bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embedded LUKS (E-LUKS): A Hardware Solution to IoT Security
Authors: Cano-Quiveu German , Ruiz-de-clavijo-Vazquez Paulino , Bellido Manuel J. , Juan-Chico Jorge , Viejo-Cortes Julian , Guerrero-Martos David , Ostua-Aranguena Enrique
Published: December 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) security is one of the most important issues developers have to face. Data tampering must be prevented in IoT devices and some or all of the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensible data files must be assured in most practical IoT applications, especially when data are stored in removable devices such as microSD cards, which is very common. Software solutions are usually applied, but their effectiveness is limited due to the reduced resources available in IoT systems. This paper introduces a hardware-based security framework for IoT devices (Embedded LUKS) similar to the Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS) solution used in Linux systems to encrypt data partitions. Embedded LUKS (E-LUKS) extends the LUKS capabilities by adding integrity and authentication methods, in addition to the confidentiality already provided by LUKS. E-LUKS uses state-of-the-art encryption and hash algorithms such as PRESENT and SPONGENT. Both are recognized as adequate solutions for IoT devices being PRESENT incorporated in the ISO/IEC 29192-2:2019 for lightweight block ciphers. E-LUKS has been implemented in modern XC7Z020 FPGA chips, resulting in a smaller hardware footprint compared to previous LUKS hardware implementations, a footprint of about a 10% of these LUKS implementations, making E-LUKS a great alternative to provide Full Disk Encryption (FDE) alongside authentication to a wide range of IoT devices.
Task Offloading Strategy and Simulation Platform Construction in Multi-User Edge Computing Scenario
Authors: Wu Guilu , Li Zhongliang
Published: December 2021

Various types of service applications increase the amount of computing in vehicular networks. The lack of computing resources of the vehicle itself will hinder the improvement of network performance. Mobile edge computing (MEC) technology is an effective computing method that is used to solve this problem at the edge of network for multiple mobile users. In this paper, we propose the multi-user task offloading strategy based on game theory to reduce the computational complexity and improve system performance. The task offloading decision making as a multi-user task offloading game is formulated to demonstrate how to achieve the Nash equilibrium (NE). Additionally, a task offloading algorithm is designed to achieve a NE, which represents an optimal or sub-optimal system overhead. In addition, the vehicular communication simulation frameworks Veins, SUMO model and OMNeT++ are adopted to run the proposed task offloading strategy. Numerical results show that the system overhead of the proposed task offloading strategy can degrade about 24.19% and 33.76%, respectively, in different scenarios.
Rotation Estimation and Segmentation for Patterned Image Vision Inspection
Authors: Oh Cheonin , Kim Hyungwoo , Cho Hyeonjoong
Published: December 2021

Pattern images can be segmented in a template unit for efficient fabric vision inspection; however, segmentation criteria critically affect the segmentation and defect detection performance. To get the undistorted criteria for rotated images, rotation estimation of absolute angle needs to be proceeded. Given that conventional rotation estimations do not satisfy both rotation errors and computation times, patterned fabric defects are detected using manual visual methods. To solve these problems, this study proposes the application of segmentation reference point candidate (SRPC), generated based on a Euclidean distance map (EDM). SRPC is used to not only extract criteria points but also estimate rotation angle. The rotation angle is predicted using the orientation vector of SRPC instead of all pixels to reduce estimation times. SRPC-based image segmentation increases the robustness against the rotation angle and defects. The separation distance value for SRPC area distinction is calculated automatically. The performance of the proposed method is similar to state-of-the-art rotation estimation methods, with a suitable inspection time in actual operations for patterned fabric. The similarity between the segmented images is better than conventional methods. The proposed method extends the target of vision inspection on plane fabric to checked or striped pattern.
Modeling of Energy Consumption and Reduction of Pollutant Emissions in a Walking Beam Furnace Using the Expert Method—Case Study
Authors: Niekurzak Mariusz , Mikulik Jerzy
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an algorithm for modeling electricity and natural gas consumption in a walking furnace with the use of artificial intelligence and simulation methods, depending on the length of the rolling campaign and the established rolling program. This algorithm is the basis for the development of a proposal for a set of minimum requirements characterizing the Best Available Techniques (BAT) for beam furnaces intended for hot rolling, taking into account the requirements set out in national regulations and the recommendations described in the BREF reference documents. This information should be taken into account when drawing up an application for an integrated permit, as well as when setting emission limit values. Based on the constructed algorithm, it was shown that depending on their type and technical specification, the analyzed projects will offer measurable economic benefits in the form of reducing the amount of energy consumed by 1,076,400 kWh during the implementation of 50 rolling campaigns to reduce gas by 14,625 GJ and environmental benefits in the form of reduction of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere 80–360 g/Mg. The constructed algorithm was validated in the Dosimis-3 program, based on a discrete event-driven simulation. Thanks to this representation of the model, its user can interactively participate in changes that take place in the model and thus evaluate its behavior. The model, verified in real conditions, can be the basic source of information for making effective operational technological decisions related to the preparation of production at the rolling mill as part of planning and long-term activities.
Hydrocarbon Charging and Accumulation in the Permian Reservoirs of the Wumaying Buried Hill, Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Yang Runze , Zhao Xianzheng , Zhao Changyi , Pu Xiugang , Liu Haitao , Li Hongjun , Fu Lixin , Tang Ying
Published: December 2021

The Wumaying buried hill experienced multi-stage tectonic movements, which resulted in a complicated and unclear nature of the hydrocarbon accumulation process. To solve these problems, in this study—based on the structural evolution and burial–thermal history of the strata, using petrology, fluid inclusion microthermometry, geochemical analysis of oil and gas, Laser Raman spectrum, and fluorescence spectrum—the history of hydrocarbon charging was revealed, and the differences in hydrocarbon charging of different wells was clarified. The results indicate that the only source for Permian oil and gas reservoirs are Carboniferous–Permian coal-measure source rocks in the Wumaying buried hill. There are three periods of hydrocarbon charging. Under the channeling of faults and micro cracks, low-mature oil and gas accumulation was formed in the first period, and the accumulation time was 112–93 Ma. In the late Cretaceous, a large-scale uplift exposed and damaged the reservoirs, and part of the petroleum was converted into bitumen. In the middle–late Paleogene, the subsidence of strata caused the coal-measure to expel mature oil and gas, and the accumulation time of mature oil and gas was 34–24 Ma. Since the Neogene, natural gas and high-mature oil have been expelled due to the large subsidence entering the reservoir under the channeling of active faults; the accumulation time was 11–0 Ma. The microfractures of Permian reservoirs in the Wumaying buried hill are the main storage spaces of hydrocarbons, and the fractured reservoirs should be explored in the future. The first period of charging was too small and the second period was large enough in the WS1 well, resulting in only a late period of charging in this well.
Lifetime Estimation Based Health Index and Conditional Factor for Underground Cable System
Authors: Somsak Tanachai , Suwanasri Thanapong , Suwanasri Cattareeya
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a lifetime estimation method for underground cable systems is proposed by combining a health index (HI) and conditional factor (CF). The underground cable system consists of underground cable, joint, termination, manhole, and duct bank. The HI is an indicator to indicate the actual condition of underground cable components and systems whereas the CF is used to indicate different operating stresses of the system under different operating conditions such as percentage loading, electrical stresses, laying structure, environment, etc. The actual technical data as well as historical operating and testing records are applied. The weighting and scoring method with the analytical hierarchy process are used to classify an importance of underground cable components, testing methods, and criteria used in the HI and CF calculation. The annual calculated HIs are plotted to investigate the lifetime trending curve by using a polynomial function. The degradation curve based on calculated CF is estimated by using the Weibull distribution function. Finally, the remaining life of the underground cable system is determined by matching the lifetime trending curve with the degradation curve. Ten practical underground cable systems supplying power in a high voltage power delivery system are evaluated with effective results. The lifetime of the underground cable system can be successfully estimated.
The State-of-the-Art Progress in Cloud Detection, Identification, and Tracking Approaches: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sawant Manisha , Shende Mayur Kishor , Feijóo-Lorenzo Andrés E. , Bokde Neeraj Dhanraj
Published: December 2021

A cloud is a mass of water vapor floating in the atmosphere. It is visible from the ground and can remain at a variable height for some time. Clouds are very important because their interaction with the rest of the atmosphere has a decisive influence on weather, for instance by sunlight occlusion or by bringing rain. Weather denotes atmosphere behavior and is determinant in several human activities, such as agriculture or energy capture. Therefore, cloud detection is an important process about which several methods have been investigated and published in the literature. The aim of this paper is to review some of such proposals and the papers that have been analyzed and discussed can be, in general, classified into three types. The first one is devoted to the analysis and explanation of clouds and their types, and about existing imaging systems. Regarding cloud detection, dealt with in a second part, diverse methods have been analyzed, i.e., those based on the analysis of satellite images and those based on the analysis of images from cameras located on Earth. The last part is devoted to cloud forecast and tracking. Cloud detection from both systems rely on thresholding techniques and a few machine-learning algorithms. To compute the cloud motion vectors for cloud tracking, correlation-based methods are commonly used. A few machine-learning methods are also available in the literature for cloud tracking, and have been discussed in this paper too.
Organizational Culture as a Prerequisite for Knowledge Transfer among IT Professionals: The Case of Energy Companies
Authors: Pietruszka-Ortyl Anna , Ćwiek Małgorzata , Ziębicki Bernard , Wójcik-Karpacz Anna
Published: December 2021

The energy sector is the epitome of Industry 4.0; therefore, it should be developed in line with the Industry 4.0 implementation framework and be managed according to the guidelines dedicated to knowledge-based enterprises. Under this model of evolution, the layers surrounding the technological aspects are first, knowledge management (in particular, its transfer), and then people, and culture. This study addresses two of the three identified levels by attempting to verify the organizational culture that supports professional knowledge transfer as the leading factor in effective specialist knowledge exchange in the energy sector. Recently, this sector has become highly dependent on IT solutions as the main factor for its development and security. A key role in this respect is played by IT professionals, whose attitudes and employee behavior are critical to the stability, efficiency, effectiveness, and security of IT systems in the energy companies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical construct, based on indicated norms and values as organizational culture foundation and cultural practices. This article also aims to analyze and diagnose the components that support the professional knowledge transfer in different groups of organizational stakeholders. Systematic analysis of the scientific literature, expert evaluation, and structured questionnaires were used to develop and verify the hypotheses. The research results supported the hypotheses that organizational culture tailored to the knowledge workers’ needs and expectations, influence the effective and efficient circulation of IT expert knowledge.
Microwave Soil Treatment along with Biochar Application Alleviates Arsenic Phytotoxicity and Reduces Rice Grain Arsenic Concentration
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Humayun , Brodie Graham , Gupta Dorin , Pang Alexis
Published: December 2021

Rice grain arsenic (As) is a major pathway of human dietary As exposure. This study was conducted to reduce rice grain As concentration through microwave (MW) and biochar soil treatment. Collected soils were spiked to five levels of As concentration (As-0, As-20, As-40, As-60, and As-80 mg kg−1) prior to applying three levels of biochar (BC-0, BC-10, and BC-20 t ha−1) and three levels of MW treatment (MW-0, MW-3, and MW-6 min). The results revealed that MW soil treatment alleviates As phytotoxicity as rice plant growth and grain yield increase significantly and facilitate less grain As concentration compared with the control. For instance, the highest grain As concentration (912.90 µg kg−1) was recorded in the control while it was significantly lower (442.40 µg kg−1) in the MW-6 treatment at As-80. Although the BC-10 treatment had some positive effects, unexpectedly, BC-20 had a negative effect on plant growth, grain yield, and grain As concentration. The combination of BC-10 and MW-6 treatment was found to reduce grain As concentration (498.00 µg kg−1) compared with the control (913.7 µg kg−1). Thus, either MW-6 soil treatment alone or in combination with the BC-10 treatment can be used to reduce dietary As exposure through rice consumption. Nevertheless, further study is needed to explore the effectiveness and economic feasibility of this novel technique in field conditions.
Technical Assessment of Hybrid HVDC Circuit Breaker Components under M-HVDC Faults
Authors: Khalid Saqib , Raza Ali , Alqasemi Umar , Sobahi Nebras , Yousaf Muhammad Zain , Abbas Ghulam , Jamil Mohsin
Published: December 2021

One of the technical challenges that needs to be addressed for the future of the multi-terminal high voltage direct current (M-HVDC) grid is DC fault isolation. In this regard, HVDC circuit breakers (DCCBs), particularly hybrid circuit breakers (H-DCCBs), are paramount. The H-DCCB, proposed by the ABB, has the potential to ensure a reliable and safer grid operation, mainly due to its millisecond-level current interruption capability and lower on-state losses as compared to electromechanical and solid-state based DCCBs. This paper aims to study and evaluate the operational parameters, e.g., electrical, and thermal stresses on the IGBT valves and energy absorbed by the surge arrestors within H-DCCB during different DC fault scenarios. A comprehensive set of modeling requirements matching with operational conditions are developed. A meshed four-terminal HVDC test bench consisting of twelve H-DCCBs is designed in PSCAD/EMTDC to study the impacts of the M-HVDC grid on the operational parameters of H-DCCB. Thus, the system under study is tested for different current interruption scenarios under a (i) low impedance fault current and (ii) high impedance fault current. Both grid-level and self-level protection strategies are implemented for each type of DC fault.
Evaluation of the Level of Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Sources in European Union Countries
Authors: Huterski Robert , Huterska Agnieszka , Zdunek-Rosa Ewa , Voss Grażyna
Published: December 2021

Changes in recent years have resulted in an increase in the ways in which renewable energy is used and shared in total electricity generation. Each type of renewable energy is characterised by its uniqueness of the physical specificity and, therefore, differences in technological solutions. In this study, one of the methods of multidimensional comparative analysis (WAP)—Hellwig’s taxonomic measure of development—was used to assess the level of development of electricity production from renewable sources. Twenty-eight countries were surveyed, including 27 countries of the current European Union and the United Kingdom. Panel models were used to describe the relationship between the share of electricity production from RES in total electricity production and GDP per capita, public spending by countries on energy as a percentage of GDP as well as electricity production from water, wind, solar, and biogas per capita. The presented synthetic measures confirmed the more favourable situation of the rich northern EU countries in the production of electricity from renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro, and bio), at the same time highlighting problems with the greening of electricity production in a large group of the new EU member states. The panel study confirmed the importance of differences in economic potential and wealth between EU countries for the development of the use of RES for electricity production.
Economic Model Predictive Control for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture System Based on MEA
Authors: Ma Chenbin , Zhang Wenzhao , Zheng Yu , An Aimin
Published: December 2021

For the post-combustion CO2 capture (PCC) system, the time variability of the economic performance is key to the production process of such an actual industrial process. However, the performance index used by the conventional model predictive control (MPC) does not reflect the economy of the production process, so the economic cost function is used instead of the traditional performance index to measure the economy of the production process. In this paper, a complete dynamic model of the PCC system is constructed in Aspen Plus Dynamics. The effectiveness of the model is verified by dynamic testing; subspace identification is carried out using experimental data, a state-space equation between flue gas flow and lean solvent flow; the CO2 capture rate is obtained; and dynamic models and control algorithm models of accused objects are established in Matlab/Simulink. Under the background of the environmental protection policy, an economic model predictive control (EMPC) strategy is proposed to manipulate the PCC system through seeking the optimal function of the economic performance, and the system is guaranteed to operate under the economic optimal and excellent quality of the MPC control strategy. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Experimental Validation of a Dynamic Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector Model in Combination with a Thermal Energy Storage Tank
Authors: Sredenšek Klemen , Seme Sebastijan , Štumberger Bojan , Hadžiselimović Miralem , Chowdhury Amor , Praunseis Zdravko
Published: December 2021

The primary objective of this paper is to present a dynamic photovoltaic/thermal collector model in combination with a thermal energy storage tank. The added value of the proposed model is the use and integration of existing dynamic models for describing the entire photovoltaic/thermal system. The presented model was validated using measurements on the experimental system located at the Institute of Energy Technology, Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor. The validation was carried out based on three different weather conditions—sunny, cloudy, and overcast. The validation results were evaluated using the normalized root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error for the temperature and output power of the photovoltaic/thermal collector and the temperature of the thermal energy storage tank. The model results concurred with the measurements, as the average mean absolute percentage error values for the temperature and output power of the photovoltaic/thermal collector and thermal energy storage tank temperature were 5.82%, 1.51%, and 7.58% respectively.
Optimizing Urban Forest Landscape for Better Perceptions of Positive Emotions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yang Zhi , Chen Zhuo , Guo Mengyuan , Guo Peng
Published: December 2021

Interacting with urban spaces that are green and blue is believed to promote mental well-being and positive emotions. Therefore, there is an incentive to strategically design urban forest landscapes in a given space to evoke more positive emotion. In this study, we conducted a pilot study in Northeast China with 24 parks from 11 cities across 3 provinces. The subjects of the study are the visitors and a total of 1145 photos and selfies were collected from open micro-twitters in Sino Weibo (~50 individuals per park). Facial expressions of happy and sad emotions were recognized and rated as percent scores by FireFACE v1.0. Demographically, male adolescents smiled more than male visitors in other age groups and female teens. Females expressed more positive emotions than males according to their positive response index (PRI; happy-sad). Multivariate linear regression indicated positive contribution of green space to happy scores (estimate of 0.0040) and a stronger negative contribution of blue area to sad scores (estimate of −0.1392). Therefore, an urban forest landscape can be optimized by mapping green- and blue-spaces to predict spatial distributions of positive emotions. Male teens are recommended more as frequent visitors than people in other age ranges.
Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Jiunn-Cheng , Chiou Chyi-Rong , Chan Wei-Hsun , Wu Meng-Shan
Published: December 2021

Forest is the largest ecosystem in the land area of Taiwan. In the past, most of the studies on the evaluation of forest ecosystem services were regional, and therefore lacked national assessment. This study uses a market value method and a benefit transfer method to assess the value of the forest ecosystem services in Taiwan, and expounds the link between ecosystem services and the effectiveness of forestry management and conservation. Preliminarily, it is estimated that the total value of forest ecosystem services in 2016 was approximately NT $749,278 million (equal to approximately 47.6 billion U.S. dollars, PPP-corrected), accounting for 4.28% of the GDP in 2016. The quotation of unit price data has a huge impact on the final assessment results of forest ecosystem service value, and therefore it is necessary use it appropriately.
Best Practices for Quasistatic Berkovich Nanoindentation of Wood Cell Walls
Authors: Jakes Joseph E. , Stone Donald S.
Published: December 2021

For wood and forest products to reach their full potential as structural materials, experimental techniques are needed to measure mechanical properties across all length scales. Nanoindentation is uniquely suited to probe in situ mechanical properties of micrometer-scale features in forest products, such as individual wood cell wall layers and adhesive bondlines. However, wood science researchers most commonly employ traditional nanoindentation methods that were originally developed for testing hard, inorganic materials, such as metals and ceramics. These traditional methods assume that the tested specimen is rigidly supported, homogeneous, and semi-infinite. Large systematic errors may affect the results when these traditional methods are used to test complex polymeric materials, such as wood cell walls. Wood cell walls have a small, finite size, and nanoindentations can be affected by nearby edges. Wood cell walls are also not rigidly supported, and the cellular structure can flex under loading. Additionally, wood cell walls are softer and more prone to surface detection errors than harder inorganic materials. In this paper, nanoindentation methods for performing quasistatic Berkovich nanoindentations, the most commonly applied nanoindentation technique in forest products research, are presented specifically for making more accurate nanoindentation measurements in materials such as wood cell walls. The improved protocols employ multiload nanoindentations and an analysis algorithm to correct and detect errors associated with surface detection errors and structural compliances arising from edges and specimen-scale flexing. The algorithm also diagnoses other potential issues arising from dirty probes, nanoindenter performance or calibration issues, and displacement drift. The efficacy of the methods was demonstrated using nanoindentations in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) S2 cell wall layers (S2) and compound corner middle lamellae (CCML). The nanoindentations spanned a large range of sizes. The results also provide new guidelines about the minimum size of nanoindentations needed to make reliable nanoindentation measurements in S2 and CCML.
CNN-Based Individual Tree Species Classification Using High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and Airborne LiDAR Data
Authors: Li Hui , Hu Baoxin , Li Qian , Jing Linhai
Published: December 2021

Deep learning (DL) has shown promising performances in various remote sensing applications as a powerful tool. To explore the great potential of DL in improving the accuracy of individual tree species (ITS) classification, four convolutional neural network models (ResNet-18, ResNet-34, ResNet-50, and DenseNet-40) were employed to classify four tree species using the combined high-resolution satellite imagery and airborne LiDAR data. A total of 1503 samples of four tree species, including maple, pine, locust, and spruce, were used in the experiments. When both WorldView-2 and airborne LiDAR data were used, the overall accuracies (OA) obtained by ResNet-18, ResNet-34, ResNet-50, and DenseNet-40 were 90.9%, 89.1%, 89.1%, and 86.9%, respectively. The OA of ResNet-18 was increased by 4.0% and 1.8% compared with random forest (86.7%) and support vector machine (89.1%), respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the size of input images impacted on the classification accuracy of ResNet-18. It is suggested that the input size of ResNet models can be determined according to the maximum size of all tree crown sample images. The use of LiDAR intensity image was helpful in improving the accuracies of ITS classification and atmospheric correction is unnecessary when both pansharpened WorldView-2 images and airborne LiDAR data were used.
AM Fungi Endow Greater Plant Biomass and Soil Nutrients under Interspecific Competition Rather Than Nutrient Releases for Litter
Authors: Wu Bangli , Guo Yun , He Minhong , Han Xu , Zang Lipeng , Liu Qingfu , Chen Danmei , Xia Tingting , Shen Kaiping , Kang Liling , He Yuejun
Published: December 2021

Plant competition affects belowground ecological processes, such as litter decomposition and nutrient release. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play an essential role in plant growth and litter decomposition potentially. However, how plant competition affects the nutrient release of litter through AM fungi remains unclear especially for juvenile plants. In this study, a competitive potting experiment was conducted using juvenile seedlings of Broussonetia papyrifera and Carpinus pubescens from a karst habitat, including the intraspecific and interspecific competition treatments. The seedlings were inoculated by AM fungus or not inoculated, and the litter mixtures of B. papyrifera and C. pubescens were added into the soil or not added. The results were as follows: Litter addition significantly increased the root mycorrhizal colonization of two species in intraspecific competition. AM fungus significantly increased the biomass of B. papyrifera seedings and nitrogen release and decreased nitrogen concentration and N/P ratio of litter and further improved the total nitrogen and N/P ratio of soil under litter. The interspecific competition interacting with AM fungus was beneficial to the biomass accumulation of B. papyrifera and improvement of soil nutrients under litter. However, intraspecific competition significantly promoted nutrient releases via AM fungus. In conclusion, we suggest that AM fungi endow greater plant biomass and soil nutrients through interspecific competition, while intraspecific competition prefers to release the nutrients of litter.
Comparative Wood Anatomy in Pinaceae with Reference to Its Systematic Position
Authors: García Esteban Luis , de Palacios Paloma , García-Iruela Alberto , García-Fernández Francisco , García-Esteban Lydia , González de Vega David
Published: December 2021

The wood anatomy of 132 species of the genera Abies, Cathaya, Cedrus, Keteleeria, Larix, Nothotsuga, Picea, Pinus, Pseudolarix, Pseudotsuga and Tsuga was studied to determine the elements that characterise the xylem of each genus and discuss possible groupings by wood anatomy for comparison with clades established by molecular phylogeny. The presence of resin canals and ray tracheids supports the family Pinaceae, although the absence of ray tracheids in Keteleeria and their occasional presence in Abies and Pseudolarix weakens it. Based on wood structure, Pinaceae clearly supports division into two groups, coinciding with molecular phylogeny: Pinoideae (Cathaya-Larix-Picea-Pinus-Pseudotsuga) and Abietoideae (Abies-Cedrus-Keteleeria-Nothotsuga-Pseudolarix-Tsuga). Although differences between genera are slight in Pinoideae, the Abietoideae group presents problems such as the presence of only axial resin canals in Keteleeria and Nothotsuga, absence of ray tracheids in Keteleeria and presence of traumatic radial resin canals in Cedrus. However, other features such as pitted horizontal walls and nodular end walls of ray parenchyma cells, indentures, scarce marginal axial parenchyma and presence of crystals in ray parenchyma strengthen the Abietoideae group.
Soil Microbial Community Succession Based on PhoD and Gcd Genes along a Chronosequence of Sand-Fixation Forest
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Ying , Xia Yong , Cui Zhenbo , Cao Chengyou
Published: December 2021

Revegetation by planting shrubs on moving sand dunes is widely used to control desertification in arid/semi-arid areas. The soil including microbial community can gradually be improved along with plantation development. The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the responses of microbial communities involved in the mineralization of soil organic phosphorus (OP) and dissolution of inorganic P (IOP) in the development of sand-fixating plantation and (2) to discuss the interactions between P turnover microbial communities and soil properties. We assessed the compositions of soil phoD gene (one of the Pho regulons encoding alkaline phosphomonoesterases) and gcd gene (encoding glucose dehydrogenase) in microbial community by using high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing in a chronosequence of Caragana microphylla plantations (0-, 10-, 20-, and 37-year plantations and a native C. microphylla shrub forest) in Horqin Sandy Land, Northeast China. Soil properties including soil nutrients, enzymatic activity, and P fractions were also determined. The abundance of phoD and gcd genes linearly increased with the plantation age. However, the diversity of soil phoD microbes was more abundant than that of gcd. The phoD gene abundance and the fractions of total OP and IOP were positively correlated with the activity of phosphomonoesterase. Actinobacteria and Streptomycetaceae were the dominant phoD taxa, while Proteobacteria and Rhizobiaceae were the dominant gcd taxa. Plantation development facilitated the progressive successions of soil phoD and gcd communities resulting from the increase in the abundance of dominant taxa. Total soil N, NH4-N, and available K were the main factors affecting the structures of phoD and gcd communities, while pH was not significantly influencing factor in such arid and nutrient-poor sandy soil. Many phoD or gcd OTUs were classified into Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium, suggesting the coupling relationship between soil P turnover and N fixation.
Estimating the Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Spatial Distribution of Garuga forrestii, an Endemic Species in China
Authors: Tiamiyu Bashir B. , Ngarega Boniface K. , Zhang Xu , Zhang Huajie , Kuang Tianhui , Huang Gui-Yun , Deng Tao , Wang Hengchang
Published: December 2021

Understanding how species have adapted and responded to past climate provides insights into the present geographical distribution and may improve predictions of how biotic communities will respond to future climate change. Therefore, estimating the distribution and potentially suitable habitats is essential for conserving sensitive species such as Garuga forrestii W.W.Sm., a tree species endemic to China. The potential climatic zones of G. forrestii were modelled in MaxEnt software using 24 geographic points and nine environmental variables for the current and future (2050 and 2070) conditions under two climate representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios. The resulting ecological niche models (ENMs) demonstrated adequate internal assessment metrics, with all AUC and TSS values being >0.79 and a pROC of >1.534. Our results also showed that the distribution of G. forrestii was primarily influenced by temperature seasonality (% contribution = 12%), elevation (% contribution = 27.5%), and precipitation of the wettest month (% contribution = 35.6%). Our findings also indicated that G. forrestii might occupy an area of 309,516.2 km2 in southwestern China. We note that the species has a potential distribution in three provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guangxi. A significant decline in species range is observed under the future worst case of high-emissions scenario (RCP8.5), with about 19.5% and 20% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. Similarly, higher elevations shift northward to southern parts of Sichuan province in 2050 and 2070. Thus, this study helps highlight the vulnerability of the species, response to future climate and provides an insight to assess habitat suitability for conservation management.
Thermomechanical Characterization of CFRPs under Elevated Temperatures for Strengthening Existing Structures
Authors: Papadimitriou Christina , Melidis Lazaros , Kotoulas Lambros , Makris Nikolaos , Katakalos Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) are rapidly gaining acceptance from the construction sector due to their large effectiveness. They are mainly used as confining reinforcement for concrete columns and as tensile reinforcement for concrete beams, columns and slabs. FRPs are already used to a large extent for applications such as bridges and parking lots, where elevated temperatures are not the main risk. Their increasing use as structural reinforcement is hampered by the concern related to their behavior at elevated temperatures as the relevant research is deficient. Thanks to the significant advantage of FRPs’ mechanical properties, further investigation into the influence of heating on their mechanical behavior may solve many doubts. The present study examines the influence of temperatures, ranging among 50, 100 and 250 °C, on the tensile strength of FRP laminates with carbon fibers (CFRP). In addition, the resistance of CFRP specimens to low-cycle thermal loading at the temperatures of 50, 100 and 250 °C under constant tensile load was investigated. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory of Experimental Strength of Materials and Structures of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2@CNTs Microparticles: Evaluation of Microwave-Induced Heat Production
Authors: Kainourgios Panagiotis , Kartsonakis Ioannis A. , Charitidis Costas A.
Published: December 2021

This study was focused on the growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on iron chloride-functionalized silica microspheres. In addition, the microwave absorption potential and the subsequent heat production of the resulting structures were monitored by means of infrared thermometry and compared with pristine commercially available MWCNTs. The functionalized silica microparticle substrates produced MWCNTs without any amorphous carbon but with increased structural defects, whereas their heat production performance as microwave absorbents was comparable to that of the pristine MWCNTs. Two-minute microwave irradiation of the SiO2@CNTs structures resulted in an increase in the material’s temperature from ambient temperature up to 173 °C. This research puts forward a new idea of charge modulation of MWCNTs and sheds light on an investigation for the development of bifunctional materials with improved properties with respect to efficient microwave absorbance.
Modeling and Optimization of Process Parameters for Nutritional Enhancement in Enzymatic Milled Rice by Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Kothakota Anjineyulu , Pandiselvam Ravi , Siliveru Kaliramesh , Pandey Jai Prakash , Sagarika Nukasani , Srinivas Chintada H. Sai , Kumar Anil , Singh Anupama , Prakash Shivaprasad D.
Published: December 2021

This study involves information about the concentrations of nutrients (proteins, phenolic compounds, free amino acids, minerals (Ca, P, and Iron), hardness) in milled rice processed with enzymes; xylanase and cellulase produced by Aspergillus awamori, MTCC 9166 and Trichoderma reese, MTCC164. Brown rice was processed with 60–100% enzyme (40 mL buffer -undiluted) for 30 to 150 min at 30 °C to 50 °C followed by polishing for 20–100 s at a safe moisture level. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were used for process optimization of enzymes. The MLR correlation coefficient (R2) varied between 0.87–0.90, and the sum of square (SSE) was placed within 0.008–8.25. While the ANN R2 (correlation coefficient) varied between 0.97 and 0.9999(1), MSE changed from 0.005 to 6.13 representing that the ANN method has better execution across MLR. The optimized cellulase process parameters (87.2% concentration, 80.1 min process time, 33.95 °C temperature and 21.8 s milling time) and xylanase process parameters (85.7% enzyme crude, 77.1 min process time, 35 °C temperature and 20 s) facilitated the increase of Ca (70%), P (64%), Iron (17%), free amino acids (34%), phenolic compounds (78%) and protein (84%) and decreased hardness (20%) in milled rice. Scanning electron micrographs showed an increased rupture attributing to enzymes action on milled rice.
Natural Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in Spices Marketed in the Czech Republic during 2019–2020
Authors: Pickova Darina , Toman Jakub , Ostry Vladimir , Malir Frantisek
Published: December 2021

Spices are a popular ingredient in cuisine worldwide but can pose a health risk as they are prone to fungal infestation and mycotoxin contamination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ochratoxin A (OTA) in 54 single-kind traditional and less traditional spices, each of which was purchased in six samples of different batches (324 samples in total) at the Czech market during 2019–2020. The HPLC-FLD method with pre-treatment by immunoaffinity columns was employed to determine OTA. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 ng g−1 and 0.10 ng g−1, respectively. A total of 101 (31%) samples of 19 spice kinds were positive at concentrations ranging from 0.11–38.46 ng g−1. Only turmeric was contaminated with an OTA level exceeding the European Union limits. However, most spices have no regulation, thus further extensive monitoring of various mycotoxins in various kinds of spices is necessary. Chilli and black pepper are the most studied spices for OTA contamination, however, many other kinds of spice can also be highly contaminated, but studies on them are less common, rare, or have not yet been performed. The uniqueness of this study lies in the wide range of spice types studied for the presence of OTA on the Czech market.
Low-Molecular-Weight Seaweed-Derived Polysaccharides Lead to Increased Faecal Bulk but Do Not Alter Human Gut Health Markers
Authors: Bannon Ciara D. , Eckenberger Julia , Snelling William John , Huseyin Chloe Elizabeth , Allsopp Philip , Strain Conall , Ramnani Priya , Chitarrari Roberto , Grant John , Hotchkiss Sarah , Philp Kevin , Campbell Ross , Tuohy Kieran Michael , Claesson Marcus J. , Ternan Nigel George , Dooley James S. G. , Sleator Roy D. , Rowland Ian , Gill Chris I. R.
Published: December 2021

Seaweeds are potentially sustainable crops and are receiving significant interest because of their rich bioactive compound content; including fatty acids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and complex polysaccharides. However, there is little information on the in vivo effects on gut health of the polysaccharides and their low-molecular-weight derivatives. Herein, we describe the first investigation into the prebiotic potential of low-molecular-weight polysaccharides (LMWPs) derived from alginate and agar in order to validate their in vivo efficacy. We conducted a randomized; placebo-controlled trial testing the impact of alginate and agar LWMPs on faecal weight and other markers of gut health and on composition of gut microbiota. We show that these LMWPs led to significantly increased faecal bulk (20–30%). Analysis of gut microbiome composition by sequencing indicated no significant changes attributable to treatment at the phylum and family level, although FISH analysis showed an increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in subjects consuming agar LMWP. Sequence analysis of gut bacteria corroborated with the FISH data, indicating that alginate and agar LWMPs do not alter human gut microbiome health markers. Crucially, our findings suggest an urgent need for robust and rigorous human in vivo testing—in particular, using refined seaweed extracts.
Effect of Kernel Size and Its Potential Interaction with Genotype on Key Quality Traits of Durum Wheat
Authors: Wang Kun , Taylor Dale , Chen Yuming , Suchy Jerry , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of kernel size and its potential interaction with genotype on durum wheat quality with emphases on kernel physical characteristics, milling performance, and color-related quality parameters. Wheat samples of seven genotypes, selected from the 2018 Canadian durum variety registration trial, were segregated into large (LK), medium (MK), and small-sized kernels (SK). In general, the kernel size greatly affected the durum wheat milling performance. Within a given size fraction, a strong impact of genotype was shown on the test weight of SK and the milling yields of MK and LK. Particularly, the MK fraction, segregated from the genotypes with superior milling quality, had a higher semolina yield than LK from the genotypes of inferior milling quality, inferring the importance of intrinsic physicochemical properties of durum kernels in affecting milling quality. SK exhibited inferior milling quality regardless of the genotypes selected. A strong impact of genotype was shown for the total yellow pigment (TYP) content and yellowness of semolina, while the kernel size had a significant impact on the brightness and redness of the semolina and pasta. Despite SK possessing much higher TYP, the semolina and pasta prepared from SK were lower in brightness and yellowness but with elevated redness.
Untargeted Metabolomics on Skin Mucus Extract of Channa argus against Staphylococcus aureus: Antimicrobial Activity and Mechanism
Authors: Leng Weijun , Wu Xiaoyun , Shi Tong , Xiong Zhiyu , Yuan Li , Jin Wengang , Gao Ruichang
Published: December 2021

Microbial contamination is one of the most common food safety issues that lead to food spoilage and foodborne illness, which readily affects the health of the masses as well as gives rise to huge economic losses. In this study, Channa argus was used as a source of antimicrobial agent that was then analyzed by untargeted metabolomics for its antibacterial mechanism against Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that the skin mucus extract of C. argus had great inhibitory action on the growth of S. aureus, and the morphology of S. aureus cells treated with the skin mucus extract exhibited severe morphological damage under scanning electron microscopy. In addition, metabolomics analysis revealed that skin mucus extract stress inhibited the primary metabolic pathways of S. aureus by inducing the tricarboxylic acid cycle and amino acid biosynthesis, which further affected the normal physiological functions of biofilms. In conclusion, the antimicrobial effect of the skin mucus extract is achieved by disrupting cell membrane functions to induce an intracellular metabolic imbalance. Hence, these results conduce to amass novel insights into the antimicrobial mechanism of the skin mucus extract of C. argus against S. aureus.
Edible Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds with Health Benefits and Processing Aspects
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Mehra Rahul , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Lima Maria João , Kumar Naveen , Kaushik Ravinder , Ahmed Naseer , Yadav Ajar Nath , Kumar Harish
Published: December 2021

Mushrooms are well-known functional foods due to the presence of a huge quantity of nutraceutical components. These are well recognized for their nutritional importance such as high protein, low fat, and low energy contents. These are rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, as well as in vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, ergosterol, niacin, and ascorbic acid. They also contain bioactive constituents like secondary metabolites (terpenoids, acids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, polyphenolic compounds, lactones, sterols, nucleotide analogues, vitamins, and metal chelating agents) and polysaccharides chiefly β-glucans and glycoproteins. Due to the occurrence of biologically active substances, mushrooms can serve as hepatoprotective, immune-potentiating, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and hypocholesterolemic agents. They have great potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases due to their low fat and high fiber contents, as well as being foremost sources of natural antioxidants useful in reducing oxidative damages. However, mushrooms remained underutilized, despite their wide nutritional and bioactive potential. Novel green techniques are being explored for the extraction of bioactive components from edible mushrooms. The current review is intended to deliberate the nutraceutical potential of mushrooms, therapeutic properties, bioactive compounds, health benefits, and processing aspects of edible mushrooms for maintenance, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.