish the impact on following variables in the system. This paper presents a rule-based backward approach. The proposed method identifies if (i) the fault symptom is correct (i.e., a variable has abnormal values), or (ii) the fault symptom is incorrect (i.e., the symptom of target variable is caused by impacts generated by other faulty variables due to the dependency between variables), or (iii) both target and regressor variables are abnormal. For testing the proposed MDFDD model, some artificial faults are inserted into the measurement data file, and results are discussed about the method potential for the application.
Simulation of Power Router-Based DC Distribution Systems with Distributed Generation and Energy Storage Units
Authors: Bulatov Yuri , Kryukov Andrey , Suslov Konstantin
Published: December 2022

The development of the electric power industry needs to be understood against the current backdrop of the transition to technological platforms facilitating the adoption of smart grids. Smart grids can be made up of separate clusters (microgrids) consisting of power consumers, power grids, and distributed generation (DG) units. To improve energy efficiency, DC microgrids can be integrated into smart grids to deliver power to consumers within a building (or several buildings) and at the sites of C&I facilities. It is advisable to carry out integrations of DC and AC microgrids with DG and energy storage units on the basis of power routers used to couple grids of different voltage classes. This study outlines a computer model of power router-based integration of DC and AC microgrids with distributed generation and energy storage units. The model was developed in the MATLAB environment. The paper also features the results of a study of the proposed methods as applied to voltage control under normal and emergency operating conditions of a DC and AC distribution grid.
Risk Assessment of a Coupled Natural Gas and Electricity Market Considering Dual Interactions: A System Dynamics Model
Authors: Wang Lin , Xing Yuping
Published: December 2022

Because reliance on gas for electricity generation rises over time, the natural gas and electricity markets are highly connected. However, both of them are susceptible to various risk factors that endanger energy security. The intricate interactions among multiple risks and between the two markets render risk assessment more challenging than for individual markets. Taking a systematic perspective, this study first undertook a thorough analysis of the evolution mechanism that indicated the key risk factors and dual interactions, with real-world illustrative examples. Subsequently, a system dynamics model was constructed for understanding the causal feedback structures embedded in the operation of a coupled natural gas–electricity market in the face of risks. Quantitative experiments were conducted by using data from China’s Energy Statistical Yearbook, China’s Statistical Yearbook and other reliable sources to assess the effects of individual risks, depict the evolutionary behavior of coupled markets and compare the risk response strategies. The findings revealed the evolution of dominant risk factors and the aggregated effects of multiple risks in multiple markets, suggesting the need to comprehensively monitor dynamic risks. Moreover, risk factors can propagate from one market to another via interactions, yet it depends on multiple aspects such as the severity of the risk and the intensity of the interactions. Demand compression and emergency natural gas supply behave differently throughout the market’s recovery, necessitating a balance between short-term and long-term risk response strategies.
Influence of the Pilot Flame on the Morphology and Exhaust Emissions of NH3-CH4-Air Swirl Flames Using a Reduced-Scale Burner at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Avila Jimenez Cristian D. , Cardona Santiago , Juaied Mohammed A. , Younes Mourad , Jamal Aqil , Guiberti Thibault F. , Roberts William L.
Published: December 2022

This work presents an experimental study on the influence of the pilot flame characteristics on the flame morphology and exhaust emissions of a turbulent swirling flame. A reduced-scale burner, inspired by that fitted in the AE-T100 micro gas turbine, was employed as the experimental platform to evaluate methane (CH4) and an ammonia-methane fuel blend with an ammonia (NH3) volume fraction of 0.7. The power ratio (PR) between the pilot flame and the main flame and the fuel composition of the pilot flame was investigated. The pilot power ratio was varied from 0 to 20% for both fuel compositions tested. The NH3 volume fraction in the pilot flame ranged from pure CH4 to pure NH3 through various NH3–CH4 blends. Flame images and exhaust emissions, namely CO2, CO, NO, and N2O were recorded. It was found that increasing the pilot power ratio produces more stable flames and influences most of the exhaust emissions measured. The CO2 concentration in the exhaust gases was roughly constant for CH4-air or NH3–CH4–air flames. In addition, a CO2 concentration reduction of about 45% was achieved for XNH3 = 0.70 compared with pure CH4, while still producing stable flames as long as PR ≥ 5%. The pilot power ratio was found to have a higher relative impact on NO emissions for CH4 than for NH3–CH4, with measured exhaust NO percentage increments of about 276% and 11%, respectively. The N2O concentration was constant for all pilot power ratios for CH4 but it decreased when the pilot power ratio increased for NH3–CH4. The pilot fuel composition highly affected the NO and N2O emissions. Pure CH4 pilot flames and higher power ratios produced higher NO emissions. Conversely, the NO concentration was roughly constant for pure NH3 pilot flames, regardless of the pilot power ratio. Qualitative OH-PLIF images were recorded to further investigate these trends. Results showed that the pilot power ratio and the pilot fuel composition modified the flame morphology and the OH concentration, which both influence NO emissions.
Study on the Explosion of the Hydrogen Fuel Tank of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in Semi-Enclosed Spaces
Authors: Park Jinouk , Yoo Yongho , Ryu Jioh , Lee Hohyung
Published: December 2022

The rise in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is expected to pose a variety of hazards on the road. Vehicles using hydrogen could cause significant damage, owing to hydrogen vapor cloud explosions, jet fires caused by leakage, or hydrogen tank explosions. This risk is expected to further increase in semi-enclosed spaces, such as underground parking lots and road tunnels. Therefore, it is necessary to study the fire safety of hydrogen vehicles in semi-enclosed spaces. In this study, an experiment on hydrogen tank explosion was performed. In addition, the CFD numerical model was verified using the experimental results, and the damaging effect due to pressure propagation during hydrogen tank explosions in underground parking lots and road tunnels was analyzed using numerical analysis. From the experiment results, the hydrogen tank exploded at about 80 Mpa, a maximum incident pressure is generated 267 kPa at a distance of 1.9 m. As a result of numerical analysis based on the experimental results, the limit distance that can cause serious injury due to the explosion of a hydrogen tank in a road tunnel or underground parking lot was analyzed up to about 20 m from the point of explosion.
Deep-Learning-Based Flow Prediction for CO2 Storage in Shale–Sandstone Formations
Authors: Chu Andrew K. , Benson Sally M. , Wen Gege
Published: December 2022

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential technology for achieving carbon neutrality. Depositional environments with sandstone and interbedded shale layers are promising for CO2 storage because they can retain CO2 beneath continuous and discontinuous shale layers. However, conventional numerical simulation of shale–sandstone systems is computationally challenging due to the large contrast in properties between the shale and sandstone layers and significant impact of thin shale layers on CO2 migration. Extending recent advancements in Fourier neural operators (FNOs), we propose a new deep learning architecture, the RU-FNO, to predict CO2 migration in complex shale–sandstone reservoirs under various reservoir conditions, injection designs, and rock properties. The gas saturation plume and pressure buildup predictions of the RU-FNO model are 8000-times faster than traditional numerical models and exhibit remarkable accuracy. We utilize the model’s fast prediction to investigate the impact of shale layer characteristics on plume migration and pressure buildup. These case studies show that shale–sandstone reservoirs with moderate heterogeneity and spatial continuity can minimize the plume footprint and maximize storage efficiency.
Fault Detection in Distribution Network with the Cauchy-M Estimate—RVFLN Method
Authors: Haydaroğlu Cem , Gümüş Bilal
Published: December 2022

Fault detection is an important issue in today’s distribution networks, the structure of which is becoming more complex. In this article, a data-based Cauchy distribution weighting M-estimate RVFLNs method is proposed for short-circuit fault detection in distribution networks. The proposed method detects short circuits based on current and voltage measurements. In addition, noises were added to the data to ensure the robustness of the method. The performance of the method was examined in the RTDS RTS simulator using the IEEE 33-bus-bar system model with the help of real-time simulations. The success rate of the proposed method is between 98% and 100% for low-impedance (0 ohm) short-circuit faults, depending on the fault type. The success rate of high-impedance (100 ohm) short-circuit faults, which are more difficult to detect, is between 80% and 92%, depending on the fault type.
Electric Vehicle Charging Systems: Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rachid Aziz , El Fadil Hassan , Gaouzi Khawla , Rachid Kamal , Lassioui Abdellah , El Idrissi Zakariae , Koundi Mohamed
Published: December 2022

The high-voltage battery is a crucial element for EV traction systems. It is the primary energy source that must be regularly recharged to reach the autonomy declared by the manufacturer. Therefore, an EV charging system is required to ensure the battery charging process. This review thoroughly investigates the available EV charging technologies and the most popular batteries for EV applications. The contributions of this work can be summarized as follows: the classification and topologies of electric vehicle chargers are examined, an overview of the current EV charging standards is provided, the state-of-the-art of EV charging couplers is discussed, and the most widely used batteries in EV applications are reviewed.
Multi-Well Pressure Interference and Gas Channeling Control in W Shale Gas Reservoir Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Xu Jianliang , Xu Yingjie , Wang Yong , Tang Yong
Published: December 2022

Well interference has drawn great attention in the development of shale gas reservoirs. In the W shale gas reservoir, well interference increased from 27% to 63% between 2016 and 2019, but the gas production recovery of parent wells was only about 40% between 2018 and 2019. Therefore, the mechanism and influencing factor of well interference degree were analyzed in this study. A numerical model of the W shale gas reservoir was developed for history matching, and the mechanisms of well interference and production recovery were analyzed. Sensitivity analysis about the effect of different parameters on well interference was carried out. Furthermore, the feasibility and effectiveness of gas injection pressure boosting to prevent interference were demonstrated. The results show that the main causes of inter-well interference are: the reservoir energy of the parent well before hydraulic fractures of the child well, well spacing, the fracture connection, etc. The fracture could open under high pressure causing fracturing fluid to flow in, while fracture closure happens under low pressure and the influence on the two-phase seepage in the fracture becomes more serious. The combination of liquid phase retention and fracture closure comprehensively affects the gas phase flow capacity in fractures. Gas injection pressure boosting can effectively prevent fracturing fluids flowing through connected fractures. Before the child well hydraulic fracturing, gas injection and pressurization in the parent well could reduce the stress difference and decrease the degree of well interference. The field case indicates that gas channeling could be effectively prevented through parent well gas injection pressurization.
Ecosystem Functioning of the Loess Plateau in China from Vegetation Restoration Relied Largely on Climate
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Dong Gang , Qu Luping , Wu Zhitao , Zhao Fangyuan , Shao Changliang
Published: December 2022

Climate change and anthropogenic replantation are supposed to greatly change vegetation coverage and ecosystem stability and functions, e.g., net primary productivity (NPP), evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE). Our study compared WUE of nature- and human-induced forest cover increase on the Loess Plateau since 2000 using satellite-derived Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF), NPP, ET. This study also applied over 30 years of model-based NPP and meteorological observations to compare the stability and changes brought up by the Grain for Green Project. The result showed that the average forest coverage fraction increased from 7.1% (~4.5 × 104 km2) in 2000 to 11.2% (~7.3 × 104 km2) in 2014. Artificial forest cover increase occupied 76.43% of the significantly increasing tree cover regions. The role of revegetation practice in NPP and ET became gradually more dominant than climate factors in artificial forests from the northern to the southern part of the Loess Plateau. For areas experiencing limited forest coverage increase, artificial forest areas showed higher WUE than natural forest areas under similar mean annual precipitation (MAP). The difference in stability was small between neighboring natural and artificial forest areas. The northwest of the Loess Plateau had an increasing resilience, whereas the south of the Plateau had an increased resistance to precipitation and temperature change. The higher dependency of the northern reforested areas on climate fluctuation indicates a growing threat of water scarcity to the sustainability of anthropogenic reforestation in semi-arid regions.
Ecosystem Services in the Context of Agroforestry—Results of a Survey among Agricultural Land Users in the Czech Republic
Authors: Červená Tereza , Jarský Vilém , Červený Luboš , Palátová Petra , Sloup Roman
Published: December 2022

Agroforestry, the use of trees at the interface between agricultural and forestry systems, is a key component of the multifunctional European landscape, where it provides a whole range of ecosystem services. Its main potential lies in the provision of services including increasing economic yield in agriculture and providing anti-erosion measures. The main objective of this research is to assess the perception of the providing ecosystem services of woody plants growing in agroforestry by farmers as key land users in the Czech Republic. Different aspects influencing farmers’ subjective perceptions were identified, especially depending on conventional versus organic farming methods. Respondents’ views were mapped using a structured questionnaire, which allowed for independently assessing the importance of windbreaks. Respondents considered regulatory ecosystem services the most important ones, in particular reducing soil erosion and flood risk, or increasing the resilience of the landscape to drought. Respondents perceived the physical obstruction of trees during mechanical tillage and the tenancy relationship with the land as the most significant problem with the introduction of agroforestry systems. The aim of this study is to promote innovative approaches in the national agricultural strategy in agroforestry as one of the tools for climate change adaptation towards sustainable agricultural production.
Variables Affecting the Pine Processionary Moth Flight: A Survey in the North-Western Italian Alps
Authors: Ferracini Chiara , Saitta Valerio , Rondoni Gabriele , Rollet Ivan
Published: December 2022

The pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffermüller), is one of the most economically important forest defoliators in southern Europe. This pest is a univoltine oligophagous insect species, and the genus Pinus represents its main host. Investigations were carried out in the five-year period 2016–2020 in NW Italy. PPM males were monitored using commercial funnel traps baited with sex pheromone. The infestation index was recorded by counting the number of nests per tree. Temperature and rainfall were automatically recorded by 94 georeferenced meteorological stations. Adult presence was evaluated as the maximum number of captured individuals in a day, total captures during the season, the Julian day at max captures, or at first or last captures. Environmental variables (altitude, cumulative rain, and cumulative degree-days) and biological parameters were summarized using principal component analysis. Our study showed that the analyzed variables contribute to driving and affecting the PPM population dynamics, which also exhibited a year-to-year decrease. Due to the environmental and sanitary importance, all the data collected about the PPM will be useful to develop predictive risk models, as to deploy countermeasures in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Forest Bioeconomy from the Perspectives of Different EU Countries and Its Potential for Measuring Sustainability
Authors: Rinn Radek , Palátová Petra , Kalábová Markéta , Jarský Vilém
Published: December 2022

The globally accepted concept of a bioeconomy includes the field of forestry; however, the concept of a forest bioeconomy (FBE) does not appear to be defined uniformly. The concepts of bioeconomy and sustainable development are interlinked. In many countries, the bioeconomy is often the subject of efforts to quantify it from the state level, and therefore, the question arises as to whether the data regarding the financial support of an FBE in individual countries can be considered mutually comparable, with the aim of including them, for example, among the criteria for measuring sustainability (e.g., indicators of sustainable development—SDI). This option has political implications for political representation, taking the form of a comparable indicator in the approaches of individual states. This article analytically compares FBEs and our understanding of them in selected countries: Czechia, Slovakia, Finland, Italy, and Germany. Czechia financially supports various areas of forestry through European funds (Rural Development Programme, RDP CZ). In this article, we assess this support from the point of view of the perceptions of the FBE in the studied states, with an emphasis on the view of Czechia. First, an FBE analysis of the selected official and supporting documents of the studied countries was performed. The total financial data from the supported projects from the RDP CZ were subsequently assigned to these areas. Thus, the idea of financial support for the FBE through the RDP CZ from the perspectives of the selected countries was born. The differences in the perception of the FBE according to the description derived from the analysis were also confirmed by the different financial quantifications (hypothetical) of these different views. The obtained results demonstrate an incomparable state of perception of the FBE among the selected countries. For these reasons, it is currently inappropriate to use the level of FBE financial support to measure sustainability.
Municipal Forest Program Management in the United States of America: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hargrave J. Rebecca , Harper Richard W. , Butler Brett J. , Mullins Jamie T.
Published: December 2022

Municipalities across the United States have varied available resources to manage urban forests, resulting in substantial differences in urban forestry services and outcomes. This article reviews 32 survey-based studies that characterize U.S. municipal urban forest management program dimensions, including program components; needs and barriers; knowledge of and attitudes toward urban forests; and plans and priorities for future management. Such information is critical for agencies that support local urban forest management efforts but has not previously been systematically gathered and condensed. Based on the limited national, regional, and state-level data published in peer-reviewed journals, we find that the number of municipal urban forestry programs appears to be increasing, many communities have at least one tree ordinance, and larger communities are more likely to have an official program. However, evidence suggests that few municipalities have an urban forest inventory or management plan, and most require additional financial, political, public, or educational support. More research on urban forestry program status, needed support, and local knowledge is needed as knowledge gaps remain regarding the influence of metropolitan areas and resident demographics on the presence and extent of municipal urban forestry programs. Additionally, few studies have investigated future municipal urban forestry-related intentions and priorities.
Is the Invasiveness of Pittosporum undulatum in Eucalypt Forests Explained by the Wide Ranging Effects of Its Secondary Metabolites?
Authors: Pasquini Dalila , dos Santos Nascimento Luana Beatriz , Brunetti Cecilia , Ferrini Francesco , Gleadow Roslyn M.
Published: December 2022

Climate change is a driver of biodiversity loss, often favouring invasive species such as in the case of Pittosporum undulatum in Eucalyptus forests of south-eastern Australia. We tested whether the invasiveness of P. undulatum is due to the release of secondary metabolites with allelopathic action inhibiting other species germination or to the content of antioxidant secondary metabolites. We compared the germination of P. undulatum and Eucalyptus ovata seeds on different substrates watered with different leachates. Polyphenolic compounds, saponins and tannins of Eucalyptus spp. and P. undulatum leaf extracts were quantified. Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds were collected in the field and analyzed to compare the emissions in eucalypt forests with and without P. undulatum. Eucalyptus germination rates were not affected by different leachates and no allelopathic compounds were identified in P. undulatum leachate. Flavonoids and tannins characterized Eucalyptus leachates, while P. undulatum leachates showed high hydroxycinnamic acids content. The forests invaded by P. undulatum were characterized by high levels of monoterpenes, whereas the forest lacking P. undulatum were dominated by sesquiterpenes. Our results suggest that the invasiveness of P. undulatum may be due to the high content in secondary metabolites that play a protective role against abiotic stresses rather than the release of allelopathic compounds.
Modeling and Mapping of Forest Fire Occurrence in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland Based on Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Milanović Slobodan , Kaczmarowski Jan , Ciesielski Mariusz , Trailović Zoran , Mielcarek Miłosz , Szczygieł Ryszard , Kwiatkowski Mirosław , Bałazy Radomir , Zasada Michał , Milanović Sladjan D.
Published: December 2022

In recent years, forest fires have become an important issue in Central Europe. To model the probability of the occurrence of forest fires in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland, historical fire data and several types of predictors were collected or generated, including topographic, vegetation, climatic, and anthropogenic features. The main objectives of this study were to determine the importance of the predictors of forest fire occurrence and to map the probability of forest fire occurrence. The H2O driverless artificial intelligence (DAI) cloud platform was used to model forest fire probability. The gradient boosted machine (GBM) and random forest (RF) methods were applied to assess the probability of forest fire occurrence. Evaluation the importance of the variables was performed using the H2O platform permutation method. The most important variables were the presence of coniferous forest and the distance to agricultural land according to the GBM and RF methods, respectively. Model validation was conducted using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the ROC plots from the GBM and RF models were 83.3% and 81.3%, respectively. Based on the results obtained, the GBM model can be recommended for the mapping of forest fire occurrence in the study area.
Statistical Model of Accurately Estimating Service Delay Behavior in Saturated IEEE 802.11 Networks Based on 2-D Markov Chain
Authors: Yang Qian , Li Suoping , Li Hongli , Chen Weiru
Published: December 2022

To accurately estimate the service delay behavior of IEEE 802.11 networks, this paper comprehensively considers four main factors that affect the performance of IEEE 802.11 networks and establishes a service delay model with statistical characteristics. We analyzed the operation mechanism of 802.11 DCF, using the backoff stage and the backoff counter to portray the dynamic change characteristics of the system regarding the data frame transmission states. Afterward, we calculated the one-step transition probability of these states, establishing a 2-D Markov model, including the ICS procedure and the backoff procedure. Based on this model, we constructed steady-state equations to derive a relationship between the transmission probability and collision probability for each node transmission queue. By analyzing the ICS delay and the backoff delay, we obtained the probability generating function (PGF) of the average idle time. The analytical expressions of other service delays, such as the successful transmission time and collided transmission time, were derived to obtain the PGF of the total service delay. In the numerical simulation, we compared the first two statistical moments of the PGF with the Nav model, and it was found that our delay evaluation results were significantly better than the traditional evaluation results. The average service delay of the Nav model in all the scenarios was larger than that of the proposed model due to the lack of the ICS procedure in the Nav model. Since a DIFS duration is generally much shorter than a random backoff duration, our model saves the bandwidth and improves transmission efficiency.
Review on Semantic Modeling and Simulation of Cybersecurity and Interoperability on the Internet of Underwater Things
Authors: Kotis Konstantinos , Stavrinos Stavros , Kalloniatis Christos
Published: December 2022

As maritime and military missions become more and more complex and multifactorial over the years, there has been a high interest in the research and development of (autonomous) unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Latest efforts concern the modeling and simulation of UUVs’ collaboration in swarm formations, towards obtaining deeper insights related to the critical issues of cybersecurity and interoperability. The research topics, which are constantly emerging in this domain, are closely related to the communication, interoperability, and secure operation of UUVs, as well as to the volume, velocity, variety, and veracity of data transmitted in low bit-rate due to the medium, i.e., the water. This paper reports on specific research topics in the domain of UUVs, emphasizing interoperability and cybersecurity in swarms of UUVs in a military/search-and-rescue setting. The goal of this work is two-fold: a) to review existing methods and tools of semantic modeling and simulation for cybersecurity and interoperability on the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT), b) to highlight open issues and challenges, towards developing a novel simulation approach to effectively support critical and life-saving decision-making of commanders of military and search-and-rescue operations.
Organic Rice Production Practices: Effects on Grain End-Use Quality, Healthfulness, and Safety
Authors: Bergman Christine , Pandhi Mhansi
Published: December 2022

Demand for rice labeled as organic is growing globally. Consumers state that foods labeled as organic are nutritionally superior and safer than their conventionally produced equivalent. The research question for this systematic review is as follows: is there a difference between the effects of sustainable agriculture and conventional farming methods on rice grain end-use quality, healthfulness, and safety? The studies (n = 23) examined for this review suggest that organic production practices don’t influence most end-use quality (e.g., chalk, milling yield, pasting properties) and healthfulness (e.g., gamma-oryzanol fraction and tocols) traits studied, or if it does, it will be to a small degree. If differences in end-use quality traits are found, they will be associated with grain protein content, which varies along with the dose of nitrogen applied during rice growth. We conclude that the studies evaluated in this review found that organically produced rice grain was less likely to contain residues of the pesticides (e.g., organochlorine) examined in the study than the rice is grown using conventional methods. There was some evidence that organically grown rice is more likely to be contaminated with mycotoxin-producing fungi and some mycotoxins. Common shortcomings of the studies were that they were poorly designed, with limited to no details of the cultural management practices used to grow the rice studied, the length of time fields was under organic management not stated, cultivars were not named, and the data wasn’t analyzed statistically.
A Comprehensive Chemical and Nutritional Analysis of New Zealand Yacon Concentrate
Authors: Chessum Keegan , Chen Tony , Kam Rothman , Yan Mary
Published: December 2022

Global interest in yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is growing due to its potential as a functional food, attributable to its unique profile of bioactives and high fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content, which vary between cultivars. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive chemical and nutritional analysis of New Zealand yacon concentrate (NZYC)—a sweet syrup derived from the roots of cultivar ‘New Zealand’, which was first grown in the 1980s. The major minerals in NZYC were potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. The FOS content ranged from 17.6 to 52.7 g/100g. Total phenolic content ranged from 565 to 785 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g; chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the major phenolic compounds. The major amino acids were L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-aspartic acid, and asparagine. The major organic acids were citric, malic, quinic, and fumaric acids. Antioxidant activity ranged from 1084.14 to 3085.78 mg Trolox equivalents per 100 g depending on the assay used. The glycaemic index (GI) value was 40 ± 0.22, classifying it as a low-GI food. These results support the classification of NZYC as a nutraceutical food product for future diet therapy applications.
Tofu Whey Wastewater as a Beneficial Supplement to Poultry Farming: Improving Production Performance and Protecting against Salmonella Infection
Authors: Shen Xuehuai , Xu Yayuan , Yin Lei , Cheng Jianghua , Yin Dongdong , Zhao Ruihong , Dai Yin , Hu Xiaomiao , Hou Hongyan , Qian Kun , Pan Xiaocheng , Liu Yongjie
Published: December 2022

Tofu whey wastewater (TWW) is a by-product of the tofu production process, and contains high amounts of organic products and Lactobacillus ap. However, no studies have been reported on whether naturally fermented TWW can be used as a beneficial additive for poultry production. This study analyzed the main nutritional components and microbial flora of naturally fermented TWW from rural tofu processing plants and their effect on chick production performance, role in modulating the biochemical and immune parameters, and protection against Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) infection. It was observed that the average pH of TWW was 4.08; therefore, the total viable count was 3.00 × 109 CFU/mL and the abundance of Lactobacillus was 92.50%. Moreover, TWW supplementation increased the total weight gain and feed intake, reduced the feed/gain ratio, increased the length and relative weight of the gut, and reduced the colonization and excretion of S. enteritidis in chickens. Additionally, TWW decreased oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion caused by S. enteritidis infection. In addition, TWW supplementation ensured the structure of the intestine remained relatively intact in S. enteritidis-infected chicken. Furthermore, TWW markedly promoted the intestinal barrier integrity and up-regulated the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, counteracting the changes in gut microbiota caused by S. enteritidis infection in chicken. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that TWW could be used as a beneficial addition to poultry production, providing a research basis for the further development of TWW as a health care application in in food-producing animal.
Food-Grade Bacteria Combat Pathogens by Blocking AHL-Mediated Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Savijoki Kirsi , San-Martin-Galindo Paola , Pitkänen Katriina , Edelmann Minnamari , Sillanpää Annika , van der Velde Cim , Miettinen Ilkka , Patel Jayendra Z. , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Parikka Mataleena , Fallarero Adyary , Varmanen Pekka
Published: December 2022

Disrupting bacterial quorum sensing (QS) signaling is a promising strategy to combat pathogenic biofilms without the development of antibiotic resistance. Here, we report that food-associated bacteria can interfere with the biofilm formation of a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium by targeting its AHL (acyl-homoserine lactone) QS system. This was demonstrated by screening metabolic end-products of different lactobacilli and propionibacteria using Gram-negative and biofilm-forming Chromobacterium violaceum as the QS reporter and our anti-QS microscale screening platform with necessary modifications. The method was optimized in terms of the inoculation technique and the concentrations of D-glucose and L-tryptophan, two key factors controlling the synthesis of violacein, a purple pigment indicating the activation of the QS system in C. violaceum. These improvements resulted in ca. 16-times higher violacein yields and enabled revealing anti-QS effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lentilactobacillus kefiri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii, including new cheese-associated strains. Our findings also suggest that acetate and propionate excreted by these species are the main factors that interrupt the QS-mediated signaling and subsequent biofilm growth without affecting the cell viability of the C. violaceum reporter. Thus, the present study reports a revised anti-QS screening method to accurately define new bacteria with an ability to combat pathogens in a safe and sustainable way.
Polylactide-Based Films Incorporated with Berberine—Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Olewnik-Kruszkowska Ewa , Gierszewska Magdalena , Wrona Magdalena , Richert Agnieszka , Rudawska Anna
Published: December 2022

A series of new polymeric materials consisting of polylactide (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and berberine chloride (B) was evaluated. PEG was incorporated into the polymer matrix with the aim of obtaining a plasticizing effect, while berberine was added in order to obtain antibacterial properties in formed packaging materials. Materials were formed using the solvent-casting procedure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used so as to establish the structural changes resulting from the introduction of berberine. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to study the thermal properties. Further, mechanical properties and differences in colour and transparency between the control sample and films containing berberine were also studied. The recorded data indicates that berberine formed a network on the surface of the PLA-based materials. Introduction of an active compound significantly improved thermal stability and greatly affected the Young’s modulus values of the studied polymeric films. Moreover, it should be stressed that the addition of the studied active compound leads to an improvement of the antibacterial properties, resulting in a significant decrease in growth of E. coli and the S. aureus bacteria cultures.
Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Edible Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with Various Tuber Flesh Colours
Authors: Cebulak Tomasz , Krochmal-Marczak Barbara , Stryjecka Małgorzata , Krzysztofik Barbara , Sawicka Barbara , Danilčenko Honorata , Jarienè Elvyra
Published: December 2022

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the phenolic acid content and antioxidant properties in potato cultivars with coloured flesh and bright flesh. The study material included eight cultivars of edible potato grown in a temperate climate in Poland. Five cultivars were potato tubers with coloured flesh: “Rote Emma”, “Blue Salad”, “Vitelotte”, “Red Emmalie”, and “Blue Congo”; and three were potato tubers with bright flesh: “Bella Rosa”, “Lord”, and “Tajfun”. In all potato samples under study, four phenolic acids were identified: chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid. The predominant acid was chlorogenic acid, the levels of which ranged from 62.95 mg·100 g−1 FM to 126.77 mg·100 g−1 FM. The total concentration of the identified phenolic acids was diverse and depended on the genotype of the cultivar and the tuber flesh colour, with coloured-fleshed potatoes having higher phenolic acid contents in comparison to bright-fleshed potato cultivars. The average concentration of phenolic acids in the samples was 89.19 mg∙100 g−1 FM, and the average concentrations of the individual phenolic acids identified were as follows: chlorogenic acid (86.19 mg∙100 g−1 FM), gallic acid (1.18 mg∙100 g−1 FM), p-coumaric acid (0.64 mg∙100 g−1 FM), and caffeic acid (1.18 mg∙100 g−1 FM). In addition, three groups of anthocyanins were identified: pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, peonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, and petunidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Anthocyanins were not found in the “Lord” or “Tajfun” varieties characterised by white tuber flesh. The predominant pigment was petunidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, with an average content of 23.15 mg∙100 g−1 FM, and the highest value was observed in the “Vitelotte” variety (51.27 mg∙100 g−1 FM). The antioxidant activity of the flesh of the potatoes under study was diverse depending on flesh colour. The FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay indicated higher antioxidant activity of coloured-fleshed potato cultivars. The highest concentration was identified in the “Vitelotte” cultivar flesh and was 114% higher than in the “Lord” cultivar. Similar dependencies were found in the case of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay; however, in this case, the “Vitelotte” cultivar flesh demonstrated nearly 6.4 times higher antioxidant activity than the “Lord” cultivar. Summarizing our own research, we can conclude that potato varieties with coloured flesh are characterised by a higher content of biologically active substances, including phenolic acids, and antioxidant properties compared to potato tubers with bright flesh.
Effect of Apple Juice Enrichment with Selected Plant Materials: Focus on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gil Katarzyna Angelika , Wojdyło Aneta , Nowicka Paulina , Montoro Paola , Tuberoso Carlo Ignazio Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Using a multi-analytical approach, this paper aimed to investigate the effect of apple juice enrichment with Arbutus unedo and Diospyros kaki fruits, Myrtus communis berry extract, Acca sellowiana, or Crocus sativus flower by-products on both bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity. Physico-chemical parameters, vitamin C, sugars, organic acids, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes were evaluated. An LC-PDA/MS QTof analysis allowed for the identification of 80 different phenolic compounds. The highest polyphenol content (179.84 and 194.06 mg of GAE/100 g fw) and antioxidant activity (CUPRAC, 6.01 and 7.04 mmol of Fe2+/100 g fw) were observed in products with added A. sellowiana and D. kaki, respectively. Furthermore, the study showed a positive correlation between polymeric procyanidins and antioxidant activity (0.7646–0.8539). The addition of A. unedo fruits had a positively significant influence on the increment of vitamin C (23.68 ± 0.23 mg/100 g fw). The obtained products were attractive to consumers, especially those with 0.1% C. sativus flower juice, M. communis berry extract, and persimmon D. kaki fruits. The synergy among the different analytical techniques allowed us to obtain a complete set of information, demonstrating that the new apple smoothies were enriched in both different beneficial molecules for human health and in antioxidant activity.
Critical Parameters in an Enzymatic Way to Obtain the Unsweet Lactose-Free Milk Using Catalase and Glucose Oxidase Co-Encapsulated into Hydrogel with Chemical Cross-Linking
Authors: Czyzewska Katarzyna , Trusek Anna
Published: December 2022

The presented work involves obtaining and characterising a two-enzymatic one-pot bioreactor, including encapsulated (co-immobilised) glucose oxidase and catalase. The enzymatic capsules were applied to produce unsweet, lactose-free milk during low-temperature catalysis. Furthermore, operational conditions, like pH and aeration, were selected in the paper, which sorts out discrepancies in literature reports. All experiments were carried out at 12 °C, corresponding to milk storage and transportation temperature. Preliminary studies (for reasons of analytical accuracy) were carried out in a buffer (pH, concentration of sugars mimicking conditions in the lactose-free milk, the initial glucose concentration 27.5 g/L) verified by processes carried out in milk in the final stage of the study. The presented results showed the need for regulating pH and the aeration of the reaction mixture in the continuous mode during the process. The procedure of co-immobilisation was performed in an alginate matrix with the cross-linking of glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide while carbodiimide showed better enzymes retention inside alginate capsules. Co-encapsulated enzymes could be used for nine cycles, preserving finally about 40% of the initial activity.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Plant Polyphenol Extracts and Their Combined Effect with Flaxseed on Raw and Cooked Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Content, Lipid Health Indices and Oxidative Stability in Slow-Growing Sasso Chickens
Authors: Tadesse Desalew , Retta Negussie , Girma Mekonnen , Ndiwa Nicholas , Dessie Tadelle , Hanotte Olivier , Getachew Paulos , Dannenberger Dirk , Maak Steffen
Published: December 2022

Adding flaxseed was found to decrease oxidative stability in feed and increase the antioxidant needs of chicken. This has also been associated with a decrease in the nutritional value and oxidative stability of meat if sufficient dietary antioxidants are not included. Furthermore, dietary flaxseed has been explored in fast-growing chickens as such studies are limited with slow-growing chickens. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding plant polyphenol extracts as an antioxidant alongside flaxseed on fatty acid content, oxidative stability, and lipid health indices in breast muscle of slow-growing Sasso T451A dual-purpose chicken. A total of 126 chickens assigned to six groups (seven replicates of three) were fed on NC (control and no antioxidants), FS (75 g flaxseed and no antioxidants), VE8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg vitamin E), TS8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Thymus schimperi), DA8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Dodonaea angustifolia) and CD8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Curcuma domestica) extract per kg diet. Feeding on CD8 and VE8 in raw and TS8, CD8 and VE8 diets in cooked breast muscle increased (p < 0.05) the C22:6n − 3 (DHA) and C20:5n − 3 (EPA) contents compared to the FS diet. Feeding FS increased (p < 0.05) the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in breast muscle, whereas TS8 in cooked and raw and CD8 and DA8 diets in raw breast muscle decreased it (p < 0.05). No added benefit was observed in feeding VE8 over plant extracts in terms of improving fatty acid composition and lipid health indices and reducing lipid oxidation in breast meat.