bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Saucedo Renata , Ortega-Camarillo Clara , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Díaz-Velázquez Mary Flor , Meixueiro-Calderón Claudia , Valencia-Ortega Jorge
Published: September 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications. It is related to several gestational and fetal adverse outcomes. Moreover, women with GDM and their infants have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The pathogenesis of GDM is not completely understood; nevertheless, two factors that contribute to its development are oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation are related; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can activate inflammatory cells and enhance the production of inflammatory mediators. Inflammation, in turn, leads to an increased ROS release, causing a vicious circle to ensue. Inflammatory responses can be achieved via the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Herein, we review the English literature regarding oxidative stress and inflammation evaluated simultaneously in the same population, attempting to identify mechanisms through which these factors contribute to the development of GDM. Furthermore, the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation by different therapies used in women with GDM and in cell models of GDM is included in the review. Probiotics and nutrient supplementations have been shown to reduce biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro and in women with GDM.
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Vector Forgetting Factor Recursive Least Square and Improved Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Guo Yiyi , Tian Jindong , Li Xiaoyu , Song Bai , Tian Yong
Published: September 2023

Accurate online parameter identification and state of charge (SOC) estimation are both very crucial for ensuring the operating safety of lithium-ion batteries and usually the former is a base of the latter. To achieve accurate and stable SOC estimation results, this paper proposes a model-based method, which incorporates a vector forgetting factor least square (VFFLS) algorithm and an improved adaptive cubature Kalman filter (IACKF). Firstly, considering it is difficult for the traditional forgetting factor recursive least square (FFRLS) algorithm to balance the accuracy, convergence, and stability for multiple parameters with different time-varying periods, an improved VFFLS method is employed to determine the multiple parameters of the first-order RC battery model online. It supersedes the single forgetting factor in the FFRLS with multiple forgetting factors in a vector form for improving adaptive capability to multiple time-varying parameters. Secondly, aiming at the fact that the standard cubature Kalman filter (CKF) cannot operate properly when the error covariance matrix is non-positive definite, which is caused by disturbance, initial error, and the limit of the computer word length, the UR decomposition rather than the Cholesky decomposition is applied, thus improving the algorithm stability. In addition, an adaptive update strategy is added to the CKF to enhance accuracy and convergence speed. Finally, comparative experiments with different operating patterns, positive and non-positive definite error covariance matrices, and temperatures are carried out. Experimental results showed that the proposed method can estimate the SOC accurately and stably.
Effectiveness of Toothbrushing Technique for Biofilm Removal and Postoperative Infection Control after Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Choi Sung-ryul , Kwon Ji-Won , Suk Kyung-Soo , Kim Hak-Sun , Moon Seong-Hwan , Park Si-Young , Moon Seung-Eon , Lee Byung-Ho
Published: September 2023

This retrospective study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of using a toothbrush, which is commonly used in our daily life, for biofilm removal and infection control in the treatment of spinal infections occurring after spinal fusion surgery. Currently, a biofilm is thought to form on the surface of the metal inserted during spine fusion surgery. We aim to determine the differences in clinical outcomes between using and not using a toothbrush to remove biofilm while performing conventional drainage, curettage, and debridement. A total of 1081 patients who underwent anterior or posterior spinal fusion surgery between November 2018 and October 2022 were screened. The study included 60 patients who developed surgical site infection and underwent incision and drainage surgery either with a toothbrush (n = 20) or without a toothbrush (n = 40). Failure of infection control that requires revision surgery occurred in 2 patients (10%) in the Toothbrush group and in 14 patients (35%) in the No-Toothbrush group (p = 0.039). Thus, the rate of additional surgery was significantly lower in the Toothbrush group. Additionally, normalization of c-reactive protein levels occurred significantly faster in the Toothbrush group (p = 0.044). Therefore, using a toothbrush to treat spinal infections following spinal fusion surgery appears to have beneficial mechanical debridement effects, resulting in improved clinical results, which were also confirmed based on the electron microscopic images.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Cystic Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes in Children: A Literature Review
Authors: Pinzaru Anca Daniela , Mihai Cristina Maria , Chisnoiu Tatiana , Pantazi Alexandru Cosmin , Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Kassim Mustafa Ali Kassim , Lupu Ancuta , Grosan Elena , Al Jumaili Ahmed Zaki Naji , Ion Irina , Stoleriu Gabriela , Ion Ileana
Published: September 2023

The most common inherited condition that results in death, particularly in those of Caucasian heritage, is cystic fibrosis (CF). Of all the young adults diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, 20% will develop hyperglycemia as a complication, later classified as a disease associated with cystic fibrosis. Impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance represent the primary mechanisms associated with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and cystic fibrosis. Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between oxygen-reactive species and antioxidant defense mechanisms. This pathogenic mechanism is vital in triggering other chronic diseases, including cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. It is essential to understand oxidative stress and the significant impact it has on CFRD. This way, therapies can be individually adjusted and tailored to each patient’s needs. This review aims to understand the connection between CFRD and oxidative stress. As a subsidiary element, we analyzed the effects of glycemic balance on complications and their evolution over time, providing insights into their potential benefits in mitigating oxidative stress-associated complications.
A Practical Update on Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Votto Martina , De Filippo Maria , Caimmi Silvia , Indolfi Cristiana , Raffaele Alessandro , Tosca Maria Angela , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Licari Amelia
Published: September 2023

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging atopic disease of unknown etiology limited to the esophagus. The pathogenesis is still understood and is likely characterized by type 2 inflammation. Food allergens are the primary triggers of EoE that stimulate inflammatory cells through an impaired esophageal barrier. In children and adolescents, clinical presentation varies with age and mainly includes food refusal, recurrent vomiting, failure to thrive, abdominal/epigastric pain, dysphagia, and food impaction. Upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring EoE. EoE therapy aims to achieve clinical, endoscopic, and histological (“deep”) remission; prevent esophageal fibrosis; and improve quality of life. In pediatrics, the cornerstones of therapy are proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids (swallowed fluticasone and viscous budesonide), and food elimination diets. In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding EoE pathogenesis, characterizing the clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and identifying new therapeutic approaches. Notably, clinical, molecular, endoscopic, and histological features reflect and influence the evolution of inflammation over time and the response to currently available treatments. Therefore, different EoE phenotypes and endotypes have recently been recognized. Dupilumab recently was approved by FDA and EMA as the first biological therapy for adolescents (≥12 years) and adults with active EoE, but other biologics are still under consideration. Due to its chronic course, EoE management requires long-term therapy, a multidisciplinary approach, and regular follow-ups.
How Self-Regulation and Executive Functions Deficits Affect Quality of Life of Children/Adolescents with Emotional Regulation Disorders
Authors: Hammud Ginan , Avital-Magen Ayelet , Schusheim Guy , Barzuza Inbar , Engel-Yeger Batya
Published: September 2023

Background: Deficits in self-regulation and executive functions (EFs) frequently characterize children/adolescents with emotional regulation disorders and restrict their daily function and quality of life (QOL). These deficits are mainly manifested by neuropsychological measures in laboratory settings. This study aimed to compare self-regulation and EFs by ecological measures to reflect the implications in daily life between children with emotional regulation disorders and healthy controls and examine the relations between self-regulation, EFs and QOL in the study group. Methods: the participants were 49 children aged 8–18: 25 children/adolescents with emotional regulation disorders and 24 healthy children. The parents completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). Results: The study group had greater self-regulation difficulties (internalization and externalization problems), executive dysfunctions (EFdys) (including metacognition difficulties) and a lower QOL. Their internalization and externalization problems correlated with reduced EFs and QOL. Internalization predicted the physical and emotional QOLs, while metacognition predicted social and school-related QOLs. Conclusions: Deficits in self-regulation and EFs are prevalent in children/adolescents with emotional disorders and restrict their daily function and QOL. Therefore, they should be routinely evaluated by ecological instruments to reflect daily restrictions.
Parent and Child Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology during COVID-19
Authors: Scaini Simona , Caputi Marcella , Giani Ludovica
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 emergency has fostered an increasing risk of experiencing distress and negative emotions in parents that turned into heightened stress for children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of parental stress, children’s resilience, and previous adversities on the development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children. A series of questionnaires were completed by 158 Italian parents (148 mothers, 10 fathers, mean age = 41 years) concerning them and their school-aged children (N = 158, 76 boys, mean age = 7.4 years) at two critical time points (June 2020 and December 2020). Regression analyses showed that internalizing problems were predicted only by concurrent children’s resilience, whereas externalizing problems were predicted by concurrent parental flooding, children’s resilience, and early parental satisfaction. Therefore, internalizing and externalizing symptoms trajectories follow different routes and are predicted by both common and distinct factors. Supporting positive parenting attitudes and behavior should be recommended to prevent the worsening of children’s externalizing behaviors. At the same time, nurturing resilience in pediatric systems might be useful in preventing or reducing children’s internalizing symptoms.
Hiding Full-Color Images into Audio with Visual Enhancement via Residual Networks
Authors: Hu Hwai-Tsu , Lee Tung-Tsun
Published: September 2023

Watermarking is a viable approach for safeguarding the proprietary rights of digital media. This study introduces an innovative fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based phase modulation (PM) scheme that facilitates efficient and effective blind audio watermarking at a remarkable rate of 508.85 numeric values per second while still retaining the original quality. Such a payload capacity makes it possible to embed a full-color image of 64 × 64 pixels within an audio signal of just 24.15 s. To bolster the security of watermark images, we have also implemented the Arnold transform in conjunction with chaotic encryption. Our comprehensive analysis and evaluation confirm that the proposed FFT–PM scheme exhibits exceptional imperceptibility, rendering the hidden watermark virtually undetectable. Additionally, the FFT–PM scheme shows impressive robustness against common signal-processing attacks. To further enhance the visual rendition of the recovered color watermarks, we propose using residual neural networks to perform image denoising and super-resolution reconstruction after retrieving the watermarks. The utilization of the residual networks contributes to noticeable improvements in perceptual quality, resulting in higher levels of zero-normalized cross-correlation in cases where the watermarks are severely damaged.
Two Species of the Family Cyatholaimidae (Nematoda: Chromadorida) from Korea
Authors: Kim Hyeonggeun , Jeong Raehyuk
Published: September 2023

During a survey of the Wando-gun rockpool area in Korea, two species belonging to the family Cyatholaimidae were discovered within a sponge, Hymeniacidon sinapium, and are hereby reported. Despite the monophyletic nature of the family Cyatholaimidae, it has been a topic of discussion among nematologists due to its lack of synapomorphic characteristics and overlapping generic diagnoses. Many genus-defining features consist of a combination of non-unique characters, which may not hold significant taxonomic importance. Consequently, most genera within the family are non-monophyletic according to phylogenetic findings. The absence of molecular data complicates the identification of taxonomically important characteristics that may have been previously overlooked. While the pore complex and the lateral pore-like structure have been suggested as potentially important traits, these insights are lacking in most recorded species, along with molecular data to confirm their significance in topology. Given the considerable amount of work required from the ground up, this study provides both morphological information (including taxonomic description, morphometric measurements, tabular key comparing key features to all valid congeners, illustration, and microscope photographs) and molecular data (partial sequences of three molecular regions, K2P distance comparison, and phylogenetic trees) for the two species discovered in Korea. The study also offers insights on potentially significant traits, such as the pore complex and other pore structures. The Korean specimen of Acanthonchus (Seuratiella) tridentatus resembles the original description regarding aspects such as the number and type of precloacal supplements, as well as the shape of the spicules and gubernaculum. However, variations are observed in the following characteristics: body ratio, nerve ring location, pharynx length, and the presence or absence of the oscelli. Our partial molecular sequences of the specimens also match identically with a single existing entry on NCBI identified as A. (S.) tridentatus. The new species, Paracanthonchus spongius sp. nov., is most similar to P. kamui in terms of the general shape of the body and gubernaculum but can be distinguished by differences in the number of precloacal supplements, amphid position, and gubernaculum ratio. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the 28S rRNA region shows both species grouped within the monophyletic clade of Cyatholaimidae with high bootstrap support. However, achieving generic resolution of these species will require more molecular sequences of congeners to accumulate in the future.
3D Printed Voronoi Structures Inspired by Paracentrotus lividus Shells
Authors: Efstathiadis Alexandros , Symeonidou Ioanna , Tsongas Konstantinos , Tzimtzimis Emmanouil K. , Tzetzis Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

The present paper investigates the mechanical behavior of a biomimetic Voronoi structure, inspired by the microstructure of the shell of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, with its characteristic topological attributes constituting the technical evaluation stage of a novel biomimetic design strategy. A parametric design algorithm was used as a basis to generate design permutations with gradually increasing rod thickness, node count, and model smoothness, geometric parameters that define a Voronoi structure and increase its relative density as they are enhanced. Physical PLA specimens were manufactured with a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer and subjected to quasi-static loading. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted in order to verify the experimental results. A minor discrepancy between the relative density of the designed and printed models was calculated. The tests revealed that the compressive behavior of the structure consists of an elastic region followed by a smooth plateau region and, finally, by the densification zone. The yield strength, compressive modulus, and plateau stress of the structure are improved as the specific geometric parameters are enhanced. The same trend is observed in the energy absorption capabilities of the structure while a reverse one characterizes the densification strain of the specimens. A second-degree polynomial relation is also identified between the modulus, plateau stress, and energy capacity when plotted against the relative density of the specimens. Distinct Voronoi morphologies can be acquired with similar mechanical characteristics, depending on the design requirements and application. Potential applications include lightweight structural materials and protective gear and accessories.
Relative Localization within a Quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm Based on Airborne Monocular Vision
Authors: Si Xiaokun , Xu Guozhen , Ke Mingxing , Zhang Haiyan , Tong Kaixiang , Qi Feng
Published: September 2023

Swarming is one of the important trends in the development of small multi-rotor UAVs. The stable operation of UAV swarms and air-to-ground cooperative operations depend on precise relative position information within the swarm. Existing relative localization solutions mainly rely on passively received external information or expensive and complex sensors, which are not applicable to the application scenarios of small-rotor UAV swarms. Therefore, we develop a relative localization solution based on airborne monocular sensing data to directly realize real-time relative localization among UAVs. First, we apply the lightweight YOLOv8-pose target detection algorithm to realize the real-time detection of quadcopter UAVs and their rotor motors. Then, to improve the computational efficiency, we make full use of the geometric properties of UAVs to derive a more adaptable algorithm for solving the P3P problem. In order to solve the multi-solution problem when less than four motors are detected, we analytically propose a positive solution determination scheme based on reasonable attitude information. We also introduce the maximum weight of the motor-detection confidence into the calculation of relative localization position to further improve the accuracy. Finally, we conducted simulations and practical experiments on an experimental UAV. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme, in which the performance of the core algorithm is significantly improved over the classical algorithm. Our research provides viable solutions to free UAV swarms from external information dependence, apply them to complex environments, improve autonomous collaboration, and reduce costs.
A Local Analysis of a Mathematical Pattern for Interactions between the Human Immune System and a Pathogenic Agent
Authors: Munteanu Florian
Published: September 2023

In the present study, we introduce a four-dimensional deterministic mathematical pattern in order to study the interactions between the human immune system and a virus. The model is based on a system with four first-order ordinary differential equations, and the main aim of the paper is to perform a mathematical analysis of the local behavior of the associated dynamical system using the tools of the qualitative theory of dynamical systems. Moreover, two types of patterns with controls were introduced; consequently, some very interesting theoretical conclusions with medical relevance were obtained.
Solar Disc Concentrator: Material Selection for the Receiver
Authors: Perrero Margherita , Papurello Davide
Published: September 2023

Solar concentration is the ability to harness solar radiation in order to increase the temperature of a receiver. The receiver is a component into which a heat transfer fluid can flow in an ORC system, which produces electricity, or it can be used for high-temperature thermal storage or even to implement thermochemical cycles. The choice of material is critical to ensure optimal performance and long-lasting operation. It is also essential that such material can operate at high temperatures and high thermal gradients. In short, material identification involves high thermal stresses that result in structural deformation. Different metal alloys were used to verify that the yield strength limit was not exceeded due to thermal stress induced by concentrated solar radiation. Starting with the general heat equation, the problem was implemented in Matlab. The purpose was to test whether thermal stress exceeds the yield strength, which is the condition in which elastic bonds in the material are changed, causing deformation. This condition, if exceeded, is sufficient to discard the material; otherwise, it is a necessary but not sufficient condition to resist over time. The best material identified was Inconel 740H, which had a high yield strength value and the lowest temperature difference. Under extreme working conditions, it withstood induced thermal shocks.
Utilisation of Renewable Electricity to Produce Synthetic Methane
Authors: Rola Klemen , Gruber Sven , Urbancl Danijela , Goričanec Darko
Published: September 2023

This study demonstrates the production of synthetic methane or synthetic natural gas via methanation of carbon dioxide (CO2), which could replace natural gas. For the power-to-methane (P2M) process, a simulation of two-stage methanation with simultaneous power generation was carried out in Aspen Plus. The process is based on an assumed production capacity of 1 t/h of synthetic methane and is also capable of simultaneous methanation of CO2 and biogas. The biogas flow rate was estimated from industry data. When co-methanation is carried out, it is possible to produce up to 1.3 t/h of synthetic methane. After the production of synthetic methane, compression of the product was added to the process scheme, followed by dehydration. The dehydration of the synthetic methane was carried out via dynamic simulation in Aspen Adsorption. The steady-state operation was determined. The final dehydrated product contained on average only about 4.85 × 10−4 mol.% water (H2O) and the methane (CH4) contents were above 97 mol.%, providing a composition suitable for injection into the pipelines of many European countries.
Effect of Nanoparticle and Carbon Nanotube Additives on Thermal Stability of Hydrocarbon-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Lysakova Evgeniya I. , Minakov Andrey V. , Skorobogatova Angelica D.
Published: September 2023

The article presents the results of experimental study on the effect of additives of silicon oxide nanoparticles, as well as single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the colloidal stability and thermal degradation process of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids. Such a comprehensive study of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids was carried out for the first time. The effect of the concentration and size of silicon oxide nanoparticles, as well as the type and concentration of nanotubes on the colloidal stability of drilling fluids during thermal aging tests at different temperatures, was investigated. The nanoparticle size varied from 18 to 70 nm, and the concentration ranged from 0.25 to 2 wt.%. Single-walled and multi-walled nanotubes were studied, whose concentration varied from 0.01 to 0.5 wt.%. The thermal aging temperature varied from 30 to 150 °C. According to the results of the investigation, it was shown that the temperature stability of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids can be significantly improved by adding the above substances. At the same time, it was shown that the use of single-walled nanotubes for thermal stabilization of drilling fluids was several times more effective than the use of multi-walled nanotubes, and tens of times more effective than the use of spherical silicon oxide nanoparticles.
A Control Design Technology of Isolated Bidirectional LLC Resonant Converter for Energy Storage System in DC Microgrid Applications
Authors: Tai You-Kun , Hwu Kuo-Ing
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a new control method for a bidirectional DC–DC LLC resonant topology converter. The proposed converter can be applied to power the conversion between an energy storage system and a DC bus in a DC microgrid or bidirectional power flow conversion between vehicle-to-grid (V2G) behavior and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) behavior. Furthermore, such a converter can be applied to energy storage systems for decentralized renewable energy generation systems, such as solar and wind power. In addition, this converter can be combined with a bidirectional inverter to allow energy storage in the system to improve the safety, stability, and power quality of the microgrid. In the proposed circuit structure, we use a bidirectional DC–DC LLC, which has the advantages of a higher voltage conversion ratio, lower part count, simpler control than similar converters such as DAB, CLLC, and L–LLC converters, and bidirectional power flow and electrical isolation. Specifically, to extend the battery life, it can be employed as a control strategy for discharging the energy stored in the battery (SOC) and reducing the temperature rise generated by the internal solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) when discharging the battery under the variation in distributed energy resource (DER) generation and load demand. To realize the bidirectional power conversion without using any auxiliary inductor and only changing the control strategy, the forward step-down power conversion was based on pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control, and the reverse step-up power conversion was based on pulse width modulation (PWM) control. In this paper, we introduce the bidirectional converter topology and its control strategy for the DC microgrid battery energy storage system. Finally, a 500 W prototype is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Evaluation of Building Mass Characterization for Energy Flexibility through Rule- and Schedule-Based Control: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Reber Joscha , Kirschstein Xenia , Bishara Nadja
Published: September 2023

As renewables become more established in the electricity grid, the focus, and therefore adaptability, will need to shift from the generation side to the demand side. Since the building sector accounts for a large share of the energy demand, it will be strongly affected by this development. One possibility for adaptation is so-called demand side management (DSM). To assess the contribution of the building sector to energy flexibility, some key performance indicators (KPIs) have already been developed in previous work. In this study, we investigate and statistically compare two control strategies for temporarily raising the room temperature—one rule-based and one schedule-based—with regard to their influence on the characterization of the building mass as a type of thermal energy storage. In each case, we determine the thermal energy demand of a residential district based on a dynamic simulation that occurred for a period of one year. The rule-based control assigns in the median approximately 60% (mean: 41%) less capacity to the building mass than the schedule-based control for the same boundary conditions. The calculation of the time-independent heating load results in a median difference of 34% (mean: 36%). In addition, the establishment of energy-flexible control in the evening hours just before a night-time reduction in the room temperature has a negative impact on the efficiency of the thermal storage.
Research on and Assessment of the Reliability of Railway Transport Systems with Induction Motors
Authors: Gubarevych Oleg , Duer Stanisław , Melkonova Inna , Woźniak Marek , Paś Jacek , Stawowy Marek , Rokosz Krzysztof , Zajkowski Konrad , Bernatowicz Dariusz
Published: September 2023

Increasing the efficiency and reliability of modern railway transport is accompanied by an increase in monitoring and diagnostic systems for the current state of electric drives. Modern railway transport contains a large number of induction motors to ensure the operation of the drives of various mechanisms. In the article, based on the operational statistics of engine failures and the proposed scheme for diagnosing them, studies were carried out and a model was developed for assessing the reliability of a transport system equipped with an on-board diagnostic system for the current state. When building the models, the Markov method was used, including the construction of graphs for the five most relevant states of the induction electric motor during operation. The results obtained are relevant for evaluating the effectiveness of using the built-in diagnostic system and scheduling routine maintenance, which will affect the efficiency of railway transport. Based on the process of the diagnosis of railway transport systems with induction motors, five operating states of the object studied were interpreted: the state of full operation, state “S0”; the state of incomplete serviceability, state “S1”; critical serviceability, state “S2”; the state of the pre-damage condition, state “S3”; the state of unserviceability (defect), state “S4”. Subsequently, a five-state model of the operation process of railway transport systems with induction motors was developed. This model is also described by equations of state: Kolmogorov–Chapman equations. The reliability quantities determined form the basis for simulation reliability studies. The effect of the simulation study is the reliability quantities determined in the form of reliability functions and probabilities of the occurrences of the operating states of railway transport systems with induction motors; an important part of the reliability study of the system examined is to estimate the times of the occurrences in the object studied of the operating states in the future.
DeepVELOX: INVELOX Wind Turbine Intelligent Power Forecasting Using Hybrid GWO–GBR Algorithm
Authors: Safari Ashkan , Kheirandish Gharehbagh Hamed , Nazari Heris Morteza
Published: September 2023

The transition to sustainable electricity generation depends heavily on renewable energy sources, particularly wind power. Making precise forecasts, which calls for clever predictive controllers, is a crucial aspect of maximizing the efficiency of wind turbines. This study presents DeepVELOX, a new methodology. With this method, sophisticated machine learning methods are smoothly incorporated into wind power systems. The Increased Velocity (IN-VELOX) wind turbine framework combines the Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) with the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. Predictive capabilities are entering a new age thanks to this integration. This research presents DeepVELOX, its structure, and results. In particular, this study presents the considerable performance of DeepVELOX. With a MAPE of 0.0002 and an RMSPE of 0.0974, it gets outstanding Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results. The criteria of Accuracy, F1-Score, R2-Score, Precision, and Recall, with a value of 1, further emphasize its performance. The result of this process is an MSE of 0.0352. The significant reduction in forecast disparities is made possible by this system’s remarkable accuracy. Along with improving accuracy, the integration of machine learning algorithms, including GBR, the GWO algorithm, and wind turbine operations, offer a dynamic framework for maximizing power and energy capture.
Beetroot Stalk Extract as a Functional Colorant for Stirred Yogurt Beverages: Effect on Nutritional Value and Stability during Storage
Authors: Abdo Eman M. , Mansour Hanem M. M. , Darwish Amira M. Galal , El-Sohaimy Sobhy Ahmed , Gomaa Mohamed A. E. , Shaltout Omayma E. , Allam Marwa G.
Published: September 2023

Betalains are natural red colorants characterized by their stability to anthocyanins, particularly in acidic foods. Beetroot stalks are a good source of betalains, with higher bioactive components than the whole root. Hence, the current study aims to investigate the potential use of beetroot stalk water extract (BSE) as a functional colorant for raspberry-flavored stirred yogurt. For this purpose, the betalains of BSE and their stability at pH 4 and 5 were investigated in addition to the phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of BSE were characterized. Subsequently, BSE was added to raspberry-flavored stirred yogurt at concentrations of 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 5% (T3) to study the stability of betalains, the physicochemical properties, the nutritional value, and the viability of lactic acid bacteria during storage (14 days/4 °C). BSE showed a considerable amount of betalains (456.82 mg/L) and phenolics (139.87 mg/g), with a high content of chlorogenic and ferulic acids. The betalains showed greater stability at pH 4 than pH 5 after 14 days of cold storage (275.05 and 247.00 mg/L, respectively). Applying BSE resulted in a functional beverage with high phenolic content (116.55 ± 1.23 mg/g) and flavonoids (71.77 ± 0.57 mg/g) in T3 (5%) compared to the control (95.11 ± 1.12 and 64.72 ± 0.29 mg/g, respectively). The beverages shared high DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 71.68 ± 1.30– 69.18 ± 0.48) compared with the control (78.47 ± 3.27 µL/mL). BSE significantly increased the betalain level in yogurt from 44.19 ± 0.05 mg/L to 67.86 ± 0.54 mg/L, resulting in pale red beverages with a redness value of 6.38–9.68 on day 1. By day 14, the redness of the treatments decreased by 6–18% compared with the first day, reaching 5.25 ± 0.03 (T1), 7.87 ± 0.03 (T2), and 8.43 ± 0.05 (T3) due to the degradation of betalains. Generally, BSE is a promising natural colorant when added to stirred yogurt, and it has preferable physical and sensory properties, as it improves the stability of the red color throughout cold storage and increases the nutritional quality. The use of beet stalks as a natural and functional colorant is presented for the first time in the current investigation.
Integrated Production of Xylitol, Ethanol, and Enzymes from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch through Bioprocessing as an Application of the Biorefinery Concept
Authors: Mardawati Efri , Nawawi Maisyarah Isnaini S. , Caroline Viola , Imanisa Tania Widani , Amanda Putri , Mahardika Melbi , Masruchin Nanang , Fitriana Hana Nur , Rachmadona Nova , Lani Mohd Nizam
Published: September 2023

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), an abundant source of lignocellulosic biomass waste, is rich in hemicellulose and is converted into xylose for xylitol production. The remaining cellulose-rich residue can be efficiently hydrolyzed into glucose, which serves as a substrate for bioethanol and enzymes. This process aligns with an integrated biorefinery model aimed at optimizing the utilization of OPEFB. This study optimizes a two-stage enzymatic hydrolysis fermentation for OPEFB conversion into value-added products. Using a 4% NaOH pretreatment, lignin was degraded while preserving hemicellulose and cellulose. This hydrolysis yielded 12.27 g/L of xylose and 36.86 g/L of glucose. Ethanol production, using varied fermentation media, achieved maximum concentrations of 0.043 g/L for xylitol and 21.35 g/L for ethanol, with substrate-to-product yields of 0.005 g/g and 0.374 g/g, respectively. Furthermore, enzyme production by Aspergillus niger was assessed on multiple parameters, recording a peak cellulase activity of 55.16 ± 20.24 U/mL and enzyme weight of 42.748 kDa. The OPEFB substrate yielded the highest protein content of 0.00942 ± 0.00010 mg/mL. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the two-stage enzymatic hydrolysis strategy in facilitating integrated biorefinery processes for efficient and sustainable OPEFB utilization.
Ultra-Sensitive Determination of Cadmium in Food and Water by Flame-AAS after a New Polyvinyl Benzyl Xanthate as an Adsorbent Based Vortex Assisted Dispersive Solid-Phase Microextraction: Multivariate Optimization
Authors: Altunay Nail , Hazer Baki , Lanjwani Muhammad Farooque , Tuzen Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a very toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal even at low levels and it is naturally present in water as well as in food. Methods: A new polyvinyl benzyl xanthate (PvbXa) was synthesized and used as a new adsorbent in this work. It contains pendant sulfide groups on the main polystyryl chain. Using this new adsorbent, PvbXa, a vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (VA-dSPµE) procedure was developed for the determination of cadmium from food and water samples via flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Synthesized PvbXa was characterized by 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The different parameters of pH, sample volume, mixing type and time, sorbent amount, and eluent time were optimized using standard analytical methods. Results: The optimized method for assessment of Cd in food and water samples shows good reliability. The optimum conditions were found to be a 0.20–150 µg L−1 linear range, 0.06 µg L−1 LOD, 0.20 µg L−1 LOQ, 4.3 RSD %, and a preconcentration factor of 160. Conclusions: The statistically experimental variables were utilized using a central composite design (CCD). The present method is a low-cost, simple, sensitive, and very effective tool for the recovery of Cd.
National School Feeding Program (PNAE): A Public Policy That Promotes a Learning Framework and a More Sustainable Food System in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Silva Eliane Alves da , Pedrozo Eugenio Avila , Silva Tania Nunes da
Published: September 2023

Food systems drive change, which can accelerate the process of ending hunger, improving diets and protecting the environment. This is the attribution given to the Brazilian National School Feeding Program (Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar—PNAE), which was created to supply 15% of the food needs of millions of children in Brazilian schools. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to create a framework to analyze learnings in the PNAE that contribute to the development of a sustainable food system in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For this, a qualitative descriptive survey with abductive logic was chosen through a study of multiple cases and semistructured interviews as its strategy. It was noticed that individuals tended to group themselves in accordance with their learning level. A group in which instrumental learning was prevailing would tend to strictly follow the rules. Groups that already had communicative learning would be more proactive and look for improvements. However, when they would reach emancipatory learning, they would become more willing to disrupt initiatives to create new perspectives to solve problems. From that, decisions became political, and the more organized the groups became, the more power they had to allow their ideas to prevail.
The Impact of Social Capital on Socially Responsible Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Supply Chain Transparency
Authors: Liu Hua , He Guangyao , Ma Ruili , Fu Shaoling
Published: September 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought global poverty to the forefront, and existing research suggests that socially responsible supply chains play an important role in poverty alleviation. However, there is limited research on how to improve the performance of socially responsible supply chains. This study innovatively chooses a dual perspective, i.e., companies and farmers in contract farming, the dominant model of socially responsible supply chains in Chinese agriculture, as the research object. Furthermore, it examines the role of social capital on the performance of socially responsible supply chains, as well as the moderating role of supply chain transparency, in order to find out how to improve the stakeholder performance. The empirical results found that the factors affecting socially responsible supply chain performance differed between the dual perspectives. From the firm’s perspective, all three dimensions of social capital (shared values, communication and reciprocity) have a significant positive effect on socially responsible supply chain performance (income increase), while supply chain transparency only positively moderates between communication and income increase. From the farmers’ perspective, only reciprocity and shared values had a significant positive effect on income increase; interestingly, supply chain transparency negatively moderated the relationship between reciprocity and income increase. This study expands the role of social capital theory, and the dual perspective examination provides insights for performance improvement of companies and farmers in socially responsible supply chains, as well as guidance for promoting sustainable social development.
Global Dynamic Analysis of a Typical Bistable Piezoelectric Cantilever Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Cui Diandian , Shang Huilin
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on global dynamic behaviors of a bistable piezoelectric cantilever energy harvester with a tip magnet and a single external permanent magnet at the near side. The initial distance between the magnetic tip mass and the external magnet is altered as a key parameter for the enhancement of the energy harvesting performance. To begin with, the dynamical model is established, and the equilibria as well as potential wells of its non-dimensional system are discussed. Three different values of the initial distance are selected to configure double potential wells. Next, the saddle-node bifurcation of periodic solutions in the neighborhood of the nontrivial equilibria is investigated via the method of multiple scales. To verify the validity of the prediction, coexisting attractors and their fractal basins of attraction are presented by employing the cell mapping approach. The best initial distance for vibration energy harvesting is determined. Then, the Melnikov method is utilized to discuss the threshold of the excitation amplitude for homoclinic bifurcation. And the triggered dynamic behaviors are depicted via numerical simulations. The results show that the increase of the excitation amplitude may lead to intra-well period-2 and period-3 attractors, inter-well periodic response, and chaos, which are advantageous for energy harvesting. This study possesses potential value in the optimization of the structural design of piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Leveraging Motor Imagery Rehabilitation for Individuals with Disabilities: A Review
Authors: Almufareh Maram Fahaad , Kausar Sumaira , Humayun Mamoona , Tehsin Samabia
Published: September 2023

Motor imagery, an intricate cognitive procedure encompassing the mental simulation of motor actions, has surfaced as a potent strategy within the neuro-rehabilitation domain. It presents a non-invasive, economically viable method for facilitating individuals with disabilities in enhancing their motor functionality and regaining self-sufficiency. This manuscript delivers an exhaustive analysis of the significance of motor imagery in augmenting functional rehabilitation for individuals afflicted with physical impairments. It investigates the fundamental mechanisms governing motor imagery, its applications across diverse disability conditions, and the prospective advantages it renders. Moreover, this document addresses the prevailing obstacles and prospective trajectories in this sector, accentuating the necessity for continued investigation and the invention of cutting-edge technologies that optimize the potentiality of motor imagery in aiding disabled persons.
The Effects of Altitude on Fruit Characteristics, Nutrient Chemicals, and Biochemical Properties of Walnut Fruits (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Gündeşli Muhammet Ali , Uğur Remzi , Yaman Mehmet
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate changes in fruit characteristics, total phenolics, total antioxidant capacity, organic acids, sugar content, and fatty acid composition in ten walnut genotypes and three cultivars grown at different altitudes under Mediterranean climate conditions. At altitudes of 500 m and 1200 m, total phenolics ranged between 237.51 and 412.96 mg GAE/100 g dw and 234.94 and 392.31 mg GAE/100 g dw, respectively. According to DPPH radical inhibition, the total antioxidant capacity varied between 47.65% and 64.99% at an altitude of 500 m and between 57.76% and 68.92% at an altitude of 1200 m. The oil content demonstrated variations between 53.44% and 76.17% at an elevation of 500 m and between 43.11% and 67.03% at an altitude of 1200 m. At both 500 m and 1200 m altitudes, linoleic acid emerged as the predominant fatty acid and ranged from 58.82% to 62.44% at 500 m altitude and from 57.33% to 59.38% at 1200 m altitude. Notably, malic acid was identified as the primary organic acid, with concentrations ranging from 1.35% to 7.33% at both altitudes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that walnut seeds are abundant in oil, protein, total phenolics, antioxidants, and fatty acids, with variations influenced by the cultivar or genotype and notably affected by altitude.
Morphological Characteristics and Occurrence of an Important Stem-Boring Pest, Nassophasis sp. (Coleoptera: Rhynchophorinae)
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Li Li , Tang Ming
Published: September 2023

Dendrobium plays a key role in the orchid industry, with ornamental, medicinal, and economic value. Recently, we found a newly recorded boring pest damaging Dendrobium in Guizhou Province, China. The species is identified as Nassophasis sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhynchophorinae) by morphological and anatomical features. The occurrence and biological characteristics of this species were verified through field investigation and indoor experiments. The results showed that detailed external morphological and genitalia characters and male-female differences are described to identify Nassophasis sp. The pest produces three generations per year, with overlapping generations. The adults overwinter in the root stains of Dendrobium and emerge in mid-March of the following year. Adults feed on stems, leaves, and flowers, often laying their eggs inside the stems; larvae then bore into the stems causing decaying and hollowing until complete immature development. There are three larval instars, grouped according to their head capsule width and body length, which were measured following Dyar’s law and Crosby’s law of growth and showed a significant linear regression (p < 0.0001). The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the prediction and comprehensive control of the insect.