bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of Mild Heat Stress on Inflammasome Activation in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Foster Simmie L. , Dutton Abigail J. , Yerzhan Adina , March Lindsay B. , Barry Katherine , Seehus Corey R. , Huang Xudong , Talbot Sebastien , Woolf Clifford J.
Published: April 2023

Inflammation and mitochondrial-dependent oxidative stress are interrelated processes implicated in multiple neuroinflammatory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and depression. Exposure to elevated temperature (hyperthermia) is proposed as a non-pharmacological, anti-inflammatory treatment for these disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we asked if the inflammasome, a protein complex essential for orchestrating the inflammatory response and linked to mitochondrial stress, might be modulated by elevated temperatures. To test this, in preliminary studies, immortalized bone-marrow-derived murine macrophages (iBMM) were primed with inflammatory stimuli, exposed to a range of temperatures (37–41.5 °C), and examined for markers of inflammasome and mitochondrial activity. We found that exposure to mild heat stress (39 °C for 15 min) rapidly inhibited iBMM inflammasome activity. Furthermore, heat exposure led to decreased ASC speck formation and increased numbers of polarized mitochondria. These results suggest that mild hyperthermia inhibits inflammasome activity in the iBMM, limiting potentially harmful inflammation and mitigating mitochondrial stress. Our findings suggest an additional potential mechanism by which hyperthermia may exert its beneficial effects on inflammatory diseases.
Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Human Embryogenesis
Authors: Ávila-González Daniela , Gidi-Grenat Mikel Ángel , García-López Guadalupe , Martínez-Juárez Alejandro , Molina-Hernández Anayansi , Portillo Wendy , Díaz-Martínez Néstor Emmanuel , Díaz Néstor Fabián
Published: April 2023

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs; embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) can recapitulate critical aspects of the early stages of embryonic development; therefore, they became a powerful tool for the in vitro study of molecular mechanisms that underlie blastocyst formation, implantation, the spectrum of pluripotency and the beginning of gastrulation, among other processes. Traditionally, PSCs were studied in 2D cultures or monolayers, without considering the spatial organization of a developing embryo. However, recent research demonstrated that PSCs can form 3D structures that simulate the blastocyst and gastrula stages and other events, such as amniotic cavity formation or somitogenesis. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled opportunity to study human embryogenesis by examining the interactions, cytoarchitecture and spatial organization among multiple cell lineages, which have long remained a mystery due to the limitations of studying in utero human embryos. In this review, we will provide an overview of how experimental embryology currently utilizes models such as blastoids, gastruloids and other 3D aggregates derived from PSCs to advance our understanding of the intricate processes involved in human embryo development.
Disposable Sensor with Copper-Loaded Carbon Nanospheres for the Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Melatonin
Authors: Jayaraman Sivaguru , Rajarathinam Thenmozhi , Chang Seung-Cheol
Published: April 2023

A novel electrochemical sensor based on Cu-loaded carbon nanospheres (Cu–CNSs) was designed and fabricated. Initially, the CNSs were synthesized using a natural or inexpensive carbon source (dark brown sugar), and Cu was loaded to enhance the electrocatalytic properties of the material. Subsequently, the synthesized Cu–CNSs were modified onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), termed Cu–CNS/SPCE, to simultaneously detect the biomarkers dopamine (DA) and melatonin (MT) through differential pulse voltammetry. The surface characterization of the Cu–CNSs confirmed the formation of carbon spheres and Cu nanoparticles covering the spheres. Electrochemical studies showed that the Cu–CNS/SPCE had a high selectivity and sensitivity toward DA and MT, with a significant peak separation of 0.502 V. The two linear ranges of DA were 0.125–20 μM and 20–100 μM and the linear range of MT was 1.0–100 μM, with corresponding detection limits of 0.34 μM and 0.33 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. The quantification limits for DA and MT were 2.19 and 1.09 μM (S/N = 10), respectively. The sensor performance is attributed to the high conductivity and large, electrochemically active surface area of the Cu–CNS. In human serum samples, the Cu–CNS/SPCE exhibited good selectivity and satisfactory reproducibility for the simultaneous determination of DA and MT.
Tesla Valve Microfluidics: The Rise of Forgotten Technology
Authors: Purwidyantri Agnes , Prabowo Briliant Adhi
Published: April 2023

The Tesla valve (TV), a valvular conduit invented by Nicola Tesla over a century ago, has recently acquired significant attention and application in various fields because of the growing interest in microfluidics and nanofluidics. The unique architecture of TV characterized by an asymmetrical design and an arc-shaped channel has long been an intriguing yet underrated design for building a passive component in a microfluidic system. While previously regarded as a technology without significant use, TV structures have been implemented in thermal manipulation fluidics, micromixers and micropumps, benefitting the advancement of urgently demanding technology in various areas, such as in biomedical diagnostics through wearable electronics and medical instruments, lab on a chip, chemosensors and in application toward sustainable technology manifested in fuel cell devices. This article presents the first comprehensive review of TV structures in the literature, which has seen significant growth in the last two years. The review discusses typical TV structures, including single-stage TV (STV), multistage TV (MSTV), and TV derivatives (TVD), along with their characteristics and potential applications. The designs of these structures vary based on their intended applications, but all are constructed based on the fundamental principle of the TV structure. Finally, future trends and potential applications of TV structures are summarized and discussed. This topical review provides a valuable reference for students, early-career scientists, and practitioners in fluidic devices, particularly those interested in using TV structures as passive components.
Muscle Activity during Handwriting on a Tablet: An Electromyographic Analysis of the Writing Process in Children and Adults
Authors: Gerth Sabrina , Festman Julia
Published: April 2023

Handwriting is a complex task that includes planning the content and the execution of handwriting movements on paper or on a tool (e.g., a tablet). This execution depends on the involvement of specific muscles in the hand (distal) and arm (proximal). The present study combines the parallel recording of the writing process on tablets and the related muscle activity with electromyography to investigate the differences in handwriting movements in two groups. A total of 37 intermediate writers (third and fourth graders, mean age 9.6 years, SD 0.5) and 18 skilled adults (mean age 28.6 years, SD 5.5) participated in three handwriting tasks. The tablet data results replicate previous findings in handwriting research for the writing process. The muscle activity data reflected a differential relationship between distinct muscle activity and handwriting performance depending on the handwriting skill (intermediate or advanced writers). Furthermore, the combination of both methods revealed that skilled writers tend to involve rather distal muscles to control the pressure of the writing pen on the surface, whereas developing writers mainly use their proximal muscles to control the velocity of their handwriting movements. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying processes of handwriting and the development of efficient handwriting execution.
Association between Visual Perception and Socioeconomic Status in Malaysian Preschool Children: Results from the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-4
Authors: Asem Mariah , Narayanasamy Sumithira , Ahmad Mahadir , Kadar Masne , Hairol Mohd Izzuddin
Published: April 2023

Visual perception in children can be evaluated using the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills—4th edition (TVPS-4) with normative data developed for the U.S. population. It is widely used by healthcare practitioners in Malaysia, despite reports that children in Asia outperform their U.S. peers in visual perception assessment. We compared TVPS-4 scores among 72 Malaysian preschool children (mean age: 5.06 ± 0.11 years) with U.S. norms and investigated the association between socioeconomic factors and TVPS-4 scores. Malaysian preschoolers had significantly higher standard scores (116.60 ± 7.16) than the U.S. norms (100 ± 15; p < 0.001). They also had significantly higher scaled scores (between 12.57 ± 2.10 and 13.89 ± 2.54) than the U.S. norms (10 ± 3, all p < 0.001) for all subtests. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that socioeconomic variables were not significant predictors for five visual perception subtests and the overall standard score. The visual form constancy score could be predicted by ethnicity (β = −1.874, p = 0.03). The visual sequential memory score could be predicted by the father’s employment status (β = 2.399, p < 0.001), mother’s employment status (β = 1.303, p = 0.007), and low household income (β = −1.430, p < 0.037). In conclusion, Malaysian preschoolers outperformed their U.S. peers in all TVPS-4 subtests. Socioeconomic variables were associated with visual form constancy and visual sequential memory, but not with the other five subtests or TVPS-4’s overall standard scores.
Identification and Genome Characterization of Novel Feline Parvovirus Strains Isolated in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Chengqian , Si Fusheng , Li Hong , Gao Jun , Sun Fengping , Liu Huili , Yi Jianzhong
Published: April 2023

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is the causative agent of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in feline animals. FPV has been evolving over time, and there have been several different strains of the virus identified. Some of these strains may be more virulent or more resistant to current vaccines than others, which highlights the importance of ongoing research and monitoring of FPV evolution. For FPV genetic evolution analysis, many studies focus on the main capsid protein (VP2), but limited information is available on the nonstructural gene NS1 and structural gene VP1. In the present study, we firstly isolated two novel FPV strains circulating in Shanghai, China, and performed full-length genome sequencing for the desired strains. Subsequently, we focused on analyzing the NS1, VP1 gene, and the encoding protein, and conducted a comparative analysis among the worldwide circulating FPV and Canine parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2) strains, which included the strains isolated in this study. We found that the 2 structural viral proteins, VP1 and VP2, are splice variants, and VP1 has a 143 amino-acid-long N-terminal compared to VP2. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that divergent evolution between FPV and CPV-2 virus strains were clustered mostly by country and year of detection. In addition, much more continuous antigenic type changes happened in the process of CPV-2 circulating and evolution compared to FPV. These results stress the importance of the continuous study of viral evolution and provide a comprehensive perspective of the association between viral epidemiology and genetic evolution.
Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Composites Prepared from Agro-Industrial Wastes: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Alawi Asiya , Milad Abdalrhman , Barbieri Diego , Alosta Moad , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Imran Latif Qadir Bux alias
Published: April 2023

Portland cement (PC) is a common material used in civil infrastructure engineering. Cement production emits roughly 2.2 billion tons of CO2 per year, contributing 8% of global emissions in 2016. This contributes to almost half of the calcination process, and together with thermal combustion, clinker generation could be responsible for 90% of the sector’s emissions. One effective technique for dealing with these industrial by-product wastes is to employ them to make cement replacements such as concrete and mortar, which can be used in a variety of applications. As a result, the purpose of this research is to review the current advancements, challenges, and future perspectives on the utilization of agro-industrial waste (AIW) produced around the world in cement-based products. Geopolymers (GPs), on the other hand, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and have the potential to be a complete or partial replacement for PC in the construction sector. The GP technology enables the use of AIW in combination with an alumina–silicate (A–S) phase with minimal environmental impact. GP-cement is mostly produced by activating alkali silicates or alkali sols with secondary raw materials such as calcined clays, fly ash (FA), zeolite, metakaolin, etc. Mixing various resource materials, including additives, A–S, and alkali sols, alkali concentrations, optimizing the curing temperature, the SiO2/Na2O ratio, microstructural behavior, and other factors, results in GP-cement with outstanding mechanical and durability characteristics. The review concludes that AIW-based geopolymer composites have shown promising results in terms of their mechanical properties, durability, and environmental sustainability, which makes them emerge as promising future building materials with applications in a wide range of industries.
Features of the Spectroscopic Characteristics of Yttrium–Aluminum Garnets Doped with Europium at Different Concentrations
Authors: Zhanturina Nurgul , Sergeyev Daulet , Aimaganbetova Zukhra , Zhubaev Abzal , Bizhanova Karlygash
Published: April 2023

The article presents the results of measuring the luminescence spectra and luminescence excitation spectra for YAG:Eu with europium concentrations of 2, 6, 8, and 10%. The materials were synthesized by solid-phase synthesis. For samples with europium concentrations of 2, 8, and 10%, the diffraction patterns showed full agreement with the phases. However, the yttrium–aluminum–perovskite phase was present in the sample with a concentration of 6%, even though the samples were obtained under the same conditions. The spectra of the photoluminescence excitation and photoluminescence were recorded for all samples. The concentration dependences of the luminescence bands and luminescence excitation bands were also plotted. The bandgap and absorption spectra were simulated for the sample of YAG:Eu, doped with 2–4 ions of europium for comparison.
Perception of Quality of Life and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with High-Dose Vitamin D
Authors: Ianniello Antonio , Sottosanti Andrea , Borriello Giovanna , Vincenti Massimo
Published: April 2023

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, with symptoms that greatly affect quality of life (QoL). One of the most prevalent symptoms of MS is fatigue, also one of the main factors reducing QoL. Low levels of vitamin D (VD) are associated with worse QoL and with increased risk of developing more severe forms of the disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we compared perceptions of quality of life and fatigue in 324 patients, subdivided into four groups, according to their treatment: high-dose VD therapy only, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) only, both treatments, and no treatments. All subjects completed the MSQOL-54 and the FSS questionnaires via an online survey. Results: High-dose VD treatment was associated with an increased perception of physical QoL (83.60 vs. 66.92, p < 0.001), mental QoL (75.52 vs. 59.80, p < 0.001), and fatigue (1.89 vs. 2.98, p < 0.001), compared to the DMT-only group. Treatment with DMT was associated with a worse perception of physical QoL compared to no treatment (70.58 vs. 76.53, p = 0.024). Conclusions: high-dose VD treatment is well-tolerated and associated with an increased perception of QoL in people with MS.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Cognitive Training Study in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cooke Samuel , Pennington Kyla , Bridle Chris , Curtis Ffion
Published: April 2023

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. Growing evidence supports the use of cognitive training to target cognitive dysfunction in T2DM, but only limited evidence exists surrounding its feasibility and acceptability. The primary aim of this research is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive training study in T2DM. Adults diagnosed with T2DM were randomly allocated to either a 6-week cognitive training group or a usual care control group. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment, adherence, retention, motivation, data collection, and intervention design) were evaluated using a traffic light progression criterion. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore study acceptability. Cognition was measured at baseline and post-intervention. Forty-one participants completed the study (age 66 ± 9.8 years; HbA1c 54.0 ± 13.3 mmol.mol). Feasibility was shown in the adherence, retention, and motivation of participants, whilst minor amendments were proposed to the study design, recruitment, and data collection. Participants described cognitive training as highly enjoyable, with study components broadly reported as acceptable. Data signalled improvements in cognition, with large improvements observed in executive function. This study provides evidence for the potential feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy for cognitive training in T2DM. Recommendations for future studies are provided.
PAH Pathogenic Variants and Clinical Correlations in a Group of Hyperphenylalaninemia Patients from North-Western Romania
Authors: Iuhas Alin , Jurca Claudia , Kozma Kinga , Riza Anca-Lelia , Streață Ioana , Petcheși Codruța , Dan Andra , Sava Cristian , Balmoș Andreea , Marinău Cristian , Niulaș Larisa , Ioana Mihai , Bembea Marius
Published: April 2023

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene and is characterized by altered amino acid metabolism. More than 1500 known PAH variants intricately determine a spectrum of metabolic phenotypes. We aim to report on clinical presentation and PAH variants identified in 23 hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA)/PKU Romanian patients. Our cohort exhibited classic PKU (73.9%, 17/23), mild PKU (17.4%, 4/23), and mild HPA (8.7%, 2/23). Severe central nervous system sequelae are frequent in our cohort in late-diagnosis symptomatic patients, which highlights yet again the significance of an early dietary treatment, neonatal screening and diagnosis, and facilitated access to treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a total of 11 PAH pathogenic variants, all previously reported, mostly missense changes (7/11) in important catalytic domains. c.1222C>T p.Arg408Trp was the most frequent variant, with an allele frequency of 56.5%. Twelve distinct genotypes were identified, the most frequent of which was p.Arg408Trp/p.Arg408Trp (34.8%, 8/23). Compound heterozygous genotypes were common (13/23), three of which had not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge; two correlated with cPKU and one showed an mPKU phenotype. Generally, there are genotype–phenotype correlation overlaps with the public data reported in BIOPKUdb; as our study shows, clinical correlates are subject to variation, in part due to uncontrolled or unknown epigenetic or environmental regulatory factors. We highlight the importance of establishing the genotype on top of using blood phenylalanine levels.
A Note on Cherry-Picking in Meta-Analyses
Authors: Yoneoka Daisuke , Rieck Bastian
Published: April 2023

We study selection bias in meta-analyses by assuming the presence of researchers (meta-analysts) who intentionally or unintentionally cherry-pick a subset of studies by defining arbitrary inclusion and/or exclusion criteria that will lead to their desired results. When the number of studies is sufficiently large, we theoretically show that a meta-analysts might falsely obtain (non)significant overall treatment effects, regardless of the actual effectiveness of a treatment. We analyze all theoretical findings based on extensive simulation experiments and practical clinical examples. Numerical evaluations demonstrate that the standard method for meta-analyses has the potential to be cherry-picked.
Human Information Processing of the Speed of Various Movements Estimated Based on Trajectory Change
Authors: Murakami Hiroki , Yamada Norimasa
Published: April 2023

Fitts’ approach, which examines the information processing of the human motor system, has the problem that the movement speed is controlled by the difficulty index of the task, which the participant uniquely sets, but it is an arbitrary speed. This study rigorously aims to examine the relationship between movement speed and information processing using Woodworth’s method to control movement speed. Furthermore, we examined movement information processing using an approach that calculates probability-based information entropy and mutual information quantity between points from trajectory analysis. Overall, 17 experimental conditions were applied, 16 being externally controlled and one being self-paced with maximum speed. Considering that information processing occurs when irregularities decrease, the point at which information processing occurs switches at a movement frequency of approximately 3.0–3.25 Hz. Previous findings have suggested that motor control switches with increasing movement speed; thus, our approach helps explore human information processing in detail. Note that the characteristics of information processing in movement speed changes that were identified in this study were derived from one participant, but they are important characteristics of human motor control.
Challenges Faced by Multi-Campus Institutions with Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Hohls-du Preez Covanni , Marx Ben
Published: April 2023

In December 2019, the COVID-19 virus was first detected in Wuhan, Hebei Province, China. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 virus a world pandemic. Even though the physical closure of tertiary institutions had proven to be an effective strategy in breaking the transmission chain in the pandemic, the closure still had various negative effects on students’ academic endeavours. In an attempt to keep the disruption of studies to a minimum, higher education institutions across the world implemented online learning programmes by converting face-to-face programmes, thereby creating various challenges for students and lecturers on different levels. The purpose of this article was to determine how challenges faced by multi-campus universities in South Africa during this time would compare to challenges faced by other countries. This study focused on two specific multi-campus universities in South Africa with similar student bodies that offered various accounting courses on different campuses. These courses ranged from diplomas to CTA degrees.
Cascade Synthesis of Observers of Mixed Variables for Flexible Joint Manipulators Tracking Systems under Parametric and External Disturbances
Authors: Krasnova Svetlana A. , Antipov Aleksey S. , Krasnov Dmitry V. , Utkin Anton V.
Published: April 2023

This paper considers a tracking system developed for a full-actuated manipulator with flexible joints under the following assumptions: torques are control actions, and current loop dynamics are not considered; the mass-inertial characteristics of the manipulator and other parameters are not exactly known; the external matched and unmatched disturbances act on the system, and matched disturbances are not smooth; the derivatives of the reference actions are achievable but are unknown functions of time; the set of sensors is not complete. Based on the representation of the control plant model in a block form of input–output with respect to mixed variables (functions of state variables, external influences and their derivatives), we have developed a combined control law for the case where the control matrix contains additive uncertain elements. In addition, we have designed the mixed variable observers of the smallest possible dimension with piecewise linear corrective actions for two cases: (i) only the generalized coordinates of the manipulator are measured; (ii) only the angular positions and velocities of the motors are measured. It is shown that in a closed-loop system with dynamic feedback, a given tracking error stabilization accuracy is provided in the conditions of incomplete information. We presented the results of numerical simulation of these algorithms for a single-link manipulator.
Development of an Algorithm for Calculating the Moisture Content and Time of Forest Fire Maturation of Forest Combustible Materials for Determining Forest Fire Hazards
Authors: Aleksandrov Anatoliy A. , Ksenofontov Boris S. , Kozodaev Alexey S. , Taranov Roman A. , Vyazova Victoriya D. , Ivanov Mikhail V.
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, forests play an important role in stabilizing the ecological balance, being one of the most important components of the biosphere. Due to the vital activity of forests, the gas composition of the atmosphere is normalized. Mass forest fires have the opposite effect. They cause irreparable damage to flora and fauna, contribute to the melting of Arctic ice, an increase in the Earth’s temperature, and destabilization of the carbon balance. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm for calculating the moisture content and time of forest fire maturation of forest combustible materials. To achieve this goal, the main factors determining a forest fire hazard have been studied, as well as a review of existing methods for assessing forest fire danger and scientific papers on forest pyrology. As a result of the analysis of the research aimed at studying the rate of drying of forest combustible materials (FCM), depending on the physical properties and environmental parameters, a dependency of changes in moisture content over time was obtained. With its help, knowing the initial moisture content of FCM, it is possible to calculate the periods of fire maturation for each component of the forest plantation. Cooperative use of the resulting algorithm with a digital twin of a forest stand makes it possible to identify the most fire-hazard forest areas and estimate the period of their fire-prone maturation.
Efficient Integration of Fixed-Step Capacitor Banks and D-STATCOMs in Radial and Meshed Distribution Networks Considering Daily Operation Curves
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Hernández Jesus C.
Published: April 2023

The problem regarding the optimal integration of efficient reactive power compensation in radial and meshed distribution networks using fixed-step capacitor banks and distribution static compensators (D-STATCOMs) is addressed in this research paper by proposing a master–slave optimization methodology. Radial and meshed distribution topologies are considered for the grid structure while including variable active and reactive demand curves. An economic analysis is performed, considering the net present value of the optimization plan, as well as the costs of energy losses and the capacitor banks’ acquisition, installation, and operation. In the case of the D-STATCOMs, an annualized costs analysis is presented. In the master stage, the discrete version of the generalized normal distribution optimization (GNDO) algorithm selects the nodes and the sizes of the capacitor banks. In the slave stage, the successive approximations power flow approach is implemented. Numerical results in the IEEE 33-bus grid (with both radial and meshed topologies) and the IEEE 85-bus grid (with a radial configuration) demonstrated the proposed master–slave optimization’s effectiveness in minimizing the project’s expected net present value for a planning period of five years. Moreover, a simulation in the IEEE 69-bus grid under peak operation conditions showed that the GNDO approach is an excellent optimization technique to solve the studied problem when compared to combinatorial and exact optimization methods. In addition, numerical validations considering D-STATCOMs in the IEEE 85-bus grid confirmed the effectiveness and robustness of the GNDO approach in addressing problems associated with optimal reactive power compensation in medium-voltage distribution systems.
Alternative Fuels Substitution in Cement Industries for Improved Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Authors: Beguedou Essossinam , Narra Satyanarayana , Afrakoma Armoo Ekua , Agboka Komi , Damgou Mani Kongnine
Published: April 2023

The conventional energy source in cement industries is fossil fuels, mainly coal, which has a high environmental footprint. On average, energy expenditures account for 40% of the overall production costs per ton of cement. Reducing both the environmental impact and economic expenditure involves incorporating alternative energy sources (fuels) such as biomass, solid-derived fuel (SDF), refuse-derived fuel (RDF) etc. However, within cement plants, the substitution of conventional fossil fuels with alternative fuels poses several challenges due to the difficulty in incorporating additional fuel-saving techniques. Typically, an additional 3000 MJ of electricity per ton of clinker is required. One of the most effective solutions to this is thermal optimization through co-processing and pre-processing, which makes it possible to implement additional fossil-fuel-saving techniques. In developing nations such as Togo, waste-management systems rely on co-processing in cement factories through a waste-to-energy relationship. Also, there are some old cement plants with low-efficiency, multi-stage preheaters without pre-calciners, reciprocating huge coolers, low-efficiency motors etc., which still operate and need to be made environmentally sustainable. However, compared to modern kilns which can have up to 95% of energy recovery from waste, an old suspension preheater kiln can recover only up to 60% of its heat energy depending on the cooler type, and due to the lack of a bypass and combustion chamber (pre-calciner). This research paper evaluated the performance of a cement plant incorporating AF and presents the procedures and recommendations to optimize AF substitution in cement plants. To achieve this, a comparative performance study was carried out by assessing the alternative fuel characteristics and the equipment performance before and after the incorporation of the alternative fuel. Data were collected on the optimum substitution ratio, pre-processing and co-processing performance, raw-meal design and economic analysis. Results indicated that the cost to be covered per ton of waste input is €10.9 for solid-derived fuel (SDF), €15 for refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and that the co-processing cost optimization for the cement plant could have a cost saving of up to 7.81€/GJ. In conclusion, it is recommended that appropriate kiln and alternative-fuel models be created for forecasting production based on various AF.
Efficient Use of Low-Emission Power Supply for Means of Transport
Authors: Neumann Tomasz
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the possibilities of low-emission-powered vehicles based mainly on compressed hydrogen. It shows currently used forms of powering vehicles based on their genesis, process of obtention, and popularity. They are also compared to each other, presenting the advantages and disadvantages of a given solution. The share of electricity in transport, its forecasts for the future, and the possibilities of combination with conventional energy sources are also described. Based on current technological capabilities, hydrogen plays a crucial role, as presented in the above work, constituting a fundamental basis for future transport solutions.
Energy Efficiency in Electromagnetic and Electro-Permanent Lifting Systems
Authors: Oliva Francesca , Faranda Roberto Sebastiano
Published: April 2023

In industrial settings, mechanical systems for clamping workpieces onto machine tools or for lifting and handling ferrous material are often replaced by magnetic clamping systems. For large lifting applications, the most suitable magnetic clamping systems are electromagnetic (EM) and electro-permanent (EP) approaches. Their configurations, direct and induced poles or direct poles only, need to be discussed in order to choose the most appropriate and economical setup for the specific application. In addition, an evaluation of the difference in the energy efficiency between EM and EP systems, which is often not simple, is presented. To achieve this, a hybrid control system for EM or EP systems was developed and, with the help of this prototype, an analysis of these two magnetic systems was carried out to highlight the main differences. The hybrid control system consists of a single control unit that can be used by both systems, and can be achieved by simply changing the type of lifting magnet. In this research, the realization, operational description, and analysis performed on this prototype were addressed.
Improving the Efficiency of the Blow-Jet WEC
Authors: Villagómez-Reyes Erik , Mendoza Edgar , Silva Rodolfo
Published: April 2023

Establishing a renewable marine energy industry demands the development of high-efficiency devices that capture as much energy as possible. The Blow-Jet is a wave energy converter mainly composed of a sloping conical channel in the shape of a brass tube, which concentrates the waves at its widest part and expels a jet of water at its narrow upper end through an orifice that can be turbined. The device has no moving parts and great flexibility in its placement. This research presents an improvement of its geometry, increasing efficiency by minimizing undesired hydrodynamic interactions. The performance of the Blow-Jet was characterized using 3D numerical modeling and laboratory tests in a wave flume. Sixteen geometric configurations of the Blow-Jet were numerically tested, and that showing the best performance was 3D printed and assessed experimentally. The twofold objective was to evaluate the performance of the new Blow-Jet geometry and to validate a numerical tool for further geometrical improvements of the device. The novel geometry is nearly 20% more efficient than the original.
Energy Saving, Energy Efficiency or Renewable Energy: Which Is Better for the Decarbonization of the Residential Sector in Italy?
Authors: Noro Marco , Busato Filippo
Published: April 2023

The residential sector is currently responsible for approximately 30% of the final energy consumption and 12% of direct CO2 emissions in Italy, mainly due to the heating and cooling of buildings and the use of domestic hot water. Such figures show a significant potential for reducing non-renewable primary energy utilization to comply with the decarbonization constraints of the European Union. In this context, the purpose of this work is to provide a quantitative assessment of the effect of a different number of actions (eight for energy savings, four for energy efficiency and two for the installation of renewable energy plants) that could be implemented at the national level to reduce the consumption of natural gas in the residential sector. Two typical residential buildings are dynamically simulated using Trnsys®, and the savings from energy, economic and CO2 emissions points of view are evaluated in the different climatic zones of Italy. The most effective action foresees the replacement of natural gas boilers and old air conditioners with modern heat pumps and air/air chillers as well as the installation of a controlled mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. This solution allows for non-renewable primary energy savings of 58% and an economic savings on annual energy costs of 72%.
Study on Artificial Filter Cake Evaluation Method of Oleophilic Nano-Plugging Agent
Authors: Dai Feng , Luo Pingya , Wu Chunlin , Wang Rui , Liu Yingmin , Huang Weian
Published: April 2023

Oil-based drilling fluid is currently widely utilized when drilling shale, in which the oleophilic nano-plugging agent is the major component for wellbore strengthening. However, there have been few effective and straightforward evaluation methods for the nano-plugging agent. In this study, an artificial filter cake was created to simulate the microfissure of shale formation, and the performance of the nano-plugging agent was assessed using the fluid-loss reduction rate as the index. The filter cake was made from compound crystal weights and a high molecular weight polymer, and a nano-plugging agent matching the formation pore structures was selected. The performance of three plugging agents with varying particle sizes (ultrafine CaCO3, emulsified modified rubber MORLF, ULIA nano-plugging agent) was compared. Moreover, the validity of the evaluation process was confirmed, and the underlying plugging mechanism was investigated. The proposed technique can produce an artificial filter cake with a constant thickness of 3 × 10−3 m and a permeability in the range of 10−18 to 10−19 m2, and the assessment approach is consistent, precise and easy to use. This work may provide a guideline for evaluating oleophilic nano-plugging agents in the laboratory and field applications.
Effect of Different Hydrothermal Parameters on Calorific Value and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Hydrochar of Kitchen Waste
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Chenglin , Chai Runze , Wu Junquan , Wang Yining
Published: April 2023

Kitchen waste (KW) has high water content and organic matter, which has great potential for energy application, but how to treat it effectively has always been a difficult problem. In this study, the feasibility of transforming kitchen waste into hydrochar as a solid fuel to replace the primary energy by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is put forward. An experimental study of proportioned KW under HTC conditions (reaction temperature, residence time, liquid–solid ratio) is carried out by elemental analysis, industrial analysis, energy density calculation, and calorific value measurement. The results show that a proper extension of the residence time to 3.5 h at a liquid–solid ratio of 10 and a reaction temperature of 265 °C for the kitchen waste after HTC would result in a maximum calorific value of 30.933 MJ/Kg for the prepared hydrochar. The maximum ash content of hydrochar at a 265 °C reaction temperature is 3.94% < 10%, which is much lower than the standard of extra-low-ash coal, and the study shows that the hydrochar prepared from kitchen waste by HTC for combustion will greatly improve the combustion efficiency. The three types of kitchen waste under HTC conditions are compared with the three typical types of coal in China by the van Krevelen diagram. The results show that the combustion properties of hydrochar from kitchen waste prepared by the HTC method are better than those of lignite close to bituminous coal and can provide a theoretical basis for replacing primary energy in the future. Finally, by combining thermogravimetric analysis with mathematical modeling, it is calculated that the hydrochar of kitchen waste has a lower activation energy than those of other biomass, which can better facilitate the reaction. The experimental results further determine the feasibility of hydrochar as an alternative primary energy source and provide a theoretical basis for the future conversion of kitchen waste into hydrochar as a solid fuel through HTC.
Particulate Pollution from New Year Fireworks in Honolulu
Authors: Brimblecombe Peter , Lai Yonghang
Published: April 2023

Fireworks have long been a problem in Hawaii despite restrictions on their use. They cause accidents and high levels of noise and air pollution and are accompanied by admissions to hospitals from accidents and breathing difficulties. There was some initial success in reducing injuries and particulate concentrations after the implementation of the permit requirements from New Year of 2012, but the recent years of 2022 and 2023 have witnessed elevated air pollution at New Year. It seems unlikely that this arises from weather conditions as a random forest analysis suggests that the effects of local climate are quite small, and particulate pollution at New Year arises from fireworks. The pollution does not seem related to the purchase of the permitted 5000 firecrackers. Locally, there is suspicion that injury and pollution more likely arises from illegally purchased aerial fireworks. Regulatory authorities have found it difficult to estimate the quantity of illegal fireworks, and preventing their import has proved a difficult task. Such problems mean that it is important to enhance our understanding of local environmental problems caused by fireworks and improve compliance with the regulations, without diminishing enjoyment of the New Year celebration.
Omni-Dimensional Dynamic Convolution Meets Bottleneck Transformer: A Novel Improved High Accuracy Forest Fire Smoke Detection Model
Authors: Qian Jingjing , Lin Ji , Bai Di , Xu Renjie , Lin Haifeng
Published: April 2023

The frequent occurrence of forest fires in recent years has not only seriously damaged the forests’ ecological environments but also threatened the safety of public life and property. Smoke, as the main manifestation of the flame before it is produced, has the advantage of a wide diffusion range that is not easily obscured. Therefore, timely detection of forest fire smoke with better real-time detection for early warnings of forest fires wins valuable time for timely firefighting and also has great significance and applications for the development of forest fire detection systems. However, existing forest fire smoke detection methods still have problems, such as low detection accuracy, slow detection speed, and difficulty detecting smoke from small targets. In order to solve the aforementioned problems and further achieve higher accuracy in detection, this paper proposes an improved, new, high-accuracy forest fire detection model, the OBDS. Firstly, to address the problem of insufficient extraction of effective features of forest fire smoke in complex forest environments, this paper introduces the SimAM attention mechanism, which makes the model pay more attention to the feature information of forest fire smoke and suppresses the interference of non-targeted background information. Moreover, this paper introduces Omni-Dimensional Dynamic Convolution instead of static convolution and adaptively and dynamically adjusts the weights of the convolution kernel, which enables the network to better extract the key features of forest fire smoke of different shapes and sizes. In addition, to address the problem that traditional convolutional neural networks are not capable of capturing global forest fire smoke feature information, this paper introduces the Bottleneck Transformer Net (BoTNet) to fully extract global feature information and local feature information of forest fire smoke images while improving the accuracy of small target forest fire target detection of smoke, effectively reducing the model’s computation, and improving the detection speed of model forest fire smoke. Finally, this paper introduces the decoupling head to further improve the detection accuracy of forest fire smoke and speed up the convergence of the model. Our experimental results show that the model OBDS for forest fire smoke detection proposed in this paper is significantly better than the mainstream model, with a computational complexity of 21.5 GFLOPs (giga floating-point operations per second), an improvement of 4.31% compared with the YOLOv5 (YOLO, you only look once) model mAP@0.5, reaching 92.10%, and an FPS (frames per second) of 54, which is conducive to the realization of early warning of forest fires.
The Effect of Heat Treatment and Acetylation on Formaldehyde Emission in Cellulose: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Li Ning , Hua Youna , Wang Jia , Li Juncheng , Wang Wei
Published: April 2023

Formaldehyde emission from cellulosic materials is an important consideration, especially for wood products, which are regulated by many countries in terms of legislation and may affect the health of users. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at different temperatures using two common wood-modification methods, heat treatment, and acetylation, and the diffusion coefficients of the models as well as the mechanical properties, were discussed. The results showed that the mean square displacement of the common heat treatment model was best at 493 K. The acetylated cellulose model at 483 K was able to achieve four times the diffusion coefficient of the common cellulose model, while the acetylated cellulose material would be weaker than the common heat-treated cellulose material in terms of mechanical properties. These findings provide some reference for formaldehyde pretreatment of wood products.
Probiotics as Potential Therapy in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Bouzas Cristina , Mascaró Catalina M. , Tejada Silvia , Sureda Antoni
Published: April 2023

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, the prevalence of which has increased over the years. The management of this pathology is not clear, and a specific pharmacological drug that can treat NAFLD is not available. In this sense, efforts are focused on the potential use of compounds with a natural origin that can contribute to reversing hepatic steatosis. Supplementation with probiotics, live microorganisms, is a potential strategy for the management of NAFLD. Methods: In the present review, the available information on the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics in NAFLD, mainly in animal models and in some clinical trials, is summarized. Results: Studies carried out using animal models of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet have shown the beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation in reducing liver steatosis and normalizing the blood lipid profile and liver enzyme activities. In addition, a decrease in lipogenesis and an increase in lipolysis have been observed, together with a reduction in the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory state and a normalization of intestinal dysbiosis. Clinical trials have reported a decrease in the serum transaminases and an improved lipid profile, as well as a reduction in inflammatory markers. Conclusions: In conclusion, probiotic supplementation can be used as a potential therapy for the management of NAFLD.