bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 36-Class Bimodal ERP Brain-Computer Interface Using Location-Congruent Auditory-Tactile Stimuli
Authors: Zhang Boyang , Zhou Zongtan , Jiang Jing
Published: August 2020

To date, traditional visual-based event-related potential brain-computer interface (ERP-BCI) systems continue to dominate the mainstream BCI research. However, these conventional BCIs are unsuitable for the individuals who have partly or completely lost their vision. Considering the poor performance of gaze independent ERP-BCIs, it is necessary to study techniques to improve the performance of these BCI systems. In this paper, we developed a novel 36-class bimodal ERP-BCI system based on tactile and auditory stimuli, in which six-virtual-direction audio files produced via head related transfer functions (HRTF) were delivered through headphones and location-congruent electro-tactile stimuli were simultaneously delivered to the corresponding position using electrodes placed on the abdomen and waist. We selected the eight best channels, trained a Bayesian linear discriminant analysis (BLDA) classifier and acquired the optimal trial number for target selection in online process. The average online information transfer rate (ITR) of the bimodal ERP-BCI reached 11.66 bit/min, improvements of 35.11% and 36.69% compared to the auditory (8.63 bit/min) and tactile approaches (8.53 bit/min), respectively. The results demonstrate the performance of the bimodal system is superior to each unimodal system. These facts indicate that the proposed bimodal system has potential utility as a gaze-independent BCI in future real-world applications.
Risk Calculators in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Ribeiro Joana , Pereira Daniela , Salagre Estela , Coroa Manuel , Santos Oliveira Pedro , Santos Vítor , Madeira Nuno , Grande Iria , Vieta Eduard
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Early recognition of bipolar disorder improves the prognosis and decreases the burden of the disease. However, there is a significant delay in diagnosis. Multiple risk factors for bipolar disorder have been identified and a population at high-risk for the disorder has been more precisely defined. These advances have allowed the development of risk calculators to predict individual risk of conversion to bipolar disorder. This review aims to identify the risk calculators for bipolar disorder and assess their clinical applicability. Methods: A systematic review of original studies on the development of risk calculators in bipolar disorder was performed. The studies’ quality was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies and according to recommendations of the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis Initiative. Results: Three studies met the inclusion criteria; one developed a risk calculator of conversion from major depressive episode to bipolar disorder; one of conversion to new-onset bipolar spectrum disorders in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder; and the last one of conversion in youths with bipolar disorder not-otherwise-specified. Conclusions: The calculators reviewed in this article present good discrimination power for bipolar disorder, although future replication and validation of the models is needed.
Next Generation Sequencing in MPNs. Lessons from the Past and Prospects for Use as Predictors of Prognosis and Treatment Responses
Authors: Skov Vibe
Published: August 2020

The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are acquired hematological stem cell neoplasms characterized by driver mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL. Additive mutations may appear in predominantly epigenetic regulator, RNA splicing and signaling pathway genes. These molecular mutations are a hallmark of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic assessment in patients with MPNs. Over the past decade, next generation sequencing (NGS) has identified multiple somatic mutations in MPNs and has contributed substantially to our understanding of the disease pathogenesis highlighting the role of clonal evolution in disease progression. In addition, disease prognostication has expanded from encompassing only clinical decision making to include genomics in prognostic scoring systems. Taking into account the decreasing costs and increasing speed and availability of high throughput technologies, the integration of NGS into a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic pipeline is within reach. In this review, these aspects will be discussed highlighting their role regarding disease outcome and treatment modalities in patients with MPNs.
Key MicroRNA’s and Their Targetome in Adrenocortical Cancer
Authors: Chehade Marthe , Bullock Martyn , Glover Anthony , Hutvagner Gyorgy , Sidhu Stan
Published: August 2020

Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and limited response to available systemic therapies. Although complete surgical resection gives the best chance for long-term survival, ACC has a two-year recurrence rate of 50%, which poses a therapeutic challenge. High throughput analyses focused on characterizing the molecular signature of ACC have revealed specific micro-RNAs (miRNAs) that are associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation or degrading mRNA transcripts and have been generally implicated in carcinogenesis. This review summarizes the current insights into dysregulated miRNAs in ACC tumorigenesis, their known functions, and specific targetomes. In addition, we explore the possibility of particular miRNAs to be exploited as clinical biomarkers in ACC and as potential therapeutics.
Enzyme-Coated Micro-Crystals: An Almost Forgotten but Very Simple and Elegant Immobilization Strategy
Authors: Monteiro Rodolpho R. C. , dos Santos José C. S. , Alcántara Andrés R. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: August 2020

The immobilization of enzymes using protein coated micro-crystals (PCMCs) was reported for the first time in 2001 by Kreiner and coworkers. The strategy is very simple. First, an enzyme solution must be prepared in a concentrated solution of one compound (salt, sugar, amino acid) very soluble in water and poorly soluble in a water-soluble solvent. Then, the enzyme solution is added dropwise to the water soluble solvent under rapid stirring. The components accompanying the enzyme are called the crystal growing agents, the solvent being the dehydrating agent. This strategy permits the rapid dehydration of the enzyme solution drops, resulting in a crystallization of the crystal formation agent, and the enzyme is deposited on this crystal surface. The reaction medium where these biocatalysts can be used is marked by the solubility of the PCMC components, and usually these biocatalysts may be employed in water soluble organic solvents with a maximum of 20% water. The evolution of these PCMC was to chemically crosslink them and further improve their stabilities. Moreover, the PCMC strategy has been used to coimmobilize enzymes or enzymes and cofactors. The immobilization may permit the use of buffers as crystal growth agents, enabling control of the reaction pH in the enzyme environments. Usually, the PCMC biocatalysts are very stable and more active than other biocatalysts of the same enzyme. However, this simple (at least at laboratory scale) immobilization strategy is underutilized even when the publications using it systematically presented a better performance of them in organic solvents than that of many other immobilized biocatalysts. In fact, many possibilities and studies using this technique are lacking. This review tried to outline the possibilities of this useful immobilization strategy.
Brain-Specific Serine-47 Modification of Cytochrome c Regulates Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity Attenuating ROS Production and Cell Death: Implications for Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Akt Signaling
Authors: Kalpage Hasini A. , Wan Junmei , Morse Paul T. , Lee Icksoo , Hüttemann Maik
Published: August 2020

We previously reported that serine-47 (S47) phosphorylation of cytochrome c (Cytc) in the brain results in lower cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and caspase-3 activity in vitro. We here analyze the effect of S47 modification in fibroblast cell lines stably expressing S47E phosphomimetic Cytc, unphosphorylated WT, or S47A Cytc. Our results show that S47E Cytc results in partial inhibition of mitochondrial respiration corresponding with lower mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. When exposed to an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model simulating ischemia/reperfusion injury, the Cytc S47E phosphomimetic cell line showed minimal ROS generation compared to the unphosphorylated WT Cytc cell line that generated high levels of ROS upon reoxygenation. Consequently, the S47E Cytc cell line also resulted in significantly lower cell death upon exposure to OGD/R, confirming the cytoprotective role of S47 phosphorylation of Cytc. S47E Cytc also resulted in lower cell death upon H2O2 treatment. Finally, we propose that pro-survival kinase Akt (protein kinase B) is a likely mediator of the S47 phosphorylation of Cytc in the brain. Akt inhibitor wortmannin abolished S47 phosphorylation of Cytc, while the Akt activator SC79 maintained S47 phosphorylation of Cytc. Overall, our results suggest that loss of S47 phosphorylation of Cytc during brain ischemia drives reperfusion injury through maximal electron transport chain flux, ΔΨm hyperpolarization, and ROS-triggered cell death.
Evaporated MoOx as General Back-Side Hole Collector for Solar Cells
Authors: Bobeico Eugenia , Mercaldo Lucia V. , Morvillo Pasquale , Usatii Iurie , Della Noce Marco , Lancellotti Laura , Sasso Carmen , Ricciardi Rosa , Delli Veneri Paola
Published: August 2020

Substoichiometric molybdenum oxide (MoOx) has good potential as a hole-collecting layer in solar cells. In this paper, we report on the application of ultrathin evaporated MoOx as a hole collector at the back side of two distinct photovoltaic technologies: polymeric and silicon heterojunction (SHJ). In the case of polymer solar cells, we test MoOx as a hole transport layer in devices with inverted architecture. The higher transparency of the MoOx film, compared to the commonly used poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), allows an enhanced back reflected light into the photoactive layer, thus boosting the photogeneration, as found from the illuminated J-V and external quantum efficiency (EQE) curves. The higher fill factor (FF) of the MoOx-based device also suggests an improved charge collection efficiency compared to the cells with PEDOT:PSS. As for SHJ solar cells, we show that MoOx offers the means for dopant-free hole collection with both p-type and n-type Si wafers. In the present comparison over planar test structures with Ag back reflecting electrodes, we observe an efficiency gain of approximately 1% absolute against a baseline with a conventional p-type amorphous silicon hole collector. The gain is linked to the increased VOC, which is likely due to the reduced recombination at the Si wafer.
Nonlinear Characteristics of Complementary Resistive Switching in HfAlOx-Based Memristor for High-Density Cross-Point Array Structure
Authors: Choi Junhyeok , Kim Sungjun
Published: August 2020

In this work, we present the nonlinear current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of a complementary resistive switching (CRS)-like curve from a HfAlOx-based memristor, used to implement a high-density cross-point array. A Pt/HfAlOx/TiN device has lower on-current and larger selectivity compared to Pt/HfO2/TiN or Pt/Al2O3/TiN devices. It has been shown that the on-current and first reset peak current after the forming process are crucial in obtaining a CRS-like curve. We demonstrate transient CRS-like characteristics with high nonlinearity under pulse response for practical applications. Finally, after finding the optimal conditions for high selectivity, the calculated read margin proves that a Pt/HfAlOx/TiN device with a CRS-like curve is most suitable for use in a high-density cross-point array. Our results suggest that the built-in selector properties in a Pt/HfAlOx/TiN single layer device offer considerable potential in terms of the simplicity of the processes involved in the cross-point structure.
Spiral Thermal Waves Generated by Self-Propelled Camphor Boats
Authors: Vilk Alla , Legchenkova Irina , Frenkel Mark , Bormashenko Edward
Published: August 2020

Spiral thermal surface waves arising from self-propulsion of the camphor-driven objects are reported. Spiral thermal waves were registered for dissolution and evaporation-guided self-propulsion. Soluto-capillarity is accompanied by thermo-capillarity under self-propulsion of camphor boats. The jump in the surface tension due to the soluto-capillarity is much larger than that due to the thermo-capillarity. The spiral patterns inherent for the surface thermal waves are imposed by the self-rotational motion of camphor grains. The observed thermal effect is related to the adsorption of camphor molecules at the water/vapor interface. The observed spirals are shaped as Archimedean ones.
Laser-Assisted Depigmentation—An Introspection of the Science, Techniques, and Perceptions
Authors: Muruppel Alex Mathews , Pai B.S. Jagadish , Bhat Subraya , Parker Steven , Lynch Edward
Published: August 2020

Background: Gingival hyperpigmentation is a major concern for a significant number of patients, as a relevant aesthetic or cosmetic need. Oral melanin pigmentation is considered to be multifactorial and could be related to physiological or even pathological reasons and can be the consequence of a variety of local or systemic factors. This pigmentation varies individually across races or age groups and is without any gender predilection. Evidence gleaned from literature is presented from case–control studies and from the authors’ own research work in prospective, split-mouth, double-blinded, clinical trials comparing treatment modalities in effecting depigmentation. Methods: A systematic review of published articles, using suitable assay criteria, was carried out to formulate a consensus on laser-assisted modalities. A total of 295 published sources were subject to critical analysis and resulted in six papers that were subject to data scrutiny. Additionally, evidence is presented on clinical protocols and treatment outcomes. Results: Analysis of randomized clinical studies identified the use of two laser wavelength groups—near infrared diode and erbium group of mid-infrared lasers. Several areas of analysis were examined, and inconsistent degrees of significance were obtained to establish which laser group was optimal and if they were any better than scalpel depigmentation. Conclusion: A definitive conclusion is wanting as studies with scientific and standardized protocols of evaluation are yet to provide a take on comparative assessments between different techniques of depigmentation.
The Feasibility of Attention Training for Reducing Mind-Wandering and Digital Multitasking in High Schools
Authors: Mrazek Alissa J. , Mrazek Michael D. , Carr Peter C. , Delegard Alex M. , Ding Margaret G. , Garcia Daniel I. , Greenstein Jenna E. , Kirk Arianna C. , Kodama Erika E. , Krauss Miel J. , Landry Alex P. , Stokes Crystal A. , Wickens Kyla D. , Wong Kyle , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: August 2020

During academic activities, adolescents must manage both the internal distraction of mind-wandering and the external distraction of digital media. Attention training has emerged as a promising strategy for minimizing these distractions, but scalable interventions that can deliver effective attention training in high schools are still needed. The present investigation used a one-group pre-post design to examine the feasibility and outcomes of a digital attention training course at a public high school. The intervention was delivered with reasonably strong fidelity of implementation, with students completing 92% of the lessons and 79% of the daily exercises. At baseline, students reported mind-wandering more frequently during class than they multitasked, and mind-wandering was more negatively correlated with classroom focus. From pre-test to post-test (n = 229), students reported improved emotional regulation and reduced mind-wandering during daily life. Among the 76% of students who felt they paid attention in class less than they should, classroom focus improved significantly. During class, these students reported significantly less mind-wandering but slightly greater digital multitasking. During homework, they reported significantly less digital multitasking but only marginally reduced mind-wandering. Collectively, these results suggest that online interventions could be a scalable way of providing attention training in high schools, but that future work must consider the role of both mind-wandering and digital multitasking.
Coplanar Stripline-Fed Wideband Yagi Dipole Antenna with Filtering-Radiating Performance
Authors: Chen Yong , Lu Gege , Wang Shiyan , Wang Jianpeng
Published: August 2020

In this article, a wideband filtering-radiating Yagi dipole antenna with the coplanar stripline (CPS) excitation form is investigated, designed, and fabricated. By introducing an open-circuited half-wavelength resonator between the CPS structure and dipole, the gain selectivity has been improved and the operating bandwidth is simultaneously enhanced. Then, the intrinsic filtering-radiating performance of Yagi antenna is studied. By implementing a reflector on initial structure, it is observed that two radiation nulls appear at both lower and upper gain passband edges, respectively. Moreover, in order to improve the selectivity in the upper stopband, a pair of U-shaped resonators are employed and coupled to CPS directly. As such, the antenna design is finally completed with expected characteristics. To verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme, a filtering Yagi antenna prototype with a wide bandwidth covering from 3.64 GHz to 4.38 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. Both simulated and measured results are found to be in good agreement, thus demonstrating that the presented antenna has the performances of high frequency selectivity and stable in-band gain.
Designing High-Voltage and Large-Capacity Battery Packs for Fuel-Cell Hybrid Railroad Propulsion System
Authors: Cho In-Ho , Lee Byoung-Hee , Park Seong-Yun , Ryu Joon-Hyoung , Kim Jong-Hoon
Published: August 2020

Due to the problem of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions, internal combustion engines in a lot of transportation systems are being electrified. For the railroad propulsion system, it is essential to apply a high-voltage/large-capacity energy source in order to ensure that the system operates properly. Thus, fuel-cell and rechargeable battery systems are being considered nowadays. The battery system can receive and store all regenerative energy to improve energy efficiency. In addition, since the battery pack of a propulsion system utilizing a hydrogen fuel-cell requires continuous charging/discharging, regardless of the railroad vehicle’s driving profile, the battery pack is designed to ensure its stable use and to minimize maintenance costs. Consideration should be given to the characteristics of railroad vehicles. In this research, a hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid railroad vehicle propulsion system specification, which has been studied recently, was applied to study the considerations in the design of high-voltage/large-capacity battery packs for railroad vehicles. In particular, the passive and active cell-balancing circuit and an algorithm for the stable management of battery packs for hybrid railroad vehicles in which a continuous charging/discharging operation is repeated are proposed and verified through experiments.
Prediction of Received Optical Power for Switching Hybrid FSO/RF System
Authors: Haluška Renát , Šuľaj Peter , Ovseník Ľuboš , Marchevský Stanislav , Papaj Ján , Doboš Ľubomír
Published: August 2020

This study deals with the problem of fiber-free optical communication systems—known as free space optics—using received signal strength identifier (RSSI) prediction analysis for hard switching of optical fiber-free link to base radio-frequency (RF) link and back. Adverse influences affecting the atmospheric transmission channel significantly impair optical communications, therefore attention was paid to the practical design, as well as to the implementation of the monitoring device that is used to record and process weather information along a transmission path. The article contains an analysis and methodology of the solution of the high availability of the optical link. Attention was paid to the technique of hard free space optics (FSO)/RF-switching with regard to the amount of received optical power detected and its relation to the quantities influencing the optical communication line. For this purpose, selected methods of machine learning were used, which serve to predict the received optical power. The process of analysis of prediction of received optical power is realized by regression models. The study presents the design of the optimal data input matrix model, which forms the basis for the training of the prediction models for estimating the received optical power.
Full Range Capacitor Voltage Balance PWM Strategy for Diode-Clamped Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Wang Jinping , Wang Juncan , Xiao Benxian , Gui Zaiyi , Jiang Weidong
Published: August 2020

This paper briefly reviews virtual space vector pulse width modulation (VSVPWM) for the diode-clamped multilevel inverter (DCMLI). Based on the universal modulation model of the DCMLI with N-level, a modulation strategy named as full range capacitor voltage balance PWM (FRCVBPWM) is proposed, which has similar capacitor voltage balance characteristics as VSVPWM. The characteristic of FRCVBPWM is that there are respectively zero, N − 1 and N − 2 switching actions for the three phases of the DCMLI. Therefore, the total switching actions are greatly decreased compared with VSVPWM. The switching loss comparison between FRCVBPWM and VSVPWM is conducted by comprehensive simulations. Finally, the feasibility and superiority of FRCVBPWM over VSVPWM is verified by experiments.
Efficient Isolation of an MIMO Antenna Using Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Xing Haoran , Wang Xinyan , Gao Zhenbin , An Xing , Zheng Hong-xing , Wang Mengjun , Li Erping
Published: August 2020

To implement efficient isolation between units of a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna, a defected ground structure (DGS) has been investigated. An antenna with two elements operating at 5.8 GHz and fed by coaxial is considered. To reduce mutual coupling between the elements, a zigzag groove is inserted into the center of two elements formed as a DGS. To verify this design, a scattering matrix was tested, such as reflection coefficient S11 and transmission coefficient S21 between two element ports. Meanwhile, radiation pattern, current distribution, envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), and diversity gain of the antenna were simulated and measured. The results showed that the mutual coupling was reduced by 28.8 dB when a DGS was used, and the ECC was less than 0.02. Owing to these good performances, each antenna element can operate almost independently, and this MIMO antenna can be efficiently applied to the narrow band Internet of Things system.
Computational Intelligence-Based Optimization Methods for Power Quality and Dynamic Response Enhancement of ac Microgrids
Authors: Jumani Touqeer Ahmed , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Hamadneh Nawaf N. , Atawneh Samer H. , Rasid Madihah Md. , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain , Bhayo Muhammad Akram , Khan Ilyas
Published: August 2020

The penetration of distributed generators (DGs) in the existing power system has brought some real challenges regarding the power quality and dynamic response of the power systems. To overcome the above-mentioned issues, the researchers around the world have tried and tested different control methods among which the computational intelligence (CI) based methods have been found as most effective in mitigating the power quality and transient response problems intuitively. The significance of the mentioned optimization approaches in contemporary ac Microgrid (MG) controls can be observed from the increasing number of published articles and book chapters in the recent past. However, literature related to this important subject is scattered with no comprehensive review that provides detailed insight information on this substantial development. As such, this research work provides a detailed overview of four of the most extensively used CI-based optimization techniques, namely, artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic (FL), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA) as applied in ac MG controls from 42 research articles along with their basic working mechanism, merits, and limitations. Due to space and scope constraints, this study excludes the applications of swarm intelligence-based optimization methods in the studied field of research. Each of the mentioned CI algorithms is explored for three major MG control applications i.e., reactive power compensation and power quality, MPPT and MG’s voltage, frequency, and power regulation. In addition, this work provides a classification of the mentioned CI-based optimization studies based on various categories such as key study objective, optimization method applied, DGs utilized, studied MG operating mode, and considered operating conditions in order to ease the searchability and selectivity of the articles for the readers. Hence, it is envisaged that this comprehensive review will provide a valuable one-stop source of knowledge to the researchers working in the field of CI-based ac MG control architectures.
A Two-Way Neutronics/Thermal-Hydraulics Coupling Analysis Method for Fusion Blankets and Its Application to CFETR
Authors: Dai Tao , Cao Liangzhi , He Qingming , Wu Hongchun , Shen Wei
Published: August 2020

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is a tokamak device to validate and demonstrate fusion engineering technology. In CFETR, the breeding blanket is a vital important component that is closely related to the performance and safety of the fusion reactor. Neutronics/thermal-hydraulics (N/TH) coupling effect is significant in the numerical analysis of the fission reactor. However, in the numerical analysis of the fusion reactor, the existing coupling code system mostly adopts the one-way coupling method. The ignorance of the two-way N/TH coupling effect would lead to inaccurate results. In this paper, the MCNP/FLUENT code system is developed based on the 3D-1D-2D hybrid coupling method. The one-way and two-way N/TH coupling calculations for two typical blanket concepts, the helium-cooled solid breeder (HCSB) blanket and the water-cooled ceramic breeder (WCCB) blanket, are carried out to study the two-way N/TH coupling effect in CFETR. The numerical results show that, compared with the results from the one-way N/TH coupling calculation, the tritium breeding ration (TBR) calculated with the two-way N/TH calculation decreases by −0.11% and increases by 4.45% for the HCSB and WCCB blankets, respectively. The maximum temperature increases by 1 °C and 29 °C for the HCSB and WCCB blankets, respectively.
Participation of an EV Aggregator in the Reserve Market through Chance-Constrained Optimization
Authors: Faria António Sérgio , Soares Tiago , Sousa Tiago , Matos Manuel A.
Published: August 2020

The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) will revolutionize the storage capacity in the power system and, therefore, will contribute to mitigate the uncertainty of renewable generation. In addition, EVs have fast response capabilities and are suitable for frequency regulation, which is essential for the proliferation of intermittent renewable sources. To this end, EV aggregators will arise as a market representative party on behalf of EVs. Thus, this player will be responsible for supplying the power needed to charge EVs, as well as offering their flexibility to support the system. The main goal of EV aggregators is to manage the potential participation of EVs in the reserve market, accounting for their charging and travel needs. This work follows this trend by conceiving a chance-constrained model able to optimize EVs participation in the reserve market, taking into account the uncertain behavior of EVs and their charging needs. The proposed model, includes penalties in the event of a failure in the provision of upward or downward reserve. Therefore, stochastic and chance-constrained programming are used to handle the uncertainty of a small fleet of EVs and the risk profile of the EV aggregator. Two different relaxation approaches, i.e., Big-M and McCormick, of the chance-constrained model are tested and validated for different number of scenarios and risk levels, based on an actual test case in Denmark with actual driving patterns. As a final remark, the McCormick relaxation presents better performance when the uncertainty budget increases, which is appropriated for large-scale problems.
Design and Implementation of an Energy-Management System for a Grid-Connected Residential DC Microgrid
Authors: Padilla-Medina Alfredo , Perez-Pinal Francisco , Jimenez-Garibay Alonso , Vazquez-Lopez Antonio , Martinez-Nolasco Juan
Published: August 2020

The design and implementation of an energy-management system (EMS) applied to a residential direct current microgrid (DC-µG) is presented in this work. The proposed residential DC-µG is designed to provide a maximum power of one kilowatt by using two photovoltaic arrays (PAs) of 500 W, a battery bank (BB) of 120 V–115 Ah, a supercapacitor module of 0.230 F and a bidirectional DC–AC converter linked to the AC main grid (MG). The EMS works as a centralized manager and it defines the working operation mode for each section of the DC-µG. The operation modes are based on: (1) the DC-link bus voltage, (2) the generated or demanded power to each section of the DC-µG and (3) the BB’s state of charge. The proposed EMS—during the several working operation modes and at the same time—can obtain the maximum energy from the PAs, reduce the energy consumption from the main grid and keep the DC-link bus voltage inside a range of 190 V ± 5%. The EMS and local controllers are implemented by using LabVIEW and NI myRIO-1900 platforms. Moreover, experimental results during connection and disconnection of each DC-µG sections and different on-the-fly transitions are reported, these results focus on the behavior of the DC bus, which shows the DC bus robustness and stability. The robustness of the DC-µG is demonstrated by maintaining a balance of energy between the sources and loads connected to the DC bus under different scenarios.
Mutation Mechanism of Leaf Color in Plants: A Review
Authors: Zhao Ming-Hui , Li Xiang , Zhang Xin-Xin , Zhang Heng , Zhao Xi-Yang
Published: August 2020

Color mutation is a common, easily identifiable phenomenon in higher plants. Color mutations usually affect the photosynthetic efficiency of plants, resulting in poor growth and economic losses. Therefore, leaf color mutants have been unwittingly eliminated in recent years. Recently, however, with the development of society, the application of leaf color mutants has become increasingly widespread. Leaf color mutants are ideal materials for studying pigment metabolism, chloroplast development and differentiation, photosynthesis and other pathways that could also provide important information for improving varietal selection. In this review, we summarize the research on leaf color mutants, such as the functions and mechanisms of leaf color mutant-related genes, which affect chlorophyll synthesis, chlorophyll degradation, chloroplast development and anthocyanin metabolism. We also summarize two common methods for mapping and cloning related leaf color mutation genes using Map-based cloning and RNA-seq, and we discuss the existing problems and propose future research directions for leaf color mutants, which provide a reference for the study and application of leaf color mutants in the future.
Filtration Scheduling: Quality Changes in Freshly Produced Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Guerrini Lorenzo , Breschi Carlotta , Zanoni Bruno , Calamai Luca , Angeloni Giulia , Masella Piernicola , Parenti Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Filtration is the most widespread stabilisation operation for extra virgin olive oil, preventing microbial and enzymatic changes. However, during the harvest, the workload of olive mills is at its peak. This results in two approaches to filtration: (i) delays it until after harvesting, increasing the risk of degraded oil quality, and (ii) filters it immediately, increasing the workload. The aim of our experiment is to assess the risk of delaying filtration and establish a safe delay time. Changes in the sensory profile and volatile compound contents were evaluated during 30 days in filtered and unfiltered samples. Significant differences were related to filtration: both turbidity grade and microbial contamination; no differences for the legal parameters were found. Two, contrasting, results were obtained with respect to oil quality: (i) the fusty defect, appearing in less than five days in unfiltered oils, leading to the downgrade of the oil’s commercial category, and (ii) filtration removing some lipoxygenase volatile compounds. Consequently, a fruity attribute was more pronounced in unfiltered samples until day five of storage; it seems that, from this point, the fusty defect masked a fruity attribute. Hence, filtering within a few days strongly reduced the risk of degraded oil quality compared to a delayed filtration.
Fraud in Animal Origin Food Products: Advances in Emerging Spectroscopic Detection Methods over the Past Five Years
Authors: Hassoun Abdo , Måge Ingrid , Schmidt Walter F. , Temiz Havva Tümay , Li Li , Kim Hae-Yeong , Nilsen Heidi , Biancolillo Alessandra , Aït-Kaddour Abderrahmane , Sikorski Marek , Sikorska Ewa , Grassi Silvia , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: August 2020

Animal origin food products, including fish and seafood, meat and poultry, milk and dairy foods, and other related products play significant roles in human nutrition. However, fraud in this food sector frequently occurs, leading to negative economic impacts on consumers and potential risks to public health and the environment. Therefore, the development of analytical techniques that can rapidly detect fraud and verify the authenticity of such products is of paramount importance. Traditionally, a wide variety of targeted approaches, such as chemical, chromatographic, molecular, and protein-based techniques, among others, have been frequently used to identify animal species, production methods, provenance, and processing of food products. Although these conventional methods are accurate and reliable, they are destructive, time-consuming, and can only be employed at the laboratory scale. On the contrary, alternative methods based mainly on spectroscopy have emerged in recent years as invaluable tools to overcome most of the limitations associated with traditional measurements. The number of scientific studies reporting on various authenticity issues investigated by vibrational spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and fluorescence spectroscopy has increased substantially over the past few years, indicating the tremendous potential of these techniques in the fight against food fraud. It is the aim of the present manuscript to review the state-of-the-art research advances since 2015 regarding the use of analytical methods applied to detect fraud in food products of animal origin, with particular attention paid to spectroscopic measurements coupled with chemometric analysis. The opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of spectroscopic techniques and possible future directions will also be discussed.
The Effects of China’s Targeted Poverty Alleviation Policy on the Health and Health Equity of Rural Poor Residents: Evidence from Shaanxi Province
Authors: Dai Xiuliang , Wang Lijian , Ren Yangling
Published: August 2020

Objective: China’s targeted poverty alleviation policy has a profound impact on the country’s rural economic and social development now. This study aimed to learn about the health status and health equity of rural poor residents under the implementation of the policy. It further explores the factors affecting the health status and health equity of rural poor residents in order to contribute to the improvement of the policy. Methods: The data of 1233 rural poor residents were collected from a questionnaire survey from 12 prefecture-level cities and areas of Shaanxi province in 2017, and the self-reported health was used to reflect the health status. A concentration index was applied to measure the inequity of the health status of rural poor residents. The decomposition method was employed to explore the source of health inequity. Results: The results showed that 44.56% of rural poor residents in Shaanxi province had a poor or very poor health status, which was affected by their economic level, gender, age, degree of education, and marital status. Additionally, participation in agricultural industry development, relocation, health poverty alleviation, and basic living standards were significantly correlated with health status. The concentration index of the health status of rural poor residents was 0.0327. The primary contributors to the health inequity in different regions varied, but the economic level and the degree of education were the most significant factors, and the targeted poverty alleviation policy had a significant impact on health equity. Conclusions: The results indicated that the health status of rural poor residents in Shaanxi province was generally poor, there was a pro-rich inequity in the health status, and the degree of education and economic level were the primary factors affecting the health status and health equity. The targeted poverty alleviation policy greatly impacted the health status and health equity of rural poor residents, and the difference in health status would lead to the inequity of benefits of the targeted poverty alleviation policy. In the future, the policy should focus on ensuring the sustainable development ability of rural residents with poor health status.
GENE2D: A NoSQL Integrated Data Repository of Genetic Disorders Data
Authors: Samra Halima , Li Alice , Soh Ben
Published: August 2020

There are few sources from which to obtain clinical and genetic data for use in research in Saudi Arabia. Numerous obstacles led to the difficulty of integrating these data from silos and scattered sources to provide standardized access to large data sets for patients with common health conditions. To this end, we sought to contribute to this area and offer a practical and easy-to-implement solution. In this paper, we aim to design and implement a “not only SQL” (NoSQL) based integration framework to generate an Integrated Data Repository of Genetic Disorders Data (GENE2D) to integrate data from various genetic clinics and research centers in Saudi Arabia and provide an easy-to-use query interface for researchers to conduct their studies on large datasets. The major components involved in the GENE2D architecture consists of the data sources, the integrated data repository (IDR) as a central database, and the application interface. The IDR uses a NoSQL document store via MongoDB (an open source document-oriented database program) as a backend database. The application interface called Query Builder provides multiple services for data retrieval from the database using a custom query to answer simple or complex research questions. The GENE2D system demonstrates its potential to help grow and develop a national genetic disorders database in Saudi Arabia.
Forecasting Credit Ratings of EU Banks
Authors: Plakandaras Vasilios , Gogas Periklis , Papadimitriou Theophilos , Doumpa Efterpi , Stefanidou Maria
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to forecast credit ratings of E.U. banking institutions, as dictated by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs). To do so, we developed alternative forecasting models that determine the non-disclosed criteria used in rating. We compiled a sample of 112 E.U. banking institutions, including their Fitch assigned ratings for 2017 and the publicly available information from their corresponding financial statements spanning the period 2013 to 2016, that lead to the corresponding ratings. Our assessment is based on identifying the financial variables that are relevant to forecasting the ratings and the rating methodology used. In the empirical section, we employed a vigorous variable selection scheme prior to training both Probit and Support Vector Machines (SVM) models, given that the latter originates from the area of machine learning and is gaining popularity among economists and CRAs. Our results show that the most accurate, in terms of in-sample forecasting, is an SVM model coupled with the nonlinear RBF kernel that identifies correctly 91.07% of the banks’ ratings, using only 8 explanatory variables. Our findings suggest that a forecasting model based solely on publicly available financial information can adhere closely to the official ratings produced by Fitch. This provides evidence that the actual assessment procedures of the Credit Rating Agencies can be fairly accurately proxied by forecasting models based on freely available data and information on undisclosed information is of lower importance.
Fourier-Based Automatic Transformation between Mapping Shapes—Cadastral and Land Registry Applications
Authors: Reinoso-Gordo Juan Francisco , Romero-Zaliz Rocío , León-Robles Carlos , Mataix-SanJuan Jesús , Antonio Nero Marcelo
Published: August 2020

Sometimes it is necessary to know the transformation to apply to a mapping shape in order to locate its true place. Such an operation can be computed if a corresponding reference object exists and we can identify corresponding points in both shapes. Nevertheless our approach does not need to match any corresponding point beforehand. The method proposed defines a polygon in the frequency domain—two periodic functions are derived from a polygonal or polygon. According to the theory of elliptic Fourier descriptors those two periodic functions can be expressed by Fourier expansions. The transformation can be computed using the coefficients of the harmonics from the corresponding shapes without taking into account where each polygon vertex is placed in the spatial domain. The transformation parameters will be derived by a least squares approach. The geomatics and geosciences applications of this method go from photogrammetry, geographic information system, computer vision, to cadaster and real estates.
Molecular and Cellular Complexity of Glioma. Focus on Tumour Microenvironment and the Use of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers to Overcome Treatment Resistance
Authors: Valtorta Silvia , Salvatore Daniela , Rainone Paolo , Belloli Sara , Bertoli Gloria , Moresco Rosa Maria
Published: August 2020

This review highlights the importance and the complexity of tumour biology and microenvironment in the progression and therapy resistance of glioma. Specific gene mutations, the possible functions of several non-coding microRNAs and the intra-tumour and inter-tumour heterogeneity of cell types contribute to limit the efficacy of the actual therapeutic options. In this scenario, identification of molecular biomarkers of response and the use of multimodal in vivo imaging and in particular the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) based molecular approach, can help identifying glioma features and the modifications occurring during therapy at a regional level. Indeed, a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the development of diagnostic procedures can favor the identification of a cluster of patients for personalized medicine in order to improve the survival and their quality of life.
The Chloroplast RNA Binding Protein CP31A Has a Preference for mRNAs Encoding the Subunits of the Chloroplast NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Complex and Is Required for Their Accumulation
Authors: Lenzen Benjamin , Rühle Thilo , Lehniger Marie-Kristin , Okuzaki Ayako , Labs Mathias , Muino Jose M. , Ohler Uwe , Leister Dario , Schmitz-Linneweber Christian
Published: August 2020

Chloroplast RNA processing requires a large number of nuclear-encoded RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that are imported post-translationally into the organelle. Most of these RBPs are highly specific for one or few target RNAs. By contrast, members of the chloroplast ribonucleoprotein family (cpRNPs) have a wider RNA target range. We here present a quantitative analysis of RNA targets of the cpRNP CP31A using digestion-optimized RNA co-immunoprecipitation with deep sequencing (DO-RIP-seq). This identifies the mRNAs coding for subunits of the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complex as main targets for CP31A. We demonstrate using whole-genome gene expression analysis and targeted RNA gel blot hybridization that the ndh mRNAs are all down-regulated in cp31a mutants. This diminishes the activity of the NDH complex. Our findings demonstrate how a chloroplast RNA binding protein can combine functionally related RNAs into one post-transcriptional operon.
Volatile Organic Compounds from Entomopathogenic and Nematophagous Fungi, Repel Banana Black Weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus)
Authors: Lozano-Soria Ana , Picciotti Ugo , Lopez-Moya Federico , Lopez-Cepero Javier , Porcelli Francesco , Lopez-Llorca Luis
Published: August 2020

Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) repel banana black weevil (BW), Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar, 1824), the key-pest of banana [Musa sp. (Linnaeus, 1753)]. The entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana (Bb1TS11) and Metarhizium robertsii (Mr4TS04) were isolated from banana plantation soils using an insect bait. Bb1TS11 and Mr4TS04 were pathogenic to BW adults. Bb1TS11, Bb203 (from infected palm weevils), Mr4TS04 and the nematophagous fungus Pochonia clamydosporia (Pc123), were tested for VOCs production. VOCs were identified by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry–Solid-Phase Micro Extraction (GC/MS-SPME). GC/MS-SPME identified a total of 97 VOCs in all strains tested. Seven VOCs (styrene, benzothiazole, camphor, borneol, 1,3-dimethoxy-benzene, 1-octen-3-ol and 3-cyclohepten-1-one) were selected for their abundance or previous record as insect repellents. In olfactometry bioassays, BW-starved adults in the dark showed the highest mobility to banana corm. 2-cyclohepten-1-one (C7), commercially available isomer of 3-cyclohepten-1-one, is the best BW repellent (p < 0.05), followed by 1,3-dimethoxy-benzene (C5). The rest of the VOCs have a milder repellency to BW. Styrene (C1) and benzothiazole (C2) (known to repel palm weevil) block the attraction of banana corm and BW pheromone to BW adults in bioassays. Therefore, VOCs from biocontrol fungi can be used in future studies to biomanage BW in the field.
Phase Space Considerations for a microSAXS Beamline Located on a Diamond Laue Side-Bounce Monochromator
Authors: Smilgies Detlef-M.
Published: August 2020

Flux as well as spatial and angular resolution for a microbeam small-angle X-ray scattering set-up, comprising Laue optics and multiple focusing elements are modeled within five-dimensional phase space analysis. A variety of X-ray optics configurations for highest angular resolution and for highest spatial resolution are analyzed.