bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioaugmentation With a Consortium of Bacterial Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate-Degraders for Remediation of Contaminated Soils
Authors: Rolando Ludovica , Barra Caracciolo Anna , Grenni Paola , Mariani Livia , Rauseo Jasmin , Spataro Francesca , Garbini Gian Luigi , Visca Andrea , Patrolecco Luisa
Published: September 2021

The anionic surfactant sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is the main component of most commercial foaming agents (FAs) used in the excavation of highway and railway tunnels with Earth pressure balance-tunnel boring machines (EPB-TBMs). Several hundreds of millions of tons of spoil material, consisting of soil mixed with FAs, are produced worldwide, raising the issue of their handling and safe disposal. Reducing waste production and reusing by-products are the primary objectives of the “circular economy,” and in this context, the biodegradation of SLES becomes a key question in reclaiming excavated soils, especially at construction sites where SLES degradation on the spot is not possible because of lack of space for temporary spoil material storage. The aim of the present work was to apply a bacterial consortium (BC) of SLES degraders to spoil material excavated with an EPB-TBM and coming from a real construction site. For this purpose, the BC capability to accelerate SLES degradation was tested. Preliminary BC growth, degradation tests, and ecotoxicological evaluations were performed on a selected FA. Subsequently, a bioaugmentation experiment was conducted; and the microbial abundance, viability, and SLES concentrations in spoil material were evaluated over the experimental time (0.5, 3, 6, 24, 48, and 144 h). Moreover, the corresponding aqueous elutriates were extracted from all the soil samples and analyzed for SLES concentration and ecotoxicological evaluations with the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. The preliminary experiments showed the BC capability to grow under 14 different concentrations of the FA. The maximum BC growth rates and degradation efficiency (100%) were achieved with initial SLES concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/L. The subsequent bioaugmentation of the spoil material with BC significantly (sixfold) improved the degradation time of SLES (DT50 1 day) compared with natural attenuation (DT50 6 days). In line with this result, neither SLES residues nor toxicity was recorded in the soil extracts showing the spoil material as a by-product promptly usable. The bioaugmentation with BC can be a very useful for cleaning spoil material produced in underground construction where its temporary storage (for SLES natural biodegradation) is not possible.
A Case Report of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Harboring a PTEN Loss
Authors: Myint Zin W. , Allison Derek B. , Ellis Carleton S.
Published: September 2021

The treatment landscape of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has dramatically improved over the last decade; however, patients with visceral metastases are still faced with poor outcomes. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss is observed in 40%–60% of mCRPC patients and is also associated with a poor prognosis. Several PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors have been studied, with disappointing anti-tumor activity. Here, we present a case of a patient with heavily treated mCRPC who had a modest tumor response to concurrent carboplatin, abiraterone acetate/prednisone, and liver-directed radiation therapy. We discuss the potential rationale supporting the use of this combination therapy and its safety in mCRPC. While the underlying basic mechanism of our patient’s anti-tumor response remains uncertain, we suggest that further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate whether this combination therapy is effective in this population of patients with pre-treated mCRPC and PTEN loss.
Psycho-Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Aryayev Mykola , Senkivska Liudmyla , Lowe John B.
Published: September 2021

Objective: To identify psychosocial problems and self-esteem in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and define the role of some clinical and sociodemographic determinants in the conceptualization of internalizing and externalizing problems as criteria for psychosocial functioning.

Materials and Methods: A GHD sample (46 prepubescent children) was selected and compared to a matched control group (80 healthy children). Psychosocial functioning in children with GHD was investigated using Goodman's “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).” The study of children's self-esteem was carried out by the Dembo–Rubinstein method.

Results: This study reveals that the GHD sample has more internalizing problems and lower self-esteem. Higher score and frequency of assessment in the abnormal score for “total difficulties,” “emotional problem,” and “peer problem” were found in children with GHD. The SDQ score and the frequency of assessment in the abnormal score for all SDQ scales in children with more pronounced growth deficit (height SDS < −3) did not exceed the same indicators in children with less growth retardation (−3 < height SDS < −2). A comparison of psychosocial features in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency and multiple pituitary hormones deficiency did not reveal differences in SDQ score and the frequency of assessment in the abnormal score for all SDQ scales. It was found that children with GHD have a reduced level of assertions, low self-esteem, and a weak discrepancy between the level of assertions and self-esteem. Some sociodemographic determinants (male gender, age < 9 years, and low family income) and clinical determinants (low compliance and suboptimal growth response after 1 year of rGHh therapy) have an impact on the overall assessment of psychological problems in children with GHD. The internalizing difficulties are associated with certain clinical determinants (growth status and treatment status) and sociodemographic determinants (female gender, age < 9 years).

Conclusions: The identification of low self-esteem and the high SDQ score for scales “total difficulties,” “emotional problems,” and “peer problems” indicates psychosocial maladjustment and conceptualization of internalizing problems in children with GHD.
Evaluation of Placental Transfer and Tissue Distribution of cis- and Trans-Permethrin in Pregnant Rats and Fetuses Using a Physiological-Based Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Personne Stéphane , Brochot Céline , Marcelo Paulo , Corona Aurélie , Desmots Sophie , Robidel Franck , Lecomte Anthony , Bach Véronique , Zeman Florence
Published: September 2021

Biomonitoring studies have highlighted the exposure of pregnant women to pyrethroids based on the measurement of their metabolites in urine. Pyrethroids can cross the placental barrier and be distributed in the fetus as some pyrethroids were also measured in the meconium of newborns. Prenatal exposure to pyrethroids is suspected to alter the neurodevelopment of children, and animal studies have shown that early life exposure to permethrin, one of the most commonly used pyrethroid in household applications, can alter the brain development. This study aimed to characterize the fetal permethrin exposure throughout gestation in rats. We developed a pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic (pPBPK) model that describes the maternal and fetal kinetics of the cis- and trans- isomers of permethrin during the whole gestation period. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed daily to permethrin (50 mg/kg) by oral route from the start of gestation to day 20. Permethrin isomers were quantified in the feces, kidney, mammary gland, fat, and placenta in dams and in both maternal and fetal blood, brain, and liver. Cis- and trans-permethrin were quantified in fetal blood and tissues, with higher concentrations for the cis-isomer. The pPBPK model was fitted to the toxicokinetic maternal and fetal data in a Bayesian framework. Several parameters were adjusted, such as hepatic clearances, partition coefficients, and intestinal absorption. Our work allowed to estimate the prenatal exposure to permethrin in rats, especially in the fetal brain, and to quantitatively estimate the placental transfer. These transfers could be extrapolated to humans and be incorporated in a human pPBPK model to estimate the fetal exposure to permethrin from biomonitoring data.
The Effect of the Arctic Oscillation on the Predictability of Mid-High Latitude Circulation in December
Authors: Zheng Zhihai , Ban Jin , Li Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

The impact of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) on the predictability of mid-high latitude circulation in December is analysed using a full set of hindcasts generated form the Beijing Climate Center Atmospheric General Circulation Model version 2.2 (BCC_AGCM2.2). The results showed that there is a relationship between the predictability of the model on the Eurasian mid-high latitude circulation and the phase of AO, with the highest predictability in the negative AO phase and the lowest predictability in the normal AO phase. Moreover, the difference of predictability exists at different lead times. The potential sources of the high predictability in the negative AO phase in the BCC_AGCM2.2 model were further diagnosed. It was found that the differences of predictability on the Eurasian mid-high latitude circulation also exist in different Arctic sea ice anomalies, and the model performs well in reproducing the response of Arctic sea ice on the AO. The predictability is higher when sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events occur, and strong SSW events tend to form a negative AO phase distribution in the Eurasian mid-high latitudes both in the observation and model. In addition, the model captured the blocking over the mid-high latitudes well, it may be related to the relatively long duration of the blocking. Changes in the AO will affect the blocking circulations over the mid-high latitudes, which partly explains the high predictability of the model in negative AO phases from the aspect of the internal atmospheric dynamics.
Transcriptome Reveals Allele Contribution to Heterosis in Maize
Authors: Wu Jianzhong , Sun Dequan , Zhao Qian , Yong Hongjun , Zhang Degui , Hao Zhuanfang , Zhou Zhiqiang , Han Jienan , Zhang Xiaocong , Xu Zhennan , Li Xinhai , Li Mingshun , Weng Jianfeng
Published: September 2021

Heterosis, which has greatly increased maize yields, is associated with gene expression patterns during key developmental stages that enhance hybrid phenotypes relative to parental phenotypes. Before heterosis can be more effectively used for crop improvement, hybrid maize developmental gene expression patterns must be better understood. Here, six maize hybrids, including the popular hybrid Zhengdan958 (ZC) from China, were studied. Maize hybrids created in-house were generated using an incomplete diallel cross (NCII)-based strategy from four elite inbred parental lines. Differential gene expression (DEG) profiles corresponding to three developmental stages revealed that hybrid partial expression patterns exhibited complementarity of expression of certain parental genes, with parental allelic expression patterns varying both qualitatively and quantitatively in hybrids. Single-parent expression (SPE) and parent-specific expression (PSE) types of qualitative variation were most prevalent, 43.73 and 41.07% of variation, respectively. Meanwhile, negative super-dominance (NSD) and positive super-dominance (PSD) types of quantitative variation were most prevalent, 31.06 and 24.30% of variation, respectively. During the early reproductive growth stage, the gene expression pattern differed markedly from other developmental stage patterns, with allelic expression patterns during seed development skewed toward low-value parental alleles in hybrid seeds exhibiting significant quantitative variation-associated superiority. Comparisons of qualitative gene expression variation rates between ZC and other hybrids revealed proportions of SPE-DEGs (41.36%) in ZC seed DEGs that significantly exceeded the average proportion of SPE-DEGs found in seeds of other hybrids (28.36%). Importantly, quantitative gene expression variation rate comparisons between ZC and hybrids, except for transgressive expression, revealed that the ZC rate exceeded the average rate for other hybrids, highlighting the importance of partial gene expression in heterosis. Moreover, enriched ZC DEGs exhibiting distinct tissue-specific expression patterns belonged to four biological pathways, including photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, biology metabolism and biosynthesis. These results provide valuable technical insights for creating hybrids exhibiting strong heterosis.
Influence of Working From Home During the COVID-19 Crisis and HR Practitioner Response
Authors: Chen Zhisheng
Published: September 2021

The pandemic has changed the way people work, and more and more people are choosing to work from home (WFH). Unlike traditional work patterns, this approach has limitations and has had a significant impact on both organizations and individuals. It also brings many challenges to the work of HR practitioners. HR practitioners, as key players in strategic human resource management, need to take advantage of management innovations under the crisis to improve employees’ work flexibility and effectively address the impact of working from home. This study aims to address the need for employee skill improvement, psychological stress relief, work-family balance, and company culture reinforcement from an HRM perspective because of the impact of WFH work patterns during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Role of Trauma in Early Onset Borderline Personality Disorder: A Biopsychosocial Perspective
Authors: Bozzatello Paola , Rocca Paola , Baldassarri Lorenzo , Bosia Marco , Bellino Silvio
Published: September 2021

The role of childhood trauma in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in young age has long been studied. The most accurate theoretical models are multifactorial, taking into account a range of factors, including early trauma, to explain evolutionary pathways of BPD. We reviewed studies published on PubMed in the last 20 years to evaluate whether different types of childhood trauma, like sexual and physical abuse and neglect, increase the risk and shape the clinical picture of BPD. BPD as a sequela of childhood traumas often occurs with multiple comorbidities (e.g. mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, eating, dissociative, addictive, psychotic, and somatoform disorders). In such cases it tends to have a prolonged course, to be severe, and treatment-refractory. In comparison with subjects who suffer from other personality disorders, patients with BPD experience childhood abuse more frequently. Adverse childhood experiences affect different biological systems (HPA axis, neurotransmission mechanisms, endogenous opioid systems, gray matter volume, white matter connectivity), with changes persisting into adulthood. A growing body of evidence is emerging about interaction between genes (e.g. FKBP5 polymorphisms and CRHR2 variants) and environment (physical and sexual abuse, emotional neglect).
Hepatic Injury Induced by Dietary Energy Level via Lipid Accumulation and Changed Metabolites in Growing Semi-Fine Wool Sheep
Authors: Xue Benchu , Hong Qionghua , Li Xiang , Lu Mingli , Zhou Jia , Yue Shuangming , Wang Zhisheng , Wang Lizhi , Peng Quanhui , Xue Bai
Published: September 2021

Liver injury threatens the overall health of an organism, as it is the core organ of the animal body. Liver metabolism is affected by numerous factors, with dietary energy level being a crucial one. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate hepatic injury and to describe its metabolic mechanism in ruminants fed diets with different dietary energy levels. A total of 25 Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep were fed diets with five dietary metabolic energy levels and were randomly assigned to five groups as follows: low energy (LE), medium–low energy (MLE), medium energy (ME), medium–high energy (MHE), and high energy (HE). The results revealed that the average optical density (AOD) of lipid droplets in the LE, MLE, and HE groups was higher than that in the ME and MHE groups. The enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was the lowest in the ME group. An increase in dietary energy level promoted the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and altered the malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) concentration quadratically. In addition, both high and low dietary energy levels upregulated the mRNA abundance of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Metabonomic analysis revealed that 142, 77, 65, and 108 differential metabolites were detected in the LE, MLE, MHE, and HE groups, compared with ME group respectively. These metabolites were involved in various biochemical pathways, such as glycolipid, bile acid, and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, both high and low dietary energy levels caused hepatic injury. Section staining and metabonomic results revealed that hepatic injury might be caused by altered metabolism and lipid accumulation induced by lipid mobilization.
Bone-Specific Metastasis Pattern of Advanced-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma According to the Localization of the Primary Tumor
Authors: Radeczky Peter , Moldvay Judit , Fillinger Janos , Szeitz Beata , Ferencz Bence , Boettiger Kristiina , Rezeli Melinda , Bogos Krisztina , Renyi-Vamos Ferenc , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Hegedus Balazs , Megyesfalvi Zsolt , Dome Balazs
Published: September 2021

Background: Patients with advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) often develop distant metastases in the skeletal system. Yet, the bone-specific metastasis pattern is still controversial. We, therefore, aimed to examine how the primary tumor location affects bone specificity and survival in LADC patients diagnosed with skeletal metastases.

Methods: In total, 209 bone-metastatic Caucasian LADC patients from two thoracic centers were included in this study. Focusing on the specific location of primary tumors and bone metastatic sites, clinicopathological variables were included in a common database and analyzed retrospectively. Skeletal metastases were diagnosed according to the contemporary diagnostic guidelines and confirmed by bone scintigraphy. Besides region- and side-specific localization, primary tumors were also classified as central or peripheral tumors based on their bronchoscopic visibility.

Results: The most common sites for metastasis were the spine (n = 103) and the ribs (n = 60), followed by the pelvis (n = 36) and the femur (n = 22). Importantly, femoral (p = 0.022) and rib (p = 0.012) metastases were more frequently associated with peripheral tumors, whereas centrally located LADCs were associated with humeral metastases (p = 0.018). Moreover, we deduced that left-sided tumors give rise to skull metastases more often than right-sided primary tumors (p = 0.018). Of note, however, the localization of the primary tumor did not significantly influence the type of affected bones. Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical parameters demonstrated that central localization of the primary tumor was an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). Additionally, as expected, both chemotherapy and bisphosphonate therapy conferred a significant benefit for OS.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates unique bone-specific metastasis patterns concerning primary tumor location. Peripherally located LADCs are associated with rib and femoral metastases and improved survival outcomes. Our findings might contribute to the development of individualized follow‐up strategies in bone-metastatic LADC patients and warrant further clinical investigations on a larger sample size.
Information Entropy in Chemistry: An Overview
Authors: Sabirov Denis Sh. , Shepelevich Igor S.
Published: September 2021

Basic applications of the information entropy concept to chemical objects are reviewed. These applications deal with quantifying chemical and electronic structures of molecules, signal processing, structural studies on crystals, and molecular ensembles. Recent advances in the mentioned areas make information entropy a central concept in interdisciplinary studies on digitalizing chemical reactions, chemico-information synthesis, crystal engineering, as well as digitally rethinking basic notions of structural chemistry in terms of informatics.
An Optimal Energy Management System for University Campus Using the Hybrid Firefly Lion Algorithm (FLA)
Authors: Ullah Haneef , Khan Murad , Hussain Irshad , Ullah Ibrar , Uthansakul Peerapong , Khan Naeem
Published: September 2021

As the world population and its dependency on energy is growing exponentially day by day, the existing energy generating resources are not enough to fulfill their needs. In the conventional grid system, most of the generated energy is wasted because of improper demand side management (DSM). This leads to a difficulty in keeping the equilibrium between the user need and electric power production. To overcome these difficulties, smart grid (SG) is introduced, which is composed of the integration of two-way communication between the user and utility. To utilize the existing energy resources in a better way, SG is the best option since a large portion of the generated energy is consumed by the educational institutes. Such institutes also need un-interrupted power supply at the lowest cost. Therefore, in this paper, we have taken a university campus load. We have not only applied two bio-inspired heuristic algorithms for energy scheduling—namely, the Firefly Algorithm (FA) and the Lion Algorithm (LA)—but also proposed a hybrid version, FLA, for more optimal results. Our main objectives are a reduction in both, that is, the cost of energy and the waiting time of consumers or end users. For this purpose, in our proposed model, we have divided all appliances into two categories—shiftable appliances and non-shiftable appliances. Shiftable appliances are feasible to be used in any of the time slots and can be planned according to the day-ahead pricing signal (DAP), provided by the utility, while non-shiftable appliances can be used for a specified duration and cannot be planned with the respective DAP signal. So, we have scheduled shiftable appliances only. We have also used renewable energy sources (RES) for achieving maximum end user benefits. The simulation results show that our proposed hybrid algorithm, FLA, has reduced the cost excellently. We have also taken into consideration the consumers’ waiting times, due to scheduling of appliances.
Impact of Control Loops on the Passivity Properties of Grid-Forming Converters with Fault-Ride through Capability
Authors: Beza Mebtu , Bongiorno Massimo , Narula Anant
Published: September 2021

Due to the increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and a corresponding reduction of conventional generating units, there is nowadays a demand from the power-electronic converters to provide grid-forming properties through proper control of the converter systems. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of various control loops in a grid-forming control strategy equipped with a fault-ride through capability on the passivity properties of the converter system. Through the analysis of the frequency-dependent input admittance of the converter, the main factors affecting the passivity properties are identified. A simplified analytical model is derived in order to propose possible control modifications to enhance the system’s passivity at various frequencies of interest and the findings are validated through detailed time-domain simulations and experimental tests.
Towards Sustainable Energy Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Tomala Justyna , Mierzejewski Mateusz , Urbaniec Maria , Martinez Sergio
Published: September 2021

Sub-Saharan Africa is considered a region with enormous economic and demographic potential. One of the main challenges it faces, included in the “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, implemented by the African Union”, is to provide access to electricity. Currently, 600 million inhabitants of the African continent do not have access to electricity, which is a significant limiting factor for further economic growth and socio-economic development. Moreover, the measures taken by individual Sub-Saharan African countries appear insufficient in the face of rapid population growth. The aim of the article is to analyse the opportunities and challenges of the development of Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy sector. This raises the following research question: to what extent can a sustainable energy transition be achieved in sub-Saharan African countries to ensure access to electricity? The study used Ward’s hierarchical clustering method, classification and regression tree analysis, and the distance-weighted least squares method. The results show that the level of development of the energy sector in the individual countries of Sub-Saharan Africa varies greatly. Moreover, the Sub-Saharan African region is exposed to the effects of climate change, which also affects the development of the energy sector and whether or not access to electricity can be ensured. The study contributes to assessments of the adaptive capacity and transformative potential of the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is particularly important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 7, which relates to building more robust and efficient systems, as well as implementing diversified energy sources. This research is crucial to bridge the energy access gap and build a resilient and sustainable economy in Sub-Saharan Africa countries.
Finite Control Set—Model Predictive Control with Non-Spread Spectrum and Reduced Switching Frequency Applied to Multi-Cell Rectifiers
Authors: Espinosa Eduardo , Espinoza José , Melín Pedro , Rohten Jaime , Baier Carlos , Reyes Marcelo
Published: September 2021

Multi-cell converters are widely used in medium-voltage AC drives. This equipment is based on power cells that operate with low-voltage-rating semiconductors and require an input multipulse transformer. This transformer cancels the low-frequency current harmonics generated by the three-phase diode-based rectifier. Unfortunately, this transformer is bulky, heavy, expensive, and does not extend the existing power cell (three-phase rectifier—Direct Current (DC) voltage-link—single-phase inverter) to the transformer. In this study, a harmonic cancelation method based on finite control set-model predictive control (FCS–MPC), extending the power cell’s modularity to the input transformer. On the other hand, it considers treating the two disadvantages of the FCS–MPC: High switching frequency and spread spectrum. The details were developed in theory and practice to obtain satisfactory experimental results.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Fast Pyrolysis of Date Palm Waste for Adoption in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yahya Sulaiman Al , Iqbal Tahir , Omar Muhammad Mubashar , Ahmad Munir
Published: September 2021

Date palm trees, being an important source of nutrition, are grown at a large scale in Saudi Arabia. The biomass waste of date palm, discarded of in a non-environmentally-friendly manner at present, can be used for biofuel generation through the fast pyrolysis technique. This technique is considered viable for thermochemical conversion of solid biomass into biofuels in terms of the initial investment, production cost, and operational cost, as well as power consumption and thermal application cost. In this study, a techno-economic analysis has been performed to assess the feasibility of converting date palm waste into bio-oil, char, and burnable gases by defining the optimum reactor design and thermal profile. Previous studies concluded that at an optimum temperature of 525 °C, the maximum bio-oil, char and gases obtained from pyrolysis of date palm waste contributed 38.8, 37.2 and 24% of the used feed stock material (on weight basis), respectively, while fluidized bed reactor exhibited high suitability for fast pyrolysis. Based on the pyrolysis product percentage, the economic analysis estimated the net saving of USD 556.8 per ton of the date palm waste processed in the pyrolysis unit. It was further estimated that Saudi Arabia could earn USD 44.77 million per annum, approximately, if 50% of the total date palm waste were processed through fast pyrolysis, with a payback time of 2.57 years. Besides that, this intervention will reduce 2029 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, contributing towards a lower carbon footprint.
Tailoring Mission Effectiveness and Efficiency of a Ground Vehicle Using Exergy-Based Model Predictive Control (MPC)
Authors: Jane Robert , Kim Tae Young , Glass Emily , Mossman Emilee , James Corey
Published: September 2021

To ensure dominance over a multi-domain battlespace, energy and power utilization must be accurately characterized for the dissimilar operational conditions. Using MATLAB/Simulink in combination with multiple neural networks, we created a methodology which was simulated the energy dynamics of a ground vehicle in parallel to running predictive neural network (NN) based predictive algorithms to address two separate research questions: (1) can energy and exergy flow characterization be developed at a future point in time, and (2) can we use the predictive algorithms to extend the energy and exergy flow characterization and derive operational intelligence, used to inform our control based algorithms or provide optimized recommendations to a battlefield commander in real-time. Using our predictive algorithms we confirmed that the future energy and exergy flow characterizations could be generated using the NNs, which was validated through simulation using two separately created datasets, one for training and one for testing. We then used the NNs to implement a model predictive control (MPC) framework to flexibly operate the vehicles thermal coolant loop (TCL), subject to exergy destruction. In this way we could tailor the performance of the vehicle to accommodate a more mission effective solution or a less energy intensive solution. The MPC resulted in a more effective solution when compared to six other simulated conditions, which consumed less exergy than two of the six cases. Our results indicate that we can derive operational intelligence from the predictive algorithms and use it to inform a model predictive control (MPC) framework to reduce wasted energy and exergy destruction subject to the variable operating conditions.
Sulfonated Polyimide Membranes Derived from a Novel Sulfonated Diamine with Pendant Benzenesulfonic Acid for Fuel Cells
Authors: Liaqat Khurram , Fazil Srosh , Rehman Wajid , Saeed Shaukat , Menaa Farid , Shah Syed Asim Hussain , Nawaz Muhammad , Alharbi Walaa Naji , Menaa Bouzid , Farooq Muhammad
Published: September 2021

For improving the hydrolytic stability of sulfonated polyimides consisting of five membered anhydrides, novel sulfonated polyimides (NSPIs) were prepared via polymerization of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), with a novel diamine monomer with a pendant sulfonic acid group and 4,4-oxydianiline. Water uptake of this NSPI with an excellent film-forming ability was almost equal to that of Nafion® 117, while their ion exchange capacity (IEC) was 22% higher than Nafion® 117. The loss in weight decreased by 53% and loss in IEC decreased by 66% compared to that of Nafion® 117; both were used to quantitatively measure hydrolytic stability, and radical oxidative stability also increased by 75% when compared with Nafion® 117. Mechanically, this NSPI was superior, and its proton conductivity was higher than Nafion® 117 at elevated temperatures. All these improvements were due to the introduction of this pendant group. Taken together, we herein report a promising renewable energy source based on SPIs capable of displaying proton conductivity and enhanced hydrophilicity.
Renovating on Unequal Premises: A Normative Framework for a Just Renovation Wave in Swedish Multifamily Housing
Authors: von Platten Jenny , de Fine Licht Karl , Mangold Mikael , Mjörnell Kristina
Published: September 2021

While the energy transition of the EU housing stock is now being intensified with the launch of the Renovation Wave, economic inequalities are increasing in many OECD countries, which has effects on housing-related inequalities and the demand of affordable housing. The Renovation Wave is thus an opportunity to improve housing quality for low-income households, but also entails risks for increased rents. In Sweden, the standard of housing is relatively high and energy poverty in multifamily housing is rare, meaning that there are limited social benefits to be achieved from extensive energy retrofitting; moreover, Sweden lacks a social housing sector, which limits protection of the worst-off residents. This paper thus explores whether the limited social benefits of the Renovation Wave weigh up against the risks that it entails for the worst-off in the Swedish context. This is done within a normative framework for just energy transitioning that is developed within the context of the Renovation Wave and increasing economic inequalities, consisting of four ordered principles: (1) The equal treatment principle; (2) The priority principle; (3) The efficiency principle; and (4) The principle of procedural fairness. Analysis showed that to be considered just according to our framework, the Swedish energy transition of housing should, in contradistinction to what is suggested in the Renovation Wave, limit the imposition of extensive energy retrofitting in low-income areas. Finally, having identified a mismatch between the most effective approaches in terms of energy savings and the most acceptable approaches in terms of social justice, we offer policy recommendations on how to bridge this mismatch in a Swedish context.
Design and Realization of a Hybrid Excited Flux Switching Vernier Machine for Renewable Energy Conversion
Authors: Diab Haidar , Amara Yacine , Hlioui Sami , Paulides Johannes J. H.
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the design of a hybrid excited flux switching Vernier machine. This machine is designed to serve in renewable energy conversion applications, such as a wind turbine generator, or tidal turbine generator. After introducing this original structure, a design based on finite element models is conducted. The specifications correspond to relatively low power direct drive wind or tidal turbine applications. The rated power is set to 10 kW, with a rated speed of 300 rpm. Mainly the electromagnetic design is presented. Aspects related to the realization of a prototype are also presented, and an experimental study is included.
A Systematic Review of HPM Energy Absorbers for Building Applications
Authors: Majcher Krzysztof , Musiał Michał , Pakos Wojciech , Różański Adrian , Sobótka Maciej , Trapko Tomasz
Published: September 2021

A modern weapon, high power microwave (HPM) pulses, can have a profound effect on the quality of functioning of society as the use of this weapon can result in damage to or destruction of electronic equipment and computer and telecommunications systems, both military and civilian. Protection against the energy of HPM pulses can be achieved in two basic ways: by using radiation-absorbent materials (RAM) or artificial electromagnetic (EM) structures. If the object to be protected is a building, protection based on RAM is used. Hence, this literature review focuses on the possibilities of using HPM energy absorbers in building products and structures. Attention is concentrated on four basic types of elements: claddings, concrete and mortar, small-sized elements (bricks, hollow masonry units), and paint coatings. In each of the categories, examples of HPM radiation absorbers having a high potential to be combined with basic construction materials are given on the basis of the literature on the subject.
Printed Transformable Liquid-Metal Metamaterials and Their Application in Biomedical Sensing
Authors: Ren Yi , Duan Minghui , Guo Rui , Liu Jing
Published: September 2021

Metamaterial is becoming increasingly important owing to its unique physical properties and breakthrough applications. So far, most metamaterials that have been developed are made of rigid materials and structures, which may restrict their practical adaptation performances. Recently, with the further development of liquid metal, some efforts have explored metamaterials based on such tunable electronic inks. Liquid metal has high flexibility and good electrical conductivity, which provides more possibilities for transformable metamaterials. Here, we developed a new flexible liquid-metal metamaterial that is highly reconfigurable and could significantly extend the working limit facing current devices. The printed electronics method was adopted to fabricate artificial units and then construct various potential transformable metamaterials. Based on metamaterial theory and printing technology, typical structured flexible liquid-metal electromagnetic metamaterials were designed and fabricated. The electronic and magnetic characteristics of the liquid-metal-based electromagnetic metamaterials were evaluated through simulated analysis and experimental measurement. Particularly, the potential of liquid-metal metamaterials in biomedical sensing was investigated. Further, the future outlook of liquid-metal metamaterials and their application in diverse categories were prospected.
Progressively Inpainting Images Based on a Forked-Then-Fused Decoder Network
Authors: Yang Shuai , Huang Rong , Han Fang
Published: September 2021

Image inpainting aims to fill in corrupted regions with visually realistic and semantically plausible contents. In this paper, we propose a progressive image inpainting method, which is based on a forked-then-fused decoder network. A unit called PC-RN, which is the combination of partial convolution and region normalization, serves as the basic component to construct inpainting network. The PC-RN unit can extract useful features from the valid surroundings and can suppress incompleteness-caused interference at the same time. The forked-then-fused decoder network consists of a local reception branch, a long-range attention branch, and a squeeze-and-excitation-based fusing module. Two multi-scale contextual attention modules are deployed into the long-range attention branch for adaptively borrowing features from distant spatial positions. Progressive inpainting strategy allows the attention modules to use the previously filled region to reduce the risk of allocating wrong attention. We conduct extensive experiments on three benchmark databases: Places2, Paris StreetView, and CelebA. Qualitative and quantitative results show that the proposed inpainting model is superior to state-of-the-art works. Moreover, we perform ablation studies to reveal the functionality of each module for the image inpainting task.
América Latina: competencia geopolítica, regionalismo y multilateralismo
Authors: Rodríguez Érika
Published: September 2021

El sistema internacional se encuentra en un momento histórico de cambio y reacomodación. La tendencia global parece mostrar que el futuro cercano estará marcado por la confrontación de grandes potencias, aun conectadas a través de una compleja red de vínculos comerciales, tecnológicos y sociales. A su vez, los demás actores, constituidos en grandes bloques regionales, buscarán consolidar su autonomía para actuar de forma independiente, según sus intereses particulares. Ante ese panorama, y con las terribles consecuencias de la pandemia y de sus déficits estructurales, América Latina enfrenta grandes dificultades para encontrar su espacio en el nuevo orden. La región se encuentra, además, en una grave crisis de sus modelos de regionalismo. La fragmentación y la polarización debilitan las opciones para abordar los desafíos conjuntos y para diseñar un proceso regional de “autonomía estratégica”. Este documento comienza con un examen sobre el contexto geopolítico de transición para dar paso al análisis de la región en varias dimensiones: en primer lugar, de su regionalismo y, en segundo lugar, de sus relaciones con China, EE.UU., Europa y otros países relevantes. La tercera parte presenta la postura latinoamericana frente a los principales desafíos globales y se pregunta por su capacidad para afrontarlos.
Rumen physiology: microorganisms, fermentation and manipulation
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Hakan , GUR Gursel
Published: September 2021

Ruminants are unique mammals that can convert the energy in roughage to edible products for humans. Hence, rumen fermentation has been excessively on the scope of researchers for long years. Advances in rumen fermentation are a vital concern to provide food with good quality for the growing population of man. This review focuses on physiology of rumen fermentation and the recent advances in the field.
A saúde do homem e atenção primária à saúde: revisão integrativa
Authors: Souza e Souza Luís Paulo , Oliveira Pollyana Mota , Ruas Sélen Jaqueline Souza , Fonseca Adélia Dayane Guimarães , Silva Carla Silvana de Oliveira e
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: caracterizar a produção científica acerca da saúde do homem no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde, levantando as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre os motivos que levam à não adesão masculina aos serviços de saúde. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura. A busca bibliográfica ocorreu na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde na base de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online- SCIELO e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), levando-se em consideração os artigos publicados entre os anos de 2001 e 2013; publicados em português e disponíveis na integra. Dos 21 artigos encontrados, selecionaram-se 18 para a realização do estudo. Resultados: após análise dos estudos selecionados, chegou-se a três temas que sintetizaram a produção estudada: imaginário masculino; principais barreiras encontradas na busca pelo serviço; e a atuação do profissional na atenção à saúde do homem. Conclusão: foi possível inferir que a produção científica acerca do tema abordado ainda é muito restrita, reforçando a necessidade de aprofundamento no assunto numa perspectiva relacional de gênero e saúde, uma vez que a baixa adesão dos homens aos serviços de atenção básica está fortemente ligada a questões referentes ao imaginário masculino e à manutenção de ideal de invulnerabilidade, que constitui importante fator de risco à saúde do homem.
Atuação do fisioterapeuta na Atenção Primária à Saúde do município de Crateús - CE
Authors: Camêlo Hellen Karine da Silva , Arruda Gisele Maria Melo Soares , Vasconcelos Thiago Brasileiro de , Bezerra Maria Iracema Capistrano
Published: September 2021

A atuação do fisioterapeuta na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), com foco na promoção da saúde e prevenção de agravos, é ainda uma desafiadora realidade de intervenção que se opõe ao tradicional perfil reabilitador deste profissional. O estudo objetiva analisar a atuação dos fisioterapeutas na APS do município de Crateús-Ceará. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada em abril de 2016 por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas junto aos fisioterapeutas que atuam na APS do município de Crateús-Ceará. As informações coletadas foram analisadas conforme a técnica de análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática, sendo construídas três categorias de análise: ações desenvolvidas pelos fisioterapeutas; acesso dos usuários à Fisioterapia; e desafios enfrentados no cotidiano de trabalho. O estudo seguiu os aspectos éticos da pesquisa com seres humanos. Evidenciou-se que as principais atividades desenvolvidas pelos fisioterapeutas na APS de Crateús-Ceará são visitas domiciliares e atividades coletivas. O acesso dos usuários à Fisioterapia ocorre por indicação dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde; da referência pelo enfermeiro ou médico da Equipe de Saúde da Família (EqSF); ou, ainda, pela procura direta ao fisioterapeuta na Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Os principais desafios relatados pelos entrevistados foram poucos fisioterapeutas incluídos na APS, falta de transporte, infraestrutura precária das UBS, necessidade de Educação Permanente em Saúde para profissionais da saúde e gestores sobre a metodologia de trabalho dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF) e resistência da EqSF ao modelo de trabalho do fisioterapeuta nesses núcleos. Sendo assim, a atuação dos fisioterapeutas do NASF de Crateús-Ceará apresenta-se mais voltada para a promoção e prevenção, entretanto existe um déficit na organização da atenção especializada em Fisioterapia no município, que acaba sobrecarregando a APS e demandando, dos profissionais aí inseridos, muitas ações de recuperação da saúde. Algumas vezes, os próprios fisioterapeutas almejam a importação do modelo de atuação tecnicista e curativista para a APS. Identifica-se, pois, um desalinhamento entre gestão dos serviços, formação em saúde e atuação profissional no que tange à implementação do modelo de atenção preconizado para os NASF.
Perfil epidemiológico das mães e crianças constantes nas declarações de nascidos vivos e nas declarações de óbito
Authors: Sanders Lídia Samara de Castro , Pinto Francisco José Maia , Sampaio Rafaella , Viana Radmila Alves Alencar , Lima Katherine Jeronimo , Maia Ana Maria Peixoto Cabral
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico das mães e das crianças constantes nas declarações de nascidos vivos e nas declarações de óbito. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo caso-controle. A amostra foi constituída por 147 casos e 441 controles. Os dados foram coletados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM) da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Fortaleza-CE. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, escolaridade, estado civil materna, tipo de gestação, número de consultas de pré-natal, idade gestacional, tipo de parto, sexo da criança, índice de Apgar no 1º e no 5° minuto e peso ao nascer. Na análise descritiva, utilizaram-se valores absolutos e relativos, média e desvio padrão. Na análise inferencial utilizou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado, ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Das variáveis estudadas aquelas que apresentaram associação significativa com o desfecho foram: escolaridade (p <0,001), tipo de gestação (p <0,001), número de consultas de pré-natal (p=0,025), idade gestacional (<0,001), tipo de parto (<0,001) e peso ao nascer (p <0,001). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que diferente do perfil epidemiológico dos controles, os casos são caraterizados por serem de mães jovens, vivendo sem companheiro, pouco grau de instrução, com gravidez gemelar, idade gestacional menor que 36 semanas, parto vaginal e baixo peso ao nascer do recém-nascido.
Vulnerabilidade de mulheres às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e câncer de colo uterino em uma unidade prisional
Authors: Oliveira Jorge Luis Tavares de , Pacheco Zuleyce Maria Lessa , Senna Cristina Arreguy
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: Compreender estado de vulnerabilidade de mulheres em condição de reclusão de uma instituição prisional acerca das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e câncer de colo de útero. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa exploratória e descritiva alicerçada no referencial conceitual de vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática realizada com 28 mulheres em reclusão. Dados coletados de forma cursiva por questionário e tratados por análise de conteúdo temática. Resultado: Emergiram duas categorias. 1. Percepções e compreensão das reclusas sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e medidas adotadas para preveni-las; 2. Práticas educativas e concepções sobre prevenção das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e câncer de colo de útero. Conclusão: Há fragilidade no sistema prisional em relação à efetividade de ações educativas, preventivas e assistenciais em relação à saúde reprodutiva e sexual das mulheres em reclusão. A equipe multiprofissional juntamente com o enfermeiro necessita efetivar ações preventivas e educativas nas prisões para evitar o adoecimento dessa população vulnerável.