bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentiometric Surfactant Sensor for Anionic Surfactants Based on 1,3-dioctadecyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Sakač Nikola , Madunić-Čačić Dubravka , Marković Dean , Hok Lucija , Vianello Robert , Vrček Valerije , Šarkanj Bojan , Đurin Bojan , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Velotta Raffaele , Jozanović Marija
Published: December 2022

As anionic surfactants are used as cleaning agents, they pose an environmental and health threat. A novel potentiometric sensor for anionic surfactants based on the 1,3-dioctadecyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium tetraphenylborate (DODI–TPB) ionophore is presented. The newly developed approach for DODI–TPB synthesis is faster and simpler than the currently used strategies and follows the green chemistry principles. The DODI–TPB ionophore was characterized by computational and instrumental techniques (NMR, LC–MS, FTIR, elemental analysis) and used to produce a PVC-based DODI–TPB sensor. The sensor showed linear response to dodecylbenzenesulfonate and dodecyl sulfate in concentration ranges of 6.3 × 10−7–3.2 × 10−4 M and 5.9 × 10−7–4.1 × 10−3 M, for DBS and SDS, respectively. The sensor exhibits a Nernstian slope (59.3 mV/decade and 58.3 mV/decade for DBS and SDS, respectively) and low detection limits (7.1 × 10−7 M and 6.8 × 10−7 M for DBS and SDS, respectively). The DODI–TPB sensor was successfully tested on real samples of commercial detergents and the results are in agreement with the referent methods. A computational analysis underlined the importance of long alkyl chains in DODI+ and their C–H∙∙∙π interactions with TPB− for the ionophore formation in solution, thereby providing guidelines for the future design of efficient potentiometric sensors.
Phosphoric Acid Induced Controllable Nanoparticle Aggregation for Ultrasensitive SERS Detection of Malondialdehyde in a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Lu Yu , Wan Siying , Ruan Xin , Liang Huijun , Su Jingting , Wang Zhuyuan , Zhu Li
Published: December 2022

Malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the most important products of lipid peroxidation, has been widely accepted as a biomarker to indicate food rancidity as well as the progress of some human diseases. However, ready detection of MDA with ultra-high sensitivity remains a challenge. In this work, a microfluidic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing chip based on phosphoric acid induced nanoparticles aggregation was proposed for ultrasensitive MDA detection. The sensing chip was composed of an ultrafast microfluidic mixer, which efficiently transferred analytes to hot spots via the mixer assisted hot spots occupying (MAHSO) SERS strategy. Phosphoric acid, a reagent used in MDA detection, played the role of aggregator to induce aggregation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs); meanwhile, as fast as a few milliseconds mixing time effectively prevented over-aggregation of Ag NPs. Therefore, this process generated a uniform and dense SERS substrate with analyte molecules located in hot spots. As a result, the MDA SERS sensing chip possessed a limit of detection (LOD) lower than 3.3 × 10−11 M, high spot-to-spot uniformity with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 9.0% and an excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility with a RSD of 3.9%. This method also demonstrated excellent specificity and reliability in real sample detection with recoveries of 90.4–109.8% in spiked tests.
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Admission on Families: Results from a Nationwide Sample in Greece
Authors: Gkentzi Despoina , Mhliordos Konstantinos , Karatza Ageliki , Sinopidis Xenophon , Dimopoulou Dimitra , Eleftheriou Eirini , Tsolia Maria , Mavridi Artemis , Miliara Eugenia , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Vergadi Eleni , Galanakis Emmanouil , Dimitriou Gabriel , Fouzas Sotirios
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study was to assess the psychological impact of hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and their offspring. We performed a nationwide cross-sectional study in Greece based on an Internet questionnaire survey. A convenience sample of parents whose offspring had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 (including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C), diagnosed with COVID-19 but not hospitalized, and hospitalized for another reason during the pandemic were enrolled. Parental stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) tools, and childhood mental wellbeing with the Children’s Revised Impact of Event 13 (CRIES-13) scale. Out of 214 received responses, stress levels were significantly higher in parents whose children had been admitted for COVID-19 or MIS-C versus those not admitted or admitted for other reasons (p < 0.001, for PSS/IES-R). Parental and childhood stress levels were correlated. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, children’s hospitalization because of COVID-19 or MIS-C, younger parental age, the existence of comorbidities, and another family member’s hospitalization because of COVID-19 were independent factors for higher stress. In light of the above, stricter hospital admission criteria for COVID-19 could be implemented, and psychological support for eventually admitted families may be beneficial.
Effect of Redispersible Latex Powder and Fly Ash on Properties of Mortar
Authors: Liu Chi , Jia Yanmin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, fly ash is mixed into self-flowing cement mortar by the method of equal mass substitution of cement, and the redispersible latex powder is mixed into cement mortar according to the percentage of cementitious material mass, so as to study the influence on the properties and mechanical properties of cement mortar. The test results show that the incorporation of fly ash prolongs the setting time of cement mortar and reduces the flexural strength, compressive strength, and drying shrinkage. With the increase in the content of redispersible latex powder, the setting time of cement mortar increases gradually, the compressive strength and compressive fracture resistance then decrease gradually, and the flexibility and crack resistance of the cement mortar specimen are improved. The flexural strength of the cement mortar specimen first increased and then decreased, and the drying shrinkage first decreased and then increased, indicating that the mixing amount of redispersible latex powder is not the more the better, but that there is a reasonable range to achieve the best comprehensive performance of cement mortar.
Graphene Frameworks for Nanodevices
Authors: Phan Thanh Luan
Published: December 2022

Graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) crystal consisting of one layer of carbon atoms, received intense interest in the last few decades due to its rich physics for diverse applications [...]
Energy and Grains Prices Cointegration and Causality Linkage
Authors: Zeneli Fjona
Published: December 2022

Energy and grain markets are historically connected since oil, natural gas, and/or coal are used as inputs for fertilizers’ production or transportation costs. The recent rising prices in the energy market following important events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have again brought attention to researchers. The focus of this paper is to assess any changes in the relationships between crude oil, natural gas, and grain prices contributing to the review of the fuel-food relationship using time series models. Several techniques that account for structural breaks and regime shifts (Zivot-Andrews and Clemente, Montañés, Reyes unit root tests, Johansen’s cointegration test, and Toda-Yamamoto time domain causality test with time dummy variables for structural breaks, and Hatemi-J asymmetric causality test) are applied for monthly data covering the period from January 1982 to September 2022. The main result is that the neutrality hypothesis is still valid in light of recent developments in the respective markets (no significant linear causality and asymmetric causality were detected among the series).
The Electrochemical Performance of Al-Mg-Ga-Sn-xBi Alloy Used as the Anodic Material for Al-Air Battery in KOH Electrolytes
Authors: Wang Yueying , Liu Hongliang , Jia Zhiming , Yang Binglin , He Lizi
Published: December 2022

The effects of Bi content (0–0.12 wt.%) on the self-corrosion properties, the open-circuit potential, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the potentiodynamic polarization curves, and the battery performances of Al-0.4Mg-0.05Sn-0.015Ga alloys were investigated; meanwhile, the microstructures and the post-discharge surfaces of the alloy were also examined by SEM. The results show that Bi can increase the amount of the precipitated phase containing Bi. The Al-0.4Mg-0.05Sn-0.015Ga-0.10Bi alloy exhibits the optimum electrochemical properties; it has the greatest negative open circuit potential of −1.780 V, the highest constant current discharge voltage of 1.287 V, and a minimum self-corrosion rate of 0.132 mL cm−2 min−1; a uniform corrosive surface is obtained after discharge.
Salvage Retzius-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: A Review of Complications, Functional Outcomes, and Oncologic Outcomes
Authors: Mason J. Bradley , Hatch Liam , Dall Christopher , Kowalczyk Keith J.
Published: December 2022

(Background) Radiation failure for localized prostate cancer is seen in 20–60% of patients who do not undergo extirpative surgery. Though potentially curative, salvage prostatectomy (SS) has not been frequently performed historically due to high rates of complications and postoperative incontinence. With the advent of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, these rates appear to be improved. Retzius-sparing approaches have additionally been shown to improve continence outcomes in the index setting, and may further improve continence outcomes in salvage cases while maintaining oncologic integrity. (Methods) We performed a literature review and qualitative analysis of published papers on salvage Retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRS). Three studies met criteria and were included in analysis. (Results) There were more patients with Gleason Grade Group 1 disease after initial treatment in the SRS group vs. SS (22% vs. 8%). Patients most frequently underwent external beam radiation therapy in both groups (52% vs. 49%). 30-day complication rates were 10% and 26% for SRS and SS, respectively. Continence outcomes were significantly improved in SRS with 59% of continence (based on study criteria) compared to 38% in SS. Time to continence was similarly improved for SRS. Positive surgical margins and biochemical recurrence were not significantly different between SRS and SS in any study. (Conclusions) SRS is a safe and feasible option for salvage treatment of localized prostate cancer and may improve postoperative continence outcomes. Positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence rates are similar to those reported in SS.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Developing in a Patient with 46, XY Pure Gonadal Dysgenesis (Swyer Syndrome) with Malignant Gonadal Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Ying , Wang Jinhui , Yang Jie , Yu Shuangni , Yin Min , Li Sijian , Yang Jiaxin
Published: December 2022

A female phenotype with strip-like gonads, 46, XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) has a high tendency to develop into gonadal germ cell tumors. We described one patient with 46, XY PGD, who had a gonadal mixed germ cell tumor (GCT) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is a unique case because two malignancies developed and relapsed in one person with chromosome abnormality, and the patient is the youngest reported so far. There is an association between her GCT and ALL, as the two malignancies may share a common clonal origin and the NRAS mutation likely plays a role in tumor genesis. We organized MDT to formulate a suitable plan of treatment. We completed the surgery and full cycles of chemotherapy for GCT and controlled ALL by chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. However, unfortunately, the young life finally ended following a rare transplant rejection. We concluded that ALL likely shares common clonal origin with GCT and that gene mutations may play a role in neoplasia, which requires further exploration. In the face of such complex conditions, we need to balance the treatment of both diseases to prolong survival and improve the patients’ quality of life.
Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in Khvalynsky National Park (Saratov Region, Russia)
Authors: Sazhnev Aleksey S. , Dedyukhin Sergey V. , Egorov Leonid V. , Ruchin Alexander B. , Anikin Vasily V. , Suleymanova Guzyaliya F. , Artaev Oleg N.
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Coleoptera is one of the most diverse insect lineages. The beetle species live in many ecosystems around the globe and their roles in ecosystems are very diverse; thus, it is important to know the local and regional fauna varieties, especially for protected areas, such as nature reserves and national parks. (2) Methods: The materials were collected from the territory of the Khvalynsky National Park (European Russia, Saratov region), mainly over the last 30 years (1994–2022). The beetles were collected using different means (manual collection; the use soil traps, fermental crown traps, and Malaise traps; light fishing; sweeping with an entomological net on plants and under water, etc.). (3) Results: The dataset presents data on 914 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 67 families found in the Khvalynsky National Park. The number of studied specimens was 7445. Four families (Cerylonidae, Byturidae, Phalacridae, and Sphindidae) and 95 species were recorded for the Khvalynsky National Park for the first time. Thirty-two species were recorded for the Saratov region for the first time. (4) Conclusions: The general biodiversity of Coleoptera in the Khvalynsky National Park includes 1203 species from 71 families.
Massive Retinal Gliosis Mistaken as a Malignant Intraocular Tumor in Phthisis Bulbi
Authors: Im Soyoung , Park Hong Sik , Cho Uiju , La Tae Yoon
Published: December 2022

Massive retinal gliosis (MRG) is a rare condition of non-neoplastic glial proliferation, which forms massive lesions that fill the eye. MRG is commonly associated with phthisis bulbi (a non-functional eye), congenital anomalies, or malformations. Herein, we report a case of massive retinal gliosis associated with a traumatic phthisis bulbi, which was initially mistaken as a malignant intraocular tumor and confirmed only after an eye enucleation. A 70-year-old woman presented with a protruding ocular mass in her left eye which had slowly grown for a year. She had phthisis bulbi in her left eye due to trauma during her childhood. An orbital CT revealed an intraocular mass lesion with calcifications, raising the possibility of retinoblastoma or other malignant intraocular tumors. Enucleation of the left eye globe was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed exuberant proliferation of the glial cells, metaplastic bone formation, hyalinized vessels, and hyperplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium, confirming the diagnosis of MRG. Although rare, the possibility of MRG should be considered as a differential diagnosis when encountering an intraocular mass lesion, as it can be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor.
Clinical Phenotypes of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Almyroudi Maria Panagiota , Akinosoglou Karolina , Rello Jordi , Blot Stijn , Dimopoulos George
Published: December 2022

A mucormycosis surge was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. A literature search until 14 July 2022, with the aim of updating COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), identified 663 studies and 88 met inclusion criteria (8727 patients). India reported 8388 patients, Egypt 208 and Europe 40. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was identified among 8082 (98.3%) patients, followed by 98 (1.2%) with pulmonary. In India, 82.6% of patients had diabetes mellitus, with 82% receiving corticosteroids. In Europe, 75% presented pulmonary CAM, 32.5% had diabetes and 40% were immunocompromised. CAM was identified at a median of 17.4 days (IQR 7.5 days) post COVID-19 diagnosis, and PCR was performed in five studies. Rhino-orbital invasion is clinically obvious, while cerebral involvement presents with cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis and cerebrovascular disease. Symptoms of pulmonary CAM usually overlap with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. High-dose liposomal Amphotericin B (and early surgical debridement in ROCM) are the mainstay of therapy. The median mortality rate was estimated to be 21.4% (IQR 31.9%), increased by the presence of pulmonary (80% (IQR 50%) or cerebral involvement (50% (IQR 63.9%). In summary, different CAM clinical phenotypes need to be distinguished, influenced by geographical presentation. Opportunities exist for diagnosis and therapy optimization, based on earlier high-dose antifungal therapy, early source control, strict glycemic control and restriction of steroids to COVID-19 patients with oxygen requirements.
Evaluation of Design Method for Highway Adjacent Tunnel and Exit Connection Section Length Based on Entropy Method
Authors: Liu Yutong , Pan Binghong , Zhang Zelong , Zhang Ranyang , Shao Yang
Published: December 2022

With the continuous construction of transportation infrastructure, intersection nodes have been increasing rapidly, bringing growing numbers of tunnel- and exit-adjacent sections (TEAS) in mountain expressways in China. With the complex variation in the surrounding environment, drivers always face congestion and confusion on tunnel and the exit connecting sections (TECS) without adequate length, meanwhile excessively long TECS create detours. To better provide a sustainable design strategy for TEAS, based on a certain section of expressway in Shaanxi, China, this paper establishes a theoretical calculation model through analysis. The characteristics of traffic flow and drivers’ light adaptation at tunnel exit are obtained through data collection and driving tests, and the length requirements of the tunnel and exit connecting sections (TECS) are discussed. A VISSIM microscopic simulation model is also built under various design schemes and entropy-based multi-attribute decision making (EBMADM) is used to objectively calculate the weights of the four selected evaluation indexes. Then, the design schemes of the TECS with different lengths have been comprehensively evaluated. The results show the match between the evaluation results of EBMADM with theoretical calculations under existing traffic conditions, which proves the rationality of EBMADM in such problems. For more cases, the results of the EBMADM evaluation show a positive correlation between the length of TECS for the best performing design scheme with traffic volume and diverging ratio.
Information Geometry, Complexity Measures and Data Analysis
Authors: Amigó José M. , Tempesta Piergiulio
Published: December 2022

In the last several years, a new approach to information theory, called information geometry, has emerged [...]
Financial Development and Language Structures
Authors: Caskey Gregory W. , Dutta Nabamita
Published: December 2022

Using cross country data, we explore the role of linguistic structures for the financial development of countries. Specially, we investigate if future time reference (FTR), the requirement of an obligatory future tense marking in languages, matters for financial development or not. Our results show that countries speaking weak FTR language or a language not needing a dedicated future tense marking have enhanced financial development relative to countries speaking strong FTR language. Discounting the future less or having a connection between the present and the future—characteristics of weak FTR languages—has implications for caring about saving and investment, having efficient property rights, protection of shareholders and cost of acquiring information. Our results are robust to multiple measures of financial development and inclusion of determinants of the same. Finally, results show that weak FTR language speaking countries benefit more when their financial development is low.
Introduction to Computational Thinking with Scratch for Teacher Training for Spanish Primary School Teachers in Mathematics
Authors: Molina-Ayuso Álvaro , Adamuz-Povedano Natividad , Bracho-López Rafael , Torralbo-Rodríguez Manuel
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the inclusion of computational thinking in education has become very important. This is a response to the needs of the evolution of our society and the skills demanded in students to obtain practical and integrated training. For this reason, the educational inclusion of these types of practices, strategies, and skills has been the subject of study in recent years. However, it is equally important to prepare and analyse the initial training of future teachers in this area. This research paper presents an empirical experience in which the degree of development of skills associated with computational thinking in preservice primary teachers is examined. For this purpose, programming practices with Scratch were carried out with a total of 149 students of primary education university degrees as part of their training in mathematics education. An experiment was designed for a control group and an experimental group with initial and final measurements using a validated diagnostic instrument consisting of 30 questions associated with computational concepts and their application: a computational thinking test. The result of the experience is positive, as a more significant improvement was observed in the experimental group, which was also accompanied by the impressions, provided by participants, that point in a positive, useful, and practical direction in terms of the development of this type of educational practice being relevant enough to introduce to the teaching and learning process of mathematics.
Stress-Relaxed AlN-Buffer-Oriented GaN-Nano-Obelisks-Based High-Performance UV Photodetector
Authors: Vashishtha Pargam , Prajapat Pukhraj , Goswami Lalit , Yadav Aditya , Pandey Akhilesh , Gupta Govind
Published: December 2022

Epitaxial GaN nanostructures are developed, and the influence of the AlN buffer layer (temperature modulation) on material characteristics and optoelectronic device application is assessed. The AlN buffer layer was grown on a Si (111) substrate at varying temperatures (770–830 °C), followed by GaN growth using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The investigation revealed that the comparatively lower temperature AlN buffer layer was responsible for stress and lattice strain relaxation and was realized as the GaN nano-obelisk structures. Contrarily, the increased temperature of the AlN growth led to the formation of GaN nanopyramidal and nanowax/wane structures. These grown GaN/AlN/Si heterostructures were utilized to develop photodetectors in a metal–semiconductor–metal geometry format. The performance of these fabricated optoelectronic devices was examined under ultraviolet illumination (UVA), where the GaN nano-obelisks-based device attained the highest responsivity of 118 AW−1. Under UVA (325 nm) illumination, the designed device exhibited a high detectivity of 1 × 1010 Jones, noise equivalent power of 1 × 10−12 WHz−1/2, and external quantum efficiency of 45,000%. The analysis revealed that the quality of the AlN buffer layer significantly improved the optoelectronic performance of the device.
Effect of Large Uniaxial Stress on the Thermoelectric Properties of Microcrystalline Silicon Thin Films
Authors: Acosta Edwin , Smirnov Vladimir , Szabo Peter S. B. , Pillajo Christian , De la Cadena Erick , Bennett Nick S.
Published: December 2022

This study reports on the behaviour of the thermoelectric properties of n- and p-type hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon thin films (µc-Si: H) as a function of applied uniaxial stress up to ±1.7%. µc-Si: H thin films were deposited via plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition and thermoelectric properties were obtained through annealing at 200 °C (350 °C) for n-(p-) type samples, before the bending experiments. Tensile (compressive) stress was effective to increase the electrical conductivity of n-(p-) type samples. Likewise, stress induced changes in the Seebeck coefficient, however, showing an improvement only in electron-doped films under compressive stress. Overall, the addition of elevated temperature to the bending experiments resulted in a decrease in the mechanical stability of the films. These trends did not produce a significant enhancement of the overall thermoelectric power factor, rather it was largely preserved in all cases.
A Multi-Disturbance Marine Predator Algorithm Based on Oppositional Learning and Compound Mutation
Authors: Chen Lei , Hao Congwang , Ma Yunpeng
Published: December 2022

Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA) is a meta-heuristic algorithm based on the foraging behavior of marine animals. It has the advantages of few parameters, simple setup, easy implementation, accurate calculation, and easy application. However, compared with other meta-heuristic algorithms, this algorithm has some problems, such as a lack of transition between exploitation and exploration and unsatisfactory global optimization performance. Aiming at the shortage of MPA, this paper proposes a multi-disturbance Marine Predator Algorithm based on oppositional learning and compound mutation (mMPA-OC). Firstly, the optimal value selection process is improved by using Opposition-Based Learning mechanism and enhance MPA’s exploration ability. Secondly, the combined mutation strategy was used to improve the predator position updating mechanism and improve the MPA’s global search ability. Finally, the disturbances factors are improved to multiple disturbances factors, so that the MPA could maintain the population diversity. In order to verify the performance of the mMPA-OC, experiments are conducted to compare mMPA-OC with seven meta-heuristic algorithms, including MPA on different dimensions of the CEC-2017 benchmark function, complex CEC-2019 benchmark function, and engineering optimization problems. Experiments have shown that the mMPA-OC is more efficient than other meta-heuristic algorithms.
Reduced-Cost Optimization-Based Miniaturization of Microwave Passives by Multi-Resolution EM Simulations for Internet of Things and Space-Limited Applications
Authors: Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Koziel Slawomir , Raef Ali Ghaffarlouy
Published: December 2022

Stringent performance specifications along with constraints imposed on physical dimensions make the design of contemporary microwave components a truly onerous task. In recent years, the latter demand has been growing in importance with the innovative application of areas such as the Internet of Things coming into play. The need to employ full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations for response evaluation, reliable, yet CPU-heavy, only aggravates the issue. This paper proposes a reduced-cost miniaturization algorithm that employs a trust-region search procedure and multi-resolution EM simulations. In our approach, the resolution of the EM model is adjusted throughout the optimization process based on its convergence status starting from the lowest admissible fidelity. As the algorithm converges, the resolution is increased up to the high-fidelity one, used at the final phase to ensure reliability. Four microwave components have been utilized as verification structures: an impedance matching transformer and three branch-line couplers. Significant savings in terms of the number of EM analyses required to conclude the size reduction process of 41, 42, 38 and 50 percent have been obtained (in comparison to a single-fidelity procedure). The footprint area of the designs optimized using the proposed approach are equal to 32, 205, 410 and 132 mm2, in comparison to 52, 275, 525 and 213 mm2 of the initial (and already compact) design.
An End-to-End Robust Video Steganography Model Based on a Multi-Scale Neural Network
Authors: Xu Shutong , Li Zhaohong , Zhang Zhenzhen , Liu Junhui
Published: December 2022

The purpose of video steganography is to hide messages in the video file and prevent them from being detected, and finally the secret message can be extracted completely at the receiver. In this paper, an end-to-end video steganography based on GAN and multi-scale deep learning network is proposed, which consists of the encoder, decoder and discriminator. However, in the transmission process, videos will inevitably be encoded. Thus, a noise layer is introduced between the encoder and the decoder, which makes the model able to resist popular video compressions. Experimental results show that the proposed end-to-end steganography has achieved high visual quality, large embedding capacity, and strong robustness. Moreover, the proposed method performances better compared to the latest end-to-end video steganography.
Weighting Key Performance Indicators of Smart Local Energy Systems: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Francis Christina , Hansen Paul , Guðlaugsson Bjarnhéðinn , Ingram David M. , Thomson R. Camilla
Published: December 2022

The development of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) in the UK is part of the energy transition tackling the energy trilemma and contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Project developers and other stakeholders need to independently assess the performance of these systems: how well they meet their aims to successfully deliver multiple benefits and objectives. This article describes a step undertaken by the EnergyREV Research Consortium in developing a standardised Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) tool—specifically a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to determine the weighting of key performance indicators (KPIs). The MCA tool will use a technology-agnostic framework to assess SLES projects, track system performance and monitor benefit realisation. In order to understand the perceived relative importance of KPIs across different stakeholders, seven DCEs were conducted via online surveys (using 1000minds software). The main survey (with 234 responses) revealed that Environment was considered the most important criterion, with a mean weight of 21.6%. This was followed by People and Living (18.9%), Technical Performance (17.8%) and Data Management (14.7%), with Business and Economics and Governance ranked the least important (13.9% and 13.1%, respectively). These results are applied as weightings to calculate overall scores in the EnergyREV MCA-SLES tool.
Analysing the Economic Viability of Implicit Demand Response Control of Thermal Energy Storage in Hot Water Tanks
Authors: Gibbons Laurence , Javed Saqib
Published: December 2022

Demand-responsive control of electrically heated hot water storage tanks (HWSTs) is one solution, already present in the building stock, to stabilise volatile energy networks and markets. This has been put into sharp focus with the current energy crisis in Europe due to reduced access to natural gas. Furthermore, increasing proportions of intermittent renewable energy will likely add to this volatility. However, the adoption of demand response (DR) by consumers is highly dependent on the economic benefit. This study assesses the economic potential of DR of centralised HWSTs through both an analysis of spot price data and an optimisation algorithm approximating DR control. The methods are applied to a case study apartment building in Norway using current pricing models and examine the effect of the demand profile, electricity prices, heating power and storage capacity on energy cost and energy flexibility. Unit cost savings from DR are closely linked to the variation in unit energy price during the optimisation period. Increasing the storage capacity or the heating power increases the flexibility with a diminishing rate of return. However, increasing storage capacity does not result in cost savings as additional heat losses are greater than the saving from shifting demand, except for during highly volatile electricity price periods. Changing the minimum setpoint temperature improves the cost curve as a greater thermal storage capacity can be achieved without increasing heat loss. Systems utilising a smaller heating power are more economical due to the dominant role of the monthly price related to the peak energy demand of the system.
Single-Phase Fault Tolerant Multilevel Inverter Topologies—Comprehensive Review and Novel Comparative Factors
Authors: Rehman Haroon , Tariq Mohd , Sarwar Adil , Alhosaini Waleed , Hossain Md Alamgir , Batiyah Salem Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are used in a variety of industrial applications in high- and medium-voltage systems. The modularity, high-power output from medium voltages, and low harmonic content are some of the advantages of MLIs. The reliability of MLIs is quite important. The reliability is affected by different kinds of faults occurring in the MLIs. In MLI circuits, switching devices are the most vulnerable components and have a major involvement in all types of faults. As an outcome, it is necessary to take proper corrective action in the event of a fault. This work provides a comprehensive review of different fault tolerant (FT) solutions for MLIs in the event of switch fault. Moreover, various single-phase FT MLI topologies are reviewed, along with their constructional features, merits, and demerits. This work also proposes a comparison approach that integrates novel factors to account for fault tolerance quantitatively. A comparison investigation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. The FT operation of an existing five-level FT MLI topology is discussed, simulated, and experimentally verified.
Workflows to Optimally Select Undersaturated Oil Viscosity Correlations for Reservoir Flow Simulations
Authors: Fotias Sofianos Panagiotis , Georgakopoulos Andreas , Gaganis Vassilis
Published: December 2022

Undersaturated oil viscosity is one of the most important PVT parameters to be measured and/or predicted in a fluid sample. Since direct experimental measurements are expensive and time-costly, prediction methods are essential. In this work, viscosity data from more than five hundred fluid reports are utilized, and all correlation methods available in the literature and implemented in commercial software for reservoir and production engineering calculations, including fracked systems, are evaluated against the dataset. The results of this work are intended to set up workflows that give insight as to which method should be selected when running flow simulations, with emphasis on complex simulations such as in the case of EOR. The developed workflows provide the optimal choice of the viscosity correlation for the case of distinct viscosity ranges, as well as when overall performance is sought. A surprising result is that one of the oldest known correlations from the literature gives the best results (minimizes average absolute relative error) when tested against this large dataset. This may be attributed to the high locality that alternative correlations exhibit, which makes them generalize poorly.
Small-Scale Hybrid Methanol–Methane Production Based on Biogas: Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis of the Economic Sustainability
Authors: Zuloeta Bonilla Rosa , Bhandari Ramchandra
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the economic viability at the pre-feasibility level of a hybrid methanol and biomethane plant based on biogas coupled to a photovoltaic (PV) power plant and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The reference case settled in Uganda consisted of two units powered by a 200 kW PV plant and grid power: a 25 Nm3/h anaerobic digester and a 140 kW PEM electrolyzer-based methanol plant. Its production of 33.3 tons of methanol and 70.1 tons of biomethane per year can provide cooking fuel for 750 households. Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate the impact of the three main factors on the simple payback period (PBP). The size of the PV plant had the most significant impact on PBP, followed by the cost of electricity, the interaction between these factors, and the PEM electrolyzer capital cost reduction, in this contribution order. These findings point to energy generation costs as the primary factor affecting the economic viability of these small-scale designs, even more than the PEM’s capital cost. The response surface analysis revealed that only in a reduced region of the design space are values found that meet the threshold of 10 years for plant economic viability.
Summarizing the Effect of Acidity and Water Content of Deep Eutectic Solvent-like Mixtures—A Review
Authors: Jančíková Veronika , Jablonský Michal , Voleková Katarína , Šurina Igor
Published: December 2022

Deep eutectic solvent-like (DES-like) mixtures re-emerged in green chemistry nineteen years ago and yet have led to a large number of publications covering different research areas and different application industries. DES-like mixtures are considered a special class of green solvents because of their unique properties, such as high solubilization ability, remarkable biocompatibility, low production cost, low volatility, relatively simple synthesis methods, and considerable stability. Several studies have been published that analyze the effect of acidity/alkalinity and water content in DES-like mixtures on their physicochemical properties and behavior. This work summarizes the characterization of green solvents and, subsequently, the influence of various factors on the resulting pH values of green solvent systems. Part of this work describes the influence of water content in DES-like mixtures on their physical and chemical properties. The acidity/alkalinity effect is very important for green solvent applications, and it has the main impact on chemical reactions. As the temperature increases, the pH of DES-like mixtures decreases linearly. The type of hydrogen bond donors has been shown to have an important effect on the acidity of DES-like mixtures. The water content also affects their properties (polarity, solubilization capacity of DES-like mixtures).
Series RLC Resonant Circuit Used as Frequency Multiplier
Authors: Lara-Reyes Josué , Ponce-Silva Mario , Hernández-González Leobardo , DeLeón-Aldaco Susana E. , Cortés-García Claudia , Ramirez-Hernandez Jazmin
Published: December 2022

Currently, the design of resonant power converters has only been developed while operating in the steady state, while the design operating in the transient stage has not been considered nor reported. This paper is interested in testing the performance of the resonant circuits operating in the transient stage and finding applications where benefits can be obtained from this form of operation. One application in which it is possible to obtain benefits from designing resonant circuits in the transient state is in the area of frequency multiplication. Usually, to achieve frequency multiplication, it is necessary to resort to complex methods and special devices that increase the complexity of the design and the total cost of the circuit. This paper evaluates the performance of a series RLC resonant circuit operating in the transient stage and with an underdamped response acting as a frequency multiplier, where the oscillation frequency of the current in the resonant tank is “n” number of times the switching frequency of the square voltage source at the input with a duty cycle of D = 50%. To validate the analysis, a circuit was designed to deliver an output power of 30 watts to a resistive load, where the switching frequency of the square voltage source at the input was 500 kHz. Since a multiplier value “n” equal to fifteen was chosen, the current in the resonant tank reached an oscillation frequency of 7.5 MHz. The design methodology was validated by simulations in SPICE, complying with the established design parameters.
End-to-End Deep Neural Network Based Nonlinear Model Predictive Control: Experimental Implementation on Diesel Engine Emission Control
Authors: Gordon David C. , Norouzi Armin , Winkler Alexander , McNally Jakub , Nuss Eugen , Abel Dirk , Shahbakhti Mahdi , Andert Jakob , Koch Charles R.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a deep neural network (DNN)-based nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) is demonstrated using real-time experimental implementation. First, the emissions and performance of a 4.5-liter 4-cylinder Cummins diesel engine are modeled using a DNN model with seven hidden layers and 24,148 learnable parameters created by stacking six Fully Connected layers with one long-short term memory (LSTM) layer. This model is then implemented as the plant model in an NMPC. For real-time implementation of the LSTM-NMPC, an open-source package acados with the quadratic programming solver HPIPM (High-Performance Interior-Point Method) is employed. This helps LSTM-NMPC run in real time with an average turnaround time of 62.3 milliseconds. For real-time controller prototyping, a dSPACE MicroAutoBox II rapid prototyping system is used. A Field-Programmable Gate Array is employed to calculate the in-cylinder pressure-based combustion metrics online in real time. The developed controller was tested for both step and smooth load reference changes, which showed accurate tracking performance while enforcing all input and output constraints. To assess the robustness of the controller to data outside the training region, the engine speed is varied from 1200 rpm to 1800 rpm. The experimental results illustrate accurate tracking and disturbance rejection for the out-of-training data region. At 5 bar indicated mean effective pressure and a speed of 1200 rpm, the comparison between the Cummins production controller and the proposed LSTM-NMPC showed a 7.9% fuel consumption reduction, while also decreasing both nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Particle Matter (PM) by up to 18.9% and 40.8%.
Hierarchical Analysis of Factors Determining the Impact of Forest Certification in Mexico
Authors: García-Montiel Emily , Cubbage Frederick , Rojo-Alboreca Alberto , Morones-Esquivel Miriam Mirelle , Lujan-Álvarez Concepción , Montiel-Antuna Eusebio , López-Serrano Pablito Marcelo , Pérez-Rodríguez Fernando , Corral-Rivas José Javier
Published: December 2022

Forest certification is a private, voluntary and market-driven instrument designed to promote responsible forest management. This paper focused on the FSC and the NOM NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2008 schemes used in Mexico for the certification of sustainable forest management. In this paper we used the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to study the factors that determine the main impacts of forest certification in México. A panel of 30 experts was selected as decision-makers to find which principles, criteria and indicators are considered as the most relevant while implementing forest certification. For decision-makers, the environmental principle occupied the first place with 40.26% of importance in the implementation of forest certification, followed by the social principle, and the economic principle with 32.15% and 27.59% of importance, respectively. Regarding the criteria, forest management and production, biodiversity, and forest protection were considered to be the most relevant. Regarding the indicators, the results indicated that forest certification in Mexico can have a positive impact on the existence of educational institutions, community services such as water, energy, medical services and drainage, the quality of the forest management plans, investment in forest management, machinery and equipment, environmental services, recreation, tourism, research, development and community education, planning for the conservation of biological diversity, and planning for biodiversity conservation.
The Photosynthesis of Populus euphratica Oliv. Is Not Limited by Drought Stress in the Hyper-Arid Zone of Northwest China
Authors: Gao Guanlong , Feng Qi , Liu Xiande , Yu Tengfei , Wang Rongxin
Published: December 2022

The Ejin Oasis is located in the lower reaches of the Heihe River Basin of northwestern China. It is one of the most arid regions in the world, and Populus euphratica Oliv. is the foundation species of the desert riparian forests there. The photosynthesis of P. euphratica is one of the first physiological processes that is most likely to be affected by the extremely arid climate conditions. The factors impacting photosynthesis can be divided into stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. In order to investigate whether the photosynthesis of P. euphratica was limited and, if so, whether this limitation was caused by drought stress in the P. euphratica Forest Reserve on the Ejin River, we analyzed stomatal, non-stomatal, and relative stomatal limitations (reflecting the relative importance of the stoma in controlling the processes of photosynthesis) of photosynthesis. The results show that, at the beginning of the midday depression of photosynthesis, the values of stomatal limitation of photosynthesis (Ls) peaked, with its predominance being supported by sub-stomatal CO2 concentrations (Ci) being at a minimum. Thereafter, Ls decreased and non-stomatal limitation (Ci/stomatal conductance (gs)) increased sharply, indicating that the non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis was predominant. Both Ls and relative stomatal limitation of photosynthesis increased in the morning, and then decreased, whereas Ci/gs showed the opposite trend. We concluded that P. euphratica did not experience drought stress by analyzing leaf water potential, groundwater table, and the decoupling coefficient (a parameter characterizing the coupling degree between vegetation canopy and atmospheric water vapor flux); however, the Ls values of P. euphratica were much greater than those of other species. This was likely because P. euphratica has a relatively conservative water use strategy even when growing under favorable water conditions. Extremely high temperatures caused the closure of the stoma to reduce transpiration, resulting in more intense stomatal limitations of photosynthesis.
Differential Impacts of Acacia Invasion on Nutrient Fluxes in Two Distinct Bornean Lowland Tropical Rain Forests
Authors: Jaafar Salwana Md. , Metali Faizah , Nafiah Siti Nisa Syahzanani , Supri Nur E’zzati , Ahmad Nurhazimah , Burslem David F. R. P. , Sukri Rahayu Sukmaria
Published: December 2022

Invasive Acacia species can alter nutrient cycling processes in forest ecosystems, particularly affecting total litterfall production and litter decomposition patterns. This study examined the effects of exotic Acacia mangium Willd. on total litterfall production, nutrient concentrations in leaf litterfall fractions, leaf litter decomposition, and nutrient release in lowland heath (HF) and mixed dipterocarp forests (MDF) in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo. Above-ground litterfall traps were installed in HF and MDF with and without invasive Acacia present, representing four habitat types in total, and monthly collections were conducted for 12 months. Litter decomposition bags were deployed to determine the rates of decomposition and nutrient release. Habitats invaded by Acacia exhibited higher total litterfall production, increased leaf litter concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, and calcium, and increased addition of all nutrients measured in litter (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, especially in the Acacia-invaded mixed dipterocarp forest (AMDF) and nitrogen and potassium in Acacia-invaded heath forest (AHF)), reduced nitrogen and potassium use efficiencies in AHF, and reduced stand-level nitrogen and calcium use efficiencies in AMDF. Litter decomposition rates and nutrient release were lower in AMDF than in the three other habitats. The significantly higher total litterfall production coupled with higher nutrient addition in the two Acacia-invaded habitats is expected to progressively increase the abilities of these habitats to produce large quantities of nutrient-rich litter and will likely eventually lead to an enrichment of nutrients in the soil, thus facilitating further invasion by Acacia, particularly in the MDF.