bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Micromolecules and Macromolecules on the Environmentally Friendly Impregnation Solution for High-Performance Rubber Composites Compared with Traditional RFL Impregnation
Authors: Shi Zhihao , He Hongwei , Wu Pengfeng , Yang Zeguang , Yu Wenwen , Liu Fuyong , Zhu Fengbo , Zhang Zhiyi , Zheng Qiang
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a novel resorcinol-formaldehyde-free and environmentally friendly adhesives for polyester (PET) fiber impregnation treatment were compounded successfully. First, a network structure was formed by reacting micromolecular and water-soluble glycerol triglycidyl ether (GLTE) and triethylenetetramine (TETA). Then, this was mixed with latex in order to prepare an impregnation solution glycerol triglycidyl ether-triethylenetetramine-butyropyridine latex system (GTL), which can replace the toxic components (resorcinol and formaldehyde) of the resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) impregnation system. Similarly, the macromolecular epoxy resin E-51-triethylenetetramine-butyropyridine latex system (ETL) and the traditional RFL impregnation system were also prepared in order to compare with the GTL. Further, the reaction conditions of the impregnation system, the surface chemical composition and interfacial properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and peeling strength, respectively. The results showed that the peeling adhesion performance between the GTL-modified PET fabric and the rubber (38.5% higher than that of the ETL impregnation solution) was comparable to that of the RFL impregnation system because of micromolecular and more active GLTE. This study provides new insights into the interface design of PET/rubber composites and will facilitate the development of PET/rubber composites.
Computational Investigation of Dental Implant Restoration Using Platform-Switched and -Matched Configurations
Authors: Afazal Mohammad , Gupta Shubham , Tevatia Abhishek , Afreen Saba , Chanda Arnab
Published: April 2023

Dental trauma is a serious and highly prevalent health issue across the globe. Most of the frequent dental injuries result in the loss of teeth and affects the overall quality of life. The loss of a tooth is usually compensated by a dental implant. The common methods adopted while placing the implant tooth are platform switching and platform matching. A plethora of works has studied the qualitative performance of these methods across different situations clinically. However, a detailed comparative work studying in-depth the mechanical parameters has not been attempted yet. In this computational work, two commonly available different platform-switched and one platform-matched implant-abutment configurations were compared. A 3D model of an implant (5.5 × 9.5 mm) was designed and inserted into a human mandibular bone block using computer-aided design (CAD) and extracting the clinical imaging data. Three separate models of implant-abutment configurations such as Platform Switched (PS)-I, a 5.5 mm implant with a 3.8 mm wide abutment, Platform Switched (PS)-II, a 5.5 mm implant with a 4.5 mm wide abutment, and Platform Matched (PM), a 5.5-mm implant with a 5.5 mm wide abutment were analyzed. Clinically relevant vertical-, horizontal-, and oblique-type of occlusal loadings were applied to each model to characterize the mechanical response. Mechanical parameters such as von Mises stresses, deformations, and strain energies were obtained using finite element modeling (FEM). These parameters showed lower values for platform switching within the peri-implant bone and that may help to limit marginal bone loss. However, the same parameters were increasing more in the abutment, implant, and screw for the platform-switched implant configuration than that of platform-matched configuration. The computational framework, along with the results, are anticipated to guide the clinicians and medical practitioners in making better decisions while selecting the commonly available methods.
Efficacy Evaluation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa Extracts on Cytotoxicity Induced by Atmospheric Particulate Matter 2.5 Exposure Using Skin Cell Lines and Zebrafish Models
Authors: Wang Xiang , Li Xin , Jiang Xufeng , Xiang Fengwei , Lai Yuanliang , Xiang Guanggang
Published: April 2023

The invention and use of chelating purification products directed at atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) are beneficial in preventing cytotoxicity and bodily harm. However, natural plant active compounds that minimize the adverse effect of PM2.5 are rarely reported. Chlorella pyrenoidosa extracts (CPEs), a nutritional supplement derived from Chlorella vulgaris, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we discovered that CPEs extracted with crushing cell extraction technology can attenuate the negative impacts of PM2.5. Furthermore, CPE intervention can protect against DNA damage and unstable genomic structure due to PM2.5 exposure. Moreover, CPE intervention restored mRNA and protein expression of the DNA misincorporation repair mechanism gene, nudix hydrolase 1 (NUDT1), and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1). In vivo damage protection experiments revealed that CPEs reduced PM2.5-induced hepatotoxicity of zebrafish larvae and effectively prevented the death of adult zebrafish exposed to PM2.5. Briefly, CPEs can attenuate cytotoxicity, resist DNA damage, relieve PM2.5-induced hepatotoxicity, and improve cell purification activity, making them ideal for use as a protective factor or functional ingredient in the cosmetics and health food industries.
Experiment and Numerical Simulation on Friction Ignition Response of HMX-Based Cast PBX Explosive
Authors: Yuan Junming , Qin Yue , Peng Hongzheng , Xia Tao , Liu Jiayao , Zhao Wei , Sun Hu , Liu Yan
Published: April 2023

In order to study the ignition process and response characteristics of cast polymer-bonded explosives (PBX) under the action of friction, HMX-based cast PBX explosives were used to carry out friction ignition experiments at a 90° swing angle and obtain the critical ignition loading pressure was 3.7 MPa. Combined with the morphology characterization results of HMX-based cast PBX, the friction temperature rise process was numerically simulated at the macro and micro scale, and the ignition characteristics were judged. The accuracy of the numerical simulation results was ensured based on the experiment. Based on the thermal–mechanical coupling algorithm, the mechanical–thermal response of HMX-based cast PBX tablet under friction was analyzed from the macro scale. The results show that the maximum temperature rise is 55 °C, and the temperature rise of the whole tablet is not enough to ignite the explosive. Based on the random circle and morphology characterization results of tablet, the mesoscopic model of HMX-based cast PBX was constructed, and the microcrack friction formed after interface debonding was introduced into the model. The temperature rise process at the micro scale shows that HMX crystal particles can be ignited at a temperature of 619 K under 4 MPa hydraulic pressure loaded by friction sensitivity instrument. The main reason for friction ignition of HMX-based cast PBX is the friction hot spot generated by microcracks formed after interface damage of the tablet mesoscopic model, and the external friction heat between cast PBX tablet and sliding column has little effect on ignition. External friction affects the ignition of HMX-based cast PBX by influencing the formation of internal cracks and the stress at microcracks.
Management of Spontaneous Crystalline Lens Luxation in a Patient Diagnosed with Takayasu’s Disease
Authors: Mastrogiuseppe Elvia , Pirraglia Maria Pia , Sampalmieri Lorenzo , Iannetti Ludovico , Beccia Alessandro , Gharbiya Magda
Published: April 2023

Takayasu’s disease is a chronic granulomatous arteriopathy that affects large vessels and their major branches. Nonspecific symptoms characterize the early phase, whereas findings of arterial occlusion and aneurysmal formation become manifest later. Ocular signs typically refer to retinal vascular involvement, as Takayasu arteritis or hypertensive retinopathy. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman suffering from Takayasu arteritis that complained of sudden onset of blurred vision in her left eye due to crystalline lens luxation in the vitreous cavity. The patient’s past medical history was unremarkable for trauma, personal or familiar collagenopathies. Prompt surgical management was performed and the patient reached 0 LogMAR seven days after surgery. Our case illustrates the concomitant occurrence, never reported before, of two rare conditions in the same patient, namely, Takayasu arteritis and spontaneous lens dislocation. Further research and future knowledge are needed to explain whether Takayasu arteritis could obliquely injure zonular or fibrillar structures and whether these features may be possibly related.
Development of an Algorithm to Differentiate Uterine Sarcoma from Fibroids Using MRI and LDH Levels
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Kido Aki , Matsuki Mitsuru , Kotani Yasushi , Murakami Kosuke , Yamanishi Yukio , Numoto Isao , Nakai Hidekatsu , Otani Tomoyuki , Konishi Ikuo , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to establish an evaluation method for detecting uterine sarcoma with 100% sensitivity using MRI and serum LDH levels. Methods: One evaluator reviewed the MRI images and LDH values of a total of 1801 cases, including 36 cases of uterine sarcoma and 1765 cases of uterine fibroids. The reproducibility of the algorithm was also examined by four evaluators with different imaging experience and abilities, using a test set of 61 cases, including 14 cases of uterine sarcoma. Results: From the MRI images and LDH values of 1801 cases of uterine sarcoma and uterine fibroids, we found that all sarcomas were included in the group with a high T2WI and either a high T1WI, an unclear margin, or high LDH values. In addition, when cases with DWI were examined, all sarcomas had high DWI. Among the 36 sarcoma cases, the group with positive findings for T2WI, T1WI, margins, and serum LDH levels all had a poor prognosis (p = 0.015). The reproducibility of the algorithm was examined by four evaluators and the sensitivity of sarcoma detection ranged from 71% to 93%. Conclusion: We established an algorithm to distinguish uterine sarcoma if tumors in the myometrium with low T2WI and DWI are present.
Improvement of Treetop Displacement Detection by UAV-LiDAR Point Cloud Normalization: A Novel Method and A Case Study
Authors: Ma Kaisen , Li Chaokui , Jiang Fugen , Xu Liangliang , Yi Jing , Huang Heqin , Sun Hua
Published: April 2023

Normalized point clouds (NPCs) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle-light detection and ranging (UAV-LiDAR) data have been applied to extract relevant forest inventory information. However, detecting treetops from topographically normalized LiDAR points is challenging if the trees are located in steep terrain areas. In this study, a novel point cloud normalization method based on the imitated terrain (NPCIT) method was proposed to reduce the effect of vegetation point cloud normalization on crown deformation in regions with high slope gradients, and the ability of the treetop detection displacement model to quantify treetop displacements and tree height changes was improved, although the model did not consider the crown shape or angle. A forest farm in the mountainous region of south-central China was used as the study area, and the sample data showed that the detected treetop displacement increased rapidly in steep areas. With this work, we made an important contribution to theoretical analyses using the treetop detection displacement model with UAV-LiDAR NPCs at three levels: the method, model, and example levels. Our findings contribute to the development of more accurate treetop position identification and tree height parameter extraction methods involving LiDAR data.
A Self-Adaptive Trajectory Optimization Algorithm Using Fuzzy Logic for Mobile Edge Computing System Assisted by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Subburaj Brindha , Jayachandran Uma Maheswari , Arumugham Vinothini , Suthanthira Amalraj Miruna Joe Amali
Published: April 2023

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the availability of wide cloud services have led to the horizon of edge computing paradigm which demands for processing the data at the edge of the network. The development of 5G technology has led to the increased usage of IoT-based devices and the generation of a large volume of data followed by increased data traffic, which is difficult to process by the mobile edge computing (MEC) platform. The latest inventions related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) helps to assist and replace the edge servers used for MEC. In the present work, the objective is to develop self-adaptive trajectory optimization algorithm (STO) which is a multi-objective optimization algorithm used to solve the vital objectives associated with the above scenario of a UAV-assisted MEC system. The objectives identified are minimizing the energy consumed by the MEC and minimizing the process emergency indicator, where the process emergency indicator implies the urgency level of a particular process. Finding the optimal values for these conflicting objectives will help to further efficiently apply UAV for MEC systems. A self-adaptive multi-objective differential evolution-based trajectory optimization algorithm (STO) is proposed, where a pool of trial vector generation strategies is extended. The strategies and the crossover rate associated with a differential evolution (DE) algorithm are self-adapted using fuzzy systems to improve the population diversity. The experimentation is planned to be conducted on hundreds of IoT device instances considered to be fixed on the ground level and to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm for a single unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted mobile edge computing system.
Effects of Spatial Characteristics on Non-Standard Employment for Canada’s Immigrant Population
Authors: Ali Waad , Agyekum Boadi , Al Nasiri Noura , Abulibdeh Ammar , Chauhan Shekhar
Published: April 2023

Using microdata from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) and Population Census, this paper explores how spatial characteristics are correlated with temporary employment outcomes for Canada’s immigrant population. Results from ordinary least square regression models suggest that census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (CMAs/CAs) characterized by a high share of racialized immigrants, immigrants in low-income, young, aged immigrants, unemployed immigrants, and immigrants employed in health and service occupations were positively associated with an increase in temporary employment for immigrants. Furthermore, findings from principal component regression models revealed that a combination of spatial characteristics, namely CMAs/CAs characterized by both a high share of unemployed immigrants and immigrants in poverty, had a greater likelihood of immigrants being employed temporarily. The significance of this study lies in the spatial conceptualization of temporary employment for immigrants that could better inform spatially targeted employment policies, especially in the wake of the structural shift in the nature of work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skill-Biased Technological Change and Gender Inequality across OECD Countries—A Simultaneous Approach
Authors: Nogueira Manuel Carlos , Madaleno Mara
Published: April 2023

Of the various approaches that, over the last few decades, have sought explanations for the constant increase in the wage gap between more and less skilled workers, the Skill-Biased Technological Change (SBTC) approach has been the most used and the one that has led to the most consistent results. The objective of this study is to assess whether the possible mobility between different types of workers, considering their experience and professional training, and this way, replacing more skilled workers in terms of education widens or reduces the wage gap between qualifications. For this purpose, we resorted to the modeling of simultaneous equations taking into account the OECD countries between 2007 and 2020, concluding that there is a strong influence of the wage gaps of the less qualified in the widening of the gaps of the more qualified and that this influence is more significant in the case of women. Education continues to promote the increase in wage differences in favor of the most qualified, as well as the SBTC approach. We also conclude that women’s wage gaps are approaching the average of most workers, thus reducing wage inequality between genders.
Problems of Generating Productive Employment in the Youth Labor Market as a Dominant Risk Reduction Factor for the NEET Youth Segment in Kazakhstan
Authors: Khussainova Zhibek , Gazizova Maiya , Abauova Gulzhan , Zhartay Zhanibek , Raikhanova Gulnur
Published: April 2023

NEET (not in employment, education, or training) unemployment is one of the newer, most relevant, and least studied modern features of the youth labor market, making it an urgent problem to be solved. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers to creating productive employment in the youth labor market, with a view to reducing the NEET youth segment in Kazakhstan. Our aim is to identify the impact of employment and unemployment parameters in the youth labor market in order to reduce the NEET youth segment in Kazakhstan. The article analyzes the indicators of youth participation in the labor force, defines the features of the youth labor market based on segmentation by age, and identifies the dynamics of youth employment, including the type of economic activity. Particular attention is paid to the NEET youth category in Kazakhstan, providing a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the youth labor market for the period 2001–2021. The portrait of Kazakhstani youth in the category of NEET unemployment was determined based on an analysis of labor market indicators. Our study identifies the barriers to generating productive youth employment, allowing policymakers to reduce the NEET youth segment in Kazakhstan.
Gamification and the History of Art in Secondary Education: A Didactic Intervention
Authors: Corrales Serrano Mario
Published: April 2023

Within the curricula of social and civic competence that are taught in secondary education, Art History is a discipline that is usually relegated to a secondary position in terms of its role and the time dedicated to it. This report presents a didactic intervention for the systematic introduction of gamification strategies aimed at teaching Art History. Its objective is to analyze the performance of gamification strategies in the teaching of social sciences. The products generated in this intervention, applied longitudinally in three academic years, have been analyzed using qualitative methodology, with the WebQDA software. The results show a growth in motivation for the study of Art History and an uneven assessment of the different motivation strategies used in the process, although in general terms, a positive assessment of the gamification strategies used is presented.
An Operation Scheme Generation Method for Nuclear Power Plant Operation under the Condition of No Operating Procedures Guided
Authors: Dai Xinyu , Yang Ming , Wang Jipu , Du Zhihao , Wen Hanguan
Published: April 2023

Large-scale, complex, and high-risk industrial systems such as nuclear power plants have developed detailed operating procedures. Under the expected conditions, the operators operate the system according to the operating procedures to avoid human error. However, under complex and unfamiliar conditions, once the guidance of operating procedures is lost, serious consequences may be caused. This paper proposes a No-Procedure guided Operation Supervision Technology (NoP-OST). The key idea is to identify the success paths by a forward-searching approach from source to sink functions. On this basis, the success paths are combined to generate various operation schemes to achieve the main objectives of the system. The paper illustrates the application of NoP-OST through the case of loss of the Residual Heat Removal System (RHRS) in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant. The research results show that the method proposed in this paper can provide a valuable operational reference for complex systems by making use of the available functions of the system.
A Novel Fault Diagnosis Method of Rolling Bearings Combining Convolutional Neural Network and Transformer
Authors: Liu Wenkai , Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Jiarui , Huang Haixiang , Zhang Guocheng , Peng Mingda
Published: April 2023

Efficient and accurate fault diagnosis plays an essential role in the safe operation of machinery. In respect of fault diagnosis, various data-driven methods based on deep learning have attracted widespread attention for research in recent years. Considering the limitations of feature representation in convolutional structures for fault diagnosis, and the demanding requirements on the quality of data for Transformer structures, an intelligent method of fault diagnosis is proposed in the present study for bearings, namely Efficient Convolutional Transformer (ECTN). Firstly, the time-frequency representation is achieved by means of short-time Fourier transform for the original signal. Secondly, the low-level local features are extracted using an efficient convolution module. Then, the global information is extracted through transformer. Finally, the results of fault diagnosis are obtained by the classifier. Moreover, experiments are conducted on two different bearing datasets to obtain the experimental results showing that the proposed method is effective in combining the advantages of CNN and transformer. In comparison with other single-structure methods of fault diagnosis, the method proposed in this study produces a better diagnostic performance in the context of limited data volume, strong noise, and variable operating conditions.
SIW Leaky Wave Antenna for THz Applications
Authors: Arya Vivek , Garg Tanuj , Al-Khafaji Hamza Mohammed Ridha
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a new design of leaky wave antenna (LWA) based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology for THz applications. The suggested LWA structure has a combination of longitudinal and transverse slots and makes a 10-element linear array of radiating elements. To address the problem of open-stop-band (OSB), four additional smaller slots were etched on the corners of longitudinal and transversal slots. At the broadside, this LWA provided a gain of 12.33 dBi, and a continuous wide beam scanning range from +78° to −6° via the broadside while exhibiting efficient radiation performance over the operating frequency bands of 105 GHz to 109 GHz with a peak gain of 16.02 dBi.
Performance Monitoring Algorithm for Detection of Encapsulation Failures and Cell Corrosion in PV Modules
Authors: Joseph Easter , Vijaya Kumar Pradeep Menon , Mahinder Singh Balbir Singh , Ching Dennis Ling Chuan
Published: April 2023

This research work aims to develop a fault detection and performance monitoring system for a photovoltaic (PV) system that can detect and communicate errors to the user. The proposed system uses real-time data from various sensors to identify performance problems and faults in the PV system, particularly for encapsulation failure and module corrosion. The system incorporates a user interface that operates on a micro-computer utilizing Python software to show the detected errors from the PV miniature scale system. Fault detection is achieved by comparing the One-diode model with a controlled state retrieved through field testing. A database is generated by the system based on acceptable training data and it serves as a reference point for detecting faults. The user is notified of any deviations based on the threshold value from the training data as an indication of an error by the system. The system offers real-time monitoring, easy-to-understand error messages, and remote access capability, making it an efficient and effective tool for both users and maintenance personnel to manage and maintain the PV system.
Bioflocculants as Alternative to Synthetic Polymers to Enhance Wastewater Sludge Dewaterability: A Review
Authors: Mnif Wissem , Ben Rebah Faouzi
Published: April 2023

The dewatering process reduces the water quantity in sludge, allowing the decrease in its volume, which facilitates its storage, transport, stabilization, and improves the post-treatment efficiency. Chemical polymers including aluminum sulphate and polyaluminum chloride were applied as flocculants in the conditioning process in order to prepare sludge for dewatering. However, these synthetic polymers may cause risks for human health, and should be substituted with ecofriendly and safe materials. These materials include plant-based flocculants, animal-based flocculants, and microbial-based flocculants. Sludge dewaterability was evaluated by considering many parameters, such as moisture content (MC), dry solids (DS), specific resistance to filtration (SRF), capillary suction time (CST), and sludge volume index (SVI). The use of microorganisms for sludge dewatering is an available option, since many strains (R. erythropolis, A. ferrooxidans, P. mirabilis, T. flavus, etc.) demonstrated their ability to produce polymers useful for dewatering sludge from various origins (chemically treated primary sludge, activated sludge, anaerobically digested sludge, etc.). For plant-based flocculants, only okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), cactus (Opuntia ficus Indica), moringa (M. oleifera), and aloe (A. vera) plants are examined for sludge dewatering. Compared to synthetic polymers, plant-based flocculants showed a viable alternative to chemicals and a step forward in green sludge treatment technology. Among the animal-based flocculants, chitosan and aminated chitosan were able to reduce the SRF (SRF reduction rate > 80%) of the anaerobically digested sludge. A new strategy using methylated hemoglobin also showed a significant enhancement in cake solid content of sludge (47%) and a decrease in sludge bound water content of 17.30%. Generally, extensive investigations are needed to explore and optimize all the related parameters (operating conditions, preparation procedure, production cost, etc.) and to choose the appropriate materials for large-scale application.
Tolerance-Based Demand-Side Management for Load Shifting in Rural Areas of Southern Brazil
Authors: Eichkoff Henrique , Bernardon Daniel , Bitencourt Julio , Garcia Vinícius , Silva Daiana , Chiara Lucas , Butto Sebastian , Barbosa Solange , Pose Alejandre
Published: April 2023

In the rural regions of southern Brazil, electricity is largely directed to irrigation activities on rice crops at restricted periods of the year. Typically, customers in these regions are called “irrigators”, and have some characteristics different from loads in urban centers, such as high demand levels and sharp load variations. These characteristics can result in problems of excessive loading on distribution grids at certain times of the day, generating concerns for the power utilities in relation to the security of the electrical system, energy supply to customers, and the integrity of electrical equipment. An alternative to avoid or mitigate these possible problems may be the application of a demand management model to irrigator customers. In this context, a load shifting strategy can be inserted to reduce demand in more critical periods and move it to intervals with lower load on the power grid. In this context, this article presents a demand-side management methodology in distribution systems located in rural areas, employing the load shifting strategy for irrigator customers. The methodology proposed in this paper is not an entirely novel approach, but one specifically developed for the context of irrigator customers, a subject little studied in the literature. The load management model proposed by this study is segmented into three hierarchical levels. The first level is the identification of the electrical characteristics of the distribution systems, the second level is the power flow analysis of the distribution networks, and the third and last level consists in the application of load shifting to the irrigator customers of these electrical systems. The load shifting strategy is modeled by a linear programming algorithm and is only applied to irrigator customers in situations of excessive loading on power grid. The case studies were conducted on three distribution systems of a power utility, with more than 150 irrigator customers. The DSM model based on the load shifting strategy reduced the maximum demand and daily load variations on the three rural feeders evaluated. The proposed changes in load patterns can ensure the continuity of electric power supply service in future even with the high concentration of load on distribution networks, benefiting customers and power utilities.
Research on Real-Time Dynamic Allocation Strategy of Energy Storage Battery Participating in Secondary Frequency Modulation of Distribution Network
Authors: Rao Yufei , Meng Gaojun , Zhang Feng , Chang Yue , Xu Junjun , Qian Congcong
Published: April 2023

With the rapid growth of the power grid load and the continuous access of impact load, the range of power system frequency fluctuation has increased sharply, rendering it difficult to meet the demand for power system frequency recovery through primary frequency modulation alone. Given this headache, an optimal control strategy for battery energy storage participating in secondary frequency regulation of the power grid is proposed in this paper based on a double-layer structure. Besides, a coordinated control framework is constructed for energy storage battery joint units engaged in automatic generation control (AGC). At the dispatching level, the power allocation principle is set to coordinate the fast and slow resources of energy storage and conventional thermal power units, and the power decoupling of the two types of frequency modulation (FM) resources is completed. At the system level, a power allocation model representing the real-time frequency modulation capability of energy storage is established to realize the division of frequency modulation responsibilities of each unit and state of charge (SOC) consistency management, and the proposed control strategy is simulated and verified to provide a reference for the energy storage battery to participate in the secondary frequency modulation design of the power grid.
Assessing Predictions of Australian Offshore Wind Energy Resources from Reanalysis Datasets
Authors: Cowin Emily , Wang Changlong , Walsh Stuart
Published: April 2023

Offshore wind farms are a current area of interest in Australia due to their ability to support its transition to renewable energy. Climate reanalysis datasets that provide simulated wind speed data are frequently used to evaluate the potential of proposed offshore wind farm locations. However, there has been a lack of comparative studies of the accuracy of wind speed predictions from different reanalysis datasets for offshore wind farms in Australian waters. This paper assesses wind speed distribution accuracy and compares predictions of offshore wind turbine power output in Australia from three international reanalysis datasets: BARRA, ERA5, and MERRA-2. Pressure level data were used to determine wind speeds and capacity factors were calculated using a turbine bounding curve. Predictions across the datasets show consistent spatial and temporal variations in the predicted plant capacity factors, but the magnitudes differ substantially. Compared to weather station data, wind speed predictions from the BARRA dataset were found to be the most accurate, with a higher correlation and lower average error than ERA5 and MERRA-2. Significant variation was seen in predictions and there was a lack of similarity with weather station measurements, which highlights the need for additional site-based measurements.
Thermo-Economic Assessment of Photovoltaic/Thermal Pan-Els-Powered Reverse Osmosis Desalination Unit Combined with Preheating Using Geothermal Energy
Authors: Bacha Habib Ben , Abdullah Abdelkader Saad , Aljaghtham Mutabe , Salama Reda S. , Abdelgaied Mohamed , Kabeel Abd Elnaby
Published: April 2023

Recently, the reverse osmosis (RO) process is widely used in the field of desalinating brackish water and seawater to produce freshwater, but the disadvantage of using this technology is the increase in the rates of electrical energy consumption necessary to manage these units. To reduce the rates of electrical energy consumption in RO desalination plants, geothermal energy and photovoltaic/thermal panels were used as preheating units to heat the feed water before entering RO desalination plants. The proposed system in this study consists of an RO desalination plant with an energy recovery device, photovoltaic/thermal panels, and a geothermal energy extraction unit. To evaluate the system performance, three incorporated models were studied and validated by previous experimental data. The results indicated that incorporating the geothermal energy and photovoltaic/thermal panels with the RO desalination plants has positive effects in terms of increasing productivity and reducing the rates of specific power consumption in RO desalination plants. The average saving in the specific power consumption for utilizing the thermal recovery system of PV panels and geothermal energy as preheating units reached 29.1% and 40.75% for the treatment of seawater and brackish water, respectively. Additionally, the economic feasibility showed the saving in the cost of freshwater produced from the RO desalination plants for incorporating both geothermal energy and photovoltaic panels with a thermal recovery system with reverse osmosis desalination plants of up to 39.6%.
Wave Energy Generation in Brazil: A Georeferenced Oscillating Water Column Inventory
Authors: Bastos Adriano Silva , Souza Tâmara Rita Costa de , Ribeiro Dieimys Santos , Melo Mirian de Lourdes Noronha Motta , Martinez Carlos Barreira
Published: April 2023

Seas and oceans offer great potential as a widely available source of clean and renewable energy near high energy consumption centers. This source of energy is a valuable option in the energy transition and in energy matrix decarbonization. Wave energy and an oscillating water column (OWC) device stand out as the types of ocean energy with the most potential. An onshore OWC requires locations with rocky outcrops and steeper slopes as the device needs to be physically installed and has lower energy dissipation due to friction with the seabed. However, Brazil has approximately 7490 km of coastlines, with various shoreline geometries and geomorphologies, some of which are very suitable for OWC implementation. Some authors have estimated that the Brazilian coast has a total potential of 114 GW, distributed between wave and tidal energy, with a great possibility of contributing to global decarbonization efforts. This study aimed to identify and quantify the potential of locations suitable for implementing wave energy farms equipped with onshore OWC. For this, a prospect was carried out using the georeferencing software QGIS, resulting in a georeferenced map with a dataset of 319 locations, and determining a power capacity of exploitation of 9.84 GW and an estimated energy of 83,689 GWh/year in ten of the seventeen coastal states. This energy corresponds to twice the energy consumption of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which has a population of approximately 17.5 million people. If the same amount of wave energy as gas-fired thermal generation energy were to be consumed, the use of wave energy would reduce emissions by approximately 44.52 million tons of CO2 annually. This result suggests that wave energy generation should be included in future studies on the expansion of Brazilian electric systems as an accelerating factor in the energy transition.
Techno-Economic Assessment of High-Safety and Cost-Effective Syngas Produced by O2-Enriched Air Gasification with 40–70% O2 Purity
Authors: Zhang Siwen , Gu Haiming , Qian Jing , Raróg-Pilecka Wioletta , Wang Yuan , Wu Qijing , Zhao Hao
Published: April 2023

To strike a better balance between gas quality and production cost of biomass-based syngas, a process for high-safety and cost-effective syngas production is designed and studied, which takes advantage of biomass O2-enriched air gasification with 40–70% O2 purity and methanation synthesis. Based on the simulation data, the process is evaluated from techno-economic aspects, including syngas composition, higher heat value (HHV), upper and lower explosive limits (UEL and LEL), toxicity, unit production cost (UPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Five kinds of biomass are studied as feedstock. The effects of O2 purity, methanation pressure, feedstock cost, and plant scale are determined, respectively. The results show that O2 purity is an important parameter for technical performance, while methanation pressure is a minor parameter except for exergy efficiency. With respect to cost indicators, feedstock cost, and plant scale are crucial variables; by contrast, O2 purity plays a relatively minor role. This process can generate non-toxic syngas containing 33.2–34.9 vol.% CH4. The UEL and LEL are about 34% and 12%, and the average explosive range is about 22%. The HHVs of syngas generated from five kinds of feedstock sit between 13.67–14.33 MJ/m3, and the exergy efficiency achieves 68.68%. The UPC varies between 0.05 $/Nm3 and 0.27 $/Nm3, and the LCOE varies between 3.78 $/GJ and 18.28 $/GJ. When the plant scale is rational, the process shows strong competitiveness in either UPC or LCOE. The techno-economic results demonstrate that the studied process offers an alternative and sustainable pathway to supply gaseous fuel for low-income areas.
Optimizing Lifestyle Behaviors in Preventing Multiple Long-Term Conditions
Authors: Alkhatib Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Multiple long-term conditions such as the simultaneous prevalence of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are becoming increasingly prevalent globally with major consequences of morbidity, mortality and health economy. Lifestyle preventative approaches, especially combining nutrition and physical activity behavioral components, are essential in preventing multiple long-term conditions. However, funded research programs often focus on a single disease or a condition rather than a cluster of conditions. This entry addresses how lifestyle components, especially exercise and nutrition, could target multiple risk reductions associated with preventing multiple long-term conditions, especially diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Innovative exercise prescription should include different intensity-based approaches, which may include intense forms of exercise, but one size does not fit all. Nutritional intake guidelines can also be individualized to target multiple long-term conditions, which all contribute to informing better public health preventative policies.
Relationship between Jaw Malformations and Long-Chain PUFA’s in Seriola lalandi Larvae during the Spawning Season at a Commercial Hatchery
Authors: Toledo Cesar , Rubilar Eduardo , Marchant Lorena , Dörner Jessica , Márquez Lorenzo , Martínez Víctor , Dantagnan Patricio
Published: April 2023

Jaw malformations imply an important problem during the commercial production of Seriola lalandi larvae and juvenile fish in Chile and New Zealand. Since the rate of malformations in other fish species has been associated with the content of long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) in neutral lipids of the diet, the relationship between body LC-PUFA and the rate of malformations, together with a transcriptomic analysis of genes related to the metabolism and transport of lipids in commercially produced S. lalandi larvae have been investigated in the present work. A total of 10 batches of S. lalandi larvae were obtained and cultured at about 22 °C following the protocols of a Chilean commercial hatchery during the spawning season. There were three larval batches that were collected in August (austral winter), three batches that were obtained in October (spring), and finally four spawning events that were obtained in December-January (spring-summer). The rate and type of jaw malformations, the profile of long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) of total lipids during larval culture, and the distribution of LC-PUFA were analyzed. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis related to lipid metabolism in 40-day-old larvae was performed. As a result, a decrease in the rate of malformations was recorded from August to December. DHA showed a steep decrease between days 1 and 10 of culture, probably due to the consumption of yolk sac lipids, but a higher proportional change was noted in larvae that hatched during August. The DHA content in polar lipids (PL) and neutral lipids (NL) of 40-day-old larvae increased from August to December, so that the abundance of DHA was higher in PL in larvae that hatched in December, but it was higher in NL in those larvae that hatched in October. In conclusion, the rate of jaw malformations was associated with the rapid decline in DHA during early larval life and the highest abundance of DHA in neutral lipids at the end of the larval life.
Differences and Similarities in Lipid Composition, Nutritional Value, and Bioactive Potential of Four Edible Chlorella vulgaris Strains
Authors: Maurício Tatiana , Couto Daniela , Lopes Diana , Conde Tiago , Pais Rita , Batista Joana , Melo Tânia , Pinho Marisa , Moreira Ana S. P. , Trovão Mafalda , Barros Ana , Cardoso Helena , Silva Joana , Domingues Pedro , Domingues M. Rosário
Published: April 2023

The microalga Chlorella vulgaris is a popular food ingredient widely used in the industry, with an increasing market size and value. Currently, several edible strains of C. vulgaris with different organoleptic characteristics are commercialized to meet consumer needs. This study aimed to compare the fatty acid (FA) and lipid profile of four commercialized strains of C. vulgaris (C-Auto, C-Hetero, C-Honey, and C-White) using gas- and liquid-chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry approaches, and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Results showed that C-Auto had a higher lipid content compared to the other strains and higher levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). However, the C-Hetero, C-Honey, and C-White strains had higher levels of omega-6 PUFAs. The lipidome signature was also different between strains, as C-Auto had a higher content of polar lipids esterified to omega-3 PUFAs, while C-White had a higher content of phospholipids with omega-6 PUFAs. C-Hetero and C-Honey showed a higher content of triacylglycerols. All extracts showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, highlighting C-Auto with greater potential. Overall, the four strains of C. vulgaris can be selectively chosen as a source of added-value lipids to be used as ingredients in food and nutraceutical applications for different market needs and nutritional requirements.
Effect of Refining and Fractionation Processes on Minor Components, Fatty Acids, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Shea Butter
Authors: Abdel-Razek Adel G. , Abo-Elwafa Ghada A. , Al-Amrousi Eman F. , Badr Ahmed N. , Hassanein Minar Mahmoud M. , Qian Ying , Siger Aleksander , Grygier Anna , Radziejewska-Kubzdela Elżbieta , Rudzińska Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Shea butter is becoming increasingly popular in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. This work aims to study the effect of the refining process on the quality and stability of fractionated and mixed shea butters. Crude shea butter, refined shea stearin, olein and their mixture (1:1 w/w) were analyzed for fatty acids, triacylglycerol composition, peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), unsaponifiable matter (USM), tocopherol and phytosterol content. Additionally, the oxidative stability, radical scavenging activity (RSA), antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated. The two main fatty acids in the shea butter samples were stearic and oleic. The refined shea stearin showed lower PV, FFA, USM, TPC, TFC, RSA, tocopherol and sterol content than crude shea butter. A higher EC50 was observed, but antibacterial activity was much lower. The refined olein fraction was characterized by lower PV, FFA and TFC in comparison with crude shea butter, but USM, TPC, RSA, EC50, tocopherol and sterol content was unchanged. The antibacterial activity was higher, but the antifungal activity was lower than those of crude shea butter. When both fractions were mixed, their fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition were similar to those of crude shea butter, but other parameters were different.
Screening, Identification and Physiological Characteristics of Lactobacillus rhamnosus M3 (1) against Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Jiang Jiayan , Li Ke , Wang Yuanliang , Wu Zhongqin , Ma Huiqin , Zheng Shilin , Li Zongjun
Published: April 2023

The probiotic role of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in regulating intestinal microbiota to promote human health has been widely reported. However, the types and quantities of probiotics used in practice are still limited. Therefore, isolating and screening LAB with potential probiotic functions from various habitats has become a hot topic. In this study, 104 strains of LAB were isolated from and identified in traditionally fermented vegetables, fresh milk, healthy infant feces, and other environments. The antibacterial properties—resistance to acid, bile salts, and digestive enzymes—and adhesion ability of the strains were determined, and the biological safety of LAB with better performance was studied. Three LAB with good comprehensive performance were obtained. These bacteria had broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and good acid resistance and adhesion ability. They exhibited some tolerance to pig bile salt, pepsin, and trypsin and showed no hemolysis. They were sensitive to the selected antibiotics, which met the required characteristics and safety evaluation criteria for probiotics. An in vitro fermentation experiment and milk fermentation performance test of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) M3 (1) were carried out to study its effect on the intestinal flora and fermentation performance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have shown that this strain can effectively inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and produce a classic, pleasant flavor. It has probiotic potential and is expected to be used as a microecological agent to regulate intestinal flora and promote intestinal health. It can also be used as an auxiliary starter to enhance the probiotic value of fermented milk.