bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Pixel-Level Matching via Attention for Video Co-Segmentation
Authors: Li Junliang , Wong Hon-Cheng , He Shengfeng , Lo Sio-Long , Zhang Guifang , Wang Wenxiao
Published: March 2020

In video object co-segmentation, methods based on patch-level matching are widely leveraged to extract the similarity between video frames. However, these methods can easily lead to pixel misclassification because they reduce the precision of pixel localization; thus, the accuracies of the segmentation results of these methods are deducted. To address this problem, we propose a framework based on deep neural networks and equipped with a new attention module, which is designed for pixel-level matching to segment the object across video frames in this paper. In this attention module, the pixel-level matching step is able to compare the feature value of each pixel from one input frame with that of each pixel from another input frame for computing the similarity between two frames. Then a features fusion step is applied to efficiently fuse the feature maps of each frame with the similarity information for generating dense attention features. Finally, an up-sampling step refines the feature maps for obtaining high quality segmentation results by using these dense attention features. The ObMiC and DAVIS 2016 datasets were utilized to train and test our framework. Experimental results show that our framework achieves higher accuracy than those of other video segmentation methods that perform well in common information extraction.
Photopolymerized Films with ZnO and Doped ZnO Particles Used as Efficient Photocatalysts in Malachite Green Dye Decomposition
Authors: Podasca Viorica-Elena , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana
Published: March 2020

Zinc oxide and zinc oxide doped with tin oxide (ZnO-SnO2) particles were synthesized and successfully incorporated into a polymeric matrix by the photopolymerization reaction in the presence of Irg819 as the photoinitiator. The obtained samples were investigated by means of XRD, ESEM/EDX, TEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The ZnO particles were obtained in the form of rods agglomerated in flower (or star) structures with lengths of 2–4 μm and widths between 30 and 100 nm, while ZnO-SnO2 samples evolved in the form of cubes, with sides of 350 nm. The prepared composite films with ZnO and ZnO-SnO2 particles were tested in the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green (MG) dye. While the ZnO-based composite film showed a fairly high photocatalytic activity, the hybrid film containing ZnO doped with SnO2 displayed 100% photocatalytic activity after only 45 min of irradiation, being among the most efficient photocatalysts known for MG degradation. In addition, the recycling tests demonstrated that this film displayed high stability during the photocatalysis reaction since no decrease in the photocatalytic performance was noticed after the first three cycles, indicating its suitability for dyes removal and wastewater purification.
Natural Virtual Reality User Interface to Define Assembly Sequences for Digital Human Models
Authors: Geiger Andreas , Brandenburg Elisabeth , Stark Rainer
Published: March 2020

Digital human models (DHMs) are virtual representations of human beings. They are used to conduct, among other things, ergonomic assessments in factory layout planning. DHM software tools are challenging in their use and thus require a high amount of training for engineers. In this paper, we present a virtual reality (VR) application that enables engineers to work with DHMs easily. Since VR systems with head-mounted displays (HMDs) are less expensive than CAVE systems, HMDs can be integrated more extensively into the product development process. Our application provides a reality-based interface and allows users to conduct an assembly task in VR and thus to manipulate the virtual scene with their real hands. These manipulations are used as input for the DHM to simulate, on that basis, human ergonomics. Therefore, we introduce a software and hardware architecture, the VATS (virtual action tracking system). This paper furthermore presents the results of a user study in which the VATS was compared to the existing WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointer) interface. The results show that the VATS system enables users to conduct tasks in a significantly faster way.
Smog Episodes in Poland
Authors: Wielgosiński Grzegorz , Czerwińska Justyna
Published: March 2020

The phenomenon of above-average air pollution, i.e., smog, in urban areas is known. Two types of smog have been described in the literature: London and Los Angeles smog. They differ in the conditions of formation and areas of occurrence. In recent years, the phenomenon of smog has also been observed in Poland, where the main reason for poor air quality is exceeding the permissible PM10 concentrations. The main source of particulate matter emissions in Poland is the so-called “low emission”, i.e., released by emitters up to 40 m high, mainly from domestic boilers and traffic. Based on the data from the environmental protection inspection, an analysis was carried out of the impact of atmospheric factors, such as atmospheric pressure and air temperature, on air pollution caused by particulate matter in Poland. Next, data concerning the chemical composition of PM10 particulate matter in Poland was analyzed. In the next stage, tests were carried out on ammonia emissions from biomass and coal combustion processes to determine the source of ammonium ions as a component of particulate matter. The results of analyzes and research allowed us to formulate the thesis about the existence of a specific type of smog called “Polish smog” and determine the conditions for its formation.
Offshore-to-Nearshore Transformation of Wave Conditions and Directional Extremes with Application to Port Resonances in the Bay of Sitia-Crete
Authors: Karathanasi Flora , Karperaki Angeliki , Gerostathis Theodoros , Belibassakis Kostas
Published: March 2020

For coastal engineering studies and the efficient design of ports and harbors, reliable information concerning wave conditions in nearshore and coastal sites is needed. In the absence of long-term wave data at the site of interest, this becomes possible by using offshore data, which are usually available in the nearby geographical area, in addition to bathymetric and coastline information concerning the nearshore area and the local site. The latter are used in conjunction with a suitable wave model, which calculates the offshore-to-nearshore transformation of wave conditions and incorporates the relevant shallow-water phenomena. In the present work, the above methodology is applied to calculate the nearshore wave conditions in the Bay of Sitia, Crete, by applying the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model. The interesting feature of the Bay of Sitia is its vulnerability due to strong erosion, which downgrades the touristic value of the beach. Furthermore, nearshore wave data offer valuable information concerning further coastal and port engineering studies. In this context, results from directional extreme value analysis of the nearshore wave conditions in the Sitia Bay are derived and used to investigate resonances in the enclosed marina of the Sitia port, by taking into account the depth variations inside the basin. To this end, a novel method was developed based on the modified mild-slope equation, in conjunction with the Finite Element Model, for the solution of the nonlinear eigenvalue problem.
Modulation of Endolysin LysECD7 Bactericidal Activity by Different Peptide Tag Fusion
Authors: Antonova Nataliia , Vasina Daria , Rubalsky Evgeny , Fursov Mikhail , Savinova Alina , Grigoriev Igor , Usachev Evgeny , Shevlyagina Natalia , Zhukhovitsky Vladimir , Balabanyan Vadim , Potapov Vasiliy , Aleshkin Andrey , Makarov Valentine , Yudin Sergey , Gintsburg Alexander , Tkachuk Artem , Gushchin Vladimir
Published: March 2020

The use of recombinant endolysins is a promising approach for antimicrobial therapy capable of counteracting the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains. To obtain the necessary biotechnological product, diverse peptide tags are often fused to the endolysin sequence to simplify enzyme purification, improve its ability to permeabilize the bacterial outer membrane, etc. We compared the effects of two different types of protein modifications on endolysin LysECD7 bactericidal activity in vitro and demonstrated that it is significantly modulated by specific permeabilizing antimicrobial peptides, as well as by widely used histidine tags. Thus, the tags selected for the study of endolysins and during the development of biotechnological preparations should be used with the appropriate precautions to minimize false conclusions about endolysin properties. Further, modifications of LysECD7 allowed us to obtain a lytic enzyme that was largely devoid of the disadvantages of the native protein and was active over the spectra of conditions, with high in vitro bactericidal activity not only against Gram-negative, but also against Gram-positive, bacteria. This opens up the possibility of developing effective antimicrobials based on N-terminus sheep myeloid peptide of 29 amino acids (SMAP)-modified LysECD7 that can be highly active not only during topical treatment but also for systemic applications in the bloodstream and tissues.
Pt Modified Heterogeneous Catalysts Combined with Ozonation for the Removal of Diclofenac from Aqueous Solutions and the Fate of by-Products
Authors: Saeid Soudabeh , Kråkström Matilda , Tolvanen Pasi , Kumar Narendra , Eränen Kari , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka , Kronberg Leif , Eklund Patrik , Aho Atte , Palonen Heikki , Perula Markus , Shchukarev Andrey , Salmi Tapio
Published: March 2020

The degradation of the pharmaceutical compound diclofenac in an aqueous solution was studied with an advanced oxidation method, catalytic ozonation. Diclofenac was destroyed in a few minutes by ozonation but several long-lasting degradation by-products were formed. For this reason, the combination of heterogeneous catalysts and ozonation was applied to eliminate them completely. The kinetics of the diclofenac degradation and the formation of by-products were thoroughly investigated. Loading of Pt on the catalysts resulted in an improvement of the activity. The Mesoporous Molecular Sieves (MCM) were one of the promising catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, six heterogeneous catalysts were screened, primarily MCM-22-100 catalysts with different Pt concentrations loaded via the evaporation-impregnation (EIM) method, and they were applied on the degradation of diclofenac. It was found that the presence of Pt improved the degradation of diclofenac and gave lower concentrations of by-products. The 2 wt % Pt-H-MCM-22-100-EIM demonstrated the highest degradation rate compared to the proton form, 1% or 5 wt % Pt concentration, i.e., an optimum was found in between. Pt-H-Y-12-IE and Pt-γ-Al2O3 (UOP)-IMP catalysts were applied and compared with the MCM-22 structure. Upon use of both of these catalysts, an improvement in the degradation of diclofenac and by-products was observed, and the 2 wt % Pt-H-MCM-22-100-EIM illustrated the maximum activity. All important characterization methods were applied to understand the behavior of the catalysts (X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray micro-analyses, pyridine adsorption-desorption with FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Finally, leaching of Pt and Al were analyzed by inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry.
Silibinin Attenuates Silica Dioxide Nanoparticles-Induced Inflammation by Suppressing TXNIP/MAPKs/AP-1 Signaling
Authors: Lim Je-Oh , Shin Na-Rae , Seo Yun-Soo , Nam Hyeon-Hwa , Ko Je-Won , Jung Tae-Yang , Lee Se-Jin , Kim Ha-Jung , Cho Young-Kwon , Kim Jong-Choon , Lee In-Chul , Kim Joong-Sun , Shin In-Sik
Published: March 2020

Silica dioxide nanoparticles (SiONPs) have been applied to several fields, such as drug delivery and gene therapy. However, SiONPs are a constituent of fine dust and can induce excessive inflammatory responses in the lungs via the airways. Silibinin, a major component of silymarin, has been known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we explored the protective effects of silibinin against SiONPs-induced airway inflammation and explored its underlying mechanism of action, focusing on thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in vitro and in vivo. In SiONPs-stimulated NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells, silibinin treatment effectively suppressed the elevation of the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, which was accompanied by the reduction in the expression of TXNIP, MAPKs, and activator protein-1 (AP-1). In SiONPs-treated mice, silibinin administration inhibited the increase in inflammatory cell counts and proinflammatory mediators, and it alleviated airway inflammation by SiONPs exposure. In addition, silibinin administration effectively suppressed the elevation of TXNIP/MAPKs/AP-1 signaling by SiONPs exposure. Taken together, silibinin effectively inhibited SiONPs-induced inflammatory responses, and this effect was closely related to the inhibition of TXNIP/MAPK/AP-1 signaling. These results suggested that silibinin might be useful for reducing pulmonary inflammation induced by SiONPs.
Exosomes from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Epidermal Barrier Repair by Inducing de Novo Synthesis of Ceramides in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Shin Kyong-Oh , Ha Dae Hyun , Kim Jin Ock , Crumrine Debra A. , Meyer Jason M. , Wakefield Joan S. , Lee Yerin , Kim Bogyeong , Kim Sungeun , Kim Hyun-keun , Lee Joon , Kwon Hyuck Hoon , Park Gyeong-Hun , Lee Jun Ho , Lim Jihye , Park Sejeong , Elias Peter M. , Park Kyungho , Yi Yong Weon , Cho Byong Seung
Published: March 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease associated with epidermal barrier disruption and intense systemic inflammation. Previously, we showed that exosomes derived from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC-exosomes) attenuate AD-like symptoms by reducing multiple inflammatory cytokine levels. Here, we investigated ASC-exosomes’ effects on skin barrier restoration by analyzing protein and lipid contents. We found that subcutaneous injection of ASC-exosomes in an oxazolone-induced dermatitis model remarkably reduced trans-epidermal water loss, while enhancing stratum corneum (SC) hydration and markedly decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and TSLP, all in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, ASC-exosomes induced the production of ceramides and dihydroceramides. Electron microscopic analysis revealed enhanced epidermal lamellar bodies and formation of lamellar layer at the interface of the SC and stratum granulosum with ASC-exosomes treatment. Deep RNA sequencing analysis of skin lesions demonstrated that ASC-exosomes restores the expression of genes involved in skin barrier, lipid metabolism, cell cycle, and inflammatory response in the diseased area. Collectively, our results suggest that ASC-exosomes effectively restore epidermal barrier functions in AD by facilitating the de novo synthesis of ceramides, resulting in a promising cell-free therapeutic option for treating AD.
Probability Risk of Heat- and Cold-Related Mortality to Temperature, Gender, and Age Using GAM Regression Analysis
Authors: Pyrgou Andri , Santamouris Mattheos
Published: March 2020

We have examined the heat and cold-related mortality risk subject to cold and heat extremes by using a generalized additive model (GAM) regression technique to quantify the effect of the stimulus of mortality in the presence of covariate data for 2007–2014 in Nicosia, Cyprus. The use of the GAM technique with multiple linear regression allowed for the continuous covariates of temperature and diurnal temperature range (DTR) to be modeled as smooth functions and the lag period was considered to relate mortality to lagged values of temperature. Our findings indicate that the previous three days’ temperatures were strongly predictive of mortality. The mortality risk decreased as the minimum temperature (Tmin) increased from the coldest days to a certain threshold temperature about 20–21°C (different for each age group and gender), above which the mortality risk increased as Tmin increased. The investigated fixed factors analysis showed an insignificant association of gender-mortality, whereas the age-mortality association showed that the population over 80 was more vulnerable to temperature variations. It was recommended that the minimum mortality temperature is calculated using the minimum daily temperatures because it has a stronger correlation to the probability for risk of mortality. It is still undetermined as to what degree a change in existing climatic conditions will increase the environmental stress to humans as the population is acclimatized to different climates with different threshold temperatures and minimum mortality temperatures.
Big Data Usage in European Countries: Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Pejić Bach Mirjana , Bertoncel Tine , Meško Maja , Suša Vugec Dalia , Ivančić Lucija
Published: March 2020

The goal of this research was to investigate the level of digital divide among selected European countries according to the big data usage among their enterprises. For that purpose, we apply the K-means clustering methodology on the Eurostat data about the big data usage in European enterprises. The results indicate that there is a significant difference between selected European countries according to the overall usage of big data in their enterprises. Moreover, the enterprises that use internal experts also used diverse big data sources. Since the usage of diverse big data sources allows enterprises to gather more relevant information about their customers and competitors, this indicates that enterprises with stronger internal big data expertise also have a better chance of building strong competitiveness based on big data utilization. Finally, the substantial differences among the industries were found according to the level of big data usage.
Erratum: Kumar, P.M., Jagadeesh Babu, V., Subramanian, A., Bandla, A., Thakor, N., Ramakrishna, S. and Wei, H. The Design of a Thermoelectric Generator and Its Medical Applications. Designs 2019, 3, 22
Authors: Editorial Office Designs
Published: March 2020

The author wishes to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Unification of the Nature’s Complexities via a Matrix Permanent—Critical Phenomena, Fractals, Quantum Computing, ♯P-Complexity
Authors: Kocharovsky Vitaly , Kocharovsky Vladimir , Tarasov Sergey
Published: March 2020

We reveal the analytic relations between a matrix permanent and major nature’s complexities manifested in critical phenomena, fractal structures and chaos, quantum information processes in many-body physics, number-theoretic complexity in mathematics, and ♯P-complete problems in the theory of computational complexity. They follow from a reduction of the Ising model of critical phenomena to the permanent and four integral representations of the permanent based on (i) the fractal Weierstrass-like functions, (ii) polynomials of complex variables, (iii) Laplace integral, and (iv) MacMahon master theorem.
Improved Parsimonious Topic Modeling Based on the Bayesian Information Criterion
Authors: Wang Hang , Miller David
Published: March 2020

In a previous work, a parsimonious topic model (PTM) was proposed for text corpora. In that work, unlike LDA, the modeling determined a subset of salient words for each topic, with topic-specific probabilities, with the rest of the words in the dictionary explained by a universal shared model. Further, in LDA all topics are in principle present in every document. In contrast, PTM gives sparse topic representation, determining the (small) subset of relevant topics for each document. A customized Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was derived, balancing model complexity and goodness of fit, with the BIC minimized to jointly determine the entire model—the topic-specific words, document-specific topics, all model parameter values, and the total number of topics—in a wholly unsupervised fashion. In the present work, several important modeling and algorithm (parameter learning) extensions of PTM are proposed. First, we modify the BIC objective function using a lossless coding scheme with low modeling cost for describing words that are non-salient for all topics—such words are essentially identified as wholly noisy/uninformative. This approach increases the PTM’s model sparsity, which also allows model selection of more topics and with lower BIC cost than the original PTM. Second, in the original PTM model learning strategy, word switches were updated sequentially, which is myopic and susceptible to finding poor locally optimal solutions. Here, instead, we jointly optimize all the switches that correspond to the same word (across topics). This approach jointly optimizes many more parameters at each step than the original PTM, which in principle should be less susceptible to finding poor local minima. Results on several document data sets show that our proposed method outperformed the original PTM model with respect to multiple performance measures, and gave a sparser topic model representation than the original PTM.
Review on Efficiency and Anomalies in Stock Markets
Authors: Woo Kai-Yin , Mai Chulin , McAleer Michael , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: March 2020

The efficient-market hypothesis (EMH) is one of the most important economic and financial hypotheses that have been tested over the past century. Due to many abnormal phenomena and conflicting evidence, otherwise known as anomalies against EMH, some academics have questioned whether EMH is valid, and pointed out that the financial literature has substantial evidence of anomalies, so that many theories have been developed to explain some anomalies. To address the issue, this paper reviews the theory and literature on market efficiency and market anomalies. We give a brief review on market efficiency and clearly define the concept of market efficiency and the EMH. We discuss some efforts that challenge the EMH. We review different market anomalies and different theories of Behavioral Finance that could be used to explain such market anomalies. This review is useful to academics for developing cutting-edge treatments of financial theory that EMH, anomalies, and Behavioral Finance underlie. The review is also beneficial to investors for making choices of investment products and strategies that suit their risk preferences and behavioral traits predicted from behavioral models. Finally, when EMH, anomalies and Behavioral Finance are used to explain the impacts of investor behavior on stock price movements, it is invaluable to policy makers, when reviewing their policies, to avoid excessive fluctuations in stock markets.
A Comprehensive Study on Simulation Techniques for 5G Networks: State of the Art Results, Analysis, and Future Challenges
Authors: Gkonis Panagiotis K. , Trakadas Panagiotis T. , Kaklamani Dimitra I.
Published: March 2020

Ιn this review article, a comprehensive study is provided regarding the latest achievements in simulation techniques and platforms for fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular networks. In this context, the calculation of a set of diverse performance metrics, such as achievable throughput in uplink and downlink, the mean Bit Error Rate, the number of active users, outage probability, the handover rate, delay, latency, etc., can be a computationally demanding task due to the various parameters that should be incorporated in system and link level simulations. For example, potential solutions for 5G interfaces include, among others, millimeter Wave (mmWave) transmission, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) architectures and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). Therefore, a more accurate and realistic representation of channel coefficients and overall interference is required compared to other cellular interfaces. In addition, the increased number of highly directional beams will unavoidably lead to increased signaling burden and handovers. Moreover, until a full transition to 5G networks takes place, coexistence with currently deployed fourth generation (4G) networks will be a challenging issue for radio network planning. Finally, the potential exploitation of 5G infrastructures in future electrical smart grids in order to support high bandwidth and zero latency applications (e.g., semi or full autonomous driving) dictates the need for the development of simulation environments able to incorporate the various and diverse aspects of 5G wireless cellular networks.
Forward Link Optimization for the Design of VHTS Satellite Networks
Authors: Ortiz-Gomez Flor G. , Martínez Ramón , Salas-Natera Miguel A. , Cornejo Andrés , Landeros-Ayala Salvador
Published: March 2020

The concept of geostationary VHTS (Very High Throughput Satellites) is based on multibeam coverage with intensive frequency and polarization reuse, in addition to the use of larger bandwidths in the feeder links, in order to provide high capacity satellite links at a reduced cost per Gbps in orbit. The dimensioning and design of satellite networks based on VHTS imposes the analysis of multiple trade-offs to achieve an optimal solution in terms of cost, capacity, and the figure of merit of the user terminal. In this paper, we propose a new method for sizing VHTS satellite networks based on an analytical expression of the forward link CINR (Carrier-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) that is used to evaluate the trade-off of different combinations of system parameters. The proposed method considers both technical and commercial requirements as inputs, including the constraints to achieve the optimum solution in terms of the user G/T, the number of beams, and the system cost. The cost model includes both satellite and ground segments. Exemplary results are presented with feeder links using Q/V bands, DVB-S2X and transmission methods based on CCM and VCM (Constant and Variable Coding and Modulation, respectively) in two scenarios with different service areas.
Single-Diode Models of PV Modules: A Comparison of Conventional Approaches and Proposal of a Novel Model
Authors: Nguyen-Duc Tuyen , Nguyen-Duc Huy , Le-Viet Thinh , Takano Hirotaka
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the seven traditional models of photovoltaic (PV) modules are reviewed comprehensively to find out the appropriate model for reliability. All the models are validated using the Matlab code and graphical comparisons between models are made. The accuracy and convergence of each model is evaluated using the data of manufactured PV panels. Then, a novel model is proposed showing its consistent performance. The three most key parameters of the single-diode model are self-revised to adapt to various types of PV modules. This new method is verified in three types of PV panels’ data measured by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA. The validated data show promising results when the error RMSEs’ range of the proposed model is under 0.36.
Valorization of Wheat Byproducts for the Co-Production of Packaging Material and Enzymes
Authors: Souza Filho Pedro F , Zamani Akram , Ferreira Jorge A
Published: March 2020

Waste management systems are overloaded with huge streams of plastic, a large part of this being originated from packaging. Additionally, the production of wheat, one of the most cultivated crops in the world, generates low-value lignocellulosic materials, which are mostly discarded. In this study, the wheat lignocellulosic byproducts straw and bran were used for the co-production of enzymes and bio-based materials with possible application as packaging via the compression molding method. The mechanical properties of the films were studied based on the effects of the removal of lignin by alkali and biological pretreatment, the growth of filamentous fungi, the size of the particles, and the enzyme recovery. Generally, the straw films were stiffer than the bran ones, but the highest Young’s modulus was obtained for the biologically pretreated bran (1074 MPa). The addition of a step to recover the fungal cellulases produced during the cultivation had no statistical effect on the mechanical properties of the films. Moreover, alkali and biological pretreatments improved the anaerobic biodegradability of the straw films. Thus, the wheat bran and straw can be used for the co-production of enzymes, materials, and biogas, potentially changing how wheat and packaging wastes are managed.
Conditional-Robust-Profit-Based Optimization Model for Electricity Retailers with Shiftable Demand
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Shaohua , Wang Xian , Li Xue , Wu Lei
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the problem of how to deploy customers’ shiftable load (SL) for electricity retailers’ risk management under uncertainty of the day-ahead (DA) wholesale market price. The robust profit (RP) and the conditional robust profit (CRP) are introduced for a risk-averse retailer’s risk-reward trade-off analysis in its decision-making of electricity procurement from various options. A CRP-based bi-level optimization model is proposed for the risk-averse retailer to determine its electricity procurement strategy taking into consideration customers’ shiftable load. In the upper problem, the retailer decides its electricity procurement from various options and the SL incentive prices to maximize its CRP under a given confidence level, and in the lower problem, the customers shift their load according to the SL incentive prices to minimize their comprehensive costs including the discomfort cost caused by rescheduling electricity consumption. Finally, a case study is used to verify the effectiveness of this model. It is shown that the retailer can achieve larger profit and less risk by utilizing customers’ SL and the retailer’s risk-aversion level has an important impact on its electricity procurement and SL incentive strategies.
European Cities in the Energy Transition: A Preliminary Analysis of 27 Cities
Authors: Villamor Estitxu , Akizu-Gardoki Ortzi , Azurza Olatz , Urkidi Leire , Campos-Celador Alvaro , Basurko Izaro , Barcena Hinojal Iñaki
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, there is a wide scientific consensus about the unsustainability of the current energy system and at the same time, social awareness about climate change and the IPCC’s goals is increasing in Europe. Amongst the different pathways towards them, one alternative is the radical transition to a democratic low-carbon energy system where the local scale has a key leading role. Under this scope, this research is framed within the mPOWER project, financed by the European Commission’s H2020 programme, which promotes collaboration among different European municipalities in order to boost the transition to a renewable-based participatory energy system. This paper presents the starting point of the mPOWER project, where the main energy features of 27 selected European municipalities are collected and analysed for the year 2016. An open public tender and selection process was carried out among European cities in order to choose the candidates to participate in mPOWER project. A view of this situation will be taken by the mPOWER project as a diagnostic baseline for the following steps: a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing process among these European municipalities, and subsequently, among a more extensive group. The first finding of the paper is that, even if those municipalities are trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, they are highly dependent on fossil fuels, even in cases where renewable energies have significant presence. Second, their energy consumption is logarithmically related to the human development index and gross domestic product but not to the size of the cities and their climate characteristics. Finally, despite the work that these cities are making towards energy transition in general and within the mPOWER project in particular, the paper shows a high difficulty mapping their energy systems. The lack of accurate and unified data by the municipalities is a sign of disempowerment at a local and public level in the energy sphere and makes difficult any strategy to advance towards a bottom-up energy transition. Among other goals, the mPOWER project aims to reveal these kinds of difficulties and help local authorities in managing their transition paths.
Finite Element Analysis of the Breakdown Prediction for LDPE Stressed by Various Ramp Rates of DC Voltage Based on Molecular Displacement Model
Authors: Kim Minhee , Kim Su-Hun , Lee Se-Hee
Published: March 2020

Predicting the electrical breakdown of polymers is critical for certifying the endurance and lifetime of high voltage power equipment. Since various factors contribute nonlinearly to the breakdown phenomena of polymer insulators, it is difficult to assess the impact of each factor independently. In this study, we numerically analyzed the breakdown phenomenon because of the ramp rate of the DC voltage applied to a polymer insulator, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), using the finite element method (FEM). To predict the breakdown initiation, we analyzed the relaxation time of the conduction current through the insulator as a significant indicator. The bipolar charge transport (BCT) model was used to analyze the charge behavior within the LDPE, and the breakdown voltage was predicted by incorporating the molecular displacement model. This analysis was conducted for a wide range of ramp rates from 10 to 1500 V/s. The current density was calculated using two different methods, namely the energy and average methods, and the results were compared with each other. The results of the numerical model were further verified by comparing with those from experiments reported in the literature.
Analytical Modeling of Neutral Point Current in T-type Three-level PWM Converter
Authors: Lee Kui-Jun
Published: March 2020

Since a T-type three-level PWM converter has several intrinsic advantages, it has been researched for various applications such as grid-connected converter systems. However, it necessarily requires an additional voltage control loop for balancing the upper and the lower DC-link voltage. To satisfy this requirement, an offset voltage is widely used to provide a neutral point current without affecting other variables such as total DC-link voltage and three-phase input current. However, these methods are mostly based on the averaged value between the applied offset voltage and the neutral point voltage or current, and there is no exact analytical model. Therefore, in this paper, the exact theoretical relationship between the offset voltage and the neutral point current is analyzed. This result can be expected to be useful for an effective voltage balancing control loop design as well as the better understanding of the whole system operation. The validity of the obtained analytical model is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Effect of Secondary Vortex Flow Near Contact Point on Thermal Performance in the Plate Heat Exchanger with Different Corrugation Profiles
Authors: Lee Hyung Ju , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: March 2020

The present study numerically investigates thermal performance and turbulent flow characteristics of chevron-type plate heat exchangers with sinusoidal, trapezoidal, triangular, and elliptical corrugation profiles. The commercial code of ANSYS Fluent (v. 17.0) is used for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with the realizable k-ε model. In particular, we focus on the influence of configuration shape on a substantial change in flow direction near the contact point, yielding local vorticity. As a result, secondary vortical motions are observed in the flow passage with vorticity that is distributed locally and which changes near the contact point. Higher flow mixing generated and distributed by the secondary vortical motions contributes to the increase of the Colburn j-factor as well as the friction factor. The highest Colburn j-factor and friction factor are obtained for an elliptical profile, compared to other shapes, because of the increase in the vortex strength near the contact point.
Numerical Simulation of Velocity Field around Two Columns of Tandem Piers of the Longitudinal Bridge
Authors: Qi Hongliang , Zheng Junxing , Zhang Chenguang
Published: March 2020

This research explores the effects of different spans of two columns of tandem piers on the characteristics of x-velocity near the river bed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. With a span shorter than 27.5D (D is the diameter of piers), the shape and the lateral range of the x-velocity increases with the increase of distance downwards the x-direction. For the area between the tandem piers and the wall, the VRi/VR1 (the ratio of the x-velocity at the i-th row to the x-velocity of the first row in each model) near the wall increases up to 1.26. For the area between the two columns of tandem piers, the profile of VRi/VR1 changes from a “∩-shape” to an “M-shape” in each model. RAVC (average velocity change ratio) of different spans increases gradually and tends to be stable with the increases of the span. The largest RAVC is about −17.66% with a span of 0.52 m. The RMV (the ratio of the maximum x-velocity among piers in each row in different models to the maximum x-velocity of the two piers arranged side by side) of piers in the first row of different models is around 0.95. The RMV becomes 0.82 at the second pier in each model when the span is shorter than 27.5D, and increases to 0.91 if the span is longer than 27.5D. If the span is longer than 27.5D, the RMV of different piers are close to each other from the 2nd pier to the last one.
Addition of Olive Pomace to Feeding Substrate Affects Growth Performance and Nutritional Value of Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor L.) Larvae
Authors: Ruschioni Sara , Loreto Nino , Foligni Roberta , Mannozzi Cinzia , Raffaelli Nadia , Zamporlini Federica , Pasquini Marina , Roncolini Andrea , Cardinali Federica , Osimani Andrea , Aquilanti Lucia , Isidoro Nunzio , Riolo Paola , Mozzon Massimo
Published: March 2020

The well-recognized efficiency of Tenebrio molitor larvae to convert low quality organic matter into a nutritionally valuable biomass was exploited to manage solid wastes coming from the olive oil industry, which represent a severe environmental challenge in the Mediterranean area. Three organic pomace-enriched substrates (mixtures middlings/pomace 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) were assessed, together with 100% organic wheat flour and 100% organic middlings as control feeds. A feeding substrate made up of 25% olive pomace and 75% wheat middlings appeared to be the best compromise between growth performance (larval and pupal weights, survival rate, development time) and nutritional properties of mealworm larvae. In fact, larvae fed the 3:1 feed showed the highest dry matter (DM) yield (38.05%), protein content (47.58% DM), and essential/non-essential amino acids ratio (1.16). Fat content (32.14% DM) and fatty acid composition were not significantly different than those of larvae fed more pomace-enriched feeds.
Comparison of Faba Bean Protein Ingredients Produced Using Dry Fractionation and Isoelectric Precipitation: Techno-Functional, Nutritional and Environmental Performance
Authors: Vogelsang-O’Dwyer Martin , Petersen Iben Lykke , Joehnke Marcel Skejovic , Sørensen Jens Christian , Bez Juergen , Detzel Andreas , Busch Mirjam , Krueger Martina , O’Mahony James A. , Arendt Elke K. , Zannini Emanuele
Published: March 2020

Dry fractionated faba bean protein-rich flour (FPR) produced by milling/air classification, and faba bean protein isolate (FPI) produced by acid extraction/isoelectric precipitation were compared in terms of composition, techno-functional properties, nutritional properties and environmental impacts. FPR had a lower protein content (64.1%, dry matter (DM)) compared to FPI (90.1%, DM), due to the inherent limitations of air classification. Of the two ingredients, FPR demonstrated superior functionality, including higher protein solubility (85%), compared to FPI (32%) at pH 7. Foaming capacity was higher for FPR, although foam stability was similar for both ingredients. FPR had greater gelling ability compared to FPI. The higher carbohydrate content of FPR may have contributed to this difference. An amino acid (AA) analysis revealed that both ingredients were low in sulfur-containing AAs, with FPR having a slightly higher level than FPI. The potential nutritional benefits of the aqueous process compared to the dry process used in this study were apparent in the higher in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and lower trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in FPI compared to FPR. Additionally, vicine/convicine were detected in FPR, but not in FPI. Furthermore, much lower levels of fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) were found in FPI compared to FPR. The life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed a lower environmental impact for FPR, partly due to the extra water and energy required for aqueous processing. However, in a comparison with cow’s milk protein, both FPR and FPI were shown to have considerably lower environmental impacts.
Freeze-Dried Gellan Gum Gels as Vitamin Delivery Systems: Modelling the Effect of pH on Drying Kinetics and Vitamin Release Mechanisms
Authors: Prosapio Valentina , T. Norton Ian , Lopez-Quiroga Estefania
Published: March 2020

Freeze-dried gellan gum gels present great potential as delivery systems for biocompounds, such as vitamins, in food products. Here, we investigate the effect of modifying the gel pH—prior to the encapsulation process—on drying and release kinetics, and on delivery mechanisms from the substrate. Gellan gum gels were prepared at pH 5.2, 4 and 2.5 and loaded with riboflavin before being freeze-dried. Release tests were then carried out at ambient temperature in water. Five drying kinetics models were fitted to freeze-drying experimental curves using regression analysis. The goodness-of-fit was evaluated according to (i) the root mean squared error (ii), adjusted R-square (iii), Akaike information criterion (iv) and Bayesian information criterion. The Wang and Singh model provided the most accurate descriptions for drying at acidified pH (i.e., pH 4 and pH 2.5), while the Page model described better freeze-drying at pH 5.2 (gellan gum’s natural pH). The effect of pH on the vitamin release mechanism was also determined using the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, with samples at pH 5.2 showing a typical Fickian behaviour, while acidified samples at pH 4 combined both Fickian and relaxation mechanisms. Overall, these results establish the basis for identifying the optimal conditions for biocompound delivery using freeze-dried gellan gels.
Development of a DNA-Based Detection Method for Cocos Nucifera Using TaqMan™ Real-Time PCR
Authors: Wrage Jasmin , Kleyner Oxana , Rohn Sascha , Kuballa Jürgen
Published: March 2020

So far, only a few cases of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated coconut allergies have been described in the literature. Due to a growing consumption of coconut-containing foods in occidental countries, the number of coconut allergies may also increase. As there is no causative immunotherapy in clinical routine, appropriate food labelling is particularly important, also with regard to cross-contamination, to prevent serious health consequences. The purpose of this study was to develop a DNA-based detection method for coconut (Cocos nucifera). Initially, three sets of coconut-specific primers were designed and tested. A TaqMan™ probe was then developed to identify and quantify coconut by real-time PCR assay. With 27 other plant and animal species, the specificity of the primer/probe system was tested and cross reactivity was excluded. In a dilution series, a limit of detection of 1 pg/µL was determined. Thus, the developed real-time PCR assay is a suitable method to detect coconut in food.
Subjective Sensations related to Food as Determinants of Snack Choice
Authors: Duerlund Mette , Andersen Barbara Vad , Alexi Niki , Peng Mei , Byrne Derek Victor
Published: March 2020

Comprehending the complexity and determinants of food choices can help understand facets of the growing obesity epidemic. Focusing on consumers’ subjective sensations as determinants of food choices can provide essential insights into eating behaviors. We explored subjective sensations linked to appetite, desire, wellbeing and energy. This study aims to 1) quantify subjective temporal sensations, and 2) study the effects of these sensations on snack choice. Two-hundred and fifty-three participants (mean age 20.5) evaluated subjective sensations using a visual analogue scale. The choice of one of six snacks was offered to the participants; choices were recorded as implicit choice measures. The results demonstrated that especially sensory specific desire sensations (Salty, Fatty, Sweet desire) affected, either positively or negatively, snack choice. Furthermore, wellbeing sensations (Overall, Mental, Physical wellbeing) also showed significant effects for snack choice. Health-conscious females chose healthy snacks, and males chose unhealthy snacks. Importantly, this research indicates the relevance of subjective sensations in consumer studies that focus on diverse determinants of food choice. Sensory specific desires and wellbeing sensations were notably shown to be important determinants of snack choice. The contribution of different sensations to food choice is imperative, and helps us to understand aspects of snacking behavior. This could have broader implications concerning public health issues and obesity.
The Evolutionary History of the Coleoptera
Authors: Kirejtshuk Alexander G.
Published: March 2020

In this Editorial, different aspects of palaeocoleopterological studies and contributions of the issue “The Evolutionary History of the Coleoptera” are discussed.
The Noninvasive Analysis of Paint Mixtures on Canvas Using an EPR MOUSE
Authors: Bogart Elizabeth A. , Wiskoski Haley , Chanthavongsay Matina , Gupta Akul , Hornak Joseph P.
Published: March 2020

Many artists create the variety of colors in their paintings by mixing a small number of primary pigments. Therefore, analytical techniques for studying paintings must be capable of determining the components of mixtures. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is one of many techniques that can achieve this, however it is invasive. With the recent introduction of the EPR mobile universal surface explorer (MOUSE), EPR is no longer invasive. The EPR MOUSE and a least squares regression algorithm were used to noninvasively identify pairwise mixtures of seven different paramagnetic pigments in paint on canvas. This capability will help art conservators, historians, and restorers to study paintings with EPR spectroscopy.
Multimorbidity Analysis of 13 Systemic Diseases in Northeast China
Authors: Yu Jianxing , Song Fangying , Li Yingying , Zheng Zhou , Jia Huanhuan , Sun Yuzhe , Jin Lina , Yu Xihe
Published: March 2020

Background: Multimorbidity not only affects the quality of patients’ lives, but can also bring a heavy economic burden to individuals, families and society. The purpose of this study was to reveal the connections between diseases, especially the important role each disease played in the entire multimorbidity network. Methods: A total of 1,155,734 inpatients were enrolled through multistage stratified random sampling in Jilin Province in 2017. Categorical variables were compared using the Rao–Scott-χ2 test. Weighted networks were adopted to present the complex relationships of multimorbidity. Results: The distributions of the number of diseases differed significantly by gender, age and health insurance scheme (P < 0.001). Diseases of the respiratory system had the highest weight in multimorbidity in young people. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and circulatory system diseases were often associated with other systemic diseases in middle aged and old people. Conclusions: Multimorbidity with respiratory system diseases in young people should not be overlooked. Additionally, effective prevention efforts that target endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and circulatory system diseases are needed in middle aged and old people.