bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Temperature Sensor Numbers and Placement on Aeration Cooling of a Stored Grain Mass Using a 3D Finite Element Model
Authors: Plumier Benjamin , Maier Dirk
Published: March 2021

Grain stored in silos in the United States of America is generally cooled with an aeration system to limit mold spoilage and insect infestation. Monitoring efficacy of aeration and real-time conditions of stored grain is generally done using temperature cables with fixed-spaced sensor locations that are hung from the roof of the silo. Numerous placement options exist in terms of the number of cables and their positions. However, little investigation has been done into the effects of cable placement on aeration system operation decisions and real-time monitoring of stored grain conditions. For a one-year period, the temperatures predicted by sensors in three recommended temperature cable configurations were evaluated for conditions in Ames, IA, USA. The average temperatures of each of the cable sensor configurations were lower than the average temperatures of the entire silo, with as much as an 11.4 °C difference. When sensor locations were used as inputs for aeration control, all cable sensor configurations predicted similar average temperatures. However, the temperature averages varied by as much as 3.6 °C depending on the temperature cable distribution chosen. Results demonstrated that temperature cables near the center or near the edges of the silos produce results that are not representative of the grain mass, resulting in less efficient aerations. Simulations were also conducted with randomized horizontal “wireless” sensor locations at fixed grain depths. The average temperatures were similar, but an increase in the number of sensors reduced variability between simulated storage years as the number of randomized sensors increased.
Evaluation of Coated Biochar as an Intestinal Binding Agent for Skatole and Indole in Male Intact Finishing Pigs
Authors: Schubert Dana Carina , Chuppava Bussarakam , Witte Franziska , Terjung Nino , Visscher Christian
Published: March 2021

The ban on piglet castration without anaesthesia poses a challenge for the meat industry since alternatives ensuring the production of flawless pork have to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biochar on skatole and indole concentration in faeces and plasma on a small scale in finishing boars to prove whether biochar was suitable for use in commercial pork production. Moreover, it was investigated whether biochar affects faecal properties or the performance. For a four-week trial period, 54 boars (bodyweight 97.2 ± 6.88 kg) were divided into three groups. The control (BC0) received no dietary biochar, one group received a diet containing 4% coated biochar (corresponding to 2% pure biochar) for the final two experimental weeks (BC2), and another group for the entire four weeks (BC4), respectively, prior to slaughter. Skatole and indole concentrations were measured in faeces and plasma at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the trial. Mean skatole concentrations did not differ between groups, but in BC2 faecal skatole was significantly decreased at day 26, whereas in BC4 initial and final faecal skatole levels did not differ. At day 15 and 26, the faecal dry matter content was significantly higher in pigs fed the biochar diet (p < 0.05).
Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Supplementary Irrigation Management
Authors: Marković Monika , Krizmanić Goran , Brkić Andrija , Atilgan Atilgan , Japundžić-Palenkić Božica , Petrović Davor , Barač Željko
Published: March 2021

Watermark, Tensiometer and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) are commonly used soil water sensors in irrigation practice whose performance depends on soil type, depth and growing conditions. Here, the results of sensor performance evaluation in different soil depths as well as the field and laboratory testing in silty clay loamy soil are presented. Gravimetric soil moisture samples were taken from sensor installation depths (10, 20, 30 and 45 cm) and used as reference Soil Water Content (SWC). The measurements varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the monitoring depths. On average across the soil depths, there was a strong negative linear relationship between Watermark (r = −0.91) and TDR (r = 0.94), and a moderate negative (r = −0.75) linear relationship between SWC and Tensiometer. In general, Watermark and Tensiometer measured SWC with great accuracy in the range of readily available water, generated larger Mean Difference (MD) than TDR and overestimated SWC, while TDR underestimated SWC. Overall, laboratory testing reduced the root mean square error (RMSE, Watermark = 1.2, Tensiometer = 2.6, TDR = 1.9) and Mean Average Error (MAE, Watermark = 0.9, Tensiometer = 2.04. TDR = 1.04) for all tested sensors.
Special Issue on New Carbon Materials from Biomass and Their Applications
Authors: Bedia Jorge , Belver Carolina
Published: March 2021

Carbon-based materials, such as chars, activated carbons, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets, have shown great potential for a wide variety of applications [...]
Low Radiation Dose Implications in Obese Abdominal Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Qurashi Abdulaziz A. , Rainford Louise A. , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Alshamrani Khalid M. , Sulieman Abdelmoneim , Alsharif Walaa M. , Alshoabi Sultan A. , Gameraddin Moawia B. , Aloufi Khalid M. , Aldahery Shrooq T. , Foley Shane J.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the implications of low radiation dose in abdominal computed tomography (CT) when combined with noise reduction filters and to see if this approach can overcome the challenges that arise while scanning obese patients. Anthropomorphic phantoms layered with and without 3-cm-thick circumferential animal fat packs to simulate different sized patients were scanned using a 128-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) scanner. Abdominal protocols (n = 12) were applied using various tube currents (150, 200, 250, and 300 mA) and tube voltages (100, 120, and 140 kVp). MOSFET dosimeters measured the internal organ dose. All images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and different iterative reconstruction (IR) strengths (SAFIRE 3, SAFIRE 4, and SAFIRE 5) techniques and objective noise was measured within three regions of interests (ROIs) at the level of L4–L5. Organ doses varied from 0.34–56.2 mGy; the colon received the highest doses for both phantom sizes. Compared to the normal-weighted phantom, the obese phantom was associated with an approximately 20% decrease in effective dose. The 100 kVp procedure resulted in a 40% lower effective dose (p < 0.05) compared to at 120 kVp and the associated noise increase was improved by increasing the IR (5) use, which resulted in a 60% noise reduction compared to when using FBP (p < 0.05). When combined with iterative reconstruction, the low-kVp approach is feasible for obese patients in order to optimize radiation dose and maintain objective image quality.
An Overview of Hybrid RANS–LES Models Developed for Industrial CFD
Authors: Menter Florian , Hüppe Andreas , Matyushenko Alexey , Kolmogorov Dmitry
Published: March 2021

An overview of scale-resolving simulation (SRS) methods used in ANSYS Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is provided. The main challenges, especially when computing boundary layers in large eddy simulation (LES) mode, will be discussed. The different strategies for handling wall-bound flows using combinations of RANS and LES models will be explained, along with some specific application examples. It will be demonstrated that the stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) approach is optimal for applications with a mix of boundary layers and free shear flows due to its low cost and its ability to handle boundary layers in both RANS and wall-modeled LES (WMLES) modes.
Fabrication of a Porous Three-Dimensional Scaffold with Interconnected Flow Channels: Co-Cultured Liver Cells and In Vitro Hemocompatibility Assessment
Authors: Li Muxin , Khadim Rubina Rahaman , Nagayama Mitsuru , Shinohara Marie , Inamura Kousuke , Danoy Mathieu , Nishikawa Masaki , Furukawa Katsuko , Sakai Yasuyuki , Niino Toshiki
Published: March 2021

The development of large-scale human liver scaffolds equipped with interconnected flow channels in three-dimensional space offers a promising strategy for the advancement of liver tissue engineering. Tissue-engineered scaffold must be blood-compatible to address the demand for clinical transplantable liver tissue. Here, we demonstrate the construction of 3-D macro scaffold with interconnected flow channels using the selective laser sintering (SLS) fabrication method. The accuracy of the printed flow channels was ensured by the incorporation of polyglycolic acid (PGA) microparticles as porogens over the conventional method of NaCl salt leaching. The fabricated scaffold was populated with Hep G2, followed by endothelization with endothelial cells (ECs) grown under perfusion of culture medium for up to 10 days. The EC covered scaffold was perfused with platelet-rich plasma for the assessment of hemocompatibility to examine its antiplatelet adhesion properties. Both Hep G2-covered scaffolds exhibited a markedly different albumin production, glucose metabolism and lactate production when compared to EC-Hep G2-covered scaffold. Most importantly, EC-Hep G2-covered scaffold retained the antiplatelet adhesion property associated with the perfusion of platelet-rich plasma through the construct. These results show the potential of fabricating a 3-D scaffold with interconnected flow channels, enabling the perfusion of whole blood and circumventing the limitation of blood compatibility for engineering transplantable liver tissue.
Indoor Air Quality in Museum Display Cases: Volatile Emissions, Materials Contributions, Impacts
Authors: Chiantore Oscar , Poli Tommaso
Published: March 2021

The control of air quality in museum showcases is a growing issue for the conservation of the displayed artefacts. Inside an airtight showcase, volatile substances may rapidly concentrate and favor or directly cause the degradation or other unwanted phenomena on the objects. The role of materials used in the construction of museum display cases as a source of pollutants and volatile compounds dangerous for the cultural heritage integrity is here reviewed with an illustration of consequences and critical damages. Ways of assessing the suitability of materials used either in the construction or in use of the display cases are also discussed altogether with an overview of the possible choices for monitoring the air quality and limiting the concentration of volatile compounds in their interior.
Interaction of Full-Length Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins with Serum Proteins and Their Translocation to Cells In Vitro Depend on the (Pre-)Diabetic State in Rats and Humans
Authors: Müller Günter A. , Lechner Andreas , Tschöp Matthias H. , Müller Timo D.
Published: March 2021

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), which are anchored at the surface of mammalian cultured and tissue cells through a carboxy-terminal GPI glycolipid, are susceptible to release into incubation medium and (rat and human) blood, respectively, in response to metabolic stress and ageing. Those GPI-APs with the complete GPI still attached form micelle-like complexes together with (lyso)phospholipids and cholesterol and are prone to degradation by serum GPI-specific phospholipase D (GPLD1), as well as translocation to the surface of acceptor cells in vitro. In this study, the interaction of GPI-APs with GPLD1 or other serum proteins derived from metabolically deranged rat and humans and their translocation were measured by microfluidic chip- and surface acoustic wave-based sensing of micelle-like complexes reconstituted with model GPI-APs. The effect of GPI-AP translocation on the integrity of the acceptor cell surface was studied as lactate dehydrogenase release. For both rats and humans, the dependence of serum GPLD1 activity on the hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic state was found to be primarily based on upregulation of the interaction of GPLD1 with micelle-like GPI-AP complexes, rather than on its amount. In addition to GPLD1, other serum proteins were found to interact with the GPI phosphoinositolglycan of full-length GPI-APs. Upon incubation of rat adipocytes with full-length GPI-APs, their translocation from the micelle-like complexes (and also with lower efficacy from reconstituted high-density lipoproteins and liposomes) to acceptor cells was observed, accompanied by upregulation of their lysis. Both GPI-AP translocation and adipocyte lysis became reduced in the presence of serum proteins, including (inhibited) GPLD1. The reduction was higher with serum from hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic rats and diabetic humans compared to healthy ones. These findings suggest that the deleterious effects of full-length GPI-APs following spontaneous release into the circulation of metabolically deranged rats and humans are counterbalanced by upregulated interaction of their GPI anchor with GPLD1 and other serum proteins. Thereby, translocation of GPI-APs to blood and tissue cells and their lysis are prevented. The identification of GPI-APs and serum proteins interacting within micelle-like complexes may facilitate the prediction and stratification of diseases that are associated with impaired cell-surface anchorage of GPI-APs, such as obesity and diabetes.
Diagnostic Value of Conventional PET Parameters and Radiomic Features Extracted from 18F-FDG-PET/CT for Histologic Subtype Classification and Characterization of Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Thuillier Philippe , Liberini Virginia , Rampado Osvaldo , Gallio Elena , De Santi Bruno , Ceci Francesco , Metovic Jasna , Papotti Mauro , Volante Marco , Molinari Filippo , Deandreis Désirée
Published: March 2021

Aim: To evaluate if conventional Positron emission tomography (PET) parameters and radiomic features (RFs) extracted by 18F-FDG-PET/CT can differentiate among different histological subtypes of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (Lu-NENs). Methods: Forty-four naïve-treatment patients on whom 18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed for histologically confirmed Lu-NEN (n = 46) were retrospectively included. Manual segmentation was performed by two operators allowing for extraction of four conventional PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)) and 41 RFs. Lu-NENs were classified into two groups: lung neuroendocrine tumors (Lu-NETs) vs. lung neuroendocrine carcinomas (Lu-NECs). Lu-NETs were classified according to histological subtypes (typical (TC)/atypical carcinoid (AC)), Ki67-level, and TNM staging. The least absolute shrink age and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to select the most predictive RFs for classification and Pearson correlation analysis was performed between conventional PET parameters and selected RFs. Results: PET parameters, in particular, SUVmax (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.91; cut-off = 5.16) were higher in Lu-NECs vs. Lu-NETs (p < 0.001). Among RFs, HISTO_Entropy_log10 was the most predictive (AUC = 0.90), but correlated with SUVmax/SUVmean (r = 0.95/r = 0.94, respectively). No statistical differences were found between conventional PET parameters and RFs (p > 0.05) and TC vs. AC classification. Conventional PET parameters were correlated with N+ status in Lu-NETs. Conclusion: In our study, conventional PET parameters were able to distinguish Lu-NECs from Lu-NETs, but not TC from AC. RFs did not provide additional information.
Differential Deep Convolutional Neural Network Model for Brain Tumor Classification
Authors: Abd El Kader Isselmou , Xu Guizhi , Shuai Zhang , Saminu Sani , Javaid Imran , Salim Ahmad Isah
Published: March 2021

The classification of brain tumors is a difficult task in the field of medical image analysis. Improving algorithms and machine learning technology helps radiologists to easily diagnose the tumor without surgical intervention. In recent years, deep learning techniques have made excellent progress in the field of medical image processing and analysis. However, there are many difficulties in classifying brain tumors using magnetic resonance imaging; first, the difficulty of brain structure and the intertwining of tissues in it; and secondly, the difficulty of classifying brain tumors due to the high density nature of the brain. We propose a differential deep convolutional neural network model (differential deep-CNN) to classify different types of brain tumor, including abnormal and normal magnetic resonance (MR) images. Using differential operators in the differential deep-CNN architecture, we derived the additional differential feature maps in the original CNN feature maps. The derivation process led to an improvement in the performance of the proposed approach in accordance with the results of the evaluation parameters used. The advantage of the differential deep-CNN model is an analysis of a pixel directional pattern of images using contrast calculations and its high ability to classify a large database of images with high accuracy and without technical problems. Therefore, the proposed approach gives an excellent overall performance. To test and train the performance of this model, we used a dataset consisting of 25,000 brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, which includes abnormal and normal images. The experimental results showed that the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.25%. This study demonstrates that the proposed differential deep-CNN model can be used to facilitate the automatic classification of brain tumors.
EGFRvIII Promotes Cell Survival during Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through a Reticulocalbin 1-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Gomez Juliana , Areeb Zammam , Stuart Sarah F. , Nguyen Hong P. T. , Paradiso Lucia , Zulkifli Ahmad , Madan Sonakshi , Rajagopal Vijay , Montgomery Magdalene K. , Gan Hui K. , Scott Andrew M. , Jones Jordan , Kaye Andrew H. , Morokoff Andrew P. , Luwor Rodney B.
Published: March 2021

Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-residing protein, involved in promoting cell survival during pathophysiological conditions that lead to ER stress. However, the key upstream receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates RCN1 expression and its potential role in cell survival in the glioblastoma setting have not been determined. Here, we demonstrate that RCN1 expression significantly correlates with poor glioblastoma patient survival. We also demonstrate that glioblastoma cells with expression of EGFRvIII receptor also have high RCN1 expression. Over-expression of wildtype EGFR also correlated with high RCN1 expression, suggesting that EGFR and EGFRvIII regulate RCN1 expression. Importantly, cells that expressed EGFRvIII and subsequently showed high RCN1 expression displayed greater cell viability under ER stress compared to EGFRvIII negative glioblastoma cells. Consistently, we also demonstrated that RCN1 knockdown reduced cell viability and exogenous introduction of RCN1 enhanced cell viability following induction of ER stress. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the EGFRvIII-RCN1-driven increase in cell survival is due to the inactivation of the ER stress markers ATF4 and ATF6, maintained expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and reduced activity of caspase 3/7. Our current findings identify that EGFRvIII regulates RCN1 expression and that this novel association promotes cell survival in glioblastoma cells during ER stress.
The Combination of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet–Lymphocyte Ratio with Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers Improves Prognosis Prediction in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Toledano-Fonseca Marta , Cano M. Teresa , Inga Elizabeth , Gómez-España Auxiliadora , Guil-Luna Silvia , García-Ortiz María Victoria , Mena-Osuna Rafael , De la Haba-Rodriguez Juan R. , Rodríguez-Ariza Antonio , Aranda Enrique
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a highly inflammatory microenvironment and liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool for the noninvasive analysis of this tumor. In this study, plasma was obtained from 58 metastatic PDAC patients, and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and circulating RAS mutation were determined. We found that NLR was significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. Remarkably, NLR was an independent risk factor for poor OS. Moreover, NLR and PLR positively correlated, and combination of both inflammatory markers significantly improved the prognostic stratification of metastatic PDAC patients. NLR also showed a positive correlation with cfDNA levels and RAS mutant allelic fraction (MAF). Besides, we found that neutrophil activation contributed to cfDNA content in the plasma of metastatic PDAC patients. Finally, a multi-parameter prognosis model was designed by combining NLR, PLR, cfDNA levels, RAS mutation, RAS MAF, and CA19-9, which performs as a promising tool to predict the prognosis of metastatic PDAC patients. In conclusion, our study supports the idea that the use of systemic inflammatory markers along with circulating tumor-specific markers may constitute a valuable tool for the clinical management of metastatic PDAC patients.
Molecular Mechanism of Autophagy and Its Regulation by Cannabinoids in Cancer
Authors: Lee Xin Chien , Werner Evelyn , Falasca Marco
Published: March 2021

Autophagy is a “self-degradation” process whereby malfunctioned cytoplasmic constituents and protein aggregates are engulfed by a vesicle called the autophagosome, and subsequently degraded by the lysosome. Autophagy plays a crucial role in sustaining protein homeostasis and can be an alternative source of energy under detrimental circumstances. Studies have demonstrated a paradoxical function for autophagy in cancer, displaying both tumour suppressive and tumour promotive roles. In early phases of tumour development autophagy promotes cancer cell death. In later phases, autophagy enables cancer cells to survive and withstand therapy. Cannabinoids, which are derivatives of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, have shown to be associated with autophagy induction in cells. There is an emerging interest in studying the signalling pathways involved in cannabinoid-induced autophagy and their potential application in anticancer therapies. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the autophagy degradation process will be discussed. This review also highlights a role for autophagy in cancer progression, with cannabinoid-induced autophagy presenting a novel strategy for anticancer therapy.
Resistance of Hypoxic Cells to Ionizing Radiation Is Mediated in Part via Hypoxia-Induced Quiescence
Authors: Menegakis Apostolos , Klompmaker Rob , Vennin Claire , Arbusà Aina , Damen Maartje , van den Broek Bram , Zips Daniel , van Rheenen Jacco , Krenning Lenno , Medema René H.
Published: March 2021

Double strand breaks (DSBs) are highly toxic to a cell, a property that is exploited in radiation therapy. A critical component for the damage induction is cellular oxygen, making hypoxic tumor areas refractory to the efficacy of radiation treatment. During a fractionated radiation regimen, these hypoxic areas can be re-oxygenated. Nonetheless, hypoxia still constitutes a negative prognostic factor for the patient’s outcome. We hypothesized that this might be attributed to specific hypoxia-induced cellular traits that are maintained upon reoxygenation. Here, we show that reoxygenation of hypoxic non-transformed RPE-1 cells fully restored induction of DSBs but the cells remain radioresistant as a consequence of hypoxia-induced quiescence. With the use of the cell cycle indicators (FUCCI), cell cycle-specific radiation sensitivity, the cell cycle phase duration with live cell imaging, and single cell tracing were assessed. We observed that RPE-1 cells experience a longer G1 phase under hypoxia and retain a large fraction of cells that are non-cycling. Expression of HPV oncoprotein E7 prevents hypoxia-induced quiescence and abolishes the radioprotective effect. In line with this, HPV-negative cancer cell lines retain radioresistance, while HPV-positive cancer cell lines are radiosensitized upon reoxygenation. Quiescence induction in hypoxia and its HPV-driven prevention was observed in 3D multicellular spheroids. Collectively, we identify a new hypoxia-dependent radioprotective phenotype due to hypoxia-induced quiescence that accounts for a global decrease in radiosensitivity that can be retained upon reoxygenation and is absent in cells expressing oncoprotein E7.
Emergency Lung Transplantation after COVID-19: Immunopathological Insights on Two Affected Patients
Authors: Croci Giorgio A. , Vaira Valentina , Trabattoni Daria , Biasin Mara , Valenti Luca , Baselli Guido , Barberis Massimo , Guerini Rocco Elena , Gregato Giuliana , Scandroglio Mara , Fominskiy Evgeny , Palleschi Alessandro , Rosso Lorenzo , Nosotti Mario , Clerici Mario , Ferrero Stefano
Published: March 2021

We herein characterize the immunopathological features of two Italian COVID-19 patients who underwent bilateral lung transplantation (bLTx). Removed lungs underwent histopathological evaluation. Gene expression profiling (GEP) for immune-related signatures was performed on lung specimens and SARS-CoV-2-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cytokine levels were measured on lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and in culture supernatants. Pathological assessment showed extensive lung damage with the pattern of proliferative to fibrotic phases, with diffuse alveolar damage mimicking usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Lungs’ GEP revealed overexpression of pathogen recognition receptors, effector cytokines and chemokines, immune activation receptors and of the inflammasome components. Multiplex cytokine analysis confirmed a proinflammatory state, with high levels of monocyte/macrophage chemotactic and activating factors and of IL-6 and TNF-α. A similar profile was observed in SARS-CoV-2-stimulated PBMCs collected 7 days after transplant. The pattern of tissue damage observed in the lungs suggests that this may represent the output of protracted disease, resembling a diffuse UIP-like picture. The molecular immune profiling supports the paradigm of a persistent proinflammatory state and sustained humoral immunity, conditions that are maintained despite the iatrogenic immunosuppression.
Linking Psychosocial Stress Events, Psychological Disorders and Childhood Obesity
Authors: Rojo Marta , Solano Santos , Lacruz Tatiana , Baile José I. , Blanco Miriam , Graell Montserrat , Sepúlveda Ana Rosa
Published: March 2021

There is scientific evidence that supports a strong association between early exposure to stressful life events and the presence of health complications throughout adulthood and, to a lesser extent, in adolescence and childhood. The aim of this study was to examine the accumulation of Psychosocial Stress Events (PSE) and the prevalence of mental disorders in children from 8 to 12 years. The association between these factors and child weight measurements was analysed. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children classified by weight status (obesity, overweight and normal-weight). The assessment was carried out in primary care centres and primary schools. An experienced team carried out a structured medical-psychosocial history and a semi-structured interview aimed at identifying an early diagnosis of psychological disorders. Children filled out a questionnaire to evaluate PSE. The obesity group presented the greatest accumulation of PSE and highest prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis, compared to overweight and normal-weight children. To exceed four or more stressful events was positively associated with psychological problems and child body mass index (BMI z-score). A predictive model confirmed the interaction between a larger number of PSE and the occurrence of a psychiatric diagnosis as variables that predispose children by 26.2 times more to increased weight status. In conclusion, the accumulation of PSE in the family, school and social environments of the children was related to greater psychological distress. If not managed, the likelihood of suffering from other health complications, such as excess weight, may increase. It is important to monitor these variables to ensure positive health outcomes while specifically addressing childhood obesity. This is especially relevant for children from a disadvantaged social background and disharmonious family environments.
Band-Engineered Structural Design of High-Performance Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chang Jih-Yuan , Huang Man-Fang , Huang Chih-Yung , Lin Shih-Chin , Wang Ching-Chiun , Kuo Yen-Kuang
Published: March 2021

In this study, systematic structural design was investigated numerically to probe into the cross-relating influences of n-AlGaN layer, quantum barrier (QB), and electron-blocking layer (EBL) on the output performance of AlGaN deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with various Al compositions in quantum wells. Simulation results show that high-Al-composition QB and high-Al-composition EBL utilized separately are beneficial for the enhancement of carrier confinement, while the wall-plug efficiency (WPE) degrades dramatically if both high-Al-composition QB and EBL are existing in a DUV LED structure simultaneously. DUV LEDs may be of great optical performance with appropriate structural design by fine-tuning the material parameters in n-AlGaN layer, QB, and EBL. The design curves provided in this paper can be very useful for the researchers in developing the DUV LEDs with a peak emission wavelength ranging from 255 nm to 285 nm.
The Relationship between Fatigue and Actigraphy-Derived Sleep and Rest–Activity Patterns in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Martin Tristan , Twomey Rosie , Medysky Mary E. , Temesi John , Culos-Reed S. Nicole , Millet Guillaume Y.
Published: March 2021

Cancer-related fatigue can continue long after curative cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate sleep and rest–activity cycles in fatigued and non-fatigued cancer survivors. We hypothesized that sleep and rest–activity cycles would be more disturbed in people experiencing clinically-relevant fatigue, and that objective measures of sleep would be associated with the severity of fatigue in cancer survivors. Cancer survivors (n = 87) completed a 14-day wrist actigraphy measurement to estimate their sleep and rest–activity cycles. Fatigue was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F). Participants were dichotomised into two groups using a previously validated score (fatigued n = 51 and non-fatigued n = 36). The participant’s perception of sleep was measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). FACIT-F score was correlated with wake after sleep onset (r = −0.28; p = 0.010), sleep efficiency (r = 0.26; p = 0.016), sleep onset latency (r = −0.31; p = 0.044) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score (r = −0.56; p < 0.001). The relative amplitude of the rest–activity cycles was lower in the fatigued vs. the non-fatigued group (p = 0.017; d = 0.58). After treatment for cancer, the severity of cancer-related fatigue is correlated with specific objective measures of sleep, and there is evidence of rest–activity cycle disruption in people experiencing clinically-relevant fatigue.
A Long-Term Analysis of the Architecture and Operation of Water Film Cooling System for Commercial PV Modules
Authors: Silva Vinícius , Martinez Julio , Heideier Raphael , Bernal Jonathas , Gimenes André , Udaeta Miguel , Saidel Marco
Published: March 2021

This work aims at analyzing and architecting natural and artificial parameters to model a water-film cooling system for photovoltaic modules for some months under warm conditions. Methodologically, the theoretical and technical aspects were structured to develop, implement, monitor, and assess the cooling system at an on-grid, outdoor testing unit, considering the following: (i) the criteria to select and to approve the implementation site (infrastructure and climatologic and solarimetric conditions); (ii) the types, frequency and qualities of the monitored data; (iii) the system measurement, monitoring and control equipment; (iv) the commissioning of the system as a whole; and (v) the tests and results empirically obtained. The water-film cooling system reduces the temperature by 15–19%, on average, and up to a maximum of 24–35%. In terms of electric power, there was an average gain of 5–9% at the time of day with the highest solar radiation, and maximum gains of 12% on days with solar radiation above average. Regarding gross energy, average gains of 2.3–6%, and maximum gains of 6.3–12%, were obtained. It was concluded that the test unit helps understand the natural phenomena and the development, operation, and maintenance of performance gain systems of on-grid PV modules for construction on a commercial scale.
Biomethane in Poland—Current Status, Potential, Perspective and Development
Authors: Piechota Grzegorz , Igliński Bartłomiej
Published: March 2021

Every year the interest in biofuels, including biomethane, grows in Poland. Biomethane, obtained from biogas, is widely used in the Polish economy; the most important two applications are as gas injected into the gas grid and as automotive fuel. The aim of this work is to determine the potential for the development of the biomethane sector in Poland. The following article presents the technological stages of biomethane extraction and purification. The investment process for biogas/biomethane installation is presented in the form of a Gannt chart; this process is extremely long in Poland, with a duration of three years. In the coming months, the Polish Oil Mining and Gas Extraction will begin to invest in biomethane, which will be connected to the gas grid, while the Polish oil refiner and petrol retailer, Orlen, will invest in biomethane to be used as automotive fuel. This article includes a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and PEST (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) analysis of the biogas/biomethane sector in Poland. The main barriers to the development of the biogas/biomethane sector in Poland are high investment costs, long lead times and a strong conventional energy lobby. The most important advantages of biogas/biomethane technology in Poland include environmental aspects, high biomethane potential and well-developed agriculture. The development of biogas/biomethane technology in Poland will slowly reduce environmental pollution, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and allow for partial independence from the importing of natural gas.
HVDC Breaker Power Loss Reduction by Bridge-Type Hybrid Breakers
Authors: Hesami Morteza , Bakhshi Ali , Mousavi Sheyda , Rouzbehi Kumars , Escaño Juan
Published: March 2021

Several types of high voltage direct current (HVDC) breakers have been introduced and commercialized. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Among them, the hybrid HVDC breaker is highly successful. One of the most important concerns that the hybrid HVDC breaker has faced is high power loss throughout its fault current breaking process. The hybrid HVDC breaker comprises a high voltage bidirectional main HVDC breaker. A significant number of electronic switches need to be connected in a series where anti-parallel diodes are essentially embraced. During fault inception, a number of series solid-state switches and a number of series diodes dramatically increase the power loss of the main breaker. This study, firstly, studies the power loss of the hybrid HVDC breaker and later develops a structure of a full-bridge hybrid breaker (FBHB) to reduce the losses of the current structure both in the normal and fault protection states. In this paper simulations are done based on PSCAD. In addition to the analytical study and simulations, we show that the developed structure substantially decreases the amount of power lost during the normal operation and fault current breaking stage.
Hybrid Reference Current Generation Theory for Solar Fed UPFC System
Authors: Senthil Kumar R. , Mohana Sundaram K. , Tamilselvan K. S.
Published: March 2021

The extensive usage of power electronic components creates harmonics in the voltage and current, because of which, the quality of delivered power gets affected. Therefore, it is essential to improve the quality of power, as we reveal in this paper. The problems of load voltage, source current, and power factors are mitigated by utilizing the unified power flow controller (UPFC), in which a combination of series and shunt converters are combined through a DC-link capacitor. To retain the link voltage and to maximize the delivered power, a PV module is introduced with a high gain converter, named the switched clamped diode boost (SCDB) converter, in which the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is instigated for tracking the maximum power. To retain the link-voltage of the capacitor, the artificial neural network (ANN) is implemented. A proper control of UPFC is highly essential, which is achieved by the reference current generation with the aid of a hybrid algorithm. A genetic algorithm, hybridized with the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), is utilized for the generation of a switching sequence, and the generated pulse has been given to both the series and shunt converters through the PWM generator. Thus, the source current and load voltage harmonics are mitigated with reactive power compensation, which results in attaining a unity power factor. The projected methodology is simulated by MATLAB and it is perceived that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.84% is attained, with almost a unity power factor, and this is validated with FPGA Spartan 6E hardware.
Impact of Increased Travel Speed of a Transportation Set on the Dynamic Parameters of a Mine Suspended Monorail
Authors: Szewerda Kamil , Tokarczyk Jarosław , Wieczorek Andrzej
Published: March 2021

The method of increasing the efficiency of using one of the most common means of auxiliary transport in underground coal mines—suspended monorails—is presented. Increase of velocity is one of the key parameters to improve the efficiency and economical effect related with the underground auxiliary transport. On the other hand, increasing the velocity results in bigger value of force acting on the suspended monorail route and its suspensions. The most important issue during increasing the velocity is ensuring the required safety for the passengers and not overloading the infrastructure. In order to analyze how increasing velocity influences the level of loads of the route suspension and the steel arch loads, the computational model of suspended monorail was developed. The computational model included both the physical part (embedded in the program environment based on the Multi-Body System method) and the components of the monorail control system. Two independent software environments were cooperating with each other through the so-called co-simulation. This model was validated on the base of results obtained on the test stand. Then, the numerical simulations of emergency braking with different values of velocity were conducted, which was not possible with the use of physical objects. The presented study can be used by the suspended monorail’s producers during the designing process, and leads to increase the safety on underground transportation routes.
CFD Simulations of Allothermal Steam Gasification Process for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Janoszek Tomasz , Masny Wojciech
Published: March 2021

The article presents an experimental laboratory setup used for the empirical determination of the gasification of coal samples in the form of solid rock, cut out in the form of a cylinder. An experimental laboratory set enabled a series of experiments carried out at 700 °C with steam as the gasification agent. The samples were prepared from the coal seam, the use of which can be planned in future underground and ground gasification experiments. The result of the conducted coal gasification process, using steam as the gasification agent, was the syngas, including hydrogen (H2) with a concentration between 46% and 58%, carbon dioxide (CO2) with a concentration between 13% and 17%, carbon monoxide (CO) with a concentration between 7% and 11.5%, and methane(CH4) with a concentration between 9.6% and 20.1%.The results from the ex-situ experiments were compared with the results of numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. A three-dimensional numerical model for the coal gasification process was developed using Ansys-Fluent software to simulate an ex-situ allothermal coal gasification experiment using low-moisture content hard coal under atmospheric conditions. In the numerical model, the mass exchange (flow of the gasification agent), the turbulence description model, heat exchange, the method of simulating the chemical reactions, and the method of mapping the porosity medium were included. Using the construction data of an experimental laboratory set, a numerical model was developed and its discretization (development of a numerical grid, based on which calculations are made) was carried out. Tip on the reactor, supply method, and parameters maintained during the gasification process were used to define the numerical model in the Ansys-Fluent code. A part of the data were supplemented on the basis of literature sources. Where necessary, the literature parameters were converted to the conditions corresponding to the experiment, which were carried out. After performing the calculations, the obtained results were compared with the available experimental data. The experimental and the simulated results were in good agreement, showing a similar tendency.
A Genetic Linkage Map of BC2 Population Reveals QTL Associated with Plant Architecture Traits in Lagerstroemia
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ye Yuanjun , Feng Lu , Zhang Ye , Lin Qifang , Liu Jieru , Cai Ming , Wang Jia , Cheng Tangren , Zhang Qixiang , Pan Huitang
Published: March 2021

Plant architecture improvement is of great significance in influencing crop yield, harvesting efficiency and ornamental value, by changing the spatial structure of the canopy. However, the mechanism on plant architecture in woody plants is still unclear. In order to study the genetic control of plant architecture traits and promote marker-assisted selection (MAS), a genetic linkage map was constructed, and QTL mapping was performed. In this study, using 188 BC2 progenies as materials, a genetic map of Lagerstroemia was constructed using amplification fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, and the QTLs of four key plant architecture traits (plant height, crown width, primary lateral branch height and internode length) were analyzed. The genetic map contains 22 linkage groups, including 198 AFLP markers and 36 SSR markers. The total length of the genome covered by the map is 1272 cM, and the average distance between markers is 6.8 cM. Three QTLs related to plant height were located in LG1, LG4 and LG17 linkage groups, and the phenotypic variation rates were 32.36, 16.18 and 12.73%, respectively. A QTL related to crown width was located in LG1 linkage group, and the phenotypic variation rate was 18.07%. Two QTLs related to primary lateral branch height were located in the LG1 and LG7 linkage groups, and the phenotypic variation rates were 20.59 and 15.34%, respectively. Two QTLs related to internode length were located in the LG1 and LG20 linkage groups, and the phenotypic variation rates were 14.86 and 9.87%. The results provide a scientific basis for finely mapping genes of plant architecture traits and marker-assisted breeding in Lagerstroemia.
Dentex dentex Frauds: Establishment of a New DNA Barcoding Marker
Authors: Ceruso Marina , Mascolo Celestina , De Luca Pasquale , Venuti Iolanda , Biffali Elio , Ambrosio Rosa Luisa , Smaldone Giorgio , Sordino Paolo , Pepe Tiziana
Published: March 2021

The common dentex (Dentex dentex (Linnaeus, 1758)) is an iconic fish in the Mediterranean diet. Due to its commercial and organoleptic importance, this sparid is highly appreciated in European markets and is often subjected to species substitution frauds. Comparative mitogenomics is a suitable approach for identifying new and effective barcode markers. This study aimed to find a molecular tag useful for unequivocally discriminating the sparid species D. dentex. The comparison of the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of 16 sparid species allowed us to highlight the potential of the NAD2 gene for direct identification purposes. Common dentex-specific primers were created and successfully evaluated by end-point and real-rime PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for several fish species, achieving amplification only in the D. dentex. The method proposed in this study appears fast, simple, and inexpensive and requires affordable instrumentation. This approach provides unambiguous results for the common dentex authentication without the sequencing step. The presence/absence assay for D. dentex can be executed in a few hours of lab work. Therefore, national authorities responsible for food safety and traceability could apply and make full use of DNA-testing methods for deterring operators from false seafood declarations.
Adapted Chester Step Test Can Have Maximal Response Characteristics for the Assessment of Exercise Capacity in Young Women
Authors: Vilarinho Rui , Mendes Ana Rita , Gomes Mariana , Ferreira Rui , Costa Fabíola , Machado Marcela , Neves Márcia , Caneiras Cátia , Montes António Mesquita
Published: March 2021

Chester step test (CST) estimates the exercise capacity through a submaximal response, which can limit its application in the prescription of exercise. This study aimed to assess whether an adaptation of the CST (with a progressive profile) can have maximal response characteristics in young women and compare it to the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Another aim was to determine its within-day test–retest reliability. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 women (20.3 ± 1.5 years) who performed the field tests twice on two different days (48 h apart). The maximal effort attainment was assessed by the heart rate (HR), perception of exertion (Borg scale), and blood lactate concentration. For the performance variables, Pearson’s correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) were used. In the best test, mean values of maximal response were observed in the adapted CST (94.0 ± 6.5% of age-predicted HRmax, 11.3 ± 4.5 mmol/dl of blood lactate, and 18.4 ± 1.5 of Borg rating). The correlations between the adapted CST and the ISWT were weak to moderate (0.38 ≤ r ≤ 0.55; p < 0.05). Fair to good reliability was found for the adapted CST (ICC2,1 = 0.48–0.61). The adapted CST showed mean values of maximal response, weak to moderate association with the ISWT, and low within-day test–retest reliability in young women.